Undiscovered Gems in Middle East Stocks to Watch in January 2026
January 1, 2026, 4:04 AM EST. As 2025 closes, Egypt's stock market outperformed its Gulf peers, while Saudi listings faced headwinds from softer oil and a robust IPO pipeline. The Middle East Undiscovered Gems screener flags names with solid growth and manageable leverage, including several midcaps such as C. Mer Industries, Najran Cement, Amanat Holdings, Ajman Bank and Birikim Varlik Yonetim. Notable mentions from the screener include R.A.K. Ceramics P.J.S.C., a AED 2.49 billion market-cap tile maker with Q3 2025 net income of AED 66.88 million and an EBIT coverage of 4.2x despite a high debt ratio; and Kamada Ltd., a biotechnology firm recently added to the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index. Investors should weigh revenue growth, earnings momentum and debt levels when evaluating these opportunities.
Yangarra Resources crosses above 50-day moving average
January 1, 2026, 3:49 AM EST. Yangarra Resources Ltd. (TSE:YGR) crossed above its 50-day moving average during Wednesday's session, a classic signal of short-term momentum. The stock reached as high as C$1.08, with the 50-day moving average at C$1.06 and the last price at C$1.05 on volume of 12,407 shares. The 200-day moving average sits at C$1.03. Market cap is about C$106.3 million; the stock trades at a price-to-earnings ratio around 6.2 and a beta near zero, indicating limited market correlation. Liquidity metrics show a debt-to-equity of 20.78, a quick ratio of 0.91 and a current ratio of 1.67. In the latest quarter, Yangarra earned C$0.02 per share on C$25.0 million revenue; analysts expect about C$0.49 EPS for the year. The company operates in Central Alberta, Western Canada.
Sensex, Nifty open higher as 2026 begins; Nifty crosses 26,150
January 1, 2026, 3:36 AM EST. Mumbai at the open: the Sensex rose nearly 100 points and the Nifty 50 traded above the 26,150 mark, extending a two-session rally. Broad gains were led by strength in auto, banking and IT names, while top movers included Blue Dart Express and Transformers and Rectifiers (India). On the downside, Godfrey Phillips India and ITC slipped, with Alkem Laboratories and MMTC down modestly. The rupee weakened to 89.99 per dollar in early trade. Market strategists said the Nifty could find support around the 26,000-26,100 zone (a price level where demand may curb declines), with a potential buy zone near 25,875-25,975 (price area where buyers are expected to enter); for banks, Nifty Bank support is seen around 59,300-59,450, with 59,075-59,250 as a buying zone (buyers entering at these levels).
IMCD N.V. intrinsic value seen at €154 per share; current price signals potential undervaluation
January 1, 2026, 3:33 AM EST. Using a two-stage FCFE DCF model, IMCD N.V. is valued on forecast cash flows discounted to today. The levered FCFE for 2026-2035 is discounted at 6.8%, yielding a PVCF of about €3.3 billion and a fair value near €154 per share. The current price is €77.34, indicating the stock may be about 50% undervalued. Analysts' €126 target sits roughly 18% below this fair value. The terminal value assumes conservative growth tied to long-run yields (about 1.8%). The note cautions that several valuation methods exist and depend on growth and discount-rate assumptions.
Lean hog futures slip; USDA price, CME index fall as funds add to net long
January 1, 2026, 3:05 AM EST. Lean hog futures posted losses ranging from a nickel to 35 cents on Wednesday. USDA's national base hog price falls to $70.19 per cwt, down 19 cents from the prior session. The CME Lean Hog Index slips to $82.25, down 19 cents on Dec. 29. CFTC data show managed money adding 10,489 contracts to their net long in lean hog futures and options to 75,325 contracts for the week of 12/23. Delayed export sales data show 18,978 MT of pork booked for 2025 and 25,998 MT for 2026, with weekly exports at 34,850 MT. The pork carcass cutout value is $93.74 per cwt, down 39 cents, while the picnic and ham are the only primals higher. Estimated federally inspected hog slaughter for Wednesday is 418,000 head, with a weekly total of 1.36 million.
Bytes Technology Group shares dip 0.3% as broker targets diverge
January 1, 2026, 3:01 AM EST. Bytes Technology Group plc (LON:BYIT) slid 0.3% mid-session to GBX 358.60, after a prior close of GBX 359.80. Volume ran 152,422, far below the 1.28 million average. Broker notes were mixed: Jefferies cut its target to GBX 380 but kept Buy; Peel Hunt reiterated Buy at GBX 638; Shore Capital and Berenberg kept Hold at 410 and 390. MarketBeat shows a Hold consensus with a GBX 457.60 average target. The shares sit near the 50-day moving average of GBX 354.76 and below the 200-day MA of GBX 381.44. Fundamentals: debt/equity 0.67; current ratio 1.09; quick ratio 0.98; market cap £847.48 million; P/E 16.77; PEG 2.27; beta 0.65. Q earnings: EPS (earnings per share) 12.03p; ROE (return on equity) 66.59%.
Logitech International dominated by institutional owners with 58% stake; BlackRock among top holders
January 1, 2026, 2:57 AM EST. Logitech International S.A. shows heavy institutional control, with institutional ownership (stakes held by large investors such as funds) at about 58% on SWX:LOGN. No single holder commands a majority; the top 25 shareholders own roughly 40%. BlackRock, Inc. stands as the largest individual holder at about 6.6%, followed by stakes near 4.5% and 3.9%. The dispersion means institutions can influence board decisions, but a broad shareholder base limits concentration risk. Insiders have sold recently, adding potential near-term supply pressure. Analysts cover the stock, so sentiment can shift if institutions reweight positions. Investors should weigh the company's earnings history and outlook as they gauge how changes in ownership could affect LOGN's path.
UK penny stocks draw interest as FTSE slips; Jersey Oil and Gas among picks
January 1, 2026, 2:29 AM EST. UK markets were subdued after the FTSE 100 and FTSE 250 slipped on weak Chinese trade data. Yet penny stocks still draw scrutiny. Jersey Oil and Gas is pre-revenue and unprofitable, with a small market cap and a debt-free balance sheet, but a cash runway of more than three years. In contrast, Volex plc posts diversification across North America, Europe and Asia and visible earnings growth amid a larger market cap. The screening assigns varying financial health ratings to small caps, underscoring that cash position, profitability and execution matter. Investors should weigh volatility and liquidity. The analysis references Simply Wall St metrics and UK tickers as context.
Soybeans slip on New Year's Eve as cash price cools to $9.67; holiday trade in focus
January 1, 2026, 2:14 AM EST.Soybeans slipped 11-12 cents in the nearbys (front-month futures) during the New Year's Eve session, with 1,062 deliveries against January on FND. The cmdtyView cash bean price fell 12 cents to $9.67. Soymeal futures were steady to $2.10/ton lower, while soy oil futures gained 7-15 points. There were no deliveries for January soy meal, with seven for January bean oil. The market will be closed Thursday for New Year's Day and reopens Friday at 8:30 a.m. CST. USDA's week-ended 12/18 data showed 1.056 million MT of soybeans sold, below the 1.4-2.4 million range, down 55.9% WoW but up 7.9% YoY. Meal sales were 299,131 MT; soy oil purchases were 49,197 MT for 2025/26, with net reductions of 23,500 MT for 2026/27. Prices cited: Jan 26 soybeans $10.34 1/2; nearby cash $9.67; Mar 26 $10.50 1/2; May 26 $10.63 1/2.
Crude prices slip as ample supplies and dollar strength weigh; OPEC+ pause eyed
January 1, 2026, 2:13 AM EST. February WTI settled down 0.53 (-0.91%) and February RBOB fell 0.0180 (-1.04%) as a bearish EIA inventory report weighed on prices. A firmer dollar index (DXY) pressured energy markets. Losses were capped by geopolitical risks in Venezuela, Nigeria and Russia and by expectations that OPEC+ will pause further production increases. China demand remained supportive, with Kpler data showing imports up 10% m/m to a record 12.2 million bpd as inventories rebuild. Sanctions and security actions-US measures against Venezuelan shipments, Nigeria strikes, and Russian oil sanctions-shaped supply risk. Ongoing tanker dynamics and sanctions added complexity, but for now a backdrop of ample supplies and a stronger dollar kept prices under pressure.
Wheat edges lower on final trading day of 2025 ahead of New Year's holiday; export sales miss
January 1, 2026, 2:02 AM EST. US wheat futures eased on the final trading day of 2025 as markets edge into a New Year's Day holiday. Chicago SRW (soft red winter) futures were down about 2-3 cents; KC HRW weaker by 5-6 cents; MPLS spring wheat 2-3 cents lower at midday. The session is set to close Thursday with a 8:30 a.m. CST open on Friday. Export data released this morning showed 147,834 metric tons of wheat sales for the week ended 12/18, below some estimates and far below last year's pace. Prices were quoted around $5.07-$5.19 for nearby CBOT contracts, with KCBT near $5.16 and MIAX near $5.76-$5.87. Liquidity may thin during the holiday-shortened week.
Tesla in 2026: AI/Robotaxi bets lift stock, but valuation risk looms
January 1, 2026, 2:00 AM EST. Tesla's 2025 gain of about 25% followed a year of drama as Musk's political overhang, tariff concerns and weak deliveries weighed on sentiment. After shareholders approved a roughly $1 trillion compensation package, the stock rebounded in the second half on the promise of Full Self-Driving FSD and Robotaxi narratives, alongside solid growth in energy storage. The company's market value climbed back toward $1.5 trillion, reframing Tesla as a high-stakes bet on AI and autonomous driving rather than a pure EV maker. Key drivers for 2026 include whether the autonomous driving technology can be commercialized profitably and if regional permits can be secured. The Cybercab and a clear Robotaxi path remain critical catalysts. By contrast, the P/E ratio above 300 and 2025 volatility pose substantial valuation risks, even as energy storage revenue rose 44% in Q3 and deployments surged 81% YoY.
Lean hog futures steady as USDA data point to mixed hog market for 2025
January 1, 2026, 1:59 AM EST.Lean hog futures are steady near unchanged in early front-month trade as market participants digest USDA data. The nationwide base hog price was $69.40 per cwt on Wednesday; the CME Lean Hog Index fell 19 cents to $82.25 on Dec. 29. USDA export sales showed 18,978 MT for 2025 and 25,998 MT for 2026 in the week of Dec. 18, with total exports at 34,850 MT. The pork carcass cutout value rose 93 cents to $95.06 per cwt; the loin, rib and belly primals were higher. Slaughter data put Monday's federally inspected hogs at 492,000 and the week at 942,000, down vs. last week but up vs. a year ago. Front-month quotes: Feb 26 at 85.325, Apr 26 at 90.075, May 26 at 94.250.
Spotify: Could its stock be a multimillionaire-maker?
January 1, 2026, 1:58 AM EST. Spotify remains the leader in music streaming but faces rivals such as Amazon, Alphabet and Apple, which can subsidize music services elsewhere. The company's approach hinges on a large catalog that fuels network effects: more music attracts more listeners, which attracts more artists. Revenue growth comes from growing users, a rising base of paid subscribers and expanding ad revenue. Paid subscribers are under 40% of total users but account for roughly 90% of revenue. Spotify is pursuing podcasts with exclusive rights and has begun applying AI features to boost engagement. Whether Spotify can sustain a pace that would turn a $30,000 initial investment into $1 million over 30 years – a 12.4% CAGR (compound annual growth rate) – remains uncertain in a market still fast-growing but relatively small. Diversification is prudent.
UK dividend stocks with 5%+ yields draw interest as FTSE 100 slides
January 1, 2026, 1:56 AM EST. London stocks edged lower as weak China trade data weighed on the FTSE 100, underscoring why some investors seek income via dividend stocks for ballast in a volatile market. A UK dividend screener flags several names with yields above 5%, including MONY Group (~6.8%), Seplat Energy (6.75%), Hargreaves Services (5.66%), and Impax Asset Management (7.89%), with others such as Foresight Group Holdings at 5.8% and 4imprint Group near 4.6%. The upside is supported by payout policies and cash-flow coverage: MONY has a roughly 81% payout ratio and a buyback plan; Foresight maintains a 60% of adjusted profit after tax dividend policy and recently increased its interim payment to 8.1 pence per share, supported by ~72.6% earnings/cash-flow coverage.
Euronext N.V. shows strong institutional backing with 44% ownership
January 1, 2026, 1:41 AM EST. Institutions hold about 44% of Euronext N.V., suggesting their trading decisions could move the stock. The top 25 shareholders own less than half, indicating a dispersed ownership base. The largest shareholder is Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations at 8.2%, with the second and third holders around 8.2% and 5.4%. Hedge funds have a limited footprint, and insider activity is noted though details are incomplete. Analysts cover the stock, and institutional owners often benchmark against indices, which can influence flows. A crowded trade risk exists when multiple institutions chase similar moves, though growth history remains a factor in assessments.
SEC denies stay as NASDAQ delists Triller after compliance lapses
January 1, 2026, 1:27 AM EST. The SEC denied a stay on NASDAQ's delisting of Triller, the wrestling-PPV provider, after it failed to meet a proposed deadline to file documents on its finances. NASDAQ had notified Triller on three occasions between April and August that it was not in compliance with the Periodic Filing Rule and extended the deadline to Oct. 13. When the company still did not satisfy terms, NASDAQ set Oct. 23 as the de-listing date and said trading would be suspended. Triller appealed, triggering a Nov. 25 hearing to set a new compliance timetable, but the exchange indicated no further extensions would be granted. SEC Secretary Vanessa Countryman said Triller did not show a likelihood of success or a serious legal question for the stay; she found no basis for extraordinary relief. Triller argues due process, but the agency's stance remains firm.
ITC shares fall as government imposes new cigarette excise duty; Godfrey Phillips down
January 1, 2026, 1:25 AM EST. Stocks of tobacco makers slid after the government imposed a higher cigarette excise duty. ITC shares fell more than 6% to Rs 378.45, while Godfrey Phillips India dropped about 10% to Rs 2,484.80. The Parliament passed the Central Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2025, clearing a sharp levy on cigarettes on top of a 40% GST, effective February 1, with excise duties of Rs 2,050-8,500 per 1,000 sticks depending on length. Total cigarette taxes are about 53% of retail prices, below the WHO benchmark of 75%. Analysts at ICICI Securities estimate the levy could lift overall costs by 22-28% for 75-85 mm cigarettes, with price increases of 2-3 rupees per stick for longer varieties. ITC down 6% or so in five days; Godfrey Phillips India down around 16% in six months, though the stock has surged 48% in 2025.
Stocks slip as tech weakness and higher yields weigh on U.S. equities
January 1, 2026, 1:24 AM EST. US stock indexes closed lower as weakness in chipmakers and data-storage names dragged the S&P 500 (-0.74%), Dow (-0.63%), and Nasdaq-100 (-0.84%) to 1.5-week lows. March futures for the S&P 500 and Nasdaq-100 also declined. A rise in the 10-year yield to 4.16% after weekly unemployment claims fell to a one-month low was cited as a headwind for equities. Gold and silver fell, with mining shares pressured. On the data front, US initial unemployment claims unexpectedly dropped to 199,000, signaling a firmer labor market. Chinese PMI beat expectations, with manufacturing PMI at 50.1 and non-manufacturing PMI at 50.2, supporting optimism on global growth. Seasonal factors are favorable; traders eye Friday's PMI and the odds of a small rate cut at the January meeting.
U.S. markets closed on New Year's Day; 2026 holiday schedule for NYSE and Nasdaq
January 1, 2026, 1:23 AM EST. U.S. stock markets will be closed on New Year's Day, Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026. The New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq will run regular sessions through Dec. 31, 2025, then halt trading for the holiday. U.S. bond markets will close early on Dec. 31, with activity ending at 2 p.m. ET, and be shut on Jan. 1. Trading resumes on Friday, Jan. 2, 2026. The next observed market closures are Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Jan. 19. The 2026 holiday list also includes George Washington's Birthday/Presidents' Day (Feb. 16), Good Friday (Apr. 3), Memorial Day (May 25), Juneteenth (June 19), Independence Day (July 3), Labor Day (Sept. 7), Thanksgiving (Nov. 26), and Christmas Day (Dec. 25).
Stock Market Live Updates: Nifty, Sensex Mix as UPI Momentum and Auto Gains Drive Trade (Jan 1, 2026)
January 1, 2026, 1:21 AM EST. Live market updates show the Nifty 50 and Sensex trading with mixed signals. Top gainers include Eternal, IndiGo, and M&M, while ITC, Dr Reddy's Lab, and BEL lead the declines. Nifty Bank futures eye a breakout, with potential tests above 60,000 toward 60,400 in the near term. Navin Fluorine starts commercial production at its cGMP-4 plant in Dewas; shares sit at ₹5,964.85. UPI transactions topped ₹28 lakh crore in December as the system expands, aided by a new Autopay portal to simplify recurring payments. Sector focus centers on M&M and Kia India's December domestic sales growth. The coverage underscores India's growing role in real-time payments and the push for secure, local digital infrastructure, or Bharat's digital economy.
Nifty 50 leads NSE annual gains; broader indices mixed in year-end NSE data
January 1, 2026, 1:19 AM EST. New Delhi, Jan 1 – The Nifty 50 was the best NSE performer over the past year, up 10.5% to 26,130 by Dec 31, 2025 from 23,645 a year earlier, according to an NSE annual performance report. The Nifty Next 50 rose 2.0% to 69,365; the Nifty 500 gained 6.7% to 23,872; and the Nifty Midcap 150 climbed 5.4% to 22,277. The Nifty Smallcap 250 declined 6.0% to 16,685. The broader Nifty Total Market added 6.0%. The USD-INR moved to 89.9 and the Dollar Index slid to 98.2, underscoring currency effects. NSE market capitalization rose about 7.9% to ₹474 lakh crore, but the market cap to GDP ratio eased to 135% from 138%. Figures are from NSE data; currency moves influenced dollar-denominated returns. (ANI)
S4 Capital climbs 7.4% intraday to GBX 20.86
January 1, 2026, 1:17 AM EST. S4 Capital plc (LON:SFOR) rose about 7.4% in mid-day trading, touching GBX 20.86 and last at GBX 20.40 as 3,017,000 shares changed hands, above the average. The prior close was GBX 19. Investors cited renewed buying and liquidity as the near-term upside driver, though profitability remains a concern with a negative P/E. The stock trades as a small-cap with a beta ~1.05 and a 52-week range of GBX 15.70-42. Its debt-to-equity sits around 37.08, and the moving averages show the 50-day (GBX 18.80) below the 200-day (GBX 21.44). Analysts trimmed targets: Deutsche Bank to GBX 24, Peel Hunt to GBX 25 Hold, Jefferies to GBX 38 Buy; MarketBeat cites a consensus Hold and average target near GBX 29. Market cap about £135m; P/E near -0.43.
Calamos Advisors Cuts Emerson Electric stake by 18.8% in Q3 13F; EMR holdings about $43.15 million
January 1, 2026, 1:15 AM EST. Calamos Advisors LLC trimmed its Emerson Electric Co. stake by 18.8% in the third quarter, selling 76,224 shares to hold 328,949 shares valued at about $43.15 million. The 13F filing shows institutional ownership around 74.3%. Other investors also adjusted EMR positions, with Darwin Wealth Management and Winnow Wealth opening stakes, and PFS Partners boosting its holding; Traub Capital Management and Princeton Global Asset Management added positions. EMR opened near $135.34, trading in a 12-month range of $90.06-$150.27. Core metrics include current ratio 0.88, quick ratio 0.65, debt-to-equity 0.41; 50-day MA 133.24 and 200-day MA 134.16. Valuation sits at a P/E of 33.50, PEG 2.20, and beta 1.26, with market cap about $76.1 billion. The company posted EPS $0.79 and revenue $3.16 billion last quarter; dividend of $0.555 per share and a 1.6% yield; a stock repurchase plan was initiated.
Evolution Mining (ASX:EVN) posts strong three-year returns with TSR above 300%
January 1, 2026, 1:09 AM EST.Evolution Mining Limited (ASX:EVN) posted outsized returns over the past three years. The stock delivered a TSR (total shareholder return) of about 328%, versus a 304% rise in the share price alone, with 170% TSR in the last 12 months. Over three years, EPS (earnings per share) grew about 37% per year, while the share price rose roughly 59% per year, implying a market re-rating alongside earnings progress. TSR includes reinvested dividends, underlining their contribution to total returns. While past performance is not a guarantee of future results, the article notes a free detailed balance-sheet report for investors to review.
ASX Penny Stocks To Watch In January 2026
January 1, 2026, 1:07 AM EST. ASX investors shift focus to potential opportunities as the market winds down for the year, with penny stocks seen as long-term value plays at lower price points. The report surveys names such as Alfabs Australia, EZZ Life Science, Dusk Group, IVE Group, MotorCycle Holdings, Veris, West African Resources, Service Stream, EDU Holdings and MaxiPARTS, noting share prices and market caps alongside a Financial Health Rating for each. It highlights two detailed cases from Simply Wall St: Australian Clinical Labs (ACL) and Beacon Minerals, including metrics like revenue, debt, and earnings growth, and flags risks such as short-term liabilities, debt load, and legal settlements. Overall, the piece frames these issues as potential catalysts and cautions investors about the volatility of penny stocks.
Cargojet AI signals, trading plan for CJT:CA as of Dec 31, 2025
January 1, 2026, 1:03 AM EST. On Dec 31, 2025, Cargojet Inc. (CJT:CA) content provides AI-generated signals and a trading plan for long-term traders. The plan proposes a long entry near 81.79 with a target of 94.81 and a stop loss at 81.38; a short near 94.81 with a target of 81.79 and a stop at 95.28. The piece notes updated AI-generated signals for CJT:CA and includes a ratings table for December 31 across Near, Mid, and Long terms, with categories Neutral/Strong/Weak. An associated chart is referenced.
NSE, BSE open on New Year 2026 as India sets 15 trading holidays for the year
January 1, 2026, 1:01 AM EST. Indian markets were open on New Year's Day as global equities stayed shut. The NSE and BSE traded normally on Jan. 1, while commodity venues operated in the day session but were suspended in the evening. The exchanges published a 2026 trading calendar with 15 full holidays-one more than 2025-under exchange bye-laws and F&O norms. The year's first holiday is Republic Day on January 26; other closures include Holi, Ram Navami, Mahavir Jayanti, Good Friday, Eid al-Adha, Ganesh Chaturthi, Gandhi Jayanti, Dussehra, Diwali Balipratipada, and Guru Nanak Jayanti, with Christmas on December 25 also marked as a full holiday. Notably, Diwali falls on a Sunday in 2026, so no extra weekday closure is added. For now, traders can continue activity on Jan 1.
Singapore Stocks: How to Choose Your First Share
January 1, 2026, 12:58 AM EST. Rookie investors are advised to start with familiar, easy-to-understand businesses. In Singapore, that means established names such as DBS Group Holdings and United Overseas Bank, essential retailers like Sheng Siong, and transport firms like SBS Transit and ComfortDelGro. Look for blue-chip companies-long runways, steady earnings, and visible Dividends. Dividends are cash payments to shareholders and can provide regular income; reinvested Dividends can fuel compounding. You don't need a large sum to begin; many stocks trade in sensible lot sizes. For example, a DBS lot is around S$5,650, Singtel about S$458, and ST Engineering about S$840. Start small, learn the process, and avoid high-risk sure-win bets that promise quick riches.
Sensex, Nifty rise at open; ITC drags FMCG as autos, metals lead
January 1, 2026, 12:55 AM EST. Indian stocks opened higher on the first trading day of 2026, with auto and metal shares supporting gains as FMCG and pharma slipped. The S&P BSE Sensex rose 104.21 points to 85,324.81, while the NSE Nifty50 gained 28.60 to 26,158.20 as of 9:25 am. In early trade, IndiGo led the gainers, up 2.09%, followed by Mahindra & Mahindra (+1.22%), Reliance Industries (+1.12%), Eternal (+1.01%) and Larsen & Toubro (+0.68%). ITC was the worst performer, down 4.03%, with Bharat Electronics (-0.49%), Bajaj Finance (-0.40%), Sun Pharmaceutical (-0.29%), and Trent (-0.27%) also softer.
Dye & Durham (DND:CA) AI-generated signals outline trading plan and ratings
January 1, 2026, 12:54 AM EST. Dye & Durham Limited (DND:CA) offers AI-generated signals with a concise trading plan. A near-term buy at 3.72 targets 6.11 with a stop loss at 3.70. A near-term short at 6.11 targets 3.72 with a stop loss at 6.14. The ratings for December 31 show Near: Neutral; Mid: Weak; Long: Weak. The update accompanies a chart and data timestamp.
Middle East Penny Stocks to Watch in January 2026
January 1, 2026, 12:52 AM EST. Markets across the Middle East posted a mixed 2025, with Egypt outperforming Gulf peers while oil weakness weighed on Saudi equities. Penny stocks, a dated label for low-priced shares, retain attention for potential growth at small price points. The focus remains on names with solid financials and liquidity. Highlights from the screener include Thob Al Aseel (SASE:4012) at SAR 3.35 with a SAR 1.35B market cap; Alarum Technologies (TASE:ALAR) at ₪2.811; E7 Group PJSC (ADX:E7) at AED 1.04; Sharjah Insurance Company (ADX:SICO) at AED 1.52; Al Wathba National Insurance Company (ADX:AWNIC) at AED 3.50; Arabian Pipes (SASE:2200) at SAR 4.70; Dubai National Insurance & Reinsurance (DFM:DNIR) at AED 3.25; Dubai Investments (DFM:DIC) at AED 3.57; Sharjah Cement and Industrial Development (ADX:SCIDC) at AED 0.829; Tgi Infrastructures (TASE:TGI) at ₪2.532. Investors should weigh macro factors and liquidity before trading.
Nifty, Sensex edge higher as holiday-muted session kicks off 2026
January 1, 2026, 12:51 AM EST. Indian equities opened 2026 with marginal gains as holiday-thinned volumes kept the session muted. The Nifty 50 rose to 26,173.30, up 0.17%, while the Sensex stood at 85,255.55, up 0.04%. Domestic institutional investors (DIIs) stepped in for a record 87th straight day of net inflows, even as foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) remained net sellers. Gift Nifty (an indicative level for the next session) signaled a positive open, though volumes are expected to stay light with global cues muted. Analysts say the 2026 outlook hinges on US stimulus for earnings, but valuations look stretched amid geopolitical risks. Sectoral gains showed support from Nifty Auto, IT, Media, PSU Bank, Pharma, and Consumer Durables. Globally, most markets were shut for New Year's, reinforcing a range-bound start for Indian equities.
Asia's Dividend Stocks To Watch in January 2026
January 1, 2026, 12:49 AM EST. Asia's stock markets have shown resilience as policy shifts energize Japan and China. In this climate, dividend stocks offer steady income alongside growth. The Top Asian Dividend Stocks screener highlights a wide universe; examples include Yamato Kogyo (TSE:5444) at 3.74%, Wuliangye Yibin Ltd (SZSE:000858) at 5.42%, Torigoe (TSE:2009) at 4.15%, NCD (TSE:4783) at 3.99%, HUAYU Automotive Systems (SHSE:600741) at 4.00%, Guangxi LiuYao Group (SHSE:603368) at 4.21%, Gakkyusha Ltd (TSE:9769) at 4.44%, Changjiang Publishing & Media Ltd (SHSE:600757) at 4.62%, CAC Holdings (TSE:4725) at 4.86%, and Binggrae (KOSE:A005180) at 4.43%. The screener uses a dividend yield and ratings; metrics like payout ratio and cash payout ratio show payouts are well covered by earnings and cash flow, though histories vary and volatility exists. Investors should assess valuation, payout sustainability, and growth trajectory before participation.
CXF:CA AI-generated Signals Outline for CI Canadian Convertible Bond ETF
January 1, 2026, 12:47 AM EST. As of December 31, 2025, AI-generated signals cover CXF:CA, the CI Canadian Convertible Bond ETF. The plan outlines two ideas: a long entry near 10.56 with a target of 10.80 and a stop at 10.51; and a short entry near 10.80 with a target of 10.56 and a stop at 10.85. Ratings for December 31 show Near – Strong; Mid – Neutral; Long – Strong. The update notes an AI Generated Signals feed and a chart for CXF:CA; data are timestamped for scrutiny. Note: a Convertible Bond ETF bundles convertible bonds, which can be converted into stock, affecting risk and return. Signals are advisory and not guarantees; traders should apply risk controls.
BSE, NSE open on New Year's Day; Indian markets to trade as 2026 holiday calendar released
January 1, 2026, 12:45 AM EST. Indian stock markets will stay open on New Year's Day, with the BSE and NSE functioning normally on Jan 1, while daytime trading continues on the MCX and NCDEX; evening sessions pause. Major international markets, including China, Hong Kong, Japan, Europe and the United States, are closed for New Year's Day, according to Moneycontrol. India's exchanges published a 2026 trading holiday calendar listing 15 full holidays, starting with Republic Day on Jan 26; Muhurat Trading is noted for the year. Other holidays include Holi, Ram Navami, Mahavir Jayanti, Good Friday, Eid al-Adha, Ganesh Chaturthi, Gandhi Jayanti, Dussehra, and Diwali Balipratipada, with Christmas on Dec 25. Diwali falls on a Sunday and is not a trading holiday in 2026.
CSH.UN: AI-Generated Signals Outline Trading Plans for Chartwell Retirement Residences (CSH.UN:CA)
January 1, 2026, 12:43 AM EST. December 31, 2025, 11:54 PM ET. AI-generated signals for Chartwell Retirement Residences (CSH.UN:CA) were updated. The report lists concrete plans: a Long idea to buy near 19.71 with a target of 20.60 and a stop loss at 19.61; a Short play near 20.60 with a target at 19.71 and a stop loss at 20.70. The piece also notes AI-driven Ratings for CSH.UN:CA across Near, Mid, and Long horizons, labeled Weak/Neutral/Strong, though specific values aren't shown in the excerpt. Timestamp confirmation and mention of updated signals imply traders should use risk controls and view these signals as guidance rather than guarantees.
One reason to hold Amazon stock: diversified leadership and a long growth runway
January 1, 2026, 12:41 AM EST. An investor argues against selling Amazon stock, citing its diversified leadership across e-commerce, cloud computing, AI, advertising, and more. The company has established itself as a leader in multiple markets, including U.S. e-commerce, AWS cloud, and digital advertising, with a broader footprint in video and music streaming. Management's forward-looking planning and an innovation-centric culture underpin a long track record of growth. The narrative also notes a sizable growth runway in healthcare, where Amazon Pharmacy has disrupted incumbents. With e-commerce still below 20% of U.S. retail and about 85% of IT spending on-premises, cloud adoption and AI tailwinds are expected to drive expansion for years. The result: a durable moat and ongoing growth potential across multiple sectors.
Stocks in 2026: Analysts split on gains, but outlook remains positive
January 1, 2026, 12:39 AM EST. Wall Street broadly expects stocks to extend gains into 2026, but outlooks vary on how much. The S&P 500 finished 2025 at 6,845.5; Bank of America sees 7,100 by year-end 2026, while Deutsche Bank sails to 8,000. That implies about 3.7% versus 16.9% gains. When the index climbs 15% in a year, the following year averages around 8%, per Adam Turnquist of LPL Financial, though pullbacks are common before higher levels. 2025 delivered tariffs, geopolitics, AI optimism, and a >16% gain with 39 record highs despite a 19% swing intray in April. Looking to 2026, the bias rests on further Fed rate cuts and resilient earnings, though risks include the Fed Chair pick and tariff policy. Valuations remain elevated; analysts say earnings growth is the key to sustaining returns.
Chorus Aviation shares dip 0.4% as analysts lift targets
January 1, 2026, 12:37 AM EST. Chorus Aviation shares slipped 0.4% on Wednesday, trading as low as C$21.44 and last at C$21.45 as 12,485 shares changed hands, well below the 51,300-average volume. Analyst activity was mixed: BMO lifted its target to C$28, RBC set a C$31 price and an outperform rating, TD Securities increased to C$31, while CIBC trimmed to C$32. Market-Beats consensus sees a Moderate Buy with a C$29.20 target. The stock trades at a negative P/E (price/earnings) of -17.73, with a debt load high at 118.79% and liquidity measures: quick ratio 0.53 and current ratio 1.13. The company reported C$0.60 per share for the latest quarter on revenue of C$323.57 million; the quarterly dividend was C$0.08 per share, annualized to C$0.32 and a yield of 1.5%.
