UK housing market ends 2025 softer as prices fall 0.4% month-on-month, Nationwide says
January 2, 2026, 3:19 AM EST. UK housing finished 2025 on a softer note as Nationwide reports annual price growth slowing to 0.6% in December from 1.8% in November. The momentum was the slowest since April 2024, with prices down 0.4% month-on-month to an average of £271,068. Chief economist Robert Gardner attributed resilience through 2025 amid subdued consumer sentiment, mortgage rates around three times post-pandemic lows and near pre-Covid mortgage approvals. He noted stamp duty changes (a tax on property purchases) created spring and summer volatility, with March activity pulled forward before easing. Regionally, the North West led gains; East Anglia posted a year-on-year fall, while Northern Ireland rose 9.7% but remains ~5% below its 2007 high. Nationwide expects 2%-4% price growth in 2026, supported by income growth and modest rate declines.
Australia stocks rise as banks lead gains; ASX 200 snaps four-day decline
January 2, 2026, 3:18 AM EST. Australian shares snapped a four-day decline, with the S&P/ASX 200 up 0.2% to 8,727.8, its highest close since Dec 24. Turnover ran about 40% of the 30-day average as traders returned after the New Year holiday. Financials rose 0.4%, led by the Big Four banks' 0.4%-0.8% gains. 'When uncertainty eases, money tends to flow first into the big banks,' said Greg Boland of Moomoo Securities Australia, noting stabilising rate expectations and their dividend appeal. A hawkish tilt to the RBA outlook kept a higher-for-longer rate regime in play, with inflation and payroll data due early January guiding the February policy meeting. Gold miners fell about 1.5% after Northern Star Resources trimmed guidance, while the broader mining gauge was flat. Nickel Industries jumped after Sphere Corp took a 10% stake in its Indonesia project. NZ markets were closed.
B2Gold crosses above 200-day moving average as analysts diverge
January 2, 2026, 3:07 AM EST. B2Gold Corp. moved above its 200-day moving average on Thursday, with the 200-day at C$5.88 and a session high at C$6.28; it last traded at C$6.18 on volume of 2.39 million. Analysts are mixed: National Bankshares raised the target to C$10.00 with an outperform rating; Stifel Nicolaus cut to C$10.50; Bank of America raised to C$6.25; Cormark downgraded to Hold. MarketBeat shows a Hold consensus with an average target of C$7.90. Market capitalization is about C$8.26B; the stock trades at a P/E ratio of 41.20 and a beta of 0.89. Liquidity metrics show a current ratio of 1.83, a quick ratio of 3.33 and a debt-to-equity of 7.51. Q3 results: EPS C$0.14 on revenue of C$1.09B. Dividend: Dividend C$0.02 per quarter paid Dec 15; ex-div Dec 2; annualized C$0.08; yield 1.3%. Insiders Montano and Lytle sold large blocks in October.
ITC hits 3-year low as cigarette tax shock weighs on stock
January 2, 2026, 3:05 AM EST. ITC Ltd shares fell to a three-year low of Rs 345.35, with a two-day drop of about 14% after the finance ministry announced a steep cigarette tax hike. Effective February 1, cigarette taxes rise ~50%, forcing price increases of at least 25% to preserve current net realization per stick, according to Motilal Oswal, which downgraded to Neutral with a target of Rs 400. Jefferies says a 40% price lift is needed to pass on the tax, with the full pass-through potentially lifting the tax burden to ~70% of MRP. The ad valorem component could amplify a volatile cycle, and past cycles saw volume declines. Some support: a ~4% dividend yield with ~85% payout, plus tailwinds from GST cuts and ITC's foods portfolio and paper unit acquisition.
ASX 200 edges up as DroneShield boosts gains; top gainers and losers
January 2, 2026, 3:03 AM EST. Australian shares finished the week higher, with the S&P/ASX 200 up 0.15% to 8,727.80, trading above the 50-day moving average for the first time in days. Turnover ran at about 40% of its 30-day average in a thin session after New Year. The index rose 6.8% in 2025 but lagged global peers such as Japan's Nikkei and Hong Kong's Hang Seng. DroneShield Limited led gains, closing at $3.330, up 8.1%, followed by Nickel Industries at 0.900, up 7.8%. Other notable advances: Deep Yellow at 1.945, Paladin Energy at 10.130, and Pantoro Gold at 5.160. On the downside, Northern Star Resources fell to 24.430, down 8.6%, with Capstone Copper, Life360, Lynas Rare Earths and Aristocrat Leisure among the laggards. The week's moves reflect a shift into financials after miner-led pullback.
Denison Mines stock crosses above 200-day moving average (DNN)
January 2, 2026, 2:55 AM EST. Denison Mines Corp. (NYSEAMERICAN: DNN) shares rose after crossing above its 200-day moving average as intraday high reached $2.69 while the stock last traded around $2.66 on volume of about 21.98 million. The 200-day average sits at $2.41; the 50-day average is $2.66. The company carries a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.49 and a current ratio near 12, indicating strong liquidity. Analysts are positive: Raymond James reiterated an outperform rating, and MarketBeat shows an average Buy rating from four analysts. Market capitalization is around $2.4 billion; the stock sports a negative P/E of -17.73 and a beta of 1.25. Large institutions have boosted holdings recently, notably RBC, Millennium, Goldman Sachs and UBS AM.
Nike stock down 57%; 2026 buy case hinges on China recovery and DTC pivot
January 2, 2026, 2:54 AM EST. Nike trades near $63.71 with a market cap around $94B and a 52-week range of $52.28-$82.44. The piece argues the decline accelerated after the pandemic as the company overemphasized direct-to-consumer (DTC) channels, boosting margins in the near term but eroding shelf space for traditional retailers. In North America, footwear sales rose about 9% year over year to $3.54B in fiscal Q2, but China remains the major drag. Nike relies on China for manufacturing, about 18% of footwear; this lowers costs but increases exposure to supply-chain frictions and counterfeiting risk. The decision to buy in 2026 hinges on a China recovery and a recalibrated DTC strategy that can restore growth and justify the stock at current levels.
REG – Euronext Dublin GEM Notice: Data Source Attributions
January 2, 2026, 2:52 AM EST. REG has issued a GEM notice for Euronext Dublin. The notice lists data sources: ICE Data Services supplies market data, while FactSet provides reference data and the CUSIP Database. Copyrights are acknowledged for FactSet Research Systems Inc. and the American Bankers Association. Quartr supplies SEC filings and other documents, and TradingView, Inc. is credited for charts. The document underscores data-provider attributions and copyright notices governing access to Euronext Dublin's GEM materials.
Cocoa futures settle higher on consolidation; Ivory Coast arrivals slip; EUDR delay weighs
January 2, 2026, 2:49 AM EST. March ICE NY cocoa (CCH26) settled up 2 points, 0.03%, and March ICE London cocoa #7 (CAH26) rose 11 points, 0.25%, as futures consolidated below Monday's two-week highs. A softer pound helped cocoa priced in sterling in London. Ivory Coast port arrivals for the week ended Dec 28 totaled 59,708 MT, down 27% year on year, with year-to-date shipments at 1.029 MMT, down 2%. The Ivory Coast remains the world's largest producer. Citigroup notes that adding cocoa futures to the Bloomberg Commodity Index could attract as much as $2 billion of buying. US port inventories fell to 1,626,105 bags, a 9.5-month low. West Africa weather remains mixed; harvests underway and quality expectations help support, though the EU deforestation law delay (EUDR) tempers upside.
European stocks set to start 2026 higher; gold, silver rally
January 2, 2026, 2:48 AM EST. European stocks were poised to open higher on Friday, the first trading day of 2026, with the FTSE 100 (UK blue-chip index), DAX, CAC and FTSE MIB seen edging up at least 0.2%. Investors return from New Year's holidays after strong gains in 2025. The pan-European Stoxx 600 (broad European equity index) rose about 16% in 2025, led by banks and higher defense spending. In precious metals, gold rose 1.4% to $4,373.83/oz and silver jumped over 3.8% to $74.01/oz. Gold and silver posted their best annual performances since 1979 last year, helped by expectations of US rate cuts, tariff tensions, and demand from ETFs and central banks. In Asia, Kospi hit a record; US futures, including S&P 500 futures, Nasdaq-100 futures and Dow futures, were higher in early European trading.
Sugar prices rise on year-end short covering as Brazil, India data frame outlook
January 2, 2026, 2:47 AM EST. Sugar prices rose on year-end short covering after a rally in the dollar cooled demand. March NY world sugar #11 (SBH26) advanced 0.20 points to +1.35%, while March London ICE white sugar #5 (SWH26) gained 2.40 points (+0.56%). The move followed a one-week low earlier as the dollar index strengthened. Traders cited expectations of tighter future supplies from Brazil, with Safras & Mercado slashing 2026/27 Brazilian production to 41.8 MMT and projecting -11% exports y/y to 30 MMT. ISMA boosted India's 2025/26 production estimate to 31 MMT, aiding a potential rise in exports. ISO still sees a global surplus in 2025-26, and Czarnikow raised its surplus outlook, underscoring bearish pressure from record Brazilian output.
UK Penny Stocks to Watch in January 2026 as FTSE 100 slips on China data
January 2, 2026, 2:32 AM EST. UK equities faced pressure as the FTSE 100 fell on weak China trade data, underscoring global linkages. Within this environment, investors eye UK penny stocks that could offer upside on solid fundamentals. The screener highlights names such as DSW Capital (AIM: DSW), Foresight Group Holdings (LSE: FSG), Warpaint London (AIM: W7L), Quartix Technologies (AIM: QTX), Ingenta (AIM: ING), Integrated Diagnostics Holdings (LSE: IDHC), Impax Asset Management Group (AIM: IPX), Spectra Systems (AIM: SPSY), M.T.I Wireless Edge (AIM: MWE) and Begbies Traynor Group (AIM: BEG). Separate notes from Simply Wall St flag recent coverage of SRT Marine Systems (profitable) but with high net debt and modest cash flow coverage, and Supreme Plc with exposure to consumer goods. As always, investors should weigh financial health and leverage when sizing small-cap bets.
E TO E Transportation Infrastructure lists on NSE Emerge at 90% premium
January 2, 2026, 2:15 AM EST. Shares of E TO E Transportation Infrastructure Ltd started trading on the NSE Emerge at ₹330.60, about a 90% premium to the IPO price of ₹174. At 12:05 pm, the stock traded near ₹331 after an intraday high of ₹347.10 (upper circuit). The IPO, a fresh issue of ₹84.22 crore, was subscribed 527 times, signaling strong demand from retail and non-institutional investors, with steady participation from qualified institutional buyers (QIBs). Post-listing, the company's market capitalization was around ₹599 crore. Proceeds will fund working capital and general corporate purposes. E TO E is an ISO 9001:2015 certified railway system integrator with a September 2025 order book of ₹401.10 crore, underscoring growth in railway signaling and telecom infrastructure.
Cattle futures edge higher as feeder demand improves; health, export data in focus
January 2, 2026, 2:04 AM EST.Live cattle futures are trading higher at midday, with gains of 82 cents to $1.05, while feeder cattle futures advance 47 to 80 cents. Cash trade remains light, with only about 599 dressed sales at the Fed Cattle Exchange, and prices in the $230-$232 range reported. The CME Feeder Cattle Index declined by $7.96 to $356.00 as of December 26. Separately, APHIS reported several new cases of New World Screwworm, concentrated in Veracruz, Mexico, with a southern Tamaulipas case noted near the U.S. border. Export sales for 2025 totalled 2,117 metric tons in the week ended December 18 and 9,439 MT for 2026, while boxed beef prices were mixed in the USDA morning report. Slaughter volume for the week to date sits around 240,000 head, below last week but above last year.
Cattle futures end 2025 higher as live and feeder contracts gain
January 2, 2026, 2:00 AM EST. Live cattle futures rose 82 cents to $1.22 Wednesday. Cash trade was light at about $229 per cwt for the week, with dressed sales at $230.50-$232 on 599 of 1,198 head offered. Feeder cattle futures added 70-80 cents. CME's Feeder Cattle Index firmed to $348.44 on Dec 30. The Commitment of Traders data showed live cattle speculators net long 94,868 contracts as of 12/23, up 3,565 on the week; managed money was net long 14,629 contracts in feeder cattle. Export sales for 2025 were 2,117 MT in the week of 12/18, with 9,439 MT for 2026; shipments reached 17,108 MT, a four-week high. USDA boxed beef prices eased; Choice 347.45, Select 342.38, spread 5.07.
Cotton closes lower as May rollover weighs; dollar strengthens, oil slips ahead of Geneva talks
January 2, 2026, 1:44 AM EST.Cotton futures closed weaker on Wednesday, with May rolling off the board and contracts down 24-45 points. Oil fell about $1.14, and the dollar index rose to roughly 99.73. A Geneva meeting between U.S. and Chinese officials is set for Saturday to discuss export controls and tariffs. ICE stocks were unchanged at 14,049 bales; the Cotlook A Index gained 275 points to 80. USDA's Adjusted World Price climbed to 54.94 cents per pound. May 25 cotton settled at 70.47, down 147 points; Jul 25 at 67.38, down 45; Dec 25 at 69.25, down 27.
PRV.DB:CA debentures: AI signals, neutral ratings; buy near 104.38 with 103.86 stop
January 2, 2026, 1:43 AM EST. PRO Real Estate Investment Trust 8.00% convertible debentures (PRV.DB:CA) receive an updated AI Generated Signals with a suggested buy near 104.38 and a stop loss @ 103.86. The plan lists No Short plans at this time. Ratings for January 2 show Neutral across Near, Mid and Long horizons. The data carries a timestamp indicating freshness. The note frames the instrument as a Canadian-listed convertible debenture and positions the AI inputs as a trend-following input to be used with other risk checks and liquidity considerations.
Chinese tech stocks rise into 2026 as AI chip IPOs surge and more listings eyed
January 2, 2026, 1:34 AM EST. Chinese technology stocks extended their 2026 rally as AI chip IPOs surge and more listings are lined up. Market participants cited a growing pipeline of offerings from chipmakers and other tech players, underpinned by demand for AI exposure and expectations of favorable capital-market conditions. Banks and exchanges signaled continuing activity into the year, though traders warned that volatility and regulatory shifts could temper gains. The trend echoes past cycles in which AI optimism fueled IPOs, but earnings trends and global tech policy risk remain key watch points for investors.
Stocks settle lower as tech weakness and higher yields weigh on markets
January 2, 2026, 1:32 AM EST. U.S. stocks closed lower on Wednesday as weakness in chipmakers and data-storage names offset year-end demand. The S&P 500 fell 0.74%, the Dow slid 0.63%, and the Nasdaq 100 dropped 0.84%. March E-mini futures were down about 0.7% for the S&P and 0.9% for the Nasdaq. A firmer 10-year Treasury yield-to 4.16%-emerged after weekly initial claims fell to 199,000, underscoring a hawkish Fed backdrop. Gold retreated to a 2.5-week low; silver tumbled more than 9%. China's PMIs beat expectations, supporting global growth. Seasonality has historically favored late-year gains; Citadel Securities notes the S&P 500 rises in three of the last four trading days of December, averaging about 1.3%. The odds of a 25 bp cut in January sit near 15%.
Mini-revival of London listings relieves Reeves as IPO activity picks up
January 2, 2026, 1:30 AM EST. London's IPO activity in 2025 shows a spring, following a drought caused by policy shifts and a tariff agenda. Dealogic data show a second-half pickup, but volumes lag well behind 2021 peaks. The London Stock Exchange is buoyed by a revival relief for Rachel Reeves and for listing-hungry companies, as private-market exits migrate to public equity. The biggest 2025 listing was Fermi, a dual listing with Nasdaq; UK names included Princes Group and Shawbrook. LSE chief executive Julia Hoggett says the rebound signals more listings to come. The likely 2026 standout is Visma, Oslo-based software group, with London as a potential venue; advisers include Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, and UBS. Other possible entrants: IVC Evidensia, RAC, AA, and Waterstones/Barnes & Noble.
ONGC.NS stock near ₹241 after year-end pop; mixed signals, value metrics
January 2, 2026, 1:28 AM EST. ONGC.NS traded around ₹241.47 in the latest session, up from ₹240.38, with a daily range of ₹237.94-₹242.55. The 52-week span is ₹205-₹273.50, and the stock is about 4.2% higher year to date. Volume was lighter at 20.75 lakh versus an 82.97 lakh average. The 50-day SMA sits at ₹244.27 and the 200-day at ₹241.92, placing the price near the longer trend line with a neutral-to-cautious bias. RSI 54.3, MACD histogram 0.72, but CCI 130.7 and Williams %R -7.25 point to near-term overbought pressure; ADX 32.95 confirms a trend. Resistance near the upper Bollinger band ₹242.88 and the 50DMA; supports near ₹236.50-₹237.50 and ₹230-₹231. A close above the 200DMA would tilt constructive. Valuation: P/E ~8.17, P/B 0.81, ROE ~10%, debt/equity 0.48; dividend yield ~5.1% on TTM DPS ₹12.25.
ITC hits fresh 52-week low as cigarette tax hike prompts rating downgrades
January 2, 2026, 1:18 AM EST. ITC Ltd's stock fell more than 5% in early Friday trade, extending losses after Parliament approved a sharp excise duty on cigarettes, effective February 1. The shares hit a fresh 52-week low of Rs 345.25. The levy accompanies a 40% GST, lifting overall taxation on cigarettes and pressuring margins. JPMorgan downgraded ITC to Neutral and cut its target price to Rs 375 from Rs 475, signaling potential downside of over 3% from the prior close. The firm flagged higher tax absorption and possible price hikes that could spur downtrading (shifting to cheaper variants) or illicit products. ICICI Securities notes a 22-28% rise in costs for longer sticks, with ITC likely to pass most of the tax to consumers. Further regulatory clarity is awaited.
MCX shares show 1:5 stock split; 80% price drop is a chart adjustment; Morgan Stanley upgrades
January 2, 2026, 1:17 AM EST. MCX shares show an apparent 80% fall on charts after a 1:5 stock split, with January 2 as the record date. The decline is a technical adjustment: the number of shares rose fivefold and the price per share fell to one-fifth, leaving value unchanged. On an adjusted basis, MCX's close on January 1 was ₹2,198, while the day's high reached ₹2,278. The move does not reflect a real loss. In related coverage, Morgan Stanley reportedly upgraded MCX to an Equal weight with a target price of ₹11,135 (from ₹6,710), citing higher average daily transaction revenue and earnings momentum for FY26-FY28 (15%, 20%, 24% respectively). CNBC TV-18 carried the upgrade; Mint could not independently verify.
Australian shares flat; Sphere to acquire 10% stake in ENC HPAL project
January 2, 2026, 1:15 AM EST. Australian shares were little changed with a positive bias as AI optimism supports tech stocks. The S&P/ASX 200 closed at 8,727.8. Tim Waterer, chief market analyst at KCM Trade, said the rally remains led by AI and tech. Domestic headlines included warnings that tariffs on beef exports to China could cut shipments by about a third, worth over AU$1 billion annually, per Commonwealth Bank of Australia. The home value index rose 0.7% in December, the smallest gain in five months, and manufacturing expanded in December 2025 per S&P Global. In company news, Nickel Industries said Sphere would acquire a 10% stake in the ENC HPAL (high-pressure acid leach) project; NIC shares rose over 7% and hit a 52-week high. Capstone Copper fell more than 4% on Mantoverde mine strike plans; Mesoblast chair change lifted MSB modestly.
Asia stocks climb at year-start as tech-led gains lift Hong Kong; U.S. futures edge higher
January 2, 2026, 1:13 AM EST. Asian stocks rose at the start of the year, led by Hong Kong's Hang Seng which rose 2.2% to 26,189.79 as Alibaba climbed 3.2% and Baidu jumped 7.5% after proposing to spin off its Kunlunxin AI chip unit, with listing planned in Hong Kong in early 2027 and subject to regulatory approvals. Tokyo, Shanghai, Thailand and New Zealand were closed. In other markets, Kospi rose 1.5% to 4,277.94; S&P/ASX 200 up 0.2% to 8,727.30; Taiex up 1.1%; and Sensex up 0.1%. Analysts say AI demand is boosting chips and data-center gear, though regional manufacturing data is uneven. U.S. futures were higher, with S&P 500 futures up about 0.5% and Dow futures up 0.3%.
Central Garden & Pet stock crosses above 50-day moving average
January 2, 2026, 1:12 AM EST. Central Garden & Pet Company (CENTA) stock rose above its 50-day moving average of $29.35 on Thursday, intraday high $29.41; last price $29.19 on volume 155,190. The 50-day moving average is a common technical indicator that smooths price data over the prior 50 trading days. Analysts' views are mixed: CJS Securities upgraded to strong-buy; JPMorgan raised its target to $31 with a neutral rating; Zacks cut to hold. MarketBeat shows a consensus Moderate Buy with a $41.50 target. The company's balance sheet shows a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.75, current ratio 3.67 and quick ratio 2.33. Quarterly EPS (earnings per share) was -$0.09, beating estimates by $0.11 on revenue of $678 million.
Wheat futures slip into holiday as New Year's Day closure looms
January 2, 2026, 1:11 AM EST. Wheat futures edged lower in the holiday-shortened session, with the Chicago SRW front contract down 2-3 cents and the KC HRW contract off 5-6 cents. MPLS spring wheat was weaker by 2-3 cents by midday. The market will be closed Thursday for New Year's Day, reopening at 8:30 a.m. CST on Friday. Export sales for the week ended 12/18 totaled 147,834 metric tons, below analyst estimates and well behind the year-ago pace. Front-month bids for nearby CBOT wheat were modestly lower, with weakness seen across related contracts as liquidity thins ahead of the holiday.
Hargreaves Services: mixed results leave sentiment pressured as ROE sits in line with peers
January 2, 2026, 1:08 AM EST. Hargreaves Services plc's shares fell 8.1% over the past three months as investors digest mixed financials. The trailing twelve months to May 2025 show a ROE (Return on Equity) of 7.6% on £15m net profit from £194m equity. The figure sits near the industry average of 7.2%. Over five years, net income growth was 6.5%, below the industry pace of 15%, suggesting slower earnings momentum. Analysts say the ROE alone isn't decisive; other factors, such as a potentially low payout ratio or more efficient management, could be shaping the growth outlook. The question for investors is whether the expected earnings growth is already priced into the stock. The case illustrates how a mid-single-digit ROE with modest growth can coincide with a price decline, even when peers show similar returns.
Shore Bancshares (SHBI) crosses above 200-day moving average
January 2, 2026, 1:07 AM EST. Shore Bancshares Inc (NASDAQ: SHBI) rose after crossing above its 200-day moving average, a long-term trend gauge, during Thursday trading. The 200-day line sits at $16.53; SHBI traded as high as $17.77 and was last at $17.68 on volume of 148,898 shares. Analysts remain mixed: Zacks cut the stock to Hold; Piper Sandler lifted its target to $18.50 with an Overweight rating; Hovde Group launched coverage with an Outperform and a $19 target; Wall Street Zen moved to Hold; Weiss Ratings reiterated a Hold (c+). Market consensus from MarketBeat sits at Moderate Buy with an average target of $18.75. The stock posted $0.37 EPS in the latest quarter on $16.91 million revenue; ROE 11.25%, net margin 16.78%. Shore Bancshares pays a quarterly dividend of $0.12, yielding about 2.7%.
Keyera stock crosses above 200-day moving average
January 2, 2026, 1:06 AM EST. Keyera Corp. (TSE: KEY) shares crossed above its 200-day moving average on Thursday, with the 200-DMA at C$43.89 and a session high of C$44.20. The stock last traded near C$44.00 on volume of 345,420. Analysts lifted price targets: CIBC to C$57 and National Bankshares to C$48; ratings include four Strong Buy, five Buy, and three Hold. MarketBeat shows an average Buy and a target of C$52.20. The firm posts a 50-day MA of C$43.37. Keyera has a market cap around C$10.08B, P/E 23.53, P/E/G 1.35, and beta 0.58. In the latest quarter, EPS was C$0.79 on revenue of C$1.79B; net margin 5.97%; ROE 16.05%. The quarterly dividend is C$0.54, annualized 2.16, yield 4.9%, DPR 112.3%. Keyera operates as a midstream energy company in Alberta.
Chesnara (LON:CSN) stock price crosses above 200-day moving average
January 2, 2026, 1:05 AM EST. Chesnara plc's shares rose to trade above its 200-day moving average, a long-term trend indicator, on Thursday. The stock's 200-day moving average sits at GBX 279.08, and it climbed to a high of GBX 301. The shares last traded at GBX 301 with a volume of 165,231. The company shows a debt-to-equity ratio of 62.42, a current ratio of 2.55 and a quick ratio of 38.06. Market capitalization stands at about £694.72 million; the PE ratio is negative at -71.31 and a beta of 0.44. Chesnara is a European life and pensions consolidator listed on LSE, administering about one million policies across UK, Netherlands, and Sweden.
Doman Building Materials Stock Crosses Above 200-Day Moving Average (TSE:DBM)
January 2, 2026, 1:04 AM EST. DBM crossed above its 200-day moving average of C$9.12, trading as high as C$9.54 and near C$9.36 on Thursday; volume was 46,523. The firm's 50-day moving average sits at C$9.15. Market capitalization is about C$820.22 million; the stock's P/E is 10.64 and beta 1.46. Q earnings were C$0.21 per share on revenue of C$795.09 million; ROE stood at 9.41% with a net margin of 2.27%. Analysts: Desjardins assigns a C$11.00 target with a buy rating; Stifel lowers to C$10.50 but retains a buy; National Bankshares lifts to C$11.50 with an outperform rating. MarketBeat shows a Moderate Buy consensus and a C$10.31 target. The company is a wholesale distributor of building materials and timberlands.
Aptose Biosciences (APS:CA) AI-generated signals, trading plans update
January 2, 2026, 1:03 AM EST. The APS:CA update provides AI-generated signals for Aptose Biosciences Inc. as of Jan. 2, 2026. The report lays out trading plans for both sides: a buy near 1.12 with a target of 2.50 and a stop at 1.11, and a short near 2.50 with a target of 1.12 and a stop at 2.51. It shows ratings across horizons (Near, Mid, Long) using a Strong/Neutral/Strong framework. A chart link and a timestamp accompany the data to verify freshness. Investors should view AI-driven signals as one input and apply risk controls, given the volatility of smaller-cap names like APS:CA.
Sensex, Nifty rise as auto, metal stocks lift; FMCG drag persists
January 2, 2026, 12:58 AM EST. Indian benchmarks opened higher on Friday as auto shares rose on strong December sales data, though gains were capped by losses in FMCG majors ITC and Godfrey Phillips. The S&P BSE Sensex rose 172.34 points to 85,360.94, and the NSE Nifty 50 added 44.10 points to 26,190.65 as of 9:26 am. Dr. VK Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Investments, said the 25.8% year-on-year rise in December passenger-vehicle sales underscores growth momentum that should support earnings. He cautioned the momentum must sustain for further upside. The autos-led move boosted sentiment, but the consumer durables sector lagged, with demand still awaiting the fuller impact of rate and GST cuts.
E To E Transportation Infrastructure lists on NSE SME at 90% premium; early investors reap gains
January 2, 2026, 12:50 AM EST. The company E To E Transportation Infrastructure opened on the NSE SME at a 90% premium to the issue price, signaling strong demand. The report notes potential gains for investors, though exact figures are not disclosed in the provided text. The filing centers on disclosures from brokers Upstox Securities and RKSV affiliates, including registrations, compliance contacts and risk warnings. It reiterates standard SEBI risk disclosures, brokerage limits, and cautions about derivatives and transaction costs. The material also states these are distribution activities, not Exchange-traded products, and urges investors to review risk disclosures and official filings for precise pricing data.
Asia stocks start 2026 on firmer footing as AI bets lift markets
January 2, 2026, 12:46 AM EST. Asian stocks opened 2026 with modest gains as Tokyo and Shanghai were closed for holidays and volumes remained thin. After a bumper 2025, investors awaited direction from Wall Street. In the region, Seoul and Hong Kong advanced, with Biren Technologies' AI-related IPO (initial public offering) helping Hong Kong and Baidu rising after Kunlunxin filed for a Hong Kong listing. Samsung Electronics recovered on chatter about high-bandwidth memory chips. Analysts said the near-term path depends on the US economy, inflation trends and policy expectations, with markets pricing in growth acceleration and possible rate cuts. Attention centered on AI names as liquidity supported risk assets.
REG – RNS: Market data credits from ICE Data Services, FactSet, Quartr, TradingView
January 2, 2026, 12:37 AM EST. RNS (Regulatory News Service) lists data-provider credits accompanying regulatory disclosures. The notice attributes market data to ICE Data Services and reference data to FactSet, with CUSIP database access via FactSet. SEC filings and other documents are provided by Quartr, while TradingView supplies charting and related services. Copyright notices from FactSet and TradingView appear alongside the materials. The page serves as a compliance header rather than market commentary, clarifying sourcing and rights across the regulatory feed.
London IPO revival in 2026: tech, biotech and energy names lead the way
January 2, 2026, 12:35 AM EST. London is positioning for a potential IPO revival in 2026 as a pipeline of tech, biotech, and energy-transition firms weighs listings in the capital. Market participants say more predictable funding conditions and a supportive regulatory backdrop could unlock a wave of new issues after years of volatility. Companies are weighing the benefits of London's deep, global investor base and the exchange's liquidity against pricing risk in markets that can swing on macro news. Analysts note several credible candidates are assessing London Stock Exchange listings, aiming for strong demand from domestic and international investors. Regulators continue to emphasize disclosure and post-IPO liquidity to sustain confidence. If conditions hold, pricing discipline will be crucial in translating interest into completed deals.
Baidu's Kunlunxin files for Hong Kong listing amid AI chip boom
January 2, 2026, 12:26 AM EST. Baidu has confidentially filed for a Hong Kong IPO of its AI chip unit Kunlunxin, aiming to raise funds as China pushes semiconductor self-sufficiency. The spin-off would become a standalone entity while remaining a Baidu subsidiary; Baidu reportedly owns about 59%. The move comes as U.S.-China tech frictions weigh on access to advanced chips and Beijing accelerates domestic sourcing. Kunlunxin is transitioning from an internal supplier to Baidu to a major third-party chip seller, with external sales forecast to exceed half of revenue in 2025. Last year, Kunlunxin revenue exceeded 3.5 billion yuan and was breakeven; it also won more than 1 billion yuan of orders from China Mobile. Regulatory approvals are still required; there is no guarantee the listing proceeds.
Soybeans slide on New Year's Eve as USDA weekly sales miss expectations
January 2, 2026, 12:16 AM EST. Soybeans slipped in the New Year's Eve session, with nearby futures down about 11 to 12 cents. There were 1,062 deliveries against January beans on FND. The cmdtyView national average cash bean price was $9.67, down 12 cents. Soymeal futures were steady to $2.10/ton lower, while Soy Oil futures rose. 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-ago update showed 1.056 million MT of soybeans sold for the week ended 12/18, below the 1.4-2.4 million range; down 55.9% WoW but up 7.9% YoY. Jan 26 soybeans ~$10.34½; nearby cash $9.67; Mar 26 ~$10.50½; May 26 ~$10.63½.
Soybeans slide as year-end trading closes; cash price, meal and oil retreat
January 2, 2026, 12:13 AM EST. Soybeans fell in the New Year's Eve session, with nearby contracts down 13-to-16 cents. January beans faced 1,062 deliveries on FND; the cmdtyView national cash price was $9.64 3/4, down 15 1/4 cents. Soymeal futures were down $1.50-$2.90/ton and soy oil futures fell about 77-88 points. The market will be closed on New Year's Day, with a hard open Friday. CFTC data show managed money at a net long of 110,403 contracts, down 37,375 from the prior week amid backlogged reports. USDA weekly update for 12/18 showed 1.056 MMT of soybeans sold, versus 1.4-2.4 MMT expected; known sales to China through Dec 18 totaled 6.5 MMT. Jan 26 soybeans closed at 10.30 1/2; nearby cash 9.64 3/4.
Top stocks to buy today: Canara Bank, Nykaa named picks for January 2, 2026
January 2, 2026, 12:02 AM EST. Bajaj Broking Research names Canara Bank and Nykaa as top picks for January 2, 2026. For indices, Nifty is seen range-bound in 25,700-26,300 with an upward bias; a close above 26,300 could target 26,500, while 25,700-25,800 and around 26,000 provide near-term support. Bank Nifty is basing in 58,500-60,100; a breakout above 59,500 could push toward 60,100; 58,300-58,600 offers downside support. Canara Bank: buy at ₹153-155, target ₹175 in ~3 months; supports at 145 and 140; resistance near 170 and 175; RSI above 70 signals near-term overbought but trend remains intact. Nykaa: buy at ₹260-265, target ₹292 in ~3 months; weekly chart shows base and a higher high-higher low pattern, suggesting a strengthening trend.
Amanat Holdings among Middle East penny-stock picks as markets diverge
January 2, 2026, 12:01 AM EST. Middle Eastern markets posted mixed results as Egypt outpaced Gulf peers in 2025 while crude prices pressured Saudi equities. Penny stocks, still a shorthand for smaller firms with growth potential, drew attention for financially strong names. Amanat Holdings PJSC stood out on the screener: market cap AED3.20 billion; Education revenue AED495.94 million; Healthcare revenue AED380.40 million. The company posted about 330.2% earnings growth over the past year, aided by a one-off gain of AED68.3 million. Its balance sheet is cash-rich relative to debt with solid short-term asset coverage. The stock trades at a P/E below the industry average and reports a ROE of 8.4%. Despite five-year profit declines, recent results show improving profitability and earnings stability.
E2E Transportation Infrastructure lists on NSE at 90% premium after 527x IPO subscription
January 2, 2026, 12:00 AM EST. E2E Transportation Infrastructure Ltd debuted on the NSE's Emerge platform with a 90% premium to its IPO (initial public offering) price after a 527x subscription. Shares traded at Rs 330.60, vs a Rs 164-174 price band, valuing the company at about Rs 599 crore on listing. The Rs 84-crore issue drew strong demand across investors. The company, a system integrator of Signalling and Telecommunication (S&T) systems for railways, provides end-to-end design, procurement, installation, and testing for mainline, metro projects and private sidings, including Kavach 4.0 safety tech. Promoter group includes Ventureast-backed entities and Zephyr Mantra. For the year ended March 31, 2025, revenue was Rs 251 crore and net profit Rs 14.37 crore; the order book stood above Rs 40 lakh as of Sept 30, 2025. Grey-market chatter had signaled listing gains.
