Cotton Futures Slide as Export Sales Show Mixed Trends
February 6, 2026, 3:07 AM EST. Cotton futures fell by 45 to 50 points across front months Thursday. The market faced pressure despite export sales rising 22.67% week-on-week to 249,836 running bales (RB), yet remaining 10.78% below last year's levels. Vietnam led purchases with 54,000 RB, followed by Pakistan and China. Shipments declined 8.45% from the prior week but were 53.29% higher than in 2025. The Cotlook A Index, a benchmark price for cotton, dropped 20 points to 73.15 cents per pound. ICE certified cotton stocks increased by 11,138 bales to 47,653. The Adjusted World Price fell 42 points to 49.78 cents per pound. These factors alongside a stronger U.S. dollar and lower crude oil prices contributed to cotton's losses.
Soybean Prices Rally Amid Increased Chinese Demand and Export Fluctuations
February 6, 2026, 3:06 AM EST. Soybean futures rose notably on Thursday, with gains of 18 to 21 ¼ cents for most contracts and new crop contracts up 7 to 11 cents. The national average cash bean price climbed 20 cents to $10.47. The rally follows President Trump's push to increase Chinese soybean commitments to 20 million metric tons from 12 million, boosting market optimism. The USDA reported soybean export sales at 436,949 MT for the week ending January 29, down 46.65% from the prior week but up 32.34% year-on-year. China, Egypt, and Mexico were top buyers. Brazilian soybean exports fell 44.54% from December but were up 75.51% from last January. Soymeal futures also advanced, while soy oil remained mostly steady or slightly down.
Wheat Futures Rally on Thursday Despite Lower Export Sales
February 6, 2026, 3:05 AM EST. Wheat futures across Chicago SRW, Kansas City HRW, and Minneapolis markets closed higher Thursday, with gains between 4 and 9 cents. Export sales data showed 373,877 metric tons sold in the week ending January 29, down 33% from the prior week and nearly 15% below last year. The Philippines led purchases, followed by Taiwan and Mexico. Despite the rally, large global supplies remain a weight on prices, with Russia's 2025 wheat crop reported at 93 million metric tons, including occupied Ukrainian territories. March and May contracts for CBOT, KCBT, and MIAX wheat all posted modest gains. The market reflects ongoing tension between demand signals and abundant supply.
Corn Futures Gain on Thursday Amid Mixed Export Sales Data
February 6, 2026, 3:04 AM EST. Corn futures experienced gains on Thursday, with contracts rising 5 to 6 cents. The national average Cash Corn price increased by 5.5 cents to $4.02 3/4. Strength in related commodities like soybeans and meal supported the corn market. Weekly export sales for corn totaled 1.04 million metric tons (MMT), marking a decline of 36.8% from the previous week and 29.5% below the same period last year. Major buyers included Mexico, Japan, and South Korea. Despite a drop in Brazilian corn exports for January, the market saw overall improvement compared to last year. March 2026 corn contracts closed at $4.35, May at $4.43, and July at $4.49 1/4, reflecting positive momentum.
Is Linde Stock Overvalued After Strong Growth Run?
February 6, 2026, 3:03 AM EST. Linde's (LIN) stock has surged nearly 95% over five years, prompting questions on its current valuation. Trading at $459.69, the stock shows a 16.6% premium against Simply Wall St's discounted cash flow (DCF) model intrinsic value of $394.37. The DCF model projects free cash flow growing from $5.72 billion to $9.40 billion by 2030, discounted back to present value, suggesting the market may be pricing in excessive future growth. Linde scored only 1 out of 6 on valuation checks, signaling caution. Investors should weigh the premium against Linde's strong role in industrial gases and clean technology trends before deciding.
Australian Shares Slide 2% on AI Spending Concerns and Mining Sector Weakness
February 6, 2026, 2:53 AM EST. The S&P/ASX 200 index fell 2% to 8,708, marking a one-month low amid a broad sell-off linked to anxieties over heavy artificial intelligence (AI) spending. The index dropped 1.8% for the week, its steepest weekly loss since November 2025. Local tech stocks plunged 3.4%, hitting more than two-year lows, pressured by large capital expenditure plans from U.S. tech firms. Key sector leaders Wisetech Global and Technology One each declined about 5%. The mining sector dropped 2.7% as gold miners fell 3.2%, with heavyweight miners BHP and Fortescue down 3.1% and 1.2%, respectively. A proposed merger between Rio Tinto and Glencore was called off after valuation disputes, ending plans for the world's largest mining company.
Wall Street Dives on Tech Stock Slump and Bitcoin Halving
February 6, 2026, 2:52 AM EST. Wall Street suffered sharp losses Thursday as tech stocks tumbled and bitcoin plunged to about half its peak last fall. The S&P 500 slid 1.2%, marking its sixth drop in seven sessions since an all-time high. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 592 points, or 1.2%, while the Nasdaq dropped 1.6%. Qualcomm shares were hit hard despite beating quarterly profit and revenue forecasts, with memory chip shortages prompting handset makers to reduce orders. Treasury yields fell after unemployment benefit claims rose more than expected, signaling a potential acceleration in layoffs. Employers announced layoffs last month hit their highest level since October, according to Challenger, Gray & Christmas. The market declines reflect mounting concerns over economic and sector-specific pressures.
Euronext Dublin Issues Market Notice
February 6, 2026, 2:50 AM EST. Euronext Dublin released a market notice highlighting the use of select market data from ICE Data Services and reference data from FactSet. The notice also acknowledges copyright claims by FactSet Research Systems Inc. and the American Bankers Association, with the CUSIP database provided by FactSet. SEC filings and related documents are available through Quartr, while TradingView, Inc. contributes additional trading information. This notice clarifies data sources and intellectual property rights relevant to Euronext Dublin's market operations.
Hapag-Lloyd Shares Face Mixed Returns Amid Contrasting Valuations
February 6, 2026, 2:48 AM EST. Hapag-Lloyd (XTRA:HLAG) shows mixed shareholder returns, with a 2.2% year-to-date share price gain contrasting a 9.3% decline over 12 months. The stock trades near €120, above a consensus fair value of €100, indicating it may be overvalued according to analysts. Yet, a discounted cash flow (DCF) model estimates a fair value around €135, reflecting divergent investor views on the shipping company's future earnings. Market optimism hinges on continued container shipping demand driven by globalization and e-commerce, but management warns of slowing volume growth in the latter half of the year. Cost reductions from a greener fleet could challenge the overvaluation view. Investors face a split on Hapag-Lloyd's valuation as they weigh moderate revenue forecasts against potential efficiencies and growth.
Top UK Penny Stocks for February 2026: Key Picks Amid Market Challenges
February 6, 2026, 2:47 AM EST. UK investors eye penny stocks, smaller firms offering growth potential amid FTSE 100 pressures from weak Chinese trade data. Leading names include Begbies Traynor Group (AIM:BEG), with a £195.53 million market cap and robust earnings growth of 296% year-over-year, supported by strong financial health and a rising 3.62% dividend yield. Also spotlighted is Naked Wines plc, valued at £53.09 million, which drives significant revenue through direct-to-consumer sales in the UK, US, and Australia. These stocks present value opportunities during economic shifts, buoyed by financial resilience. Investors should consider these alongside a broader list of 284 screened penny stocks for diversified exposure.
Engie Share Price Rally Spurs Valuation Debate Amid Mixed Analyst Views
February 6, 2026, 2:46 AM EST. Shares of Engie (ENXTPA:ENGI) surged 9.45% in a month and 20.31% over three months, prompting investors to reassess its valuation. Trading near €25.47, slightly above the widely followed fair value estimate of €24.64, the utility faces scrutiny. Analysts are divided with some lifting price targets while others downgrade. At a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 12.5 times, Engie trades below its peer group average of 20.9, suggesting potential for multiple expansion. Risks include margin pressure if energy markets normalize and possible policy or project delays. Investors must weigh whether the current premium reflects mispricing or anticipated growth. A detailed valuation breakdown and stress-testing tools provide further insight for portfolio decisions.
AELIS.PA Dips 6.16% Pre-Market on EURONEXT Amid Clinical Trial and Valuation Concerns
February 6, 2026, 2:31 AM EST. AELIS.PA shares fell 6.16% to €1.37 in early trading on EURONEXT with volume nearly double the average, reflecting heightened investor activity. The Bordeaux biotech faces pressure from upcoming clinical trial readouts and cash runway concerns. Despite trading above its 50- and 200-day moving averages, AELIS.PA reports negative earnings per share of -€0.64 and a price-to-sales ratio of 8.01, signaling stretched valuation for a small-cap biotech. Its debt-to-equity ratio stands at 1.13, pointing to rising leverage. The Meyka AI model assigns a HOLD rating with a fair value estimate of €3.06. Investors should consider risks tied to trial delays, binary outcomes, and sector volatility within healthcare, where peers command substantially higher price-to-earnings ratios.
Waiker Teams with Nasdaq to Bring Full-Depth Order Book Data to Korean Investors
February 6, 2026, 2:30 AM EST. Waiker Partners with Nasdaq to provide South Korean investors with Nasdaq TotalView, offering full-depth order book data previously unavailable in Korea. This enhancement overcomes technological and latency challenges that limited access to the massive data stream-more than 50,000 updates per second-from Nasdaq markets. The collaboration involved building a cloud-native infrastructure enabling real-time, low-latency delivery via Korea Investment & Securities. This lets Korean traders access detailed order flow beyond Level 1 (best bid and ask), matching capabilities enjoyed by U.S. institutional investors. The upgrade aims to reduce slippage and improve trade execution in volatile stocks like Tesla and NVIDIA by revealing true market depth. Waiker's engineering with Nasdaq marks a significant step in leveling the playing field for Korea's active U.S. equity market participants.
US Natural Gas Prices Rise on Record Storage Drawdown and Cold Weather
February 6, 2026, 2:17 AM EST. March Nymex natural gas prices rose 1.27% on Thursday following a record weekly withdrawal of 360 billion cubic feet (bcf) from U.S. gas inventories, the largest ever recorded, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). This draw significantly exceeds the 5-year average of 190 bcf for the same week, tightening supply. Expectations of below-normal temperatures across the eastern U.S. have boosted heating demand, further supporting prices. Meanwhile, cold weather disruptions reduced U.S. gas production by 15% last week. U.S. dry gas production currently stands at 112.5 bcf/day, with demand at 114.2 bcf/day. The EIA has lowered its 2026 production forecast, signaling future supply constraints. Elevated U.S. electricity output and increased LNG exports also add to bullish pressure on natural gas prices.
Lean Hog Futures Slide as Pork Export Sales Drop and Carcass Values Decline
February 6, 2026, 2:16 AM EST. Lean hog futures slipped between 15 and 75 cents on Thursday amid a quiet market. The USDA did not report the national base hog price due to light volume. Export sales of pork fell 37.3% week-on-week, totaling 35,107 metric tons, while export shipments rose slightly by 4.7% year-on-year. The USDA's pork carcass cutout value dropped $1.31 to $94.31 per hundredweight, with only ribs declining sharply. Hog slaughter numbers increased marginally to 495,000 head. February lean hog futures closed down 75 cents at $87.25, April and May contracts also edged lower.
Thursday Sector Declines: Materials and Technology & Communications Lagging
February 6, 2026, 2:15 AM EST. The Materials sector leads Thursday's losses with a 0.8% decline, driven by International Paper Co (IP) down 12.2% and Mosaic Co (MOS) down 3.4% midday. The Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLB) falls 0.6% on the day but remains up 4.67% year-to-date. IP is down 25.29% YTD, while MOS has gained 15.30% YTD. Technology & Communications also struggle, with Fiserv Inc (FI) down 6.6% and Oracle Corp (ORCL) off 4.8% midday. The Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLK) retreats 0.5% but holds a strong 30.64% YTD gain. FI is down sharply 67.90% YTD, while ORCL is up 58.49% YTD. Overall, seven S&P 500 sectors are rising, led by Energy up 1.0%, as Materials remains the lone sector declining midday.
Live Cattle Prices Drop Amid Strike Authorization at JBS Plant
February 6, 2026, 2:03 AM EST. Live cattle futures tumbled Thursday, with contracts losing between $3.20 and $4.05. The Fed Cattle Exchange reported no sales for 1,602 head offered, with bids ranging $235-236. Feeder cattle contracts slid $4.32 to $5.02. Cattle slaughter rose slightly but remains down year-on-year. Beef exports were strong for the week ending Jan. 29, the USDA said, though shipments lagged last year. Meanwhile, JBS workers at a major Colorado plant authorized a strike, adding pressure to cattle markets. Wholesale boxed beef prices also fell, with Choice boxes down 82 cents to $367.20. Market watchers eye potential production disruptions amid labor tensions and slow cash trade activity.
DNB Bank Shares Seen 40% Undervalued Despite Strong Multi-Year Gains
February 6, 2026, 2:01 AM EST. DNB Bank's stock closed at NOK 288.10, up 26.1% over the past year and 87.7% over three years. Despite this strong performance, valuation models suggest the shares remain undervalued by 40.3%, based on excess returns analysis comparing earnings power against shareholder return requirements. The bank's Price-to-Earnings (P/E) ratio still indicates value when considering current profits versus market price. Analysts use these metrics amid sector regulatory scrutiny and changing interest rates to assess whether the stock's price reflects fundamental strength or market sentiment. Investors are weighing if DNB's steady earnings and equity returns justify holding the stock, as its intrinsic value surpasses recent market prices, marking it as an attractive opportunity in the financial sector.
Crown Holdings (CCK) Valuation Examined Amid Recent Price Gains
February 6, 2026, 2:00 AM EST. Crown Holdings (CCK) shares dipped 0.9% in one day after gaining 9.8% over 30 days and 16.7% over 90 days, driven by operational improvements and margin expansion. The stock trades at $114.20, about 6% below the fair value estimate of $121.50, signaling a potential undervaluation despite headwinds from aluminum costs and regional demand softness. Investor interest is growing as the company boosts free cash flow and shareholder returns through efficiency initiatives. Analysts caution on risks but highlight steady revenue gains and buybacks as valuation drivers. The mix of momentum and cautious optimism underpins a solid yet watchful stance for potential investors.
UK Stock Market February 2026 Undervalued Value Picks Amid Global Pressures
February 6, 2026, 1:59 AM EST. The UK stock market faces headwinds with the FTSE 100 slipping on weak Chinese trade data. Investors hunt for undervalued stocks offering growth potential despite market stress. Notable picks include Tekmar Group, PageGroup, and M&C Saatchi, all trading 44-50% below estimated fair value. Coats Group plc, a £1.67 billion manufacturer of apparel components, trades 29% under fair value with projected earnings growth of 27%. Ocado Group, an online grocery operator valued at £1.91 billion, shows 30% undervaluation amid strategic shifts and 7.3% annual revenue growth forecast. These selections reflect opportunities leveraging discounted cash flow (DCF) analysis, signaling potential for savvy investors to capitalize on market fluctuations.
Bloomberg Strategist Warns Bitcoin Crash Could Surpass 1929 Stock Market Crash
February 6, 2026, 1:49 AM EST. Bloomberg Intelligence strategist Mike McGlone compared the recent plunge in Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies to the 1929 U.S. stock market crash, describing the crypto downturn as more intense due to compressed boom-bust cycles. A Bloomberg chart showed the Bloomberg Galaxy Crypto Index (BGCI) experiencing rapid swings of over 30% losses and 20% rallies within a short timeframe, contrasting with the gradual 40% Dow decline over months. As of February 6, 2026, Bitcoin traded near $65,480, down 48% from its October peak. Despite volatility and a 'crypto winter', institutional backing includes a $95 billion U.S. spot Bitcoin ETF and Treasury holdings by 170-plus companies. Bitcoin's 56% market share and $168 billion daily volume underline its ongoing dominance, differing fundamentally from the 1929 industrial Dow index.
Nasdaq-Listed StoneX to Expand in Birmingham with Jefferson County Incentives
February 6, 2026, 1:48 AM EST. Jefferson County approved a tax abatement and jobs incentive package for StoneX, a Nasdaq-listed, Fortune 50 financial services company expanding its presence in Birmingham. The expansion includes $10.9 million in capital investment and 88 new jobs with an average annual wage of $85,281. County leaders see this as a sign of growth in the finance and insurance sector, reversing previous job losses and consolidation. The incentives include a $250,000 jobs grant and tax abatements. Over 10 years, the county expects to gain $1.1 million in general fund revenue and $600,000 for education. Officials say the project signals momentum for the local economy and financial sector.
Sugar Prices Fall on Forecast of Global Surplus and Strong Production
February 6, 2026, 1:46 AM EST. Sugar prices declined on Thursday, with March NY world sugar down 1.18% and London ICE white sugar down 0.95%, pressured by forecasts of ample global supplies. Analysts from Czarnikow project a global sugar surplus of 3.4 million metric tons (MMT) for the 2026/27 crop year, following an 8.3 MMT surplus in 2025/26. Brazil's sugar output for 2025/26 is expected to rise around 0.9% year-on-year to over 40 MMT, while India's 2025/26 production was raised to 31 MMT, boosted by lower ethanol diversion and potential export increases. These surpluses are driving prices lower amid forecasts of sustained higher production. However, some expect the global surplus to decline to 1.4 MMT in 2026/27 as low prices may curb production.
PROAC.PA stock rises 9.09% pre-market on EURONEXT with short-term upside
February 6, 2026, 1:45 AM EST. PROAC.PA shares jumped 9.09% pre-market on EURONEXT, trading at €0.048 versus Wednesday's close of €0.044. The move puts Proactis SA among top gainers with volume of 6,830 shares amid low liquidity. Short-term momentum is supported by a price just above the 50-day average of €0.04828 but below the 200-day average of €0.05507. Mixed fundamentals show a small net loss, with EPS at -0.01 and PE of -4.80, though free cash flow yield stands at 33.41%. Meyka AI assigns a B+ buy rating with a score of 72. Traders eye key technical levels near €0.05 for confirmation. Analyst consensus is absent, but projections suggest modest upside, with a base scenario at €0.05 and optimistic at €0.08.
Nationals Make Offer to Reunite with Liberals Amid ASX $64bn Fall
February 6, 2026, 1:44 AM EST. Nationals MP Darren Chester says his party made a 'constructive' offer to reunite with the Liberals by proposing collective responsibility for three senators' actions and suspending all former frontbenchers until February. The Liberals, led by Sussan Ley, are expected to reject the offer as it lacks direct punishment for the senators. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese hailed a new security treaty with Indonesia as 'very significant' for fostering defence infrastructure and economic ties. The Australian share market, ASX, saw a sharp drop with $64 billion wiped off market value. A senior Liberal frontbencher signalled readiness to succeed without Nationals if coalition talks fail.
XPO Stock Surges 40% Amid Manufacturing Rebound and Strong Q4 Results
February 6, 2026, 1:31 AM EST.XPO Logistics, a leading less-than-truckload carrier, has gained nearly 40% year-to-date, driven by a recent manufacturing rebound and robust Q4 performance. The company posted a 5% revenue increase to $2.01 billion, surpassing estimates, and improved margins through better service metrics and reduced outsourced linehaul miles. Strong manufacturing data from the Institute of Supply Management, showing expansion for the first time in over two years, boosted investor confidence. Approximately two-thirds of XPO's shipments involve industrial goods, making it sensitive to manufacturing trends. With volumes currently flat despite winter storms and potential capacity constraints in the LTL industry following Yellow bankruptcy, XPO could see further price and profit gains if industrial demand normalizes, according to Chief Strategy Officer Ali Faghri.
Tech Sell-Off and Crypto Plunge Weigh on Stocks as S&P Hits 1.5-Month Low
February 6, 2026, 1:29 AM EST. The S&P 500 fell 1.23%, reaching a 1.5-month low, while the Nasdaq 100 dropped 1.38% to a 2.5-month low amid ongoing tech sector weakness. Qualcomm led chip stocks down with an 8% decline after forecasting weaker Q2 revenue. Cybersecurity stocks also dropped, with CrowdStrike down 9%. The sell-off accelerated on January job cuts surging 117.8% year-over-year and rising unemployment claims, signaling labor market softness. U.S. job openings hit a 5.25-year low. Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook backed recent rate hikes to fight inflation. Bitcoin plunged over 12% to a 1.25-year low, down nearly 50% from October highs, amid ETF outflows totaling $5 billion in three months. Markets now focus on Q4 earnings and consumer sentiment data as volatility persists.
January's Most Popular Stocks and Funds Amid Market Volatility
February 6, 2026, 1:28 AM EST. January saw volatile markets driven by geopolitical tensions, including US actions in Venezuela and Greenland. Investors flocked to gold, a safe haven asset, pushing prices to new highs before a late-month pullback due to the dollar's strength. Major stock markets posted gains: the US S&P 500 rose 1.5%; UK FTSE All Share up 3.1%; MSCI Europe ex-UK climbed 2.4%; MSCI Emerging Markets surged 8.9%. JPMorgan Asset Management noted increased investor risk appetite and diversified equity gains, with US small caps up 5% contrasting modest 1% growth in tech giants, dubbed the "Magnificent 7". Precious metals miner Fresnillo topped Fidelity and other platforms' buy lists, reflecting a boost in demand for resource-linked stocks amid market shifts.
Sugar Prices Decline Amid Large Global Supplies and Production Gains
February 6, 2026, 1:18 AM EST. Sugar prices fell sharply with October New York world sugar down 2.11% and October London white sugar dropping 1.45%. Global supply growth pressured markets, as Brazil's Center-South sugar output rose 8% year-on-year to 20.753 million metric tons, with the full 2024/25 season projected to reach a record 46.292 million tons. India's above-average monsoon rains suggest a large crop, though export restrictions remain to ensure domestic use and ethanol production. Despite Thailand's heat damage risks reducing yields, its sugar output so far exceeds earlier estimates. Prices briefly rose last week on export control news from India but remain near multi-year lows amid abundant supplies worldwide.
Australian Shares Slide as Rio Tinto Abandons Glencore Merger Plan
February 6, 2026, 1:16 AM EST. Australian shares dropped sharply, hitting a 20-day low, driven by a Wall Street selloff amid concerns over artificial intelligence, precious metals, and cryptocurrencies. The S&P/ASX 200 fell 2.03% to 8,708.80. Rio Tinto Group scrapped merger talks with Glencore, citing a lack of shareholder value. REA Group reported down fiscal earnings but slight revenue growth, with shares falling nearly 7%. Web Travel Group's Spain unit is under tax audit, causing shares to plunge nearly 30%. The Reserve Bank of Australia highlighted inflation risks and cautioned that productivity gains from AI adoption will take decades.
Coffee Prices Rebound Amid Decline in Brazil Exports and Changing Global Supply
February 6, 2026, 1:15 AM EST. Coffee prices rebounded on Thursday as short covering boosted robusta futures despite a recent slide driven by plentiful supplies. Brazil's crop agency Conab forecast a record 2026 coffee output, with a 17.2% year-on-year rise, increasing arabica and robusta production. However, Brazil's January coffee exports plunged 42.4% year-on-year, sparking a price recovery. Weather conditions eased dryness concerns, with above-average rainfall in Minas Gerais benefiting arabica crops. Meanwhile, Vietnam, the world's largest robusta producer, reported a 17.5% annual export increase for 2025, pressuring robusta prices. ICE coffee inventories, after hitting lows, have rebounded, weighing on prices. The International Coffee Organization noted a slight global export decline, but USDA projects 2% higher world coffee output in 2025/26, with robusta rising and arabica falling.
Dollar Strength and Easing US-Iran Tensions Pressure Crude Oil Prices
February 6, 2026, 1:14 AM EST. March WTI crude oil fell 2.84% and March RBOB gasoline dropped 1.96% on Thursday. The dollar index surged to a 1.5-week high, pressuring commodity prices. Easing US-Iran tensions weighed on crude after Iran confirmed talks with the US scheduled for Friday. The announcement reduced fears of military confrontation that previously supported prices. Weaker-than-expected US labor data, including higher job cuts and rising initial unemployment claims, signaled slower economic growth and energy demand. Additional bearish factors include rising crude exports from Venezuela and Russia dampening hopes for a Ukraine peace settlement. Market watchers noted price support from potential US tariff rollbacks on India, linked to India cutting Russian oil imports.
Corn Futures Rise Midday Thursday Amid Soybean Strength and Export Data
February 6, 2026, 1:13 AM EST. Corn futures gained 5 to 5 ½ cents on Thursday, with December contracts up 3 cents, reflecting spillover strength from soybeans and meal. The national average cash corn price rose 5 cents to $4.01 1/4. Weekly export sales reached 1.04 million metric tons, below estimates and down nearly 30% from last year, suggesting weaker demand. Nearby March 26 corn futures climbed 5 1/4 cents to $4.34 3/4. The December average close of $4.56 is below last year's February price of $4.70, which influences spring base crop insurance. Market watchers are closely following these price moves amid fluctuating export figures and broader commodity trends.
Cocoa Prices Rise Sharply as Demand Concerns Ease
February 6, 2026, 1:12 AM EST. Cocoa prices surged on Thursday, with March ICE NY cocoa up 3.01% and London cocoa gaining 3.13%, after Hershey projected a stronger 2026 outlook, easing demand worries. Prices had recently hit multi-year lows due to ample supplies and weak consumer demand, highlighted by a sales volume drop at Barry Callebaut and declines in cocoa grindings across Europe and Asia. Global stock increases and a forecasted surplus also pressured prices. However, slower cocoa shipments from Ivory Coast, the world's top producer, alongside better-than-average crop conditions in West Africa, support prices. ICE warehouse cocoa stocks in U.S. ports have rebounded, adding complexity to market dynamics.
Nifty50 Opens Lower Ahead of RBI Policy; BSE Sensex Drops Over 100 Points
February 6, 2026, 1:05 AM EST. Indian stock markets opened lower on Thursday ahead of the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) monetary policy decision. The Nifty50 fell 0.42% to 25,535.55, while BSE Sensex declined 0.32% to 83,043.21 by mid-morning. Investors remained cautious, showing a wait-and-watch approach amid a lack of fresh domestic catalysts. Global markets weakened with S&P 500 futures down 0.9% and Asian indices falling similarly, intensifying the risk-off sentiment. Foreign portfolio investors sold shares worth Rs 2,150 crore, though domestic institutional investors bought Rs 1,130 crore. Experts expect no rate cut today, but the RBI may adopt a dovish tone and revise growth forecasts. Tech and AI stock weakness abroad could bode well for India long-term if the trend continues. Overall, markets remain in consolidation mode amid uncertainties.
Sensex, Nifty Open Lower as IT Stocks Slide; TCS, TechM Drop Over 2%
February 6, 2026, 1:04 AM EST. India's benchmark indices saw early declines with the S&P BSE Sensex down 217 points to 83,097 and NSE Nifty50 slipping 80 points to 25,563. IT stocks led losses amid a global tech selloff. Tata Consultancy Services fell 2.15%, Tech Mahindra dropped 1.66%, and Infosys shed 1.46%. Investors remain cautious ahead of the Reserve Bank of India's monetary policy committee (MPC) decision on repo rates, the rate at which the central bank lends to commercial banks. Global tech shares, including the Nasdaq, weakened by 6% from recent peaks. Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) are selling in India, increasing short positions, signalling near-term market weakness. Bajaj Finance and Power Grid bucked the trend, posting early gains. Analysts highlight that a further decline in AI-related stocks may benefit India's market over the medium term.
Dollar Gains on Stock Selloff and Hawkish Fed Comments Despite Labor Market Concerns
February 6, 2026, 1:03 AM EST. The dollar index rose to a 1.5-week high, gaining 0.23% on Thursday, driven by a stock selloff that increased demand for dollar liquidity. Fed Governor Lisa Cook's hawkish remarks, highlighting inflation risks, bolstered the currency. However, labor market data showed weakness: January job cuts surged to the highest since 2009, weekly jobless claims hit an 8-week high, and December job openings fell to a 5.25-year low. These factors restrained dollar gains and hint at potential Federal Reserve easing. The euro declined on a stronger dollar despite mixed Eurozone data and the ECB maintaining rates. Market expectations point to diverging central bank policies in 2026, with the Fed likely to cut rates, the Bank of Japan to raise them, and the ECB remaining steady.
Cotton Futures Decline Amid Mixed Export Sales Data
February 6, 2026, 1:02 AM EST. Cotton futures fell 45 to 51 points midday Thursday, with March cotton down 51 points to 61.73 cents per pound. Export sales reached 249,836 running bales (RB) last week, up 22.67% from the week before but 10.78% below the same week in 2025. Shipments dropped 8.45% week-over-week to 235,313 RB, although they surged 53.29% compared to last year. The Cotlook A Index, a global cotton price benchmark, dipped 20 points to 73.15 cents. ICE certified stocks increased by 11,138 bales to 47,653. Meanwhile, crude oil futures fell $1.48 to $63.63 per barrel, and the U.S. dollar index rose to 97.660. Market watchers await updated prices later Thursday for further insight.
Soybean Prices Rally on Thursday Amid Increased Chinese Demand
February 6, 2026, 1:01 AM EST. Soybean futures climbed 15 to 17 cents on Thursday, with November's new crop up 8 ¼ cents amid strong trading. The national average cash bean price rose 15 ¾ cents to $10.44. Soymeal futures gained over $7, while soy oil futures dipped slightly. The rally follows President Trump's call to boost Chinese soybean purchases to 20 million metric tons from 12 million. USDA's Export Sales report showed weekly soybean sales at 436,949 MT, below estimates and down 46.65% from last week but up 32.34% year-on-year. Soybean meal and oil sales were within mixed expectations. The spring crop insurance price average remains higher than last year at $10.81 versus $10.54. Key futures prices climbed significantly, reflecting bullish market sentiment.
Wheat Futures Rise Amid Steady Export Sales, Large Global Supplies
February 6, 2026, 1:00 AM EST. Wheat futures gained across major U.S. markets Thursday, with Chicago SRW up 8-9 cents and Kansas City HRW rising 7-8 cents by midday. Minneapolis spring wheat edged higher by 2-3 cents. Recent export sales reported 373,877 MT for the week ending Jan. 29, below analyst expectations and down 33% from the prior week, indicating moderate demand. Oversupply pressures persist, with Russia's 2025 wheat crop at 93 million metric tons, including occupied Ukrainian territories, while 2026 projections stand at 83 million MT. Key futures prices: March 26 CBOT wheat at $5.35 1/2, May 26 CBOT at $5.44 1/2. Market watchers balance bullish price moves with large global stockpiles, keeping outlook cautious.
Flowco Holdings (FLOC) Shares Down 24% Annually but Show Undervalued Signals
February 6, 2026, 12:59 AM EST. Flowco Holdings' (FLOC) share price fell 24.4% over the past year, closing at $21.26. Despite this decline, the company recorded 11.8% gains year-to-date amid ongoing interest in the energy sector. A Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) analysis estimates Flowco's intrinsic value at $63.78 per share, suggesting a 66.7% undervaluation relative to current prices. The DCF projects free cash flow rising from $91.8 million to $305.9 million by 2035. Flowco trades at a Price-to-Earnings (P/E) ratio of 13.56, below the Energy Services industry average of 23.16, reflecting the market's cautious stance. Investors are weighing sector sentiment alongside these metrics to gauge the stock's potential after its recent setbacks.
Securities Firms Outperform Banks in South Korea's Bullish Market
February 6, 2026, 12:58 AM EST.Securities firms in South Korea are overtaking banks and financial holding companies in market capitalization and net income. Mirae Asset Securities recently surpassed Woori Financial Group, a major banking group, reaching a market cap of 26.93 trillion won ($18.31 billion). Korea Investment & Securities is poised to post over 2 trillion won in net income in 2025, exceeding NH NongHyup Bank's 1.57 trillion won. This is the first time a securities firm has outperformed any top-four bank holding company, driven by a strong KOSPI index surpassing 5,000 points and record trading volumes generating significant brokerage fees. Industry officials highlight this shift as unusual, noting banks traditionally dominate due to stable interest income. Financial groups are now urged to diversify beyond traditional banking amid this evolving landscape.
AI-driven sell-off hits software stocks amid debate over sector's future
February 6, 2026, 12:54 AM EST. New AI tools from Anthropic triggered a sharp sell-off in software-as-a-service (SaaS) and data stocks, sparking fears over traditional software business models. The S&P 500 Software & Services Index dropped over 4%, extending losses to eight sessions and falling about 20% this year. Shares of key players like Thomson Reuters, Salesforce, and LegalZoom saw heavy declines, affecting global IT firms too. Nvidia's CEO Jensen Huang called the panic "illogical," asserting AI will enhance rather than replace software, a view shared by Arm Holdings' CEO Rene Haas. Despite optimistic executive views, hedge funds have shorted $24 billion in software stocks this year, reflecting investor caution. Analysts remain divided on AI's long-term impact, as Anthropic continues to advance new AI models that challenge existing market assumptions.
Asian Penny Stocks to Watch in February 2026
February 6, 2026, 12:48 AM EST. Asian penny stocks remain in focus amidst steady interest rates and economic shifts. Key picks include YKGI, Lever Style, and Asia Medical, each rated six stars for financial health. Natural Food International Holding (HK$2.34B market cap) stands out with 28.3% profit growth, debt-free status, and strong assets surpassing liabilities. Biosino Bio-Technology, with lower ratings and HK$690M market cap, concentrates on in-vitro diagnostic reagents in China. The market shows potential in smaller-cap firms combining solid fundamentals with growth prospects, appealing to investors seeking value in Asia's less-traded segments. Full screening lists 953 Asian penny stocks, underscoring the breadth of available opportunities amid volatility and varying sector dynamics.
Plains All American Pipeline Shares Appear Deeply Undervalued Despite Strong Multi-Year Gains
February 6, 2026, 12:45 AM EST. Plains All American Pipeline (PAA) stock closed at $19.97, up 10.6% over the past month and gaining over 256% in five years. Despite these strong multi-year returns, Simply Wall St's discounted cash flow (DCF) model values PAA at $59.99 per share, indicating the stock is trading at a roughly 66.7% discount to its intrinsic value. The model projects free cash flow climbing from $1.54 billion in 2026 to $1.85 billion by 2030, supporting the undervaluation thesis. Investors continue to assess PAA as an income-focused midstream energy player, with focus on capital allocation, fee-based cash flows, and exposure to U.S. energy volumes. The stock's modest 8.8% return over the last year trails peers, highlighting potential market cautiousness amid risk reassessment.
Neste Oyj (HLSE:NESTE) Appears Undervalued Despite 80% Rally, Says DCF Model
February 6, 2026, 12:42 AM EST. Neste Oyj's stock has surged 80.1% over the past year, closing at €20.63. Despite this strong rally, a Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) analysis suggests the shares are undervalued by 61.7%, with an intrinsic value estimate of €53.89 per share. Neste's latest twelve-month Free Cash Flow stands at approximately €331.6 million, projected to reach €1.98 billion by 2030. However, the company's price-to-sales (P/S) ratio of 0.81x is below the Oil and Gas sector average of 1.43x. Simply Wall St's six-point valuation checklist scores Neste 3 out of 6. The mixed metrics highlight ongoing investor reassessment amid volatile returns, which include 50.2% and 56.6% declines over three and five years respectively.
Kemper (KMPR) Faces Prolonged Share Price Decline Amid Investor Reassessment
February 6, 2026, 12:39 AM EST.Kemper (KMPR) is under pressure after a steep 50.68% drop in its 1-year shareholder return and ongoing declines in shorter periods. Trading at $33.46, shares sit well below an average analyst price target of $60.25, reflecting a 63% intrinsic discount. Analyst forecasts suggest a cautious fair value of $35, indicating modest undervaluation but mixed investor sentiment. The company reported annual revenue of $4.8 billion and net income of $143.3 million, emphasizing its role as a diversified U.S. insurance holding firm. Market watchers note potential upside if Kemper's specialty auto lines grow or share buybacks boost earnings per share. Risks remain, and investors are urged to scrutinize growth prospects carefully.
Australia's EOS shares halted after 16% drop on short-sell report
February 6, 2026, 12:26 AM EST. Shares of Australia's EOS were halted in trading following a sharp 16% decline sparked by a short-sell report. Short-selling involves betting on a stock's decline by borrowing shares to sell them, aiming to buy back at a lower price. The halt reflects market sensitivity to the report's allegations or insights. Regulators often pause trading to prevent excessive volatility and to allow investors to digest new information. EOS's trading suspension underscores the ongoing tensions short-sell reports can introduce, potentially impacting investor sentiment and stock valuation.
Is MetLife (MET) Undervalued After Recent Share Price Drop?
February 6, 2026, 12:25 AM EST. MetLife's shares dropped 7.3% over the past year, closing at $75.32. Despite this, valuation models indicate potential undervaluation. An Excess Returns analysis estimates intrinsic value at $180.06 per share, suggesting the stock could be undervalued by 58.2%. This model compares MetLife's return on equity against its cost of equity, showing the insurer generates significant value above required return. Investors weigh its large U.S. insurance market position against sector risks like interest rate trends and capital requirements. The recent pullback may reflect broader industry concerns rather than company-specific issues. MetLife's 3-year and 5-year returns remain strong at 16.8% and 58.5%, respectively, despite short-term declines. Potential investors should watch sector dynamics carefully, considering multiple valuation approaches beyond share price alone.
Bitcoin Faces Liquidity Challenges Unlike Gold, Says QCP Capital
February 6, 2026, 12:15 AM EST. Bitcoin is navigating a liquidity squeeze that gold never encountered, according to Darius Sit, co-founder of QCP Capital. While comparisons between bitcoin and gold often focus on price, Sit highlights that bitcoin's market dynamics reflect forced position unwinds rather than a collapse in its investment thesis. Gold benefits from sovereign demand and massive market scale, with daily price swings larger than bitcoin's entire valuation. The October 10 crypto deleveraging event exposed stark differences in liquidity and credit handling between bitcoin and altcoins, underscoring crypto exchanges' vulnerabilities due to their simpler risk management structures. Unlike traditional markets, crypto venues can become single points of failure, risking socialized loss where winning traders cover others' bankruptcies, damaging trust and setting a real limit on institutional participation.
Costco Shares Up 15% in 2026: Strong Sales and Digital Growth Fuel Momentum
February 6, 2026, 12:13 AM EST. Costco's stock has climbed about 15% year to date, outperforming the near-flat S&P 500 in 2026. The wholesale retailer's strength lies in its steady sales growth, with January same-store sales up 7.1% year over year, excluding gasoline and currency impacts. Digital sales, now 10% of total revenue, surged over 33% in January, highlighting the success of recent initiatives like a $10 monthly credit for delivery orders via its platform and partners such as Instacart. As investors move away from riskier growth stocks, Costco's reliable membership model and focus on essentials continue drawing interest. The question remains whether this momentum signals further gains or if the stock has priced in its strong fundamentals.
Asian Growth Stocks Boast Strong Insider Ownership Amid Market Shifts
February 6, 2026, 12:11 AM EST. Asian growth stocks with high insider ownership demonstrate resilience amid global economic and geopolitical challenges. Companies like Streamax Technology, Laopu Gold, and Guangzhou Tinci Materials show insider stakes above 30%, aligning management with shareholder interests. Earnings growth rates are robust, with Guangzhou Tinci Materials exhibiting an 83.3% surge. Philippine digital entertainment firm DigiPlus Interactive, with 24.8% insider ownership, expects 14.8% earnings growth, trading below estimated fair value despite previous net income dips. In China, Toread Holdings Group's 13.6% insider ownership supports projected revenue growth of 22.7%, outpacing national averages. Insider ownership signals confidence in long-term value creation in Asia's volatile market landscape.
Asian Market Value Picks Spotlight Undervalued Stocks Including Nanjing Leads Biolabs
February 6, 2026, 12:10 AM EST.Asian markets show mixed trends with China's CSI 300 steady and Hong Kong's Hang Seng rising. Investors eye undervalued stocks amid volatility. Nanjing Leads Biolabs (HK$12.79 billion market cap) trades 16.7% below estimated fair value at HK$64.3, with forecasted revenue growth of 55.8% annually. Fast Track FDA designations could accelerate drug approvals, boosting future earnings despite current low revenue. Qingdao Baheal Medical also appears undervalued by 14.1% at CN¥23.93, with strong earnings growth projected at 29.6% per year. Other notable deep value stocks include Thai Coconut, Sino Medical Sciences, and Restar, trading at nearly 50% discounts to fair value. These picks emerge from a specialized cash flow-based screener focusing on Asian firms presenting potential market inefficiencies.
Top Stocks to Buy February 6, 2026: Bajaj Broking Picks Lloyds Metals, JSW Energy
February 6, 2026, 12:02 AM EST. Bajaj Broking Research highlights Lloyds Metals and Energy and JSW Energy as top stock picks for February 6, 2026. Indian markets experienced sharp swings last week amid the Union Budget, the US-India trade deal, and US-Iran tensions. The Nifty index dropped to 24,572 on increased Securities Transaction Tax but rebounded strongly to an intraday high of 26,341 after the trade deal announcement. It closed near 25,600, with strong support at 25,000-25,200 signaling a buy-on-dips strategy. Bank Nifty hit a record 61,764 before retreating to around 60,000, supported at 59,200-59,500. Both indices face continued volatility due to global uncertainties and the upcoming Reserve Bank of India monetary policy decision.
GE Vernova's Shares Surge 97% in One Year Amid Overvaluation Concerns
February 6, 2026, 12:01 AM EST.GE Vernova (GEV) shares have surged nearly 97% over the past year, closing recently at $737.53. Despite strong gains, a Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) analysis estimates its intrinsic value at about $668 per share, suggesting a 10.4% premium in current pricing. The DCF model projects free cash flow reaching $10.55 billion by 2030, yet the stock trades at a high price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 40.7, indicating investor expectations for robust growth. However, GE Vernova scores only 1 out of 6 on valuation checks, raising questions about whether the share price fully reflects the company's business fundamentals. Investors are closely watching the stock given recent updates and its strong price momentum amid valuation scrutiny.
Trex Company Shares Show Short-Term Gains Amid Long-Term Declines, Valuation Debate Continues
February 6, 2026, 12:00 AM EST. Trex Company (TREX) shares gained 14.81% over 30 days and 20.07% year-to-date, despite a 1.76% decline in the latest session. However, total shareholder returns reveal longer-term losses, down 41.25% over one year and 58.63% over five years, highlighting extended pressure. The stock trades near its fair value of $42.80 but below a discounted cash flow (DCF) model valuation of $49.86, showing a 13.7% premium over current prices. The debate centers on whether recent momentum indicates a buying opportunity or if future growth is priced in. Trex benefits from rising demand for sustainable decking products but faces risks from softer remodeling demand and increased competition, potentially impacting margins. Investors must weigh differing valuation views amid market shifts.
