Wall Street Feels the Heat (and Thrill): Fed Cuts, Tariffs & Mega-Mergers Set NYSE Buzz
5 February 2026
71 mins read

Stock Market Today 05.02.2026


LIVEMarkets rolling coverageStarted: Updated:

Soybeans Rally on Trump's China Soybean Purchase Comments

February 5, 2026, 10:59 AM EST. Soybean futures surged early Monday by 19 to 21 cents following a late Sunday social media post by President Trump, who said China is concerned about its soybean shortage and hoped it would quadruple orders from U.S. farmers. This lifted market hopes for increased Chinese demand despite recent price losses on Friday. Cash bean prices fell slightly, but soybean meal prices edged higher. Managed money increased net short positions, while commercials reduced theirs ahead of the U.S. Crop Production report, expected Tuesday. Analysts project a soybean yield of 53 bushels per acre and production of 4.374 billion bushels, up 39 million from July. New crop soybean stocks are forecast up 41 million bushels to 351 million. Market reactions reflect tight global supplies and trade tensions, as traders await detailed U.S. production data.

Should Investors Buy Amazon Stock Ahead of Q4 Earnings?

February 5, 2026, 10:58 AM EST. Amazon's upcoming Q4 earnings report is drawing investor attention amid cautious market sentiment. Market watchers are weighing Amazon.com's growth prospects in retail and cloud computing against challenges like supply chain disruptions and inflation pressures. The report could set the tone for how the stock performs in the near term, given its substantial role in the tech and consumer sectors. Investors face a crucial decision: to buy ahead of the release, betting on strong results, or wait for clearer signals from the company's performance. Analyst forecasts vary, reflecting uncertainty over consumer demand trends and Amazon Web Services' growth. The Q4 report offers a key opportunity to gauge Amazon's resilience in a complex economic landscape.

QQQ Stock Falls 2.1% Amid Mixed Tech Earnings and AI Concerns

February 5, 2026, 10:57 AM EST. The Invesco QQQ Trust ETF (QQQ), tracking the Nasdaq-100 index, dropped about 2.1% on February 4, 2026, falling to around $603.6 by mid-afternoon U.S. trading. Despite strong earnings reports from major tech firms, investor sentiment turned cautious due to warning signs in forward guidance and concerns over demand and pricing power. The market's split view on artificial intelligence (AI) also weighed on performance; hardware and platform companies benefit from AI advances, while traditional software and data analytics firms face pressure from automation fears. Heavy concentration in mega-cap tech names magnifies volatility in the QQQ, accentuating declines even as smaller components remain stable. This shows that even with positive earnings, growth-focused ETFs like QQQ can see notable swings amid evolving market risks.

Invesco QQQ Shares Drop 1.7% Amid Nasdaq Weakness and Tech Selloff

February 5, 2026, 10:56 AM EST. Invesco QQQ (NASDAQ:QQQ) shares fell 1.7% Wednesday, hitting an intraday low of $600.47 before closing at $605.75. Volume surged 41% above average with 79.6 million shares traded, reflecting heightened market activity. Institutional buying from Penserra Capital Management signals some support, but broad Nasdaq declines and pressure on mega-cap tech stocks dragged QQQ lower. Technical analysts warn of a potential major breakdown in the Nasdaq-100 index, which could prompt further ETF outflows. The recent quarterly dividend rose to $0.7941, yielding 0.5%. Rising market volatility fueled by Fed policy uncertainty and rotation from growth to defensives compounds downward pressure on QQQ this week.

Cotton Prices Rise on Wednesday Amid Steady Gains and Market Updates

February 5, 2026, 10:54 AM EST. Cotton prices rose modestly on Wednesday, with front month futures gaining up to 8 points after falling sharply on Tuesday. The Mar 26 cotton contract traded at 62.39 cents per pound, up 8 points, while May and July contracts were steady to slightly higher. The US dollar strengthened to 97.570, and crude oil futures increased by $1.92 to $65.14 per barrel. Tuesday's online auction from The Seam recorded sales at 55.62 cents per pound on 8,680 bales. ICE certified cotton stocks rose by 2,247 to 36,515 bales as of February 3, while the Cotlook A Index fell further to 73.35 cents. The Adjusted World Price stood at 50.23 cents per pound last week. These shifts highlight a cautious market with mixed signals across commodities.

Bob's Discount Furniture debuts on NYSE at $17, targets 500 stores by 2035

February 5, 2026, 10:53 AM EST. Bob's Discount Furniture, known for affordable home furniture, will begin trading on the New York Stock Exchange Thursday with an IPO price of $17 per share, within its expected range of $17-$19. Founded in 1991 and based in Manchester, Connecticut, the company operates 206 stores across 26 states and aims to expand to over 500 by 2035. It differentiates itself through a value-focused model, offering prices about 10% to 25% below competitors by curating fewer items, leveraging bulk buying, and maintaining efficient supply chains. Bob's emphasizes fast delivery, promising most orders in as few as three days, compared with typical weeks-long waits. Shares will trade under the ticker symbol BOBS.

Market Slip as Chip and AI Stocks Weigh on S&P and Nasdaq

February 5, 2026, 10:52 AM EST. The S&P 500 fell 0.51% to a two-week low, while the Nasdaq 100 dropped 1.77% to a seven-week low on Wednesday. Investors sold off high-flying chipmakers and AI infrastructure stocks, with Advanced Micro Devices plunging over 17% after a weak Q1 sales forecast. Super Micro Computer and Amgen bucked the trend, rising 13% and 8% respectively on strong sales outlooks. Economic data was mixed: January ADP employment gains missed forecasts, while the ISM services index held firm. Sentiment improved following the U.S. government funding deal signed by President Trump. Treasury plans $125 billion in debt auctions next week. Mortgage applications fell 8.9%. The focus shifts to earnings and economic releases this week, with most S&P 500 firms surpassing expectations so far this quarter.

Elon Musk's xAI-SpaceX Mega-Merger May Impact SpaceX IPO Plans

February 5, 2026, 10:50 AM EST. Elon Musk has merged SpaceX and his AI-focused firm xAI, creating a private entity valued around $1.25 trillion. This mega-merger includes xAI's Grok and the social media platform X, as well as the massive supercomputer Colossus. While this makes SpaceX potentially the world's most valuable private company, Musk aims to list SpaceX on the stock market later this year. The IPO could be the largest ever, possibly exceeding Saudi Aramco's $30 billion record. Analysts suggest the merger signals Musk's ambition to unify his ventures, potentially combining SpaceX with Tesla, a $1.6 trillion public company. This consolidation might affect SpaceX's IPO trajectory, either enhancing its appeal or delaying public market entry. The move reflects Musk's strategy to centralize his tech empire while offering investors new opportunities to engage with pioneering space and AI businesses.

Cocoa Prices Fall Amid Surplus and Weak Demand Ahead of Ivory Coast Harvest

February 5, 2026, 10:41 AM EST. Cocoa prices dropped sharply on Wednesday, with March ICE NY cocoa down 4.98% and London cocoa 3.72%, pressured by abundant global supplies and weak demand. Global cocoa stocks rose 4.2% year-on-year to 1.1 million metric tons, while forecasts predict ongoing surpluses in the 2025/26 and 2026/27 seasons. Demand slumped as consumers hesitated at high chocolate prices; Barry Callebaut reported a 22% sales volume decline in its cocoa division. European and Asian cocoa grindings also fell significantly in Q4, signaling sluggish consumption. Contrastingly, Ivory Coast farmers' shipments dipped slightly by 4.7%, and favorable West African growing conditions suggest a robust new harvest. However, rising inventories in U.S. ports and healthy pod counts exert downward pressure on prices despite these factors.

Rebecca Ferguson Reflects on 'Scary' On-Set Incident with 'Idiot' Co-Star

February 5, 2026, 10:40 AM EST. Rebecca Ferguson, star of "Dune," recounted a frightening on-set experience where a male co-star yelled at her, saying, "You call yourself an actor?" In a new Harper's Bazaar UK interview, she said she would now handle it by addressing the issue privately. The actress described feeling vulnerable and crying after the encounters, with no support from producers who protected the top-billed actor. Ferguson emphasized the importance of recent cultural shifts, saying, "The pendulum needs to swing to the other side" to achieve balance. The incident, which she first spoke about in February 2024, drew support from Dwayne Johnson. Ferguson's reflections highlight the continuing conversation about workplace respect in entertainment.

Wheat Prices Dip on Wednesday Amid Anticipation of Export Sales Data

February 5, 2026, 10:38 AM EST. Wheat futures traded lower Wednesday, with Chicago Soft Red Winter (SRW) contracts down 1-2 cents, Kansas City Hard Red Winter (HRW) falling 2-3 cents, and Minneapolis spring wheat slipping 1-2 cents. The market awaits U.S. Export Sales data due Thursday, where analysts forecast wheat sales between 300,000 and 600,000 metric tons for the week ending January 29. March 2026 CBOT wheat futures were at $5.27 per bushel, May 2026 contracts at $5.36. Barchart commodities analysis remains available for traders tracking these moves. The drop reflects cautious positioning ahead of the import-export data, a crucial indicator for wheat market sentiment and global supply-demand balance.

Corn Prices Slip Lower in Early Thursday Trade Amid Mixed Market Signals

February 5, 2026, 10:36 AM EST. Corn futures edged down by about 1.5 cents early Thursday after Wednesday's gains of 1 to 2 cents across front-month contracts. Open interest data showed a rise of 5,920 contracts, despite a decrease of 16,212 contracts for March delivery. National average cash corn prices increased slightly to $3.96 1/4, supported partly by soybean rallies. Ethanol production dropped by 158,000 barrels per day last week, with stocks declining and exports rising. A South Korean private tender bought 65,000 metric tons of corn. Market watchers anticipate weekly corn sales data between 0.8 and 2.1 million metric tons for the week ending January 29, showing steady but cautious demand.

Coffee Prices Drop Sharply as Supply Outlook Improves with Brazil Rainfall and Rising Vietnamese Production

February 5, 2026, 10:35 AM EST. Coffee prices fell sharply on Wednesday, with March arabica hitting a 5.75-month low and robusta a 6-week low amid an improving supply outlook. Brazilian rainfall eased dryness fears in Minas Gerais, lifting supply prospects. Brazil's 2025 coffee output forecast rose 2.4% to 56.54 million bags. Meanwhile, Vietnam, the top robusta producer, saw coffee exports jump 17.5% year-on-year and 2025/26 production is expected to reach a four-year high at 1.76 million metric tons. Recovering ICE coffee inventories further pressured prices. However, falling Brazilian exports and slightly tighter global supplies provide some price support. The USDA projects a 2% rise in global coffee output for 2025/26, with robusta growing by nearly 11% and arabica declining by 4.7%, reflecting shifting market dynamics.

Global Sugar Surpluses Drag Prices Lower Amid Record Production

February 5, 2026, 10:34 AM EST. Sugar prices fell sharply on Wednesday, with March New York world sugar down 1.3% and March London ICE white sugar down 1.39%. Persistent global sugar surpluses, expected to reach 3.4 million metric tons (MMT) in 2026/27 following an 8.3 MMT surplus in 2025/26, pressured markets. Key factors include a 0.9% rise in Brazil's 2025-26 sugar output and a 22% year-on-year increase in India's sugar production through mid-January. India's lowered ethanol sugar usage and potential expanded exports threaten supply glut. Analysts from Czarnikow, Green Pool, StoneX, and Covrig Analytics forecast continued surpluses despite a predicted production drop in Brazil for 2026/27. The outlook remains bearish, driven by rising global production and growing export prospects, particularly from India, the world's second-largest producer.

Perseus Mining's Ongoing Buy-Back Supports Stable Production and Capital Allocation

February 5, 2026, 10:24 AM EST. Perseus Mining (ASX:PRU) reported steady gold production of 424,989 ounces and sales of 437,022 ounces in 2025, maintaining fiscal 2026 guidance of 400,000-440,000 ounces at an All-In Site Cost (AISC) of US$1,800 per ounce. The company's active on-market share buy-back, nearing 1 million shares, underscores a disciplined capital management approach. This move may enhance earnings per share but increases scrutiny on operational execution and cost control. Market views on Perseus's valuation vary widely, reflecting uncertainty on cost performance and production outcomes. Investors are advised to monitor upcoming H1 FY26 results and any shifts in cost guidance as key catalysts. Perseus remains a low-multiple gold producer with strong liquidity and a commitment to returning capital, appealing to long-term, value-focused shareholders.

Chubu-Nippon Broadcasting Q3 2026 Earnings Show 30.9% Growth, 5.3% Margin

February 5, 2026, 10:22 AM EST. Chubu-Nippon Broadcasting (NSE:9402) reported Q3 2026 revenue of ¥8.96 billion and basic EPS of ¥33.12, up from ¥8.62 billion and ¥29.85 a year ago. The trailing twelve months (TTM) show net income at ¥1.84 billion on ¥34.47 billion revenue and EPS growth of 30.9%. The company posted a net margin of 5.3% compared with 4.2% last year, underscoring improved profitability despite quarterly swings in net income between ¥9 million and ¥873 million. The stock trades at a trailing P/E of 15.4 times, above peers but below the media industry average of 16.2. A discounted cash flow (DCF) model suggests a fair value of ¥2,239.36 versus the current price of ¥1,074, highlighting potential undervaluation amid investor debate on margin sustainability and earnings durability.

Alphabet Weighs on Wall Street as Bitcoin, Silver, Gold Prices Falter

February 5, 2026, 10:20 AM EST. Wall Street slipped with the S&P 500 down 0.8%, marking its sixth loss in seven sessions despite Alphabet's strong profit report. The parent of Google tumbled 5.4% as investors braced for its soaring $180 billion artificial intelligence investment, far surpassing expectations. Treasury yields fell amid signs of rising layoffs, with jobless claims climbing more than anticipated and January job cuts hitting a 14-year peak, raising concerns of a slowing U.S. job market. This spurred speculation that the Federal Reserve might ease interest rates despite inflation risks. Commodities saw sharp declines: silver plummeted 12.1% after recent volatility, while gold dropped 1.9%, reacting to dramatic price swings over the past year.

Plains GP Holdings Sets to Report Q4 Earnings with Analysts Expecting $0.58 EPS

February 5, 2026, 10:19 AM EST. Plains GP Holdings (NASDAQ:PAGP) is due to announce quarterly earnings on February 6, 2026, with analysts forecasting an earnings per share (EPS) of $0.58. The company missed EPS estimates by $0.12 in the previous quarter, but its shares still rose modestly by 0.35% afterward. As of February 4, PAGP shares traded at $21.10, marking a slight 0.82% increase over the past year. Long-term investors appear cautiously optimistic ahead of the report, which could sway the stock based on forward guidance and market expectations rather than just historical performance.

Veradermics Raises $256M in Oversubscribed IPO, Shares Double on Debut

February 5, 2026, 10:18 AM EST. Veradermics, a Connecticut biotech developing an oral version of minoxidil (the active molecule in hair regrowth drug Rogaine), raised $256.3 million in its initial public offering (IPO) priced at $17 per share. Trading under the ticker MANE on the New York Stock Exchange, shares surged to close at $37.75 on debut, more than doubling the IPO price. The company's oral formulation aims to address compliance issues seen with topical Rogaine, which many patients discontinue due to messy application. Veradermics attracted interest from investors like Eli Lilly and Wellington Management during the IPO. This listing follows a $150 million series C funding round to support phase 3 trials of its lead drug candidate VDPHL01. The IPO reflects growing investor enthusiasm in biotechs targeting hair loss, amid competition from players like Pelage Pharmaceuticals and Cosmo Pharmaceuticals.

Sirius XM Q4 2025 Revenue Beats Estimates Despite Profit Miss, Shares Surge

February 5, 2026, 10:12 AM EST. Satellite radio provider Sirius XM (NASDAQ:SIRI) posted Q4 CY2025 revenue of $2.19 billion, slightly exceeding Wall Street forecasts by 1% but remaining flat year-on-year. The company's GAAP earnings per share of $0.24 missed analyst expectations by 69%, highlighting lower profitability. Adjusted EBITDA rose 4.5% above estimates to $691 million, with a 31.5% margin. Operating margin dropped to 10.3% from 23.1% a year earlier, reflecting ongoing pressure from high expenses. Subscriber numbers declined by 443,000 to 38.56 million. Despite stable revenue guidance for the next year, Sirius XM's long-term growth has been weak, with a 1.3% annual sales increase over five years. The stock rallied on the revenue beat, but profitability challenges remain for the broadcasting firm in a competitive media landscape.

Birchtech Plans NYSE American Uplist with Concurrent Offering

February 5, 2026, 10:11 AM EST. Birchtech Corp., a specialty activated carbon technology company, announced its expected uplist to the NYSE American stock exchange, with common stock trading beginning around February 12, 2026, pending final approval. Concurrently, Birchtech is conducting a stock offering contingent on the uplisting. Currently trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange and OTCQB, Birchtech's shares will cease OTCQB trading upon NYSE American listing. CEO Richard MacPherson stated the uplist aims to boost visibility, liquidity, and investor awareness. The company continues to focus on sustainable growth and expanding its water treatment platform. Listings remain subject to regulatory approvals and compliance with exchange rules.

NYSE Highlights IPO Debuts of Bob's Discount Furniture and Forgent Power Solutions

February 5, 2026, 10:10 AM EST. The New York Stock Exchange launched trading for Bob's Discount Furniture (NYSE: BOBS) and Forgent Power Solutions (NYSE: FPS) on February 5, 2026. Bob's Discount Furniture, an omnichannel retailer, raised over $330 million in its IPO, pricing shares at $17 each, with a market capitalization projected at $2.2 billion. Forgent Power Solutions, specializing in electrical equipment, priced shares at $27 in its IPO, raising $1.5 billion and valuing the company at $8.2 billion. NYSE also highlighted an interview with Dr. Alan Barrots, CEO of D-Wave (NYSE: QBTS), discussing a recent $20 million sale to Florida Atlantic University. This update precedes regular trading, offering early market insights for investors.

AISTRYX Launches AI-Powered Stock Analysis Software for Private and Controlled Trading

February 5, 2026, 10:09 AM EST. AISTRYX, a new AI-driven stock analysis platform for macOS, offers an innovative trading terminal combining live charts, portfolio tracking, and broker integration. It emphasizes privacy by running entirely locally, storing encrypted API keys and user data on the device without using the cloud. The software integrates with brokers like Trading 212, IG Group, and Alpaca, allowing direct trade execution. AISTRYX features explainable AI, powered by Google Gemini, which provides plain-language market insights without automated trading, helping investors make informed decisions. Developed by 5N6 LTD in Bedfordshire, UK, this tool targets serious investors seeking a secure, all-in-one platform for stock analysis and trade management, available now at aistryx.com.

Lean Hog Futures Close Mixed as Pork Cutout Values Decline

February 5, 2026, 10:08 AM EST. Lean hog futures ended mixed Wednesday, with May contracts down 35 cents. The USDA's national average base hog negotiated price rose $1.87 to $91.87. The CME Lean Hog Index increased 37 cents to $86.08 on April 21. Meanwhile, pork cutout values fell $1.70 to $94.08, with most primal cuts lower except for the butt primal. USDA estimated federally inspected hog slaughter at 488,000 head, down 133,000 from last week and 121,024 less than the same week last year. Market dynamics show tightening hog supply despite some price gains in negotiated hog prices, reflecting ongoing industry challenges.

Golar LNG Share Price Seen Overvalued After Strong Gains, Analysts Say

February 5, 2026, 10:07 AM EST. Golar LNG (GLNG) has delivered a strong five-year return, tripling its share price, yet current analysis suggests its valuation may be stretched. Despite recent gains of 6.4% over the past month and 6.9% year to date, the Dividend Discount Model (DDM)-which estimates a stock's value based on projected dividends-values GLNG at about $15.06 per share, well below the market price near $40.58. This indicates an implied overvaluation of roughly 170%. GLNG scored only 1 out of 6 on Simply Wall St's valuation checklist, highlighting potential red flags. The high payout ratio of 92.56% limits retained earnings for growth, suggesting modest long-term dividend growth of 0.32%. Investors should interpret such metrics carefully amid sector volatility driven by LNG shipping and energy security trends.

Latest 13F Filings Show Mixed Moves in Microsoft Holdings by Hedge Funds

February 5, 2026, 10:06 AM EST.Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) was held by 21 of the 22 most recent 13F filers for the period ending June 30, 2025, according to Holdings Channel data. Hedge funds showed varied activity: 7 increased existing positions, 12 decreased, and 1 new position emerged. Overall, the aggregate MSFT shares held by these funds fell by 17,228 shares, although market value rose by $54.9 million. 13F filings reveal only long stock positions, omitting short bets, so they provide an incomplete view of sentiment. Despite this, the data signals a cautious stance among top managers, with significant shifts in holdings during the quarter. Tracking these movements helps investors gauge hedge fund confidence in Microsoft.

Latest 13F Filings Show Increased Hedge Fund Holdings in Ishares Silver Trust (SLV)

February 5, 2026, 10:05 AM EST. Analysis of the most recent 48 13F filings for the 12/31/2025 period reveals 18 funds hold shares of Ishares Silver Trust (SLV). Among these, 8 funds increased their holdings, 5 decreased, and 3 initiated new positions. Aggregate SLV holdings by these funds rose by 3.5 million shares, from approximately 37.5 million to 41 million, suggesting a growing interest in silver exposure. 13F filings detail long positions but omit short ones, so these numbers provide a partial view of fund strategies. Overall, the data indicates a notable increase in hedge fund confidence toward SLV in the latest reporting period.

Latest 13F Filings Show Increased Holdings in Vanguard VEU ETF

February 5, 2026, 10:04 AM EST. Analysis of the most recent 13F filings for the 12/31/2024 reporting period reveals nine funds holding Vanguard International Equity Index Fund ETF (VEU). Among these, four funds increased their stakes while three reduced positions and one initiated a new holding. Aggregate data across 3,973 funds shows a 7.21% rise in VEU holdings, with total shares climbing by approximately 8.7 million. Top funds include Madison Investment Advisors, which significantly boosted holdings by over 199,000 shares valued at $11.4 million. However, 13F filings disclose only long positions, omitting shorts, so the full investment stance may be unclear. Tracking these filings provides valuable insights into institutional activity in international equity ETFs.

Dollar Gains as US Government Shutdown Ends; Stocks Slip

February 5, 2026, 10:02 AM EST. The U.S. dollar index rose 0.19% Wednesday following the end of the partial government shutdown after President Trump signed a funding deal. A weaker stock market boosted demand for the dollar, while yen weakness, hitting a 1.5-week low, also supported the greenback. The dollar's advance was underpinned by a stronger-than-expected January ISM services index, despite a softer-than-anticipated ADP employment report signaling modest job growth. The market's focus on Federal Reserve policy continued, with hawkish expectations ahead after Trump's Fed Chair nominee, Keven Warsh, and the probability of future rate cuts limited. In contrast, the euro weakened on revised lower Eurozone inflation and PMI data, constraining ECB rate hike expectations. The dollar-yen pairing rose as the yen continued to decline, reflecting divergent monetary policy outlooks.

Tesla Stock Analysis 2026: Hold Amid EV Decline and AI Uncertainty

February 5, 2026, 9:53 AM EST. Tesla (TSLA) shares fell nearly 10% year-to-date, trading at $406.62 amid a challenging landscape. Despite CEO Elon Musk's ambition to pivot Tesla into artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics, recent data show declining vehicle deliveries and sales, with 2025 revenue dropping to $94.8 billion from $97.7 billion in 2024. European EV shipments notably fell, including an 88% drop in Norway. The much-anticipated Cybertruck is underperforming, shipping far fewer units than forecasted. Wall Street is cautious: the consensus is a 'Hold' with a 12-month price target of $393.51, though some analysts recommend 'Sell.' Tesla's AI aspirations face headwinds from a cooling tech sector and fears of an AI bubble, limiting bullish momentum. Investors should weigh these mixed signals amid EV market pressures and AI sector uncertainty.

Global Sugar Prices Drop Amid Forecasts of Continued Surpluses

February 5, 2026, 9:50 AM EST. Sugar prices declined sharply with March NY world sugar #11 down 1.3% and March London ICE white sugar falling 1.68%. Analysts from Czarnikow forecast a global sugar surplus of 3.4 million metric tons (MMT) for 2026/27, following an 8.3 MMT surplus last year. Higher output in Brazil, the world's leading producer, and India, the second-largest producer, are increasing global supplies. India's sugar output rose 22% year-on-year, while Brazil's crop forecast was raised to 45 MMT for 2025/26 by Conab. Lower domestic sugar use for ethanol in India may boost exports, applying further downward pressure on prices. Despite some expectations of smaller sugar supplies post-2026, the near-term surplus outlook weighs heavily on the market.

Wedbush Raises Alphabet (GOOGL) Price Target to $370, Signs of Market Confidence

February 5, 2026, 9:48 AM EST. Wedbush increased its price target for Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ: GOOGL) from $360 to $370, reflecting an 11.1% upside potential, while maintaining an "outperform" rating. Other firms like KeyCorp and Wells Fargo also boosted their targets, with KeyCorp at $370 and Wells Fargo at $350. Alphabet's stock opened at $333.04, within a 52-week range of $140.53 to $349.00. The company posted strong Q4 earnings with $2.82 earnings per share, surpassing analyst expectations. Despite insider sales, Alphabet maintains a robust outlook with a market cap exceeding $4 trillion and an average analyst rating of "Buy." These moves indicate growing confidence in the tech giant's financial performance and market position.

Lean Hog Futures Show Mixed Results Amid Rising Pork Prices

February 5, 2026, 9:47 AM EST. Lean hog futures finished Wednesday with gains of 37 to 97 cents for front-month contracts but declines of 20 to 55 cents for back-months. The national average base hog negotiated price rose 24 cents to $78.03. The CME Lean Hog Index climbed 14 cents to $83.98 on December 16. USDA's pork cutout value increased $1.58 to $96.35 per hundredweight, reflecting mixed changes across primal cuts. Estimated Wednesday hog slaughter reached 488,000 head, slightly below last week but up year-on-year. February, April, and May 2025 hog futures all closed higher, signaling bullish sentiment despite mixed contract performance.

Global-E Online (GLBE) Valuation Dips Amid Share Price Slump, Positioned 33% Undervalued at $50 Fair Value

February 5, 2026, 9:46 AM EST. Global-E Online (GLBE) shares have declined 12.55% over the past month and 44.38% annually, closing recently at $33.58. Despite this, the company reported revenue of $888.45 million with 21% growth and net income up 60%. Analysts place fair value near $50.08, indicating an undervaluation of approximately 33%, based on expected earnings and margin expansion driven by partnerships with Shopify and DHL. However, the stock trades at a price-to-sales ratio of 6.4x, substantially higher than industry and peer benchmarks, reflecting stretched valuation amid heightened market risks such as increased competition post-Shopify exclusivity and regulatory challenges. Investors face considerations on whether current weakness offers a buying opportunity or prices in growth uncertainties.

Plug Power Stock Faces Sharp Decline, Technicals Signal Further Drop

February 5, 2026, 9:37 AM EST.Plug Power shares plunged over 55%, dropping from $4.58 in October to $2.05, as technical indicators suggest more downside risk. The stock remains under its 50- and 100-day Exponential Moving Averages (EMAs) and below key support levels, forming a bearish flag pattern that hints at further declines towards $1.57. The hydrogen energy company is battling shrinking equipment sales and escalating losses, with a net loss reaching $789 million in nine months. Cash burn and a possible new equity raise pose dilution risks. Limited demand for hydrogen energy and weak order flow add to investor caution. A rebound above $2.65 is needed to reverse the negative trend, but challenges persist as Plug Power struggles amid tougher sector fundamentals.

Euronext Dublin Issues Floating Amount Writedown Notice for Magnolia Finance II Plc

February 5, 2026, 9:36 AM EST. Euronext Dublin has published a notice regarding a floating amount writedown for Magnolia Finance II Plc. This event pertains to adjustments in the valuation of floating rate financial instruments, impacting investors' exposure. The notice, disseminated through official market data providers including ICE Data Services and FactSet, alerts market participants to the writedown. Such notices are crucial for transparency in debt instrument management on the exchange. Magnolia Finance II Plc's stakeholders and broader market watchers are advised to review the details to understand implications for bond valuations and related securities.

RBC Bearings Reports Q4 Sales Growth; Q1 Guidance Misses Estimates

February 5, 2026, 9:35 AM EST. RBC Bearings (NYSE:RBC) posted Q4 CY2025 sales of $461.6 million, up 17% year-on-year, matching analyst expectations. The company's non-GAAP earnings per share (EPS) of $3.04 surpassed estimates by 6.2%, and adjusted EBITDA margin beat forecasts at 32.4%. However, revenue guidance for Q1 CY2026 at $500 million fell 1.6% short of analyst estimates of $508 million. CEO Michael J. Hartnett highlighted strength in Aerospace & Defense and steady Industrial business performance. RBC Bearings has a strong five-year annualized revenue growth rate of 23.1%, reflecting solid demand. Despite the guidance miss, the company remains focused on strategic growth, production capacity expansion, and free cash flow generation, positioning it for long-term value creation.

Jim Cramer's Top 10 Market Watch Items for February 5

February 5, 2026, 9:31 AM EST. Jim Cramer highlights Big Tech weakness, with S&P futures dropping and Bitcoin falling below $70,000 amid a crypto sell-off. Silver plunged 10%, oil prices fell 2.5% due to U.S.-Iran tensions, and bond yields declined as investors sought safe havens. Job market concerns rise: planned layoffs hit highest since 2008, hiring intentions at lows, and January employment data delayed. Alphabet sees Wall Street price target hikes post-strong quarter boosted by tax benefits but shares fell 5%. Sony beats earnings but faces memory chip pressure, prompting a buy on Take-Two Interactive. Qualcomm downgraded due to handset market weakness. Boston Scientific drops 17.5% after disappointing earnings, while Eli Lilly's price target rises on GLP-1 sales strength.

Stock Market Today

  • Should Investors Buy Amazon Stock Ahead of Q4 Earnings?
    February 5, 2026, 10:58 AM EST. Amazon's upcoming Q4 earnings report is drawing investor attention amid cautious market sentiment. Market watchers are weighing Amazon.com's growth prospects in retail and cloud computing against challenges like supply chain disruptions and inflation pressures. The report could set the tone for how the stock performs in the near term, given its substantial role in the tech and consumer sectors. Investors face a crucial decision: to buy ahead of the release, betting on strong results, or wait for clearer signals from the company's performance. Analyst forecasts vary, reflecting uncertainty over consumer demand trends and Amazon Web Services' growth. The Q4 report offers a key opportunity to gauge Amazon's resilience in a complex economic landscape.
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