Browse Category

Stock Market News 16 January 2026

National Grid share price rises in London as UK data and offshore wind auction keep utilities in focus

National Grid share price rises in London as UK data and offshore wind auction keep utilities in focus

National Grid shares rose 0.7% to 1,189 pence by 0853 GMT Friday, nearing their January 8 peak. The company plans about £60 billion in capital spending over five years as Britain expands wind power, but rising costs and higher rates have forced some developers, including Germany’s EnBW, to abandon projects. Investors remain focused on Bank of England rate-cut expectations and upcoming UK inflation data.
IAG share price edges up in London as oil steadies; Middle East diversions in focus

IAG share price edges up in London as oil steadies; Middle East diversions in focus

International Consolidated Airlines Group shares edged up 0.2% to 411.5 pence in early London trading Friday after a volatile week for energy prices and security news. British Airways, part of IAG, continued to avoid Iranian and Iraqi airspace, cancelling all Bahrain flights through Jan. 16. Brent crude steadied at $63.81 a barrel. Investors focused on cost pressures and route disruptions over passenger demand.
16 January 2026
Hang Seng slips as tech drags again, while chip and AI names buck the trend in Hong Kong

Hang Seng slips as tech drags again, while chip and AI names buck the trend in Hong Kong

The Hang Seng Index closed down 0.29% in Hong Kong on Friday, pressured by losses in shipping, casino, and healthcare stocks. Ctrip shares plunged 19% the previous day after news of a China antitrust probe, rattling investors. Semiconductor stocks rose, with Hua Hong Semiconductor up 7.39%. Mainland investors sold about HK$600 million in Hong Kong shares via Stock Connect.
Shell Plc stock price dips as buyback rolls on and North Sea gas sale unravels

Shell Plc stock price dips as buyback rolls on and North Sea gas sale unravels

Shell shares fell 0.8% to 2,725 pence in early London trading Friday after the company and Exxon scrapped a planned sale of UK gas assets to Viaro Energy. Shell confirmed it will continue to operate the 11 gas fields and Bacton Terminal. The company repurchased over 1.3 million shares on Jan. 15 as part of its ongoing buyback program. Investors await Shell’s Q4 results and dividend announcement on Feb. 5.
BAE Systems share price rises after buyback update as U.S. Navy, Marine Corps contracts roll in

BAE Systems share price rises after buyback update as U.S. Navy, Marine Corps contracts roll in

BAE Systems shares rose 1.9% to 2,080 pence in early London trading after announcing new share buybacks. The company disclosed it bought 99,750 shares for cancellation at an average price of 2,042.46 pence. BAE also secured a $62 million U.S. Navy contract and a $184 million U.S. Marine Corps order for 30 Amphibious Combat Vehicles. Investors await full-year results in February.
British American Tobacco share price barely budges after buyback update as South Africa plant closure hits focus

British American Tobacco share price barely budges after buyback update as South Africa plant closure hits focus

British American Tobacco shares slipped 0.1% to 4,336.5 pence in early London trading after announcing a new buyback and plans to close its South African cigarette factory by end-2026. The Heidelberg closure threatens about 230 jobs as illicit cigarettes now dominate 75% of the local market. BAT bought 100,090 shares on Jan. 15 for cancellation. Full-year 2025 results are due Feb. 12.
16 January 2026

Stock Market Today

IRS tax refund delays? Watchdog flags staffing crunch as 2026 filing season ramps up

IRS tax refund delays? Watchdog flags staffing crunch as 2026 filing season ramps up

7 February 2026
IRS staffing has dropped to 2021 levels as the 2026 tax filing season begins, according to a Treasury watchdog. The agency faces a backlog of about 2 million returns, 129% above pre-pandemic levels. Most e-filers using direct deposit still get refunds within 21 days, but paper filings and amended returns could see delays. The IRS lowered its call-answer target to 70% for this season.
Plug Power stock jumps 12% after vote setback, with Feb 17 share decision in focus

Plug Power stock jumps 12% after vote setback, with Feb 17 share decision in focus

7 February 2026
Plug Power shares rose 11.6% Friday to $2.08 after a sharp drop the previous day, as attention shifted to a Feb. 17 shareholder vote on expanding authorized shares. The company failed to secure enough votes earlier this week and is urging overseas holders to participate. CEO Andy Marsh cited difficulties for European investors in casting ballots. A reverse stock split remains possible if the proposal fails.
AT&T stock price: T slips after $6.5B bond sale as payrolls, CPI loom next week

AT&T stock price: T slips after $6.5B bond sale as payrolls, CPI loom next week

7 February 2026
AT&T shares closed down 0.7% at $27.13 on Friday, underperforming the S&P 500’s 1.97% gain. The company completed a $6.5 billion global notes sale this week, with maturities from 2031 to 2056 and coupons between 4.4% and 6%. Investors await delayed U.S. jobs and inflation data, along with T-Mobile’s upcoming earnings update.
Go toTop