Stock Market Today 01.01.2026

E to E Transportation Infrastructure lists on NSE SME at ₹330.60, up ~90% from IPO price

January 1, 2026, 11:55 PM EST. E to E Transportation Infrastructure debuted on NSE SME on Jan 2 at ₹330.60, a ~90% premium to the ₹174 IPO price. Grey market premium (GMP) of ₹162 pointed to a likely listing near ₹336, about 93% above the upper band of ₹164-₹174. The IPO was massively oversubscribed, with total bids of 526.56x; retail bids at 544.28x, NII (non-institutional investors) 872.09x, and QIBs (qualified institutional buyers) 236.30x. Bids for 169.46 crore shares versus 32.18 lakh on offer. The SME issue opened Dec 26-30, 2025; price band ₹164-₹174; anchor investors earlier subscribed ₹23.97 crore. The issue size was ₹84.22 crore for 0.48 crore equity shares; minimum lot 800 shares; registrar MUFG Intime India; Hem Securities as BRLM.

British American Tobacco Malaysia Berhad: 50% Stake by Parent, 32% Individual Investors

January 1, 2026, 11:25 PM EST. British American Tobacco (Malaysia) Berhad shows a concentrated ownership structure. The parent, British American Tobacco p.l.c., holds about 50% of the shares, giving it substantial governance influence. Public companies together own roughly half of the remaining float, while individual investors control about 32%. The split implies strong corporate influence alongside retail exposure. Institutions are a credible signal but can misstep in a low-growth market. The report notes limited analyst coverage, which can slow near-term price signals. For traders, beware of potential crowded trades-when many big holders may rush to sell at once. Always cross-check ownership with the registrar and recent earnings to gauge prospects.

Uni-Asia Group (SGX:CHJ) posts 96% TSR over five years as revenue declines

January 1, 2026, 11:24 PM EST. Uni-Asia Group Limited (SGX:CHJ) produced a 96% total shareholder return over the last five years, led by the reinvestment of dividends. The stock rose about 43% from five years ago and 17% over the past year. The company has not been profitable in the last twelve months, and revenue has trended down roughly 14% a year during the period, underscoring a disconnect between price performance and earnings. The analysis notes that returns can differ from revenue growth; shareholders' gains stem in part from dividends, which boost the TSR-the total shareholder return, including dividends and other value changes, assumed with dividend reinvestment. Year to date, Uni-Asia Group is up 21% with dividends, but that pace trails the market's roughly 14% half-decade average. Risks and fundamentals warrant ongoing review.

Nifty50 opens above 26,150; Sensex gains around 100 points

January 1, 2026, 11:23 PM EST. Indian benchmarks opened higher on Friday, with Nifty50 at 26,172.90 and the BSE Sensex at 85,282.91, up about 0.1% and 0.11% respectively as of 9:16 a.m. Markets await Q3 earnings, December-quarter results, and Union Budget expectations, alongside global cues such as progress on an India-US trade deal and possible U.S. Federal Reserve moves. Analysts say earnings growth will be the main driver through 2026. Geojit Investments' Dr. VK Vijayakumar noted a 25.8% YoY rise in passenger-vehicle sales, underpinning autos, while consumer durables could lag until rate and GST cuts lift demand. Global risk appetite was firmer, with U.S. futures higher and gold/silver up. FPIs sold ₹3,268 crore; DIIs bought ₹1,526 crore on the session.

KPIT Technologies: Strong ROE Stands Out as Stock Slips; Is Valuation Justified?

January 1, 2026, 10:53 PM EST. KPIT Technologies' stock has fallen about 7% over the past month, yet the company reports a robust set of fundamentals. The trailing twelve months to September 2025 show a ROE of 24% on ₹7.7 billion of profit and ₹33 billion of equity, underscoring efficient capital use. At the same time, its net income growth has run 35% over the last five years, beating the industry average ROE of 11% and outpacing the sector's 19% earnings growth. The strength in profitability aligns with a retained earnings strategy that supports growth, though valuation questions remain. Investors will weigh whether the solid profitability justifies the current price, using common valuation metrics alongside outlook for demand and execution.

Australian shares rise in first session of 2026 as uranium names rally

January 1, 2026, 10:52 PM EST. Australian shares rose modestly in the first session of 2026, with the S&P/ASX200 up 0.22% to 8,733.7 and the All Ordinaries up 0.24% to 9,040.4. Nine of 11 sectors advanced as energy led gains after a US nuclear reactor project stirred demand for uranium names such as Paladin Energy, Deep Yellow, Boss Energy and Lotus Resources, each up more than 5%. NexGen Energy +2.3%; Bannerman +3.9%. Woodside Energy +0.5%; Santos -0.1%. In health care, Mesoblast and Telix rose about 2%, Racura Oncology +6.6%, Clarity Pharma +7.8%, Orthocell +5.5%. Gold miners were pressured after Northern Star's weak update; shares slid, Northern Star -9.5% to $24.19. Banks firmed: CBA +0.5%, Westpac +0.6%, NAB +0.3%, ANZ +0.3%. The Australian dollar traded around 66.97 US cents.

Alphabet and Toast highlight growth-stock thesis as AI and ARR expansion drive long-term upside

January 1, 2026, 10:38 PM EST.Alphabet remains an AI-powered digital-ad advertising leader, building its own AI chips and a world-class large language model in Gemini, enabling cost efficiency and new revenue streams. Google Cloud posted notable growth, with revenue up 34% and operating income up 85% as AI features spread across products. The group also explores bets in robotaxis and quantum computing. Toast provides a restaurant-management platform that expands through multi-module adoption, with a roughly 50 basis points take rate on payments. Its ARR rose about 30% last quarter, and it added about 7,500 net locations in Q3, signaling expansion beyond the U.S. market and further stickiness through added services.

Micron stock forecast 2026: CXMT IPO tests MU as AI memory demand tightness persists

January 1, 2026, 10:20 PM EST. New York, January 1 – China's CXMT plans a 29.5 billion yuan Shanghai IPO to fund DRAM expansion and an anticipated end-2026 HBM back-end packaging facility in Shanghai, stepping into a market led by Micron (MU), Samsung and SK Hynix. The move arrives as Micron enters 2026 after a strong 2025 rally powered by AI-driven memory demand, with investors questioning how long elevated pricing can endure. Analysts warn supply tightness could extend into 2027, offering support for pricing through 2026. For context, DRAM is dynamic random-access memory; HBM (high-bandwidth memory) stacks chips for faster AI workloads. Micron has lifted 2026 capital expenditure to about $20 billion as it negotiates multiyear contracts.

Discovery Capital Expands Ramaco Stake to $182 Million as METC Surges

January 1, 2026, 10:06 PM EST. Discovery Capital Management increased its Ramaco Resources stake by 4.18 million shares to about 5.53 million, lifting the position to a $182.21 million market value and adding roughly $164.67 million versus the prior period. Ramaco now represents about 10% of Discovery's U.S. equity AUM and stands as the fund's largest holding. Ramaco trades near $18.00 per share and has risen about 78% in the past year, outperforming the S&P 500. Ramaco is a metallurgical coal producer with assets including Elk Creek, Berwind and Knox Creek, supplying domestic and international steel and coke plants. The stake underscores Discovery's willingness to embrace cyclicality amid a volatile coal backdrop and a strong balance sheet.

Apple seen as hedge to AI bubble as Magnificent Seven power 2026 outlook

January 1, 2026, 10:05 PM EST. Apple is presented as a hedge within the Magnificent Seven rather than as an AI stock. The AI boom has driven big gains; a JP Morgan Asset Management report says AI-related stocks have accounted for about 75% of S&P 500 returns since ChatGPT launched. Yet a MIT study published in August 2025 found 95% of generative AI projects at businesses failed to deliver a measurable ROI, fueling concern that AI capex may not pay off. Investors fret that AI spending could top out without clear real-world use cases. Apple's patient, device-focused strategy avoids a costly AI arms race, which some see as a virtue in a potential AI cooldown. Apple's last trade around $271.86 and a market cap near $4.0 trillion illustrate a lower-risk stance for 2026.

CONCOR stock shows mixed fundamentals after 4.1% monthly gain

January 1, 2026, 9:52 PM EST. Container Corporation of India Ltd (NSE: CONCOR) has risen about 4.1% over the past month. A fundamentals check shows ROE at 10% in the trailing twelve months to September 2025, calculated as ₹13b profit on ₹129b shareholders' equity. That level trails the industry-average ROE of 13%, even as five-year earnings growth runs about 13%. By contrast, the broader industry's five-year earnings growth stands around 33%, a gap that flags a slower growth trajectory. The report notes that other factors-such as strategic decisions by management or a relatively low payout ratio-could be supporting profits. In short, the stock's modest gain masks mixed fundamentals; a clear directional path isn't evident from these metrics alone.

Australian shares steady as inflation data eyed; miners mixed, banks edge higher

January 1, 2026, 9:51 PM EST. The S&P/ASX 200 traded around 8,720 in the first session of the year, with little change as thin holiday liquidity kept moves subdued. Investors weighed a late-December pullback on Wall Street and monitored an upcoming batch of inflation data that could shape the RBA's policy outlook and the possibility of a rate hike this year. Mining stocks were mixed: BHP Group (+0.3%), Rio Tinto (+0.5%), and Fortescue Metals (+0.4%) offered modest support. Gold miners diverged, with Northern Star Resources sliding about 10% after trimming annual guidance amid operational disruptions. Banks edged higher: Commonwealth Bank (+0.2%), Westpac (+0.3%), and NAB (+0.3%). No major Australian earnings this week kept macro signals in focus.

Nifty 50, Sensex set for muted open on Jan 2 as investors await Q3 results and India-US talks

January 1, 2026, 9:36 PM EST. Indian stock benchmarks are seen opening muted on Friday as trade remains thin with most global markets closed. The Gift Nifty pointed to a flat-to-positive start, trading around 26,314, up about 0.1% from the prior close. In the previous session, the Sensex slipped 32 points to 85,188.60 while the Nifty 50 rose 17 points to 26,146.55, signaling a range-bound session ahead as investors await fresh triggers. Analysts say Q3 results season and updates on India-US trade talks could set the near-term tone. Support for the Sensex sits near 85,000 and 84,800; a hold above these levels could keep the upmove intact toward 85,800-86,100. Earlier, India VIX stayed subdued; derivatives data showed unwinding of calls near 26,000 and fresh put writing at higher strikes, reinforcing a constructive bias into January.

Corn ends 2025 steady as funds flip to net long after COT data

January 1, 2026, 9:33 PM EST. Corn futures closed Wednesday with steady to fractional losses as 2025 winds down. The CmdtyView national average Cash Corn price fell to $3.96 1/4. Markets will be closed Thursday for New Year's Day and reopen Friday at 8:30 a.m. CST. Commitment of Traders data show managed money flipping to a net long (more bets on higher prices than lower) by 55,431 contracts, bringing the net long to 2,759 contracts; the shift was largely the result of short covering. USDA Export Sales rose to 2.2 million metric tons in the week ended Dec. 18, a five-week high and 28.7% above the same week last year. EIA data showed weekly ethanol production at 1.12 million barrels, with stocks up 416,000 barrels to 22.944 million and exports down 71,000 bpd as refinery inputs fell.

Nifty 50 ends higher; gold and silver slip; eight stocks to watch on Friday

January 1, 2026, 9:09 PM EST. Nifty 50 ended 0.06% higher at 26,146.55, while the BSE Sensex fell 0.04% to 85,188.60, as traders kicked off 2026 in a range-bound session with thin volumes and persistent FII outflows. Vinod Nair, head of research at Geojit, said earnings, budget expectations and global cues will guide direction, with Nifty likely facing resistance around 26,250-26,350 and immediate support near 26,000. In commodities, MCX gold slipped 0.08% to ₹135,690 per 10 grams, with Ponmudi R of Enrich Money noting prices holding above the 20-day EMA near ₹133,980 and a potential move toward ₹136,000-₹136,500 on a break above ₹135,700. MCX silver eased 0.03% to ₹235,800 per kilogram; immediate support seen around ₹230,000-₹233,000 and upside to ₹237,000-₹238,000 as activity normalises.

Biren Technology surges 82% in Hong Kong debut after $717 million IPO

January 1, 2026, 9:01 PM EST. Shanghai Biren Technology, an AI chip designer, surged about 82% in its Hong Kong trading debut after raising $717 million in an initial public offering (IPO). The stock opened at HK$35.70, well above the HK$19.60 IPO price, which was the top of the indicative range. Deal data show the IPO's retail portion was subscribed more than 2,300 times, underscoring strong demand from individual investors. The company had seen pre-debut activity in Hong Kong's gray market, a trading proxy before a formal listing, signaling enthusiasm. Biren, backed by chip industry peers, is among AI hardware plays attracting capital as the sector remains hot. The listing proceeds will fund development and scale manufacturing for its next-generation AI accelerators.

Intel stock slips into New Year as Nvidia stake looms; earnings in focus

January 1, 2026, 8:59 PM EST. Intel shares closed down 1.1% at $36.90 as Wall Street wrapped up 2025 in thin holiday trading. Intel finished 2025 up about 84%, among the S&P 500's top gainers, according to MarketWatch data. Nvidia disclosed a $5 billion stake purchase in a filing, deepening ties while Intel seeks to regain ground in PCs, servers and its contract chipmaking business. Nvidia bought about 214.7 million Intel shares at $23.28 each in a private placement – a sale to a select investor rather than the public market; U.S. antitrust agencies cleared the investment earlier in December. The next catalyst is earnings, with guidance for revenue of about $12.8-13.8 billion and non-GAAP EPS of $0.08, where non-GAAP is an adjusted measure that excludes items like restructuring. Earnings date is expected around Jan. 29.

HYLD.U: AI-generated signals outline trading plan for Hamilton Enhanced U.S. Covered Call ETF

January 1, 2026, 8:53 PM EST. HYLD.U:CA drew attention as AI-generated signals and a concise trading plan were published. The note outlines two tactical entries: a long near 14.80 with a target of 15.75 and a stop at 14.73; and a short near 15.75 with a target 14.80 and a stop at 15.83. The update also flags AI-generated signals for HYLD.U:CA and directs readers to verify the timestamp. A rating framework accompanies the note, using Near/Mid/Long terms with Weak/Neutral/Strong signals to position the Hamilton Enhanced U.S. Covered Call ETF. A chart reference is included. The piece reflects an AI-sourced, quantitative lens on HYLD.U:CA and emphasizes execution thresholds rather than fundamentals.

Amazon stock forecast 2026: Analysts map 20%-plus upside as cloud spending comes under scrutiny

January 1, 2026, 8:37 PM EST. Amazon.com enters 2026 with Wall Street projecting gains. StockAnalysis.com's 12-month target is $284.70, about 23% above the Dec. 31 close. A separate MarketBeat view pegs the average at $295.50, with a range from $218 to $360 and a 'Moderate Buy' consensus. Analysts expect 2026 revenue around $811.23 billion and an EPS near $8.11. The bull case centers on AWS growth and the contribution from advertising and retail efficiency. CAPEX remains the main headwind, with the company guiding roughly $125 billion for the year as data centers and AI chips are funded. Brookfield's Radiant cloud venture adds potential pricing and energy discipline pressure on hyperscalers. The core question is whether higher free cash flow can offset rising spending.

Australian shares dip as miners, gold stocks slide; Northern Star slumps after forecast cut

January 1, 2026, 8:31 PM EST. Australian shares opened 2026 on a cautious note as heavyweights in mining and gold weighed on the market. The S&P/ASX 200 slipped 0.1% to 8,703.4 by late trade, ending 2025 up about 7%. Northern Star Resources fell 8.2%, its biggest intraday drop since October, after trimming its annual gold production forecast. Miners overall slipped 0.3%, even as BHP edged up 0.1% and Rio Tinto rose 0.6%. Iron ore prices finished 2025 with gains on strong demand from China. Gold stocks lost about 1.9%, setting up a weak week for the sector. Tech names also fell; Xero down 1.3%, WiseTech Global and NEXTDC down 0.4-0.5%. Nickel Industries jumped 7.8% after Sphere Corp agreed to buy 10% of its Excelsior HPAL project in Indonesia (High-Pressure Acid Leaching), valuing the project at $2.4 billion. NZ market closed; NZX 50 up 3.3% in 2025.

Asia-Pacific markets mixed as 2026 opens; holiday closures weigh on activity

January 1, 2026, 8:19 PM EST. Asia-Pacific markets were set to trade mixed on Friday as several markets remain closed for holidays, including Japan and mainland China. Australia's S&P/ASX 200 was flat, while Hong Kong showed a firmer start and South Korea was due to open an hour later. Singapore posted 4Q growth of 5.7% year on year, led by manufacturing, with full-year 2025 growth seen at 4.8%, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said in his New Year message. Overnight U.S. futures edged higher: S&P 500, Nasdaq-100 and Dow futures up around 0.1-0.2%, after U.S. stocks pulled back on New Year's Eve; still the S&P 500, Nasdaq and Dow logged strong year-to-date gains. Investors await further cues as the new year begins.

MRCB down 28% in quarter; 3-year TSR at 34% despite earnings, revenue declines

January 1, 2026, 8:18 PM EST. KLSE-listed Malaysian Resources Corporation Berhad (MRCB) fell 28% in the latest quarter, while three-year stock performance rose about 29% and outperformed the market's 27% gain. Over the three-year window, EPS declined about 39% annually and revenue slipped roughly 33% per year, signaling a sustainability gap between price and fundamentals. Total shareholder return (TSR) over three years was 34%, boosted by dividends. Last year, the stock fell about 26% even as the market advanced ~1.5%. Five-year results show a roughly -0.5% annualized TSR. Investors should weigh whether the earnings and revenue trends improve to justify the price, despite a higher TSR from dividends.

TSMC stock forecast 2026: U.S. export licence and Nvidia H200 drive focus

January 1, 2026, 8:02 PM EST. New York, Jan 1, 2026 – The U.S. Commerce Department granted TSMC's Nanjing unit an annual export licence, replacing the expired validated end-user waiver and easing shipments of U.S.-made tooling. Nvidia has asked TSMC to ramp H200 AI chip production for China orders in 2026, with work expected to start in Q2, subject to Beijing approval. TSMC's U.S.-listed ADRs sit above the last close as analysts weigh export rules against AI demand and CoWoS packaging and XPU compute chips. Targets have been lifted at Bernstein and Barclays, to the low-to-mid $300s. The company is advancing a 2-nanometer program with an enhanced N2P roadmap for H2 2026, underscoring capacity for AI workloads.

HIG:CA Brompton Global Healthcare Income & Growth ETF – AI Signals and Neutral Ratings

January 1, 2026, 8:01 PM EST. On January 1, 2026, 07:23 PM ET, AI-generated signals for the Brompton Global Healthcare Income & Growth ETF (HIG:CA) were published. The ratings page lists Neutral on near, mid and long horizons. The plan includes a long entry near 7.68 with a target 8.02 and a stop loss 7.64; and a short setup near 8.02 with a target 7.68 and a stop loss 8.06. A chart and updated signals for HIG:CA are noted in the post. The data label reiterates the AI-generated nature of the signals. The overall stance across timeframes remains Neutral. The information is time-stamped and linked to the issuer Brompton Global Healthcare Income & Growth ETF.

Sinostar PEC Holdings (SGX:C9Q) shares down 38% over three years as earnings decline outpace price

January 1, 2026, 8:00 PM EST. Sinostar PEC Holdings Ltd (SGX:C9Q) has shed about 38% of its stock value over the past three years, underperforming the market, which rose roughly 55%. In the last 90 days the stock fell about 20%. Over the period, EPS (earnings per share) declined about 22% per year, while the price declined around 15% per year, suggesting some optimism about long-term earnings stability despite declines. TSR (total shareholder return) was -36%, slightly better than the -38% price change, implying value from corporate actions such as spin-offs or discounted capital raises, though no dividends have been paid. Year-to-date the stock is down 12% while the market is up about 30%. Over five years the stock has posted roughly a 4% annualized loss. Investors weigh whether the weakness reflects fundamentals or sentiment.

Nutanix (NTNX) Q3 CY2025 revenue misses estimates; Q4 guidance below consensus

January 1, 2026, 7:46 PM EST. Nutanix (NTNX) reported Q3 CY2025 revenue of $670.6 million, a 13.5% year-on-year rise, but below analysts' $676.7 million consensus (0.9% miss). The company guided for Q4 revenue of about $710 million, roughly 5.1% below expectations. Non-GAAP EPS (adjusted for items) was $0.41, in line with estimates. Adjusted operating income came in at $131.8 million vs $136.3 million expected (3.3% miss). Full-year revenue is guided to $2.84 billion at the midpoint, below consensus of $2.93 billion. Operating margin was 7.4% and free cash flow margin 26% (down from 31.8% prior quarter). ARR rose to $2.28 billion (up 17.6% YoY) beating estimates slightly; billings reached $708.1 million, up 19.7% YoY. Management still sees growth and secular tailwinds in software.

Acutaas Chemicals stock climbs on solid ROE, growth prospects under scrutiny

January 1, 2026, 7:45 PM EST. Acutaas Chemicals (NSE:ACUTAAS) has surged about 26% over the last three months as investors weigh its earnings trajectory. The trailing twelve months to September 2025 show a ROE (return on equity) of 16% from ₹2.2b net profit on ₹14b shareholders' equity, implying roughly ₹0.16 profit per ₹1 of equity. Over five years, earnings have grown about 27%, above the industry's 12% average. The gains align with higher earnings retention and efficient management, according to the data. Relative to peers, Acutaas' ROE and growth look favorable, but valuation remains uncertain from the figures provided. Investors should assess whether the price already discounts this growth; NSE:ACUTAAS remains under close watch.

Innomet Advanced Materials: Modest ROE amid earnings growth and valuation questions

January 1, 2026, 7:44 PM EST. Innomet Advanced Materials (NSE:INNOMET) has seen its stock fall about 34% over the past three months, though longer-term fundamentals appear steadier. The company posted a trailing twelve-month ROE of 5.0% (₹22m profit vs. ₹433m equity through Sept 2025). That is below the industry average of about 9.7%, suggesting weaker profitability relative to peers. The stock's earnings growth over the last five years was a modest 19%, with growth aligning with the broader industry's 24% in the same period. Management's earnings retention or efficiency gains may have supported the earnings upswing despite a lower ROE. The piece also surveys whether Innomet is fairly valued using standard measures, noting that valuation considerations remain, with several metrics to weigh against future growth.

CoreWeave's 2026 revenue surge eyed as potential driver for new highs amid IPO-era volatility

January 1, 2026, 7:29 PM EST. Analysts expect CoreWeave to finish 2025 with about $5.1 billion in revenue and reach roughly $12 billion in 2026 as AI workloads push cloud capacity. CoreWeave offers turnkey, GPU-focused cloud infrastructure to AI hyperscalers; customers include Microsoft, Meta and IBM. The stock has fallen about 60% from its IPO peak and trades around $71.55 with a $36 billion market cap amid volatility. While growth prospects are solid, the company is pursuing heavy capital expenditure on GPUs and hardware, complicating a quick path to profitability. If demand scales as forecast, CoreWeave could test new highs by late 2026, but execution risk remains in a crowded cloud-AI race.

Tech stocks, miners slip as ASX wobbles into 2026

January 1, 2026, 7:28 PM EST. Australian shares were little changed on the first trading day of 2026, with the S&P/ASX 200 at about 8,712 in early trade. Declines in precious metals sent miners lower, while tech stocks tracked Wall Street weakness. The session marks the first trading day after the New Year public holiday, leaving traders cautious as they assess early-year cues. Market activity remained subdued as investors await direction for 2026 amid global growth signals and corporate results.

Corn posts modest gains on final trading day of 2025 as export sales rise

January 1, 2026, 7:16 PM EST. Corn futures posted modest gains on the last trading day of 2025, with nearby contracts up about 1-2 cents. The CmdtyView cash price for corn fell 0.5 cent to $3.97 1/4. The market will be closed Thursday for New Year's Day, reopening Friday at 8:30 a.m. CST. USDA's Export Sales release showed 2.2 million metric tons of corn booked in the week ended Dec. 18, a five-week high and roughly 28.7% above the same week last year. In energy data, the EIA reported weekly ethanol production at 1.12 million bpd, up 25,000 bpd, with stocks up 416,000 barrels to 22.944 million and exports down 71,000 bpd to 148,000. Futures quotes: Mar 26 at $4.41 1/2, nearby cash $3.97 1/4, May 26 $4.49 1/2, Jul 26 $4.55 3/4.

Arabica Falls as Dollar Rises; Robusta Up on Indonesia Flooding and Supply Signals

January 1, 2026, 7:15 PM EST. March arabica coffee (KCH26) closed down 0.41%, while March ICE robusta (RMH26) inched up 0.10%, ending mixed after an earlier advance. A firmer dollar weighed on arabica, which slipped into negative territory as the dollar index hit a one-week high. The robusta contract benefited from flooding in Indonesia, raising the risk of export losses in the 2025-26 season per the chairman of the Association of Indonesian Coffee Exporters and Industry. ICE inventories remained a key driver: arabica stocks dipped to a multi-year low in late November before rebounding to a two-month high, while robusta stocks rose to a four-week high. In Brazil, Minas Gerais received rain, and Vietnam's 2025/26 production and exports point to ample supplies, pressuring prompt prices.

Fed December minutes warn of liquidity risk as reserves near threshold; officials weigh Treasury purchases and standing repo tweaks

January 1, 2026, 7:01 PM EST. Minutes from the Federal Reserve's December policy meeting show officials wary of a potential liquidity squeeze in short-term funding markets even as policy remains broadly accommodative. Officials noted that reserves in the banking system, while still deemed ample, could become sensitive to modest shifts in demand as year-end drain and tax-related Treasury flows push funding costs higher. The minutes flag tightening signs such as volatile overnight repo rates and wider gaps from the Fed's administered rates. To shore up liquidity, participants discussed Treasury securities purchases totaling about $220 billion over the first year and measures to bolster the standing repo facility, including removing its usage cap and clarifying its role. Investors had largely priced in a 25 basis-point cut for the Dec meeting and penciled in additional easing in 2026.

Martin Marietta Materials Misses Q3 Revenue Estimates; EPS Beats, EBITDA Guidance

January 1, 2026, 7:00 PM EST. Martin Marietta Materials (NYSE: MLM) reported Q3 CY2025 revenue of $1.85 billion, below the $2.06 billion average estimate, though 12.4% YoY growth. Adjusted EPS (earnings per share, non-GAAP) was $6.85, vs $6.68 expected (2.5% beat). Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) totaled $743 million on a 40.2% margin, ahead of $730.3 million forecast. Full-year EBITDA guidance at the midpoint was $2.32 billion, vs $2.30 billion expected. Operating margin rose to 27.4% from 24.7%; free cash flow margin was 19.6%. The company has shown slower long-term growth, with five-year revenue CAGR near 7.4%, and analysts expect about 5.4% revenue growth over the next 12 months.

China Aviation Oil (Singapore) fair value pegged at S$1.75 in a two-stage DCF model

January 1, 2026, 6:58 PM EST. China Aviation Oil (Singapore) Corp. Ltd (SGX:G92) is estimated to be fairly valued at S$1.75 per share using a two-stage free cash flow to equity (FCFE) model, versus a current price of S$1.66. The analysis notes the stock is trading near fair value, with peers averaging a 336% premium. The model projects levered FCF of roughly US$73.7m in 2026 to US$44m in the mid-2030s, discounted at 5.8% to give a present value (PVCF) of about US$415m for the initial 10 years. A Terminal Value is then added to derive the total value. The analysis underscores DCF's sensitivity to growth assumptions and discount rate, and references Simply Wall St as the source for the growth estimates.

IPCO:CA AI-Generated Signals Highlight Trading Plan for International Petroleum Corp.

January 1, 2026, 6:42 PM EST. IPCO:CA AI-generated signals (automated trading indicators) outline a trading plan for International Petroleum Corp. (IPCO:CA), timestamped January 01, 2026, 06:22 PM ET. The plan offers a long entry near 23.62, with a target of 25.70 and a stop loss at 23.50; a short entry near 25.70, with a target of 23.62 and a stop loss at 25.83. The AI-driven rating framework places a near-term Neutral, mid-term Weak, and a long-term Strong view. The report directs readers to updated AI-generated signals for IPCO:CA and includes a chart. The content originates from Jolene W., Contributor, with Editor Derek Curry.

Nvidia stock forecast 2026: China's H200 rush tests NVDA earnings

January 1, 2026, 6:33 PM EST. Nvidia's 2026 outlook hinges on China demand for its H200 GPUs and the pace of supply. Chinese buyers ordered more than 2 million H200 units for 2026, well above Nvidia's current stock. Nvidia has asked TSMC to ramp output beginning in Q2 2026, while Beijing has yet to approve H200 imports. Analysts say 2026 AI capex and data-center spending will drive earnings, with markets hinging on whether companies sustain their investment plans. ByteDance plans about 100 billion yuan in Nvidia chips in 2026 if H200 sales are allowed in China, a potential lift to demand but a source of policy risk. The backdrop includes a tougher valuation environment after Nvidia's 2025 surge and a focus on profit delivery.

January 2026: Asian stocks trading at near-50% discounts to fair value

January 1, 2026, 6:31 PM EST. Asian markets in January 2026 show a wave of potential opportunities as several names trade well below estimated fair value. A screen of undervalued plays reveals discounts near 49% across firms such as Visional (TSE:4194), Takara Bio (TSE:4974), Nan Juen International (TPEX:6584), Kuraray (TSE:3405), JINS Holdings (TSE:3046) and Innovent Biologics (SEHK:1801), among others. The analysis measures a stock's current price against a calculated fair value; a discount of roughly 48-50% indicates the market price is that much below the estimated value. The list also flags firms like Forth Corporation, Daiichi Sankyo, CURVES HOLDINGS and Aidma Holdings as notable gaps to fair value, underscoring the broader risk-and-reward in tech, biotech, and consumer sectors.

Kingsmen Creatives: ROE at 10%, earnings growth outpaces peers as stock dips

January 1, 2026, 6:29 PM EST. Kingsmen Creatives (SGX:5MZ) has fallen about 2.9% over three months, but its underlying metrics look steadier. The trailing 12-month ROE (return on equity) stands at 10%, versus an industry average of around 13%. Net income has grown 70% over the last five years, and earnings growth outpaced the industry's 10% average. The combination of a modest ROE and persistent earnings growth suggests there could be more resilience than the price action implies, aided by high profit retention or effective management. Investors will want to see whether the market has already priced in this growth or if further upside may emerge as fundamentals stay supportive.

ASX set for soft start as housing growth slows; BlueScope completes Tata stake sale

January 1, 2026, 6:27 PM EST. Australian shares are expected to open softer on Friday as housing growth slows and bets on potential interest-rate hikes weigh on sentiment. In U.S. markets, the S&P 500, Nasdaq Composite and Dow Jones fell 0.7%, 0.8% and 0.6%, respectively. Australian data show the manufacturing sector expanded in December 2025, supported by rising orders and hiring, despite ongoing cost pressures and supply constraints, per S&P Global. In corporate news, BlueScope Steel (BSL) completed the sale of its 50% stake in Tata BlueScope Steel to joint venture partner Tata Steel on Dec. 31, 2025. GQG Partners named Charles Falck as CFO, effective Thursday, succeeding Melodie Zakaluk. The benchmark ASX fell 0.03% to 8,714.30 on Wednesday.

Asia's hidden small-cap gems with solid foundations attract attention

January 1, 2026, 6:15 PM EST. Asia's small-cap cohort is drawing investor focus as U.S. momentum diverges. A screening tool highlights firms with solid fundamentals-debt-to-equity levels, revenue growth and earnings growth-and a resilient operational picture. For example, ISE Chemicals shows a debt-to-equity of 1.29%, revenue growth of 16.36% and earnings growth of 32.61% with a high health rating. Toho Bank carries a debt-to-equity of 114.83% but 38.28% earnings growth. Others like Cresco and Woori Technology Investment post positive metrics, while some names remain illiquid despite earnings momentum. IPO activity and market-cap scales frame the spread, with Simply Wall St Value Rating and SZSE tickers underscoring the sector breadth of Asia's undiscovered small-cap universe.

Novavax Q3 CY2025 Revenue Tops Estimates; Profitability Slips

January 1, 2026, 6:14 PM EST. Novavax (NASDAQ:NVAX) reported Q3 CY2025 revenue of $70.45 million, beating analyst estimates of $43.75 million but down 16.6% YoY. The company expects full-year revenue around $1.05 billion, roughly in line with expectations. Its non-GAAP loss per share was $1.25, vs $1.13 consensus (a miss on EPS). Adjusted EBITDA came in at -$171.4 million, with an operating margin of -253%, widening from -159% in the year-ago quarter. Free cash flow was $105.8 million, up from -$146.8 million. Market capitalization around $1.09 billion. The results underscore ongoing profitability challenges despite modest revenue resilience, with analysts modeling a steeper revenue decline next year.

Soybeans fall into year-end as futures and cash prices slip

January 1, 2026, 6:11 PM EST.Soybeans fell on the New Year's Eve session, with nearby futures down about 13 to 16 cents as traders closed the year. January beans saw 1,062 deliveries against the contract on FND; nearby cash bean price was $9.64 3/4 per bushel. Soymeal futures declined $1.50 to $2.90 per ton and soy oil slipped 77-88 points. The market will be closed on New Year's Day with a late open on Friday. CFTC data were delayed; funds were net long 110,403 contracts, down 37,375 from the prior week. USDA's week-ending 12/18 update showed 1.056 million metric tons of soybeans sold, well below expectations of 1.4-2.4 MMT, but up 7.9% year over year. Nearby price levels: Jan 26 $10.30 1/2, cash $9.64 3/4, Mar 26 $10.47 1/2, May 26 $10.61.

Singapore Telecommunications Z74 intrinsic value ~39% above price on two-stage DCF

January 1, 2026, 5:56 PM EST. Simply Wall St's analysis uses a two-stage DCF model to estimate SGX:Z74's intrinsic value. It calculates a fair value of S$6.31 per share, versus a S$4.55 market price, implying about a 28% upside to fair value. The assessment notes an S$5.19 analyst target, roughly 18% below the implied fair value. The method discounts projected free cash flow to equity over the next decade at about 5.8%, then adds a terminal value to reflect ongoing cash flows. The report cautions that a DCF is one metric among many and depends on growth and discount-rate assumptions.

Australia shares reopen for first 2026 session as NZ market closed

January 1, 2026, 5:44 PM EST.Australian shares opened for the first session of 2026 as New Zealand's market remained closed for a holiday. Trading was expected to be thin with liquidity limited, while investors awaited domestic cues and corporate updates to guide early moves.

Stock markets post third straight year of double-digit gains in 2025 as AI profits lift benchmarks

January 1, 2026, 5:42 PM EST. U.S. stock markets posted double-digit gains for the third straight year in 2025 as profits from artificial intelligence offset concerns about inflation and tariff costs. The Dow Jones Industrial Average finished up about 13%, the Nasdaq Composite rose roughly 20%, and the S&P 500 gained around 16% for the year.

Dollar ends higher as US data fuels Fed hawkish bets; gold and silver slump

January 1, 2026, 5:40 PM EST. The dollar index rose to a one-week high and finished up about 0.1% as weekly US unemployment claims fell to 199,000, a sign of a resilient labor market that supports expectations the Federal Reserve will stay hawkish. A weaker stock session and higher yields also boosted demand for dollars. President Trump's comments about possibly firing Fed Chair Powell added a political headwind, though gains were tempered by questions about the central bank's independence. The yuan's strength undercut the greenback, while EUR/USD slipped about 0.03% to a one-week low and USD/JPY rose roughly 0.2% as the yen weakened. In commodities, gold fell about 1% and silver dropped around 9.4% on the session; COMEX contracts show precious metals selling off sharply. Swaps price roughly 1% odds of a 25 bp ECB hike and a small chance of a BOJ move.

Mobileye Q3 CY2025 revenue beats; FY guidance above estimates

January 1, 2026, 5:24 PM EST. Mobileye (MBLY) reported Q3 CY2025 revenue of $504 million, up 3.7% year over year and above consensus of $481.8 million. The company narrowed full-year guidance to about $1.87 billion at the midpoint, roughly 0.6% above estimates. Non-GAAP EPS was $0.09, in line with forecasts; adjusted EBITDA reached $92 million, an 18.3% margin, beating estimates by about 1.9 points. Operating margin stood at -21.6%, improving from a negative base a year earlier; free cash flow margin was 28.4%. Mobileye's EyeQ chips are installed in more than 200 million vehicles. The stock market may weigh the contrast between strong quarterly execution and questions on longer-term growth, with analysts forecasting a 1.9% revenue decline over the next 12 months. Market cap about $8.5 billion.

Five AI Stocks to Buy in 2026, Led by TSMC and Alphabet

January 1, 2026, 5:11 PM EST. AI stocks have driven strong gains over the past three years. The piece flags five names that could lead in 2026, with diversification as a guiding principle. TSMC, a semiconductor foundry, remains essential to AI progress and posted 2025 Q3 sales up 41% year over year, with a gross margin near 60% and an operating margin around 50%. It trades near P/E 31, a level some traders view as attractive amid AI tailwinds. Alphabet relies on a large search moat and uses AI to boost ad revenue and product relevance; it also markets its Gemini LLM for personal and business use. The report notes a cautious stance on the AI rally and advises diversification across holdings.

Alibaba vs Tencent: Can AI and regulatory headwinds reshape the better buy

January 1, 2026, 5:01 PM EST. Alibaba (BABA) and Tencent (TCEHY) are two of China's largest tech names. Alibaba relies primarily on Taobao and Tmall for revenue, with cloud as a lower-margin contributor. Regulators' antitrust actions in 2021 curbed growth and pushed Alibaba to expand overseas marketplaces such as Lazada, Trendyol, Daraz and AliExpress, pressuring margins. From fiscal 2025 to 2028, analysts expect Alibaba's revenue growth of about 8% and EPS growth of around 11%. The AI wave-LLMs, generative apps and related services-could stabilize core businesses and lift cloud demand. Tencent's core engine remains WeChat (Weixin), and the stock has underperformed as China slows and scrutiny persists. Both face headwinds, but AI ecosystems and international ventures offer potential tailwinds for investors.

AI, profits and Fed cuts key to 2026 U.S. stock outlook

January 1, 2026, 4:57 PM EST. U.S. equity investors finished 2025 with double-digit gains and await a potential fourth straight double-digit year in 2026, contingent on robust earnings, an accommodative Fed and ongoing AI spending. The rally, begun in October 2022 on AI optimism, withstood tariff shocks as the S&P 500 rose about 16% in 2025 after gains of 23% in 2024 and 24% in 2023. Strategists such as Sam Stovall of CFRA say 2026 could deliver solid returns but not another year of explosive gains. Deutsche Bank pegs the index near 8,000, about 17% higher. Earnings are forecast to rise more than 15% in 2026 as the Magnificent Seven's dominance narrows and a broader group lifts profits. Valuations remain lofty, making a broad earnings upswing essential for sustained gains.

Halozyme beats Q3 CY2025 revenue, EPS; raises 2025 guidance on ENHANZE

January 1, 2026, 4:40 PM EST. Halozyme Therapeutics (NASDAQ: HALO) reported Q3 CY2025 results that beat revenue and earnings expectations. Revenue reached $354.3 million, up 22.1% year over year and about 3.1% above consensus. The company reaffirmed a full-year revenue guide of $1.34 billion at the midpoint, roughly 1.5% above estimates. Non-GAAP EPS was $1.72, a 5.5% beat; EBITDA totaled $238.3 million with a 67.3% margin. Operating margin rose to 61.5% from 56.3% a year earlier, and free cash flow margin climbed to 49.6%. Halozyme's ENHANZE technology, enabling subcutaneous delivery of injectable drugs, remains a key growth driver. Looking ahead, analysts see about 28.1% revenue growth over the next 12 months.

Leadership lag by top stocks not bearish for long-term investors, data show

January 1, 2026, 4:08 PM EST. Powerful stock leadership persists even as the biggest names drift lower. The largest stocks – often called the Magnificent 7 (Nvidia, Apple, Alphabet, Microsoft, Amazon, Meta Platforms, and Tesla) – have outsized influence on returns from market-cap-weighted indices (which weight by company size) such as the S&P 500. When these leaders lag, history shows it does not automatically presage a broad market downturn for long-term investors. It is a recurring feature of an upward-trending market: weight shifts as giants pause while broader cycles push higher. Charts and data illustrate how breadth can recover and gains continue even as top names underperform. Investors should distinguish short-term dips from a bearish outlook by focusing on the overall trend and fundamentals.

Wishbone's $15 million bet on EPAM comes as stock falls 12% over year

January 1, 2026, 4:07 PM EST. Wishbone Management disclosed a new stake in EPAM Systems, buying 100,000 shares for about $15.08 million, per a November 13 SEC filing. The position equals 8.11% of Wishbone's assets under management (AUM) as of September 30. EPAM trades near $204.88 and has fallen about 12% in the past year, versus the S&P 500's roughly 16% gain. In the third quarter, EPAM posted $1.394 billion in revenue, up 19.4% year over year (YoY), and raised its full-year outlook. The company repurchased $82.1 million of stock in the quarter and authorized a $1 billion buyback. For 2025, management expects revenue around $5.43-$5.45 billion with non-GAAP earnings per share up to $11.44. Wishbone's four-stock portfolio counts EPAM as the standout tech-services name.

Cannabis stock rally: how long will it last?

January 1, 2026, 4:06 PM EST. Cannabis stocks have rallied, led by Tilray Brands and Curaleaf Holdings after six months of gains. Tilray is up about 125% and Curaleaf roughly 212%. The rally has been driven by rising optimism over potential federal shifts in the U.S. cannabis regime. President Donald Trump's executive order to reclassify cannabis as a Schedule 3 drug does not legalize it nationwide, but could improve medical research access, banking services and the deductibility of ordinary business expenses for MSOs. Tilray, which lacks U.S. cannabis revenue, could enter the market via its hemp unit; Curaleaf could benefit from tax relief and easier banking. Yet cross-border and interstate restrictions keep margins tight, while Canada's experience shows regulatory gains don't always translate into profits. Competition could intensify; 2026 may be a rare bright year for the sector.

Caterpillar outperforms market as AI/data-center exposure supports growth

January 1, 2026, 3:52 PM EST. Caterpillar has outperformed the S&P 500 over 1-, 3-, and 5-year horizons, including a 58.6% gain in the past year vs. 15.7% for the index. EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) is highly cyclical for Caterpillar, given its construction and mining machinery. Valuation via EV/EBITDA – enterprise value equals market cap plus net debt – tends to peak as EBITDA turns up and trough as it declines. Investors cite AI and data-center spending as upside catalysts, along with potential lower rates boosting infrastructure outlays. The company reports stronger power generation equipment, now 15.7% of Q3 sales, up $623 million year over year (31%), while other equipment sales rose $872 million. A deal with Vertiv links turbines and data-center cooling solutions.

HoldCo Asset Management takes $35.8 million stake in BankUnited

January 1, 2026, 3:50 PM EST. Florida-based HoldCo Asset Management disclosed a new stake in BankUnited (BKU) totaling 936,900 shares valued at about $35.75 million, per a November 13 SEC filing. The position equals roughly 3.77% of the fund's $947.56 million in reportable U.S. equity assets across 26 positions. BKU traded around $44.57 on Thursday, up about 17% over the past year, vs. a 16% gain for the S&P 500. Top holdings after the filing include CMA, COLB, FIBK, EBC, and CFG with values of $156.94M (16.6%), $147.30M (15.5%), $125.89M (13.3%), $116.32M (12.3%), and $110.91M (11.7%) respectively. BankUnited focuses on commercial lending and deposits in Florida and the New York metro area; quarterly results show improved net income and a 3.00% net interest margin (NIM), the difference between interest earned and paid, up from 2.93%.

Wall Street holds bullish view for 2026 as S&P 500 targets rise

January 1, 2026, 3:36 PM EST. Wall Street firms are uniformly bullish on 2026, with analysts forecasting gains for the S&P 500. Bloomberg's survey of 21 sell-side analysts shows an average target rise of about 9% for the year ahead. The most optimistic firms see the index breaking through 8,000 by year-end 2026, implying roughly a 16% ascent, while Stifel Nicolaus offers a cautious view of about 1.3% to around 7,000. Economically, momentum is mounting: the Atlanta Fed's GDPNow tracker puts real GDP growth near 3%, and unemployment sits near 4.4%. A surge of tax refunds and incentives linked to a new policy act could lift activity in 2026, while the Fed remains in easing mode, supporting risk assets. Direction remains positive, though profits and policy will matter.

ASX Penny Stocks Spotlight: Bisalloy Steel Group and Two Hidden Gems

January 1, 2026, 3:35 PM EST. Australian stocks drift into the holiday season as profit-taking weighs on the major indexes. The ASX penny-stock screener flags Bisalloy Steel Group as a standout, alongside two other small caps, in a universe of market caps from tens to hundreds of millions. Bisalloy (ASX:BIS) has a market cap of about A$237.8 million; Simply Wall St Financial Health Rating is high, with earnings up 24.4% last year, ROE 23.3% and interest cover of 32.1x. Debt is declining and cash exceeds debt; the stock yields 4.95%, though free cash flow coverage is weak; a fully franked special dividend is due December 2025. D3 Energy Limited has a market cap of about A$48.32 million and focuses on natural gas and helium exploration in South Africa; revenue segments aren't disclosed.

ASX Growth Stocks With High Insider Stakes for January 2026

January 1, 2026, 3:21 PM EST. Australia's market closes the year with profit-taking; investors eye growth amid commodity shifts and Wall Street momentum. Stocks with high insider ownership can signal long-term conviction. The piece highlights companies such as Wisr, Titomic, Sea Forest, Polymetals Resources, Pointerra, Newfield Resources, IperionX, Echo IQ, BlinkLab and Adveritas, noting earnings growth and ownership levels ranging from around 10% to over 30%. The data show future growth expectations often outpacing the market, with several names posting double-digit earnings growth and above-average returns on equity, though insider activity varies. The references to Simply Wall St indicate growth ratings and caution on debt and dividend stability. The report also flags notable filings on Australian Ethical Investment (AEF) and Australian Finance Group (AFG) as growth contenders.

Tesla Stock Forecast 2026: Valuation Under Pressure as Deliveries Lag

January 1, 2026, 3:20 PM EST. Tesla shares surged about 132% from a 2025 trough, trading near $500 and lifting market cap above $1.5 trillion. The rally persists amid headwinds: the company holds roughly 11,500 Bitcoin (BTC) valued at over $1 billion; Cybertruck sales remain light (Q1 6,406; Q2 4,306; Q3 5,835) and full-year deliveries total ~1.6 million vs ~3 million analysts expected. The stock also rode an AI/robotics theme as Musk positions Tesla for autonomous-vehicle growth, though the Austin pilot faces legal scrutiny. Some analysts see the EV business flat to up about 5% next year. Competition in China from BYD, XPeng, Nio and Xiaomi weighs on the multiple, with a forward P/E around 350 versus Nvidia's sub-50. The stock's late-2025 peak near $500 has cooled to around $450.

Qiagen N.V. shows heavy institutional ownership; no single holder with majority

January 1, 2026, 3:06 PM EST. Qiagen N.V. (NYSE: QGEN) shows a heavy tilt toward institutional ownership, with institutions cited as the largest owners and a reported stake around 82% in the prompt; however, the detailed breakdown indicates the top 13 holders control roughly 51% in aggregate, leaving no single holder with a majority. The data imply that professional investors could sway the stock price through trading actions and board influence. Wellington Management, BlackRock, and Massachusetts Financial Services are among the sizable positions. Analysts cover the stock, offering forecasts that accompany ownership data. The piece notes that while institutional ownership lends credibility, they also carry risk if big investors sell simultaneously. Investors should review historical earnings trends and consider other drivers when assessing Qiagen.

GCG.A:CA AI-generated signals outline trading plan for Guardian Capital Group

January 1, 2026, 3:04 PM EST. Guardian Capital Group Limited Class A non-voting shares (GCG.A:CA) appear in a trading plan update with explicit levels. A long-side entry is suggested near 66.64 with a target of 74.29 and a stop at 66.31; a short entry near 74.29 carries a target of 66.64 and a stop at 74.66. AI-generated signals assign Neutral to Near and Mid terms, and Strong to the Long term. The update notes an AI-generated signals chart for GCG.A:CA. Investors should note the defined risk controls and monitor for changes to the plan.

Figma vs. UiPath: AI-driven growth but stretched valuations

January 1, 2026, 2:51 PM EST.Figma and UiPath are AI-enabled software plays, but neither has delivered life-changing gains for early investors. Figma's cloud-based design tools run in browsers and count 95% of Fortune 500 and 78% of Forbes Global 2000 among users. In 2024, revenue rose 48% to $749 million, while ARR (annual recurring revenue) for customers with more than $10,000 in ARR climbed 45% to 10,517; the cohort's net retention reached 134%. Figma posted a net loss of $732 million as it scales AI features, cloud infra, and marketing. The stock trades with an enterprise value near $17 billion, about 13x this year's sales and 124x EBITDA. UiPath, IPO'd at $56 in 2021, now trades around $16. The AI upside remains, but profitability and valuation are hurdles.

TSX Penny Stocks To Watch In January 2026

January 1, 2026, 2:48 PM EST. Canadian markets remain focused on diversification across the energy, industrials, and materials sectors, with investors eyeing value in penny stocks. A compact list on the TSX/TSX Venture Exchange features names with small but growing footprints and modest market cap figures: Westbridge Renewable Energy (WEB); Sailfish Royalty (FISH); Zoomd Technologies (ZOMD); Montero Mining and Exploration (MON); CEMATRIX (CEMX); Thor Explorations (THX); Automotive Finco (AFCC.H); Pulse Seismic (PSD); Caldwell Partners International (CWL); Hemisphere Energy (HME). The exclusive spotlight also points to Almaden Minerals (AMM) and NamSys Inc. as examples tracked by Simply Wall St for their financial health rating. The focus remains on solid fundamentals amid volatility in commodity markets, rather than hype.

Singapore Exchange Quiet Consolidation Hints at Next Leg in Southeast Asia Capital Flows

January 1, 2026, 2:33 PM EST.Singapore Exchange Ltd has drifted sideways as broader Asian markets swing. The stock sits in a tight range, with a modest quarterly uptick and a still-elevated valuation. Investors weigh two narratives: a defensive cash generator and a structural growth story in Asian capital markets. Short-term traders see calm, with limited intraday swings and only modest volume; a breakout lacks urgency. Yet derivatives volumes, foreign-exchange activity (FX) and a robust listings pipeline point to SGX positioning for the next wave of Southeast Asia capital flows. Over the past five sessions, SGX has edged higher after an early-week dip, a pattern echoed in the 90-day view: slow gains, higher lows, reflecting institutional accumulation rather than speculative chasing. Volatility remains muted, anchoring portfolios rather than driving momentum.

2026 Stock Outlook: Volatility Ahead as AI, Tariffs Shape Wall Street

January 1, 2026, 2:21 PM EST. Wall Street expects more volatility in 2026 as the S&P 500 posted a 16.39% gain in 2025, finishing at 6,845.5 for a third consecutive double-digit year. Tariffs, AI optimism and a shifting Fed bias could tilt the trend. After a spring pullback, the index recovered as trade fears eased. Forecasts diverge: Ed Yardeni sees the S&P 500 at ~7,700 by year-end 2026 (+12.5%), with a 20% chance of a bear scare. Bank of America sees 7,100 (+3.7%); Deutsche Bank points to 8,000 (+16.9%). Goldman Sachs cautions returns may ease from 2025 as the forward P/E stays around 22.5x, above the long-run 17x. Fundstrat's Hardika Singh calls the market bullish on AI capex, benign inflation and falling rates. The path hinges on earnings outpacing valuations, with Nvidia-style data to validate the setup.

Dover stock at $195.24; P/E trails machinery peers at 25.75 vs 39.07

January 1, 2026, 2:19 PM EST. Dover Inc. (NYSE:DOV) shares were at $195.24 in the current session, down 1.28%. Over the past month, the stock rose 2.41%; in the past year, it gained 3.83%. The price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio compares a stock's price to its earnings per share (EPS). A higher P/E can signal expected faster growth, but not guarantees. Dover's P/E is 25.75, versus the Machinery industry's 39.07. The shares may appear undervalued relative to peers, though a lower P/E can reflect slower growth or weaker profitability. The P/E is just one metric; investors should evaluate other ratios, industry trends, and qualitative factors. Market data from Benzinga APIs.

Stocks Down Under names top ASX stocks to watch in 2026, led by WBT, ABB, EBR and SFR

January 1, 2026, 2:17 PM EST. On the first trading day of 2026, Stocks Down Under published its list of the 10 Hottest ASX stocks to watch this year. The piece highlights Weebit Nano (ASX:WBT) as a leading semiconductor play, citing its ReRAM tech and a FY26 revenue target near $10m, with licensing momentum including Texas Instruments. It flags Aussie Broadband (ASX:ABB) for steady growth, noting FY25 revenue of $1.2bn, $55.8m profit, and FY26 EBITDA guidance of $157m-$167m. EBR Systems (ASX:EBR) is described for its WiSE wireless pacing system and FDA clearance in 2025, with a US market potentially exceeding $4bn. Sandfire (ASX:SFR) is tied to a copper-driven thesis for 2026 amid a copper crunch, underscoring copper's tech and energy links.

India stocks drift; IT cushions FMCG drag as 26,240 hurdle looms

January 1, 2026, 1:50 PM EST. Indian equities closed the first session of the year modestly higher as gains in IT offset a slide in FMCG after the government imposed a fresh excise duty on cigarettes. The Sensex fell 32 points to 85,188.60, while the Nifty 50 rose 17 points to 26,146.55. Analysts said thin holiday trading and ongoing FII selling kept moves muted, with autos gaining on December sales and value buying supporting IT. Looking ahead, Q3 earnings, budget expectations, and global cues such as the India-US trade deal and potential Fed actions will guide direction; earnings growth remains the key driver for 2026. Technically, resistance sits near 26,240 and support near 26,000.

Costco insiders trim stakes as stock tests $862 support

January 1, 2026, 1:49 PM EST. Costco Wholesale shares drift as insiders trim stakes ahead of year-end. The stock sits near an $862 technical and psychological support, with breach seen as potentially opening a path toward about $800. In SEC Form 4 filings, Executive Vice President Javier Polit sold 2,049 shares on December 29 at $867.21 and 558 on December 30 at $862.89, reducing his stake by roughly 16% and signaling liquidity timing into a weak close. Earlier in Q4, William Richard Wilcox sold 2,400 shares at $930.13, while CFO Gary Millerchip's October activity related to RSU vesting and tax withholding at $944.68. Despite a mid-December earnings beat, the shares failed to reclaim highs, contrasting with Walmart, which has led the sector higher.

Penny stocks to watch in January 2026 as 2025 closes with gains

January 1, 2026, 1:47 PM EST. Penny stocks, typically small-cap or low-priced equities, remain a focus as 2025 closes with gains and tech-driven leadership. The compiled list covers names such as Dingdong, Waterdrop, WM Technology, LexinFintech, Tuya, CI&T, Golden Growers Cooperative, Nephros, BAB and Lifetime Brands, with prices ranging around $1-$5 and market caps from tens to hundreds of millions. The piece flags fundamentals alongside a 'Financial Health Rating' for context. In-depth look highlights Universal Electronics Inc. (UEIC), a maker of smart-home and A/V controls; despite a 3+-year window of losses, it carries a cash runway beyond three years and recent CFO changes. Another focus is Perfect Corp., an AI/AR software provider serving beauty and fashion, expanding via partnerships such as Tom Ford.

Stocks Trading Below Estimated Value Highlighted; Eagle Bancorp, Inter & Co Among Undervalued Names

January 1, 2026, 1:33 PM EST. Several banks, REITs and tech names show shares trading below estimated fair value, suggesting an undervalued status, according to a cash-flow based screener. Eagle Bancorp (EGBN) trades about $21.42 vs a fair value near $31.99 – a 33% discount to fair value, despite a Q3 net loss of $67.5 million; profitability is expected within three years as revenue is projected to grow ~42% annually. Inter & Co (INT) changes hands around $8.48 with a fair value of $9.43 – a ~10% discount; it posted strong earnings growth but carries a higher bad-loan ratio of 8.8%, which could weigh future profitability. Other names on the list show similar gaps, including VLY, SMA, ISTR, HBNC, HIMS, HFWA, GOTU, DCOM, CCNE and BLLN.

Natural gas slide drags UNG lower as warm U.S. forecast cools winter demand

January 1, 2026, 1:31 PM EST. U.S. natural gas fund UNG dropped 6.7% in the last session as warmer forecasts and a lighter storage draw weighed on prices. Front-month February Henry Hub futures fell about 5.7% to $3.745 per MMBtu by 12:41 p.m. ET, with traders watching weather shifts and LNG feedgas flows. UNG closed at $12.26 after trading between $12.18 and $12.69. LNG exporter Cheniere Energy rose 0.5% while producers EQT, Antero Resources, and Range Resources slipped. The EIA said utilities withdrew 38 bcf for the week ended Dec. 26; working gas stood at 3,375 bcf, about 58 bcf above the five-year average. December gas output rose to a record 110.1 bcfd and LNG feedgas deliveries averaged 18.5 bcfd. With milder forecasts and strong production, near-term upside is limited.

Take Solutions climbs 150% in a year; CFO resignations ahead of AI platform plan

January 1, 2026, 1:17 PM EST. Take Solutions, a small-cap stock trading under ₹50, jumped about 150% in the year to date, according to NSE data. The Hyderabad-based technology and consulting services provider for life sciences and supply chain management aims to build an AI-driven diagnostic and preventive care platform (uses artificial intelligence) per a 23 December 2025 exchange filing. The stock closed at ₹40.40, up 1.15% from the prior session; the 52-week high was ₹41.20 on 31 December 2025, and the 52-week low ₹6.51. Market capitalization stood at ₹597.65 crore on 1 January 2026. On 31 December 2025, Vedamirtham Venkatesan (CFO) and director Cecily Dheepa resigned, both effective that day. Investors should conduct due diligence amid governance changes.

3 Insider-Owned Growth Stocks On Watchlist as Market Advances

January 1, 2026, 1:15 PM EST. U.S. stocks posted a robust year with gains in major indices, closing a touch softer at year-end. Analysts note that growth names with meaningful insider ownership can align management and shareholders over time. From a proprietary screener, several names show double-digit insider stakes and strong earnings growth trajectories, including SMCI (13.9% insider, 50.7% earnings growth), STUB (14.1%, 59%), and SES (12%, 68.9%). Higher-conviction bets appear at PROP (31.8%, 100%) and NIU (37.2%, 93.7%). Other names such as CRDO, CORT, and BTDR also feature noteworthy insider stakes and growth potential. The report underscores that insider ownership is a positive signal but not a guarantee, and investors should evaluate fundamentals and risks before trading.

Canton (CC) climbs 18% as Nasdaq joins Canton Network; institutional interest rises

January 1, 2026, 12:59 PM EST. CC rose 18% in 24 hours and about 60% this week, pushing Canton into the top 20 by market cap. The price sits near $0.17 with a market cap above $6 billion. Nasdaq joined the Canton Network as a Super Validator, a move the market views as a credibility boost for institutional adoption. On-chain activity exceeded 500,000 daily transactions, supported by a token burn mechanism and growing ETF interest. Daily volume rose roughly 50%, helping CC outperform peers. Bitwise has filed for a multi-asset crypto ETF that includes Canton, underscoring demand for regulated products. Canton aims to be core infrastructure for tokenized real-world assets, particularly U.S. Treasuries and other regulated instruments. BitGo is noted as custodian, adding to institutional participation.

ITC Target Trimmed After Cigarette Tax Hike; Brokers Cut Valuations

January 1, 2026, 12:45 PM EST. Domestic brokerages trimmed ITC Ltd targets after the government imposed a cigarette excise duty, effective Feb. 1. Prabhudas Lilladher cut the target to Rs 348 from Rs 528 and downgraded to reduce from buy. DAM Capital lowered its target to Rs 440 from Rs 500, while maintaining a buy rating. Nuvama downgraded to hold with a Rs 415 target. The excise regime ranges Rs 2,050-8,500 per thousand sticks by length, potentially triggering cigarette price hikes of 23-50%. ITC's cigarette volumes are seen falling 12.5% in FY27 before rising 2.8% in FY28; PL's view implies an EPS (earnings per share) CAGR of about 4.5% for FY26-28. DAM also trimmed FY27-28 EPS by 8-9%. A relief measure like removal of the National Calamity Contingent Duty could be a positive trigger.

Motley Fool contributor launches Voyager Portfolio to seek under-the-radar stocks in 2026

January 1, 2026, 12:44 PM EST. Motley Fool contributing analyst launches a new 'Voyager Portfolio' to identify stocks that fly under the radar in 2026. The project marks a shift from reliance on mutual funds and exchange-traded funds, the writer says, toward individual stock ideas backed by multi-day research. The plan is to regularly survey hundreds of names, focusing on growth, value, or niche incumbents with disruptive potential. The author frames the effort as a learning journey, inviting readers to follow a process that mirrors space exploration-veteran advice meets novel opportunities. The endeavor leverages Fool's premium and public research channels and highlights AI-powered tools to scan the market. The work aims to broaden exposure beyond the Fool universe of stocks and into lesser-known opportunities.

Nvidia and Amazon Seen as AI Stocks Poised for 2026 Gains

January 1, 2026, 12:43 PM EST. Two AI stocks stand out as 2026 growth plays: Nvidia and Amazon. Nvidia dominates the AI-chip market, supplying GPUs for training and inference of large language models and other workloads. The company has moved into inferencing, expanded its product line, and pursued deals such as a Nokia collaboration and the Groq inference-tech acquisition to sustain momentum. Amazon sits among early AI beneficiaries by applying AI to ecommerce and logistics, boosting delivery efficiency and customer experience. Investor attention has converged on AI names as the market forecasts trillions of dollars in spending. While competition remains intense, the two engrained themes are clear: leadership in AI hardware or platforms that scale adoption can support durable growth into 2026 and beyond.

Broadcom slips as OpenAI tie-up stays in focus; year-end markets quiet on New Year's Day

January 1, 2026, 12:28 PM EST. Broadcom (AVGO) shares fell 1.1% to $346.10 as U.S. stocks closed 2025 on thin volume with New Year's Day trading muted. The iShares Semiconductor ETF and peers weakened, with SOXX down about 1.2% and Nvidia and AMD easing roughly 0.5%. Investors eye January 9 jobs data and the Federal Reserve meeting later in the month. Broadcom has been in focus for its AI infrastructure exposure and its tie-up with OpenAI to develop in-house AI processors, underscoring the pace of spending in generative AI. The company reaffirmed guidance for fiscal Q1 2026 revenue near $19.1 billion with an adjusted EBITDA margin around 67% and lifted the quarterly dividend to $0.65 per share. Next milestone: March 4 quarterly report.

Ninety One UK trims ASML stake; major institutional moves in ASML holdings

January 1, 2026, 12:12 PM EST. Ninety One UK Ltd trimmed its ASML stake by 7.0% in the third quarter to 56,156 shares worth $54.364 million. Amundi lifted its ASML position 91.6% to 642,498 shares, while Fisher Asset Management added 250,934 to reach 4,244,254. Acadian Asset Management rose 114.3% to 329,878 shares; Rafferty Asset Management advanced 32.4% to 413,280 shares; Marshall Wace expanded 1,638.6% to 75,928. Institutional ownership sits at 26.07%. ASML opened at $1,069.86; the stock trades near the 50-day MA of $1,054.82 and well above the 200-day MA of $904.37. Metrics include a $420.75 billion market cap, P/E 43.54, PEG 1.66, beta 1.87; liquidity: quick 0.70, current 1.31, debt-to-equity 0.14. In the latest quarter, ASML posted $6.41 EPS, beating by $0.14; revenue was $8.80 billion with a YoY gain of 0.7%.

Sorrell's AI Pivot Lifts S4 Capital as SFOR Surges 7.4% on AI-Driven Outlook

January 1, 2026, 11:56 AM EST. S4 Capital (LSE: SFOR) shares rose 7.4% on Jan. 1, 2026, to GBX 20.86 as volume rose about 12% versus the 30-day average. The move follows an AI-first strategy under Executive Chairman Sir Martin Sorrell, shifting from cost cuts to a leaner, output-based revenue model. Debt has been trimmed to £151 million from £180 million, reducing leverage to about 1.8x EBITDA. In December 2025, Sorrell outlined a 2026 roadmap centered on Monks.Flow, an AI-driven production engine, suggesting margins could recover even if revenue growth stays modest. Analysts mostly rate the stock Hold with a GBX 29 target, implying roughly 40% upside. The stock appears oversold; institutions have been bottom-fishing. The company is moving from time-and-materials to an output-based model after a 9% 2025 headcount reduction to meet EBITDA guidance of £75-87 million. Some see private equity consolidation in ad tech.

Delta Air Lines seen as value stock for 2026 despite debt load

January 1, 2026, 11:43 AM EST. Delta Air Lines trades at a low earnings multiple, with consensus EPS of $5.88 in 2025 and $7.26 in 2026, implying around P/E 11.8x and 9.6x, respectively. The stock, about $45.4 billion in market value, carries adjusted net debt near $15.6 billion. Wall Street projects FCF of roughly $3.4 billion in 2025, rising to $3.9 billion in 2026 and $4.4 billion in 2027, providing runway to de-lever. Delta's outlook hinges on sustaining earnings and cash flow to shrink debt amid a cyclical industry. Proponents cite disciplined capacity management during slowdowns and industry reshaping as tailwinds; skeptics point to leverage and price competition. For 2026, the stock's appeal rests on execution and the durability of the improved dynamics rather than headline multiples.

Three 'new-school' industrial stocks could beat the market over five years: Archer Aviation, AST SpaceMobile, Rivian

January 1, 2026, 11:41 AM EST. Three 'new-school' industrial stocks could beat the market over the next five years: Archer Aviation, AST SpaceMobile and Rivian Automotive. The trio signals a shift from legacy machinery to growth in eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft, space-based telecommunications and electric-vehicle platforms. Archer Aviation has moved toward commercialization with manufacturing partnerships and pilots in the U.S. and Saudi Arabia; analysts expect its first meaningful revenue in 2026 as the sector targets a multi-billion-dollar market by 2030. AST SpaceMobile has surged on progress toward a commercial space-based network; forecasts call for revenue gains in 2026 and potential profitability by 2027-2028, with earnings per share of about $0.35 and $2.57 respectively. Rivian Automotive completes the trio as a high-growth EV maker linked to broader adoption of electric mobility.

VSP:CA AI signals flag near-term buy around 100.84; CAD-hedged ETF

January 1, 2026, 11:08 AM EST. AI-generated signals for VSP:CA (Vanguard S&P 500 CAD-hedged) point to a near-term buy near 100.84 with a stop at 100.34; no short positions are advised. For January 1, the AI grid assigns Near: Strong; Mid: Weak; Long: Strong. The CAD-hedged structure aims to reduce currency risk versus the Canadian dollar. The report frames the plan under Trading Plans (Long Term) with no target price indicated.

Ninety One UK Ltd buys 506,396 Synopsys shares in Q3 stake

January 1, 2026, 11:05 AM EST. Ninety One UK Ltd disclosed a new position in Synopsys, Inc., acquiring 506,396 shares in the third quarter, valued at about $249.9 million, according to its Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), a quarterly disclosure of large institutional holdings. The stake leaves Ninety One with roughly 0.27% of SNPS at quarter end. The report also notes several other institutions adjusting SNPS shares; for example, DiNuzzo Private Wealth Inc. boosted its holding in the 3Q, while Independence Bank of Kentucky and Princeton Global Asset Management added stakes during the period. Institutional investors own about 85.47% of the stock. Synopsys trades near $469.72; near-term measures show the 50-day MA around $438.71 and the 200-day MA around $503.24, with a market cap near $89.9B and a P/E 58.79. The latest quarterly results showed EPS $2.90 on revenue $2.25B, beating estimates.

Ninety One UK trims Freeport-McMoRan stake in Q3; insider activity noted

January 1, 2026, 11:03 AM EST.Ninety One UK Ltd trimmed its stake in Freeport-McMoRan Inc. by 16.1% in Q3, according to its Form 13F. The fund held 4,567,256 FCX shares, about 0.32% of FCX, valued at $179.1 million at period end. Other institutions also altered positions, including DZ Bank's 89.4% second-quarter rise and Amundi's 28.1% first-quarter increase; Crake Asset Management expanded sharply, while Mizuho Markets Cayman opened a new second-quarter position and Voya Investment Management lifted its stake by 289% to roughly 3.84 million shares ($150.8 million). Hedge funds and institutions own about 80.77% of FCX. Insider activity: CAO Stephen T. Higgins sold 28,423 shares on Dec. 11 at $47.99, reducing his stake to 105,294 shares; CAO Ellie L. Mikes sold 9,572 shares, leaving 38,761 shares.

Year-End Short Covering Boosts Sugar Prices

January 1, 2026, 11:01 AM EST. March NY world sugar #11 (SBH26) closed up 0.17% (+1.15%), and March London ICE white sugar #5 (SWH26) gained 0.35%, as year-end short covering supported prices after a firmer dollar weighed on most commodities. The market had dipped to one-week lows earlier. Traders cited expectations of smaller future supplies from Brazil. Safras & Mercado lowered Brazil's 2026/27 sugar output to 41.8 MMT from 43.5 MMT and forecast exports at 30 MMT. In India, ISMA lifted 2025/26 production to 31 MMT and cut ethanol-use to 3.4 MMT, boosting export potential; production for Oct-Dec rose 24% to 11.83 MMT. Conab's Brazil outlook stayed bearish at 45 MMT for 2025/26; ISO forecasts a 1.625 MMT global surplus in 2025-26, while Czarnikow places it at 8.7 MMT.

Sugar futures rise on year-end short covering; Brazil and India supply outlooks in focus

January 1, 2026, 10:59 AM EST. March NY world sugar #11 (SBH26) rose 0.20 points, or 1.35%, and March London ICE white sugar #5 (SWH26) gained 2.40 points, or 0.56%, as year-end short covering supported prices. The market retraced from one-week lows after the dollar index (DXY) firmed. Safras & Mercado trimmed Brazil's 2026/27 sugar production to 41.8 MMT from 43.5 MMT, with exports seen down about 11% to 30 MMT. In India, ISMA lifted 2025/26 production to 31 MMT and cut ethanol-use to 3.4 MMT, potentially lifting exports; Oct-Dec output rose 24% y/y to 11.83 MMT. Conab raised Brazil's 2025/26 output to 45 MMT. The ISO foresees a 1.625 MMT global surplus in 2025-26, while Czarnikow puts it at 8.7 MMT, with production up 3.2% to 181.8 MMT globally.

Texas Roadhouse ROE Outpaces Industry, Signals Strong Fundamentals

January 1, 2026, 10:57 AM EST. Texas Roadhouse's stock slid 2.9% over the past month, but fundamentals look solid. Trailing twelve months through September 2025, ROE stands around 30% (net income of $446 million over $1.5 billion in equity). That ROE surpasses the industry average of 16% and reflects the firm's roughly net income growth of 27% over five years. By contrast, the broader industry rose about 31% in the same period, placing TXRH's earnings trajectory near peers. The company posts a payout ratio of 44%, leaving about 56% of earnings for reinvestment. Valuation depends on whether the market has priced in future gains, with an intrinsic value infographic linked in the broader analysis.

Industrial Renaissance Signals Continued Bull Run for XGI in 2026

January 1, 2026, 10:55 AM EST. At the market open for 2026, the iShares S&P Global Industrials Index ETF (XGI) carried a 'Moderate Buy' technical rating as it hovers near 52-week highs around $63.52. The ETF's momentum is supported by a RSI (relative strength index) of 57.93, remaining in a bullish zone, and a MACD (moving average convergence/divergence) positive crossover in late December. A long-run Golden Cross has been forming, with the fund trading above its 200-day SMA of $59.09 and drawing support from a 50-day SMA near $62.42 during pullbacks. Upbeat infrastructure forecasts for 2026-roughly $9 trillion-have drawn fresh buying, aided by allocations to industrials as a hedge against inflation. Notable winners include GE Aerospace, with substantial gains in 2025, and GE Vernova, while Caterpillar remains a top contributor.

SGX navigates year-end cooling as 2026 rate outlook shifts

January 1, 2026, 10:53 AM EST.SGX paused for year-end with a 0.8% decline on December 31, 2025, as a quieter session capped a year of record results. SGX's fiscal year to June 2025 delivered adjusted net profit of S$609.5 million, up about 16%, supported by a 28% jump in FX (foreign-exchange) volumes and iron-ore derivatives. Analysts said the rally pivoted on a hawkish pause after the U.S. Federal Reserve signaled no near-term rate cuts, tempering liquidity for high-yield and financials. The MAS Equity Market Review drew a cautious reception, with reforms failing to spark a lasting rebound in listings. Looking to 2026, SGX faces a shift from a liquidity-driven rally to fundamentals-led growth amid higher-for-longer rates and a firmer Singapore dollar that could weigh on overseas earnings. The group aims to leverage a multi-asset strategy to diversify income and sustain dividend growth.

A $500 investment in Amazon's IPO would be worth about $1.5 million today

January 1, 2026, 10:38 AM EST. Amazon's 1997 IPO priced at $18 per share. After four stock splits, the adjusted IPO cost is $0.075, with each IPO share now representing 240 shares. Had you invested $500 at the offering and held through Dec. 29, 2025, the stake would be about $1,508,535, according to Yahoo! Finance. By contrast, the S&P 500, from May 15, 1997 to that date, rose roughly 700%. The comparison underscores how early investors in Amazon benefited from its shift from an online bookstore to a diversified platform, including AWS and logistics. Data cited reflects SEC filings and company data. Prices are close of 2025-12-29 and adjusted for splits.

Nifty ends flat as ITC hits cigarette tax; autos lead; Sensex slips

January 1, 2026, 10:37 AM EST. India's Nifty 50 closed up 0.06% at 26,146.55, while the Sensex slipped 0.04% to 85,188.6 as autos offset a selloff in cigarette makers after New Delhi raised cigarette taxes. The Nifty Auto index rose about 1%, with Mahindra & Mahindra up and Ashok Leyland surging to a record high. ITC fell as much as 9.2% intraday after the excise duty announcement and closed lower; Godfrey Phillips India dropped about 17%. The government raised excise duty to 2,050-8,500 rupees per 1,000 sticks, effective Feb 1. Trading was muted amid New Year holidays, with investors awaiting the February budget. Piccadily Agro climbed after starting commercial production in Chhattisgarh.

Ouster intrinsic value pegged at US$40.99, about 89% upside from US$21.64

January 1, 2026, 10:21 AM EST. According to Simply Wall St, Ouster, Inc. (NASDAQ: OUST) is worth US$40.99 per share under a 2-stage discounted cash flow (DCF) model. The current price of US$21.64 implies about an 89% upside. The fair value is roughly 3.8% above the company's average analyst target of US$39.50. The analysis uses a cost of equity of 8.4% and sets the Terminal Value with a Gordon Growth rate of 3.3%, discounting future cash flows back to today. Present value of the 10-year cash flow (PVCF) is about US$545 million. The model shows levered FCF turning positive after 2026. Note that DCF is one valuation tool among many and has limitations.

MultiSensor AI Holdings stock slides after 30% one-day drop as insiders sell

January 1, 2026, 10:12 AM EST. MultiSensor AI Holdings, Inc. (MSAI) shares tumbled after a single-day decline reported at more than 30%, tied to a newly released offering prospectus. Traders cited frustration over leadership amid cash reserves but some optimism over sensor activations and margins; others point to technicals and potential reverse split risk. The company posted Q3 2025 revenue of $1.6 million, a -1.75% year-over-year decline. Insider activity shows Gary Eugene Strahan sold 194,331 shares across five trades in the last six months, with no purchases. Hedge funds shifted positions in Q3 2025, including Sanders Morris Harris LLC adding 265,130 shares and Susquehanna International Group adding 58,317, while several firms reduced stakes, such as Two Sigma Securities and Virtu Financial. Analysts' ratings are mentioned but not detailed. Investors will monitor the prospectus impact and any updated guidance.

ASX:PDI in focus as Robex merger gains shareholder backing; approvals loom

January 1, 2026, 10:10 AM EST. Predictive Discovery Ltd said Robex Resources shareholders voted 94.54% in favour of the all-share merger, clearing a key condition, an exchange filing showed. Predictive Discovery and Robex Resources expect production of more than 400,000 ounces of gold per year by 2029. The transaction is expected to close in Q1 2026, subject to Québec court approval and regulatory consents from Guinea and Mali. The vote moves the deal closer after months of shifting expectations, with investors now focusing on execution risk and remaining sign-offs. Cross-border mergers hinge on approvals and funding; all-share structures can keep prices volatile as investors model dilution and closing risk. Under terms, Robex shareholders receive 7.862 Predictive shares per Robex share, valuing the deal at about A$2.17 billion. Near-term trading has shown A$0.70 support and A$0.77 resistance.

SGX slips on year-end trading; investors eye 2026 IPOs and Nasdaq bridge

January 1, 2026, 10:08 AM EST. Singapore Exchange Ltd slid 0.8% to S$16.96 on the last trading day of 2025, the STI's biggest decliner as the index eased 0.2% to 4,646.21 after Fed minutes implied rates could stay steady. SGX's revenue tracks trading and fundraising activity, so a quieter tape can trim fees. SGX RegCo will appoint Dr Sung Cheng Chih as non-executive and independent chairman from Jan 1, replacing Professor Tan Cheng Han; Sung's background includes GIC and co-founding Avanda. The exchange is courting Chinese firms for familiar-brand primary listings and analysts see as many as 20 IPOs in 2026, contingent on issuer quality. MAS and SGX also floated a cross-border dual listing bridge with Nasdaq, targeting mid-2026, to boost liquidity. Investors will watch whether SGX can reclaim S$17 and whether IPO talks become filings.

Tesla stock slides ahead of Friday deliveries update as robotaxi, Optimus milestones loom

January 1, 2026, 10:06 AM EST. Tesla shares edged lower in quiet trading ahead of Friday's quarterly deliveries update. The company published a delivery consensus of 422,850 vehicles for Q4 and 1,640,752 for 2025 on its investor site, but Tesla does not endorse analyst estimates. Visible Alpha-poll expectations point to about 432,810 Q4 deliveries, implying a potential miss versus consensus. The debate on demand was sharpened by the loss of U.S. tax credits and intensified competition, even as Tesla expanded lower-priced Model 3/Model Y variants. BYD is seen as closing the gap in China's EV market, Reuters reported. Baird kept an Outperform rating with a $548 target, citing potential catalysts from robotaxi and Optimus milestones in 2026 and 2027. A beat would ease the stock's near-term demand narrative; a miss could renew concerns about pricing and margins.

U.S. stock markets reopen Friday after New Year's Day closure

January 1, 2026, 9:56 AM EST. U.S. stock markets are closed for New Year's Day and will reopen on Friday, Jan. 2. On Dec. 31, regular hours ran 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET, while the fixed-income market closed early at 2 p.m. ET. SIFMA lists an early close on Dec. 31 and a full closure on Jan. 1, with NYSE's core session at 9:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. ET on normal days. Overseas venues vary; London traded with limited hours and Tokyo was closed. CME Group notes a New Year's holiday window from Dec. 31, 2025, through Jan. 2, 2026. FINRA's calendar flags the next full closure on Jan. 19 (Martin Luther King Jr. Day). Treasuries and other fixed-income markets follow the holiday rhythm as equities resume Jan. 2.

Ninety One UK Raises NU Stake; Hedge Funds Adjust NU Exposure as Analysts Lift Targets

January 1, 2026, 9:54 AM EST. Ninety One UK Ltd raised its NU stake by 603.5% in Q3 to 7,199,856 shares, buying 6,176,409 more. The position amounts to about 0.15% of NU and is valued at roughly $115.27 million per the SEC filing. Other hedge funds also adjusted NU exposures, including new stakes for Armstrong Advisory Group and Banque Transatlantique SA, plus notable increases by ORG Partners LLC, Quaker Wealth Management LLC and Allworth Financial LP. Institutional investors own about 84.02% of NU. Analysts boosted targets: JPMorgan Chase & Co. to $18.00; Susquehanna to $19.00; KeyCorp to $19.00; UBS to $18.40; and Santander to outperform. MarketBeat's consensus is Moderate Buy with an average target of $18.04. NU opened at $16.71; debt/Equity 0.29; current and quick ratios 0.56; 1-year range $9.01-$17.84; market cap $80.52B; P/E 32.77.

Marathon Petroleum Largely Controlled by Institutions; Vanguard Leads Top Shareholder Holdings

January 1, 2026, 9:52 AM EST. Institutional ownership, i.e., stakes held by large investors such as mutual funds and pension funds, dominates Marathon Petroleum Corp (NYSE:MPC). The article notes institutions own about 75% of the company, with the top 21 shareholders controlling roughly 50% of shares. The Vanguard Group is the largest holder at about 13%, followed by BlackRock and State Street with ~7.5% and ~6%. The concentration suggests that institutional buyers can significantly influence share price and governance, including board decisions, especially if several large holders trade in unison. Analysts' coverage and forecast growth are cited as factors investors consider alongside ownership data. The piece also cautions that a major decline could occur if large holders exit simultaneously. Insider definitions vary across sources.

ActiveOps Among 3 Top UK Penny Stock Picks Amid Market Slump

January 1, 2026, 9:50 AM EST. UK equities slipped as the FTSE 100 and FTSE 250 fell on weak China trade data. Yet, selective penny stocks with solid finances offer opportunities. ActiveOps Plc stands out with a market cap of £164.96 million; its revenue stems from a SaaS segment (£31.11m) and a Training & Implementation arm (£5.86m). The group remains unprofitable with a negative ROE (-2.22%) but has trimmed losses over five years and maintains a cash runway over three years thanks to growing free cash flow. H1 2026 revenue rose to £20.83 million from £14.32 million, while net loss was £0.937 million. Ingenta plc has a £16 million market cap and about £10.28 million in revenue from Internet Software & Services across the UK, US and Europe. These examples show how penny stocks can combine cash flow with growth potential.

3347.T stock forecast January 2026: Oversold bounce potential

January 1, 2026, 9:41 AM EST. Trust Co., Ltd. (3347.T) closed at ¥408.0, down 0.97%, as technicals signal a potential oversold bounce in January 2026. The RSI, a momentum indicator, is 0, well below the 30 threshold, while the ADX at 50 confirms persistent momentum. The MACD sits at -0.32 with a -0.26 histogram, suggesting possible convergence after bearish pressure. Support sits at the Keltner Channel lower band of ¥391.62. Trading volume was 19,400, below the 55,752-average, with negative OBV signaling cautious demand. Meyka AI assigns a B grade and a HOLD rating, forecasting a year-end near ¥400.59 and a three-year target around ¥474.17. The setup implies upside potential if momentum improves, but risk remains if the trend deepens.

Crypto crash erodes 2025 Bitcoin narrative as October liquidation derails rally

January 1, 2026, 9:40 AM EST. Bitcoin is down 23% since October, undermining the idea that ETF inflows and digital asset treasuries would sustain a year-end rally. A $19 billion October liquidation cascade drained liquidity as DATs failed to offset selling pressure. Spot altcoin ETFs struggled to shield the market, and several DATs began using cash to repurchase shares instead of expanding crypto holdings. Prices for many DATs fell below net asset value, raising the risk of more forced selling. The shift from buyers to potential sellers in crypto equities mirrors a broader, uncertain path for catalysts touted to drive crypto higher in late 2024 and into 2025, even as broader markets continue to rally.

Micron Seen as Bargain Play in AI Memory-Chip Boom for 2026

January 1, 2026, 9:39 AM EST. Micron Technology's stock has surged about 250% in the past year as memory chips demand climbs with AI workloads. In its latest quarter the company posted a 57% year-over-year revenue gain and a 167% rise in non-GAAP earnings. The shares trade at a trailing P/E (price-to-earnings) of about 27. Management expects the next quarter to show revenue up 132% year over year to $18.7 billion and adjusted earnings up more than fivefold. Analysts peg next fiscal-year EPS (earnings per share) at $32.14, implying a forward P/E near 9, well below the Nasdaq-100's roughly 26. The case hinges on a memory-market shortage and rising demand for high-bandwidth memory in AI accelerators, which could lift Micron's multiple if investors re-rate the stock.

Visa stock price forecast 2026-2030: growth drivers, dividends, and regulatory risks

January 1, 2026, 9:38 AM EST. Visa Inc. shares peaked above $375 in June and are about 5.6% lower, lagging the S&P 500. Since its IPO, the stock has surged roughly 2,170%, with roughly half the gain in the past five years. Investors weigh Visa's growth drivers-Tap to Phone, AI-enabled commerce, and digital-currency pilots-against regulatory headwinds and competition. The company has delivered a long track record: a 10-year total return north of 420% and a dividend CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 17.2%, with payouts rising from $0.13 to $2.68 per share. A 24/7 Wall St. forecast projects several years of price targets through 2030, though the analysis emphasizes variable assumptions about payments volumes and crypto exposure amid antitrust scrutiny and DOJ actions.

Cocoa futures settle higher as consolidation persists; pound weakness lifts London prices

January 1, 2026, 9:37 AM EST. March ICE NY cocoa (CCH26) settled up 0.03%, while March ICE London cocoa #7 (CAH26) rose 0.25%, in a session that saw a light consolidation after Monday's two-week highs. A weaker pound supported London-quoted prices in sterling. Ivory Coast port arrivals were 59,708 MT in the week to Dec. 28, down 27% YoY, with Oct 1-Dec 28 shipments at 1.029 MMT, down 2% from a year earlier. Traders weigh a tightening global cocoa supply outlook, including potential inclusion in the BCOM; Citigroup said it could lure up to $2 billion in NY cocoa buying. US port inventories stood at 1,626,105 bags, a 9.5-month low. The EU deforestation law delay keeps imports flowing from Africa.

TSX ends 2025 lower, but posts strongest annual gain since 2009

January 1, 2026, 9:35 AM EST. Toronto's S&P/TSX Composite Index finished 2025 down 0.4% at 31,712.76 as mining shares weighed on softer metals prices. Still, the index logged the strongest year since 2009, driven by materials and energy stocks. Traders shift focus to early January data and the Bank of Canada's late-month decision. Markets pause for New Year's Day; the TSX and US exchanges are set to reopen Friday. For investors, metals prices, the Canadian dollar, and bond yields remain key drivers of valuations for banks and dividend payers. The Bank of Canada meets Jan. 28, with inflation and growth trends likely to shape policy and the near-term tone for Canadian equities.

US stock markets closed on New Year's Day 2026; NYSE, Nasdaq observe holiday

January 1, 2026, 9:26 AM EST. On New Year's Day, Jan. 1, 2026, the major U.S. stock exchanges will be closed. The New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq observe Jan. 1 as a holiday, so no trading occurs that day. Regular hours resume on Jan. 2, with Nasdaq opening at 9:30 a.m. and closing at 4 p.m.Eastern Time, and the NYSE operating its core session from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET. Traders should note the holiday calendar when planning actions around the New Year. A brief glossary: exchanges are markets where buyers and sellers trade stocks; holidays can close markets and reduce liquidity; normal hours apply on trading days after the holiday.

Ninety One UK boosts TTWO stake by 72,281 shares in Q3; stake reaches 1.87 million

January 1, 2026, 9:25 AM EST. Ninety One UK Ltd increased its stake in Take-Two Interactive Software (TTWO) by 72,281 shares in the 3rd quarter, bringing its holding to 1,873,863 shares. The position equals about 1.1% of the firm's portfolio, making TTWO its 27th largest holding; the stake is valued at roughly $484,131,000 as of the SEC filing. Other institutions also adjusted their TTWO positions, including Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. (+21.4% to 297,783 shares, about $72.32 million), Perigon Wealth Management LLC (+995 to 2,251 shares, about $547,000), Swiss National Bank (+38,900 to 534,308 shares, about $129.76 million), Swedbank AB (+10,305 to 115,042, about $23.84 million), and Czech National Bank (+3,712 to 41,412, about $10.06 million). Institutional ownership stands at about 95.46%. In equity research, BMO, Benchmark, Cowen, and Jefferies issued updated TTWO targets, lifting ranges toward $275-$300 with ratings of outperform/buy.

Ninety One UK Ltd Boosts Newmont Stake by 15.5% in Q3, SEC Filing Shows

January 1, 2026, 9:24 AM EST.Ninety One UK Ltd boosted its stake in Newmont (NYSE: NEM) by 15.5% in the third quarter, per a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filing. The fund now holds 3,421,502 shares, after adding 460,130 during the period, about 0.31% of the stock, valued at roughly $288.5 million at quarter-end. Several other institutional investors also traded NEM; Concord Wealth Partners and Evermay Wealth Management expanded stakes in the second quarter. In insider action, CEO Thomas Ronald Palmer sold 5,000 shares for $406,700 in early November, reducing his holding to about 279,923 shares; Director Bruce R. Brook sold 2,080 shares in early December, trimming his stake. Insiders have sold 9,160 shares in the last three months.

Ninety One UK Ltd Sells 740,843 Okta Shares in Q3; Institutions, Insiders Move Okta

January 1, 2026, 9:23 AM EST. Ninety One UK Ltd reduced its stake in Okta by 27.0% in the third quarter, owning 2,003,681 shares after selling 740,843. The position equaled 1.14% of the company and was worth about $183.738 million at quarter end. Other institutional moves included Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC up 122.2% to 967,166 shares ($88.679 million) after buying 531,800; Merit Financial Group LLC up 2.8% to 7,000 shares ($642k); Security National Bank initiating a new position ($167k); Legal Advantage Investments Inc. up 41.9% to 13,540 shares ($1.242 million); and Regatta Capital Group LLC adding a new stake ($231k). Institutional investors own 86.64% of Okta. Insider activity: Larissa Schwartz sold 1,318 shares for $112,966; Eric Robert Kelleher sold 8,370 for $754,890, leaving insiders with 23,737 shares sold in the last 90 days totaling $2.139 million, or 5.68% of the stock.

Ninety One UK trims Natera stake by 38.9% in Q3; stake valued at about $55.4 million, SEC disclosure shows

January 1, 2026, 9:22 AM EST. Ninety One UK Ltd trimmed its Natera stake by 38.9% in the third quarter (Q3), ending with 344,173 shares valued at about $55.4 million after selling 218,812 shares. Other institutions adjusted holdings: Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. up 83.5% in Q1 to 233 shares; Hilltop National Bank and Oliver Lagore Vanvalin Investment Group opened new Q2 stakes; AlphaQuest LLC boosted its stake 1,857.1% in Q1; Sound Income Strategies LLC increased holdings 95.7% in Q3. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own about 99.90% of the stock. Natera opened at $229.09; 1-year range $125.38-$246.90; market cap about $31.69B; P/E, -100.04; beta 1.63; 50-/200-day SMAs $220.68/$182.83. For the quarter, EPS ($0.64) vs ($0.39), revenue $592.18M vs $514.55M; CEO Steven Leonard Chapman sold 4,400 shares on Dec 1 at $238.07 for about $1.05M.

US stocks closed on New Year's Day; markets resume Jan. 2, 2026

January 1, 2026, 9:18 AM EST. US stock exchanges are closed for New Year's Day on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, with no trading and no early close. The NYSE and Nasdaq observe the federal holiday, and regular sessions resume Friday, Jan. 2. The calendar also calls for a Martin Luther King Jr. Day closure on Jan. 19. Traders should expect thinner liquidity around these holidays, which can affect price discovery. After a strong 2025 for equities, investors will watch positioning and macro signals as markets enter 2026.

CIBR Poised for 2026 as AI-Driven Threats Boost Cybersecurity Spending

January 1, 2026, 9:16 AM EST. First Trust's NASDAQ Cybersecurity ETF, ticker CIBR, rose about 13% in 2025 but trailed the Nasdaq-100 by roughly 7 percentage points. An exchange-traded fund (ETF) that tracks cybersecurity equities, CIBR stands to benefit from AI-driven threats and rising budgets in 2026. A key driver is autonomous AI agents that can reason and act without human oversight, expanding the attacksurface. Global cybersecurity spending is projected to exceed $520 billion in 2026. Top holdings-Palo Alto Networks, CrowdStrike, and Cloudflare-account for about 20% of the portfolio within $11.1 billion in assets. The fund offers liquidity advantages versus peers like HACK. Public cybersecurity spend and defense budgets exceed $25 billion annually and are growing.

BWX Technologies posts ~210% three-year TSR; stock up about 200% as dividends lift returns

January 1, 2026, 9:14 AM EST.BWX Technologies has posted strong three-year returns. The stock has climbed about 200% over the period, while EPS fell about 0.5% per year. Total shareholder return (TSR) – which includes reinvested dividends – stands at roughly 210% over three years, aided by payout payments. The stock delivered 56% TSR over the last year, helped by the dividend. Revenue growth ran about 10% across the period, even as EPS declined. The company trades with a modest yield around 0.6%, suggesting investors are pricing in slower near-term profitability. Analysts' consensus estimates suggest visibility into future growth. Investors should weigh the mix of dividends, growth reinvestment, and the trajectory of earnings against the stock's price resilience.

Tesla stock slips after Q4 delivery warning; long-term outlook murky

January 1, 2026, 9:12 AM EST. Tesla Inc. shares fell about 6.4% over the past week as the company warned of a sharp drop in fourth-quarter deliveries and a supplier contract restatement hinted at weaker demand for the Cybertruck. The stock remains up about 43% from six months earlier, outperforming the S&P 500 over that span, but is roughly 8.9% higher than a year ago and trails the Nasdaq. Since its 2010 IPO at $17, Tesla has delivered extraordinary gains, though near-term forecasting remains uncertain. The company has expanded margins through cost cutting at its factories in Shanghai and Berlin and is pursuing a megafactory near Houston. Tesla's R&D-especially FSD (Full Self-Driving) and robotaxi plans-continues to drive expectations, even as rivals and macro conditions inject volatility.

Ninety One UK Ltd Buys 1,066,731 Robinhood Shares in Q3 13F

January 1, 2026, 9:10 AM EST. UK investment manager Ninety One UK Ltd disclosed in its 13F filing that it added 1,066,731 Robinhood Markets shares in the third quarter, a position valued at about $152.7 million and representing roughly 0.12% of the company. The purchase follows a flurry of small changes by other hedge funds in Robinhood, including CogentBlue Wealth Advisors and Valley National Advisers increasing minority stakes. The report also details notable insider activity: Steven M. Quirk sold 49,942 shares in a December trade and director Baiju Bhatt sold 1,330,000 shares in November, with insiders collectively unloading about 2,936,763 shares over the past three months. Robinhood stock opened near $113.10, with the 50-day moving average around $126.82 as investors weigh the shares.

LSEG shares slip on year-end close as buyback continues

January 1, 2026, 9:08 AM EST. London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) closed last session down 0.1% at 8,952 pence, with about 200,000 shares traded as liquidity (the cash available for trading) waned after the year end. The stock moved in a 8,926-9,000 pence range during a holiday-shortened session. LSEG said Dec. 30 it bought back 59,000 shares at an average 8,943.36 pence as part of its buyback programme announced on Nov 4, with plans to cancel the repurchased stock. Buybacks shrink share count and can lift earnings per share, a dynamic watched as volumes pull back in holidays. Ahead of the Feb 26, 2026 full-year results, LSEG has signaled another roughly £1 billion of buybacks. Investors will focus on normalising liquidity and ongoing buyback updates for a potential bid under the shares.

XCLN:CA Stock Market Analysis – Buy Near 27.94, AI-Generated Signals for iShares Global Clean Energy ETF

January 1, 2026, 9:06 AM EST. Stock Traders Daily Canada's note on XCLN:CA calls for a long entry near 27.94 with a stop loss at 27.80 and no short positions currently. The piece flags the iShares Global Clean Energy ETF as the underlying instrument. It notes updated AI-Generated Signals for XCLN:CA. Ratings show Near-term: Strong, while Mid and Long terms are Weak. The timestamp confirms the data as of January 1, 2026. A chart for XCLN:CA is referenced, and readers should weigh liquidity and risk management before taking action.

Indian stocks open 2026 with cautious gains; Nifty, Sensex edge higher

January 1, 2026, 9:04 AM EST. Markets opened 2026 with a cautious tilt as the Nifty rose 0.17% to 26,173.30 and the Sensex gained 0.04% to 85,255.55. Sector trends were mixed: the FMCG index slipped about 1%, while the telecom gauge rose 1%; 10 of 15 indices were green on NSE. The Nifty Media and Nifty Auto led the advance; Nifty FMCG and Nifty Pharma traded in the red. Foreign institutional investors (FIIs)-funds from abroad-sold Rs 3,597 crore, while domestic institutional investors (DIIs)-Indian institutions-bought Rs 6,759 crore. The rupee opened at 89.88 per dollar, about 1 paise weaker. Traders await global cues and oil moves; a break above 26,300 could trigger fresh longs. The 2026 trading holiday calendar was published, clarifying non-trading days.

NSE and BSE open on New Year's Day as global markets stay shut

January 1, 2026, 8:51 AM EST. India's stock exchanges NSE and BSE operate on regular hours today, with the pre-open 9:00-9:08 and continuous trading 9:15-3:30, followed by a closing session from 3:40-4:00. Global markets are largely closed for New Year's Day, keeping liquidity local and reducing external cues. Commodities trades on MCX and NCDEX run the day session 9:00-5:00, with intraday positions squared off by 4:50 pm. Traders should use limit orders near key levels, tighten stops, and consider smaller position sizes given thinner early volumes and potential gap risk into tomorrow. Focus on domestic catalysts-banking, IT, and consumer names-for leadership. Use the pre-open print to gauge sentiment; avoid chasing gaps and revisit risk controls after the first hour.

TSX Penny Stocks With Market Caps Under CA$200M To Consider

January 1, 2026, 8:50 AM EST. Diversification remains key as the TSX cap market narrows toward smaller companies. The article spotlights penny stocks on the TSX Venture and TSX with market capitalizations under roughly CA$200 million, noting strong financial health scores for several names. Highlights include Westbridge Renewable Energy, Sailfish Royalty, Zoomd Technologies, Montero Mining and Exploration, CEMATRIX, Thor Explorations, Automotive Finco, Pulse Seismic, Caldwell Partners International and Hemisphere Energy, many rated with high financial health. The piece also references pre-revenue outfits such as First Lithium Minerals Corp. and Greenheart Gold Inc., emphasizing that these firms face volatility and cash-runway challenges even as losses shrink. Readers are reminded that penny stocks can offer growth but carry elevated risk and liquidity considerations.

Ninety One UK Ltd Increases Thermo Fisher Stake; Insider Sales Reported

January 1, 2026, 8:49 AM EST.Ninety One UK Ltd boosted its stake in Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. by 3.7% in Q3 to 835,599 shares after buying 29,806 more, about 0.22% of the company and worth roughly $405.28 million per the latest SEC filing. The stock remains largely owned by institutions, with insiders and funds holding about 89.23% of shares. In insider trading activity, EVP Frederick M. Lowery sold 6,912 shares on December 2 at $581.94 on average, leaving 14,367 shares valued around $8.36 million-a 32.5% cut in his stake. VP Lisa P. Britt sold 1,058 shares on November 12 at $588.26 on average, reducing her stake by about 7.5% to 13,087 shares valued at roughly $7.70 million. The disclosures appear in SEC filings.

Ninety One UK raises stake in NextEra Energy; hedge funds shift NEE holdings; insiders sell

January 1, 2026, 8:48 AM EST. Ninety One UK Ltd raised its NextEra Energy (NYSE: NEE) stake by 2.0% in Q3 (the third quarter) to 2,448,665 shares, about 0.12% of NEE, valued at roughly $184.85 million. Other hedge funds also adjusted holdings: Sax Wealth Advisors LLC to 19,380 shares (+0.6%), Princeton Global Asset Management LLC to 48,300 (+0.3%), Arkfeld Wealth Strategies L.L.C. to 15,249 (+0.9%), Veltria Advisors Corp. to 3,024 (+4.8%), and Pine Haven Investment Counsel Inc to 6,350 (+2.3%). Overall, hedge funds and institutions own about 78.72% of NEE. In insider activity, EVP Charles E. Sieving sold 11,336 shares on Oct. 3 at $80.00, reducing ownership by 6.34%; CEO Armando Pimentel, Jr. sold 145,140 on Nov. 17 at $83.91, leaving ~162,693 shares valued at about $13.65 million, a 47.15% ownership decrease.

JPMorgan Maintains Overweight on Oddity Tech; Price Target Cut to $59 on 2026 Sector Forecast

January 1, 2026, 8:39 AM EST. JPMorgan kept an Overweight rating on Oddity Tech (ODD) but trimmed its price target to $59 from $67 as part of its 2026 sector forecast for small- and mid-cap internet and video-game names. Q3 2025 results showed revenue up 24% YoY to $148 million and an identical 24% rise in adjusted diluted EPS, driven by a 40% international revenue surge and expansion into France, Italy and Spain, with only a 1% dip in average order value offset by strong repeat business from IL MAKIAGE and SpoiledChild. The firm highlighted METHODIQ, a dermatology-focused brand, as a strategic accelerator despite lower initial gross margins. Full-year 2025 guidance was raised to $806-$809 million in revenue and $2.10-$2.12 in adjusted EPS. Oddity builds digital-first beauty and wellness brands for US and international markets.

3 AI stocks with 10x potential by 2036, led by AMD and CoreWeave

January 1, 2026, 8:36 AM EST. Investors are increasingly focusing on AI stocks with the potential for sizeable gains. The analysis cites Palantir's outsized appreciation since 2022 as a benchmark and cites Grand View Research's forecast of a 31% compound annual growth rate for AI through 2033, implying further 10x upside by 2036. The piece singles out two names: AMD and CoreWeave. AMD is described as a potential challenger to Nvidia in AI accelerators, buoyed by an upcoming MI450 accelerator and a long-run revenue CAGR around 30%, rising to roughly 60% in the data-center AI segment. CoreWeave is positioned as an AI-optimized cloud platform, growing rapidly as enterprises migrate workloads to specialized infrastructure. In the nine months through 2025, CoreWeave reported revenue near $3.6 billion with costs and interest surging, underscoring the need for scale to sustain profitability.

Nio Stock Price Prediction and Forecast 2026-2030

January 1, 2026, 8:34 AM EST. Shares of Nio have wrestled with tariff-driven volatility. The EV maker slid to an April low of $3.02, then rebounded; they are up 25.6% year over year and rose about 13% over the past week after Beijing extended EV trade-in subsidies into 2026 and Nio issued a stronger Q4 outlook. The stock is about 60.4% higher than six months ago, roughly outperforming the S&P 500 over that span. But sentiment remains cautious: about half of 27 analysts covering the stock rate it a buy, with a mean price target of $6.73-more than 22% above current levels; the high target sits at $9.18. Investors point to Nio's high-performance models with a 600-mile range and battery-swap technology as growth catalysts, alongside international expansion. Nio debuted on the NYSE in 2018 at $9.90; it surged in 2020-21 to $62.84 before pulling back.

Meta Platforms stock outlook for 2026: AI pivot after Q3 results

January 1, 2026, 8:33 AM EST. Meta Platforms Inc. is refocusing on AI after a Q3 that exposed strain from heavy capital spending on its AI push and the planned trimming of the Reality Labs metaverse budget. The stock has fallen about 9.3% since the results, though it remains up roughly 12.6% year over year and near its August peak of $796.25. Analysts have a range of price targets, but near-term tone is clouded by macro uncertainty and questions about the metaverse strategy first raised when the company rebranded as Meta. Meta's AI emphasis has supported growth: Q3 revenue rose 26% to $51.2 billion, and EPS (earnings per share) of $7.25, excluding a one-time tax charge, beat the $6.74 consensus. WhatsApp's 3+ billion monthly users underpin the moat.

FTSE 100 posts best year since 2009 as it outperforms rivals

January 1, 2026, 8:21 AM EST. The FTSE 100 posted its best annual return since 2009, up about 21.5% from end-2024. The UK index outperformed peers such as the Stoxx 600, S&P 500, and Nasdaq. Gains were broad-based in mining, defence, and finance shares, with Fresnillo, Rolls-Royce, and Lloyds Banking Group among notable movers. The rally came despite ongoing political and economic uncertainty, including volatility tied to tariff announcements by the US administration under Donald Trump. IPO activity on the London Stock Exchange also strengthened, though several listings chose to delist for foreign markets or private ownership.

Vital Farms targets trimmed by DA Davidson, TD Cowen and BMO as 2026 growth outlook stays intact

January 1, 2026, 8:20 AM EST.Vital Farms Inc. (VITL) drew price-target revisions from three analysts as management sticks to a growth plan despite a Q4 miss. DA Davidson cut its price target to $47 from $52 and kept a Buy, citing momentum to clear a backlog. TD Cowen cut to $44 from $59 with a Buy; it cites a $2B 2030 revenue goal and progress on penetration, shelf space and bottlenecks; the 2025 guidance cut spooked investors. BMO Capital cut its target to $50 from $60 with an Outperform rating, saying the 2025 outlook is temporary and the 2026 outlook is in line with expectations, with a long-run revenue CAGR in the low-20% range. Vital Farms is a US food company that packages, markets, and distributes shell eggs, butter and related products from family farms. Analysts see mixed risk, but the growth plan remains intact.

Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies: DCF fair value near $214; stock at $213

January 1, 2026, 8:19 AM EST. A two-stage Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) assessment assigns Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corp (NYSE: WAB) a fair value around $214 per share, versus a $213 market price, placing shares near fair value. The model uses Free Cash Flow to Equity (FCFE) forecasts for 2026-2035, discounted at 8.7%. FCFE is cash available to equity holders after debt service. The Present Value of the 10-year cash flow (PVCF) totals about $14 billion. The second stage, Terminal Value, uses the Gordon Growth formula with a 3.3% growth rate. The terminal value is discounted to today and added to PVCF to reach the fair value. Analysts' target sits at $234, about 8.5% above the DCF fair value. Note that a DCF is one method with limitations; the Simply Wall St model is cited in the analysis.

Highlander Silver plans NYSE American listing in Q1

January 1, 2026, 8:18 AM EST. Highlander Silver (HLSCF) said it plans to list on the NYSE American as part of its U.S. growth strategy. The company will file a Form 40-F with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to register its securities for public trading. Subject to review and approval of the listing application and compliance with listing and regulatory requirements, the shares could begin trading on the NYSE American in Q1. The move is designed to meet demand from U.S. retail and institutional investors seeking exposure to Highlander Silver.

Crypto soars in 2025, then crashes – what's next for markets

January 1, 2026, 8:05 AM EST. Crypto markets surged in 2025 on a pro-crypto policy push attributed to President Trump, with regulators tilted toward the sector and lawmakers advancing rules for stablecoins under the GENIUS Act. Bitcoin more than doubled from late 2024 to an October peak near $126,000, before a sharp turn lower. By late fall, the token traded around $87,600, roughly 30% off the high as volatility persisted. The administration argued the moves would make the U.S. the crypto capital; critics questioned conflicts of interest tied to Trump family ventures. The report examines factors behind the rally and the October pullback, and what investors should watch next for Bitcoin and other crypto assets, regulation, and liquidity shifts.

Understanding Stock Market Volatility: Causes, Effects and Coping

January 1, 2026, 8:01 AM EST. Stock market volatility refers to rapid, unpredictable price swings in equities. High volatility signals swift shifts in value, while low volatility implies steadier prices. Several factors drive volatility: economic conditions (rising rates, inflation, earnings), political developments (tax changes, elections, geopolitical tensions), social dynamics (information flows on social media) and psychological factors (investor sentiment, herd behavior). The result is heightened emotion, from fear and greed to panic selling, which can lead to bought-high, sold-low outcomes. For active traders, volatility offers potential profits but also greater risk; long-term investors may ride through cycles but should stress-test portfolios. Practitioners stress disciplined analysis, diversified holdings, and clearly defined risk limits to cope with uncertain markets.

Palantir stock faces limited upside despite strong growth and high valuation

January 1, 2026, 7:28 AM EST. Palantir Technologies (PLTR) stock surged 149% in 2025, but analysts see limited upside ahead. The median 12-month target sits at $200, about a 6% gain, with roughly a quarter of 27 analysts rating it a buy and two-thirds a hold. Valuation remains rich – 435x trailing earnings versus 45x for the sector – though the forward multiple of 188x reflects expected growth. The company justifies the premium with strong unit economics: adjusted operating margin rose 13 percentage points to 51% in Q3, while revenue grew 63%. Palantir's Rule of 40 sits at 114%, well over the 40% threshold, helped by a 45% year-over-year rise in customers deploying its AIP platform.

B. Riley Financial stock price crosses below 50-day moving average

January 1, 2026, 7:15 AM EST. B. Riley Financial, Inc. (NASDAQ:RILY) traded near its 50-day moving average of $4.68, touching as low as $4.63 and last at $4.67 on volume of 542,467 shares. The move comes as analysts reassess the name: Wall Street Zen upgraded from sell to hold; Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a sell (e+) rating; MarketBeat shows a consensus rating of Sell. The stock carries a market cap of about $142.9 million, a negative P/E of -0.89 and a beta of 1.29. In the latest quarterly results (Mar. 16): EPS of $2.70 on revenue of $345.47 million. Hedge funds have adjusted positions; institutional owners hold about 50.20% of shares. RILY operates as a diversified financial services firm.

Wheat closes lower to cap 2025 trade as futures slip across SRW, HRW, MPLS

January 1, 2026, 7:14 AM EST. Wheat futures closed lower on Wednesday as the market wraps up 2025 with losses across the three exchanges. Chicago SRW finished about 3-4 cents lower, KC HRW down 7-8 cents, and MPLS spring wheat off 4-5 cents. Trading will pause Thursday for New Year's Day and resume Friday at 8:30 a.m. CST. Commitment of Traders data showed spec funds holding a net short of 91,665 contracts in CBT wheat as of 12/23, up from the prior week; KC wheat funds net short 24,749 contracts. Export sales for the week of 12/18 totaled 147,834 MT, below many outlooks. Front-month CBOT quotes hovered near $5.07 and KC near $5.15, with general weakness across the complex as traders wrap 2025.

NYSE, Nasdaq closed on New Year's Day 2026; holiday hours announced

January 1, 2026, 7:13 AM EST. NYSE and Nasdaq will be closed on New Year's Day 2026, reflecting the federal holiday schedule. Jan. 1 marks a holiday for both exchanges; Nasdaq follows NYSE hours. In addition, both markets will be closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Jan. 19 and again for Presidents Day on Feb. 16. New Year's Day is one of 11 federal holidays recognized by the U.S. government. Most federal workers, and many private-sector workers, receive paid time off on these days. Market activity resumes on the next trading session with normal hours.

UBS: China EV makers to corner about one-third of global auto market by 2030

January 1, 2026, 6:46 AM EST. UBS maintains its forecast that Chinese carmakers will capture about one-third of the global auto market by 2030, with most profits abroad. The bank says overseas markets now account for roughly 20% of industry sales and as much as 50% of earnings for some firms, underscoring the international expansion of Chinese EVs. Europe's slower EV adoption and tariffs on Chinese models remain headwinds, though UBS notes progress has regained momentum after a slower 2024. Industry executives say global competition is consolidating around a few large EV platforms, leaving room for newcomers such as India. Analysts Paul Gong and Frank Diana contributed to the outlook; the forecast assumes continued expansion amid Western protectionism.

Pizza Pizza Royalty Corp. (PZA:CA): AI signals show near-term buy at 13.67 with stop at 13.60

January 1, 2026, 6:45 AM EST. Pizza Pizza Royalty Corp. (PZA:CA) received AI-generated signals and a long-term trading plan. The plan calls for a near-term buy entry at 13.67 CAD, with a stop-loss at 13.60; there are no short positions offered at this time. The update also outlines AI-generated signals for PZA:CA across Near, Mid, and Long horizons, with a rating scale of Strong, Weak, and Neutral. Note: AI-generated signals are algorithm-driven market indicators designed to guide decisions, not guarantees. Readers are advised to check the timestamp and refer to the updated AI signals page for the latest data.

Chemed: five-year stock decline persists despite EPS growth

January 1, 2026, 6:44 AM EST. Chemed Corp. has fallen about 21% over five years even as earnings per share (EPS) rose roughly 3.1% annually. The market's pricing power means returns reflect investor sentiment as much as business results; the stock's slump suggests the market discounts future prospects despite improving EPS. In the last year, Chemed posted a total return loss near 19% (including dividends) while the broader market gained around 18%. The contrast underscores that rising EPS alone doesn't guarantee a near-term rebound; continued earnings growth is typically needed for a sustained rise in the SHARE PRICE. The report notes at least one RISK to Chemed and urges investors to weigh QUALITY and other factors before buying.

McBride cancels tranche after buyback; voting rights trimmed on London listing

January 1, 2026, 6:29 AM EST. McBride plc repurchased 95,675 ordinary shares on 30 December 2025 via Investec Bank at 140p-145p per share, with a VWAP of 143.1049p. The shares will be cancelled, reducing issued ordinary shares (ex treasury) to 177,377,348 and leaving 42,041 ordinary shares in treasury and 594,610,458 non-voting B shares outstanding. Total voting rights fall to 177,377,348, with treasury voting rights negligible at 0.02%. The move nudges thresholds for major holders under UK disclosure rules. Analysts: latest target £138.00 and a Buy rating; Spark's AI Analyst flags Outperform. McBride trades on the London Stock Exchange; the capital structure includes voting ordinary shares and non-voting B shares, with a small treasury stake.

TSMC eyed as potential AI stock to buy in January amid AI chip demand

January 1, 2026, 6:28 AM EST. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) is pitched as a potential AI stock to buy in January, leveraging its dominance in the global foundry market. The company controls about 72% of foundry revenue, far ahead of Samsung's 7%, according to Counterpoint Research. Amid surging AI chip demand, TSMC has expanded its market share, with Nvidia relying on its manufacturing capacity for GPUs built on an upcoming 3-nanometer node. Nvidia's Rubin architecture is expected next year, supported by a sizeable order backlog that underpins continued growth. TSMC's scale, equipment, and proprietary processes position it as a key partner in AI hardware, even as the cycle sustains price and demand pressures. The stock trades around $304 with a market cap near $1.6 trillion.

Vodafone Idea stock climbs after CLAM settlement, AGR moratorium relief

January 1, 2026, 6:15 AM EST. Vodafone Idea shares rose about 6% in Mumbai on Thursday to around ₹11.41 after the company disclosed a revised promoter settlement tied to legacy merger liabilities under the CLAM contingent liability adjustment mechanism. The amended agreement records about ₹5,836 crore receivable, with ₹2,307 crore to be paid in cash over 12 months and the balance secured by earmarking 3.28 billion shares for five years. Vodafone Group said it would fully settle CLAM via €219 million cash and by setting aside ~3.28 billion Vodafone Idea shares, about 3.03% of the Indian operator. Separately, India granted Vodafone Idea a partial AGR moratorium, freezing $9.76 billion and deferring payments to 2031-32 through 2040-41; the relief does not reduce dues. Investors watch for near-term cash visibility and funding network needs, as shifts in timing of payments move the stock.

Cotton mixed near unchanged at midday as crude slips and dollar firm

January 1, 2026, 6:14 AM EST. Cotton futures traded mixed at midday, hovering within 10 points of unchanged as the market digests demand signals and seasonal data. Crude oil futures slipped to $57.75 a barrel, while the US dollar index rose to 98.08. Export sales for the week ended December 18 totaled 182,680 bales, with shipments of 146,915 bales, an eight-week high. The Cotlook A Index dipped 20 points to 74.30 cents and ICE certified cotton stocks slipped 90 bales to 11,510. The Adjusted World Price rose 3 points to 50.02 cents per pound after holiday delays. Nearby quotes showed March 2026 cotton at 64.24 cents, May 2026 at 65.64, and July 2026 at 66.86. The Seam online auction logged 14,459 bales sold at 60.13 cents per pound.

Cotton closes weaker as May rollover, dollar up; talks set in Geneva

January 1, 2026, 6:13 AM EST. Cotton futures closed Wednesday weaker, with contracts down 24 to 45 points as May rolled off the board. Crude oil fell about $1.14 a barrel and the US dollar index rose to 99.725. A Geneva meeting between Treasury Secretary Bessent, USTR Greer and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng is planned to discuss export controls and tariffs. The Tuesday Seam auction sold 4,555 bales at an average 69.37 cents per pound; the Cotlook A Index was up 275 points to 80. ICE cotton stocks were unchanged on May 6 at 14,049 bales, and USDA's Adjusted World Price (AWP) rose 6 points to 54.94 cents/lb. May 25 cotton closed at 70.47, Jul 25 at 67.38, and Dec 25 at 69.25 cents.

Alamo Group's three-year TSR outpaces earnings growth; dividends drive returns

January 1, 2026, 5:44 AM EST. Alamo Group Inc. (NYSE: ALG) posted a three-year total shareholder return (TSR) of about 20%, aided by dividends, even as the stock price rose roughly 18% over the period. Over the same span, compound earnings per share (EPS) grew 7.4% per year, outpacing the roughly 6% annual rise in the share price, suggesting the market tempered growth expectations. The latest quarter saw a 12% slide in the stock, though insider buying in the last quarter provides a positive signal. Looking longer term, five-year annualized gains were around 3%, underscoring a disconnect between price momentum and earnings growth. Investors are advised to weigh fundamental trends-revenue and earnings trajectories-alongside dividend contributions before deciding on the stock.

Sensex slips as Nifty 50 edges higher on first trading day of 2026

January 1, 2026, 5:42 AM EST. On the first trading day of 2026, the Sensex slipped 32 points to 85,188.60 while the Nifty 50 gained 17 points to 26,146.55, signaling a mixed start as investors await Q3 results and updates on India-US trade talks. The ITC dragged the benchmark after a government move to raise tobacco excise duty, with the stock closing among the day's top losers; ICICI Bank and Bajaj Finance also weighed on the index. Proponents of the upside included Larsen & Toubro, Infosys and Mahindra & Mahindra. Sectorally, the Nifty FMCG fell about 3.2%, while Auto, Realty, Metal and IT posted gains. Volume leaders included Vodafone Idea, ITC and Filatex Fashions. Traders note a rangebound session as traders await catalysts.

ITC shares fall nearly 10% to three-year low on tobacco tax hike; analysts warn dip driven by sentiment

January 1, 2026, 5:26 AM EST. ITC shares tumbled nearly 10% to a three-year intraday low of ₹362.70 after the government announced an excise duty on tobacco products effective February 1, with rates ranging ₹2,050 to ₹8,500 per 1,000 sticks and a 40% GST on cigarettes. A Bloomberg/Jefferies note suggested the levy could lift taxes by more than 30% if the National Calamity Contingent Duty continues. The move left ITC as one of the day's biggest Sensex losers, while peers such as Godfrey Phillips fell up to 19%. Analysts cautioned the hit to volumes and margins, but noted some earnings impact could be offset over time if prices are adjusted. Credit to price pass-through: some say a 15% price hike may be required to reflect the tax.

PDIV:CA stock signals, AI signals and trading plan

January 1, 2026, 5:25 AM EST. PDIV:CA, the Purpose Enhanced Dividend Fund, received updated AI-generated signals and a concise trading plan. The note, dated January 1, 2026, credits Christie as author with Derek Curry as editor. The long entry calls for buy near 9.24 with a target of 9.52 and a stop at 9.19; the opposite side lists a short near 9.52 with a target of 9.24 and a stop at 9.57. The report also shows ratings for Near, Mid and Long horizons, categorized as Strong, Weak, or Neutral. A chart is referenced, and AI-generated signals for PDIV:CA are noted as available.

Heartland Express crosses above its 200-day moving average (HTLD)

January 1, 2026, 5:11 AM EST. Heartland Express, Inc. (HTLD) moved above its 200-day moving average on Wednesday, a technical signal that flags trend direction. The line stood at $8.43; the stock touched $9.19 intraday and last traded around $9.03 on volume of 372,234. For readers, the 200-day moving average equals the average closing price over about the last 200 sessions, smoothing volatility. Analysts have been lowering targets or changing ratings: JPMorgan to $9.00 (underweight); Morgan Stanley to $8.00 (equal weight); Robert W. Baird to $8.00 (neutral); Zacks upgraded to hold; Weiss reiterating sell. MarketBeat shows a consensus rating of Reduce with a $8.25 target. Heartland reported Q4 results in November; dividend of $0.02 per share slated for Jan 7; yield near 0.9%.

Safe Bulkers shares rise above 200-day moving average

January 1, 2026, 5:10 AM EST. Safe Bulkers, Inc. (NYSE: SB) stock price crossed above its 200-day moving average, a widely watched long-term trend line, during Wednesday's session. The 200-day moving average sits at $4.44; intraday high reached $4.83; last trade was $4.82 on volume of 245,299. The stock's 50-day SMA is $4.89; the company posts a P/E of 13.39 and a beta of 1.06. A quarterly dividend of $0.05 was paid on Dec 19 to holders of record on Dec 8, yielding about 4.1%. Rating chatter: Zacks upgraded to hold from strong sell; Jefferies lifted its target to $6 with a buy rating; Weiss kept a hold. MarketBeat shows a Moderate Buy consensus and a $4.80 average target. Major holders include Goldman Sachs, Denali Advisors, American Century, Regatta Capital and Janney Montgomery Scott.

UBS CIO Hartmut Issel sees Nifty near 30,000 by end-2026 on earnings upswing

January 1, 2026, 5:08 AM EST. UBS Wealth Management CIO Hartmut Issel argues the Nifty could approach the 30,000 mark by the end of 2026, supported by a second straight year of earnings acceleration in India. He expects the FY27 earnings uplift to exceed this year's pace and sees a roughly 10% gain in 2026, driving a close to 30,000 level. While a US trade deal remains a backdrop risk, Issel downplays its near-term impact, noting that sectors like pharma and IT are already shielded from tariffs. UBS is focusing on fundamentals: financials look attractive on valuation, and the consumption space could benefit from easing inflation and ongoing premiumisation. The message: earnings-led gains could matter more than headline narratives for the index.

Prudential Public stock crosses above 200-day moving average; PUK trades near $31

January 1, 2026, 4:40 AM EST. Prudential Public Limited Company (NYSE: PUK) stock rose after trading above its 200-day moving average, a key trend signal. The 200-day line sits at $27.22, while the session peaked at $31.38 and the shares last traded at $31.08 on volume of about 394,460. Analysts spread mixed views: Barclays keeps an overweight rating; Morgan Stanley also flags an overweight stance, while Weiss Ratings calls for a hold. MarketBeat shows a consensus of Moderate Buy from five buys and one hold. The move comes as investors digest holdings shifts by several hedge funds and institutions, though total ownership remains modest. Prudential Public, the NYSE listing for Prudential plc, is a London-headquartered insurer offering long-term savings and protection products.

Richards Packaging Income Fund stock crosses above 50-day moving average

January 1, 2026, 4:38 AM EST. Richards Packaging Income Fund (TSE:RPI.UN) shares rose above their 50-day moving average on Wednesday, trading as high as C$31.47 and closing near C$31, with last price at C$30.98 on volume of 3,152. The benchmark 50-day moving average sits at C$29.59 and the 200-day moving average is C$31.71, underscoring a near-term momentum tilt. In a separate note, National Bankshares set a C$43.00 target and gave the stock an outperform rating. MarketBeat shows an average Buy rating and a C$43.00 target. The company has a market cap around C$353.73 million, a P/E ratio (price-earnings) of 16.2, and a beta of 0.65. It also declared a monthly dividend of C$0.11 per share, ex-dividend on Nov 28, yielding about 4.3% with a payout ratio of 69%.

Polaris Renewable Energy stock (TSE:PIF) crosses below 50-day moving average

January 1, 2026, 4:36 AM EST. Polaris Renewable Energy Inc. (TSE:PIF) crossed below its 50-day moving average on Wednesday, with the 50-day SMA at C$12.22 and an intraday low of C$11.72. It last traded at C$11.80 on volume of 13,535. Market cap is about C$247.6 million. The stock shows a negative P/E (-21.85) and a P/E/G of 3.28; beta is 0.58. The 50-day SMA sits above the 200-day SMA (C$12.22 vs C$12.58). Debt-to-equity is 57.5%, quick ratio 1.64, current ratio 1.82. In the latest quarter, Polaris posted an EPS of -C$0.02 on revenue of C$26.51 million; net margin 9.49% and ROE 2.68%. Analysts expect full-year EPS around C$0.65. The firm declared a quarterly dividend of C$0.15, about 5.1% annualized; ex-div date was Nov 10. Polaris focuses on geothermal and hydroelectric projects, including the 72-MW San Jacinto facility in Nicaragua.

FTSE 100 posts best annual performance since global financial crisis recovery

January 1, 2026, 4:25 AM EST. London's FTSE 100, the London Stock Exchange's index of the 100 largest firms, posted its strongest annual return since the post-crisis rebound, climbing 21.5% for 2025 and ending at 9,931.38 on December 31. The gain outpaced Europe's Stoxx 600 (16.7%), the S&P 500 (17%), and the Nasdaq (21%). The advance was broad-based, led by mining, defence and financials, with Rolls-Royce, Babcock and Lloyds Banking Group among notable gainers. Fresnillo surged roughly fivefold and Endeavor Mining nearly tripled, underscoring a metals rally amid geopolitical and macro uncertainty. The FTSE 100 has now posted five straight years of gains and eight in the last decade, a sharper run than many peers and the long-run average of about 9% annual returns.

Transcontinental stock clears its 50-day moving average (TCL.B)

January 1, 2026, 4:24 AM EST. Transcontinental Inc. (TSE:TCL.B) rose to C$23.50 and traded as high as C$24.00 after crossing above its 50-day moving average of C$21.11 on Wednesday. The move comes as the shares traded with a volume of 202, reflecting thin liquidity. The company's latest metrics show a market capitalization of about C$1.97 billion, a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 11.52 and a beta of 0.57. Note: A 50-day moving average is a trend indicator calculated by averaging a stock's closing prices over the previous 50 sessions; a break above it can signal a positive near-term trend. The firm operates as a Montreal-based packaging, commercial printing and specialty media business.

Lundin Gold stock edges above 50-day moving average as targets rise

January 1, 2026, 4:23 AM EST. Lundin Gold Inc. (TSE:LUG) shares rose above their 50-day moving average on Wednesday, hitting as high as C$116.57 and last trading around C$114.02 on volume of 195,928. The stock's 50-day moving average is C$109.29; the company's 200-day moving average stands at C$90.68. Several analysts boosted price targets: Canaccord Genuity to C$108, CIBC to C$123, BMO to C$115, Raymond James to C$80, JPMorgan to C$28. MarketBeat shows an average rating of "Reduce" with a consensus target of C$78.04. The company reported Q3 earnings of C$0.86 per share; ROE ran about 29.9% and net margin around 29.6% on revenue of C$622.6 million. Lundin Gold also raised its quarterly dividend to C$0.7058 per share (ex-dividend date Dec 5), for about a 2.5% yield.

Energy Fuels stock slips below 50-day moving average as Roth cuts rating

January 1, 2026, 4:22 AM EST. Energy Fuels Inc. (TSE:EFR; NASDAQ: UUUU) shares fell through the 50-day moving average on Wednesday, signaling near-term weakness. The 50-day moving average sits at C$22.01; the stock traded to a session low of C$19.37 and last traded around C$19.88 on volume of 779,736. Roth Capital cut the stock to a strong sell from hold on Nov. 5. Analysts' views vary: two rate it Strong Buy, one Sell; MarketBeat shows an average Buy rating. On the fundamentals front, Energy Fuels posted a negative quarterly EPS (earnings per share) of C$0.07 on revenue of C$24.66 million; P/E (price-to-earnings) is negative at -41.42; beta 1.68; quick ratio 19.23; current ratio 18.01; debt-to-equity 0.31. Market cap about C$4.72 billion. Insiders own 2.03%. The company describes itself as the largest uranium producer in the U.S.

Middle East penny stocks under $1B draw attention as Egypt outperforms Gulf peers

January 1, 2026, 4:21 AM EST.Egypt's bourse has outpaced Gulf markets in 2025, while oil-price dynamics pressurize Saudi equities. The piece reframes penny stocks as potential bets for investors seeking exposure to smaller firms with solid fundamentals. Notable names with market capitalizations under $1 billion include Thob Al Aseel, Alarum Technologies, E7 Group, Sharjah Insurance, Al Wathba National Insurance, Arabian Pipes, Dubai National Insurance & Reinsurance, Dubai Investments, and Sharjah Cement. Some entries carry a health rating from Simply Wall St, adding a quick gauge of financial resilience. Ajman Bank is highlighted for profitability despite a relatively high bad-loan ratio. The screen spans banks, insurers, and industrials across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and broader Middle East, with upside contingent on earnings stability and risk control.

Stock market 2026 outlook: volatility ahead as valuations and Fed policy loom

January 1, 2026, 4:20 AM EST. Stock-market predictions for 2026 foresee continued volatility after a strong 2025 close for the Dow, S&P 500 and Nasdaq. The piece argues that each major index could enter a bear market, with declines of at least 20%, as valuations remain stretched. It flags the Shiller Price-to-Earnings, or CAPE (cyclically adjusted P/E) ratio, which sits near its highest levels in 155 years; history shows only a handful of instances when CAPE topped 30, often followed steep losses. The analysis also warns the Federal Reserve could become a market liability, as dissent and policy divergence threaten stability. Grounded in 27 years of investing experience, the outlook rests on historical precedent rather than guarantees.

Undiscovered Gems in Middle East Stocks to Watch in January 2026

January 1, 2026, 4:04 AM EST. As 2025 closes, Egypt's stock market outperformed its Gulf peers, while Saudi listings faced headwinds from softer oil and a robust IPO pipeline. The Middle East Undiscovered Gems screener flags names with solid growth and manageable leverage, including several midcaps such as C. Mer Industries, Najran Cement, Amanat Holdings, Ajman Bank and Birikim Varlik Yonetim. Notable mentions from the screener include R.A.K. Ceramics P.J.S.C., a AED 2.49 billion market-cap tile maker with Q3 2025 net income of AED 66.88 million and an EBIT coverage of 4.2x despite a high debt ratio; and Kamada Ltd., a biotechnology firm recently added to the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index. Investors should weigh revenue growth, earnings momentum and debt levels when evaluating these opportunities.

Yangarra Resources crosses above 50-day moving average

January 1, 2026, 3:49 AM EST. Yangarra Resources Ltd. (TSE:YGR) crossed above its 50-day moving average during Wednesday's session, a classic signal of short-term momentum. The stock reached as high as C$1.08, with the 50-day moving average at C$1.06 and the last price at C$1.05 on volume of 12,407 shares. The 200-day moving average sits at C$1.03. Market cap is about C$106.3 million; the stock trades at a price-to-earnings ratio around 6.2 and a beta near zero, indicating limited market correlation. Liquidity metrics show a debt-to-equity of 20.78, a quick ratio of 0.91 and a current ratio of 1.67. In the latest quarter, Yangarra earned C$0.02 per share on C$25.0 million revenue; analysts expect about C$0.49 EPS for the year. The company operates in Central Alberta, Western Canada.

Sensex, Nifty open higher as 2026 begins; Nifty crosses 26,150

January 1, 2026, 3:36 AM EST. Mumbai at the open: the Sensex rose nearly 100 points and the Nifty 50 traded above the 26,150 mark, extending a two-session rally. Broad gains were led by strength in auto, banking and IT names, while top movers included Blue Dart Express and Transformers and Rectifiers (India). On the downside, Godfrey Phillips India and ITC slipped, with Alkem Laboratories and MMTC down modestly. The rupee weakened to 89.99 per dollar in early trade. Market strategists said the Nifty could find support around the 26,000-26,100 zone (a price level where demand may curb declines), with a potential buy zone near 25,875-25,975 (price area where buyers are expected to enter); for banks, Nifty Bank support is seen around 59,300-59,450, with 59,075-59,250 as a buying zone (buyers entering at these levels).

IMCD N.V. intrinsic value seen at €154 per share; current price signals potential undervaluation

January 1, 2026, 3:33 AM EST. Using a two-stage FCFE DCF model, IMCD N.V. is valued on forecast cash flows discounted to today. The levered FCFE for 2026-2035 is discounted at 6.8%, yielding a PVCF of about €3.3 billion and a fair value near €154 per share. The current price is €77.34, indicating the stock may be about 50% undervalued. Analysts' €126 target sits roughly 18% below this fair value. The terminal value assumes conservative growth tied to long-run yields (about 1.8%). The note cautions that several valuation methods exist and depend on growth and discount-rate assumptions.

Lean hog futures slip; USDA price, CME index fall as funds add to net long

January 1, 2026, 3:05 AM EST. Lean hog futures posted losses ranging from a nickel to 35 cents on Wednesday. USDA's national base hog price falls to $70.19 per cwt, down 19 cents from the prior session. The CME Lean Hog Index slips to $82.25, down 19 cents on Dec. 29. CFTC data show managed money adding 10,489 contracts to their net long in lean hog futures and options to 75,325 contracts for the week of 12/23. Delayed export sales data show 18,978 MT of pork booked for 2025 and 25,998 MT for 2026, with weekly exports at 34,850 MT. The pork carcass cutout value is $93.74 per cwt, down 39 cents, while the picnic and ham are the only primals higher. Estimated federally inspected hog slaughter for Wednesday is 418,000 head, with a weekly total of 1.36 million.

Bytes Technology Group shares dip 0.3% as broker targets diverge

January 1, 2026, 3:01 AM EST. Bytes Technology Group plc (LON:BYIT) slid 0.3% mid-session to GBX 358.60, after a prior close of GBX 359.80. Volume ran 152,422, far below the 1.28 million average. Broker notes were mixed: Jefferies cut its target to GBX 380 but kept Buy; Peel Hunt reiterated Buy at GBX 638; Shore Capital and Berenberg kept Hold at 410 and 390. MarketBeat shows a Hold consensus with a GBX 457.60 average target. The shares sit near the 50-day moving average of GBX 354.76 and below the 200-day MA of GBX 381.44. Fundamentals: debt/equity 0.67; current ratio 1.09; quick ratio 0.98; market cap £847.48 million; P/E 16.77; PEG 2.27; beta 0.65. Q earnings: EPS (earnings per share) 12.03p; ROE (return on equity) 66.59%.

Logitech International dominated by institutional owners with 58% stake; BlackRock among top holders

January 1, 2026, 2:57 AM EST. Logitech International S.A. shows heavy institutional control, with institutional ownership (stakes held by large investors such as funds) at about 58% on SWX:LOGN. No single holder commands a majority; the top 25 shareholders own roughly 40%. BlackRock, Inc. stands as the largest individual holder at about 6.6%, followed by stakes near 4.5% and 3.9%. The dispersion means institutions can influence board decisions, but a broad shareholder base limits concentration risk. Insiders have sold recently, adding potential near-term supply pressure. Analysts cover the stock, so sentiment can shift if institutions reweight positions. Investors should weigh the company's earnings history and outlook as they gauge how changes in ownership could affect LOGN's path.

UK penny stocks draw interest as FTSE slips; Jersey Oil and Gas among picks

January 1, 2026, 2:29 AM EST. UK markets were subdued after the FTSE 100 and FTSE 250 slipped on weak Chinese trade data. Yet penny stocks still draw scrutiny. Jersey Oil and Gas is pre-revenue and unprofitable, with a small market cap and a debt-free balance sheet, but a cash runway of more than three years. In contrast, Volex plc posts diversification across North America, Europe and Asia and visible earnings growth amid a larger market cap. The screening assigns varying financial health ratings to small caps, underscoring that cash position, profitability and execution matter. Investors should weigh volatility and liquidity. The analysis references Simply Wall St metrics and UK tickers as context.

Soybeans slip on New Year's Eve as cash price cools to $9.67; holiday trade in focus

January 1, 2026, 2:14 AM EST.Soybeans slipped 11-12 cents in the nearbys (front-month futures) during the New Year's Eve session, with 1,062 deliveries against January on FND. The cmdtyView cash bean price fell 12 cents to $9.67. Soymeal futures were steady to $2.10/ton lower, while soy oil futures gained 7-15 points. There were no deliveries for January soy meal, with seven for January bean oil. The market will be closed Thursday for New Year's Day and reopens Friday at 8:30 a.m. CST. USDA's week-ended 12/18 data showed 1.056 million MT of soybeans sold, below the 1.4-2.4 million range, down 55.9% WoW but up 7.9% YoY. Meal sales were 299,131 MT; soy oil purchases were 49,197 MT for 2025/26, with net reductions of 23,500 MT for 2026/27. Prices cited: Jan 26 soybeans $10.34 1/2; nearby cash $9.67; Mar 26 $10.50 1/2; May 26 $10.63 1/2.

Crude prices slip as ample supplies and dollar strength weigh; OPEC+ pause eyed

January 1, 2026, 2:13 AM EST. February WTI settled down 0.53 (-0.91%) and February RBOB fell 0.0180 (-1.04%) as a bearish EIA inventory report weighed on prices. A firmer dollar index (DXY) pressured energy markets. Losses were capped by geopolitical risks in Venezuela, Nigeria and Russia and by expectations that OPEC+ will pause further production increases. China demand remained supportive, with Kpler data showing imports up 10% m/m to a record 12.2 million bpd as inventories rebuild. Sanctions and security actions-US measures against Venezuelan shipments, Nigeria strikes, and Russian oil sanctions-shaped supply risk. Ongoing tanker dynamics and sanctions added complexity, but for now a backdrop of ample supplies and a stronger dollar kept prices under pressure.

Wheat edges lower on final trading day of 2025 ahead of New Year's holiday; export sales miss

January 1, 2026, 2:02 AM EST. US wheat futures eased on the final trading day of 2025 as markets edge into a New Year's Day holiday. Chicago SRW (soft red winter) futures were down about 2-3 cents; KC HRW weaker by 5-6 cents; MPLS spring wheat 2-3 cents lower at midday. The session is set to close Thursday with a 8:30 a.m. CST open on Friday. Export data released this morning showed 147,834 metric tons of wheat sales for the week ended 12/18, below some estimates and far below last year's pace. Prices were quoted around $5.07-$5.19 for nearby CBOT contracts, with KCBT near $5.16 and MIAX near $5.76-$5.87. Liquidity may thin during the holiday-shortened week.

Tesla in 2026: AI/Robotaxi bets lift stock, but valuation risk looms

January 1, 2026, 2:00 AM EST. Tesla's 2025 gain of about 25% followed a year of drama as Musk's political overhang, tariff concerns and weak deliveries weighed on sentiment. After shareholders approved a roughly $1 trillion compensation package, the stock rebounded in the second half on the promise of Full Self-Driving FSD and Robotaxi narratives, alongside solid growth in energy storage. The company's market value climbed back toward $1.5 trillion, reframing Tesla as a high-stakes bet on AI and autonomous driving rather than a pure EV maker. Key drivers for 2026 include whether the autonomous driving technology can be commercialized profitably and if regional permits can be secured. The Cybercab and a clear Robotaxi path remain critical catalysts. By contrast, the P/E ratio above 300 and 2025 volatility pose substantial valuation risks, even as energy storage revenue rose 44% in Q3 and deployments surged 81% YoY.

Lean hog futures steady as USDA data point to mixed hog market for 2025

January 1, 2026, 1:59 AM EST.Lean hog futures are steady near unchanged in early front-month trade as market participants digest USDA data. The nationwide base hog price was $69.40 per cwt on Wednesday; the CME Lean Hog Index fell 19 cents to $82.25 on Dec. 29. USDA export sales showed 18,978 MT for 2025 and 25,998 MT for 2026 in the week of Dec. 18, with total exports at 34,850 MT. The pork carcass cutout value rose 93 cents to $95.06 per cwt; the loin, rib and belly primals were higher. Slaughter data put Monday's federally inspected hogs at 492,000 and the week at 942,000, down vs. last week but up vs. a year ago. Front-month quotes: Feb 26 at 85.325, Apr 26 at 90.075, May 26 at 94.250.

Spotify: Could its stock be a multimillionaire-maker?

January 1, 2026, 1:58 AM EST. Spotify remains the leader in music streaming but faces rivals such as Amazon, Alphabet and Apple, which can subsidize music services elsewhere. The company's approach hinges on a large catalog that fuels network effects: more music attracts more listeners, which attracts more artists. Revenue growth comes from growing users, a rising base of paid subscribers and expanding ad revenue. Paid subscribers are under 40% of total users but account for roughly 90% of revenue. Spotify is pursuing podcasts with exclusive rights and has begun applying AI features to boost engagement. Whether Spotify can sustain a pace that would turn a $30,000 initial investment into $1 million over 30 years – a 12.4% CAGR (compound annual growth rate) – remains uncertain in a market still fast-growing but relatively small. Diversification is prudent.

UK dividend stocks with 5%+ yields draw interest as FTSE 100 slides

January 1, 2026, 1:56 AM EST. London stocks edged lower as weak China trade data weighed on the FTSE 100, underscoring why some investors seek income via dividend stocks for ballast in a volatile market. A UK dividend screener flags several names with yields above 5%, including MONY Group (~6.8%), Seplat Energy (6.75%), Hargreaves Services (5.66%), and Impax Asset Management (7.89%), with others such as Foresight Group Holdings at 5.8% and 4imprint Group near 4.6%. The upside is supported by payout policies and cash-flow coverage: MONY has a roughly 81% payout ratio and a buyback plan; Foresight maintains a 60% of adjusted profit after tax dividend policy and recently increased its interim payment to 8.1 pence per share, supported by ~72.6% earnings/cash-flow coverage.

Euronext N.V. shows strong institutional backing with 44% ownership

January 1, 2026, 1:41 AM EST. Institutions hold about 44% of Euronext N.V., suggesting their trading decisions could move the stock. The top 25 shareholders own less than half, indicating a dispersed ownership base. The largest shareholder is Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations at 8.2%, with the second and third holders around 8.2% and 5.4%. Hedge funds have a limited footprint, and insider activity is noted though details are incomplete. Analysts cover the stock, and institutional owners often benchmark against indices, which can influence flows. A crowded trade risk exists when multiple institutions chase similar moves, though growth history remains a factor in assessments.

SEC denies stay as NASDAQ delists Triller after compliance lapses

January 1, 2026, 1:27 AM EST. The SEC denied a stay on NASDAQ's delisting of Triller, the wrestling-PPV provider, after it failed to meet a proposed deadline to file documents on its finances. NASDAQ had notified Triller on three occasions between April and August that it was not in compliance with the Periodic Filing Rule and extended the deadline to Oct. 13. When the company still did not satisfy terms, NASDAQ set Oct. 23 as the de-listing date and said trading would be suspended. Triller appealed, triggering a Nov. 25 hearing to set a new compliance timetable, but the exchange indicated no further extensions would be granted. SEC Secretary Vanessa Countryman said Triller did not show a likelihood of success or a serious legal question for the stay; she found no basis for extraordinary relief. Triller argues due process, but the agency's stance remains firm.

ITC shares fall as government imposes new cigarette excise duty; Godfrey Phillips down

January 1, 2026, 1:25 AM EST. Stocks of tobacco makers slid after the government imposed a higher cigarette excise duty. ITC shares fell more than 6% to Rs 378.45, while Godfrey Phillips India dropped about 10% to Rs 2,484.80. The Parliament passed the Central Excise (Amendment) Bill, 2025, clearing a sharp levy on cigarettes on top of a 40% GST, effective February 1, with excise duties of Rs 2,050-8,500 per 1,000 sticks depending on length. Total cigarette taxes are about 53% of retail prices, below the WHO benchmark of 75%. Analysts at ICICI Securities estimate the levy could lift overall costs by 22-28% for 75-85 mm cigarettes, with price increases of 2-3 rupees per stick for longer varieties. ITC down 6% or so in five days; Godfrey Phillips India down around 16% in six months, though the stock has surged 48% in 2025.

Stocks slip as tech weakness and higher yields weigh on U.S. equities

January 1, 2026, 1:24 AM EST. US stock indexes closed lower as weakness in chipmakers and data-storage names dragged the S&P 500 (-0.74%), Dow (-0.63%), and Nasdaq-100 (-0.84%) to 1.5-week lows. March futures for the S&P 500 and Nasdaq-100 also declined. A rise in the 10-year yield to 4.16% after weekly unemployment claims fell to a one-month low was cited as a headwind for equities. Gold and silver fell, with mining shares pressured. On the data front, US initial unemployment claims unexpectedly dropped to 199,000, signaling a firmer labor market. Chinese PMI beat expectations, with manufacturing PMI at 50.1 and non-manufacturing PMI at 50.2, supporting optimism on global growth. Seasonal factors are favorable; traders eye Friday's PMI and the odds of a small rate cut at the January meeting.

U.S. markets closed on New Year's Day; 2026 holiday schedule for NYSE and Nasdaq

January 1, 2026, 1:23 AM EST. U.S. stock markets will be closed on New Year's Day, Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026. The New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq will run regular sessions through Dec. 31, 2025, then halt trading for the holiday. U.S. bond markets will close early on Dec. 31, with activity ending at 2 p.m. ET, and be shut on Jan. 1. Trading resumes on Friday, Jan. 2, 2026. The next observed market closures are Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Jan. 19. The 2026 holiday list also includes George Washington's Birthday/Presidents' Day (Feb. 16), Good Friday (Apr. 3), Memorial Day (May 25), Juneteenth (June 19), Independence Day (July 3), Labor Day (Sept. 7), Thanksgiving (Nov. 26), and Christmas Day (Dec. 25).

Stock Market Live Updates: Nifty, Sensex Mix as UPI Momentum and Auto Gains Drive Trade (Jan 1, 2026)

January 1, 2026, 1:21 AM EST. Live market updates show the Nifty 50 and Sensex trading with mixed signals. Top gainers include Eternal, IndiGo, and M&M, while ITC, Dr Reddy's Lab, and BEL lead the declines. Nifty Bank futures eye a breakout, with potential tests above 60,000 toward 60,400 in the near term. Navin Fluorine starts commercial production at its cGMP-4 plant in Dewas; shares sit at ₹5,964.85. UPI transactions topped ₹28 lakh crore in December as the system expands, aided by a new Autopay portal to simplify recurring payments. Sector focus centers on M&M and Kia India's December domestic sales growth. The coverage underscores India's growing role in real-time payments and the push for secure, local digital infrastructure, or Bharat's digital economy.

Nifty 50 leads NSE annual gains; broader indices mixed in year-end NSE data

January 1, 2026, 1:19 AM EST. New Delhi, Jan 1 – The Nifty 50 was the best NSE performer over the past year, up 10.5% to 26,130 by Dec 31, 2025 from 23,645 a year earlier, according to an NSE annual performance report. The Nifty Next 50 rose 2.0% to 69,365; the Nifty 500 gained 6.7% to 23,872; and the Nifty Midcap 150 climbed 5.4% to 22,277. The Nifty Smallcap 250 declined 6.0% to 16,685. The broader Nifty Total Market added 6.0%. The USD-INR moved to 89.9 and the Dollar Index slid to 98.2, underscoring currency effects. NSE market capitalization rose about 7.9% to ₹474 lakh crore, but the market cap to GDP ratio eased to 135% from 138%. Figures are from NSE data; currency moves influenced dollar-denominated returns. (ANI)

S4 Capital climbs 7.4% intraday to GBX 20.86

January 1, 2026, 1:17 AM EST. S4 Capital plc (LON:SFOR) rose about 7.4% in mid-day trading, touching GBX 20.86 and last at GBX 20.40 as 3,017,000 shares changed hands, above the average. The prior close was GBX 19. Investors cited renewed buying and liquidity as the near-term upside driver, though profitability remains a concern with a negative P/E. The stock trades as a small-cap with a beta ~1.05 and a 52-week range of GBX 15.70-42. Its debt-to-equity sits around 37.08, and the moving averages show the 50-day (GBX 18.80) below the 200-day (GBX 21.44). Analysts trimmed targets: Deutsche Bank to GBX 24, Peel Hunt to GBX 25 Hold, Jefferies to GBX 38 Buy; MarketBeat cites a consensus Hold and average target near GBX 29. Market cap about £135m; P/E near -0.43.

Calamos Advisors Cuts Emerson Electric stake by 18.8% in Q3 13F; EMR holdings about $43.15 million

January 1, 2026, 1:15 AM EST. Calamos Advisors LLC trimmed its Emerson Electric Co. stake by 18.8% in the third quarter, selling 76,224 shares to hold 328,949 shares valued at about $43.15 million. The 13F filing shows institutional ownership around 74.3%. Other investors also adjusted EMR positions, with Darwin Wealth Management and Winnow Wealth opening stakes, and PFS Partners boosting its holding; Traub Capital Management and Princeton Global Asset Management added positions. EMR opened near $135.34, trading in a 12-month range of $90.06-$150.27. Core metrics include current ratio 0.88, quick ratio 0.65, debt-to-equity 0.41; 50-day MA 133.24 and 200-day MA 134.16. Valuation sits at a P/E of 33.50, PEG 2.20, and beta 1.26, with market cap about $76.1 billion. The company posted EPS $0.79 and revenue $3.16 billion last quarter; dividend of $0.555 per share and a 1.6% yield; a stock repurchase plan was initiated.

Evolution Mining (ASX:EVN) posts strong three-year returns with TSR above 300%

January 1, 2026, 1:09 AM EST.Evolution Mining Limited (ASX:EVN) posted outsized returns over the past three years. The stock delivered a TSR (total shareholder return) of about 328%, versus a 304% rise in the share price alone, with 170% TSR in the last 12 months. Over three years, EPS (earnings per share) grew about 37% per year, while the share price rose roughly 59% per year, implying a market re-rating alongside earnings progress. TSR includes reinvested dividends, underlining their contribution to total returns. While past performance is not a guarantee of future results, the article notes a free detailed balance-sheet report for investors to review.

ASX Penny Stocks To Watch In January 2026

January 1, 2026, 1:07 AM EST. ASX investors shift focus to potential opportunities as the market winds down for the year, with penny stocks seen as long-term value plays at lower price points. The report surveys names such as Alfabs Australia, EZZ Life Science, Dusk Group, IVE Group, MotorCycle Holdings, Veris, West African Resources, Service Stream, EDU Holdings and MaxiPARTS, noting share prices and market caps alongside a Financial Health Rating for each. It highlights two detailed cases from Simply Wall St: Australian Clinical Labs (ACL) and Beacon Minerals, including metrics like revenue, debt, and earnings growth, and flags risks such as short-term liabilities, debt load, and legal settlements. Overall, the piece frames these issues as potential catalysts and cautions investors about the volatility of penny stocks.

Cargojet AI signals, trading plan for CJT:CA as of Dec 31, 2025

January 1, 2026, 1:03 AM EST. On Dec 31, 2025, Cargojet Inc. (CJT:CA) content provides AI-generated signals and a trading plan for long-term traders. The plan proposes a long entry near 81.79 with a target of 94.81 and a stop loss at 81.38; a short near 94.81 with a target of 81.79 and a stop at 95.28. The piece notes updated AI-generated signals for CJT:CA and includes a ratings table for December 31 across Near, Mid, and Long terms, with categories Neutral/Strong/Weak. An associated chart is referenced.

NSE, BSE open on New Year 2026 as India sets 15 trading holidays for the year

January 1, 2026, 1:01 AM EST. Indian markets were open on New Year's Day as global equities stayed shut. The NSE and BSE traded normally on Jan. 1, while commodity venues operated in the day session but were suspended in the evening. The exchanges published a 2026 trading calendar with 15 full holidays-one more than 2025-under exchange bye-laws and F&O norms. The year's first holiday is Republic Day on January 26; other closures include Holi, Ram Navami, Mahavir Jayanti, Good Friday, Eid al-Adha, Ganesh Chaturthi, Gandhi Jayanti, Dussehra, Diwali Balipratipada, and Guru Nanak Jayanti, with Christmas on December 25 also marked as a full holiday. Notably, Diwali falls on a Sunday in 2026, so no extra weekday closure is added. For now, traders can continue activity on Jan 1.

Singapore Stocks: How to Choose Your First Share

January 1, 2026, 12:58 AM EST. Rookie investors are advised to start with familiar, easy-to-understand businesses. In Singapore, that means established names such as DBS Group Holdings and United Overseas Bank, essential retailers like Sheng Siong, and transport firms like SBS Transit and ComfortDelGro. Look for blue-chip companies-long runways, steady earnings, and visible Dividends. Dividends are cash payments to shareholders and can provide regular income; reinvested Dividends can fuel compounding. You don't need a large sum to begin; many stocks trade in sensible lot sizes. For example, a DBS lot is around S$5,650, Singtel about S$458, and ST Engineering about S$840. Start small, learn the process, and avoid high-risk sure-win bets that promise quick riches.

Sensex, Nifty rise at open; ITC drags FMCG as autos, metals lead

January 1, 2026, 12:55 AM EST. Indian stocks opened higher on the first trading day of 2026, with auto and metal shares supporting gains as FMCG and pharma slipped. The S&P BSE Sensex rose 104.21 points to 85,324.81, while the NSE Nifty50 gained 28.60 to 26,158.20 as of 9:25 am. In early trade, IndiGo led the gainers, up 2.09%, followed by Mahindra & Mahindra (+1.22%), Reliance Industries (+1.12%), Eternal (+1.01%) and Larsen & Toubro (+0.68%). ITC was the worst performer, down 4.03%, with Bharat Electronics (-0.49%), Bajaj Finance (-0.40%), Sun Pharmaceutical (-0.29%), and Trent (-0.27%) also softer.

Dye & Durham (DND:CA) AI-generated signals outline trading plan and ratings

January 1, 2026, 12:54 AM EST. Dye & Durham Limited (DND:CA) offers AI-generated signals with a concise trading plan. A near-term buy at 3.72 targets 6.11 with a stop loss at 3.70. A near-term short at 6.11 targets 3.72 with a stop loss at 6.14. The ratings for December 31 show Near: Neutral; Mid: Weak; Long: Weak. The update accompanies a chart and data timestamp.

Middle East Penny Stocks to Watch in January 2026

January 1, 2026, 12:52 AM EST. Markets across the Middle East posted a mixed 2025, with Egypt outperforming Gulf peers while oil weakness weighed on Saudi equities. Penny stocks, a dated label for low-priced shares, retain attention for potential growth at small price points. The focus remains on names with solid financials and liquidity. Highlights from the screener include Thob Al Aseel (SASE:4012) at SAR 3.35 with a SAR 1.35B market cap; Alarum Technologies (TASE:ALAR) at ₪2.811; E7 Group PJSC (ADX:E7) at AED 1.04; Sharjah Insurance Company (ADX:SICO) at AED 1.52; Al Wathba National Insurance Company (ADX:AWNIC) at AED 3.50; Arabian Pipes (SASE:2200) at SAR 4.70; Dubai National Insurance & Reinsurance (DFM:DNIR) at AED 3.25; Dubai Investments (DFM:DIC) at AED 3.57; Sharjah Cement and Industrial Development (ADX:SCIDC) at AED 0.829; Tgi Infrastructures (TASE:TGI) at ₪2.532. Investors should weigh macro factors and liquidity before trading.

Nifty, Sensex edge higher as holiday-muted session kicks off 2026

January 1, 2026, 12:51 AM EST. Indian equities opened 2026 with marginal gains as holiday-thinned volumes kept the session muted. The Nifty 50 rose to 26,173.30, up 0.17%, while the Sensex stood at 85,255.55, up 0.04%. Domestic institutional investors (DIIs) stepped in for a record 87th straight day of net inflows, even as foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) remained net sellers. Gift Nifty (an indicative level for the next session) signaled a positive open, though volumes are expected to stay light with global cues muted. Analysts say the 2026 outlook hinges on US stimulus for earnings, but valuations look stretched amid geopolitical risks. Sectoral gains showed support from Nifty Auto, IT, Media, PSU Bank, Pharma, and Consumer Durables. Globally, most markets were shut for New Year's, reinforcing a range-bound start for Indian equities.

Asia's Dividend Stocks To Watch in January 2026

January 1, 2026, 12:49 AM EST. Asia's stock markets have shown resilience as policy shifts energize Japan and China. In this climate, dividend stocks offer steady income alongside growth. The Top Asian Dividend Stocks screener highlights a wide universe; examples include Yamato Kogyo (TSE:5444) at 3.74%, Wuliangye Yibin Ltd (SZSE:000858) at 5.42%, Torigoe (TSE:2009) at 4.15%, NCD (TSE:4783) at 3.99%, HUAYU Automotive Systems (SHSE:600741) at 4.00%, Guangxi LiuYao Group (SHSE:603368) at 4.21%, Gakkyusha Ltd (TSE:9769) at 4.44%, Changjiang Publishing & Media Ltd (SHSE:600757) at 4.62%, CAC Holdings (TSE:4725) at 4.86%, and Binggrae (KOSE:A005180) at 4.43%. The screener uses a dividend yield and ratings; metrics like payout ratio and cash payout ratio show payouts are well covered by earnings and cash flow, though histories vary and volatility exists. Investors should assess valuation, payout sustainability, and growth trajectory before participation.

CXF:CA AI-generated Signals Outline for CI Canadian Convertible Bond ETF

January 1, 2026, 12:47 AM EST. As of December 31, 2025, AI-generated signals cover CXF:CA, the CI Canadian Convertible Bond ETF. The plan outlines two ideas: a long entry near 10.56 with a target of 10.80 and a stop at 10.51; and a short entry near 10.80 with a target of 10.56 and a stop at 10.85. Ratings for December 31 show Near – Strong; Mid – Neutral; Long – Strong. The update notes an AI Generated Signals feed and a chart for CXF:CA; data are timestamped for scrutiny. Note: a Convertible Bond ETF bundles convertible bonds, which can be converted into stock, affecting risk and return. Signals are advisory and not guarantees; traders should apply risk controls.