Stock Market Today 02.01.2026

DOMS Industries stock climbs as ROE at 19% supports earnings growth narrative (NSE:DOMS)

January 2, 2026, 11:37 PM EST. DOMS Industries' stock has advanced about 6.9% over the last three months. The review centers on its profitability metric ROE (return on equity), which is 19% for the trailing twelve months to September 2025, calculated as net profit divided by shareholders' equity. That compares with an industry average near 11%. The company shows earnings growth of about 38% in net income over the past five years, outpacing the sector's roughly 29% average, though other factors such as payout or efficiency may influence the result. Investors may also consider the stock's P/E ratio relative to peers to judge whether future earnings are already priced in. High ROE can accompany faster growth if profits are reinvested wisely, but does not guarantee future performance.

Manorama Industries Stock Slides as ROE Signals Solid Fundamentals

January 2, 2026, 11:21 PM EST. Manorama Industries (NSE:MANORAMA) has slipped about 7.3% over the last three months even as its fundamentals look solid. The company reports a trailing twelve months ROE of 30%, meaning it generated 30% profit for each rupee of equity; net profit was ₹1.7 billion on ₹5.6 billion of shareholders' equity as of September 2025. Its ROE outpaced the broader industry median of 11%. Five-year net income growth stands at 47%, and growth has outstripped the industry average of 20%. The firm retains about 96% of profits, with a low payout ratio of 3.6%. High profit retention can fuel future earnings, though valuation will also depend on growth prospects and how the market prices the stock.

Sunpower Group SGX:5GD posts 123% return as EPS declines

January 2, 2026, 10:35 PM EST. Sunpower Group Ltd. (SGX:5GD) posted a 123% total return over the past year, with a 66% gain over three years and a 22% rise in the latest quarter. Yet EPS (earnings per share) fell 46% in the period, suggesting price gains outpaced near-term fundamentals. The stock slipped 3.8% over 12 months even as the share price advanced, underscoring a potential sentiment-driven move rather than earnings momentum. The article also notes a list of 21 U.S. stocks forecast to yield over 6% next year and flags three warning signs for Sunpower. While some think management could be reversing fortunes, investors should weigh other metrics and the longer-term TSR (total shareholder return) trend, not rely on EPS alone. Market prices reflect sentiment, and Sunpower's rally warrants careful scrutiny.

Trent Limited's ROE signals strong profitability; market valuation under review

January 2, 2026, 10:19 PM EST. Trent Limited (NSE:TRENT) posted a trailing twelve months ROE of 26% (₹16b profit vs ₹62b shareholders' equity), signaling strong profitability. The figure outpaces the industry's 12% and accompanies a five-year net income growth of about 59%, aided by efficient capital use and modest payout ratio around 11%. Trent's growth also outstrips the industry's 30% over the same period, raising questions whether the current price already reflects future earnings growth. Investors should assess whether that growth is embedded in the price before expecting a rerating.

VTG.AX jumps 79% on heavy volume amid ASX intraday breakout

January 2, 2026, 9:17 PM EST.VTG.AX, Vita Group Limited, jumped to A$0.145 intraday, a 79.57% rise on Jan 3, 2026, on volume of 3.95 million shares. The move follows a close of A$0.08075 and a day range of A$0.145-A$0.150, with a relative volume of 3.25 versus the 1.22 million average. No new earnings since 2023; traders cite heavy buying interest rather than company news. Fundamentals show EPS of A$-0.13 and PB of 0.53; market capitalization about A$25.5 million; current ratio 1.90; debt-to-equity 0.28; gross margin 73.89%, net margin -35.15%. Technically, the price sits above the 50- and 200-day averages, signaling a momentum breakout. Meyka AI rates VTG.AX 62/100 (HOLD).

Enbridge seen as dividend-growth pick for 2026 amid rising cash flows

January 2, 2026, 9:16 PM EST. Enbridge is highlighted as a defensive dividend play for 2026 in a Canadian market outlook. The Motley Fool Canada piece notes Enbridge trades around a 5.9% dividend yield, with a potential mid-single-digit dividend hike as cash flows rise from gas storage and pipeline expansions. The stock commands a forward P/E of about 21x, versus roughly 26x on a trailing basis, justifying a premium given predictable cash flows and a solid balance sheet. The piece suggests a possible entry below 20x forward if early-year market weakness persists, particularly for investors contributing to a TFSA. With new pipelines entering service in the next 18 months, cash flows could support further growth even as upstream energy faces volatility.

Indian Hotels Company Limited faces potential volatility as institutions own about two-thirds of shares

January 2, 2026, 9:15 PM EST. Indian Hotels Company Limited (NSE: INDHOTEL) shows heavy reliance on institutional ownership, with about 66% of shares held by institutions. The top eight shareholders own roughly 51% of the company, indicating that a small group could swing decisions and potentially the stock price if large holders buy or sell. Tata Sons Private Limited is the largest holder with about 36%, followed by BlackRock at 2.5% and SBI Pension Funds Private Limited at 2.3%. The concentration suggests that governance and strategic moves may reflect institutional preferences, while the lack of hedging by hedge funds could limit downside protection. Investors should consider past earnings trends and how sales by a couple of large holders could affect liquidity and price.

Canada's Top Dividend Icons Seen Holding Up as TSX Looks for Pullback

January 2, 2026, 9:02 PM EST. Canadian dividend leaders on the TSX look resilient even as the index runs hotter and potentially overdue for a pullback. The author argues investors should hold top-dividend names for more than five years, supported by dividend growth that could fuel an early retirement. After a 27.4% annual gain, caution is advised toward high-momentum bets and a tilt toward lower-cost, overlooked payout stocks. The feature pair is Brookfield Renewable Partners (TSX:BEP.UN), now trading near support around $35 with a 5.7% dividend yield; it trades at 1.2x P/S and 2.2x P/B, suggesting a value case amid ongoing wind/solar projects. Also highlighted is Northland Power (TSX:NPI), which suffered a 30% payout cut but may offer value as growth initiatives from its latest Investor Day aim to renew enthusiasm.

RBI data show bank-fraud losses rise in FY25 as cases fall

January 2, 2026, 9:00 PM EST. India's central bank data show a rise in financial fraud losses as cases fall. The RBI's latest banking-trends report shows fraud losses in FY25 rising 30.8% to ₹34,771 crore, while the number of reported cases declined 33.8%, implying larger losses per incident. The total in FY25 is still below FY20's ₹1.85 lakh crore fraud tally, though the pattern signals deeper losses. In the first half of FY26, cases fell to 5,092 from 18,386 a year earlier, yet the amount defrauded rose about 30% to ₹21,515 crore. FY denotes the financial year; the RBI notes the trend reflects sharper losses in fewer cases, not an improvement in fraud-control.

Wheat ends mixed as new year starts; front-months slip, export sales in focus

January 2, 2026, 8:49 PM EST. U.S. wheat futures finished mixed as the new year opened. Chicago SRW front-month was fractionally lower, with March shedding about 12 1/2 cents for the week. KC HRW was steady to marginally weaker, March down 18 1/2 cents on the week. MPLS spring wheat slipped 3-4 cents, with March off around 8 1/2 cents for the week. USDA Export Sales data due Monday for the week of Christmas is expected to show 100,000-500,000 MT in wheat sales. The early-week action kept markets rangebound as traders weigh seasonal demand and export outlook.

Corn futures slip to start 2026 as export sale lifts cash price focus

January 2, 2026, 8:48 PM EST. Corn futures posted losses of 2 to 3 cents in the first session of 2026, with March futures down about 12 1/2 cents on the holiday week. Nearby cash price was $3.98 1/4 per bushel on the CmdtyView national average. The USDA reported a private export sale of 132,000 metric tons to South Korea, and traders await official weekly export bookings for the week of 12/25, seen at roughly 0.7-1.5 MMT. The USDA Grains Crushing report shows November ethanol use at 471.87 mbu, slightly above year ago but 0.7% below last month; first-quarter corn grind was down 0.2 mbu from 2024/25. Farm Bridge corn payments: $44.36/acre; sorghum $48.11. Front-month closes: Mar 26 at $4.37 1/2; nearby cash $3.98 1/4; May 26 $4.45 1/2; Jul 26 $4.52.

Lean hog futures retreat as January opens; USDA data shows mixed signals

January 2, 2026, 8:47 PM EST. Lean hog futures posted losses of 60 cents to $1 across the nearbys on Friday, with February slipping 42 cents this week. USDA's national base hog price was not reported on Friday afternoon due to thin volume. The CME Lean Hog Index rose a penny on December 30 to $82.26. USDA's pork carcass cutout value climbed 83 cents to $94.57 per cwt, with the butt and belly primals the only reported lower. USDA estimated federal inspected hog slaughter for the week at 2.228 million head, up 250,000 from a week ago but down 41,794 from the same week last year.

Soybeans Close Lower as 2026 Trade Opens; Export Sales Data in Focus

January 2, 2026, 8:46 PM EST. Opening 2026 trade for soybeans: prices closed modestly lower after retreat from earlier weakness; the front-month March contract was down 26¾ cents on the week. The cmdtyView national average Cash Bean price rose 6¼ cents to $9.70. Soymeal futures fell by $2.30 to $4.10/ton, with March down $11.40. Soy Oil futures were higher, up 61 to 80 points on the day, with March settling the week up 8 points. All eyes on Export Sales data for week ending December 25; analysts expect 0.7-1.8 MMT of 2025/26 soybean bookings and 0-150,000 MT for 2026/27, plus 150,000-500,000 MT in meal sales and 0-20,000 MT in bean oil. USDA crush and Farm Bridge payments also cited in data releases.

Cotton futures close lower on Friday as markets soften

January 2, 2026, 8:45 PM EST. Cotton futures closed lower on Friday in a shortened week, with nearby contracts down 11 to 26 points and March slipping about 0.48 cent. Crude oil futures fell 9 cents to $57.41 a barrel as the U.S. dollar index rose 0.123 to 98.170. On Wednesday, the USDA released Farm Bridge Assistance payments, with the cotton payout at $117.35 per acre. The Seam auction showed 17,479 bales sold at 65.40 cents per pound. The Cotlook A Index was unchanged at 74.30 cents. ICE-certified stocks stood at 11,510 bales. The Adjusted World Price rose 74 points to 50.76 cents per pound, with the LDP rate at 1.24 cents. Mar 26 cotton closed at 64.01, May 26 at 65.37, Jul 26 at 66.72.

Cattle futures rise as cash market strengthens to start the year

January 2, 2026, 8:44 PM EST. Live cattle futures rose as cash trade gained ground, with front-month contracts up roughly $3.50-$4.40 and February leading weekly gains. The cash market settled near $232 per hundredweight (cwt) across the country, up about $2-$3 from last week. Feeder cattle futures climbed in the front months, with January and nearby contracts rising by about $5-$9 on Friday. The CME Feeder Cattle Index climbed to $350.22. USDA boxed beef prices firmed; the Choice cut averaged $349.97 and Select climbed to $346.92 per cwt, widening the Chc/Sel spread to about $3.05. Slaughter estimates ran at 474,000 head, up 48,000 week over week but down about 30,900 from a year ago.

Frontier misses Q3 CY2025 revenue; Q4 EPS guidance beats estimates

January 2, 2026, 8:30 PM EST. Frontier Group Holdings (NASDAQ: ULCC) missed Q3 CY2025 revenue expectations, reporting $886 million in sales, below consensus of $901.8 million and down 5.2% year over year. The carrier posted an Adjusted EPS loss of $0.34, vs. estimates of $0.37, a 7.7% beat on the loss. Adjusted EBITDA was negative at $53 million versus analyst expectations of $132.7 million. The company guided Q4 CY2025 Adjusted EPS of $0.12 at the midpoint, above the consensus of $0.10. Operating margin came in at -8.7%, down from 2% in the year-ago quarter. Free cash flow was -$217 million, worsening from -$170 million. Frontier, famed for its colorful aircraft tails, remains focused on ultra low-cost travel; sell-side views see ~10.6% revenue growth over the next 12 months, though below sector average.

Troilus Gold Corp (TLG:CA) AI Signals: Buy Near 0.45; Ratings Mixed

January 2, 2026, 8:29 PM EST. Troilus Gold Corp. (TLG:CA) features in a note dated January 2, 2026, with AI-generated signals and a trading plan. The plan lists a buy near 0.45 with no target and a stop loss at 0.45; no short positions are offered. The update highlights AI-generated signals for TLG:CA, with a timestamp to verify data freshness. Ratings across horizons show Near: Strong, Mid: Strong, Long: Weak, reflecting a cautious longer-term stance despite near-term conviction. The report notes ongoing access to updated signals and charts for Troilus Gold Corp.

UnitedHealth shares outpace market ahead of Jan. 27, 2026 earnings

January 2, 2026, 8:14 PM EST. UnitedHealth Group (UNH) closed at $336.40, up 1.91% on the day, outperforming the S&P 500 (+0.19%) and the Dow (+0.66%); the Nasdaq (-0.03%). Over the past month, UNH has fallen about 1.01%, lagging the Medical sector (+0.17%) and the S&P 500 (+0.54%). The company will report results on January 27, 2026. Analysts' consensus call for EPS of $2.09, down about 69.31% year over year, and revenue of $113.64 billion, up about 12.73%. For the full year, the Zacks Consensus projects EPS of $16.3 and revenue of $448.03 billion. The Zacks Rank is #3 (Hold). Valuation shows a Forward P/E of 18.75, above the industry average 14.01, and a PEG of 1.99 vs. 0.97.

Nova Leads Semiconductor Rally as AI Optimism Lifts Market

January 2, 2026, 8:13 PM EST. Stocks tied to semiconductors rose as a broad AI rally anchored the session and lifted the Nasdaq Composite. Investors rotated into high-growth tech as risk appetite returned, with chipmakers seen as a market anchor. Analysts noted ongoing supply constraints in chipmaking as firms build out AI infrastructure. The move followed a cooler November CPI print that reinforced bets on further rate cuts this year, supporting growth names. Among the names cited, FormFactor, onsemi, Sensata Technologies, Vishay Intertechnology, and Nova highlighted the session's breadth. Nova's stock remains highly volatile, with headlines driving sizable swings. The rally underscores AI's perceived potential to spur future productivity and profits, even as valuation swings persist in the near term.

MPW Gains on Earnings Outlook; Forward P/E Below Industry

January 2, 2026, 8:04 PM EST. Medical Properties Trust (MPW) closed at $5.08, up 1.6% on the session. The stock outpaced the S&P 500 (+0.19%), while the Dow gained 0.66% and the Nasdaq fell 0.03%. Over the past month, MPW has fallen 10.87%, underperforming the Finance sector (+2.08%) and the S&P 500 (+0.54%). Investors will watch for earnings, with EPS projected at $0.15, a 16.7% year-over-year drop, and revenue around $242.96 million, up about 4.8%. For the full year, analysts expect EPS of $0.55 and revenue of $944.64 million (down 31.25% and flat). MPW carries a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold). The stock trades at a Forward P/E of 7.62, below the industry's 11.01; the REIT/Finance group sits 160th of 250+ industries.

Sweetgreen edges up ahead of May 8 earnings; Zacks ranks SG Sell

January 2, 2026, 8:03 PM EST. Sweetgreen, Inc. (SG) closed at $19.27, up 0.1%, a muted session that trailed the S&P 500's 0.06% gain and the Dow's 0.28% rise, while the Nasdaq slipped 0.1%. The shares are down 24.6% in the past month, lagging the Retail-Wholesale sector's 2.65% loss and the S&P 500's 4.29% decline. The company will report earnings on May 8, 2025. Analysts expect EPS (earnings per share) of -$0.21, up 8.7% year over year, and revenue of $164.61 million, up 4.29% from the prior year quarter. For the full year, consensus calls for EPS -$0.60 and revenue $762.24 million, up 24.05% and 12.62%, respectively. Zacks ranks SG at #4 (Sell); the Retail-Restaurants industry sits at 209 in a 250+ industry universe.

UPS edges higher ahead of earnings; Forward P/E at 17.1

January 2, 2026, 8:02 PM EST.UPS shares rose to $128.55, up 1.24% on the session, beating the S&P 500's 1.01% advance while the Dow gained 0.55% and the Nasdaq rose 1.13%. Over the past month, UPS has fallen 2.76, underperforming the Transportation sector's 0.82% gain and the S&P 500's 2.5% rise. Investors await UPS's next earnings release, with consensus calling for EPS of $1.63, up 3.82% year over year, and revenue of $22.22 billion, up 5.52%. For the full year, estimates show EPS of $7.43 and revenue of $92.04 billion, implying -15.38% and +1.19% respectively from a year earlier. The stock carries a Zacks Rank of #4 (Sell) after 30 days of earnings estimate downgrades (EPS estimates down 2.75%). Valuation sits at a Forward P/E of 17.1 (Forward P/E = forecast earnings) vs industry 17.41; PEG 1.87 (growth-adjusted P/E) vs industry 1.48.

Dominion Energy climbs ahead of earnings; valuation remains rich vs. peers

January 2, 2026, 8:01 PM EST. Dominion Energy (D) rose 1.26% to $56.93 in the latest session, outpacing the S&P 500's 0.77% gain as the Dow and Nasdaq also advanced, up 0.47% and 0.87%, respectively. Over the past month, the stock has fallen about 3.34%, vs. the Utilities sector's 1.86% decline and the S&P 500's 4.87% gain. The company is slated to report November 1, 2024 results; analysts expect EPS (earnings per share) of $0.93, up roughly 20.78% year over year, and revenue of $4.1 billion, up 7.49%. For the full year, Zacks Consensus sees EPS of $2.75 and revenue of $15.5 billion, changes of +38.19% and -5.46%. The Zacks Rank stands at #4 (Sell) after a 0.03% rise in the consensus EPS estimate. Forward P/E is 20.42 (industry 17.27); PEG 1.5 (industry 2.73).

United Airlines (UAL) rises ahead of earnings; valuation and Zacks Rank in focus

January 2, 2026, 8:00 PM EST. United Airlines closed at 113.01, up 1.06%, as the S&P 500 rose 0.19% while the Dow gained 0.66% and the Nasdaq fell 0.03%. The stock has climbed 6.77% in the past month, beating the Transportation sector's 3.99% gain and the S&P 500's 0.54% advance. Investors await the upcoming earnings report; consensus calls for EPS of $2.93, down 10.12% year over year, and revenue of $15.44 billion, up 5.04%. For the full year, the Zacks Consensus sees earnings per share of $10.46 and revenue of $59.11 billion, moves of -1.41% and 0%. Zacks Rank, a model based on analyst estimate revisions, currently rates UAL at #3 (Hold). Valuation shows a Forward P/E of 8.51 (projected next year earnings) vs industry 9.3; PEG ratio 0.8 (growth-adjusted P/E). The Zacks Industry Rank is 92 of 250+.

Vital Farms slides as market gains; earnings preview in focus

January 2, 2026, 7:59 PM EST. Vital Farms, Inc. (VITL) closed at $43.24, down 1.93%, as the broader market rose: S&P 500 up 0.55%, Dow up 0.62%, Nasdaq +0.63%. Over the last month the stock advanced about 6.4%. Ahead of its next earnings report, analysts expect EPS (earnings per share) of $0.22, up 46.7% year over year, with revenue of $133.05 million, up about 25% from a year earlier. For the full year, consensus calls for EPS of $0.96 and revenue of $578.5 million, representing increases of roughly 63% and 23%, respectively. Zacks Rank places VITL at #1 (Strong Buy), reflecting upward revisions to estimates. The stock trades at a forward P/E (price-to-earnings ratio using forecast earnings) of 46.17, well above the industry average of 16.59; the Food – Miscellaneous subsector sits in Consumer Staples.

Valero Energy Gains Ahead of Oct. 24 Earnings; Valuation Appears Attractive

January 2, 2026, 7:58 PM EST. Valero Energy Corp. (VLO) closed at $135.80, up 1.53%, ahead of the day's gains in the S&P 500, while the Dow slid and the Nasdaq rose 0.2%. The stock has fallen about 9.8% in the past month, lagging the Oils-Energy sector's 3.35% drop and the S&P 500's 1.54% advance. Valero is due to report on October 24, 2024, with consensus EPS of $2.65 (down 64.6% YoY) and revenue of $33.88 billion (down 11.8%). For the full year, Zacks expects EPS of $12.30 and revenue of $133.64 billion, declines of roughly 50.6% and 7.69%. The stock trades at a Forward P/E of 10.88, below the Oils-Energy industry average of 13.76, and a PEG of 2.72. The Oil and Gas – Refining and Marketing group holds a Zacks Industry Rank of 205; Valero's Zacks Rank is #3 (Hold).

Arbor Realty Trust advances as earnings outlook weak; Zacks Rank #5

January 2, 2026, 7:49 PM EST. Arbor Realty Trust (ABR) rose 2.78% to $10.74 in the latest session, outpacing the S&P 500's 0.8% gain. The Dow and Nasdaq gained about 0.9%-1.0%. Year to date, ABR is up about 6.7%, ahead of the Finance group and the broader market. Ahead of its next earnings release, analysts expect EPS (earnings per share) of $0.29, a 35.6% drop from the year-ago quarter, with revenue of $237.24 million, down 20.2%. For the full year, consensus calls for EPS of $1.18 and revenue of $959.31 million, declines of roughly 32% and 18%. The Forward P/E ratio (forward price-to-earnings) stands at 8.89, above the industry average of 8.19; the Zacks Rank (a stock-rating system) is #5 (Strong Sell).

Ares Capital (ARCC) outpaces market gains ahead of Oct. 30 earnings; Zacks Sell

January 2, 2026, 7:48 PM EST. ARCC closed at $21.32, up 0.9%, outperforming the S&P 500, which rose 0.61%, while the Dow gained 0.97% and the Nasdaq 0.33%. Over the past month, shares have advanced about 2.18% as the Finance sector lagged the broader market (Finance -4.31% vs S&P 500 +5.36%). The stock is set to report quarterly results on Oct. 30, 2024. Analysts' consensus sees EPS of $0.59 and quarterly revenue of $766.58 million, up about 17% year over year. For the year, the Street looks for around $2.39 in EPS on roughly $3 billion in revenue, +0.84% and +14.76%, respectively. Valuation sits at a Forward P/E of 8.83, above the industry average of 7.93. Zacks assigns a #4 (Sell) rating, reflecting mixed near-term outlook.

Builders FirstSource rises as investors eye upcoming earnings; Zacks ranks Buy

January 2, 2026, 7:47 PM EST. Builders FirstSource (BLDR) rose 1.69% to $104.63 as markets drifted. The stock outpaced the S&P 500, up 0.19%, while the Dow rose 0.66% and the Nasdaq fell 0.03%. In the past month, BLDR has fallen 7.31%, underperforming the Retail-Wholesale group and the S&P 500's 0.54% gain. Investors await the upcoming earnings disclosure; EPS (earnings per share) is projected at $1.31, down 43.29% year over year, with revenue totaling $3.44 billion, down 9.93%. For the full year, EPS is seen at $7.07 on revenue of $15.27 billion (YoY changes of -38.84% and 0%). The stock trades at a Forward P/E of 16.63, above the industry's 15.03, and a PEG of 12.5. The Zacks Rank remains #2 (Buy).

Comcast shares slip as market gains; earnings outlook in focus

January 2, 2026, 7:46 PM EST. Comcast (CMCSA) closed at $39.58, down 1.12% as the broader market advanced. The S&P 500 rose 0.11%, while the Dow dipped 0.3% and the Nasdaq climbed 0.56%. Over the last month, CMCSA gained 3.46% but lagged the Consumer Discretionary sector (up 3.79%) and the S&P 500 (up 5.06%). Investors await the upcoming earnings report; the next EPS (earnings per share) is projected at $1.12, a 0.88% year-over-year decline, with revenue seen at $30.1 billion, down 1.34% YoY. The full-year Zacks Consensus Estimates call for earnings of $4.21 per share and revenue of $123.16 billion, up 5.78% and 1.31% respectively. The stock trades at a forward P/E of 9.51 and a PEG of 1, roughly in line with the industry. The Zacks Rank is #3 (Hold).

New Gold shares slide as market climbs ahead of earnings

January 2, 2026, 7:45 PM EST.New Gold (NGD) closed at $2.19, down 0.45% in the latest session, underperforming the S&P 500 which rose 0.8% while the Dow gained 1.51% and the Nasdaq slipped 0.01%. Shares have risen about 20.9% over the past month, outpacing a broadly higher Basic Materials sector (+3.46%) and a 4.14% rise for the S&P 500 over the same period. Investors are eyeing upcoming earnings with consensus tracking EPS of $0.02 for the current quarter and $0.12 per share for the full year on revenue of $906.5 million, implying strong year-over-year growth. Zacks ranks NGD #1 (Strong Buy), supported by a recent 30-day surge in the consensus EPS estimate of 37.26%. The stock trades at a Forward P/E of 18.86, above the industry average of 16.03.

ARKO Corp. stock closes at $6.08; earnings in focus as Zacks Rank #1 stands out

January 2, 2026, 7:44 PM EST. ARKO closed at $6.08, down 0.16%, while the S&P 500 rose 0.77%, the Dow gained 0.49% and the Nasdaq 0.95%. Over the past month, ARKO has risen 6.66%, ahead of the Consumer Staples sector's -4.12% and the S&P 500's +3.71%. Ahead of its earnings, the company is seen posting EPS (earnings per share) of $0.18, up 63.64% year over year, with revenue seen at $2.41 billion, down 2.51% YoY. For the full year, EPS of $0.54 and revenue of $9.17 billion are projected, up 125% and down 2.58%, respectively. Analysts have been revising estimates; positive revisions signal optimism. Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) implies potential upside. The stock trades on a Forward P/E (based on expected next-12-month earnings) of 11.38, vs the industry's 17.72.

LendingTree beats Q3 CY2025 estimates; guides higher amid revenue and EPS beats

January 2, 2026, 7:43 PM EST. LendingTree (NASDAQ:TREE) delivered Q3 CY2025 revenue of $307.8 million, up 18% year over year and above Wall Street estimates of $277.3 million. Adjusted EPS came in at $1.70, well above consensus of $1.16, while Adjusted EBITDA was $39.8 million (12.9% margin) vs $35.2 million expected. The company guided Q4 revenue to $285 million at the midpoint, above analysts' $265.8 million, and full-year EBITDA guidance of $127 million. Operating margin rose to 9.3% from 3.8% a year earlier; free cash flow margin was 8.3%, down from 10.1% last quarter. Market cap about $704 million. The earnings release noted the sudden passing of founder/chairman/CEO Doug Lebda; CEO Scott Peyree expressed condolences.

History suggests last year's weak finish for stocks could weigh on 2026 returns

January 2, 2026, 7:41 PM EST. Analysts say last year's weak finish for equities could weigh on early 2026 returns. The unsettled backdrop, marked by uneven earnings and policy shifts, leaves stocks vulnerable to a slower start. A late-year pullback often bleeds into January trading, testing sentiment as investors recalibrate expectations. Valuations remain a consideration if earnings growth slows, potentially capping upside. A drag on returns – the negative impact on total gains – could persist until new data strengthens momentum. Investors should watch upcoming results and macro signals for clues on whether this year starts with resilience or renewed volatility.

Cramer urges pivot from AI hype to AI-using blue chips in 2026 playbook

January 2, 2026, 7:29 PM EST. Jim Cramer told the Investopedia Express podcast that speculative AI-related stocks tied to data-center buildouts and quantum computing are unlikely to sustain recent gains and are due for a revert to prior levels. He laid out a 2026 playbook: shift from companies building AI to established firms using AI to cut costs and lift profits. The CNBC host warned that the AI rally of 2025 is cooling, noting that only a couple of the Magnificent Seven have beaten the S&P 500 this year. His advice for investors is to trim hype stocks, pivot to blue chips deploying AI, and emphasize owning quality holdings rather than chasing momentum. He pointed to Johnson & Johnson and Procter & Gamble as examples of firms leveraging AI to improve operations.

Cramer Not Ready to Give Up on Salesforce as Agentforce AI Push Shapes Outlook

January 2, 2026, 7:28 PM EST. Jim Cramer kept a cautious, if constructive, view on Salesforce (NYSE: CRM) as AI-driven offerings shape the outlook. The stock closed up about $4.72, and he cited a forward multiple near 20x and said he is not ready to give up on the stock while Agentforce, Salesforce's AI platform, stacks up favorable numbers. Cramer argued the Agentforce initiative could capture a large share of the customer-service market, noting it is already moving toward a $500 million run rate and has drawn interest from retailers such as Costco and CVS. Salesforce's shares swung intraday, briefly erasing gains before finishing higher in a volatile session, underscoring a difficult market for tech names. Investors are weighing CRM's execution against broader AI demand and macro uncertainty.

Stifel raises CHRW target to $184 on AI-driven efficiency; Q3 beat supports 2026 view

January 2, 2026, 7:27 PM EST. CHRW shares rose after Stifel analyst J. Bruce Chan lifted the target to $184 from $155 and kept a Buy rating, citing supply rationalization and cost discipline shaping 2026 for high-quality transport names. The note aligns with CHRW's Q3 2025 earnings beat as the company uses AI to automate quotes, pickups and tracking, boosting efficiency. CHRW posted 1.1% revenue growth in the North American Surface Transportation segment, while US freight volumes remained soft and excess capacity pressured rates. Evercore ISI's Jonathan Chappell noted AI-driven cost reductions could lift margins even without a stronger market. CHRW is a US-based third-party logistics provider and has been listed among the 20 Best Performing Dividend Stocks in 2025.

Viavi Solutions Q3 CY2025 revenue tops estimates; guides higher for Q4

January 2, 2026, 7:25 PM EST. Viavi Solutions (VIAV) reported Q3 CY2025 revenue of $299.1 million, up 25.6% year over year and ahead of consensus by 1.7%. Non-GAAP (adjusted) EPS of $0.15 beat by 14.2%; adjusted EBITDA was $56.8 million, a 19% margin and 5.3% above estimates. The company framed Q4 CY2025 revenue at $365 million midpoint, well above the Street at $298.9 million; Q4 adjusted EPS guidance of $0.19 also topped estimates of $0.16. Operating margin was 2.5%, versus 4.8% a year earlier; free cash flow margin was 7.5%, up from 2.6%. Market cap about $4.05 billion. Viavi has struggled to sustain long-term growth with trailing twelve-month sales near levels from five years ago, though analysts foresee 27.6% revenue growth over the next 12 months as newer products gain traction.

Ondas Gains Over 20% This Week on Defense Rebranding and New Orders

January 2, 2026, 7:14 PM EST. Ondas Inc. (ONDS) closed Friday at $11.02, up 12.9% for the session as investors parsed a defense-driven rebranding, a headquarters move to West Palm Beach and fresh orders for autonomous systems. The stock has risen more than 20% in the past five days. Friday's volume was about 134.2 million shares, roughly 57% above its three-month average of 85.5 million. Market data show a market cap near $3.7 billion, with a 52-week range of $0.57 to $11.70. Management said the focus will be on global defense and security, including autonomous air and ground systems, supported by about $10 million in new orders and more than $16 million in Q4 orders for an autonomous border-protection system. Peers AeroVironment and Draganfly advanced on demand for autonomous platforms.

Phibro Animal Health Q1 CY2026 Revenue Miss; Full-Year Guidance In Line

January 2, 2026, 7:12 PM EST. Phibro Animal Health (NASDAQ: PAHC) reported Q1 CY2026 revenue of $347.8 million, flat year over year and below analysts' estimates of $359.7 million. Full-year revenue is guided to about $1.46 billion at the midpoint, roughly in line with expectations; non-GAAP EPS of $0.63 missed consensus by 8.3%. Adjusted EBITDA came in at $61.9 million versus $60.94 million expected, a ~17.8% margin. Full-year adjusted EPS at the midpoint is $2.73, beating estimates by ~3.4%; EBITDA guidance of $235 million at midpoint exceeds $226.1 million. Operating margin rose to 11.4%, and free cash flow margin stood at 10.2%. Five-year sales CAGR was 11.9%, while next-year revenue growth is projected around 6%, still above the sector average.

Super Group (NYSE: SGHC) Posts Strong Q3 CY2025: Revenue Beat, Margin Expansion

January 2, 2026, 7:11 PM EST. Super Group (NYSE: SGHC) posted Q3 CY2025 Revenue of $557 million, up 25.7% year over year and ahead of estimates by 9.2%. GAAP EPS (earnings per share under generally accepted accounting principles) was $0.19, topping consensus by 27.3%. Adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, adjusted for certain items) reached $152 million, a beat of 33.3% versus $114 million; the company also shows an Operating Margin of 23.5% (up from 5.7% a year earlier) and a Free Cash Flow Margin of 22.4% (up from 6.8%). The firm serves 5.51 million customers in 20 jurisdictions, with momentum into Q4 and the anticipated launch of Super Coin. CEO Neal Menashe attributed the results to platform strength and execution; the company notes strong engagement as it expands Betway and Spin platforms.

Bank of America lifts PepsiCo price target to $164, keeps Neutral

January 2, 2026, 7:10 PM EST.Bank of America analyst Peter Galbo lifted PepsiCo's (PEP) price target to $164 from $155 and kept a Neutral rating. The year-ahead note cites 2026 as a key inflection point for consumer staples, with valuations uneven and limited catalysts until fundamentals improve. Earlier in December, PepsiCo announced a review of its North America supply chain and plans aggressive cost cuts to support growth after talks with Elliott Investment Management, which owns about $4 billion of the stock. PepsiCo also said it will restructure bottling and non-core assets, trim U.S./Canada jobs, and lean into automation and digital tools. Management expects roughly 100 basis points of core operating margin expansion over the next three fiscal years.

Stocks settle mixed as chips buoy market; megacaps weigh on tech

January 2, 2026, 7:09 PM EST. Stock indexes settled mixed on Friday as strength in chipmakers and AI-infrastructure stocks helped the S&P 500 and Dow rally, while weakness in megacap technology stocks capped gains in the Nasdaq 100. The S&P 500 rose 0.19% and the Dow advanced 0.66%, with the Nasdaq 100 down 0.17%. March E-mini futures showed mixed readings: the S&P futures up 0.17% and the Nasdaq futures down 0.19%. Higher bond yields pressured stocks, with the 10-year T-note yield around 4.19%. European momentum lent some support earlier, as the Euro Stoxx 50 climbed to a record. The US manufacturing PMI stayed at 51.8; traders priced roughly a 15% chance of a -25 basis-point rate cut at the Fed's January meeting. Breakeven inflation moved higher to about 2.264% on Friday.

Boeing stock up 4.7% on Friday as analysts issue mixed calls after earnings

January 2, 2026, 6:55 PM EST. Shares of Boeing rose 4.7% on Friday, trading as high as $227.77 and closing near $227.27 on about 11.1 million shares, above the 6.86 million average. The prior close was $217.12. Analysts issued mixed notes: Deutsche Bank to Hold with a $240 target; Tigress Financial Buy with $275; BNP Paribas Exane began coverage with Underperform and $150; RBC Outperform with $250; Susquehanna lowered to $255 with a Positive stance. MarketBeat shows 3 Strong Buy, 16 Buy, 3 Hold, 5 Sell; the consensus is Moderate Buy with a $234.92 target. Boeing's market cap about $172.7B; P/E negative at -16.61; beta 1.16; 50-day and 200-day moving averages at $202.14 and $214.52. Earnings: EPS -$7.47 vs -$0.51 consensus; revenue $23.27B vs $21.61B expected; revenue up 30.4% year over year. Insider Uma M. Amuluru sold 1,366 shares at $197.66, ownership down 8.53% to 14,656 shares.

PulteGroup Q3 CY2025 Revenue Beat; EPS Tops Estimates as Backlog Declines

January 2, 2026, 6:54 PM EST. PulteGroup reported Q3 CY2025 revenue of $4.4 billion, topping consensus of $4.31 billion, though sales declined 1.6% year over year. Adjusted EPS came in at $2.96, a 2.5% beat to estimates. Adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) was $789.4 million on a 17.9% margin, a 2.1% miss versus expectations. Operating margin fell to 17.3% from 20% a year earlier. Free cash flow margin rose to 14.8% from 9.3%. Backlog stood at $6.23 billion, down 19% YoY (year-over-year). The company's market cap is about $23.21 billion. PulteGroup operates across 46 markets in 25 states and has delivered more than 850,000 homes since 1950. Looking ahead, analysts expect revenue to decline about 6.2% over the next 12 months. The pace suggests demand challenges despite the quarterly beat.

KBW lifts Fifth Third price target to $53 after meetings; DUS acquisition expands CRE financing

January 2, 2026, 6:53 PM EST. Keefe Bruyette & Woods raised its price target on Fifth Third Bancorp to $53 from $50 and kept a Market Perform rating after management updates. The note reflected refreshed estimates following recent conferences and meetings. On December 9, Fifth Third announced a strategic acquisition of Mechanics Bank's Delegated Underwriting and Servicing (DUS) business, expanding its leadership in commercial real estate finance and its ability to support multifamily developers with permanent financing solutions. The DUS program sits at the center of Fannie Mae's multifamily lending platform, and the license provides direct access to Fannie Mae products and a proven servicing framework. Fifth Third remains a major US bank with a broad financial-services footprint.

Old Second Bancorp Q3 CY2025 Beats on Revenue, NII; NIM Improves

January 2, 2026, 6:23 PM EST. Old Second Bancorp posted Q3 CY2025 results that topped Wall Street expectations, with revenue of $96.22 million, up 34.6% year over year. The bank's net interest income totaled $82.78 million, beating estimates of $80.66 million and rising 36.6% YoY. The net interest margin came in at 5.1%, above the 4.8% consensus. Operating efficiency improved, with an efficiency ratio of 52.1% versus 57.2% expected. Adjusted EPS was $0.53, above the $0.51 consensus (4.6% beat). Tangible book value per share reached $13.51, vs $12.96 expected, up 7.2% YoY and topping estimates by 4.2%. The market capitalization is about $1.03 billion.

TD Bank set to beat the TSX with dividend growth and stable capital

January 2, 2026, 6:09 PM EST. TD Bank is presented as a core dividend stock with a diversified business across Canada, the United States, and capital markets. A recent pullback has not derailed the dividend, which grows with earnings. In fiscal Q4 2025 results (year ended Oct. 31), the bank posted 3.3 billion in reported earnings and 3.9 billion in adjusted earnings, or 8.37 dollars per share on an adjusted basis. The gap reflects one-off items but signals durable profitability. Valuation shows a trailing P/E (price-to-earnings) in the low double digits, with a forward P/E in the mid-teens. The bank's CET1 ratio stands at 14.7%, indicating strong capital. The thesis rests on dividend compounding and steady capital returns, including buybacks when conditions permit.

AMC CEO hopeful despite distressing all-time low share price as turnaround actions continue

January 2, 2026, 6:07 PM EST. AMC Entertainment Corp. Chief Executive Adam Aron acknowledged the distressing fall in the company's share price, which has slid to an all-time low. In a post on X, the NYSE-listed firm's largest individual shareholder said he has not sold any AMC stock since January 2022. Aron said he has been advised not to comment on the price but stressed that the company is not idle. 'To the contrary, we aggressively have been taking action after action after action to please our guests, to improve the appeal of our theatres, to increase our market share, to drive more revenues and to cut more costs,' he wrote. Action timelines were not provided, but the message signaled ongoing efforts to bolster operations as investors await a potential rebound.

Tom Lee pushes for massive BitMine share authorization as Ethereum treasury grows

January 2, 2026, 5:57 PM EST. Tom Lee urged BitMine shareholders to back a proposal to raise the company's authorized share count from 500 million to 50 billion, arguing the move would provide flexibility for future capital needs and potential stock splits. BitMine has pivoted to Ethereum as its core treasury asset and has bought more than $1 billion of ETH in the past month, positioning the firm closer to an ETH balance sheet than a traditional miner. Lee stressed that higher authorization does not automatically dilute holders; dilution occurs only when new shares are issued. If approved before the January 15 annual meeting in Las Vegas, the larger pool could fund acquisitions or further ETH purchases. The vote closes January 14, 2026.

Wall Street edges higher on wobbly start to 2026 as tech stocks lead

January 2, 2026, 5:55 PM EST. U.S. stocks ended a choppy first trading day of 2026 with mixed results as technology shares led gains and a few heavyweight names weighed on the moves. The S&P 500 rose 12.97 points, or 0.2%, to 6,858.47, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 319.10 points, or 0.7%, to 48,382.39. The Nasdaq Composite slipped 6.36 points, or less than 0.1%, to 23,235.63 after a drop in Microsoft and Tesla. Nvidia contributed gains by about 1.3%, though the market's upside was capped by declines in those two tech giants. Oil and gold traded modestly lower, while Treasury yields held steady with the 10-year at 4.19% and the two-year at 3.48%. Investors turn to upcoming data and Fed signals in a light week after a holiday-shortened start to 2026.

Dow up as Nvidia-led chip rally lifts markets; Tesla declines as 2026 opens mixed

January 2, 2026, 5:54 PM EST. U.S. stocks closed mixed to start 2026, with the Dow higher and the Nasdaq little changed to lower. The Dow rose 311.99 points to 48,383.22; the S&P 500 gained 12.52 to 6,858.02; the Nasdaq slipped 5.30 to 23,236.69. Chips led the move as Nvidia in after-hours up 1.2%, Intel +6.7%, and Micron +10.5%; the SMH ETF +3.7%. Megacap consumer names weighed, with Amazon down 1.9% and Tesla down 2.6%. Tesla delivered 1.64 million vehicles in 2025, down from 1.79 million in 2024; Q4 deliveries fell 15.6% to 418,227, missing estimates. BYD outsold Tesla for the first time annually; Tesla set to report Q4 on Jan 28. The 10-year yield rose to 4.195%, up about 0.04 percentage point. Tariff relief lifted furniture makers: Wayfair +6.1%; Williams-Sonoma +5.2%; RH +8.0%.

AI-Generated Signals for LETH:CA Evolve Levered Ether ETF; Short Near 32.37 with Mixed Ratings

January 2, 2026, 5:53 PM EST. January 02, 2026 05:26 PM ET, Jolene W. reports AI-generated signals for Evolve Levered Ether ETF (LETH:CA) showing a short near 32.37 with a stop at 32.53, and no long plans currently. The note flags short exposure as the immediate tactic. The signals are updated and available. Ratings for January 2 list term-by-term: Near: Strong; Mid: Weak; Long: Strong. The set suggests Near and Long strength with Mid weakness. Traders should monitor price action around 32.37 and 32.53 and consider the AI-derived signals as one input in a broader risk framework.

Dollar Pushes Higher as Bond Yields Rise

January 2, 2026, 5:52 PM EST. On Friday, the dollar index rose about +0.15% as bond yields climbed and the euro and yen slid to 1.5-week lows. Higher U.S. Treasury yields widened the dollar's interest-rate differentials, supporting the greenback even as broader stocks advanced. The US Dec S&P manufacturing PMI was unrevised at 51.8, signaling continued expansion. In FX, EUR/USD dropped to a 1.5-week low, while USD/JPY rose about +0.08% as the yen weakened. Markets priced in roughly 0% odds of a +25 bp ECB rate hike at the Feb 5 meeting. Gold and silver traded mixed; gold fell 0.26% to near session lows, while silver gained 0.58%. The setup cited higher global yields and expectations around policy rates.

Copart CPRT hits oversold RSI of 28.7 as shares hover near $37.60

January 2, 2026, 5:37 PM EST. Copart Inc (CPRT) traded on Friday with an RSI of 28.7, placing it in oversold territory on the momentum scale from 0 to 100. An RSI reading below 30 is commonly interpreted as oversold. The stock dipped to an intraday low of $37.605 and was last quoted around $37.77. By contrast, the SPY RSI was 53.2, indicating mid-range momentum. RSI readings gauge recent price change and are not a price target or guarantee. A 28.7 reading can suggest selling pressure may ease if broader factors align, potentially creating a near-term entry point for some traders. 52-week range spans from $37.605 to $63.85.

Tesla slides after Q4 delivery drop as energy storage and autonomy bets rise

January 2, 2026, 5:36 PM EST. Tesla closed Friday at $438.07, down 2.6%, after Q4 deliveries declined and investors weighed the pivot toward energy storage and autonomy. Volume totaled about 84.6 million shares, roughly 2.4% above the three-month average. The session followed fresh Q4 data and ongoing debate over Tesla's AI-driven robotaxi ambitions. The S&P 500 rose 0.19% to 6,859, while the Nasdaq drifted 0.03% to 23,236. Ford rose 1.68% and GM eased 0.42% as legacy automakers face EV competition. Tesla reported Q4 deliveries of 418,227, down nearly 16% from a year earlier; 2025 full-year deliveries fell 8.5%. Energy storage deployments jumped to 14.2 GWh (gigawatt hours), up about 50% year over year. Investors will hear more on Jan. 28 with the Q4 results and updates on robotaxi projects.

Evolent Grants Inducement RSU to New CFO Under NYSE Rule 303A.08

January 2, 2026, 5:30 PM EST. Evolent Health said its Compensation Committee approved a one-time time-based restricted stock unit award (RSU) of 587,500 Class A shares to Mario Ramos, the company's new Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective Jan. 2, 2026. The Inducement Award was granted to induce Mr. Ramos to join under the NYSE Listing Rule 303A.08, as he was not previously employed by Evolent. The grant-date value is $2.35 million, with vesting of 34% after the first anniversary and 33% after the second and third anniversaries, contingent on continued employment. Evolent focuses on improving health outcomes for people with complex conditions and serves payers and providers.

APLE crosses above 200-day moving average; shares rise toward $12

January 2, 2026, 5:28 PM EST. Apple Hospitality REIT Inc (APLE) rose above its 200-day moving average of $12.01 on Friday, trading as high as $12.16 and up about 1.6% on the day. The shares were near $12.03 at the close. The 52-week range spans $10.44 to $16.015. A cross above the long-term average is a bullish technical signal, suggesting momentum may have shifted, though a single data point does not define a trend. This marks a chart-based move observed in APLE's performance versus its long-term benchmark.

Hawkins Inc shares rise above 200-day moving average

January 2, 2026, 5:27 PM EST.HWKN Hawkins Inc shares rose above their 200-day moving average of $144.93 on Friday, with an intraday high of $146.26. The stock was up about 2.3% on the session, with the last trade near $145.28. The 52-week range runs from $98.30 to $186.15. The 200-day moving average is a long-term price indicator used to gauge trend; a break above it is commonly viewed as a bullish signal, though it does not guarantee a sustained advance. No further market context provided.

Ziff Davis breaks below 200-day moving average

January 2, 2026, 5:25 PM EST. ZD crossed below its 200-day moving average of $34.37, trading as low as $33.90. The stock was down about 3.3% on the session, with the last trade around $33.99. Over the past year, 52-week range has been $28.55 to $56.48. The move flags a pullback after testing the longer-term gauge, which traders use to gauge trend direction.

Nat-Gas slips as US weather warms; production near record highs

January 2, 2026, 5:22 PM EST. February Nat-Gas futures closed lower on Friday, extending this week's retreat to a 2.25-month nearest-futures low. The drop followed warmer-than-normal US weather forecasts that could curb heating demand and bolster storage. Forecaster G2 projected January 7-11 warmth across most of the eastern U.S., with further warmth for January 12-16 in the north-central region. The bearish tone is supported by supply, as the EIA raised its 2025 production forecast to 107.74 bcf/d. Dry gas output in the Lower 48 ran near 110 bcf/d and domestic demand about 101 bcf/d on Friday, while LNG net flows to U.S. terminals rose to 19.6 bcf/d. A weekly storage report showed a smaller-than-expected draw, underscoring ample inventories.

Oil prices slip on global glut concerns as IEA sees record surplus

January 2, 2026, 5:21 PM EST. Oil prices slipped Friday as February WTI and RBOB closed lower, with traders pricing in a potential global glut. The IEA and the US government expect supplies to exceed demand, signaling a record surplus this year after a four-year high in 2025. A stronger dollar weighed on energy bids. Geopolitical risks in Venezuela, Nigeria and Russia provide some support, while expectations that OPEC+ will pause output increases at its upcoming meeting add a floor. Vortexa data showed idle crude stocks rising about 15% week-over-week to roughly 129.3 million barrels. Chinese crude demand remains supportive, with December imports seen up about 10% to a record 12.2 million bpd. Sanctions and strikes continue to influence flows.

Micron jumps as Bernstein lifts price target to $330 on AI memory demand

January 2, 2026, 5:20 PM EST. Micron Technology jumped 10.5% to $315.42, on about 41.9 million shares traded, after Bernstein SocGen Group lifted its price target to $330 from $270 and upgraded the stock to outperform on AI-fueled memory demand. The rally followed expectations for robust high-bandwidth memory (HBM) demand and capacity expansion. The S&P 500 rose 0.19% while the Nasdaq Composite slipped 0.03%. Peers Seagate Technology and Western Digital gained on AI data-center build-out chatter and tighter memory supply. Bernstein's stance adds to a 2025 performance backdrop for Micron. Executives cited a total addressable market in HBM reaching $100 billion by 2028, two years earlier than previously forecast. Investors will weigh AI-driven demand against supply dynamics and pricing power.

CDW Oversold as RSI Dips; Dividend Channel ranks stock among top ideas

January 2, 2026, 5:10 PM EST. CDW Corp (CDW) traded into oversold territory, with the stock touching 28.1 on the Relative Strength Index (RSI), a momentum gauge used to measure price speed and change. Dividend Channel's DividendRank places CDW in the top 25% of its coverage universe, signaling strong fundamentals alongside an attractive valuation. At current levels, the RSI implies potential for a near-term rebound as selling exhausts itself, though investors should examine the dividend history before entry. CDW's annualized dividend of $2.52 yields about 1.85% based on a recent price around $136.20. The indicator-led approach contrasts with fundamentals noted by the ranking, offering a framework for evaluating a possible entry point.

Thomson Reuters TRI hits oversold RSI of 28.1

January 2, 2026, 5:08 PM EST. Thomson Reuters Corp's stock moved into oversold territory after its RSI fell to 28.1, a momentum read on a 0-to-100 scale. A RSI below 30 typically signals potential price exhaustion; TRI traded as low as $104.60 before closing around $105.10. By comparison, the SPY's RSI stood at 32.9, suggesting weaker selling pressure on the broad market. Traders often view an RSI in oversold territory as a potential setup for a near-term rebound, though it does not guarantee one. TRI's 52-week range spans $91.55 to $123.60, underscoring recent volatility. Last trade was $105.10.

Cocoa futures slide as favorable West Africa weather boosts harvest prospects

January 2, 2026, 5:07 PM EST. Front-month cocoa futures slipped to one-week lows, with March ICE NY down about 3.2% and March ICE London off roughly 2.95%, as West Africa weather improves harvest prospects. Ivory Coast and Ghana are expected to see larger, healthier pods. Mondelez cautioned pod counts about 7% above the five-year average and higher than last year. Ivory Coast port deliveries for the week ended Dec 28 fell 27% YoY to 59,708 MT; Oct 1-Dec 28 shipments stood at 1.029 MMT, down 2.0%. Support included anticipated Bloomberg Commodity Index (BCOM)-related buying and a drop in U.S. port cocoa inventories to a 9.5-month low of 1.626 million bags. ICCO trimmed 2024/25 surplus; Rabobank cut 2025/26; delay of the EU deforestation rule (EUDR) keeps supplies ample, weighing on prices.

Sugar prices slump as India production spikes, fueling global surplus outlook

January 2, 2026, 5:06 PM EST. Prices for March NY world sugar #11 closed down 2.73% and March ICE white sugar #5 fell 2.08% to two-week lows, as India's 2025/26 production jumped 25% y/y to 11.90 MMT for Oct-Dec, per ISMA. The rise reinforces a global surplus outlook, with India's 2025/26 output now seen at 31 MMT and ethanol use trimmed to 3.4 MMT, potentially boosting exports. A government export quota and talks of additional shipments add pressure. Brazil's 2026/27 outlook is softer (Safras & Mercado ~41.8 MMT), with exports seen lower; Conab lifted 2025/26 Brazil sugar to 45 MMT, and Unica reported Center-South output near 39.9 MMT through November. ISO projects a 2025-26 surplus of about 1.6 MMT; Czarnikow also cites a global surplus. The tone remains bearish for prices amid ample supply.

Procore's PCOR crosses below key 200-day moving average

January 2, 2026, 5:05 PM EST. Procore Technologies Inc. (PCOR) stock traded lower after slipping below its 200-day moving average of $68.75 on Monday, with a session low of $68.62. The shares were down about 5.6% on the day. The 200-day moving average is a widely used long-term trend indicator that smooths price data; a break can signal weakness to some traders. The stock's last trade was $69.18, within a 52-week range of $49.46 to $88.92. A move below the moving average does not guarantee further losses, but may influence near-term sentiment depending on follow-through.

CIBC's Sid Mokhtari again tops TSX with January's 10 top stock picks

January 2, 2026, 4:50 PM EST. January: CIBC's Sid Mokhtari released his 10-stock top picks drawn from the largest 100 by market cap in the S&P/TSX Composite, a process that has repeatedly beaten the index. In December, the basket rose 1.36% vs 1.05% for the benchmark; in 2025, the selections gained 51.3%, vs a 28.3% price return for the index (not including dividends). The track record shows outperformance in 2024, 2023 and 2022 by 5.8, 6.3 and 2.7 percentage points, respectively. January's holdings span six sectors: Materials (CCL Industries, Ivanhoe Mines, Nutrien); Consumer Discretionary (Dollarama, Gildan Activewear); Financials (Fairfax Financial, Great-West Lifeco); Consumer Staples (Premium Brands); Telecom (Quebecor); Industrial (TFI International). Mokhtari notes January's historical bias toward gains; leading sectors include health care, technology and materials, while utilities lag.

Kimco Realty's Series D preferred yields above 6.5% as shares hover near $55

January 2, 2026, 4:39 PM EST. Friday trading saw Kimco Realty Corp's 7.25% Series DCumulative Convertible Perpetual Preferred Shares (KIM.PRN) yield above 6.5% based on a quarterly dividend annualized to $3.6248, with prints as low as $55.09. Preferred Stock Channel shows the Real Estate sector's average yield at 8.10%. As of the last close, KIM.PRN traded at a 17.14% premium to its liquidation preference, versus a 14.37% average discount in the Real Estate category. The issue is convertible, with a conversion ratio of 3.4699. Friday activity underscores how buyers weigh the dividend and conversion features alongside price premiums in the preferred market.

Equinor crosses above 200-day moving average as shares rise

January 2, 2026, 4:38 PM EST. Equinor ASA's EQNR touched the 200-day moving average of $24.35 on Friday, trading as high as $24.53 and rising about 3.7% for the session. The 200-day moving average (MA) is a long-term trend indicator used by technicians. The stock's 52-week range is $21.41 to $28.27, with the last trade around $24.50. A close above the moving average could signal momentum if the level holds.

Sonoco crosses above key 200-day moving average

January 2, 2026, 4:37 PM EST.SON crossed above its 200-day moving average of $59.72 on Tuesday, trading as high as $60.98. The shares were up about 2.1% on the session, with the last trade at $59.64. The 52-week range spans $53.78 to $65.97. The move signals a short-term bullish tilt as the stock sits above the long-run average; the year's low is $53.78 and the high near $65.97. Traders will watch whether the breakout sustains above the moving average and holds the gain.

Radian Group target raised to $41 as Inigo acquisition clears regulatory approvals

January 2, 2026, 4:36 PM EST. KBW analyst Bose George raised RDN's target to $41 from $40 while keeping a Market Perform rating, TheFly reported. The note cites expected double-digit book-value growth among mortgage insurers, underpinning a constructive outlook. Separately, RDN won regulatory approvals for its $1.7 billion acquisition of Inigo Limited, a Lloyd's of London underwriter, with closing anticipated in February 2026. The deal shifts RDN from a U.S.-focused mortgage insurer to a global, multi-line specialty insurer, potentially reducing execution risk and broadening earnings. RDN is a U.S.-based mortgage insurer and real estate services firm known for private mortgage insurance enabling homeownership. The approvals mark a strategic milestone for the company.

Assurant Shares Gain After Dividend Hike as Piper Sandler Boosts AIZ Target to $264

January 2, 2026, 4:35 PM EST. Assurant, Inc. (AIZ) shares rose after Piper Sandler raised its price target and maintained an Overweight rating following the insurer's dividend and capital return moves. Piper Sandler analyst John Barnidge lifted the target to $264 from $252 and kept the view that AIZ can outperform. The company announced a 10% increase in its quarterly dividend to $0.88 per share, the 21st consecutive year of higher payouts. It also reiterated a newly authorized $700 million share repurchase program announced in late 2024. AIZ is a Fortune 500 global specialty risk management and insurance company based in Atlanta, offering protection solutions for homes, devices, vehicles and other assets. Analysts view its capital-return policy as supportive of valuation.

Canada's 2026 infrastructure push to lift TSX players Finning International and Russel Metals

January 2, 2026, 4:19 PM EST. Canada's pro-growth policy agenda targets more than $1 trillion in government and private capital spending in 2026, including $115 billion of federal infrastructure over five years. In this environment, Finning International (FTT) and Russel Metals (RUS), both on the TSX, could benefit from higher demand for construction, mining and energy projects. Finning reported Q3 2025 revenue of $2.8 billion and operating income of $154 million, up 60% YoY; the stock has gained about 100% this year and offers a 1.6% dividend. Russel Metals expects strong demand for pipes, steel and metals as federal spending grows on roads and utilities; it delivered $1.2 billion in revenue for the first three quarters of 2025. The distributors emphasize service, parts and value-added processing to lift productivity.

Coffee prices rise as real strength triggers short covering; floods in Indonesia and Brazil crop outlook weigh on supply

January 2, 2026, 4:18 PM EST. March arabica (KCH26) rose 2.45% and March ICE robusta (RMH26) gained about 0.13% on Friday as a stronger Brazilian real spurred short covering in futures. The real climbed to a two-week high against the dollar, curbing export demand from Brazil. Indonesia flood damage supported prices, threatening up to 15% of 2025-26 arabica exports per the Association of Indonesian Coffee Exporters and Industry; about a third of Sumatra arabica farms have been affected. Market dynamics also reflect a tighter carryover from Brazil's crop prospects, with Minas Gerais receiving rain and Conab lifting the 2025 Brazil production forecast to 56.54 million bags. ICE inventories showed mixed signals: arabica stocks fell to a multi-year low before rebounding, while robusta inventories remained near recent lows. Vietnam exports and 2025/26 production forecasts added to the supply backdrop, pressuring prices despite late-week gains.

Noteworthy Friday Option Activity in TSLA, MSTR, and AI

January 2, 2026, 4:10 PM EST. Friday's options activity on TSLA, MSTR, and AI showed heavy volumes. TSLA traded 3.0 million contracts, about 299.2 million underlying shares, or 396.6% of its 1-month average daily volume of 75.5 million. The standout strike was the $440 put expiring January 02, 2026, with 139,490 contracts (~13.9 million shares). MSTR posted 675,738 contracts (~67.6 million shares), equating to 371.7% of its 1-month average volume (18.2 million). The $160 call expiring January 02, 2026 drew 40,333 contracts (~4.0 million). AI traded 171,803 contracts (~17.2 million shares), or 296.4% of its 1-month average volume (5.8 million). The active expirations are listed on StockOptionsChannel.com.

Friday Options Spotlight: GOOG, MDB, RH Notable Volume

January 2, 2026, 4:09 PM EST. Alphabet Inc's GOOG saw 224,957 options contracts traded, about 22.5 million underlying shares, or roughly 115.7% of its 19.4 million average daily volume. The standout was the $315 strike call expiring January 02, 2026 (a call option gives the right to buy shares at the strike price), with 16,039 contracts. MongoDB Inc's MDB options volume reached 14,916 contracts, about 1.5 million underlying shares, or roughly 99.9% of its 1.5 million average daily volume. The $350 strike put expiring January 02, 2026 had 1,363 contracts. RH's RH options volume was 9,535 contracts, about 953,500 underlying shares, or 84% of its 1.1 million average daily volume. The $230 strike call expiring August 21, 2026 traded 570 contracts.

Notable Friday Options Activity in CRCL, CRM and UUUU

January 2, 2026, 4:08 PM EST. Notable Friday options activity centered on CRCL, CRM and UUUU. CRCL attracted 74,760 contracts, roughly 7.5 million underlying shares and about 66.9% of its 1-month average volume of 11.2 million. The most active strike was the $60 put expiring Jan 9, 2026, with 7,815 contracts (roughly 781,500 shares); puts give the right to sell. CRM moved 55,442 contracts, about 5.5 million shares, or 66.4% of its 1-month average of 8.4 million. The top is the $230 put expiring Jan 9, 2026, with 2,943 contracts (~294,300 shares). UUUU traded 55,191 contracts, about 5.5 million shares and 65.4% of its 1-month average. The $21 call expiring Jan 9, 2026 led with 3,593 contracts (~359,300 shares). Data from StockOptionsChannel.com.

Noteworthy Friday option activity across VEL, FSLR and OKLO

January 2, 2026, 4:07 PM EST. Friday's option activity across three Russell 3000 names: VEL (Velocity Financial), FSLR (First Solar) and OKLO (Oklo). VEL saw 751 contracts traded today, about 75,100 underlying shares, roughly 79% of its 1-month average volume. The leading trade was the $20 strikecall expiring May 15, 2026, with 429 contracts (~42,900 shares). FSLR posted 14,611 contracts, ~1.5 million shares, about 78% of its 1-month average volume. The focus was the $180 strikeput expiring Jan 21, 2028, with 1,004 contracts (~100,400 shares). OKLO activity reached 76,469 contracts (~7.6 million shares), about 77.8% of its monthly average. The top trade was the $70 strikeput expiring March 20, 2026, at 10,576 contracts (~1.1 million shares).

Noteworthy Friday option activity: BA, NVDA, DUOL

January 2, 2026, 4:06 PM EST. Noteworthy Friday option activity across BA (Boeing), NVDA (NVIDIA) and DUOL (Duolingo) showed brisk activity in the options arena. Boeing's options volume reached 129,030 contracts (units of options), about 12.9 million underlying shares, 170.5% of its 1-month ADV. The standout was the $235 strike call expiring Jan 16, 2026, with 9,084 contracts (~908,400 shares). NVIDIA posted 2.5 million contracts, about 247.3 million shares or 151.8% of its 1-month ADV; the $190 strike call expiring Jan 2, 2026 traded 298,144 contracts (~29.8 million shares). Duolingo saw 21,672 contracts, ~2.2 million shares or 151% of ADV; the $100 strike put expiring Mar 20, 2026 traded 3,796 contracts (~379,600 shares). For other expirations, see StockOptionsChannel.com.

Friday option activity in ZM, APLD and PCOR shows elevated volumes

January 2, 2026, 4:05 PM EST. Friday options activity focused on ZM, APLD and PCOR. In ZM, 12,513 contracts changed hands, about 1.3 million underlying shares, around 56% of the stock's 1-month average daily volume. The lead contract was the $86 strike call expiring January 09, 2026 (a call option gives the right to buy shares at the strike) with 1,233 contracts, roughly 123,300 shares. In APLD, volume reached 133,842 contracts, about 13.4 million shares, or 54.1% of the 1-month average. The strongest is the $28 strike call expiring January 02, 2026 with 6,720 contracts (about 672,000 shares). In PCOR, 5,207 contracts traded, about 520,700 shares, or 50.7% of usual activity, led by the $80 strike call due February 20, 2026 with 5,168 contracts (roughly 516,800 shares).

META, PLTR, APP See Notable Friday Options Activity

January 2, 2026, 4:04 PM EST. Notable Friday options activity surfaced in META, PLTR and APP. In META, total options volume reached 450,533 contracts, about 45.1 million underlying shares and roughly 290% of its month ADV (average daily trading volume) of 15.5 million. The day's standout trade centered on the $655 strike call expiring January 02, 2026, with 24,762 contracts (≈2.5 million shares). In PLTR, options volume stood at 981,161 contracts, about 98.1 million shares and 282% of a 34.8 million daily ADV. The headline strike was the $177.50 strike call expiring January 02, 2026, at 33,765 contracts (≈3.4 million shares). For APP, options volume reached 91,469 contracts, about 9.1 million shares and 274% of a 3.3 million-share ADV, led by the $645 strike call expiring January 02, 2026 with 3,938 contracts.

FAP:CA: AI-generated signals show neutral ratings for abrdn Asia-Pacific Income Fund VCC

January 2, 2026, 4:02 PM EST. As of January 2, AI-generated signals for abrdn Asia-Pacific Income Fund VCC (FAP:CA) show neutral ratings across near, mid and long horizons. No long-position plans are offered. A near-term trade targets a short entry at about 2.89, with no target specified and a stop loss at 2.90 to limit downside. The data underscore that AI-generated signals provide algorithmic buy/sell guidance, to be weighed with fundamentals. A chart for FAP:CA accompanies the update, which timestamp emphasizes timely monitoring.

Acrow (ASX:ACF) delivers 28% five-year TSR as earnings outpace price gains

January 2, 2026, 3:47 PM EST. Acrow Limited (ASX:ACF) posted a strong five-year snapshot for investors. Total shareholder return (TSR), which includes reinvested dividends, rose 247%, while the share price advanced 169% and earnings per share (EPS) grew 37% per year. EPS growth outpaced the 22% annual rise in the stock price, suggesting the market at times priced the business more pessimistically than warranted. The latest year produced a modest 0.7% stock return, underscoring short-term volatility, but the firm carries a long-run track record with a five-year TSR of 28% per year. Insider buying in the most recent quarter adds a positive datapoint; still, revenue and earnings trends remain the more meaningful signals. Note that TSR reflects dividends and other value adjustments, not just price movements.

Friday Sector Leaders: Energy, Materials Lead With Midday Gains

January 2, 2026, 3:43 PM EST. Midday data show the Energy sector leading, up 1.9%, with HAL and SLB rising 4.6% and 4.0%. The Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE), an exchange-traded fund, is up about 2.0% and roughly flat year-to-date (YTD). HAL and SLB together account for about 5.8% of XLE's holdings. The Materials sector is up 1.6%, led by MOS (+4.4%) and CF (+4.2%). The Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLB) is up around 1.2% and roughly flat YTD; MOS and CF together make up about 2.8% of XLB. A midday snapshot shows eight sectors higher, none lower, underscoring broad strength in Energy and Materials.

Friday Sector Laggards: Technology & Communications, Services

January 2, 2026, 3:41 PM EST. As of midday Friday, Technology & Communications stocks are the worst performers, down 1.6%. AMAT and ADBE fall 8.7% and 4.9%, respectively. The Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLK) is down 2.5% on the day but up 19.39% year-to-date (YTD). AMAT is up 5.52% YTD; ADBE down 15.56% YTD. Together, these names account for about 3.9% of XLK's holdings. The Services sector is next, down 1.4%, led by OMC at 7.4% and WBD at 7.3% lower. The IYC ETF is down 1.1% today but up 23.70% YTD. OMC up 14.81% YTD; WBD down 19.73% YTD. The S&P 500 sector snapshot shows two sectors higher, seven lower.

Michael Hill International: Shares Up 12% Amid Mixed Fundamentals (ASX: MHJ)

January 2, 2026, 3:39 PM EST. Michael Hill International shares have risen about 12% over the past month, but fundamentals appear mixed. The company posted a trailing twelve-month ROE of 1.2% on AU$2.1 million in profit and AU$171 million in shareholders' equity for the year to June 2025, well below the industry average of 14%. The five-year net income has declined about 24%, a trend that could reflect weak profitability or capital-allocation choices. By contrast, the broader sector has seen earnings growth around 1.3% in recent years. The divergence raises questions about growth potential and whether the current price already discounts future prospects. Observers are watching for evidence on profit retention, payout levels, and any improving earnings trajectory before assigning a clearer direction for MHJ.

German American Bancorp crosses 3% yield threshold on quarterly dividend

January 2, 2026, 3:37 PM EST. Dividend Channel data show German American Bancorp Inc (GABC) yielding above 3% based on a quarterly dividend of $1.16 annualized. At a session low of $38.55, the yield (annual dividend divided by price) tops 3%. The analysis notes dividends contribute to total return over time, though they are not guaranteed. The company is a member of the Russell 3000, which emphasizes its status among the largest U.S. companies by market value. Investors should review the history chart to assess whether the current payout is likely to continue and thus sustain a 3% annual yield. With dividend streams, long-run results depend on profitability; reinvestment and market moves affect total return.

OGE Energy yields above 4% as shares hover near $42

January 2, 2026, 3:35 PM EST.OGE Energy Corp (OGE) traded around $42.23, with a yield above 4% based on a quarterly dividend of $1.70 annualized. The yield highlights dividends' role in total return; over a long horizon, dividends can materially boost returns even when price moves are flat. OGE Energy is a member of the Russell 3000, underscoring its status among large-cap U.S. issuers. Dividend amounts depend on profitability and policy, and are not guaranteed to continue at the same level.

UBSI dividend yield tops 4% as shares trade near $36

January 2, 2026, 3:33 PM EST. UBSI traded near $36 as its quarterly dividend pushes the annualized yield above 4%. The session's low was $36.36, with a $1.48 annualized payout used to compute the yield. Dividend yield-income from dividends expressed as a percentage of share price-is a common metric for investors seeking income. Dividends reflect profitability and may not be sustainable, even if a high yield appears attractive. UBSI is a member of the Russell 3000, signaling its status among large U.S. companies. The note underscores that dividend amounts vary with earnings and aren't guaranteed, so readers should assess the sustainability of the current yield before building income into a return plan.

Sysco (SYY) yields above 3% as shares trade near $72

January 2, 2026, 3:31 PM EST. Sysco Corp (SYY) trades Friday with a yield above 3% based on its quarterly dividend of $0.54, annualized at $2.16. The stock has traded as low as $71.85 intraday, helping the calculated yield push past the 3% mark. Sysco is a member of the S&P 500, a designation that underscores its status among large-cap names. Dividend Channel notes that dividends have been a meaningful driver of total return; a hypothetical investment in the SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY) since end-1999 would show substantial dividend contributions despite a price trough, highlighting yield sustainability as a factor for investors. Sysco has grown its dividend for more than two decades, part of the broader set of dividend aristocrats.

Bank of Hawaii's BOH.PRB Yield Tops 7.5% as Non-Cumulative Preferred Trades Near $27

January 2, 2026, 3:25 PM EST. Bank of Hawaii's Depository Shares, Series B (BOH.PRB) yielded above 7.5% in Wednesday trading, based on a $2.00 annual dividend and an intraday low of $26.65. That yield compares with an average 6.48% in the 'Financial' category of preferred stock, per Preferred Stock Channel. As of the last close, BOH.PRB traded at a 6.76% premium to its liquidation preference, versus an average 10.36% discount in the Financial category. The issue is non-cumulative, meaning missed payments aren't carried forward before resuming a common dividend. In the session, BOH.PRB was flat on the day, while the common shares (BOH) rose about 0.2%.

SHBI Ownership: Institutions Hold 64%; Top 20 Own About 50% of Shore Bancshares

January 2, 2026, 3:23 PM EST. Shore Bancshares Inc. (NASDAQ: SHBI) is largely controlled by institutional shareholders, who own about 64% of the company. The top 20 holders account for roughly half of issued shares, indicating no single owner has decisive control. BlackRock is the largest stake at 8.9%, followed by The Vanguard Group and Alan Hyatt at 5.3% each; Hyatt also serves as Chairman of the Board. Insiders have been buying lately, data show, which can signal confidence but does not guarantee performance. Because institutions tend to trade on benchmarks and index inclusion, their moves can drive volatility if funds rebalance. The ownership picture complements earnings history as a factor for investors; still, governance and strategy should be evaluated beyond stake percentages.

Cattle futures rally as cash trade softens; boxed beef gains and weekly slaughter slips

January 2, 2026, 3:22 PM EST.Live cattle futures rose Friday, gaining 97 cents to $1.65 across the front months. Cash trade was slower, with Southern sales around $182, down $1-$2, while northern cash held at $184. The Central Stockyards Fed Cattle Exchange posted no sales on 1,706 head, with bids to $180. Feeder cattle futures rose $1.40 to $2.22. The CME Feeder Cattle Index stood at $242.64 on August 28. Wholesale boxed beef prices were higher in the morning report, with Choice boxes up 61 cents at $309.27 and Select at $297.49, a $11.78 spread between Choice and Select. USDA slaughter estimates Thursday's federally inspected slaughter at 123,000 head, bringing the week to 477,000, down 7,000 from last week and 22,284 below the year-ago week.

Soybeans start the new year weaker as deliveries mount, USDA Farm Bridge payments weigh market

January 2, 2026, 3:21 PM EST.Soybeans are trading weaker Friday morning, down about 2 to 3.5 cents. Market data show 913 deliveries against January beans, and the cmdtyView national cash price at $9.68 per bushel. Soymeal futures fall about $2.90 to $3.10/ton, while Soybean oil futures gain 40-51 points. There were 48 deliveries for January bean oil. USDA's Farm Bridge Assistance program paid soybeans at $30.88 per acre. Looking ahead, export sales data due Monday are expected to show 0.7-1.8 million MT of 2025/26 soybean bookings, with 0-150,000 MT for 2026/27; meal sales 150,000-500,000 MT and bean oil sales 0-20,000 MT. November crush is due; soybean oil stocks seen near 1.906 billion lb. CFTC data shows managed money net long 110,403 contracts, down 37,375 from the prior week.

Corn futures slip as export sale supports cash market; traders watch weekly data

January 2, 2026, 3:20 PM EST.Corn futures slip 2-4 cents on Friday as traders begin 2026 with modest weakness. The CmdtyView national average cash corn price rose 2.25 cents to $3.984¼. The USDA reported a private export sale of 132,000 metric tons to South Korea; weekly export sales data due Monday are expected in the 0.7-1.5 million metric ton range for the week of 12/25. Commitment of Traders (COT) data, a weekly snapshot of futures positioning, show managed money flipping to a net long by 55,431 contracts, largely from short covering. Front-month contracts were mixed, with nearby cash firming while deferred months lag. The release cadence and futures positioning frame risk into year-end.

Wheat futures ease at start of year as USDA data and fund positioning draw attention

January 2, 2026, 3:19 PM EST. Wheat futures are lower to start the session, with CBOT SRW and KC HRW down about 1-2 cents and MPLS spring wheat off around 4-5 cents at midday. The USDA Farm Bridge Assistance program lists a wheat payment of $39.35/acre. Traders eye the upcoming USDA Export Sales data for the Christmas week, with expectations of roughly 100,000-500,000 metric tons. The latest Commitment of Traders releases show funds holding a net short in CBT wheat (−91,665 contracts) and in KC wheat (−24,749), a weekly shift. Front-month quotes: Mar 26 CBOT Wheat at $5.05 3/4, May 26 CBOT Wheat at $5.17 1/4; Mar 26 KCBT Wheat at $5.13 3/4, May 26 KCBT Wheat at $5.26 1/2; Mar 26 MIAX Wheat at $5.68 3/4, May 26 MIAX Wheat at $5.79 3/4.

Cotton futures slip as market data mix weighs on prices

January 2, 2026, 3:18 PM EST. Cotton futures are trading 25 to 45 points lower on Friday. Cotton futures edged lower as global benchmarks drift; crude oil futures fell 41 cents to $57.01, and the U.S. dollar index rose to 98.105. The USDA Farm Bridge Assistance cotton payment was set at $117.35 per acre. In the latest CFTC Commitment of Traders (a weekly report on futures positioning), managed money reduced net shorts by 4,387 contracts to 50,446. The Seam's online auction sold 17,479 bales at 65.40 cents per pound. The Cotlook A Index held at 74.30 cents, and ICE-certified stocks stood at 11,510 bales. The Adjusted World Price rose to 50.76 cents per pound, and the LDP (loan deficiency payment) rate moved to 1.24 cents. Nearby contracts: Mar 26 63.82 (-45), May 26 65.25 (-35), Jul 26 66.57 (-26).

Lean hog futures slip to start New Year as funds extend net long; CME index edges up

January 2, 2026, 3:17 PM EST.Lean hog futures were weaker on Friday, slipping 50 to 85 cents as traders weigh supply signals. The USDA's national base hog price was not reported due to thin volume. The CME Lean Hog Index rose one cent on December 30 to $82.26. CFTC data show managed money increased its net long in lean hog futures and options by 10,489 contracts in the week of 12/23, to 75,325 contracts overall. The pork carcass cutout value firmed by $1.97 to $95.71 per cwt, with the belly up and the loin lower. Federal inspected hog slaughter for Wednesday was estimated at 418,000 head, for a weekly total of 1.36 million. Futures quotes: Feb 26 at 84.275, Apr 26 at 89.150, May 26 at 93.425.

January start could set market tone for 2026, with S&P 500 eyed for double-digit gain

January 2, 2026, 3:16 PM EST. Investors return from the holidays facing a year of mixed prospects, as strategists polled by CNBC anticipate a double-digit rise for the S&P 500 in 2026 but warn the index could trade range-bound for stretches. The early days of 2026 mirrored the uneasy start of 2025: gains and losses flitted about, and the Santa Claus rally failed to materialize. The January Barometer, which says "As goes January, so goes the year," is again cited for context, though the evidence remains debated. Bank of America's Savita Subramanian argues the S&P 500 looks expensive on multiple metrics, highlighting risks in 2026. Yet bulls point to a supportive backdrop: ongoing stimulus from policy proposals, potential rate cuts from a more dovish Fed, and AI-driven gains feeding the real economy. December payrolls are seen at +65k, with unemployment near 4.5%.

MYR Group shares hover near fair value after 15% rally as 69% earnings-growth forecast supports outlook

January 2, 2026, 3:04 PM EST. MYR Group Inc. (NASDAQ:MYRG) has risen about 15% on the NASDAQ over the last few months but remains near fair value. A valuation model shows the stock about 2.2% below intrinsic value, suggesting a reasonable price rather than a bargain. If the true value is $223.53 a share, upside may be limited unless growth accelerates. The shares have a high beta, meaning price moves can exaggerate market swings, potentially creating opportunities on pullbacks. Expected profit growth of around 69% over the next few years underpins a brighter cash flow and higher multiples. Yet the market may have priced in the positive outlook; investors should weigh balance sheet strength and management track record before buying.

Markets 2026: Diversification urged as tech concentration risk persists

January 2, 2026, 3:02 PM EST. Markets started the year upbeat, but Mueller says the rally rests on tech and carries concentration risk. A few mega-cap names have driven gains; a catalyst could weigh on tech if earnings miss, with Nvidia highlighted as a potential pressure point. He links last year's tariff moves to this year's volatility and says earnings discipline will matter. On Berkshire Hathaway and Buffett, he notes cash on hand and capable successors, suggesting a possible value rotation in financials as regulations loosen. Investors should embrace diversification and take chips off the table at all-time highs, waiting for pullbacks. And he cautions that paper gains aren't real until realized.

Baidu to spin off AI chip Kunlunxin; HK listing drives stock rally

January 2, 2026, 3:01 PM EST. Baidu has filed a confidential application to list its AI chip unit Kunlunxin via H shares on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, a move the company says will unlock funding and attract AI-focused investors. H shares are Hong Kong-listed shares of mainland Chinese firms. The plan, reported after the spinoff was confirmed, valued Kunlunxin at about 21 billion yuan in a fundraising round. Baidu shares jumped about 7.5% to HK$141.30 on the news, outpacing the broader market. Kunlunxin would remain a subsidiary after the listing, with approvals and timing still uncertain. The spinoff aims to sharpen management incentives and raise external capital while spotlighting what Baidu calls one of its most valuable assets.

Micron stock jumps about 8% as AI demand draws institutional buyers

January 2, 2026, 3:00 PM EST. Micron shares rose about 8% on Friday as institutional buyers stepped in after a New Year's Eve pullback. Analysts cited AI demand for NAND flash and DRAM as a driver of revised valuations. The trend toward continued data-center buildout and a shift from hard drives to SSDs could lift memory revenue into early 2026. Trading volume rose and technical signals pointed to a buy. Some firms have nudged forecasts higher on Micron's 2025 performance and AI memory positioning, though margins may swing with pricing. Risks include cyclical memory pricing and geopolitics affecting supply chains. Still, exposure to data-center AI workloads has kept Micron among preferred memory suppliers as investors weigh AI demand, cloud spending, and inventory cycles.

Noteworthy Friday Option Activity: ABNB, PANW, CEG

January 2, 2026, 2:49 PM EST. Friday options activity drew notable volume across three S&P 500 components: ABNB, PANW, and CEG. ABNB saw 22,926 contracts (each typically representing 100 shares), about 2.3 million shares, 54% of its 4.2 million average daily volume over the past month. The $130 strike put expiring Jan 16, 2026 traded 3,108 contracts (~310,800 shares). PANW posted 24,228 contracts, about 2.4 million shares, 46.7% of its 5.2 million daily average. The $180 strike put expiring Jan 2, 2026 had 901 contracts (~90,100 shares). CEG had 10,252 contracts, ~1.0 million shares, 46.2% of 2.2 million; the $350 strike call expiring Jun 18, 2026 traded 1,432 contracts (~143,200 shares).

Amplitude breaks below 200-day moving average

January 2, 2026, 2:48 PM EST. Amplitude Inc (AMPL) crossed below its 200-day moving average of $11.09 on Friday, with intraday trade as low as $10.96. The stock was about 4.8% lower on the session, and last traded near $11.01. The move puts the shares near the middle of a 52-week range of $7.55 to $14.685. Traders will monitor whether the breach signals renewed downside momentum or a test of near-term support around the 200-day line. The chart referenced shows AMPL's one-year performance relative to the moving average, underscoring the ongoing volatility in the stock.

Kemper Corp yield 3.16% as insiders buy; stock trades below book value

January 2, 2026, 2:47 PM EST. DividendRank's latest screen highlights Kemper Corp (KMPR) as a stock with a 3.16% dividend yield trading below book value after a period of insider buying. The latest notable purchase came from Director Stuart B. Parker on 11/10/2025, buying 25,000 shares at $36.82. Other insiders added positions on 08/07/2025, including Director Jason N. Gorevic (2,000 shares at $49.14), EVP Christopher Flint (1,000 at $50.12), Director Teresa Alvarez Canida (2,000 at $48.96), and Director Gerald Laderman (3,000 at $49.37). As of Friday, KMPR traded as low as $39.61, about 7.6% above Parker's price, with a last trade near $39.98 and a 52-week range of $33.91 to $72.25. DividendRank cited attractive valuation, solid profitability, and a long dividend history plus multi-year growth potential.

AKITA Drilling Leads TSX Penny-Stock Screen as Market Diversifies for 2026

January 2, 2026, 2:46 PM EST. Canadian penny-stock screen highlights AKITA Drilling Ltd. (TSX: AKT.A) as a notable example. The oil-and-gas drilling contractor trades with a market cap of CA$80.69 million and generates CA$222.12 million in revenue. Simply Wall St flags a 957.1% earnings growth over the past year, a debt-to-equity ratio of 15.2%, and operating cash flow covering debt obligations at 97.9%. The board added Rob Symonds, a move that could influence strategy. Another name on the screen is Panoro Minerals Ltd., Peru-focused explorer with a CA$108.3 million market cap but pre-revenue. The mix underscores the appeal and risk in Canada's TSX penny-stock space as 2026 unfolds.

Sugar prices retreat as India's output outlook weighs on markets

January 2, 2026, 2:45 PM EST. Sugar prices retreat as supply expectations push lower. March NY world sugar SBH26 fell 2.40% and March London white sugar SWH26 dropped 1.87%, trading near two-week lows. The India sugar outlook weighs on prices after the ISMA said 2025-26 production for Oct-Dec rose 25% y/y to 11.90 MMT. ISMA lifted its full-year 2025/26 output to 31 MMT from 30 MMT, an 18.8% gain, and cut its ethanol-use estimate to 3.4 MMT from 5 MMT, potentially boosting exports. Governments are eyeing added exports beyond the earlier 1.5 MMT quota. On the supply side, the ISO forecasts a global sugar surplus of 1.625 MMT in 2025-26 with world production up 3.2% to 181.8 MMT; Czarnikow puts surplus at 8.7 MMT. In Brazil, 2026/27 production is seen down ~3.9% to 41.8 MMT, with exports down ~11%.

Intel stock climbs as Panther Lake launch and foundry ambitions drive optimism

January 2, 2026, 2:44 PM EST. Intel shares rose about 5% as U.S. markets firmed, with investors weighing progress on its manufacturing roadmap and its ability to translate process gains into steadier earnings and new foundry wins. A focal point is Panther Lake, Intel's next laptop processor on the 18A node, central to rebuilding the company's manufacturing edge. The foundry narrative remains mixed: Nvidia tested Intel's 18A process but did not proceed, while Intel says 18A work is progressing and that 14A technologies are drawing interest. Nvidia's $5 billion stake underscores high-profile partnerships that may bolster confidence. Traders will watch the quarterly update for earnings, yields, and the January 29 date, with competition from AMD and TSMC as benchmarks. Near-term moves will follow chip-sector sentiment and macro data influencing rate expectations.

Stock market playbook for 2026: Investment Committee debates setup and portfolio positioning

January 2, 2026, 2:36 PM EST. An Investment Committee discussion centers on how to position stocks for 2026, with the setup for equities and possible portfolio tilts under review. The halftime report frames the debate around regime shifts, risk tolerance, and sector leadership. Analysts expect guidance on when to rotate toward defensives versus cyclicals, and how to balance growth and value exposures. Macro variables such as inflation and interest rates loom as potential anchors for allocations. The committee's findings could steer institutional flows in the near term and set the tone for risk controls and rebalancing triggers. Investors should look for concrete signals on positioning, timing, and what would prompt a move to adjustments.

BlackLine crosses below 200-day moving average

January 2, 2026, 2:32 PM EST. BlackLine Inc (BL) shares slipped below their 200-day moving average of $57.89 on Wednesday, trading as low as $56.81. The stock was about 2% lower for the session, with a last trade of $56.96. The move tests the longer-term trend line that traders watch for momentum shifts. BlackLine's 52-week range runs from $47.27 to $69.31. The near-term softness follows a move toward the long-term average; traders will look for a rebound above the moving average or further decline.

Hillman Solutions crosses below 200-day moving average (HLMN)

January 2, 2026, 2:31 PM EST. On Friday, Hillman Solutions Corp (Symbol: HLMN) crossed below its 200-day moving average of $8.54, trading as low as $8.51 intraday. The stock was down about 0.8% on the session. The 52-week range spans $6.55 to $10.64; the last trade printed at $8.60. The move below the moving average – a common long-term trend gauge – can signal momentum shifts but is not a guarantee of a continued decline. Traders will watch for follow-through or relief rallies.

CrowdStrike crosses below 200-day moving average, shares slide

January 2, 2026, 2:30 PM EST. On Monday, CrowdStrike Holdings Inc (CRWD) traded below its 200-day moving average of $289.25, reaching a session low of $263.93. The shares were down about 9.9% for the day, with the last trade at $268.29. The stock's 52-week range runs from $140.52 to $398.3271. Moving average data were provided by TechnicalAnalysisChannel.com, and the chart tracks one-year performance against the moving average.

Friday option activity in PYPL, SNDK and SPG draws notable volume

January 2, 2026, 2:24 PM EST. Options activity on Friday centered on three S&P 500 components: PayPal Holdings Inc (PYPL), SanDisk Corp (SNDK) and Simon Property Group (SPG). PYPL's total options volume reached 93,882 contracts, about 9.4 million underlying shares and roughly 60.3% of its 1-month average daily volume. The standout trade was the $65 strike call expiring Feb. 20, 2026, with 16,040 contracts (around 1.6 million shares). SNDK saw 46,712 contracts (about 4.7 million shares), or 60.3% of its monthly average. The notable trade was the $280 strike call expiring Jan. 16, 2026, with 3,392 contracts (about 339,200 shares). SPG traded 8,427 contracts (842,700 shares), about 58.9% of its average daily volume; the $180 strike put expiring Jan. 16, 2026 had 4,009 contracts (roughly 400,900 shares).

Nestlé breaks below 200-day moving average; NSRGF trades near $98

January 2, 2026, 2:23 PM EST. Nestlé SA (NSRGF) shares slid below their 200-day moving average of $98.14 on Friday, trading as low as $97.58. The stock, listed as NSRGF, was near its flat session, with the last trade at $98.02. The move tracks a 52-week range (high/low over the past year) of $79.55 to $109.35, underscoring still-wide volatility. The breach comes as traders watch key support around the longer-term moving average; analysts note that crossing below the 200-DMA can signal momentum shifts, though it is not itself a standalone sell signal.

Celsius Holdings crosses above its 200-day moving average; shares up about 4%

January 2, 2026, 2:22 PM EST.CELH rose in Friday trading after Celsius Holdings Inc shares moved above their 200-day moving average of $46.39, trading as high as $47.75. The stock was about 4% higher on the session. The latest level puts the stock near $47.55, with a 52-week range of $21.10 to $66.74. A cross above the 200-day moving average is a commonly cited longer-term bullish signal, suggesting momentum could extend if the level holds. Traders will watch whether the breakout sustains into next week amid market conditions.

Noteworthy Friday option activity: CVNA, ADBE, MET

January 2, 2026, 2:21 PM EST. Data show notable Friday options volume in three S&P 500 components: CVNA, ADBE and MET. According to StockOptionsChannel, CVNA saw 93,827 contracts traded, about 9.4 million underlying shares, roughly 172.6% of its month average. The most active CVNA strike was the $470 call expiring Jan 9, 2026, with 6,239 contracts (about 623,900 shares). ADBE's options totaled 35,272 contracts, about 3.5 million shares and 80.9% of its month average. The top ADBE strike was the $315 put expiring Jan 16, 2026, with 3,220 contracts (roughly 322,000 shares). MET posted 21,713 contracts, about 2.2 million shares and 64.1% of its average. The top MET strike was the $82.50 call expiring Feb 20, 2026, with 10,854 contracts (about 1.1 million shares).

Bank First breaks below 200-day moving average as shares hover near $120

January 2, 2026, 2:20 PM EST. Bank First Corp (BFC) shares fell Friday, briefly crossing below the 200-day moving average (a long-run price trend line) at $120.17 as the session's intraday low reached $120.05. The stock was down about 1.2% on the day. The last trade was $120.72. The 52-week range is $92.49 to $139.71.

Stocks Give Up Early Gains as Megacap Tech Shares Fall

January 2, 2026, 2:19 PM EST. Stocks trimmed gains as megacap tech shares led a broad pullback. The S&P 500 slipped 0.05%, while the Dow Jones rose 0.23% and the Nasdaq 100 fell 0.28%. March E-mini S&P futures (mini S&P contracts) were down 0.04%, and March E-mini Nasdaq futures fell 0.28%. Higher bond yields pressured equities; the 10-year yield climbed to about 4.19%, a 1.5-week high. Insurance stocks also weighed on the tape. Overseas, the Euro Stoxx 50 rose to a record, up 0.77%. The US Dec S&P manufacturing PMI was unrevised at 51.8. Markets are pricing roughly a 15% chance of a 25 basis point rate cut at the FOMC's Jan. 27-28 meeting. Magnificent Seven (MSFT, AMZN, META) fell more than 2%; Tesla dipped after Q4 deliveries.

Coffee prices mixed as real strengthens; arabica gains on floods, inventories

January 2, 2026, 2:18 PM EST. March arabica futures (KCH26) rose about 1.0% as a stronger Brazilian real sparked short covering; March robusta (RMH26) eased. The real hit a 2-week high against the dollar, tempering export demand from Brazil. In Indonesia, floods supported arabica; estimates of export disruption reach up to 15% in 2025-26 and about a third of Sumatra's arabica farms affected. Brazil's Minas Gerais received rains; Conab raised 2025 production expectations to 56.54 million bags. ICE inventories show tight arabica stockpiles around 398,645 bags in late November, rising to 456,477 bags recently, while robusta inventories improved to 4,278 lots. Vietnam's exports rose, with 2025/26 output seen at 1.76 MMT; prices face pressure from ample supply.

Oil declines as IEA, US forecast record global surplus

January 2, 2026, 2:17 PM EST. February WTI crude (CLG26) fell 0.61 dollars (-1.06%), while February RBOB gasoline (RBG26) declined 0.0253 dollars (-1.48%). Prices slipped to two-week lows as market eyed a record global supply surplus. The IEA and the US project world output will exceed consumption, with a surplus widening to a record 3.815 mbpd (million barrels per day) in 2026 from just over 2.0 mbpd in 2025. Vortexa data show tankers idle for at least seven days rising 15% week-on-week to 129.33 million barrels as of Dec 26. Chinese crude imports in December are set to rise 10% m/m to a record 12.2 mbpd, aiding demand. Geopolitics-Venezuela, Nigeria, Russia-along with an OPEC+ pause on hikes and stronger Chinese demand, kept losses contained. US strikes in Nigeria and sanctions on Russian cargo also supported prices.

West Africa Weather Weighs on Cocoa Prices as Harvest Prospects Improve

January 2, 2026, 2:16 PM EST. Cocoa prices fell, with March ICE NY cocoa (CCH26) and March ICE London cocoa (CAH26) down about 3%. West Africa weather weighs on prices as favorable growing conditions in Ivory Coast and Ghana raise expectations for a larger harvest, according to Tropical General Investments Group. Mondelez noted the cocoa pod count in West Africa is about 7% above the five-year average and materially higher than last year's crop. Ivory Coast port deliveries for the week ended Dec 28 were 59,708 MT, down 27% YoY; cumulative Oct 1-Dec 28 shipments total around 1.029 MMT, down 2%. Support from potential inclusion in the Bloomberg Commodity Index and a drop in US port inventories to 9.5-month low of 1,626,105 bags. ICCO and Rabobank trimmed 2024/25 surplus and 2025/26 surplus; EU deforestation law delay keeps supplies ample; demand remains a risk.

Memory market set to boom in 2026 as AI demand lifts HBM; Micron and Lam Research poised to gain

January 2, 2026, 2:13 PM EST. Memory demand driven by AI applications is pushing the sector toward another year of expansion in 2026. Industry researcher Yole Group says memory revenue rose 78% in 2024 to $170 billion and topped $200 billion in 2025, with a sustained upcycle expected next year as high-bandwidth memory (HBM) shortages lift prices. Micron Technology has benefited from brisk demand, posting a 57% jump in quarterly revenue to $13.6 billion and a sharp rise in adjusted earnings, even as it scales up capacity. The company now guides roughly $100 billion in HBM revenue by 2028, up from $35 billion in 2025, implying rapid growth. Alongside Micron, equipment supplier Lam Research appears well positioned as capital expenditure rises to add memory-chip production. Analysts note DRAM shipments are not keeping pace with demand, reinforcing the supply-demand squeeze.

Marvell Technology seen as attractive growth play on AI-ASIC demand

January 2, 2026, 2:03 PM EST.Marvell Technology (MRVL) is positioned as a growth stock option for investors with $1,000 to deploy, as demand for AI-specific ASICs in data centers supports the narrative. The shares lagged the PHLX Semiconductor index in 2025, dampened by an analyst downgrade and a reported loss of a key contract, though the company has posted solid recent quarters. Industry data show hyperscalers shifting toward in-house chips, with TrendForce estimating 2026 ASIC shipments to rise about 45% versus 16% for GPUs, potentially benefiting Marvell as a supplier to Alphabet, Amazon and Microsoft. Alphabet's reported deployment of custom chips for Anthropic and Meta could expand AI workloads. Still, investors should weigh valuation and the durability of contracts, as AI-cycle exposure remains a key risk.

SpaceX IPO could be a landmark market event in 2026

January 2, 2026, 2:02 PM EST.SpaceX's planned IPO, reportedly valuing the space company near $800 billion in a private share sale and potentially around $1.5 trillion at listing, is pitched as a historic market event that could eclipse Saudi Aramco's 2019 debut. Private investors have begun backing the move; Ron Baron of Baron Capital has allocated roughly a quarter of his personal holdings to SpaceX, and the stock is a top position in Baron Partners Fund and ARK's Venture Fund run by Cathie Wood. Jefferies notes SpaceX led 2025's LEO launch count with 971 flights and a record 3,200 satellites launched, driving optimism on its data-center and AI infrastructure potential. Deutsche Bank warns of engineering hurdles for space-based data centers, while Google and OpenAI are among peers exploring the concept. A SpaceX IPO would lift Musk's wealth and set a new benchmark for private-to-public exits.

Pentagon awards Lockheed $328.5M Taiwan sensor contract; Boeing wins $2.73B Apache support

January 2, 2026, 2:01 PM EST.Lockheed Martin wins a $328.5 million undefinitized order under the Foreign Military Sales program to supply infrared targeting and sensor pods for Taiwan, with work in Orlando and delivery by 2031. Boeing secures a $2.73 billion firm-fixed-price Apache post-production support contract through 2030. The awards reflect ongoing U.S. defense spending momentum. Separately, in premarket trading, Boeing shares rose about 0.66% to $218.56 while Lockheed Martin slipped ~0.1%.

Global Smaller Companies Trust buys back 125,000 shares; treasury holdings rise to 194.7 million; voting rights total 425.86 million

January 2, 2026, 1:59 PM EST. On 02 January 2026, The Global Smaller Companies Trust plc purchased 125,000 ordinary shares at a weighted average price of 176.60p on the London Stock Exchange through Investec Bank plc to be held in treasury. Post-transaction, the company holds 194,669,413 ordinary shares in treasury and has 425,864,357 ordinary shares in issue (excluding treasury), so total voting rights are 425,864,357. The share class is 2.5 pence each. Disclosure is made under FCA Listing Rule 9.6.6.

JPMorgan US Smaller Companies Investment Trust PLC repurchases 25,000 shares into Treasury

January 2, 2026, 1:58 PM EST. JPMorgan US Smaller Companies Investment Trust PLC said it repurchased into Treasury 25,000 ordinary shares at 396.125 pence per share on 2 January 2026. After the buyback, the company holds 11,695,969 ordinary shares in Treasury, with total 53,710,306 shares in issue. The trust will only re-issue shares held in Treasury at a premium to net asset value (NAV). The announcement provides the latest treasury position and buyback details used to manage liquidity and market impact.

JPMorgan Japanese Investment Trust repurchases 37,000 shares into Treasury

January 2, 2026, 1:57 PM EST. JPMorgan Japanese Investment Trust PLC said it repurchased 37,000 Ordinary Shares into Treasury at 690.00 pence per share on 2 January 2026. After the purchase, Treasury holdings total 25,471,985 shares, and shares in issue fall to 159,141,203. The trust will only re-issue shares held in Treasury at a premium to net asset value (NAV). In this context, Treasury shares are stock bought back and held by the issuer; a premium to NAV means the reissued price exceeds the per-share NAV.

AGNC Investment Gains 14.2% in Six Months; Should Investors Buy Now?

January 2, 2026, 1:56 PM EST. AGNC Investment Corp has risen about 14.2% over six months, vs. NLY at 14.8% and STWD down 13.1% in the period. The gain aligns with easing mortgage rates and a more favorable rate backdrop, including policy moves that support housing demand and net interest income for mortgage REITs. AGNC's strategy blends active portfolio management with substantial hedging to dampen rate and prepayment risk, and a shift toward higher-coupon Agency mortgage-backed securities (Agency MBS) assets. Risks include rate volatility, prepayment dynamics, and spread changes for government-backed securities. Investors should weigh the stock's income profile, balance-sheet hedges, and sensitivity to rate moves when considering a buy.

CapsoVision submits FDA 510(k) for AI-enabled CapsoCam Plus; stock slides

January 2, 2026, 1:55 PM EST. CapsoVision, Inc. CV, announced it has submitted an FDA 510(k) submission for an AI-based reading feature in its CapsoCam Plus capsule endoscopy system. The AI upgrade aims to improve image review, diagnostic accuracy and workflow efficiency for clinicians; management says FDA clearance would enable U.S. sales of the upgraded device. The company argues the AI-enabled, cloud-based platform leverages in-house models and a growing image dataset to better visualize the small intestine and flag clinically significant pathology. CV shares fell 7.7% since the announcement; six-month gain stands at about 205%, versus the industry's 0.6% and the S&P 500's 12.7% rise. CapsoVision positions itself in AI-powered medical imaging amid expectations for broader GI practice adoption and potential long-term growth.

Cal Water unit wins CPUC interim rate nod for 3% increase

January 2, 2026, 1:54 PM EST. California Water Service Group said its Cal Water unit received approval from the California Public Utilities Commission for a temporary interim rate revision, effective Jan. 1, 2026, enabling a 3% rate increase in most districts. Interim rates are temporary and may be refunded or adjusted once the CPUC issues final approved rates. Utilities say the increases support ongoing infrastructure upgrades to keep water safe and reliable amid aging systems. The commission's action highlights how regulated utilities recover capital costs through rate cases. Other U.S. players have reported revenue impacts from rate changes, including American Water Works and American States Water, while Global Water Resources secured a rate approval in Arizona. The trajectory underscores ongoing regulatory dynamics shaping utility earnings and investment in water networks.

Fabrinet (FN) draws investor attention on EPS growth, steady margins

January 2, 2026, 1:53 PM EST. Fabrinet (NYSE: FN) is drawing investor attention as it posts steady earnings momentum. The company's EPS rose about 18% annually over three years, while revenue climbed 20% to US$3.6 billion, with EBIT margins remaining stable. The growth path underpins the case for continued value creation if these trends persist. Insiders hold a small stake-about 0.2% valued at roughly US$26 million-suggesting some alignment with shareholders, even as the stake is minority. A separate review indicates CEO compensation appears reasonable, though analysts and investors will likely watch for how future ranges of EPS forecasts align with execution. For readers, consider consensus analyst forecasts for future EPS to gauge whether the growth pace can be sustained.

Associated British Foods buys back 123,233 shares in on-exchange buyback

January 2, 2026, 1:52 PM EST. Associated British Foods plc said on 02 January 2026 it purchased 123,233 ordinary shares for cancellation from UBS AG London Branch under its share repurchase programme announced on 6 November 2025. The average price paid was 2127.3 pence, with a high of 2142 pence and a low of 2119 pence. The on-exchange transaction was conducted across venues, including the London Stock Exchange, BATS Europe, Chi-X Europe and Aquis, under LSE rules, and the company intends to cancel the shares. Aggregated data show 60,268 shares traded at a venue-weighted average price of 2127.27 pence. ISIN GB0006731235; time of transaction 08:15:21 London time; match IDs provided in the schedule.

REG – IVZ III S&P 500 High

January 2, 2026, 1:51 PM EST. Regulatory filing for IVZ III S&P 500 High appears in the feed; the data stream lists market data from ICE Data Services and reference data from FactSet. Copyright lines show protection for FactSet data and the American Bankers Association CUSIP database, underscoring the standard licensing that underpins price and issuer identifiers. The feed notes SEC filings and other documents supplied by Quartr, with TradingView's platform providing charting and display. The notice reflects routine compliance and data-licensing arrangements that accompany regulated listings and funds linked to the S&P 500 index, but contains no price action or market move details.

Zacks Investment Ideas spotlights Sandisk, Western Digital and Micron among 2025 top S&P names

January 2, 2026, 1:48 PM EST. Zacks Investment Ideas highlights Sandisk (SNDK), Western Digital (WDC) and Micron (MU) as top opportunities for 2025. The broader market advanced, with the S&P 500 up about 17% year-to-date as the year ends, after a volatile start and a tariff-driven swoop that gave way to a V-shaped rally on cooler inflation and stronger earnings. An AI theme propelled leadership in information technology, though December action cooled some gains. The classic Santa Claus Rally-the final five trading days of the year plus the first two of January-has been mixed so far, a pattern some traders say could foreshadow later pullbacks. The combination of these dynamics helps frame why the trio remains focal for investors monitoring 2026 allocations.

Nvidia, Broadcom lift Nasdaq; Apple not among Friday leaders

January 2, 2026, 1:47 PM EST. CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer recaps a higher start to the new year as the tech-heavy Nasdaq outperforms. Nvidia and Broadcom rose 1.7% and 1.2%, helping the Nasdaq extend gains. Other strength came from GE Vernova and Eaton, up 3% and 2.5% on AI infrastructure bets. Vertiv jumped 8% after Barclays upgraded the stock and raised its target. In contrast, Nike slid more than 1% on Friday amid ongoing insider activity, while Apple slipped 0.9% after Raymond James initiated coverage with a hold rating. The firm cites valuation and the need for AI-driven growth. Cramer's charitable trust remains long NVIDIA, GE Vernova, Eaton, Nike and Apple.

Charlotte tops CNBC Power City Index in 2025; Silicon Valley, DC follow

January 2, 2026, 1:46 PM EST. CNBC's exclusive Power City Index tracks the median return of the 11-12 largest market-cap stocks headquartered in 36 U.S. metros, equally weighted and updated through the year. In 2025, Lithium and steel outpaced A.I. as market drivers. Washington, D.C. finished third, with RTX, General Dynamics, Northrop Grumman and Boeing among the standout names, plus a broader roster including Xylem and Marriott. Silicon Valley placed second, helped by AppLovin, Alphabet, AMAT, Broadcom, Nvidia, Cisco and Meta. Charlotte topped the year, earning the city the crown in CNBC's PCI. The index uses headquarters location per S&P CapitalIQ, with delisted stocks replaced by the next largest company; data are from FactSet.

Spenda's SPX.AX jumps 50% pre-market; ASX top gainer, traders watch key levels

January 2, 2026, 1:45 PM EST. Spenda Limited's SPX.AX rose 50% to A$0.003 in the ASXpre-market on 03 Jan 2026, after closing at A$0.002. Volume reached 7.42 million shares, below the 8.06 million average, highlighting thin liquidity. No public press release accompanied the move. The stock's market cap is about A$972,972 with 486.49 million shares outstanding; EPS -A$0.01 and negative operating cash flow per share (-A$0.00405). Valuation shows P/S 0.09 and P/B 0.06. Technicals: RSI 47.9, ADX 37.25; 50-day MA A$0.00308 and 200-day MA A$0.00547. Short-term support at A$0.002; immediate resistance at A$0.003 and the 52-week high of A$0.011. Meyka AI grades SPX.AX 28/100 (SELL). Risks: negative cash flow and thin liquidity; catalysts could be a positive earnings announcement.

Denison Mines stock climbs as Phoenix uranium project moves toward construction

January 2, 2026, 1:44 PM EST. Denison Mines Corp shares jumped about 11% intraday after saying Phoenix, its flagship in-situ recovery (ISR) uranium project, is construction-ready. ISR mining uses injected fluids to dissolve uranium underground, limiting surface disruption. Phoenix would be Canada's first large-scale uranium mine built since Cigar Lake. Management cited 2025 progress that positions a two-year build for a final regulatory decision in Q1 2026 and potential production by mid-2028. Construction is seen at roughly $600 million, with Denison holding more than $700 million in cash, uranium and investments to fund the project. CNSC approvals remain a hurdle before a final investment decision. Denison traded around $2.97 for a market cap near $2.4 billion; volume ran 33 million versus a 71 million average. The move comes as nuclear energy demand is watched for uranium uptake.

Friday Sector Laggards: Precious Metals and Advertising Stocks

January 2, 2026, 1:43 PM EST. In Friday trading, precious metals shares were among the market's underperformers, slipping about 2.5%. The group was pressured by Vista Gold (-7.8%) and Integra Resources (-6.7%). Also among Friday's laggards are advertising stocks, down roughly 1.5%, led lower by Advantage Solutions (-9.1%) and Gambling.com Group (-4%). Laggards, or underperformers, trailed the broader market for the session.

Dollar Edges Higher as Yields Boost Rate Differentials; PMI, Policy Outlook, and Gold Rally

January 2, 2026, 1:42 PM EST. The dollar index rose 0.05% as weakness in the euro and yen lifts the dollar's rate differentials on firmer Treasury yields. A stock rally trimmed liquidity demand for the greenback. The US December S&P manufacturing PMI held at 51.8, signaling modest expansion. Markets price only modest easing, with about 15% odds of a -25 bp cut at the next FOMC meeting; a larger easing path is priced for 2026 alongside expectations the ECB holds and the BOJ may tighten later. The Fed has been adding liquidity via roughly $40 billion a month of T-bill purchases. EUR/USD slid to a 1.5-week low while USD/JPY rose as liquidity thins on holidays. Gold (+0.41%) and silver (+3.78%) rose on safe-haven demand amid tariff and geopolitical uncertainty and chatter of easier policy in 2026.

URA Leads Friday ETF Movers; SILJ Dips as Denison Mines, Laramide Rally

January 2, 2026, 1:41 PM EST.URA rose about 5.9% on Friday, aided by Denison Mines up about 11.3% and Laramide Resources around 10.5% higher. In contrast, SILJ fell roughly 3.4% as Friday's session weakened, with Paramount Gold Nevada down about 6% and Avino Silver & Gold Mines down about 5.8% among the weakest components.

Daily Dividend Report: WSO, JNJ, GFL, RPM, EME declare quarterly dividends

January 2, 2026, 1:40 PM EST. Watsco declared a regular quarterly dividend of $3.00 per share on its Common and Class B stock, payable January 30, 2026; record date January 16, 2026, with 52 years of consecutive dividend payments. Johnson & Johnson announced a Q1 2026 dividend of $1.30 per share, payable March 10, 2026; record date February 24, 2026; ex-dividend date February 24, 2026 (the ex-dividend date is the first day shares trade without the dividend). GFL Environmental set a Q4 2025 dividend of $0.0154 per share for subordinate and multiple voting shares; payable January 30, 2026; record date January 13, 2026. RPM International declared a quarterly dividend of $0.54 per share; payable January 30, 2026; record date January 16, 2026, its 52nd consecutive year of increases after a 6% hike in October 2025, placing it in a very small group. EMCOR Group declared a quarterly dividend of $0.40 per share; payable January 30, 2026; record date January 14, 2026.

Unusual volume hits IWL ETF as Nvidia and Intel lead turnover; IWL slips 0.1%

January 2, 2026, 1:39 PM EST. The iShares Russell Top 200 ETF (IWL) saw unusually high volume in afternoon trading Friday, with more than 387,000 shares changing hands versus a three-month average of about 47,000. IWL was down about 0.1% on the day. Among its components, Nvidia led turnover, rising about 1.8% on volume of over 74.3 million shares. Intel jumped about 7.3% on volume above 47.3 million shares. Micron Technology was the strongest performer, up roughly 7.8%, while Applovin lagged, trading lower about 8.2%.

Workday stock falls 3.4% on Friday; results beat estimates, CFO sells

January 2, 2026, 1:38 PM EST. Workday, Inc. (NASDAQ: WDAY) shares declined 3.4% Friday, trading as low as $208.20 and last at $207.46. Volume was 261,552 shares, well below the 2.46 million average. The stock closed the prior session at $214.78. The company posted quarterly results that beat consensus: revenue of $2.43 billion and earnings per share (EPS) of $2.32, vs estimates of $2.42 billion and $2.17, respectively. Year-over-year revenue rose 12.6%; prior-year EPS was $1.89. On the analyst front, Needham reiterated a Buy with a $300 target; UBS and Citi issued targets of $260 and $247 with Neutral status. CFO Zane Rowe sold 6,000 shares, trimming his stake by about 3.4%. Analysts' consensus rating is Moderate Buy with an average target of $282.22.

Masimo MASI enters oversold territory as RSI hits 27.9

January 2, 2026, 1:37 PM EST. Masimo Corp. (MASI) slipped into oversold territory after the Relative Strength Index (RSI) fell to 27.9 on Friday, with shares trading as low as $104.58. The RSI, a momentum gauge on a 0-100 scale, marks readings below 30 as oversold. By contrast, the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) showed an RSI of 35.6, a broader-market benchmark. Masimo's 52-week range runs from $75.22 to $153.93, with a last trade near $105.74, underscoring recent volatility. The report frames the RSI signal as a possible near-term entry point for buyers, though it does not guarantee a rebound. It also notes the existence of other oversold stocks.

FTSE 100 briefly tops 10,000 intraday before closing near 9,951 as PMI and housing data shape outlook

January 2, 2026, 1:36 PM EST. London's FTSE 100 briefly topped the 10,000 mark intraday but closed up just 0.2% at 9,951.14 after trading as high as 10,046.25. Rolls-Royce led gains, rising 4.1%, while Airtel Africa climbed 1.8% and Endeavour Mining slid 5.7% on news of West Africa entry restrictions for US travelers. The session focus shifted to data: the PMI (Purchasing Managers' Index) for UK manufacturing rose to 50.6 in December, a 15-month high, and the Nationwide house price index showed 0.6% year-on-year growth. Analysts say valuations remain attractive versus the US and Europe, with a global-growth tilt and a healthy dividend yield underpinning upside.

REG – Euronext Dublin notices delisting for Segovia European CLO 1-2014 DAC

January 2, 2026, 1:35 PM EST. REG – Euronext Dublin has issued a NOTICE OF DELISTING for Segovia European CLO 1-2014 DAC. The notice is contained in exchange materials; no rationale or timetable is provided in the supplied content. Market-data credits listed include ICE Data Services and FactSet.

Stanley Druckenmiller expands AI tilt with Amazon, Meta, Alphabet bets in 13F portfolio

January 2, 2026, 1:33 PM EST. Stanley Druckenmiller's family office disclosed new AI-related bets in the third quarter via 13F filings with the SEC, which reveal holdings by funds. He opened positions in Amazon (AMZN) of 437,070 shares (about 2.3% of the portfolio), Meta Platforms (META) with 76,100 shares (1.3%), and Alphabet (GOOGL/GOOG) with 102,200 shares (0.6%). Nvidia and Palantir have been exited in recent years, while Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing remains the sole AI-name among the top five, at about 5.2% weight. Druckenmiller, who ran Duquesne Capital for 30 years, now manages money via his family office after closing the flagship fund. The moves reflect renewed confidence in AI exposure, but questions linger about whether AI-driven growth can deliver big returns in 2026.

Stocks climb on chip and AI-infrastructure strength; US indices lead gains

January 2, 2026, 1:32 PM EST. The S&P 500 rose 0.62%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average edged up 0.10%, and the Nasdaq-100 jumped 1.16% as gains in chip makers and AI-infrastructure names supported broad risk assets. March E-mini futures were higher, with ESH26 up about 0.59% and NQH26 up 1.14%. European markets also carried gains, with the Euro Stoxx 50 near a fresh high. Yields climbed, with the 10-year U.S. Treasury yield at around 4.19%, while breakeven inflation rose to 2.259%. The market priced in roughly a 15% chance of a -25 basis point rate cut at the FOMC meeting January 27-28. Notable movers included Sandisk (SNDK) up over 8%, ASML (ASML) up over 7% after an upgrade, Micron (MU) up over 7%, and Lam Research (LRCX) up over 6% as AI and chips drive value.

ETSY climbs above 200-day moving average as shares gain

January 2, 2026, 1:30 PM EST. ETSY crosses above its 200-day moving average of $56.36 as shares reached a high of $57.48, up about 3.4% on Friday. The move places the stock near the long-term trend line many traders watch for momentum. The last trade was around $57.31. Etsy's 52-week range spans $40.05 to $76.515. A cross above the 200-day average is often seen as a bullish signal but does not guarantee further gains.

TransUnion's TRU crosses below its 200-day moving average

January 2, 2026, 1:29 PM EST. TransUnion Corp., ticker TRU, crossed below its 200-day moving average of $85.45 on Friday, trading as low as $83.39 intraday. The shares were down about 1.7% for the session. The 200-day moving average-a common long-term trend line used to gauge directional bias-stood at $85.45. The stock's last trade was $84.61, with a 52-week range of $66.38 to $101.19. A chart compares one year of TRU performance against the moving average. While some traders view a cross below the moving average as a bearish signal, price moves alone do not predict future direction. Look for further price action and volume to confirm any trend change.

ONE Gas crosses below 200-day moving average; shares fall to $72.59

January 2, 2026, 1:28 PM EST. ONE Gas, Inc. (OGS) shares fell through a key threshold Thursday, crossing below its 200-day moving average of $73.03. The stock traded as low as $72.59 and was about 0.9% weaker for the session. A chart accompanying the note shows the stock's one-year performance versus its 200-day moving average. The last trade was $72.75. In the past year, the 52-week range spans $59.74 to $82.25. The move flags continued attention on the stock's longer-term trend as traders gauge how it behaves around the long-term indicator.

RH crosses above 200-day moving average as shares rally

January 2, 2026, 1:27 PM EST. RH shares rose after crossing above their 200-day moving average, a longer-term trend measure, at $639.54, trading as high as $658.51. The stock was up about 10.7% on the session. The move comes as the price sits near the upper end of a 52-week range of $411.88 to $744.56; the last trade was around $641.61. A cross above the 200-day line is often viewed as a momentum cue, though it does not guarantee further gains. The chart mirrors a one-year performance against the moving average, highlighting a potential shift in near-term momentum.

Coca-Cola Consolidated Oversold RSI Signals Potential Entry, DividendRank Says

January 2, 2026, 1:26 PM EST. Dividend Channel's DividendRank places Coca-Cola Consolidated Inc (COKE) in the top half of its dividend universe, signaling relatively strong fundamentals for further research. Friday's session showed COKE sliding into oversold territory as the RSI fell to 27.7, below the 30 threshold; the broader dividend stock universe carries an average RSI of 50.6. The stock's dividend is $1 annually, yielding about 0.65% at a recent price near $153.30; the text notes an intraday low near $149.35. Some investors view the drop as exhausting selling pressure and may look for a near-term entry point. Readers are advised to review the dividend history to assess the likelihood of continued payouts. This content reflects Dividend Channel's view and not Nasdaq.

Micron stock climbs as Bernstein lifts price target on DRAM rebound

January 2, 2026, 1:25 PM EST. Micron Technology shares rose after Bernstein analyst Mark Li lifted his price target to $330 and assigned an Outperform rating. Li's view centers on a continued rebound in DRAM prices into 2026, aided by AI-driven data-center demand and a longer supply cycle. He pegs further upside in the near term with a 20-25% sequential rise in DRAM prices for Q2 and expects prices to trend higher throughout 2026. The note follows Q1 2026 results: revenue up 56% to $13.6 billion and EPS up 175% to $4.60, with free cash flow above $3 billion. For Q2, management guided around $18.7 billion in revenue, ~67% gross margin and EPS near $8.19, though Li cautions that management optimism could backfire if execution falters.

Salesforce CRM crosses below 200-day moving average; shares fall

January 2, 2026, 1:24 PM EST. Salesforce Inc, ticker CRM, crossed below its 200-day moving average of $160.10 on Friday, with intraday prints as low as $159.66. The stock was later shown near $160.05, down about 2.7% on the session. The move comes as investors watch CRM's longer-term trend; the 200-day moving average (a trend line derived from the past 200 closes) is a widely followed gauge. The chart compares one-year performance to the DMA; CRM's 52-week range runs from $126.34 to $222.16. DMA data cited from TechnicalAnalysisChannel.com. A cross below the DMA may signal bearish momentum but is not a guarantee of future performance.

Lazard shares dip below 200-day moving average; trades near $48

January 2, 2026, 1:23 PM EST. Lazard Ltd (LAZ) shares slid briefly below their 200-day moving average of $48.47 on Friday, dipping to as low as $48.40. The stock was about 0.4% higher on the session, with the last trade around $48.78. The move comes as traders watch the long-run trend line; the 200-day moving average smooths price over roughly six and a half months, and a breach can signal tighter near-term momentum, though it is not definitive. Lazard's 52-week range spans $31.97 to $58.07.

Intuit Co-Founder Scott Cook liquidates more than $100 million in INTU shares as tax overhaul looms

January 2, 2026, 1:22 PM EST. Intuit Inc. co-founder Scott Cook sold more than $100 million of INTU stock in late December, signaling a shift in a year marked by regulatory wins and new tax rules. Filings show 148,000 shares traded via a Rule 10b5-1 plan, including a $50.5 million sale on December 29 and a $50.3 million sale on December 30. The Cook family trust still holds about 5.67 million shares, valued near $3.8 billion. Technically, INTU is testing the 200-day moving average near $680 with the 50-day moving average around $661 providing near-term support. Traders weigh whether the insider exit signals a valuation peak or routine diversification amid the new tax regime under the One Big Beautiful Bill. Intuit remains a dominant force in accounting and tax software.

Terreno Realty crosses below its 200-day moving average as shares slide

January 2, 2026, 1:21 PM EST. Terreno Realty Corp (TRNO) traded as low as $70.96 after crossing below its 200-day moving average of $72.19 on Monday. The stock was down about 1.6% for the session, with a last trade of $71.25. The 52-week range spans $61.245 to $86. Crossing below the 200-day moving average is a widely watched signal that can indicate momentum shifts, though it is one data point among many. The move underscores how REITs track benchmark trends to gauge direction.

ADBE vs GOOGL: AI Push Creates Edge in Tech Stocks

January 2, 2026, 1:19 PM EST. Adobe Inc. and Alphabet Inc. are intensifying AI across products. Adobe is banking on AI-powered Creative Cloud Pro, Acrobat, and enterprise tools like Firefly and AEM to lift online subscription revenue, targeting fiscal 2026 annualized revenue growth of about 10%. Its Experience platform and recent Semrush tie-in broaden its marketing footprint. Alphabet is embedding AI in Search and Google Cloud, with Gemini 3 powering AI Mode and a growing enterprise AI stack based on TPUs and GPUs. IDC projects AI investments could add $22.3 trillion to global output by 2030, a tailwind for both names. Adobe cites 2025 revenue guidance of roughly $25.9-$26.1 billion; Alphabet benefits from expanding AI infrastructure and enterprise adoption, though competition remains intense.

FTSE 100 clears 10,000 as Rolls-Royce ratings upgraded; UK PMI stabilises in December

January 2, 2026, 1:18 PM EST. London's FTSE 100 closed above 10,000 for the first time in 2026, up about 0.20%. Rolls-Royce Holdings led advancers after Fitch assigned a BBB+ long-term rating with a positive outlook, with Moody's granting a Baa1 rating. Rolls-Royce stock gained about 4%. Coca-Cola Europacific Partners and Coca-Cola HBC were among the session's top fallers, down roughly 4.1% and 1.9%. On the macro front, the final S&P Global UK Manufacturing PMI (Purchasing Managers' Index) rose to 50.6 in December 2025, its highest in 15 months, signaling stabilisation in output and orders. Eurozone manufacturing PMIs slipped; HCOB data showed 48.8 in December.

Intuit co-founder Scott Cook sells about $50 million in shares; stock slips ahead of tax season

January 2, 2026, 1:16 PM EST. Intuit Inc. shares slipped about 1.1% after a Form 4 showed director and co-founder Scott Cook sold roughly $50 million in shares Dec. 30 under a pre-arranged Rule 10b5-1 plan. The sale leaves Cook with about 5.67 million shares; the insider move comes as markets were closed for New Year's Day. The report underscores year-end position resets and the approach of the tax season, when demand for TurboTax and related products can move expectations. Investors will watch next earnings timing in February after a previous outlook for mid-single digit revenue growth; the stock trades near the 50-day moving average around $661 and below the 200-day moving average near $682. Next sessions resume Friday; broader-market activity will frame sentiment.

Unum Group slips after crossing below 200-day moving average

January 2, 2026, 1:15 PM EST.Unum Group shares briefly slipped after crossing below their 200-day moving average, which stood at $45.32. The stock traded as low as $44.19 and was down about 8.9% on the session. The last trade was near $44.59. The 52-week range spans $36.27 to $52.14. A cross below the 200-day moving average is a common technical signal watched by traders; it signals near-term weakness but does not guarantee future direction. Investors should weigh fundamentals and broader market conditions when interpreting a move like this.

GWW slips below its 200-day moving average

January 2, 2026, 1:14 PM EST. On Friday, W.W. Grainger Inc. (GWW) shares traded below their $1,002.95 200-day moving average, a key trend line. The stock dipped to $998.92 intraday and was around $1,001.05 at last trade, down about 0.5% for the session. The move places the shares near the middle of a 52-week range of $893.99 to $1,139.15. The 200-day moving average is the average closing price over the last 200 trading days, used to gauge the medium-term trend; a break below can signal fading momentum. DMA data cited from TechnicalAnalysisChannel.com.

LiveRamp falls below 200-day moving average as shares drop about 6.8%

January 2, 2026, 1:13 PM EST.LiveRamp Holdings Inc. (RAMP) slid to an intraday low of $27.27 on Friday as its shares crossed below the 200-day moving average of $28.99, and were trading down about 6.8% on the session. The stock last changed hands at $27.62, with a 52-week range of $22.82 to $36.08. The 200-day moving average is a widely watched trend line that smooths price data over roughly the past six months, helping gauge longer-term momentum. Traders will watch whether the stock can reclaim the 200-DMA or extend declines toward the 52-week low.

S&P/TSX composite up nearly 40 points as U.S. markets mixed

January 2, 2026, 1:09 PM EST. TORONTO – Canada's benchmark S&P/TSX composite rose nearly 40 points in late-morning trade, led by energy stocks. The index reached 31,750.17, up 37.41 points. In the U.S., Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 106.65 to 48,169.94, while the S&P 500 fell 14.31 to 6,831.19 and the Nasdaq Composite dropped 83.04 to 23,158.95. The Canadian dollar traded at 0.7282 U.S. dollars. The Feb crude oil contract was down 0.61 to $56.81, and the Feb gold contract rose 7.30 to $4,348.40 an ounce. Market sentiment was mixed ahead of the weekend. (The Canadian Press)

Trainline buys 262,325 own shares in buyback; outstanding shares 399,996,778

January 2, 2026, 1:06 PM EST. Trainline PLC disclosed it purchased 262,325 ordinary shares on 19 December 2025 on the London Stock Exchange and MTFs from Deutsche Numis, under its share purchase programme announced 11 September 2025 and approved by shareholders at the 2025 AGM. The highest price paid was 224.00p; the lowest 221.00p; the volume-weighted average price (VWAP) was 222.38p. The bought shares will be cancelled; following the purchase, the number of ordinary shares in issue will be 399,996,778. Trainline does not hold any shares in Treasury. A full breakdown of the trades by Deutsche Numis as riskless principal (broker acts as principal to execute the trade rather than as an agent for the client) is available in the accompanying schedule.

ETF Inflow Spotlight: EFA Leads; SPOT, SE, TEVA Movements

January 2, 2026, 1:00 PM EST. ETF Channel data show the iShares MSCI EAFE ETF (EFA) posted a roughly $230.5 million week-over-week inflow, a 0.3% rise in outstanding units (732,000,000 to 734,400,000). Among EFA's top components, SPOT fell about 1%, SE rose around 2.7%, and TEVA eased about 1.9% today. For context, an ETF holds a basket of assets; 'units' represent shares in the fund, and inflows indicate new units created to meet demand. The chart shows EFA's price against its 200-day moving average; 52-week range $72.145-$97.415, with a last trade near $96.73. Unit creation and destruction can influence underlying holdings. Source: ETF Channel.

GLD Sees ~$910.8 Million Inflow; Outstanding Units Rise 0.9% Week Over Week

January 2, 2026, 12:59 PM EST. GLD posted approximately $910.8 million in weekly inflows, a 0.9% rise in outstanding units to 324.4 million from 321.4 million. The fund traded near $310.83, within a 52-week range of $211.54 to $317.63, and observers compare price to its 200-day moving average as a momentum gauge. ETFs trade like stocks but use units that can be created or destroyed to meet demand; weekly unit changes reflect investor flows and can affect underlying holdings. The report notes notable inflows among ETFs beyond GLD.

SIVR ETF Outflow Alert: About $203 Million Week-Over-Week Decline in Shares Outstanding

January 2, 2026, 12:58 PM EST. ETF Channel data show the ETFS Physical Silver Shares (SIVR) posted an approximate $202.9 millionoutflow, about 3.6% WoW, as shares outstanding fell from 82.25 million to 79.25 million. Some context: shares outstanding are the number of ETF units in circulation; creations/destructions alter holdings. SIVR's 52-week range spans $27.86 to $74.75, with the latest trade near $69.37. The chart references the 200-day moving average as a trend guide. Outflows can accompany changes in the ETF's underlying holdings, since units are created or redeemed to meet demand. Additional context on other ETFs with notable outflows is available via linked coverage.

AGG ETF posts notable inflow; $228.9 million week-over-week

January 2, 2026, 12:57 PM EST. Notable ETF inflow detected for the iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF (AGG). Week-over-week, outstanding units rose about 0.3%, from 787.8 million to 789.8 million, an inflow of roughly $228.9 million. The data reflect demand shifts in bond ETFs. AGG traded near $114.13, within a 52-week range of $113.20 to $118.45. The move is often analyzed against the 200-day moving average, a common technical reference. ETFs trade in units rather than shares; units can be created or destroyed to meet demand, which can influence underlying holdings during large flows. The report also notes there are other ETFs with notable inflows.

SCHR ETF inflow: Schwab Intermediate-Term U.S. Treasury adds $214.7M in outstanding units

January 2, 2026, 12:56 PM EST. Schwab Intermediate-Term U.S. Treasury ETF (SCHR) posted a notable week-over-week inflow, with about $214.7 million added and outstanding units rising roughly 2.0% to 437.6 million from 428.9 million. The last trade was around $24.68, in the 52-week range of $24.04-$25.465. ETF flows reflect unit creation or destruction to meet demand, a core dynamic behind ETF price moves. A look at the 200-day moving average can offer a quick technical read. The data set from ETF Channel tracks inflows and outflows to gauge appetite for government-debt exposure.

IAU Notable Inflow: 0.6% Week-Over-Week Rise in Shares Outstanding

January 2, 2026, 12:55 PM EST. ETF Channel data show the iShares Gold Trust (IAU) attracting about $200 million in net inflows, a 0.6% week-over-week rise in shares outstanding to roughly 643.5 million. The move underscores ongoing demand for gold exposure, with IAU trading around $51.47, near its 52-week high of $51.92 and above the 52-week low of $36.57. The latest price sits near its 200-day moving average, a standard momentum gauge. In ETFs, unit creation or destruction driven by demand can affect underlying holdings. The report tracks weekly flows and compares one-year performance to the moving average.

Capital Group Dividend Value ETF Sees $161 Million Inflow Week Over Week

January 2, 2026, 12:54 PM EST. Capital Group Dividend Value ETF (CGDV) posted a roughly $161 million week-over-week inflow, a 1.0% rise in outstanding units to about 440.2 million, ETF Channel data show. Among CGDV's largest holdings, Carrier Global (CARR) slipped about 0.7%, GE HealthCare Technologies (GEHC) was down about 1.8%, and Las Vegas Sands (LVS) fell around 1.4%. In ETF terminology, units can be created or destroyed to meet demand, which can drive underlying holdings trades. CGDV traded near $36.47; its 52-week range runs from $30.94 to $37.37, with the 200-day moving average serving as a common trend reference. For a full list of holdings, see the CGDV Holdings page.

PPA ETF posts $228.7 million inflow as NOC, GD, LHX rise

January 2, 2026, 12:53 PM EST. The Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF (PPA) attracted an estimated $228.7 million inflow, a 3.3% week-over-week rise in outstanding units (from 43.64 million to 45.10 million). Among PPA's top holdings, Northrop Grumman (NOC) rose about 0.5%, General Dynamics (GD) up about 0.5%, and L3Harris Technologies (LHX) up roughly 0.8%. The ETF's 52-week range sits at a low of $100.39 and high of $160.50, with a last trade near $157.56. The article notes units can be created or destroyed to match demand; inflows can affect the underlying holdings via trading activity, and the 200-day moving average is cited as a reference point.

XLB ETF Outflow of $136.1 Million; CRH, SHW, ECL in Focus

January 2, 2026, 12:52 PM EST. ETF Channel's week-over-week data show the State Street Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLB) posting an approximate $136.1 million outflow, a 2.5% drop in shares outstanding (from 121,447,450 to 118,447,450). Among XLB's top holdings, CRH rose about 0.5%, Sherwin-Williams gained roughly 0.2%, while Ecolab dipped about 0.6%. The report notes that ETF units can be created or destroyed to accommodate demand, with creation/destruction affecting underlying holdings. XLB traded near last price of $45.52, with a 52-week range of $36.56 to $46.43; the chart compares price to the 200-day moving average (a common momentum indicator). The article provides a link for a complete holdings list and notes ETF units function like stocks but can be created or redeemed.

FDN Outflows Highlight ETF Channel Week; DASH, SNOW, NET Declines

January 2, 2026, 12:51 PM EST. ETFs trade like stocks but units can be created or destroyed to meet demand. ETF Channel tracked week-over-week changes in shares outstanding for the First Trust Dow Jones Internet Index Fund (FDN). It shows an approximate $107.7 million outflow, a 1.6% drop to about 24,400,002 shares from 24,800,002. Top holdings slipped: DASH (DoorDash) about 1.7%, SNOW (Snowflake) about 1.3%, and NET (Cloudflare) about 1.1%. FDN's 52-week range runs from $191.37 to $287.81, with last trade near $266.07. The chart compares price to the 200-day moving average, a common technical reference. Large flows can reflect changes in underlying holdings; nine other ETFs also posted notable outflows.

IWO ETF posts ~$96.9 million week-over-week outflow; IONQ, KTOS and GH slide

January 2, 2026, 12:50 PM EST. ETF Channel data show the iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF (IWO) logged a week-over-week outflow of about $96.9 million, a roughly 0.7% decline as shares fell from 41.05 million to 40.75 million. Among IWO's top components, Ionq Inc (IONQ) trades about 2% lower, Kratos Defense & Security Solutions (KTOS) about 0.7% weaker, and Guardant Health (GH) around 1% lower. The latest price sits near the 52-week range high: 52 weeks $219.19 to $339.82; last trade $323.35. ETFs trade like stocks, but units can be created or destroyed to meet demand; large flows can affect the underlying holdings. For a complete list of holdings, see the ETF's holdings page.

ProShares UltraPro QQQ Posts $187 Million Weekly Outflow

January 2, 2026, 12:49 PM EST. ProShares UltraPro QQQ (TQQQ) posted a ~ $187.2 million weekly outflow, a 1.6% drop in shares outstanding from about 537.6 million to 528.8 million. Among its top components today, Amgen (AMGN) is down ~0.2%, Honeywell International (HON) up ~0.8%, and Automatic Data Processing (ADP) up ~0.1%. A complete holdings list is on the TQQQ Holdings page. The chart shows TQQQ's one-year price vs its 200-day moving average; the 52-week range runs from $16.32 to $91.68, with the last trade near $22.17. ETFs trade like stocks but allow creation or destruction of units to meet demand, so weekly flows can reflect fund-structure changes as well as market moves.

ARKK ETF Leads Weekly Outflows; ARKK Falls 1.4% WoW as ROKU, CRSP, COIN Rise

January 2, 2026, 12:48 PM EST. ARKK, the ARK Innovation ETF, posted roughly a $100 million week-over-week outflow, a 1.4% drop in shares outstanding from 94,400,000 to 93,100,000. Among its top components, ROKU is up about 0.4%, CRSP higher about 1.4%, and COIN up about 1.1%. The ARKK chart shows price vs. the 200-day moving average; the 52-week range runs from a low of $38.57 to a high of $92.65, with a last trade near $77.50. Creation and destruction of ETF units drive flows; a drop signals net unit destruction. For context, readers can view the full holdings list via the holdings page. The article also notes other ETFs posting notable outflows.

Genesis Energy L.P. (GEL) crosses above 200-day moving average

January 2, 2026, 12:47 PM EST. Genesis Energy L.P. (GEL) rose after crossing above its 200-day moving average of $10.78 on Tuesday, trading as high as $10.95. The stock was about 2% higher on the session. The move above the long-term trend line can signal near-term momentum, the gauge being a commonly watched indicator for trend direction. The latest print sits near the 52-week high of $12.78 and above the 52-week low of $8.05; the last trade was around $10.89.

India stocks rise to record highs as Nifty and Bank Nifty hit fresh peaks

January 2, 2026, 12:46 PM EST. NEW DELHI – Indian benchmarks closed at record levels on Friday as Nifty 50 (the main Indian stock benchmark of 50 companies) and Bank Nifty surged. The Sensex settled at 85,762, while the Nifty 50 rose to 26,328, with an intraday high of 26,330. The Bank Nifty climbed to 60,152.35. Market breadth was positive, with about 2,527 advancers against 1,347 declines. Sector leaders included PSU banks (+1.78%), auto, metal, and realty, while the FMCG sector lagged. The rupee weakened past 90 per dollar. Analysts said that holding above 26,300 could push the Nifty toward 26,500, with potential to 26,700 on follow-through as Q3 earnings season nears. Investors await results from infrastructure, manufacturing, and banking groups.

DHI crosses below 200-day moving average; shares near $106

January 2, 2026, 12:45 PM EST. Shares of Horton Inc (DHI) crossed below their 200-day moving average of $106.62, trading as low as $106.60. DHI was about 0.2% higher on the day. The one-year chart places the last trade near $107.60. The 52-week range runs from $66.01 to $132.2999. The DMA data cited comes from TechnicalAnalysisChannel.com. The 200-day moving average is a long-term trend indicator used by traders; crossing below it can signal a momentum shift, though it is not a guaranteed predictor.

Publix declares quarterly dividend of $0.1105 per share; payment Feb. 2, 2026

January 2, 2026, 12:44 PM EST. Publix said its board declared a quarterly dividend of 11.05 cents per share on its common stock, payable Feb. 2, 2026, to stockholders of record as of Jan. 15, 2026. Eligible investors can elect direct deposit by visiting the Publix stock portal or submitting the Direct Deposit Authorization form; a voided check is required if mailed. Publix, the largest employee-owned company in the United States with more than 260,000 associates, operates 1,432 stores across eight states. The company has been recognized by Fortune as a great place to work for 28 consecutive years. More details are available in Publix's newsroom; contact Maria Brous for media inquiries.

Plug Power jumps after Clear Street upgrade to Buy; target trimmed

January 2, 2026, 12:43 PM EST. Plug Power shares rose about 7.3% in morning trading after Clear Street analyst Tim Moore upgraded the stock to Buy from Hold, noting the company may be on a path to profitability. Moore cited a $200 million cost-savings initiative and higher pricing for its products as supports for improved financial performance, even as he trimmed the price target (the analyst's forecast for the stock's next 12 months) to $3 from $3.50. The move underscores ongoing volatility, with Plug Power recording more than 90 daily swings of 5% or more over the past year. Four days earlier the stock slid about 3.3% amid broader market weakness and momentum concerns, part of a recent downtrend. Investors who put $1,000 into Plug Power five years ago would be worth $69.16 today.

Intel stock climbs as Nvidia-led funding and CHIPS Act stake lift outlook

January 2, 2026, 12:42 PM EST.Intel shares rose about 7% in early trading after Nvidia's $5 billion private placement to bolster Intel's finances and production capacity, with Nvidia acquiring roughly 214.8 million shares at $23.28 each for a stake of about 4.4%. The deal includes a technology partnership to co-develop data-center and PC chips that combine Intel's processors with Nvidia's AI chips. Separately, the U.S. Treasury took a non-voting 10% equity stake under the CHIPS Act's National Resilience framework. The moves mark another milestone in Intel's turnaround, but analysts say they are unlikely to overhaul the company's core outlook. The stock has been highly volatile, with frequent 5%-plus swings over the past year. Investors should weigh dilution risk and policy context when assessing risk and reward.

AI stocks lead early 2026 move as markets mixed; analysts upbeat on 2026

January 2, 2026, 12:41 PM EST. U.S. stocks opened 2026 with AI shares among the day's leaders while the broader market was mixed. The Nasdaq fell about 0.4%, the S&P 500 was down 0.2%, and the Dow edged up 0.1%. AI-related optimism remains a dominant theme for 2026, though skepticism persists. Deutsche Bank's Jim Reid said growth, ongoing AI optimism and anticipated rate cuts supported assets in 2025 and are likely to help in 2026. A Bloomberg survey found every analyst polled expects the S&P 500 to rise, with a median forecast around a 9% gain for the year. 2025 saw the S&P 500 gain over 16%. Early movers included Sandisk, Micron, Western Digital, Intel and Constellation Energy. Nvidia, Broadcom and TSMC also rose, while RH and Wayfair benefited from tariff delays. Commodities mixed; gold and silver higher; oil lower; gasoline averaging $2.83 a gallon Friday.

Adobe: Mispriced, Misunderstood, and Monetizing AI

January 2, 2026, 12:40 PM EST. An investor argues Adobe is mispriced and misunderstood as it monetizes AI, highlighting durable cash generation and a wide moat. The author seeks businesses with strong competitive advantages and a path to at least 15% annualized returns, or asset-based discounts with clear liquidity. Since starting to invest three years ago, the author reports a time-weighted return of about 16% and plans to continue. The piece discloses a beneficial long position in ADBE via shares, options, or other derivatives and notes no other compensation from the company. It also cites Seeking Alpha's standard disclosures. The core thesis: AI monetization could unlock value for Adobe, but the author frames the stock as currently underappreciated by the market. Attribution is to a Seeking Alpha contributor and is not investment advice.

Nvidia, TSMC edge higher on AI-chip demand; potential $54B revenue from China orders

January 2, 2026, 12:37 PM EST.Nvidia and TSMC edged higher in premarket trading after Reuters reported Nvidia asked the chipmaker to boost production of its H200 AI chips to meet Chinese demand. The report noted that President Trump said Nvidia could ship Hopper-generation GPUs (Nvidia's AI chips) to China with 25% of proceeds going to the US government. Chinese buyers have placed orders for over 2 million of these GPUs for 2026, roughly triple Nvidia's current inventory. At about $27,000 per chip, the potential revenue contribution could top $54 billion if demand is realized, though approvals from Chinese regulators remain a gatekeeper. Nvidia has posted success in 2025 despite limited access to China's AI market. CEO Jensen Huang highlighted supply security on the Q3 call, and he recently met with TSMC's CC Wei in Taiwan, calling the company the pride of the world.

FHLC insider buying: 12.8% of weighted holdings show purchases; EVH among insiders

January 2, 2026, 12:36 PM EST. Fidelity MSCI Health Care Index ETF FHLC shows insider buying in about 12.8% of its holdings on a weighted basis over the past six months. Within FHLC, Evolent Health Inc (EVH) accounts for roughly 0.01% of the ETF and has drawn purchases from nine directors and officers, according to recent Form 4 data. The ETF's EVH stake totals about $371,043, making it the #236 largest holding. Insider activity at EVH includes purchases on 03/04-03/07/2025 by executives and directors, including CEO Seth Blackley and Director Kim Keck, with shares bought in the $8.75-$9.44 range. The data underscore broader insider flows but do not imply a momentum shift for FHLC or EVH.

FTGS ETF Shows Insider Buying in Core Holdings (CMI, CAT)

January 2, 2026, 12:35 PM EST. FTGS, the First Trust Growth Strength ETF, shows insider buying in about 10.1% of its weighted holdings over the past six months. Among FTGS' largest components, CMI accounts for 1.99% of assets; Form 4 filings show three directors/officers purchased shares. The ETF holds roughly $10.96 million of CMI, with last trade at $283.17. Purchases include: 02/27/2024, Daniel Fisher, 562 shares; 05/20/2024, Marvin Boakye, 1,745 shares; 05/24/2024, Jeffrey Wiltrout, 282 shares. Also, CAT (Caterpillar), at about 1.96% weight, shows two insiders buying. FTGS holds about $10.81 million of CAT, last traded at $344.30. Insider activity is disclosed via Form 4 filings; the data provide a snapshot of insider sentiment within the ETF's stock mix.

A $100 Adobe investment 20 years ago would be worth about $912 today

January 2, 2026, 12:34 PM EST.Adobe has outpaced the market over two decades, delivering a 11.65% average annual return, about 2.97 percentage points above the benchmark. The company's market capitalization stands near $146.35 billion. A $100 investment twenty years ago would be worth roughly $911.91 today, based on a cited price of $349.62 at writing. The example highlights the power of compounding; CAGR (compound annual growth rate) measures the steady annual return needed to reach the total gain. In short, long-horizon holding can significantly boost results as growth compounds year after year.

KVUE August 21st options surface with 231-day expiry; YieldBoost flags puts and calls

January 2, 2026, 12:32 PM EST.KVUE options for the August 21 expiry sit on the long end of the chain, with about 231 days to maturity. A $13 put is among the entries; its current bid is 0.06, so selling to open would lock in a $13.00 stock price while collecting the premium, yielding a cost basis of about $12.94. The strike sits roughly 25% below the current price, i.e., out-of-the-money, and YieldBoost, the channel's metric for potential return on cash, assigns an 85% chance the option expires worthless. If it does, the premium would equal 0.46% on cash, or 0.73% annualized. On the call side, the $18 strike bids 0.91. A covered call strategy-buy KVUE near $17.30 and sell the $18 call-offers about 9.31% total return if exercised, though upside is capped. The 4% premium to spot.

FXI December 31 options begin trading; put at $37, call at $46

January 2, 2026, 12:31 PM EST. New FXI options for the December 31 expiry began trading, with a put at the $37.00 strike bid of $2.08. Selling to open would create a cost basis of about $34.92 for shares if exercised, versus FXI near $39.63. The strike is roughly 7% out-of-the-money; Stock Options Channel's YieldBoost assigns a 66% chance the put expires worthless, implying a 5.62% return on cash (about 5.65% annualized) if it finishes in the money. On the upside, the $46.00 call bid stands at $1.53. A covered-call approach tied to buying FXI at $39.63 and selling the call could yield about 19.93% if the stock is called away at expiration. Charts linked to FXI's trailing twelve month history highlight the strikes.

Dow Movers: NVIDIA Leads Dow; Salesforce Slumps as Goldman Sachs, Amazon Mixed

January 2, 2026, 12:30 PM EST. In early trading on Thursday, NVIDIA rose 6.0%, lifting its year-to-date performance to about 6.4% (YTD). The worst Dow component so far was Salesforce (CRM), down 6.2% on the session and roughly 22.5% for the year. Goldman Sachs (GS) fell 1.2%, while Amazon.com (AMZN) rose about 1.5% on the day. The moves reflect momentum shifts among blue chips as investors reassess growth, financials and consumer tech, with intraday data shaping the headline movers.

FTSE 100 reshuffle 2025: Burberry returns; WPP demoted as British Land re-enters

January 2, 2026, 12:29 PM EST. 2025 proved a rollercoaster year for the FTSE 100, gaining about 22% and breaking toward the 10,000 level on the first trading day of 2026. Quarterly FTSE Russell reviews reshaped the lineup, with WPP demoted in December and Burberry returning to the index. British Land re-entered after renewed investor confidence in prime property, lifting its market value above £4 billion. WPP's decline-due to client losses, AI-enabled competitors and softer global ad spend-kept it from the top of the losers list; it had two profit warnings this year. Publicis Groupe overtook WPP in revenue, underscoring the competitive pressure in the sector. About 75% of FTSE 100 earnings come from overseas, making the index a barometer of global demand rather than UK-only strength.