Stock Market Today 02.03.2026

Bank of Montreal Undervalued After 40% Rally, Says Excess Returns Model

March 2, 2026, 11:34 PM EST. Bank of Montreal (TSX:BMO) shares have surged 40.5% over the past year, prompting debate on valuation. Despite this strong run, an Excess Returns model indicates the stock is about 28.2% undervalued, suggesting investors may still find value. The model compares the bank's return on equity, averaging 12.97%, with its cost of equity, revealing earnings exceed investor risk expectations. Shares recently closed at CA$198.90, below the intrinsic value of CA$277.14 per share derived from analysts' estimates. While BMO scores only 2 out of 6 on valuation checks, its profitability and stable earnings underpin broader interest among investors, especially amid ongoing scrutiny of Canadian banks' capital and credit quality.

Singapore Stocks to Watch After Straits Times Index Hits 5,000

March 2, 2026, 11:19 PM EST. The Straits Times Index (STI) crossed 5,000 on Feb 12, 2026, boosting market confidence. Investors with extra cash from Chinese New Year red packets may consider stocks like VICOM, which posted a 14.1% CAGR revenue increase to S$167.4 million in 2025, supported by a net cash position of S$57.9 million and a 45% dividend hike. Kimly, a trusted coffee shop operator, offers a 5% dividend yield backed by strong cash flow, while Food Empire has seen revenue nearly double from US$273 million to US$576.9 million since 2021, driven by popular ready-to-drink brands. These names provide a mix of value, consistent dividends, and growth potential despite current high stock prices.

Dexterra Group (TSX:DXT) Valuation Targets Rise Amid Strategic Shift to Integrated Facilities Management

March 2, 2026, 11:06 PM EST. Dexterra Group's fair value estimate increased from CA$14.38 to CA$14.89, with Canaccord initiating coverage at a CA$18 target. Analysts highlight Dexterra's shift towards integrated facilities management and Canadian workforce accommodation as key growth drivers. Scotiabank raised its target by CA$2, citing operational streamlining and clearer strategy. Revenue growth assumptions and net profit margins have been revised down, but the future price-to-earnings ratio was increased, reflecting higher market expectations. Execution of the hybrid delivery model remains critical for investors. The evolving narrative includes acquisitions like Pleasant Valley Corporation and RIGHT CHOICE, which bolster Dexterra's platform in North America, emphasizing recurring contracts and digital tool integration.

Holi 2026: Indian Stock Markets Closed on March 3 Amid Regional Festival Observance

March 2, 2026, 11:05 PM EST. The Indian stock market is closed on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, for Holi, a national festival of colors. Both the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and National Stock Exchange (NSE) halt all trading activities, including equities and derivatives. Commodity trading sees partial activity, with the Multi Commodity Exchange closed in the morning session but open in the evening, while the National Commodity & Derivatives Exchange remains shut all day. This break follows a sharp market selloff on Monday, triggered by escalating Iran conflict tensions and rising crude oil prices. Experts advise investors to maintain caution amid increased volatility and global uncertainty. Additional market holidays are scheduled throughout March, April, and beyond, reflecting the festival calendar and other national events.

Indian stock markets closed for Holi on March 3 amid trader confusion over holiday timing

March 2, 2026, 11:04 PM EST. Indian stock exchanges including NSE and BSE will close on March 3 for Holi, although many regions celebrate on March 4, causing confusion among traders. Commodity markets have mixed schedules; MCX opens in the evening, while NCDEX remains shut all day. Some traders questioned the early holiday timing, suggesting exchanges align with wider celebrations and even proposed a boycott on March 4. The Reserve Bank of India's holiday calendar reflects regional variations in Holi observances. Market expert Samir Arora recommended considering closure on March 4 to reduce volatility amid global risks. The break follows a sharp Monday sell-off with Nifty 50 dropping 312 points amid West Asia tensions.

Quantum Computing (QUBT) Valuation and Share Price Recovery Reviewed

March 2, 2026, 10:49 PM EST. Quantum Computing (QUBT) has seen a 2.14% rise in one day, reaching $8.59 after a 9.01% weekly gain, following a 21.98% year-to-date decline. Despite current losses of $68.355 million, analysts target $18, with a fair value estimate of $23.67, suggesting undervaluation. The company focuses on integrated photonics and quantum hardware, benefiting from growing AI and data center demands. The market prices in future growth but revenue remains small with rising operating expenses, posing risks if pilot projects don't convert to sales. The price-to-book ratio of 2.2 times is near the US Tech sector average but below peers. Investors face a mixed signal on valuation amid momentum cooling and longer-term growth prospects.

Ryanair Holdings Share Price Pullback Highlights Potential Undervaluation Amid Strong Fundamentals

March 2, 2026, 10:48 PM EST. Ryanair Holdings (ISE:RYA) shares have fallen about 6% in the past month and 3% over three months, despite a strong 31% total return over the past year. The stock currently trades at €26.99, below its estimated fair value of €30.02 per share, suggesting potential undervaluation. The airline benefits from fuel and currency hedging contracts through 2027 and a move to a debt-free balance sheet with over 600 unencumbered aircraft, improving cost and financing visibility. Analysts expect steady revenue and earnings growth, supported by higher passenger volumes. Key risks include tighter capacity, taxation, and policy changes affecting fares and margins. Investors should weigh these factors when considering Ryanair's medium-term prospects.

Sensex Drops 1,048 Points Amid West Asia Conflict, VIX Jumps 25%

March 2, 2026, 10:35 PM EST. The escalating conflict in West Asia triggered a sharp sell-off on India's Dalal Street, with the Sensex falling 1,048 points (1.3%) to 80,239, a near six-month low. The NSE's volatility index (VIX), also known as the fear index, surged 25% reflecting heightened market uncertainty. Foreign investors led exits with net outflows of almost Rs 3,300 crore. The market lost Rs 6.6 lakh crore in value as geopolitical tensions raised crude oil prices and weakened the rupee, raising fears of inflation and pressure on energy-dependent sectors. Global markets also retreated, with Japan's Nikkei down 1.4%, Hong Kong's Hang Seng off 2.1%, and European indices lower. Most Sensex stocks fell, led by L&T and Reliance Industries; however, Oil India and ONGC bucked the trend with gains amid oil supply concerns.

Stock Market Holiday on March 3, 2026: NSE and BSE Closed for Holi

March 2, 2026, 10:33 PM EST.NSE and BSE stock markets will remain closed on March 3, 2026, in observance of Holi, India's festival of colors. While major Holi celebrations take place on March 4, trading resumes normally that day. No equity, derivatives, or currency trading will occur March 3, including settlement activities. Commodity exchanges mirror the closures: NCDEX will shut fully, and MCX pauses trading during the day session only. March also features holidays on March 26 (Shri Ram Navami) and March 31 (Shri Mahavir Jayanti). Market expert Ajit Mishra warns of elevated volatility amid recent declines, recommending cautious trading and disciplined risk management as Nifty nears critical levels. Traders should note a shortened trading week and plan accordingly.

Financial Partners Group Completes Treasury Share Disposal for Employee Compensation

March 2, 2026, 10:32 PM EST. Financial Partners Group Co., Ltd. completed disposal of 5,970 treasury shares at JPY 2,082 each, totaling JPY 12.43 million. The shares were allocated to 12 employees under a restricted stock compensation program, part of the company's effort to align employee incentives with shareholder interests and enhance retention. The Tokyo Stock Exchange-listed company focuses on capital market solutions and investment products. This move supports long-term corporate value, a positive signal for investors considering governance and compensation strategies. Analysts hold a Buy rating with a target price of JPY 2,306. The transaction highlights continued use of equity-based pay to strengthen performance and employee motivation.

Stock Market Closed on March 3 for Holi Holiday on NSE and BSE

March 2, 2026, 10:22 PM EST. The Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and National Stock Exchange (NSE) are closed on March 3 due to the Holi holiday. Equities, equity derivatives, securities lending and borrowing, currency derivatives, and interest rate derivatives markets will not operate. Commodity derivatives will trade only in the evening session. Trading resumes on March 4. Indian indices fell 1% on March 2 driven by rising crude oil prices amid US-Iran tensions. Key Nifty support is at 24,600, with resistance at 25,000, per analysts. The Indian rupee dropped 50 paise to 91.47 per dollar on March 2, reflecting foreign capital outflows and import cost concerns. Market sentiment remains cautious as geopolitical issues affect energy prices and investor confidence.

3 Trustworthy TSX Dividend Stocks with Healthy Payout Ratios

March 2, 2026, 10:20 PM EST. Investors chasing high dividend yields on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) should prioritize payout ratios-the share of earnings paid as dividends-to assess sustainability. Freehold Royalties (TSX:FRU), a royalty company in the energy sector, offers a 6.1% yield with a manageable payout ratio near 73%, backed by diversified assets and low capital reinvestment needs. The company assures dividend sustainability even if oil prices slump to $50 per barrel. Another strong contender is Granite REIT (TSX:GRT.UN), which owns industrial properties benefiting from booming e-commerce and logistics demand. These stocks present a more secure dividend income opportunity by balancing attractive yields with responsible payout practices.

Bank of America Bullish on China's Metals Stocks, Lifts China Hongqiao Target to $48

March 2, 2026, 10:18 PM EST. Bank of America has issued a bullish outlook on China's metals market amid rising global volatility. The Wall Street bank highlights strong demand driven by electrification and artificial intelligence (AI) megatrends, with persistent supply deficits in copper and aluminum. It recommends Chinese metals stocks like China Hongqiao, Zijin Mining, and Chalco as core picks. Aluminum prices in China are expected to reach RMB 23,000 per ton by 2026, with profit margins remaining historically high. The bank forecasts a significant copper supply gap and anticipates strong government demand. Gold is seen stabilized by weak U.S. dollars and strategic reserve buying, with a long-term price target near $5,000 an ounce. Bank of America raised China Hongqiao's price target to $48, reflecting confidence in the aluminum sector's earning resilience and structural opportunities.

LyondellBasell (LYB) Shares Appear Undervalued Despite Recent Rebound

March 2, 2026, 9:48 PM EST. LyondellBasell Industries (LYB) shares recently closed at $57.88, up 2.2% over the past week and 30.4% year-to-date, yet down 12.3% over one year. A Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) analysis, projecting future cash flows discounted to present value, estimates LYB's intrinsic value around $96.50 per share-suggesting the stock is undervalued by about 40%. The model used a two-stage free cash flow to equity approach, with the latest twelve-month free cash flow at $628.7 million and projections reaching $3 billion by 2035. Despite recent share gains, the valuation implies potential upside. Investors should weigh sector conditions and risk before adjusting exposure, as LYB's longer-term returns have trailed peers, reflecting varied sentiment in the global chemicals industry.

Barclays Share Price Dips Amid Strong Multi-Year Returns, Valuation Under Review

March 2, 2026, 9:47 PM EST. Barclays (LSE:BARC) saw its share price fall 10% in the past month despite a strong 43.4% total shareholder return over one year and 193.56% over five years. Recent price weakness may reflect changing investor sentiment about future growth and risks rather than a shift in its long-term trajectory. Barclays is trading below a fair value estimate of £4.92, with the last close at £4.37, suggesting a potential undervaluation. The bank's consistent net interest income growth is supported by deposit management and loan growth, while operational efficiencies aim to boost earnings quality. However, competition for UK deposits and regulatory challenges could impact margins and capital use, posing key risks to the outlook.

Is Box Inc (BOX) Undervalued After Recent Share Price Decline?

March 2, 2026, 9:46 PM EST. Box Inc (BOX) shares closed at $23.58 after an 8.1% gain in the last week but a 28% drop over the past year. The company's role in cloud content management faces scrutiny amid shifting software budgets. A discounted cash flow (DCF) analysis, which estimates company value based on projected future cash flows, places Box's intrinsic value at $48.91 per share, suggesting the stock is undervalued by 51.8%. Analysts project free cash flow growth to $388.9 million by 2028, supporting this valuation. Despite recent price weakness, Box's financial fundamentals underscore potential investment opportunity as markets reassess valuation relative to cash flow projections.

Hong Kong Stocks Dip Again Amid US-Iran Conflict and Rising Oil Prices

March 2, 2026, 9:45 PM EST. Hong Kong stocks dropped for a second consecutive day on Tuesday, with the Hang Seng Index slipping 0.2% to 26,008.39 after a steep 2.1% fall on Monday. The Hang Seng Tech Index also fell 0.4%. The declines follow heightened investor anxiety due to ongoing US-Iran tensions and surging oil prices, which stoke inflation worries. On the mainland, China's CSI 300 and Shanghai Composite both lost 0.4%. Notable performers included ENN Energy Holdings, up 1.9%, and NetEase, rising 1.7%. However, solar panel maker Xinyi Solar declined 4.2%. Other regional markets also stumbled, with Japan's Nikkei down 1%, South Korea's Kospi off 2%, and Australia's S&P/ASX 200 shedding 1.2%. Overall, geopolitical instability continues to dampen market sentiment across Asia.

Jim Cramer: U.S. Energy Independence Shields Market Amid Iran Conflict

March 2, 2026, 9:33 PM EST. Jim Cramer attributed the stock market's resilience to U.S. energy independence after the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran. Despite initial drops, the S&P 500 closed slightly higher as concerns over the Middle East's geopolitical shocks diminished. West Texas Intermediate crude oil spiked over 12% intraday but settled up 6%, reflecting volatility but no sustained panic. Cramer noted investors overlooked issues in the software sector and declines in private equity firms like KKR, Blackstone, and Apollo. He emphasized that abundant U.S. energy production reduces economic risk tied to global conflicts, allowing the market to maintain cautious optimism despite geopolitical tensions.

Hang Seng Tech Index Drops Over 25% Amid Market Correction; Southbound Capital Increases Buys

March 2, 2026, 9:31 PM EST. The Hang Seng Tech Index has fallen nearly 26% since October last year, leading to its 'Old Tech' label amid market corrections driven by credit cycles and industrial shifts. Despite this, Southbound funds, capital flows from mainland China to Hong Kong, have seen increased net purchases exceeding HKD 16 billion over two days, with a year-to-date net inflow above HKD 170 billion. Institutional analysts attribute the correction to a volatile credit cycle and sector momentum issues but note that the steady inflow of Southbound capital and improving trading activity could signal a potential rebound in Hong Kong stocks.

JPMorgan Raises Dell Price Target Citing Strong AI Server Sales and Dividend Growth

March 2, 2026, 9:30 PM EST. Dell Technologies shares surged 22% after surpassing Q4 expectations and raising guidance, prompting JPMorgan to boost its price target to $165 from $155. The bank maintained an "Overweight" rating, emphasizing Dell's Infrastructure Solutions Group (ISG) as key to its role in the AI-driven compute cycle. Dell reported record AI sales and backlog, including $9 billion in AI server revenue for Q4 and $43 billion in AI server backlog for fiscal 2026. Strong cash flow and a low payout ratio support consistent dividend growth, with a recent 20% dividend increase to $2.52 per share and a new $10 billion share repurchase plan. Analysts expect Dell's AI server revenue to reach $50 billion in fiscal 2027, reinforcing its position in the AI infrastructure market despite broader macroeconomic challenges.

ASX Energy Stocks Edge Higher, Consumer Discretionary Sector Falls Nearly 3%

March 2, 2026, 9:29 PM EST.ASX energy stocks were the sole gainers at midday Tuesday, with minor advances despite a drop in shares of Woodside Energy Group, Santos, and Beach Energy. This came as global oil prices rose on mounting Middle East tensions. Meanwhile, the consumer discretionary sector suffered the largest losses, declining nearly 3%. Shares of Wesfarmers slipped more than 3%, dragging the sector down in a broadly negative market.

Is NVR Stock Undervalued Amid Recent Price Stagnation?

March 2, 2026, 9:28 PM EST. NVR's shares have paused recently, slipping 0.6% over the past week and 2.9% in the last month, with a modest 3.0% return over one year. Despite this, a Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) analysis estimates the stock's intrinsic value at $9,616.17, about 22.9% above its current price near $7,415.75. The DCF model uses projected free cash flows through 2035, factoring moderate growth. This suggests NVR shares may be undervalued relative to future cash flows. However, its valuation score is moderate at 3 out of 6. Investors should consider NVR's position in the competitive US homebuilding and mortgage sectors and weigh this alongside broader housing market trends before deciding. Further analysis on price-to-earnings and growth expectations is warranted.

Resolution Minerals (RML.AX) Jumps 10% Ahead of Earnings Report on March 5

March 2, 2026, 9:16 PM EST. Resolution Minerals Limited (RML.AX), an Adelaide-listed explorer in gold, copper and battery metals, surged 10% to A$0.044 intraday on March 3, 2026. The price move came as investors prepared for the company's earnings release due March 5. Trading volume reached 14.57 million shares, signaling heightened interest. Despite a market cap of about A$50 million and a loss-making status, the stock shows a potential 1-year upside of 119% according to Meyka AI's forecast. Key focus will be on cash runway and exploration updates, particularly drill results from the Alaska 64North project, which could drive speculative investor activity.

DigitalOcean Holdings (DOCN) Valuation Review Amid Recent Price Gains

March 2, 2026, 9:15 PM EST. DigitalOcean Holdings (DOCN) shares rose 3.9% in one day and 5.4% over a month, reflecting strong momentum with a 30.5% gain in 90 days and 44.3% total shareholder return over a year. The stock currently trades at $58.24, above a $50.00 fair value estimate from analyst Nenad, implying it is 16.5% overvalued. However, its price-to-earnings ratio of 20.7x remains below the U.S. IT sector average of 21.3x and peer average of 39.1x, suggesting some valuation room. Growth prospects rest on AI integration and small-to-medium business (SMB) market retention, while risks include rising competition and potential customer churn. Investors face mixed signals between narrative-based and market-based valuations, prompting closer scrutiny of DigitalOcean's future outlook and risks.

5 TSX Stocks for Beginners to Buy and Hold Long-Term

March 2, 2026, 9:14 PM EST.Beginners looking for long-term investments on the TSX should focus on stocks with durable demand, pricing power, and manageable debt. Restaurant Brands (TSX:QSR), owner of Tim Hortons and Burger King, showed 5.3% sales growth and returned about $1.1 billion to shareholders in 2025. Dollarama (TSX:DOL) expanded internationally and posted a 22.2% sales increase in fiscal 2026, though it trades at a high valuation. Energy utilities like Brookfield Renewable Partners (TSX:BEP.UN) and Hydro One (TSX:H) offer stability with steady cash flows and dividends due to regulated operations and growing electrification. Algonquin Power & Utilities (TSX:AQN) also remains a contender amid some uncertainty. These stocks balance growth potential with resilience, suitable for investors holding through market cycles.

Indian Stock Markets Closed for Holi Holiday on March 3, 2026

March 2, 2026, 9:13 PM EST. Indian stock exchanges NSE and BSE will be closed on March 3, 2026, for Holi, although the festival will be celebrated nationwide on March 4. The Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) will trade only in its evening session while the National Commodity & Derivatives Exchange (NCDEX) remains shut all day. Sectoral declines hit financials, auto, and consumer stocks ahead of the holiday, with Nifty plunging 313 points and Sensex dropping 1,048 points. Experts advise caution amid heightened volatility and recommend maintaining light positions. The 2026 trading calendar includes additional holidays for festivals such as Shri Ram Navami, Good Friday, and Diwali Muhurat Trading marked on November 8.

Riot Platforms Q4 Net Loss Widens, Revenue Slightly Misses Estimates

March 2, 2026, 9:04 PM EST. Riot Platforms, Inc. (RIOT) reported a steep quarterly loss of $2.03 per share, far exceeding analyst expectations of a $0.22 loss, marking a significant earnings miss compared to last year's $0.44 EPS. The company posted revenues of $152.83 million, slightly below consensus estimates by 2.88%, though higher than the prior-year's $142.56 million. Despite the loss, Riot's stock has surged about 28.6% year-to-date, outperforming the S&P 500's modest 0.5% gain. Analysts remain cautiously optimistic with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), reflecting favorable earnings estimate revisions before the report. Consensus forecasts predict a loss of $0.20 on $159.1 million revenue next quarter, indicating continued challenges ahead for the financial services firm.

StoneCo Ltd. Surpasses Q4 Earnings Estimates with $0.50 EPS

March 2, 2026, 9:03 PM EST. StoneCo Ltd. (STNE) reported Q4 earnings of $0.50 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.48, marking a 3.46% surprise. This compares to $0.39 per share a year ago. Revenue hit $689.78 million, missing estimates by 3.92%, but up from $617.63 million a year earlier. The company topped earnings estimates three of the last four quarters but has outperformed the S&P 500 with a 13.6% gain year-to-date. StoneCo's earnings outlook remains mixed, reflected in a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), indicating expected performance in line with the market. The Internet – Software industry ranks in the lower 44% according to Zacks. Investors await management commentary and upcoming earnings estimate revisions for further direction.

Lockheed Martin and Palantir Technologies Gain on Rising Defense Spending Amid Middle East Tensions

March 2, 2026, 9:02 PM EST.Lockheed Martin (LMT) and Palantir Technologies (PLTR) stocks surged sharply following U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran. Lockheed Martin, a key supplier of fighter jets like the F-16 and F-35, benefits from increased global demand for defense hardware, with a record $194 billion backlog reported recently. Palantir leverages AI-powered intelligence platforms crucial for NATO and U.S. defense operations, securing over $10 billion in contracts. Lockheed Martin trades at 2 times forward sales and 22 times earnings, below sector averages, and offers a 2% dividend yield. Both companies stand out as direct beneficiaries amid rising geopolitical tensions, highlighting their roles in modern warfare where physical systems and digital infrastructure converge.

BSE and NSE Closed on Holi; Indian Markets React to US-Iran Tensions

March 2, 2026, 9:00 PM EST. The Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and National Stock Exchange (NSE) will be closed on March 3 for the Holi holiday, halting trading in equities, derivatives, and securities lending for the day. Commodity derivatives will trade only in the evening session. Indian equity indices fell over 1% on March 2 amid escalating US-Iran tensions that drove crude oil prices up, impacting investor confidence. Key losers included L&T and Tata Motors, while Bharat Electronics and Sun Pharma gained. Technical analyst Rupak De noted bearish signals in the Nifty, emphasizing crucial support at 24,600 points, warning of a potential deeper market correction if breached. The Indian rupee weakened sharply against the dollar, pressured by rising oil prices and foreign capital outflows, as noted by HDFC analyst Dilip Parmar.

BSE and NSE Closed on March 3 for Holi 2026; MCX and NCDEX Trading Schedules Updated

March 2, 2026, 8:59 PM EST. The Indian stock market will be closed on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, for Holi, with both Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and National Stock Exchange (NSE) not trading. The Multi Commodity Exchange of India (MCX) will pause trading during the morning session, resuming from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., while the National Commodity & Derivatives Exchange (NCDEX) remains closed all day. This marks the third market holiday in March, which also includes closures for Ram Navami and Mahavir Jayanti later in the month. Overall, 2026 features 15 trading holidays. The markets faced a downturn on Monday, March 2, amid geopolitical tensions, with the Nifty 50 and BSE Sensex both falling over 1%. Broader indices like Nifty Midcap 100 and Smallcap 100 also dropped more than 1.5%, reflecting widespread selling pressure.

Australian Shares Fall From Record Highs as Miners Decline Amid Middle East Tensions

March 2, 2026, 8:58 PM EST. Australia's S&P/ASX200 index dropped 0.91% to 9,117.5, retreating from record highs as investors assess the impact of the Middle East conflict on oil prices, inflation, and interest rates. Most sectors declined, notably basic materials down 1.1%, with mining giants BHP, Rio Tinto, and Fortescue slipping as iron ore futures fell below $100 a tonne. Energy stocks held steady, with minor gains despite volatility in crude prices. Reserve Bank Governor Michele Bullock highlighted the complexity of the conflict's economic implications, noting potential inflation pressures and global activity risks. Financials traded cautiously, with major banks near flat and insurers falling over concerns about travel disruptions affecting maritime and airspace-related risks.

DTI Group Limited (DTI.AX) Surges 55.56% on ASX with High-Volume Trade

March 2, 2026, 8:56 PM EST. DTI Group Limited (DTI.AX) rose sharply by 55.56% intraday to A$0.014 on March 3, 2026, driven by increased trading of 110,000 shares. Despite a negative EPS of -0.01 and losses reported in recent earnings, the stock attracted buyer interest amid mixed fundamentals with a price-to-sales ratio of 1.16 and a moderate debt-to-equity ratio of 0.28. Technical indicators suggest short-term overbought conditions, while the Meyka AI rating assigns a B grade and HOLD recommendation. The security, part of the industrials and protection services sector, faces liquidity challenges with below-average volume and extended cash conversion cycles. Investors should weigh the high volatility and sector context before positioning in this small-cap ASX stock.

ECOX Ec Innovation Group Sees Surge in Trading Volume on PNK Market

March 2, 2026, 8:55 PM EST. Eco Innovation Group, Inc. (ECOX) leads small-cap activity on the PNK exchange with 466 million shares traded, roughly 2.2 times its 50-day average. The stock's price fluctuated between $0.0004 and $0.0006 amid heightened volatility key to penny stocks. ECOX has a microcap profile, market cap around $548,140, EPS at -0.28, and strained liquidity ratios. Technical indicators show short-term bullish momentum, though overbought conditions suggest potential pullbacks. A Meyka AI grade of 63.48 (B, Hold) signals caution, with a forecasted price drop over 57%. The company's focus on energy-saving tech in Industrials could drive future catalysts, but current scale and financial health remain challenges for investors.

Great Elm Capital Q4 Earnings Slightly Miss Estimates, Reports Revenue Beat

March 2, 2026, 8:54 PM EST. Great Elm Capital (GECC) reported Q4 earnings of $0.43 per share, slightly below the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.44, marking a -2.27% earnings surprise. Revenues rose to $9.16 million, surpassing estimates by 2.37% and up from $7.33 million a year ago. Despite mixed earnings estimate revisions leading to a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), the company outperformed revenue expectations over the past four quarters. GECC shares have inched up 0.1% year-to-date, underperforming the S&P 500's 6.3% gain. The Financial – Investment Management sector ranks in the top 5% by Zacks Industry Rank, highlighting potential sector strength. Future stock performance will hinge on upcoming earnings outlook revisions and management commentary.

3 Top TSX Stocks Poised for 20%+ Gains by 2026, Experts Say

March 2, 2026, 8:52 PM EST. Canadian investors eye strong buying prospects on the TSX amid lower interest rates and resilient economic conditions. Experts highlight Kinaxis (TSX:KXS) for its AI-driven supply chain tech, forecasting adjusted EBITDA of $153 million in fiscal 2026 and a target price over $200, suggesting significant upside from current levels around $125. Propel Holdings (TSX:PRL) impresses with rapid earnings growth projections from $1.64 to $3.84 per share by 2027 on expanded operations and robust margins, trading at just 5 times forward earnings. Meanwhile, speculative pick EQB Inc. (TSX:EQB), a digital bank with nearly 40% annual revenue growth, may attract risk-tolerant investors despite sector uncertainties. Overall, these firms demonstrate strong fundamentals paired with potential for substantial returns by 2026.

Neo Performance Materials Stock Surges 274%, But Is It Overvalued?

March 2, 2026, 8:51 PM EST. Neo Performance Materials (TSX:NEO) shares have soared 274.6% over the past year, driven by demand in rare earth and advanced materials tied to electrification and electronics markets. Despite this strong rally, valuation analysis shows caution. Simply Wall St's Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model estimates an intrinsic value of $12.94 per share, less than half the recent price near $27.61, implying the stock is overvalued by 113%. The company posted a recent free cash flow loss of $48.42 million, with future positive cash flow projections needed to justify the current price. Investors must weigh enthusiasm for growth sectors against the stock's stretched valuation, especially given a low 2/6 undervaluation score on Simply Wall St's checks.

XPeng Shares Appear Undervalued After Recent Pullback, DCF Model Shows

March 2, 2026, 8:50 PM EST. XPeng (NYSE:XPEV) has seen its share price drop 16.1% over the past year amid mixed investor sentiment in the electric vehicle sector. Despite this, a Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) valuation estimates an intrinsic value of $26.55 per share, about 36% above the current price of $16.99, suggesting undervaluation. The company currently incurs negative free cash flow but is forecasted to generate positive cash flow by 2027. XPeng scores moderately on valuation metrics, indicating potential buying interest amid broader market caution. Investors should watch how developments in profitability and sector conditions shape future returns.

SGX Opens Higher on Bargain Hunting Despite Middle East Tensions

March 2, 2026, 8:49 PM EST. The Singapore stock market rebounded on Tuesday, with the Straits Times Index (STI) rising 1.11% to 4,944.94, driven by bargain hunting after Monday's sharp 2.09% decline amid geopolitical tensions. Key gainers included UMS, which surged 8%, and financial and industrial stocks like DBS and ST Engineering. Global uncertainty spiked after U.S. and Israeli strikes in Iran, pushing oil prices up over 6%, impacting energy sectors positively but pressuring airlines and travel stocks. U.S. markets opened mixed while European and Asian indices showed declines. Investors gravitated towards strong financial and defensive sectors in Singapore, stabilizing sentiment. Early derivatives trading indicated moderate participation in a cautious environment.

Wheat Futures Decline as Export Shipments Drop and Weather Forecasts Vary

March 2, 2026, 8:47 PM EST. Wheat futures in Chicago, Kansas City, and Minneapolis all declined on Monday, with Chicago SRW down up to 17 cents and KC HRW futures falling around 5 to 6 cents. The market faced pressure despite stronger recent gains. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's latest report showed wheat export shipments at 344,272 metric tons, a 38.9% decrease from the previous week and down nearly 12% year-over-year. Saudi Arabia's purchase of 794,000 MT in a weekend tender offered some support. Weather forecasts predict below half an inch of precipitation in western Kansas and the Oklahoma-Texas panhandles, with increased moisture expected in eastern Plains regions. Marketing year exports are 18.82% higher than last year, providing a mixed outlook for the wheat market.

Live Cattle Futures Gain as Monday Closes with Stronger Prices

March 2, 2026, 8:46 PM EST.Live cattle futures rose 30 to 90 cents on Monday, showing strength late in the session. Southern cash cattle traded at $244, while Northern sales ranged $239 to $243. Feeder cattle futures rebounded, closing $1.85 to $2.30 higher despite early losses. The CME Feeder Cattle Index decreased 97 cents to $371.82 on Feb. 27. Oklahoma City feeder cattle auction reported lower prices for steers and heifers. Wholesale boxed beef prices increased, with Choice boxes up $1.50 to $381.34 and Select boxes $3.90 higher at $378.21. USDA estimated Monday's federally inspected cattle slaughter at 102,000 head, slightly under last week and year. The market shows mixed signals amid fluctuating auction results and strong futures activity.

Corn Futures Slip as Export Shipments Dip and Brazil Harvest Lags

March 2, 2026, 8:45 PM EST. Corn futures edged down Monday with nearby contracts dropping 5 1/2 cents, while new crop contracts rose slightly. Export inspections showed shipments fell 8% from last week but remain 37% higher year-on-year, led by Mexico, South Korea, and Japan. U.S. corn used for ethanol production declined 1.49% from last year, missing estimates. Brazil's first crop harvest is 36% complete, slower than last year's pace, with the second crop planting also behind schedule. Market estimates for Brazil's corn crop vary between 136 million and 141.7 million metric tons. March and May corn contracts both closed lower, reflecting cautious market sentiment amid these mixed supply signals.

Soybean Prices Slip Amid Geopolitical Tensions and Strong Export Demand

March 2, 2026, 8:44 PM EST. Soybean futures dropped 5 to 8 cents on Monday, with new crop contracts slightly higher. The national average cash bean price edged down 2 cents to $10.91 1/4. Soymeal futures fell as much as $7.60, while soy oil gained on crude oil's $4.01 jump following U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran. China's condemnation of the strikes heightened market uncertainty ahead of a key meeting. Export inspections showed shipments soared 66.9% from the prior week, with China importing the largest volume. Brazilian harvest progress lags last year, prompting output forecasts cuts by AgRural and StoneX. January crush volumes exceeded estimates, though soybean oil stocks rose 11.7%, signaling ample supply. March soybean futures ended at $11.50, down 7 1/4 cents.

Lean Hog Futures Slip as USDA Reports Higher Pork Prices and Slaughter Rates

March 2, 2026, 8:43 PM EST. Lean hog futures edged lower Monday, with contracts ending steady to 15 cents down. The USDA's national base hog price rose to $91.87, up $1.49 from the previous day, while the pork carcass cutout value increased 73 cents to $98.50 per hundredweight, supported by strong demand despite a slight decline in ham primal prices. The CME Lean Hog Index climbed 32 cents to $89.44 on Feb 26. Federally inspected hog slaughter was estimated at 482,000 head, slightly higher than last week but below last year. April, May, and June hog contracts all closed with modest losses, reflecting cautious market sentiment amid fluctuating supply data.

Cotton Futures Decline Amid Geopolitical Tensions and Market Factors

March 2, 2026, 8:42 PM EST. Cotton futures fell sharply on Monday, with front-month contracts losing 90 to 102 points. The decline followed US/Israel strikes on Iran, which caused crude oil prices to surge by $4.01 but later retreat slightly. The US dollar index rose 0.94 points to 98.505, adding pressure to cotton prices. China's condemnation of the strikes added uncertainty to the market. Reports showed 3,011 bales sold on The Seam at an average of 62.83 cents per pound, while the Cotlook A Index dropped 80 points to 75.65 cents. ICE-certified cotton stocks increased by 6,721 bales to 126,178. The USDA's Adjusted World Price rose by 1.79 cents to 51.84 cents per pound last week, reflecting mixed signals in cotton supply and demand.

Markets React to U.S.-Iran Conflict, AI Investments Boost Tech Stocks

March 2, 2026, 8:39 PM EST. Monday's markets showed resilience despite U.S.-Israel air strikes on Iran, signaling a major geopolitical shift. The attacks, aimed at ending Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's rule, had been anticipated by investors, reflected in recent gains in the United States Oil Fund ETF and defense stocks like Red Cat Holdings. The military operation's early success with minimal U.S. casualties has tempered immediate fears. Meanwhile, AI remains a key growth driver; NVIDIA's $4 billion investments in Lumentum and Coherent helped lift optics companies critical for AI data flow. Beaten-down sectors like Bitcoin and software stocks rebounded, with the iShares Software ETF nearing a significant long-term moving average. Geopolitical unrest created cautious but opportunistic market conditions.

Tidewater Q4 Earnings Miss Estimates Despite Revenue Beat

March 2, 2026, 8:38 PM EST. Tidewater (TDW) reported Q4 earnings of $0.33 per share, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.65, marking a 49.23% earnings surprise miss. This compares to $0.70 EPS a year ago. Revenue of $336.8 million beat estimates by 5.17% but fell slightly from last year's $345.08 million. The offshore energy services provider outperformed the S&P 500 this year, with shares rising 57.2%. Despite recent revenue beats, mixed earnings estimate revisions ahead of the report have Tidewater's Zacks Rank at #3 (Hold), indicating a likely performance in line with the market. Future stock direction hinges on management's commentary and evolving earnings outlooks for the coming quarters. The Oil and Gas – Integrated sector's outlook will also weigh heavily on the stock's trajectory.

SEMrush Holdings Q4 Earnings Beat Estimates, Revenue Slightly Below Forecast

March 2, 2026, 8:37 PM EST. SEMrush Holdings, Inc. (SEMR) reported Q4 earnings of $0.10 per share, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.09, marking an 11.11% earnings surprise. Revenue stood at $117.66 million, narrowly missing estimates by 0.69% but up from $102.64 million a year earlier. The company has exceeded earnings estimates only once in the past four quarters. Shares have declined 0.6% year-to-date, underperforming the S&P 500's 0.5% gain. SEMrush's Zacks Rank is a Hold (#3), reflecting mixed earnings estimate revisions before the report. The Internet – Software sector ranks in the bottom 44% of Zacks industries, potentially influencing the stock's outlook. The consensus forecast for the next quarter is $0.09 EPS on $120.33 million revenue.

Tom Lee Says February Stock Market Fall Not Bear Market, Predicts March Rebound

March 2, 2026, 8:33 PM EST. Tom Lee, head of research at Fundstrat Global Advisors, said the U.S. stock market's roughly 1% drop in February does not qualify as a bear market, typically defined as a 20% decline. He attributed investor jitters primarily to uncertainties in the artificial intelligence sector, not economic fundamentals. Lee noted the ongoing acceleration of AI development, with the U.S. and China leading innovation. Despite pessimism fueled by economic downturn speculation, Lee sees no clear signs of slowdown and predicts a better March. In crypto, Bitmine Immersion Technologies, chaired by Lee, boosted Ethereum holdings by 51,000 ETH to 4.47 million, describing the current phase as a 'mini crypto winter' but reaffirming a steady capital management strategy. Bitmine plans to launch its 'Made-in-America Validator Network' staking platform in early 2026.

MarketSmith India Stock Recommendations for March 3 Highlight Weak Nifty Trends

March 2, 2026, 8:31 PM EST.Nifty index remains below its 200-day moving average (200-DMA), signaling continued medium-term weakness. The recent drop below the 25,000 level marks rising selling pressure and negative market sentiment. A persistent break under the Budget Day low of 24,570 suggests further decline towards 24,300, with 24,000 as a critical downside target. On the upside, the 25,300-25,500 range may act as a key resistance zone, limiting recovery efforts due to past price congestion and overhead supply. Investors should monitor these thresholds closely amid an uncertain trading environment.

NVIDIA Stock Gains 3.04% on Monday Amid Mixed Technical Signals

March 2, 2026, 8:30 PM EST. NVIDIA shares climbed 3.04% to $182.48 on Monday, showing strong short-term momentum with seven gains in the last 10 days, despite a slight overall decline of 0.16%. Trading volume dipped by 101 million shares to 206 million, signaling a potential divergence that investors should watch closely. Technical indicators are mixed: short and long-term moving averages emit sell signals, with resistance at $187.75 and $185.90. However, a recent pivot bottom buy signal supports further upside potential. Analysts project a 3.07% price rise over the next three months, targeting a range of $182.64 to $201.87. The stock was recently upgraded from Hold to Buy, but medium volatility and volume divergence suggest cautious monitoring in the near term.

Oracle (ORCL) Outperforms S&P 500 with Anticipated Earnings Growth

March 2, 2026, 8:19 PM EST. Oracle (ORCL) closed at $149.25, up 2.65%, surpassing the S&P 500's 0.04% gain. Previously, Oracle shares had declined 11.65%, underperforming the broader market and its sector. Investors await Oracle's earnings report, expected to show a 15.65% rise in earnings per share (EPS) to $1.7 and a 19.54% revenue increase to $16.89 billion. Full-year estimates highlight 23.55% EPS growth and 16.63% revenue growth. Oracle trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 19.51, above its industry's 17.17 average, with a PEG ratio near 1.03, suggesting value adjustments factoring expected growth. The company's Zacks Rank is Hold (#3), reflecting minor downward EPS estimate revisions. Oracle operates within a strong-performing sector ranked in the top third among 250 industries.

CFI.PA Shares Surge 20.31% Pre-market on EURONEXT Amid Low Volume

March 2, 2026, 8:18 PM EST. CFI.PA stock jumped 20.31% pre-market to €1.54 on 03 Mar 2026 on EURONEXT, from a previous close of €1.28. Volume remains low at 221 shares versus a 50-day average of 424, signaling a need for volume confirmation before declaring a breakout. The company, operating in the Real Estate sector, shows weak fundamentals with negative earnings per share (EPS -€0.07) and a trailing PE of -22.00. Technical momentum is neutral; Meyka AI assigns a Hold rating with a score of 62.26. Despite liquidity stress, a forecast projects a yearly price target of €2.50, suggesting upside potential if volume and price momentum improve during regular trading hours.

Caterpillar (CAT.SW) Stock Surges 12.22% Pre-Market on Earnings Outlook

March 2, 2026, 8:17 PM EST. CAT.SW shares jumped 12.22% to CHF 557.28 in early trading on the SIX Swiss Exchange, driven by aggressive buying and positioning ahead of Caterpillar's next earnings report due April 30. The stock trades at a premium with a P/E of 39.05 versus the Industrials sector average of 28.71, supported by strong cash flow and a 45.15% return on equity (ROE). Technical indicators indicate a strong upward momentum but warn of potential reversion risks. Meyka AI assigns a BUY rating with a quarterly price target implying an 8.44% upside. Risks include high valuation, cyclical demand, and macroeconomic slowdown concerns. Caterpillar outperformed its Industrials peers, reflecting optimism around continued infrastructure and mining equipment demand.

Eternal Ltd (ETERNAL.NS) Pre-Market Drops to INR 242.87 on High Volume, Oversold Signals

March 2, 2026, 8:16 PM EST. Eternal Ltd (ETERNAL.NS) trades down 1.39% at INR 242.87 in NSE pre-market on March 3, 2026, amid heavy volume of 73.39 million shares, surpassing the average 43.75 million. The stock shows short-term weakness, far below its 50-day and 200-day averages. Technical indicators highlight oversold conditions, with an RSI of 29.53 and negative MACD, suggesting possible price exhaustion but no confirmed reversal. High turnover indicates active trading ahead of the April 30 earnings report. Despite modest profitability and conservative leverage, the stock's valuation remains stretched with a PE ratio of 971.48. Meyka AI's forecast grades it a HOLD with a 63.32 score, projecting potential rebounds to INR 260.78 monthly and INR 284.24 quarterly.

ALLFG.AS Allfunds Q4 Earnings Preview: Trading at EUR 8.39 Ahead of Report

March 2, 2026, 8:15 PM EST. The ALLFG.AS stock of Allfunds Group trades at EUR 8.39 pre-market on EURONEXT ahead of its Q4 earnings report due March 3, 2026. Investors will focus on net revenue, SaaS trends, and client flows through the Allfunds Connect platform. Despite negative earnings per share (-0.26) and a trailing P/E of -32.27 reflecting losses, strong cash flow and a cash per share of EUR 6.04 provide important context. Meyka AI assigns a Hold rating with a potential 10.32% upside over 12 months. Technicals show short-term overbought signals, with RSI at 65.54 and price above key moving averages. Risks include profitability pressures and fund flow volatility, balanced by potential SaaS revenue growth and recurring income improvements.

Texas Stock Exchange Launches National Campaign Challenging Wall Street Listing Duopoly

March 2, 2026, 8:14 PM EST. The Texas Stock Exchange (TXSE), headquartered in Dallas, has launched a bold national campaign positioning itself as the "real bull market." The campaign features a commercial depicting a Texas longhorn triumphing over Wall Street's iconic bull statue, symbolizing TXSE's challenge to New York's dominance in corporate listings. Backed by $275 million from major global financial institutions, TXSE aims to foster competition, reduce listing costs, and enhance transparency in U.S. capital markets. Founder and CEO James H. Lee emphasized that 2026 will mark when companies can declare independence from the New York listing duopoly. The exchange plans to begin trading later this year, reflecting Texas's growing influence in American financial markets.

Australian Shares Fall as Middle East Tensions Fuel Inflation Concerns

March 2, 2026, 8:13 PM EST. Australian shares slipped 0.6% to 9,148, retreating from a record high amid escalating Middle East tensions raising inflation fears. Reserve Bank of Australia Governor Michele Bullock warned an oil price shock linked to Iran tensions could reignite domestic price pressures. The central bank raised the cash rate by 25 basis points to 3.85%, its first hike since November 2023, responding to renewed cost pressures. Energy stocks showed mixed performance: Woodside Energy and Santos declined, while Ampol, Whitehaven Coal, and Viva Energy gained. Gold miners Newmont Corporation, Northern Star Resources, and Evolution Mining dropped between 3.6% and 4.2%, reflecting broader market caution.

Blink Charging (BLNK) Surpasses Market Gains Amid Mixed Earnings Outlook

March 2, 2026, 7:47 PM EST. Blink Charging (BLNK) closed at $0.67, up 1.48%, outperforming the S&P 500's 0.04% gain. Despite a 6.87% loss over the past month, it fared better than the Computer and Technology sector's 5.15% drop. The company is set to report earnings of -$0.09 per share, a 40% improvement year-over-year, alongside projected revenue of $28.76 million, down 4.71%. Full-year estimates predict earnings of -$0.65 per share and revenue of $105.21 million, declines of 6.56% and 16.63%, respectively. Blink holds a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), with stagnant consensus EPS forecasts over 30 days. Its industry ranks in the top 10%, signaling relative strength within the Computer and Technology sector. Investors eye upcoming earnings for clearer direction.

Dollar General Stock Dips Despite Market Gains Ahead of Earnings

March 2, 2026, 7:46 PM EST. Dollar General (DG) shares fell 0.4% to $100.98, underperforming the S&P 500's 2.05% rise. The discount retailer has gained 9.66% over the past month, beating sector and market averages. Investors await its June 3 earnings report, which forecasts a 10.91% drop in earnings per share (EPS) to $1.47 but a 3.69% rise in revenue to $10.28 billion. Full-year estimates point to a 5.74% EPS decline and 3.78% revenue growth. DG holds a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold) with a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 18.17, below the industry average of 21.44, indicating relative undervaluation. The Retail – Discount Stores sector ranks in the lower 40% of Zacks Industry Rankings, reflecting mixed outlooks for the group.

BigBear.ai Q4 Reports Narrower Loss, Misses Revenue Expectations

March 2, 2026, 7:45 PM EST. BigBear.ai Holdings, Inc. (BBAI) reported a fourth-quarter loss of $0.04 per share, narrower than the expected loss of $0.05 and down from $0.14 a year ago, representing a 20% earnings surprise. However, the company missed revenue estimates with $43.83 million, falling 19.09% short of consensus. Despite revenue misses over the past four quarters, the company beat earnings estimates three times during that span. Shares have gained 7.9% year-to-date versus the S&P 500's 0.7% decline. Analysts assign a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) due to mixed earnings estimate revisions and expect shares to perform in line with the market. Industry-wise, BigBear.ai competes in the Computers – IT Services sector, ranked in the top 22% by Zacks Research.

Jabil (JBL) Stock Falls Amid Market Gains, Sets Focus on Upcoming Earnings

March 2, 2026, 7:44 PM EST. Jabil (JBL) shares slipped 0.47% to $135.19, underperforming the S&P 500's 0.25% gain. The electronics manufacturer has outpaced its sector with a 6.39% monthly rise. Investors await its earnings report, where EPS is projected at $2.04-a 21.54% drop from last year-and revenue forecast at $6.6 billion, down 21.29%. Full-year estimates foresee slight EPS growth of 1.77% but a 6.48% revenue decline. Jabil holds a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) amid stable near-term earnings estimates. Its forward P/E ratio of 15.73 suggests a valuation discount to the industry average of 18.95. The stock's PEG ratio at 1.45 exceeds the industry average, indicating moderate growth expectations. The Computer and Technology sector, including Electronics Manufacturing Services, ranks in the top 5% by Zacks Industry Rank.

Helios Technologies Q4 Earnings and Revenues Beat Estimates, Shares Rise

March 2, 2026, 7:43 PM EST. Helios Technologies (HLIO) reported Q4 earnings of $0.81 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.71 and surpassing last year's $0.33. The company posted revenues of $210.7 million, beating estimates by 6.66% and up from $179.5 million a year ago. This marks the fourth consecutive quarter of surpassing earnings and revenue expectations. Shares have gained about 33.3% year-to-date, outperforming the S&P 500's 0.5% rise. The stock holds a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) due to positive earnings estimate revisions. Consensus EPS for next quarter stands at $0.62 on $204.8 million revenues, with $2.72 EPS on $835.51 million revenues forecasted for the fiscal year. Investors will watch upcoming estimate revisions and industry outlook for further guidance.

Cathedral Energy (CET.TO) Surges on Heavy Volume Near 52-Week High, Watch Flows

March 2, 2026, 7:42 PM EST. Cathedral Energy Services (CET.TO) led TSX high-volume movers, closing at C$6.30 on 283,250 shares, nearly 4.7 times average volume. The surge pushed shares close to the 52-week high of C$6.90 amid increased interest in directional drilling services within the Energy sector. Valuation reflects potential upside; CET.TO trades at a trailing price-to-earnings ratio of 11.67, well below sector average 22.47. Financials show manageable leverage and a free cash flow yield around 7%, supporting stock strength. Meyka AI grades CET.TO a HOLD with a one-year target of C$5.41, implying downside risk. Technically, shares trade above key moving averages, but traders should monitor volume sustainability and intraday price acceptance to gauge trend durability.

Ulta Beauty Shares Dip Amid Sector Underperformance Ahead of Earnings

March 2, 2026, 7:20 PM EST. Ulta Beauty (ULTA) stock fell 1.23% to $380.54, underperforming the S&P 500's 0.1% rise. The beauty retailer has gained 3.96% over the past month, trailing the Retail-Wholesale sector's 5.33% climb. Investors await Ulta's earnings report on Dec. 5, expecting a 12.23% drop in earnings per share to $4.45 and a 0.28% decline in quarterly revenue to $2.48 billion. Full-year earnings and revenue projections also indicate declines. The stock trades at a forward P/E of 16.7, above the industry average of 13.57, with a PEG ratio matching the industry at 2.21. Ulta holds a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold), reflecting cautious analyst sentiment amid a weaker industry rank. Market watchers will track analyst revisions and earnings for clues on the retailer's near-term prospects.

Nike (NKE) Stock Dips Despite Market Gains Ahead of Earnings

March 2, 2026, 7:19 PM EST. Nike's (NKE) stock fell slightly by 0.14% to $95.87, underperforming the S&P 500's 0.27% rise. Despite the dip, Nike surged 3.54% over the past month, outpacing both the Consumer Discretionary sector and broader market. Investors await Nike's earnings report on June 27, 2024, with EPS expected to jump 30.3% year-over-year to $0.86 and revenue projected at $12.91 billion. Nike holds a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), reflecting stable analyst optimism amid no recent changes in estimates. The stock trades at a forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 24.3, above its industry average of 16.83, while its PEG ratio aligns closely with sector norms. The Shoes and Retail Apparel industry ranks in the top 10% among 250+ industries, signaling strong sector performance.

Accenture Stock Slides 1.34% Despite Market Gains Ahead of Earnings

March 2, 2026, 7:18 PM EST. Shares of Accenture (ACN) fell 1.34% to $205.93, underperforming the S&P 500's modest 0.04% rise. Over the past month, Accenture's stock is down 20.83%, lagging the Computer and Technology sector's 5.15% loss. Investors focus on the company's upcoming March 19, 2026 earnings release, with expected EPS of $2.87, a 1.77% increase year-over-year, and projected revenue growth of 6.51% to $17.74 billion. The Zacks Consensus full-year forecast anticipates earnings of $13.87 per share and $73.9 billion in revenue, up 7.27% and 6.06%, respectively. Accenture holds a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) and trades at a forward P/E of 15.05, above the industry average of 12.75, with a PEG ratio of 2.01, signaling valuation relative to growth prospects. The Computers – IT Services industry ranks in the top third by Zacks Industry Rank, indicating sector strength.

Kinder Morgan Surges Ahead of Market with Strong Earnings Prospects

March 2, 2026, 7:17 PM EST. Kinder Morgan (KMI) shares climbed 1.93% to close at $28.54, outperforming the S&P 500's 0.53% gain. Over the past month, KMI surged 13.04%, surpassing its sector's 3.73% rise and the broader S&P 500's 1.02% advance. The oil and gas pipeline company is set to report earnings per share (EPS) of $0.33, a 17.86% increase year-over-year, though revenue is projected to dip 1.7% to $3.97 billion. Annual forecasts show a 9.35% EPS growth to $1.17 and a slight 1.17% revenue decline at $15.15 billion. Despite a recent 1.12% downward revision in EPS estimates, KMI holds a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold). Trading at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 23.85, higher than the industry average of 17.31, the stock reflects premium valuation amid moderate earnings growth expectations. Investors watch closely for upcoming earnings and analyst revisions.

Abbott (ABT) Stock Dips Amid Market Gains Ahead of Earnings

March 2, 2026, 7:16 PM EST. Abbott (ABT) shares fell 1.18% to $114.14, underperforming the S&P 500's 0.82% rise in the latest session. The medical products company's stock has declined 0.81% over the past month, lagging both the Medical sector loss of 4.06% and the S&P 500's 0.8% gain. Market focus is on Abbott's upcoming earnings with expected EPS growth of 12.61% to $1.34 per share and revenue rise of 7.71% to $11.03 billion. The stock trades at a forward P/E of 24.73, below the industry average of 26.18, but carries a PEG ratio of 2.72 versus industry's 2.44. Abbott holds a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), reflecting neutral analyst sentiment amid a Medical – Products industry rank placing it in the bottom 49%. Investors await earnings results amid cautious outlook.

Lithium Americas Corp. (LAC) Outperforms Market; What Investors Should Watch

March 2, 2026, 7:15 PM EST. Lithium Americas Corp. (LAC) closed at $3.07, up 1.66%, outperforming the S&P 500's 0.44% gain. The stock has surged 29.06% over the past month, well above the Basic Materials sector's 11.11% increase. LAC's upcoming earnings per share (EPS) is expected to remain steady at -$0.04 year-over-year, with the company holding a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold). Analysts have lowered consensus EPS estimates by 2.89% recently, signaling cautious sentiment. The Mining – Miscellaneous industry, where LAC operates, ranks in the lower 41% among over 250 industries. Investors should monitor earnings and analyst revisions closely as these metrics often influence near-term stock performance.

Texas Instruments (TXN) Stock Declines Amid Broad Market Gains Ahead of Earnings

March 2, 2026, 7:14 PM EST. Texas Instruments (TXN) shares fell 2.41% to close at $178.20, lagging behind the S&P 500's 0.47% gain. Over the past month, TXN dropped 6.15%, underperforming the Computer and Technology sector's 3.88% rise. Analysts expect TXN to report earnings of $1.48 per share for the upcoming quarter, a modest 0.68% increase year-over-year, with revenues projected to grow nearly 12% to $4.64 billion. The stock trades at a forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 32.61, lower than the industry average of 38.67, and holds a PEG ratio of 2.98 versus the industry average of 3.62, suggesting a relative valuation discount considering earnings growth. TXN retains a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold), reflecting cautious analyst sentiment as the semiconductor sector maintains a strong industry ranking.

Pluxee (ENXTPA:PLX) Seen Undervalued After 48.7% Yearly Share Slide

March 2, 2026, 7:13 PM EST. Shares of Pluxee have plunged 48.7% over the past year, igniting debate over whether the stock is a value trap or a buying opportunity. The current price stands at €11.03, down 15.5% year-to-date amid sector-wide pressures in diversified financials. Using the Excess Returns model-which measures profit above the cost of equity-Pluxee's intrinsic value is estimated at €28.98 per share, implying a steep 61.9% undervaluation. The model factors in Pluxee's 40.54% average return on equity against a cost of equity of €0.36 per share, signaling the company's ability to generate returns beyond investor expectations. Investors eyeing the stock should consider Pluxee's strong excess returns and lower share price as a potential entry point amid ongoing market uncertainties.

Unity Software Shares Fall 57% YTD: Undervalued Opportunity?

March 2, 2026, 7:12 PM EST. Unity Software's stock has dropped 57.4% year to date, closing recently at $18.87. Despite the decline, the company's Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model suggests the stock is 64.5% undervalued, with a fair value estimate of $53.15 per share. The DCF valuation considers projected free cash flows up to 2030, forecasting significant growth from current levels. Unity's Price-to-Sales (P/S) ratio stands at 4.42x, reflecting market growth expectations and associated risks. Investors are reassessing Unity's position in real-time 3D content and its applications in gaming and beyond. This mixed valuation profile indicates potential upside but warrants cautious evaluation amid ongoing market uncertainties.

Nasdaq Seeks SEC Approval for Outcome-Based Options Amid Prediction Market Surge

March 2, 2026, 7:09 PM EST. Nasdaq has filed with the U.S. SEC to launch "outcome-related options," a form of binary options tied to the Nasdaq-100 Index and its Micro version. These contracts allow traders to wager yes-or-no on whether the index will hit certain levels by set dates. Priced between $0.01 and $1, they pay out if the event occurs, otherwise becoming worthless. This move taps into the growing popularity of prediction markets, which have gained mainstream attention and partnerships with outlets like CNN and the Associated Press. Despite their rise, such markets face concerns around insider trading, with platforms like Polymarket even encouraging expert participation to improve accuracy.

Wall Street Futures Dip Amid Middle East Conflict and Market Uncertainty

March 2, 2026, 7:08 PM EST. US stock futures fell Monday as investors digested the impact of escalating conflict in the Middle East. S&P 500, Nasdaq 100, and Dow Jones futures slipped about 0.2% to 0.3%. Earlier gains in defense and energy shares, including Lockheed Martin and Nvidia, helped offset losses. Oil prices surged due to fears the conflict could disrupt critical supply routes like the Strait of Hormuz, which Reuters reported as closed. The conflict, now in its third day after US-Israeli strikes killed Iran's Supreme Leader, has raised concerns over prolonged economic effects. President Trump suggested the war might last weeks, heightening market unease. Investors also await major retail earnings reports from Target and Costco later this week, aiming for clues on consumer resilience amid geopolitical tensions.

TSX Rises with Oil Prices; U.S. Markets Mixed After Iran Strike

March 2, 2026, 7:00 PM EST. The S&P/TSX composite index climbed 201.28 points to 34,541.27, supported by a US$4.21 rise in April crude oil to US$71.23 per barrel following the Iran strike. Canadian uranium miner Cameco surged 10.5% after a deal to supply 9.9 million kg of uranium to India over nine years. In the U.S., markets opened lower due to geopolitical fears but rebounded, with the S&P 500 closing marginally up at 6,881.62. Oil stocks Exxon Mobil and Marathon Petroleum gained 1.1% and 5.9%, respectively. Defence contractors Northrop Grumman and RTX rose over 4%, while Big Tech's Nvidia jumped 2.9%. Airlines including Air Canada and American Airlines plunged amid concerns over rising fuel costs and regional disruptions. The Canadian dollar weakened slightly to 73.06 US cents, and gold futures advanced by US$63.70 to US$5,311.60 an ounce.

Quanterix Q4 Earnings Miss Estimates but Revenue Beats Forecasts

March 2, 2026, 6:59 PM EST. Quanterix Corporation (QTRX) reported a fourth-quarter loss of $0.38 per share, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a $0.27 loss. The loss widened from $0.30 per share a year ago. Despite the profit miss, revenue rose to $43.86 million, beating estimates by 14.71% and up from $35.16 million last year. The company has surpassed revenue expectations in three of the past four quarters but has only beaten earnings estimates once in that period. Quanterix shares have gained about 3% year-to-date, outperforming the S&P 500's 0.5%. The stock holds a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), suggesting it will perform in line with the market, with industry outlook remaining cautious as Medical – Products ranks in the bottom 43% of Zacks' 250 industries.

Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.B) Stock Valuation Seen Modestly Undervalued After Steady Performance

March 2, 2026, 6:58 PM EST. Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.B) closed at $504.95, showing steady recent share price moves including a 5.1% gain over one month but a slight decline over three months. The company boasts a strong 5-year total shareholder return of 99.5%, highlighting substantial long-term value creation. Analysts estimate a fair value of $541.90, indicating the stock may be modestly undervalued by the market. However, challenges include potential risks to Berkshire's insurance operations and investment portfolio returns. The conglomerate's unique business mix complicates valuation, described as a "Mutual Fund wrapped in a Railroad wrapped in an Insurance company." Investors are advised to consider both the rewards and warning signs noted in recent analysis before deciding.

Credo Technology Group (CRDO) Q3 Earnings Beat Estimates on Strong Revenue Growth

March 2, 2026, 6:57 PM EST. Credo Technology Group Holding Ltd. (CRDO) reported Q3 earnings of $1.07 per share, surpassing the consensus estimate of $0.96 and marking an 11.46% earnings surprise. This compares to $0.25 per share a year ago. Revenues rose sharply to $407.01 million, beating expectations by 4.52%. The semiconductor company has exceeded earnings and revenue forecasts in the past four quarters. Despite this, CRDO shares have dropped 22% year-to-date, lagging the S&P 500's 0.5% gain. The stock holds a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), suggesting potential near-term outperformance based on favorable earnings estimate revisions. Consensus projections for the next quarter indicate EPS of $0.98 and revenues of $408.83 million, with a fiscal year outlook of $3.16 per share on $1.3 billion in revenues. Industry conditions may influence future stock performance.

Gaiam Q4 Loss Beats Revenue Estimates with Mixed Earnings Outlook

March 2, 2026, 6:56 PM EST. Gaiam (GAIA) reported a fourth-quarter loss of 2 cents per share, slightly worse than the expected 1 cent loss, but beat revenue estimates with $25.5 million, up from $24.43 million last year. The lifestyle media company's earnings per share (EPS) surprised negatively at -100%, delivering a loss rather than an expected smaller loss. Gaiam's shares have fallen 6.6% year-to-date, underperforming the S&P 500. The future stock performance hinges on management's earnings call and revisions to earnings estimates. Currently, Gaiam holds a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), suggesting performance in line with the market. The Broadcast Radio and Television industry ranks in the top 36% among Zacks industries, signaling moderate sector strength. Investors await updates on Q1 and fiscal year EPS and revenue forecasts, highlighting ongoing uncertainty in Gaiam's near-term outlook.

S&P 500 Futures Edged Lower Amid U.S.-Iran Conflict; Defense Stocks Rally

March 2, 2026, 6:55 PM EST. S&P 500 futures dropped nearly 0.2% Monday as traders reacted to escalating U.S.-Iran tensions marked by recent military strikes and Iran's threats to close the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil transit route. The Nasdaq 100 futures also declined 0.2% and Dow futures fell 0.1%. Despite initial market jitters, the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite closed higher in the prior session, buoyed by defense and energy stock rallies-Northrop Grumman and Palantir rose 6% and 5.8% respectively, Nvidia gained about 3%. Analysts suggest markets had priced in conflict risks ahead, limiting declines. Crude oil surged on fears of supply disruption, feeding inflation concerns. Investors await earnings from CrowdStrike, Target, Broadcom, and Costco amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainty.

Netflix Shares Rise After Ending Warner Bros. Acquisition Pursuit Amid Analyst Upgrades

March 2, 2026, 6:54 PM EST. Netflix (NASDAQ:NFLX) shares gained 0.88% to $97.09 on Monday following the company's decision to abandon a potential acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. Trading volume surged 53% above the three-month average. Analysts from JPMorgan and Barclays resumed coverage with positive ratings, highlighting Netflix's strong content, advertising tier growth, and a forecasted path to $11 billion in free cash flow by 2026. The move signals Netflix's focus on organic growth and operating leverage instead of acquiring competitors. Meanwhile, the S&P 500 inched up 0.02% and the Nasdaq Composite rose 0.36%. Rivals Disney and Amazon saw declines, as investors ponder the evolving streaming landscape and advertising strategies. Netflix's strategic shift and analyst endorsements underscore its evolving financial discipline and monetization efforts.

2 Top TSX Stocks Under $20 to Buy Now: Whitecap Resources and Lightspeed Commerce

March 2, 2026, 6:45 PM EST. Discover two standout Canadian stocks trading under $20 on the TSX market: Whitecap Resources Ltd. and Lightspeed Commerce Inc. Whitecap Resources, a $16.5 billion oil and gas producer, offers a strong financial position and a 5.4% annualized dividend yield with shares at $13.59. Meanwhile, tech firm Lightspeed Commerce, at $12.81 per share and a $1.8 billion market cap, delivers robust growth by leveraging artificial intelligence and reporting significant revenue and profit increases. Both stocks present compelling opportunities for investors looking to maximize the tax-free benefits of a Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) and build long-term wealth through disciplined investing.

3 Undervalued TSX Stocks to Watch for Strong Returns in 2026

March 2, 2026, 6:44 PM EST. Investors seeking value on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) should consider goeasy (TSX:GSY) and Canadian Apartment Properties REIT (TSX:CAR.UN), two quality companies currently trading below their intrinsic worth. goeasy, a specialty finance firm serving overlooked consumer segments, trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 5.6, significantly below its five-year average of 10.1, reflecting market concerns about credit risk. Despite this, its consistent loan portfolio growth and disciplined underwriting mark it as a potential rebound candidate. CAPREIT, a leading residential landlord with diversified holdings across Canada's major markets, benefits from residential real estate's defensive nature, offering promising upside in a cautious economic environment. Both represent undervalued TSX equities that could outperform in 2026 as economic headwinds ease.

Asana Beats Q4 Earnings and Revenue Estimates, Shares Down YTD

March 2, 2026, 6:43 PM EST. Asana, Inc. (ASAN) reported Q4 earnings of $0.08 per share, surpassing the Zacks estimate of $0.07, marking a 10.35% earnings surprise. Revenues rose to $205.57 million, slightly above the consensus. Despite beating estimates, Asana shares have declined about 48.2% year-to-date versus the S&P 500's 0.5% gain. The company has a consistent track record, exceeding estimates in all of the past four quarters. Analysts remain cautious, assigning Asana a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), reflecting mixed recent earnings estimate revisions. The Internet – Software industry ranks in the bottom 44% among 250-plus sectors. Investors will watch upcoming guidance and industry trends for signs of a stock turnaround.

MongoDB Beats Q4 Earnings and Revenue Estimates, Shares Down 21.7% Year-to-Date

March 2, 2026, 6:42 PM EST. MongoDB (MDB) reported Q4 earnings of $1.65 per share, surpassing the Zacks estimate of $1.47 and up from $1.28 a year ago, marking a 12.31% earnings surprise. Revenues came in at $695.07 million, beating estimates by 4.02% and rising from $548.4 million last year. Despite consistent beats over four quarters, MDB shares are down 21.7% year-to-date, trailing the S&P 500's 0.5% gain. The company's strong earnings outlook and positive estimate revisions support a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) rating. However, the Internet – Software industry's lower ranking could impact future performance. Upcoming management commentary will be crucial for investor sentiment and stock direction.

Mobile Infrastructure Corporation Q4 Loss Widens, Revenue Beats Estimates

March 2, 2026, 6:41 PM EST. Mobile Infrastructure Corporation (BEEP) reported a wider-than-expected quarterly loss of $0.19 per share, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a $0.12 loss. Despite the earnings miss, the company posted revenue of $8.76 million, beating estimates by 4.37%. This reflects a year-over-year revenue decline from $9.16 million but shows some top-line strength. BEEP's shares have risen about 19.2% year-to-date, outperforming the S&P 500's 0.5% gain. The Zacks Rank currently places the stock at a Hold (#3) due to mixed earnings estimate revisions ahead of the earnings call. The company faces pressure to improve profits amid uncertain guidance, with the next quarter's adjusted EPS forecast at -$0.10 on $7.92 million in revenue. Investors will watch closely for management commentary on future outlook and market conditions impacting the real estate operations sector.

Quantum Computing Inc. Q4 Loss Exceeds Estimates, Revenue Falls Short

March 2, 2026, 6:40 PM EST. Quantum Computing Inc. (QUBT) reported a fourth-quarter loss of $0.04 per share, matching expectations but representing a 14.29% earnings miss. Revenues stood at $0.2 million, a 41.77% shortfall versus estimates, though improving from $0.06 million a year ago. The company has not surpassed consensus earnings per share (EPS) estimates in the past four quarters and topped revenue projections only once in that period. Shares have dropped about 18% year-to-date, underperforming the S&P 500's 0.5% gain. The stock holds a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), signaling expected market-level performance. The outlook hinges on management commentary and future earnings revisions amid a challenged Internet – Software industry ranked in the lower 44% by Zacks. Consensus projects a -$0.04 EPS on $0.45 million revenue next quarter and -$0.18 EPS on $3.19 million for the fiscal year.

AES Corporation Shares Fall 17.77% on Disappointing $15 Buyout Offer

March 2, 2026, 6:39 PM EST. The AES Corporation (NYSE:AES) shares tumbled 17.77% to $14.21 after a proposed take-private buyout deal valued at $15 per share failed to meet market expectations. Trading volume surged to 76.4 million shares, over six times the average. The deal represents a 40% premium over AES's 30-day volume-weighted price before acquisition talks surfaced but is still seen as underwhelming, triggering shareholder concerns. Meanwhile, the S&P 500 edged up 0.02% and Nasdaq gained 0.36%, while peer utility stocks showed mixed results. The market appears to price in the deal's completion despite doubts. Investors are advised to note that AES was not shortlisted among top stock picks by Motley Fool's Stock Advisor, which highlights stocks with potential for significant gains.

MillerKnoll and Peers Show Mixed Q4 Results in Business Services Sector

March 2, 2026, 6:38 PM EST. MillerKnoll (NASDAQ:MLKN) beat Q4 revenue estimates by 1.3%, reporting $955.2 million, though down 1.6% year-on-year. The company's earnings and revenue guidance for next quarter exceeded analyst expectations, pushing its stock up 14.9% to $20.14. The 18 tracked business services & supplies stocks saw revenues beat consensus by 3.1% collectively, with steady share prices post-results. CoreCivic (NYSE:CXW) posted strong gains, with $604 million revenue up 26% year-on-year, but its stock fell 4.4% to $17.68. The sector faces impacts from ESG commitments, evolving regulations, AI, and automation investments. Overall, Q4 paints a complex picture for business services stocks amid operational and regulatory challenges.

ASX Set to Decline as Middle East Tensions Boost Oil and Gold; Life360 Reports Strong Q4 Earnings

March 2, 2026, 6:37 PM EST.Australian shares are expected to fall Tuesday amid escalating US-Israeli strikes on Iran, raising fears of a prolonged Middle East conflict. This escalation has driven up oil and gold prices, unsettling global markets. The S&P 500 ended flat overnight; the Nasdaq rose 0.4%, while Dow Jones dropped 0.2%. On the economic front, Australia's balance of payments and international investment position report is due later today. In corporate updates, Life360 posted a strong Q4 2025 with earnings of $1.51 per share on $146 million revenue, up from $0.10 and $115.5 million a year earlier. Capstone Copper also reported improved adjusted earnings and revenue. The ASX benchmark closed Monday slightly higher at 9,200.90.

Stocks Edge Higher as Iran Conflict Boosts Energy and Defense Shares

March 2, 2026, 6:36 PM EST. Stocks edged higher Monday with the S&P 500 up 0.04% and Nasdaq 100 rising 0.13%, recovering from recent lows. The Dow fell 0.15% to a 2-month low amid volatility sparked by escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran, following military strikes. Energy and defense stocks gained on fears over supply disruptions, with WTI crude oil surging over 6% to an 8-month high due to halted tanker traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil transit route. Gold prices hit one-month highs amid safe-haven demand. Bond yields briefly fell but ended sharply higher, with the 10-year Treasury yield rising 11 basis points to 4.05%, reflecting inflation concerns from rising oil prices. Market focus shifts to upcoming U.S. economic reports and earnings amid geopolitical uncertainty.

Credo Technology Group (CRDO) Valuation Signals Overvaluation After Sharp Price Rise

March 2, 2026, 6:09 PM EST. Shares of Credo Technology Group (CRDO) have surged 122.7% over the past year but recent declines of around 10% in one month signal growing caution. Simply Wall St's valuation checks score CRDO 0 out of 6, flagging concerns. A discounted cash flow (DCF) analysis estimates an intrinsic value of $79.72 per share, roughly 41% below its current price, suggesting the stock is overvalued. CRDO's strong free cash flow growth projections to 2035 underpin the model, yet market price appears elevated against fundamentals. Investors eyeing semiconductor sector stocks like CRDO should weigh these valuation signals amid volatility and high-growth risk sentiment.

AST SpaceMobile Q4 2025 Earnings Preview: Key Factors to Watch in ASTS Stock

March 2, 2026, 6:08 PM EST. AST SpaceMobile (ASTS) reports Q4 2025 results today, with a business update call at 5 p.m. ET. The stock trades near $79 after recent volatility and a sharp drop from its $129.89 52-week high. Investors focus less on profits, more on revenue growth, cash runway, and execution milestones. Consensus revenue is set at $40.69 million, a jump from $14.7 million in Q3. The firm's $1 billion convertible note raise aims to fund satellite production and AI projects. Key areas to watch include Q4 cash balance, 2026 capital expenditure, and satellite deployment progress. ASTS aims for 45-60 operational satellites by year-end, underpinning its market value amid early-stage scaling challenges.

American Airlines Shares Fall as Oil Prices Surge Amid Middle East Conflict

March 2, 2026, 6:07 PM EST. American Airlines shares dropped 4.21% to $12.52 following Middle East tensions that disrupted flights and caused oil prices to surge. The surge in fuel costs, a significant input for airlines, heightened investor concerns over margin pressure and demand weakness. Trading volume hit 86.7 million, 52% above the three-month average. Industry peers Delta Air Lines and United Airlines also fell 2.21% and 2.91% respectively as geopolitical tensions unsettled travel stocks. The conflict resulted in thousands of flight cancellations, while American Airlines plans a $1 billion expansion at Miami International Airport. Investors remain cautious about potential revenue and profitability impacts amid rising fuel inflation and weakened international demand.

Ford Shares Drop Nearly 5% on Multi-Million Vehicle Recall, Auto Sector Pressure Mounts

March 2, 2026, 5:52 PM EST. Ford (NYSE:F) shares fell 4.97% to $13.39 on Monday after a multi-million-vehicle recall over towing and trailer safety issues sparked concerns about quality and profitability. Trading volume surged 70% above average to 103.7 million shares. Competitors General Motors and Stellantis also declined amid reassessment of sector quality and electric vehicle strategies. Despite improvements sought through a dedicated 'quality czar', Ford's ongoing quality troubles threaten its recent 40% stock rally. The recall raises risks to Ford's brand reputation and future sales, adding to pressure on margins from warranty costs. Meanwhile, the S&P 500 inched up 0.04% and the Nasdaq gained 0.36%. Investors are weighing the impact of these developments amid broader market resilience.

Dollar Hits 5-Week High as T-Note Yields Climb on Inflation Concerns

March 2, 2026, 5:51 PM EST. The U.S. dollar index jumped 0.97% to a five-week high on Monday, driven by surging oil prices and stronger-than-expected U.S. manufacturing data. Crude oil reached an 8.25-month peak, elevating inflation fears and diminishing prospects for Federal Reserve rate cuts, which bolstered dollar demand. U.S. Treasury note yields also rose sharply, enhancing the dollar's yield advantage. The February ISM manufacturing index slightly declined but surpassed forecasts, with the prices paid sub-index hitting a 3.5-year high at 70.5. Meanwhile, the euro slid 1.08% amid weak German retail sales and soaring European natural gas prices, raising inflation risks. The yen dropped 0.89% to a three-week low as oil price inflation outlooks pressured Japan's growth prospects. Gold rose to a one-month high on safe-haven demand fueled by geopolitical tensions and inflation concerns.

PayPay targets $1.1 billion U.S. IPO, valued over $10 billion

March 2, 2026, 5:50 PM EST.Japanese payments firm PayPay, backed by SoftBank and holding a 40% stake in Binance Japan, plans to raise up to $1.1 billion through a U.S. initial public offering. The Tokyo-based company's 55 million American depositary shares (ADS) could be priced between $17 and $20 each, potentially valuing PayPay above $10 billion. PayPay is Japan's largest cashless payments provider with over 70 million registered users, allowing mobile payments and money transfers amid Japan's move away from cash. The shares are set to trade on Nasdaq under symbol PAYP. The IPO launch was delayed due to recent geopolitical tensions but signals continued investor interest in fintech amid market volatility. PayPay's deeper crypto involvement follows its October partnership with Binance Japan to integrate digital payments and cryptocurrency.

Stocks Recover After U.S.-Iran Conflict Spurs Market Volatility

March 2, 2026, 5:37 PM EST. Stocks rebounded Monday despite early declines sparked by U.S. airstrikes on Iran, which included the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The Dow Jones ended down 0.2%, while the S&P 500 edged up 0.04% and the Nasdaq gained 0.4%, recovering from initial losses exceeding 1%. Oil prices surged 8.4% to $72.74 a barrel amid concerns over Middle East tensions impacting global supply. Energy stocks led gains in the S&P 500, with Marathon Petroleum and ONEOK advancing notably. Tech shares, including Nvidia and Microsoft, also rose, showing resilience amid geopolitical uncertainty. Apple climbed 0.2% following its launch of the iPhone 17e and iPad Air M4. Experts highlight the importance of monitoring the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial oil passage, for sustained market impact.

3 Canadian Utility Stocks Poised to Outperform TSX in 2024

March 2, 2026, 5:35 PM EST. Three Canadian utility stocks-Fortis (TSX:FTS), Hydro One (TSX:H), and Canadian Utilities (TSX:CU)-show potential to outperform the broader TSX Composite Index this year. Fortis boasts a solid 7% annual rate base growth plan and a 50-year dividend growth streak, supported by a C$28.8 billion capital investment plan. Hydro One benefits from its near-monopoly on Ontario's transmission network, with a regulatory framework ensuring predictable returns and a focus on reducing emissions by 30% by 2030. Canadian Utilities, often overlooked, presents a compelling valuation underpinned by stable cash flows. These utilities offer mid-single-digit earnings growth and attractive yield profiles, making them resilient plays amid market volatility and potential rotation towards defensive sectors in 2024.

Top 2 TSX Growth Stocks to Buy Now Amid Market Sell-Off

March 2, 2026, 5:29 PM EST. Investors can seize opportunities in the TSX as market volatility drags down solid growth stocks. Dollarama Inc. (TSX:DOL), a $52.6 billion Canadian discount retailer, offers a resilient business model with shares down slightly from recent highs despite a near 300% gain over five years. Meanwhile, goeasy Ltd. (TSX:GSY), with a $1.9 billion market cap, serves subprime borrowers with alternative loans and currently yields 5% dividends, positioning itself for long-term growth amid rising charge-offs. These pullbacks amid broader sell-offs create rare bargains in high-quality growth stocks, appealing to investors seeking discounted entry points while markets remain unsettled.

U.S. Stocks Recover as Oil Prices Surge on Iran War Concerns

March 2, 2026, 5:27 PM EST. U.S. stocks rebounded Monday after initial sharp losses as markets digested geopolitical tensions involving Iran. Oil prices surged over 6%, raising concerns about supply disruptions and potential inflationary pressures. The S&P 500 recovered to close slightly higher, while the Dow Jones fell 0.1% and Nasdaq gained 0.4%. Analysts noted that oil above $100 per barrel might trigger sustained market declines, but prices remained below that threshold. Natural gas prices also increased amid supply cuts impacting Europe, potentially raising heating costs. Gold rose 1.2%, reflecting investor flight to safety. Treasury yields climbed, signaling inflation worries could limit Federal Reserve rate cuts, impacting economic growth prospects. Historical data suggest markets often recover in the months following geopolitical crises, but immediate sentiment remains cautious.

Talen Energy Shares Fall Below 200-Day Moving Average

March 2, 2026, 5:26 PM EST. Shares of Talen Energy Corporation (TLN) slipped below their 200-day moving average of $355.18, touching a low of $352.03 in Monday trading. The stock declined about 4.8% on the day. The 200-day moving average is a key technical indicator used by traders to assess long-term trends. TLN's shares traded between a 52-week low of $158.08 and a high of $451.28, with the latest price around $353.24. This drop signals potential weakness after a period of gains, reflecting shifting investor sentiment in the energy sector.

LendingTree Q4 CY2025 Revenue Beats Estimates, Shares Surge 14.7%

March 2, 2026, 5:25 PM EST. LendingTree (NASDAQ:TREE) reported Q4 CY2025 revenue of $319.7 million, exceeding analyst estimates by 11.5% and showing 22.3% year-on-year growth. The company's adjusted EBITDA of $36.67 million also surpassed forecasts by nearly 20%. Despite a non-GAAP loss per share of $0.39, well below expectations, LendingTree guided Q1 CY2026 revenue at $321 million, significantly higher than analyst predictions. Its operating margin held steady at 7%. The platform connects consumers with financial services but has shown only modest long-term growth. Analysts forecast a modest 3.5% revenue rise over 12 months, indicating cautious optimism about its product pipeline. LendingTree's market cap stands near $511 million amid robust quarterly results prompting a 14.7% stock jump.

Ollie's Bargain Outlet Shares Enter Oversold Zone with RSI at 29.2

March 2, 2026, 5:24 PM EST. Ollie's Bargain Outlet Holdings Inc (OLLI) entered oversold territory Monday, with its Relative Strength Index (RSI) falling to 29.2, below the common threshold of 30 indicating potential undervaluation. The stock hit a low of $101.40 per share, close to its 52-week low of $97.04, compared to its 52-week high of $141.74. The S&P 500 ETF's RSI stands at 47.3, suggesting less momentum pressure. Investors referencing Warren Buffett's advice may interpret OLLI's RSI as a signal that recent selling pressure might be easing, presenting possible buying opportunities amid market volatility.

Acadia Pharmaceuticals Shares Dip Below 200-Day Moving Average

March 2, 2026, 5:23 PM EST. Shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (ACAD) fell below their 200-day moving average, sliding to $25.07 from a 200-day average of $25.17 on Friday. This drop marks a 3.3% decline in ACAD's share price during the session. The stock's 52-week range spans from a low of $17.71 to a high of $33.99. The movement below the 200-day moving average-a widely used indicator that smooths out price data to identify long-term trends-may signal momentum shifts for investors watching the biotech firm. ACAD last traded around $25.29, hovering near the moving average boundary after a mixed performance over the past year.

Ocular Therapeutix Shares Surge Past 200-Day Moving Average

March 2, 2026, 5:22 PM EST. Ocular Therapeutix Inc (OCUL) shares jumped 22.8% on Monday, surpassing their 200-day moving average of $10.98 to hit $11.00. The stock's one-year range shows a low of $5.785 and a high of $16.44, highlighting recent volatility. Crossing above the 200-day moving average, a key technical indicator showing the stock's average price over the past 200 days, often signals potential upward momentum. Investors are watching OCUL closely following this technical breakout amid mixed sentiments on its longer-term trajectory.

Natural Gas Prices Rise on Iran Attack and Potential Boost to U.S. LNG Exports

March 2, 2026, 5:20 PM EST.Natural gas prices surged on Monday after an Iranian drone strike forced the closure of Qatar's Ras Laffan export facility, which supplies about 20% of the world's liquefied natural gas (LNG). The disruption could increase U.S. LNG exports, lifting prices. European gas prices also jumped 39% to a one-year high, adding support. However, forecasts of warmer U.S. weather and rising U.S. production – near record highs – may limit upside. U.S. dry gas output was 110.2 billion cubic feet/day, up 2.6% year-on-year, while demand fell 2%. Gas inventories remain near normal levels. The market remains balanced between supply disruptions overseas and robust American production and mild weather reducing heating demand.

Crude Oil Soars on Iran Conflict, Hits 8-Month High

March 2, 2026, 5:19 PM EST.Crude oil prices surged sharply on Monday following joint U.S.-Israel attacks on Iran, pushing April WTI crude to an 8.25-month high and a 19-month peak for April RBOB gasoline. President Trump indicated combat could extend for weeks. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint responsible for about 20% of global oil flow, saw tanker traffic largely halted after Iranian attacks on oil tankers. Iran produces roughly 3.3 million barrels per day (bpd), impacting global supply. Goldman Sachs placed the risk premium for crude at $18 per barrel due to potential disruptions. Meanwhile, Iran's drone strikes shut Saudi Arabia's Ras Tanura refinery, refining 550,000 bpd. Offsetting these gains, OPEC+ plans to increase output by 206,000 bpd in April, and rising oil stocks in floating storage, especially Russian and Iranian crude, weigh bearish. Venezuelan export increases and higher U.S. production forecasts add downward pressure.

MongoDB Reports Q4 Fiscal 2026 Revenue Growth of 27% and Operating Margin Expansion

March 2, 2026, 5:14 PM EST. MongoDB, Inc. (NASDAQ: MDB) reported total revenue of $695.1 million for Q4 fiscal 2026, up 27% year-over-year, driven by a 29% rise in Atlas revenue. Full-year revenue reached $2.46 billion, a 23% increase from the previous year. The company added 2,700 customers, totaling over 65,200 as of January 31, 2026. Gross margin held steady at 73%, while non-GAAP operating income surged to $158.8 million, up from $112.5 million a year ago. MongoDB achieved a 'rule of 40' performance, balancing strong growth and margin expansion. CEO CJ Desai highlighted broad demand across product lines, including AI capabilities and multi-cloud resiliency. Net income was $15.5 million, with non-GAAP net income at $142.7 million, reflecting improved operational execution despite a stable GAAP net income year-over-year.

Freehold Royalties' 6.1% Dividend Yield on TSX Shows Strong Sustainability

March 2, 2026, 5:13 PM EST.Freehold Royalties (TSX:FRU) presents a rare high dividend yield of 6.1% on the Toronto Stock Exchange that appears sustainable. Unlike typical energy producers facing operational risks, Freehold operates a royalty-based model, collecting revenue shares from energy-producing lands without funding costly drilling, leading to lower capital needs and stable cash flow. The company's payout ratio is about 73%, leaving a cushioning margin amid volatile oil prices. Management aims for a 60% payout long-term, signaling prudence. Even with West Texas Intermediate crude at $50 per barrel-a level not seen since early 2021-the dividend could hold strong. Rising oil prices due to the Middle East conflict may further boost Freehold's cash flow, enhancing its appeal as a high-yield, lower-risk energy dividend stock on the TSX.

Crossroads Capital Highlights AST SpaceMobile's Transition and Market Performance in Q4 2025

March 2, 2026, 5:09 PM EST. Crossroads Capital's Q4 2025 letter spotlights AST SpaceMobile (NASDAQ:ASTS), a satellite communications firm shifting from R&D to scaleup with validated technology and focus on expanding revenue and market reach. Despite a 24.26% one-month stock dip, ASTS shares surged 209.09% over 52 weeks, closing at $79.19 on Feb 27, 2026, with a market cap of $30.1 billion. The fund, which gained 2.7% in Q4 and 37.7% for the year, notes growing hedge fund interest, with 33 portfolios holding ASTS by year-end. The letter underscores cautious optimism for small-cap growth in 2026 amid market volatility, while comparing ASTS investment potential to higher-upside AI stocks.

MongoDB shares plummet on mixed Q4 results, Norwegian Cruise Line drops amid guidance miss and Middle East tensions

March 2, 2026, 5:06 PM EST. MongoDB (MDB) stock plunged 20% after forecasting a fiscal 2027 loss, despite beating Q4 revenue and earnings estimates. The software company's revenue rose 27% year on year to $695.1 million, surpassing forecasts. Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) shares fell 10% following fiscal 2026 earnings guidance below analyst expectations amid rising fuel costs from Middle East conflict. NCLH anticipates earnings per share of $2.38 versus a $2.60 forecast. Meanwhile, ADT stock declined 10% after missing Q4 revenue expectations. The S&P 500 is set for a fifth consecutive quarter of double-digit earnings growth, tracking 14.2% for Q4 with 4% of companies left to report, including Target, CrowdStrike, Broadcom, Costco, and Alibaba.

ThredUp Q4 CY2025 Earnings Beat Estimates with 18.5% Revenue Growth

March 2, 2026, 5:05 PM EST. ThredUp (NASDAQ:TDUP) reported Q4 CY2025 revenue of $79.7 million, surpassing analyst expectations by 3.3%, up 18.5% year-on-year. The online fashion resale leader posted a GAAP loss of $0.04 per share, matching estimates. Adjusted EBITDA stood at $2.93 million, with an operating margin improvement to -8.4% from -12.1% a year prior. Despite a free cash flow decline to -$3.19 million, order volumes rose to 1.65 million, up 376,000 year-on-year, reflecting stronger monetization. Management forecasted Q1 CY2026 revenue near $80 million, aligned with market estimates. Though long-term growth has averaged a modest 7.6% annually over five years, recent trends with 9.7% annualized two-year growth and positive revenue beats indicate improving momentum.

Helios (NYSE:HLIO) Q4 2025 Earnings Beat Estimates, Raises Q1 Revenue Guidance

March 2, 2026, 5:04 PM EST. Helios Technologies (NYSE:HLIO) reported strong Q4 calendar year 2025 results, with revenue rising 17.4% year-on-year to $210.7 million, surpassing analyst estimates by 6.4%. Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) came in at $0.81, 12.6% above consensus. The company also provided upbeat Q1 guidance, expecting revenue of $220.5 million, nearly 10% above forecasts. Operating margins improved to 12.2% from 7.4% a year earlier, while free cash flow margin climbed to 19.2%. Full-year sales grew 4%, reaching $839 million, with a pro forma increase of 29% excluding the Custom Fluidpower divestiture. Despite flat organic revenue over two years, Helios maintained a solid 9.9% annualized growth over five years. Market capitalization stands at $2.36 billion, reflecting sustained investor confidence in its motion control and electronic systems business.

Dividend Aristocrats Outperform in Volatile 2026 Market, Wall Street Favorites

March 2, 2026, 4:57 PM EST. Dividend aristocrats-companies increasing dividends annually for 25+ years-are shining amid 2026 market volatility. The ProShares S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats ETF has risen 10%, outperforming the S&P 500's under 1% gain. Factors include investor preference for non-tech sectors and dividends' defensive appeal amid fears over AI disruption and stagflation. Coca-Cola and NextEra Energy, two top dividend aristocrats with yields above 1.5%, recently raised dividends. Coca-Cola, with 64 consecutive years of increases and a 2.6% yield, is up 15% year to date and features prominently in Berkshire Hathaway's portfolio. NextEra Energy boosted its quarterly dividend by 10%, reflecting confidence in stable income streams. Investors seek reliability and income as geopolitical tensions and AI-related uncertainty weigh on markets.

Wall Street Traders Eye Gold and Energy Stocks Amid U.S.-Iran Conflict

March 2, 2026, 4:56 PM EST. Wall Street bounced back from Monday's initial sell-off sparked by the U.S.-Iran conflict. The Nasdaq Composite staged a sharp reversal, while the Dow and S&P 500 recovered losses but remained cautious. Bank of America Securities noted that major geopolitical shocks historically cause an 8% average S&P 500 dip, with full recovery after three months. Gold, seen as a safe haven, climbed 1% and is expected to trend higher as conflict persists, according to experts at Piper Sandler and CLSA. Energy stocks face uncertainty; sector leaders climbed over 26% in 2026 but may face volatility with oil prices reacting to potential disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Analysts warn prolonged conflict could drive Brent crude above $100, or spike $40-$80 per barrel. Chevron and Exxon Mobil showed gains amid the turmoil.

Leon's Furniture (TSX:LNF) Valuation Shows Potential Undervaluation Amid Recent Share Momentum

March 2, 2026, 4:55 PM EST. Leon's Furniture (TSX:LNF) shares rose 1.9% in a day, trading at CA$28.49 with a one-year shareholder return of 18.81%. Despite modest year-to-date gains of 0.89%, longer-term returns of 56.40% over three years highlight steady growth. Analyst consensus targets a fair value of CA$36.00, suggesting the stock may be undervalued by the market. Key drivers include expanding warranty and insurance fee income supporting margins and earnings resilience. Risks include Canadian household spending stability and slowing commercial appliance demand amid residential project slowdowns. Investors are advised to review detailed profit and revenue assumptions to validate valuation and consider broader market screening for quality and yield opportunities.

Surgery Partners Q4 2025: Revenue Beats Estimates, Stock Falls 18%

March 2, 2026, 4:54 PM EST. Surgery Partners (NASDAQ:SGRY) reported Q4 2025 revenues of $885 million, surpassing analyst expectations by 2.4%. Despite this, the stock dropped 18% following a significant 59.7% miss in adjusted earnings per share, which came in at $0.12 against $0.30 estimates. Full-year revenue guidance of $3.4 billion fell 4.5% short of forecasts, while EBITDA guidance was also below consensus. CEO Eric Evans acknowledged unforeseen headwinds impacted the quarter but remains optimistic about long-term outpatient surgical facility growth, driven by higher-acuity procedures and strategic initiatives. The company operates over 180 locations in 33 states, focusing on ambulatory surgery centers and short-stay hospitals. Surgery Partners saw a 12.2% annualized revenue increase over five years, though recent growth rates have softened.

Stocks Rebound as Oil Prices Surge Amid Iran War Concerns

March 2, 2026, 4:50 PM EST. Oil prices jumped over 6% on Monday amid fears that conflict with Iran could disrupt global crude supplies, pushing inflation higher. The U.S. crude benchmark rose to $71.23 a barrel, with Brent crude closing at $77.74. The S&P 500 initially dropped 1.2% but recovered to finish up slightly by less than 0.1%, as investors noted past Middle Eastern conflicts rarely cause lasting market declines. Airlines and cruise lines led early losses due to higher fuel costs and travel disruptions, with American Airlines down 4.2%. Natural gas prices also climbed, risking higher winter heating bills. Treasury yields rose despite market jitters, reflecting concerns that rising energy costs will sustain inflation and limit Federal Reserve rate cuts. Morgan Stanley strategists suggest that oil would need to surpass $100 per barrel to trigger sustained stock market declines.

MongoDB Beats Q4 2025 Revenue Estimates Amid 23.5% Stock Drop

March 2, 2026, 4:49 PM EST. MongoDB (NASDAQ:MDB) posted strong Q4 2025 results, with sales up 26.7% year-on-year to $695.1 million, surpassing analyst expectations by 3.7%. Adjusted earnings per share stood at $1.65, beating estimates by 12.1%. The database platform company also improved operating margins to 0% from negative territory a year prior, and free cash flow margins rose to 25.4%. Management projected Q1 2026 revenue near analyst forecasts at $661.5 million, with adjusted EPS guidance for FY2027 at $5.84, a 2.4% beat. Despite solid fundamentals and a 33.1% five-year annualized revenue growth, MongoDB's shares fell 23.5%, suggesting investor caution amid market pressures.

Frontier (ULCC) Shares Drop 9.3% After Barclays Downgrade

March 2, 2026, 4:48 PM EST. Frontier Group Holdings (NASDAQ:ULCC) shares fell 9.3% following Barclays' downgrade to "Underweight" from "Overweight" and a cut in its price target to $4.00 from $6.00. The downgrade reflects concerns over a pause in Frontier's sale-leaseback aircraft strategy and weaker core margins due to lower fleet utilization. Shares have been highly volatile, with 66 moves greater than 5% in the last year. Frontier is down 10.8% year-to-date, trading 41.2% below its 52-week high. The decline adds to sector pressure from rising jet fuel prices that have also hit major airlines.

Coffee Prices Rise on Shipping Cost Surge Amid Supply Concerns

March 2, 2026, 4:37 PM EST. Coffee prices rose sharply on Monday, with robusta coffee hitting a two-week high. Supply concerns driven by the war in Iran have disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, leading to soaring shipping, insurance, and fuel costs that increase expenses for importers. May arabica coffee rose 1.37%, while May robusta surged 4.08%. However, ample rains in Brazil, the largest arabica producer, and forecasts of record coffee crops-up 17.2% for Brazil in 2026-limit gains. Vietnam's coffee exports surged, adding bearish pressure to prices despite inventory drawdowns earlier this season. Colombia's reduced production supports prices. The combination of supply chain disruptions and crop outlooks is shaping the volatile coffee market.

Compania Cervecerias Unidas (CCU) Drops Below 200-Day Moving Average

March 2, 2026, 4:36 PM EST. Shares of Compania Cervecerias Unidas S.A. (CCU) fell below their key 200-day moving average of $12.97 in Monday trading, reaching a low of $12.69. The stock is down roughly 2.4% on the session. Over the past year, CCU's share price has ranged between $11.35 and $15.70, with the latest trade at $12.91. The 200-day moving average is a common technical indicator investors use to assess long-term trends. This breach could signal shifting investor sentiment or technical pressure for the Chilean brewer.

Elevance Health Shares Enter Oversold Territory Amid Dividend Appeal

March 2, 2026, 4:35 PM EST. Elevance Health Inc (ELV) shares fell into oversold territory Monday, with a Relative Strength Index (RSI) of 26.3, below the typical oversold threshold of 30. This technical indicator suggests increasing momentum to the downside, sparking interest among dividend investors. ELV currently offers a 2.15% annual dividend yield based on its recent price around $320. The stock ranks in the top 50% of dividend ideas per Dividend Channel's proprietary DividendRank, combining solid fundamentals and valuation. Investors eyeing a rebound may see the low RSI as a potential buying signal amid recent heavy selling, but should assess ELV's dividend history before committing.

Sugar Prices Rise as Crude Oil Strength Boosts Ethanol Demand

March 2, 2026, 4:34 PM EST. Sugar prices gained modestly with March NY world sugar up 1.19% and London ICE white sugar rising 0.67%. The market recovered from a recent low as crude oil (WTI) climbed to a 1-week high, supporting ethanol prices. Higher ethanol demand may shift cane crushing towards ethanol production over sugar, trimming sugar supplies. However, the International Sugar Organization lowered its 2024/25 global sugar deficit forecast, signaling a supply surplus. Thailand's sugar output is set to jump 18% in 2024/25, adding bearish pressure. Conversely, Brazil's production fell due to drought and fires that damaged crops, reducing expected output and supporting prices. India relaxed ethanol production curbs for 2024/25, potentially extending sugar export restrictions, influencing global supply dynamics.

Cocoa Prices Rise as Shipping Costs Threaten Export Supply

March 2, 2026, 4:33 PM EST.Cocoa prices surged on Monday with May ICE NY cocoa jumping 4.61% and May ICE London cocoa up 2.92%, driven by concerns over rising shipping costs. The ongoing war in Iran has disrupted shipping through the strategic Strait of Hormuz, inflating global shipping, insurance, and fuel expenses, which may limit cocoa exports. Deliveries from the Ivory Coast, the world's largest cocoa producer, are also slowing, with shipments down 3.6% year-on-year so far this marketing year. Despite initial price drops after the International Cocoa Organization raised global surplus forecasts for 2024/25, market worries over elevated export costs lifted prices. Ghana and Ivory Coast's potential cuts in official cocoa farm-gate prices and favorable growing conditions add complexity, keeping the market cautious amid supply and demand uncertainties.

PayPay targets $1.1 billion U.S. IPO amidst market volatility

March 2, 2026, 4:32 PM EST. Japanese payments app PayPay, backed by SoftBank, aims to raise up to $1.1 billion in its U.S. initial public offering (IPO). The firm plans to sell nearly 55 million American depositary shares priced between $17 and $20 each. The IPO roadshow was delayed due to weekend unrest impacting markets. Despite the rocky start to the U.S. IPO market this year, analysts suggest a strong PayPay debut on Nasdaq under the ticker "PAYP" could boost investor sentiment. Major banks Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan, Mizuho, and Morgan Stanley lead the offering. The Cboe volatility index, a measure of investor anxiety, hit a three-month high earlier on the day of the announcement.

Elon Musk's xAI Set to Early Repay $3 Billion Debt Ahead of IPO

March 2, 2026, 4:19 PM EST. Elon Musk's social network X and AI startup xAI, with combined debt of about $17.5 billion, plan to repay all outstanding debt early, including $3 billion in high-yield bonds at a premium. Morgan Stanley, which managed the debt raises, informed lenders of the move, though funding sources remain undisclosed. This repayment precedes xAI's public offering as Musk combines his businesses, with xAI now a subsidiary of SpaceX. The combined valuation of Musk's ventures hits $1.25 trillion. SpaceX is pursuing its own IPO, expected this year, while X and xAI have relied heavily on debt markets, paying large interest costs. Early bond redemption may include penalties and accrued interest, as investors are compensated for the shortened holding period.

3 TSX Stocks Built to Weather Market Uncertainty

March 2, 2026, 4:18 PM EST.Waste Connections, Fortis, and Freehold Royalties stand out amid volatile markets. Waste Connections (TSX:WCN) benefits from essential waste services with steady pricing, strong revenue growth, and strategic acquisitions. Fortis (TSX:FTS), a regulated utility, supports earnings through grid investments and a $28.8 billion capital plan, aiming for consistent dividend growth. Freehold Royalties (TSX:FRU) offers resilience by collecting royalties without funding drilling, enhancing cash flow even if gas prices drop. These companies rely on defensive business models with regulated cash flows or essential services. Investors face rich valuations but may find value in stability during economic swings, as these stocks can sustain growth despite inflation, recession risks, or geopolitical challenges.

RELX PLC Announces February 2026 Share Buybacks on LSE

March 2, 2026, 4:03 PM EST.RELX PLC reported early February 2026 buyback activity on the London Stock Exchange. The company detailed daily repurchased share volumes and volume-weighted average prices (VWAP), providing investors with transparency around its ongoing ordinary share repurchase program. Updated figures on treasury shares and issued share counts were included. This move reflects RELX's commitment to returning capital and managing its equity base efficiently amid the current market environment.

DA Davidson Raises NWPX Infrastructure (NASDAQ:NWPX) Price Target to $90 With Buy Rating

March 2, 2026, 4:02 PM EST. DA Davidson increased its target price for NWPX Infrastructure (NASDAQ:NWPX) from $70 to $90, signaling a potential 9.67% upside in the stock. The firm maintains a buy rating on the industrial products company. NWPX shares rose 5.8% to $82.06 amid mixed analyst opinions, with ratings ranging from strong buy to hold. The stock trades near its 12-month high and shows solid financial metrics, including a PE ratio of 22.84 and a return on equity of 9.35%. Recent earnings beat expectations, reporting $0.93 EPS versus $0.62 anticipated and revenue above forecasts. Insider sales were noted but remain a small fraction of holdings. The average analyst price target stands at $90, reflecting cautious optimism on NWPX's prospects.

Notable Monday Options Volume in KTOS, NAT, and RCAT Stocks

March 2, 2026, 3:54 PM EST.Kratos Defense (KTOS), Nordic American Tankers (NAT), and Red Cat Holdings (RCAT) saw significant option activity Monday. KTOS traded 25,769 contracts, nearly 65.5% of its average daily share volume, with notable interest in the $100 strike call expiring March 2026. NAT's options volume reached 24,696 contracts, about 64.9% of its daily average, driven by the $6 strike call for March 2026. RCAT led with 61,012 contracts traded, representing 64.7% of its average daily volume, highlighting the $15 strike call set to expire in March 2026. This surge in option contracts indicates increased speculative or hedging activity in these Russell 3000 components.

Noteworthy Monday Option Activity in JEF, NEM, and AAOI

March 2, 2026, 3:53 PM EST. Options trading saw significant activity on Monday in Jefferies Group Inc. (JEF), Newmont Corp (NEM), and Applied Optoelectronics Inc (AAOI). JEF's options volume reached 32,065 contracts, nearly matching 96% of its average daily share volume, led by the $55 call expiring June 2026. NEM recorded 96,518 contracts, 95% of its daily average, with high interest in the $62.50 call due March 2026. AAOI's options volume hit 49,738 contracts, about 80% of its average, especially in the $115 call for March 2026. These figures reflect strong speculative or hedging activity in these Russell 3000 stocks, as traders focused on near- and long-term strike prices.

Notable Option Activity Monday: DAVE, DHT, SIG Show Heavy Volume

March 2, 2026, 3:52 PM EST. Options trading volumes surged Monday in Dave Inc (DAVE), DHT Holdings (DHT), and Signet Jewelers (SIG). DAVE recorded 3,609 contracts traded, about 68% of its average daily volume, with heavy activity on the $195 put expiring March 2026. DHT saw 27,227 contracts, nearly 67% of average daily volume, focused on the $20 call due April 2026. SIG options reached 5,204 contracts, about 65% of average volume, led by the $95 call expiring March 2026. These figures reflect significant interest ahead of upcoming expirations, highlighting investor positioning in these Russell 3000 components amid ongoing market dynamics.

Notable Options Trading Activity in MTRN, ASTS, and SPT on Monday

March 2, 2026, 3:51 PM EST. Noteworthy options volume occurred Monday in Materion Corp (MTRN), AST SpaceMobile Inc (ASTS), and Sprout Social Inc (SPT). MTRN saw 1,686 contracts traded, with the $180 strike call expiring in March 2026 leading at 805 contracts, covering 77.8% of its average daily shares. ASTS had 102,871 contracts traded, heavily dominated by the $80 strike put for March 2026 with 13,363 contracts, equating to 73.7% of its average volume. SPT's activity included 13,895 contracts, almost all in the $5 strike put expiring April 2026, representing 68.8% of its average daily shares. These volumes reflect strong interest and potential market positioning ahead of option expiries.

Monday's High Options Volume: AVAV, ONON, CELC Stand Out

March 2, 2026, 3:50 PM EST. On Monday, options trading surged notably for AeroVironment (AVAV), On Holding AG (ONON), and Celcuity Inc (CELC) among Russell 3000 stocks. AVAV saw 39,145 contracts traded, representing nearly four times its average daily share volume; particularly active was the $350 call option expiring May 2026. ONON experienced 108,317 contracts, exceeding double its daily volume, with heavy interest in the $40 strike call option expiring March 2026. CELC recorded 8,693 contracts, about 135% of its average daily volume, focusing on the $130 call expiring April 2026. These elevated volumes indicate strong investor activity in specific call options ahead of their expirations, suggesting bullish sentiment in these names.

High Options Volume in SOFI, AAL, CRDO Signals Market Interest

March 2, 2026, 3:49 PM EST. Notable options activity surfaced Monday in SoFi Technologies Inc (SOFI), American Airlines Group Inc (AAL), and Credo Technology Group Holding Ltd (CRDO). SOFI options saw 306,785 contracts traded, or 42.7% of the stock's average daily volume, driven by heavy activity in the $19 call expiring March 2026. AAL options registered 222,356 contracts, equal to 41.1% of average shares traded daily, with the $10 put option for March 2026 expiry particularly active. CRDO's options volume reached 28,933 contracts, comprising about 40.1% of its average daily volume, led by the $130 call option expiring March 2026. These volumes reflect significant market interest and potential sentiment indicators ahead of expiry dates.

Monday Options Surge in ATEX, UNH and LNG Highlights Significant Market Activity

March 2, 2026, 3:48 PM EST. Options activity surged Monday in key Russell 3000 stocks Anterix Inc (ATEX), UnitedHealth Group Inc (UNH), and Cheniere Energy Inc (LNG). ATEX saw 3,029 contracts traded, notably 2,898 in the $45 call expiring March 2026, reaching 56.2% of its average daily volume. UNH options hit 49,795 contracts, with 6,540 in the $300 call for March 2026, about 53.4% of its average volume. LNG recorded 9,939 contracts, including 2,087 in the $240 put expiring March 2026, also representing 53.4% of average daily volume. These figures underscore heightened interest in long-term strike prices, reflecting investor positioning ahead of 2026 expirations.

Monday Option Volume Surges in IBM, Flex LNG, and Moderna

March 2, 2026, 3:47 PM EST.Options trading volume spiked Monday for International Business Machines Corp (IBM), Flex LNG Ltd (FLNG), and Moderna Inc (MRNA). IBM saw 37,253 contracts traded, equal to about 3.7 million underlying shares or 49.9% of its average daily volume. The March 2026 $300 put option was most active with 9,900 contracts. FLNG's options totaled 2,649 contracts, nearly half its average daily turnover, with high activity in the August 2026 $25 put. Moderna's options reached 50,944 contracts, representing over 5 million shares or 49.1% of daily average volume; the March 2026 $57 call led. This surge highlights investor focus on key strike prices amid broader market moves.

Notable Options Trading Activity in DAKT, LITE, and OKLO on Monday

March 2, 2026, 3:46 PM EST.Daktronics Inc. (DAKT) saw 3,020 options contracts traded, representing 46.7% of its average daily volume. The standout was the $22.50 strike call option expiring October 2026 with 3,000 contracts. Lumentum Holdings (LITE) recorded 26,526 contracts, about 45.3% of its average volume, driven by the $800 strike put option expiring June 2026 with 1,104 contracts. Oklo Inc. (OKLO) registered 37,863 contracts, equating to 43.4% of average daily volume, highlighted by the $70 strike call option expiring March 2026 with 5,363 contracts. These figures indicate significant underlying interest, with contract volumes reflecting substantial shares traded. Options contracts typically control 100 shares each, amplifying trade impact.

Rexford Industrial Realty COO Laura Clark Buys $200K in Shares

March 2, 2026, 3:42 PM EST. Rexford Industrial Realty Inc's Chief Operating Officer, Laura E. Clark, made a significant insider purchase of 5,310 shares valued at $200,338, paying an average price of $37.73 per share. This buy suggests confidence in the company's prospects as insiders typically invest when they foresee growth or undervaluation. REXR shares traded slightly lower at $37.52, near Clark's purchase price but above the recent low of $29.68 in the past 52 weeks and below the high of $44.38. The company offers an annual dividend of $1.74 per share, yielding approximately 4.6%, with the next ex-dividend date approaching on March 31, 2026. Investors often watch insider buying activities closely as a potential indicator of future performance.

Stifel Financial Series C Preferred Stock Yield Surpasses 6.5%

March 2, 2026, 3:41 PM EST. Stifel Financial Corporation's 6.125% non-cumulative preferred stock Series C (Symbol: SF.PRC) yielded over 6.5% on Monday, with shares falling to $23.49. This yield exceeds the 6.53% average for the 'Financial' preferred stock sector, as per Preferred Stock Channel data. The shares traded at a 3.96% discount to their liquidation preference, narrower than the 10.41% category average. Non-cumulative preferred stock means missed dividends are not recoverable before common dividends resume. On the day, SF.PRC gained 0.3%, while common shares (Symbol: SF) rose 3.1%. Investors should note the unique dividend risk profile linked to non-cumulative preferred shares.

Soybeans Decline on Monday Amid US-China Uncertainty and Strong Exports

March 2, 2026, 3:40 PM EST. Soybeans fell 6 to 9 cents across most contracts Monday, giving back overnight gains. The national average cash bean price dropped 3.5 cents to $10.89 1/2. Soymeal futures declined $6.50 to $7, while soy oil futures rose 80 to 90 points, buoyed by crude oil gains after U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran. Export inspections for the week ending Feb. 26 showed shipments surged 66.9% from the previous week, led by China with 734,698 MT. Despite strong exports, cumulative shipments remain 30.4% below last year. Managed money increased net longs by 20,591 contracts to 184,202 as of Feb. 24. Brazilian crop estimates were trimmed by 3 to 3.8 million metric tons amid slower harvest progress, pressuring prices. Traders await the USDA Fats & Oils report for January crush data later today.

Wheat Futures Retreat as Export Shipments Slow and Weather Forecasts Shift

March 2, 2026, 3:39 PM EST. Wheat futures dipped on Monday, giving back some gains from Friday. Chicago SRW futures fell 15-16 cents, while KC HRW futures dropped 8-9 cents by midday. MPLS spring wheat lost 4-6 cents. The 7-day forecast predicts limited precipitation in western Kansas and the Oklahoma/Texas panhandles, but heavier rainfall in the eastern Plains. USDA reported wheat export shipments at 344,272 metric tons for the week ending Feb. 26, down nearly 39% from the prior week and 12% below a year ago. Marketing year exports stand 18.8% above last year at 18.62 million metric tons. Commodity trader data shows spec funds are reducing net short positions in Chicago wheat and flipping to net long in KC wheat. Saudi Arabia purchased 794,000 MT in a recent tender. Prices continued to slide across CBOT, KCBT, and MIAX contracts by midday Monday.

Lean Hog Futures Slip Amid Mixed USDA Data

March 2, 2026, 3:38 PM EST. Lean hog futures fell 25 to 50 cents across contracts Monday as USDA's national base hog price went unreported due to low volume. The CME Lean Hog Index rose 32 cents to $89.44 on Feb 26. Managed money positions increased by 522 contracts to a net long of 116,983. USDA's pork carcass cutout value climbed $1.86 to $99.63 per hundredweight, with the ham primal the only cut lower. Last week's federally inspected hog slaughter was 2.516 million head, slightly higher than the previous week but below last year. April, May, and June hog futures all declined, reflecting cautious market sentiment amid mixed production and pricing signals.

Live Cattle Futures Slip Amid Mixed Cash Trade and Feeder Cattle Pressure

March 2, 2026, 3:37 PM EST. Live cattle futures showed slight losses Monday, falling up to 70 cents at midday as cash trade lingered late last week with Southern sales at $244 and Northern prices between $239-$243. Feeder cattle futures dipped up to 20 cents lower, extending recent declines, while the CME Feeder Cattle Index dropped 38 cents to $372.79 on Feb. 26. The OKC feeder cattle auction reported 5,500 head with early prices trending lower. Wholesale boxed beef prices rose, with Choice boxes up 65 cents to $380.49 and Select up $2.17 to $376.48. USDA weekly slaughter estimates remained steady at 516,000 head but were down year-over-year by 52,747. Managed money positions increased in futures, signaling cautious optimism among speculators.

Top TSX Non-Resource Stocks Shine with Strong Insider Buying in 2026

March 2, 2026, 3:36 PM EST. The 50-stock INK Canadian Insider Index surpassed 4,000 points, delivering a 310% return since 2014, outperforming the S&P/TSX Composite's 133%. Notably, non-resource stocks like AGF Management, Magellan Aerospace, and Linamar are driving gains in 2026. AGF Management, led by Executive Chairman Blake Goldring holding over 14.5 million shares, rose 26.1% year-to-date with minimal insider selling. Magellan Aerospace, under Executive Chairman Murray Edwards who owns 43 million shares, gained 27.4%, reaching five-year highs amid strong defence and aerospace demand. Linamar also remains prominent for its high insider ownership. These firms showcase robust insider confidence, measured by executives owning significant stakes, signaling positive momentum beyond resource sectors.

Pool Corp Director James D. Hope Buys $300K in Shares, Signaling Confidence

March 2, 2026, 3:35 PM EST. James D. Hope, director at Pool Corp (POOL), purchased 1,405 shares worth $300,162 at $213.64 each on February 25, 2026. This insider purchase reflects a strong vote of confidence, as POOL shares last traded at $220.57, near their 52-week low of $210.67. Pool Corp offers an annualized dividend of $5 per share, equivalent to a 2.2% yield, with the next ex-dividend date set for March 12, 2026. The insider buy suggests Hope sees value or growth prospects in the company amid recent price declines. Investors often view such director buys as bullish signals, hinting at potential undervaluation or upcoming company progress.

TD Securities Raises Price Target for Stella-Jones Shares to C$107

March 2, 2026, 3:34 PM EST. TD Securities raised its price target for Stella-Jones (TSE:SJ) stock from C$97 to C$107, signaling a 12% potential upside and maintaining a buy rating. This follows similar positive outlooks from other brokers including Desjardins, Raymond James, Scotiabank, CIBC, and National Bank Financial, all signaling confidence in Stella-Jones' prospects. The stock traded up 1.88 Canadian dollars to C$95.49 on Monday, with a 1-year range between C$62.26 and C$101.31. Recent quarterly earnings showed C$0.91 EPS and revenue of C$727 million. Analysts expect EPS of around 6.45 for the year. Stella-Jones, which produces pressure-treated wood and lumber products, has a market cap of C$5.24 billion and a P/E ratio of 15.63 as of the latest data.

Corn Futures Drift Lower Amid Mixed Export and Harvest Data

March 2, 2026, 3:32 PM EST. Corn futures slipped 3 to 6 cents on Monday, with March contracts down 6 cents. Friday saw 448 deliveries issued. The national average cash corn price rose slightly to $4.03 3/4 per bushel. Export inspections recorded 1.858 million tonnes shipped last week, down 8% from the prior week but still the third largest this year, with Mexico, South Korea, and Japan as top destinations. Marketing year shipments are up 42.29% year-over-year at 39.619 million tonnes. Managed money reduced net short positions by 13,548 contracts. Brazilian corn harvest progress lags last year, with estimates revised slightly lower; first crop 36% complete, second crop 66% planted. Traders await January grain crush data, expecting near 483 million bushels.

Cotton Futures Slide as Crude Oil Rises Post US-Israel Strikes on Iran

March 2, 2026, 3:31 PM EST. Cotton futures fell significantly, with front-month contracts dropping 70 to 80 points midday. The Cotlook A Index slipped 80 points to 75.65 cents per pound. Certified cotton stocks rose by 6,721 bales to 126,178, reflecting a modest supply increase. Meanwhile, crude oil rebounded $3.50 following US and Israeli strikes on Iran over the weekend but remained nearly $5 below overnight highs. The US dollar index climbed 0.875 points to 98.440. Commitment of Traders data showed speculators reduced net short cotton positions by 14,140 contracts, now totaling 65,368. Market watchers note volatile commodity dynamics amid geopolitical tensions impacting energy and agricultural markets.

ATB Cormark Cuts Docebo Price Target to C$35, Maintains Outperform

March 2, 2026, 3:19 PM EST. ATB Cormark Capital Markets lowered Docebo's (TSE:DCBO) price target from C$43.00 to C$35.00, keeping an "outperform" rating. The revised target suggests a 43.62% potential upside from the last close. Separately, TD Securities cut their target to C$28.00 with a "buy" rating. Docebo, a cloud-based learning platform provider, traded at C$24.37 on Monday, below its 50- and 200-day moving averages of C$27.14 and C$33.31 respectively. The company's latest quarterly earnings showed C$1.27 earnings per share (EPS) and revenues of C$82.95 million. Analysts project 1.68 EPS for the year, reflecting cautious optimism amid valuation adjustments.

BMO Capital Markets Lifts Extendicare (TSE:EXE) Price Target to C$30

March 2, 2026, 3:18 PM EST. BMO Capital Markets raised its price target for Extendicare to C$30, signaling a 12.28% potential upside. Other analysts also raised forecasts: TD Securities to C$19, Canaccord Genuity to C$22.50, Cormark to C$30, CIBC to C$22, and National Bank Financial to C$29 with an outperform rating. Extendicare shares traded up 0.5% to C$26.72 on the Toronto Stock Exchange. The company reported quarterly earnings of C$0.29 per share and revenues of C$462 million. Extendicare operates Canada's largest private long-term care network and publicly funded home health services. The stock holds a market cap of C$2.52 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 25.21, and a beta of 1.3, reflecting moderate volatility compared to the market.

Barclays Raises Pembina Pipeline (TSE:PPL) Target Price to C$62, Signals Modest Upside

March 2, 2026, 3:17 PM EST. Barclays increased its target price for Pembina Pipeline (TSE:PPL) from C$57.00 to C$62.00, flagging a potential 1.16% upside from current levels. Other analysts are bullish too; TD Securities lifted their target to C$63.00, National Bank Financial to C$60.00, and CIBC to C$64.00, mostly rating the stock as 'hold' or 'outperform'. Pembina trades at C$61.29 with a market cap of C$35.61 billion and a P/E ratio of 21.89. The company reported quarterly earnings of C$0.78 per share on revenues of C$1.91 billion, with a net margin of 25.73%. Analysts forecast 3.44 EPS for the year, reflecting solid fundamentals for this North American energy midstream provider. The stock is a moderate buy based on average analyst sentiment.

Nasdaq Drops 1.5% Due to Iran Attacks, Recovers by Midday

March 2, 2026, 3:16 PM EST. The Nasdaq Composite fell 1.5% at Monday's open amid geopolitical tensions following a U.S.-Israeli operation against Iran, which sent oil and gas prices up over 6%. The S&P 500 and Dow also opened lower but rebounded to near breakeven by noon. Energy, industrial, and technology sectors led gains while consumer goods lagged. Despite the volatility, market experts emphasize the resilience of major index companies and advise long-term investment strategies, noting that brief geopolitical events rarely derail overall market growth.

BeOne Medicines Shares Dip Below 200-Day Moving Average

March 2, 2026, 3:11 PM EST. Shares of BeOne Medicines Ltd (ONC) dropped below their 200-day moving average of $309.82 on Monday, hitting a low of $304.62. The stock declined about 1.8% during the trading session. ONC's 52-week trading range spans from a low of $196.45 to a high of $385.22. The last recorded trade stood slightly above the moving average at $312.37. Moving averages, like the 200-day, indicate long-term price trends and are closely watched by traders for signals on momentum shifts.

Energy and Financial Sectors Lead Gains in Monday Midday Trading

March 2, 2026, 3:10 PM EST. The Energy sector leads Monday's market gains, rising 1.7%, with Halliburton (HAL) and APA Corp (APA) up over 4% each. The Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE) advances 1.9% on the day and is up 11.71% year-to-date. Despite recent gains, HAL and APA remain down year-to-date. The Financial sector follows, gaining 1.2%, boosted by Discover Financial Services (DFS) and Capital One (COF), both up above 4%. The Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLF) climbs 1.3% and is 15.06% higher year-to-date, led by strong performances from DFS and COF. Overall, five S&P 500 sectors are up, with Energy and Financials at the forefront amid mixed sector movements.

Consumer Products and Services Sectors Lead Monday's Market Decline

March 2, 2026, 3:09 PM EST. As of midday Monday, the Consumer Products sector leads losses with a 0.6% drop, dragged down by Archer Daniels Midland Co (ADM) and Church & Dwight Co Inc (CHD), down 4.0% and 3.7% respectively. Despite this, ADM is up 20.13% year-to-date while CHD is down 16.03%. The iShares U.S. Consumer Goods ETF (IYK) follows the sector, down 0.9% today but up 5.16% year-to-date. The Services sector also slips 0.6%, with Kenvue Inc (KVUE) and Lennar Corp (LEN) down 6.5% and 4.2%. KVUE and LEN have year-to-date losses of 16.80% and 6.45%. The iShares U.S. Consumer Services ETF (IYC) tracks this sector, down 0.2% today but up 10.10% year-to-date. Market breadth shows three sectors up and four down, with Technology & Communications leading gains at +1.0%.

Chimera Investment's Series D Preferred Stock Yield Surpasses 10%

March 2, 2026, 3:08 PM EST. Chimera Investment Corp's 8.00% Series D Preferred Stock (CIM.PRD) yielded over 10% Monday, driven by a quarterly dividend annualized at $2.328 and trading near $23.05. This yield notably exceeds the Real Estate preferred stock category average of 8.03%, as reported by Preferred Stock Channel. CIM.PRD was priced at a 5.44% discount to its liquidation preference, narrower than the sector's 13.73% average discount. The preferred shares edged up 0.1% in trading, with common shares remaining steady. This movement highlights premium valuation in the preferred segment despite broader market pressures.

Enbridge Preference Shares Yield Surpasses 6% Amid Discounted Trading

March 2, 2026, 3:07 PM EST. Shares of Enbridge Inc's Cumulative Redeemable Preference Shares, Series 3 (TSX: ENB-PRY.TO) yielded over 6% on fresh trading lows near $21.80, based on an annualized dividend of $1.322. These preferred shares trade at an 11.72% discount to their liquidation preference, reflecting bearish sentiment despite a small daily gain of about 0.1%. The preferred shares are convertible, offering potential upside linked to Enbridge common stock (TSX: ENB.TO), which climbed 1.5% in the same session. Investors watch the yield as elevated returns may attract income-focused buyers amid fluctuating energy sector dynamics. Price movements diverge from common shares, showing distinct market behavior between equity classes. This yield milestone highlights the current appeal of income securities within Canadian dividend stocks.

High Options Volume in RTX, GS, GM Signals Investor Interest

March 2, 2026, 3:06 PM EST.RTX Corp, Goldman Sachs (GS), and General Motors (GM) exhibited notable options trading on Monday, indicative of heightened market activity. RTX's options volume reached 97,902 contracts, surpassing its average daily share volume by 43%, with a strong focus on the $227.50 call strike expiring March 2026. GS saw 33,796 contracts traded, about 132% of its average daily share turnover, highlighted by $930 call options. GM's 63,617 contracts represented 79% of its average daily trading, concentrated in the $80 call expiring in March 2026. High options volume often signals investor positioning ahead of events or market moves in the underlying stocks, drawing attention to these S&P 500 components.

Notable Options Activity Monday: CF, TGT, VLO Strike Heavy Volume

March 2, 2026, 3:05 PM EST. Options volume surged Monday for S&P 500 components CF Industries (CF), Target Corp (TGT) and Valero Energy (VLO). CF traded 11,443 contracts, nearly half its daily average, led by sizable activity in $110 strike calls expiring March 2026. Target's options saw 31,024 contracts, about 48% of its average daily trading volume, driven by heavy trading in $110 strike puts expiring March 2026. Valero options recorded 12,095 contracts or 45% of typical daily volume, with $180 strike puts expiring April 2026 most active. Each contract typically covers 100 underlying shares, translating these volumes into millions of shares. These notable option trades suggest bets on price moves in the medium term. For a full range of expirations and strikes, StockOptionsChannel.com provides detailed data.

Noteworthy Options Volume in NKE, CRWD, LLY on Monday

March 2, 2026, 3:04 PM EST. Monday saw significant options trading in S&P 500 components Nike (NKE), CrowdStrike (CRWD), and Eli Lilly (LLY). Nike's options activity reached 86,249 contracts, about 57.3% of its average daily share volume, with notable interest in the $61 call expiring March 2026. CrowdStrike recorded 25,887 contracts, roughly 53.7% of average daily shares, focusing on the $400 call option. Eli Lilly's options volume at 19,886 contracts represented 52.5% of typical daily volume, centered on the $1100 call expiring March 2026. These figures spotlight persistent investor interest in these stocks' future price movements, with March 2026 expiry calls drawing particular attention.

Notable Monday Options Activity in AMD, CVX, LULU

March 2, 2026, 3:03 PM EST.Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) saw 329,556 options contracts traded on Monday, equating to about 33 million underlying shares and 76.5% of its average daily share volume. The $160 strike put option expiring in March 2026 was particularly active with 14,262 contracts. Chevron Corp (CVX) had 72,578 option contracts traded, approximately 7.3 million shares or 64.7% of average daily volume, led by the $197.50 strike call option expiring March 2026 with 4,888 contracts. Lululemon Athletica (LULU) recorded 13,717 contracts, around 1.4 million shares or 64.7% of its daily average, with the $162.50 strike put option expiring March 2026 seeing 1,007 contracts. These figures signal significant investor interest in near-term options ahead of 2026 expirations.

LVMHF Shares Dip Below Key 200-Day Moving Average

March 2, 2026, 3:02 PM EST. Shares of LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMHF) fell below their critical 200-day moving average of $860.81 on Thursday, touching a low of $850. The 200-day moving average is a popular technical indicator used to assess long-term trends. LVMHF shares fell about 2.2% during the session, trading at $851.49, near the lower end of its 52-week range of $573 to $1,003.50. This breakdown below the moving average could signal a shift in momentum amid mixed market conditions. Investors are closely watching how the stock reacts to this technical marker, which often acts as support or resistance in stock price movements.

Sugar Prices Rise on Crude Oil Spike and Shift in Ethanol Production

March 2, 2026, 3:01 PM EST. Sugar prices hit one-month highs as crude oil's surge to an 8.25-month peak boosts ethanol values. This rise may lead producers to allocate more sugarcane to ethanol, reducing sugar supply. Despite forecasts of a global sugar surplus in 2025/26 and 2026/27 by Czarnikow, Green Pool, StoneX, and the International Sugar Organization, lower output in Brazil supports prices. Brazil's Center-South production fell 36% year-on-year in late January, while India's 2025/26 sugar output rose 12% with reduced ethanol diversion, potentially increasing exports. India's government approved additional 500,000 MT sugar exports for 2025/26, maintaining downward pressure on prices. Market watchers watch the interplay between crude oil, ethanol incentives, and sugar supply dynamics closely.

Jay Woods Tracks S&P 500 and Crude Oil Amid U.S.-Iran Tensions

March 2, 2026, 2:50 PM EST. Jay Woods, chief market strategist at Freedom Capital Markets, highlights key levels to watch amid escalating U.S.-Iran conflict. Crude oil prices near $72 a barrel signal inflation risks, impacting the Federal Reserve's policy. The S&P 500's 100-day moving average at 6,830 is crucial; a drop below could increase market pressure. Woods also eyes the February U.S. jobs report for economic insight, with forecasts of 60,000 new jobs and stable 4.3% unemployment. Earnings from CrowdStrike, Target, and Broadcom could sway markets, with technical levels at $370, $107, and the 200-day moving average respectively proving critical for each stock's trajectory.

Sharp (TSE:6753) Shares Decline Raises Questions on Valuation and Growth

March 2, 2026, 2:48 PM EST.Sharp Corporation (TSE:6753) shares have fallen sharply, with a 37.23% total shareholder return decline over the past year. Recent drops including a 4.24% fall in a single day and 12.10% in 30 days have investors reassessing the company's outlook. Sharp trades at a low price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 3.7x, significantly below the 15x peer average and the 12.4x consumer durables industry average, indicating the market's wariness about the durability of its recent return to profitability. Simple valuation metrics suggest the stock may be undervalued, supported by discounted cash flow modeling showing a slight undervaluation near ¥616.8 versus a fair value of ¥621. However, declining revenue, net income growth, and negative multi-year shareholder returns present risks investors must weigh carefully.

Xanadu to Go Public via Nasdaq Listing in $500M Deal with Crane Harbor Acquisition

March 2, 2026, 2:45 PM EST. Toronto-based Xanadu Quantum Technologies is set to list on Nasdaq and the Toronto Stock Exchange after the SEC approved its merger with Crane Harbor Acquisition Corp (NASDAQ:CHAC). The deal, expected to close in March 2026, will provide Xanadu with approximately $500 million in gross proceeds. The company focuses on photonic quantum computing, leveraging light for processing, positioning itself as a leader in this technology. Xanadu aims to advance its hardware development and expand its PennyLane open-source software. This move follows Infleqtion's recent successful quantum tech listing and highlights investor interest in the quantum computing sector. The company's partnership with Lockheed Martin targets generative AI models suited for low-data environments in national security and aerospace.

Gap Inc. Faces Q4 Revenue and Earnings Decline with Potential Earnings Beat

March 2, 2026, 2:36 PM EST. Gap Inc. is set to report a 5.4% drop in fourth-quarter fiscal 2024 revenues to $4.07 billion and a 26.5% decline in earnings per share to 36 cents. Despite these expected declines amid inflation, soft store sales, and currency impacts, Gap has consistently beaten earnings estimates, with a 101.2% average surprise over four quarters. Management's focus on brand revitalization and digital strategies may cushion performance. Gap's Earnings ESP of +11.55% and a Zacks Rank 2 suggest a potential earnings beat, signaling cautious optimism for investors despite anticipated top and bottom-line pressures.

Organon's VTAMA Cream Improves Sleep in Pediatric Atopic Dermatitis Patients

March 2, 2026, 2:35 PM EST. Organon & Co. (OGN) reported that VTAMA (tapinarof) cream, 1%, significantly improved sleep disruption in children aged 2 to 17 with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis, according to a pooled sub-analysis of Phase 3 ADORING 1 and 2 trials. The Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure (POEM) sleep subdomain showed early and sustained benefits, highlighting quality-of-life gains in pediatric patients. Sleep disruption is a major burden for children with AD. The FDA approved VTAMA for patients aged two and older in December 2024. Following the news, OGN shares rose 0.8% but remain down 22.6% over six months, trailing industry and market gains. The data support Organon's dermatology growth strategy and potential revenue boosts from expanded prescriptions across age groups.

JPMorgan, Barclays, Fifth Third Sued by Tricolor Noteholders Over Alleged Audit Ignorance

March 2, 2026, 2:34 PM EST.JPMorgan Chase (JPM), Barclays (BCS), and Fifth Third Bancorp (FITB) face a lawsuit by investors including Janus Henderson and Ellington Capital. The suit alleges these banks ignored audit warnings over asset-backed securities (ABS) tied to bankrupt subprime auto lender Tricolor Holdings. The notes backed by Tricolor loans are now trading below 10 cents on the dollar. The complaint claims discrepancies in loan reporting and cash management were overlooked while banks continued underwriting and financing, earning fees despite risks. JPMorgan, Barclays, and Fifth Third have recorded significant asset impairments tied to Tricolor's September 2025 bankruptcy. This lawsuit introduces fresh legal risks and scrutiny over underwriting oversight and risk governance in structured finance. Shares of JPM, BCS, and FITB slid 1.9%, 3.9%, and 4.8% respectively after the news.

American Eagle Q4 Earnings Preview: Revenue and Profit Expectations

March 2, 2026, 2:33 PM EST. American Eagle Outfitters (AEO) is set to report its fiscal Q4 2024 earnings on March 12 after the market opens. Analysts forecast revenue of $1.61 billion, down 4.3% year-over-year, and earnings per share (EPS) of 50 cents, an 18% decline. Despite this, AEO's consistent earnings beats and positive momentum driven by strong product assortments and customer engagement have raised expectations. The company recently updated guidance, projecting operating profit near $135 million, up from prior forecasts amid encouraging comparable sales growth. American Eagle's focus on cost management and its Powering Profitable Growth strategy supports optimism for sustained earnings improvement.

Nasdaq Seeks SEC Approval to Launch Stock Index Prediction Markets

March 2, 2026, 2:31 PM EST. Nasdaq has filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to introduce prediction market options on its Nasdaq 100 stock index. These markets would allow investors to trade binary yes-or-no contracts that predict stock price movements, such as whether Apple will hit $270 by week's end. Unlike traditional investing where stocks can be held indefinitely, prediction contracts have fixed end dates. This move expands Nasdaq's footprint into the growing prediction market sector, currently overseen primarily by the Commodities Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). SEC Chair Paul Atkins recently indicated potential for SEC involvement in regulating these markets, which gained popularity through platforms like Kalshi and Polymarket offering legal alternatives to sports betting in many U.S. states. Nasdaq aims to tap into this expanding field by applying for trading permissions, signaling increased regulatory complexity and competition in prediction markets.

Scotiabank Raises Price Target for Extra Space Storage to $156

March 2, 2026, 2:30 PM EST. Scotiabank lifted its price target for Extra Space Storage (NYSE:EXR) from $145 to $156, indicating a 2.22% upside potential. The real estate investment trust (REIT) currently holds a "sector perform" rating from Scotiabank, while other analysts display mixed views. Wells Fargo cut its target to $150 but kept an "overweight" rating. Bank of America downgraded EXR to "underperform" with a $143 price target. Truist and Royal Bank of Canada issued hold and sector perform ratings respectively, with price targets near the mid-$140s. Extra Space Storage shares traded at $152.61 Monday, close to their 52-week high of $160.58. The company posted strong Q4 earnings, beating EPS estimates with $2.08 per share and revenue of $857.47 million, up 4.3% year-over-year. It guided FY 2026 EPS to 8.050-8.350, signaling steady growth expectations.

Cocoa Prices Surge Amid Rising Shipping Costs and Supply Concerns

March 2, 2026, 2:29 PM EST.Cocoa prices rebounded sharply as May ICE New York cocoa gained 4.02% and London cocoa rose 2.92%. The rise follows concerns that higher shipping costs, driven by halted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz due to war in Iran, will restrict cocoa exports. Importers face rising shipping, insurance, and fuel expenses, tightening supplies. Additionally, slower deliveries from Ivory Coast, which recorded a 3.6% drop in shipments year-on-year, underpin the price gains. Despite a recent forecast of a global cocoa surplus and ample stocks, market tensions persist. Ghana and Ivory Coast, responsible for over half of world cocoa production, have cut official farm-gate prices, affecting supply dynamics. Favorable growing conditions in West Africa might increase mid-crop output but overall demand worries linger as chocolate prices deter consumers.

3 Key Reasons Growth Investors Favor Electromed (ELMD) Stock

March 2, 2026, 2:28 PM EST. Electromed (ELMD) stands out as a compelling choice for growth investors due to its robust financial metrics and positive outlook. The company boasts a projected earnings per share (EPS) growth rate of 22.4%, significantly outpacing the industry average of 14.8%. Additionally, Electromed's cash flow growth of 48.9% year-over-year highlights strong financial health, enabling potential reinvestment without relying on external funding. Moreover, upward revisions in earnings estimates indicate increasing analyst confidence, often a precursor to stock price gains. These factors combined, supported by a top Zacks Growth Style Score and Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), make Electromed an attractive option in the competitive growth stock landscape.

3 Reasons Sezzle Inc. (SEZL) Stands Out as a Growth Stock

March 2, 2026, 2:27 PM EST. Sezzle Inc. (SEZL) emerges as a compelling growth stock choice thanks to robust financials. The company projects a 30.7% earnings per share (EPS) growth for this year, significantly outpacing the industry average of 13.4%. Its cash flow growth is notable, at 92.6% year-over-year, compared to an industry average of just 1.2%, enabling expansion without heavy reliance on external funding. Additionally, upward revisions in earnings estimates signal positive near-term price movements. Sezzle holds a strong Zacks Growth Style Score and a top Zacks Rank, reflecting solid growth prospects amid market uncertainty. Investors seeking above-average returns might find Sezzle a worthy candidate despite typical growth stock risks such as volatility and execution challenges.

Why Growth Investors Should Buy ABB (ABBNY) Now

March 2, 2026, 2:26 PM EST. Growth investors should consider ABB (ABBNY) due to its strong financial performance and growth prospects. The company boasts a projected earnings per share (EPS) growth of 27.1% for the year, far surpassing the industry average of 9%. ABB's cash flow growth is also robust, with a year-over-year increase of 13.4%, supporting its capacity for expansion without relying heavily on external financing. Additionally, positive revisions in earnings estimates signal investor confidence and potential near-term stock price gains. ABB holds a favorable Zacks Growth Style Score and a top Zacks Rank, highlighting it as a compelling growth stock in the industrial automation sector.

3 Reasons Growth Investors Should Consider New Gold (NGD) Now

March 2, 2026, 2:25 PM EST. Growth investors prioritizing stocks with strong financial growth should note New Gold (NGD), a gold mining company with compelling prospects. Its earnings per share (EPS) is projected to surge by 91.2% this year, significantly outpacing the industry average of 34.6%. New Gold also boasts a 41.6% year-over-year cash flow growth rate, well above the 8.4% industry norm, signaling healthy capital for new projects without external funding needs. Moreover, the company maintains a positive trend in earnings estimate revisions, which historically correlates with favorable stock price movement. These factors position New Gold as a promising growth pick supported by Zacks Growth Style Score and a top Zacks Rank, signaling strong buy potential.

Orla Mining (ORLA) Shows Strong Growth Potential With Surging Earnings, Cash Flow

March 2, 2026, 2:24 PM EST. Orla Mining Ltd. (ORLA) stands out as a promising growth stock, driven by accelerated earnings and cash flow growth. The company's earnings per share (EPS) is projected to soar 166% this year, far outpacing the industry average of 65.9%. Cash flow growth also impresses with a year-over-year increase of 58.9%, compared to 6.1% for its peers, supporting expansion without needing external financing. Additionally, upward revisions in earnings estimates underline investor confidence, often linked to positive near-term stock price movements. These factors combine to secure ORLA a top Zacks Growth Score and a strong buy Zacks Rank, making it an attractive choice for investors seeking above-average growth potential amid market volatility.

3 Reasons Growth Investors Should Consider Vertiv (VRT) Now

March 2, 2026, 2:23 PM EST. Vertiv Holdings (VRT) stands out as a growth stock with strong fundamentals that merit investor attention. Its projected earnings per share (EPS) growth of 37% this year surpasses the industry average of 8.9%, signaling robust profit potential. The company's cash flow growth, at 88.4% year-over-year, exceeds many peers, providing financial flexibility for expansion without additional costly funding. Moreover, recent earnings estimate revisions for Vertiv have been trending upward, a key indicator often linked with near-term stock price gains. Together, these factors underline Vertiv's compelling growth story backed by favorable metrics and analyst outlooks.

3 Reasons Palomar (PLMR) Stands Out as a Growth Stock

March 2, 2026, 2:22 PM EST. Palomar (PLMR) emerges as a notable growth stock with a projected earnings per share (EPS) growth of 23.3% in the current year, outperforming the industry average of 7.6%. The company exhibits solid cash flow growth, with a 9.7% year-over-year increase, surpassing its peers. Historically, Palomar's annualized cash flow growth hit 34.3% over the past 3-5 years against the industry's 11.9%. Additionally, upward revisions in earnings estimates reflect positive market sentiment. The stock benefits from a favorable Zacks Growth Score and a strong Zacks Rank, signaling robust growth prospects despite typical volatility risks in growth stocks.

Is Lockheed Martin (LMT) Still a Good Buy After 48.8% Rally?

March 2, 2026, 2:21 PM EST. Lockheed Martin's (LMT) stock has surged 48.8% over the past year, with a 32.4% gain year-to-date. Despite this strong performance, valuation models indicate the stock is fairly priced, trading at a slight 1.4% discount to its intrinsic value of around $667.70 per share based on a Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) analysis. The DCF uses projected free cash flow estimates, which foresee moderate growth from $6.79 billion currently to about $7.59 billion by 2030. Lockheed Martin, a major U.S. defense contractor, continues to attract attention due to ongoing contract wins and key defense program participation. The stock's valuation score rates 4 out of 6 for undervaluation, suggesting the price reflects the company's solid earnings and growth prospects, but upside might be limited going forward.

Lumentum Holdings (LITE) Stock Analysis: Is the Surge Justified?

March 2, 2026, 2:20 PM EST. Lumentum Holdings (LITE) has seen an 81.5% year-to-date increase in its share price, closing recently at $700.91. Despite this surge, its valuation score ranks low at 1 out of 6, raising questions about sustainability. A Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model projects the company's intrinsic value at around $849.02 per share, suggesting the stock might be 17.4% undervalued. The model factors in future cash flow estimates, including a shift from a recent free cash flow loss of $3.19 million to projections of over $1.5 billion by 2028. Investors weigh these numbers alongside the company's sector positioning in optical and photonics, an area currently attracting strong investor attention. Price-to-Sales ratios and growth expectations are also crucial in assessing risks tied to earnings volatility.

Publicis Groupe Discloses Share Buyback Activity from Feb 23-27, 2026

March 2, 2026, 2:19 PM EST.Publicis Groupe announced the repurchase of 386,132 shares between February 23 and 27, 2026, under its shareholder-approved buyback program from May 27, 2025. The transactions, conducted through BOFA Securities Europe SA on the Euronext Paris exchange, involved an average purchase price of €73.43 per share, totaling approximately €28.35 million. Daily purchases ranged from 71,165 to 80,896 shares with prices fluctuating between €72.49 and €75.13. The stock buyback reflects the group's ongoing strategy to leverage its leadership in communication, spanning consultancy to digital transformation, supported by a workforce of about 114,000 professionals across more than 100 countries.

Coffee Prices Rise on Supply Concerns Amid Iran Strait Shipping Disruptions

March 2, 2026, 2:17 PM EST.Coffee prices are rising, with May arabica up 1.42% and robusta up 4.39%, reaching a two-week high. Supply fears stem from halted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz due to the Iran conflict, increasing shipping, insurance, and fuel costs. Brazil's rainfall has improved arabica prospects, limiting gains. Brazil projects a record 2026 coffee crop, with arabica up 23.2% year-on-year. Vietnam's expanding production and exports exert bearish pressure on robusta. ICE coffee inventories, both arabica and robusta, have rebounded from lows, depressing prices. Smaller supplies from Colombia, the second-largest arabica producer, add support. The International Coffee Organization noted a slight decline in global exports this marketing year. These mixed factors drive current market volatility.

Georgia Officials Ring NYSE Bell to Mark 100 Days Until World Cup Kickoff

March 2, 2026, 2:16 PM EST. Georgia leaders, including Atlanta Mayor and Governor, rang the New York Stock Exchange bell Monday to mark 100 days until the World Cup begins. The event highlighted Georgia's role as a host state, with Atlanta's sites confirmed for six matches. Officials emphasized economic benefits and heightened global attention. The ceremony came amid preparations for the international soccer tournament, reflecting the sport's growth in the U.S. and Georgia's pride in hosting key games.

Citigroup Boosts Vulcan Materials Stock Target to $365 Amid Mixed Analyst Views

March 2, 2026, 2:15 PM EST. Citigroup raised its price target for Vulcan Materials (NYSE:VMC) from $345 to $365, indicating a nearly 20% potential upside. The construction materials company holds a "buy" rating from Citigroup. Other analysts present mixed views: Wall Street Zen downgraded VMC to "sell," DA Davidson set a "neutral" rating with a lower target, while Truist Financial increased its target to $360 with a "buy" rating. Vulcan Materials shares fell 4.90% to $305.11 with moderate trading volume. The firm reported quarterly earnings below expectations with $1.70 per share versus $2.11 forecast, but revenue rose 3.2% year-over-year to $1.91 billion. The stock trades near its 50- and 200-day moving averages, reflecting cautious investor sentiment ahead.

NatWest Group Executes £9.4 Million Share Buyback on March 2, 2026

March 2, 2026, 2:14 PM EST. NatWest Group plc completed a share repurchase of 974,572 ordinary shares on March 2, 2026, as part of its ongoing buyback program. Transactions were carried out on multiple venues including the London Stock Exchange, CHIX, and BATE with prices ranging between 594 and 603 GBp per share. The volume-weighted average price hovered around 599 GBp. The £1.0769 nominal value shares were purchased from UBS AG, London Branch, following instructions issued on February 16, 2026. Post-purchase, NatWest holds 217.8 million shares in treasury and 7.97 billion shares outstanding, excluding treasury shares. The company announced plans to cancel the repurchased shares, aligning with its strategy to enhance shareholder value through share consolidation and capital management.

Canadian Natural Q4 Earnings Preview: Revenue Decline Expected Amid Cost Cuts

March 2, 2026, 2:04 PM EST. Canadian Natural Resources Limited (CNQ) is set to report Q4 earnings on March 6, with Zacks estimating 69 cents per share on revenues of $6.39 billion, down nearly 9% year-over-year. The company's performance in Q3 surpassed expectations, with adjusted EPS of 71 cents and revenues of $6.5 billion. However, a predicted 19.77% decline in EPS for Q4 reflects anticipated revenue drops, mainly from Exploration and Production segments in North America and the North Sea. Cost reduction efforts may help offset some revenue pressure, with total expenses expected to decrease by 3.2%. CNQ's core operations span Western Canada, the UK North Sea, and offshore Africa. Investors will watch closely for earnings surprises in a challenging market environment.

Wilmar International (SGX:F34) 2025 Earnings Show Sales Growth, Valuation Under Scrutiny

March 2, 2026, 2:03 PM EST. Wilmar International reported full year 2025 sales of US$70.4 billion and net income of US$1.41 billion, up from US$67.4 billion and US$1.17 billion a year earlier. The stock trades at a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 12.3x, below the Asian Food industry average of 16.4x but slightly above its peer group average of 9.8x and estimated fair P/E of 11.7x. Despite 20.6% earnings growth and improved net profit margins, Wilmar's valuation suggests the market is pricing in modest future gains amid mixed performance over the past five years. Share price returns are improving with a 14.44% one-year total shareholder return. Investors face uncertainty over whether the stock is undervalued or fairly priced given current earnings and sector comparisons.

March Rally Ahead: 5 Reasons U.S. Stocks Are Set to Surge

March 2, 2026, 2:02 PM EST. U.S. equities are poised for a strong March, reversing February's cautious stance. Historical data shows March as a bullish month, often marking market bottoms. Investor sentiment remains notably bearish, a contrarian signal favoring a rally. Recent earnings and profit margins hit record highs, underscoring improving market fundamentals. NVIDIA's rebound to its 200-day moving average signals renewed technical strength in AI stocks. Emerging leaders like Fastly and Applied Optoelectronics surged over 90%, highlighting shifting market dynamics. Together, these factors suggest March could deliver robust gains for U.S. stock markets.

Consolidated Edison Expands Grid Investment with $72 Billion Plan to Boost Clean Energy

March 2, 2026, 2:01 PM EST. Consolidated Edison (ED) is ramping up its capital investment to reinforce its infrastructure and enhance service reliability. The utility allocated $5 billion in 2025 and has a robust plan of $38 billion for 2026-2030, targeting $72 billion over the next decade. These efforts support its goal of delivering clean, reliable energy and achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. However, ED faces challenges from regulator-approved rate plans that limit cost recovery. Despite these risks, the stock has gained 16.7% over three months, outperforming the industry. Utilities like NiSource, AES and Entergy, also ranked highly, are expanding their renewable portfolios amid a shift towards clean energy.

Crude Oil Prices Surge on Iran Conflict and Strait of Hormuz Disruptions

March 2, 2026, 2:00 PM EST.Crude oil prices surged sharply on April WTI hitting an 8.25-month high amid escalating conflict in Iran following US-Israel joint attacks. The Strait of Hormuz, a strategic chokepoint handling 20% of global oil, saw tanker traffic largely halted after Iran targeted three oil tankers. This disruption, coupled with retaliatory drone strikes on Gulf states and Saudi Arabia shutting its largest refinery, intensified supply fears. Goldman Sachs estimates an $18 per barrel risk premium tied to potential tanker halts. Despite OPEC+ increasing output to restore cuts, bearish factors include rising floating crude storage-up 50% year-on-year-and increased Venezuelan exports. The EIA and IEA recent forecasts reflect slightly higher US crude production and reduced global surplus estimates, underscoring market tension between supply boost and geopolitical risks.

Lloyds Banking Group Issues Over 220 Million New Shares on LSE

March 2, 2026, 1:59 PM EST. Lloyds Banking Group plc has issued and admitted 220,314,633 new ordinary shares on the London Stock Exchange's Main Market between January 19 and February 27, 2026. These shares, each valued at 10p, were allotted to satisfy employee share plan awards as part of previously established block listing arrangements. Following this issuance, the total number of Lloyds shares admitted to trading reached 59.03 billion. Block admissions facilitate swift share allocations for growth, with 80.7 million unallotted shares still available under existing arrangements. The move underlines Lloyds' ongoing use of its share plan frameworks and the management of equity issuance within regulatory guidelines.

MillerKnoll (MLKN) Positioned for Earnings Beat in Upcoming Report, Says Zacks

March 2, 2026, 1:51 PM EST. Furniture maker MillerKnoll (MLKN) has outperformed earnings estimates in its last two quarters, beating by an average of 15.48%. The company reported $0.43 per share versus the consensus $0.42 last quarter, a 2.38% surprise. Analysts have raised expectations, reflected in a positive Earnings ESP of 2.22%, a sign that earnings could top forecasts again. The Earnings ESP measures the most recent analyst estimates against consensus, helping predict surprises. Paired with a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), stocks with this combo beat estimates nearly 70% of the time. MillerKnoll's next earnings release is slated for March 25, 2026. Investors are advised to monitor Earnings ESP to better gauge potential stock performance ahead of earnings.

Veeva Systems Eyes AI and R&D to Boost Q4 Earnings

March 2, 2026, 1:50 PM EST. Veeva Systems (VEEV) prepares to report fiscal Q4 2026 earnings on March 4. The company has consistently beaten earnings per share (EPS) estimates, with double-digit growth in Subscription revenue, its main margin driver, driven by demand for R&D and quality solutions. Its Professional Services segment is influenced by Vault CRM migrations and Development Cloud rollouts. The ongoing Vault CRM transition remains a key focus, with about 20% of revenue now from CRM. VEEV is accelerating AI integration across its product portfolio, aiming to enhance productivity and generate new revenue streams. Investors will watch for updates on customer adoption, pricing, and the impact of AI on deal sizes and sales pipeline. These factors will shape market expectations ahead of the earnings release.

Norwegian Cruise Q4 Earnings Match Estimates, Revenues Fall Short, Shares Drop 7%

March 2, 2026, 1:49 PM EST. Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. reported fourth-quarter 2025 adjusted earnings per share of 28 cents, meeting analyst estimates, while revenues reached $2.24 billion, missing the $2.35 billion expected. Revenue growth of 6.4% year-over-year was driven by increased passenger ticket and onboard revenues, but both fell below projections. Operating expenses rose 1.2%, with net cruise costs per Capacity Day slightly higher than the previous year. The company's shares slid 7.3% pre-market, pressured by concerns over rising oil prices amid Middle East tensions and softer bookings tied to strategic execution issues. Despite challenges, full-year 2025 revenues rose 3.7% to $9.83 billion, with adjusted EBITDA climbing to $2.73 billion. Norwegian Cruise enters 2026 navigating deployment adjustments and below-target bookings, even as longer-term demand remains supportive.