Stock Market Today 06.01.2026

ASX mining rally prompts fund managers to reveal top picks

January 6, 2026, 11:49 PM EST. Money managers expect another bumper year for the ASX mining sector, naming their most bullish bets. After years of sluggish returns, the sector roared back in 2025 as investors chased gains in precious metals, battery materials and critical minerals. A rally in copper and iron ore staying above $US100/tonne supported the rebound, while demand for energy storage boosted lithium. Fund managers say their top picks span copper, gold, lithium and iron ore, with emphasis on producers that are low-cost and financially solid, and they warn returns depend on supply dynamics and global demand.

Sensex slips about 443 points as Nifty opens lower; RIL gains 0.7% in early trade

January 6, 2026, 11:48 PM EST. Indian equities opened lower on Wednesday, tracking mixed global cues and persistent FPIs selling. The Nifty 50 opened at 26,143.10, down 35.60 points (0.14%), while the Sensex fell about 443 points to 84,620.40. Analysts cited weak news flow and cautious sentiment after a run to highs. Ajay Bagga, Banking and Market Expert, said domestic flows are supporting the market but not lifting it to highs; FPIs remain net sellers. Reliance Industries rose 0.7% to around Rs 1,518, recovering losses from prior sessions after denying reports of Russian oil shipments to Jamnagar. On the NSE, the Nifty 100 slipped 0.08%, while midcap and smallcap indices rose 0.3%. Sectorally, auto, media, PSU banks, realty, and oil & gas lagged; FMCG, IT, pharma, and consumer durables rose. US stocks closed higher, with the S&P 500 and Dow at record levels on AI-led optimism.

Three dividend stocks to double up on now: Coca-Cola, Procter & Gamble and General Mills

January 6, 2026, 11:36 PM EST. An article argues that consumer staples may offer value as investors grow cautious, urging readers to consider doubling down on Coca-Cola (KO), Procter & Gamble (PG) and General Mills (GIS). Coca-Cola is highlighted as the stronger performer in a challenging market, with its organic sales up about 6% in Q3 2025 versus PepsiCo's roughly 1.3%. Coca-Cola is a Dividend King with a yield around 3.0% and more than six decades of annual dividend increases. The piece notes Procter & Gamble's steady organic growth-about 2% in fiscal 2025 and the first quarter of 2026-reflecting resilient demand for essential products. General Mills is presented as another durable staple stock. The takeaway: for conservative investors, these names offer defensive exposure and reliable income as budgets tighten.

Fermi (FRMI) 30-day slide; DDM flags undervaluation amid rising investor attention

January 6, 2026, 11:35 PM EST. Fermi (FRMI) closed at US$9.50 after a 30-day decline of 37.3%, with a 7-day gain of 17.4% and a 7.7% year-to-date rise, illustrating shifting investor sentiment. The stock carries a valuation score of 2/6, suggesting mixed signals. The Dividend Discount Model (DDM) uses an annual dividend of US$1.26 and a 3.26% growth rate linked to the risk-free rate, producing an intrinsic value of US$26.84 per share and a 64.6% discount to the current price, implying the stock is undervalued on this framework. The analysis also references the price-to-book (P/B) context, noting industry benchmarks (1.67x) and peers at 4.05x. Overall, the report shows a divergence between price and value, driven by dividend-based valuation amid rising investor attention and risk considerations.

Analysts warn of 2026 demand air-pocket for Rivian as LiDAR and tax-credit shifts loom

January 6, 2026, 11:34 PM EST. Morgan Stanley's Andrew Percoco reiterates an Underweight rating on Rivian (RIVN) with a $12 target, citing a likely 2026 demand pullback. He notes 4Q25 deliveries of 9,745, a 31% year-over-year drop, versus 9,525 guidance but shy of 10,100 consensus. Full-year production and deliveries fell about 15% to 42,284 and 42,247, in line with guidance. Investors will focus on 4Q25 earnings and 2026 guidance, due Feb. 12, with the R2 ramp and the company's tech roadmap under scrutiny. The forecast reflects the expiry of the EV tax credit and the late-2026 LiDAR rollout for higher levels of autonomy, potentially creating a near-term demand air-pocket.

Healthcare, Technology & Communications Lead Tuesday as HOLX, ALGN Rally; XLV, XLK Move

January 6, 2026, 11:21 PM EST.Healthcare stocks lead Tuesday session, up 2.3% in afternoon trading. Within the group, HOLX surges 13.9% and ALGN adds 4.6%. The Health Care Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLV) rises 1.5% for the day but remains down about 3.41% YTD; HOLX and ALGN together account for roughly 0.5% of XLV holdings. The Technology & Communications sector climbs about 2.1%, with SMCI up 7.0% and ON Semiconductor Corp (ON) up 6.2%. The Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLK) gains 2.5% on the day, up 0.10% YTD. SMCI YTD gain is around 40.75%, while ON is around -30.52%.

Dalal Street extends red; Sensex slips over 150, Nifty tests 26,100

January 6, 2026, 11:19 PM EST. Dalal Street opened in the red as the Sensex fell more than 150 points and the Nifty hovered around 26,100. In early trades, the Sensex traded near 84,900 and the Nifty tested 26,150. On Tuesday, benchmarks closed lower for a second straight session on concerns over geopolitics and potential US tariffs, with the Sensex at 85,063.34 and the Nifty at 26,178.70. Traders cited heavy selling in index majors amid tensions including Venezuela-US and Russian oil imports, ahead of the December-quarter earnings season (Q3 results). Vinod Nair, head of research at Geojit Investments, said geopolitical uncertainties and earnings expectations were driving the move.

Nifty 50 opens below 26,150; Sensex down over 100 points

January 6, 2026, 11:15 PM EST. Indian equities opened in the red on Wednesday, with Nifty 50 slipping below 26,150 and the Sensex down more than 100 points. At 9:18 a.m., Nifty 50 traded at 26,132.00, down 47 points (0.18%), while the Sensex stood at 84,953.09, down 110 points (0.13%). Analysts said a narrow range could define near-term moves as upbeat Q3 updates clash with geopolitical risks. Geojit's Dr. VK Vijayakumar noted a lack of trend and that a few mega stocks are driving markets, with settlement-day activity in Reliance and HDFC Bank cited as a technical rather than fundamental pull. He warned of potential volatility from events such as tariff-related rulings. Global cues were mixed, with Wall Street higher on AI-driven semis; foreign funds sold Indian stocks while domestic institutions supported the market, net buying Rs 1,749 crore.

Nvidia Poised to Lead AI Infrastructure Boom in 2026

January 6, 2026, 11:06 PM EST. Nvidia is positioned to benefit most from a coming surge in AI infrastructure spending as firms scale AI workloads in data centers. The company designs the leading AI chip used to train and run large models, a role that analysts say will be central as cloud providers expand capacity. With Chief Executive Jensen Huang signaling a multitrillion-dollar opportunity by decade's end, Nvidia's role in powering the AI upgrade cycle remains a key driver for investors. While the AI rally encompasses many players-from chipmakers to cloud platforms-the case for Nvidia hinges on its dominant hardware position and the growth of demand for specialized processors to support ever larger AI workloads. The assessment sits within a broader market view of AI-enabled growth for 2026.

SHAPE Australia on watchlist as earnings grow and insiders stake strengthens (ASX:SHA)

January 6, 2026, 11:05 PM EST. SHAPE Australia (ASX:SHA) is presented as a growing, profitable stock worth watching. The piece notes EPS growth of 43% over three years, revenue up 14% to AU$957 million, and a largely stable EBIT margin. Insiders own 49% of the company, worth about AU$251 million, signaling strong alignment with shareholders. The article cautions against chasing loss-making narratives and argues that sustained profitability matters for share-price upside. Analysts forecasts are cited as a guide for future profits. Overall, the company is framed as improving fundamentals rather than a mere hype story; readers should still weigh valuation and risk before adding SHAPE Australia to a watchlist.

Oceaneering International DCF signals ~26% undervaluation at $26.57

January 6, 2026, 11:04 PM EST. Oceaneering International trades near $26.57 after a 9.3% gain in the past week, with a 1.4% dip over the past month and a 4.9% year-to-date decline; three- and five-year returns stand at 46.1% and 136.0%. The stock has moved with mixed sentiment in the energy-services space. Using a two-stage Free Cash Flow to Equity model, trailing FCF is about $111.2 million; projections reach $145.7 million in 2026 and $211.0 million in 2030. Discounting to today yields an estimated intrinsic value near $36.00 per share, or about 26.2% undervalued versus the current price. The analysis frames valuation amid shifting investor sentiment.

Blackstone valuation under scrutiny as momentum lifts BX shares

January 6, 2026, 11:03 PM EST. Blackstone (BX) closed at $162.65 as momentum builds after a 7-day return of 5.08% and a 30-day gain of 6.90%. The longer horizon remains mixed: a 1-year total shareholder return down 2.14% but 3-year and 5-year gains of 121.14% and 208.89%. The stock trades about 11% below the average analyst target of $180.94, fueling questions whether the gap signals an undervalued entry or already-pricing-in growth. The Fair Value estimate rose to $179.78, with the Future P/E at 17.84x from 17.69x; the current P/E around 47x sits well above the industry average of 25.7x and peers' 39.5x. Risks include tariffs, construction costs, or weaker asset sales that could slow real estate deployment. Investors weigh the growth narrative against a rich valuation multiple.

Coromandel International outpaces five-year earnings growth; five-year TSR near 24% annually

January 6, 2026, 11:02 PM EST. Coromandel International's stock has risen 184% over five years, outpacing its compound EPS (earnings per share) growth of 12% per year. The share-price run translates to about 23% annualized gains, while TSR (total shareholder return) over five years sits at about 197% – roughly 24% per year when annualized – aided by dividends. In the past year, TSR stands at around 20%. The results imply investors are valuing growth beyond today's earnings pace. The five-year view shows a higher multiple on the stock than earlier periods. Note: EPS is earnings per share; TSR includes reinvested dividends and other value adds.

Sensex opens 184 points lower, Nifty below 26,150; Titan up 3%

January 6, 2026, 11:01 PM EST. The Sensex fell 184 points and the Nifty traded below 26,150 in early Mumbai trading. Titan rose about 3%, providing a bright spot in an otherwise weak session. Losses in financials and IT weighed on the benchmarks, while some consumer names offered support.

4D Medical climbs after US hospital deal; UCSD Health adopts CT:VQ imaging software

January 6, 2026, 11:00 PM EST.4D Medical rose 13.6% to a record after landing a US hospital contract, expanding its footprint in healthcare tech. UC San Diego Health adopted its CT:VQ lung imaging software, the fourth US academic medical centre to deploy the platform, following FDA approval four months earlier (U.S. Food and Drug Administration). Since listing about six years ago at A$0.73, the stock trades near A$4.77, valuing the company at about A$2.4 billion while revenue runs at roughly US$7 million. Analysts note the valuation has moved ahead of near-term fundamentals; fair value on current estimates is closer to A$2.50 a share, suggesting the shares trade on forward revenue multiples premised on strong growth.

ASX Penny Stocks With A$100M+ Market Caps Attract Investor Attention

January 6, 2026, 10:47 PM EST. Australian markets closed mixed as U.S. cues provided early support that faded by the close. A screening of ASX names shows several with market caps above A$100 million, underscoring that 'penny stocks'-smaller or newer companies-can sit in the small-but-not-trivial category. Alfabs Australia and IVE Group appear as smaller-cap plays with solid fundamentals, while West African Resources and Service Stream carry larger capitalization and liquidity. The selection also features pre-revenue explorers where funding, cash runway, and management track records will drive near-term upside. Investors should weigh market cap, ASX penny stocks, and cash runway alongside revenue profiles and risk-volatility, liquidity, and execution risk-before committing capital.

Elastic seen undervalued after price swings, DCF suggests 44% discount

January 6, 2026, 10:46 PM EST. Elastic (ESTC) trades at US$75.61, up 1.3% over 30 days, with a 4.2% YTD gain and a 23.4% decline over the past year. A two-stage Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) analysis yields an intrinsic value of about US$135.11 per share, implying a roughly 44% discount to the current price and signaling the stock may be undervalued. The latest twelve-month free cash flow is about US$302.2 million; projections extend to US$1.0 billion by 2035. The stock's price-to-sales (P/S) ratio is 4.95x, near the software sector mean of 4.83x and below peers at 7.57x; Simply Wall St's Fair Ratio is 6.34x. These figures frame Elastic's growth potential against risk in software spending trends.

MDA Space (TSX:MDA) undervalued amid choppy trading and growth narrative

January 6, 2026, 10:45 PM EST. MDA Space (TSX:MDA) has seen choppy trading as investors reassess growth and margins. The stock has yielded a 1-month return of 10.68% but a 3-month decline of 26.64%; three-year total shareholder return stands near four-fold, signaling long-term momentum despite near-term volatility. The latest figures show a CA$27.56 close, CA$1.48 billion in annual revenue and CA$109.6 million in net income; analysts peg a CA$40.19 fair value, indicating undervaluation relative to a potential multi-year revenue ramp from large LEO constellation contracts, notably EchoStar's CA$1.8 billion order and related pipeline in broadband, defense and IoT. Risks hinge on contract timing and manufacturing utilization, which could pressure margins. Valuation metrics show a P/E around 31.8x vs a broader-market fair ratio of 26.7x, implying downside if sentiment cools.

Micron shares rise as Bernstein lifts price target to $330 on DRAM price strength

January 6, 2026, 10:44 PM EST. Bernstein-SocGen Group analyst Mark Li raised Micron's price target to $330 from $270 and kept an Outperform rating. Analysts expect DRAM and flash pricing to stay firm through 2026, driven by a structural supply lag and rising AI demand. MU shares rose on Friday after the target hike, underscoring continued demand for memory used in AI workloads. Analysts say the report signals upside risk to 2026 forecasts, though prices could normalize in 2027. They expect DRAM ASP (average selling price) to rise 20-25% quarter over quarter, supported by higher conventional DRAM prices. Recent data suggests upside risk; Micron's FQ2 guidance points to stronger near-term price moves. The firm also raised its FY26 capex slightly, citing tight cleanroom space.

Indian shares seen flat to negative at open as mixed cues weigh on Sensex, Nifty on Jan 7, 2026

January 6, 2026, 10:33 PM EST. Indian stock benchmarks are seen opening flat to negative on Wednesday as mixed Asian cues weigh, with Gift Nifty indicating a cautious start at about 26,214.5, down 67 points. Traders note profit-taking after higher levels amid geopolitical tensions and tariff worries, keeping markets range-bound and skewing moves to stock- and sector-specific bets. On Tuesday, Sensex fell about 376 points to 85,063.34 and Nifty slid 72 points to 26,178.70. Technical watchers flag near-term support for the Sensex around 84,500-84,600 and resistance near 85,500-85,600. Derivatives data show Put OI anchored around 26,000-26,100 and Call writing at 26,300-26,500, suggesting a neutral to mildly bullish bias if 26,000 holds. Buy-the-dip remains favoured by some strategists.

Airbnb valuation: upside seen to $163.75 fair value amid momentum, risks persist

January 6, 2026, 10:32 PM EST. Airbnb (ABNB) has drawn fresh attention as investors weigh its momentum. The shares rose about 1.6% on the day, with double-digit returns over the past month and three months. The analysis notes 30-day and 90-day gains of 11.0% and 15.0%, plus a 3.8% year-to-date gain and a mixed 1-year result vs. a 5-year decline, signaling near-term strength. At $138.02, the stock sits near the consensus target, while an intrinsic discount of roughly 29% frames whether future growth is priced in. The bull case rests on faster expansion outside the US, rising profitability and a premium earnings multiple; a fair value of $163.75 implies about 15.7% upside (assuming a future P/E of 30). Risks include tighter regulation and scaling of Airbnb Experiences. Investors can test their own assumptions.

Addvalue Technologies (SGX:A31) posts 545% one-year gain; TSR outpaces five-year

January 6, 2026, 10:30 PM EST. Addvalue Technologies Ltd (SGX:A31) has produced a 545% total return over the past year, with a ~73% rise in the last quarter and a 492% gain versus three years ago. The stock's advance outpaced earnings growth, as trailing twelve-month EPS rose 297%, while the P/E ratio sits around 48.42, signaling strong market optimism. The CEO's pay trails the median for similarly sized peers. One-year TSR of 545% outstrips the five-year TSR of 25%, suggesting sentiment around the business has improved though long-run fundamentals warrant scrutiny. The report notes two warning signs for investors to consider, and cautions Addvalue may not be the best buy for all portfolios.

Hyundai Motor shares rise to record high on Nvidia tie-up speculation

January 6, 2026, 10:29 PM EST. Hyundai Motor shares rose as much as 14.9% to a record high in morning trade, outpacing the KOSPI amid market chatter of a deeper tie-up with Nvidia. Shin Yoon-chul of Kiwoom Securities said Hyundai's Atlas humanoid robot program announced at CES (the Consumer Electronics Show) aims for about 30,000 units by 2028 but does not fully explain the rally. Investors appeared to price in a broader Nvidia partnership beyond chip supply, possibly including investments in Hyundai affiliates after a meeting between Hyundai Motor Group Chair Euisun Chung and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang at CES. No official confirmation yet; analysts caution the move is speculative while noting the shares' substantial upside given limited detail.

Three TSX Stocks to Watch for January 2026: Metro, Intact Financial and Thomson Reuters

January 6, 2026, 10:02 PM EST. January markets look for durable picks rather than flashier bets. The piece highlights three TSX names. Metro (MRU) is described as boring but reliable: groceries and pharmacy staples support demand, with a focus on same-store sales, margins, and profitability as food costs shift. It trades on predictability, offers steady compounding, manageable leverage, and a modest but dependable dividend. Intact Financial (IFC) relies on underwriting discipline; investors should examine the combined ratio, catastrophe losses, and pricing against claims inflation in auto and property. The company can reprice or adjust terms to manage risk, making it a sleep-well name when the weather or events turn ugly. Thomson Reuters (TRI) provides global recurring revenue with subscription tools; AI investments aim to deepen value, supported by buybacks and modest yield. The key earnings check is whether the recurring base holds and product investment pays off.

BellRing Brands undervalued after prolonged weakness, DCF shows fair value far above price

January 6, 2026, 9:59 PM EST.BellRing Brands (BRBR) closed at $23.50 as shares remain weak, framing a valuation debate for investors. Over the past week the stock is down 12%; 30 days, 24.6%; year-to-date, 9.9%; and one year, 67.6%. A two-stage Free Cash Flow to Equity model provides a fair value of $59.21 per share, leaving the current price about 60% below the model. Trailing free cash flow is roughly $257.4 million, with projections to $479.4 million in 2035. The stock trades at a P/E of 12.9x, below the Personal Products sector average of 22.5x and peers around 25x. Simply Wall St gives a 5/6 valuation score, and cites a fair ratio of 14.7x. The analysis points to undervaluation rather than risk.

Western Digital trades near $219 as DCF signals modest valuation vs price

January 6, 2026, 9:58 PM EST. Western Digital (WDC) closed near US$219.38, after a 1-year rally of about 349%. The stock has drawn attention for its role in storage and memory solutions amid broader data-infrastructure demand. On valuation checks, WDC scores 2/6. A two-stage Free Cash Flow to Equity (FCFE) model yields an intrinsic value of about US$232.49 per share, implying roughly a 5.6% discount to the current price. The analysis also notes a forward P/E around 28.84x, used as a cross-check against the DCF view. The result is labeled About Right and underscores that the market pricing is sensitive to growth and risk expectations; investors should monitor cash flow outlook and price movements.

Broadcom valued above intrinsic worth after 5x three-year rise, DCF signals

January 6, 2026, 9:46 PM EST. Broadcom (AVGO) closed at $343.58, down 1.8% on the week and 12% over the month, even as a 1-year return of about 51.6% and a 3-year gain near 5x catch headlines. The stock benefits from exposure to key semiconductor markets and large-scale tech infrastructure, but valuation signals remain mixed. Simply Wall St's checks rate it 1/6 and flag concerns. A Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model yields an intrinsic value of $286.36 per share, implying the price is about 20% above fair value. The P/E sits at 70.44x, well above the industry average of 38.66x and peers at 56.19x. TTM free cash flow is about $26.9b, with a two-stage model projecting $107.1b in 2030. Growth supports the price; fundamentals argue against it.

Is MP Materials Too Expensive After Rally? DCF Indicates Overvaluation

January 6, 2026, 9:45 PM EST. MP Materials (MP) closed at $59.82, up 18.6% last week, with a 190.7% rise over 12 months and 114.7% over three years. The stock remains under sharp investor scrutiny as rare-earth supply security and U.S. production capacity themes drive sentiment. Valuation checks rate MP 1/6. A Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model – which estimates value by projecting future cash flows and discounting to present value – values the stock at about $16.09 per share, implying the current price is far above intrinsic value; the gap is about 271.7%. To compare profits when earnings are uncertain, the analysis also references the price-to-sales (P/S) ratio against benchmarks. The takeaway: growth prospects appear priced in, while risk remains tied to sector sentiment and policy dynamics.

Is It Too Late to Consider Metaplanet (TSE:3350) After Its Price Surge?

January 6, 2026, 9:44 PM EST. Metaplanet (TSE:3350) trades around ¥510 after a surge, with 7-day gains of 25.9%, 30-day 29.8%, YTD 9.0% and 1-year 35.1%; 3- and 5-year returns are about 10x and 7x. The rally has kept attention as investors weigh what drives multi-year gains. A valuation breakdown scores Metaplanet 1/6. A DCF model using a 2-stage Free Cash Flow to Equity yields an intrinsic value of ¥35.86 per share, versus the current price of ¥510, implying about 1322% overvaluation. The stock's P/E is 28.8x, above a typical sector benchmark. The analysis notes results depend on inputs and cautions against relying on a single score.

Is United Rentals (URI) Still Value After a Multi-Year Rally? DCF Signals 21% Undervalued

January 6, 2026, 9:43 PM EST. United Rentals weighs whether the current price reflects growth after a multi-year rally. The stock last traded near $892, up about 9% in the past week and roughly 31% in the past year. A checklist-based framework scores 4 of 6, signaling some upside but not a clear case for conviction. A Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model – using a two-stage path – yields an intrinsic value near $1,129 per share, suggesting the share is about 21% undervalued vs the market price. The model discounts future cash flows to today to estimate value. The analysis also cites the P/E ratio as a quick earnings proxy, while noting valuation depends on growth assumptions and cyclicality in construction activity. Investors should consider multiple tools and risks before trading URI.

Raymond James Financial appears undervalued after multi-year rally, intrinsic value around $223 vs $169 price

January 6, 2026, 9:12 PM EST.Raymond James Financial is at $168.86, with moves of 3.9% in 7 days, 3.5% in 30 days, and 3.2% year-to-date. Over 1 year the stock is up 7.6%, 3 years 59.0%, and 5 years 162.6%. A valuation screen rates RJF 5 of 6 for potential undervaluation. The Excess Returns model yields an intrinsic value near $222.88 per share, based on a book value of $62.70, a stable EPS (earnings per share) of $14.06, and an average ROE (return on equity) of 20.18% against a cost of equity of $5.96. It implies an excess return of $8.10 and a Stable Book Value of $69.68. At current levels, that implies roughly a 24.2% discount to the price. The note also cites the P/E (price-to-earnings) ratio as a quick measure of value.

Remus Pharmaceuticals (NSE: REMUS) up 21% over the past month as ROE sits at 12% amid strong earnings growth

January 6, 2026, 9:11 PM EST. Remus Pharmaceuticals has risen about 21% over the past month. ROE stands at 12% on a trailing twelve-month basis to September 2025, roughly in line with the 11% industry average. The company posted 39% five-year net income growth, and its earnings growth outpaces the industry's 25% over the same period. Analysts note that a moderate ROE can coexist with strong growth if profits are reinvested efficiently or the payout ratio is low. While the stock's move may reflect improving fundamentals, other drivers could be at play beyond ROE, including cost controls or capital allocation. Overall, the earnings growth supports the upmove, but ROE alone does not fully explain the price action.

Miners lift Australian shares as oil volatility weighs amid Venezuela intervention

January 6, 2026, 9:10 PM EST. Australian shares edged higher at midday as miners led gains on firmer commodity prices, while energy stocks slipped on oil volatility tied to the US intervention in Venezuela. The S&P/ASX200 rose 0.28% to 8,707.2 and the All Ordinaries added 0.31% to 9,025.2. Gold and other precious metals held near record highs, with gold reclaiming the US$4,500 level, lifting the raw materials sector. The energy sector fell about 1.5% as Woodside and Santos slid, after President Trump said seized Venezuelan oil would be sold at market price. Tech outperformed, with WiseTech, Xero, NextDC and Technology One rising around 2%. Softer November inflation cooled rate-hike fears, helping sentiment ahead of an RBA meeting in February. In other news, 4DMedical jumped after a UC San Diego Health deal; Southern Cross Media rose on its merger.

Intuitive Surgical valuation near fair value after strong run

January 6, 2026, 8:55 PM EST. Intuitive Surgical (ISRG) appears near its narrative fair value of $596.36, with a last close of $592.85. The gap is small despite a 90-day return of 32.3% and a 5-year TSR of 125.6%. The narrative attributes value to ongoing product innovation-da Vinci 5, integrated force feedback, and AI-driven case insights-that could lift procedure growth, system ASPs, and recurring instrument revenues. Risks include tariff-related margin pressure and tighter hospital budgets in key international markets. The stock's forward P/E at about 76.5x sits well above the Medical Equipment group (≈29.9x) and peers, implying a premium. The question: is that premium justified by the outlook for growth and margins?

Hogs Close Mixed as Lean Hog Futures Hover Near Unchanged; Cash Price Rises, Cutout Falls

January 6, 2026, 8:48 PM EST. Lean hog futures closed mixed on Tuesday, with nearby contracts within 17 cents of unchanged. The national average base hog negotiated price was $86.89, up $2.92 from Monday. The CME Lean Hog Index stood at $84.36 on Nov. 29, down 85 cents from the prior day. USDA's FOB plant pork cutout value fell $3.05 to $89.61 per cwt, as the loin and picnic primals were higher while the belly led the downside, about $14.59 lower. USDA estimated Tuesday's FI hog slaughter at 487,000 head, for a weekly total of 976,000, down 2,000 from last week but up 2,706 from the same week last year. Front-month closes: Dec 24 at 83.250, Feb 25 at 87.850, Apr 25 at 92.325.

Corn futures slip as cash price edges up; export pace remains robust

January 6, 2026, 8:47 PM EST. Corn futures closed modestly lower after failing to hold midday gains, with front-month contracts in the red by about two cents. The CmdtyView national average cash price rose 1.75 cents to $4.08 ½. Total export commitments stand at 50.538 MMT, about 30% above the year-ago period and at 62% of USDA's full-year estimate, above the 60% average pace. Brazil's December corn exports reached 6.128 MMT, up 43.6% year over year and 21.75% from November. For reference, March corn closed at $4.44; nearby cash was $4.05 ¼; May $4.51 ¼; July $4.57. Look ahead to Monday's EIA data with expectations for steady to slightly lower ethanol output.

Soybeans slip into Tuesday's close as export sales weigh; cash, futures ease

January 6, 2026, 8:46 PM EST. Soybeans eased from midday gains, with nearby cash beans at $9.82 1/4 per bushel, down 5 cents. Front-month Jan 26 soybeans closed at $10.42, Mar 26 at $10.56, and May 26 at $10.68, each down about 5 to 6 cents. Soymeal futures rose about 20 cents to around $1.30 higher, while Soy Oil futures fell by roughly 38 to 47 points. Reuters cited China purchase of 10 cargoes for March-May shipments; the USDA later confirmed a 336,000 MT private sale to China and corrected December 30 flash sale totals. Export commitments totaled 27.698 MMT, about 31% below year-ago and half the USDA outlook, with EU imports and Brazil December exports noted.

Wheat slips after Tuesday gains as forecasts weigh on front-month futures

January 6, 2026, 8:45 PM EST.Wheat futures pulled back after Tuesday's session, with front-month CBOT SRW down 2-3 cents while KC HRW held steady to modest gains. MPLS spring wheat finished with about a 4-cent loss. The NOAA seven-day forecast calls for 1-2 inches of rain across much of SRW country, with little precipitation for parts of the Southern Plains, notably eastern Kansas. USDA Export Sales show total wheat commitments at 20.108 MMT, up about 18% from a year ago and near 82% of the USDA weekly estimate and the pace to average. European Commission data show 11.18 MMT exported since July 1 through January 4, down slightly year over year. CBOT Mar 26 futures around $5.10 1/2; May 26 near $5.21 1/4. KCBT Mar 26 around $5.21 1/2; May 26 near $5.33 1/4; MIAX Mar 26 around $5.67 1/4; May 26 near $5.78 3/4.

Cattle futures extend gains as cash trade quiet; feeder cattle lead rally

January 6, 2026, 8:44 PM EST. Live cattle futures posted Tuesday gains of 30 to 70 cents as traders awaited the April delivery deadline on Wednesday. There were no deliveries against the expiring April contract. Cash trade remained quiet for the week, with last week's South at $212-213 and Northern trades up to $217-218 per cwt. Feeder cattle futures extended the rally, rising about $1.53 to $2.23. The CME Feeder Cattle Index rose $1.43 to $295.14 as of April 28. USDA's National Wholesale Boxed Beef report was mixed: the Choice/Select (Chc/Sel) spread widened to $24.44; Choice boxes up $5.49 to $348.26/cwt, the highest since the COVID spike, while Select fell $1.30 to $323.82. Federally inspected slaughter Tuesday was about 120,000 head, with the week total at 224,000, down 4,000 from last week and 11,342 from a year ago. (Chc/Sel = Choice/Select).

Cotton futures extend gains on Tuesday as export pace lags

January 6, 2026, 8:43 PM EST.Cotton futures extended gains on Tuesday, advancing 40 to 45 points after Monday strength. Crude oil futures fell $1.35 to $56.97 a barrel, while the U.S. dollar index rose 0.353 to 98.335. Export sale commitments for cotton reached 6.5 million RB as of 12/25, down 15% from the same week last year and at 57% of the USDA estimate, well behind the 75% average pace. The Seam's online auction sold 27,248 bales at an average price of 59.70 cents per pound. The Cotlook A Index fell 25 points to 74.05 cents, ICE certified stocks were steady at 11,510 bales, and the Adjusted World Price rose 74 points to 50.76 cents/lb. Front-month closes: Mar 26 65.06, +41; May 26 66.43, +44; Jul 26 67.74, +43.

Oracle valuation flags overvaluation after rally; DCF shows ~17% gap

January 6, 2026, 8:42 PM EST. Oracle closed at $193.75 after a multi-year rally. A 7-day decline of 1.8% and a 30-day drop of 11.0% frame the near term; the stock is up 1 year 20.8% with 3- and 5-year gains of 131.6% and 231.5%. In the valuation framework, Oracle scores 2/6. The analysis uses a 2-stage FCFE/DCF model, projecting free cash flow from about $2.9B to $22.7B by 2030 and deriving an intrinsic value of about $165.34 per share. At current prices, that implies ~17% overvaluation. It also notes a quick lens via the P/E ratio; the piece explains DCF (discounted cash flow) and FCF (free cash flow).

Okta's $1B Buyback Signals Confidence in Cash Flow; Growth Focus Remains

January 6, 2026, 8:41 PM EST. Okta, Inc. said on Jan. 5, 2026 that its board approved a share repurchase (buyback) program of up to $1.0 billion, funded from existing cash and cash flow from operations, with no fixed expiration. The plan, representing roughly 6.7% of Okta's market value, signals management's view that shares are undervalued and that capital should be returned while the company invests for long-term growth. The move does not alter near-term catalysts, notably product integration and upsell momentum. In the fiscal third quarter, Okta posted revenue of $742 million and net income of $43 million, with stronger sales productivity and growth in newer product areas. Still, investors must weigh ongoing competitive pressure from bundled security suites and the risk they could compress pricing and share of wallet over time.

Walmart Fairly Priced After Strong Multi-Year Gains, DCF Signals Narrow Gap

January 6, 2026, 8:40 PM EST.Walmart's shares closed at $114.34, up 2.2% over the last week and posting multi-year gains. Using a two-stage discounted cash flow (DCF) model, the intrinsic value is $126.22 per share, meaning the stock trades about 9.4% below that fair value. The analysis notes Walmart's P/E ratio at 39.78x, well above the industry average of 22.85x and peers at 27.23x, signaling higher growth or risk expectations. The framework emphasizes that valuation depends on growth and risk, with Walmart supported by its scale, store network and digital push. Source: Simply Wall St's valuation framework; results can change with inputs.

RPTECH stock climbs 23% in a month as ROE, earnings growth under review

January 6, 2026, 8:39 PM EST. Rashi Peripherals (NSE:RPTECH) stock has climbed about 23% in the past month as investors weigh fundamentals. The trailing twelve-month ROE stands at 11% (₹2.1b profit on ₹19b shareholders' equity as of Sep 2025), slightly above the industry average of about 10%. Net income growth ran 11% in the period, but this is below the 30% five-year industry growth, suggesting other factors may be driving the rally, perhaps management decisions or a lower payout ratio. The market's pricing will hinge on whether the earnings trajectory justifies the current multiple, with the P/E ratio serving as a proxy for expected growth. Investors should monitor whether ROE sustainability aligns with future earnings growth and how P/E is priced against peers.

Seagate hits all-time high as Huang bullish on AI storage market

January 6, 2026, 8:26 PM EST. Seagate Technology Holdings plc (STX) rose to an all-time high after Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang cast a bullish view on the AI storage market. In intraday trade, STX hovered near a high of $332 and closed up about 14% at $330.42. Huang, speaking at CES 2026, said the storage market is an unserved market that could become the largest storage market as AI requires more context and token memory. Seagate gained alongside peers such as Western Digital, SanDisk, and Micron on the outlook for AI-related storage demand. In separate news, CEO William Mosley disclosed a sale of roughly $5.7 million of shares on the same day, leaving around 430,000 direct shares. The move underscores optimism about AI-driven storage, even as stock specifics vary.

Evolve Global Healthcare Enhanced Yield Fund LIFE:CA AI signals outline near-term buy

January 6, 2026, 8:24 PM EST. Updated AI-generated signals for LIFE:CA (Evolve Global Healthcare Enhanced Yield Fund) show a suggested near-term buy around 19.50 with a stop at 19.40. No short positions are offered at this time. Ratings are Neutral across near, mid and long horizons. The note emphasizes data freshness-check the timestamp-and includes a chart for LIFE:CA. The plan refrains from hype and sticks to a defined risk approach, outlining a long entry with a clear exit limit. Investors are reminded that the feed provides guidance rather than a guaranteed return.

Alibaba shares down 3.4% on Tuesday as AI, cloud momentum and Shinsegae deal attract attention

January 6, 2026, 8:16 PM EST. Alibaba Group Holding Limited (NYSE:BABA) shares fell 3.4% on Tuesday, trading as low as $150.86 and last at $150.92, with about 12.74 million shares changing hands, below the 14.41 million-share average. The stock closed at $156.26 the prior session. Drivers cited include a broader AI product push, led by Alibaba's Amap and visual/3D tools, and momentum in cloud and AI revenue with strong Qwen adoption. A new Shinsegae MOU aims to lift cross-border GMV (gross merchandise value). Institutional backing has grown as firms lift ratings and targets. Risks include valuation concerns and macro headwinds, plus a Pomerantz investor inquiry. Analysts' targets range from Loop Capital's $140 to Mizuho's $195, with Arete at $172 (neutral) and one downgrade to sell.

Salesforce stock seen undervalued on DCF view as shares hover near $263

January 6, 2026, 8:15 PM EST. Salesforce (CRM) trades around $262.90 a share after a mixed year, with a 0.9% return in the past month and a 3.7% year-to-date rise, but an 18.6% drop over 12 months. Over three years the stock has gained about 80.5%, with 23.5% over five. A 4/6 valuation score flags mixed signals on pricing. Using a 2-stage Free Cash Flow to Equity model, the latest twelve-month FCF is about $12.76 billion; forecasts point to roughly $20.53 billion in 2030. The model yields an intrinsic value of about $385.09 per share, implying an approximate 31.7% discount to the current price. The takeaway: DCF suggests undervalued on cash-flow projections, though broader software valuation concerns persist.

Mondelez MDLZ appears undervalued after price weakness, DCF points to $115.67 intrinsic value

January 6, 2026, 8:14 PM EST. Mondelez International (MDLZ) traded at $52.73, with a weekly decline of 3.8% and a monthly drop of 4.0%, as year-to-date and trailing figures show weakness. The stock is down 6.7% over the last year, with a 3-year loss of 15.1% and a 5-year gain of 4.3%. Despite the softer price action, a DCF model assigns a valuation score of 6/6 and an intrinsic value of $115.67 per share, implying the current price discounts value by about 54.4%. The approach uses a 2-stage Free Cash Flow to Equity framework; latest twelve-month FCF is about $2.31 billion, with a projection of $7.66 billion in 2035. It suggests the stock is undervalued on this cash-flow view, pending earnings and pricing dynamics in consumer staples.

Datadog seen undervalued after price weakness as DCF signals 45% gap to fair value

January 6, 2026, 8:13 PM EST. Datadog's stock closed at $137.10 after recent swings. A two-stage Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model values the shares at about $249.13, implying the stock trades roughly 45% below its intrinsic value. The model uses forecast free cash flow with trailing twelve months around $874.3 million and projections to about $4.0 billion by 2030. The assessment notes Datadog remains reinvestment-heavy in cloud monitoring and security. The stock's current price-to-sales ratio, or P/S, sits at 14.97x versus a software industry average of 4.83x and peers around 9.69x, shaping the valuation debate. Overall, the framework points to an undervalued stance on cash-flow grounds, though near-term momentum and risk factors persist.

Nifty 50 slips on Jan 6; intraday range tight

January 6, 2026, 8:11 PM EST. Indian stocks were little changed on Jan 6 as the Nifty 50 (India's benchmark index of the top 50 stocks on the NSE) closed at 26,175.6, down 74.7 points or 0.28%, with the Sensex (the BSE's 30-share benchmark) slipping in tandem. The session sat in a narrow intraday range of 26,124-26,274 as the index faced selling near the 26,250-26,300 area, seen as an immediate hurdle. The day reflected subdued risk appetite after recent gains amid mixed sector cues. Traders awaited clearer direction, with near-term support and resistance shaping bets as liquidity and price action remained tethered to these levels.

Insiders own 45% of Angel One; Dinesh Thakkar holds 27% as top shareholder

January 6, 2026, 8:10 PM EST. Angel One Ltd (NSE:ANGELONE) shows insiders owning about 45% of the company, with Dinesh Thakkar the largest holder at 27%. Nirwan Monetary Services Private Limited and Mukesh Gandhi own 6.7% and 5.1% respectively. More than half the shares sit with the top seven holders, indicating concentration but some dispersion among smaller investors. Institutions are on the registry, and analysts cover the stock; hedge funds hold few shares. The insider stake suggests incentives to pursue value-adding moves, yet a large insider exposure can heighten risk in a downturn. Ownership snapshots help gauge potential upside and risk as of January 7, 2026.

Halliburton (HAL) Dips as Market Gains Ahead of Earnings

January 6, 2026, 8:09 PM EST. Halliburton (HAL) closed at $33.48, down 1.15% after a market rally. The stock underperformed the S&P 500, which rose 1.19%, while the Dow gained 0.25% and the Nasdaq climbed 1.96%. Over the past month HAL has fallen 8.95%, lagging the Oils-Energy sector (-2.58%) and the S&P 500 (+3.35%). Investors await its next earnings report, with a consensus EPS of $0.80, up 3.9% year over year, and quarterly revenue of $5.95 billion, up 2.7%. For the full year, the Zacks consensus pegs EPS at $3.39 and revenue at $24.3 billion, up 8.31% and 5.59%, respectively. The Zacks Rank stands at #3 (Hold). HAL trades at a Forward P/E of 9.99, below the industry average of 16, and a PEG of 0.86 (industry 0.87). The Oil and Gas – Field Services industry sits in the lower half of the Zacks Industry Rank.

Intrusion Inc. stock slides as market rises ahead of earnings

January 6, 2026, 8:08 PM EST. Intrusion Inc. (INTZ) closed at $1.21, down 3.97%. The stock underperformed the broader market as the S&P 500 rose 0.62%, the Dow gained 0.99% and the Nasdaq climbed 0.65%. Over the past month, the shares have fallen about 16%, lagging the Computer and Technology sector. Ahead of the next results, EPS (earnings per share) are seen at -$0.09 for the quarter on revenue of about $2.06 million, a year-over-year change of +75% on the EPS line and a 22.32% rise in revenue. For the full year, estimates call for -$0.41 per share on revenue of $7.67 million (flat year over year). The stock carries a Zacks Rank of #4 (Sell). It sits in the Computer-Networking industry, ranked 43 of 250 by Zacks.

Oneok (OKE) stock slips ahead of earnings as valuation remains premium

January 6, 2026, 8:07 PM EST. Oneok closed at $91.72, down 0.35%, underperforming the S&P 500's 0.45% gain as the Dow fell and the Nasdaq rose. Over the past month, the stock has advanced about 8.05%, ahead of the Oils-Energy sector's roughly 2.65% decline. Investors await the upcoming earnings release; consensus calls for EPS of around $1.26, up about 27% year over year, and quarterly revenue near $5.85 billion, up roughly 39.6% YoY. For the full year, EPS of about $5.07 and revenue of $21.91 billion, with EPS down ~7.5% and revenue up ~24% from a year earlier. The market notes analyst revisions and assigns a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold). Valuation shows a Forward P/E of 18.14 vs. sector 12.03 and a PEG of 4.56 (industry 1.47).

SolarEdge slides as market edges higher; earnings preview eyed

January 6, 2026, 8:06 PM EST. SolarEdge Technologies (SEDG) closed at $24.96, down 8.81% in the latest session, underperforming the S&P 500's 0.32% gain. The Dow rose 0.53% and the Nasdaq added 0.26%. Over the past month, SEDG jumped about 71.49%, outpacing the Oils-Energy sector (-1.13%) and the S&P 500 (+4.51%). Ahead of its earnings disclosure, analysts expect EPS of -$0.82 for the current quarter and revenue of $273.71 million, a year-over-year gain of about 54.19% on base weakness. For the full year, the consensus projects EPS of -$3.30 and revenue of $1.09 billion, adjustments of +85.65% and +17.69%, respectively. The stock carries a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold).

Teekay Tankers (TNK) outperforms broader market ahead of earnings

January 6, 2026, 8:05 PM EST. Teekay Tankers (TNK) closed at $53.49, up 2.94% on the session, outpacing the S&P 500's 0.62% gain. The stock is down 6.09% over the past month, while the Transportation sector has gained 2.31% and the S&P 500 0.59%. Investors will watch earnings, with consensus for the next quarter EPS at $1.96, up about 30.67% year over year. For the full year, the Zacks Consensus calls for EPS of $6.10 and revenue of $0 million, moves of -40.83% and 0% respectively. The stock holds a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold). Valuation shows a Forward P/E of 10.29, versus the industry's 10.17; the Transportation – Shipping group sits in the top third by industry rank (Zacks Industry Rank 79).

Should You Buy Stocks If a Recession Is Coming in 2026? History Shows Mixed Signals

January 6, 2026, 8:03 PM EST. Economists largely do not expect a U.S. recession in 2026, with J.P. Morgan Global Research placing recession odds near 35% and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York using Treasury spreads to gauge risk as even lower. The piece recounts how the S&P 500 has fared across 10 recessions since 1957: downturns often bring declines, though a few cycles saw brief or late-year recessions with smaller losses. Looking further, the data show mixed results at 5- and 10-year horizons-some starts yielded sizable gains later, others did not. The takeaway: investing during recession fears hinges on time horizon and risk tolerance; historically, long-run equity gains are possible, but near-term weakness is common.

Bliss GVS Pharma: 3-year EPS CAGR 128% vs. 37% annual share-price CAGR (NSE: BLISSGVS)

January 6, 2026, 8:01 PM EST. Bliss GVS Pharma's stock has risen about 155% over three years, roughly 37% per year in price terms, while EPS grew at a 128% CAGR. The TSR over the period, including dividends, was about 159%, aided by dividends that boosted returns. The latest stretch added about 20% in the last three months. Insider buying has accompanied the rally, though investors should focus on the earnings trajectory ahead. Over five years, the TSR has declined about 1.7% annually, suggesting some stabilization. The report frames the outlook as earnings-driven, with a warning sign noted, underscoring that long-term fundamentals matter beyond price moves.

UPL's ROE underperforms industry as shares rise 18% in three months

January 6, 2026, 8:00 PM EST. UPL has risen about 18% in the last three months, but its fundamentals raise questions about the sustainability of the rally. The trailing twelve-month ROE is 6.3%, well below the industry average of 9.9%, signaling weaker profitability. The five-year net income has declined about 32%, a trend that may reflect the ROE gap as well as a high payout ratio and competitive pressures. By contrast, the broader industry posted growth around 8.7% in the same period, highlighting a growth gap. Investors should determine whether the stock's price already reflects the outlook for earnings growth and whether retained earnings are deployed effectively. UPL's three-year median payout around 8.5% suggests limited reinvestment back into the business.

US stock futures flat as jobs data loom after record rally

January 6, 2026, 7:59 PM EST. US stock futures were little changed overnight after Wall Street extended its record rally, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average hovering near 49,000 and S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 futures flat. Traders await a week of jobs data, starting with the ADP private payrolls and the JOLTS report ahead of Friday's December jobs data that will test the Fed's policy path. In regular trading, the Dow posted another high as geopolitics cooled after weekend U.S. actions in Venezuela. Attention also turns to the CES 2026 show and the debate over Nvidia's prospects, a focal point for tech leadership and valuations. Markets keep an eye on payrolls and rate expectations early in 2026.

Avalon Technologies: CEO Kunhamed Bicha leads insider gains as stock climbs 9.4%

January 6, 2026, 7:58 PM EST. Insiders hold the majority of Avalon Technologies Ltd shares; CEO Kunhamed Bicha owns about 22%, making him the most upbeat insider as the stock climbed 9.4% last week and pushed the NSE listing's market cap toward ₹62 billion. The largest shareholders account for roughly 55% of shares, underscoring their influence over strategy. The report also notes that institutional investors own a portion of the stock, indicating external analysts have reviewed the name, though the risk of a crowded trade grows if multiple funds move in tandem. Insider ownership and persistent stock momentum are highlighted as potential near-term drivers for Avalon, with analysts offering varied views on future performance.

Syngene International stock falls 25% in the last year, underperforming the wider market

January 6, 2026, 7:57 PM EST. Syngene International Ltd. (NSE:SYNGENE) shares are down about 25% over the past year, trailing the market's roughly 6.6% rise. Three-year performance remains firmer, with a 7.0% gain, but the near-term picture weakens as EPS (earnings per share) declined 3.1% last year. The stock's lofty valuation is highlighted by a price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) near 55.75, suggesting investors remain optimistic about long-term growth despite the setback. Over five years, the equity has yielded about 1.4% annually, underscoring a slow earnings trajectory relative to price volatility. Analysts weighing the stock will focus on fundamental metrics for sustained growth and potential insider buying signals. The article reflects market-weighted returns on Indian exchanges.

ALBLU.PA down 51% YTD; Bluelinea shares €0.48 pre-market on EURONEXT as near-term risk mounts

January 6, 2026, 7:56 PM EST. ALBLU.PA trades €0.48 pre-market on EURONEXT, down 51% YTD, among session's top losers. Volume is 2,344, below the 50-day average. The stock shows negative profitability with EPS -0.06 and a PE -8.58, and a small market cap around €9.44 million. Key risks include weak liquidity (current ratio 0.46) and high leverage (debt/equity 7.48). Valuation flags: PB 9.18, P/S 0.92, EV/Sales 1.38, and negative free cash flow. Technicals indicate momentum but near-term volatility: RSI 62.3, MACD near neutral, Bollinger Bands €0.44-€0.50. Meyka AI assigns a Grade B and a HOLD. Forecasts imply three scenarios: bear €0.25, base €0.40, bull €0.75, signaling potential downside if fundamentals worsen.

News Corp updates US$2 bln Nasdaq share buy-back excluding ASX CDIs

January 6, 2026, 7:55 PM EST. News Corporation said it is carrying out a daily buy-back of its Nasdaq-listed Class A common stock under a dual-listed capital-management framework, while excluding ASX-listed CDIs (Chess Depository Interests) from the program. The buy-back sits within a US$2 billion total authorization, comprising a US$1 billion repurchase authorized in 2021 and a further US$1 billion approved in 2025. By excluding CDIs from the programs, management aims to manage liquidity and capital allocation differently for US and Australian investors. The stock trades on the ASX under NWS and on Nasdaq in the US. The latest analyst rating on News Corp is a Hold with a A$49.00 target. Investors will watch how the exclusion affects cross-market trading and long-run capital discipline.

Marathon Digital Holdings slips as market gains persist ahead of earnings

January 6, 2026, 7:54 PM EST. Marathon Digital Holdings, Inc. (MARA) closed at $19.56, down 1.76% in the latest session, lagging a gain for the broader market. The S&P 500 rose 0.88%, the Dow gained 1.24%, and the Nasdaq advanced 0.65%. Over the past month, shares have risen about 3.43%, outpacing the Business Services sector's 0.03% and the S&P 500's 1.17% in that span. Investors await the upcoming earnings report, with consensus expecting EPS of -$0.30, a 1400% drop from the year-ago quarter, while revenue is forecast at $187.03 million, up 19.3% year over year. Analyst estimates have been revised higher recently, a factor sometimes linked to near-term share price momentum. Marathon currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).

Roblox shares fall as earnings outlook, Zacks Rank weigh on RBLX

January 6, 2026, 7:53 PM EST. Roblox Corp's shares closed at $75.83, down 6.43% as the S&P 500 posted a 0.62% gain; the Dow rose 0.99% and the Nasdaq added 0.65%. The stock is down about 17% over the past month, underperforming the Consumer Discretionary sector's modest advance. Ahead of next quarter's results, analysts expect an EPS of -0.50, a roughly 51.5% year-over-year decline, with revenue seen at $2.07 billion, up about 52%. For the full year, consensus calls for EPS of -1.59 and revenue of $6.64 billion (roughly flat). The stock carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) after a 3.2% increase in the consensus EPS estimate over the past month. The Gaming group is within Consumer Discretionary, ranking 169th of 250 industries.

Plug Power beats market; eyes upcoming earnings; holds at Zacks Rank #3

January 6, 2026, 7:52 PM EST. Plug Power (PLUG) closed at $2.40, up 1.05% on the session, outpacing the market. The S&P 500 rose 0.62%, the Dow 0.99%, and the Nasdaq 0.65%. In the past month, Plug Power has gained about 9.72%, vs. the Computer and Technology sector's 1.47% decline. Investors will scrutinize the upcoming earnings; analysts expect EPS (earnings per share) of -$0.11, a 93% year-over-year improvement despite the loss. Revenue is seen at $219.96 million, up 14.88% year over year. For the full year, consensus calls for -$0.80 per share on $701.76 million in revenue. The stock has a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold), a rating that ranges from 1 (Strong Buy) to 5 (Strong Sell).

Roku stock declines as market gains ahead of earnings; EPS, revenue seen higher

January 6, 2026, 7:51 PM EST. Roku (ROKU) closed at $113.28, down 1.22% in Thursday's session as the broader market rose. The S&P 500 gained 0.62%, the Dow added 0.99% and the Nasdaq rose 0.65%. Over the past month, Roku has advanced about 12.8%, outperforming the Consumer Discretionary sector's 1.1% gain and the S&P 500's 0.6% rise. Investors will focus on Roku's upcoming earnings report, with consensus for EPS of $0.28 and revenue of $1.35 billion, versus year-ago levels up 216.7% and 12.6%, respectively. For the full year, estimates imply EPS of $0.33 and revenue of $4.69 billion. Roku carries a Forward P/E near 95, well above the industry average of ~12. The Zacks Rank currently sits at #3 (Hold), amid recent estimate revisions that analysts say can precede stock moves.

Leidos edges higher ahead of earnings; valuation hints at discount to peers

January 6, 2026, 7:50 PM EST. Leidos (LDOS) closed at $185.26, up 2.71%, outperforming the S&P 500's 0.85% advance while the Dow rose 1.36% and the Nasdaq 0.72%. Over the past month, LDOS slipped 0.87%, lagging the Computers – IT Services sector's 4.39% gain and the S&P 500's 2.38% rise. Ahead of its next earnings release, the company is expected to report EPS of $2.62, down 10.58% year over year, with revenue of $4.28 billion, up 2.06%. For the full year, consensus calls for EPS $11.22 and revenue $17.15 billion, up about 9.89% and 2.95%. The Zacks Rank sits at #2 (Buy), with a 0.22% monthly lift in the EPS estimate. Valuation shows a Forward P/E of 16.07 versus an industry 17.33; the PEG is 1.72.

Spotify stock slips as market gains persist ahead of July 29 earnings

January 6, 2026, 7:49 PM EST. Spotify (SPOT) closed at $709.95, down 1.69% as the market rose. It lagged the S&P 500's 0.28% gain; the Dow +0.43%, Nasdaq +0.09%. Over the last month, SPOT rose 1.83%, underperforming the Computers & Technology sector's 6.2% gain and the S&P 500's 4.37% rise. Investors await the July 29, 2025 EPS (earnings per share) release; EPS is seen at $2.29, up ~60% YoY, with revenue around $4.79B, up ~16.9%. For the year, EPS near $9.22 and revenue near $19.94B. Valuation shows a Forward P/E (price-earnings based on forward earnings) around 78.31, above the industry's 29.03; PEG ~1.9. Zacks Rank (1=Strong Buy to 5=Strong Sell) lists SPOT at #3 (Hold).

Discord confidentially files for US IPO, Bloomberg News reports

January 6, 2026, 7:47 PM EST. Discord confidentially filed for a U.S. IPO (initial public offering), Bloomberg News reported, citing people familiar with the matter. The U.S. IPO market regained momentum in 2025 after nearly three years of sluggish activity, but hopes for a stronger rebound were tempered by tariff-driven volatility, a prolonged government shutdown and a late-year selloff in artificial intelligence stocks. Discord, founded in 2015, provides voice, video and text chat for gamers and streamers.

Systematix Corporate Services shares fall 30% in a month; high P/E amid earnings decline

January 6, 2026, 7:46 PM EST. Systematix Corporate Services Limited (NSE:SYSTMTXC) extended a 30% slide in the past month, erasing earlier gains. The stock is virtually flat for the year as results deteriorate. It trades at about 32.1x price-to-earnings ratio (P/E), higher than roughly half of Indian peers with P/Es below 25x, raising questions about valuation. The last year delivered a 37% drop in net income, though EPS has risen 495% from three years ago. Analysts have not provided fresh forecasts; revenue and cash flow trends warrant closer inspection. Some investors remain confident the company can outperform, sustaining the elevated multiple. Investors should scrutinize margins and forward visibility to justify the P/E, as earnings visibility remains uncertain.

Hexaware's 22% ROE underpins valuation as earnings growth lags peers

January 6, 2026, 7:45 PM EST. Hexaware Technologies' stock has risen about 4.3% over the past three months. The company posted a trailing twelve months ROE of 22%, calculated as ₹14 billion in net profit divided by ₹63 billion in shareholders' equity, or roughly ₹0.22 per ₹1 of equity. The figure sits above the industry average of 15%, signaling efficient use of capital. Over five years, net income grew about 14%, slower than the industry average of 26% in the same period. Investors should assess whether the valuation already reflects this growth, with the P/E ratio as a quick check. ROE measures profitability relative to shareholders' equity; higher ROE can support earnings growth if profits are reinvested, though Hexaware's growth trails peers on this horizon. Data through September 2025.

Krishna Defence and Allied Industries jumps 25% as earnings growth sustains high P/E

January 6, 2026, 7:44 PM EST. Krishna Defence and Allied Industries Ltd. shares rose about 25% over the past month, extending gains after a choppy stretch. The stock is up roughly 13% in the last year and has drawn attention for a lofty P/E of 43.8x. This ratio sits well above the Indian market norm, where about half of peers trade below 25x. With no official analyst estimates available, valuation remains interpretive. The company has posted strong earnings growth, including a 56% rise in net income last year and a 631% surge in EPS over three years. If the momentum persists, investors may justify the high P/E as a bet on continued outperformance, though a pullback in earnings or sentiment could test the stock's premium.

Lupin's ROE Supports 13% Three-Month Rally; Fundamentals Under Scrutiny

January 6, 2026, 7:43 PM EST. Lupin (NSE:LUPIN) has climbed about 13% over the last three months as investors weigh its fundamentals. The focus is on ROE (Return on Equity), which stood at 22% for the trailing twelve months to September 2025, implying ₹0.22 of profit for every ₹1 of equity. Lupin's ROE compares with an industry average near 12%, and the company posted about 49% net income growth over the past five years. The stronger earnings growth versus the sector suggests capital-efficient expansion, though management choices or a modest payout ratio may temper returns. The three-year median payout ratio sits at 19%, a factor in growth prospects. Investors should assess whether the growth is priced in by comparing it with standard valuation measures.

Nike shares rise 1.2% as insider buying supports bounce; analysts mixed

January 6, 2026, 7:42 PM EST. Nike Inc. (NYSE:NKE) rose about 1.2% on Tuesday, trading as high as $65.43 and last at $65.30, with mid-day volume around 19.89 million, below the 21.87 million average. A wave of insider buying by Tim Cook, Elliott Hill and other directors supported the move after December earnings weakness. Analysts remain mixed: Sanford C. Bernstein reiterated a Buy rating with an $85 target; RBC lowered its target yet kept a Buy rating; other firms offered varied views on timing of a durable rebound. News of insider purchases described as a possible signal by multiple outlets. Risks cited include Greater China headwinds and concerns about valuation versus peers, suggesting near-term upside may depend on margin recovery and execution.

SPML Infra: 6.1% ROE vs industry 13% raises questions about earnings growth as shares slide

January 6, 2026, 7:41 PM EST. SPML Infra (NSE:SPMLINFRA) has fallen about 22% over the last three months as the stock trades despite a more resilient long-term earnings profile. The trailing twelve-month ROE is 6.1%, calculated as ₹491 million of net profit divided by ₹8.0 billion of shareholders' equity. That remains below the industry average ROE of roughly 13%. Yet the company posted 5-year net income growth of about 70%, and its earnings growth outpaced the industry's 35% over the same period, signaling other factors supporting profitability, such as strategic decisions or a lower payout ratio. ROE measures how efficiently management uses equity; a high ROE with retained earnings can indicate stronger future growth. Investors will want upcoming results and any strategic updates to gauge whether the stock can rebound toward fundamentals.

ELF:CA AI signals show neutral near-term, strong long-term rating; trading plans outlined

January 6, 2026, 7:39 PM EST. Updated AI-generated signals for ELF:CA, E-L Financial Corporation Limited, show a mixed near-term posture and a clear long-term view. The plan lists a long entry near 15.81 with a target of 16.91 and a stop at 15.73; and a short near 16.91 with a target of 15.81 and a stop at 16.99. The January 6 rating shows Near-Term Neutral, Mid-Term Neutral, and Long-Term Strong. The release emphasizes that the signals are AI-generated and available for review with a chart. Traders should note that AI signals entail model-based risk and should be coupled with own risk controls. The update reflects the ongoing use of algorithmic themes in ELF:CA coverage.

Texas Instruments (TXN) DCF signals overvaluation despite lower P/E vs peers

January 6, 2026, 7:37 PM EST. Texas Instruments trades around $192.08 a share. A Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model yields an intrinsic value near $136.34, suggesting the stock is about 41% overvalued at current levels. The P/E ratio is 34.79x, below the peer average of 69.05x and the sector mean of 38.66x. The valuation summary shows 2/6 on checks. The analysis notes projected free cash flow rising to roughly $10.3b by 2030, with later years extrapolated from earlier data. While near-term returns have been solid, the model points to a meaningful valuation gap that investors should weigh against Texas Instruments' exposure to analog and embedded semiconductors.

SoFi slides after $1.5B equity sale pressures shares

January 6, 2026, 7:26 PM EST. Jan. 6, 2026 – SoFi Technologies closed at $26.99, down 7.82%, after news of a $1.5 billion equity sale (sale of new shares to raise capital). The sale was priced at $27.50 per share, pressuring the stock below that level and highlighting dilution (the reduction of existing shareholders' ownership). Volume rose to about 118.7 million shares, roughly 74% above the three-month average. The S&P 500 rose 0.62% to 6,945 and the Nasdaq Composite gained 0.65% to 23,547. Digital-lending peers LendingClub and Upstart traded lower. SoFi's shares have surged in prior periods, trading at about 47x forward earnings (the multiple of the current price to expected next-year profits), with Wall Street projecting 25% revenue growth in 2026. The capital raise may support growth financing while causing near-term dilution.

Structural Monitoring Systems' P/S at 2.1x prompts caution as growth lag persists

January 6, 2026, 7:25 PM EST. Structural Monitoring Systems Plc (ASX:SMN) trades at a P/S ratio of about 2.1x, versus an Australian electronic-industry median near 1.8x. The figure raises questions about whether sentiment is justified by recent performance. The company has shown little revenue growth over the past year, leaving the market to weigh whether the valuation can be supported by medium-term gains. Three-year revenue rose around 79%, but the most recent 12 months were lackluster. By contrast, the industry is forecast to deliver roughly 120% growth over the next year, leaving Structural Monitoring Systems' momentum comparatively weaker. Analysts and investors may tolerate a higher multiple only if revenue growth accelerates to align with peers. Without a clear uptick, the P/S ratio could soften.

On Holding valuation after price strength: fair value around $62.08 and a rich P/E vs peers

January 6, 2026, 7:24 PM EST. On Holding (ONON) draws investor attention after recent price strength, with a close near $49 and a fair value around $62.08. The stock's P/E of about 57.7x sits well above the US luxury group average and peers, flagging valuation risk if growth slows. The case rests on revenue and margin expansion from new product franchises (nine now >5% of revenue) and diversification beyond running into tennis, trail, lifestyle, and apparel. A ~14% discount to one intrinsic value estimate supports upside if growth and pricing power persist. Yet premium pricing could dampen demand, and rapid expansion may strain margins and inventory. The analysis suggests upside potential but emphasizes testing assumptions, monitoring margins, and benchmarking against industry norms.

National Aluminium climbs 27% in a month; P/E at 10.4x amid weaker forward outlook

January 6, 2026, 7:23 PM EST. National Aluminium Company Limited, listed as NSE:NATIONALUM, has gained 27% in the past month and 68% in the past year. The stock trades at a P/E of about 10.4x, below Indian peers where many names exceed 20x. The rally follows a sharp earnings climb-EPS rose 97% last year and 141% over three years-yet analysts expect earnings to fall about 5% per year over the next three years, versus roughly 20% market growth. The low multiple likely reflects the weaker near-term profit outlook rather than poor fundamentals, as investors weigh whether momentum can be sustained. Though recent earnings growth has been strong, the outlook for profitability remains uncertain, keeping the P/E floor in play if profits slip further.

Neuland Laboratories Maintains Net Cash, But Liabilities Loom on Balance Sheet

January 6, 2026, 7:22 PM EST. Neuland Laboratories Limited (NSE: NEULANDLAB) carries debt but shows a modest net cash position of ₹85.3 million as of September 2025: debt ₹1.60 billion against ₹1.69 billion in cash. Net debt (debt minus cash) is therefore a small net cash position. Total liabilities stand at ₹9.14 billion, with ₹6.44 billion due within a year and ₹2.70 billion beyond. The company also holds ₹4.41 billion in near-term receivables against ₹1.69 billion in cash, leaving near-term liquid assets of ₹6.10 billion – about ₹3.04 billion short of covering total liabilities. While liquidity is not dire, the balance sheet faces pressure. EBIT (earnings before interest and taxes) fell 26% in the last 12 months, so future earnings will determine whether the debt remains safely manageable.

S&P 500, Dow Rally to Record Highs as Tech Stocks Surge

January 6, 2026, 7:06 PM EST. Stock indexes closed higher on Tuesday, with the S&P 500 up 0.62%, the Dow Jones up 0.99% and the Nasdaq-100 up 0.94% firmer, as the first two posted record highs and the tech gauge logged a 1-week peak. March E-mini futures followed suit, with the S&P and Nasdaq futures up about 0.6-0.95%. Strength in chipmakers and data-storage names helped lift the market, while copper prices advanced to a fresh high amid tariff talk and solid December imports. Global stocks also advanced, with Europe and Japan hitting records. The 10-year Treasury yield rose about 2 basis points to 4.18%, and the breakeven rate climbed to a 1-month high, signaling firmer inflation expectations. Fed commentary varied; Barkin leaned hawkish, Miran was more dovish. Key weekly data loom: ADP, ISM services, JOLTS, orders, productivity, unit labor costs and payrolls.

S&P 500 and Dow close at record highs as tech-led rally lifts markets

January 6, 2026, 6:54 PM EST. Stocks closed at record highs as a tech-led rally offset geopolitical nerves. The S&P 500 rose 0.62% to 6,944.82, while the Dow gained 0.99% to 49,462.08, both posting record closes; the Nasdaq added 0.65% to 23,547.173. Nvidia-led memory and storage names surged after CES details, with SanDisk up 27.56%, Western Digital 16.77%, Seagate 14%, and Micron 10.04%, all trading at or near new highs. Analysts said the market remains focused on earnings season and potential Big Tech strength despite late 2025 volatility. Oil slid 2.38% to 56.93 as Venezuela's minor crude role limits downside risk, though refiners and energy services could benefit from infrastructure demand. Economists see no imminent recession and expect tax refund boosts in early 2026.

Micron climbs on AI memory demand as analysts raise targets

January 6, 2026, 6:53 PM EST. Micron Technology surged on AI-driven memory demand, finishing up about 10% as it sold out 2026 chips. The stock traded near the $340 level with volume well above its three-month average, signaling strong investor interest. Analysts responded with higher targets from Bernstein to $330 and KeyBanc to $325, citing a looming DRAM upcycle and AI data-center demand. In broader markets, the S&P 500 and Nasdaq edged higher, while peers like Sandisk rallied on memory demand. At CES, Nvidia's CEO Jensen Huang said the memory storage market was underserved, reinforcing bullish sentiment toward the sector. Micron remains a leading memory and storage provider as demand tightens into 2026.

ServiceNow valuation shows fair value of $225.84 as momentum cools; stock near $147.60

January 6, 2026, 6:52 PM EST. ServiceNow (NOW) trades around $147.60 as momentum slows after volatility. The stock is flat year-to-date and down over 30 and 90 days, reflecting a reassessment of growth versus risk. The analysis assigns an intrinsic fair value of about $225.84, indicating the name is undervalued, though the gap rests on growth and margin assumptions. Analysts' targets vary widely, with a consensus near $1,142.588 and a range from $734 to $1,300. The stock trades at a P/E (price-earnings ratio) of 88.5x, well above the software group average of 32.3x and peers around 50x; a model-implied fair multiple of 43.7x could imply downside if sentiment moves toward that level. Risks include reliance on U.S. federal contracts and execution risk on AI and security acquisitions.

Vale shares rise as mining stocks rally on AI optimism

January 6, 2026, 6:40 PM EST. Vale SA rose about 4% on Tuesday as institutional buying and AI (artificial intelligence)-driven demand for mining materials supported the nickel and iron-ore producer. Vale closed near $14.17 after trading intraday, with about 57.2 million shares changing hands-roughly 75% above its three-month average. The move followed fresh institutional positions and a broader rally in metals and mining peers: BHP and Rio Tinto gained, while Albemarle climbed on upbeat sentiment around battery materials. Advisory Resource Group disclosed a new 132,058-share stake and Kathmere Capital Management lifted its stake about 50% to roughly $1.3 million. Analysts say AI advances underpin demand for autonomous robots and EVs, a backdrop that benefits Vale's nickel production.

Sumasapo Inc. stock climbs 25% as earnings growth supports high P/E

January 6, 2026, 6:39 PM EST. Sumasapo Inc. (TSE:9342) shares advanced about 25% in the past month, though the full-year gain sits around 9.5%. The stock trades at a P/E ratio of 20.9x, higher than many peers; this premium reflects strong earnings momentum. Earnings per share (EPS) rose 23% last year, with a three-year rise of about 62%, underpinning the valuation. Investors appear to expect continued earnings growth and outperformance versus the broader market, supported by forecasts of roughly 8.8% annual expansion. If recent trends persist, the risk is that an earnings deterioration could justify a lower multiple.

ASX set to rise on Fed rate-cut hopes as gold climbs; Regis Resources Q2 output falls

January 6, 2026, 6:38 PM EST. MT Newswires reports Australian shares are set to rise on Wednesday after US Federal Reserve Governor Stephen Miran said rates restrain the economy and more than a percentage point of rate cuts will be needed in 2026, fueling expectations of easier policy. The gold rally extended on safe-haven demand as global tensions weigh on markets, with investors awaiting key US jobs data for clues on the Fed's next moves. Overnight, the S&P 500, Nasdaq, and Dow rose 0.7%, 0.6%, and 1.1%. In Australia, the CPI and building approvals releases are due at 11:30 am Sydney time. Regis Resources (ASX:RRL) reported Q2 FY2026 gold production of 96,600 ounces, down from 101,300 a year earlier; Bellevue Gold reaffirmed its 2026 guidance of 130k-150k ounces. The ASX closed down 0.5% to 8,682.80 on Tuesday.

Zoetis stock seen undervalued after price weakness, per DCF model

January 6, 2026, 6:37 PM EST. Zoetis closed at $129.37, up 2.3% last week, 9.0% in the past month, and 2.7% year-to-date; stock is down 19.8% over the last year, 13.5% over three years, and 18.5% over five years. Coverage highlights Zoetis leading position in animal health as a pure-play. Simply Wall St flags Zoetis as undervalued on its valuation checklist. A Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model, using a two-stage free cash flow to equity approach, yields an intrinsic value of $198.89 per share, versus a $129.37 close, implying the stock trades about a 35% discount to this estimate. The result supports valuing the business on cash flows rather than sentiment, with P/E used as a shorthand for current earnings valuation.

Serve Robotics Valuation Under Scrutiny After Tough Year and Recent Rally

January 6, 2026, 6:21 PM EST. Serve Robotics has drawn investor attention as the stock closed at US$12.68 after a year of losses and a recent rebound. The 7-day return of 25.54% and a 1-day gain of 7.19% contrast with a 1-year total shareholder return down 31.86%, signaling momentum from a tougher year. The company posted 52% revenue growth but logged a US$80.21m net loss, keeping profitability in focus. It trades at a P/B of 3.3x, above the peer average 2.2x and the US Hospitality industry average 2.8x, implying a premium on growth potential rather than asset value. The stock's premium would be at risk if revenue growth slows or sentiment toward automation deteriorates. Valuation sits at roughly a 49% discount to a one-analyst price target.

Stock futures little changed after S&P 500, Dow hit fresh records

January 6, 2026, 6:20 PM EST. Stock futures were largely flat overnight as major indices closed at fresh records. Dow futures rose 24 points, 0.07%, S&P 500 futures up 0.04%, Nasdaq 100 futures up 0.07%. In regular trading Tuesday the Dow climbed about 485 points (0.99%) to clear 49,000 for the first time; the S&P 500 posted a record close, while the Nasdaq rose roughly 0.7%. Analysts said the move reflects a supportive earnings momentum backdrop rather than headlines, with momentum broadening beyond mega-cap tech. Gains were led by health care and tech; Amazon and Palantir rose more than 3%. Wells Fargo's Paul Christopher cited political calm as crucial; turmoil could weigh on equities if escalated, while a smoother path could be positive. Prediction markets priced odds of Trump seizing the Panama Canal above 35% by early 2029.

KSPI crosses above 200-day moving average, intraday high $83.45

January 6, 2026, 6:09 PM EST. Kaspi KZ JSC (KSPI) crossed above its 200-day moving average of $83.22, a widely used trend indicator. The stock touched as high as $83.45 and was about 5.8% higher on the session. A close above the 200-day moving average can signal a bullish shift, though traders seek follow-through. The shares' 52-week range runs from $70.61 to $111.45, with the last trade near $83.25. No fresh company news accompanied the move; investors cited the chart's momentum. The 200-day moving average helps compare longer-term performance, smoothing out daily noise and signaling potential trend changes for investors.

AGE.AX pre-market at A$0.028; ASX uranium name among the most active

January 6, 2026, 6:08 PM EST. AGE.AX is trading at A$0.028 in ASX pre-market on 07 Jan 2026, after opening at A$0.027, with a 0.026-0.028 intraday range. Volume is 49.86 million, above the 20.04 million average, highlighting liquidity as a near-term driver. Market cap stands near A$128.7 million with 4.44 billion shares outstanding. The stock ranks among the most active ASX small caps as uranium headlines drive flows. Alligator Energy holds assets in the Northern Territory and South Australia, plus a Piedmont project in Italy, making it sensitive to commodity news. Fundamentals show limited revenue and a negative earnings outlook: book value per share A$0.01746; cash per share A$0.00681; net income per share -A$0.00133; P/B ~1.60; current ratio 20.42. Meyka AI score 67.28 (HOLD). RSI 47.6; 50- and 200-day averages ~A$0.0252 and A$0.0266; ADX 9.96; OBV elevated; Bollinger around A$0.030.

Arbor Realty appoints new Class II director after Martello retirement (ABR)

January 6, 2026, 6:06 PM EST. Arbor Realty Trust said director Joseph Martello will retire from the board effective Dec. 31, 2025, ending a tenure that began in 2003. On Jan. 5, 2026, the board named John Natalone as a Class II director to fill the vacancy; the appointment carries no special arrangement, and Natalone is not considered independent under listing standards and will not sit on board committees. His compensation will follow the company's standard director pay program. The company's latest analyst view was a Sell with an $8 target. Spark AI Analyst called ABR Neutral, noting strong profitability and strategic financing but warning of high leverage and bearish technicals. While the stock's valuation and high dividend offer support, concerns include market headwinds and rising delinquencies. Arbor Realty focuses on financing solutions tied to commercial and multifamily real estate.

AAR CORP beats Q4 CY2025; revenue, EPS top estimates; raises Q1 guidance

January 6, 2026, 5:58 PM EST. Aircraft maintenance provider AAR CORP (NYSE: AIR) posted a Q4 CY2025 revenue of $795.3 million, up 15.9% year over year and above estimates. The result topped consensus on revenue and delivered Adjusted EPS (non-GAAP) of $1.18, up 14.2% vs. Street estimates. Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) was $96.5 million, a 12.1% margin and a 6.1% beat. The company guided Q1 CY2026 revenue of $820.6 million at the midpoint, 3.9% above expectations. Operating margin rose to 8.4% from -0.3% a year earlier; free cash flow margin was 0.8%, down from 2%. CEO John M. Holmes attributed the results to solid performance across segments and recent acquisitions. Revenue by segment shows strength in Parts Supply (44.5%), Repair & Engineering (30.7%), and Integrated Solutions (22.1%).

USA Rare Earth undervalued on DCF signals as price holds at $15.80

January 6, 2026, 5:54 PM EST. USA Rare Earth trades at US$15.80 a share. The stock posted a 7-day gain of 30.3% and a 12-month rise of 18.2%, but fell 8.2% in the last 30 days. A valuation screen scores it 2/6, suggesting it is undervalued on some metrics. A two-stage Free Cash Flow to Equity (FCF) model yields an intrinsic value of about US$66.51 per share, implying the shares trade about 76.2% below fair value. The forecast path shows losses near 2026 before turning positive by 2030 and beyond. The analysis uses Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) as the basis and notes price-to-book in context of asset-heavy, early-stage profiles. The piece highlights focus on supply chains for rare earths and flags red lines in the valuation.

Australia shares set for higher open; NZ inches up

January 6, 2026, 5:49 PM EST. Australian shares are set for a higher open on the back of gains in most regional markets. S&P/ASX 200 futures point to a firmer start, while New Zealand equities edged up in a cautious session. Traders weigh the path for global interest rates against commodity prices and exchange rates. Local attention remains on domestic data releases and corporate updates that could influence sentiment. Market participants are watching iron ore and dairy prices for clues on the economy's health, and how currency moves affect exporters.

Natural gas prices sink on forecast of above-normal US temperatures

January 6, 2026, 5:47 PM EST. February Nymex natural gas futures (NGG26) closed down 4.91% on Tuesday, extending a week-long slide to a 2.25-month nearest-futures low. Forecasts for above-normalUS temperatures are seen curbing heating demand and allowing inventories to rebuild. Xweather said warmth will grip nearly the entire US through Jan. 10, followed by more seasonal weather. Bulk supply factors remain bearish: US dry gas output sits near a record high (about 112.2 bcf/day per BNEF), lower-48 demand at 89.5 bcf/day, and LNG net flows to US terminals at 18.5 bcf/day. The EIA's latest weekly tally showed a 38 bcf draw for the week ended Dec. 26, smaller than expectations and the five-year average. Baker Hughes counted 125 active US nat-gas rigs in the week to Jan. 2, underscoring ample supply.

Takara Holdings climbs 3.7% this week as earnings trend down; TSR up about 80% over three years

January 6, 2026, 5:45 PM EST. Takara Holdings TSE:2531 shares rose 3.7% this week, after a period of mixed performance. Over the past three years, the stock gained about 65% while earnings per share (EPS) fell 15% on an annualized basis, suggesting valuation moved on factors beyond earnings growth. The modest 1.7% dividend yield and 3.0% three-year revenue growth provide limited price support. Total shareholder return (TSR, including reinvested dividends) over the period was about 80%, underscoring dividends' contribution to returns even as profits lagged. In the latest year, the stock rose 26% but still lagged the market's ~9% gain over five years. Investors should monitor for signs of improving earnings momentum.

Dollar climbs on higher yields; euro weakens as PMI revisions weigh

January 6, 2026, 5:42 PM EST. The dollar index rose about 0.30% on Tuesday as higher U.S. Treasury yields widened its rate differentials. Barkin of the Richmond Fed said tax cuts and deregulation could lift growth this year, though policy remains in a delicate balance. Safe-haven support persisted amid Venezuela risk after Maduro's capture and Trump's plan to run the country. Bearish factors included stock strength, a downward revision to the December S&P services PMI to 52.5 from 52.9, and Fed Governor Miran, who sees more than 100 bps of cuts this year. Traders price roughly 18% for a -25 bps cut at the Jan meeting. Longer term, the dollar faces pressure as the Fed is seen cutting about 50 bps in 2026, while the BOJ and ECB policy paths diverge. EUR/USD fell 0.27%.

Crude prices retreat as dollar strengthens and demand concerns mount

January 6, 2026, 5:40 PM EST. February WTI settled down 1.19 at 2.04%, and February RBOB fell 0.0194, 1.13%, as a firmer dollar and concerns about energy demand offset earlier gains. The decline followed Saudi Arabia's cut of Arab Light for February, signaling softer near-term demand. The crack spread tumbled to an 11-month low, discouraging refiners from buying crude. Morgan Stanley cut its Q1/Q2 price forecasts and warned of a widening global surplus, weighing on sentiment. Conversely, Chinese demand remains a support: Kpler data show December imports rising 10% m/m to a record 12.2 million bpd. OPEC+ said it will pause production increases in Q1 2026, as the IEA projects a global surplus of roughly 4.0 million bpd for 2026. Geopolitics and sanctions continue to limit Russian exports.

Vistra to acquire Cogentrix natural gas portfolio for $4B, expanding to ~50 GW

January 6, 2026, 5:37 PM EST. Vistra Energy's said it will acquire Cogentrix Energy's portfolio of 10 modern natural gas-fired plants totaling about 5,500 MW across PJM, ISO New England and ERCOT through a purchase-and-merger structure that makes the assets a wholly owned Vistra subsidiary. The deal, with an approximate net price of $4.0 billion, is to be financed with roughly $2.3 billion in cash, about $0.9 billion in Vistra stock and the assumption of roughly $1.5 billion of Cogentrix debt, partly backed by a $2.0 billion bridge facility from Goldman Sachs Bank USA. Closing is targeted in mid-to-late 2026 pending antitrust, energy and state approvals. The acquisition would lift Vistra's generation capacity to about 50,000 MW, broaden its presence in fast-growing U.S. power markets and support its capital-allocation plan while preserving balance-sheet strength. Analysts' latest view sits at a Hold with a $179 target.

Ørsted valuation flags point to overvaluation despite share-price volatility

January 6, 2026, 5:34 PM EST. Ørsted's stock has posted mixed recent performance as offshore-wind economics and utility-sector risk drive investor sentiment. A valuation snapshot shows Ørsted scoring 1 of 6 on a composite check, signaling potential valuation risk. The Dividend Discount Model uses a current dividend of 4.05 DKK and a 2.30% assumed growth (capped at 1.71%), producing an intrinsic value of DKK 82.20 per share and a result of overvalued by about 61.1% versus the current price. The DDM framework highlights what a future dividend stream could be worth. In parallel, the stock trades at a P/S multiple of 2.46x, used as a cross-check when profits are volatile. The numbers underscore a cautious stance on whether the price factors in longer-term wind-energy economics.

Pinnacle Financial Partners Valuation Shows Upside After Recent Share Gains

January 6, 2026, 5:22 PM EST. PNFP shares rose 1.95% in the latest session and have gained about 5.9% over 90 days, with a year-to-date rise of 1.95% and a 1-year total shareholder return of a 14.25% decline. The 3- and 5-year returns sit at 35.11% and 44.29%, suggesting mixed momentum. A narrative fair value around $110 implies upside from the recent close of $96.95. Analysts assume revenue growth of about 58.3% annually over three years, with margins expected to shrink from 32.1% to 26.8%. Risks include potential hiccups from the Synovus merger and elevated credit costs if commercial real estate stress worsens. The piece invites readers to build a custom narrative and consider opportunities beyond a single stock.

Strategy jumps 6% as MSCI keeps digital asset treasury firms in indexes

January 6, 2026, 5:21 PM EST. Strategy (MSTR) rose about 6% in after-hours trading after MSCI decided not to exclude digital asset treasury companies (DATs) from its indexes. MSCI said distinguishing between investment vehicles and entities that hold digital assets as part of core operations requires further research, with inclusion criteria likely to involve financial statements. For now, the current treatment of entities identified in MSCI's preliminary list – where 50% or more of assets are digital – remains unchanged. The decision eases pressure on Strategy and peers that mimic its model, with other DATs such as Bitmine Immersion (BMNR), Sharplink (SBET), and Twenty One Capital (XXI) also edging higher in after hours. Bitcoin traded around $93,500, up roughly 1% on the news.

Intel stock climbs after Melius upgrade to buy with $50 target

January 6, 2026, 5:20 PM EST. Intel Corp's stock rose 1.7% after Melius Research upgraded shares from hold to buy, with a $50 target. The stock traded as high as $40.31 and closed near $40.05 on volume of 65.99 million, below the 85.95 million average. The prior close was $39.37. Other notes: Wall Street Zen shifted from sell to hold; DZ Bank reaffirmed a sell; Barclays lifted its price objective from $25 to $35 with an equal-weight rating; Evercore ISI raised its target from $23 to $41.10. MarketBeat shows four Buy, 24 Hold, 8 Sell ratings, with an average target of $35.88. Hedge funds have been adjusting Intel stakes, including Insight Advisors, Lakeshore Capital, Integrated Advisors Network, WealthPlan, and Investors Research Corp.

ASX Stocks See Winners and Losers Amid Venezuela Crisis

January 6, 2026, 5:13 PM EST. Venezuela crisis spurred a wave of risk-off trading as gold rose nearly 3% and silver climbed about 7%, reaffirming metals as safe-haven assets amid geopolitical uncertainty. On the ASX, NST and EVN are cited as potential beneficiaries for gold exposure, though EVN faces valuation risk after a UBS downgrade and production tweaks at key sites. In the silver space, SVL and SS1 jump on tight supply and strong investor sentiment, aided by China's new export limits on silver. DRO (DroneShield) led gains among defence plays as contractors tend to rally with elevated global tension. The energy sector offers a more mixed picture amid project delays and cost pressure. China's silver-export rules, effective Jan 1, add another layer of supply risk to watch.

ACN crosses above 200-day moving average; Accenture shares near $296

January 6, 2026, 5:09 PM EST. Accenture plc (ACN) crossed above its 200-day moving average (DMA) of $295.93, trading as high as $295.97 on Wednesday. The stock was about 1% higher on the day, with the last trade at $295.86. The 52-week range runs from $242.95 to $417.37. The DMA data cited comes from TechnicalAnalysisChannel.com. The 200-day moving average is a long-term trend line used to gauge momentum. The move marks a bullish cross above a key technical level; as with any such signal, it does not guarantee further gains.

Goodyear crosses above 200-day moving average; GT gains on momentum

January 6, 2026, 5:08 PM EST. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. (GT) rose to intraday highs after crossing above its 200-day moving average of $9.27, a widely watched trend indicator, and traded as high as $9.28. The stock was up about 4.8% on the day. The 52-week range runs from $6.52 to $12.03, with the last trade near $9.26. The move signals momentum but does not guarantee future gains.

Tyson Foods slides after crossing below 200-day moving average

January 6, 2026, 5:06 PM EST. Tyson Foods Inc (TSN) traded near $84.95 after slipping to $84.11, down about 8.2% on the day. The stock crossed below its 200-day moving average (DMA), a long-term trend line that helps gauge momentum; DMA stands for 200-day moving average. The cross can signal added near-term weakness, though it is not a guaranteed predictor of future moves. The one-year chart shows a 52-week range of $69.88 to $100.72. Last trade cited at $84.95; DMA data from TechnicalAnalysisChannel.com.

Best Buy breaks above 200-day moving average

January 6, 2026, 5:05 PM EST. Best Buy Inc (BBY) crossed above its 200-day moving average (200-day MA) of $72.08, trading as high as $72.14 intraday. The stock was up about 2.9% on the session. The 52-week range runs from $54.99 to $91.68, with the last trade at $71.92. The move above the long-term trend line suggests renewed near-term momentum. DMA data were sourced from TechnicalAnalysisChannel.com.

NTST slides after crossing below 200-day moving average

January 6, 2026, 5:04 PM EST. NTST crosses below its 200-day moving average of $16.86 as shares dip to $16.82 intraday, with the stock down about 1.3% on the session. NetSTREIT Corp, ticker NTST, traded near $16.80 last listed. The 200-day moving average is the long-term trend line calculated from the prior 200 closing prices. NTST's 52-week range runs from $13.49 to $18.97. A move below the moving average can signal added near-term weakness, though it does not guarantee a trend change. Traders will look for a reclaim of the level or a further breakdown to gauge continuation.

Darden Restaurants (DRI) crosses above 200-day moving average as shares rise

January 6, 2026, 5:03 PM EST. On Wednesday, Darden Restaurants, Inc. (DRI) shares traded above their 200-day moving average of $144.80, briefly touching as high as $146.98. The stock was up about 4.2% on the session. The move places the shares near the top of the year's range, with a 52-week low of $126.40 and a 52-week high of $164.28; the latest print was around $146.79. The data reflecting the 200-day moving average came from TechnicalAnalysisChannel.com. The development follows a pattern traders watch for potential trend confirmation, suggesting momentum could tilt higher if the price sustains above the 200-day line.

Strategy shares drop nearly 50% in 2025 as bitcoin treasury strategy diverges from Nasdaq gains

January 6, 2026, 4:59 PM EST. Strategy (MSTR) shares fell for six straight months-the first such streak since it began holding bitcoin as a treasury asset, a corporate cash reserve, in August 2020, per crypto analyst Chris Millas on X. The month-by-month chart shows losses from July through December 2025, including drops of 16.78% in August, 16.36% in October, 34.26% in November and 14.24% in December. On Dec 31, the stock closed at $151.95, down 2.35% that day and about 49% for the 2025 calendar year. Bitcoin traded around $87,879 on Jan 1, up 0.38% in 24 hours but weaker over one month and one year. Strategy added 1,229 BTC on Dec 29 for about $108.8 million, lifting holdings to 672,497 BTC (~$50.4 billion). The Nasdaq-100 rose 20.17% in 2025, underscoring the gap.

Institutions hold 79% of West African Resources; stock up 6.3% on the week (ASX:WAF)

January 6, 2026, 4:58 PM EST. West African Resources Ltd (ASX:WAF) exhibits high institutional ownership, with institutions controlling about 79% of the stock as of January 6, 2026. The top seven shareholders hold roughly 54% of the company, led by Morgan Stanley at about 11%, followed by a second holder near 11% and a third at 8.1%. CEO Richard Hyde directly owns about 1.5%. Insiders have bought recently. The shares rose 6.3% last week, boosting the trailing 12-month return to about 115%. Such concentration can create a crowded trade risk if institutions reverse positions. Investors may also review analyst sentiment; still, ownership concentration is a straightforward read on potential near-term moves for the ASX:WAF.

Dow, S&P 500 close at fresh highs as breadth broadens

January 6, 2026, 4:57 PM EST. U.S. stocks rose Tuesday, with all three major indexes higher. The Dow Jones Industrial Average posted another all-time closing high, and the S&P 500 notched its first record of the year. The energy sector lagged as oil trades under $60 a barrel and the IEA said supply will outpace demand in 2026. Analysts cited limited willingness to boost output from oil majors and competition from Western Canadian crude. The XLE fell after a two-day rally, while Sherwin-Williams and UnitedHealth Group led gains in materials and health care. The SOXX semiconductor ETF climbed, signaling broader breadth beyond megacaps. Market breadth improved, a constructive sign for the rally, as investors weigh demand, oil dynamics and potential policy shifts.

Virtu Financial (VIRT) hits 3% yield as stock trades near $32

January 6, 2026, 4:56 PM EST. Virtu Financial Inc. Class A shares (VIRT) traded with a dividend yield above 3% after annualizing a quarterly payout of $0.96, based on Wednesday's intraday price of about $31.85. The dividend-highlighted by Dividend Channel-illustrates how income metrics can augment total returns in equities. The yield is calculated by dividing the annual dividend by the share price; the ratio expresses income relative to price. Virtu is a member of the Russell 3000, signaling its status among the larger U.S. stocks tracked by benchmarks. Market watchers will assess whether the current payout is sustainable amid earnings volatility and broader rate expectations.

Is Weakness in BIPROGY Stock a Sign the Market Could Be Wrong Given Its Strong Prospects?

January 6, 2026, 4:53 PM EST. Shares of BIPROGY (TSE:8056) are down about 9.2% over three months, inviting a market-theory check against fundamentals. Return on Equity (ROE) – profit per unit of shareholders' equity – stands at 18% for the trailing twelve months to September 2025, above the industry average of 14%. This supports prospects for earnings growth and returns on reinvested profits. BIPROGY posted around 11% earnings growth over five years, with net income growth near the industry pace of 12%. The three-year median payout ratio is 39%, implying 61% of profits are retained, keeping the dividend well covered. The piece weighs whether the current price already reflects this strength or if the stock is mispriced relative to intrinsic value. Investors should assess how profit retention shapes future earnings.

CAPE ratio near 150-year high as S&P 500 climbs for third straight year; investors warned

January 6, 2026, 4:52 PM EST. Markets are on edge as the S&P 500 extends a three-year run of double-digit gains, underpinned by strong earnings and AI optimism. Yet the CAPE ratio-the cyclically adjusted price-to-earnings gauge that uses ten-year earnings-has climbed to about 40, the second-highest level since records began in 1871. The only prior interval near that level was 1999, ahead of the dot-com crash. A high CAPE does not ensure a crash, but it has historically been associated with lower future returns. The signal suggests stocks look expensive relative to earnings, prompting a focus on high-quality names rather than indiscriminate buying. Analysts caution against irrational exuberance even as the market remains supported by earnings growth and AI-driven optimism.

Herbalife Stock Rises After Maxim Group Initiates Coverage With Buy, $20 Target

January 6, 2026, 4:51 PM EST. Herbalife (NYSE: HLF) shares rose about 6.9% after Maxim Group initiated coverage with a Buy rating and a $20 price target, implying a notable upside from a prior close around $12.91. The move underscores investor interest but does not imply a fundamental shift in the business, given Herbalife's history of large daily swings. Separately, Argus previously raised its rating to Buy with a $15 target on expected revenue growth from new products. In the Q3 2025 report, Herbalife posted revenue of $1.3 billion and EPS of $0.50, topping estimates. The stock is up 7.8% YTD, trading near a 52-week high around $14.90. The note highlights how analyst coverage can spark near-term buying activity.

Disney valuation signals overvaluation despite price rebound

January 6, 2026, 4:50 PM EST. Disney trades near $114 per share as investors weigh growth against execution risk. A discounted cash flow (DCF) model-defined as estimating future cash flows and discounting them to today-puts an intrinsic value of about $84.28, suggesting the stock is overvalued by roughly 35% at current levels. The model uses a Free Cash Flow to Equity approach, with trailing FCF about $11.78B and projected FCF near $10.54B in 2028. The company also trades at about 16.4x P/E, a multiple that varies with growth and risk assumptions. Near-term price action shows a modest weekly dip (-0.6%), versus gains over 30 days (+8.3%) and a year (+3.5%). Overall, valuation scores reflect mixed signals amid Disney's parks, networks and streaming mix.

Helios Towers price target raised to £2.15 as placing planned; fair value unchanged at £2.09

January 6, 2026, 4:49 PM EST. Analysts have raised Helios Towers' price target to £2.15 from £1.75, with fair value unchanged at £2.09. The lift reflects a slightly higher discount rate and reaffirmed growth assumptions, shaping how future cash flows are mapped to today's value. Berenberg keeps a Buy rating and acknowledges a more confident valuation anchor. No explicit bearish commentary is cited. Separately, Lath Holdings (via Helios Investment Partners Fund II) plans to sell about 3.9% of Helios Towers' issued shares, around 41 million, in an accelerated bookbuild placing to institutions; final size depends on demand. Helios could participate up to 10% of the placing shares under its existing buyback programme. The group has a shareholder-approved buyback of up to 105.27 million shares and is reviewing opportunistic M&A opportunities.

Coffee prices rally on Brazil dryness and real strength; arabica hits four-week high

January 6, 2026, 4:48 PM EST. March arabica (KCH26) rose 4.04% and March ICE robusta (RMH26) gained 2.27%. Arabica posted a four-week high as below-average rainfall in Brazil and a firmer real supported demand. Somar Meteorologia reported Minas Gerais received 47.9 mm of rain in the week to Jan. 2, about 67% of the historical average. The Brazilian real strengthened to a one-month high against the dollar, curbing export sales. Vietnam's growing supply weighed on prices, with robusta output seen rising to a multi-year high. ICE inventories remain tight for both varieties, though a rebound was noted. US buyers reduced purchases during tariff days, but tariffs have since fallen. Conab lifted Brazil's 2025 production estimate to 56.54 million bags, while ICO exports fell 0.3% y/y to about 138.7 million bags.

Sugar prices edge higher as Brazilian real rallies; India output and Brazil supply outlook in focus

January 6, 2026, 4:47 PM EST. NY March sugar #11 and London March white sugar #5 closed higher as strength in the Brazilian real spurred short-covering. The real rose to a one-month high against the dollar, denting export demand from Brazil's mills. In India, ISMA data showed 2025/26 production up about 25% year-on-year to 11.90 MMT through December, with a government export push seen as mills may ship more sugar to ease domestic glut; ISMA lifted its full-year 2025/26 estimate to about 31 MMT but trimmed ethanol-use to 3.4 MMT. On the supply side, Safras & Mercado warned 2026/27 Brazil output may fall about 3.9%, limiting exports to roughly 30 MMT, while ISO kept a global surplus forecast. Market focus remains on policy signals and crop outlooks.

Cocoa futures slide as dollar strength spurs long liquidation; Ivory Coast output and BCOM inclusion weigh

January 6, 2026, 4:46 PM EST. March ICE NY cocoa fell about 2% and ICE London cocoa slipped as a firmer dollar prompted long liquidations in cocoa futures after Monday's rally on tighter supply signals from the Ivory Coast. Shipments in the Oct-Jan window totaled 1.073 million metric tons, down 3.3% year on year. Support also stemmed from potential index-related buying with the inclusion of cocoa in the Bloomberg Commodity Index (BCOM), which could attract roughly $2 billion into NY cocoa futures. Prices were pressured by favorable West Africa growing conditions, a drawdown in US port inventories, and a fragile global demand backdrop. The ICCO trimmed its 2024/25 surplus forecast; Rabobank lowered its 2025/26 surplus view. The EU deforestation policy delay (EUDR) keeps shipments ample and underlying demand weak.

BHP Group near fair value as shares hover around A$47

January 6, 2026, 4:45 PM EST. BHP Group (ASX:BHP) shares closed at A$47.22, with 7-day return 4.7%, 30-day 5.3%, YTD 3.2%, 1-year 27.3%, 3-year 15.0% and 5-year 63.6%. A Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model using a 2-stage free cash flow-to-equity approach yields an intrinsic value of A$46.03 per share, implying the stock is about 2.6% overvalued – a small gap within normal valuation error. The P/E ratio stands at 17.86x. Valuation remains sensitive to commodity cycles and growth risk; BHP is seen as fairly valued on this framework, though conditions can shift quickly. Investors should track relevant dynamics and watch for price moves that could alter timing on a potential entry or exit.

Noteworthy Tuesday Option Activity: AMD, ALMS, ETSY

January 6, 2026, 4:44 PM EST. Option activity on Russell 3000 components was notable in AMD, ALMS and ETSY. Through today, AMD traded 464,792 contracts, about 46.5 million underlying shares, or 171.4% of its 1-month average daily volume (ADV). The heaviest flow centered on the $220 strike call expiring Jan 9, 2026, with 26,162 contracts (~2.6 million shares). ALMS shows 16,482 contracts (~1.6 million shares), about 133.2% of its 1-month ADV; the $15 put expiring Jan 16, 2026 drew 2,068 contracts (~206,800 shares). ETSY totals 37,563 contracts (~3.8 million shares), around 121.8% of its 1-month ADV; notable was the $60 put expiring Mar 20, 2026 with 10,802 contracts (~1.1 million shares). Data from StockOptionsChannel.com.

MDGL, FIGR, CAPR See Notable Tuesday Option Activity

January 6, 2026, 4:43 PM EST. On Tuesday, notable option activity emerged in three Russell 3000 components. MDGL saw about 1,799 contracts traded, roughly 179,900 underlying shares, about 63.6% of its 1-month average volume. The focus was the $500 strike call option expiring July 17, 2026 (a call option gives the right to buy shares), with 502 contracts representing ~50,200 shares. FIGR posted 14,853 contracts, about 1.5 million shares or 63.1% of its 1-month average of 2.4 million. The top name was the $55 strike call option expiring February 20, 2026 (a call option gives the right to buy), with 4,732 contracts ~473,200 shares. CAPR traded 11,796 contracts, around 1.2 million shares or 62.2% of its average daily volume. The notable activity centered on the $25 strike put option expiring January 16, 2026 (a put option gives the right to sell), with 5,220 contracts ~522,000 shares.

Notable Tuesday option activity in AMSC, MRNA and CORZ

January 6, 2026, 4:42 PM EST. Across the Russell 3000, notable Tuesday option action was seen in AMSC, MRNA and CORZ. AMSC traded 8,128 contracts (about 812,800 underlying shares; contracts represent 100 shares each), equating to 99.5% of its 1-month ADV of 816,610 shares. The active line was the $33 call expiring Jan 16, 2026, with 4,051 contracts (~405,100 shares). MRNA posted 101,961 contracts, about 10.2 million shares or 98.4% of its 1-month ADV of 10.4 million. The $36 call expiring Jan 9, 2026 drew 10,401 contracts (~1.0 million shares). CORZ showed 98,111 contracts (~9.8 million shares; 92.3% of 10.6 million ADV). The $18 strike for Feb 20, 2026 had 31,210 contracts (~3.1 million shares).

Noteworthy Tuesday option activity in M, TEM and NVAX

January 6, 2026, 4:41 PM EST. Options activity today across Russell 3000 components was led by M (Macy's), TEM (Tempus AI) and NVAX (Novavax). In M, total volume reached 46,232 contracts, about 4.6 million underlying shares (one contract equals 100 shares), or roughly 76% of its 1-month average daily volume of 6.1 million. The most active strike was the $25 call expiring Mar 20, 2026, with 26,681 contracts, roughly 2.7 million shares. In TEM, 24,963 contracts traded, about 2.5 million shares or 64.8% of the 1-month average of 3.9 million. The standout was the $70 call expiring Jan 9, 2026, with 1,894 contracts (about 189,400 shares). In NVAX, 21,087 contracts traded, about 2.1 million shares or 63.8% of its 1-month average. The top name by volume was the $8 call expiring Jan 9, 2026 with 14,112 contracts, about 1.4 million shares.

Notable Tuesday option activity: CHTR, HTZ, MSM

January 6, 2026, 4:40 PM EST. Charter Communications Inc (ticker CHTR) saw notable options activity, with 36,499 contracts traded-about 3.6 million underlying shares and roughly 216% of its 1-month average daily volume (1.7 million). The heavy focus was the $200 strike put expiring Feb. 20, 2026, at 18,610 contracts (~1.9 million shares). Hertz Global Holdings (ticker HTZ) posted 114,709 contracts today, about 11.5 million underlying shares and ~194% of the 1-month average (5.9 million). The standout was the $9 strike call expiring Feb. 20, 2026, with 20,116 contracts (~2.0 million shares). MSC Industrial Direct Co (ticker MSM) traded 10,464 contracts, about 1.0 million underlying shares or ~190% of the 1-month average (550,715). The active MSM strike was the $85 put expiring Jan. 16, 2026, with 5,159 contracts (~515,900 shares).

Notable Tuesday Options Activity: LLY, CRWD, GS

January 6, 2026, 4:39 PM EST. Across today's session, LLY saw notable options activity with 34,119 contracts traded, about 3.4 million underlying shares, or roughly 116.1% of its 1-month average daily volume of 2.9 million. The session's standout was the $1085 strike call expiring Jan 09, 2026, with 4,582 contracts (about 458,200 underlying shares). For CRWD, options volume reached 21,914 contracts, about 2.2 million shares, or 103.2% of the 1-month ADV of 2.1 million; the top name was the $80 strike call expiring Jan 16, 2026 with 1,606 contracts (around 160,600 shares). GS posted 21,742 contracts, about 2.2 million shares, or 100.2% of its 1-month ADV; the $950 strike call expiring Jan 16, 2026 drew 535 contracts (roughly 53,500 shares).

Noteworthy Tuesday Options Activity: MOD, CAVA, FDX

January 6, 2026, 4:38 PM EST.MOD traded 9,469 contracts so far today, about 946,900 underlying shares, roughly 89% of its 1.1 million average daily volume. The standout is the $125 strike call expiring February 20, 2026, with 2,495 contracts, about 249,500 shares. CAVA Group: 30,071 contracts today, about 3.0 million underlying shares, 86.7% of its 3.5 million ADV. The $40 strike put expiring January 16, 2026, with 10,511 contracts, about 1.1 million shares. FDX: 13,886 contracts, about 1.4 million shares, 82.7% of 1.7 million ADV. The $302.50 strike call expiring January 16, 2026, with 1,255 contracts, about 125,500 shares. Source: StockOptionsChannel.com.

TXN, NEM, OGN Show Notable Tuesday Option Activity

January 6, 2026, 4:37 PM EST. TXN saw notable options activity today: 32,167 contracts traded, about 3.2 million underlying shares and roughly 52.8% of its 1-month average volume. The standout is the $200 strikecall option expiring Jan 16, 2026; a call option gives the right to buy at the strike price. 3,224 contracts traded, about 322,400 shares. NEM posted 46,285 contracts, about 4.6 million shares or 52.6% of its 1-month average. The focus: the $105 strikeput option expiring Mar 20, 2026; a put option gives the right to sell at the strike; 7,047 contracts, about 704,700 shares. OGN traded 24,020 contracts, about 2.4 million shares or 52.1% of average. The $9 strikecall option expiring Mar 20, 2026 drew 14,846 contracts, about 1.5 million shares. For expirations across these names, visit StockOptionsChannel.com.

Lazard dividend yield tops 4% as LAZ trades near $49.59

January 6, 2026, 4:36 PM EST. Lazard (LAZ) yielded above 4% on Friday based on a quarterly dividend of $2, annualized. With shares trading as low as $49.59, the implied dividend yield sits near 4%. Dividends contribute to total return, a factor investors weigh alongside price movement. Lazard is a member of the Russell 3000, underscoring its size within the U.S. equity universe. Dividends tend to follow profitability and can be less predictable; investors should weigh Lazard's earnings trajectory and its dividend policy when judging whether a sustainable 4% yield is likely.

CFR Breaks Above 3% Yield Territory

January 6, 2026, 4:35 PM EST. Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc. (CFR) posted a yield above 3% after its quarterly dividend, annualized at $3.80 per share, with the stock around $126.07. CFR is a member of the Russell 3000, underscoring its status among the largest U.S. companies tracked by the index. Dividends can contribute meaningfully to total return over time, a factor investors should weigh alongside price performance. The note cautions that payout amounts are not always predictable and depend on profitability. Assessing whether the current yield is sustainable is prudent for income-focused strategies.

Sojitz stock outpaces earnings growth over five years; TSR boosted by dividends

January 6, 2026, 4:34 PM EST. Sojitz Corp (TSE:2768) has delivered a sharp five-year stock rally, rising about 312% versus a compound EPS growth of 26% per year. The annualized share price gain sits near 33%, suggesting the market has largely priced in earnings progress. Worth noting, total shareholder return (TSR) over five years reached about 416%, reflecting dividends payouts and any spin-offs in addition to price moves. In the last year, TSR rose around 64%, indicating a renewed lift in operating performance or investor sentiment. While price gains align closely with per-share profit growth, the data imply that capital returns from dividends have been a meaningful driver of total returns.

Alumis Inc. (ALMS) stock jumps 96.75% as price climbs; earnings data unavailable

January 6, 2026, 4:33 PM EST.Alumis Inc. (ALMS) jumped $8.04 to post a roughly 96.75% gain in the session, according to live quotes. The rally comes as earnings data remain unavailable for the company. A little-known indicator called Bullish Fuel flagged large names in the market, but its signals are not a stand-alone investment call. Analyst Ratings show an Average Price Target of $0 based on 0 ratings in the last three months, underscoring sparse coverage. The absence of reported earnings data means the move could reflect speculative trading rather than fundamentals.

Agilent stock rises after Evercore ISI upgrade to Outperform; price target lifted to $160

January 6, 2026, 4:20 PM EST. Evercore ISI upgrades Agilent Technologies (NYSE:A) to Outperform from In-Line, lifting the stock in the afternoon session. Analyst Vijay Kumar set a new price target of $160, up from $155, reflecting a more favorable view of Agilent's outlook. Shares hovered near $147.85 late in the session, after an initial 2.8% gain and a later 3.4% advance from the prior close. The move comes as the stock displays limited volatility-nine moves greater than 5% in the past year. Year-to-date, Agilent is up about 7.2% and trades near its 52-week high of $157.20. The note underscores growing market optimism for life-sciences tools names as investors digest fundamentals and external factors.

Two TSX dividend stocks could turn $20K into decades of income

January 6, 2026, 4:19 PM EST. A Motley Fool Canada note suggests putting $20,000 into high-quality TSX dividend stocks to build a reliable, long-term income stream. The feature centers on Enbridge (TSX: ENB) as a core holding, citing 31 consecutive years of dividend growth and a December 2025 3% quarterly increase to an annual payout of $3.88. Enbridge's earnings and distributable cash flow (DCF) are largely supported by regulated assets and long-term contracts, with about 80% of cash flow protected by regulation and inflation-linked mechanisms. The company targets a payout ratio of 60%-70% of DCF. Management expects mid-single-digit growth in earnings and DCF, underpinning ongoing dividend increases of up to ~5% annually. The article mentions a second TSX stock in the same theme.

Constellation Software faces AI-era risks after 38% drop; dip-buy candidate on TSX

January 6, 2026, 4:18 PM EST. Shareholders of Constellation Software (TSX: CSU) have endured a 38%-plus decline from a 2025 peak, with the stock slipping toward multi-year depths as AI disruption and leadership changes weigh on sentiment. The piece notes that CSU's momentum reversal rekindles questions about the company's ability to outpace the TSX while maintaining its historic growth model. The resignation of founder and CEO Mark Leonard due to health reasons amplifies key person risk concerns, even as the firm signals appetite for AI-enabled acquisitions. Analysts say a string of large deals could restore investor enthusiasm, but near-term volatility remains. The author flags CSU as a potential dip-buy candidate if management can demonstrate that AI is an opportunity, not a threat, in 2026.

Dow clears 49,000 as S&P 500 hits record high to start 2026; CES AI roadmaps lift markets

January 6, 2026, 4:17 PM EST. US stocks rose to fresh records as investors awaited a flood of data to gauge the economy. The S&P 500 jumped 0.6% to a record close, and the Dow traded above 49,000 for the first time, while the Nasdaq rose 0.6%. Attention focused on AI roadmaps unveiled at CES in Las Vegas, with Nvidia outlining its Vera Rubin AI superchip platform and AMD previewing its Helios system. Gainers included Amazon, Micron and Broadcom. The data slate also included the final Services PMI for December, which showed growth at the slowest pace in eight months, complicating the Federal Reserve's rate path. Fed Chair Powell underscored caution. Copper topped $13,000 a ton on tariff-driven supply concerns.

ASX undervalued stocks cluster as cash-flow screen flags Kogan.com, SNL

January 6, 2026, 4:05 PM EST. Australian shares drift lower as markets weigh global events and commodity prices. A cash-flow based screener flags several ASX names trading well below intrinsic value, with discounts of roughly 14% to 50%. Kogan.com (KGN) trades at A$3.80 versus a fair value of A$6.91 (about 45% discount). Supply Network Limited (SNL) at A$32.05 versus A$37.44 (14.4% discount). The Kogan note cites 6.3% revenue growth, a 3.68% dividend yield, and an ROE of about 30%, though earnings coverage is limited. Other names on the list include Tasmea, Smart Parking, Resolute Mining, Lynas, LGI, Guzman y Gomez, Cromwell Property Group, Betmakers, and Airtasker, with discounts up to about 49%.

Wall Street rally extends gains as ASX set to rise ahead of inflation data

January 6, 2026, 4:03 PM EST. ASX 200 futures rose about 0.6% to 8,708 ahead of November CPI and building approvals from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. In the United States, major indices extended gains: S&P 500 up ~0.6%, Dow around +1.0%, and Nasdaq +0.9%, backed by blue-chip strength. European markets were mixed, with FTSE higher and DAX flat. In commodities, spot gold fell about 0.8% and Brent crude slid 2% to $60.51 a barrel; iron ore ticked up; Bitcoin down about 1.9%. The Australian dollar firmed to 67.32 U.S. cents. NAB expects annualised inflation to slow from 3.8% to 3.6% ahead of the data release at 11:30am AEDT.

Weatherford (WFRD) surges 9.5% on volume; market eyeing Venezuela-driven demand

January 6, 2026, 3:59 PM EST.Weatherford WFRD shares jumped 9.5% to $88.61 after a surge in volume, reversing a 4-week gain of 5.8%. The rally reflects a brighter outlook for oilfield services tied to Venezuela's potential oil and gas reserves and rising upstream activity. Weatherford operates in Latin America, including Brazil and Colombia, and could benefit from infrastructure upgrades reviving Venezuela's upstream sector. The company is expected to report EPS of $1.50 on revenue of $1.26 billion, down 6% year over year; the consensus EPS estimate has been unchanged for 30 days. Weatherford carries a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). AROC (Archrock) closed 0.8% lower at $26.41, with the peer up about 6.8% over the past month.

Valero Energy (VLO) jumps 9.2% on refining strength and Venezuela prospects

January 6, 2026, 3:57 PM EST. Valero Energy Corp. (VLO) jumped 9.2% to $180.57 on higher-than-average volume, underscoring investor focus on its refining footprint. The stock has fallen about 5.1% over the past month. Valero operates Gulf Coast refineries with a throughput capacity of roughly 3.2 million barrels per day and could benefit if access to Venezuelan crude-heavy sour (high-sulfur oil that is tougher to process but can yield more diesel)-improves margins. The company is expected to report EPS of about $3.10 for the upcoming quarter, up about 384% year over year, with revenues near $29.03 billion, down 5.6%. The consensus EPS estimate has been trimmed about 5.8% over the last 30 days, a trend not always mirrored by price. Valero holds a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold); investors will watch if the recent jump persists.

Hasbro valuation: DCF signals undervaluation despite strong stock run

January 6, 2026, 3:53 PM EST.Hasbro's shares closed at $85.58, as investors weigh the strength of its brands and partnerships. The six-point valuation checklist returns 2/6, signaling mixed views on fair value. A two-stage Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model pegs an intrinsic value of about $149.47 per share, implying the stock is about 43% undervalued relative to the current price. The analysis also considers Price to Sales (P/S) as a gauge of revenue multiple and notes how growth and cash-flow risk shape the stance. Taken together, the data suggests momentum supports the name, but valuation work remains to justify further gains if cash flows hold.

Pfizer stock looks undervalued after recent weakness; DCF points to a ~60% gap to current price

January 6, 2026, 3:51 PM EST. Pfizer's stock closed near $25.17, with a 7-day gain of 0.7% and a 30-day drop of 3.3%; over 1 year and 3 years, the return is negative at about 37.1%. The shift in investor focus toward Pfizer's broader portfolio beyond Covid products is cited as a key context. A DCF model using a 2-stage free cash flow-to-equity outlook yields an implied intrinsic value of $62.95 a share, suggesting the stock is undervalued by about 60%. Pfizer trades at a 14.6x P/E, cheaper than the pharma industry average of 19.6x and a peer group's 18.2x. Simply Wall St scores Pfizer 5/6 on valuation. The takeaway: the market seems to be pricing in more risk or slower growth, even as cash flow prospects look robust.

Chubb appears undervalued on Excess Returns valuation, 52.7% gap to price

January 6, 2026, 3:49 PM EST. Chubb's stock closed at $315.19, with 1-year gains of 18.8% and longer-term upside in focus as investors weigh sector dynamics. The analysis uses an Excess Returns framework (returns above the cost of equity) to derive an intrinsic value. Key inputs: Book Value per share $182.22 and a Stable Book Value of $223.81 (from 12 analysts); Stable EPS of $29.72 and an average ROE of 13.28%. With a Cost of Equity of $14.83 per share and an Excess Return of $14.88 per share, the model yields an intrinsic value of about $665.76 per share. Relative to the current price, that implies a 52.7% discount, i.e., the stock appears undervalued on this framework.

Two AI Stocks Poised for a Bull Run: Oracle and Meta Platforms

January 6, 2026, 3:47 PM EST.AI demand remains red-hot as investors chase long-term growth. The AI market is projected to hit about $1.7 trillion by 2032, a 29% CAGR, Fortune Business Insights says. Oracle has pulled back from recent highs, offering a buying opportunity as cloud infrastructure demand accelerates and a large backlog of contracted revenue supports visibility. The company expanded GPUs capacity by 50% quarter over quarter and added nearly 400 MW of data-center capacity; analysts expect about 31% annual revenue growth through fiscal 2030. Meta Platforms has swung higher, then pulled back after a run, with Q3 adjusted net income up 19% to over $18 billion. The stock trades near 22x 2026 earnings, in line with its growth trajectory tied to AI-enabled monetization.

Evercore downgrades Canadian Natural Resources to inline; target C$50 as stock slips

January 6, 2026, 3:36 PM EST. Evercore Partners downgraded Canadian Natural Resources (TSE: CNQ) from 'outperform' to 'in-line', with a price objective of C$50.00, about 15.3% upside. CNQ shares fell ~2.1% to C$43.35 on Tuesday amid light volume. Other analysts offered mixed signals: Raymond James raised targets to C$56.00; Scotiabank to C$58.00 ('outperform'); RBC to C$62.00 ('outperform'); Wells Fargo to C$47.00 ('equal weight'). MarketBeat shows an average rating of Moderate Buy with an average target of C$53.90. In the latest quarterly results, CNQ posted EPS of C$0.86 on revenue of C$9.52B. The stock trades with a P/E near 13.7 and a beta around 0.71 amid oil-price swings.

Arcos Dorados: 23% annual EPS growth and 42% insider stake

January 6, 2026, 3:34 PM EST. Arcos Dorados Holdings (NYSE: ARCO) has posted strong EPS (earnings per share) growth, rising about 23% per year over the last three years. Revenue has been flat and EBIT margin (earnings before interest and taxes as a share of revenue) remained steady in the latest year, tempering expectations for rapid near-term expansion. Insider ownership sits at about 42%, aligning management incentives with shareholders. Analysts' consensus forecasts for future EPS are accessible via our data visuals. Investors should weigh the past growth against flat top-line momentum. A focus on sustainable earnings, rather than flashy revenue gains, appears warranted given the current margins. In sum, the case rests on continued EPS expansion and disciplined capital allocation to translate earnings growth into a higher share price.

ASX:SHL Sonic Healthcare shareholders endure five-year decline; TSR underperforms

January 6, 2026, 3:30 PM EST.ASX-listed Sonic Healthcare (SHL) has delivered a painful five-year stretch for investors, with the share price down about 35% and EPS down roughly 1.3% a year. The price decline outpaced the EPS drop, signaling heightened market caution about the business. Over five years, the TSR was about -23%, largely due to dividends explaining the divergence. Last year's performance worsened the trend: a 19% total loss including dividends, versus a market gain of about 9.6%. Insider buying in the past year offers a glimmer of potential, but the case for a turnaround hinges on meaningful improvements in fundamentals and growth trends, not merely price moves. Investors should assess long-run earnings growth alongside dividend returns when evaluating SHL.

Desjardins raises Spartan Delta price target; analysts see upside

January 6, 2026, 3:17 PM EST. Desjardins raised its price objective for Spartan Delta Corp (TSE:SDE) to C$8.50 from C$8.00, signaling about 9.7% upside from recent levels, according to a Tuesday BayStreet.CA report. The firm retains a hold rating. Other analysts also lifted targets: CIBC to C$9.00; TD Securities to C$9.50 with a buy rating; Ventum Financial to C$9.00 with a buy; Scotiabank to C$8.00; BMO Capital Markets to C$9.00. MarketBeat shows a consensus Buy and a mean target of C$8.86. Spartan Delta traded up about 2.2%, at C$7.75 midday, with volume ~1.17 million. The oil-and-gas explorer reports a debt-to-equity of 28.5, a quick ratio 0.66, current ratio 0.80, and a P/E of 38.75; operations focus on Peace River Arch and Central Alberta.

Tuesday Sector Laggards: Energy, Consumer Products Drag Markets

January 6, 2026, 3:16 PM EST.Energy leads losses at midday Tuesday, down 1.1%. Within energy, Diamondback Energy (FANG) fell 2.8% and Phillips 66 (PSX) down 2.1%. The Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE) is down 1.4% on the day and up 9.67% YTD. FANG and PSX account for about 6.9% of XLE's holdings. Consumer Products is next, down 1.0%. Large-cap names PACCAR (PCAR) off 10.9% and AOS down 8.5%. The IYK ETF trades down 0.1% on the day and up 5.88% YTD. PACCAR is up 0.10% YTD; AOS down 0.69% YTD.

January 2026 TSX Penny Stocks With Growth Potential

January 6, 2026, 3:01 PM EST. As 2026 begins, Canadian investors weigh domestic and U.S. trends and seek diversification as rates shift. The TSX penny-stocks screen highlights small caps with solid financials, including Westbridge Renewable Energy, Cannara Biotech, Sailfish Royalty, Zoomd Technologies, Montero Mining and Exploration, CEMATRIX, Thor Explorations, Automotive Finco, Pulse Seismic and Hemisphere Energy, with prices and market caps shown. Ranges run CA$0.35-CA$3.45 and market caps CA$3.6M-CA$884M; the list carries a Financial Health Rating from Simply Wall St. Separate notes flag Tantalus Systems Holding as a smart-grid tech supplier; Q3 2025 sales US$14.2M, and nine-month loss US$1.17M from US$2.92M, with a cash runway over three years. Oroco Resource is described as an exploration firm with no revenue and a CA$122.85M market cap.

Desjardins lifts Aritzia price target; analysts lift targets

January 6, 2026, 2:59 PM EST. Desjardins raised its price objective on Aritzia (TSE:ATZ) to C$133 from C$125, with a buy rating and an implied upside of about 10.5% from the prior close. Other analysts also boosted targets: BMO to C$136 (outperform), TD Securities to C$133, while Truist lifted to C$116 and Wells Fargo set C$110 with an equal-weight view; Canaccord Genuity trimmed to C$93. Market consensus from MarketBeat remains Buy with a target around C$116.25. In mid-day trading, ATZ rose to C$120.37 on volume of 452,183. Key metrics show a current ratio of 1.29, debt-to-equity 93.51, P/E 50.15, and P/E/G 1.19; beta 2.01. Last quarter, EPS was C$0.59; revenue C$812.05 million; ROE 15.24%, net margin 5.24%. Analysts expect about 1.78 earned per share this year.

Everest Group valuation flags after share rebound: insurance upswing priced in?

January 6, 2026, 2:55 PM EST. Everest Group trades near $341 a share after a month of gains. Over the last 7 days the stock is flat; 30 days +10.1%; year-to-date +2.0%, while the 1-year return is down 5.8%. Investors weigh its exposure to insurance and reinsurance against macro risk. The stock scores 2/6 on valuation checks. The Excess Returns model yields an intrinsic value of about $1,364.34 per share using a $366.07 book, $65.49 stable EPS, and a 14.17% ROE, implying roughly 75% undervalued. Its P/E at 26.19x sits above industry 13.04x and peer 14.86x, suggesting earnings expectations are priced in.

BHP Group trades above fair value as price strength sustains modest premium

January 6, 2026, 2:54 PM EST. BHP Group (ASX:BHP) closed at A$47.22, up 1.59% on the session, with gains over the past month and 3 months. The stock has a 1-year total shareholder return of 27.27%, signaling momentum. The price sits above both the analyst target and our intrinsic estimate of about A$44.94, a modest valuation premium. The consensus target is A$42.87, with a range from A$35.82 to A$46.55, showing mixed views on earnings. The fair-value narrative pins fair value at about A$44.94, roughly 5% overvalued, while P/E at 17.9x compares with industry 25.3x and peers at 21.7x. Our fair multiple sits near 30.2x, implying the market may be pricing in stronger earnings power or a safety margin. Risks include Jansen execution and China iron ore demand.

Prediction markets lift odds of Trump moves on Panama Canal, Greenland

January 6, 2026, 2:53 PM EST. Prediction market traders ramped up bets on international shakeups after President Trump's Venezuela raid, reflecting a shift toward quick, forceful actions. In Kalshi markets, odds that the U.S. will take back the Panama Canal before early 2029 rose above 35%, up from under 30%. The probability of Greenland coming under U.S. control climbed to 38% by midday, after a weekend surge above 46%. A separate Kalshi contract on buying part of Greenland hovered near 25%. Combined bets on these two questions near $2.5 million. Analysts noted Trump appears more comfortable with military options; Eurasia Group's Mujtaba Rahman called Denmark's government 'in full crisis mode' after Trump's remarks. Separately, markets on Colombia and Cuba and bets on Iran's Ali Khamenei leaving office also circulated, illustrating how prediction markets price geopolitical risk in real time.

Cattle futures rise midday as cash trade steady; boxed beef eases

January 6, 2026, 2:52 PM EST. Live cattle futures gained 30-55 cents Tuesday, while cash trade from last week settled at $232-233 per hundredweight nationwide. Feeder cattle futures added about $2 at midday, and the CME Feeder Cattle Index rose to $353.11 on Jan. 2. The Oklahoma City feeder auction sold about 9,266 heads, with feeders $3-10 higher and calves up $15-20. The Commitment of Traders report showed funds trimming their net long in live cattle by 1,893 contracts to 92,975, while feeder cattle net longs increased by 666 to 15,295. USDA boxed beef prices were lower, with Choice at $353.19 and Select at $350.81. Tuesday's federally inspected slaughter was estimated at 115,000 head.

Wheat futures edge higher at midday as front-month gains; NOAA forecast supports demand outlook

January 6, 2026, 2:51 PM EST.Wheat futures edge higher at midday, with front-month contracts in positive territory. CBOT SRW leads the gains, up about 1-2 cents, while KC HRW adds 4-5.5 cents and MPLS spring wheat is modestly higher. NOAA's 7-day outlook calls for 1-2 inches of rain across much of SRW country, with little moisture in parts of the Southern Plains, a factor in the market's cautious tone. USDA export sales show total wheat commitments at 20.108 million metric tons, up 18% from a year earlier and roughly 82% of the USDA's full-year estimate. CFTC data show managed money net short in CBT wheat futures and options at 94,626 contracts; KC wheat net short 18,319. Prices mention: CBOT Mar 26 near $5.13-3/4, May 26 near $5.24-1/4; KC Mar 26 about $5.26-1/4.

Hogs Mixed on Tuesday as futures swing; cash price up, cutout slips

January 6, 2026, 2:50 PM EST.Lean hog futures settled mixed on Tuesday, with nearby October down 17 cents while other contracts rose 10 to 50 cents. The national average base hog price was $76.54, up $1.53 from Monday. The CME Lean Hog Index was $84.29 for Sept. 20, down 7 cents from the prior day. USDA's FOB plant pork cutout value fell 18 cents to $93.96 per cwt. ham and loin were the only primals higher; the other four fell, by as much as 4 cents to $2.47. USDA estimated FI hog slaughter at 487,000 head for Tuesday, leaving the week at 966,000, up 17,000 from last week and 5,813 above the year-ago week. Oct 24 hogs closed at 82.125, Dec 24 at 74.975, Feb 25 at 78.700.

Barrington's 2026 call lifts Huron Consulting Group valuation; DCF signals upside

January 6, 2026, 2:49 PM EST. Barrington named Huron Consulting Group (HURN) one of its "best stock ideas for 2026," sending shares up 5.1% to $180.92. Annual revenue is $1.62 billion with net income of $108.38 million. The move follows a 90-day gain of 18.79% and a 1-year total return of 47.56%. The stock trades about 14.3% below the average analyst target of roughly $203 and about 49.3% below the estimated intrinsic value of $357.14, per a DCF model. Analysts expect 2028 earnings of about $172.9 million ($10.27/share), from $105.1 million today. The valuation narrative centers on revenue growth, margin expansion, and a lower future P/E versus peers, but risks include softer healthcare/education budgets and higher compensation or M&A costs. Verdict: valuation remains compelling under both earnings-based and DCF lenses.

Bank of America's Series QQ preferred yield clears 6%, trades near $17.64

January 6, 2026, 2:48 PM EST. Bank of America Corp's 4.250% Depositary Shares Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock Series QQ (BAC.PRQ) yielded more than 6% on Tuesday based on a quarterly dividend of $1.0625 annualized, with trades as low as $17.64. The preferred's yield sits above the sector average of about 6.66% in the Financial category, per Preferred Stock Channel. As of the last close, BAC.PRQ traded at a 28.92% discount to its liquidation preference, versus a 10.25% average discount for Financials. The issue is non-cumulative, meaning missed payments do not accumulate and must be paid before any common dividend if resumed. In Tuesday activity, BAC.PRQ was down about 0.6% while the common BAC rose roughly 0.4%.

Capital One Series I preferred stock yields above 6.5% as price hits $19.21

January 6, 2026, 2:47 PM EST. Capital One Financial Corp's 5.00% Fixed Rate Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series I (COF.PRI) yielded above 6.5% on Tuesday, based on a quarterly dividend of $1.25 and a price as low as $19.21. The stock trades with a roughly 22.40% discount to its $25 liquidation preference, steeper than the typical 10.25% in the Financial sector. Yields referenced by Preferred Stock Channel show the series trailing the sector average of about 6.66%. The issue is non-cumulative, meaning missed dividends aren't carried forward before any resumed common dividends. On the day, COF.PRI fell about 0.4% while COF common rose about 3.1%.

Corn extends Tuesday bounce as futures gain; export pace solid, funds flip to net short

January 6, 2026, 2:46 PM EST. Corn futures extended Monday's move into Tuesday with 1-2 cent gains, while the CmdtyView national cash price rose about 1.75 cents to $4.08 1/2. Export commitments total 50.538 million metric tons, roughly 30% above a year earlier and about 62% of USDA's full-year estimate, ahead of the 60% pace. Commitment of Traders (COT) data from Monday shows managed money shifting to a net short position of 23,584 contracts in corn futures and options as of Dec. 30. Nearby May corn trades around $4.54 and July near $4.60, with front-month values hovering in the $4.50s. The market remains sensitive to export data and fund positioning, illustrating how cash demand and speculative flows can diverge.

Soybeans hold midday gains as export demand backs prices

January 6, 2026, 2:45 PM EST.Soybeans held midday gains Tuesday, with front-month prices up 1 to 4 cents. The CMDTYView national average cash bean price was $9.90 1/2, up 2 1/4 cents; January soybeans showed 533 deliveries against the contract overnight. Soymeal futures rose about 50 cents to a higher trading range, while soy oil futures fell 10-15 points. Reuters reported China bought 10 cargoes of U.S. soybeans for March-May, with USDA confirming a private sale of 336,000 MT to China. Export Sales data pegged total commitments at 27.698 MMT, down 31% year over year and at 51% of USDA's projection, behind the 52% average pace. CFTC data from Monday showed spec longs trimmed by 25,841 contracts to 84,562. Jan 26 soybeans traded around $10.51 1/4; nearby cash remains $9.90 1/2; Mar 26, $10.63 3/4; May 26, $10.75 3/4.

Cotton extends gains as futures rise; USDA progress supports price action

January 6, 2026, 2:44 PM EST. Cotton prices extended gains on Tuesday, with front-month futures up 30 to 73 points after Monday's 100 to 144-point rally. A weaker US dollar lent added support as crude oil slid about $2.31 per barrel. The USDA Crop Progress showed the US crop 84% setting bolls, 3% above normal, with 19% of bolls opening, 2% faster than average. Cotton condition declined to 42% good/excellent, while the Brugler500 index slipped to 315. ICE cotton stocks fell 2,759 bales on Aug. 16 amid decertification, leaving 12,767 bales of certified stocks. The Cotlook A Index rose 15 points to 78.60 cents/lb. The USDA Average World Price (AWP) is 55.35 cents/lb for the next week, up 11 points. Market data and weather signals keep cotton in focus.

Dow, S&P 500 eye records as early 2026 rally builds steam

January 6, 2026, 2:43 PM EST. U.S. stocks tick higher on Tuesday as the S&P 500 and Nasdaq each rise about 0.6%, while the Dow climbs roughly 1% after Monday's record run. Energy names pull back after the U.S. ouster of Venezuela's Maduro, with Chevron and Halliburton retreating. President Trump floated subsidies for oil majors investing in U.S. infrastructure, signaling policy signals are in play. Traders shifted focus to Nvidia and AMD amid CES roadmaps, with updates from Intel and Qualcomm on the way. The final reading of Services PMI (purchasing managers index for services) cooled to an eight-month low, adding caution on growth and Fed policy ahead of Friday's jobs report. Copper surpassed $13,000 a ton, underscoring appetite for risk assets.

ASX 200 set to rise as Dow hits record; November CPI data awaited

January 6, 2026, 2:30 PM EST. Australian shares are expected to open higher after a US rally that saw the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the S&P 500 push to record highs, led by names such as Amazon, UnitedHealth and Salesforce. Tech and memory stocks helped lift the S&P 500, with a Bloomberg Markets Pulse survey showing a broad belief in further gains this year. ASX 200 futures rose about 0.5% to around 8,702 as US traders await the November CPI release at 11:30am. Economists at TD Securities forecast a 3.8% year-on-year headline CPI for November, with the RBA expected to hold rates in 2026, barring upside CPI surprises. The report also highlights services inflation and other drivers, including the AUD.

Bernstein says Bitcoin and broader digital assets have bottomed; targets $150k in 2026, $200k in 2027

January 6, 2026, 2:29 PM EST. Bernstein analyst Gautam Chhugani says Bitcoin and broader digital asset markets have bottomed, citing a late-November trough near $80,000 and a move back above $91,000. The note argues the worry over a 4-year cycle top is unwarranted as institutional demand (funds and other large buyers) fuels adoption in a developing digital assets revolution. Bernstein maintains target prices of $150,000 in 2026 and $200,000 in 2027. Chhugani notes 2025's 6% decline was accompanied by strength in crypto-related stocks, and a tokenization supercycle led by HOOD, COIN, FIGR and CRCL could lift the sector. With January starts, liquidity and flows have improved, supporting a potential tactical rally amid improving risk sentiment.

ASX penny stocks to watch January 2026: EZZ Life Science, Pancontinental Energy lead list

January 6, 2026, 2:28 PM EST. January 2026 on the ASX opened mixed as the materials sector shows resilience amid uncertainty. Investors are turning to penny stocks, smaller firms with potential upside but higher risk. EZZ Life Science Holdings (ASX:EZZ) stands out with about A$92 million market cap, a debt-free balance sheet, and a ROE of 24%; it also declared a A$0.02 dividend for 2025. Despite negative earnings growth recently, the group highlights near-term cash generation and strategic expansion. Pancontinental Energy NL (ASX:PCL) is a pre-revenue oil and gas explorer with roughly A$99 million market cap and a debt-free position; cash runway exceeds one year, supporting speculative bets. The results underline that selective fundamentals can unlock value in a cautious climate, but risk persists.

Riot Platforms raises $200 million via BTC sales to fund AI data-center pivot

January 6, 2026, 2:19 PM EST.Riot Platforms (RIOT), a publicly listed bitcoin miner, stepped up its BTC sales at year-end, offloading 1,818 BTC ($161.6 million) and 383 BTC ($37 million) in November, reducing its balance to 18,005 BTC by end-2025. Analysts say the sale could fund capital expenditures (CAPEX) for the Corsicana 112 MW core/shell build, targeted for completion in Q1 2027, effectively financing Phase 1 of an artificial-intelligence (AI) data-center pivot. VanEck's Matthew Sigel noted the sales amount roughly matches Riot's CAPEX guidance for the project. He and others say miners have been among the largest BTC sellers to fund AI-related capex as credit conditions tighten. Riot shares fell about 2% on Tuesday as bitcoin traded near $92,500.

Economist says Trump stock-market brag could backfire if equities underperform in 2026

January 6, 2026, 2:18 PM EST. Desmond Lachman, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, warned that President Donald Trump's repeated bragging about the stock market could backfire if U.S. equities falter in 2026. He cited an overextended rally, with valuations priced for perfection and a risk from an AI bubble that could burst and drag broader markets lower. Lachman said the market's optimism may be overly optimistic, making a sharp correction highly probable. While the S&P 500, Nasdaq and Dow posted solid gains in 2025, the AI-stock concentration raises systemic risk. Trump has touted market gains as a main economic achievement, a narrative Lachman said could become electoral liability if households face affordability problems and the market slides before the midterms.

Unusual Volume in JHSC ETF as Opendoor, Sandisk Move Shares; Modine Sags

January 6, 2026, 2:14 PM EST. The John Hancock Multifactor Small Cap ETF (JHSC) is seeing unusual volume in afternoon trading, with more than 262,000 shares traded versus a three-month average of about 32,000. Shares of JHSC were up about 0.9% on the day. Leading contributors by volume include Opendoor Technologies, up about 3.5% on more than 28.5 million shares, and Sandisk, higher about 23.8% on more than 17.1 million shares. Modine Manufacturing is the notable laggard among the ETF's components, trading down about 10.2%. The swing illustrates how a few high-volume holdings can drive an ETF move when heavy trading pools form around a few names.

Sugar prices rebound as Brazilian real strengthens, boosting short covering

January 6, 2026, 2:13 PM EST. World sugar futures firmed after a session of losses as the Brazilian real strengthened, prompting short covering in futures. March NY sugar #11 (SBH26) rose 0.14% and March London ICE white sugar #5 (SWH26) gained 0.45%. The real climbed to a one-month high against the dollar, discouraging export sales from Brazil. Earlier in the week, ISMA data showed Indian sugar production for 2025/26 up about 25% year on year to 11.90 million metric tons in Oct-Dec, with a raised full-season outlook to 31 MMT, though mills may export more sugar as domestic supply eases. The International Sugar Organization forecasts a global surplus in 2025/26, as India, Thailand, and Pakistan lift output. Some analysts expect Brazil 2026/27 production to dip and exports to fall, pointing to a bearish longer-term supply picture despite near-term support from currencies.

Dollar Strength Triggers Long Liquidation in Cocoa Futures

January 6, 2026, 2:12 PM EST. Dollar strength, via the dollar index (DXY), spurred long liquidation in cocoa futures as funds unwind bets. The March ICE NY cocoa contract (CCH26) fell about 2%, with March ICE London cocoa (CAH26) down roughly 1.5%. The retreat follows Monday's gains driven by indications of smaller Ivory Coast shipments and hopes that cocoa will join the Bloomberg Commodity Index (BCOM), potentially drawing billions in index-related buying. Citigroup estimates the BCOM inclusion could attract up to $2 billion of NY cocoa demand. On the supply side, ICCO trimmed its 2024/25 surplus and production forecasts, while US port stocks fell to a 9.5-month low of about 1.626 million bags. West Africa's harvests look healthier, supporting but not guaranteeing prices amid softer demand.

FTSE 100 hits record high as New Year rally gains momentum

January 6, 2026, 2:00 PM EST. The FTSE 100 climbed to a fresh record near 10,123 points, closing about 1.2% higher after intraday gains of up to 1.5%. Gains were led by AstraZeneca, up more than 5%, and Next, which lifted its full-year outlook and bolstered retailers such as Burberry and Tesco. Danni Hewson of AJ Bell said the index is riding a wave of investor optimism, with finance, pharma, big oil and high street retail leading the rotation. Sentiment shrugged off political tensions in Venezuela, instead boosting defence stocks and lifting gold. The rally underlines a broadening mood as investors seek income-generating plays alongside durable names.

Micron Technology valuation under scrutiny after 32% month rally

January 6, 2026, 1:59 PM EST. Micron Technology (MU) sprinted about 32% over the past month, with a 1% one-day dip; the stock sits near US$312. Intrinsic value estimates show a roughly 63% discount to today's price, though the average analyst target sits near US$305. BlackGoat's narrative fair value is around US$204, implying a sizable gap. The AI memory thesis centers on HBM demand and Micron's HBM3E qualification, with high-volume shipments to four major customers and a sold-out 2025 capacity. Risks include HBM competition and U.S.-China tensions. A P/E of about 29.5x vs. a semiconductor average near 38.7x points to a valuation still below some peers, though momentum has kept the stock near its late-January highs. Investors are weighing growth potential against a stretched price.

Insider Buy Report: OSG CEO Purchases 12,000 Shares; JYNT Director Adds 1,404

January 6, 2026, 1:57 PM EST. At Overseas Shipholding Group, SEC filings show CEO Claude Leblanc purchased 12,000 OSG shares at $7.59 for a total of $91,080, a move that coincides with the stock trading about 5.1% lower on Tuesday. At Joint (ticker JYNT), Charles E. Jobson bought 1,404 shares at $8.70, for $12,215; Jobson has made three prior purchases in the past year, totaling about $335,098 at an average of $8.43 per share. Joint was up roughly 0.1% on Tuesday. Insider transactions are a signal of confidence but do not guarantee future results; investors should consider broader fundamentals.

Notable Tuesday Options Activity in FICO, VST, WDC

January 6, 2026, 1:56 PM EST. Options activity among S&P 500 components remained elevated on Tuesday, led by FICO, VST and WDC. For context, options contracts typically cover 100 shares. FICO saw 1,148 contracts traded today, about 114,800 underlying shares, roughly 54% of its 1-month average volume of 210,830 shares. The standout was the $1,800 call expiring Feb. 20, 2026, with 307 contracts (≈30,700 shares). VST traded 22,795 contracts today, about 2.3 million underlying shares and 52% of its 1-month average volume of 4.4 million; notable was the $155 put expiring Jan. 16, 2026, with 5,246 contracts (≈524,600 shares). WDC moved 38,323 contracts, around 3.8 million shares, about 50.6% of its 1-month average of 7.6 million; the $210 call expiring Jan. 9, 2026 had 2,331 contracts (≈233,100 shares).

Notable Tuesday option activity: AIG, TGT, WSM

January 6, 2026, 1:55 PM EST. Options activity was notable on Tuesday for three S&P 500 components: AIG, TGT, and WSM. AIG saw 78,870 contracts traded (each contract represents 100 shares), about 7.9 million underlying shares, or 161% of its 1-month average daily volume. A high focus was the $110 strikecall expiring March 20, 2026, with 30,037 contracts (roughly 3.0 million shares). TGT traded 41,368 contracts, about 4.1 million underlying shares, or 57.5% of its 1-month average. The standout was the $100 strikeput expiring Jan 09, 2026, with 3,577 contracts (357,700 shares). WSM posted 6,793 contracts, about 679,300 shares, or 55.7% of its 1-month average. The active $200 strikecall for WSM expires Jan 16, 2026, with 1,971 contracts (197,100 shares).

Annaly Capital Management appears 47% undervalued, per Excess Returns model

January 6, 2026, 1:47 PM EST. Annaly Capital Management's shares closed at $22.77, with a 1-year return of 40% and a 3-year gain of 53.3%, while 7-day and 30-day moves were negative. The stock sits amid the ongoing debate on rates and mortgage assets. Using a simple valuation framework, the name scores 5 of 6 on being undervalued. The Excess Returns model assesses whether a company can earn more on its equity than required by investors. For Annaly, inputs include a book value of $19.25, a stable EPS of $3.21, and a cost of equity of $1.88, yielding an excess of $1.34 per share with a ~15.7% ROE. Forward book value is seen at $20.47 by 6 analysts. The model yields an intrinsic value around $43.09, implying about 47.2% undervaluation versus the current price. Investors may track this in their watchlists.

Are Investors Undervaluing Asbury Automotive Group (ABG) Right Now?

January 6, 2026, 1:45 PM EST. Zacks places Asbury Automotive Group (ABG) at #2 Buy with a Value grade of A, noting a P/E of 4.81 vs. an industry average of 5.60. ABG's Forward P/E has ranged from 4.59 to 174.50, with a median of 8.39 in the last year. Its PEG is 0.26 (industry 0.46) and its P/B is 1.77 (industry 2.04). The P/CF ratio is 5.92 (industry 6.03), metrics used to gauge value relative to cash flow. The pieces describe ABG as an undervalued play anchored by earnings growth and solid cash outlook. Separately, AutoNation (AN) is cited as a top value pick: #1 (Strong Buy), Value score A, Forward P/E 5.31 and PEG 0.23 versus industry P/E 5.60 and PEG 0.46.

HSBC reports six-month block listing return on employee share schemes; analysts weigh outlook

January 6, 2026, 1:43 PM EST. HSBC Holdings reported its six-month block listing return for the July 1-December 31, 2025 period, covering shares tied to employee schemes. The filing shows no increases to block allocations and only a limited number of shares were allotted under the HSBC Share Plan 2011 and the HSBC International Employee Share Purchase Plan; balances across schemes remain substantial, signaling continued capacity to cover future remuneration and legacy acquisition obligations without revising capital blocks. In market commentary, TipRanks lists HSBC as a Buy with a $77 target. Spark's AI Analyst rates HSBC as Outperform, citing strong revenue growth and wealth-management focus, though mixed technical indicators and Hong Kong real estate headwinds temper the outlook. HSBC remains a London-headquartered global bank with cross-border operations.

Netflix valuation flags persist as stock trades near $91

January 6, 2026, 1:42 PM EST. Netflix trades at US$91.46, down 2.5% last week and 8.8% over 30 days. Year-to-date is flat; 3-year and 5-year gains run 179.2% and 85.0%. The checks show a 1/6 on valuation, signaling limited upside on a single metric. A Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model using a two-stage Free Cash Flow to Equity forecast implies an intrinsic value of US$82.18 per share, about 11.3% overvalued versus today's price. The P/E stands at 40.1x, above the industry average of 18.9x and near peers at 85.0x. Ongoing discussions about subscriber trends, content spending, and a crowded streaming market temper the fair-value case.

SAP at €206.20; DCF signals about 18% undervaluation after pullback

January 6, 2026, 1:41 PM EST. SAP trades at €206.20 a share after a recent pullback. The stock shows a mixed backdrop: 7-day decline of 1.1% and 30-day drop of 3.5%, with a 2.1% year-to-date gain. A Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model places the intrinsic value at €252.61, implying about 18.4% undervaluation versus the current price. The analysis uses a two-stage projection; last twelve months' free cash flow is about €6.4 billion and the model extends to 2035 with projected annual FCF near €17.0 billion. SAP remains a large European software name, prompting investors to balance growth potential against stability and earnings risk. The piece also notes the P/E (price-to-earnings) ratio as a shorthand for what investors are willing to pay per euro of earnings.

Arabica climbs on Brazil dryness and real strength; robusta supported by Vietnam exports

January 6, 2026, 1:40 PM EST.Arabica futures rose as below-average rainfall in Brazil's Minas Gerais and a firmer Brazilian real lifted prices. March arabica futures, KCH26 (March arabica futures), gained about 3.7%, while March robusta RMH26 rose around 1.6%. The real strengthened to a one-month high, pressuring Brazilian exporters and supporting price margins. Weather data from Somar showed Minas Gerais receiving 47.9 mm of rain in the week to Jan. 2, about 67% of normal. Inventory data showed tightening stocks at ICE Arabica and a recovery in Robusta after earlier lows. Vietnam's 2025 exports surged, implying more robusta supply and capping gains. Analysts cited ICO and USDA forecasts pointing to tighter world supplies, though global production is seen rising modestly in 2025/26.

Rocket Lab (RKLB) valuation after surge: undervalued or overvalued?

January 6, 2026, 1:31 PM EST. Rocket Lab shares have jumped about 55% in the past month and 165% over the past year, prompting scrutiny of its fair value. The stock closed near $75.99, with estimates placing a narrative fair value around $98 per share, suggesting room for upside in the long term. KiwiInvest pegs a fair value of $97.83, calling the stock undervalued. By contrast, Simply Wall St's DCF model puts fair value near $72.69, implying the shares trade ahead of cash-flow prospects. Risks include potential Neutron delays or larger SpaceX contract wins that could compress growth. The main takeaway: the valuation gap reflects diverging assumptions about growth, margins, and the space economy.

Montanaro European Smaller Companies Trust buys own shares; 199,900 at 164.93p; treasury holdings update

January 6, 2026, 1:30 PM EST. Montanaro European Smaller Companies Trust PLC announced it purchased 199,900 of its own ordinary shares at 164.93p per share, with the stock to be held in Treasury. Following the transaction, total issued share capital is 189,427,600; shares held in Treasury amount to 56,402,619; total voting rights stand at 133,024,981. The voting rights figure will be used as the denominator for FCA Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules notifications. The disclosure is in line with FCA requirements on transactions in own shares. For further information, contact Juniper Partners Limited, Company Secretary, cosec@junipartners.com, +44 131 378 0500.

Amazon's AWS AI push reshapes investment narrative amid margin risks

January 6, 2026, 1:29 PM EST. Amazon's AI push in AWS is sharpening its investment narrative. The cloud unit now accounts for about two-thirds of group operating profits and is posting the fastest revenue growth in years. AI-driven cloud services and advertising underpin higher-margin strengths beyond retail, reinforcing a growth thesis built on AWS scale, advertising momentum, and Prime. Still, the bigger capex cycle raises the risk of margins pressure if investments outpace monetization or cloud competition intensifies. Industry-wide AI capex-roughly $440 billion forecast-highlights the scale of the push to power AI workloads. Amazon's projections hinge on double-digit revenue growth and a multi-year earnings uplift, but investors will scrutinize returns on AI infrastructure and how quickly cloud margins recover.

Lithium Americas (Argentina) shares jump 11.1% on TSX; volume eases

January 6, 2026, 1:28 PM EST. Lithium Americas Corp.'s Argentina unit rose 11.1% on Tuesday, trading as high as C$9.35 and last at C$9.30. Mid-day volume reached 183,886 shares, down 27% from the average of 251,039. The stock closed prior session at C$8.37. The company's market cap is about C$1.52 billion; the P/E ratio is negative at -18.76 and the stock's beta is 1.91. The 50-day SMA sits at C$6.91 and the 200-day SMA at C$5.32. On Nov. 10, it reported a loss per share of C$0.40 for the quarter. Lithium Argentina operates the Cauchari-Olaroz brine project with partner Ganfeng and is advancing the PPG Project in Salta. LAR trades on the TSX and NYSE.

Rocket Lab gains 2.83% ahead of results as RKLB climbs

January 6, 2026, 1:27 PM EST. Rocket Lab Corporation (RKLB) rose 2.83% to $78.14, outpacing the broader market as the S&P 500 gained 0.64%; the Dow +1.23% and Nasdaq +0.69%. Shares have jumped about 54.91% over the past month, eclipsing the Aerospace sector's 10.26% gain and the S&P 500's 0.55% in the period. Ahead of next month's results, analysts expect earnings of -$0.05 per share, with revenue of $178.38 million, up 34.74% year over year. For the full year, Zacks Consensus estimates call for -$0.20 per share on $600.52 million in revenue, up 47.37% and flat year over year, respectively. RKLB holds a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold) with an Industry Rank of 106 in Aerospace – Defense Equipment, within the top 44% of industries tracked by Zacks.

Crude prices slip on dollar strength, demand concerns weigh on oil

January 6, 2026, 1:26 PM EST. Crude prices slipped as a firmer dollar and signs of weaker energy demand pressured markets. November WTI and RBOB were down after Saudi Aramco kept its main crude price steady for Asian buyers, signaling softer demand. OPEC+ approved a smaller-than-expected rise of 137,000 bpd (barrels per day), as it unwinds a 1.66 million bpd cut and aims to restore about 2.2 million bpd (barrels per day) of supply. Downside buffer came from reduced Russian output following refinery disruptions tied to a Ukrainian strike, while Baghdad's renewed output and refinery bottlenecks keep the global supply picture fluid. Tanker stockpiles have declined, supporting prices, while a prior tumble to multi-month lows lingers in the backdrop.

FTSE 100 at 10,000: a missed marketing moment for the London market

January 6, 2026, 1:25 PM EST. Three readings emerge as the FTSE 100 clears 10,000: a neutral view that round numbers matter little; a critique that the index's points, especially without dividends, misstate true returns; and a recognition that, even if meaningful, the milestone offers a marketing opportunity rather than a macro signal. Reeves claimed it signals confidence in Britain's economy, but the index is skewed international (roughly 75% abroad). Fresnillo's surge last year underlined metal prices rather than UK health. The third view sees value in the marketing moment to show shares beat cash in medium- and long-term horizons. For the London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG), it was a chance to showcase hustle rather than calm, but no fireworks appeared. The absence of bold branding underscores a missed PR moment.