Chinese stocks cool on weak economic data; investors brace for policy cues
December 21, 2025, 2:32 AM EST.Chinese equities pulled back on weaker-than-expected economic data, with major benchmarks drifting lower as growth concerns outweighed policy hopes. The CSI 300 and Hang Seng eased, pressured by softer manufacturing activity and subdued consumption signals. Tech and financials led declines, while value-oriented sectors showed some resilience amid demand divergence. Traders said data kept odds of further policy support in view, though authorities signaled no rapid easing. Markets remain sensitive to upcoming data and central-bank cues shaping the balance between a fragile domestic recovery and policy anchors.
Singapore Exchange Ltd: Key Catalysts & Outlook for S68 (Dec 2025)
December 21, 2025, 2:31 AM EST. Singapore Exchange Ltd (SGX: S68) heads into year-end with a rare mix of tailwinds: a stronger local equity tape, a dividend-step-up plan, and new crypto-derivatives products, plus policy moves to sharpen Singapore's listings competition. At around S$16.87, SGX trades near the top of its historical range, with a market cap near S$18 billion. The trading backdrop improved in November, as securities turnover jumped 18% YoY to S$35.5 billion and the STI hit a fresh high, while the total derivatives volume cooled but remained anchored by core contracts like FTSE China A50 futures. Analysts expect continued momentum from higher activity, product launches, and ongoing capital-market reforms. Investors should watch trading volumes, dividend policy, crypto derivatives launches, and regulatory developments that influence listings and participant participation.
India Stock Market Today (21 December 2025): Sensex, Nifty Brace for Holiday-Week Trade as Rupee, BSE Rejig and FII Flows Take Centre Stage
December 21, 2025, 2:28 AM EST. Markets were closed on Sunday with eyes on a thin holiday-week ahead. The Sensex settled around 84,929.36 and the Nifty 50 at 25,966.40 after Friday's rebound, keeping the 26,000 barrier in focus. With Christmas week liquidity expected to be thin, markets await catalysts from a BSE index reshuffle and shifting FII/DII flows. Global cues could be lighter due to early closes in the US and Europe, but currency moves and heavy sector rotation could still drive intraday swings. Last week saw volatile moves driven by a sharp rupee slide to near 91 per dollar, then a late rebound aided by softer US inflation. IT and PSU banks led gains, while private banks and media lagged. The week ahead could be quiet yet full of surprises amid thin volumes.
Is Shanghai Electric Still Attractive After Its Strong Multi-Year Rally? A Valuation Deep Dive
December 21, 2025, 2:15 AM EST. Shanghai Electric Group trades around HK$3.90 after a long rally, but our valuation checks still warn. A Discounted Cash Flow model yields an intrinsic value of CN¥22.31 per share, implying the stock is trading at about an 82.5% discount to fair value and potentially offering upside if forecasts prove accurate. The stock scores only 2/6 on core undervaluation checks, underscoring balance with risks. The move reflects policy support for energy transition, grid modernization, and state-backed infrastructure, which keeps the name on investors' radars. Near-term cash flow is projected at CN¥7.96b for 2024, with longer-term FCF rising into the mid CN¥30b range by 2035. Bottom line: valuation looks compelling on a DCF basis, but execution and policy risk matter for upside.
SXGC Valuation Signals Major Upside Despite Elevated P/B; DCF Implies Far Higher Fair Value
December 21, 2025, 2:14 AM EST. Southern Cross Gold Consolidated (SXGC) has moved to CA$9.42 a share, amplifying a strong momentum trend. The stock trades at a price-to-book (P/B) of 10x, a premium versus the broader Canadian metals/mining sector (average ~2.8x) but below its peer group average of 13.4x. This signals investors are pricing in substantial exploration upside but also reflect heightened risk around early-stage assets. A DCF framework published by Simply Wall St-using Dec 2025 assumptions-puts a fair value near CA$91.10, implying the shares could be roughly 89.7% below that level today. With such a large theoretical gap, the upside hinges on successful drilling relative to the odds baked into current pricing, and the risk of exploration setbacks remains salient.
Jardine Matheson: Buybacks, Insider Purchases and 2026 Catalysts Reignite Spotlight (SGX: J36, LSE: JAR)
December 21, 2025, 2:13 AM EST. Jardine Matheson Holdings Limited (SGX: J36, LSE: JAR) has staged a steady rally in 2025, trading around US$67.20 with a one-year gain near 63%. The stock's 2026 narrative centers on capital allocation and portfolio simplification. The company has announced buybacks up to US$250 million, with 50,000 shares repurchased at US$62.82 and cancelled in November, signaling management's conviction that the underlying portfolio is undervalued. Insider moves include December share purchases by CEO Lincoln Pan and a small disposal by a director-linked trust. Added catalysts lie in potential further portfolio reshaping of Mandarin Oriental and Hongkong Land and the narrowing of the conglomerate discount as strategies evolve. Trading structure remains a Bermuda-incorporated, LSE-listed holding with diverse Asia bets, but macro/property risks persist.
CapitaLand Investment (SGX:9CI) Updates: Dormant Subsidiaries Liquidation, RMB Master Fund Closure, and FUM Growth Outlook
December 21, 2025, 2:12 AM EST. CapitaLand Investment Limited (SGX: 9CI) ended the week firmer as investors digest corporate updates and the company's asset-light strategy to grow fee income via FUM and new vehicles. On 19 December 2025 CLI closed at S$2.69, with ~12.17 million shares traded, extending a three-session gain amid a narrow, falling short-term trend. Markets note volume and price support but caution against momentum versus mean reversion. Notable actions: (1) 14 US-incorporated subsidiaries placed into voluntary liquidation, described as non-material to NTA/EPS for FY2025. (2) China RMB Master Fund sub-fund CRF I closed; fund size RMB1.0b (~S$183m) and full deployment could lift CLI FUM by RMB1.48b (~S$271m). Seed asset CapitaMall Xinduxin, Qingdao, ~141k sqm, ~99.6% occupancy. The firm emphasizes a domestic-for-domestic approach and capital recycling to fuel growth.
NSE reports 11.6% MoM drop in new investor additions in November 2025
December 21, 2025, 2:02 AM EST. New investor additions in India's equity markets slowed in November 2025, with 11.6% MoM decline as only 13.2 lakh new investors joined the NSE-regulated market, taking the registered base to 12.3 crore by end-November. After two consecutive monthly gains, the cooling momentum underscores cautious sentiment amid global headwinds. The NSE notes that 2025 has seen a mixed pace of expansion, with growth concentrated in May-July and September-October, while 2024's acceleration gave way to slower pacing in 2025. From January to November, the market added an average of 12.8 lakh investors per month, far below the 19.3 lakh pace of the prior year. Geographically, North India leads with 4.5 crore investors, followed by West (3.6 crore), South (2.6 crore) and East (1.5 crore).
Is Freshpet Valuation Justified After a 56.4% Slide and 15.9% Rebound?
December 21, 2025, 2:01 AM EST. Freshpet has fallen about 56.4% in a year and risen roughly 15.9% in the last month, leaving investors wondering if the rebound is a recovery or a dead-cat bounce. The assessment rates the stock 0/6 on valuation checks, applying a 2-stage DCF that places intrinsic value near $39.42 per share, implying the stock is about 58.8% overvalued versus the market price. The firm currently exhibits negative Free Cash Flow (~$75.5M) as it funds capacity, with forecasts showing FCF turning positive later (about $73.3M in 2026, $75M in 2027, rising to $94.6M by 2035). The upside depends on stronger brand momentum, improving profitability, and navigating competition in a crowded pet-food market.
Energizer Holdings (ENR) Valuation Favors a Reassessment After Rebound
December 21, 2025, 2:00 AM EST. Energizer Holdings (ENR) has posted a positive one-month performance (up 8.4% to $19.81) but remains down YTD, raising questions about valuation. At $19.81, the stock trades near a P/E of 5.7x, far below peers and a stated fair value around $93.38 per share per our DCF model. The data suggest an acute market discount to future profits, yet the stock's weak long-term performance and modest revenue growth imply any earnings miss could erase upside. Compared with global peers trading around 16-18x earnings, Energizer looks undervalued on earnings, but risk remains from consumer slowdowns. The takeaway: sentiment normalization could unlock upside if the market revisits the fair value with a more optimistic DCF scenario; investors should weigh downside risks.
Is Bank of Montreal Still a Buy After a 128% Five-Year Surge? Valuation Signals Undervalue the Stock
December 21, 2025, 1:59 AM EST. Bank of Montreal has surged 128.6% over five years and remains in focus as Canadian banks rally. The stock shaved 1.3% last week but is up 28% year-to-date, with a 34.6% gain over the past year. Valuation checks score 2/6, signaling a mixed picture: some metrics point to value while others warn of risk. The company's Excess Returns model implies an intrinsic value near CA$252 per share, about 29% above the current price, suggesting the stock is relatively undervalued. Investors should weigh this against rate expectations, credit quality volatility, and BMO's sizeable US footprint. Overall, the valuation matters more than the headline rally.
CEWE Stiftung & Co. KGaA: Retail Investors Lead; No Single Holder Dominates (ETR:CWC)
December 21, 2025, 1:58 AM EST. CEWE Stiftung & Co. KGaA (ETR:CWC) shows a retail-driven ownership structure, with individual investors owning 44% of the shares, versus institutions 28% and insiders 28%. Notably, the top 19 shareholders hold about 50%, implying no single holder wields decisive control. Alexander Neumüller is identified as the largest named investor with 28%. While institutional interest suggests confidence, large, coordinated moves could push the share price either way. Analysts cover the stock and discuss earnings history and forecast growth; investors might examine expert forecasts and sector momentum. Overall, CEWE's owner mix points to strong retail influence but prudent risk monitoring remains important.
ST Engineering (SGX: S63) Stock Update: Dividend Windfall, Record Order Book, and Satcom Developments as of 21 Dec 2025
December 21, 2025, 1:57 AM EST. ST Engineering (SGX: S63) traded around S$8.18 on 21 Dec 2025, implying a market cap of ~S$25.5b and a trailing P/E in the low-30s. The setup blends several threads: operational momentum from a record order book (~S$32.6b end-Sep 2025) and ongoing contract wins; shareholder returns via a proposed special dividend of 5.0 cents and a final dividend of 6.0 cents for FY2025, totalling 23.0 cents per share if approved; a satcom overhang from a non-cash impairment at iDirect, even as new tech partnerships roll out; headline risk from a U.S. wrongful-death lawsuit naming VT SAA; New news includes a Safran defence collaboration and a Capgemini/iDirect 5G NTN initiative. 2026 watchpoints include defence wins scope and satcom restructuring.
Keppel Ltd Stock (SGX:BN4) – Buybacks, Asset Monetisation, and Data Centre Stakes Update (Dec 21, 2025)
December 21, 2025, 1:56 AM EST. Keppel Ltd is steered by two themes as of Dec 21, 2025: capital recycling via asset monetisation and a steady drumbeat of share buybacks. The latest move sees Keppel selling its remaining stakes in KDC SGP 3 and KDC SGP 4 to Keppel DC REIT for S$50.5 million, with completion expected by 1Q 2026; management says the deal won't materially affect FY earnings or NTA. The sale advances the asset-light strategy and unlocks value from Tampines data centres (139,469 sq ft). Separately, Dec 15-19 filings show five straight sessions of 50,000 shares buybacks around S$10.00-S$10.13, highlighting capital discipline and potential support for valuation multiples in a quiet market. Forecasts/targets remain under review for 2026.
DBS Group Holdings Ltd Stock (SGX: D05) Outlook on Dec 21, 2025: Record Highs, Big Dividends, and the 2026 Margin Test
December 21, 2025, 1:42 AM EST. DBS Group Holdings is trading near all-time highs after a week of gains, up about 25% year-to-date. The bank anchors Singapore's "income + quality" narrative with high payouts, active capital returns, and a growing franchise in wealth and transaction banking. Key drivers include a disciplined dividend + buyback policy, a resilient 3Q 2025 run-rate, and relatively clear 2026 guidance. Fresh catalysts include DBS being named Singapore's second RMB clearing bank, deepening cross-border payments and client relationships. With market cap around S$155-156 billion, DBS remains a core stock for income portfolios as investors brace for potentially lower net interest margins in 2026.
United Overseas Bank (SGX: U11) Stock: Dec 21, 2025 Outlook, Dividend Trends and 2026 Forecasts
December 21, 2025, 1:41 AM EST. UOB stock trades near S$34.70 (Dec 19 close) after a week of mixed momentum, sitting in a 52-week range of S$29-S$39.20. The near-term question is whether investors are being paid enough via dividends and potential buybacks while UOB works through elevated provisions tied to Greater China/Hong Kong property exposure. Q3 results showed net profit down 72% to S$443 million with S$1.36 billion of provisions, underscoring a persistent risk-off sentiment vs DBS/OCBC. The stock trades with a risk discount until provisioning moderates and credit outcomes improve. A key watch is whether 2026 forecasts incorporate a clearer path to normalization in appetite for property credit and whether asset-management initiatives deliver new catalysts.
Singapore Stocks Hold Near 4,570 as Banks, S-REIT Flows and Year-End Positioning Shape SGX Outlook
December 21, 2025, 1:40 AM EST. Singapore stocks hover around the 4,570 zone as liquidity thins into the holiday week. The STI ended Friday at 4,569.78, essentially flat, with a muted tone and selective stock moves beneath the surface. Turnover ran about S$2.1 billion; market breadth favored gainers (329) over decliners (177). In blue chips, City Developments rose ~4% to S$7.98, while Yangzijiang Shipbuilding fell ~2.9% to S$3.37; banks were mixed (OCBC up, DBS/UOB down). CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust was the most traded counter. For 2025, the STI has delivered ~26.7% total return including dividends, and S-REITs ~14.4%; the theme remains yield-driven, with year-end positioning and window-dressing shaping the quiet finish into 2026. Retail investors stay focused on the S-REIT narrative.
CDL Hits 52-Week High on Divestments, UK Acquisition, and 2026 Outlook Reset
December 21, 2025, 1:39 AM EST. City Developments Limited (CDL) extended its late-year rally, finishing near a 52-week high after posting a string of divestments and selective acquisitions that reset the 2026 outlook. On Dec 16, CDL agreed to sell Quayside Isle at Sentosa Cove for S$97.3 million, about 47% above book value, with completion eyed for Q1 2026 and an exit cap rate of 2.6%. The group also tallies roughly S$2 billion in total divestments versus around S$1.7 billion in acquisitions in 2025, underscoring a net-seller stance to reduce gearing and fund land replenishment. In London, CDL's hotel arm bought the Holiday Inn London – Kensington High Street for £280 million (c. S$480 million), targeting a running yield above 6%. The mix of asset sales and selective buys supports a more resilient, yield-driven path into 2026.
Netflix Stock Outlook on Dec. 20, 2025: Warner Bros. Deal Drama, Stock Split, and the Jan. 20 Earnings Catalyst
December 21, 2025, 1:28 AM EST. Netflix, Inc. stock (NFLX) is trading amid headline risk from a potential Warner Bros. Discovery deal, a competing bid from Paramount Skydance, and a multi-segment strategy spanning advertising, live programming, gaming, and podcasts. Post-split trading near $94.39 (split-adjusted) implies a market cap around $431B. The 10-for-1 forward split aims to boost accessibility for employees and retail investors, but it doesn't change fundamentals. The big question: will a deal create a vertically integrated media giant, or trigger regulatory and balance-sheet headwinds? A resolution could unlock IP monetization and pricing power; failure could stall upside. Investors are watching the Jan. 20 earnings catalyst and regulatory developments around bids and financing.
CSL Limited (ASX: CSL) Stock Outlook 21 December 2025: Buyback Momentum, Seqirus Delay, Analyst Targets
December 21, 2025, 1:26 AM EST. CSL Limited (ASX: CSL) heads into year-end with a stock that's been pressured even as a rising pile of catalysts forms beneath the surface. The company's on-market buyback-a multi-year program that started with up to A$750 million in FY26-continues to quietly absorb shares. A major US manufacturing investment and a looming Seqirus demerger delay are the two strategic swings investors are weighing, with the demerger now tied to 'market conditions' rather than near-term execution. In its October AGM update, CSL trimmed FY26 guidance to roughly 2-3% revenue growth and 4-7% NPATA growth (before restructuring), citing slower US influenza vaccination rates and China's albumin pricing pressures. While long-term value remains linked to CSL Behring and potential gene/immunology options, analysts' price targets reflect ongoing uncertainty around the timing and value of Seqirus separation.
Lynas Rare Earths Stock: Key Drivers, Risks and 2026 Outlook (ASX: LYC) – December 2025
December 21, 2025, 1:25 AM EST. Lynas Rare Earths Limited (ASX: LYC) heads into the Christmas week with a rare mix of index-driven momentum and operational risk. The stock's inclusion in the S&P/ASX 50, effective 22 December 2025, could spark mechanical buying from index funds and improve liquidity. Yet the group warns that power disruptions at its Kalgoorlie facility may cause a near-term output shortfall equivalent to about one month of production in the current quarter, with downstream implications for Malaysia. As a rare earth producer, Lynas sits at the intersection of commodities pricing cycles, operational execution at complex chemical plants, and geopolitics that can swing sentiment. With a 52-week range of roughly A$6.16-A$21.96 and a recent close around A$12.19, valuation looks sensitive to both policy headlines and spot pricing.
Mineral Resources (ASX: MIN) Stock Update: POSCO Lithium Deal, Onslow Iron Ramp-Up and Forecasts (21 Dec 2025)
December 21, 2025, 1:24 AM EST. Mineral Resources Limited (ASX: MIN) trades around A$52.65 (21 December 2025), near the top of its 52-week range, with a market cap near A$10.36B. The big catalysts are the POSCO lithium JV, delivering US$765m in consideration and a capital-recycling path that supports deleveraging while preserving upside, and the Onslow Iron ramp-up. In Q1 FY26, Onslow shipped 8.6 Mt (100% basis) with nameplate capacity at 35 Mtpa; liquidity stands at A$1.1B and net debt around A$5.4B. MinRes retains 70% control and operator status in the JV, while POSCO takes a 30% indirect stake and offtake alignment. Completion is targeted for H1 2026, subject to approvals. The shares' outlook hinges on lithium pricing, Onslow cash flow, and governance headlines.
Is Lowe's Still Attractively Valued After Recent Share-Price Stagnation?
December 21, 2025, 12:57 AM EST. Lowe's shares hovered around $240, delivering a flat year but a robust multi-year rebound. Over 3 years, the stock is up ~26%, and 5-year gains top ~62%, underscoring a strong long-term story despite short-term noise. The backdrop: a cooler housing/DIY cycle, a shift to professional customers, and productivity initiatives that support margins and cash returns. A six-factor valuation scores Lowe's 4/6, signaling value on several metrics. A DCF model yields an intrinsic value of about $262 per share versus the price, implying roughly an 8% discount to fair value. The takeaway: Lowe's appears fairly valued to undervalued, with a narrative that could drive the next leg of growth as demand normalizes.
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCLH) Valuation Scrutinized After Sharp Short-Term Rebound
December 21, 2025, 12:56 AM EST. Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) has staged a notable rebound, up ~7% last week and ~27% over the past month, signaling improving sentiment even as the year-to-date remains negative. The shares hover near $23.04 with a narrative fair value around $27.93, suggesting the market has not fully priced in its earnings runway. Strong cost discipline is driving lower unit costs, higher margins and EBITDA, supporting deleveraging and improved ROIC as new capacity comes online. The implied gap points to an undervalued setup, but elevated leverage and higher industry capacity could cap pricing power and trim the rerating implied by the story. Investors should weigh the earnings runway, operating leverage, and risk factors before accepting the valuation path.
Cohen & Steers (CNS): Valuation Check After a Steep Year-to-Date Decline
December 21, 2025, 12:55 AM EST. Cohen & Steers (CNS) has grown its revenue and net income, but sentiment has cooled as the stock trades around $62 with a -32% YTD drop. Our narrative pins a fair value near $71.67, suggesting the stock is undervalued by about 13% despite trading at roughly 19.4x earnings vs a rough 15x benchmark and peers near 12.9x. The analysis highlights a disconnect between fundamentals and sentiment, with long-term revenue growth forecast around 9% annually over three years, but risks from ongoing outflows and higher expansion costs that could compress margins. A key question remains whether this is a mispricing opportunity or if the market anticipates weaker growth ahead.
Broader indices outperform with muted gains as smallcaps jump up to 27% amid volatile week
December 21, 2025, 12:54 AM EST. Indian equity markets closed a volatile week with the BSE Midcap and Smallcap indices leading, while the Nifty 50 eased marginally. The Sensex slipped about 0.4% as volatility persisted from ongoing FII selling and a record-low rupee around 91 per dollar. Sector-wise, Nifty Private Bank and Media declined ~1%, with PSU Bank and IT gaining ~1%. DIIs remained buyers, helping to anchor sentiment. A late rebound was aided by a softer US CPI print and expectations of a milder Fed stance amid softer crude prices. The near-term outlook stays cautious, with global cues and INR stability dictating flows; a break above key trendlines could bolster the Nifty bias.
Fortescue (ASX:FMG) Stock Outlook: Alta Copper Deal, Iron Ore Forecasts for 2026, and Analyst Expectations
December 21, 2025, 12:53 AM EST. Fortescue (ASX:FMG) enters late December with the iron ore beat shaping the stock story, though the miner is shifting toward a broader copper pivot. The stock sits around A$21.88 (Dec 19 close), ~6% off its 52-week high, and trades near 13x trailing earnings with a roughly 5% dividend yield, depending on source. The key move this month: Fortescue's bid to acquire the remaining 64% of Alta Copper (TSX:ATCU) for C$1.40 per share, valuing Alta at about C$139 million (US$101m) with a ~14.8% premium to the prior close. The deal, likely to close in Q1 2026, hinges on January 2026 shareholder approval and British Columbia court clearance. Fortescue is diversifying into copper to ride electrification demand, owning Canariaco in Peru with NI 43-101 resources; JORC reporting will follow.
PLS Group Limited (ASX:PLS) Rebrand and Lithium Platform Focus Amid December 2025 Update
December 21, 2025, 12:52 AM EST. PLS Group Limited (ASX: PLS) closed 21 December 2025 trading near A$3.93 as the company shifts from Pilbara Minerals to a broader lithium materials platform. The official rebrand, effective 3 December 2025, signals a move to be valued as a global lithium supplier rather than a single-asset miner. Core assets: Pilgangoora (Australia) and Colina (Brazil), plus downstream exposure via a POSCO joint venture producing battery-grade lithium hydroxide, with partnerships including Ganfeng, Chengxin, Yahua and General Lithium. The September FY26 Q1 update showed production 224.8kt, sales 214kt, realised prices US$742/t CIF China and US$841/t on SC6, revenue A$251m, unit cost A$540/t, and cash A$852m. With lithium price cycles and execution ahead, the stock remains in focus.
Kodiak Gas Services Valuation: DCF Signals 73% Undervalued After 2025 Swings
December 21, 2025, 12:35 AM EST. Kodiak Gas Services trades around $36.31 and has shown mixed momentum: down 2.6% last week, up 8.4% over the past month, but down 13.1% year to date. On our framework, the stock earns a valuation score of 2/6, signaling pockets of value but notable caution. A Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model yields an intrinsic value near $137.42 per share, implying the stock is undervalued by about 73.6% versus the current price. Proponents highlight Kodiak's critical midstream role in US natural gas and the appeal of long-term energy demand. Dissenters warn on execution risks and valuation headwinds. Bottom line: the stock may offer upside if energy demand remains robust and risk is tolerated, but investors should approach with a cautious, framework-based view.
Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX:CBA) Stock Outlook: Price, Rate-Hike Path and Analyst Forecasts (Dec 2025)
December 21, 2025, 12:34 AM EST. Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) traded around A$157.75 on 19 Dec 2025 after a volatile year, with a 52-week range of A$142.36-A$191.40 and a market cap near A$264B. The stock faces a tug-of-war between a dominant retail franchise and a valuation many analysts struggle to justify. CBA now sees a RBA rate-hike path, forecasting 25bp in Feb 2026 and a cash rate near 3.85% by end-2026, shaping NIM, credit demand, and credit quality. Amid softer consumer sentiment and higher rates, margins could improve while growth risks persist. iQ data show a record A$23.8B Black Friday spend, underscoring robust consumer activity but uneven durability. Investors will weigh rate outlook against valuation as a potential lagging indicator for the Australian banking sector.
World's calmest stock market challenges options traders in India
December 21, 2025, 12:20 AM EST. India's stock market has become one of the calmest in the world, forcing options traders to rethink strategies. The NSE Nifty 50 barely moves, with the India NSE Volatility Index at an all-time low as domestic money dwarfs foreign flows and regulatory curbs suppress volatility. For volatility-driven traders, premiums have shrunk, making standard vol-selling less profitable. Regulators tightened speculative retail activity, scrapping popular weekly options and draining intraday volume. Notional turnover on derivatives has fallen about 35% to around 240 trillion rupees a day. The Nifty 50 has moved less than 1.5% for 151 sessions; three-month realized volatility sits near 8. Foreign funds have shed roughly $17 billion this year, while local institutions have poured over $80 billion in equities. Valuation remains rich at around 20x earnings.
BHP Group Ltd Stock News and Forecasts: Copper Rally, WAIO Funding Deal with GIP, and 2026 Outlook (ASX:BHP, NYSE:BHP) as of 21 Dec 2025
December 21, 2025, 12:19 AM EST. BHP Group Ltd is navigating a 2025 mix of price strength and capital discipline. On the ASX, BHP trades near the top end of 2025's range, with a last around A$44 and the ADR near $59 in late December. A key narrative is a US$2 billion funding agreement with Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), part of BlackRock, to back WAIO's inland power network. BHP will own 51%, GIP 49%, with tariffs tied to inland power use over 25 years, while BHP maintains full operational control of WAIO and its infrastructure. The deal aims to recycle capital without surrendering control and is expected to close FY2026, subject to FIRB approvals. Copper remains a strategic focus, with near-record prices underpinning bullish expectations for 2026, alongside China iron ore demand and potential production growth to 305 Mtpa at WAIO. Analysts debate how these dynamics shape the stock outlook.
3 Monster Dividend Stocks With Yields Up to 13.6%
December 21, 2025, 12:05 AM EST. Three stocks with monster yields outshine the S&P 500's skimpy payouts. The piece highlights AGNC Investment at a 13.6% dividend yield, a REIT that buys residential mortgage-backed securities (MBS) guaranteed by agencies like Freddie Mac and funds its payouts via repo-driven leverage; management has kept a steady monthly dividend since 2020, though a future dividend reset is possible if returns don't cover costs. It also profiles Delek Logistics Partners, an MLP with about a 10.1% yield backed by long-term contracts in energy infrastructure; it notes a payout cushion (about 1.3x coverage) and a streak of quarterly increases. The third stock in the trio is Ares Capital Corporation, completing the list of high-yield opportunities discussed.
Trump Claims Grocery Prices Are Falling; Nasdaq/S&P Advance, Dow Slips; Nike Slumps on Slow Turnaround
December 21, 2025, 12:04 AM EST. Trump's assertion that groceries are falling rapidly clashes with government data: turkey prices down 16% per Farm Bureau; CPI for Other uncooked poultry up 0.8% in November; eggs easing after the avian-flu wave. On markets, the Nasdaq and S&P 500 finished the week higher, while the Dow lagged; year-to-date gains run north of 20%, 16%, and 13% respectively. In stocks, Nike's turnaround remains slower than hoped, with the shares down about 20% since CEO Elliott Hill returned, keeping investors wary of the pace of improvement.
A new high? Gold price predictions from J.P. Morgan Global Research
December 21, 2025, 12:00 AM EST. JP Morgan Global Research notes growing diversification away from the USD, with central banks boosting gold holdings to roughly 20% of official reserves (about 36,200 tonnes) based on IMF/COFER data through 2024. If reserve shares under 10% lift to 10% at $4,000/oz, the notional shift would be about $335 billion (≈2,600 tonnes); at $5,000/oz, about $194 billion (≈1,200 tonnes). Banks like Brazil and Korea are highlighted as active buyers. Emerging-market central banks benefit from >20% reserves in gold per BIS. Investor demand remains robust: futures positioning is long, while ETFs and bar/coin holdings drive most demand. JP Morgan expects ~250 tonnes into ETFs in 2026 and >1,200 tonnes annual bar/coin demand.
