ALS Limited's Steady Dividends Reinforce Industrial Sector Appeal on ASX
January 24, 2026, 1:06 AM EST. ALS Limited (ASX:ALQ) continues to attract investor attention through steady earnings growth, consistent dividend payouts and its established position in Australia's testing, inspection and analytical services sector. Inclusion in the ASX 100 elevates its profile among investors seeking reliable industrial exposures. The company's investment case rests on converting steady demand from mining, life sciences and industrial clients into dependable cash flow and dividends. However, ALS faces risks including a higher debt load, reliance on executing growth and acquisition strategies, and a stretched valuation with a premium earnings multiple. Diverse market views on fair value ranging from A$10.29 to over A$5,500 highlight investor uncertainty. Analysts urge scrutiny of these factors alongside growth prospects before investment decisions.
NYSE Plans 24/7 Trading with Instant Settlement Awaiting SEC Approval
January 24, 2026, 12:51 AM EST. The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) plans to introduce 24/7 trading using digital tokens that mirror shares, pending U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approval. The Intercontinental Exchange, NYSE's parent company, aims to offer instant settlement, shortening the usual trade finalization time which now often occurs the next day. NASDAQ may adopt similar extended hours soon. Off-hours trading has surged since 2019, with daily averages topping $61 billion in early 2025, but some experts question the practical benefits of round-the-clock trading given the rarity of market-moving events outside standard hours. Extended trading aims to attract younger investors and foreigners, expanding Wall Street's global reach amid rising market competition, especially from Europe. This shift could appeal to retail traders familiar with cryptocurrency markets, who favor nonstop access to assets.
Canadian Tire Shares Slip 1.3% Amid Increased Trading Volume
January 24, 2026, 12:34 AM EST. Canadian Tire Co. (TSE:CTC) saw its stock fall 1.3% to C$217.25 on Friday, with trading volume doubling to 860 shares compared to its average. The retailer reported solid quarterly earnings of C$3.78 per share on revenues of C$4.11 billion, maintaining a net margin of 3.98%. Its price-to-earnings ratio stands at 16.48, suggesting moderate valuation. The company holds a market capitalization of C$11.61 billion and a debt-to-equity ratio of 150.68, indicating significant leverage. Analysts are forecasting an EPS of 13.7 for the current fiscal year. Despite a current Reduce rating, Canadian Tire's diversified retail and financial services contribute to its steady presence in the Canadian market.
Rolls-Royce CEO Pay Rise Amid Mixed Market Signals and Earnings Outlook
January 24, 2026, 12:19 AM EST. Rolls-Royce Holdings proposes raising CEO Tufan Erginbilgic's bonuses and long-term incentives, pending shareholder approval, aiming to better align pay with future performance. The stock traded at £12.53, up 109.5% over the past year but showing short-term volatility with a 2.5% decline last week. Despite recent momentum, shares are priced 26.9% above their estimated fair value. The company's price-to-earnings ratio stands at 18.1, below the Aerospace & Defense sector average of 26, while earnings are forecasted to decline by 11.4% annually over three years. Investors will scrutinize how the new pay structure ties to profit and cash flow targets, weighing CEO incentives against uncertain earnings and valuation concerns.
