Stock Market Today 31.12.2025

Top Dividend Stock For 2026: Tractor Supply Could Hold Up If AI Stocks Waver

December 31, 2025, 9:50 PM EST. Tractor Supply (TSCO) is a leading rural retailer that underperformed in 2025 despite improving fundamentals. The stock offers a modest but stable dividend yield (income paid to shareholders as a percentage of the stock price) of about 1.8% and a payout ratio (the share of earnings paid as dividends) around 44%, leaving room for growth if earnings improve. The company has a history of dividend growth, with a February 4.5% increase, though recent pace has slowed as demand normalizes post-pandemic. Still, the firm often delivers high-single-digit increases as comparisons ease. In a market where AI stocks could wobble, Tractor Supply offers ballast: a simple, needs-based business model and income stream that could appeal to investors seeking defensiveness alongside potential upside.

Sensex, Nifty rise on last trading day; GIFT Nifty signals positive start as US shares end lower

December 31, 2025, 9:49 PM EST. India's benchmarks closed higher on the last trading day of the year as the Sensex and Nifty rebounded after several sessions of losses, helped by renewed buying in metal stocks, traders said, after the government imposed a three-year safeguard duty on certain steel imports. GIFT Nifty futures signaled a positive start, suggesting a firmer domestic opening; GIFT Nifty is the Nifty 50 futures traded in GIFT City used to gauge pre-market moves. Across the Atlantic, US shares ended lower, tempering risk appetite. The session capped a volatile year as policy-led relief and global cues shaped trading.

CAPREIT among TSX dividend stocks down about 30%: buy-and-hold opportunity

December 31, 2025, 9:48 PM EST. CAPREIT (Canadian Apartment Properties REIT) is trading about 30% below its peak and roughly 40% from its 2021 high, creating a potential entry for long-term investors. As the largest residential REIT in Canada, it has a diversified portfolio of rental properties across the country and a track record of steady cash flow. The dividend yield has risen to about 4.2%, above its 5- and 10-year averages of roughly 3.1% and 3.3%, respectively. The stock trades at a forward P/AFFO multiple of 15.5x, well below its 5- and 10-year averages of 22.8x and 23.5x. Not every stock down 30% is a buy; focus on durable operations and a strong balance sheet, aiming for a position to hold for years rather than trade.

Orora (ASX:ORA) shares fall 23% in three years as earnings lag market gains

December 31, 2025, 9:47 PM EST. Orora Ltd (ASX:ORA) has seen its share price fall 23% over three years, underperforming the market, which has risen about 39%. Over the same period, earnings per share (EPS) declined about 37% per year, a sharper drop than the 8% per-year fall in the share price. As a result, the total shareholder return (TSR) for three years sits at about -5.6%, with most of the shortfall explained by dividends. The stock has edged lower year-to-date, down 5.8% including dividends, while the market is up around 11%. Insiders have been buying recently, and longer-term holders have seen roughly a 2% annual gain over five years. If the fundamentals improve toward sustainable growth, the current sell-off could offer an opportunity.

Nifty 50, Sensex poised for higher open as Gift Nifty hits new high on Jan 1, 2026

December 31, 2025, 9:33 PM EST. Indian equity benchmarks are set for a higher open on January 1 amid thin trade. The Gift Nifty trades around 26,341, implying a flat-to-positive start for the Nifty 50 and Sensex. In the prior session, the Sensex rose 546 points to 85,220.60 and the Nifty 50 gained 191 points to 26,129.60 on broad-based buying ahead of the earnings season. Analysts say the chart looks bullish so long as key supports hold, with near-term levels around 84,800-85,000 and 85,700-86,100 for the Sensex, and a similar band for the Nifty 50. Markets could remain range-bound with stock-specific moves as traders weigh the India-US trade deal and foreign inflows. Volatility remains subdued with the India VIX stabilizing.

Canadian stocks to buy with $5,000: HIVE, Topicus and Descartes lead picks

December 31, 2025, 9:32 PM EST. Investors allocating $5,000 could target five Canadian names, led by HIVE Digital Technologies (TSXV:HIVE). The company aims to convert a Tier-1 bitcoin mining data centre to Tier-3 AI data centres, pursuing higher margins and steadier cash flow as AI demand grows; an 80% operating margin is cited for AI assets. The plan suggests buying below $4 and selling near $9 to capture upside. Another pick is Topicus.com (TSXV:TOI), a software holding that funds growth with acquisitions across education, healthcare and government sectors, building recurring cash flow; debt rose after a large deal, and Constellation Software is adjusting to leadership changes. Descartes Systems (TSX:DSG) remains debt-free with about $279 million in cash as of Q3 2025; tariff-driven shifts could spur a 50% recovery rally, supporting a buy-the-dip stance.

New Year 2026: NSE and BSE open Jan. 1 as 15 trading holidays mapped for the year

December 31, 2025, 9:20 PM EST. Indian exchanges will start 2026 with NSE and BSE open on Jan 1, while many global markets remain shut for the New Year. The MCX and NCDEX will operate in the first session (9 am-5 pm) and close in the evening. Major markets including China, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, France, Germany, UAE, the UK and the US are closed; China and Japan extend the holiday to Jan 2. The Nifty rose to 26,129.60 and the Sensex to 85,220.60, up 0.74% and 0.64% respectively. Rupak De of LKP Securities says the chart shows a reclaim of the 21-period EMA (exponential moving average), signaling possible further gains with initial resistance near 26,315 and support around 26,100. The 2026 calendar lists 15 trading holidays across equity, derivatives and currency markets.

Sensex at 40: India's stock market wealth creator marks four decades

December 31, 2025, 9:18 PM EST. India's benchmark stock index, the Sensex, turns 40 on New Year's Day. Launched in January 1986 at 549 points, it hit a lifetime high of 86,159 in 2025, delivering about 15,594% total return over four decades. An investment of ₹1 lakh at launch would be worth roughly ₹1.57 crore today, illustrating the power of long-term compounding. From a broker-driven trading floor to a democratized wealth creator, the Sensex has tracked India's economic journey through liberalisation, global crises, the IT boom and the pandemic. With annualised returns aligned with GDP growth – where GDP stands for gross domestic product – the Sensex remains a trusted gauge of the nation's ascent and resilience.

NSE, BSE operate on New Year's Day as 2026 trading calendar lists 15 holidays

December 31, 2025, 9:16 PM EST. Indian stock exchanges will operate on January 1, despite global markets being closed. The BSE and NSE will run the daytime session, while MCX and NCDEX will be open 9 am-5 pm with the evening session suspended. The 2026 calendar, published by the exchanges, lists 15 full trading holidays for equity, derivatives and currency segments, up from 2025. Holidays start with Republic Day on January 26 and include major religious and national observances such as Holi, Ram Navami, Good Friday, Eid al-Adha, Ganesh Chaturthi and Dussehra. Notably, Diwali is not a separate holiday in 2026 because it falls on a Sunday. The calendar also notes the annual Muhurat Trading session and weekend-adjacent patterns.

Three TSX stocks that could triple in five years, led by Hive and Shopify

December 31, 2025, 9:01 PM EST. Canadian investors may benefit from tariff normalization and AI-driven growth, writes Puja Tayal of The Motley Fool Canada. The piece argues 2026 could see tariff relief for Canadian firms, with a construction rebound and AI-driven growth. Hive Digital Technologies (TSXV:HIVE) expanded its Bitcoin mining and high-performance computing (HPC) capacity from 6 to 25 EH/s in six months, lifting monthly BTC production to about 290 in Nov 2025. The expansion is funded with equity and Bitcoin cash; management aims to push Hive into higher-margin HPC and weather BTC price swings, potentially supporting a multi-bagger return. Shopify (TSX:SHOP) could triple over five years by sustaining ~20% revenue growth and leveraging AI tools to boost revenue and cut costs as it expands beyond North America.

Two growth stocks could beat the market through 2031: Intuitive Surgical and Meta Platforms

December 31, 2025, 9:00 PM EST. Two growth stocks, Intuitive Surgical and Meta Platforms, are identified as potential market-beaters through 2031. The analysis notes ISRG faces tariff headwinds and rising competition in robotic-assisted surgery, but a fifth-generation da Vinci system with Force Feedback Technology could lift adoption by improving tissue handling. New approvals for additional indications may expand procedure volumes and revenue, while pricing power could help offset costs. Tariffs remain a risk to margins, but management may offset them through price actions and product mix. The excerpt mentions Meta Platforms as the other stock, though its drivers are not detailed here. Longer horizons require execution across growth catalysts; investors should weigh execution risk against potential upside.

Cattle futures end 2025 higher as feeders gain and cash trade remains light

December 31, 2025, 8:48 PM EST.Live cattle futures rose on Wednesday, gaining about 82 cents to roughly $1.22. Cash trade has been light around $229. The Fed Cattle Exchange showed dressed sales of $230.50-$232 on 599 of 1,198 head offered. Feeder cattle futures advanced 70-80 cents. The CME Feeder Cattle Index climbed to $348.44 as of December 30. Commitment of Traders data showed live cattle speculators net long 94,868 contracts as of 12/23, up 3,565 on the week; managed money was net long 14,629 in feeder cattle. Export beef sales for 2025/2026 totalled 2,117 MT and 9,439 MT, with shipments at 17,108 MT, a four-week high. USDA Wholesale Boxed Beef prices were lower, with Choice at $347.45 and Select at $342.38; Chc/Sel spread $5.07. Slaughter week to date at 325,000.

Soybeans slip as year-end trading closes; cash, futures ease; USDA and CFTC data eyed

December 31, 2025, 8:47 PM EST.Soybeans slipped in the New Year's Eve session, with nearby contracts down 13-16 cents at the close. January beans drew 1,062 deliveries on FND; the cmdtyView national average cash bean price was $9.64 3/4, down 15 1/4 cents. Soymeal futures fell about $1.50 to $2.90 per ton; soy oil eased 77-88 points. There were no January soy meal deliveries; seven for January bean oil. The market will be closed Thursday for New Year's Day and reopen Friday at 8:30 a.m. CST. CFTC data tracked by the exchange showed managed money net long 110,403 contracts, down 37,375 from the prior week. USDA's week 12/18 update showed 1.056 million MT of soybeans sold, below expectations; known sales to China through 12/18 total 6.5 MT. Jan 26 soybeans settled at $10.30 1/2; nearby cash $9.64 3/4.

Corn ends 2025 with steady-to-lower trade; cash price at $3.96 1/4

December 31, 2025, 8:46 PM EST. Corn futures closed the session steady to fractionally lower as 2025 winds down. The CmdtyView national cash price slipped 1/2 cent to $3.96 1/4 a bushel. Markets will be closed Thursday for New Year's Day with a partial open Friday. In the CFTC data, managed money flipped back to a net long by 55,431 contracts, bringing the net long to 2,759 contracts, largely on short-covering; outright shorts fell by 64,573 contracts. USDA Export Sales showed 2.2 million metric tons of corn sold in the week of December 18, a five-week high and about 28.7% above the same week a year earlier. EIA data showed ethanol production at 1.12 million barrels per day for the week ended 12/26, with stocks rising to 22.944 million barrels; exports and refinery inputs were down. Nearby futures/spot quotes: May/Jul values unchanged.

Cotton closes weaker as May futures roll off; dollar firm, oil slides

December 31, 2025, 8:45 PM EST. Cotton futures settled weaker on Wednesday, with May rolling off the board as contracts ended. Nearbys fell 24 to 45 points. In broader markets, crude oil slipped about $1.14 and the U.S. dollar index rose to 99.725. Talks in Geneva between U.S. officials and China were set to address export controls and tariffs. The Seam data showed 4,555 bales sold at an average of 69.37 cents per pound. The Cotlook A Index edged higher and ICE cotton stocks were unchanged at 14,049 bales. The AWP rose 6 points to 54.94 cents. May, July and December cotton futures closed at 70.47, 67.38 and 69.25 cents per pound, respectively, all lower.

Wheat ends lower to cap 2025 trade as holiday session closes market

December 31, 2025, 8:44 PM EST. Wheat futures closed lower on Wednesday to finish 2025 with losses across the three main exchanges. SRW (soft red winter) futures on CBOT were down about 3-4 cents; KC (hard red winter) off 7-8 cents; MPLS (spring wheat) slipped 4-5 cents. Markets will be closed Thursday for New Year's Day and reopen Friday at 8:30 a.m. CST. The latest Commitment of Traders data show speculators net short 91,665 CBOT wheat contracts and options as of 12/23, with managed money net short 24,749 contracts. Export sales for the week of 12/18 totaled 147,834 metric tons, within a wide consensus range. Nearby CBOT/KCBT quotes hovered near $5.07-$5.28 per bushel.

Market breadth expands in MarketSmith India; cyclicals lead as IT slips

December 31, 2025, 8:15 PM EST. Market breadth was decisively positive, with 2,222 stocks advancing and 936 declines, underscoring a broad appetite for risk. Sector leadership came from Oil and Gas, Consumer Durables, Media, Metals and Auto, reflecting sustained demand for cyclical and consumption-linked themes. The Financials space supported the mood, led by private banks and diversified financial services. FMCG and Pharma closed higher as well. The sole laggard was IT, ending marginally in the red amid selective profit-taking. Participation remained broad, with strength concentrated in cyclicals and defensive plays.

Lean hog futures slip into year-end as USDA data weigh on prices

December 31, 2025, 8:14 PM EST.Lean hog futures posted losses of a nickel to 35 cents on Wednesday. USDA's base hog price was $70.19, down 19 cents; the CME Lean Hog Index was $82.25 on Dec. 29. CFTC data showed managed money in lean hog futures and options adding 10,489 contracts to a net long of 75,325 for the week ended Dec. 23. Export Sales data showed 18,978 MT of pork for 2025 and 25,998 MT for 2026 in the week of Dec. 18. USDA pork carcass cutout value was $93.74 per cwt, down 39 cents; picnic and ham were the only primals higher. USDA estimated federally inspected hog slaughter for Wednesday at 418,000 head, with the weekly total at 1.36 million. Front-months closed: Feb 26 at 85.100, Apr 26 at 89.900, May 26 at 94.000.

Chattanooga-area stocks post 2025 gains as local winners surface amid tariffs and AI concerns

December 31, 2025, 8:13 PM EST. Three of eight Chattanooga-area publicly traded companies posted rising share prices through 2025, as the broader market advanced. The gains came despite added uncertainty from President Donald Trump's tariffs and fears of an artificial intelligence bubble.

Landspace IPO accepted on STAR Market; targets $1 billion for reusable rockets

December 31, 2025, 7:59 PM EST. Landspace Technology Co. has had its IPO application accepted by the Shanghai Stock Exchange's STAR Market, with a target to raise about $1 billion to fund its reusable-launch program. The company recently completed an orbital test of the Zhuque-3's second stage but a landing attempt on a downrange pad ended in failure; a second launch is planned for the first half of 2026. The STAR Market listing follows December rules easing for commercial rocket firms, seen as a milestone for China's emerging space economy. Landspace filed preliminary documents in July 2025, aiming for an early-2026 listing. Competitors CAS Space, Space Pioneer and Galactic Energy have also filed for public offerings; all are pursuing reusable vehicles to support megaconstellations such as Guowang, Qianfan and Honghu-3.

Ondas stock jumps on $10 million in new orders for autonomous drone systems

December 31, 2025, 7:58 PM EST. Ondas (ONDS) shares rose about 8.6% on Wednesday after the company said it booked roughly $10 million in new purchase orders across its autonomous systems portfolio, including counter-UAS (counter-unmanned aerial systems) and integrated autonomous drone systems. The orders were disclosed premarket in a press release and reflect demand from government and critical infrastructure customers for integrated air-and-ground solutions. The company did not reveal client names; its customer base spans private and public entities, including the military, across technology and defense. While the $10 million order is small relative to the company's revenue, the update signals continued emphasis on a market that favors integrated autonomous operations. Investors will continue watching Ondas as it pursues growth in the drone sector.

Atlanta Electricals stock dips as ROE signals growth potential despite recent slide

December 31, 2025, 7:57 PM EST. Atlanta Electricals Ltd's NSE shares slid about 6.5% last week, but the company's fundamentals look healthier. The stock's trailing ROE stands at 16% for the twelve months to September 2025, with ₹1.2 billion in net profit on ₹7.8 billion shareholders' equity. The ROE compares favorably with the industry average around 13% and aligns with a roughly 30% five-year net income growth. Yet, investors should ask whether this momentum is already priced in amid the slide. The payout ratio appears modest, suggesting retained earnings could fund future growth. In sum, if the earnings growth trend continues and the market prices in that potential, ATLANTAELE may offer upside; risks include valuation and execution.

Inflation, not AI, cited as likely trigger for 2026 market pullback

December 31, 2025, 7:56 PM EST. The piece argues the most likely trigger for a 2026 market pullback is inflation that lifts bond yields. Despite a three-year rally, inflation has cooled only modestly; November's CPI around 2.7% remains above the Fed's 2% target, with some economists noting the true rate may be higher due to a government shutdown's data gaps. inflation pressure could force the Fed into a policy dilemma: cutting rates to support the labor market or raising rates to curb inflation, each with market consequences. Higher yields raise the cost of capital and depress stock valuations, especially if the 10-year Treasury moves toward 4.5%-5%. While AI stocks or a recession are possible risks, the article contends the inflation/yield path is the most plausible near-term threat.

Medpace (MEDP) dips as investors await earnings; Zacks Rank Buy signals optimism

December 31, 2025, 7:48 PM EST. Medpace (MEDP) closed at $561.65, down 1.27%, underperforming the S&P 500 (-0.74%). The Dow (-0.63%) and Nasdaq (-0.76%) also fell, with MEDP's prior session down 2.54% as the Medical sector underperformed. Investors will scrutinize upcoming results, with a consensus EPS of $4.18, up about 13.9% year over year, and revenue of $681.17 million, up roughly 26.9%. For the full year, analysts expect EPS of $14.80 and revenue of $2.50 billion, about +17% and +19%. Zacks Rank is #2 (Buy) as estimates have moved higher. The stock trades with a Forward P/E of 38.45, vs. the industry 15.5, and a PEG of 2.15. The Medical Services industry sits in the lower half of its group in Zacks rankings.

PagSeguro Digital slips as earnings loom; PAGS underperforms market

December 31, 2025, 7:47 PM EST. PagSeguro Digital Ltd. (PAGS) fell 1.2% to $8.20, underperforming the S&P 500 (-0.08%) as the Dow slid 0.51% and the Nasdaq rose 0.35%. Previously, the stock had fallen 11.23%, lagging the Business Services sector (-3.73%) and the S&P 500 (+1.21%). The firm is due to report earnings; the EPS is seen at $0.31, down 3.13% year over year, with revenue of $898.63 million, up 2.77%. For the year, consensus calls for EPS of $1.29 on revenue of $3.66 billion, up 6.61% and 4.8%. Zacks Rank is #2 Buy; EPS revisions in the last 30 days rose 3.2%. The stock trades at a Forward P/E of 6.43 (forward earnings), vs industry 14.91, and a PEG of 0.56 vs 1.26. The Financial Transaction Services industry ranks 97 in Business Services.

Ginkgo Bioworks Rises as Market Dips; Earnings Outlook in Focus

December 31, 2025, 7:46 PM EST. Ginkgo Bioworks Holdings, Inc. (DNA) rose 1.96% to $8.31 in the session, countering a market slide. The S&P 500 fell 0.74%, the Dow slipped 0.63% and the Nasdaq declined 0.76%. Over the past month, shares have fallen about 5.12%, lagging the Medical sector's 0.8% loss and the S&P 500's 0.79% gain. Ahead of its next earnings report, the company is seen posting an EPS of -$1.80, up 1.1% from a year earlier, with revenue of $37 million, down 15.62% year over year. For the full year, Zacks Consensus calls for -$5.94 per share and $173 million in revenue, changes of +42.66% and -23.8%, respectively. The Zacks Rank sits at #3 (Hold). The Medical – Biomedical and Genetics industry carries a Zacks Industry Rank of 92, in the top 38% of industries, and revisions in estimates are noted as signaling momentum.

ATI slips vs market ahead of Feb. 3, 2026 earnings; Zacks Rank at #3 Hold

December 31, 2025, 7:45 PM EST. ATI (ATI) closed at $114.76, down 1.21%, underperforming the S&P 500's 0.74% decline. For the month, ATI has risen 17.75%, outpacing the Aerospace sector's 5.74% gain and the S&P 500's 0.79%. The company is slated to report earnings on February 3, 2026; EPS is expected at $0.89, up 12.66% year over year, with revenue of $1.19 billion, up 1.79% YoY. Full-year Zacks Consensus calls for EPS of $3.20 and revenue of $4.60 billion. The stock posts a Forward P/E of 36.33 vs the Aerospace-Defense industry's 39.1; the PEG ratio is 1.48, reflecting growth prospects. Zacks Rank stands at #3 (Hold).

Ralph Lauren Underperforms Market Ahead of Earnings; Forward P/E Premium Noted

December 31, 2025, 7:44 PM EST. Ralph Lauren Corp. (RL) closed at $353.61, down 1.41% versus the S&P 500's 0.74% retreat. The Dow slipped 0.63% and the Nasdaq fell 0.76%. RL gained 0.78% in the last month, outpacing the Consumer Discretionary sector (+0.56%) but lagging the S&P 500 (+0.79%). Investors await the upcoming earnings report, with expectations calling for EPS of $5.72, up about 18.7% year over year. Q2 revenue seen at $2.3 billion, +7.3% YoY; full-year consensus calls for EPS of $15.29 and revenue of $7.75 billion, representing gains of about 24% and 9.5%, respectively. The stock carries a forward P/E of 23.47, above the industry average of 17.86, and a PEG of 1.75. RL holds a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold).

Quanta Services (PWR) falls as market retreats; earnings in focus

December 31, 2025, 7:43 PM EST. Quanta Services (PWR) closed at $422.06, down 1.57% and lagging the broader market, with the S&P 500 down 0.74%, the Dow down 0.63% and the Nasdaq down 0.76%. The stock has fallen about 5.7% in the last month, underperforming the Construction sector's 2.42% decline and the S&P 500's 0.79% gain over the period. The company faces a fiscal-year earnings release with an expected EPS of $3, a 2.04% year-over-year increase, and revenue around $7.31 billion, up 11.57%. For the year, consensus calls for EPS $10.59 and revenue $27.95 billion, up roughly 18% on both lines. Valuation remains stretched: Forward P/E around 40.5 versus industry 22.58; PEG about 2.23. Zacks Rank sits at #3 (Hold); the Engineering – R and D Services industry ranks in the top 38% of more than 250 groups.

Waste Management (WM) falls more than market ahead of earnings

December 31, 2025, 7:42 PM EST. Waste Management ended the session at $219.71, down 1.08%, underperforming the S&P 500 (-0.74%) while the Dow (-0.63%) and Nasdaq (-0.76%) slipped. Over the past month, WM gained 3.53%, outpacing the Business Services sector (2.83%) and the S&P 500 (0.79%). The company is set to report earnings on January 28, 2026, with consensus estimates calling for EPS of $1.95, up 14.71% year over year, and revenue of $6.38 billion, up 8.29%. For the full year, Zacks Consensus sees EPS of $7.51 and revenue of $25.27 billion, up about 3.87% and 14.55%, respectively. The stock carries a Forward P/E of 29.59, a PEG of 2.75, and sits with a Hold rating from Zacks. The industry rank is 96, placing it in the top 39%.

Sylogist Ltd. (SYZ:CA) AI-generated signals: near-term short at 7.87 with stop at 7.91 – Dec. 31, 2025

December 31, 2025, 7:40 PM EST. Dec 31, 2025, 05:01 PM ET – AI-generated signals for Sylogist Ltd. (SYZ:CA) surface with no long-term plan in force. A near-term short entry at 7.87, with no target and a stop loss at 7.91. The signal matrix shows term ratings: Near – Strong; Mid – Neutral; Long – Neutral. Readers are urged to verify the time stamp as updates occur and note that AI-generated signals for SYZ:CA are available. A chart for Sylogist Ltd. (SYZ:CA) accompanies the report.

Mastercard falls more than the market; investors eye upcoming earnings and revisions

December 31, 2025, 7:39 PM EST.Mastercard (MA) closed at $570.88, down 1.13%, underperforming the market as the S&P 500 fell 0.74%, the Dow 0.63% and the Nasdaq 0.76%. Over the past month, the stock rising 5.77% outpaced the Business Services sector (2.83%) and the broader S&P 500 (0.79%). Investors will watch ahead of the upcoming earnings report. The consensus calls for EPS of $4.21, up 10.2% year over year, with revenue of $8.77 billion, up 17.1%. For the full year, Zacks pegs EPS at $16.43 and revenue at $32.75 billion, about 12.5% and 16.3% higher. Valuation shows a Forward P/E of 35.14, well above the industry 14.33; the PEG stands at 2.27 versus the sector 1.02. Mastercard sits in the bottom half of the Financial Transaction Services group by the Zacks Industry Rank.

SharkNinja slides as market dips; investors eye upcoming earnings

December 31, 2025, 7:38 PM EST. SharkNinja, Inc. (SN) closed at $97.25, down 1.31% in the session, underperforming the S&P 500 (-1.11%), Dow (-0.77%), and Nasdaq (-1.49%). Over the past month, SN rose 0.48%, vs. Retail-Wholesale +1.42% and the S&P 500 +0.4%. The company is due to report earnings soon; consensus calls for EPS of $1.24, up about 31.9% year over year, with revenue of $1.6 billion, up 16.15%. For the full year, the Zacks Consensus expects EPS of $4.22 and revenue $5.34 billion, +31.06% and +25.62%. The Zacks Rank is #3 (Hold). SN trades at a Forward P/E of 23.38, above the industry 12.94; its PEG is 1.5 vs. 2.01. The Retail – Miscellaneous group holds Zacks Industry Rank 180, bottom 29% of 250.

Reddit Inc. shares fall more steeply than market ahead of earnings

December 31, 2025, 7:37 PM EST. Reddit Inc. (RDDT) closed at $115.03, down 1.76% in the latest session, underperforming the S&P 500's 0.27% drop. Over the past month the stock has risen 3.77%, vs. a 11.99% gain for the Computer and Technology sector and a 6.9% rise for the S&P 500. The company is due to report earnings soon; consensus shows EPS of $0.19, up 416.7% year over year, and revenue of $426.3 million, up 51.6%. For the full year, Zacks Consensus calls for EPS of $1.21 and revenue of $1.85 billion, up 136.3% and 42.0%. Zacks ranks Reddit #3 (Hold). Valuation: forward P/E 97.06 vs. industry 29.06; PEG 3.01; Internet-Software industry average PEG 2.29 and industry rank 41 of 250+.

Unity Software shares slip as market slides ahead of Aug. 8, 2024 earnings

December 31, 2025, 7:36 PM EST. Unity Software Inc. closed at $16.20, down 0.95%, underperforming the S&P 500 (-0.5%) while the Dow rose 0.5% and the Nasdaq fell 1.28%. Over the past month the stock has gained about 3.4% as the Computer and Technology sector declines. Investors await the upcoming earnings release on August 8, 2024; consensus EPS (earnings per share) is expected at -$0.44 and revenue near $433.43 million, both down year over year. For the full year, the Zacks Consensus Estimates foresee -$1.81 per share and $1.83 billion in revenue, with sizable declines. Unity holds a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold), and the industry group sits mid-pack; revisions to estimates can influence near-term price action.

California Software stock climbs as ROE trails peers, prompting questions about the uptrend

December 31, 2025, 7:30 PM EST. California Software Ltd.'s NSE shares have risen about 19% over the last three months. The advance comes despite a divergence in key metrics. Trailing ROE stands at 3.6% for the year ended September 2025, well below the industry average of around 15%, suggesting limited value creation for shareholders. Over five years, the company's net income has declined, implying weak earnings growth and possible capital-allocation questions. By contrast, the sector has posted solid gains, highlighting a growing gap between the stock and its peers. With earnings retention and capital deployment uncertain, investors should assess whether the recent uptrend is sustainable or already priced-in given the deterioration in profitability.

Nike climbs on insider buying as turnaround prospects weigh on shares

December 31, 2025, 7:26 PM EST. Nike shares rose 4.12% to $63.71 on Wednesday as insider buying by top executives and directors prompted market attention. Trading volume reached about 33.1 million shares, roughly 88% above Nike's three-month average of 17.6 million. The move comes as Wall Street reassesses Nike's turnaround story. The S&P 500 fell 0.74% and the Nasdaq slipped 0.76% as investors weighed tariffs and demand across stocks. In disclosures, CEO Elliott Hill up his stake by more than 7% in a transaction worth over $1 million; Tim Cook, Apple CEO and Nike board member, disclosed buying around $3 million worth of shares. Analysts remain mixed; Guggenheim reiterated a Buy rating. Nike has fallen nearly 16% in 2025 but up ~11% in five days, signaling a cautious bounce.

GE Aerospace slides as earnings loom; Zacks ranks Buy amid elevated valuation

December 31, 2025, 7:22 PM EST. GE Aerospace closed at $300.30, down 1.74%, as the market retreated: the S&P 500 slipped 0.29%, the Dow -0.37%, and the Nasdaq -0.34%. In the last month the stock rose 11.57%, beating the Aerospace sector's +5% and the S&P's +3.08%. The company will report results on October 21, 2025 with an expected EPS of $1.45, up 26.09% year over year, and revenue of $10.28 billion, up 14.92%. For the full year, consensus calls for EPS of $5.87 and revenue of $40.38 billion (approx. up 27.61% in EPS, down 4.42% in revenue). Zacks Rank is #2 (Buy). The stock trades at a Forward P/E of 52.07 versus an industry average of 24.91; the PEG is 3.29.

Datadog underperforms market ahead of earnings; DDOG at $135.99

December 31, 2025, 7:18 PM EST.Datadog (DDOG) closed at $135.99, down 1.08% in the latest session, lagging the S&P 500's 0.74% loss. The Dow slipped 0.63% and the Nasdaq eased 0.76%. Over the past month, DDOG has fallen about 12.1% as the broader market fluctuates. Ahead of its next earnings release, the company is expected to deliver an EPS of $0.55, up about 12% year over year, with revenue seen at $914.55 million, up 24% from a year earlier. For the full year, consensus calls for $2.00 per share on $3.39 billion in revenue. The stock's forward P/E (price-to-earnings) ratio sits at 68.7 versus 28.9 for the Internet-Software group; its PEG (price/earnings growth) ratio is 5.95. Zacks Rank ranks DDOG #3 (Hold).

Constellation Energy shares fall ahead of earnings; mixed outlook

December 31, 2025, 7:14 PM EST. Constellation Energy Corporation (CEG) closed the latest session at $353.27, down 1.08%, underperforming the S&P 500 which fell 0.74%; the Dow and Nasdaq slid 0.63% and 0.76%, respectively. The name has lost about 1.8% in the past month, versus the Oils-Energy sector's 0.43% decline and the S&P 500's 0.79% gain. Investors await earnings with an EPS estimate of $2.17, an 11.07% year-over-year drop, and revenue seen at $5.48 billion, up 1.83%. For the year, the Zacks Consensus calls for $9.30 per share and $24.35 billion in revenue, up 7.27% and 3.31%. The stock's Forward P/E is 38.38 and PEG2.49; the industry's average Forward P/E is 20.3. CEG holds a #3 (Hold) Rating.

First Solar Falls More Than Market Ahead of Earnings

December 31, 2025, 7:10 PM EST.First Solar closed at $261.23, down 1.16%, underperforming the S&P 500 (-0.74%), the Dow (-0.63%) and the Nasdaq (-0.76%). Over the past month, the stock rose 0.66% while Oils-Energy fell 0.43% and the S&P 500 gained 0.79%. Investors eye the upcoming earnings, with EPS (earnings per share) of $5.21, up 42.7% year over year, and revenue of $1.58 billion, up 4.2%. For the year, the Zacks Consensus sees EPS of $14.60 and revenue of $5.11 billion, up about 21%. Forward P/E (price-to-earnings based on next-12-month estimates) is 18.1 vs industry 16.9, a premium. The PEG (price/earnings growth) ratio is 0.52; the solar industry PEG average is 0.88. The stock carries a Zacks Rank (a proprietary rating) of #3 Hold.

Is Archer Aviation Yesterday's News? FAA hurdles weigh on ACHR

December 31, 2025, 6:58 PM EST. Archer Aviation's stock has fallen more than 20% year-to-date as investors await FAA authorization for its air taxi service. After a 2024 gain of about 58.8% (following a 228.3% rise in 2023), the company, with a roughly $5.5 billion market cap, faces a protracted regulatory path. The FAA requires three certifications to launch: Type, Production, and Operational; Archer already has Operational certification and is pursuing the other two. The delay contrasts with a broader eVTOL push, including rival Joby. Archer is pursuing international deals, including with Saudi Arabia's The Helicopter Company and with Japan Airlines, and is participating in the White House's eIPP, aiming for 2026 operations. The company recently raised about $850 million this year and has signaled another equity offering, underscoring funding needs as it chases a future launch.

Retire Without Worry: 3 Stocks for Steady Passive Income

December 31, 2025, 6:54 PM EST. Retirees seek predictable income from dividends backed by solid cash flows. The piece defines retirement-friendly stocks as those with sustainable business models, a long dividend history, and low leverage. It spotlights Venture Corporation Limited (SGX: V03) for its zero debt, about S$1.3 billion in cash, and a yield near 5.3%, underpinned by positive operating cash flow despite tech volatility. It also flags Singapore Exchange (SGX: S68) as a cash-flow machine, with a long record of annual dividends since at least 2003 and plans to grow payouts supported by recurring revenue from trading. The text promises a third name, but details aren't included in the excerpt. Readers should weigh balance sheets, cash flow durability, and potential dividend growth against sector and macro risks.

City Chic Collective (ASX: CCX) eyes breakeven in 2026; 2027 profit seen at AU$4.3m

December 31, 2025, 6:47 PM EST. City Chic Collective Limited (ASX: CCX) is near a turning point as analysts expect a breakeven outcome in 2026 after reporting an AU$8.9m loss for the year ended 29 June 2025. With a roughly AU$42m market cap, the retailer is forecast to post a AU$4.3m profit in 2027, implying a very rapid growth path. The implied growth rate to reach break-even is about 99% annually, a pace described as optimistic. Debt remains light at about 14% of equity, reducing leverage risk even as losses persist. The balance sheet has been funded largely by equity, which lowers downside risk from ongoing losses. Analysts note the forecast hinges on stronger top-line growth and cost controls.

WBD Surges on M&A Talk; EchoStar Jumps on SpaceX Bet as Nvidia Leads 2025 AI Rally

December 31, 2025, 6:41 PM EST. Warner Bros Discovery shares jumped 170% on speculation that it could be acquired by Netflix or Paramount, while EchoStar surged 370% after a Dish Network tie-up and a larger SpaceX stake. The losers included Comcast (-20%), Angel Studios (-53%), Trump Media & Technology Group, AMC Entertainment, BuzzFeed and Rumble. Mid-pack movers included Charter Communications (-39%) and Cineverse (-44%), with Spotify, Roku and Reddit up about 25%-45%. Lionsgate's split created a new Starz ticker, which rose roughly 45% since debut. Paramount gained 28% as investors weighed its assets amid the WBD backdrop; Skydance is a backer. On tech, Nvidia (+39%) led the AI rally, and Alphabet (+65%) lifted Google/YouTube momentum. Netflix (+5%) and Disney (+2%) posted modest gains.

Tech weakness and higher yields weigh on major indices

December 31, 2025, 6:38 PM EST. Stock indexes finished lower on Wednesday as tech weakness and higher bond yields pressured U.S. equities. The S&P 500 slid 0.74%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.63%, and the Nasdaq 100 declined 0.84%. March E-mini futures also traded lower. Losses were broad as chip stocks and data-storage names dragged the market; gold hit a 2.5-week low and silver plunged more than 9%. The 10-year Treasury yield rose about 4 basis points to around 4.16% after weekly jobless claims fell to a one-month low, a hawkish signal for Fed policy. Trading volume was subdued ahead of the New Year holiday; U.S. claims dropped to 199,000 versus 218,000 expected. Overseas markets were mixed; China PMI beat expectations, and seasonal factors are cited as favorable for December stocks.

Dollar finishes higher as metals plunge in year-end trading

December 31, 2025, 6:06 PM EST. The dollar index edged higher and finished up after Treasuries yields rose on a surprise drop in weekly unemployment claims, a hawkish signal for the Federal Reserve (the Fed) policy. Weak stock trading and liquidity demand supported the greenback, while concerns about Fed independence lingered after President Trump suggested he could fire Chair Powell. The yuan strength added a counterweight as it hit multi-year highs. In thin year-end trading, EUR/USD slipped about 0.03% and USD/JPY rose around 0.2% as the yen weakened. COMEX gold closed down about 1% and silver fell nearly 9%, marking a sharp pullback for the precious metals rally.

Crude prices slip on ample supplies and dollar strength; OPEC+ pause eyed

December 31, 2025, 5:52 PM EST. Crude prices eased after the weekly EIA inventory report showed ample supplies. February WTI (CLG26) closed down 0.53 and February RBOB (RBG26) down 0.0180. A stronger DXY weighed on energy, though losses were cushioned by geopolitical risk in Venezuela, Nigeria and Russia and by talk that OPEC+ will pause production increases. Chinese demand remains supportive; Kpler data show monthly imports up 10% m/m to a record 12.2 million bpd. Sanctions and security actions-US-led blockade on Venezuelan shipments and strikes against Nigerian targets-continue to pressure supply; Ukraine-Russia tensions have also affected Russian export capacity. OPEC+ signaled a pause to hikes in Q1-2026.

Natural gas prices fall as warm US forecasts, ample supply weigh on markets

December 31, 2025, 5:51 PM EST. Natural gas prices fell after the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported a smaller-than-forecast weekly draw of 38 billion cubic feet (bcf) for the week ended Dec. 26, vs. 51 bcf expected and below the five-year average. Front-month February futures slid about 7%, to a two-month low. Forecasters show above-normal temperatures across the eastern United States for Jan 5-9 and Jan 10-14, trimming heating demand. The data underscore ample supplies as U.S. production remains near a record; Lower-48 dry gas output was around 113.8 bcf/d. LNG net flows to export terminals were about 19.9 bcf/d, and the Baker Hughes count of active gas rigs stood near 125. The market's tone is cautious, with demand softening in the face of warmth and abundant inventories.

Plug Power gains after Clear Street upgrades to Buy; price target trimmed to $3

December 31, 2025, 5:50 PM EST. Plug Power rose 1.55% to $1.97 after Clear Street upgraded the stock to Buy and trimmed its price target to $3 from $3.50, citing the hydrogen-focused company's funding needs and path to profitability. Volume reached about 81 million shares as investors weighed dilution risk from a recent convertible refinancing and the debt load. The note says upside remains, but financing concerns persist ahead of an upcoming Jan. 6 conference appearance and a late-January shareholder vote that could authorize more shares or a reverse split. In broader markets, the S&P 500 fell 0.74% and the Nasdaq slipped 0.76%, with peers Bloom Energy and Ballard Power mixed amid sector scrutiny.

Three TSX value stock ideas heading into 2026: Suncor, Air Canada, Restaurant Brands

December 31, 2025, 5:22 PM EST. Canadian investors eyeing value picks are focusing on three names as 2026 approaches. Suncor (TSX:SU) is shown as a reforming value play, trading around 13 times earnings with a dividend yield above 4% and a robust balance sheet after deleveraging; its low production costs per barrel underpin a durable value proposition for the oil sands leader. Air Canada (TSX:AC) trades at under five times forward earnings, reflecting the airline cycle and sector headwinds, with the case for a cautious, small allocation if consumer spending holds. Restaurant Brands International (TSX:QSR) has built a defensively positioned fast-food platform via acquisitions and a leading QSR footprint, supporting a rationale for a higher multiple in a steadier market.

Two TSX stocks to watch before a recovery: Magna International and Algonquin Power

December 31, 2025, 4:52 PM EST. Two TSX stocks to watch before a recovery are Magna International (TSX:MG) and Algonquin Power (TSX:AQN). Magna International is a global auto parts maker whose shares lag amid inflation, labor and supply-chain pressures. The stock trades at a valuation well below historical averages, with earnings positive and a focus on cost controls; management argues downturn is cyclical, not permanent. If vehicle demand steadies and margins improve, upside could be meaningful. Algonquin Power owns regulated utilities and renewable assets; its stock fell after a dividend cut. The company has streamlined its portfolio and focused on core regulated utilities, helping stabilize cash flow. If rate-backed cash flow remains predictable, a recovery could unfold. Notes: TSX is the Toronto Stock Exchange; EV stands for electric vehicle.

Wall Street ends 2025 near record highs as AI rally props markets

December 31, 2025, 4:51 PM EST. Wall Street finished 2025 near record highs as ballooning tech valuations and bets on lower rates buoyed markets through a year of upheaval. The S&P 500 rose 16.4% for the year, closing at 6,845.50 on New Year's Eve; the Dow Jones gained 13.4% and the Nasdaq Composite 20.5%. Nvidia led the rally, finishing the year up 34.8% with a $4.55 trillion valuation, while the broader Nasdaq surged more than 100% since OpenAI's ChatGPT debut. Traders shrugged off geopolitical tensions, though tariffs, a lingering government shutdown risk, and the Fed rate outlook kept sentiment cautious. Analysts expect more of the same in 2026, but warn of a potential tech bubble and widening inequality as gains skew to the wealthy.

Cocoa prices settle higher on consolidation as Ivory Coast shipments slide

December 31, 2025, 4:50 PM EST. March ICE NY cocoa (CCH26) settled up 2 points to 0.03%, while March ICE London cocoa #7 (CAH26) rose 11 points, 0.25%. Prices held a firmer tone as markets consolidate below Monday's two-week highs; the London contract outpaced New York on softer sterling after the pound fell to a one-week low. Ivory Coast port arrivals for the week to Dec 28 totaled 59,708 MT, down 27% year on year, with cumulative Oct-Dec shipments near 1.029 MMT, down about 2% from a year ago. The market is supported by expectations of index-related buying ahead of Bloomberg Commodity Index inclusion and by a draw in US port inventories. West Africa weather and harvest progress, plus cuts to supply projections by ICCO and Rabobank, underline a tightening outlook.

Arabica slips as dollar rallies; Robusta up; inventories tighten

December 31, 2025, 4:49 PM EST. Arabica futures ended lower as the dollar strengthened, while robusta edged higher. March arabica (KCH26) settled down 0.41%, and March ICE robusta (RMH26) rose 0.10%, with robusta posting a 2.5-week high and arabica retreating after the dollar index (DXY) climbed to a one-week high. Weather disruptions in Indonesia-flooding that could trim 2025-26 exports by up to 15%-supported arabica earlier, alongside Brazil crop concerns that kept some premium in the mix. ICE-monitored arabica inventories slid to a 1.75-year low earlier this month before rebounding to a two-month high, while robusta inventories fell to a one-year low before a modest recovery. On the supply side, Brazil's Conab raised 2025 production to 56.54 million bags; Vietnam's 2025/26 output is seen at about 1.76 MMT, signaling ample global supplies.

Year-End Short Covering Boosts Sugar Prices

December 31, 2025, 4:48 PM EST. March NY world sugar #11 (SBH26) rose 0.17, and March London ICE white sugar #5 (SWH26) gained 0.35%. Prices recovered from a week-low as funds covered year-end shorts. Earlier, a firmer dollar index (DXY) weighed on commodities. ISMA lifted India's 2025/26 sugar production to 31 MMT and cut ethanol-use; India's output for Oct-Dec rose 24% y/y to 11.83 MMT, with talk of additional exports. In Brazil, Conab and Unica raised 2025/26 output estimates, keeping pressure on prices from ample supply. On the bearish side, ISO forecast a 2025-26 global sugar surplus of 1.625 MMT, and Czarnikow lifted its surplus view to 8.7 MMT.

HDIF on TSX yields about 9.8% with monthly payouts

December 31, 2025, 4:40 PM EST. Harvest Diversified Monthly Income ETF (TSX:HDIF) offers a 9.8% yield with monthly distributions. It is not a traditional dividend ETF; HDIF uses leverage and a covered-call strategy to boost income. As a fund of funds, it holds Harvest ETFs across sectors and regions, providing multi-sector exposure. Most underlying funds use active covered calls, selling options to generate income at the cost of upside. The fund can borrow up to about 33% of assets, magnifying both gains and losses. The current monthly payout is $0.0741 per unit; the ex-dividend date is announced monthly. The yield is not guaranteed and depends on distributions and market prices. Investors should expect income, not capital growth, from HDIF.

Pacer Advisors trims fuboTV stake by 41% in Q3; holds about 1.39 million shares

December 31, 2025, 4:34 PM EST. Pacer Advisors Inc. trimmed its fuboTV holdings by 41.0% in the third quarter, reducing the position to about 1,387,083 shares, or roughly 0.41% of the stock, valued at about $5.76 million at period-end, per an SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) filing. The move follows mixed action from other institutions, including Farther Finance Advisors LLC boosting its stake to 10,186 shares worth $42,000. Insider activity remained active: COO Alberto Horihuela sold 138,753 shares for $438,459, and CFO John Janedis sold 130,478 shares for $407,091, shrinking insider holdings to about 5.3%. Analysts offer uneven views: Zacks cut to hold; Wall Street Zen to sell; Needham reiterated buy with a $4.25 target; Raymond James began coverage with market-perform. Insiders have sold 439,816 shares worth $1,384,599 in the last 90 days.

CommScope Holding Co. stock at $18.44; P/E below peers signals valuation questions

December 31, 2025, 4:33 PM EST. CommScope Holding Co Inc. (NASDAQ: COMM) is trading at $18.44, up 0.88% in the session. Over the past month the stock fell about 4.45%, while the past year it has surged roughly 252.21%. The analysis notes that price-to-earnings ratio (P/E)-price divided by earnings per share-helps gauge how the market values current and future earnings. CommScope's P/E sits below the Communications Equipment industry average of 88.83, implying potential undervaluation relative to peers, though a low P/E can reflect slower growth or higher risk. As with any single metric, the P/E should be weighed with broader trends and business fundamentals. Investors may consider near-term momentum alongside long-term earnings prospects and potential dividends changes.

Vital Metals insider buys AU$84,000 stake, lifting ownership to ~8.8% (ASX:VML)

December 31, 2025, 4:31 PM EST. Vital Metals Ltd (ASX:VML) recorded an insider purchase as Non-Executive Director Alexius Chan bought AU$84,000 of shares at AU$0.10 each, lifting his stake by about 32%. The deal is notable for being the largest insider purchase in the past year, though it was at a materially lower price than the stock's recent AU$0.17 level. Insiders own roughly 8.8% of the company, about AU$2.2 million in value, potentially reflecting alignment with shareholders. The stock's most recent year shows a loss, underscoring the stock's risk despite insider optimism. While insider purchases can signal confidence, investors should assess execution risk and the overall small cap valuation.

Chimera Investment CIM Yields Above 12% on Quarterly Dividend; Sustainability in Focus

December 31, 2025, 4:29 PM EST. Chimera Investment Corp (CIM) traded with a yield – the annual dividend as a percentage of price – above 12% after its quarterly payout, annualized at $1.48, with shares near $12.30. Dividends are a key component of total return, and the note cites a long-run IWV example to illustrate how yield can influence overall performance. CIM is a member of the Russell 3000, underscoring its place among large US issuers. But dividend amounts depend on profitability and are not guaranteed; investors should assess whether CIM's current payout is sustainable. The yield figure comes from Dividend Channel data.

FedEx (FDX) yields above 2% as stock trades near $251

December 31, 2025, 4:28 PM EST. FedEx Corp (FDX) trades on Tuesday with a dividend yield above 2% based on an annualized payout of $5.04 a share and a session low near $250.93. The yield underscores why many investors weigh dividends in total return, even as price swings persist. By comparison, a historic look at the SPY illustrates that dividends can supplement price moves, contributing to a positive total return over long horizons. FedEx is a member of the S&P 500, confirming its status as a large-cap stock. Note that dividend amounts are not guaranteed and depend on profitability; investors should assess whether the current yield is sustainable before building income-focused exposure.

Reynolds Consumer Products (REYN) yields above 4%

December 31, 2025, 4:27 PM EST. REYN shares traded near $22.91 after Reynolds Consumer Products Inc. (REYN) announced a quarterly dividend of $0.23 per share, annualizing to $0.92 and yielding above 4%. The note highlights dividends as a key source of total return and contrasts a long-run IWV holding's price path with the dividends received, illustrating why a sustainable yield can be attractive. Reynolds is a member of the Russell 3000, underscoring its status among large-cap U.S. stocks. The piece cautions that dividend amounts depend on profitability and may not be predictable, so investors should assess the likelihood of continued payouts before assuming a sustained 4% yield.

Allstate Series J preferred stock yields above 7% as shares trade near $26

December 31, 2025, 4:26 PM EST. Allstate Corp's Depopsitory Shares Rep 7.375% Fixed Rate Noncumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series J (ALL.PRJ) yielded above 7% on Wednesday, based on a quarterly dividend of $1.8438 annualized; shares traded as low as $26.27. The yield tops the Financial category average of 6.73% tracked by Preferred Stock Channel. As of the last close, ALL.PRJ traded at a 7.16% premium to its liquidation preference – the amount paid to preferred shareholders before common in a wind-down – versus a 10.49% average discount in the Financial category. The issue is non-cumulative, meaning missed payments aren't owed later before resuming a future dividend. In intraday trading, ALL.PRJ was about 0.2% lower while the common ALL rose about 0.2%. The views are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect Nasdaq, Inc.

Wednesday sector laggards drag: Energy and Technology & Communications; XLE, XLK retreat

December 31, 2025, 4:25 PM EST. Energy led the day's declines, down 0.6% at midday, with EQT Corp (EQT) falling 2.3% and Expand Energy Corp (EXE) down 1.9%. The Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE) slid 0.5% and is up 7.83% year-to-date. EQT is up 17.17% YTD; EXE up 13.62% YTD, collectively about 4.3% of XLE's holdings. The next laggard, Technology & Communications, slipped 0.4% as Western Digital (WDC) fell 2.0% and IBM declined 1.8%. The Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLK) retreated 0.3% and is up 25.41% YTD. WDC's 283.37% YTD gain and IBM's 38.02% YTD are notable; together they make up about 2.9% of XLK. A trailing twelve-month view shows most symbols in different colors. None of the S&P 500 sectors were up at mid-session; nine were down.

Wednesday Sector Leaders: Consumer Products, Healthcare

December 31, 2025, 4:24 PM EST. Midday trading shows Consumer Products as the day's relative leader, down 0.2%. Within the group, Nike (NKE) +4.3% and Clorox (CLX) +0.9%. The IYK ETF is down 0.2% today but up 5.24% year to date (YTD). Nike is -13.51% YTD; Clorox -34.33% YTD; CLX makes up about 0.6% of IYK. The Healthcare sector also slips 0.2%, with Molina Healthcare (MOH) +2.1% and Centene (CNC) +0.6%. The XLV ETF is -0.1% on the session and up 14.88% YTD. MOH is -40.14% YTD; CNC -31.58% YTD, together ~0.5% of XLV. Across sectors, all are lower; nine are down.

Cramer's Fubo call anchors a behind-the-scenes AI-energy infrastructure thesis

December 31, 2025, 4:21 PM EST. Jim Cramer's Fubo call frames a broader thesis: AI's energy demand could lift a little-known U.S. energy infrastructure operator. The piece portrays the company as a "toll booth" of the AI energy boom, owning critical nuclear assets and capable of large EPC (engineering, procurement and construction) projects across oil, gas, renewables and industrial infrastructure. It also notes a role in U.S. LNG (liquefied natural gas) exports, tied to policy emphasis on American energy. The analysis suggests tariffs and onshoring could feed more domestic construction work, boosting the stock's upside. While the AI narrative focuses on chips and clouds, the report argues energy infrastructure sits at the core of execution. Investors are advised to weigh the asset base, project visibility, and policy backdrop alongside any AI hype. EPC, LNG explained for first use.

Total Energy Services insider buys C$4.52 million of TOT shares

December 31, 2025, 4:19 PM EST. An insider (company executive) at Total Energy Services Inc. (TSE:TOT) bought 300,892 shares on Wednesday, Dec. 31, at an average price of C$15.02, for a total of C$4.52 million. After the trade, the insider's stake rose to 312,892 shares, valued at about C$4.70 million, a 2,507% increase. TOT shares traded down to C$14.97 midday, on volume of 11,344 versus a 57,400-average. The stock's 52-week range is C$8.40-C$15.60; the company has a market cap near C$551.3 million, a P/E of 9.36, a P/E/G of 1.77 and a beta of 0.98. In the latest quarter, TOT posted C$0.38 EPS, 4.90% net margin, ROE 7.84%, and C$260.7 million revenue. Analysts at ATB Capital trimmed their target to C$20.00 with an 'outperform' rating; MarketBeat shows a Buy consensus with a roughly C$20 target.

Ivanhoe Mines insider sells 350,000 shares; stock slides as analysts adjust targets

December 31, 2025, 4:18 PM EST.Insider Citic Metal Africa Investments Limited sold 350,000 Ivanhoe Mines shares on Tuesday for C$5,498,500 at an average price of C$15.71. The stock fell 1.2% to about C$15.64 at midday Wednesday as volume reached 863,141, well below the 3.43 million average. Ivanhoe's balance sheet metrics show debt-to-equity of 2.48, quick ratio 20.86 and current ratio 1.36, with a market cap near C$22.20 billion and a P/E of about 71.09. The equity trades around its 50-day and 200-day moving averages of C$13.95 and C$12.80, within a 12-month range of C$8.76-C$18.21. Last quarter produced C$0.02 earnings per share (EPS) on revenue of C$180.18 million. Analysts expect about C$1.01 EPS this year; the consensus rating is Buy with a target of around C$17.25. Brokerage moves were mixed, with Jefferies cutting to Hold while Citi/TD/Canaccord raised targets.

Emera director sells 10,000 EMA shares; stake falls 56% as stock trades near C$67.70

December 31, 2025, 4:17 PM EST. Scott Carlyle Balfour, a director of Emera Inc. (TSE: EMA), sold 10,000 shares on Wednesday for about C$677,500, at an average of C$67.75. After the sale, he directly held 7,733 shares, valued at roughly C$523,911, a 56.39% reduction in his stake. He previously sold 20,000 shares on Nov. 17 at an average C$68.25 for C$1.365 million. Emera traded up 16 Canadian cents to C$67.70, on volume of 149,041 vs. the 1.17 million average. Key gauges show a 50-day MA of C$67.20 and a 200-day MA of C$65.52. Market cap C$20.43B; P/E 18.35; PEG 6.20; beta 0.57. Last quarter, EMA reported EPS C$0.88; net margin 10.51%; ROE 6.06%; revenue C$2.11B. Analysts' consensus full-year EPS about 3.199; several firms lifted price targets to the low-to-mid C$70s.

Talon Metals Insider Sells 500,000 Shares; Ownership Falls 84%

December 31, 2025, 4:16 PM EST. Insider Mark Groulx of Talon Metals Corp. sold 500,000 shares on Tuesday at an average price of C$0.61 for a total of C$305,000. After the sale, Groulx directly owned 95,000 shares, a drop of about 84.03%. Talon Metals stock traded near C$0.58, with roughly 2.18 million shares changing hands versus a 30-day average of about 2.03 million. The company lists a market capitalization around C$678 million, a trailing P/E of -55, and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.08. Talon also reports an 18.45% stake in the Tamarack nickel-copper-PGE project in Minnesota and a 100% interest in the Trairão iron project in Brazil; the firm is headquartered in the British Virgin Islands.

Talon Metals director Henri Van Rooyen sells 822,000 shares on Dec. 29; stake falls 15.8%

December 31, 2025, 4:15 PM EST. Director Henri Van Rooyen of Talon Metals Corp. sold 822,000 shares on Dec 29, at an average price of C$0.62, for a total of C$509,640. The sale trims his stake to 4,385,249 shares, valued at about C$2.72 million, a 15.79% drop in ownership. The same day, Van Rooyen also sold additional Talon shares-174,500 at C$0.61, 456,000 at C$0.65 and 500,000 at C$0.63-according to MarketBeat. Talon Metals traded around C$0.58 during the session, with a market capitalization near C$678.38 million.

Clarke insider sells 3,300 CKI shares; stock slips

December 31, 2025, 4:14 PM EST. Clarke Inc. (TSE:CKI) said Brosseau & Associates Letko sold 3,300 shares on Tuesday, December 30, at an average price of C$21.00 for a total of C$69,300. The sale leaves the insider with 1,580,719 shares valued at about C$33.20 million, a 0.21% decrease. Clarke's stock closed down C$0.07 to C$20.92 on volume of 850, well below the 2,486-share average. The 52-week range is C$18.76 to C$36.50, and the market capitalization sits around C$285.6 million, with a P/E of 8.33 and a beta of 0.10. In the latest quarter, Clarke posted EPS of C$1.16, net margin 29.70% and ROE 10.04% on revenue of C$25.24 million. The company operates in Investment and Hospitality, with primary exposure to Holloway hotels.

Yikang Liu sells 9,999 Silvercorp Metals shares; 8.11% stake decline (TSE:SVM)

December 31, 2025, 4:13 PM EST. Director Yikang Liu sold 9,999 shares of Silvercorp Metals Inc. (TSE:SVM) on Wednesday, December 31, at an average of C$11.84, for C$118,388.16. Post-trade, Liu directly held 113,333 shares, valued at about C$1,341,862.72, a decline of 8.11% in the position. Silvercorp shares traded down C$0.26 to C$11.48 at mid-day; volume reached 352,014, below the 728,378 average. The company's 50-day and 200-day moving averages stand at C$10.24 and C$8.20, respectively. Market capitalization is about C$2.53 billion; P/E 104.36; P/E/G 0.03; beta 1.81; liquidity ratios show a quick ratio of 4.43 and current ratio of 3.04; debt-to-equity 0.18. Last quarter, Silvercorp reported C$0.10 EPS and C$116.03 million in revenue.

Leon's Furniture Insider Sells C$61,600 of LNF Stock

December 31, 2025, 4:12 PM EST. Leon's Furniture Ltd said insider John Andrew Cooney sold 2,200 LNF shares on Wednesday at an average price of C$28.00, totaling C$61,600. Post-sale, Cooney owned 52,274 shares, a 4.04% decline. LNF rose C$0.15 to C$28.15 on volume of 2,700, below its 19,902 average. The stock's 50-day and 200-day moving averages stand at C$28.57 and C$28.53. The company's market capitalization is about C$1.94 billion; P/E 11.13; beta 0.86. In the latest quarter, Leon's reported EPS of C$0.65 on revenue of C$678.63 million; ROE 12.54%, net margin 5.24%. Sell-side notes include CIBC lifting its price target to C$32.00; consensus target around C$32.80.

Baytex Energy Insider Purchases C$50,140 of BTE Shares; stock slips, dividend in focus

December 31, 2025, 4:11 PM EST. Baytex Energy Corp. said insider Chad Lundberg bought 11,500 Baytex shares on Tuesday at an average price of C$4.36, for a total of C$50,140. After the purchase, Lundberg's stake rose to 532,801 shares, valued at about C$2.32 million – a 2.21% increase. Baytex shares slipped 0.4% to C$4.43 at midday on volume of 1.55 million, well below the 5.46 million-share average. The name trades near a 1-year low of C$1.91 and high of C$4.65, with a market cap of C$3.40 billion, a P/E of 15.82, PEG 0.12 and beta 0.97. The 50-/200-day moving averages are C$4.07 and C$3.36. Q3 results showed EPS C$0.04 and revenue C$746.42 million; ROE negative 8.96%; net margin -10.45%. Analysts expect roughly C$0.37 EPS for the year. The quarterly dividend of C$0.0225 yields about 2.0%. MarketBeat notes five Buy and two Hold ratings.

Trump Media launches stock-market ETFs for patriotic investors

December 31, 2025, 4:06 PM EST. Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG) said it launched five exchange-traded funds (ETFs) with an America First theme, expanding into publicly traded investment products. The company said more ETFs would follow in coming months. CEO Devin Nunes said the funds offer exposure to American ingenuity and the economy's strength. The ETFs track companies seen as aligned with the Trump economy, including Palantir, which won a $10 billion US Army contract, and others positioned to benefit from the administration's policies. The move follows TMTG's all-stock merger with nuclear-fusion developer TAE Technologies, a deal valued at more than $6 billion that would place Trump Media among early public nuclear-fusion players. Critics cite potential conflicts of interest linked to Trump family holdings, though White House aides have said there is no conflict.

ASX Penny Stock Picks for December 2025: Beamtree, Mach7 among candidates

December 31, 2025, 4:05 PM EST. As the Australian market winds down for 2025, investors weigh profit-taking and holiday closures as ASX penny stocks retain attention for value and growth in smaller firms. The focus remains on names with solid financials and growth potential, though valuations remain volatile and liquidity can be thin. The screener highlights candidates across the sector, including Alfabs Australia (AAL), EZZ Life Science Holdings (EZZ), Dusk Group (DSK), IVE Group (IGL), MotorCycle Holdings (MTO), Veris (VRS) and West African Resources (WAF). Analyses also reference Beamtree Holdings (BMT) and Mach7 Technologies (M7T) for AI healthcare software and medical-imaging software, respectively, noting distributions of revenue and cash runway. These are high-risk bets; market caps range from tens of millions to several billion, and losses have been persistent for some names.

ASX Growth Stocks With High Insider Ownership Highlight Year-End Positioning

December 31, 2025, 4:02 PM EST. Australian shares drift lower into year-end as profit-taking meets resilience in U.S. indices. In this environment, stocks with high insider ownership are drawing attention for potential alignment between management and shareholders. A screener of Fast Growing ASX Companies With High Insider Ownership flags names such as Wisr (WZR) with 10.2% insider ownership and 96.3% earnings growth; Titomic (TTT) 14.8% and 74.9%; Pointerra (3DP) 19.8% and 110.3%; Newfield Resources (NWF) 31.5% and 72.1%; IperionX (IPX) 17.1% and 94.9%; BlinkLab (BB1) 32.1% and 101.4%; and Adveritas (AV1) 18.4% and 96.8%. The list covers 111 stocks. In deeper dives, Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals (CUV) shows 10.3% insider ownership with earnings forecast up about 23.9% annually and a modest ROE (return on equity) outlook; Regis Healthcare (REG) has 38.6% insider ownership and 18% earnings growth with expansion plans. Investors should assess revenue growth, margins, and capital discipline.

Top ASX Dividend Stocks to Consider in December 2025

December 31, 2025, 4:01 PM EST. Australian stocks drift into year-end as investors weigh profits and holiday schedules. In this environment, dividend stocks offer a potential anchor, with yields that attract income-focused investors. The screener highlights names including TWE (7.63%), SUL (5.99%), SUG (7.94% NSX-listed), KSL (7.28%), AX1 (7.41%), EQT (4.70%), DDR (4.28%), FID (4.12%), SDF (3.69%), and MFF (3.59%). The broader list spans about 30 stocks. Be mindful that high yields require sustainability checks; payout ratios and cash payout ratios point to how much of earnings or cash flow is returned to investors. Jargon note: dividend yield equals annual dividend divided by share price; payout ratio shows dividends as a share of earnings. These metrics help compare income against growth and balance-sheet strength.

Cotton futures mixed at midday as export sales, price signals weigh on market

December 31, 2025, 4:00 PM EST. Cotton futures were mixed at midday, trading within about 10 points of unchanged as traders digest export data and price signals. Crude oil fell 0.20 to $57.75 a barrel, while the U.S. dollar index rose to 98.075. Export Sales for the week ended Dec 18 totaled 182,680 running bales, below last week's marketing-year high; shipments reached 146,915 RB, an 8-week high. The Seam's online auction logged 14,459 bales at 60.13 cents per pound. The Cotlook A Index declined 20 points to 74.30 cents. ICE-certified stocks fell by 90 bales to 11,510. The Adjusted World Price moved up 3 points to 50.02 cents, with nearby futures curves showing Mar 26 Cotton at 64.24, May 26 Cotton at 65.64 and Jul 26 Cotton at 66.86 cents per pound.

Wheat slides on final trade day of 2025 as futures ease

December 31, 2025, 3:59 PM EST. Chicago SRW futures (soft red winter) led losses, down 2-3 cents, while KC HRW (hard red winter) futures shed 5-6 cents and MPLS spring wheat fell about 2-3 cents by midday. Traders note the market will be closed Thursday for New Year's Day, with a hard open at 8:30 a.m. CST on Friday. Export sales for the week ended Dec. 18 totaled 147,834 MT, within estimates but down sharply versus last week and year-ago levels: roughly 35.8% lower wk/wk and 75.9% below the same period last year. CBOT Mar 2026 wheat traded around $5.08, with nearby futures showing modest declines across contract months.

Lean hog futures steady as 2025 pork demand signals emerge

December 31, 2025, 3:58 PM EST. Lean hog futures were little changed, with most front months within 20 cents of last print. The USDA national base hog price was $69.40 on Wednesday, while the CME Lean Hog Index finished December 29 at $82.25, down 19 points. Export Sales for the week of December 18 showed pork for 2025 of 18,978 MT and for 2026 of 25,998 MT, with total exports at 34,850 MT. The pork carcass cutout value (an estimate of wholesale carcass value based on the value of primal cuts) rose 93 cents to $95.06 per cwt, led by gains in the loin, rib and belly primals. Federally inspected hog slaughter for Monday was 492,000 head, with the week total at 942,000, below last week but above a year ago.

Corn futures edge higher on last trading day of 2025 as export sales surge; market closed for New Year's Day

December 31, 2025, 3:57 PM EST.Corn futures eased 1 to 2 cents higher on Wednesday as traders wrapped the year. The CmdtyView national average Cash Corn price slipped 0.5 cent to $3.97 1/4 per bushel. The market will be closed Thursday for New Year's Day, with a hard open at 8:30 a.m. CST on Friday. USDA export sales data showed 2.2 million metric tons (MMT) of corn sold in the week ended December 18, a 5-week high and about 28.7% above the same week a year earlier. In energy data, EIA said ethanol production averaged 1.12 million barrels per day in the week of 12/26, with stocks up 416,000 barrels to 22.944 million and exports at 148,000 bpd, while refiners cut inputs to 888,000 bpd. Market drivers remain supply and demand signals ahead of year-end.

Live cattle futures rally as feeder contracts rise; boxed beef prices mixed

December 31, 2025, 3:55 PM EST. Live cattle futures extended gains into Tuesday, closing higher by about $1.18 to $2.48. Feeder cattle futures rose roughly $2.40 to $2.63. Cash trade last week ran around $185 per cwt and early-week activity centered on showlists. Northern trade remained light at about $290 for beef, with asks around $187-$188. The CME Feeder Cattle Index climbed to $253.68 as of November 18. The weekly OKC feeder auction tallied 7,710 head, above last year and the prior week; feeders were steady, calves under 450 lbs up about $10. Boxed beef prices were mixed: Choice up $1.51 to $308.79, Select down $3.54 to $271.91, widening the Choice-Select spread to $36.88. Slaughter for the week reached 244,000 head, up from last week but below a year ago.

Soybeans slip on New Year's Eve as USDA weekly sales miss estimates

December 31, 2025, 3:54 PM EST.Soybeans slipped 11-12 cents in the New Year's Eve session. There were 1,062 delivery notices against January beans on FND, while the cmdtyView cash price fell 12 cents to $9.67. Soymeal futures were steady to $2.10/ton lower, and soy oil futures rose 7-15 points. No January soymeal deliveries; seven for January bean oil. The market will be closed Thursday for New Year's Day and reopen at 8:30 a.m. CST Friday. USDA's week ending 12/18 showed soybeans sales at 1.056 MMT, below estimates of 1.4-2.4 MMT, down 55.9% WoW but up 7.9% YoY. Meal sales were 299,131 MT; oil sales 49,197 MT for 2025/26, with a 23,500 MT net reduction for 2026/27. Jan 26 soybeans at $10.34 1/2; nearby cash at $9.67.

Tech stocks poised for 2026 gains: Microsoft and Motorola Solutions among top picks

December 31, 2025, 3:46 PM EST. Stock markets closed 2025 higher, with the S&P 500 up about 18% as AI-driven demand powered chips, data centers and related tech gear. The piece highlights three top-tier tech names offering upside into 2026 after some pullbacks. Microsoft remains a core holding, buoyed by its Microsoft Cloud and a rapidly expanding Intelligent Cloud. In Q1 FY2026, revenue rose 26% year over year and Azure revenue jumped 40%, helping drive an annual run rate of just over $120 billion and a P/E around the mid-20s. The article also profiles Motorola Solutions, which focuses on public-safety communications, security and software; it recently acquired Silvus Technologies to strengthen rugged, mission-critical networks. The narrative positions these picks as disciplined value plays in an AI-driven rally.

HEG.NS hits 52-week high as volume surges; chart levels to watch

December 31, 2025, 3:45 PM EST. HEG.NS surged to a fresh 52-week high of ₹672 intraday on 31 December, closing at ₹623.85 as 2.55 crore shares changed hands-about 14x the 18.30 lakh average. The move keeps the stock above the 50-DMA (₹535.70) and the 200-DMA (₹508.66), underscoring an uptrend into 2026. Momentum gauges show overbought readings: RSI 74.32, MFI 91.44, with ADX 31.88 and a bullish MACD. The price traded above the Bollinger upper band, which can invite pullbacks in uptrends. ATR ₹19.75, pointing to a wide daily range. Resistance sits at ₹672, then ₹700; supports at ₹600, ₹585, and near ₹539. Valuation clocks around 44.9x TTM EPS ₹13.39; results due 17 Feb 2026. For traders, above ₹672 targets ₹700; below ₹600 risks mean reversion toward ₹585-₹540.

JewishColumbus joins ADL, JLens at NYSE for first Jewish ETF

December 31, 2025, 3:37 PM EST. Representatives from JewishColumbus joined the Anti-Defamation League and JLens at the NYSE on Dec. 17 to celebrate the launch of the first Jewish exchange-traded fund, ticker TOV. A news release says TOV has grown to more than $180 million in assets since its February 2025 debut. The ticker translates from Hebrew as "good," and the fund aims to amplify the Jewish voice in the corporate arena while delivering performance comparable to other U.S. Large Cap index funds. JewishColumbus has been part of JLens' investor network since 2021. Attendees included JewishColumbus president/CEO Julie Tilson Stanley, board chair Jonathan Feibel, investment committee chair David Rothstein, and CFO Tina Stieben. ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt called the milestone historical and said TOV could be the first Jewish fund to ring the bell on the NYSE.

Cocoa prices consolidate below Monday's 2-week highs as Ivory Coast shipments slip

December 31, 2025, 3:25 PM EST. March ICE NY cocoa (CCH26) rose 9 points to a two-week high, while March ICE London cocoa #7 (CAH26) added 6 points. Prices are consolidating after Monday's move as slower Ivory Coast port arrivals temper the supply outlook. Week-ago data show Ivory Coast shipments for the week ended Dec 28 at 59,708 MT, down 27% year on year, with Oct 1-Dec 28 deliveries at 1.029 MMT, down 2%. The country remains the world's top cocoa producer. Support also comes from anticipated index-related buying as cocoa futures join the Bloomberg Commodity Index (BCOM), with Citi estimating up to $2 billion of inflows. US port inventories fell to a 9.5-month low of 1,626,105 bags. The outlook stays tight amid mixed West Africa weather and revisions from ICCO (International Cocoa Organization) and Rabobank, while the delayed EUDR (EU Deforestation Regulation) could keep supplies buoyant.

Sugar futures rise on year-end short covering as Brazil, India output shifts loom

December 31, 2025, 3:24 PM EST. March NY world sugar #11 (SBH26) rose 0.20 to a 1-week high, while March London ICE white sugar #5 (SWH26) gained 2.40, up 0.56%, as prices rebound on year-end short covering. A firmer dollar weighed on commodities earlier. Brazil's 2026/27 sugar production is expected to fall 3.9% to 41.8 MMT, with exports seen down 11% to 30 MMT, per Safras & Mercado. In India, ISMA lifted the 2025/26 production estimate to 31 MMT and cut ethanol use to 3.4 MMT, potentially boosting exports; early 2025/26 output in India rose 24% y/y to 11.83 MMT in Oct-Dec. Conab raised Brazil's 2025/26 forecast to 45 MMT, and Unica tallied 39.904 MMT through November. ISO forecasts a 1.625 MMT 2025/26 surplus; Czarnikow sees 8.7 MMT. The outlook for record Brazilian sugar output remains bearish for prices.

Dividend roundup: GWRS, UBAB, IMKTA, ARR, MOS declare payouts

December 31, 2025, 3:23 PM EST. Global Water Resources (GWRS) declared a monthly dividend of $0.02533 per share, or $0.30396 annualized, payable Jan. 30, 2026 to holders of record Jan. 16, 2026. United Bancorporation of Alabama (UBAB) announced a semiannual dividend of $0.70 per share, payable around Jan. 15, 2026; record date Dec. 31, 2025. Ingles Markets (IMKTA) declared $0.165 per Class A and $0.15 per Class B; annualized $0.66 and $0.60, payable Jan. 15, 2026; record Jan. 8, 2026. Armour Residential REIT (ARR) guided for a $0.24 per share January dividend; payable Jan. 29, 2026; record Jan. 15, 2026. Mosaic (MOS) declared a quarterly dividend of $0.22 per share; payable Mar. 19, 2026; record Mar. 9, 2026.

GDX Feb 2026 options begin trading; put at $82.50, call at $88.00

December 31, 2025, 3:22 PM EST. New options for VanEck ETF Trust – Gold Miners ETF (GDX) began trading for the February 2026 expiration. A put at the $82.50 strike shows a current bid of $2.40; selling to open would lock in an effective cost basis of about $80.10 if assigned, versus about $86.72 today. The strike sits roughly 5% below the current price, making the contract out-of-the-money; odds of expiration worthless are about 67%, per Stock Options Channel's YieldBoost. If expiring worthless, the premium yields about 2.91% on cash, or 24.13% annualized. On the call side, the $88.00 strike bids $3.15; a covered-call on stock at $86.72 could yield about 5.11% if called away at expiration.

Nvidia valued reasonably ahead of 2026 as AI-spending grows, but uncertainty looms

December 31, 2025, 3:20 PM EST.Nvidia's stock trades with a forward P/E near 25, modest by tech standards and below the Nasdaq-100, even as demand for its data-center GPUs remains robust. Q3 revenue rose 62% YoY to $57 billion, with margins staying high and net income up 65% to $31.9 billion, supported by the launch of Blackwell GPUs. The company also plans a substantial buyback, authorized at $62.2 billion, to lift EPS by reducing shares outstanding. While the stock appears far from a bubble, the AI cycle faces questions about sustainability. Goldman Sachs projects hyperscale AI capex could hit $527 billion in 2026, raising questions about how long strong demand can persist and how that translates into earnings power.

Dollar climbs as US jobs data lift yields; Fed outlook in focus

December 31, 2025, 3:18 PM EST. The dollar index (DXY) rose to a one-week high, gaining about 0.25% as weekly US unemployment claims unexpectedly fell to 199,000, a sign of a tighter labor market and a hawkish tilt for Fed (Federal Reserve) policy. Traders priced in roughly a 15% chance of a -25 basis point rate cut at the FOMC (Federal Open Market Committee) meeting later this month. The dollar's gains were tempered by President Trump's comments about appointing a dovish Fed chair and by a firming yuan, which pressured the dollar as equities steadied. The Fed has stepped up liquidity, buying about $40 billion a month in Treasuries since mid-December. The euro weakened on dollar strength, while the yen extended losses amid higher yields. Gold fell about 0.9% to a 2.5-week low; silver slid about 7%.

Wolverine's 34% Drop Tests $54 Million Institutional Bet

December 31, 2025, 3:10 PM EST.Oxbow Capital Management disclosed a new stake in Wolverine World Wide (WWW) valued at $54.43 million, acquiring 1.98 million shares and lifting its quarter-end exposure to 9.5% of assets under management (AUM). As of Wednesday, shares traded at $18.06, down roughly 19% year over year and lagging the S&P 500, which rose about 17%. Post-filing top holdings include STX, CRDO, AVGO, VNET, and WWW. The stock has fallen about 34% since a late-quarter rally after weaker guidance. In the latest quarter, revenue rose 6.8% to $470.3 million and gross margin expanded 240 basis points. Timing underscores how conviction can be tested by guidance misses.

Oil slips after bearish EIA data as dollar strengthens; OPEC+ pause supports

December 31, 2025, 3:06 PM EST. Oil prices pulled back after the weekly EIA inventory report showed a bearish tilt. February WTI crude (CLG26) fell about 0.05% and February RBOB gasoline (RBG26) dropped about 1.13%. A stronger dollar index weighed on energy assets. Still, geopolitical risks in Venezuela, Nigeria and Russia limited declines, while investors eyed a likely OPEC+ pause on production hikes. Chinese demand remains a support, with Kpler data showing imports up about 10% month-on-month to a record 12.2 million barrels per day. The market also tracked tanker stock trends from Vortexa and ongoing sanctions on Russian and Venezuelan crude, along with related supply disruptions.

Global coffee prices rise on weather risks and tight inventories

December 31, 2025, 2:58 PM EST. March arabica KCH26 rose 0.59% and March ICE robusta RMH26 climbed 1.57%, with robusta trading near a 2.5-week high. A firmer dollar index (DXY) capped gains. Weather risks underpin prices: widespread flooding in Indonesia threatens to trim exports by as much as 15% in 2025-26, affecting about a third of northern Sumatra arabica farms. Brazil's Minas Gerais region received rainfall below historical averages, adding to crop concerns. ICE arabica inventories slipped to a 1.75-year low earlier this month before rebounding to a two-month high; robusta inventories rose to a four-week high. US purchases of Brazilian coffee remained muted after tariff changes. Brazil's 2025 production view was nudged up to 56.54 million bags; Vietnam's 2025/26 output is seen up about 6% to 1.76 MMT, with exports up 39% y/y in Nov. The supply picture remains tight, supporting prices.

Steven Madden (SHOO) upgraded to Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) on improving earnings outlook

December 31, 2025, 2:55 PM EST. Steven Madden (SHOO) has been upgraded to Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) after an uptick in earnings estimates. The upgrade reflects a more optimistic earnings outlook driven by changes in the Zacks Consensus Estimate, which aggregates the street's projected EPS (earnings per share) for the current and next year. The system's emphasis on estimate revisions has shown a correlation with near-term price moves, and institutional investors typically translate revisions into buying or selling activity. Zacks Rank uses four factors related to earnings estimates to classify stocks; #1s have historically produced strong returns. For the fiscal year ending December 2025, Steven Madden is expected to earn $1.67 per share, unchanged from a year earlier, according to the consensus.

Tesla: 2026 Outlook Hinges on Robotaxi Progress Amid 2025 Results

December 31, 2025, 2:45 PM EST. Tesla enters 2026 with a split narrative: the leading EV maker remains top EV name, but investors increasingly view it as an AI/autonomy play centered on Robotaxi. 2025 results show why a big win is needed. In Q2, revenue fell 12% YoY to $22.5B; operating margin was 4.1%, down from 6.3%. Revenue rose 12% YoY in Q3 due to demand pull-forward before federal EV credit expiry. Net income declined 37% to about $1.4B; non-GAAP earnings fell 29%. Free cash flow in Q3 was $4B, up 46% YoY. The energy storage business posted 12.5 GWh deployed in Q3, fueling 44% revenue growth. The bull case rests on Robotaxi turning into a high-margin growth engine; if not, $1.5 trillion market cap and a P/E around 313 look stretched. Musk has said millions of cars could enable full self-driving once software is ready.

Aerospace & Defense Lead Wednesday Sector Gains; Sidus Space, TH International Movers

December 31, 2025, 2:42 PM EST. On Wednesday, Aerospace & Defense shares were modestly higher, up about 1% for the session, led by Sidus Space, which surged roughly 28.5%, and Planet Labs, up about 1.9%. The sector's gains came amid selective strength across the market. Grocery & Drug Stores stocks rose about 0.4% on the day, led by TH International up about 8.7% and Dine Brands Global higher by roughly 2.1%.

Wednesday Sector Laggards: Oil & Gas Exploration & Production, Waste Management Stocks Drag Markets

December 31, 2025, 2:38 PM EST. Stocks in the oil & gas exploration & production group fell about 1.2% on Wednesday. The slide was led by Comstock Resources, down roughly 3.9%, and Infinity Natural Resources, down about 3.7%. The waste management group also declined, about 1.1% on the day, led lower by Perma-Fix Environmental Services (around 3%) and Montrose Environmental Group (about 2.2%). The declines underscore a modestly weaker sector backdrop even as other areas showed relative resilience. The moves reflect company-level trading rather than a broad shift in fundamentals.

Stocks slide as chipmakers and data-storage names weigh markets; yields rise amid hawish Fed odds

December 31, 2025, 2:30 PM EST. U.S. stocks edged lower on the final trading day of the year as chip stocks and data-storage names weighed; the S&P 500 slid 0.33%, the Dow Jones fell 0.35%, and the Nasdaq 100 dropped 0.34%. March futures for the S&P and Nasdaq were down about 0.35%-0.38%. Concurrent weakness in cyclicals trimmed risk appetite, with gold retreating to a 2.5-week low and silver plunging more than 7%. Higher 10-year yields to 4.14% after weekly jobless claims surprised to the downside underscored hawkish Fed expectations. Annual seasonality is supportive, with December's last two weeks historically higher for the S&P 500. Economic data awaited: the Dec PMI surprises to the upside in China; U.S. initial claims dipped to a 1-month low, and markets price about a 15% chance of a 25 bp rate cut at the next FOMC meeting.

XBI Leads Wednesday ETF Movers as SLVR Slides; Oruka, Arcutis Rally

December 31, 2025, 2:27 PM EST. On Wednesday, the SPDR S&P Biotech ETF (XBI) rose about 0.7% for the day, helping it outperform broader peers. Among its components, Oruka Therapeutics climbed roughly 5.5%, with Arcutis Biotherapeutics up about 5% for the session. In contrast, the Sprott Silver Miners & Physical Silver ETF (SLVR) declined about 2.3% in Wednesday afternoon trading. The weakest holdings among SLVR included Americas Gold and Silver, down about 2.8%, and Vizsla Silver, down around 1.6%.

FICO Q3 2025 in Line With Estimates; Full-Year Guidance Below Forecasts

December 31, 2025, 2:25 PM EST. Fair Isaac Corp (FICO) reported Q3 CY2025 revenue of $515.8 million, up 13.6% year over year and above consensus on the top line. The company guided full-year revenue at about $2.35 billion at the midpoint, roughly 1.9% below analysts' estimates. Non-GAAP diluted EPS was $7.74, beating expectations by 5.2%. Adjusted EBITDA reached $286.6 million with a 55.6% margin, modestly above Street forecasts by 3%. Operating margin rose to 46% from 43.4% a year earlier. Free cash flow margin stood at 40.9%, down from 48.3% in the year-ago quarter. ARR, or annual recurring revenue, was $747.3 million, vs. estimates of $757.6 million (1.4% miss). Market cap about $41.4 billion. The company's FICO Score core business remains the driver, with demand for analytics and credit-risk tools cited.

Nasdaq slips as oil inventories fall; Anghami climbs, Corcept sinks after FDA letter

December 31, 2025, 2:22 PM EST. U.S. stocks were down mid-session, with the Dow and Nasdaq easing as the week's oil inventory data showed a sharp draw. U.S. crude inventories, excluding the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, fell by 1.934 million barrels in the week to Dec. 26, the largest weekly drop since mid-November, vs estimates of a 0.9 million-barrel decline. The Nasdaq edged lower, while the S&P 500 slid about 0.3%. In corporate moves, Anghami Inc. (ANGH) jumped about 50% after reporting higher H1 results; Corcept Therapeutics (CORT) tumbled 52% after receiving a Complete Response Letter from the FDA on Relacorilant. Other notable moves included FuelCell Energy (FCEL) down 10% and SMX down 37%. Economic data showed initial jobless claims at 199,000 for the week ending Dec. 27.

USSG ETF sees unusually high volume; Nvidia leads component activity

December 31, 2025, 2:19 PM EST. Unusually high activity hit the Xtrackers MSCI USA ESG Leaders Equity ETF (USSG) in Wednesday afternoon trade, with about 729,000 shares changing hands versus a three-month average of roughly 43,000. USSG was down about 0.4% on the session. Among its components, Nvidia led volume with more than 55.3 million shares traded and about a 0.7% gain, while Tesla traded over 22.3 million shares and slipped roughly 0.1%. Burlington Stores rose about 1.2%, the strongest component on the day, whereas Western Digital lagged, down about 2.1%. The session underscored activity in ESG-focused equities as investors weigh names within the ETF.

S&P 500 eyes 2026 rally as bullish patterns emerge, charts show

December 31, 2025, 2:16 PM EST. The S&P 500 closed 2025 near a prior high after absorbing a roughly 6% drawdown-the decline from a peak to a trough-without lasting technical damage. A higher December low and ongoing consolidation point to a bullish chart formation, with the index attempting to hold above its prior breakout zone as 2026 approaches. The pattern suggests room for further upside if market volatility-the magnitude of daily swings-continues to compress and favorable conditions persist. The analysis also highlights a log chart (a weekly view that presents price moves in percentage terms) showing four major breakouts in this cycle, the strongest in 2025 after the tariff-related sell-off. A durable advance hinges on improving market character, but gains are not guaranteed.

Riot Platforms trades near $12.93 as P/E valuation debate weighs on RIOT

December 31, 2025, 2:13 PM EST. Riot Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ: RIOT) traded at $12.93 in today's session, up 1.81%. Over the past month the stock slipped 17.33%; it is up 23.61% over the past year. The P/E (price-to-earnings) ratio, which compares the share price to EPS (earnings per share), sits below the Software sector's average of 46.44, implying a cooler valuation vs peers. A lower P/E can indicate undervaluation or slower growth expectations and is not a standalone signal. Investors should weigh industry trends and other metrics alongside qualitative factors and future growth prospects.

Triller delisted from Nasdaq; TikTok challenger exits exchange

December 31, 2025, 2:07 PM EST.Triller, marketed as a challenger to TikTok, has been delisted from the Nasdaq stock market. The move ends the company's public trading status after a period of regulatory or listing pressures. Details about the delisting were not immediately provided. The development comes as market observers track digital-media firms seeking visibility on U.S. exchanges. Investors should note that a delisting reduces liquidity and may indicate broader liquidity or compliance issues; firms sometimes enter private or alternative funding arrangements after removal.

Axsome stock climbs as FDA grants priority review for AXS-05 in Alzheimer's agitation

December 31, 2025, 1:59 PM EST. Axsome Therapeutics shares jumped about 19% on the final trading day of 2025 after the FDA granted priority review for its AXS-05 candidate to treat Alzheimer's disease agitation. The designation shortens review timelines; the FDA has a target action date of April 30, 2026. Axsome already markets Auvelity for major depressive disorder (MDD), with Q3 revenue up about 69% year over year and making up roughly 80% of quarterly sales. AXS-05 previously received Breakthrough Therapy designation in 2020, signaling strong early potential. Separately, FDA meeting minutes indicate Axsome's regulatory data package for AXS-12 in narcolepsy may support an NDA submission next month, potentially adding another catalyst.

ZSB:CA AI Signals Outline Neutral Ratings; Dual Long/Short Levels for BMO Short-Term Bond Index ETF

December 31, 2025, 1:58 PM EST. ZSB:CA analysis notes AI-generated signals for the BMO Short-Term Bond Index ETF with Neutral ratings for near, mid and long horizons as of December 31. Traders present a dual plan: a long entry near 48.71 targeting 49.04 with a stop loss (exit point to cap losses) at 48.47, and a short entry near 49.04 targeting 48.71 with a stop loss (exit point to cap losses) at 49.29. The update highlights timestamped data and links to updated AI-generated signals for ZSB:CA, plus a chart for ZSB:CA. The report reinforces that the signals are AI-derived and carry Neutral stance across terms; investors should consider risk controls and price action before acting.

Softlab Increases Free Float with Listing of 1.49 Million Additional Shares on Euronext Milan

December 31, 2025, 1:57 PM EST. Softlab S.p.A. announced the start of trading on Euronext Milan of 1,493,808 ordinary shares previously held by its subsidiary Softlab Digital S.r.l., with the same rights as existing listed shares. The issue, arising from a July 2020 capital increase, represents about 29.9% of the ordinary shares already listed and was admitted to trading without the obligation to publish a prospectus under EU rules. The move does not alter the group's total share capital of €3.51 million or the total number of shares in issue but raises the free float by increasing the number of listed ordinary shares to 6,486,523, while 7,024,366 shares remain unlisted. The change could improve market liquidity and visibility for investors, alongside Softlab's €6.07 million market capitalization.

Artisan Value Fund exits Cigna; AI-energy infrastructure stock eyed as backdoor AI play

December 31, 2025, 1:56 PM EST. Artisan Value Fund reportedly sold The Cigna Group (CI), shifting focus to an energy-infrastructure play tied to AI demand. The piece argues that AI's energy footprint-data centers and models-drives a need for scalable power, pressing grids, and rising electricity costs. It highlights a little-known company described as the Toll Booth operator of the AI energy boom, owning nuclear energy assets and capable of large EPC projects across oil, gas, renewables, and industrial infrastructure. The firm is positioned in U.S. LNG export flows and could benefit from tariffs that spur onshoring, with the author suggesting it could profit from electricity as the digital age's key commodity. The narrative ties AI, energy, infrastructure, and trade policy into a single investment thesis, noting Wall Street interest in energy-heavy AI ecosystems.

Artisan Value Fund sticks with ASML after Q3 2025 gains; ASML closes Dec. 26 at $1,072.75

December 31, 2025, 1:55 PM EST. Artisan Value Fund says ASML remained a top contributor in Q3 2025, alongside Lam Research and Thermo Fisher Scientific after a volatile start for semiconductors. The fund's Investor Class ARTLX, Advisor APDLX and Institutional APHLX rose 0.83%, 0.91% and 0.90% in the quarter, vs. 5.33% for the Russell 1000 Value Index. In its Q3 letter, the manager notes three new Q2 purchases-Lam, ASML and Thermo Fisher-that helped drive performance. ASML is a Netherlands-based lithography equipment maker; in the quarter it posted a -1.40% one-month return and a 54.1% 52-week gain. On Dec 26, 2025, ASML closed at $1,072.75, with a market cap around $404.4 billion. The letter frames stock selection as value-oriented amid uncertainty, and notes hedge funds held 82 ASML positions at quarter end.

ZPAY.U:CA AI Signals: Buy near 30.48; stop at 30.33; no short plan

December 31, 2025, 1:54 PM EST. On December 31, 2025, AI-generated signals for ZPAY.U:CA indicate a long trading plan: buy near 30.48, with a stop loss at 30.33 and no target. No short positions are offered at this time. The note also references AI-generated signals for ZPAY.U:CA and lists term-based ratings: near-term Strong, mid-term Weak, and long-term Neutral. A chart for BMO Premium Yield ETF (ZPAY.U:CA) is referenced. The timestamped data and updated signals are highlighted in the report.

Harvest Eli Lilly High Income Shares ETF (LLYH:CA): Trading plan and AI-generated signals

December 31, 2025, 1:53 PM EST. As of December 31, 2025, 12:13 PM ET, traders outline a plan for Harvest Eli Lilly High Income Shares ETF (LLYH:CA). The strategy calls for a buy near 10.45 with a stop loss at 10.40 and no short plans at this time. Updated AI-generated signals for LLYH:CA are noted. The rating grid shows: Near: Neutral, Mid: Strong, Long: Neutral. The notes frame these inputs as market guidance rather than guarantees, and highlight that the signals are produced by algorithmic models meant to flag entry/exit points. Investors should weigh them against broader market conditions and the ETF's underlying holdings.

Artisan Partners Value Fund highlights energy infrastructure stock tied to AI energy boom

December 31, 2025, 1:52 PM EST. The Artisan Partners Value Fund Investor Letter argues that AI is the era's premier investment theme and that rising power demand will favor a single U.S. company that owns critical nuclear energy infrastructure. The letter describes the firm as a rare global EPC (engineering, procurement, and construction) player-covering oil, gas, renewables and industrial infrastructure-and notes its role in U.S. LNG exports. It portrays the stock as a backdoor play to benefit from an AI energy spike, onshoring trends driven by tariffs, and a broader push to rebuild and retrofit domestic facilities. The piece cites headlines about Altman's energy warning and Trump's energy doctrine to frame the opportunity as a convergence of AI, energy, and infrastructure.

SCHG ETF Sees Large Outflows; ISRG, DIS, LIN in Focus

December 31, 2025, 1:51 PM EST. Schwab U.S. Large-Cap Growth ETF SCHG posted an approximate $642.8 million outflow, a 1.2% week-over-week decline in shares outstanding, dropping from 1,638,800,000 to 1,619,250,000. Among the largest holdings, ISRG is down about 0.3% and DIS about 0.6%, while LIN is largely unchanged. A chart compares one-year price performance with the 200-day moving average. 52-week range runs from a low of $21.3703 to a high of $33.7385, versus a last trade near $32.81. ETFs trade like stocks but can see units created or destroyed to meet demand, which can affect underlying holdings. For a full list of holdings, see the SCHG Holdings page.

XLV Posts $467.1 Million Outflow; ABT Flat, AMGN and GILD Trim Losses

December 31, 2025, 1:50 PM EST. Week-over-week data from ETF Channel shows the State Street Health Care Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLV) logging an approximate $467.1 million outflow, a 1.2% drop in shares outstanding (259,915,324 to 256,915,324). Among XLV's heaviest components, Abbott Laboratories (ABT) trades flat, Amgen (AMGN) is down about 0.2%, and Gilead Sciences (GILD) is lower by roughly 0.3%. The ETF's price context shows a 52-week low of $127.35 and a high of $158.95, with the latest trade around $155.36. The chart also notes the 200-day moving average, a common technical reference. ETFs trade like stocks but create/destroy units to meet demand, so large flows can affect holdings.

DFIC ETF sees $145.4 million inflow; outstanding units rise 1.2% week over week

December 31, 2025, 1:49 PM EST. DFIC ETF (DFIC) posted an estimated $145.4 million inflow for the latest week, a 1.2% rise in outstanding units to 346.8 million from 342.6 million, according to ETF Channel data. The inflow signals demand that can lead to new unit creation and potential buying of underlying holdings. The ETF's price sits in a 52-week range of $24.5903 to $34.75, with a last trade near $34.48. A comparison of price against the 200-day moving average helps gauge trend. The report also notes notable inflows across nine other ETFs.

iShares iBonds Dec 2029 Term Corporate ETF Posts Notable Inflow

December 31, 2025, 1:48 PM EST. ETF Channel data show the iShares iBonds Dec 2029 Term Corporate ETF (IBDU) recording roughly a $138.2 million inflow, a 4.2% week-over-week rise in outstanding units (138.9 million to 144.8 million). The ETF's latest price sits at $23.43, within a 52-week range of $22.55 to $23.60. A chart compares performance to the 200-day moving average, a widely watched technical indicator. The note explains that ETF units can be created or destroyed to meet investor demand, and that flows can influence underlying holdings.

FNDX leads ETF outflows; INTC, VZ and T lift components as 200-day MA eyed

December 31, 2025, 1:47 PM EST. Schwab Fundamental U.S. Large Company Index ETF (FNDX) posted about $408.4 million in outflows, roughly 1.8% week over week, as shares outstanding declined from 826.7 million to 811.8 million. Among its top components, INTC rose about 0.5%, VZ up 0.3%, and T up 0.4%. The accompanying chart shows FNDX's one-year price performance against its 200-day moving average, a commonly watched trend line. The ETF traded near $27.33, inside a 52-week range of $20.41 to $27.57. Data reflect a weekly flow snapshot from ETF Channel.

February 2026 options open for Digital Realty Trust (DLR)

December 31, 2025, 1:46 PM EST.Digital Realty Trust Inc (DLR) options for the February 2026 expiry appeared today. A put at the $150 strike bids about $2.45, implying a cost basis of $147.55 for sellers, roughly a 3% discount to the current price. Traders estimate the put could expire worthless with about 63% odds, delivering 1.63% on cash, or 13.55% annualized as the YieldBoost measure. On the call side, the $160 strike bids around $2.80, enabling a covered call if the stock holds near $154.72; potential total return around 5.22% if shares are called away. The note also references the trailing twelve-month history and fundamentals for context.

GCOW ETF posts $238.9 million week-over-week outflow

December 31, 2025, 1:45 PM EST. GCOW ETF posted a roughly $238.9 million outflow in the latest week, a 11.2% drop in shares outstanding from 62.8 million to 55.75 million, ETF Channel data show. The outflow follows a week of trading near a $34.16 last price, with a 52-week range of $31.15-$35.76. The chart compares price to the 200-day moving average, a common technical gauge. ETFs trade like stocks but issue or cancel units to meet demand; creation buys the underlying holdings, destruction sells them. Week-over-week flow checks help spot notable inflows or outflows that can affect underlying components. Cited notes beyond the data include how outflows reflect shifts in investor demand. Attribution: the views here are those of the author and not Nasdaq, Inc.

SCHD Outflows See $904.9 Million Week-Over-Week; BMY, LMT, MO in Focus

December 31, 2025, 1:44 PM EST. Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF SCHD posted an estimated $904.9 million week-over-week outflow, about a 1.2% drop in shares outstanding, from 2.64 billion to 2.60725 billion. Among SCHD's largest holdings, Bristol Myers Squibb (BMY) traded flat, Lockheed Martin (LMT) fell about 0.5%, and Altria Group (MO) declined roughly 0.2%. The fund's 52-week range runs from a low of $23.87 to a high of $28.845, with the last trade near $27.52. The chart also notes SCHD's price relative to its 200-day moving average, a common trend reference. In ETF terminology, an outflow means units are destroyed, reducing the fund's outstanding shares and potentially requiring selling underlying holdings. Creation/destruction of units reflects investor demand and can influence component levels.

Barrick Mining (B) February 2026 options begin trading; $43 put and $45 call highlighted

December 31, 2025, 1:43 PM EST. Barrick Mining Corp. (B) began trading February 2026 options today. The put at the $43 strike bids around 0.30, implying a cost basis of about $42.70 if sold to open; a current odds estimate of roughly 60% the contract expires worthless. That outcome would yield about 0.70% on cash, or roughly 5.79% annualized, as YieldBoost. On the call side, the $45 strike bids about 0.49; selling a covered call after buying the stock at about $43.79 and selling the call would target about 3.88% if shares are called away at expiration, though upside remains open. The site notes charts and greeks on contract detail pages. Note: a put gives the right to sell at the strike; a covered call uses owned shares to collect premium.

SPGP ETF Feeds $537M WoW Outflow; DAL, HST, ABNB in Focus

December 31, 2025, 1:42 PM EST. ETF Channel flags a notable week-over-week outflow in the Invesco S&P 500 GARP ETF (SPGP), with about $536.9 million in shares removed – a 17.9% drop from 26,080,000 to 21,410,000. Among SPGP's largest holdings, Delta Air Lines (DAL) trades flat, Host Hotels & Resorts (HST) is down about 0.2%, and Airbnb (ABNB) lower by roughly 0.7%. A year-to-date overview shows SPGP's 52-week range spans from $84.13 to $116.375, with a last trade around $114.59. The chart also compares price against the ETF's 200-day moving average. ETFs trade like stocks but can be created or destroyed to meet demand; weekly data tracks unit creation and destruction to gauge flows and underlying holdings impact.

Validea's Quantitative Momentum Model Ranks Lumentum (LITE) Highly

December 31, 2025, 1:36 PM EST. Validea's guru-based Quantitative Momentum model, rooted in Wesley Gray's published approach, gives LUMENTUM HOLDINGS INC (LITE) a top score among 22 strategies. The large-cap growth stock in the Communications Equipment industry is rated 100% by the model, with a note that a score of 80% or above signals interest and 90%+ signals strong interest. The momentum model screens for stocks with strong, consistent intermediate-term relative performance. Validea's report positions LITE as a standout under the Wesley Gray framework, though the views reflect the guru's methodology and fundamentals rather than a broad market consensus. LITE's rating comes from underlying fundamentals and valuation, according to Validea's summary.

GE Aerospace February 2026 options: put at 250, call at 320; YieldBoost signals

December 31, 2025, 1:30 PM EST. GE Aerospace options for the February 2026 expiration feature a put at $250 and a call at $320 highlighted by Stock Options Channel. The $250 put bids around $0.50; selling to open commits you to buy GE at $250 while collecting the premium, yielding a cost basis near $249.50 before commissions. The current price is about $309.93, a roughly 19% discount. The odds of the put expiring worthless are about 93%, with a 0.20% cash return and 1.66% annualized YieldBoost. On the call side, the $320 call bids $9.50. A covered call-own the stock, sell the call-could yield about 6.31% total return if called away at expiration, excluding dividends. The strike sits roughly 3% above the current price, offering upside if GE climbs or the premium accrues.

IBM February 2026 options draw interest with $295 put and $305 call

December 31, 2025, 1:27 PM EST. IBM options for the February 2026 expiration drew interest. A put at the $295 strike bids around $9.65, offering a possible $285.35 effective cost basis if sold to open and the stock sits near $299.41. That strike is about 1% out of the money, with a ~58% chance of expiring worthless per YieldBoost analytics. If it expires worthless, the premium equals about a 3.27% return on cash and roughly 27.14% annualized. On the call side, the $305 strike bids about $10.30, enabling a covered call if the investor buys IBM now and sells to open the call; potential ~5.31% return if called away. The $305 strike is ~2% above the current price, so the contract could also finish worthless while the investor keeps stock and premium.

ChronoScale forms from Applied Digital Cloud and EKSO to build AI compute platform

December 31, 2025, 1:18 PM EST. ChronoScale Corporation forms from Applied Digital Cloud and EKSO Bionics, creating a GPU-accelerated compute platform for AI workloads. The venture aims to meet the growing demand for high-performance cloud infrastructure while allowing the parent firms to operate independently to preserve strategic flexibility. In trading, Hyundai Autoever rose 7.6% to ₩312,000 near its 52-week high, while DCI Indonesia fell 6.8% to IDR200,000. Tech moves show AI and cloud expansion as a margin driver: Alphabet near $313.56 and Microsoft around $487.10. Oracle closed at $195.38. The piece notes related market commentary from Simply Wall St about AI-driven shifts in bonds, but does not constitute financial advice.

Ondas Stock Up 6.3% on Rail-Tech Investment Momentum

December 31, 2025, 1:16 PM EST.Ondas Stock rose about 6.3% in trading after renewed investor interest in rail-technology initiatives propelled the stock higher. The move reflects broader enthusiasm for rail-tech bets, including signaling and traffic-management technologies, according to a note by Trefis. Traders cited improving demand for industrial tech plays and anticipated rail-spending as factors supporting gains. While gains align with a rally in related equities, observers caution that stock-specific risk and sector volatility remain factors to watch. Ondas' shares have been sensitive to sentiment around infrastructure-tech investments and public- and private-sector rail projects.

Ondas Holdings (ONDS) climbs on upbeat 2026 outlook

December 31, 2025, 1:14 PM EST.Ondas Holdings Inc. (NYSE:ONDS) rose about 6% on Tuesday, closing at $8.99 as investors weighed a bullish 2026 outlook. The company guides for 2026 revenues of $110 million, about a 205% year-over-year rise from an expected $36 million in 2025. The optimism centers on the strength of its Ondas Autonomous Systems (OAS) unit, the addition of a second-quarter 2025 subsidiary, and roughly $23.3 million in backlog (unfilled orders). Ondas also named retired Brigadier General Patrick Huston as Chief Operating Officer, placing him in charge of operations, regulatory compliance, governance, and the execution of growth strategies with U.S. and allied government customers. Note: backlog refers to orders already received but not yet fulfilled.

Cattle futures rally as demand signals loom over week ahead

December 31, 2025, 1:01 PM EST. Live cattle futures closed with gains of roughly $1.45 to $2.27 as traders priced in near-term demand. Cash trade last week was reported at $229-$230. This week has been quiet, with the Fed Cattle Exchange (an online market for cattle trades) showing dressed sales of $355 on 40 head of 1,278 offered and bids around $225. Feeder cattle futures rose by about $2.55 to $3 at the close. The CME Feeder Cattle Index fell $7.96 to $356.00 on December 26. APHIS reported several new New World Screwworm cases, mostly in Veracruz, and an active bovine case in Tamaulipas. USDA boxed beef prices were mixed; Choice boxes fell to $348.20 while Select rose to $343.16. Slaughter for the week to date was 240,000 head, 4,000 fewer than last week but well above year-ago levels. Futures quotes listed for nearby contracts.

Nike CEO Buys $1 Million in Shares as Stock Rises 2.6%

December 31, 2025, 1:00 PM EST.Nike shares rose 2.6% in premarket trading after CEO Elliott Hill disclosed an insider purchase, buying 16,388 shares for about $1 million at $61.10 on December 29. The filing lifts Hill's stake to 241,587 shares, a sign of conviction as the company trades well below its prior highs. Hill, who returned to Nike in late 2024 after a 32-year career, is viewed as a steadying influence amid a leadership reset. In early trade, Nike traded around $62.80, within a 52-week range of $52.28 to $82.44. The stock's dividend yield stands at 2.7%, a potential part of the case for investors watching management actions and momentum.

Toast Inc. February 2026 option chain highlights a $33 put and a $38 call

December 31, 2025, 12:57 PM EST. Toast Inc. (TOST) options for the February 2026 expiration drew attention, with a $33 put bid around 50 cents and a $38 call bid around 56 cents. A sell-to-open $33 put would leave an investor with a $32.50 effective cost basis if exercised, roughly an 8% discount to the current $35.88 share price. YieldBoost-implied odds that the put expires worthless sit near 69%, and, if so, the premium would deliver a 1.52% return on cash (12.57% annualized). The $38 strike represents about a 6% premium to the current price. On the upside, a covered call at $38 could offer about 7.47% total return if shares are called away at expiration. The notes reference Toast's trailing twelve-month history and fundamentals.

PRG crosses below 200-day moving average; PROG Holdings shares drift lower

December 31, 2025, 12:56 PM EST. PROG Holdings Inc. (PRG) traded near the session low after crossing below its 200-day moving average of $31.96, dipping to $31.93 intraday. The stock sits about 0.6% lower on the day. The 200-day moving average, a widely watched trend indicator calculated from the past 200 closing prices, helps gauge longer-term momentum. PRG's 52-week range runs from $23.98 to $44.81, with a last trade near $31.99. A break below the moving average can signal near-term weakness, though it is not a definitive predictor of future moves. Investors may watch whether the price recovers above the moving average or continues lower.

LUNR February 2026 options begin trading; $14 put, $20 call

December 31, 2025, 12:55 PM EST. Intuitive Machines Inc (LUNR) saw a fresh set of options begin trading with a February 2026 expiration. The $14.00 put bid is 0.98; selling to open commits you to buy the stock at $14.00 while collecting the premium, yielding a net cost basis near $13.02. With the stock around $16.34, the strike represents a roughly 14% discount and the option is out-of-the-money. YieldBoost, the site's return metric, shows about a 70% chance the put expires worthless, implying a 7.00% return on cash (58.07% annualized) if that occurs. On the call side, the $20.00 strike bid is 0.95. A covered call-owning the stock and selling the call-could deliver about 28.21% total return if shares are called away at expiration. A chart compares the trailing twelve month history to the strike levels.

MBLY February 2026 options begin trading; YieldBoost flags $10 put and $11.50 call

December 31, 2025, 12:54 PM EST. Mobileye Global Inc (MBLY) began February 2026 options trading, with Stock Options Channel's YieldBoost highlighting one put and one call contract. The $10 put (bid 0.50) would set a net cost basis of about $9.50 if sold to open, implying roughly a 6% discount to the current price and a scenario where the put could expire worthless. The site's greeks (risk measures of option sensitivity) put the odds at about 65% of expiration worthless, translating to a 5.00% return on cash and about 41.48% annualized if realized. On the call side, the $11.50 call (bid 0.30) supports a covered call: purchase MBLY near $10.60 and sell the call for about a 11.32% return if called away at expiration. The strike carries roughly an 8% premium to the stock price. Charts and fundamentals are noted for context.

S&P/TSX composite falls 82.69 points as U.S. stocks retreat

December 31, 2025, 12:53 PM EST. Canada's S&P/TSX composite slid 82.69 points to 31,784.42 in late-morning trading, tracking broad losses in U.S. equities. In New York, the Dow Jones industrial average dropped 173.38 points to 48,193.68, the S&P 500 by 25.01 to 6,871.87, and the Nasdaq composite fell 83.15 to 23,335.93. The Canadian dollar traded at 72.92 U.S. cents. The February crude oil contract eased to $57.88 per barrel, while the February gold contract declined to $4,350.90 an ounce. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 31, 2025.

Lean hog futures rise as open interest signals buying; USDA data mixed

December 31, 2025, 12:52 PM EST. Lean hog futures gained 60-97 cents on Tuesday, with preliminary open interest up 3,684 contracts signaling fresh buying interest. The USDA national base hog price was $70.38 per cwt, while the CME Lean Hog Index fell to $82.44, down $1.40. Pork carcass cutout value slipped $1.83 to $94.13 per cwt, with the loin and rib primals the only gainers. Slaughter data showed Monday federally inspected hogs at 492,000 head and a weekly total of 942,000, 41,000 below last week but up 55,371 from the year-ago week. Markets will weigh supply and demand signals as data flow continues.

Corn weakness extends to Tuesday as nearbys fall

December 31, 2025, 12:51 PM EST. The corn market moved lower on Tuesday as nearbys slipped about 4 to 6 cents. The CmdtyView national average Cash Corn price fell 4 3/4 cents to $4.14 3/4. USDA's Crop Progress data through May 11 show the US crop 62% planted, 6 percentage points ahead of the 5-year average pace; among the 18 major states, IL, KY, MO, NC and OH lagged their respective averages, while emergence stood at 28%, above the 5-year pace of 21%. The market has absorbed a larger Brazilian crop-130 MMT-though Dr. Michael Cordonnier lifted his projection by 1 MMT to 127, suggesting a potential premium unwind as exports may ease. May 25 closes: May 25 corn at $4.36 (down 4 1/4 cents); Nearby Cash $4.14 3/4 (down 4 3/4); Jul 25 $4.42 1/2 (down 5 1/2); Dec 25 $4.41 (down 4 1/2); New Crop Cash $3.98 1/2 (down 4 3/4).

Cotton Extends Front-Month Gains as Oil and Dollar Move Mixed

December 31, 2025, 12:50 PM EST.Cotton edged higher into the final trading day of 2025, with front-month contracts (the nearest-for-delivery month) up 17-20 points after closing within about 5 points of unchanged. Futures slipped intraday. In broader markets, crude oil futures fell 13 cents to $57.95 a barrel, while the US dollar index rose about 0.188 to 97.92. The Seam online auction cleared 23,018 bales on December 29 at an average of 59.79 cents per pound. The Cotlook A Index gained 50 points to 74.50 cents. ICE (Intercontinental Exchange) certified cotton stocks were unchanged at 11,600 bales as of 12/29. The Adjusted World Price was set at 50.02 cents per pound Monday, up 3 points from the prior week.

Wheat slides into 2025 as futures retreat across three markets

December 31, 2025, 12:49 PM EST. Wheat prices slid into the New Year's Eve session with losses across the three main markets. The three-exchange complex closed lower on Tuesday, led by the CBOT SRW futures, which were 2-3 cents lower at the close. Open interest rose by 6,890 contracts on Tuesday as traders added positions. KC HRW futures were down 5-6 cents, while preliminary open interest fell by 8,181 contracts. MPLS spring wheat eased fractionally. The market will be closed Thursday for New Year's Day and reopen Friday at 8:30 a.m. CST. Traders await this morning's Export Sales data, with analysts looking for a net reduction of about 50,000 MT and total weekly sales around 400,000 MT for the week ending 12/18. Argentina's wheat crop is pegged at 27.8 MMT, up 0.7 MMT from the prior estimate.

Disney stock could beat the market in 2026, supported by content slate and parks

December 31, 2025, 12:48 PM EST. Disney's stock, after years of mixed results, is pitched to beat the market in 2026, according to a bullish investor. Through 2025 the shares were up about 3% versus a roughly 17% market gain, yet the author argues momentum will turn. The first reason: content is king again, with Disney's vast IP and film slate underpinning upside despite rival bid activity. The second: Disney remains a major studio powerhouse, with live-action and animated projects and a string of releases that could top $1 billion in global box office, including upcoming titles like Lilo & Stitch, Zootopia 2, and Avengers: Doomsday, plus The Mandalorian and Toy Story 5. The third: its experiences business could benefit from new parks growth, even as Comcast's Epic Universe looms near Disney World. Taken together, the thesis envisions durable, multi-year upside.

Soybeans slip on New Year's Eve as open interest falls ahead of first notice day

December 31, 2025, 12:45 PM EST. Soybeans slipped on New Year's Eve, futures down 2-4 cents; Tuesday closed with fractional losses around 3 1/4 cents. Open interest fell by 16,065 contracts, led by January; Wednesday is first notice day. FND issued 1,062 January bean deliveries. CmdtyView cash bean price was $9.80, down 3/4 cent. Soymeal futures were steady to $2.10/ton lower; soy oil rose, up 7-15 points. No January soy meal deliveries; 7 issued for January bean oil. Market holiday: closed Thursday, reopen Friday at 8:30 a.m. CST. USDA weekly data due on 12/18; expected soybean sales 1.4-2.4 MMT, meal 200k-500k MT, soy oil 0-24,000 MT. ANEC Brazil exports at 3.02 MMT, down 0.55 MMT YoY.

Stocks slide as megacap tech weakness leads broad pullback; yields rise; China data supports risk assets

December 31, 2025, 12:44 PM EST. U.S. stock indexes edged lower Friday as weakness in the Magnificent Seven megacap tech names weighed on the market. The S&P 500 fell 0.15%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average slid 0.18%, and the Nasdaq 100 dropped 0.19%. March E-mini futures were lower, with the S&P and Nasdaq contracts down about 0.17%-0.22%. Gold slipped to a 2.5-week low and silver tumbled more than 8%. The 10-year Treasury yield rose roughly 3 basis points to 4.15% after weekly jobless claims hit a one-month low, a hawkish signal for Fed policy. Trading volume remained subdued amid New Year holidays; European and Asian markets were thin. China's December PMIs beat expectations, supporting global growth; Citadel data show December has historically been favorable for the S&P 500. Investors eye Friday PMI data and the odds of a rate cut at the next FOMC meeting.

Corn weakens to end-2025 as futures retreat and cash price eases

December 31, 2025, 12:43 PM EST. Corn prices are sliding ahead of the year-end holiday, with front-month futures down 1 to 3 cents and the market set for lighter trading. The near-term curve shows declines across most front months as traders trim gains into year end. Open interest rose by 7,881 contracts on Tuesday, signaling fresh activity despite lower prices. The CmdtyView national average cash price slipped to about $3.98 3/4 per bushel. The market will be closed Thursday for New Year's Day, with a hard open at 8:30 a.m. CST on Friday. The USDA Export Sales report is due, with traders looking for roughly 1-2 million metric tons of corn sold in the week ended 12/18. Brazil's export pace provides context but is not the focus.

Ondas stock rises premarket after Defiance launches 2X ONDL single-stock ETF

December 31, 2025, 12:36 PM EST. Ondas shares edged higher in premarket trading after Defiance launched ONDL, a daily 2X long ETF tied to Ondas' price. The fund aims to deliver 200% of the stock's daily moves and is designed for one-day holding periods, with exposure resetting at session end. ONDL began trading on the Cboe BZX on Dec. 30. The stock ONDS has traded in a wide 8.33-9.30 range, with Tuesday's close at 8.99. The move comes as Ondas pursues growth in defense and industrial communications, including its Roboteam acquisition. Investors will watch whether ONDL boosts liquidity or sharpens intraday swings, and if Ondas can push above the prior high near 9.30. Leveraged single-stock ETFs magnify daily moves but can drift from 2X over longer horizons.

Defiance launches ONDL, the first daily 2X long ETF for Ondas Holdings

December 31, 2025, 12:31 PM EST. Defiance ETFs launched the Defiance Daily Target 2X Long ONDS ETF (ONDL), offering 200% of the daily change in Ondas Holdings Inc. (ONDS). The fund is designed for active traders seeking short-term bullish exposure to Ondas within a transparent ETF wrapper. It aims to deliver daily leveraged results, with compounding risks and potential divergence from 200% returns over periods longer than one trading day. Investors could lose their entire principal on a single trading day. The underlying company focuses on wireless data solutions for industrial, transportation, defense, and infrastructure markets. Defiance ETFs LLC serves as sponsor; Tidal Investments is the adviser. The product is not a direct investment in Ondas and is unsuitable for passive investors.

Howmet Aerospace February 2026 options begin trading; put and covered-call insights

December 31, 2025, 12:24 PM EST. Howmet Aerospace Inc (HWM) saw new February 2026 options begin trading. A put at $205.00 strike shows a bid around $7.80; selling to open would lock in a cost basis of about $197.20 per share if assigned, vs a current price around $206.07. The $205 strike trades roughly 1% below the stock, implying a 55% chance the option expires worthless, per Stock Options Channel analytics; a worth-at-expiry premium would produce about 3.80% on cash, or 31.56% annualized (YieldBoost). On the call side, the $210.00 strike bid is about $7.60; a covered-call setup at current price would yield about 5.60% if the stock is called away at expiration, with upside potentially limited. Charts accompany the entry showing the 12-month history and the location of the strikes.

Kinross Gold February 2026 options debut; covered-call setup at $28.50 strike

December 31, 2025, 12:21 PM EST. Kinross Gold Corp. (KGC) began trading February 2026 options, with a $28.50 call as a focal point. A trader buying KGC at about $28.32 and selling the covered call could lock a 1.38% return if the stock is called away at expiration, before commissions. The setup relies on the stock's potential upside and fundamentals. A chart highlights the $28.50 strike within Kinross's trailing twelve months. With the stock price near the strike, the contract is roughly a 1% premium to the current price; it may expire worthless about 44% of the time, per data tracked on Stock Options Channel. If it does, the premium would boost return by about 0.74% (roughly 6.15% annualized, YieldBoost). Implied volatility sits around 52%, versus 44% realized over 12 months. More ideas at StockOptionsChannel.com.

JNJ February 2026 options draw interest: $190 put, $210 call highlighted

December 31, 2025, 12:16 PM EST. Investors in Johnson & Johnson (Ticker: JNJ) saw new options begin trading for the February 2026 expiration. Stock Options Channel identifies a $190 put and a $210 call as notable. The $190 put carries a current bid of 50 cents; selling to open would obligate purchasing the stock at $190.00, offset by a premium that sets an effective cost basis near $189.50 per share, versus the current price around $206.61. With the strike at a roughly 8% discount, the odds that the put expires worthless are estimated around 83%, according to their greeks and implied metrics. A YieldBoost metric tracks this potential return on cash. On the call side, the $210 call bids at $3.05; selling a covered call could yield about 3.12% if the stock is called away at expiration.

BAC February 2026 options begin trading; standout $45 put draws attention

December 31, 2025, 12:12 PM EST. Stock Options Channel reports BAC's February 2026 options; the standout is the $45.00 strikeput, bid at 0.08. Selling to open this put obligates the seller to buy BAC at $45 if exercised, with an estimated cost basis of about $44.92 before commissions. The $45 strike is roughly 18% below the current price of $55.13, making the option out-of-the-money; the odds of expiring worthless are about 85% per YieldBoost. Implied volatility on the contract is 38%, vs. the trailing twelve-month volatility of 27%. YieldBoost notes potential returns: 0.18% cash on the position, about 1.47% annualized.

Humana HUM February 2026 options debut: put at $255, call at $265

December 31, 2025, 12:09 PM EST. Humana Inc. (HUM) began trading February 2026 options. A put at the $255 strike bids about $10.30; selling to open would obligate purchase at $255 while collecting the premium, yielding a net cost basis of roughly $244.70 per share (pre-commissions). With HUM near $259.78, the strike is about 2% out of the money, and the odds of the put expiring worthless are about 59% per YieldBoost, tracked on the contract page. If it expires worthless, the premium represents roughly 4.04% of cash, or 33.51% annualized. On the call side, the $265 strike bids about $12.10. A covered call using the stock could deliver roughly 6.67% total return if the shares are called away at expiry. Stock Options Channel will publish ongoing greeks charts.

IAC February 2026 Options: $40 Covered Call Yield 2.56% If Called

December 31, 2025, 12:08 PM EST. Investors in IAC Inc. (IAC) saw new February 2026 options begin trading this week, with a call at the $40 strike currently bid about $0.40. A covered call using roughly 39.39 shares would lock in a 2.56% total return if the stock is called away at expiration, before commissions. The setup reflects the premium, about a 2% premium to the current price, and the potential for upside if IAC rallies beyond $40. If the option expires worthless, the premium would boost return by about 1.02% or roughly 7.27% annualized (YieldBoost). Implied volatility on the contract runs near 51%, while the trailing twelve-month stock volatility sits around 36%. StockOptionsChannel tracks odds and charts for these metrics on its contract detail pages.

Peloton February 2026 options go live; $6 put yields YieldBoost

December 31, 2025, 12:06 PM EST. Peloton Interactive Inc (PTON) launched February 2026 options, including a $6.00 put bid near $0.08. Selling to open that put would obligate purchase of shares at $6.00 while collecting the premium, setting an initial cost basis of about $5.92 before commissions. The $6 strike sits roughly 4% below the current price, making it out-of-the-money. Stock Options Channel models a 62% chance the contract expires worthless, with the premium yielding 1.33% on cash, or about 11.06% annualized-the YieldBoost measure. Implied volatility on the example is 81%, versus a trailing twelve-month volatility near 71%. Updates will be tracked on the contract detail page; more ideas are at StockOptionsChannel.com.

IP February 2026 options begin trading; potential covered call on International Paper

December 31, 2025, 12:02 PM EST. Investors in International Paper Co (IP) saw February 2026 options begin trading. A call at the $40 strike is quoted with a modest premium of about $0.05, which supports a covered call strategy when buying IP around $39.58 and selling the contract. If IP is called away at expiration, the position could deliver roughly 1.19% total return before commissions; if not, the premium adds a small boost via YieldBoost. The option is out-of-the-money by about 1%, with current odds around 50% that it expires worthless. Implied volatility is near 42%, versus about 39% trailing twelve-month volatility. StockOptionsChannel will monitor greeks, odds, and trading history for this contract over time.

LLHE:CA AI Generated Signals: Buy near 9.78, stop at 9.73; neutral/mixed horizon ratings

December 31, 2025, 11:58 AM EST. Harvest Eli Lilly Enhanced High Income Shares ETF (LLHE:CA) receives updated AI-generated signals. The plan calls for a long entry near 9.78 CAD with a stop loss at 9.73 CAD; no short positions are offered at this time. The timestamp shows December 31, 2025, 11:26 AM ET. The LLHE:CA Ratings published for December 31 place Near: Neutral, Mid: Strong, Long: Neutral. AI Generated Signals for LLHE:CA are presented alongside a chart link. The note frames the data as AI-derived guidance rather than formal investment advice and highlights basic risk controls tied to price levels. Readers should verify the timestamp and rely on price-based levels for risk management. Overall, the near-term outlook remains neutral with defined entry and exit parameters.

Nutrien (NTR) February 2026 options show $59 put, $65 call

December 31, 2025, 11:55 AM EST. Investors in Nutrien Ltd (NTR) gained access to February 2026 options today, per Stock Options Channel. The firm highlights a $59.00 put with a current bid around $0.30. Selling to open that put would obligate the trader to buy shares at $59, while collecting the premium, yielding a cost basis of about $58.70 per share before commissions. The strike is roughly 5% below the current price near $61.83, i.e., out of the money. The odds of the option expiring worthless are about 67%, and the premium would return 0.51% on the cash risk, or 4.22% annualized. On the call side, a $65.00 call bids about $0.50. A covered call using shares bought at $61.83 could yield roughly 5.94% if the stock is called away at expiration. YieldBoost informs the analysis.

HPE February 2026 options feature put at $23 and covered call at $24.50

December 31, 2025, 11:54 AM EST. Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co (HPE) added new February 2026 options to its chain. A $23.00 strike put with a 0.50 bid could allow a seller to take ownership at $23 by writing to open, with a $22.50 effective cost basis before commissions. The strike is about a 4% discount to the current price near $24.05, implying a ~62% chance the put expires worthless; Stock Options Channel marks a YieldBoost potential of 2.17% on cash, or roughly 18.03% annualized if the premium is kept. On the call side, a $24.50 strike call with a 0.50 bid could support a covered call if the stock is bought at $24.05; investors would face about 3.95% total return if the stock is called away at expiration. The 2% premium to spot frames the setup; charts and fundamentals complete the backdrop.

CMG February 2026 options begin trading with yields highlighted on $35 put and $42 call

December 31, 2025, 11:53 AM EST. Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc (CMG) saw new February 2026 options listed, with one put and one call drawing interest from Stock Options Channel. The $35.00 put bid of 0.80 implies a put-to-open strategy that could anchor a cost basis around $34.20 if the option is sold to open, about a 6% discount to the current price near $37.06. The analysis shows roughly a 68% chance the put expires worthless, yielding a 2.29% cash return or about 18.96% annualized under YieldBoost. On the call side, the $42.00 strike bid of 0.46 suggests a covered call if you already own CMG, potentially a 14.57% total return if the stock is called away at expiration. Both strikes are roughly out of the money.

RBLX February 2026 options highlight $80 put and $83 call

December 31, 2025, 11:52 AM EST. Roblox Corp (RBLX) February 2026 options drew attention after Stock Options Channel highlighted a $80 put and an $83 call. The $80 put bids at $4.75, implying a $75.25 cost basis if sold to open versus a ~$81 share price. The strike sits about 1% below the current level, making it out-of-the-money; odds of expiration worth the premium are roughly 57%, with a 5.94% return on cash and about 49.25% annualized if it expires worthless (YieldBoost). On the call side, the $83 call bids $5.05. A covered call strategy-owning shares near $80.99 and selling the $83 call-points to an 8.72% total return if shares are called away at expiration. The $83 strike is about a 2% premium to spot.

Philip Morris PM options for February 2026 attract put and covered-call setups

December 31, 2025, 11:51 AM EST. Philip Morris International began trading new February 2026 options. A put at $160, bid $4.60, would obligate the seller to buy PM at $160 if opened, but harvest the premium, yielding a $155.40 effective cost basis before commissions. With PM near $161.25, the strike is about 1% in-the-money. Odds of the put expiring worthless are estimated at 55%, with the premium equating to a 2.88% return on cash and about 23.85% annualized, per Stock Options Channel's YieldBoost. On the call side, a $165 strike, bid $3.00, could support a covered-call position if you own PM and sell the call, potentially a 4.19% return if shares are called away at expiration. The $165 strike sits about 2% above the current price. Expiry results depend on stock moves and fundamentals.

First Majestic Silver AG February 2026 options begin trading

December 31, 2025, 11:50 AM EST. Options on First Majestic Silver Corp (AG) began trading for the February 2026 expiration. A put at the $15.00 strike shows a current bid of 50 cents; selling to open would establish a $14.50 cost basis (before commissions) if assigned. At roughly a 12% discount to the current price of about $17.04, the put has about a 69% odds to expire worthless, according to Stock Options Channel data; the YieldBoost premium would equate to a 3.33% return on cash, or about 27.65% annualized. On the call side, a $20.00 strike bid of 50 cents suggests a covered call could yield about 20.31% total return if shares are called away at expiration. The current price and trailing history are shown alongside the strike levels in contract details.

Corn futures slide extends into Tuesday as ethanol data weigh on prices

December 31, 2025, 11:48 AM EST.Corn futures extended their pullback into year-end, with nearby contracts down about 1 to 2 cents at Tuesday's mid-session. The CmdtyView national cash price fell roughly 1.75 cents to $3.97 1/4. The EIA data for the week ended 12/19 showed ethanol production slipping 36,000 bpd to 1.095 million, while ethanol stocks rose 175,000 barrels to 22.528 million. Exports rose 28,000 bpd to 219,000, and refiner inputs increased 6,000 bpd to 912,000. Reported by Austin Schroeder.

Wheat futures fall across three exchanges as year-end trading thins

December 31, 2025, 11:46 AM EST. Wheat futures slipped on Tuesday across all three exchanges. Chicago SRW futures were 2-3 cents lower, KC HRW down 5-6 cents, and MPLS spring wheat marginally weaker. The market will be closed Thursday for New Year's Day, with a 8:30 a.m. CST open on Friday. SovEcon put Russia's 2025/26 wheat exports at 44.6 MMT, up 0.4 MMT from their prior estimate. Overnight, the Ukrainian Navy reported two vessels bound for ports to load wheat were struck by drones. Argentina's wheat crop was pegged at 27.8 MMT by the Buenos Aires Grains Exchange, up 0.7 MMT. Prices: CBOT March 26 at $5.10 3/4, May 26 at $5.22; KCBT March 26 at $5.22, May 26 at $5.35; MIAX March 26 at $5.79 1/2, May 26 at $5.89.

45-year-old inherits $50,000: Roth IRA, backdoor Roth and investment basics

December 31, 2025, 11:45 AM EST. An inherited $50,000 at age 45 triggers two questions: where to put the money and what to buy. The piece recommends starting with a robust emergency fund before investing. It then says the likely best path is opening a Roth IRA to benefit from tax-free compounding and tax-free distributions after age 59-½. It notes 2025 contribution limits of $7,000 and $7,500 for 2026, with income thresholds set by MAGI (modified adjusted gross income) that determine eligibility. For those who exceed limits, a backdoor Roth or a non-deductible traditional IRA can be used to access Roth tax treatment. Any remaining cash should go into a regular brokerage account. Finally, the article stresses that specific investments depend on risk tolerance and experience; beginners may favor broad, diversified options.

Nike shares rise after insider buying by Hill and Cook

December 31, 2025, 11:44 AM EST. Nike shares rose in premarket trading after a wave of insider buying signaled renewed executive confidence. CEO Elliott Hill bought 16,400 shares for about $1 million, boosting his stake by roughly 7%. Apple chief Tim Cook, who sits on Nike's board, purchased 50,000 shares, lifting his holding by about 90%. Former eBay and Intel chief Robert Swan added 8,700 shares, up 24%. The stock has fallen sharply over three years and is on track for a fourth straight annual decline, down about 19% in 2025. Analysts say the 12-month target from LSEG implies about 26% upside as demand improves and Nike expands its direct-to-consumer business. Insider moves are viewed as optimism for 2026.

U.S. stock markets open on New Year's Eve; closed on New Year's Day

December 31, 2025, 11:37 AM EST. U.S. equities will be open on New Year's Eve, Dec. 31, 2025, including the NYSE and Nasdaq, with regular trading hours. On New Year's Day, Jan. 1, 2026, markets are closed for the holiday and will reopen on Jan. 2. The SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY) and other broad-market funds will reflect the day's activity, though liquidity may be lighter as traders pause for the holiday.

Chewy faces near-term headwinds as growth cools but margins improve

December 31, 2025, 11:35 AM EST. Chewy, the largest online pet retailer in the U.S., peaked near $118.69 in February 2021 and now trades around $33. The stock's decline followed slower growth and higher rates that compressed valuations. Chewy's sales growth slowed after the pandemic as inflation weighed on discretionary pet purchases and competition from Amazon intensified. Still, the company has steadied, expanding its active customers and net sales per active customer. In 9M 2025, Autoship (recurring subscriptions) accounted for 83.9% of net sales, up from 79.2% in 2024, and Chewy+ remains a key growth driver. Adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) rose to about 6% in 9M 2025, up from 0.9% in 2021 and 4.8% in 2024. Whether continued Autoship growth, private-labels, and vet clinics can lift returns remains uncertain.

Dow Movers: Nike Leads Dow as Goldman Sachs Dips

December 31, 2025, 11:33 AM EST. In early trading Wednesday, Nike led Dow components, rising 1.9%, while Goldman Sachs Group slipped 0.6%. Year-to-date, Nike is down about 17.6% and Goldman Sachs Group has gained roughly 53.5%. Other moves: IBM down 0.6% and NVIDIA up 0.7% on the session.

Nike leads S&P 500 movers; Micron slides as Carvana, TransDigm also move

December 31, 2025, 11:31 AM EST. In early trading on Wednesday, Nike rose 1.9%, leading the day's best performers among S&P 500 components. Nike is about 17.6% lower year to date. Micron Technology slipped 2.1% on the day, though the stock has logged a year-to-date gain around 240%. Carvana traded down 1.4% and TransDigm Group was up 1.5% on the session. The note accompanies a video titled 'S&P 500 Movers: MU, NKE'. The author's views do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Wall Street slides in light trading on final day of 2025

December 31, 2025, 11:29 AM EST. U.S. stocks edged lower in light trading on the final day of 2025. The S&P 500 fell 0.2%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average down 111 points, and the Nasdaq composite off 0.2% as of 10:07 a.m. Eastern time. Trading volume remained thin ahead of the New Year's Day holiday. The three benchmarks remain on pace for double-digit gains this year: the S&P 500 up more than 17%, the Nasdaq up 21.3%, and the Dow up 13.7%. Investors weighed optimism around AI (artificial intelligence) against questions about profits and whether higher rates can be sustained. Tariffs and policy shifts added to volatility, even as strong earnings and rate cuts helped prop up shares at year-end.

NIO steadies in premarket as China rolls out 2026 EV trade-in subsidies

December 31, 2025, 11:23 AM EST. NIO's New York-listed ADSs were little changed in premarket trading after a 3% gain the prior session, as investors parsed Beijing's renewed consumer-support push into 2026. Beijing will allocate 62.5 billion yuan from treasury-bond proceeds to a local-government consumer goods trade-in program next year, covering cars, appliances and digital products. Scrapping a car for a NEV buys a subsidy equal to 12% of the purchase price, capped at 20,000 yuan; replacing with an NEV nets an 8% subsidy, capped at 15,000 yuan. Officials also pledged to crack down on fraudulent claims. The policy backdrop could lift near-term demand if local rollouts translate into orders. NIO's ADS rose 3% on Tuesday, with volume above average and the stock still about 31% below its 52-week high.

Underrated AI stocks could be 2026 market winners, led by UiPath and GitLab

December 31, 2025, 11:21 AM EST. Some AI stocks once labeled as losers could be winners by 2026 as AI tools expand opportunities. UiPath, expanding with its Maestro platform to orchestrate a digital workforce, could see revenue growth accelerate; the stock trades at a forward P/S (price-to-sales) just over 5x. GitLab maintains robust growth via a hybrid seat-plus-usage model, and its Duo Agent aims to lift ARPU (average revenue per user) as AI accelerates coding. Both are margin-rich SaaS plays with upside if AI adoption persists. The piece notes the market's habit of labeling AI names as losers even when substantial AI opportunities remain.

Nio stock climbs as CEO Li says Q4 vehicle sales should exceed 30 billion yuan

December 31, 2025, 11:12 AM EST. Shares of Nio rose in Hong Kong after founder and CEO William Li indicated that fourth-quarter vehicle revenue could top 30 billion yuan, lifting sentiment as the company maintained its growth outlook. Li told customers the Q4 monthly procurement should exceed 30 billion yuan, implying a sequential gain from Q3 vehicle sales of 19.202 billion yuan on 87,071 deliveries. Traders cited a local report that CATL will supply more batteries to Nio. Nio's official Q4 guidance sets total revenue at about 32.76-34.04 billion yuan and deliveries of 120,000-125,000, up about 65-72% year over year but below the earlier target of 150,000. The company has delivered its 40,000th ES8, with December ES8 output potentially reaching 20,000, according to management.

Oriental Rise Holdings Limited (ORIS) Stock Price and Live Quotes

December 31, 2025, 11:09 AM EST. Oriental Rise Holdings Limited (ORIS) shares surged 31.96% in the latest session, up $0.39, according to the quote. The data shows no analyst ratings in the last three months and an Average Price Target: $0. Earnings data is not available on the page, indicating no earnings information for this snapshot. A banner promotes a paid two-day trading bootcamp, highlighting advertising on the quote page. The combination of a large intraday move, absent coverage, and missing earnings underscores a volatile micro-cap profile with sparse analyst coverage. Investors should treat the promotional content separately from financial data and verify figures through additional sources.

MercadoLibre options imply big move ahead as IV spikes on MELI call

December 31, 2025, 11:03 AM EST. MercadoLibre, Inc. (MELI) options activity shows exceptionally high implied volatility for the January 16, 2026 $580 call, signaling traders expect a sizable move in the stock. Implied volatility measures how much price movement the market expects; higher IV often points to upcoming events or catalysts. Fundamentally, analysts at Zacks have grown more cautious: MELI is a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) in Internet – Commerce, and projected quarterly earnings have fallen from $13.92 to $11.66 over the past two months. The elevated IV could reflect possible catalysts or a setup for selling premium, a common strategy that profits as time decay erodes option value if the stock stays range-bound. Traders should watch for further earnings or product news.

Implied Volatility Surges in Helen of Troy Options Ahead of 2026 Expiry

December 31, 2025, 11:02 AM EST.Implied volatility for Helen of Troy Ltd options jumped, with the Jan. 16, 2026$180 call among the most volatile of the day. Implied volatility reflects the market's expected future price move; high readings signal traders anticipate a big swing or an upcoming event. Analysts from Zacks Investment Research note the stock is a Zacks Rank Hold in the Cosmetics sector, with earnings estimates trimmed; the current quarter consensus fell to 54 cents per share from $1.07. The mix of high IV and softer fundamentals can create trade setups, including selling premium to capture time decay if the stock remains range-bound. Traders should monitor near-term catalysts.

Markets in focus: Nvidia demand, Alphabet upgrade, megadeals, and Xi's 5% growth target

December 31, 2025, 11:01 AM EST. Stocks enter the final trading session of 2025 with the S&P 500 set for a fourth straight slide, though the index remains up about 17% for the year. The U.S. dollar faces its worst year since 2017 as tariffs chatter and the Fed's leadership baton weigh on markets. Nvidia has asked Taiwan Semiconductor to boost H200 chip production to meet surging demand from China, with orders topping 2 million versus 700,000 on hand. ByteDance could spend up to 100 billion yuan on Nvidia H200s in 2026 if imports resume, up from 85 billion in 2025. Nike insider Elliott Hill bought roughly $1 million of stock, signaling confidence. Alphabet target lifted to $385 at Citizens; upside driven by core search and silicon chips.

Stock market outlook 2026: Sensex, Nifty underperformed in 2025 and what lies ahead

December 31, 2025, 11:00 AM EST. Indian equities lagged global markets in 2025, with the Nifty 50 rising around 10% and the Sensex about 8.6%, ending near record highs as broader sentiment stayed muted. Nearly half of the NSE's top 500 stocks traded below the benchmark. Traders ask why Dalal Street underperformed and what 2026 holds. The slowdown was attributed to a mix of factors: delayed US-India trade deal, muted earnings growth, lack of participation in the AI race, and sustained FII selling. Over six quarters, earnings growth ran in single digits, reinforcing the view that the market is a slave to earnings. Large-caps posted single-digit returns while mid/small caps lagged by about 10%. With earnings momentum softening since June 2024, the outlook for 2026 hinges on earnings trajectory and foreign flows.

Sage Group PLC reports additional transactions in own shares on XLON

December 31, 2025, 10:58 AM EST. Sage Group PLC disclosed a string of transactions in own shares on the London Stock Exchange (XLON) as part of its buyback programme. Trades were reported between 08:14 and 08:32 UK time, with volumes in the low thousands per print and prices clustered in the mid-80s GBp per share. Each entry includes a distinct Transaction Reference Number. The notices reflect ongoing execution of the company's buyback, which reduces shares outstanding. The disclosure provides granular daily buyback activity and does not constitute earnings guidance.

Airbus secures CALC order for 30 A320neo; CALC's fifth Airbus deal

December 31, 2025, 10:57 AM EST. Airbus SE said it secured a firm order from China Aircraft Leasing Group Holdings Limited (CALC) for 30 A320neo aircraft, CALC's fifth Airbus deal, lifting total orders to 282. The A320neo seats up to 194, uses up to 20% less fuel and CO2, and ranges about 3,400 nautical miles, with SAF use up to 50% and a 100% target by 2030. Airbus projects demand of about 43,420 new aircraft over the next 20 years. By November 2025, Airbus had delivered 657 aircraft to 87 customers. The market scene mentions Boeing and Embraer; EADSY shares have risen ~14.7% in six months; Zacks ranks Airbus #3 Hold, with Curtiss-Wright highlighted as a stronger pick.

Options traders eye Marriott Vacations Worldwide as implied volatility spikes

December 31, 2025, 10:56 AM EST. Options traders are pricing in a potential move for Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corp. VAC after the Jan. 16, 2026 $30.00 call posted some of the highest implied volatility (IV) among equity options today. IV measures expected future swings; high IV can signal a big rally or sell-off or imminent events. On the fundamental side, Zacks ranks Marriott Vacations Worldwide Hold (Rank #3) in Leisure and Recreation Services, with four analysts raising their estimates for the current quarter to a consensus of $1.77 a share from $1.72. The elevated IV suggests a trade setup may be developing, often via selling premium to capture time decay if the stock trades within a range until expiration. The piece also notes uncertainty between option pricing and core fundamentals, and cites Zacks' stock-picking perspectives.

A $1,000 Salesforce investment from a decade ago would be worth about $13,000 today

December 31, 2025, 10:55 AM EST. A $1,000 investment in Salesforce.com, Inc. (CRM) about a decade ago would be worth roughly $13,000 today after the 2020 four-for-one stock split. Salesforce is the San Francisco-based provider of on-demand Customer Relationship Management software, or CRM, used by thousands of companies to manage sales, service and marketing. With a heavy tilt to subscriptions (about 93% of fiscal 2024 revenues), the business has grown as cloud adoption expanded. A look at the price path since 2015 suggests that long-hold investors who stayed the course benefited from both price appreciation and the split, though past performance is no guarantee of future returns.

Implied Volatility Surges in Accenture Options on Jan. 16, 2026 Call

December 31, 2025, 10:53 AM EST. An options market snapshot shows the Jan 16, 2026 $165.00 Call for Accenture plc (ACN) registering some of the highest implied volatility readings in today's session. Implied volatility measures the market's expected price swing for the option's lifespan; elevated levels imply a bigger move or looming event. On the fundamentals, ACN is rated Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) in the Computers – IT Services group, with 60-day consensus earnings trimmed from $2.97 to $2.88 per share. Traders often seek high implied volatility to sell premium, aiming to capture time decay if the stock moves less than anticipated. The setup signals uncertainty around Accenture ahead of potential catalysts, though direction remains unclear.

Olin grapples with high leverage and demand headwinds; cost cuts and tax credits offer relief

December 31, 2025, 10:52 AM EST. Olin Corp faces near-term pressure from a weak macro backdrop, with weak demand, industry oversupply and an elevated leverage load weighing on margins. The Winchester segment is squeezed by higher copper input costs, and destocking by retailers amid slow consumer spending compounds the challenge. The company has shortened production and shifted to a make-to-order model to curb inventory. In the longer term, cost savings from the Beyond250 program, plus benefits from the U.S. Clean Hydrogen Production Tax Credit (45V) and a Braskem partnership, could lift margins and cash flow. Olin targets $70-$90 million in annual run-rate savings by late 2025. The debt burden raises refinancing risk and sensitivity to interest rates, though tax credits and acquisitions may offer upside if demand recovers in housing, Europe and Asia.

Walmart's membership income up 17%, signaling shift to fee-based profits

December 31, 2025, 10:51 AM EST. Walmart Inc. posted a 17% year-over-year rise in membership income in fiscal Q3 2026, as membership and other income climbed 9% overall. International membership income rose 34%, led by Sam's Club China, while U.S. Walmart Plus revenue advanced in the double digits. Sam's Club U.S. membership income grew about 7% on stronger member counts and Plus participation. Management said membership fees and advertising income together account for roughly one-third of consolidated adjusted operating income, underscoring the higher margins of fee-based revenue versus traditional merchandise. Walmart Plus delivered its strongest quarter for net additions since launch, aided by faster delivery, new benefits such as the OnePay cash rewards card and expanded streaming. The trend highlights growing reliance on recurring revenue as mix pressures persist in the grocery/health categories.

Fidelity National Information Services: High implied volatility on Jan 16, 2026 call hints at potential move

December 31, 2025, 10:50 AM EST. Fidelity National Information Services (FIS) saw elevated options activity, with the Jan 16, 2026 $25 call showing among the highest implied volatility readings among equity options today. Implied volatility measures how much the market expects the stock to move in the future; higher IV can signal a big move in either direction or a forthcoming event. On the fundamentals side, FIS holds a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) in the Financial Transaction Services industry, with three analysts trimming earnings estimates for the current quarter and none raising them over the last 60 days. The consensus estimate fell to $1.70 from $1.71 per share. The higher IV backdrop can attract strategies that sell premium, aiming to profit from time decay if the stock's move remains limited.

Uber options traders weigh big move as implied volatility spikes on Jan 2026 option

December 31, 2025, 10:49 AM EST. Uber Technologies shares are drawing notice from the options market as implied volatility on the Jan 16, 2026$27.50 Call sits among the highest for equities today. Implied volatility signals the market expects a bigger move in the stock, possibly tied to an upcoming event or earnings move. Fundamentals remain mixed: Uber is a Hold in Zacks' ranking, with the consensus earnings estimate nudging to 83 cents for the current quarter from 82. The elevated IV suggests traders may be selling premium on high-volatility bets to capture time decay, while others await a decisive move before expiration.

Sysco's International Segment Emerges as Growth Driver; Margin Gains and Profit Growth Accelerate

December 31, 2025, 10:48 AM EST. Sysco's international segment is becoming a durable growth driver, supported by local-customer momentum and disciplined execution. In fiscal Q1 2026, international local case volume rose about 5% as Sysco deepens ties with independent operators, a mix tending to more profitable and less volatile economics. International gross margin expanded 43 basis points (bps) to 20.8%, reflecting pricing discipline, sourcing and better supply-chain execution. Adjusted operating income rose 13.1%, the eighth straight quarter of double-digit profit growth, with broad strength across regions. Management notes the scalable operating model outside the United States, reinforcing the move from a supporting segment to a durable growth driver and the quality of long-term earnings. Zacks Rank is #3 (Hold); shares have fallen about 4.1% in six months versus a 12.8% industry decline.

Nifty 50 extends tenth straight year of gains in 2025 but trails Asian peers

December 31, 2025, 10:47 AM EST. Indian stocks closed 2025 with the Nifty 50 up 10.6%, extending its tenth straight year of gains, but the year showed divergent performance as the Nifty Smallcap 100 slipped 5.6%. Domestic institutional investors offset overseas selling, buying about ₹7.81 lakh crore in 2025, with December inflows of ₹79,619 crore. The Nifty 50 also hit a fresh intraday high of 26,325 in late November. Global peers outpaced Indian equities, as FPIs sold ₹1.6 lakh crore in 2025 while many regional markets logged double-digit gains, notably Pakistan, South Korea, China, Hong Kong, and Japan. Analysts say a 2026 rally could materialize on a rebound in earnings, policy support, and easing inflation, though U.S. tariffs on Indian imports remain a risk.

Unusual Options Activity: TSM, HWM, NEM See Large Bets as V/OI Surges

December 31, 2025, 10:45 AM EST. Late-session unusual options activity highlighted three names with aggressive bets. For TSM, the put trade shows volume 3,350 vs open interest 17, a V/OI ratio of about 197.1, and a premium of roughly $4.02 million. The contract carries a strike of $305 and expiration Jan 30, 2026 (32 days). For HWM the put volume reached 1,800 vs open interest 11, a V/OI near 163.64, with a premium of about $351K, strike $180, expiring Feb 20, 2026 (53 days). For NEM, put volume 1,999 vs open interest 18, V/OI ~111.06, premium around $629.69K, strike $103, expiring Jan 9, 2026 (11 days). Note: V/OI, or volume-to-open-interest, readings of 10 or higher signal a new opening trade, per the criteria; options carry risk.

Dividend Investors Urged to Forecast 2026 Income; Income Calendar Promises Clarity

December 31, 2025, 10:43 AM EST. An outspoken dividend investor argues that serious planners must forecast 2026dividend income rather than rely on rough estimates. The piece criticizes chatbots for delivering generic disclaimers instead of tailored cash receipts and promotes an in-house tool, Income Calendar (IC), to project payments and visualize cash flow. It spotlights Main Street Capital (MAIN), a stock that pays monthly dividends and sometimes offers special distributions that complicate spreadsheets. The author shows a January 2026 projection of $3,325.24 from MAIN and notes IC can stitch together monthly and quarterly income with other sources, including Social Security. The tone urges readers to treat dividend investing like a business, not a hobby.

Bayer's 2025 Revival: Can Momentum Extend into 2026?

December 31, 2025, 10:35 AM EST. 2025 proved a turnaround for Bayer (BAYRY). Shares surged roughly 121.6% over the year, outperforming the industry and the S&P 500. The gains reflect new drug approvals, pipeline progress, stronger Crop Science results and favorable litigation updates. Yet questions remain whether momentum can carry into 2026. Key positives include Kerendia's label expansion for heart failure and chronic kidney disease, making it the only non-steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist approved for CKD with type 2 diabetes and HF with LVEF ≥40%. Nubeqa also gained a third indication for advanced prostate cancer, with nine-month 2025 sales at €1.68 billion. Declines in Xarelto sales are offset by Nubeqa and Kerendia's performance. Eylea faces generics pressure; however, the 8 mg option and Regeneron collaboration help sustain net sales outside the United States.

Five9's AI Momentum Grows as Enterprise Adoption Accelerates; 2026 Revenue Outlook

December 31, 2025, 10:32 AM EST. Five9's enterprise AI traction is accelerating as contact centers shift to AI-orchestrated customer experiences. The cloud-native platform embeds intelligence across operations, enabling AI agents alongside humans within unified workflows. In Q3, AI bookings rose more than 80% year over year, and AI revenues accounted for 11% of enterprise subscriptions, up 41% YoY, signaling production deployments beyond pilots. Five9 stores customer conversation histories to sustain contextual continuity across AI and human interactions, a differentiator vs point-solutions. Grand View Research pegs the broader enterprise AI market CAGR at 37.6% for 2025-2030. Partnerships with ServiceNow and Salesforce bolster growth, with ServiceNow bookings quadrupling and Salesforce contributing 60% of bookings. The Zacks consensus sees 2026 revenue at $1.26B, up ~9.5% YoY. Competition includes NICE and RingCentral; Five9 emphasizes integration and broader visibility.

Corning's fiber-optics focus could drive long-term growth, aided by 5G and AI demand

December 31, 2025, 10:31 AM EST. Corning Incorporated (GLW) is sharpening its focus on fiber-optic solutions to capture a growing demand pool and establish a steadier revenue base. The strategy centers on data-center products-optical fiber, hardware, cables and connectors-to meet rising data transfers driven by the proliferation of mobile devices, cloud services and AI model training. Industry trends toward faster, video-heavy content and networks migrating from copper to optic mean sustained demand for optical connectivity. Near-term momentum is aided by broadband and 5G rollouts. Competitors such as CommScope and Amphenol are expanding in fiber optics, underscoring the sector's growth optionality. GLW stock has climbed about 87% over the past year, behind the industry's ~110% gain; valuation and estimates hinge on execution in optical networks and data-center deployments.

Riding the Marijuana Reclassification Wave: 3 Stocks to Watch in 2026

December 31, 2025, 10:30 AM EST. Regulatory momentum for cannabis is reshaping the outlook for three peers. An executive order moving marijuana toward Schedule III-and the potential end of IRS Rule 280E-could lift profitability as research and physician uptake accelerate. Cronos Group (CRON) leads with a Europe-focused expansion after agreeing to acquire CanAdelaar B.V., positioning in the Netherlands' regulated market. The company has trimmed 2025 losses and lifted 2026 earnings estimates, supported by a stronger balance sheet and higher-margin growth. Village Farms International (VFF) is reshaping its mix and accelerating international growth after exiting fresh produce. Tilray Brands (TLRY) rounds out the trio, offering exposure to medical and consumer cannabis as the sector gains credibility with institutional investors. Zacks Rank guidance underscores near-term upside for these names.