Global Market Update
Canadian Markets
Canada’s main stock index rose as higher gold prices boosted the metal mining sector. Canada faces an intensified debate over a potential recession in 2025, especially if economic data continues to demonstrate a slowdown. Economists warn that U.S. tariffs on Canadian imports could weaken the Canadian dollar and cause job losses, potentially triggering Canada’s first technical recession since 2020.
American Markets
U.S. stock indexes dropped as investor focus shifted to quarterly earnings reports from major banks, like Bank of America that reported a earnings beat, however the stock fell almost 2 percent in intraday trading. Bank earnings reports are seen as critical indicators of the financial sector’s performance and the broader health of the economy. Retail sales data was released today and showed a modest increase of 0.4% in December, signaling resilience in consumer spending.
European Markets
European shares advanced, driven by strong performance in the luxury goods and chip sectors. Luxury goods companies benefited from robust demand, particularly in Asian markets. Chipmakers also posted gains, supported by continued global demand for semiconductors and expectations of improved supply chain conditions.
UK markets also rose sharply even though data showed the UK economy only grew by 0.1% in November, falling short of the 0.2% growth expected by analysts, following contractions of 0.1% in October and September.
Corporate Stock News
A& W Food Services of Canada Inc
CIBC initiated coverage with a target price of C$38, citing unit growth, menu innovation, loyalty programs, and Pret A Manger development as contributors to growth potential.
Alphabet Inc
Google signed a deal to buy 100,000 tons of carbon credits from Varaha, an Indian biochar initiative, by 2030. This marks its first foray into India’s carbon dioxide removal sector.
Apple Inc
Apple lost its title as China’s biggest smartphone seller in 2024, overtaken by Vivo and Huawei, with a 17% decline in annual shipments. Additionally, Apple is in talks with Barclays and Synchrony Financial to replace Goldman Sachs as its credit card partner.
Azul SA
Azul and Gol, two of Brazil’s largest airlines, signed a nonbinding memorandum of understanding to merge. The combined entity would hold approximately 60% of the domestic market in Brazil.
Bank of America Corp
The lender reported a net income of $6.7 billion, or $0.82 per share, for Q4, driven by a resurgence in dealmaking, higher trading revenue, and broad momentum across deposits and loans.
Block Inc
The company agreed to pay an $80 million fine over inadequate money-laundering policies for its Cash App service. It will also implement internal corrective measures.
BP Plc
The company plans to cut over 5% of its global workforce (about 4,700 employees and 3,000 contractors) to rebuild investor confidence and cut costs.
Carlyle Group Inc
Carlyle is exploring the sale of its British funds network and data business, Calastone, which could fetch over $731 million.
DuPont De Nemours Inc
DuPont canceled plans to separate its water business but will proceed with spinning off its electronics unit by November 1, 2025.
Eli Lilly and Co
The FDA approved Omvoh, a drug for moderate-to-severe Crohn’s disease. Berenberg reduced the company’s target price to $970, citing concerns about reduced growth opportunities in the obesity market.
Flowco Holdings
The company raised $427.2 million in its U.S. IPO, pricing shares at $24 each. Trading will begin on the NYSE under the ticker “FLOC.”
Goldman Sachs Group Inc
Jefferies raised its target price to $684 from $667, citing strong Q4 results and a positive 2025 outlook.
Haivision Systems Inc
Canaccord Genuity reduced its target price to C$5.50 from C$7 after disappointing Q4 results due to U.S. government deal delays.
JPMorgan Chase & Co
Barclays raised its target price to $330 from $304 following strong Q4 results, driven by higher net interest and fee income, reduced provisions, and a share buyback.
M&T Bank Corp
The regional bank reported a 41% rise in Q4 net income to $644 million, benefiting from increased fees in institutional services and wealth management.
Novartis AG
A federal appeals court paused MSN Pharmaceuticals’ launch of a generic version of Entresto while Novartis seeks further legal remedies.
Nvidia Corp
The company shifted demand to newer CoWoS-L packaging technology, causing changes in supplier demand, while Taiwan media reported order cuts.
Pearson Plc
The company forecasted a 10% increase in 2024 operating profit, driven by growth in assessments, qualifications, and English language learning.
Rio Tinto Plc
The miner reported its lowest iron ore shipments in two years due to weather disruptions in Western Australia.
Southwest Airlines Co
The U.S. government sued Southwest for operating unrealistic schedules, leading to chronic delays and disrupted passenger travel.
Target Corp
Target raised its holiday-quarter comparable sales forecast due to strong demand but maintained its earnings guidance. Several leadership changes were also announced.
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Ltd
The company posted record quarterly profit of $11.4 billion and expects 37% revenue growth in Q1, driven by strong AI chip demand.
TotalEnergies SE
The company expects improved Q4 results due to better refining margins, increased production, and stronger gas trading.
UnitedHealth Group Inc
The healthcare company reported Q4 revenue below estimates, citing weaknesses in its health insurance unit.
Wells Fargo & Co
RBC raised the target price to $80 from $72 after robust Q4 results, attributed to higher net interest income and lower credit loss provisions.
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