Global Markets
The global financial landscape on this day saw varied movements across different markets:
In the United States, both the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq suffered losses as investors looked ahead to a producer inflation report for clues regarding the Federal Reserve’s potential interest rate adjustments.
European shares, on the other hand, saw a climb driven by robust earnings updates and optimism surrounding potential rate cuts by the European Central Bank, which bolstered investors’ appetite for riskier assets. The Nikkei in Japan rallied, buoyed by a positive performance on Wall Street the previous night.
In Canada, the main stock index experienced a slight uptick, mirroring the rise in prices of both precious and base metals. However, the gains were tempered as investors eagerly awaited corporate earnings reports. Meanwhile, i
In the currency markets, the U.S. dollar remained relatively stable, while the Japanese yen hovered around the significant level of 150 per dollar.
Turning to commodities, oil prices experienced a slip due to a forecast indicating a slowdown in demand by the International Energy Agency (IEA). This decrease in demand offset any support provided by geopolitical tensions.
Amidst this financial backdrop, there were notable developments in various industries and companies:
- Air Canada: The airline raised its forecast for core profit in 2024, citing resilient international travel demand.
- European Central Bank (ECB): ECB member François Villeroy de Galhau emphasized the importance of not delaying an initial interest rate cut, pointing out compelling reasons for such action.
- Federal Reserve Bank: Raphael Bostic, President of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, highlighted ongoing risks despite progress in lowering inflation pressures, refraining from advocating for immediate interest rate cuts.
- British Politics: The Labour party dealt a significant blow to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s Conservatives by winning contests for two new lawmakers, indicating a potential shift in the political landscape ahead of a national election.
Corporate News:
- Sika: The Swiss construction chemical maker reported annual earnings in line with analyst estimates and forecasted sales growth for 2024.
- Automobile Industry: Major U.S. and European auto manufacturers are striving to reduce electric vehicle costs to match those of fossil-fuel models, amid pressure from Chinese competitors.
- Telecom Italia: Competitors expressed concerns to the Italian government regarding Telecom Italia’s planned spin-off of network assets, fearing reinforcement of its dominant position in the fixed broadband market.
- TC Energy: The pipeline operator surpassed fourth-quarter profit estimates, driven by high demand for liquefied natural gas.
- Meta Platforms (formerly Facebook): Europe’s privacy watchdogs were urged to oppose Meta’s paid ad-free service, which requires users to pay for privacy, potentially setting a precedent for other companies.
- Nike: The sportswear giant announced plans to cut about 2% of its workforce to reduce costs amidst weakening demand for its products.
Top Analyst Ratings
- Calian Group Ltd: Following the company’s solid fourth-quarter earnings report and its reaffirmation of fiscal year 2024 guidance, RBC (Royal Bank of Canada) raised its target price for Calian Group Ltd to C$72 from C$65. This adjustment reflects RBC’s confidence in Calian Group’s ability to achieve higher organic growth.
- Canadian Tire Corporation Ltd: TD Securities reduced its target price for Canadian Tire Corporation Ltd to C$155 from C$160 after the company reported weak fourth-quarter results. The decline was attributed to factors such as slowing consumer discretionary spending and dealer destocking, indicating challenges in the retail environment.
- MTY Food Group Inc: RBC lowered its target price for MTY Food Group Inc to C$58 from C$66 due to the company’s fourth-quarter earnings falling below consensus estimates. The decrease in retail profitability amid macroeconomic headwinds prompted RBC to adjust its valuation for MTY Food Group.
- Albemarle Corp: JPMorgan decreased its target price for Albemarle Corp from $130 to $115, citing the impact of volatile lithium prices and a sluggish global economy on the company. This adjustment reflects concerns about the challenging operating environment faced by Albemarle Corp.
- Deere & Co: Daiwa Capital Markets revised its target price for Deere & Co down to $400 from $425 after the company adjusted its net income guidance for 2024 to reflect a steeper revenue decline. This adjustment reflects Daiwa’s assessment of the company’s revised earnings outlook.
- Doordash Inc: RBC raised its target price for Doordash Inc to $130 from $105, anticipating improvement in the company’s EBITDA margins throughout the year due to new vertical investment timing. This adjustment reflects RBC’s positive outlook on Doordash’s profitability potential.
- Epam Systems Inc: Wedbush increased its target price for Epam Systems Inc to $320 from $260 following the company’s stronger-than-expected fourth-quarter results. This adjustment reflects Wedbush’s optimism about Epam Systems’ performance and growth prospects.
- Nike Inc: Oppenheimer reduced its target price for Nike Inc from $150 to $110 due to concerns about near-term sluggishness in the company’s top-line trends and underlying consumer demand. This adjustment reflects Oppenheimer’s cautious outlook on Nike’s short-term performance.
