Global Markets

Canadian stock indexes experienced upward movement as both oil and gold prices saw increases. This positive movement in commodity prices contributed to the overall market sentiment.

Meanwhile, European shares remained relatively unchanged, with major markets in the USA and UK closed for holidays. Investors in Europe exercised caution as they awaited significant inflation data releases from both the United States and Europe later in the week. The anticipation of these economic indicators influenced investor behavior and market dynamics.

In Asia, Japan’s Nikkei index closed higher, buoyed by gains in financial stocks driven by higher government bond yields. This performance reflects investor optimism regarding the financial sector amidst changing interest rate dynamics.

In currency markets, the dollar experienced a slight decline against a basket of currencies. This movement suggests some weakening of the dollar relative to other major currencies, potentially influenced by various factors such as economic data releases, geopolitical developments, and market sentiment.

Corporate News

• Anglo American urged by key shareholders, including BlackRock, to continue talks with BHP Group regarding a proposed mining merger.
• Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy drug shows a 22% reduction in adverse kidney-related events in overweight and obese individuals.
• SBB forms joint venture with U.S.-based Castlelake to address debt concerns, marking its second collaboration in about three months.
• Goldman Sachs raises global oil demand forecast for 2030 and predicts consumption to peak by 2034, attributing it to potential slowdown in electric vehicle adoption.
• Elon Musk’s AI startup xAI secures $6 billion in series B funding, achieving a post-money valuation of $24 billion.
• Arafura Rare Earths secures up to $300 million in debt financing from Export Development Canada for its Nolans Project in Australia’s Northern Territory.
• Glass Lewis advises Tesla shareholders to reject Elon Musk’s proposed $56 billion pay package, the largest in corporate America.
• CIBC raises Bombardier’s target price to C$102, citing de-risking of its balance sheet.
• Celestica Inc’s target price raised to $58 by CIBC, benefiting from GenAI data spending.
• JPMorgan reduces First Quantum Minerals Ltd’s target price to C$17 due to expected higher costs related to Zambian power shortage.
• CIBC cuts Hudbay Minerals Inc’s target price to C$14.5 following a recent bought-deal financing.