Official figures reveal a sharp 26% increase in the annual cost of public sector pensions, now reaching £39bn, with taxpayers covering the bulk of the expense as employer contribution rates rise.
With hyperscalers projected to pour $500 billion into AI infrastructure by 2026, investors are looking beyond headline chipmakers to the essential, yet often overlooked, backbone providers of the AI revolution.
Amidst market volatility, Coca-Cola (KO) stands out with its formidable brand moat and a 63-year dividend growth streak, offering investors a blend of stability and reliable income.
Corebridge Financial (CRBG) has launched a novel index annuity linked to the Invesco New Economy Index, offering exposure to tech themes and Bitcoin. The move comes as analysts debate whether the company's current share price fully reflects its growth potential amid mixed recent performance.
Cardinal Energy Ltd. (TSX:CJ) has successfully upsized its bought deal financing to CA$95.15 million, capitalizing on robust investor appetite. The proceeds are earmarked to accelerate development of its key Reford 2 thermal oil project and strengthen its balance sheet, even as its valuation metrics present a complex picture for investors.
German industrial giant Thyssenkrupp is exploring the sale of a significant minority stake in its Rothe Erde bearings division, a move analysts say could signal a broader portfolio reshuffle and highlight persistent valuation gaps within the conglomerate.
Unity Software's new in-app web store integration with Coda could empower developers to bypass traditional marketplace fees, potentially altering the company's revenue streams and addressing its persistent valuation gap amid volatile stock performance.
Amidst broader market volatility, a closer look reveals compelling opportunities in the UK's penny stock arena. We analyze three companies—Accesso Technology, ActiveOps, and Zotefoams—that combine niche market strength with evolving financial narratives for the discerning investor.
Krones AG (ETR:KRN) has seen its stock price climb 11% in the past quarter. Analysis points to robust fundamentals, particularly a healthy Return on Equity (ROE) of 14%, as a key driver behind the market's bullish sentiment and the company's impressive earnings growth trajectory.
The Bitcoin-to-gold ratio has slumped close to its 2017 level, fueling a fresh round of scrutiny over the cryptocurrency's viability as a long-term store of value amidst a resurgent precious metals market and persistent macroeconomic uncertainty.
United Rentals reported strong Q4 results, driven by data center and power sector demand, and issued 2026 guidance forecasting continued revenue growth. Management highlighted a robust project pipeline while navigating margin pressures.
Trane Technologies (NYSE: TT) reported robust Q4 2025 results, driven by exceptional commercial HVAC demand and a record $7.8 billion backlog. While proactive inventory adjustments pressured residential margins, executives project 12-14% adjusted EPS growth for 2026, fueled by strategic acquisitions and sustained commercial strength.
The medical technology giant reported double-digit organic sales growth and robust profitability for 2025, driven by record installations of its Mako surgical robots. While projecting continued strength for 2026, management acknowledged incremental tariff pressures but expressed confidence in the company's ability to sustain margin expansion.
In its Q4 2025 earnings call, SL Green Realty projected strong fundamentals for Manhattan's office market, citing robust leasing and AI-driven demand. Management reiterated ambitious 2026 financing and asset sale targets while reporting quarterly results that beat expectations.
Schneider National's Q4 2025 earnings fell short of expectations, pressured by a sharp late-year drop in freight demand and severe weather. While acknowledging near-term challenges, executives pointed to early signs of market normalization and detailed strategic cost actions aimed at positioning the carrier for an eventual upcycle.
Freedom Capital Markets has lowered its price target for Li Auto (NASDAQ: LI) from $34 to $25, citing a mixed quarterly performance and a challenging outlook as China's electric vehicle sector grapples with a fierce price war and softening demand.
Bank of America Securities has reaffirmed its Buy rating on Hesai Group (HSAI), raising its price target to $32, citing the lidar maker's technological milestones, strategic partnership with NVIDIA, and favorable regulatory developments for autonomous driving.
Investment bank Macquarie has lowered its price target for Chinese EV maker XPeng, pointing to reduced government subsidies and a complex path to profitability as the company expands its model lineup.
Brokerage firm CLSA initiates coverage on Atour Lifestyle Holdings with an 'Outperform' rating and a $49 price target, highlighting its unique brand ecosystem and asset-light model as key differentiators in a competitive market.
While Morgan Stanley maintains an Overweight rating on PDD Holdings, the firm has removed the e-commerce giant from its Top Picks list, citing heightened regulatory scrutiny and a slower-than-expected consumer recovery in China.
