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.
The UK government's £25m investment in Octopus Energy's Kraken Technologies through the British Business Bank raises critical questions about the use of taxpayer funds to back an already scaled, global, and recently loss-making platform.
After a brutal 2025, fast-casual restaurant stocks are rallying sharply in early 2026. Analysts debate whether this marks a genuine recovery or a temporary bounce, as consumers pivot towards grocery and convenience store meals, forcing a reckoning on value and quality.
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.
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.
Visa's fiscal first-quarter earnings surpassed expectations, driven by robust cross-border transactions and a surge in high-margin digital services. The payments giant signals confidence in sustained consumer resilience despite some moderation in U.S. debit volumes.
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.
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.
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.
Goldman Sachs has upgraded BioNTech SE (NASDAQ:BNTX) from Neutral to Buy, raising its price target to $142. The firm highlights the company's pivotal role in next-generation cancer treatments, including immuno-oncology and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), as a major catalyst for future growth.
RBC Capital has reaffirmed its confidence in Ascendis Pharma, raising its price target following the company's ambitious 2026 strategic goals, which hinge on sustained momentum for its lead therapy and significant long-term revenue targets.
Despite bearing the brunt of costly natural disasters, Asia-Pacific remains the world's least insured region, with a staggering $64 billion protection shortfall in 2024 alone, threatening economic stability and vulnerable communities.
Sciwind Biosciences secures Chinese approval for its GLP-1 agonist Xianyida, entering a crowded but high-stakes diabetes treatment market dominated by global giants, as the country grapples with the world's largest diabetic population.
Buoyed by record bookings and strong financial performance in 2025, Royal Caribbean Group projects double-digit revenue growth for 2026. The cruise giant announced a major fleet expansion, including a new 'Discovery Class' and ten additional river cruise ships, signaling confidence in sustained consumer appetite for experiential travel.
As global economic headwinds persist, UK investors are turning to dividend-paying stocks for portfolio resilience. We analyze three FTSE-listed companies with strong income credentials and growth potential for the coming year.
A sharp downturn in Bitcoin triggered a massive $1.7 billion liquidation event over 24 hours, with leveraged long positions bearing the brunt of the sell-off as market sentiment shifted.
Fractyl Health's Revita procedure shows promise in maintaining weight after stopping GLP-1 drugs, with new six-month data prompting the company to seek a streamlined FDA pathway. A packed 2026 roadmap aims for a U.S. submission, but financial pressures loom.
London-listed mineral sands explorer Capital Metals (LON: CMET) is projected to reach breakeven within two years, with analysts forecasting a first profit in 2028. The debt-free company's path hinges on achieving a steep annual growth rate amid its investment phase in UK and Sri Lankan projects.
Altria Group reported adjusted earnings growth and robust shareholder returns for 2025, even as it grapples with a rapidly transforming nicotine market dominated by illicit flavored vapes and intense competition in oral tobacco.
