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.
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.
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.
AMD and GIGABYTE have significantly expanded their partnership to co-develop a new generation of AI-accelerated gaming laptops, motherboards, and monitors. This strategic move aims to bring powerful, on-device AI capabilities directly to consumers, potentially reshaping competitive dynamics in the PC gaming hardware market.
The utility giant Southern Company has declared its latest quarterly dividend, preserving one of corporate America's most remarkable records of shareholder returns. As markets fluctuate, the company's steady income stream and undervalued stock price are drawing renewed attention from long-term investors.
Blue Owl Capital faces a wave of securities class actions alleging disclosure failures around liquidity and redemptions, casting a shadow over its robust alternative asset management platform. As legal pressures mount, the market weighs solid analyst backing against growing governance concerns, setting the stage for a pivotal earnings report.
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.
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.
Southside Bancshares (SBSI) reported a significant rebound in fourth-quarter earnings, driven by strategic repositioning of its securities portfolio and lower funding costs. While loan growth remained modest, executives outlined a cautious outlook for near-term margin improvement and detailed plans for technology investments and selective M&A in competitive Texas markets.
Swiss banking giant UBS has initiated coverage on Zai Lab Limited (NASDAQ: ZLAB) with a bullish 'Buy' rating and a $35 price target, highlighting the biopharma firm's strategic pivot from a China-focused player to a burgeoning global innovation platform with a promising proprietary pipeline.
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.
Despite a mixed analyst outlook, Morgan Stanley projects robust growth for Full Truck Alliance's core commission business, even as overall revenue faces headwinds. The digital freight platform's long-term strategy is gaining favor.
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.
H.C. Wainwright has trimmed its price target on Genmab following mixed Phase 3 results for its lymphoma drug EPKINLY, though maintains a Buy rating, citing precedent and ongoing trials.
As the FTSE indices reel from weak Chinese trade data, a screen of undervalued UK equities reveals potential opportunities. We examine three companies trading significantly below their estimated cash flow value.
The French government has intervened to stop satellite operator Eutelsat from selling its ground antenna assets, framing the move as a defense of European strategic autonomy against rivals like SpaceX's Starlink.
As demand for specialist education soars, private investors—from Abu Dhabi to private equity firms—are capitalizing on a strained system, drawing criticism for extracting profits from vulnerable children and cash-strapped councils.
With key self-assessment deadlines approaching, property investors must navigate a changed landscape of tax reliefs and allowable expenses to minimise their liabilities. Experts urge early preparation to avoid costly surprises.
With the annual self-assessment deadline a perennial source of stress for freelancers and sole traders, this guide breaks down the essentials of income tax and National Insurance. The landscape is set for a significant shift with the incoming Making Tax Digital regime, making this a crucial year to get to grips with the current rules.
A quirk in the UK tax system means those earning between £100,000 and £125,140 face an effective 60% marginal tax rate, while also losing crucial childcare benefits. We examine the growing trap and the financial planning strategies to navigate it.
