A dramatic rally in gold and silver prices came to an abrupt halt on Friday, with futures tumbling sharply amid a broader market sell-off and warnings of unsustainable volatility.
The global professional services firm reported sustained organic revenue growth and margin expansion for 2025, backed by its '3x3' strategic plan and technology investments. Leadership provided an upbeat outlook for 2026, targeting continued mid-single-digit growth and further profitability gains.
Selective Insurance Group reported robust profitability and investment returns for 2025, driven by disciplined underwriting actions. While celebrating an 18% book value growth, management detailed significant reserve strengthening in commercial auto and outlined a confident outlook for 2026, the year of its centennial.
Despite a challenging mortgage landscape and specific credit headwinds, Hilltop Holdings Inc. (HTH) reported a 46% surge in annual net income for 2025, buoyed by a steepening yield curve and disciplined cost management across its banking, lending, and securities divisions.
Rockwell Automation expands its partnership with Lucid Motors, deploying its FactoryTalk MES software and training programs at Saudi Arabia's inaugural electric vehicle production hub. The move aligns with the Kingdom's Vision 2030, positioning Rockwell as a key player in the region's high-tech manufacturing transformation.
United Natural Foods, Inc. launches a landmark grant program across all 50 U.S. states and Canada to celebrate its 50th year, even as its stock performance presents a mixed picture for value-focused investors.
Ahead of its February 26 earnings report, Medical Properties Trust (NYSE: MPW) is witnessing a notable spike in options activity, with call volume soaring to roughly five times its usual level. This surge in speculative interest comes as the healthcare REIT's shares hover around $5.05, showing recent momentum but still grappling with a challenging multi-year performance. Analysts are divided on whether the stock's current price reflects lingering past troubles or is beginning to price in a potential recovery narrative.
Discount retailer Five Below is under investigation by law firm Johnson Fistel following declining sales, lowered guidance, and the sudden departure of its CEO. The legal scrutiny comes as the stock shows sharp volatility—up nearly 96% over the past year but down year-to-date—raising questions about its valuation and growth narrative.
The head of the European Stability Mechanism has told Reuters the bloc's 430-billion-euro emergency fund could be repurposed to provide defense loans to member states, signaling a strategic shift as Europe seeks to bolster its military autonomy.
The iconic blue-and-white village of Sidi Bou Said, a jewel of Tunisia's cultural heritage, is grappling with severe landslide risks after unprecedented rainfall. Experts warn that urgent conservation measures are needed to prevent irreversible damage to its historic slopes, as climate change and urban pressure compound the crisis.
Quarterhill Inc. (TSE:QTRH) shareholders have endured a punishing five-year period, with the stock's value plummeting nearly 70%. Despite modest revenue growth, the market's verdict has been harsh, raising questions about the company's path to profitability and the perils of long-term bets in turbulent sectors.
Despite posting robust quarterly earnings, Microsoft shares tumbled over 10% as investors balked at rising costs and a cautious outlook, raising questions about the sustainability of its AI-driven growth narrative.
Exclusive footage and soldier testimonies reveal a disturbing pattern within Russian ranks: wounded amputees, including former prisoners, are being ordered back into combat as casualties mount and manpower dwindles.
In a significant diplomatic gesture, China has agreed to remove travel restrictions on a group of sanctioned British lawmakers, Prime Minister Keir Starmer revealed following talks with President Xi Jinping. The move comes during the first UK leader's visit to China in eight years, aimed at thawing bilateral relations.
Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warns in a confidential letter that the United Nations faces a severe cash crunch, driven by unpaid dues and restrictive budget rules, threatening its operational viability by mid-year.
As equity markets show signs of fatigue after a prolonged bull run, defensive sectors like utilities are gaining attention. The Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU), with its low cost and stable dividend yield, presents a compelling option for investors seeking to buffer their portfolios against potential volatility.
Rosenblatt Securities initiates coverage on Credo Technology with a Neutral rating and a $170 price target, highlighting its strong position in high-speed connectivity for AI infrastructure while flagging competitive pressures. The note follows a more bullish target hike from Barclays earlier in the month.
Clinical-stage biopharma Alumis Inc. (ALMS) is gaining significant Wall Street attention after its lead drug candidate, envudeucitinib, successfully met all endpoints in key Phase 3 trials for plaque psoriasis, prompting multiple analyst upgrades and optimistic price targets.
ARMOUR Residential REIT (ARR) received a bullish upgrade from Jones Trading, which moved the stock to Buy with a $20.50 target, citing a discounted valuation and expected book value growth compared to agency mortgage REIT rivals.
Progress Software Corporation (PRGS) sees bullish sentiment from Wall Street following its Q4 2025 results, with analysts highlighting its growing recurring revenue and strategic positioning in the enterprise software market.
