Initial unemployment filings in Oregon fell last week, reflecting a slight easing in layoffs, while national figures held steady and other states experienced sharp swings.
President Donald Trump is set to announce his nominee for Federal Reserve Chair on Friday, with multiple reports indicating former Fed governor Kevin Warsh is the leading candidate to succeed Jerome Powell, a move already rippling through currency markets.
A growing list of casual dining chains are turning to bankruptcy court and closing underperforming stores as heavy debt loads and shifting consumer habits take their toll. The latest casualty, FAT Brands, has moved to permanently close 32 locations and reject their leases.
As cautious optimism returns to Australian markets, investors are scanning the small-cap space for resilient companies with growth potential. We examine three ASX-listed firms, each with a market capitalisation below $700 million, that stand out for their financial health and strategic positioning.
Dover Corporation delivered a powerful finish to 2025, reporting its highest quarterly organic revenue growth of the year at 5%. Bolstered by accelerating bookings and expanding margins, the diversified industrial manufacturer projects continued double-digit earnings growth for the coming year.
Fueled by record-breaking demand for its HOKA and UGG brands, Deckers Outdoor posts a robust Q3, beating expectations. The company credits disciplined full-price selling and strategic marketplace management for driving growth across all regions, leading to an upward revision of its fiscal 2026 guidance.
Caterpillar Inc. capped off a historic 2025 with record sales and a soaring backlog, but executives signaled a cautious outlook for 2026 as escalating trade tariffs threaten to squeeze margins. The industrial giant's performance was buoyed by robust demand across construction, mining, and a surging data center power market.
Despite a flat start to 2026, Nvidia's valuation appears compelling as new forecasts project global AI spending to surge past $3.3 trillion by 2027, suggesting the chipmaker's growth story is far from over.
President Trump is expected to nominate former Fed governor Kevin Warsh as the next Federal Reserve Chair, a move that could signal a pivot toward aggressive rate cuts paired with a reduction of the central bank's balance sheet, reshaping the landscape for markets and cryptocurrencies.
MGM Resorts International is powering its Las Vegas Strip operations with a major new solar and battery storage deal. This strategic shift toward renewables comes as the company's stock shows mixed signals, trading below some fair value estimates yet at a high earnings multiple, leaving investors to weigh long-term sustainability against immediate financial metrics.
Elevra Lithium reports record quarterly revenue from its flagship North American operation but tempers near-term production guidance, highlighting the complex balancing act facing lithium miners as they expand amid market volatility.
Aptiv PLC (APTV) presents a puzzle for investors: a widely cited discounted cash flow model suggests significant upside, yet its premium valuation multiples tell a more cautious tale. As the automotive technology supplier navigates its EDS separation and bets on software-defined vehicles, the market weighs short-term momentum against long-term execution risks.
Fortive Corporation's shares have retreated over 5% in the past month, prompting investors to re-examine the industrial technology conglomerate's fundamentals. With a renewed focus on its recurring revenue streams and a fair value estimate suggesting upside, analysts are divided on whether the pullback presents a buying opportunity or reflects deeper sector headwinds.
Apple's latest quarterly earnings reveal a tale of two halves: blockbuster iPhone sales, particularly in emerging markets like India, drove revenue to a new high, while Mac and wearables segments saw notable declines. The tech giant also faces questions over its AI strategy and conservative spending.
Despite a recent 15% share price decline, EPB Group Berhad (KLSE:EPB) presents a complex picture with respectable financial fundamentals. We analyze its Return on Equity and growth trajectory to assess if this is a buying opportunity or a sign of deeper issues.
Simon Property Group (SPG), the premier mall REIT, is back in the spotlight following years of impressive total returns. As its share price momentum continues, investors are scrutinizing whether its current valuation still presents an attractive entry point for income and growth.
AIC Mines Ltd (ASX:A1M) reported record ore production and maintained cost guidance in its Q2 2026 update, with its share price rising 5.7%. The company's strategic focus remains on expanding its Eloise processing plant and advancing the Jericho project, aiming to boost copper output while managing expenses.
Marriott International's shares have delivered impressive multi-year gains, but recent analysis suggests the hospitality giant's stock may now be trading at a significant premium. With a DCF model pointing to a 16% overvaluation and a P/E ratio exceeding industry peers, investors are debating whether the price fully reflects future growth or has outpaced fundamentals.
Ondas Holdings' flagship Optimus drone system has received the Defense Contract Management Agency's critical 'Blue List' certification, clearing it for broader U.S. defense and national security deployment. The milestone has ignited a surge in the company's stock while prompting analysts to scrutinize its long-term path to converting regulatory approval into sustainable revenue.
Aeris Resources (ASX:AIS) shares have soared following a robust December quarter report featuring record copper-equivalent output and full repayment of a A$50 million debt facility. The operational momentum has fueled a dramatic 350% one-year shareholder return, yet analysts are divided on whether the stock's current price accurately reflects its underlying value or has overshot fundamentals.
