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Adobe and Disney Expand Strategic Alliance With Custom AI Tools for Creative Workflows Adobe (NASDAQ: ADBE) and The Walt Disney

Adobe (NASDAQ: ADBE) and The Walt Disney Company announced a multi-year strategic alliance that will expand the use of AI and creative technologies across...

11-09-26

Lilly’s Foundayo Cuts Sleep Apnea Severity in Phase 3, Supporting FDA Filing Eli Lilly (NYSE: LLY) reported positive Phase 3

Eli Lilly (NYSE: LLY) reported positive Phase 3 results for Foundayo, or orforglipron, showing significant reductions in obstructive sleep apnea severity in adults with...

11-09-26

Global Payments Expands AI-Powered Authentication Platform With Visa IDX Integration Global Payments (NYSE: GPN) expanded its Adaptive Authentication platform with

Global Payments (NYSE: GPN) expanded its Adaptive Authentication platform with Visa Intelligent Data Exchange API, aiming to improve transaction approval rates while reducing false...

11-09-26

AWS and Deerfield Management Partner to Accelerate AI Adoption Across Healthcare Portfolio Amazon Web Services announced a collaboration with Deerfield

Amazon Web Services announced a collaboration with Deerfield Management aimed at accelerating the development and deployment of AI-native healthcare and life sciences companies. Under...

11-09-26

Morgan Stanley to Acquire Vinyl Equity, Expanding Private-to-Public Market Infrastructure Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS) agreed to acquire Vinyl Equity, a

Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS) agreed to acquire Vinyl Equity, a digital-first SEC-registered transfer agent, expanding its Morgan Stanley at Work platform with shareholder recordkeeping...

11-09-26

Merck Reports Positive Phase 2b Results for Efinopegdutide in MASH Merck (NYSE: MRK) reported positive Phase 2b results for efinopegdutide,

Merck (NYSE: MRK) reported positive Phase 2b results for efinopegdutide, an investigational once-weekly GLP-1/glucagon receptor co-agonist being developed for adults with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis,...

11-09-26

Johnson & Johnson Reports 73% PSA Response With Experimental Prostate Cancer Combination Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) reported encouraging Phase

Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) reported encouraging Phase 1 results for an experimental prostate cancer immunotherapy combination, with 73% of patients at the recommended...

11-09-26

AMD EPYC Powers Google Cloud TPU 8tx as Confidential AI Infrastructure Expands AMD (NASDAQ: AMD) announced that its 5th Gen

AMD (NASDAQ: AMD) announced that its 5th Gen EPYC processors are powering the host infrastructure for Google Cloud TPU 8tx, the first cloud TPU...

11-09-26

Meta Expands AI Age Estimation Globally to Strengthen Teen Account Protections Meta announced a global expansion of its AI-powered age-estimation

Meta announced a global expansion of its AI-powered age-estimation technology on Instagram, aiming to place millions more teenagers into Teen Account protections even when...

11-09-26

Broadcom Contributes VM API to CNCF, Expanding VMware’s Kubernetes Strategy Broadcom (NASDAQ: AVGO) contributed its VM API open-source project to

Broadcom (NASDAQ: AVGO) contributed its VM API open-source project to the Cloud Native Computing Foundation, expanding VMware’s push to unify virtual machines, containers and...

11-09-26

NVIDIA Expands Korea AI Strategy With Investments in Point2, Motif, RLWRLD and Upstage NVIDIA announced new planned investments in Korean

NVIDIA announced new planned investments in Korean artificial intelligence startups, expanding its exposure across AI infrastructure, foundation models, enterprise software and robotics. The company...

11-09-26

AMG Rises 4% as Economic EPS Jumps 56% and Assets Reach Record $974 Billion AMG (NYSE: AMG) shares rose about

AMG (NYSE: AMG) shares rose about 4% after the asset manager reported sharply higher third-quarter earnings, record assets under management and strong client inflows...

11-09-26

NASDAQ:NVDA

NVIDIA Expands Korea AI Strategy With Investments in Point2, Motif, RLWRLD and Upstage

NVIDIA announced new planned investments in Korean artificial intelligence startups, expanding its exposure across AI infrastructure, foundation models, enterprise software and robotics.

The company confirmed an investment in Point2 Technology and said additional investments are planned in Motif Technologies, RLWRLD and Upstage. The announcement came during the MSIT-NVIDIA AI Startup Partnership Forum in Seoul, hosted with Korea’s Ministry of Science and ICT.

Point2 develops radio-frequency interconnect technology designed to move data between chips and racks in AI factories, offering an alternative to conventional copper and optical connections. Motif Technologies develops foundation models for AI agents, while RLWRLD is building robotics foundation models for humanoid and industrial robots performing complex physical tasks.

Upstage focuses on enterprise AI, including its Solar language models and document AI tools for extracting information and automating business workflows.

The investments broaden NVIDIA’s engagement across the full AI stack, from data-center infrastructure to software and physical AI. They also deepen the company’s relationship with Korea’s technology ecosystem, where more than 1,000 startups already participate in the NVIDIA Inception program.

The initiative reinforces NVIDIA’s strategy of supporting companies that could expand demand for AI computing infrastructure while accelerating development of agentic AI, robotics and next-generation AI factories.

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The Investor 11-09-26

NVIDIA Says Vera CPU Delivers Faster AI Agent Performance With Higher Energy Efficiency

NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA) said its Vera CPU can improve both AI agent performance and energy efficiency, targeting data centers increasingly constrained by power availability as agentic AI workloads expand.

According to NVIDIA, Vera enables 1.6 times more AI agents per watt than the fastest x86 CPU while delivering industry-leading agent speed. Compared with the most energy-efficient x86 processor tested, Vera delivered roughly twice the agent speed while maintaining strong power efficiency.

The company highlighted early performance results from several partners. Perplexity reported agentic coding workloads running 1.5 times faster on Vera than traditional CPUs, while DeepInfra achieved up to 2.2 times the speed of its best x86 processor in agent orchestration workloads.

Other tests showed ClickHouse scaling nearly linearly across 176 cores, while Daytona brought 1,000 AI-agent sandboxes online in 10.8 seconds compared with 88.4 seconds using x86 infrastructure. Modal reported up to twice the sandbox throughput per core.

The results reinforce NVIDIA’s push beyond GPUs into CPUs and full-stack AI infrastructure, as data center operators increasingly seek to maximize AI workloads per watt while supporting growing numbers of autonomous agents.

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Global Finance News 11-07-26

NVIDIA will host a conference call on Tuesday, November 17, at 5 p.m. ET to discuss its financial results for the third quarter of fiscal year 2027, which ended October 25, 2026.

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Global Finance News 11-01-26

NVIDIA Unveils Minerva AIOps Platform to Improve AI Factory Uptime and Yield

NVIDIA introduced Minerva, a new AIOps platform designed to give operators end-to-end observability across large-scale AI factories and help maximize GPU productivity.

Minerva combines telemetry from GPUs, networking, storage, schedulers and AI workloads into a unified operational view. NVIDIA said the platform builds a dynamic knowledge graph that maps infrastructure components such as GPUs, SuperNICs, switches and cables together with the workloads running across them.

The platform uses supervised and unsupervised machine learning to analyze billions of data points per hour, detect anomalies, predict emerging failures and correlate related events. Rather than surfacing every individual alert, Minerva is designed to group related symptoms into a smaller number of actionable incidents with likely root causes.

NVIDIA is positioning the platform around “AI factory yield,” which includes metrics such as GPU hours, goodput, cluster uptime and token production. The company said Minerva can help extend time between interruptions, reduce repair times and filter large volumes of telemetry into more meaningful operational signals.

Minerva also includes a native AI assistant and can connect with external agentic AI tools. This allows operators to investigate cluster health through natural-language queries and receive recommended remediation steps, while still keeping humans in the loop or connecting actions to automated infrastructure systems.

IREN is already using Minerva, while Aolani, Bitdeer AI, IBM, Jio, Lambda, Quake AI and Tesla plan to deploy the platform. Dell Technologies, Lenovo and Supermicro are also expected to offer Minerva as part of their AI factory operations portfolios.

The launch expands NVIDIA’s push beyond chips and systems into the software layer used to operate increasingly complex AI infrastructure, giving the company another way to deepen its role across the AI data-center stack.

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European Investor 10-22-26

NVIDIA Launches Isaac ROS 5.0 With Agentic AI Tools for Robotics Development

NVIDIA released Isaac ROS 5.0, expanding its open-source robotics platform with new agentic AI capabilities designed to help developers build, customize and deploy robotics applications faster.

The release adds support for ROS Lyrical and Ubuntu 24.04 while introducing reusable AI-agent skills for setup, manipulation and perception tasks. NVIDIA said new agent-ready documentation and workflows can help AI agents translate developer intent into working robotics applications more efficiently.

One of the key upgrades is FoundationPose, which now includes an agent-ready inference library that can track object position and orientation up to 5.5 times faster. NVIDIA also added a standalone pick-and-place skill combining detection, depth estimation and pose output for robotics developers.

The broader ecosystem is also expanding. RealSense, Intrinsic, Magna, Flexiv, Universal Robots, Mentee Robotics and others are using Isaac ROS across applications ranging from industrial automation and machine tending to humanoid robotics and autonomous manipulation.

Isaac ROS 5.0 supports hardware ranging from Jetson Orin Nano to Jetson Thor, allowing developers to move from development to on-device deployment as robotics workloads grow more complex. The software is available now as a free and open-source release.

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Global Finance News 09-22-26

NVIDIA Launches DSX Ready Program for AI Factory Power and Cooling Systems

NVIDIA introduced DSX Ready, a new qualification program designed to help AI factory builders identify power, cooling and infrastructure products that meet applicable NVIDIA DSX reference-design requirements.

The program launches with two initial categories: battery energy storage systems and cooling distribution units. Qualified BESS products include solutions from Hitachi Energy, LG Energy Solution and Tesla, while qualified CDU providers include LG Electronics, LiquidStack and Vertiv.

DSX Ready is intended to reduce integration risk as AI data centers face increasingly tight power, cooling, water and grid constraints. NVIDIA said the broader DSX platform is designed to treat compute, networking, power, cooling, facilities and software as a single coordinated system rather than separate infrastructure layers.

For battery systems, suppliers complete qualification testing and submit supporting data for NVIDIA review. Cooling providers use a self-qualification suite to determine whether specific CDU products meet NVIDIA’s functional requirements. The company emphasized that qualification does not replace site-level engineering.

NVIDIA plans to add more infrastructure and software categories over time. The initiative reflects the growing importance of power delivery and liquid cooling as AI factories scale to support increasingly dense computing systems.

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European Investor 09-21-26

NVIDIA, Google and Emerald AI Launch Alliance to Tackle AI Data Center Power Constraints

NVIDIA, Google and Emerald AI have launched the AI Energy Management Alliance, a new coalition aimed at making large AI data centers more flexible in how they consume electricity and accelerating their connection to power grids.

Power availability has become a major constraint on the expansion of U.S. AI infrastructure. The alliance is developing a framework that would allow AI data centers to adjust electricity consumption according to grid conditions by shifting computing workloads, using energy storage or paired generation, and reducing demand during periods of system stress.

The approach could allow utilities to connect large AI facilities more quickly while reducing the need for costly grid upgrades. AEMA plans to establish standardized performance requirements covering response times, power curtailment, emergency operations and data sharing between data centers and grid operators.

The initiative brings together AI companies, data center operators, power producers, utilities and grid operators. For NVIDIA and the broader AI industry, addressing electricity constraints is becoming increasingly important as rapidly expanding AI computing capacity requires substantially more power infrastructure.

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WS Investor 09-16-26

NVIDIA Brings Perplexity’s Local AI Agent to Windows RTX PCs

NVIDIA said Perplexity Portable Computer is now available on compatible Windows PCs powered by GeForce RTX and RTX PRO GPUs, expanding access to AI agents that can perform complex tasks locally rather than relying entirely on cloud computing.

Portable Computer is a local version of Perplexity Computer designed to plan and execute multistep tasks. NVIDIA GPUs accelerate local models that can analyze data, work across files and handle recurring tasks while keeping sensitive information on the device. Tasks completed locally also do not consume Perplexity Computer cloud credits.

The platform combines local and cloud AI. For more demanding reasoning tasks, the agent can determine that cloud processing is needed and ask for permission before sending information off-device. It can also connect with services including Microsoft Outlook, OneDrive, Word, Google Drive, Gmail, Slack and GitHub.

The development highlights NVIDIA’s push to expand AI computing beyond data centers and into personal computers. Running increasingly capable AI agents directly on RTX hardware could create another source of demand for high-memory GPUs as agentic AI becomes more integrated into everyday professional workflows.

Portable Computer requires a GeForce RTX or RTX PRO GPU with at least 24GB of VRAM, while support for NVIDIA DGX Station is expected later.

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WS Investor 09-14-26

NVIDIA Says Its AI Platform Is Powering the Global Robotaxi Expansion

NVIDIA is expanding its role in autonomous transportation as robotaxi developers, mobility platforms and automakers increasingly adopt the company’s computing technologies to train, simulate and operate driverless vehicles. NVIDIA says every major robotaxi program currently operating at commercial scale uses at least part of its modular technology stack.

The platform combines three major computing layers: NVIDIA DGX systems for AI model training, Omniverse and Cosmos running on RTX PRO servers for simulation and validation, and DRIVE Hyperion with DRIVE AGX Thor for in-vehicle computing. DRIVE Hyperion 10 uses dual Blackwell-based DRIVE AGX Thor chips alongside cameras, radar, lidar and ultrasonic sensors to provide 360-degree perception and redundant computing.

NVIDIA’s ecosystem now spans many of the biggest names in autonomous mobility. Uber plans to scale NVIDIA DRIVE Hyperion-based robotaxis to 28 cities by 2028 and is working with companies including Lucid, Mercedes-Benz, Nuro, Pony*ai, Wayve and WeRide. Lyft, Bolt, May Mobility and Waymo are also using or working with NVIDIA technologies.

Automakers including Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis, Hyundai, Kia, Geely and Zeekr are also integrating NVIDIA technology into autonomous-driving programs, while Tesla uses NVIDIA supercomputers to train its autonomous-driving neural networks.

The expansion positions NVIDIA to capture computing demand beyond data centers as physical AI moves toward commercial deployment in transportation.

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Global Finance News 09-11-26

US Justice Department probes Nvidia's licensing deal with Groq amid antitrust concerns | Noah Intelligence

The US Department of Justice is examining whether Nvidia's licensing agreement with AI startup Groq was structured to evade antitrust scrutiny, signalling intensified regulation of AI industry mergers.The US Department...

(noah-news.com)

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WS News 09-11-26

11-09-26WS News

10-26-26WS News

10-20-26WS News

S&P 500

U.S. Jobless Claims Fall to 189,000 as Tech Stocks Slide

U.S. initial jobless claims fell to 189,000, below the 197,000 forecast and down from 195,000 previously, pointing to continued resilience in the labor market.

Continuing jobless claims, however, increased to 1.718 million from 1.695 million, slightly above the 1.710 million forecast. The combination suggests layoffs remain low, while workers already unemployed may be taking somewhat longer to find new jobs.

U.S. equities traded mixed following the data. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose about 0.54%, while the S&P 500 fell 0.32% and the Nasdaq declined 1.12%.

The stronger initial claims reading may reinforce expectations that the labor market remains relatively firm, potentially limiting the case for faster monetary easing. The heavier decline in the Nasdaq suggests rate-sensitive technology stocks were under greater pressure, while the Dow showed relative strength.

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The Investor 11-05-26

U.S. Stock Futures Rally After Democratic Midterm Sweep as ADP Employment Matches Prior Month

U.S. stock futures moved sharply higher on Wednesday as investors digested the Democratic sweep of both chambers of Congress and a stronger-than-expected private-sector employment report.

Dow futures climbed about 2.1%, S&P 500 futures rose 1.1%, while Nasdaq futures gained 0.4%. The broader move followed confirmation that Democrats won control of both the House and Senate in the November 3 midterm elections, creating a divided government with Republican President Donald Trump.

Labor-market data also provided support. ADP reported that U.S. private payrolls increased by 86,000 in October, matching the previous month’s reading and exceeding the 67,000 forecast. The result points to continued hiring momentum, although employment growth remains relatively moderate.

The market reaction suggests investors are balancing two themes. The election outcome has increased expectations that large legislative changes may become more difficult, while the ADP report indicates the labor market has not weakened sharply. Together, those factors supported cyclical shares and helped push Dow futures substantially higher.

The Nasdaq’s smaller gain also reflects a more complicated post-election backdrop for technology stocks. Democratic victories have increased investor focus on possible tighter oversight of AI infrastructure and data-center development, particularly after election campaigns in several states highlighted concerns over energy use, utility costs and local opposition to new data centers.

Overall, the combination of greater political clarity and resilient employment data is supporting U.S. equities ahead of the opening bell. However, investors are likely to remain focused on how the new congressional balance may affect fiscal policy, AI regulation and future Federal Reserve decisions.

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WS Investor 11-04-26

U.S. Stocks Rise as Oil Plunges and ISM Manufacturing Beats Forecasts

U.S. stocks extended gains Monday as sharply lower oil prices eased inflation concerns and stronger-than-expected ISM manufacturing data supported confidence in the economy.

The Dow Jones rose 1.03% to 52,304.31, the Nasdaq gained 0.87% to 25,658.79, and the S&P 500 advanced 0.62% to 7,627.00.

Brent crude fell more than 6% to around $106.41 a barrel. The sharp decline in energy prices provides a favorable backdrop for equities by reducing concerns over fuel-driven inflation and potentially lowering costs for businesses and consumers.

Economic data also offered support. The ISM Manufacturing PMI increased to 55.5 in October, beating the 54.5 forecast and improving from 54.5 previously. The reading remained well above the 50 threshold, indicating continued expansion in U.S. manufacturing activity.

At the same time, the ISM Manufacturing Prices index eased to 75.2 from 77.9 and came in below the 77.2 forecast. Although input-price pressures remained elevated, the decline provided some reassurance on the inflation outlook. Manufacturing employment slipped slightly to 52.4 from 52.7 but remained in expansion territory.

Construction spending was the major weak point, falling 1.9% month over month in September compared with expectations for a 0.4% increase and a previous 2.0% gain.

Overall, the rise in U.S. indexes appears to reflect a combination of sharply lower oil prices, stronger manufacturing activity and some moderation in manufacturing price pressures. The weak construction spending figure limited the otherwise positive macro picture but was not enough to offset the broader improvement in investor sentiment.

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European Investor 11-02-26

U.S. Stocks Trade Mixed as Wider Trade Deficit Offsets Inventory Growth

U.S. stocks were mixed after fresh economic data showed a wider-than-expected goods trade deficit alongside stronger retail inventory growth. The S&P 500 rose 0.15% and the Dow gained 0.27%, while the Nasdaq was nearly unchanged, down 0.01%.

The U.S. goods trade deficit widened to $134.90 billion in September, larger than the $130.40 billion consensus estimate and the previous $132.07 billion deficit. The deterioration suggests imports continued to outpace exports and could weigh on the trade component of third-quarter GDP calculations.

Retail inventories excluding autos increased 0.4% in September, accelerating from 0.1% previously. Higher inventories can provide some near-term support to GDP, although persistent inventory accumulation can become a negative signal if it reflects weaker-than-expected final demand.

Overall, the releases offered a mixed economic signal: stronger inventory accumulation was offset by a larger trade deficit, helping explain the relatively subdued reaction across major U.S. equity indexes.

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WS Investor 10-28-26

Wall Street Rises as Strong Consumer Confidence Offsets Mixed U.S. Economic Data

U.S. stocks moved higher Tuesday, with the Nasdaq gaining 1.19%, the S&P 500 rising 0.66% and the Dow Jones adding 0.14%, as investors digested a mixed batch of economic data.

Conference Board Consumer Confidence climbed to 91.7 in October, well above the 81.2 forecast and up from 84.2 previously. The stronger-than-expected reading pointed to improved household sentiment and provided the clearest positive signal from the day’s releases.

New home sales also came in better than expected at an annualized 676,000 in September, compared with the 651,000 forecast, although sales edged down from 680,000 previously.

Other indicators were softer. Building permits slipped to 1.398 million, slightly below the 1.400 million forecast and 1.403 million prior reading. Weekly ADP employment growth slowed to 16,800 from 18,500, suggesting some moderation in private-sector hiring.

Durable goods orders rose 1.8% in September, a sharp improvement from the prior 0.1% increase but slightly below the 2.0% consensus estimate.

Overall, the data presented a mixed economic picture, with stronger consumer confidence and housing demand offsetting softer employment and building activity. The stronger move in the Nasdaq suggests risk appetite remained relatively firm despite the uneven macro signals.

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European Investor 10-27-26

Wall Street Falls as Mixed Jobless Claims and Surging Oil Keep Rate and Inflation Concerns in Focus

U.S. stocks traded lower after the latest labor-market data sent a mixed signal while a sharp rise in crude oil added to inflation concerns.

Initial jobless claims fell to 194,000, better than the 200,000 consensus estimate and down from 200,000 previously. The reading suggests layoffs remain relatively contained and the labor market is still holding up.

Continuing jobless claims, however, rose to 1.728 million, above the 1.720 million forecast and up from 1.703 million previously. That points to some difficulty for unemployed workers in finding new jobs even as new layoffs remain low.

Equities were under pressure, with the S&P 500 down about 0.78%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average off 0.15%, and the Nasdaq falling roughly 1.42%. The heavier Nasdaq decline suggests continued pressure on rate-sensitive growth and technology stocks.

At the same time, Brent crude climbed about 2.4% to $111.48 per barrel. Higher oil prices can complicate the inflation outlook by increasing energy and transportation costs, potentially reinforcing concerns that the Federal Reserve may need to keep monetary policy restrictive for longer.

Overall, the combination of resilient initial claims and rising oil prices appears to be weighing on risk appetite, even as the increase in continuing claims points to some underlying softening in the labor market.

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WS News 10-22-26

Wall Street Trades Mixed as Hotter PPI and Strong Retail Sales Reinforce Rate Concerns

U.S. stocks traded mixed after a batch of economic data showed stronger consumer spending, hotter producer inflation and continued labor-market resilience. The S&P 500 fell 0.26% to 7,698.99 and the Nasdaq dropped 0.86% to 26,463.05, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.55% to 51,907.65.

September retail sales increased 0.8% month over month, well above the 0.3% consensus estimate, although growth slowed from 1.3% previously. Core retail sales rose 0.9%, also beating the 0.6% forecast but easing from 1.4%.

Inflation data were more concerning. Producer prices jumped 1.3% month over month, more than double the 0.6% expected and sharply above the prior 0.5% increase. Core PPI rose 0.7%, compared with a 0.3% forecast and 0.2% previously.

The labor market remained firm. Initial jobless claims were 199,000, matching expectations and little changed from 198,000, while continuing claims came in at 1.710 million, exactly in line with forecasts and slightly below 1.714 million previously.

Manufacturing data were also much stronger than expected, with the New York Empire State Manufacturing Index jumping to 25.5 in October from 7.6, far above the 12.1 consensus estimate.

The data combination points to an economy that remains resilient but is also experiencing renewed inflation pressure. That backdrop may reinforce expectations for interest rates to remain elevated for longer, which appears to be weighing particularly on the rate-sensitive Nasdaq even as the Dow moves higher.

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The Investor 10-15-26

Wall Street Falls as September Inflation Comes in Hotter Than Expected

U.S. stocks moved lower after September inflation data showed broader price pressures remained firmer than economists expected. The S&P 500 fell 0.76% to 7,745.85, while the Nasdaq dropped 0.99% to 26,934.31. The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 0.14% to 51,597.18.

Headline CPI increased 0.6% month over month in September, matching expectations but accelerating from 0.4% in August. On a year-over-year basis, inflation rose to 3.7%, above the 3.6% consensus estimate and up from 3.4% previously.

More importantly for the Federal Reserve outlook, core inflation also came in hotter than expected. Core CPI rose 0.3% month over month versus the 0.2% forecast, while the annual core rate accelerated to 2.6% from 2.4%, also exceeding the 2.5% consensus estimate.

The combination of higher headline inflation and an upside surprise in core prices suggests underlying inflation pressures remain persistent. That could reduce expectations for near-term monetary easing or reinforce the case for keeping interest rates elevated for longer.

The Nasdaq’s larger decline is consistent with renewed rate concerns weighing more heavily on growth and technology stocks, while the relatively smaller move in the Dow suggests a more defensive market response.

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Global Finance News 10-14-26

Wall Street Trades Mixed as U.S. Housing Data Beats Expectations

U.S. stocks traded mixed Tuesday as investors digested stronger-than-expected housing data alongside another increase in weekly private-sector employment.

The S&P 500 slipped 0.07% to 7,801.82, while the Nasdaq Composite fell 0.11% to 27,217.00. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was slightly higher, gaining 0.04% to 51,868.87.

U.S. existing home sales increased to an annualized 3.99 million units in September, above expectations of 3.95 million and up from 3.93 million previously. On a monthly basis, sales rose 1.5%, significantly stronger than the expected 0.8% decline and reversing the previous month’s 3.2% drop.

Separately, ADP’s weekly employment measure showed private payrolls increasing by 24,800, up from 23,800 in the previous reading.

The data points to continued resilience in parts of the U.S. economy, particularly housing and employment. However, the relatively muted equity-market reaction suggests investors remain cautious about how stronger economic activity could influence the Federal Reserve’s interest-rate outlook.

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European Investor 10-13-26

U.S. Stocks Edge Higher as Brent Crude Holds Near $104

U.S. stocks opened modestly higher on Thursday, with the S&P 500 up 0.27% at 7,786.27, the Dow Jones Industrial Average gaining 0.28% to 51,375.78, and the Nasdaq rising 0.34% to 27,285.85.

Brent crude was trading at $103.89 per barrel, down 0.37% on the day, after moving between roughly $102.50 and $103.90 during the session. Oil remains at elevated levels despite the slight decline.

The combination of firm equity markets and Brent holding above $100 suggests investors are balancing resilient risk appetite against continued inflation concerns from high energy prices. Elevated crude can increase transportation and input costs across the economy, potentially keeping some pressure on headline inflation.

For equities, the near-term question is whether oil prices stabilize around current levels or resume their recent rise. A renewed move higher in crude could revive concerns over inflation and interest rates, while a pullback would provide some relief to broader market sentiment.

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Global Finance News 10-09-26

11-09-26WS News

11-06-26WS Investor

11-05-26The Investor

Brent Crude

Brent Crude Plunges Nearly 5% as Iran Supply Fears Ease

Brent crude futures fell nearly 5% on Monday, trading around $93.60 a barrel, as concerns over an immediate escalation in the conflict with Iran eased.

The sharp decline followed comments from U.S. President Donald Trump indicating that further U.S. strikes on Iran were highly unlikely if progress continues on nuclear negotiations and efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The comments reduced some of the geopolitical risk premium that had recently pushed oil prices sharply higher. Source: Reuters, Nov. 9, 2026.

Oil prices have also come under pressure from signs that physical supply conditions are becoming less tight. Recent market indicators have pointed to easing crude scarcity, while higher prices have started to weigh on demand and raise concerns about a potential supply surplus if Middle East disruptions continue to diminish. Source: Reuters, Nov. 6, 2026.

Despite Monday’s selloff, geopolitical risks remain elevated. The Strait of Hormuz remains a major uncertainty for global oil flows, and recent incidents involving tankers and attacks in the region show that supply disruption risks have not disappeared. Source: The Wall Street Journal, Nov. 9, 2026.

The nearly 5% drop therefore appears primarily driven by a rapid unwinding of the geopolitical risk premium as markets price in a lower probability of renewed U.S.-Iran military escalation and a potentially easier supply outlook.

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The Investor 11-09-26

Gold Extends Rally While Brent Rebounds After Sharp Selloff

Gold and Brent crude both moved higher on Thursday, although the two markets were reacting to different forces.

Gold futures rose about 1.5% to $4,135 an ounce, extending the previous session’s strong advance. The move comes after gold surged alongside a softer U.S. dollar and lower Treasury yields, conditions that typically support non-yielding bullion. Safe-haven demand also remains elevated amid geopolitical uncertainty.

Brent crude futures climbed about 0.7% to $95.31 a barrel, recovering part of the previous session’s steep decline. Oil had fallen sharply as signs of possible diplomacy involving Iran reduced fears of prolonged supply disruption in the Middle East.

The rebound in Brent suggests some stabilization after the selloff, but crude remains sensitive to any change in geopolitical expectations or supply risk.

Gold, meanwhile, continues to benefit from a more supportive macro backdrop, with softer yields and persistent geopolitical uncertainty reinforcing demand for defensive assets.

The divergence remains notable: oil is attempting to recover from a geopolitically driven collapse, while gold is holding near elevated levels as investors continue to seek protection against uncertainty.

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Global Finance News 11-05-26

Brent Crude Rebounds While Gold Falls as Middle East Tensions Shift Inflation Expectations

Brent crude rose while gold moved sharply lower on Tuesday, as renewed Middle East tensions pushed energy prices higher but also strengthened concerns that inflation could remain elevated.

Brent futures climbed about 1.9% to $106.71 a barrel, reversing part of the previous session’s steep decline. The rebound followed renewed geopolitical tensions involving the U.S. and Iran, which brought supply risks back into focus after hopes for diplomatic progress had reduced the oil market’s risk premium.

Oil prices moved higher after reports of a U.S. strike on Iran’s Qeshm Island, while comments from Iranian officials suggested the two sides remain far apart on a potential agreement. The developments revived concerns over Middle East supply disruptions and restored part of the geopolitical risk premium that had been removed from prices a day earlier. (Reuters)

The move suggests traders are once again pricing in the possibility of disruptions to regional energy flows, particularly if tensions spread to shipping routes or critical oil infrastructure. Brent had fallen sharply a day earlier as expectations for negotiations increased, making Tuesday’s rebound largely a reassessment of those assumptions.

Gold moved in the opposite direction. Futures fell about 1.5% to $3,910.10 an ounce, extending pressure on bullion despite the increase in geopolitical uncertainty.

The decline appears to reflect the inflation and interest-rate implications of higher oil prices. A renewed rise in energy costs can increase inflation expectations and reinforce the case for tighter or more prolonged restrictive monetary policy. Higher interest rates and bond yields generally reduce the relative appeal of non-yielding assets such as gold.

The contrasting moves in Brent and gold highlight how the same geopolitical event can affect asset classes differently. Oil is benefiting directly from renewed supply-risk concerns, while gold is facing pressure from the possibility that higher energy prices could keep inflation and interest rates elevated.

Near-term direction for both markets is likely to remain tied to developments between Washington and Tehran. Further escalation could support crude prices, while gold may continue to depend more heavily on how the conflict affects Treasury yields, the U.S. dollar and expectations for Federal Reserve policy.

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Global Finance News 11-03-26

Brent Crude Falls 3.7% as Iran Peace Talks Ease Immediate Supply Fears

Brent crude fell sharply on Monday, trading around $109.21 a barrel and down about 3.7%, as renewed diplomatic efforts involving Iran and Qatari mediators reduced some of the geopolitical risk premium that had built into oil prices. (The Wall Street Journal)

The decline follows a strong October rally that pushed Brent to its highest level in roughly six months. With no major military escalation over the weekend and negotiations continuing, traders appear to be taking profits and reassessing the probability of further disruption to oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz. (business-standard*com)

However, underlying supply conditions remain tight. Regional disruptions have already depleted global inventories significantly, while diesel stocks remain unusually low in several markets. That means the current decline appears more related to a reduction in geopolitical risk premium and profit-taking than to a fundamental shift toward abundant supply. (Reuters)

The key near-term driver remains the Iran diplomatic process: meaningful progress could push more risk premium out of crude prices, while renewed military escalation could quickly reverse the current selloff.

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The Investor 11-02-26

Brent Crude Falls 1.8% as U.S.-Iran De-Escalation Hopes Ease Supply Fears

Brent crude fell about 1.8% to $109.68 per barrel as renewed hopes for an easing in U.S.-Iran tensions reduced some of the geopolitical risk premium that had recently pushed oil prices higher.

The move also appears to reflect profit-taking after last week’s strong rally, when concerns over Middle East supply disruptions drove crude sharply higher. Traders are now reassessing whether the recent escalation will translate into a lasting hit to oil flows.

Supply risks have not disappeared, however, and continued instability in the region is helping keep Brent elevated above $109 per barrel. That means oil prices remain sensitive to any new developments involving Iran, regional attacks or disruptions to major shipping routes.

Overall, Monday’s decline looks more like a partial unwinding of geopolitical risk premium than a major change in the underlying supply outlook.

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WS News 10-26-26

Brent Crude Jumps Nearly 4% as Middle East Supply Risks and U.S. Gulf Shutdowns Intensify

Brent crude futures surged 3.94% to around $104.15 per barrel on Thursday, extending gains as geopolitical and weather-related supply concerns returned to the forefront of the oil market.

The strongest catalyst is renewed disruption risk around the Strait of Hormuz and the wider Gulf. Shipping activity through Hormuz has fallen sharply following a fresh wave of tanker attacks, increasing concerns over the security of a route that handled roughly one-fifth of global oil and fuel flows before the current conflict. (Reuters)

Supply fears were compounded by production disruptions in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico. Offshore producers have curtailed operations as Hurricane Isaias approaches, temporarily removing part of U.S. oil and gas output from the market. U.S. crude inventories also fell by 3.2 million barrels, adding another supportive factor. (Reuters)

The sharp move above $104 suggests traders are rebuilding a geopolitical risk premium after recent attempts to ease supply pressure through strategic stock releases.

Near term, Brent’s direction will remain highly sensitive to tanker traffic through Hormuz, further attacks on regional energy infrastructure, the duration of Gulf of Mexico production outages and any escalation involving Iran.

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The Investor 10-08-26

Brent crude futures fell 1.34% to $98.98 per barrel in early trading, extending losses after briefly trading above $101 earlier in the session.

Prices moved sharply lower during the morning, slipping below the $100 level and reaching an intraday low near $99.

The move marks a notable reversal from earlier gains, with Brent giving up more than $2 per barrel from its session high.

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Global Finance News 10-06-26

Brent Crude Holds Above $102 After Sharp Intraday Volatility

Brent crude futures traded around $102.14 per barrel on Monday, down 0.11%, after a highly volatile early session.

Prices initially fell below $101 before rebounding sharply and briefly moving above $103 per barrel. Brent later gave back part of the advance but remained comfortably above the session’s early lows.

The price action suggests the oil market remains highly sensitive to shifting supply and geopolitical expectations. The rapid rebound from below $101 indicates buyers are still emerging aggressively on dips, while the pullback from above $103 shows resistance at higher levels.

Near term, the $103 area appears to be an important upside level, while the roughly $101–$102 range could provide support if volatility persists. The broader direction will remain heavily dependent on developments affecting global supply expectations and Middle East risk.

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European Investor 10-05-26

U.S. Crude Inventories Rise as Atlanta Fed GDPNow Estimate Drops to 3.7%

U.S. crude oil inventories increased by 922,000 barrels in the latest weekly report, contrary to expectations for a 700,000-barrel decline. The previous reading showed a much larger 2.969 million-barrel build.

Inventories at Cushing, Oklahoma, also rose by 553,000 barrels after increasing by 2.266 million barrels previously, adding to signs of a looser near-term crude supply balance.

Separately, the Atlanta Fed’s GDPNow estimate for third-quarter U.S. economic growth fell sharply to 3.7% from 5.0%. The previous estimate had also stood at 5.0%.

For markets, the inventory build is a negative signal for crude prices because it suggests supply exceeded expectations during the week. At the same time, the lower GDPNow estimate points to softer expected economic growth, which could further weigh on oil demand expectations while supporting expectations for a less restrictive Federal Reserve stance.

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Global Finance News 09-30-26

Brent Crude Rises 1.6% as U.S.-Iran Talks Stall and Hormuz Risks Persist

Brent crude futures rose 1.6% to around $99 a barrel on Monday as geopolitical risk returned to the market following another setback in U.S.-Iran negotiations.

Oil prices gained after U.S. President Donald Trump rejected Iran’s latest proposal aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz, while both sides remained open to further talks. The unresolved dispute has kept a geopolitical premium in crude because the waterway remains critical to Gulf oil exports.(thenationalnews*com)

At the same time, supply concerns are being partly offset by improving regional export flows. Middle East crude exports are on track to reach about 12.8 million barrels per day in September, their highest level since the conflict began, while shipments through Hormuz have also recovered significantly from earlier disruptions.(Iran International)

Saudi Arabia’s East-West pipeline has also restarted after being damaged earlier this month, providing another route for crude exports and limiting some of the upside pressure on prices. (Reuters)

The result is a highly volatile oil market: geopolitical tensions continue to support Brent, while improving Gulf exports and alternative Saudi shipping routes are preventing supply fears from escalating further.

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The Investor 09-28-26

11-09-26WS News

11-03-26Global Finance News

11-02-26The Investor

NASDAQ:HON

Honeywell Technologies Raises 2026 Outlook as Q3 Organic Sales and Adjusted EPS Accelerate

Honeywell Technologies (NASDAQ: HON) reported stronger-than-expected third-quarter 2026 performance, with broad-based organic growth, substantial margin expansion and a 34% increase in adjusted EPS prompting management to raise its full-year outlook.

Third-quarter sales were $5.0 billion, up 1% on a reported basis and 7% organically. Operating income increased 79% to $740 million, while operating margin expanded 640 basis points to 14.8%. Segment profit rose 23% to $1.06 billion, with segment margin improving 370 basis points to 21.3%.

Adjusted EPS increased 34% year over year to $2.27, driven by organic sales growth, higher segment profitability and lower net interest expense. Reported EPS fell 20% to $2.40, primarily because the prior-year period benefited from a one-time gain related to the Resideo termination agreement.

Growth was broad-based. Building Automation organic sales increased 8%, Process Automation and Technology rose 8%, and Industrial Automation grew 4%. Building Automation margin reached 27.0%, while Industrial Automation margin expanded 350 basis points to 18.4%. Process Automation margins declined 210 basis points due to project mix and acquisition-related dilution.

Backlog increased 7% year over year to nearly $19 billion, excluding recently divested businesses. Free cash flow rose 15% to $688 million, with free cash flow conversion of 95%.

Honeywell raised full-year 2026 sales guidance to $20.0 billion-$20.1 billion from $19.8 billion-$20.0 billion and increased its organic growth forecast to 4%-5% from 3%-4%. Adjusted EPS guidance was lifted to $8.40-$8.45 from $8.05-$8.35, while free cash flow guidance increased to approximately $2.1 billion.

Overall, the quarter showed accelerating underlying growth, strong productivity gains and significant margin expansion, with the higher full-year outlook reinforcing management’s confidence in the company’s standalone growth trajectory.

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European Investor 10-22-26

Honeywell Technologies (NASDAQ: HON) declared a quarterly dividend payment of $0.70 per share on common stock. The dividend is payable on December 4, 2026 to holders of record at the close of business on November 13, 2026.

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Global Finance News 09-25-26

Honeywell reported first-quarter 2026 sales of $9.1 billion, up 2% year-over-year, with orders rising 7% and backlog reaching approximately $38 billion. Adjusted earnings per share increased 11% to $2.45, despite reported EPS declining due to restructuring and impairment charges tied to planned divestitures.

The company announced the sale of its Warehouse and Workflow Solutions business to American Industrial Partners and confirmed plans to spin off its aerospace division by June 29, 2026. While operating margins were impacted by separation-related costs, underlying segment performance remained strong across all business units.

Honeywell reaffirmed its full-year 2026 outlook, supported by continued demand in automation and industrial segments.

Source: PR Newswire

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The Investor 04-24-26

Honeywell International Inc. announced it will sell its Productivity Solutions and Services (PSS) business to Brady Corporation for $1.4 billion in an all-cash transaction.

The divestiture is part of Honeywell’s broader portfolio simplification strategy, as the company prepares for the planned spin-off of its aerospace division in the third quarter of 2026. The move follows a strategic review initiated in 2025 and marks a key step in Honeywell’s multi-year transformation to focus on core operations.

PSS, which generated approximately $1.1 billion in revenue in 2025, provides mobile computers, barcode scanners, and printing solutions for warehouse and logistics customers. The acquisition is expected to strengthen Brady’s capabilities in data capture, mobile computing, and workflow automation, creating a more integrated platform for industrial and supply chain applications.

The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals and customary conditions.
PRNewswire

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Global Finance News 04-20-26

Honeywell ( NASDAQ: HON) announced its upcoming investor days , expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2026.

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Global Finance News 04-03-26

Honeywell to Release First Quarter Financial Results and Hold its Investor Conference Call on Thursday, April 23

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The Investor 03-26-26

Honeywell signs $500 million defense deal to boost production capacity

March 25, 2026 — Honeywell Aerospace has signed a multi-year framework agreement with the U.S. Department of War to accelerate production of critical defense technologies, backed by a $500 million investment in manufacturing capacity.

Under the agreement, Honeywell will scale up production of key systems including navigation technologies, missile actuators, and electronic warfare solutions used across military platforms.

The company said the deal strengthens its role as a major supplier to defense programs and supports efforts to increase production speed and scale in response to evolving security demands.

Honeywell added that the investment will enhance its ability to deliver advanced technologies to U.S. and allied forces while supporting long-term growth in its aerospace and defense business.
PRNewswire

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WS Investor 03-25-26

Honeywell announces cash tender Offers to purchase up to $3,750,000,000 aggregate purchase price of dollar-ddenominated securities and up to €1,250,000,000 aggregate purchase price of Euro-denominated securities
PRNewswire

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The Investor 03-07-26

Honeywell announced an amended agreement to acquire Johnson Matthey’s Catalyst Technologies business for £1.325 billion, reduced from the previously agreed £1.8 billion. The long stop date has been extended to July 21, 2026, with a possible further extension to August 21, 2026, subject to conditions.

The acquisition is expected to strengthen Honeywell’s Process Technologies segment, expand its refining and renewable fuels catalyst portfolio, and create synergies across process automation and aftermarket services. The deal is anticipated to close by the end of August 2026, pending regulatory approvals, and is expected to be accretive to adjusted EPS in the first full year of ownership.

Source: PR Newswire

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The Investor 02-23-26

Honeywell reported fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 results that exceeded the high end of its guidance on an adjusted basis, while also issuing a positive outlook for 2026 and updating plans for its aerospace spin-off.

In the fourth quarter, sales rose 6% to $9.8 billion, while adjusted sales increased 10% to $10.1 billion, reflecting 11% organic growth. Growth was driven mainly by strong demand in Aerospace and Building Automation. GAAP EPS came in at $0.49, sharply lower year over year due to one-time charges, while adjusted EPS reached $2.59. Orders surged 23% organically, lifting backlog to a record level above $37 billion.

Reported operating income declined and margins contracted due to impairment charges linked to assets held for sale and a one-time litigation-related charge in the aerospace segment. Excluding these items, adjusted segment profit rose strongly, supported by aerospace and building automation performance. Free cash flow increased despite weaker operating cash flow in the quarter.

For the full year, reported sales increased 8% and adjusted sales rose 9%, with organic growth of 7%, exceeding original guidance. Full-year adjusted EPS climbed 12% to $9.78, while operating and free cash flow both showed solid growth. Management highlighted strong order momentum and portfolio actions as key drivers of performance.

Looking ahead, Honeywell forecast 2026 adjusted EPS in the range of $10.35 to $10.65, representing growth of 6% to 9%. The company also announced that the spin-off of Honeywell Aerospace into a standalone public company is now expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2026, earlier than previously anticipated, as part of its broader portfolio simplification strategy.

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WS Investor 01-29-26

11-09-26WS News

US Funds

Nasdaq Slides as Chip Sell-Off Accelerates, Dragging Semiconductor ETFs and AI Leaders Lower

The Nasdaq came under heavy selling pressure on Thursday after a relatively resilient start to the session, with semiconductor stocks leading a broad technology retreat. While the Dow Jones remained in positive territory, the Nasdaq fell more than 1.4% as investors aggressively sold chipmakers following their exceptional first-half rally.

The weakness was widespread across the semiconductor industry. Micron Technology (MU) dropped more than 7%, while SanDisk (SNDK) plunged over 15%, extending a sharp pullback that began after both companies posted massive year-to-date gains. Other major chip names, including Nvidia (NVDA), Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), Broadcom (AVGO) and Western Digital (WDC) also traded lower as investors continued rotating out of AI infrastructure stocks.

The sell-off was equally visible in sector exchange-traded funds. The iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX) fell roughly 7%, while the VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH) lost nearly 6%, highlighting broad-based weakness rather than company-specific concerns. The decline suggests investors are taking profits across the semiconductor sector after one of its strongest first-half performances on record.

Analysts point to a combination of factors behind the retreat, including profit-taking after extraordinary gains, concerns that AI-related chip valuations had become stretched, and signs that investors are rotating toward other parts of the technology sector. Recent reports suggesting cloud providers could optimize AI infrastructure spending have also fueled concerns that the pace of semiconductor demand growth may moderate, even as the long-term AI investment theme remains intact.

Despite Thursday’s sharp decline, many Wall Street analysts continue to view the move as a healthy correction rather than a change in the industry’s long-term outlook, arguing that AI-driven demand for advanced chips and memory products remains robust over the coming years.

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WS News 07-02-26

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The Investor 03-11-26

State Street Investment Management launched the State Street IG Public & Private ABS ETF (PRAB), an actively managed exchange-traded fund designed to give investors broader exposure to investment-grade asset-backed securities across both public and private markets.

The fund invests in securities such as collateralized loan obligations (CLOs) and residential and commercial mortgage-backed securities, aiming to provide diversified income opportunities and potentially higher yields compared with corporate bonds of similar risk.

State Street said the ETF responds to growing investor demand for access to the global asset-backed finance market, which exceeds $20 trillion but remains underrepresented in traditional bond portfolios.
Business Wire

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The Investor 03-11-26

State Street Investment Management has expanded its MyIncome ETF lineup with the launch of five actively managed high yield corporate bond target maturity ETFs, adding to what it calls the industry’s first actively managed corporate target maturity ETF suite.

The new funds — My2027 (MYHA), My2028 (MYHB), My2029 (MYHC), My2030 (MYHD) and My2031 (MYHE) High Yield Corporate Bond ETFs — provide exposure to high yield bonds with matching maturity years from 2027 through 2031. The ETFs are designed to help investors build bond ladders that manage interest rate risk while offering predictable income and liquidity.

Managed by the firm’s fixed income team, the funds aim to maximize yield while preserving capital and managing liquidity, sector and issuer concentration risks. Each ETF is structured to distribute remaining principal and liquidate around December 15 of its respective maturity year. As of January 31, 2026, assets under management in the MyIncome suite totaled $298 million.

Source:Business Wire

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Global Finance News 02-28-26

Sector Momentum Favors Defense; QQQ Yet To Break; Split NDX Breadth

The stock market is clearly in defensive mode but QQQ is still holding up, and its long-term breadth still hasn't turned bearish. Arthur Hill's analysis identifies the key levels to watch.

(articles.stockcharts.com)

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The Investor 02-20-26

State Street Investment Management has launched the **State Street Prime Money Market ETF (MMK)**, an actively managed ETF designed to provide flexible, transparent, and cost-effective cash management.

The ETF aims to maximize current income while preserving capital and liquidity, investing in short-term, high-quality debt instruments such as U.S. government securities, certificates of deposit, commercial paper, asset-backed securities, mortgage-related securities, and repurchase agreements.

With an expense ratio of **18 basis points**, MMK is among the lowest-cost active prime money market ETFs in the U.S. As of December 31, 2025, State Street’s cash team managed approximately **$599.55 billion** in assets.

Source: Business Wire.

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European Investor 02-12-26

VantagePoint A.I. Asset of the Week iShares Silver Trust ($SLV) - VantagePoint $SLV

This week's ai asset spotlight is the iShares Silver Trust ($SLV) On December 3, 2025, we put $SLV front and center as our Asset of the Week and made one thing crystal clear: silver was no

(vantagepointsoftware.com)

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WS Investor 01-15-26

I collected my first dividend from the FDVV ETF this week. It was not much—just $12—but it felt good to see the portfolio start to generate cash. Over time, I expect these payments to grow.

I am also spending time researching QQQI. It is a relatively new ETF and clearly carries more risk, especially since it focuses on large technology companies that may be somewhat overvalued right now. Still, I plan to allocate a small portion of my portfolio to it. The annual yield of around 13% is attractive, and I believe the tech and AI rally is likely to continue for at least another couple of years. If that plays out, QQQI could contribute meaningfully to overall returns.

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A Dividend Journey 12-26-25

Blackrock multi asset income monthly commentary ...

(blackrock.com)

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The Investor 12-21-25

State Street launches lowest-cost leveraged loan ETF in the U.S.

State Street Investment Management introduced the State Street SPDR S&P Leveraged Loan ETF (LVLN), giving investors broad, index-based exposure to the expanding leveraged loan market. With a 0.40 percent gross expense ratio, LVLN is now the lowest-cost leveraged loan ETF available in the U.S., according to Bloomberg data as of November 18, 2025.

The fund tracks the S&P USD Select Leveraged Loan Index, which includes U.S. dollar–denominated loans of at least 500 million dollars and applies issuer, facility and industry caps for diversified coverage. State Street says demand for leveraged loans continues to grow as investors seek income and low correlation to Treasuries and investment-grade corporate bonds.

The launch expands State Street’s fixed-income ETF lineup to include both active and index strategies targeting the rapidly growing loan segment.

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The Investor 11-18-25

11-09-26WS News

10-26-26Global Finance News

10-20-26WS News

10-06-26The Investor

10-02-26WS News

China

China CPI Inflation Slows to 0.7% in October as Producer Prices Rise Faster Than Expected

China’s consumer inflation eased in October, with the CPI rising 0.7% year over year, below the 0.8% forecast and down from 0.9% previously.

On a monthly basis, consumer prices were unchanged, matching expectations but slowing from the previous 0.2% increase.

Meanwhile, producer prices rose 5.7% year over year, exceeding the 5.3% forecast and accelerating from 5.0% previously.

The data present a mixed inflation picture. Softer consumer-price growth points to relatively subdued household inflation pressures, while stronger producer-price growth suggests increasing price pressure further upstream in the economy.

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WS News 11-09-26

China Services PMI Falls to 50.8 in October, Missing Forecasts

China’s RatingDog Services PMI fell to 50.8 in October, below the 51.7 forecast and down from 51.6 in the previous month.

The reading remained above the 50 threshold that separates expansion from contraction, indicating that activity in the services sector continued to grow, but at a much slower pace.

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European Investor 11-04-26

China RatingDog Manufacturing PMI Holds at 52.0 in October

China’s RatingDog Manufacturing PMI came in at 52.0 in October, matching market expectations and edging down slightly from 52.1 in September.

The reading remained comfortably above the 50 threshold that separates expansion from contraction, indicating that manufacturing activity continued to grow.

The result suggests China’s factory sector maintained steady momentum at the start of the fourth quarter, although the slight monthly easing points to broadly stable rather than accelerating conditions.

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The Investor 11-02-26

China Keeps Loan Prime Rates Unchanged in October

China left its benchmark lending rates unchanged in October, in line with market expectations.

The one-year Loan Prime Rate was maintained at 3.00%, matching both the 3.00% consensus forecast and the previous reading.

The five-year Loan Prime Rate, which is closely linked to mortgage pricing, was also held steady at 3.50%, unchanged from the prior month and in line with expectations.

The decision indicates that Chinese policymakers are maintaining current borrowing-cost settings for now, despite continued weakness in areas such as fixed-asset investment. With the move fully expected, the rate decision itself is unlikely to create a major market surprise.

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WS News 10-20-26

China Q3 Growth Beats Expectations as Industrial Output Strengthens

China’s economy expanded 4.5% year over year in the third quarter, slightly above the 4.4% consensus estimate and accelerating from 4.3% previously.

On a quarter-over-quarter basis, GDP grew 1.2%, also beating expectations of 1.1% and improving from 0.9% in the second quarter.

Industrial production provided additional support, rising 5.5% year over year in September versus the 5.4% forecast and 5.2% previously. The unemployment rate also improved to 5.2% from 5.3%, better than the 5.3% consensus.

The main weak spot remained fixed-asset investment, which fell 7.2% year over year. While this was marginally better than the 7.3% decline expected, it was unchanged from the previous reading.

Overall, the data point to firmer near-term economic momentum in China, with stronger GDP growth, industrial activity and employment conditions offset by persistent weakness in investment.

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WS News 10-19-26

China PMIs Improve in September as Manufacturing and Services Return to Expansion

China’s September activity data showed a broad improvement across both manufacturing and services, with most major PMI readings moving above the 50 level that separates expansion from contraction.

The official Manufacturing PMI rose to 50.1 from 49.8, matching expectations and signaling a return to modest expansion. The official Non-Manufacturing PMI improved more sharply to 50.2 from 49.0, beating the 49.2 consensus.

The Composite PMI also strengthened to 50.7 from 49.5, indicating that overall business activity returned to expansion.

Private-sector RatingDog surveys were stronger. The Manufacturing PMI climbed to 52.1 from 51.5, beating expectations of 51.7, while the Services PMI rose to 51.6 from 51.4 and also exceeded forecasts.

The September readings suggest China’s economy gained some momentum at the end of the third quarter, with both factory and service-sector activity improving. For markets, the data are broadly supportive for Chinese equities, industrial commodities and other assets sensitive to Chinese growth, though investors will still watch whether the improvement is sustained in coming months.

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WS News 09-30-26

China’s Industrial Profit Growth Slows in August

China’s industrial profits rose 15.7% year to date in August, slowing from the previous reading of 17.6%.

The moderation suggests profit growth among Chinese industrial companies lost some momentum, even though earnings remained firmly positive on a cumulative basis.

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WS News 09-28-26

China Holds Five-Year Loan Prime Rate at 3.50% in September

China kept its five-year Loan Prime Rate (LPR) unchanged at 3.50% in September, matching market the previous month’s level.

The decision signals that Chinese policymakers are maintaining current borrowing-cost settings despite continued concerns about economic momentum and the property sector.

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WS News 09-20-26

China Industrial Production Beats Forecasts as Investment Weakness Deepens

China’s economic data for August painted a mixed picture, with stronger industrial activity offset by weaker investment and a slight rise in unemployment.

Industrial production increased 5.2% year over year, beating the 4.8% forecast and accelerating from 4.5% previously. The stronger reading suggests China’s manufacturing and industrial sectors maintained momentum despite broader economic pressures.

However, fixed asset investment fell 7.2% year over year, slightly worse than the expected 7.1% decline and deeper than the previous 6.7% contraction. Meanwhile, the unemployment rate edged up to 5.3% from 5.2%, also above expectations.

The figures highlight an uneven Chinese recovery, with industrial strength contrasting with persistent weakness in investment and the labor market.

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WS News 09-15-26

China’s New Loans Rebound to 60 Billion Yuan in August but Miss Forecasts

China’s banks extended 60 billion yuan in new loans in August, rebounding from a 340 billion yuan contraction in the previous period but falling well short of market expectations for 480 billion yuan.

The weaker-than-expected lending figure points to continued softness in credit demand despite the return to positive loan growth.

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WS Investor 09-14-26

10-19-26WS News

06-22-26WS Investor

05-11-26WS Investor

05-08-26Global Finance News

NYSE:CEG

Constellation Energy Jumps 10% as Q3 Earnings Surge and 2026 Guidance Rises

Constellation Energy (NASDAQ: CEG) shares jumped about 10% after the company reported sharply higher third-quarter earnings, raised its full-year outlook and highlighted a growing pipeline of long-term power agreements tied to nuclear generation.

Third-quarter adjusted operating earnings rose to $5.06 per share from $3.04 a year earlier, while GAAP net income increased to $5.19 per share from $2.97.

Constellation raised the midpoint and narrowed its 2026 adjusted operating earnings guidance to $12.50-$12.80 per share, marking the second increase to the midpoint this year.

Growth visibility also improved through several major agreements. The company signed a 20-year, 690 MW power purchase agreement with Amazon supporting more than $3 billion of investment at Calvert Cliffs, and a separate 20-year agreement with Google supporting more than $4.3 billion of investment to add about 890 MW of nuclear capacity to the PJM grid.

Constellation also signed a conditional DOE loan commitment for up to $5 billion to support nuclear uprates and agreed to acquire the 609 MW Rhode Island State Energy Center for $715 million.

The 10% share gain appears to reflect the combination of stronger earnings, higher guidance and increasing visibility into long-term demand from large technology customers, reinforcing Constellation’s position as a major beneficiary of rising power demand from data centers and the broader digital economy.

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The Investor 11-09-26

Constellation Energy (CEG) Q1 2026: Good Results, Wrong Story

Monday, May 11, 2026

Constellation Energy is down 2.46% today after reporting a first quarter that looked strong on the surface but failed to deliver what Wall Street actually needed: a major new hyperscaler contract and cleaner guidance optics. In a stock that has already shed roughly 22% from its 52-week high, "solid" isn't enough.

The Numbers: Strong, But Not the Point

On a headline basis, the results are genuinely good. GAAP net income surged to $4.49 per share from just $0.38 a year ago, and adjusted (non-GAAP) operating earnings rose 28% to $2.74 per share from $2.14 in Q1 2025. The Calpine acquisition — completed in January 2026 for $16.4 billion — is clearly adding scale, contributing meaningfully to both earnings and operational breadth. Constellation's nuclear fleet produced 44,666 gigawatt-hours in the quarter, and renewable energy capture hit 96.7%. The company also commissioned the 105 MW Pastoria Solar Project and brought the 460 MW Pin Oak Creek natural gas facility in Texas online on April 30.

Full-year 2026 adjusted operating earnings guidance was reaffirmed at $11.00 to $12.00 per share. The company also earned the No. 1 spot on Barron's Most Sustainable U.S. Companies list for 2026.

Why the Stock Is Falling

The selloff is not about what Constellation reported — it's about what it didn't announce. The investment case hinges on a single variable: whether Constellation can translate its 147 million megawatt-hours of uncontracted nuclear capacity into long-term, premium-priced agreements with hyperscalers and enterprise customers before the market prices that optionality in. No such announcement came today.

The stock is already down roughly 22% from its 52-week high, and without new data center contracts announced, the re-rating catalyst is delayed. The market had priced in a possible upside surprise. When it didn't materialize, sellers moved.

There's also a regulatory overhang. PJM regulatory clarity on data center interconnection rules is not expected until late 2026, leaving major hyperscaler contract announcements on hold through most of the year. That's a long time to wait in a market that rewards catalysts immediately.

That said, one meaningful development did come through: the PUCT approved the net metering application for co-location of a CyrusOne data center at the Freestone site in Texas, with a 380 MW agreement in place and an exclusive on a further 380 MW for Phase 2. The broader CyrusOne relationship now covers more than 1,100 megawatts — a significant position in the AI power infrastructure build-out, even if it's not the headline hyperscaler deal investors were hoping for.

The Bigger Picture

Constellation remains the most strategically positioned clean power company in the U.S., operating the largest nuclear fleet in the country at a moment when AI data centers are desperate for reliable, carbon-free baseload electricity.

But the stock is in an awkward middle phase: post-acquisition integration, pre-contract announcement, and navigating a PJM regulatory timeline it can't fully control. Until a major hyperscaler deal lands or Crane's interconnection timeline clarifies, the stock is likely to remain range-bound — rewarding patience rather than urgency.

Today's 2.46% decline is the market saying: show me the contract.

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Global Finance News 05-11-26

More Than Just Chips: Why the AI Revolution Needs These 5 Companies

AI is not only about NVIDIA. We are more interested in who is baking the five-layer cake of artificial intelligence.

(thesmartinvestor.com.sg)

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WS Investor 01-19-26

Constellation Energy said it completed its acquisition of Calpine on January 7, 2026, making Calpine a wholly owned subsidiary.

The deal consideration included 50,000,000 newly issued Constellation shares plus $4.50 billion in cash (net of certain expenses). Constellation said former Calpine stockholders now hold about 13.8% of its outstanding common stock (based on shares outstanding as of January 6, 2026).

At closing, Constellation entered a registration rights agreement with certain former Calpine stockholders and disclosed a lock-up schedule that releases half the shares on June 30, 2026 and the remainder on June 30, 2027 (subject to exceptions). Calpine’s existing unsecured and secured notes remain outstanding under their prior indentures.

Constellation also disclosed CFO leadership changes effective at closing, naming Shane Smith as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, with Daniel Eggers moving to Senior Executive Vice President, Finance and Data Economy.

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The Investor 01-08-26

Constellation secures DOE-guaranteed 1 billion dollar loan facility for nuclear plant restart

Constellation Energy Corporation (CEG) announced that subsidiary Constellation Energy Generation, LLC entered into a 1 billion dollar loan guarantee agreement with the U.S. Department of Energy and a related note purchase agreement with the Federal Financing Bank. The financing will support the restart and repowering of the 835 MW Christopher M. Crane Clean Energy Center, a nuclear facility in Pennsylvania. Borrowings can be made through 2030, up to 80 percent of eligible project costs or 1 billion dollars. The loan carries semiannual interest tied to U.S. Treasury yields plus 0.375 percent and matures in 2055. Constellation has not yet drawn on the facility and must make an initial borrowing by May 2027 to maintain access. The obligations are currently unsecured but may require equal lien status if future secured debt is issued.

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Global Finance News 11-19-25

Constellation Energy reports Q3 2025 earnings; narrows full-year outlook

Constellation Energy Corporation (Nasdaq: CEG) reported third-quarter 2025 GAAP net income of $2.97 per share and adjusted operating earnings of $3.04 per share, up from $2.74 a year earlier. The company narrowed its full-year adjusted earnings guidance to $9.05–$9.45 per share.

CEO Joe Dominguez said the company achieved one of its strongest nuclear operating quarters and secured a major regulatory milestone with the Maryland Department of the Environment’s water quality certification for the Conowingo Dam, enabling its re-licensing and continued operation. Dominguez emphasized nuclear power’s growing role in supporting the expanding data economy and national energy reliability.

CFO Dan Eggers highlighted operational and financial strength, supported by strong nuclear and commercial performance. Excluding Salem and the South Texas Project, Constellation’s nuclear plants achieved a 96.8% capacity factor, up from 95.0% last year, while total nuclear generation rose to 46,477 GWh. The company also reaffirmed plans to close its merger with Calpine, positioning the combined entity to meet growing demand for clean, reliable power.

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European Investor 11-08-25

Constellation Energy Q1 2025 Earnings Summary

Constellation Energy reported GAAP net income of $118 million, or $0.38 per share, for the first quarter of 2025, down from $883 million, or $2.78 per share, in Q1 2024. However, adjusted (non-GAAP) operating earnings rose to $673 million, or $2.14 per share, up from $579 million ($1.82 per share) a year earlier. The company reaffirmed its full-year 2025 adjusted earnings guidance of $8.90 to $9.60 per share.

Revenue increased to $6.79 billion from $6.16 billion in Q1 2024. The nuclear fleet operated at a strong 94.1% capacity factor, and total nuclear generation reached 45,582 GWh. Natural gas and renewables output fell to 5,905 GWh from 8,274 GWh, while purchased power rose to 16,935 GWh.

Key developments:

• The Calpine acquisition remains on track for closing in Q4 2025, promising to enhance capacity and customer reach.
• The Crane Clean Energy Center was selected for fast-track grid interconnection by PJM, supporting expansion of emissions-free power.
• The dispatch match rate for the gas fleet reached 99.2%, and renewables operated at 96.2% capture efficiency.

Constellation’s cash flow from operations was $107 million, while capital expenditures totaled $806 million. Ending cash balance was $1.94 billion, down from $3.13 billion at year-end 2024, driven by investments and timing of working capital changes.

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WS News 05-06-25

Constellation Energy Corporation reported strong financial results for the fourth quarter and full year of 2024, exceeding the top end of its twice-revised guidance range. The company reported GAAP net income of $2.71 per share and adjusted (non-GAAP) operating earnings of $2.44 per share for Q4, while full-year GAAP net income reached $11.89 per share, with adjusted operating earnings at $8.67 per share.

Key highlights include:
- Affirming full-year 2025 adjusted operating earnings guidance of $8.90 - $9.60 per share.
- A definitive agreement to acquire Calpine Corporation, merging Constellation’s clean energy assets with Calpine’s dispatchable natural gas operations.
- A 20-year power purchase agreement with Microsoft to support the Crane Clean Energy Center.
- Completion of $1 billion in share repurchases in 2024, with a total of $2 billion repurchased since 2023.
- Moody’s upgraded Constellation’s credit rating from Baa2 to Baa1.
- Issued the first U.S. corporate green bond including nuclear energy.
- Increased the annual dividend by 25% and announced plans for an additional 10% increase in 2025.

Operationally, Constellation maintained its position as the nation’s top emissions-free energy producer for the 11th consecutive year and achieved a nuclear capacity factor of 94.6%. The company also contributed over $20 million to community initiatives and logged 116,500 volunteer hours.

Looking ahead, Constellation expects continued strong performance, with plans to invest over $2.5 billion in 2025 for operational reliability and growth initiatives, independent of the Calpine acquisition.

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Global Finance News 02-18-25

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US Dividends

Dover Corporation (NYSE: DOV) declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.525 per share, payable on December 15, 2026, to shareholders of record as of November 30, 2026.

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Global Finance News 11-07-26

Lam Research Authorizes $25 Billion Share Buyback and Declares Quarterly Dividend

Lam Research (NASDAQ: LRCX) authorized a new $25 billion share repurchase program, significantly expanding its capacity to return capital to shareholders.

The new authorization supplements the remaining balance under Lam’s prior buyback program and has no expiration date. Repurchases may be conducted through open-market purchases, privately negotiated transactions, derivatives or structured repurchase agreements.

Lam also declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.33 per share, payable on January 6, 2027, to shareholders of record as of December 2, 2026.

Management said the expanded authorization reflects confidence in Lam’s cash generation and its positioning around major semiconductor technology transitions.

The $25 billion buyback provides substantial capital-return flexibility and reinforces Lam Research’s shareholder return strategy as semiconductor equipment demand remains supported by AI-driven investment and advanced chip manufacturing.

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Global Finance News 11-07-26

Thermo Fisher Authorizes $5 Billion Share Buyback and Declares Quarterly Dividend

Thermo Fisher Scientific (NYSE: TMO) authorized a new share repurchase program of up to $5 billion, replacing its previous authorization, which had approximately $1 billion remaining.

The new buyback authorization has no expiration date and allows repurchases through open-market purchases or negotiated transactions.

Thermo Fisher’s board also declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.47 per share. The dividend is payable on January 15, 2027, to shareholders of record as of December 15, 2026.

The expanded repurchase authorization gives Thermo Fisher additional flexibility to return capital to shareholders and signals continued confidence in the company’s long-term cash generation and balance sheet capacity.

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Global Finance News 11-07-26

The UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) board of directors has authorized payment of a cash dividend of $2.32 per share, to be paid on December 15, 2026, to shareholders of record of common stocks as of the close of business December 7, 2026.

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WS Investor 11-04-26

Corning Incorporated Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend on October 6, 2026 of $0.28 per share.

The dividend will be payable on December 11, 2026, to shareholders of record on November 13, 2026.

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Global Finance News 10-07-26

The Board of Directors of Trane Technologies plc declared a quarterly dividend of $1.05 per ordinary share, $4.20 per share annualized. The dividend is payable December 31, 2026, to shareholders of record on December 4, 2026.

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Global Finance News 10-07-26

Pfizer Declares $0.43 Fourth-Quarter Dividend, Extending Long-Running Payout Streak

Pfizer (NYSE: PFE) said its board of directors approved a fourth-quarter 2026 cash dividend of $0.43 per share.

The dividend will be payable on December 7, 2026, to shareholders of record at the close of business on November 6.

Pfizer said maintaining — and over the longer term growing — its dividend remains part of the company’s capital allocation strategy.

The payment will mark Pfizer’s 352nd consecutive quarterly dividend, extending the pharmaceutical company’s decades-long record of regular shareholder distributions.

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The Investor 10-06-26

Dividend Growth Stocks: Cisco Systems, Inc. (CSCO) Dividend Stock Analysis

Your source for finding the best dividend growth stocks

(dividend-growth-stocks.com)

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The Investor 10-04-26

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Global Finance News 09-25-26

Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) (Nasdaq: TXN) announced it will raise its quarterly cash dividend 7%, from $1.42 per share to $1.52. The dividend will be payable November 10, 2026, to stockholders of record on October 30, 2026, contingent upon formal declaration by the board of directors at its regular meeting in October.

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Global Finance News 09-19-26

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Australia

Australia Building Approvals Rebound 5.1% in September, Matching Forecast

Australia’s building approvals rose 5.1% month over month in September, matching market expectations and reversing the previous 5.2% decline.

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WS News 11-09-26

Australia Trade Surplus Widens Sharply to A$2.83 Billion in September

Australia’s trade surplus widened sharply to A$2.826 billion in September, significantly exceeding the A$940 million forecast.

The result also marked a substantial improvement from the previous month’s A$184 million surplus.

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Global Finance News 11-05-26

RBA Raises Interest Rate to 4.85% in November, Matching Forecasts

The Reserve Bank of Australia raised its benchmark interest rate to 4.85% in November from 4.60%, delivering a 25-basis-point increase that matched market expectations.

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Global Finance News 11-03-26

Australia Building Approvals Jump 5.1% in September, Beating Forecasts

Australian building approvals rose 5.1% month over month in September, significantly exceeding the 1.8% increase expected by economists and reversing the previous month’s 5.2% decline.

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The Investor 11-02-26

Australia Employment Falls Sharply in September as Jobless Rate Holds at 4.7%

Australia’s labor market weakened sharply in September, with employment falling by 39,300, far below expectations for a 19,600 increase and reversing the previous month’s 29,300 gain.

The unemployment rate held at 4.7%, slightly above the 4.6% consensus estimate and unchanged from the previous month.

The composition of employment was somewhat more constructive than the headline figure suggests. Full-time employment increased by 34,400 after a 4,000 decline previously, implying that the overall employment drop was driven by a much larger fall in part-time positions.

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WS News 10-15-26

Australian Business Confidence Falls Further in September

Australia’s NAB Business Confidence index fell to -13 in September from -9 in the previous month, pointing to a further deterioration in business sentiment.

The deeper negative reading suggests Australian firms became more cautious about the economic outlook during the month, with confidence remaining firmly below neutral levels.

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The Investor 10-13-26

Australia Building Approvals Fall 6.1% in August

Australian building approvals declined 6.1% month over month in August, matching market expectations and worsening from the previous month’s 1.9% decline.

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WS News 10-07-26

Australia Trade Surplus Narrows Sharply in August, Missing Expectations

Australia’s trade surplus fell to A$495 million in August, well below the A$2.0 billion expected by economists and down from A$1.351 billion previously.

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WS News 10-01-26

Australia Building Approvals Fall 6.1% in August, Much Worse Than Expected

Australia’s building approvals fell 6.1% month over month in August, a much sharper decline than the 1.6% drop expected by economists. The previous month’s reading was revised to a 1.9% decline.

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WS News 09-30-26

Reserve Bank of Australia Raises Interest Rate to 4.60%

The Reserve Bank of Australia raised its policy rate by 25 basis points to 4.60% in September, matching market expectations and up from 4.35% previously.

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WS News 09-29-26

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NYSE:CAT

Caterpillar Plans $1 Billion North Carolina Investment to Expand Compact Equipment Manufacturing

Caterpillar said it plans to invest approximately $1 billion in North Carolina to expand manufacturing capacity for its growing Cat Compact business.

The investment includes a new manufacturing facility in Sanford, North Carolina, focused on increasing production of compact track loaders and telehandlers. Caterpillar said the expansion is aimed at meeting rising customer demand and improving product availability for contractors and other users across construction, landscaping, agriculture and material handling.

The new facility is expected to incorporate advanced manufacturing technologies, automation, digital production systems and integrated logistics capabilities. Caterpillar said the goal is to improve safety, quality and operational efficiency while supporting longer-term growth in compact equipment.

The company selected North Carolina because of its existing presence in the state, local workforce capabilities and established manufacturing operations in Sanford.

The investment also supports Caterpillar’s broader push to expand U.S. manufacturing capacity and develop skills in areas including robotics, automation and digital manufacturing.

Caterpillar said demand for compact equipment continues to grow, making the project an important part of its strategy to serve small contractors and expanding businesses more effectively.

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The Investor 09-30-26

Caterpillar Agrees to Acquire Fabick Cat Dealership

Caterpillar has entered into an agreement to acquire John Fabick Tractor Company, a long-standing Cat dealer serving parts of Missouri and Illinois, all of Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

Fabick Cat operates 37 locations across its territory and has represented the Caterpillar brand for more than a century. Caterpillar said the transaction is intended to support a smooth ownership transition while preserving the local service and customer relationships built by the dealership.

The acquisition would bring Fabick’s dealership operations directly under Caterpillar ownership, giving the company greater control over sales, service and customer support across a sizable Midwestern territory.

Caterpillar said it plans to work with the existing Fabick team and build on the dealership’s established customer base. Fabick management also said the transaction should strengthen its ability to provide customers with services, technology and technical expertise.

The deal remains subject to regulatory approval and other customary closing conditions. Caterpillar expects the transaction to close within 30 days.

The acquisition represents a notable move by Caterpillar into direct ownership of a major dealer operation, while maintaining the broader structure of its global dealer network.

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WS Investor 09-29-26

Caterpillar Expands Autonomous Hauling After 3.5 Million-Ton Quarry Pilot

Caterpillar (NYSE: CAT) and Luck Stone are expanding autonomous hauling technology to two additional Virginia quarries following an 18-month pilot at the Bull Run Quarry. Autonomous trucks at the site have hauled more than 3.5 million tons since operations began in November 2024.

The expansion will deploy Caterpillar’s autonomous technology across fleets of Cat 775 haul trucks at Luck Stone’s Boscobel and Bealeton operations. It will mark the first deployment of Caterpillar’s autonomous haulage system on the Cat 775, an important truck model for the quarry industry.

Luck Stone said autonomous operations have improved production consistency and workplace safety while creating opportunities for employees to move into more technology-focused roles. The companies are now using experience from the Bull Run deployment to scale the technology across additional sites.

Caterpillar said its autonomous trucks globally have now hauled more than 13 billion tonnes and traveled over 455 million kilometers with no reported injuries while operating, highlighting the growing commercial adoption of autonomous heavy equipment.

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The Investor 09-15-26

Caterpillar Partners With FieldAI to Advance AI-Powered Robotics and Industrial Automation

Caterpillar (NYSE: CAT) is collaborating with FieldAI to develop physical AI, autonomous robotics and digital-twin technologies for construction sites, factories and other complex industrial environments, expanding the heavy-equipment giant’s push into AI-powered operations.

The collaboration combines Caterpillar’s industrial expertise, engineering capabilities and operational data with FieldAI’s robot foundation models. The goal is to enable autonomous systems to operate in dynamic industrial environments where conventional automation can struggle, improving worker safety, productivity and operational efficiency.

Initial applications include autonomous inspections, real-time digital twins of jobsites and manufacturing facilities, AI-powered situational awareness and operational optimization. These systems can analyze equipment and infrastructure conditions, identify potential risks and use simulation and automation to improve workflows.

NVIDIA technology will play an important role in the initiative. Caterpillar and FieldAI plan to use NVIDIA accelerated computing and NVIDIA Omniverse technologies alongside high-fidelity digital twins built from real-world operational data. The combination is intended to improve site visibility and accelerate decision-making while supporting increasingly autonomous industrial operations.

FieldAI’s technology is robot-agnostic, allowing its autonomy software and foundation models to operate across different robotic platforms rather than being tied to a single machine. Caterpillar selected the company partly because of its experience deploying autonomous technology in complex and unpredictable industrial environments.

For Caterpillar, the partnership extends AI beyond software analytics and into physical machines and industrial workflows. As construction, mining and manufacturing customers face labor shortages and pressure to improve productivity, AI-enabled autonomy could become an increasingly important differentiator across Caterpillar’s equipment and technology ecosystem.

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The Investor 09-02-26

Caterpillar Stock Rises 5.7% After Cat Financial Reports Strong Q2 Results

Caterpillar (NYSE: CAT) shares gained 5.7% on Tuesday after its financing subsidiary, Cat Financial, reported solid second-quarter results, highlighting continued strength in equipment financing demand, portfolio quality and lending activity.

Cat Financial reported second-quarter revenue of $991 million, up 10% year over year, while profit increased 6% to $145 million. Profit before taxes rose 13% to $206 million, supported by higher average earning assets, although partially offset by a higher provision for credit losses.

Financing Business Shows Continued Strength

Retail new business volume increased 9% year over year to $3.92 billion, reflecting higher financing activity across all customer segments.

The growth in lending suggests continued demand for Caterpillar equipment despite a mixed macroeconomic environment and supports the company's broader equipment sales ecosystem.

Management said the financing business remains focused on providing financial solutions that help Caterpillar customers and dealers invest in new equipment while maintaining disciplined portfolio management.

Credit Quality Remains Healthy

Cat Financial continued to report strong credit performance during the quarter.

Past-due accounts improved to 1.31% from 1.62% a year earlier, while the allowance for credit losses remained stable at 0.84% of finance receivables. Net write-offs increased only modestly to $20 million from $18 million a year ago, indicating that overall portfolio quality remains resilient.

What to Watch

The strong share price reaction suggests investors welcomed the healthy financing trends and stable credit performance, which are often viewed as indicators of underlying demand for Caterpillar equipment. Going forward, investors will monitor global construction and mining activity, equipment demand, financing volumes and credit quality for further signs of strength across Caterpillar's business.

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European Investor 08-04-26

Caterpillar Stock Falls 6.5% as Baird Downgrades Rating Despite High Price Target

Caterpillar (NYSE: CAT) shares fell 6.5% on Wednesday after Robert W. Baird downgraded the construction and mining equipment maker to **Neutral** from **Outperform**, while lowering its price target to **$900 from $1,200**.

Although the new $900 target remains above the stock's current trading price of around $786, the downgrade suggests Baird believes Caterpillar's near-term upside has become more limited after its recent performance and amid a more balanced risk-reward profile.

The revised target still implies meaningful upside, but the sharp reduction from the previous $1,200 estimate reflects a more cautious outlook for the company's earnings trajectory and valuation. Investors often react more strongly to rating downgrades than to the absolute price target, particularly for widely followed industrial companies.

The downgrade comes as Caterpillar faces uncertainty surrounding global construction activity, mining capital spending, and infrastructure demand. Investors are also monitoring the impact of slowing economic growth in some regions and the pace of equipment replacement spending by customers.

Despite Wednesday's decline, Caterpillar continues to benefit from a strong competitive position, healthy cash generation, and long-term demand supported by infrastructure investment, energy, and mining projects. However, Baird's more cautious stance indicates that much of these positives may already be reflected in the stock, leading the firm to adopt a more neutral view on future performance.

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The Investor 07-29-26

Caterpillar Drops Despite Baird Price Target Increase

Caterpillar (NYSE: CAT) shares fell 5.6% on Friday despite Robert W. Baird raising its price target on the construction and mining equipment manufacturer to *$1,200 from $1,165*, while maintaining an *Outperform* rating.

Baird's higher price target reflects continued confidence in Caterpillar's long-term earnings power, supported by resilient demand for heavy equipment, infrastructure spending, and the company's disciplined capital allocation. The reaffirmed Outperform rating indicates the firm expects Caterpillar to continue outperforming its peers over time.

Despite the bullish analyst update, Caterpillar came under broad selling pressure during Friday's session. However, the increased price target suggests Wall Street remains optimistic that the recent pullback does not alter the company's strong long-term fundamentals and growth outlook.

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The Investor 06-27-26

Caterpillar Shares Rise After JPMorgan Raises Price Target to $1,165

Caterpillar (NYSE: CAT) gained 1.3% as investors reacted to a bullish analyst update from JPMorgan. Analyst Tami Zakaria raised her price target on the construction and mining equipment giant to $1,165 from $1,125 while maintaining an Overweight rating.

The higher target reflects growing confidence in Caterpillar's ability to benefit from strong long-term demand across infrastructure, mining, energy, and industrial markets. The company remains one of the most closely watched indicators of global economic activity due to its broad exposure to construction and resource development projects worldwide.

Investor sentiment toward Caterpillar has also been supported by expectations that lower energy prices and easing geopolitical tensions could help improve the outlook for global growth. The recent U.S.-Iran agreement has reduced concerns about potential disruptions to energy markets, while declining oil prices have eased inflation pressures and improved expectations for future interest-rate cuts.

Caterpillar is particularly well-positioned to benefit from continued investment in infrastructure and natural resources. Mining customers continue to invest in equipment to support demand for critical minerals used in artificial intelligence infrastructure, electric vehicles, and renewable energy technologies. At the same time, government-backed infrastructure projects remain a significant source of demand for construction machinery.

The company has also demonstrated strong pricing discipline and operational execution in recent years, helping support margins despite fluctuations in end-market demand. Investors have increasingly focused on Caterpillar's ability to generate cash flow and return capital to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases.

JPMorgan's target increase adds to the constructive outlook surrounding industrial and capital equipment companies, which have benefited from resilient economic conditions and expectations for continued spending on infrastructure and industrial modernization.

The stock's advance suggests investors welcomed the analyst's more optimistic assessment and continue to view Caterpillar as a key beneficiary of long-term industrial investment trends and improving macroeconomic conditions.

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WS Investor 06-18-26

Caterpillar Surges 9% as AI Infrastructure Boom and Record Backlog Power Blowout Quarter

Caterpillar shares are up 9% in trading today, as a Q1 2026 earnings report that blew past expectations on every key metric underscored how the AI infrastructure buildout is becoming a powerful new growth engine for the industrial giant.

Revenue rose 22% year-over-year to $17.42 billion, well above the $16.21 billion consensus, while adjusted EPS came in at $5.54, beating the $4.64 estimate by a wide 19% margin. The beat was broad-based: construction segment revenue jumped 38% while the power and energy segment rose 22%, with power equipment benefiting directly from the AI data center infrastructure boom and higher dealer sales lifting construction. (GuruFocus, CNBC)

Sales growth was driven by higher volume of $2.3 billion and favorable price realization of $426 million. On the financing side, Cat Financial delivered solid supporting numbers, with retail new business volume up 8% to $3.19 billion and past dues falling to a historically low 1.39%. (Stock Titan)

Caterpillar raised its annual revenue forecast following the beat, with a record backlog providing management with confidence in continued momentum through the rest of 2026. The company also deployed $5.7 billion in share repurchases and dividends during the quarter alone. (GuruFocus)

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WS Investor 04-30-26

Caterpillar Inc. to Announce First-Quarter 2026 Financial Results on April 30

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Global Finance News 04-17-26

11-09-26WS News

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07-02-26Global Finance News

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