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L3Harris Highlights Advanced Manufacturing Behind WESCAM MX-Series EO/IR Systems L3Harris Technologies highlighted the manufacturing processes behind its WESCAM MX-Series electro-optical

L3Harris Technologies highlighted the manufacturing processes behind its WESCAM MX-Series electro-optical and infrared systems, emphasizing precision, scalability and mission-specific configuration for defense and security...

10-01-26

Regeneron and Sanofi Expand Immunology Alliance in Deal Worth Up to $8 Billion Regeneron and Sanofi expanded their long-running immunology

expanded their long-running immunology collaboration to include four next-generation, long-acting antibody programs targeting key pathways involved in type 2 inflammation. The...

10-01-26

Trane Technologies Launches Cold Climate Heat Pumps for Extreme Winter Conditions Trane Technologies introduced new residential cold climate heat pumps

Trane Technologies introduced new residential cold climate heat pumps under its Trane and American Standard brands, marking the company’s first residential systems specifically engineered...

10-01-26

UPS Launches Secure Commerce to Help Businesses Reduce Fraud and Supply Chain Risk UPS launched UPS Secure Commerce, a new

UPS launched UPS Secure Commerce, a new suite of supply chain solutions designed to help businesses manage fraud, shipment loss, delivery issues and other...

10-01-26

Fiserv Launches Digital Asset Platform With First Live Stablecoin Banking Use Case Fiserv said its digital asset platform is now

Fiserv said its digital asset platform is now live with financial institution clients, marking a move from development into commercial deployment for stablecoin-enabled banking...

10-01-26

UPS Launches Secure Commerce to Help Businesses Reduce Fraud and Supply Chain Risk UPS launched UPS Secure Commerce, a new

UPS launched UPS Secure Commerce, a new suite of supply chain solutions designed to help businesses manage fraud, shipment loss, delivery issues and other...

10-01-26

IBM Adds Self-Hosted Deployment for Bob to Expand Enterprise AI Sovereignty IBM introduced a self-hosted deployment option for IBM Bob,

IBM introduced a self-hosted deployment option for IBM Bob, its agentic software development platform, allowing enterprises to run AI-powered development and modernization tools inside...

10-01-26

Cardinal Health Extends Pharmaceutical Distribution Agreement With CVS Health Through 2032 Cardinal Health said it entered into a binding letter

Cardinal Health said it entered into a binding letter of intent to extend its existing pharmaceutical distribution agreement with CVS Health through June 30,...

10-01-26

Fifth Third Bank Launches Innovation Banking Platform for Startups and Growth Companies Fifth Third Bank launched Fifth Third Innovation Banking,

launched Fifth Third Innovation Banking, a new platform combining Comerica’s long-established technology and life sciences banking franchise with Fifth Third’s Newline...

10-01-26

Lilly Says Oral GLP-1 Foundayo Reduced Predicted Diabetes and Cardiovascular Risk in ATTAIN-1 Analysis Eli Lilly said post-hoc analyses of

Eli Lilly said post-hoc analyses of its Phase 3 ATTAIN-1 trial found that Foundayo, or orforglipron, was associated with meaningful reductions in predicted long-term...

10-01-26

Pfizer’s Tilrekimig Shows Strong Skin Clearance in Phase 2 Atopic Dermatitis Study Pfizer reported positive Phase 2 results for tilrekimig,

Pfizer reported positive Phase 2 results for tilrekimig, an investigational trispecific antibody being developed for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis. The study met its primary endpoint,...

10-01-26

Applied Materials and Besi Expand AI Packaging Partnership Applied Materials and BE Semiconductor Industries expanded their strategic partnership to accelerate

BE Semiconductor Industries expanded their strategic partnership to accelerate development of next-generation advanced packaging technologies for AI systems. Besi will join...

10-01-26

US

U.S. Stocks Trade Mixed as Strong Jobless Claims Data Clash With Hot Manufacturing Prices

U.S. stocks traded mixed on Thursday as investors weighed resilient labor-market data against renewed inflation concerns from the manufacturing sector. The S&P 500 slipped 0.11% to 7,642.86, while the Dow Jones fell 0.35%. The Nasdaq was nearly flat, edging 0.05% higher.

Initial jobless claims fell to 197,000, below the 201,000 expected and down slightly from 198,000 previously. Continuing claims also declined to 1.701 million, better than the 1.730 million consensus and 1.712 million prior reading. The figures suggest layoffs remain limited and the labor market continues to show resilience.

Manufacturing activity remained firmly in expansion territory. The ISM Manufacturing PMI came in at 54.5 in September, just below the 54.8 forecast and roughly unchanged from 54.6 previously.

The more significant surprise came from prices. The ISM Manufacturing Prices Index jumped to 77.9 from 71.1, far above expectations of 72.9. The sharp increase points to stronger input-cost pressures and could revive concerns that inflation may remain sticky.

For equities, the data create a mixed backdrop: solid employment and manufacturing activity support the economic outlook, but the sharp rise in manufacturing prices may keep Treasury yields and interest-rate expectations elevated, helping explain the more cautious performance in the broader market.

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European Investor 10-01-26

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

U.S. Stocks Rise as Softer PCE Inflation Offsets Stronger Growth and Jobs Data

U.S. stocks moved higher on Wednesday as investors welcomed softer-than-expected inflation readings alongside signs that the economy remains resilient. The S&P 500 rose 0.52%, the Dow Jones was nearly flat with a 0.03% gain, while the Nasdaq climbed 0.94%, leading the major indexes.

The August PCE price index rose 3.4% year over year, below the 3.7% expected, while monthly inflation came in at 0.3% versus the 0.4% consensus. Core PCE was also softer than forecast, rising 3.0% annually compared with expectations of 3.3%, while the monthly increase of 0.2% was below the 0.3% estimate.

At the same time, economic activity remained firm. Second-quarter GDP growth was revised to 2.2%, above the 1.5% consensus and the previous 2.1% estimate. ADP private payrolls increased by 90,000 in September, beating expectations of 73,000 and accelerating sharply from 36,000 previously.

Manufacturing activity provided another upside surprise, with the Chicago PMI jumping to 58.8 in September from 47.1, well above the 51.2 forecast and moving firmly into expansion territory.

The market reaction reflects a favorable combination for equities: inflation came in cooler than feared while employment, GDP and business activity remained relatively strong. The softer PCE readings appear particularly supportive for technology and other growth stocks, helping explain the Nasdaq’s outperformance despite the stronger economic data.

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WS News 09-30-26

U.S. Stocks Mixed as Consumer Confidence Slumps and Job Openings Fall

U.S. stocks were mixed on Tuesday as fresh economic data pointed to softer consumer sentiment and a cooling labor market, while technology shares showed relative resilience.

The S&P 500 was little changed at 7,682.43, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.29% to 51,334.39, and the Nasdaq rose 0.18% to 26,867.67.

The biggest negative surprise came from consumer confidence. The Conference Board’s September index fell to 81.9 from 88.6, well below the 89.2 consensus estimate. The sharp drop suggests households are becoming more cautious about the economic outlook.

Labor-market data also softened. JOLTS job openings declined to 7.079 million in August from 7.335 million and missed expectations for 7.230 million, adding to signs that demand for workers is gradually cooling.

Housing data were more mixed. The S&P/Case-Shiller 20-city home price index was flat month over month in July, down from a 0.4% increase previously, while annual home-price growth accelerated to 2.5% from 2.2%, above expectations.

For markets, the combination of weaker confidence and lower job openings may support expectations for easier Federal Reserve policy over time. However, persistent home-price inflation and broader concerns around elevated inflation are keeping the policy outlook complicated, which helps explain the uneven performance across major indexes.

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WS News 09-29-26

Dallas Fed Manufacturing Index Slips to 9.8 in September

The Dallas Fed Manufacturing Business Index eased to 9.8 in September from 11.6 previously, pointing to a modest loss of momentum in Texas manufacturing activity.

The index remained in positive territory, indicating that business conditions are still expanding overall, but the decline suggests the pace of improvement slowed during the month.

For markets, the reading adds to a mixed U.S. economic picture. Manufacturing remains resilient, but softer regional activity could help offset some of the inflation concerns created by higher oil prices and rising Treasury yields.

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WS News 09-28-26

U.S. Stocks Fall as Oil and Treasury Yields Rise, Reviving Inflation Concerns

U.S. stocks moved lower on Monday as rising oil prices pushed inflation expectations higher and drove Treasury yields back toward multi-decade highs, increasing pressure on equity valuations.

The S&P 500 fell 0.87% to 7,675.86, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 0.63% to 51,503.20. The Nasdaq was the weakest of the major indexes, dropping 1.19% to 26,746.90 as higher bond yields weighed more heavily on technology and other long-duration growth stocks.

The main pressure came from energy markets. Brent crude rebounded as U.S.-Iran negotiations remained stalled and uncertainty over the Strait of Hormuz continued to threaten global supply flows. Higher oil prices are particularly important for equities because they can feed into transportation, production and consumer costs, making inflation harder to contain. (Market Screener)

Bond markets reflected those concerns. The U.S. 10-year Treasury yield climbed to about 5.26%, extending a sharp rise that has already taken yields to their highest levels in nearly two decades. Higher oil prices and stronger inflation expectations have contributed to expectations that the Federal Reserve may need to keep monetary policy tighter for longer.(FXStreet)

Inflation expectations had already been moving higher before Monday’s oil rebound. The University of Michigan’s September survey showed one-year inflation expectations rising to 4.6% from 4.0% in August, while five-year expectations edged up to 3.4% from 3.3%.

Other pressures are also weighing on sentiment. Investors are approaching a busy week of U.S. economic data, including the PCE inflation report and employment figures, while markets continue to assess the possibility of additional Federal Reserve tightening. Elevated government borrowing needs and concern over the U.S. fiscal outlook are also contributing to upward pressure on longer-term yields.

For equities, the combination is uncomfortable: higher oil prices raise inflation risks, higher inflation keeps pressure on the Fed, and higher Treasury yields increase the discount rate applied to future corporate earnings. That dynamic helps explain why the Nasdaq is underperforming the broader market in Monday trading.

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The Investor 09-28-26

U.S. Consumer Sentiment Improves Slightly, Inflation Expectations Stay Elevated

The University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment index rose to 48.1 in September, slightly above the 47.8 consensus estimate but down from 51.7 previously. Consumer Expectations also came in stronger than forecast at 46.3 versus 45.8 expected, although the reading remained well below the previous 51.5.

One-year inflation expectations held at 4.6%, matching expectations but rising from 4.0% previously, indicating that near-term inflation concerns remain elevated among U.S. consumers.

Separately, the Atlanta Fed’s GDPNow model estimated third-quarter U.S. economic growth at an annualized 5.0%, slightly below both the 5.1% forecast and the previous estimate. Overall, the figures show modestly better-than-expected consumer sentiment alongside persistent inflation concerns and still-strong projected economic growth.

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Global Finance News 09-25-26

U.S. Durable Goods Orders Hold Flat in August, Core Orders Miss Expectations

U.S. durable goods orders were unchanged in August, beating expectations for a 0.3% decline but slowing sharply from the previous month’s 0.9% increase.

Core durable goods orders, which exclude transportation, rose 0.3% month over month, below the 0.6% consensus estimate and down from 0.7% previously.

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WS News 09-25-26

U.S. 7-Year Treasury Auction Yield Jumps to 5.085%

The U.S. Treasury’s latest 7-year note auction cleared at a yield of 5.085%, sharply above the previous auction’s 4.512%.

The roughly 57-basis-point increase signals a materially higher yield environment for intermediate-term U.S. government debt and may reflect investors demanding greater compensation amid persistent inflation, resilient economic data and uncertainty over the Federal Reserve’s rate path.

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WS Investor 09-24-26

U.S. Stocks Edge Lower as Jobless Claims Stay Low and Home Sales Beat Expectations

U.S. stocks traded modestly lower on Thursday, with the S&P 500 down 0.18% at 7,692.30, the Dow Jones falling 0.25% to 51,381.27 and the Nasdaq declining 0.53% to 26,792.15.

Fresh economic data pointed to continued resilience in parts of the U.S. economy. Initial jobless claims came in at 197,000, below the 201,000 expected and slightly below the previous 198,000, suggesting layoffs remain relatively contained. Continuing claims were 1.719 million, also below the 1.750 million forecast.

Housing data were also stronger than expected. August building permits were revised to 1.403 million from an earlier 1.394 million estimate, while new home sales reached 684,000, well above the 615,000 consensus and up from 643,000 previously.

The relatively firm labor and housing figures may be limiting expectations for faster Federal Reserve easing, putting some pressure on equities and particularly rate-sensitive technology shares. The Nasdaq was the weakest of the three major indexes in early trading.

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European Investor 09-24-26

10-01-26European Investor

10-01-26WS News

09-30-26WS News

09-28-26European Investor

NASDAQ:MU

Micron Stock Rises around 1% After Record Q4 Revenue and Strong Fiscal 2027 Guidance

Micron shares rose around 1% after the company reported record fiscal fourth-quarter results, driven by strong memory pricing, AI-related data center demand and sharp growth across both DRAM and NAND.

Fourth-quarter revenue reached $54.2 billion, up 31% sequentially and 379% year over year. Full-year revenue climbed 256% to $133.2 billion. Non-GAAP gross margin reached 87%, while operating income was $44.6 billion and diluted EPS came in at $33.42.

DRAM generated $39.8 billion in quarterly revenue, representing 73% of total sales and rising 27% sequentially. NAND revenue increased 42% to $14.1 billion, supported by roughly 30% sequential growth in average selling prices.

Data center businesses remained key growth drivers. Cloud Memory revenue reached a record $16.3 billion, while Core Data Center revenue hit $18.0 billion, up 56% sequentially. Core Data Center gross margin increased to 90%.

Cash generation was also exceptionally strong, with $44.0 billion in operating cash flow and $33.2 billion in adjusted free cash flow during the quarter.

For fiscal Q1 2027, Micron expects revenue of $61.5 billion, plus or minus $1.5 billion, non-GAAP gross margin of approximately 86.25% and diluted EPS of $38.15, plus or minus $1.00.

The 1% gain suggests investors welcomed another record quarter and strong guidance, although the relatively modest reaction may indicate that exceptionally strong memory pricing and AI-related growth expectations were already reflected in the stock.

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The Investor 09-30-26

Micron Unveils World’s First 512GB DDR5 Server Memory Module for AI Workloads

Micron Technology (NASDAQ: MU) announced the successful demonstration of what it calls the world’s first 512GB DDR5 RDIMM, targeting next-generation AI, cloud and data-intensive server workloads. Micron shares were up about 0.9% at $932.40 at the time of the announcement.

The new module delivers speeds of up to 9,200 MT/s and can enable as much as 12TB of DDR5 memory in a 24-slot dual-socket server. AMD and Intel are actively validating the technology for future server platforms.

Micron said the 512GB module can reduce operating power by more than 60% compared with four 128GB modules while delivering up to 1.4 times higher performance in certain memory-bound workloads. The technology is designed for rapidly expanding applications including large language models, agentic AI, real-time inference and high-performance databases.

Volume production is expected in the second half of 2027. The development further positions Micron to benefit from growing AI infrastructure demand as data centers require increasingly larger and more power-efficient memory capacity.

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The Investor 09-15-26

Micron Unveils $10 Billion U.S. Research Hub for Memory and AI

Micron Technology (NASDAQ: MU) announced plans to invest $10 billion over the next decade in Micron Research Labs, a new U.S.-based research institution focused on next-generation memory, computing and AI technologies.

The flagship research campus will be located in Boise, Idaho, with construction expected to begin in 2027. Research will focus on advanced memory technologies, memory and compute architectures, semiconductor packaging and future manufacturing technologies.

Micron Strengthens Its Position in the AI Supply Chain

The initiative will connect Micron with universities, government agencies, startups and semiconductor companies, targeting technologies beyond current product roadmaps and even beyond a 10-year research horizon.

The investment is separate from Micron's previously announced plans to spend more than $250 billion on U.S. manufacturing and R&D, which the company says could create more than 90,000 jobs.

The announcement also received support from major technology executives, including NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang and Apple CEO Tim Cook, highlighting memory's increasingly important role in AI computing.

The investment reinforces Micron's strategic exposure to rapidly expanding AI infrastructure demand, where high-performance memory has become a critical component alongside GPUs and other accelerators.

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WS Investor 08-20-26

Micron Launches $250 Million AI Fund to Target Next Generation of Computing

Micron Technology (NASDAQ: MU) has launched a new $250 million venture fund focused on artificial intelligence, expanding the memory chipmaker’s investments across technologies expected to drive future demand for advanced memory and storage.

The Micron Ventures Paradigm Fund is the company’s third and largest venture fund to date. It will invest across the AI technology stack, including model architectures, compute infrastructure, enterprise applications and physical AI technologies such as robotics.

Micron Looks Beyond Current AI Boom

The strategy reflects Micron’s expectation that AI development will increasingly move beyond generative models toward systems capable of reasoning, autonomous action and interaction with the physical world.

Those changes could significantly increase requirements for high-performance memory and storage — markets where Micron is a major supplier of DRAM and NAND products.

The fund will focus on four areas: AI model architecture and data infrastructure; compute technologies including in-memory computing, networking and data-center efficiency; enterprise AI applications including semiconductor design and manufacturing; and physical AI such as robotics and emerging device formats.

By investing in startups developing these technologies, Micron also gains earlier visibility into how future AI architectures could change memory and storage requirements.

Micron Expands AI Investment Strategy

The Paradigm Fund follows Micron Ventures’ first fund launched in 2019 and its second fund launched in 2022, which remains active. Including the new vehicle, Micron Ventures’ total committed capital will rise to $550 million.

The initiative also reinforces Micron’s increasingly important position in the AI semiconductor ecosystem. Rapid expansion of AI servers and accelerators has increased demand for high-performance memory, particularly as increasingly complex models require greater memory capacity and bandwidth.

Rather than representing a direct expansion of Micron’s manufacturing capacity, the $250 million fund is a strategic investment designed to give the company exposure to technologies that could shape the next generation of AI infrastructure — and ultimately determine future demand for its memory and storage products.

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Global Finance News 08-14-26

Semiconductor Stocks Fall as China's Chip Breakthrough Pressures Nvidia and the AI Sector

Semiconductor stocks came under pressure on Monday, dragging the Nasdaq lower as investors weighed China's rapidly advancing semiconductor industry against the latest developments in the global AI infrastructure race. Nvidia led the sector's decline, falling more than 4%, while weakness spread across AI and memory chipmakers.

The latest catalyst on the AI front came after reports that Nvidia is in talks to provide roughly $250 billion in financing guarantees for OpenAI's massive AI data center project in Ohio. The proposed 10-gigawatt facility would rank among the world's largest AI infrastructure projects, underscoring the enormous capital being committed to artificial intelligence. While the news reinforces long-term demand for AI hardware, it also highlights the rapidly evolving competitive landscape and the unprecedented scale of investment required across the industry.

Investor sentiment was also weighed down by developments in China. ChangXin Memory Technologies (CXMT), China's largest memory chipmaker, surged more than 400% in its Shanghai trading debut following Asia's largest IPO of 2026. The emergence of another major Chinese chipmaker renewed concerns that global competition in memory and AI-related semiconductors will intensify. Those concerns were particularly significant for Nvidia, whose growth opportunities in China have already been constrained by U.S. export restrictions.

The weakness extended across the broader semiconductor sector. Memory-related companies including Sandisk, Micron Technology, Western Digital, and SK Hynix posted notable declines, while ASML, AMD, Intel, Marvell Technology, Super Micro Computer, and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) also traded lower as investors reassessed the industry's competitive outlook.

Despite Monday's selloff, the semiconductor industry's long-term fundamentals remain supported by accelerating AI adoption and record investment in data center infrastructure. However, the combination of elevated valuations, China's rapid technological progress, and an increasingly competitive global landscape prompted investors to lock in profits following the sector's strong rally.

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European Investor 07-27-26

Micron Technology (NASDAQ: MU) extended its rally on Thursday after a series of Wall Street firms raised their price targets following the company's record quarterly results and stronger-than-expected outlook, reinforcing confidence in the AI memory leader.

Needham, Raymond James, RBC Capital Markets, Susquehanna, KeyBanc, Goldman Sachs, and Morgan Stanley all increased their price targets, while Wolfe Research initiated coverage with a bullish target. The wave of analyst upgrades followed Micron's record fiscal third-quarter earnings and robust fourth-quarter guidance, highlighting accelerating demand for high-bandwidth memory (HBM) and AI infrastructure.

Analysts pointed to Micron's expanding strategic customer agreements, improving pricing environment, and leadership in AI-focused memory products as key drivers of long-term growth. Several firms also cited growing visibility into earnings as hyperscale cloud providers continue investing heavily in AI data centers.

Shares climbed nearly 16% as investors welcomed both the blockbuster earnings report and the broad-based analyst support, reinforcing Micron's position as one of the semiconductor sector's strongest AI beneficiaries.

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European Investor 06-25-26

Tech stocks live: Micron stock jumps over 12% on earnings beat after tumbling earlier this week

Wow, very good earning results for Micron

(finance.yahoo.com)

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The Investor 06-25-26

Micron Technology (NASDAQ: MU) surged 17% in after-hours trading after reporting record fiscal third-quarter results and issuing a significantly stronger-than-expected outlook, fueled by booming AI-driven demand for memory chips.

The company posted record quarterly revenue of $41.5 billion, up sharply from $23.9 billion in the previous quarter and $9.3 billion a year ago. Non-GAAP earnings reached $25.11 per share, while operating cash flow more than doubled sequentially to $25.4 billion, highlighting the strength of Micron's business momentum.

Management also announced multi-year Strategic Customer Agreements designed to improve revenue visibility and support long-term growth. Demand remained robust across cloud, data center, mobile, automotive, and embedded markets, with high-bandwidth memory (HBM) products continuing to benefit from rapid AI infrastructure investments.

Investors were particularly encouraged by Micron's fourth-quarter guidance. The company expects revenue of approximately $50 billion and non-GAAP EPS of about $31.00, both well above current market expectations. Management also projected gross margins of roughly 86%, underscoring continued pricing power and favorable supply-demand dynamics.

The strong earnings report reinforced Micron's position as one of the biggest beneficiaries of the AI investment cycle, driving broad optimism across the semiconductor sector in after-hours trading.

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The Investor 06-25-26

Micron Technology (NASDAQ: MU) and Qualcomm (NASDAQ: QCOM) fell sharply on Tuesday despite receiving higher price targets from Bank of America, as a broad selloff across semiconductor and technology stocks weighed on investor sentiment.

Micron dropped 7.9% to $1,115.82 after Bank of America raised its price target to $1,500 from $950 and maintained a Buy rating. The sizable increase reflects growing confidence in the memory chip maker's position within the AI infrastructure market, where demand for high-bandwidth memory and advanced data center products continues to expand.

Qualcomm fell 6.9% to $206.55 after Bank of America increased its price target to $195 from $165. Although the firm maintained an Underperform rating, the higher target suggests improving expectations for the company's earnings outlook and AI-related opportunities.

The declines came as investors broadly reduced exposure to semiconductor and AI-related stocks following weakness across the technology sector. The selloff overshadowed otherwise positive analyst commentary and reflected concerns about near-term demand trends and elevated valuations after a strong rally in chip stocks.

Despite Tuesday's weakness, the analyst actions indicate Wall Street remains constructive on long-term semiconductor growth, particularly as artificial intelligence continues to drive investment in advanced computing infrastructure and next-generation devices.

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European Investor 06-23-26

Micron Gains Premarket as Bernstein Sets $1,300 Price Target

Micron Technology (NASDAQ: MU) rose 3.3% in premarket trading after Sanford C. Bernstein initiated coverage with a $1,300 price target, highlighting continued optimism surrounding the memory chip maker's position in the rapidly expanding artificial intelligence market.

The bullish target reflects growing confidence that Micron will remain one of the primary beneficiaries of increasing demand for high-bandwidth memory (HBM) and advanced DRAM products used in AI servers and data centers. As hyperscale cloud providers and technology companies accelerate investments in AI infrastructure, demand for memory solutions has become a critical component of the semiconductor industry's growth cycle.

Micron has emerged as one of the strongest beneficiaries of the AI boom, with investors increasingly focused on the company's ability to supply memory chips required for next-generation AI accelerators and data center deployments. Industry demand has remained robust as companies continue expanding computing capacity to support large language models and AI applications.

The analyst action follows a series of recent bullish calls across the semiconductor sector, where firms have raised expectations for AI-related spending over the coming years. Investors continue to view memory as one of the most supply-constrained segments of the AI hardware ecosystem, supporting favorable pricing and profitability trends.

The stock's premarket advance suggests investors welcomed the new price target as further validation of Micron's growth outlook. With AI infrastructure spending showing few signs of slowing, the company remains well positioned to capitalize on rising demand for advanced memory technologies and data center solutions.

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WS Investor 06-22-26

10-01-26European Investor

10-01-26WS News

09-30-26WS News

NASDAQ:SPCX

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

SpaceX's next trillion dollar bet has nothing to do with rockets, Musk tells staff

Elon Musk told SpaceX employees AI revenue will soon surpass Starlink and rockets combined, projecting up to $500 billion a year by 2027.

(teslarati.com)

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European Investor 08-15-26

SpaceX officially closes its Cursor acquisition

AI coding startup Cursor is now officially a part of SpaceX.

(finance.yahoo.com)

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European Investor 08-15-26

10-01-26European Investor

10-01-26WS News

09-29-26WS News

09-28-26European Investor

NYSE:UPS

UPS Launches Secure Commerce to Help Businesses Reduce Fraud and Supply Chain Risk

UPS launched UPS Secure Commerce, a new suite of supply chain solutions designed to help businesses manage fraud, shipment loss, delivery issues and other logistics risks across multiple carriers and transportation modes.

The offering brings together InsureShield Shipping Insurance, Parcel Pro and CommerceShield into a single portfolio. UPS said the platform combines logistics data, multicarrier visibility and agentic AI to provide businesses with risk intelligence and actionable insights before problems become costly.

UPS is positioning Secure Commerce as more than shipment protection. The company said the platform can help merchants protect revenue, improve claims handling, reduce operational disruption and strengthen customer trust throughout the delivery process.

The scale of UPS’s existing protection business is already significant. In 2025, the company protected 1.4 million shippers and insured 62 million packages, while 97% of claims were resolved within five days.

UPS also highlighted faster claims handling as a practical use case. Apparel company Buru said its claims process previously took 20 to 25 minutes per claim and at least a week to resolve, while the new workflow reduced filing time to minutes and typical resolution to within 24 hours.

The launch expands UPS’s strategy beyond transportation and fulfillment into risk management, data intelligence and AI-enabled supply chain services.

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WS Investor 10-01-26

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WS Investor 10-01-26

UPS Invests More Than $2 Billion to Strengthen Global Logistics Network

UPS (NYSE: UPS) announced more than $2 billion in investments across its international, healthcare and supply-chain businesses, expanding its global network as companies navigate changing trade routes, regulations and supply-chain uncertainty.

The investments began in 2024 and will continue through 2028. Major projects include a new hub at Clark Airport in the Philippines expected in late 2026, a new Canadian facility in 2027 and a new air hub at Hong Kong International Airport in 2028.

UPS is also expanding temperature-controlled healthcare logistics, automated facilities in Asia, intra-Asia air capacity and cross-border freight services across North America.

Focus on higher-value logistics

The investment highlights UPS's push beyond traditional package delivery toward higher-value businesses such as healthcare, technology, automotive and complex international logistics.

By integrating air and ground transportation, customs brokerage, distribution and real-time monitoring, UPS aims to give customers greater control over increasingly complex global supply chains.

For investors, the announcement is primarily a longer-term strategic development rather than an immediate earnings catalyst. The spending could strengthen UPS's competitive position in higher-margin logistics markets while increasing its exposure to growing demand for resilient and diversified global supply chains.

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European Investor 08-24-26

UPS Stock Falls 5.3% Despite Higher Guidance as Investors Focus on Weak Core Profitability

UPS (NYSE: UPS) shares fell 5.3% on Tuesday despite the parcel delivery giant reporting second-quarter results that exceeded expectations in several areas and raising its full-year financial guidance.

The company generated second-quarter revenue of $22.8 billion, with non-GAAP adjusted operating profit rising to $2.1 billion and adjusted diluted EPS reaching $1.76. UPS also increased its 2026 outlook, now expecting approximately $91.2 billion in revenue, adjusted operating profit of about $8.65 billion, and adjusted EPS of roughly $7.22.

Revenue growth was broad-based across the business. U.S. Domestic revenue increased 6.0%, supported by a 9.3% rise in revenue per package as the company continued shifting toward higher-value shipments following the reduction in Amazon volume. International revenue climbed 12.5%, driven by an 18.9% increase in revenue per piece, while Supply Chain Solutions revenue rose 7.8% thanks to continued strength in forwarding, logistics, and healthcare services.

However, investors appeared to focus on the underlying profitability of UPS’s core domestic business. While adjusted operating profit remained healthy, the U.S. Domestic segment reported GAAP operating profit of just $16 million after the company recorded approximately $891 million in after-tax transformation charges, primarily related to workforce reductions under its Driver Choice Program. Although these costs are largely one-time in nature, they highlighted the ongoing expense of UPS’s operational restructuring.

Management said the company has successfully completed its Amazon network reconfiguration and entered the second half of the year with strong momentum, emphasizing that the transformation is progressing as planned.

Despite the improved guidance, the market’s negative reaction suggests investors remain cautious about the pace of UPS’s earnings recovery. The significant restructuring charges, continued pressure on reported profitability, and questions over future package volume growth appear to have outweighed the company’s stronger outlook and improving revenue trends, leading to the stock’s decline.

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WS News 07-28-26

Amazon Opens Its Logistics Doors — and UPS Pays the Price

May 4, 2026

Shares of United Parcel Service (NYSE: UPS) are down around 9% today, hit by a double blow of a fierce new competitive threat and a weak earnings backdrop.

Amazon announced the launch of Amazon Supply Chain Services on Monday, opening its logistics network — including 80,000 trailers, 24,000 intermodal containers, and 100 aircraft — to businesses beyond its own operations. This is particularly damaging for UPS given that Amazon is already ramping down the packages it sends via UPS by more than 50% by mid-2026, and now Amazon is actively targeting the very third-party shippers that UPS had been counting on to replace that lost volume. (Investing*com)

The announcement compounds a difficult Q1 2026 earnings backdrop. Although UPS beat pro forma estimates, GAAP earnings were $1.02 per share — down more than 27% year over year — with a 4.0% domestic operating margin weighed down by $350 million in one-time costs related to closing 50 facilities. (Investing*com)

UPS did reaffirm its full-year 2026 revenue guidance of approximately $89.7 billion and a non-GAAP adjusted operating margin of about 9.6%, targeting roughly $3 billion in cost savings for the year. (Stocktitan)

For now, Amazon's bold move into third-party logistics has investors questioning whether UPS's second-half recovery story can still materialize as promised.

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WS Investor 05-04-26

UPS shares pressured after mixed Q1 results and weak domestic trends

Shares of United Parcel Service (UPS) moved lower following the earnings release, as investors reacted to mixed first-quarter results and continued weakness in the core U.S. business.

The United Parcel Service reported Q1 2026 revenue of $21.2 billion, with diluted EPS of $1.02 and adjusted EPS of $1.07. Consolidated operating margin came in at 6.0%, reflecting modest profitability.

Performance was uneven across segments. U.S. domestic revenue declined 2.3% due to lower volumes, despite a 6.5% increase in revenue per piece, while operating profit in the segment fell significantly. In contrast, the international segment showed strength, with revenue rising 3.8% and higher pricing driving a 10.7% increase in revenue per piece. Supply chain solutions revenue declined 6.5%, reflecting ongoing volume pressures.

The company reaffirmed its full-year 2026 guidance, targeting approximately $89.7 billion in revenue and an adjusted operating margin of around 9.6%, signaling confidence in a recovery later in the year.

However, according to Reuters, investor sentiment remained cautious, with concerns focused on declining U.S. volumes and slower demand trends, which weighed on the stock despite stable full-year guidance.

Overall, the share price decline reflects market concerns about near-term growth and execution, particularly in the domestic segment, even as UPS continues to push pricing improvements and expects a rebound in the coming quarters.

Source: UPS Q1 2026 Earnings Release, Reuters

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WS Investor 04-28-26

United Parcel Service reported first-quarter 2026 consolidated revenue of $21.2 billion, with operating profit of $1.27 billion and an operating margin of 6.0%.

Diluted earnings per share came in at $1.02, or $1.07 on an adjusted basis, while results included $42 million in after-tax transformation charges. The company said the quarter marked a key transition period as it executed major strategic initiatives.

UPS reaffirmed its full-year 2026 guidance and expects to return to revenue and profit growth, along with margin expansion, starting in the second quarter.

Source: UPS press release

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The Investor 04-28-26

UPS and Happy Returns have expanded their Return Bar® network to 10,000 locations across the United States, strengthening their position as the largest box-free, label-free returns network in the country. The expansion adds more than 1,700 new sites through partnerships with Annex Brands and PackageHub.

The growth improves accessibility, with 79% of the U.S. population now living within five miles of a return location. The network allows consumers to return items without packaging or labels, receiving immediate refunds at drop-off points.

UPS said the system integrates fraud detection and logistics optimization, enabling returns to reach retailers in as little as 3.6 days, with an average transit time of seven days.

The company highlighted the expansion as part of its strategy to simplify e-commerce returns and enhance the end-to-end customer experience.

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European Investor 04-21-26

United Parcel Service announced a nationwide rollout of RFID package sensing technology across its U.S. small package network, marking a major shift in logistics tracking capabilities.

The system is now deployed in all UPS delivery vehicles, facilities, and over 5,500 UPS Store locations, enabling automatic, real-time tracking of packages without the need for manual scanning. The company has invested more than $100 million in developing and implementing the technology.

UPS stated it is the first major logistics provider to implement RFID sensing at this scale, allowing customers to track shipments continuously from pickup to delivery. The technology provides enhanced visibility, confirms package possession at pickup, and enables faster responses to disruptions such as weather or operational delays.

The initiative represents a transition from traditional barcode scanning to automated sensing, aiming to improve reliability, transparency, and overall customer experience in supply chain operations.

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WS Investor 04-14-26

UPS announced a major expansion of its Incheon Airport hub in Incheon, significantly enhancing delivery speed and capacity for imports into the Seoul metropolitan area.

The upgraded facility has more than quadrupled in size to nearly 6,400 square meters and features an advanced automated sorting system that boosts processing capacity by 4.5 times. As a result, shipments from Asia Pacific can now be delivered within one business day, while deliveries from Europe can arrive within two days.

The expansion also supports specialized logistics, including temperature-controlled handling for healthcare products, addressing growing demand in sectors such as pharmaceuticals.

UPS said the investment strengthens its Asia Pacific network and supports faster, more resilient supply chains, as trade flows into South Korea continue to grow.

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Global Finance News 04-03-26

09-17-26The Investor

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04-06-26European Investor

France

Eurozone Manufacturing Expands in September as Major Economies Stay Above 50

Eurozone manufacturing activity strengthened modestly in September, with the HCOB Manufacturing PMI rising to 52.9 from 52.7 and beating the 52.7 consensus.

Germany remained the strongest among the major economies shown, with its manufacturing PMI at 53.9, slightly above expectations of 53.8, though down from 54.3 previously. France also stayed in expansion at 50.6, ahead of the 50.3 forecast but below August’s 51.1.

Italy’s manufacturing PMI improved to 50.4 from 49.6, moving back above the 50 threshold and beating the 50.1 consensus. Spain showed a similar improvement, with its PMI rising to 51.0 from 49.5, clearly above the 50.2 forecast.

Overall, the data point to a broader recovery in euro-area manufacturing, with Spain and Italy returning to expansion and Germany and France remaining above 50. The stronger regional reading is a positive signal for industrial momentum heading into the fourth quarter.

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WS News 10-01-26

French Inflation Falls in September as Consumer Spending Weakens

France’s preliminary consumer price index fell 0.3% month over month in September, a smaller decline than the 0.5% drop expected by economists. The reading followed a 0.7% increase in August.

The harmonized HICP measure declined 0.4% on the month, also slightly stronger than the 0.5% contraction expected, after rising 0.7% previously.

Consumer spending was weaker. Household spending fell 0.5% month over month in August, missing expectations for no change and reversing a 0.4% increase in the prior month.

The data paint a mixed picture for the French economy. Inflation pressures eased in September, but the decline in consumer spending suggests household demand remains soft.

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WS News 09-30-26

France Jobseeker Total Falls to 3.08 Million in August

The number of registered jobseekers in France declined to 3.082 million in August from 3.143 million previously.

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WS Investor 09-29-26

Eurozone Growth Momentum Strengthens in September as Services Lead

Eurozone business activity improved more than expected in September, led by stronger services growth across the region.

The Eurozone Composite PMI rose to 53.1 from 52.0, beating the 51.7 consensus and signaling a faster pace of overall private-sector expansion. Services PMI increased to 53.0 from 51.6, also well above the 51.4 forecast, while manufacturing PMI held at 52.7, slightly above expectations of 52.6.

Germany showed a similar pattern. Manufacturing PMI eased to 53.8 from 54.3 and missed the 54.1 forecast, but services PMI jumped to 52.9 from 49.7, comfortably above the 49.9 consensus and returning to expansion territory.

France also improved on the services side. Services PMI climbed to 51.4 from 48.0, sharply above the 48.3 forecast, while manufacturing PMI slipped to 50.3 from 51.1 and came in below expectations.

Overall, the data suggest Eurozone growth momentum strengthened in September, with services more than offsetting some moderation in manufacturing. The stronger composite reading points to a more resilient regional economy heading into the final quarter.

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WS News 09-23-26

Eurozone Inflation Rises to 3.2% in August as Core CPI Eases

Eurozone annual inflation accelerated to 3.2% in August from 2.9% previously, though the reading came slightly below the 3.3% market forecast.

Core inflation, which excludes more volatile components, eased to 2.4% year over year from 2.5% and matched expectations. The decline suggests underlying price pressures moderated slightly even as headline inflation moved higher.

On a monthly basis, consumer prices rose 0.4% in August, up from a 0.2% increase in the previous month.

The mixed inflation picture leaves the European Central Bank facing competing signals: headline inflation has moved further above its 2% target, while core inflation continues to cool gradually. The data could reinforce a cautious approach to further monetary-policy changes as officials assess whether the latest increase in headline prices proves persistent.

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WS News 09-17-26

Eurozone Industrial Production Falls 0.1% in July, Slightly Better Than Expected

Eurozone industrial production declined 0.1% month over month in July, slightly outperforming market expectations for a 0.2% contraction.

The reading was unchanged from the previous month’s 0.1% decline, indicating that industrial activity remained subdued at the start of the third quarter.

While the smaller-than-expected drop offers some relief, the continued contraction suggests the euro-area manufacturing sector is still struggling to build meaningful momentum amid weak demand and broader economic uncertainty.

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European Investor 09-16-26

Eurozone Trade Surplus Jumps in July as Investor Sentiment Weakens

Eurozone economic data sent mixed signals on Tuesday, with the trade balance strengthening sharply while investor confidence deteriorated.

The trade surplus widened to €14.2 billion in July, well above the €3.7 billion forecast and up from €7.2 billion previously.

However, the Eurozone ZEW Economic Sentiment Index fell to 25.8 in September from 31.4, significantly below the 39.2 expected.

Overall, stronger trade provides a positive signal for economic activity, but deteriorating expectations suggest investors remain cautious about the Eurozone outlook.

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The Investor 09-15-26

Spain Inflation Accelerates in August as French CPI Rises 0.7%

Inflation data from France and Spain pointed to continued price pressures across the euro area in August, with Spanish inflation showing a particularly sharp acceleration.

France’s consumer price index rose 0.7% month over month, matching expectations and up from 0.6% previously. French HICP inflation also increased 0.7%, slightly below the 0.8% forecast.

In Spain, annual CPI inflation accelerated to 4.3% from 3.6%, matching expectations. HICP inflation climbed to 4.6% from 3.9%, slightly exceeding the 4.5% forecast.

The stronger Spanish readings could reinforce concerns over persistent euro-area inflation and keep the European Central Bank cautious about the path of monetary policy.

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Global Finance News 09-15-26

French 12-Month Bill Yield Rises to 2.94% at Latest Auction

France’s short-term borrowing costs increased at its latest government debt auction, with the yield on 12-month BTF Treasury bills rising to 2.940%.

The yield increased from 2.860% at the previous auction, a rise of 8 basis points

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WS News 09-07-26

Eurozone Economy Expands 0.6% in Q2, Beating Quarterly Forecast

The eurozone economy grew faster than expected in the second quarter, although annual growth remained weaker than economists had forecast.

GDP expanded 0.6% quarter over quarter in Q2, beating expectations for 0.4% growth and rebounding from a 0.2% contraction in the previous quarter.

On an annual basis, GDP increased 0.5%, improving from 0.3% previously but falling short of the 1.0% consensus estimate.

The figures present a mixed picture for the eurozone economy. The strong quarterly rebound suggests economic activity regained momentum in Q2, while subdued year-over-year growth indicates that the broader recovery remains relatively weak.

For the European Central Bank, the data could reduce immediate concerns about recession risks, although the softer annual growth rate leaves the economic outlook dependent on inflation, consumer demand and industrial activity.

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European Investor 09-07-26

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US Bonds

The deeper reason behind the relentless rise in bond yields

Ignore hysteria calls on rising bond yields.

(finance.yahoo.com)

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WS News 09-28-26

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WS Investor 09-24-26

10-year Treasury yield hits highest level since 2007 as market prices in another Fed rate hike

The 10-year Treasury yield rose to its highest level since 2007 on Wednesday.

(finance.yahoo.com)

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WS News 09-23-26

Treasury Yields Are Climbing. Can Stocks Hold Their Ground?

Rising Treasury yields, persistent inflation, and weakening small caps put pressure on stocks. Here's what investors should watch next.

(articles.stockcharts.com)

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The Investor 09-12-26

U.S. 10-Year Treasury Yield Nears 5% as Inflation and Oil Keep Bond Markets Under Pressure

U.S. Treasury yields remained near multi-year highs Friday, with the benchmark 10-year yield trading around 4.94%, just below the psychologically important 5% level. The yield briefly reached about 4.97% earlier as a global bond selloff continued.

The sharp rise in yields has been driven by renewed inflation concerns and expectations that the Federal Reserve could raise interest rates next week. U.S. producer prices rose 0.4% in August and 5.4% year-over-year, while the surge in oil prices above $100 a barrel has increased concerns that energy costs could keep inflation elevated. Markets are currently pricing roughly a 70% chance of a 25-basis-point Fed hike. (Reuters)

Pressure has also emerged from the supply side of the Treasury market. The government bought back $5.2 billion of longer-dated bonds in its latest operation, below the $6 billion maximum and well below the $10.5 billion offered by investors. Concerns about heavy government borrowing are adding to the premium investors demand for holding longer-term debt. (Reuters)

Attention now turns to Friday’s U.S. CPI report. A hotter-than-expected inflation reading could push the 10-year yield through 5%, while softer inflation could provide some relief to the bond market ahead of the Fed’s September 15–16 meeting.

Graph: cnbc*com

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European Investor 09-11-26

U.S. 10-Year Treasury Yield Surges Above 4.92% as Oil and Inflation Revive Rate-Hike Fears

The U.S. 10-year Treasury yield climbed to 4.922% on Thursday, rising about 8 basis points and reaching its highest level since 2023 as escalating Middle East tensions, surging oil prices and persistent U.S. inflation fueled a sharp bond-market selloff.

Geopolitical developments remain a major driver. The U.S.-Iran conflict has severely disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea, while attacks on Gulf energy infrastructure have intensified supply concerns.

The resulting oil rally is feeding directly into inflation expectations. Brent crude has climbed above $104 a barrel, while WTI briefly crossed $100 on Thursday. Higher energy costs raise the risk that inflation remains elevated, reducing the likelihood that the Federal Reserve can ease monetary policy and increasing the possibility of another rate hike.

Thursday’s macro data reinforced those concerns. U.S. producer prices rose 0.4% month over month in August, while annual PPI accelerated to 5.4% from 4.8%, slightly exceeding the 5.3% forecast. Traders subsequently raised the probability of at least a 25-basis-point Fed rate hike next week to nearly 70%. (Reuters)

The 10-year yield has now risen sharply from around 4.75% over the past five sessions. With oil prices elevated and Friday’s U.S. CPI report still ahead, the 5% level is increasingly coming into focus as the next major threshold for the Treasury market.

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The Investor 09-10-26

Apple event live updates: First foldable, the iPhone Duo, iPhone 18 Pro, watches, and more

Apple is hosting its annual fall event at its Cupertino, Calif., headquarters.

(finance.yahoo.com)

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WS Investor 09-09-26

U.S. 10-Year Treasury Auction Yield Jumps to 4.834% as Oil Fuels Inflation Concerns

The U.S. Treasury’s 10-year note auction cleared at 4.834% on Wednesday, sharply above the 4.683% yield at the previous auction, reflecting the broader rise in long-term U.S. borrowing costs.

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WS Investor 09-09-26

US Stocks Rise as Treasury Bond-Market Support Eases Yield Pressure

U.S. stocks were mostly higher Wednesday as the Treasury Department’s expanded bond-buyback operations continued to support sentiment by easing pressure in the government debt market.

The S&P 500 was up 0.37% at 7,719.85, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.46% to 53,588.62. The Nasdaq Composite, however, slipped 0.05% to 26,277.81, giving back its earlier gains as technology stocks lagged the broader market.

Treasury Intervention Brings Relief to Bonds and Stocks

The main catalyst supporting risk sentiment was Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s move to bolster liquidity in the Treasury market. The department said it would at least double the maximum size of liquidity-support buybacks for longer-dated Treasury securities, increasing operations from $2 billion to at least $4 billion and targeting the 10- to 30-year portion of the curve.

Bond yields dropped sharply following the announcement. The benchmark 10-year Treasury yield fell about 6 basis points to around 4.65%, while the 30-year yield declined roughly 9 basis points to around 5.20%. Treasury prices and yields move inversely.

The action has provided some relief after the recent surge in long-term borrowing costs became a major headwind for equities. The 30-year Treasury yield had climbed to around 5.34% on Tuesday, its highest level in nearly two decades, amid concerns over government borrowing, inflation, the U.S.-Iran conflict and elevated energy prices.

Dow Leads While Nasdaq Loses Momentum

The latest market action shows a divergence beneath the headline indexes. The Dow is now outperforming with a 0.46% gain, while the S&P 500 remains moderately higher. The Nasdaq has reversed its earlier advance and is trading slightly lower.

The reversal suggests that lower Treasury yields have not been enough to sustain the initial rebound in technology stocks. Growth and technology shares remain particularly sensitive to changes in long-term rates because higher yields reduce the present value of expected future earnings.

For the broader market, however, Treasury intervention has eased one of Wall Street’s most immediate concerns and helped stabilize financial conditions.

Investors will continue to monitor the Treasury market, oil prices and developments surrounding the U.S.-Iran conflict. The Federal Reserve’s July meeting minutes are also in focus for additional clues about the outlook for monetary policy, inflation and interest rates.

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Global Finance News 08-19-26

U.S. Stocks Fall as Iran Conflict, Rising Oil Prices and Treasury Yields Pressure Markets

U.S. stocks traded lower Tuesday as the continuing U.S.-Iran conflict pushed oil prices higher and intensified concerns about inflation and interest rates, with technology stocks leading the decline.

The Nasdaq Composite fell 1.3% to 26,301, underperforming the broader market. The S&P 500 declined 0.49% to 7,707, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average was down 0.06% at 53,429.

The risk-off move comes as hopes for a lasting resolution to the U.S.-Iran conflict fade. Iran has shifted toward a more offensive military posture after efforts to negotiate a permanent end to the conflict stalled, while Washington declined to extend the temporary ceasefire.

Oil and Bond Yields Add Pressure

Energy markets remain one of the main channels through which the conflict is affecting U.S. equities. Brent crude rose for a third consecutive session Tuesday, trading around $91 per barrel and reaching its highest level in nearly three weeks as continued restrictions around the Strait of Hormuz raised concerns about global oil supplies.

Higher oil prices are feeding concerns that energy costs could keep inflation elevated, complicating the outlook for monetary policy.

Those concerns have spilled into the bond market. The U.S. 30-year Treasury yield climbed as high as 5.327%, its highest level since 2007, while the benchmark 10-year yield was also around 4.73%. The rise in long-term yields reflects a combination of inflation concerns related to the conflict and oil prices, alongside broader worries about U.S. borrowing and debt issuance.

The combination of higher energy prices and rising bond yields is particularly challenging for growth and technology stocks, helping explain the Nasdaq's sharper decline.

Latest U.S. Data Point to Softer Economic Momentum

Tuesday's economic releases added another layer of uncertainty.

U.S. housing starts dropped 12.4% month-over-month in July to an annualized 1.239 million units, well below expectations of 1.340 million and down sharply from 1.415 million previously.

Industrial production increased just 0.2% month-over-month in July, below the 0.3% forecast and previous reading. On a year-over-year basis, production growth slowed to 1.08% from 1.29%.

The labor market offered a somewhat stronger signal. Weekly ADP employment growth came in at 9,500 jobs, up from 8,300 previously.

Taken together, the data point to uneven economic momentum: employment continues to expand, but housing activity weakened sharply and industrial production grew more slowly than expected.

For Wall Street, however, geopolitics remains the dominant driver Tuesday. As long as the U.S.-Iran conflict keeps Brent crude elevated and pushes longer-term Treasury yields higher, pressure on equity valuations — particularly in the technology sector — is likely to remain a central market risk.

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The Investor 08-18-26

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NASDAQ:AMZN

Kodiak AI Chooses AWS to Support Autonomous Trucking Development Ahead of Driverless Highway Launch

Kodiak AI said it selected Amazon Web Services as its primary cloud provider to support the compute-intensive AI development, simulation and data infrastructure behind its autonomous trucking technology.

AWS will provide the cloud capacity used for Kodiak’s BreakPoint safety-validation system, which injects realistic errors into autonomous-driving signals and searches for rare edge cases that could lead to collisions. Kodiak said the system can identify in minutes scenarios that might otherwise require tens of thousands of miles of real-world driving to encounter.

The company will also use AWS to scale GPU compute for training and refining the AI models behind the Kodiak Driver autonomous-driving system, while supporting customer-facing operations software and storage of operational data.

Kodiak is preparing to launch driverless trucking operations on public highways in Texas later in 2026. The AWS partnership is intended to provide the infrastructure needed to support that launch and potentially scale autonomous operations across the United States.

The collaboration highlights the growing role of cloud computing and GPU infrastructure in autonomous-vehicle development, particularly for simulation, model training and large-scale safety validation.

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WS Investor 10-01-26

AWS and The Nature Conservancy Partner to Scale AI-Powered Stormwater Management

Amazon Web Services and The Nature Conservancy’s Brightstorm program announced a strategic collaboration to expand data-driven stormwater management using cloud infrastructure, artificial intelligence and real-time sensor networks.

At the center of the partnership is Brightstorm’s Smart Watershed Network Management framework, which combines AI, weather forecasting and smart sensors to manage stormwater across entire watersheds. AWS will provide the cloud and AI infrastructure needed to scale the system and make its data and tools more accessible to planners, policymakers and water managers.

The collaboration will also support Alluvia, a free open-source platform designed to build, host and scale smart watershed tools. AWS is providing the cloud infrastructure behind the platform, with a focus on scalability, reliability and security.

One of the first real-world deployments will take place around Florida’s Indian River Lagoon, where stormwater pollution threatens water quality and biodiversity. The pilot will connect stormwater ponds into an intelligent network designed to improve flood control and reduce pollution.

The partnership reflects AWS’s broader push to apply cloud and AI technologies to environmental infrastructure, while Brightstorm aims to turn aging stormwater systems into more adaptive and data-driven networks that can eventually be replicated across the U.S. and other markets.

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European Investor 09-28-26

Accenture Edge and AWS Launch Six AI and Cloud Offerings for Mid-Market Companies

Accenture and Amazon Web Services expanded their collaboration with six ready-to-deploy offerings aimed at helping mid-market companies adopt AI, modernize cloud infrastructure and strengthen cybersecurity.

The initiative is being delivered through Accenture Edge, a business focused on companies with annual revenue between $300 million and $3 billion. AWS is serving as a foundational partner, providing cloud, security and AI capabilities alongside Accenture’s industry and implementation expertise.

The six offerings include Agentic Data Discovery, AI-Powered Instance Migration, Connected Customer Experience Innovation Services, Optimization Health Check, RAI Red Teaming and Secure Cloud Foundation. They are available through the Accenture AWS Marketplace Storefront and are designed to address data migration, cloud modernization, contact-center AI, cost optimization and AI security.

Accenture and AWS also pointed to work with 407 ETR, where a cloud-based contact-center platform built on Amazon Connect helped support more than 250 employees while achieving 99.9% platform reliability and keeping call and chat abandonment rates at 5% or less.

The collaboration broadens Accenture’s AI and cloud push into the mid-market, where companies often need more standardized and lower-complexity solutions than large enterprises.

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Global Finance News 09-22-26

Amazon to Invest $1.9 Billion in Delivery Service Partner Program in 2027

Amazon said it will invest another $1.9 billion in its Delivery Service Partner program in 2027, supporting higher driver pay, new safety initiatives and expanded use of AI-powered delivery technology.

The company said the investment will help DSP owners raise average Delivery Associate earnings by roughly another $1 to nearly $24 per hour nationwide. Over the past three years, Amazon estimates its investments have supported an average 16% increase in driver pay.

Amazon is also expanding safety technology across its last-mile network. New surround-view cameras are being rolled out to Rivian electric delivery vehicles, while the Amazon Delivery App is adding real-time hazard alerts and automatic route adjustments for weather, accidents and road closures. The company said serious vehicle crashes across the network fell more than 23% last year.

AI is becoming a larger part of delivery operations as well. Amazon’s Wellspring mapping system has identified 202 million parking locations, 2.8 million building entrances and 85,000 mailrooms and lockers since 2024, while AI-based routing is being used to account for real-world conditions such as darkness and parking congestion.

Amazon also plans to expand deployment of its Smart Delivery Glasses to more than 20,000 devices by the end of 2027 and will commit $70 million over five years to community initiatives led by DSP owners.

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European Investor 09-21-26

AWS Launches AI Workflows for Energy and Utilities With Amazon Quick

Amazon Web Services announced new ready-to-use AI workflows for Amazon Quick, targeting energy and utilities companies with industry-specific tools for areas including grid planning, asset management, drilling exploration, compliance and energy trading.

The workflows are designed to connect data from multiple operational systems into a single interface, allowing users to generate recommendations and take actions without building custom applications. AWS said Quick can help with tasks such as scheduling maintenance orders, routing outage workflows and updating compliance records, potentially reducing work that can take weeks to hours.

The offering uses MCP-connected integrations from more than a dozen energy-sector partners. Participants include Accenture, IBM, Hitachi Digital Services, EPAM, Infosys, S&P Global, Seeq, Slalom and other specialized energy and technology providers.

AWS said the integrations are intended to combine generative AI with domain-specific expertise across production monitoring, grid operations, asset maintenance and other energy workflows.

The new capabilities are available to Amazon Quick users in the energy sector, extending AWS’s push to bring industry-specific AI tools into enterprise operations.

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Global Finance News 09-19-26

AWS and Salesforce Expand AI Partnership With Agents, Data and Voice Integrations

Amazon Web Services and Salesforce announced an expanded partnership aimed at bringing enterprise AI agents, CRM data and broader model choice directly into the tools employees already use.

The integrations will make Salesforce business data available inside Amazon Quick, while AWS AI agents will operate directly within Slack. Salesforce Agentforce customers will also gain access to Amazon Bedrock’s selection of foundation models, including models from Anthropic and NVIDIA, with OpenAI models expected to follow.

The companies are also expanding zero-copy connectivity, allowing AI agents to access enterprise data across AWS and Salesforce without requiring companies to migrate or duplicate that information.

Another key development is voice AI: Agentforce Voice and Amazon Connect Customer will support real-time, bidirectional communication between AI agents, while Salesforce is using AWS Trainium chips to power low-latency voice dictation in Slack.

The expansion highlights how Amazon and Salesforce are positioning their cloud, CRM and AI platforms around the growing enterprise shift toward agentic AI.

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The Investor 09-15-26

Regulators target transparency in digital ad auctions amid Google and Amazon cases | Noah Intelligence

Recent legal actions against Google and Amazon spotlight growing concerns over auction fairness and transparency in digital advertising, raising questions about platform control and trust.The latest legal scrutiny of...

(noah-news.com)

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The Investor 09-12-26

Amazon AWS Brings Agentic AI to Wealth Management With Hoxton Wealth

Amazon Web Services is working with international financial advisory firm Hoxton Wealth to deploy agentic AI across wealth-management operations, targeting faster reporting, compliance processes and access to internal expertise.

The collaboration is part of AWS’s $1 billion investment in Forward Deployed Engineering (FDE), an initiative that embeds AWS engineers directly with customers to develop and deploy agentic AI systems. AWS says the approach is designed to move AI applications from concept to production in days rather than months.

AI Cuts Work From Hours to Minutes

Hoxton Wealth is already using AI to generate client reports and personalized presentations, reducing processes that previously took hours to minutes. The company is also developing an AI-powered internal knowledge base that allows advisors to access expertise without relying on a small group of senior employees.

The technology is being applied to compliance as well, with Hoxton saying checks that previously took days can now be completed in a fraction of the time.

For Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN), the project demonstrates how AWS is pushing beyond providing cloud infrastructure and foundation-model access toward directly helping enterprises deploy production-ready AI agents. Financial services could represent a particularly important market as firms seek to automate labor-intensive workflows while maintaining industry-specific compliance requirements.

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Global Finance News 09-05-26

Federal Trade Commission and 22 states sue Amazon over inflated advertising prices

The Federal Trade Commission and 22 states filed a lawsuit against online retailer Amazon on Monday claiming that it defrauded advertising customers. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court in the Western District of Washington, claims that Amazon overcharged 1.2 million advertising customers by misleading them on prices for online auctions for ads. The complaint says Amazon said it was offering competitive prices on several ad products when it was actually inflating auction prices.

(finance.yahoo.com)

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European Investor 09-01-26

Amazon Rises 4.2% as Evercore ISI Raises Price Target to $355

Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN) shares rose 4.2% after Evercore ISI maintained its Outperform rating and raised its price target on the stock.

The firm increased its Amazon price target to $355 from $315. With Amazon trading around $267, the new target implies roughly 33% upside from that level.

The bullish rating provides additional support for Amazon shares, with Evercore ISI signaling greater confidence in the company’s earnings and growth potential through the higher valuation target. The 4.2% gain suggests investors are responding positively to the analyst’s more optimistic outlook.

Amazon remains one of the largest beneficiaries of continued growth in cloud computing and artificial intelligence through AWS, while its dominant e-commerce and advertising businesses provide additional earnings drivers. The combination of these businesses strengthens Amazon’s position across several of the technology sector’s major growth areas.

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European Investor 08-28-26

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09-09-26European Investor

NASDAQ:GOOG

Meta’s Muse Could Be the Biggest Threat Google Has Faced in 20 Years

Meta’s Muse could challenge Google’s $63 billion Search business by replacing searches, clicks, and ads with AI-driven decisions and transactions.

(finance.yahoo.com)

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WS News 09-28-26

Accenture and Google Cloud Team With Volvo Cars on AI-Powered Automotive Software Platform

Accenture and Google Cloud said Volvo Cars has become the lead industry partner for Horizon, an open-source software development platform designed to help automakers build, test and deploy Android Automotive OS software faster.

Volvo Cars is migrating its global AAOS development environment to Horizon, which combines cloud-native development tools, virtual testing environments and AI-assisted workflows. The platform is intended to shorten development cycles and give engineering teams more time to focus on in-car digital experiences.

Accenture and Google Cloud said Horizon can deliver up to 9x faster software testing using virtual Android Automotive environments, reduce infotainment feature development costs by up to 40%, and cut build feedback times from as much as two hours to minutes. The platform also supports remote access to virtual and physical device farms and faster onboarding through virtual workbenches.

The companies said insights from the Volvo collaboration will help refine Horizon and expand its generative AI capabilities for other automakers and industrial manufacturers. Accenture, Google Cloud and Volvo are already working to extend the platform to additional organizations and markets.

The partnership highlights the growing shift toward software-defined vehicles, where faster development, virtual validation and AI-assisted engineering are becoming increasingly important competitive capabilities.

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Global Finance News 09-22-26

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

European antitrust rulings reshape Google’s comparison shopping ecosystem | Noah Intelligence

New regulations and legal challenges are disrupting Google's dominance in comparison shopping services across Europe, prompting calls for increased fairness among merchants and rivals.A comparison shopping service, or...

(noah-news.com)

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WS Investor 09-14-26

Regulators target transparency in digital ad auctions amid Google and Amazon cases | Noah Intelligence

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The Investor 09-12-26

Alphabet (GOOGL) Stock Edges Higher After Morgan Stanley Raises Price Target

Alphabet (NASDAQ: GOOGL) shares traded modestly higher on Tuesday after Morgan Stanley raised its price target on the Google parent company, reinforcing confidence in its long-term growth prospects driven by artificial intelligence and digital advertising.

The brokerage maintained its Overweight rating while increasing its price target to $415 from $375, signaling continued optimism about Alphabet's ability to capitalize on AI-driven opportunities across its search, cloud, and software businesses.

# Morgan Stanley Sees More Upside

The higher price target reflects growing confidence that Alphabet will continue benefiting from expanding AI adoption while maintaining its leadership in digital advertising.

Analysts also remain constructive on the company's cloud business, where ongoing investment in generative AI services is expected to support revenue growth and margin expansion over the coming years.

# AI Remains a Key Growth Driver

Alphabet has accelerated the rollout of AI-powered products across Google Search, Google Cloud, and Workspace, while continuing to invest heavily in infrastructure to support growing enterprise and consumer demand.

The company's strong balance sheet and leadership in AI innovation continue to position it as one of the largest beneficiaries of the industry's long-term growth.

# Why GOOGL Stock Was Little Changed

Despite the higher price target, Alphabet shares posted only modest gains, suggesting much of the positive outlook may already be reflected in the stock's valuation.

Still, Morgan Stanley's decision to reaffirm its Overweight rating while lifting its valuation target reinforces Wall Street's confidence in Alphabet's long-term earnings potential and competitive position within the AI ecosystem.

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Global Finance News 06-30-26

Alphabet Falls 5% Despite Citi Reiterating Positive Rating

Alphabet (NASDAQ: GOOG) fell 5% even after Citigroup reiterated its Market Outperform rating, as investors reacted to broader concerns surrounding competition, valuation, and the evolving artificial intelligence landscape.

The decline came despite Citi maintaining a positive long-term view on the company. Alphabet remains one of the world's dominant digital advertising and cloud computing platforms, with growing exposure to artificial intelligence through products such as Gemini and its expanding AI infrastructure investments.

However, investor sentiment toward the stock has recently become more cautious as competition in AI-powered search intensifies. Market participants continue to evaluate how generative AI could reshape internet search and digital advertising, two of Alphabet's most important businesses.

Despite the sharp decline, analysts generally remain constructive on Alphabet's outlook. The company's leadership positions in search, cloud computing, digital advertising, and artificial intelligence continue to provide multiple growth drivers. Google Cloud has also emerged as a key beneficiary of growing enterprise AI adoption, helping diversify revenue beyond advertising.

Citigroup's reaffirmed Market Outperform rating suggests the firm believes the recent weakness does not alter Alphabet's long-term investment case. Nevertheless, the stock's decline highlights that investors remain sensitive to competitive developments and AI-related execution risks across the technology sector.

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Global Finance News 06-22-26

Alphabet Holds Steady as TD Cowen Raises Price Target to $475

Alphabet (GOOG) traded little changed despite receiving a bullish analyst update from TD Cowen, which raised its price target to $475 from $450 while maintaining a Buy rating.

The higher target reflects growing confidence in Alphabet's ability to capitalize on the artificial intelligence boom while maintaining the strength of its core Search and advertising businesses. Investors have become increasingly optimistic that Google's AI investments are beginning to translate into stronger product offerings, improved user engagement, and new monetization opportunities across Search, Cloud, YouTube, and Workspace.

The lack of a significant stock reaction suggests that investors had already been expecting positive analyst commentary following the company's recent execution and strong positioning within the AI ecosystem. Alphabet has been one of the major beneficiaries of increasing enterprise AI adoption, particularly through Google Cloud, which continues to gain traction among businesses deploying large-scale AI workloads.

Analysts remain focused on several key catalysts, including the pace of Google Cloud growth, AI-driven improvements in Search, expansion of advertising revenue, and the company's ability to convert its massive AI investments into sustainable earnings growth.

While the stock was flat on the day, the target increase reinforces the view that many Wall Street firms continue to see substantial upside potential in Alphabet. With the new $475 target standing well above the current share price, TD Cowen's update suggests confidence that Alphabet's combination of AI leadership, dominant digital advertising position, and growing cloud business can continue to drive long-term shareholder returns.

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Global Finance News 06-09-26

Alphabet Slips 1% as Broader Tech Weakness Overshadows Higher Price Target

Alphabet shares fell 1% on Friday, outperforming many large-cap technology peers but still ending lower as investors sold growth stocks following stronger-than-expected U.S. economic data and rising Treasury yields.

Despite the decline, Wall Street sentiment remained constructive. New Street Research raised its price target on Alphabet from $450 to $455 while maintaining a Buy rating, signaling continued confidence in the company's long-term growth prospects despite recent market volatility.

The target increase reflects optimism surrounding Alphabet's expanding artificial intelligence initiatives, strength in digital advertising, and growing cloud computing business. Investors have been closely watching how the company integrates AI across Google Search, YouTube, Google Cloud, and other products as competition intensifies throughout the technology sector.

Alphabet has faced concerns that generative AI could disrupt traditional search advertising, but the company has continued to demonstrate strong user engagement and has been aggressively rolling out AI-powered features across its ecosystem. At the same time, Google Cloud remains one of the fastest-growing segments of the business, benefiting from increasing enterprise demand for AI infrastructure and cloud services.

Friday's decline appeared largely driven by macroeconomic factors rather than company-specific developments. Following the release of strong U.S. employment data, investors reduced exposure to technology stocks as expectations for Federal Reserve rate cuts moved further into the future. Higher interest rates tend to pressure growth-stock valuations, particularly across the technology sector.

The fact that Alphabet fell only modestly while the Nasdaq dropped more than 4% may indicate that investors continue to view the company as one of the highest-quality names in the technology sector. The latest target increase from New Street Research further suggests that analysts remain confident in Alphabet's ability to capitalize on the AI revolution while maintaining its dominant position in digital advertising and cloud computing.

With a $455 price target compared with a recent share price around $369, Wall Street continues to see meaningful upside potential, even as short-term market volatility remains elevated.

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The Investor 06-06-26

Alphabet Plans Massive $80 Billion Equity Raise to Accelerate AI Infrastructure Expansion

Alphabet announced plans to raise approximately $80 billion through a combination of public stock offerings, preferred securities, and an at-the-market share sale program as the company ramps up investments in artificial intelligence infrastructure to meet surging demand.

The financing package includes $30 billion of underwritten offerings, a new $40 billion at-the-market stock sale program, and a $10 billion private placement investment from Berkshire Hathaway. Berkshire will purchase $5 billion of Alphabet Class A shares and $5 billion of Class C shares, expanding a position it has been building since late 2025.

The announcement underscores the scale of the AI investment race. Alphabet said customer demand for its AI products and services is exceeding available capacity, prompting the company to aggressively expand its compute infrastructure. Management previously guided for $180 billion to $190 billion in capital expenditures during 2026 and expects spending to rise significantly again in 2027.

The company enters this expansion phase with strong business momentum. First-quarter 2026 revenue climbed 22% year-over-year to $110 billion, while Google Cloud revenue surged 63%. Cloud backlog nearly doubled sequentially to more than $460 billion, highlighting robust enterprise demand for AI-related services. Alphabet also reported 350 million paid subscriptions across its ecosystem and said its AI models now process 19 billion tokens per minute, six times higher than a year ago.

Alphabet emphasized that the equity raise is part of a balanced funding strategy that also includes strong cash generation and debt financing. Over the past 12 months, the company generated $174 billion in operating cash flow and has raised more than $85 billion in debt across global markets.

The announcement highlights how major technology companies continue to commit unprecedented amounts of capital to AI infrastructure, with Alphabet positioning itself to capture growing demand across search, cloud computing, subscriptions, and developer platforms.

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Global Finance News 06-02-26

10-01-26European Investor

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Japan

Japan’s Tankan Manufacturing Index Improves in Q3 but Misses Expectations

Japan’s Tankan Large Manufacturers Index rose to 24 in the third quarter from 22 previously, indicating an improvement in business sentiment among the country’s major manufacturers.

The reading, however, came in slightly below the market consensus of 25.

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WS News 10-01-26

Japan Industrial Production Falls 1.7% in August, Missing Expectations

Japan’s industrial production fell 1.7% month over month in August, sharply underperforming market expectations for a 1.4% increase and worsening from a 0.2% decline in the previous month.

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WS News 09-30-26

Japan Leading Index Rises in July but Misses Expectations

Japan’s Leading Index increased 1.5% month over month in July, improving from a flat reading previously but coming in below the 1.7% market forecast.

The index level rose to 117.7 from 116.5, although it also missed expectations of 118.1.

The data suggest Japan’s forward-looking economic indicators improved during July, but not quite as strongly as economists had expected.

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WS News 09-29-26

Japan Corporate Services Prices Rise 3.7% Year Over Year

Japan’s Corporate Services Price Index rose 3.7% year over year, slightly above the 3.6% consensus estimate and up from 3.6% previously.

The stronger-than-expected reading points to persistent price pressures in Japan’s services sector, suggesting that inflation is continuing to broaden beyond goods.

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WS News 09-28-26

Japan Services PMI Slips to 51.6 in September, Signaling Slower Growth

Japan’s S&P Global Services PMI fell to 51.6 in September from 52.5 in August, indicating that activity in the services sector continued to expand but at a slower pace.

A reading above 50 still points to growth, but the decline suggests momentum softened during the month.

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WS News 09-24-26

Bank of Japan Raises Interest Rate to 1.25% as Inflation Cools

The Bank of Japan raised its benchmark interest rate to 1.25% from 1.00% on Friday, matching market expectations and continuing the gradual normalization of monetary policy.

The rate increase came even as Japan’s latest inflation data showed some moderation. National core CPI rose 1.7% year over year in August, slightly below the 1.8% forecast and down from 1.8% previously.

Headline consumer prices increased just 0.1% month over month, slowing sharply from the 0.5% increase recorded in the previous month.

The combination highlights the balancing act facing the BOJ. Inflation pressures are easing, but policymakers are still moving borrowing costs higher as they continue to unwind years of ultra-loose monetary policy. Investor attention will now turn to the BOJ’s guidance for clues on whether further rate increases are likely in the coming months.

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European Investor 09-18-26

Japan’s Trade Deficit Widens in August Despite Stronger-Than-Expected Exports

Japan recorded a trade deficit of ¥1.106 trillion in August, wider than the ¥1.053 trillion deficit expected by economists and significantly larger than the previous ¥638.3 billion shortfall.

Exports rose 19.3% year over year, beating expectations for an 18.2% increase, although growth slowed from 23.2% in the previous month. The figures suggest overseas demand remained relatively strong but was not enough to prevent the headline trade balance from deteriorating.

On a seasonally adjusted basis, the trade deficit came in at ¥840 billion, better than the ¥1.0 trillion deficit forecast but wider than the previous ¥680 billion.

Overall, the report sends a mixed signal for Japan’s economy: export growth remained stronger than expected, while the widening trade deficit points to continued pressure from the country’s import bill.

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European Investor 09-16-26

Japan Industrial Production Falls 0.2% in July, Missing Expectations

Japan’s industrial production declined 0.2% month over month in July, coming in below market expectations for a 0.1% increase.

The decline marked a sharp slowdown from the previous month’s 1.9% expansion, pointing to weaker momentum in Japan’s manufacturing sector at the start of the third quarter.

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WS News 09-14-26

Japan’s Large Manufacturers Turn More Optimistic as BSI Jumps to 7.6

Business sentiment among Japan’s large manufacturers improved sharply in the third quarter, signaling stronger confidence in the outlook for the industrial sector.

The BSI Large Manufacturing Conditions index climbed to 7.6 in Q3, well above the 2.5 forecast and reversing the previous quarter’s -1.8 reading.

The move back into positive territory indicates that significantly more large manufacturers reported improving business conditions than deteriorating ones. The stronger-than-expected reading suggests corporate sentiment has recovered despite uncertainty surrounding global trade, external demand and input costs.

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European Investor 09-11-26

Japan’s Q2 GDP Grows 0.4%, Beating Expectations

Japan’s economy expanded slightly more than expected in the second quarter, while a key measure of domestic price pressures showed inflation moderating.

GDP grew 0.4% quarter over quarter in Q2, beating expectations for a 0.3% increase. Growth nevertheless slowed from 0.5% in the previous quarter.

Meanwhile, Japan’s GDP Price Index increased 2.6% year over year, matching forecasts but slowing from the previous 3.2% increase. The decline indicates that economy-wide price pressures moderated during the quarter.

The figures present a relatively positive growth picture, with Japan’s economy outperforming expectations despite the slowdown from Q1. However, easing price growth could complicate the Bank of Japan’s assessment of how quickly it should continue normalizing monetary policy.

Investors will be watching upcoming wage, inflation and consumption data for further clues on the strength of Japan’s economy and the Bank of Japan’s next policy move.

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WS News 09-08-26

09-18-26European Investor

08-12-26WS Investor

06-16-26Global Finance News

05-23-26Global Finance News

05-11-26WS Investor

NYSE:PFE

Pfizer’s Tilrekimig Shows Strong Skin Clearance in Phase 2 Atopic Dermatitis Study

Pfizer reported positive Phase 2 results for tilrekimig, an investigational trispecific antibody being developed for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis. The study met its primary endpoint, with all evaluated doses producing statistically significant improvements in EASI-75 skin-clearance rates versus placebo at Week 16.

In Stage 1, 62.5% of patients receiving tilrekimig 450 mg every two weeks achieved EASI-75, compared with 19.9% for placebo. In Stage 2, EASI-75 rates were 58.5% for the 400 mg monthly dose, 61.0% for 200 mg and 47.8% for 50 mg, versus 9.1% for placebo.

Tilrekimig is designed to simultaneously block IL-4, IL-13 and TSLP, targeting multiple pathways involved in type 2 inflammation. Pfizer is also developing the drug with an extended half-life intended to support monthly dosing.

Secondary and exploratory endpoints were also encouraging. Around 26% to 30% of treated patients achieved clear or almost-clear skin depending on dose and study stage, while itch reduction was meaningfully greater than with placebo.

Pfizer said the treatment was generally well tolerated, with no dose-dependent safety signals and no treatment-related serious adverse events reported in the first two stages.

The company has already started Phase 3 trials in atopic dermatitis and asthma and is advancing a Phase 2b/3 study in COPD, positioning tilrekimig as a potentially important next-generation asset in Pfizer’s inflammation and immunology pipeline.

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WS Investor 10-01-26

Pfizer and BioNTech Win FDA Approval for Updated XFG COVID-19 Vaccine

Pfizer (NYSE: PFE) and BioNTech (NASDAQ: BNTX) received U.S. FDA approval for their updated 2026–2027 COMIRNATY COVID-19 vaccine targeting the XFG variant.

The updated vaccine is approved for adults aged 65 and older and for people aged 5 to 64 who have at least one underlying condition that increases their risk of severe COVID-19. The XFG formulation follows FDA guidance aimed at more closely matching currently circulating variants.

According to the companies, supporting data showed strong immune responses against several circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants, including XFG, XFG.1.1, NB.1.8.1, PQ.17 and PQ.2.8.1. Pfizer and BioNTech said shipments will begin immediately, with the vaccine expected to reach U.S. pharmacies, hospitals and clinics within days.

The approval is commercially positive for both companies because it keeps their COVID-19 vaccine franchise positioned for the upcoming U.S. vaccination season. However, the financial impact will ultimately depend on vaccination rates and demand for updated COVID-19 shots.

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European Investor 08-28-26

Pfizer and Valneva Lyme Disease Vaccine Application Accepted for EMA Review

Pfizer (NYSE: PFE) and Valneva (NASDAQ: VALN) announced Friday that the European Medicines Agency has validated the Marketing Authorization Application for their experimental Lyme disease vaccine, marking a significant regulatory milestone for the program.

The EMA validation means the agency will now begin formally assessing PF-07307405, a six-valent vaccine designed to prevent Lyme disease in people aged five years and older. The application is supported by results from the Phase 3 VALOR trial.

## Phase 3 Trial Shows More Than 70% Efficacy

In the VALOR trial, the vaccine demonstrated efficacy of more than 70% in preventing Lyme disease and was generally well tolerated, with no safety concerns identified. The randomized study included 9,437 participants aged five and older across the U.S., Canada and Europe.

PF-07307405 targets six variants of outer surface protein A, or OspA, found on the Borrelia bacteria responsible for Lyme disease. The approach is designed to generate antibodies that prevent the bacteria from being transmitted from an infected tick to a vaccinated person.

Potential First Lyme Disease Vaccine Currently Available to Humans

The regulatory milestone could be commercially significant because there are currently no approved human vaccines against Lyme disease. Pfizer and Valneva's candidate is the most advanced Lyme disease vaccine currently in clinical development, with two pivotal Phase 3 studies completed. ([Pfizer][1])

The potential market is substantial. Pfizer said more than 200 million people live in Lyme disease risk areas in Europe, while approximately 132,000 cases are reported annually across European countries with surveillance systems.

Pfizer and Valneva have jointly developed the vaccine under a collaboration established in 2020. If regulatory approval is ultimately secured, Pfizer will be responsible for manufacturing and commercializing the product.

EMA validation does not constitute approval, but it confirms that the application is sufficiently complete to enter the formal regulatory review process. The next major catalyst for the program will therefore be the outcome of the EMA assessment.

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Global Finance News 08-14-26

Pfizer Stock Slips 0.54% Despite Higher Revenue Guidance and Strong Product Growth

Pfizer (NYSE: PFE) shares slipped 0.54% on Tuesday despite reporting solid second-quarter results, raising the midpoint of its full-year revenue guidance and highlighting continued momentum from its newer product portfolio and late-stage pipeline.

Second-quarter revenue increased 3% year over year to $15.0 billion, while operational revenue growth reached 1%. Excluding COVID-19 products Comirnaty and Paxlovid, operational revenue grew 5%, supported by strong performance from recently launched and acquired products, which posted 18% operational growth. Pfizer reported a GAAP loss per share of $0.04 and adjusted EPS of $0.77, with reported results impacted by $4.3 billion in non-cash intangible asset impairment charges.

Growth Portfolio Continues to Offset COVID Declines

Pfizer's underlying business continued to strengthen as growth from key products more than offset declining COVID-related sales.

Eliquis revenue benefited from strong global demand and favorable pricing, while Padcev, the Vyndaqel family and Lorbrena all delivered strong growth. Meanwhile, Paxlovid revenue declined 95% and Comirnaty sales fell 34% as pandemic-related demand continued to normalize.

The company also emphasized continued progress in its obesity and oncology businesses, alongside several expected pivotal clinical readouts over the next 12 months.

Guidance Raised While Cost Savings Expand

Reflecting stronger-than-expected demand for non-COVID products, Pfizer raised the midpoint of its 2026 revenue guidance by $500 million to a range of $60.5 billion to $62.5 billion.

The company reaffirmed its adjusted EPS guidance of $2.80 to $3.00 despite absorbing an expected $0.10 per-share impact from its Innovent Biologics transaction. Pfizer also announced an additional $2.5 billion in anticipated productivity savings to be realized between 2027 and 2029 as part of its ongoing efficiency initiatives.

What to Watch

Despite the modest decline in the stock, investors were encouraged by Pfizer's improving underlying business performance and higher revenue outlook. Going forward, markets will closely monitor continued growth from its non-COVID portfolio, execution of its productivity initiatives, progress in obesity and oncology programs, and upcoming late-stage clinical trial results that could support the company's next phase of growth.

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European Investor 08-04-26

Pfizer (PFE) Stock Rises After FDA Expands PADCEV Plus Keytruda Approval for Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer

Pfizer (NYSE: PFE) shares gained about 1.1% after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved PADCEV in combination with Keytruda as neoadjuvant and adjuvant treatment for adults with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC), regardless of cisplatin eligibility.

The expanded approval marks the first platinum-free treatment regimen approved for MIBC across all eligible patient groups, potentially establishing a new standard of care in earlier-stage bladder cancer.

The decision was supported by results from the Phase 3 EV-304 (KEYNOTE-B15) trial, in which PADCEV plus Keytruda demonstrated significant improvements over standard chemotherapy. The combination reduced the risk of tumor recurrence, progression, or death by 47%, lowered the risk of death by 35%, and achieved a pathological complete response rate of 55.8%, compared with 32.5% for standard chemotherapy.

The approval further expands the commercial opportunity for PADCEV, which Pfizer co-develops with Astellas, following its success in advanced bladder cancer. Investors also view the label expansion as strengthening Pfizer’s oncology portfolio by extending the therapy into an earlier-stage, potentially curative treatment setting.

Key factors supporting the stock include:

* The FDA approved PADCEV plus Keytruda for muscle-invasive bladder cancer regardless of cisplatin eligibility.
* The regimen became the first platinum-free treatment approved for this patient population.
* Phase 3 data showed a 47% reduction in the risk of recurrence, progression, or death and a 35% reduction in mortality versus standard chemotherapy.
* The expanded indication broadens PADCEV’s commercial potential and reinforces Pfizer’s long-term oncology growth strategy.

The regulatory approval improved investor sentiment, helping Pfizer shares move higher during the trading session.

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WS News 07-13-26

Pfizer Holds Steady: Solid Q1 Beat, Stock Barely Moves

Tuesday, May 5, 2026

In a sea of earnings-day volatility — Shopify down 7%, Eaton down 6.5% — Pfizer's barely-a-blip 0.27% decline today is almost a compliment. The pharmaceutical giant posted a clean Q1 2026 beat and reaffirmed full-year guidance, delivering exactly what a rebuilding Pfizer needed: no surprises.

The Numbers

Q1 revenues came in at $14.5 billion, up 5% year-over-year (2% operationally), clearing analyst expectations. Reported EPS was $0.47, while adjusted EPS of $0.75 comfortably topped the consensus. Pfizer reaffirmed its full-year 2026 guidance of $59.5–$62.5 billion in revenue and adjusted EPS of $2.80–$3.00 — unchanged from prior guidance.

The headline growth rate of 5% looks modest, but the underlying picture is considerably stronger once COVID-era products are stripped out. Excluding Comirnaty and Paxlovid — both in steep structural decline — revenues grew 7% operationally. More tellingly, revenues from Pfizer's launched and acquired products grew 22% operationally, underscoring that the portfolio transition away from COVID dependency is gaining real traction.

What's Working

The non-COVID portfolio is firing on multiple cylinders. Padcev (bladder cancer) rose 39% operationally on expanding market share. Nurtec (migraine) jumped 41%, driven by strong U.S. demand. Lorbrena (lung cancer) gained 32% on growing first-line patient share. Oncology biosimilars surged 52%, partly on one-time tailwinds but also reflecting genuine supply recovery. Eliquis (blood thinner) grew 8% globally despite some international pricing pressure. Abrysvo (RSV vaccine) also posted 31% growth internationally.

On the cost side, SI&A expenses fell 4% operationally, reflecting tighter, more targeted marketing spend — a sign of the operational discipline CFO David Denton has emphasized. R&D spending rose 12%, directed primarily at oncology and obesity pipelines, two areas CEO Albert Bourla singled out as where Pfizer expects to lead.

What's Dragging

Comirnaty (COVID vaccine) fell 59% operationally and Paxlovid dropped 63%, as COVID infections declined globally and government procurement normalized. Cost of sales as a percentage of revenue climbed to 24.6% from 20.7% a year ago, driven partly by the non-recurrence of a one-time royalty estimate adjustment in 2025 and FX headwinds. Adjusted EPS of $0.75 was also down 18% from $0.92 in Q1 2025, a reminder that the earnings base built during the COVID windfall years is still unwinding.

No share repurchases are planned for 2026, as Pfizer continues to de-lever its balance sheet — a prudent but shareholder-unfriendly near-term posture.

The Takeaway

Pfizer's flat reaction is the right one. This is a company mid-transition: COVID revenues fading, a new growth engine in oncology and obesity building, and pipeline momentum — approximately 20 key pivotal studies on track to start in 2026 — beginning to show up in the numbers. Today's print doesn't resolve Pfizer's long-term story, but it doesn't complicate it either. For now, steady is good enough.

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WS Investor 05-05-26

Pfizer Inc. announced it has reached settlement agreements with generic drugmakers Dexcel Pharma, Hikma Pharmaceuticals, and Cipla regarding patent litigation over its heart disease treatment VYNDAMAX. The agreements extend the drug’s U.S. patent protection to June 2031, delaying expected generic competition.

As a result, Pfizer now anticipates VYNDAMAX revenues to remain relatively stable from 2028 through mid-2031, instead of declining earlier as previously expected. The drug currently holds a strong market position, accounting for around 75% of prescriptions in its category.

The company emphasized that the outcome supports both patient access and the protection of its intellectual property, while ongoing litigation could still impact future developments.

Source: Business Wire

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The Investor 04-28-26

Bristol Myers Squibb and Pfizer announced a collaboration with Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company to offer Eliquis (apixaban) directly to U.S. patients through the online platform, expanding access to the widely prescribed blood thinner.

Starting April 27, 2026, a 30-day supply of Eliquis will be available for $345, providing a lower-cost option for cash-paying patients and increasing pricing transparency. The move builds on earlier direct-to-patient initiatives aimed at improving affordability and access.

The companies said the partnership supports efforts to reduce barriers to essential medications, particularly for patients managing conditions such as atrial fibrillation and blood clots.
Business Wire

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The Investor 04-26-26

Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) declared a $0.43 second-quarter 2026 dividend on the common stock, payable June 12, 2026, to holders of the Common Stock of record at the close of business on May 8, 2026.

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Global Finance News 04-24-26

Pfizer and Valneva announced positive Phase 3 results for their Lyme disease vaccine candidate, showing efficacy above 70% in preventing the disease in individuals aged five and older.

The investigational vaccine demonstrated strong efficacy of around 73–75% in key analyses and was well tolerated with no major safety concerns, supporting plans for regulatory submissions.

The results mark a significant step toward the first approved human vaccine for Lyme disease, addressing a growing unmet medical need in North America and Europe.

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WS Investor 03-23-26

08-11-26The Investor

07-06-26WS Investor

04-16-26European Investor

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