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NASDAQ:MU

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

Micron Technology Climbs 4.3% Premarket as Citi and Deutsche Bank Lift Price Targets

Micron Technology (NASDAQ: MU) rose 4.3% in premarket trading after receiving a pair of bullish analyst updates, with both Citigroup and Deutsche Bank significantly increasing their price targets amid growing confidence in the AI-driven memory market.

Citigroup analyst Atif Malik raised his price target to $1,200 from $840 while maintaining a Buy rating. Deutsche Bank analyst Melissa Weathers was even more optimistic, lifting her target to $1,500 from $1,000 and reiterating a Buy rating.

The substantial target increases reflect Wall Street's growing conviction that Micron is one of the largest beneficiaries of the artificial intelligence infrastructure boom. Demand for high-bandwidth memory (HBM), a critical component used in AI accelerators and advanced data center systems, continues to exceed expectations as hyperscale cloud providers and technology companies aggressively expand AI capacity.

Micron has emerged as a key supplier of next-generation memory products required for AI training and inference workloads. HBM demand has become one of the strongest growth drivers across the semiconductor industry, with leading AI chip manufacturers requiring increasingly larger amounts of advanced memory to support more powerful models and applications.

Investor enthusiasm has intensified as analysts increasingly view the memory industry as being in the early stages of a multi-year upcycle. Tight supply conditions, strong pricing trends, and rapidly growing AI-related demand have significantly improved earnings expectations for memory manufacturers.

The positive analyst actions also follow a broader wave of bullish calls across the semiconductor sector. Recent target increases for companies including Applied Materials, Lam Research, KLA, AMD, and Arm underscore Wall Street's belief that AI-related capital spending remains one of the strongest themes in global technology markets.

Micron's position is particularly attractive because memory is an essential component across nearly every segment of AI infrastructure. As AI systems become larger and more complex, demand for advanced DRAM and HBM solutions is expected to grow faster than the broader semiconductor market.

The stock's strong premarket gain suggests investors welcomed the analysts' increasingly optimistic outlook. With AI data center investments continuing to accelerate and memory supply remaining constrained, Micron is widely viewed as one of the clearest beneficiaries of the ongoing AI spending cycle.

Investors will now focus on upcoming earnings results, HBM production capacity, and customer demand trends for further evidence that the company's growth trajectory continues to strengthen.

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WS Investor 06-18-26

Micron Shares Surge After RBC Raises Price Target

Micron Technology (NASDAQ: MU) shares climbed 8.4% after Royal Bank of Canada raised its price target on the memory chip maker from $525 to $1,200 while maintaining an Outperform rating.

The significant target increase reflects growing optimism surrounding Micron's position in the AI boom, particularly as demand for high-bandwidth memory (HBM) chips continues to accelerate. HBM has become a critical component in AI servers and advanced data center infrastructure, creating a strong growth opportunity for memory manufacturers.

Investors have increasingly viewed Micron as one of the biggest beneficiaries of rising AI-related semiconductor spending, with strong pricing trends and improving supply-demand dynamics supporting earnings expectations.

The bullish analyst action helped fuel the stock's rally, as markets continue to reward companies positioned at the center of the expanding AI infrastructure buildout.

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European Investor 06-15-26

Micron Gains 3.4% as Wolfe Research Raises Price Target on AI Memory Demand

Micron Technology (NASDAQ: MU) shares rose 3.4% on Thursday after Wolfe Research significantly increased its price target on the memory-chip maker from $550 to $1,250 while maintaining an Outperform rating.

The dramatic target increase reflects growing confidence that Micron is one of the largest beneficiaries of the artificial intelligence boom, particularly through its leadership in high-bandwidth memory (HBM), a critical component used in advanced AI accelerators and data center processors.

Demand for AI infrastructure continues to drive unprecedented growth in memory requirements as hyperscale cloud providers and technology companies invest heavily in next-generation computing systems. High-bandwidth memory has emerged as one of the most supply-constrained and strategically important segments of the semiconductor market, supporting strong pricing and profitability trends for leading suppliers.

Investors have become increasingly optimistic about Micron's earnings outlook as AI-related demand offsets weakness in more traditional memory markets. The company is expected to benefit from both rising HBM shipments and improving conditions across DRAM and NAND memory markets.

The positive analyst commentary also reflects broader enthusiasm for semiconductor companies tied to AI infrastructure spending. As data centers require larger amounts of advanced memory to support increasingly complex AI models, Micron is viewed as a key supplier positioned to capture a growing share of industry profits.

Thursday's gain highlights Wall Street's belief that the AI investment cycle remains in its early stages and that Micron's technology leadership could drive strong revenue and earnings growth over the coming years.

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European Investor 06-11-26

Micron Falls 4.7% Despite Major Goldman Sachs Price Target Increase

Micron Technology (NASDAQ: MU) shares fell 4.7% today despite receiving a significant price target increase from Goldman Sachs, highlighting the broader pressure facing semiconductor stocks during the session.

Goldman Sachs raised its price target on Micron to $900 from $400 while maintaining a Neutral rating. The dramatic increase reflects growing optimism about the company's exposure to artificial intelligence, particularly the surging demand for high-bandwidth memory (HBM) used in AI accelerators and advanced data center hardware.

Despite the bullish target revision, investors appeared focused on broader weakness across the technology sector, with semiconductor stocks facing profit-taking after a strong rally driven by AI-related enthusiasm. Rising Treasury yields and uncertainty surrounding the outlook for interest rates also weighed on sentiment.

Micron remains one of the most important memory suppliers to the AI ecosystem, with demand for DRAM and HBM products continuing to accelerate as cloud providers and technology companies expand AI infrastructure investments. Analysts generally expect memory market conditions to remain favorable through the next several quarters as supply remains relatively disciplined and AI-driven demand continues to grow.

While shares were lower on the day, Goldman Sachs' sharply higher price target underscores Wall Street's growing confidence that Micron is positioned to be one of the key beneficiaries of the ongoing AI investment cycle.

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WS Investor 06-10-26

Micron Surges 10% After Cantor Fitzgerald Doubles Price Target on AI Memory Demand

Micron Technology (MU) climbed nearly 10% after receiving a major vote of confidence from Cantor Fitzgerald analyst C.J. Muse, who raised his price target on the stock from $700 to $1,500 while maintaining an Overweight rating.

The dramatic target increase reflects growing optimism surrounding Micron's position in the artificial intelligence infrastructure boom, particularly its leadership in high-bandwidth memory (HBM) products. HBM chips have become one of the most critical components inside advanced AI accelerators used by companies such as Nvidia and other AI hardware providers, creating an unprecedented demand environment for memory manufacturers.

Investors have increasingly viewed Micron as one of the largest beneficiaries of the AI spending cycle. Demand for AI servers continues to accelerate as hyperscale cloud providers, technology companies, and enterprises race to build the infrastructure required to support generative AI applications. This trend has created supply constraints in advanced memory products and significantly improved pricing power across the industry.

The bullish analyst call comes amid growing expectations that Micron's earnings growth could accelerate substantially over the next several years as HBM revenue becomes a larger portion of the company's business. Industry analysts expect memory demand from AI applications to grow much faster than traditional PC and smartphone markets, providing a powerful structural growth driver.

The upgrade also reflects increasing confidence that the current AI investment cycle remains in its early stages. Major technology companies continue to announce multi-billion-dollar investments in data centers and AI infrastructure, supporting expectations for sustained demand for advanced memory and storage solutions.

With the stock already benefiting from strong momentum across the semiconductor sector, the substantial increase in Cantor Fitzgerald's price target reinforced the view that Micron remains one of the most attractive ways to gain exposure to the rapidly expanding AI hardware ecosystem. The combination of improving memory pricing, strong HBM demand, and accelerating AI infrastructure spending helped push shares sharply higher during today's trading session.

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WS Investor 06-08-26

07-03-26WS News

07-01-26European Investor

06-30-26Global Finance News

Gold

Gold Climbs While Brent Holds Steady as Markets Weigh Weak U.S. Jobs Data and Fed Outlook

Gold prices advanced sharply while Brent crude oil ended nearly unchanged on Friday, as investors assessed weaker-than-expected U.S. labor market data and its implications for Federal Reserve policy.

August gold futures settled at $4,181.10 per ounce, gaining 1.34%, after the June U.S. Nonfarm Payrolls report showed the economy added just 57,000 jobs, well below economists’ expectations of 114,000. Although weekly initial jobless claims came in at 215,000, slightly below forecasts, the sharp slowdown in hiring reinforced expectations that the Federal Reserve could begin cutting interest rates later this year.

Lower interest rates tend to support gold by reducing the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding assets. The precious metal also continued to benefit from recent remarks by Federal Reserve Governor Kevin Warsh at the ECB Forum in Portugal, where he emphasized that policymakers should remain flexible as economic conditions evolve. Ongoing geopolitical uncertainty and continued central bank demand also provided additional support for bullion.

Meanwhile, Brent crude finished the session near $71.76 per barrel, little changed despite early volatility. Oil prices initially came under pressure following the disappointing U.S. jobs report, as weaker employment growth raised concerns about future fuel demand in the world’s largest economy.

However, losses were limited by continued attention to global supply conditions, including OPEC+ production policy and broader geopolitical risks. Investors also weighed the possibility that weaker economic data could accelerate Fed rate cuts, which could eventually support economic growth and energy demand.

With U.S. financial markets closed on Friday for the Independence Day holiday, trading volumes remained relatively light. However, gold outperformed on growing expectations of monetary policy easing, while Brent crude held broadly steady as demand concerns were balanced by ongoing supply-side support.

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WS News 07-03-26

Gold Rises as Weak U.S. Data Offsets Fed Remarks

Gold prices climbed on Wednesday as weaker-than-expected U.S. economic data strengthened expectations that the Federal Reserve could eventually lower interest rates, outweighing comments from Fed Chair Kevin Warsh.

The precious metal found support after the ADP employment report showed U.S. private payrolls increased by just 98,000 in June, below economists' expectations of 118,000. Additional economic data also pointed to easing inflation pressures, with the ISM Manufacturing Prices Index falling more than expected, reinforcing expectations that the U.S. economy is gradually cooling.

At the same time, remarks from Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh at the ECB Forum in Sintra, Portugal added another layer to the market narrative. Warsh declined to provide any guidance on the Fed's July meeting and emphasized that inflation remains "too high," reaffirming the central bank's commitment to restoring price stability and maintaining its 2% inflation objective.

Although Warsh's comments sound relatively hawkish, investors focused more heavily on the softer economic data, which increased expectations that slowing growth could eventually pave the way for Federal Reserve rate cuts. Lower interest rates typically support gold by reducing the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding assets.

Warsh also stressed that future policy decisions would remain data dependent and highlighted the Fed's plans to improve its use of real-time economic data and artificial intelligence in policymaking, while avoiding any commitment on the timing of future rate moves.

With attention now shifting to Thursday's U.S. nonfarm payrolls report, investors are looking for further evidence that the labor market is cooling. Another weaker-than-expected employment report could reinforce expectations for future Fed easing and provide additional support for gold prices.

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WS Investor 07-02-26

Gold and Brent Crude Extend Losses as Easing Geopolitical Tensions Weigh on Commodities

Gold and Brent crude oil traded lower on Wednesday as easing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East reduced demand for traditional safe-haven and risk-premium assets, while investors shifted their focus back to broader macroeconomic fundamentals.

At the time of writing, Brent crude futures were down 1.4% at $71.90 per barrel, while gold futures fell 1.3% to $3,986.40 per ounce.

# Brent Crude Slides as Geopolitical Risk Premium Fades

Brent crude extended its recent decline after the ceasefire between the United States and Iran eased concerns over potential supply disruptions from the Middle East.

With the immediate threat of a broader regional conflict diminishing, traders have continued to remove the geopolitical risk premium that had supported oil prices during recent tensions. Investors are now turning their attention back to global supply and demand fundamentals, including OPEC+ production policy, economic growth, and fuel demand.

# Gold Pulls Back as Investors Take Profits

Gold also came under pressure as investors reduced safe-haven positions amid improving market sentiment.

The easing of geopolitical risks encouraged investors to rotate into equities, particularly technology stocks, while the precious metal faced additional selling following its exceptional rally over the past year. After climbing to record highs, gold appears to be experiencing a period of profit-taking as some investors lock in gains.

Despite the recent pullback, the longer-term outlook for gold remains supported by continued central bank buying, ongoing geopolitical uncertainty, and expectations that major central banks could gradually ease monetary policy over time.

# Risk Appetite Improves Across Financial Markets

The decline in gold and oil coincided with another positive session for global equity markets. U.S. stocks advanced, led by technology shares, as investors welcomed easing geopolitical tensions and continued to favor risk assets.

The improving market sentiment reduced demand for defensive investments, contributing to weakness across both commodities.

# What Investors Are Watching

Looking ahead, market participants will closely monitor:

* Developments surrounding the U.S.-Iran ceasefire.
* OPEC+ production policy and global oil demand.
* Upcoming U.S. labor market and inflation data.
* Central bank policy expectations and broader risk sentiment.

With geopolitical risks easing and investors rotating back into equities, both gold and Brent crude could remain under pressure in the near term, although any renewed geopolitical tensions or deterioration in the economic outlook could quickly restore demand for defensive assets.

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The Investor 07-01-26

Gold Falls as Easing U.S.-Iran Tensions Reduce Safe-Haven Demand

Gold prices moved lower on Monday as easing geopolitical tensions between the United States and Iran weakened demand for traditional safe-haven assets.

August gold futures are down 1.35% at $4,040.80, falling $55.50. The decline came as investors shifted back toward risk assets after the U.S. and Iran halted attacks, reducing fears of a wider conflict in the Middle East.

The move also comes as U.S. stock indexes trade higher, showing stronger risk appetite across broader markets. Lower geopolitical pressure may also ease concerns over energy supply disruptions, which could reduce inflation fears and lessen the urgency for defensive positioning.

Still, gold remains at historically elevated levels, supported by longer-term demand from central banks, inflation hedging, and uncertainty around global monetary policy. For now, however, the short-term direction is being shaped mainly by the improving geopolitical backdrop and reduced safe-haven demand.

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European Investor 06-29-26

Gold traded little changed near $4,050 an ounce on Friday as investors balanced easing geopolitical tensions against persistent U.S. inflation and expectations that the Federal Reserve will keep monetary policy restrictive.

The precious metal stabilized after a sharp selloff earlier in the week, when a ceasefire in the Middle East reduced demand for safe-haven assets. While geopolitical risks have eased, gold has found support as bargain hunters emerged following its recent decline.

However, gains remained limited after the latest U.S. inflation data showed Core PCE rising 3.4% year-over-year and headline PCE accelerating to 4.1%, reinforcing the view that inflation remains well above the Federal Reserve's target. The data has strengthened expectations that policymakers will maintain a hawkish stance, supporting the U.S. dollar and weighing on non-yielding assets such as gold.

Investors are now watching upcoming Fed commentary and economic data for further clues on the path of interest rates, with persistent inflation continuing to limit gold's upside despite calmer geopolitical conditions.

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WS Investor 06-26-26

Gold prices extended their decline on Wednesday, with August futures falling nearly 1.5% to around $4,090 per ounce as investors continued to reduce safe-haven exposure amid easing geopolitical tensions and improving risk sentiment.

The precious metal remained under pressure as markets monitored ongoing diplomatic efforts involving the United States and Iran. Hopes that negotiations could lower regional tensions and reduce the risk of major energy supply disruptions have weakened demand for traditional safe-haven assets such as gold.

At the same time, investors continue to digest the Federal Reserve's relatively hawkish policy stance. Expectations that interest rates may remain elevated for longer have supported Treasury yields and the U.S. dollar, both of which tend to weigh on non-yielding assets like gold.

Recent U.S. economic data have also reinforced the view that the economy remains resilient. Strong business activity readings and steady labor market conditions have reduced expectations for aggressive rate cuts, further limiting support for precious metals.

Despite the recent pullback, gold remains near historically elevated levels. However, Wednesday's decline suggests investors are increasingly focused on easing geopolitical risks and the prospect of higher-for-longer interest rates. Traders will continue watching developments in U.S.-Iran negotiations, Federal Reserve commentary, and upcoming economic data for further direction.

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WS Investor 06-24-26

Gold prices fell sharply on Tuesday, with August futures declining 1.6% to around $4,136 per ounce as investors continued to reduce safe-haven positions amid easing geopolitical tensions and a stronger U.S. dollar.

The recent decline follows signs of progress in diplomatic discussions involving the United States and Iran, including talks held in Switzerland, which have helped ease concerns about a broader regional conflict. Reduced geopolitical risk has weakened demand for traditional safe-haven assets such as gold.

At the same time, markets continue to digest last week's Federal Reserve meeting, where policymakers maintained a relatively hawkish tone. Higher Treasury yields and expectations that interest rates could remain elevated for longer have increased the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding assets such as gold.

The stronger U.S. dollar has also added pressure to precious metals, making gold more expensive for international buyers. While gold remains near historically elevated levels, recent market action suggests investors are shifting toward risk assets as fears of energy supply disruptions and inflation pressures moderate.

Going forward, traders will closely monitor developments in U.S.-Iran negotiations, Federal Reserve commentary, and upcoming economic data for clues on the direction of interest rates and safe-haven demand.

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The Investor 06-23-26

Gold Slips as Fed Outlook and U.S.-Iran Talks Weigh on Safe-Haven Demand

Gold traded modestly lower on Monday, with August futures falling around 0.5% to near $4,225 per ounce as investors continued to assess the Federal Reserve's hawkish policy outlook.

The precious metal remains under pressure after last week's Fed meeting, where policymakers left interest rates unchanged but signaled caution on future rate cuts. Higher Treasury yields and a stronger U.S. dollar have reduced the appeal of non-yielding assets such as gold.

Recent U.S. economic data has reinforced the higher-for-longer rate narrative. Strong retail sales, resilient labor market conditions, and improving manufacturing activity suggest the economy remains on solid footing, reducing expectations for near-term monetary easing.

Geopolitical developments have also influenced sentiment. Reports of ongoing diplomatic discussions between the United States and Iran in Switzerland have improved hopes for de-escalation in the Middle East, reducing some safe-haven demand for gold.

Despite the recent weakness, geopolitical uncertainty and continued central-bank buying remain supportive factors for gold over the longer term. Investors will closely monitor developments in the U.S.-Iran talks, upcoming economic data, and Federal Reserve commentary for clues on the next move in gold prices.

For now, stronger economic data, elevated yields, and improving diplomatic prospects remain the dominant forces weighing on the gold market.

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WS Investor 06-22-26

Gold Weekly Analysis: Hawkish Fed and Easing Geopolitical Risks Trigger Sharp Pullback

Gold posted a decline this week, with August futures falling to around $4,170 per ounce and losing approximately 1% over the past five trading days. The precious metal came under pressure as investors reassessed interest-rate expectations following the Federal Reserve meeting while geopolitical tensions in the Middle East eased considerably.

The primary catalyst behind gold's weakness was the Federal Reserve's policy announcement. Although the Fed left interest rates unchanged, policymakers delivered a more hawkish message than markets had anticipated. Treasury yields moved higher following the meeting, while the U.S. dollar strengthened as investors reduced expectations for aggressive rate cuts later this year.

Geopolitical developments also contributed to the decline. The signing of the U.S.-Iran agreement significantly reduced fears of a broader regional conflict and eased concerns about disruptions to global energy supplies. Brent crude oil fell sharply during the week as traders unwound the geopolitical risk premium that had been built into energy markets.

Recent U.S. economic data reinforced the Fed's cautious stance. The Philadelphia Fed Manufacturing Index unexpectedly jumped to 10.3 in June from -0.4 previously, signaling improving industrial activity. Initial jobless claims remained low at 226,000, highlighting continued labor-market resilience. Retail sales also showed underlying strength, with core retail sales rising 0.8% in May.

Together, these figures suggest the U.S. economy remains on relatively solid footing despite elevated interest rates. Stronger economic activity reduces expectations for near-term monetary easing, another factor weighing on gold prices.

International data painted a mixed picture. Eurozone inflation remained elevated, with headline CPI at 3.2% and core CPI at 2.6%, while UK retail sales surged 3.2% year-over-year. These reports suggest global economic activity remains resilient, limiting the urgency for central banks to shift aggressively toward lower interest rates.

Looking ahead, gold investors will closely monitor Treasury yields, inflation data, and future Federal Reserve communication. While long-term structural support for gold remains intact due to central-bank buying and fiscal concerns, the near-term outlook appears challenging as markets adjust to a higher-for-longer interest-rate environment.

For now, easing geopolitical tensions, lower oil prices, stronger economic data, and a more hawkish Federal Reserve have combined to create a difficult backdrop for gold, resulting in one of the metal's weakest weekly performances in recent months.

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European Investor 06-20-26

Gold and Brent Crude Fall as Hawkish Fed Outlook and Easing Middle East Tensions Pressure Commodities

Gold and Brent crude oil moved lower this week as investors digested a more hawkish-than-expected Federal Reserve outlook alongside improving geopolitical conditions following the recent U.S.-Iran agreement.

Gold fell more than 2% to around $4,280 per ounce, while Brent crude declined roughly 2.7% to near $77 per barrel. The pullback reflects a combination of rising interest-rate expectations, a stronger U.S. dollar, and fading geopolitical risk premiums across commodity markets.

The primary pressure on gold came from the Federal Reserve's latest policy meeting. While policymakers left interest rates unchanged, the overall tone was viewed as more hawkish than investors had anticipated. Markets responded by pushing Treasury yields higher and reducing expectations for aggressive monetary easing in the months ahead.

Higher yields typically weigh on gold because the metal does not generate income. As returns on bonds increase and the U.S. dollar strengthens, the opportunity cost of holding gold rises, making the precious metal less attractive to investors.

At the same time, the recently signed U.S.-Iran agreement has helped ease concerns about disruptions to global energy supplies. The agreement reopened important trade routes and improved expectations for Iranian oil exports, leading traders to unwind much of the geopolitical risk premium that had been built into crude prices during the recent conflict.

Brent crude has now fallen sharply from recent highs as markets increasingly focus on supply fundamentals rather than geopolitical uncertainty.

Recent economic data has reinforced a relatively resilient U.S. growth picture. Manufacturing activity has improved, jobless claims remain near historically low levels, and equity markets continue to benefit from strong investor appetite for technology and artificial intelligence-related companies. As risk sentiment improves, demand for traditional safe-haven assets such as gold has weakened.

Going forward, investors will closely monitor Treasury yields, Federal Reserve guidance, inflation data, and developments in global energy markets. For now, however, the dominant market theme remains clear: a hawkish Fed and easing Middle East tensions are pushing both gold and oil lower.

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Global Finance News 06-18-26

07-03-26WS News

06-30-26WS Investor

06-27-26The Investor

06-24-26WS Investor

06-23-26WS News

NASDAQ:META

Meta Beats Q1 Estimates, But Surging AI Capex Spooks Investors

Meta Platforms delivered a strong Q1 2026, yet shares slid after hours as Wall Street fixated on a massive spending hike.

Revenue climbed 33% year-over-year to $56.31 billion — the fastest growth since 2021 — beating estimates of $55.45 billion. Adjusted EPS came in at $7.31, topping the $6.79 consensus. Ad impressions jumped 19% year-over-year, while average price per ad rose 12%.

The trouble? AI spending. Meta raised its full-year 2026 capex guidance to $125–$145 billion, up from $115–$135 billion, citing higher component pricing and additional data center costs — and that single line item drove a ~6% after-hours decline.

META shares were trading at $613.00 in pre-market, down 8.39%.

Zuckerberg's AI investments have yet to produce new revenue streams but have strengthened the core advertising business. For now, markets want proof the bet will pay off (CNBC).

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WS Investor 04-30-26

Meta Posts 33% Revenue Growth in Q1 2026, Hits $56.3 Billion

Meta Platforms reported first-quarter revenues of $56.3 billion, up 33% year over year, with operating income rising 30% to $22.9 billion at a 41% margin. Net income surged 61% to $26.8 billion, though results were boosted by an $8 billion one-time tax benefit. Daily active users across Meta's family of apps averaged 3.56 billion in March, up 4% from a year ago. Ad impressions grew 19% and average ad prices rose 12%. Capital expenditures reached $19.8 billion for the quarter, with full-year capex guidance raised to $125-145 billion, reflecting higher component costs and expanded data center investment. For Q2, Meta guided revenues of $58-61 billion.

Source: Meta Platforms, Inc. Press Release, April 29, 2026

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Global Finance News 04-29-26

Meta has signed a major agreement with Amazon Web Services to deploy AWS Graviton processors at scale, supporting its next-generation AI infrastructure. The rollout will begin with tens of millions of Graviton cores, with capacity expected to expand as demand grows.

The partnership reflects increasing demand for CPU-intensive workloads driven by “agentic AI,” including real-time reasoning, code generation, and multi-step task orchestration. While GPUs remain key for training models, Graviton chips are positioned to handle large-scale operational AI processes more efficiently.

The deal strengthens Meta’s long-standing relationship with AWS and supports its broader AI strategy, leveraging Amazon’s cloud infrastructure and services to manage billions of AI-driven interactions.
Business Wire

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The Investor 04-26-26

Get Smart: Is It Too Late to Invest in US Stocks?

It’s never about getting the perfect price. It’s about getting the business right — and staying invested long enough for it to matter.

(thesmartinvestor.com.sg)

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European Investor 04-23-26

Meta Platforms, Inc. and CBRE Group, Inc. announced the launch of “LevelUp,” a multi-year workforce development program aimed at training thousands of technicians to support data center construction across the United States.

Under the initiative, CBRE will establish training centers nationwide, beginning in summer 2026, to prepare workers in installing fiber-optic cables, network infrastructure, and other mission-critical equipment. Graduates will have opportunities to work on Meta’s data center projects through its contractor network.

The program targets the growing shortage of skilled fiber technicians, while creating new career pathways for high school graduates and individuals seeking to enter the skilled trades. It is designed to provide broadly applicable technical skills relevant across the data center and construction industries.

Meta highlighted that the initiative supports its expanding infrastructure footprint, with 27 data centers currently operational or under construction in the U.S., and reinforces its broader investment in workforce development tied to AI-driven infrastructure growth.
Business Wire

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Global Finance News 04-20-26

Meta Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ: META) announced that the company's first quarter 2026 financial results will be released after market close on Wednesday, April 29th, 2026.

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WS Investor 04-14-26

Corning and Meta Platforms announced the start of construction on a major optical cable manufacturing expansion in North Carolina to support growing demand for AI data center infrastructure.

The project is part of a multiyear agreement valued at up to $6 billion, under which Corning will supply advanced optical fiber and connectivity solutions for Meta’s data centers. Meta will serve as the anchor customer for the new facility, which is expected to strengthen domestic manufacturing capabilities and supply chains.

The expansion is also set to boost employment in the region, potentially increasing Corning’s workforce in North Carolina by up to 20%. Both companies highlighted the importance of high-performance connectivity in scaling AI infrastructure and maintaining U.S. leadership in advanced technologies.

The initiative underscores accelerating investment in data center capacity as demand for AI computing continues to grow.
Business Wire

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WS Investor 04-01-26

Meta announces 4 new AI chips, raising competitive stakes with Nvidia, AMD

Meta has debuted four new AI chips. increasing competition with Nvidia and AMD.

(finance.yahoo.com)

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WS News 03-11-26

Is Meta Still a Buy at Current Valuation?

Explore whether Meta still represents a buy at current valuation after significant investment in artificial intelligence.

(thesmartinvestor.com.sg)

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WS Investor 03-09-26

Tech stocks today: Nvidia stock rises as guidance signals AI boom alive and well

All eyes are on Nvidia's fourth quarter results, due after the closing bell on Wednesday, as AI concerns continue to grip markets.

(finance.yahoo.com)

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WS News 02-26-26

07-04-26The Investor

07-03-26WS News

07-02-26WS News

07-02-26Global Finance News

07-01-26European Investor

Japan

Japan Services Sector Expands Faster Than Expected in June

Japan’s services sector expanded at a stronger-than-expected pace in June, signaling continued resilience in the country’s largest economic sector.

The S&P Global Japan Services PMI rose to 52.2 in June, beating economists’ expectations of 51.8 and improving from 50.0 in May. A reading above 50 indicates expansion, while a reading below 50 signals contraction.

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WS News 07-03-26

Japan's Large Manufacturers Boost Capital Spending Plans in Q2 Tankan Survey

Japan's large manufacturers significantly increased their capital expenditure plans in the second quarter, signaling continued confidence in business investment despite an uncertain global economic environment.

The Bank of Japan's Tankan survey showed large companies expect capital spending to rise 11.5% in fiscal 2026, sharply above the previous estimate of 3.3%.

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The Investor 07-01-26

Japan Industrial Production Misses Expectations in May

Japan's industrial production rose 0.5% month over month in May, falling slightly short of the 0.6% market expectation while matching the previous month's 0.5% increase.

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WS Investor 06-30-26

Japan's inflation remained steady in June as Tokyo Core CPI, a closely watched indicator of nationwide price trends, matched expectations and accelerated from the previous month.

Tokyo Core CPI rose 1.6% year-over-year in June, in line with economists' forecasts and up from 1.3% in May. The data suggests underlying inflationary pressures remain firm in Japan, supporting expectations that price growth is becoming more sustainable.

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WS Investor 06-26-26

Japan's services sector showed stronger growth in June, with the S&P Global Services PMI rising to 51.8 from 50.0 in May.

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The Investor 06-23-26

Japan Inflation Holds Steady as Monthly Price Growth Accelerates

Japan's inflation data for May showed stable underlying price pressures alongside a pickup in monthly consumer prices.

National Core CPI rose 1.4% year-over-year, matching both market expectations and the previous month's reading.

Meanwhile, National CPI increased 0.4% month-over-month, accelerating from April's 0.1% increase.

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The Investor 06-19-26

Japan Posts Trade Deficit in May as Exports Face Headwinds

Japan recorded a trade deficit of ¥378.7 billion in May, more than expectations for a deficit of ¥564.6 billion and reversing a ¥299.3 billion trade surplus reported in the previous month.

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The Investor 06-17-26

Bank of Japan Raises Interest Rate to 1.00%, Highest Level in Years

The Bank of Japan raised its benchmark interest rate to 1.00%, in line with market expectations, marking another step in its gradual exit from years of ultra-loose monetary policy.

The increase from the previous 0.75% rate reflects the central bank's growing confidence that inflation and wage growth are becoming more sustainable. Policymakers have been moving cautiously to normalize policy after decades of low inflation and near-zero interest rates.

The rate hike brings borrowing costs to their highest level in years and signals that the BoJ remains focused on maintaining price stability while monitoring the impact of tighter financial conditions on economic growth.

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WS Investor 06-16-26

Japan’s Economy Expands 0.5% in First Quarter, Matching Expectations

Japan’s economy grew 0.5% quarter-over-quarter in the first quarter of 2026, matching market expectations and accelerating from the 0.3% growth recorded in the previous quarter.

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WS News 06-08-26

Japan Services PMI fell to 50.0 in May, matching expectations but down from 51.0 previously.

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WS Investor 06-03-26

06-16-26Global Finance News

05-23-26Global Finance News

05-11-26WS Investor

05-08-26Global Finance News

04-30-26WS News

TSX:AEM

Agnico Eagle (AEM) Stock Rises After Hours Despite Scotiabank Price Target Cut

Agnico Eagle Mines (NYSE: AEM) remained in focus after Scotiabank lowered its price target on the gold miner to $278 from $280 on Friday while maintaining its Sector Outperform rating.

The rating update followed a mixed trading session on Thursday, when AEM shares fell 0.64% during regular trading before recovering 0.74% in after-hours trading.

Although Scotiabank slightly reduced its price target, the unchanged Sector Outperform rating suggests the firm continues to view Agnico Eagle favorably. The revised target still implies substantial upside from current trading levels, reflecting confidence in the company's long-term outlook.

The stock has also been supported by the recent strength in gold prices. Gold rallied after weaker-than-expected U.S. labor market data increased expectations that the Federal Reserve could lower interest rates later this year. A lower-rate environment is generally positive for gold prices, which can improve earnings prospects for major gold producers such as Agnico Eagle.

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The Investor 07-04-26

B2Gold Corp. announced it will sell its 70% stake in the Fingold joint venture to Agnico Eagle Mines Limited for $325 million in cash.

The Fingold assets are located in Northern Finland, adjacent to the Ikkari gold project, and the transaction is expected to close in April 2026, subject to customary conditions. Following the sale, Agnico Eagle will gain full control of the project, as previously outlined in its broader regional consolidation strategy.

B2Gold plans to use the proceeds to strengthen its balance sheet, support share buybacks, and fund general corporate purposes.

In addition, the two companies will enter into a separate collaboration agreement focused on sharing operational expertise and best practices across their mining operations in Nunavut, Canada.
Globe Newswire

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Global Finance News 04-20-26

Agnico Eagle Mines Limited announced plans to consolidate Finland’s Central Lapland Greenstone Belt through three major transactions, strengthening its long-term growth platform in the region.

The company will acquire Rupert Resources Ltd. and Aurion Resources Ltd., while also purchasing a 70% stake in the Fingold joint venture from B2Gold Corp.. Once completed, Agnico Eagle will hold full ownership of the Fingold project and control a consolidated land package of approximately 2,492 km².

The strategy is expected to transform the region into a multi-decade gold production hub with potential output of around 500,000 ounces annually over time. The consolidation also enables development optimization of the Ikkari gold project, unlocking synergies estimated at up to $500 million and expanding exploration opportunities across a largely underexplored district.

The transactions are expected to close in phases, with most targeted for early in the third quarter of 2026, subject to approvals and conditions.
CNW

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Global Finance News 04-20-26

Agnico Eagle Mines Limited announced a financing investment and strategic alliance with Cascadia Minerals Ltd. to expand exploration activities in Canada’s Yukon region.

The company will invest approximately C$7.6 million through a private placement and additional unit purchases, gaining an initial stake of about 14% in Cascadia, with the potential to increase its ownership to nearly 20%.

In parallel, Agnico Eagle secured rights to earn a 51% interest in the Catch property, with an option to increase this to 80% through further investment, forming a future joint venture.

The agreement also establishes a broader exploration alliance in the Yukon’s Stikine Terrane, with Agnico Eagle funding exploration over an initial three-year period, highlighting its strategy to build positions in high-potential mining regions.
CNW

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WS Investor 03-30-26

Agnico Eagle reported a 2% year-over-year increase in gold mineral reserves to a record 55.4 million ounces at year-end 2025. Measured and indicated resources rose 10% to 47.1 million ounces, while inferred resources increased 15% to 41.8 million ounces.

The reserve growth was driven primarily by additions at Detour Lake, Odyssey (East Gouldie), Hope Bay and the initial declaration of 1.58 million ounces of probable reserves at the Marban deposit following its acquisition in 2025.

At Detour Lake, underground indicated resources reached 3.47 million ounces and inferred resources 3.88 million ounces, supporting continued evaluation of underground expansion. At Odyssey, inferred resources at East Gouldie rose 62% to 7.4 million ounces. Hope Bay’s Patch 7 zone now hosts 1.0 million ounces indicated and 1.7 million ounces inferred, reflecting strong drilling results.

For 2026, the company plans total exploration and project expenditures of $565 million to $635 million, with a midpoint of $600 million, focused on mine-life extensions, resource conversion and advancing key projects including Detour Lake underground, Canadian Malartic and Hope Bay.

Source: Agnico Eagle Mines Limited news release, February 12, 2026.

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Global Finance News 02-14-26

Agnico Eagle Mines Limited announced an agreement with Goldsky Resources Corp. under which Goldsky will acquire the remaining 55% interest in the Barsele project in Sweden. The transaction values the consideration at a combination of US$20 million in cash, the issuance of 75.5 million Goldsky common shares, and a 2% net smelter return royalty payable to Agnico Eagle. Upon completion, Agnico Eagle will increase its equity stake in Goldsky to about 32.5% on a non-diluted basis, retaining exposure to the project’s future upside while divesting direct ownership. The deal is expected to close by June 30, 2026, subject to regulatory and shareholder approvals, and aligns with Agnico Eagle’s strategy to optimize its portfolio and focus on its core development pipeline.

Source: PR Newswire, CNW

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WS Investor 01-28-26

Agnico Eagle Mines Limited today announced that it will release its fourth quarter and full year 2025 results on Thursday, February 12, 2026, after market.

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WS Investor 01-08-26

Agnico Eagle Invests C$8.25 Million in Fuerte Metals Corporation

Agnico Eagle Mines announced a C$8.25 million strategic investment in Fuerte Metals through the purchase of 5 million subscription receipts at C$1.65 each. Upon meeting escrow release conditions, each receipt will convert into one Fuerte unit consisting of a common share and a five-year warrant exercisable at C$2.50. Following the transaction, Agnico Eagle expects to hold about 8.1% of Fuerte’s shares on a non-diluted basis and 11.7% on a partially diluted basis. The investment aligns with Agnico Eagle’s strategy of acquiring stakes in early-stage projects with high geological potential to complement its portfolio of growth assets.

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European Investor 10-09-25

Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (NYSE: AEM) (TSX: AEM) announced that it will release its third quarter 2025 results on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, after normal trading hours.

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WS Investor 09-30-25

Agnico Eagle Mines has sold its entire 18% stake in Royal Road Minerals, disposing of 47.9 million shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange for C$5.5 million, as part of its strategy to focus on core growth projects and periodically divest non-strategic holdings.

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The Investor 09-29-25

MIL:STLA

### Stellantis (STLA) Stock in Focus After HSBC Downgrade

Stellantis (NYSE: STLA) remained in focus after HSBC downgraded the automaker to **Reduce** from **Hold** on Friday, reflecting a more cautious outlook for the company.

The rating change came after Stellantis shares finished unchanged on Thursday's regular session before edging 0.7% higher in after-hours trading.

The downgrade follows a challenging period for Stellantis, with the stock down more than 24% over the past month amid concerns over slowing vehicle demand, pricing pressure, and the company's turnaround efforts in key markets. Investors have also been monitoring the pace of its restructuring initiatives and management's strategy to improve profitability.

The downgrade suggests the firm sees limited near-term upside as the company navigates a difficult operating environment for the global automotive industry.

Despite Thursday's modest after-hours rebound, investor sentiment remains cautious as Stellantis works to stabilize sales and margins amid ongoing macroeconomic uncertainty and increasing competition in the global automotive market.

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The Investor 07-04-26

Stellantis N.V. announced it will release its first-quarter 2026 financial results on April 30, 2026. The company will host a live audio webcast and conference call on the same day at 2:00 p.m. CEST, with presentation materials and the press release to be made available earlier on its Investor Relations website.

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The Investor 04-19-26

Stellantis has announced a five-year strategic collaboration with Microsoft to accelerate its AI-led digital transformation across operations, customer services, and vehicle technologies.

The partnership will focus on co-developing more than 100 AI initiatives spanning product development, customer care, and manufacturing, while also strengthening cybersecurity through an AI-driven global cyber defense center. The companies aim to enhance vehicle experiences with features such as predictive maintenance, intelligent driving recommendations, and seamless digital services.

As part of the agreement, Stellantis will modernize its infrastructure using Microsoft Azure, targeting a 60% reduction in datacenter footprint by 2029. The collaboration also includes deploying AI tools such as Microsoft 365 Copilot across its workforce to boost productivity and innovation at scale.

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The Investor 04-16-26

FIAT, part of Stellantis, reported strong growth in Europe for Q1 2026, with registrations rising 25% year-over-year.

The brand increased its market share to 3.4%, up 0.6 percentage points from the same period last year, supported by more than 27,000 additional vehicle registrations.

FIAT maintained leadership in the A-segment city car category, driven by strong sales of the Pandina and 500 models, achieving a combined segment share of 57.6%. The newly launched Grande Panda was a key growth driver, surpassing 21,000 units sold and ranking among the top-selling cars in Italy.

The company also continued to lead in micromobility, with the Topolino model dominating the light quadricycle segment, while its commercial vehicle division, Fiat Professional, improved its European market share to 7.4%.

Overall, the results highlight FIAT’s strong momentum across multiple segments, supported by new model launches and continued leadership in small cars and urban mobility.

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Global Finance News 04-14-26

Stellantis reported a strong start to 2026 for its commercial vehicles division, Stellantis Pro One, with global volumes rising 7% year-on-year to 408,301 units in the first quarter.

The company maintained its leadership position in Europe, achieving a 28.7% market share across the EU30 and leading all major van segments. It also strengthened its dominance in South America with a 33.6% market share, while expanding its presence in North America, where it ranked third with a 14.8% share and recorded significant growth in Ram brand sales.

Performance was further supported by gains in the Middle East and Africa region, where Stellantis increased its market share to over 21%, alongside strong leadership positions in countries including Turkey and Morocco.

The results highlight continued momentum across key regions, driven by solid demand, expanding market share, and growth in core brands, positioning Stellantis to advance its long-term commercial vehicle strategy.

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Global Finance News 04-13-26

Maserati has been confirmed as the official safety and leading car supplier for the 2026 season of the GT World Challenge Europe, extending its partnership with SRO Motorsports Group following a successful debut last year.

The company will deploy its GT2 Stradale as the official Safety Car for a second consecutive season, while introducing the MCPURA as the new Leading Car. Both vehicles will feature updated blue-and-white liveries reflecting Maserati’s racing identity and brand heritage.

The agreement reinforces Maserati’s presence in closed-wheel racing and highlights its strategic focus on performance and motorsport innovation. The 2026 season begins at Circuit Paul Ricard and includes major events such as Monza, Spa, and Nürburgring.

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The Investor 04-11-26

**Opel Expands EV Capabilities with Vehicle-to-Load Technology**

Opel announced the rollout of vehicle-to-load (V2L) technology across its electric vehicle lineup, enabling cars to function as mobile power sources for external devices.

The feature, now available in models including the Astra Electric, Grandland Electric, Mokka Electric, Corsa Electric, and Combo Electric, allows users to power appliances such as e-bikes or electric grills directly from the vehicle battery, delivering up to 3.6 kW via a dedicated adapter.

The updated Astra Electric also offers an extended driving range of up to 454 km (WLTP), supported by a 58 kWh battery, while all models feature bidirectional charging systems. Opel said the move is part of its broader “Electric All In” strategy, aimed at accelerating adoption of electric mobility by bundling services such as home charging solutions and extended roadside assistance.

The company continues to expand electric functionality and convenience features as it pushes further into the EV market.

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European Investor 04-09-26

Opel Automobile GmbH, part of Stellantis N.V., reported strong first-quarter 2026 performance in Germany, with significant gains in registrations and market share.

New passenger car registrations rose 39% year-on-year to nearly 33,600 units, lifting market share to 4.8%. In March alone, registrations increased 43%, reflecting strong demand across key models.

Growth was driven by popular SUV models including the Opel Mokka, Grandland, and Frontera, as well as continued strength of the Corsa, which remains Germany’s top-selling small car. Electric vehicles also gained momentum, accounting for nearly 21% of new registrations, with Opel’s EV market share rising to 4.3%.

The company said the results position it for continued growth in 2026, supported by a refreshed product lineup and increasing demand for electric mobility.

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The Investor 04-07-26

Opel unveils updated Astra lineup with enhanced electric range and new technologies

31 March 2026 — Opel, part of Stellantis, introduced the updated Astra and Astra Sports Tourer models, featuring improved design, technology, and electrified powertrains.

The new Astra Electric now offers a range of up to 454 km (WLTP), supported by a larger 58 kWh battery, while maintaining competitive pricing. The lineup includes multiple powertrain options, ranging from fully electric and plug-in hybrid to hybrid and diesel variants.

Key upgrades include the introduction of the Opel Vizor design with an illuminated logo, advanced Intelli-Lux HD lighting technology, and enhanced interior comfort with ergonomic Intelli-Seats. The models also feature updated infotainment systems and sustainable materials.

Opel stated the refreshed Astra aims to combine modern styling, improved efficiency, and greater driving comfort, while offering customers flexibility across different propulsion technologies.

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The Investor 03-31-26

Maserati S.p.A. announced its continued participation in the 2026 GT2 European Series powered by Pirelli, with at least four Maserati GT2 cars confirmed for the starting grid.

The lineup will include teams such as LP Racing, Dinamic Motorsport, and newcomer i4Race, with defending Am class champion Philippe Prette among the drivers. The season will feature five rounds across Europe, beginning in Monza in May.

Maserati said its growing presence in GT2 racing builds on recent participation across multiple series and reflects its broader return to competitive motorsport. The brand aims to build on strong prior performances and target further success during its centenary year of racing heritage.

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Global Finance News 03-27-26

02-11-26WS News

11-12-25WS Investor

COINBASE:XRPUSD

Powell Just Lit the Fuse on Altcoin Season - Fat Tail Daily

Rate cuts aren’t just good for tech stocks. Lower rates mean more investors will also take a chance on higher-risk cryptos. Here’s the opportunity that’s just getting started…

(daily.fattail.com.au)

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WS Investor 09-27-25

Fidelity crypto half year report link:
https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/trading-investing/crypto-midyear-outlook-2025?ccsource=em_Promo_1119565_18_0_22171_201

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WS News 06-06-25

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WS News 06-06-25

XRP, SOL, ADA's Coinbase Premium Surges to One-Month High After Trump's Crypto Reserve News

Tokens traded at a notable premium on Coinbase relative to Binance after Trump announced plans for establishing strategic crypto reserve.

(finance.yahoo.com)

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WS News 03-03-25

ripple

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WS Investor 01-15-25

07-03-26WS News

07-02-26Global Finance News

06-26-26WS Investor

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06-14-26Global Finance News

Italy

Eurozone Services PMI Sends Mixed Signals as Germany Improves, France Remains Weak

The latest HCOB Services PMI data painted a mixed picture for the eurozone economy in June, with Germany showing signs of improvement, Italy returning to modest expansion, while France remained in contraction.

Germany’s HCOB Services PMI rose to 48.6 in June from 48.1 in May, comfortably beating economists’ expectations of 46.8. Although the index remained below the 50-point threshold that separates expansion from contraction, the stronger-than-expected reading suggests the downturn in Germany’s services sector is easing.

Italy also showed encouraging signs, with its Services PMI rising to 50.2 from 49.4. While the figure came in just below the consensus estimate of 50.3, it moved back above the 50 mark, indicating a return to modest expansion after contracting in the previous month.

France, however, continued to lag behind its eurozone peers. The country’s Services PMI improved to 46.8 from 44.3 but missed expectations of 47.4, remaining firmly in contraction territory.

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WS News 07-03-26

Eurozone Inflation Cools More Than Expected in June

Inflation across the eurozone eased more than expected in June, reinforcing signs that price pressures continue to moderate and strengthening expectations for a more accommodative monetary policy outlook.

The annual Consumer Price Index (CPI) slowed to 2.8%, below economists' expectations of 3.0% and down from 3.2% in May.

Core inflation, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, also declined to 2.4% from 2.6% in the previous month, coming in below the consensus forecast of 2.5%.

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The Investor 07-01-26

Eurozone Inflation Accelerates as Core Prices Rise Faster Than Expected

Inflation in the Eurozone accelerated in May, with headline consumer prices rising 3.2% year-over-year, matching expectations and increasing from 3.0% in April.

More notably, Core CPI—which excludes volatile food and energy prices—rose 2.6%, exceeding forecasts of 2.5% and accelerating from 2.2% in the previous month. The stronger-than-expected core reading suggests underlying inflationary pressures remain more persistent than policymakers had hoped.

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The Investor 06-17-26

Eurozone Investor Sentiment Turns Positive as ZEW Index Surges

Investor confidence in the Eurozone improved sharply in June, with the ZEW Economic Sentiment Index rising to 9.5 from -9.1 in May, easily beating expectations for a reading of -7.2.

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Global Finance News 06-16-26

Eurozone Economy Shows Signs of Weakness as Trade Balance Turns Negative and Factory Output Misses Expectations

Fresh economic data pointed to a softer start to the second quarter for the Eurozone, with both trade and industrial production figures coming in below market expectations.

The Eurozone recorded a trade deficit of €1.0 billion in April, a sharp deterioration from the €4.9 billion surplus reported in the previous month and well below economists' expectations for a €7.8 billion surplus. The unexpected swing into deficit suggests external demand conditions weakened during the month and highlights ongoing challenges facing the region's export-oriented economies.

Industrial production also disappointed. Factory output rose just 0.1% month-over-month in April, missing forecasts for a 0.2% increase and slowing from the previous month's 0.4% gain.

The weaker-than-expected figures reinforce concerns that the region's recovery remains fragile. Europe's industrial sector continues to face headwinds from soft global demand, trade uncertainty, and uneven economic growth among key trading partners.

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European Investor 06-15-26

The final May PMI data paint a mixed picture for the Eurozone economy.

The HCOB Eurozone Services PMI rose to 47.7, comfortably above the 46.4 forecast and slightly higher than April's 47.6. While this is an improvement, the index remains below the 50 threshold, indicating that the services sector is still contracting, albeit at a slower pace.

More importantly, the HCOB Eurozone Composite PMI, which combines manufacturing and services activity, came in at 48.5. This was stronger than the 47.5 consensus estimate but slightly below April's 48.8.

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WS Investor 06-03-26

Italy's HCOB Services PMI came in at 49.4 in May, slightly above the 49.2 consensus forecast but below April's 49.8 reading.

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WS Investor 06-03-26

Eurozone inflation accelerated in May, reinforcing concerns that underlying price pressures remain persistent despite the European Central Bank’s easing efforts. Headline CPI rose 3.2% year-over-year, matching expectations and increasing from 3.0% in April, while monthly inflation slowed sharply to 0.1% from 1.0% previously.

More importantly for policymakers, core inflation—which excludes volatile food and energy prices—climbed to 2.5% year-over-year, exceeding expectations of 2.4% and accelerating from 2.2% in April. The stronger-than-expected core reading suggests that underlying inflationary pressures remain more stubborn than anticipated.

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WS News 06-02-26

Eurozone manufacturing activity remained in expansion territory in May, but the pace of growth slowed more than expected. The HCOB Eurozone Manufacturing PMI declined to 51.6 from 52.2 in April, although it still came in slightly above economists' expectations of 51.4.

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European Investor 06-01-26

Italy's manufacturing sector strengthened in May, providing further evidence that the country's industrial recovery is gaining traction. The HCOB Italy Manufacturing PMI rose to 52.9, comfortably above expectations of 52.0 and up from 52.1 in April.

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European Investor 06-01-26

01-27-26European Investor

11-21-25WS News

06-02-25WS News

04-25-25Global Finance News

04-17-25WS News

NYSE:STLA

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The Investor 07-04-26

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The Investor 04-19-26

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The Investor 04-07-26

Stellantis announced that its commercial-vehicle unit, Stellantis Pro One, will offer battery-electric vans in Europe at the same price as diesel models through June 2026.

The campaign covers compact and mid-size vans from brands including Citroën, Fiat Professional, Opel, and Peugeot. Vehicles offer payloads up to 1.5 tons and ranges of up to 340–350 km.

The initiative aims to accelerate electric-vehicle adoption among professional customers by removing the higher upfront cost of BEVs.

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WS Investor 03-05-26

Stellantis to Announce Full Year 2025 Results on February 26

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European Investor 02-16-26

Maserati has unveiled the MCPURA Cielo FROZEN MAGMA, a one-off bespoke supercar created through its Fuoriserie customization program, at The I.C.E. 2026 event in St. Moritz. The model made its debut on Switzerland’s iconic frozen lake, combining high-performance driving with an exclusive winter setting.

The MCPURA Cielo FROZEN MAGMA features an iridescent “Ai Aqua Rainbow” body color that shifts under light, contrasted with bespoke glossy orange accents, black aerodynamic elements, and 20-inch Cyclonic Fuoriserie wheels. Inside, the cabin is finished in black Alcantara with orange stitching, carbon-fiber trim, and a dedicated badge certifying it as a “ONE OF ONE” creation.

Powered by Maserati’s 630 hp V6 Nettuno engine, the bespoke model includes carboceramic brakes, a suspension lifter, advanced driver assistance systems, and a premium Sonus Faber audio setup. The unveiling forms part of the “Year of the Trident,” celebrating 100 years of Maserati’s logo and motorsport heritage, with several modern and historic Maserati models showcased and driven on the frozen lake during the event.

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Global Finance News 01-30-26

Lancia made a strong statement on its return to the World Rally Championship’s WRC2 category at the 2026 Rallye Monte-Carlo, confirming the competitiveness of the new Lancia Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale in its debut event. Competing under extremely challenging snow and ice conditions, the team secured eight WRC2 stage wins and dominated the entire final leg of the rally.

Yohan Rossel claimed victory in the Super Sunday classification after winning all four WRC2 stages on the final day, while Nikolay Gryazin finished sixth after fighting for victory before late setbacks. Despite early incidents affecting both crews, Lancia left Monte-Carlo leading the WRC2 Teams’ standings, marking an encouraging and high-profile comeback for the brand on the world rally stage.

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European Investor 01-26-26

Stellantis CEO says turnaround plan includes new Jeeps, Ram trucks, and return of the Hemi V8

Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa projected an upbeat tone from the floor of the Detroit Auto Show. This is despite the fact that the relatively new CEO has much on his plate.

(finance.yahoo.com)

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WS Investor 01-24-26

Stellantis Pro One Showcases Electric TRIS and CustomFit Solutions in Brussels

Stellantis Pro One is presenting its full range of commercial vehicles at the Brussels Motor Show, highlighting the European debut of the fully electric Fiat Professional TRIS three-wheeler. The showcase emphasizes micromobility and Stellantis’ CustomFit program, offering tailored vehicle solutions for professional and last-mile delivery needs.

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WS Investor 12-22-25

Stellantis N.V. and Bolt announced a partnership to accelerate the deployment of Level 4 autonomous vehicles across Europe, aiming to begin trials in 2026. The collaboration will integrate Stellantis’ AV-Ready Platforms, including the eK0 van and STLA Small platform, with Bolt’s ride-hailing network, which operates in more than 50 countries. Bolt, which targets having 100,000 autonomous vehicles on its platform by 2035, plans to use the Stellantis-based fleets for driverless ride-hailing services. Stellantis expects the vehicles to meet Europe’s highest safety and cybersecurity standards, with phased deployment from prototypes to large-scale production starting in 2029. Both companies will work with European regulators to ensure compliance and safe rollout.

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The Investor 12-09-25

NASDAQ:FTNT

Fortinet Surges 11.48% as Blockbuster Quarter Sends a Clear Signal on Cybersecurity Demand

Fortinet is one of the sharpest premarket movers today, with shares jumping 11.48% after the cybersecurity company delivered a first quarter 2026 earnings report that exceeded the high end of its own guidance on both revenue and profitability, and then raised its full-year outlook to boot. The combination of strong execution, accelerating billings growth, and record cash generation gave investors little reason to hold back.

Revenue for the quarter ended March 31, 2026 grew 20% year-over-year to $1.85 billion, comfortably clearing guidance. Product revenue was the standout line, climbing 41% year-over-year to $645 million — a figure that points to strong demand for hardware refreshes and new deployments rather than just renewals of existing contracts. Billings, which are a forward-looking indicator of future revenue, grew an even faster 31% year-over-year to $2.09 billion, signaling that the pipeline of committed business is building at pace.

Profitability was equally impressive. GAAP operating margin came in at 31% and non-GAAP operating margin at 36%, reflecting the highly scalable nature of Fortinet's platform model. GAAP earnings per share grew 29% year-over-year to $0.72, while non-GAAP earnings per share grew 41% to $0.82, both exceeding expectations. The company also generated record operating cash flow of $1.08 billion and record free cash flow of $1.01 billion in a single quarter — a cash generation profile that gives management significant flexibility to invest, acquire, or return capital to shareholders.

The business narrative behind the numbers centers on a theme that has been building for years but is now accelerating: the convergence of networking and security. As enterprises increasingly demand integrated platforms rather than point solutions, Fortinet's unified Security Fabric architecture is gaining traction. The company highlighted its new FortiOS 8.0 operating system, which brings AI-driven security, next-generation SASE capabilities, and quantum-safe protection to its customer base, alongside new additions to the FortiGate G Series hardware portfolio designed for high-performance enterprise environments. CEO Ken Xie pointed specifically to an increasingly complex threat environment being intensified by AI as a key demand driver, a tailwind that shows no sign of abating.

The company also noted active collaboration with several leading AI companies, including Anthropic as part of an initiative called Project Glasswing, as well as OpenAI and others, suggesting Fortinet is positioning itself at the intersection of AI infrastructure and enterprise security — a strategically valuable place to be as AI workloads proliferate across corporate networks.

For the second quarter, Fortinet guided for revenue of $1.830 billion to $1.930 billion and billings of $2.090 billion to $2.190 billion. For the full fiscal year 2026, the company raised its revenue guidance to a range of $7.710 billion to $7.870 billion, implying 15% year-over-year growth, and set billings guidance of $8.800 billion to $9.100 billion. Full-year non-GAAP earnings per share are expected in the range of $3.10 to $3.16.

The 11.48% premarket gain reflects a market that sees Fortinet not just as a beneficiary of cyclical IT spending, but as a structural winner in a world where the security perimeter is expanding, AI is multiplying the attack surface, and enterprises are consolidating their vendor relationships around proven, integrated platforms.

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The Investor 05-07-26

Fortinet® (NASDAQ: FTNT) announced that it will hold a conference call to discuss its first quarter 2026 financial results on Wednesday, May 6, at 1:30 p.m. Pacific Time

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Global Finance News 04-03-26

Tech Mahindra has partnered with Fortinet to launch a managed Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) solution aimed at enabling secure and scalable digital transformation for enterprises. The offering combines Tech Mahindra’s network and security services with Fortinet’s Unified SASE platform to deliver integrated connectivity and protection across hybrid and cloud environments.

The solution integrates SD-WAN, Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), and advanced threat protection into a single architecture, supported by 24/7 security operations, AI-driven threat intelligence, and proactive monitoring. It is designed to simplify network management while ensuring consistent security across cloud, SaaS, on-premises systems, and remote workforces.

The companies stated that the partnership will help enterprises reduce reliance on expensive MPLS networks, lower total cost of ownership, and scale operations more efficiently. The initiative strengthens Tech Mahindra’s managed network services portfolio, targeting improved security, operational efficiency, and business agility in increasingly distributed digital environments.

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The Investor 03-17-26

Fortinet announced new innovations to its Security Operations (SecOps) platform, introducing unified security operations capabilities, expanded agentic AI functions and enhanced endpoint protection.

The updates include a preview of FortiSOC, a cloud-delivered platform that integrates FortiAnalyzer, FortiSIEM, FortiSOAR and FortiTIP into a single service for security monitoring, analytics, automation and threat response. The system combines telemetry, threat intelligence and behavioral analytics to help security teams detect and respond to cyber threats more quickly.

Fortinet also expanded its FortiAI capabilities to support agentic workflows that automate tasks such as alert triage, investigation and threat hunting. Additional enhancements include improvements to FortiGuard SOC-as-a-Service for managed security monitoring and updates to FortiEndpoint that consolidate multiple endpoint security functions into a single agent to simplify deployment and protect against emerging AI-driven cyber threats.
Globe Newswire

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European Investor 03-10-26

Fortinet announced new enhancements to its FortiCNAPP platform aimed at helping organizations better understand and prioritize real-world cloud risk as AI and multi-cloud adoption accelerates.

The updated FortiCNAPP expands cloud risk management by integrating network security posture, native Data Security Posture Management (DSPM), and runtime validation into a single unified workflow. By correlating cloud configuration issues, identity exposure, vulnerabilities, network enforcement, data sensitivity, and runtime behavior, Fortinet says security teams can reduce alert overload and focus on the risks with the greatest business impact.

Key additions include network-aware risk scoring that factors in existing protections such as FortiGate firewalls, built-in DSPM to identify and prioritize risks involving sensitive data without moving that data, and runtime-informed prioritization to distinguish theoretical vulnerabilities from actively exploitable threats. The company also highlighted alignment with frameworks such as the NIST AI Risk Management Framework and the EU AI Act, supporting governance alongside technical controls.

Fortinet said the enhancements are designed to address tool sprawl and visibility gaps in hybrid and multi-cloud environments, enabling faster remediation and more effective, context-driven cloud security operations.

Source: GlobeNewswire

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WS Investor 01-27-26

Fortinet® announced that it will hold a conference call to discuss its fourth quarter and full year 2025 financial results on Thursday, February 5, at 1:30 p.m. Pacific Time

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European Investor 01-05-26

Fortinet and Arista Networks Launch Joint Secure AI Data Center Solution

Fortinet and Arista Networks announced a joint Secure AI Data Center solution designed to combine high-performance, low-latency networking with integrated, zero-trust security for large-scale AI workloads. The solution has been deployed at Monolithic Power Systems and provides a validated, scalable reference architecture for organizations building and operating AI data centers.

The joint architecture integrates Arista’s ultra-low-latency networking and load balancing with Fortinet’s ASIC-accelerated security, including encrypted traffic inspection, zero-trust segmentation, and AI-aware threat protection. According to the companies, the design enables faster deployment through zero-touch provisioning, supports next-generation AI accelerators, and improves AI performance by offloading HTTPS and TLS processing from server CPUs.

The collaboration aims to address key barriers to AI adoption such as infrastructure complexity, performance bottlenecks, vendor lock-in, and security risks including data leakage and model tampering. By offering a modular, multivendor blueprint with unified management across networking and security, the companies say organizations can scale AI infrastructure with lower cost, reduced operational risk, and higher resilience.

Source: GlobeNewswire

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WS Investor 12-20-25

Fortinet announced a new collaboration with NVIDIA to deliver isolated infrastructure acceleration for AI factories by running FortiGate VM directly on NVIDIA BlueField-3 data processing units. The integrated solution offloads firewalling, segmentation and zero-trust policy enforcement from host CPUs to the DPU, enabling higher throughput, lower latency and stronger isolation for AI, private cloud and edge workloads without impacting GPU performance. Fortinet said the approach embeds security directly into the data center fabric, improving multitenant isolation and simplifying consistent policy enforcement while scaling to AI-driven traffic demands. The solution is supported starting with FortiOS 7.6.3 and is aimed at enterprises, cloud service providers and telco environments building high-performance, AI-centric infrastructure.

Source: Globe Newswire.

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Global Finance News 12-16-25

Fortinet and Crime Stoppers International have launched a global Cybercrime Bounty program, a first-of-its-kind initiative designed to encourage anonymous reporting of cybercriminal activity. The program allows individuals, including ethical hackers, to submit tips through CSI’s established anonymous reporting infrastructure, while Fortinet analyzes and routes validated intelligence to law enforcement for potential investigations and prosecutions.

The partnership aims to strengthen global cyber resilience by expanding community participation, accelerating intelligence sharing and enabling coordinated action against cybercriminal networks. Fortinet will use its threat intelligence capabilities, including insights from FortiGuard Labs and experience gained through collaborations such as the World Economic Forum’s Cybercrime Atlas, to support the initiative.

CSI said the collaboration creates a bridge between communities and cybersecurity experts, offering a scalable approach to tackling borderless cybercrime. Fortinet highlighted that accountability is central to deterrence and emphasized the need for public-private cooperation as cyber threats grow more sophisticated.

The Cybercrime Bounty program is positioned as a global framework for disruption, supporting faster, cross-border response and broader engagement in cybercrime prevention.

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The Investor 11-18-25

Fortinet announced that organizations using its Secure LAN Edge platform achieved a 308% return on investment with payback in under six months, according to a new Total Economic Impact study by Forrester Consulting. The study found that deployments led to a 60% reduction in breach risk from external attacks, 50% greater network operations efficiency, and 80% less unplanned downtime over three years.

The analysis estimated that a composite organization realized $13.1 million in benefits over three years against $3.2 million in costs, producing a $9.9 million net present value. Consolidating wired, wireless, and security management through Fortinet’s unified platform reduced operational complexity, improved visibility, and cut incident response times by 75%.

Fortinet said these results demonstrate how converging networking and security through its FortiOS-based, AI-driven Security Fabric boosts both protection and efficiency. The company’s Secure LAN Edge integrates FortiSwitch, FortiAP, FortiManager, and FortiGate with centralized management and AI-powered security services.

Headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, Fortinet (Nasdaq: FTNT) serves more than half a million customers worldwide with a portfolio of over 50 enterprise-grade cybersecurity products.

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Global Finance News 11-12-25

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