Latest

German Trade Surplus Narrows to €15.6 Billion in September, Missing Forecast Germany’s trade surplus narrowed to €15.6 billion in September,

Germany’s trade surplus narrowed to €15.6 billion in September, below the €19.2 billion forecast and down from a revised €17.8 billion in the previous...

11-09-26

China CPI Inflation Slows to 0.7% in October as Producer Prices Rise Faster Than Expected China’s consumer inflation eased in

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

11-09-26

Australia Building Approvals Rebound 5.1% in September, Matching Forecast Australia’s building approvals rose 5.1% month over month in September, matching

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

11-09-26

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

shareholders of record as...

11-07-26

Estée Lauder Launches Skin Longevity Platform to Drive Future Product Innovation The Estée Lauder Companies (NYSE: EL) unveiled a new

The Estée Lauder Companies (NYSE: EL) unveiled a new scientific innovation platform, Mastering Skin Longevity, aimed at accelerating research and product development across its...

11-07-26

Fortinet and Equinix Launch AI Security Architecture for Distributed Enterprise Workloads Fortinet (NASDAQ: FTNT) and Equinix announced the availability of

Fortinet (NASDAQ: FTNT) and Equinix announced the availability of FortiAIGate on the Equinix Distributed AI Hub, creating a validated architecture designed to secure and...

11-07-26

Lockheed Martin’s Sikorsky Wins South Korea Presidential Helicopter Program Lockheed Martin’s (NYSE: LMT) Sikorsky unit has been selected to supply

Lockheed Martin’s (NYSE: LMT) Sikorsky unit has been selected to supply the S-92A+ helicopter for the Republic of Korea Air Force’s Presidential Helicopter II...

11-07-26

Gilead’s Twice-Yearly Lenacapavir Shows Nearly Double the PrEP Persistence of Daily Oral Therapy Gilead Sciences (NASDAQ: GILD) reported new Phase

Gilead Sciences (NASDAQ: GILD) reported new Phase 2 data showing that twice-yearly injectable lenacapavir achieved substantially higher one-year persistence than daily oral F/TDF for...

11-07-26

Equinix Opens AI-Ready SG6 Data Center in Singapore With Up to 20 MW Capacity Equinix (NASDAQ: EQIX) opened SG6, its

Equinix (NASDAQ: EQIX) opened SG6, its sixth International Business Exchange data center in Singapore, expanding capacity for AI, high-performance computing and other data-intensive workloads....

11-07-26

IBM Unveils Most Advanced Quantum System in Illinois as Chicago Quantum Hub Expands IBM (NYSE: IBM) unveiled its first quantum

IBM (NYSE: IBM) unveiled its first quantum computer in Illinois, deploying an IBM Quantum System Two at the University of Chicago’s Hyde Park Labs...

11-07-26

Lam Research Authorizes $25 Billion Share Buyback and Declares Quarterly Dividend Lam Research (NASDAQ: LRCX) authorized a new $25 billion

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

11-07-26

Johnson & Johnson Wins FDA Approval for Rybrevant Faspro in Advanced Head and Neck Cancer Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ)

Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) said the U.S. FDA granted accelerated approval to Rybrevant Faspro as a single-agent treatment for certain adults with recurrent...

11-07-26

NASDAQ:NVDA

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

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

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

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

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

The results reinforce NVIDIA’s push beyond GPUs into CPUs and full-stack AI infrastructure, as data center operators increasingly seek to maximize AI workloads per watt while supporting growing numbers of autonomous agents.
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NVIDIA will host a conference call on Tuesday, November 17, at 5 p.m. ET to discuss its financial results for the third quarter of fiscal year 2027, which ended October 25, 2026.
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NVIDIA Unveils Minerva AIOps Platform to Improve AI Factory Uptime and Yield

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

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

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

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

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

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

The launch expands NVIDIA’s push beyond chips and systems into the software layer used to operate increasingly complex AI infrastructure, giving the company another way to deepen its role across the AI data-center stack.
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NVIDIA Launches Isaac ROS 5.0 With Agentic AI Tools for Robotics Development

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

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

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

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

Isaac ROS 5.0 supports hardware ranging from Jetson Orin Nano to Jetson Thor, allowing developers to move from development to on-device deployment as robotics workloads grow more complex. The software is available now as a free and open-source release.
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NVIDIA Launches DSX Ready Program for AI Factory Power and Cooling Systems

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

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

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

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

NVIDIA plans to add more infrastructure and software categories over time. The initiative reflects the growing importance of power delivery and liquid cooling as AI factories scale to support increasingly dense computing systems.
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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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NVIDIA Brings Perplexity’s Local AI Agent to Windows RTX PCs

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

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

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

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

Portable Computer requires a GeForce RTX or RTX PRO GPU with at least 24GB of VRAM, while support for NVIDIA DGX Station is expected later.
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NVIDIA Says Its AI Platform Is Powering the Global Robotaxi Expansion

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

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

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

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

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

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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NVIDIA and Palantir Partner to Bring Sovereign AI to Critical Supply Chains

NVIDIA and Palantir Technologies announced a new collaboration Thursday to develop a sovereign AI stack designed to optimize complex supply chains, with the technology initially being deployed across NVIDIA’s own operations.

The platform combines NVIDIA’s Nemotron open AI models with Palantir Foundry and its Artificial Intelligence Platform, or AIP. Grounded in Palantir’s Ontology, the system is designed to identify supply constraints, improve visibility and help organizations make operational decisions while maintaining control of proprietary data.

NVIDIA is using the technology to manage one of the semiconductor industry’s most complicated supply chains. The company said each Vera Rubin rack requires about 1.3 million parts, with production dependent on coordinated supplies of compute, memory, networking, power, cooling and mechanical components.

The companies plan to extend the technology beyond NVIDIA to industries including manufacturing, energy, healthcare, automotive and aerospace. Customers will be able to deploy the AI stack on-premises, in colocation facilities or in the cloud while retaining ownership and control of their models and operational data.
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Germany

German Trade Surplus Narrows to €15.6 Billion in September, Missing Forecast

Germany’s trade surplus narrowed to €15.6 billion in September, below the €19.2 billion forecast and down from a revised €17.8 billion in the previous month.

The weaker-than-expected surplus points to softer external trade performance and suggests that net exports provided less support to Europe’s largest economy during the month.
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German Industrial Production Rises 0.7% in September, Missing Forecast

German industrial production increased 0.7% month over month in September, below the 1.0% forecast but stronger than the previous 0.0% reading.

The increase points to a modest recovery in industrial activity after a weak period, although the smaller-than-expected gain suggests momentum remains limited.
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Eurozone Services Growth Slows in October as France Contracts Sharply

Eurozone services activity continued to expand in October, but momentum weakened more than expected as a sharp contraction in France offset relatively resilient readings elsewhere in the region.

The HCOB Eurozone Services PMI fell to 51.4 from 53.0, below the 51.7 forecast. The Composite PMI, which combines manufacturing and services activity, also declined to 51.7 from 53.1, missing expectations of 51.9. Both readings remained above the 50 threshold separating expansion from contraction, but pointed to a clear slowdown in overall business activity.

Among the major economies, Spain remained the strongest. Its Services PMI eased to 57.2 from 58.3, slightly below the 57.6 forecast but still indicating robust expansion.

Italy’s Services PMI improved to 52.0 from 51.7 and exceeded the 51.4 forecast, suggesting modest acceleration. Germany’s Services PMI slipped to 52.5 from 52.9 but beat expectations of 51.7, keeping the sector in expansion.

France was the major weak point. Its Services PMI plunged to 46.2 from 51.2, substantially below the 48.4 forecast and signaling a renewed contraction in activity.

Overall, the October data show that eurozone growth remains positive but is losing momentum. Resilience in Spain, Germany and Italy was insufficient to prevent both the regional Services and Composite PMIs from weakening, while the sharp deterioration in France highlights increasingly uneven economic conditions across the bloc.
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Eurozone Manufacturing Stays in Expansion as Spain and Germany Outperform, Italy and France Contract

Eurozone manufacturing activity remained in expansion territory in October, with the HCOB Manufacturing PMI at 52.7. The reading came in above the 52.4 forecast but slightly below the previous 52.9.

Spain delivered one of the strongest results, with its manufacturing PMI rising to 52.2 from 51.0 and beating the 50.4 forecast. Germany also remained solid at 54.2, matching expectations and improving from 53.9.

Conditions were weaker in Italy and France. Italy’s PMI fell to 49.4 from 50.4, below the 49.9 forecast, while France remained in contraction at 49.5 despite beating expectations of 49.3.

Outside the euro area, Switzerland’s procure*ch Manufacturing PMI jumped to 56.7 from 55.3, also exceeding forecasts.

Overall, the data points to continued manufacturing expansion across the eurozone, but with a clear divergence between stronger activity in Germany and Spain and persistent weakness in France and Italy.
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German Retail Sales Fall 2.0% in September, Missing Forecasts

German retail sales fell 2.0% month over month in September, sharply underperforming expectations for a 0.4% increase and reversing the previous month’s 1.2% gain.

The weaker-than-expected reading points to renewed pressure on household spending and suggests consumer demand remained fragile heading into the fourth quarter.

For markets, the data is a negative signal for Germany’s domestic growth outlook and could reinforce expectations that consumer activity will remain a weak spot in the economy.
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German Consumer Confidence Weakens Further in November

Germany’s GfK Consumer Climate index fell to -30.8 for November, weaker than the -30.1 consensus estimate and down from -30.6 previously.

The decline points to continued caution among German households and suggests consumer sentiment remains under pressure despite some recent improvement in broader business indicators.

Additionally, Germany’s latest 10-year Bund auction cleared at a yield of 3.370%, down sharply from 3.580% at the previous auction.
German Business Confidence Improves in October as Expectations Strengthen

Germany’s Ifo Business Climate Index rose to 90.2 in October, slightly above the 90.0 consensus estimate and up from 89.9 previously.

Business expectations improved more clearly, climbing to 91.6 from 90.4 and beating the 90.0 forecast. The increase suggests German companies have become somewhat more optimistic about the months ahead.

However, the Current Assessment index fell to 88.8 from 89.5, missing expectations of 89.9. That indicates businesses still see present economic conditions as relatively weak.

Overall, the report sends a mixed but mildly positive signal: current conditions deteriorated, but stronger expectations lifted the headline business climate index. The data suggest sentiment toward Germany’s future outlook is improving even though near-term activity remains soft.
Eurozone ZEW Economic Sentiment Falls More Than Expected in October

Eurozone investor sentiment weakened in October, with the ZEW Economic Sentiment index falling to 18.5 from 25.8 previously.

The reading came in well below the 23.6 consensus estimate, signaling a more cautious outlook among financial-market experts.

The decline suggests that expectations for the euro-area economy have deteriorated despite some improvement in current conditions in Germany.
German Producer Prices Accelerate as ZEW Signals Mixed Economic Outlook

German producer prices rose 1.9% month over month in September, exceeding the 1.5% consensus estimate and accelerating from a 1.1% increase previously.

The stronger-than-expected PPI reading points to renewed upstream price pressure, which could complicate the inflation outlook if higher producer costs begin feeding through to consumer prices.

Meanwhile, Germany’s ZEW Current Conditions index improved sharply to -35.9 in October from -47.1, substantially better than the -45.0 consensus estimate. Although the index remained negative, the improvement suggests respondents viewed the present economic environment as less weak than previously.

In contrast, ZEW Economic Sentiment fell to 28.1 from 34.7 and missed the 30.2 forecast, indicating that expectations for the months ahead have softened.

Overall, the data present a mixed picture: current conditions improved more than expected, but forward-looking sentiment weakened, while stronger producer-price growth adds a more inflationary element to the outlook.
Eurozone Industrial Production Falls 0.5% in August, Missing Expectations

Eurozone industrial production declined 0.5% month over month in August, weaker than expectations for no change.

The result also marked a further deterioration from the previous month’s 0.3% decline, pointing to continued softness in the region’s manufacturing and industrial sectors.
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NASDAQ:HON

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Overall, the quarter showed accelerating underlying growth, strong productivity gains and significant margin expansion, with the higher full-year outlook reinforcing management’s confidence in the company’s standalone growth trajectory.
Honeywell Technologies (NASDAQ: HON) declared a quarterly dividend payment of $0.70 per share on common stock. The dividend is payable on December 4, 2026 to holders of record at the close of business on November 13, 2026.
Honeywell reported first-quarter 2026 sales of $9.1 billion, up 2% year-over-year, with orders rising 7% and backlog reaching approximately $38 billion. Adjusted earnings per share increased 11% to $2.45, despite reported EPS declining due to restructuring and impairment charges tied to planned divestitures.

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

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

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

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

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

The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals and customary conditions.
PRNewswire
Honeywell ( NASDAQ: HON) announced its upcoming investor days , expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2026.
Honeywell to Release First Quarter Financial Results and Hold its Investor Conference Call on Thursday, April 23
Honeywell signs $500 million defense deal to boost production capacity

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

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

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

Honeywell added that the investment will enhance its ability to deliver advanced technologies to U.S. and allied forces while supporting long-term growth in its aerospace and defense business.
PRNewswire
Honeywell announces cash tender Offers to purchase up to $3,750,000,000 aggregate purchase price of dollar-ddenominated securities and up to €1,250,000,000 aggregate purchase price of Euro-denominated securities
PRNewswire
Honeywell announced an amended agreement to acquire Johnson Matthey’s Catalyst Technologies business for £1.325 billion, reduced from the previously agreed £1.8 billion. The long stop date has been extended to July 21, 2026, with a possible further extension to August 21, 2026, subject to conditions.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The data present a mixed inflation picture. Softer consumer-price growth points to relatively subdued household inflation pressures, while stronger producer-price growth suggests increasing price pressure further upstream in the economy.
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China Services PMI Falls to 50.8 in October, Missing Forecasts

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

The reading remained above the 50 threshold that separates expansion from contraction, indicating that activity in the services sector continued to grow, but at a much slower pace.
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China RatingDog Manufacturing PMI Holds at 52.0 in October

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

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

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

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

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

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

The decision indicates that Chinese policymakers are maintaining current borrowing-cost settings for now, despite continued weakness in areas such as fixed-asset investment. With the move fully expected, the rate decision itself is unlikely to create a major market surprise.
China Q3 Growth Beats Expectations as Industrial Output Strengthens

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

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

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

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

Overall, the data point to firmer near-term economic momentum in China, with stronger GDP growth, industrial activity and employment conditions offset by persistent weakness in investment.
China PMIs Improve in September as Manufacturing and Services Return to Expansion

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

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

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

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

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

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

The moderation suggests profit growth among Chinese industrial companies lost some momentum, even though earnings remained firmly positive on a cumulative basis.
China Holds Five-Year Loan Prime Rate at 3.50% in September

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

The decision signals that Chinese policymakers are maintaining current borrowing-cost settings despite continued concerns about economic momentum and the property sector.
China Industrial Production Beats Forecasts as Investment Weakness Deepens

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

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

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

The figures highlight an uneven Chinese recovery, with industrial strength contrasting with persistent weakness in investment and the labor market.
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China’s New Loans Rebound to 60 Billion Yuan in August but Miss Forecasts

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The acquisition represents a notable move by Caterpillar into direct ownership of a major dealer operation, while maintaining the broader structure of its global dealer network.
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Caterpillar Expands Autonomous Hauling After 3.5 Million-Ton Quarry Pilot

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

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

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

Caterpillar said its autonomous trucks globally have now hauled more than 13 billion tonnes and traveled over 455 million kilometers with no reported injuries while operating, highlighting the growing commercial adoption of autonomous heavy equipment.
Caterpillar Partners With FieldAI to Advance AI-Powered Robotics and Industrial Automation

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

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

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

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

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

For Caterpillar, the partnership extends AI beyond software analytics and into physical machines and industrial workflows. As construction, mining and manufacturing customers face labor shortages and pressure to improve productivity, AI-enabled autonomy could become an increasingly important differentiator across Caterpillar’s equipment and technology ecosystem.
Caterpillar Stock Rises 5.7% After Cat Financial Reports Strong Q2 Results

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

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

Financing Business Shows Continued Strength

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

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

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

Credit Quality Remains Healthy

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

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

What to Watch

The strong share price reaction suggests investors welcomed the healthy financing trends and stable credit performance, which are often viewed as indicators of underlying demand for Caterpillar equipment. Going forward, investors will monitor global construction and mining activity, equipment demand, financing volumes and credit quality for further signs of strength across Caterpillar's business.
Caterpillar Stock Falls 6.5% as Baird Downgrades Rating Despite High Price Target

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Despite the bullish analyst update, Caterpillar came under broad selling pressure during Friday's session. However, the increased price target suggests Wall Street remains optimistic that the recent pullback does not alter the company's strong long-term fundamentals and growth outlook.
Caterpillar Shares Rise After JPMorgan Raises Price Target to $1,165

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

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

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

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

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

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

The stock's advance suggests investors welcomed the analyst's more optimistic assessment and continue to view Caterpillar as a key beneficiary of long-term industrial investment trends and improving macroeconomic conditions.
Caterpillar Surges 9% as AI Infrastructure Boom and Record Backlog Power Blowout Quarter

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

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

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

Caterpillar raised its annual revenue forecast following the beat, with a record backlog providing management with confidence in continued momentum through the rest of 2026. The company also deployed $5.7 billion in share repurchases and dividends during the quarter alone. (GuruFocus)
Caterpillar Inc. to Announce First-Quarter 2026 Financial Results on April 30
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Australia

Australia Building Approvals Rebound 5.1% in September, Matching Forecast

Australia’s building approvals rose 5.1% month over month in September, matching market expectations and reversing the previous 5.2% decline.
Australia Trade Surplus Widens Sharply to A$2.83 Billion in September

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

The result also marked a substantial improvement from the previous month’s A$184 million surplus.
RBA Raises Interest Rate to 4.85% in November, Matching Forecasts

The Reserve Bank of Australia raised its benchmark interest rate to 4.85% in November from 4.60%, delivering a 25-basis-point increase that matched market expectations.
Australia Building Approvals Jump 5.1% in September, Beating Forecasts

Australian building approvals rose 5.1% month over month in September, significantly exceeding the 1.8% increase expected by economists and reversing the previous month’s 5.2% decline.
Australia Employment Falls Sharply in September as Jobless Rate Holds at 4.7%

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

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

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

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

The deeper negative reading suggests Australian firms became more cautious about the economic outlook during the month, with confidence remaining firmly below neutral levels.
Australia Building Approvals Fall 6.1% in August

Australian building approvals declined 6.1% month over month in August, matching market expectations and worsening from the previous month’s 1.9% decline.
Australia Trade Surplus Narrows Sharply in August, Missing Expectations

Australia’s trade surplus fell to A$495 million in August, well below the A$2.0 billion expected by economists and down from A$1.351 billion previously.
Australia Building Approvals Fall 6.1% in August, Much Worse Than Expected

Australia’s building approvals fell 6.1% month over month in August, a much sharper decline than the 1.6% drop expected by economists. The previous month’s reading was revised to a 1.9% decline.
Reserve Bank of Australia Raises Interest Rate to 4.60%

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

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Gold and Bitcoin Rally as Democratic Midterm Sweep Reshapes U.S. Market Outlook

Gold and Bitcoin moved sharply higher on Wednesday while market volatility declined as investors digested a sweeping Democratic victory in the U.S. midterm elections that handed the party control of both the House and Senate.

Democrats captured both chambers of Congress in the November 3 elections, creating a divided government with Republican President Donald Trump and raising expectations that parts of the administration’s legislative agenda could face greater resistance during the second half of his term.

Gold futures jumped 2.9% to about $4,055 an ounce in early trading, rebounding strongly above the $4,000 level. The move coincided with a weaker U.S. dollar and a post-election rally in Treasuries. The move is particularly notable because gold had struggled as a traditional safe haven in the weeks leading into the election. The post-election rebound suggests that falling yields, dollar weakness and renewed political uncertainty may be providing support for the non-yielding metal.

Bitcoin also recovered strongly, rising 1.6% to around $78,200 after briefly falling below $76,000 overnight. The rebound came as broader risk sentiment stabilized following the election result. Lower interest-rate expectations can provide support for speculative assets such as cryptocurrencies, although Bitcoin has also been dealing with crypto-specific volatility following recent market disruptions.

Treasury markets showed an important shift around the election. The 10-year yield had closed November 3 at about 4.95%, up 1.2% on the day, but yields subsequently moved lower as investors assessed the implications of Democratic congressional control.

Meanwhile, the CBOE Volatility Index fell 8.2% to 19.13. The decline in the VIX suggests that the removal of election uncertainty outweighed immediate concerns about political confrontation in Washington.

The market response therefore presents an unusual combination: gold is benefiting from lower yields and political uncertainty, Bitcoin is rebounding alongside improving risk appetite, and volatility is declining as investors gain greater clarity over the political landscape.

The Democratic sweep could still create significant sector-level consequences. With Congress now positioned to challenge Trump administration policies and increase oversight, markets are likely to focus increasingly on fiscal spending, tariffs, energy policy and regulation of the rapidly expanding AI and data-center industries.
Bitcoin Slips Toward $80,000 as ETF Outflows and Fed Rate Fears Weigh on Crypto

Bitcoin traded around $80,265, down roughly 1.3% over the past five days, as investors pulled money from U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs and broader risk sentiment remained weak.

U.S.-listed spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded roughly $773 million of net outflows over Thursday and Friday, reversing more than $1 billion of inflows earlier in the week. The abrupt shift in institutional flows has added pressure to Bitcoin after it failed to hold recent rebounds toward the mid-$80,000 range. (The edge Malaysia, crypto*news)

Macro conditions are also weighing on crypto. Investors are cautious ahead of the Federal Reserve’s October 28 policy decision after recent inflation data revived concerns that rates could remain elevated. Bitcoin has also been trading alongside weaker technology stocks, reinforcing its sensitivity to broader risk-off moves.

Leveraged long-position liquidations have amplified the decline as Bitcoin approached and briefly moved below the psychologically important $80,000 level.

Overall, the recent weakness appears to reflect a combination of ETF outflows, tighter-rate expectations and forced selling, with the upcoming Fed decision likely to remain the key near-term catalyst. (Crypto*news)

Bitcoin headed 'in bullish direction' as investors bet on Fed pause: Chart of the Day

Bitcoin jumped above $86,000 on Friday after a cooler-than-expected jobs report.

(finance.yahoo.com)
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Gold, Silver and Bitcoin Fall as Rising Treasury Yields Pressure Alternative Assets

Gold, silver and Bitcoin moved sharply lower on Monday as rising U.S. Treasury yields and renewed inflation concerns weighed on assets that do not generate income.

Gold futures fell 3.9% to about $4,151.80 an ounce, while silver dropped 5.5% to $61.24. Bitcoin declined 1.9% to around $82,924, extending the broader risk-off move across markets.

The selloff comes as U.S. bond yields continue to climb, with the 10-year Treasury yield moving above 5.2%. Higher yields increase the opportunity cost of holding gold and silver, while also tightening financial conditions for speculative assets such as Bitcoin.

Rising oil prices are adding to the pressure by pushing inflation expectations higher. That makes investors less confident that the Federal Reserve will be able to ease monetary policy quickly and increases the possibility that interest rates remain elevated for longer.

Silver is underperforming gold because it carries both precious-metal and industrial exposure, making it more sensitive to shifts in growth expectations and market volatility. Bitcoin is also being pressured by the same higher-rate environment as investors reduce exposure to riskier assets.

The common theme across all three markets is the sharp rise in real and nominal yields. Unless Treasury yields stabilize, gold, silver and Bitcoin could remain vulnerable despite their different long-term investment narratives.
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Gold and Bitcoin Rise as Investors Seek Safety and Risk Exposure After Fed Decision

Gold and Bitcoin moved higher Friday, with both assets benefiting from shifting expectations around inflation, interest rates and broader market risk sentiment.

December gold futures rose 0.60% to about $4,426 an ounce, extending gains as investors continued to assess the Federal Reserve’s latest rate increase and the outlook for inflation. Gold remained supported by demand for defensive assets, even as oil prices retreated and some immediate geopolitical supply concerns eased.

Bitcoin climbed 2.13% to around $78,019, recovering further from recent weakness. The cryptocurrency moved steadily higher through the session and briefly approached $78,500 as risk appetite improved.

The moves reflect different parts of the same macro environment. Gold is benefiting from continued demand for inflation protection and safe-haven exposure, while Bitcoin is drawing support from stronger appetite for higher-risk assets and renewed interest in crypto after the Fed’s policy decision reduced some uncertainty around the near-term rate outlook.

For both markets, the next major drivers are likely to be U.S. inflation data, Treasury yields, the dollar and any further signals from Federal Reserve officials about the possibility of additional rate increases.
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Bitcoin Falls Below $76,000 After CLARITY Act Fails to Advance in Senate

Bitcoin fell 1.5% to around $75,794 on Wednesday, extending losses after the U.S. Senate failed to advance the Digital Asset Market CLARITY Act, dealing a setback to hopes for a comprehensive U.S. regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies.

The legislation failed to clear the Senate’s 60-vote procedural threshold on Tuesday. The vote was 50-49 in favor before a procedural switch, with opposition centered partly on ethics provisions and other unresolved regulatory issues. The bill was designed to establish clearer rules for digital-asset issuance and trading and clarify regulatory responsibilities between the SEC and CFTC. [Reuters)

The regulatory disappointment is being compounded by a difficult macro backdrop. Investors are awaiting Wednesday’s Federal Reserve decision, while elevated U.S. Treasury yields and expectations for a potential rate increase are supporting the dollar and pressuring risk assets including cryptocurrencies.

For Bitcoin, the combination of delayed U.S. regulatory clarity and tighter monetary-policy expectations has weakened momentum after the cryptocurrency recently traded above $80,000.
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Gold and Bitcoin End Volatile Week Lower as Fed Rate-Hike Expectations Rise

Gold and Bitcoin came under pressure this week as surging Treasury yields, persistent U.S. inflation and sharply higher oil prices strengthened expectations that the Federal Reserve could raise interest rates at its September meeting.

Gold December futures finished Friday at $4,408.90 per ounce, nearly unchanged on the day but down about 1.8% over five sessions. Spot gold lost roughly 1.5% for the week, marking a third consecutive weekly decline. Rising bond yields were the main headwind, with the U.S. 10-year Treasury yield approaching 5% as investors repriced the interest-rate outlook. (Reuters)

Inflation remained central to the selloff. August CPI rose 0.4% month over month and 3.4% annually, while core prices increased 0.3%. Markets ended the week pricing an approximately 87% probability of a Fed rate increase next week. Gold nevertheless attracted dip-buying on Friday, while geopolitical uncertainty continued to provide some safe-haven support. (Reuters)

Bitcoin followed a similar risk-off pattern, falling about 2.3% over five days to around $77,300. The cryptocurrency briefly approached $80,000 before retreating toward $77,000 as higher yields reduced investor appetite for non-yielding and higher-risk assets.

Oil added another layer of pressure. Brent gained more than 8% for the week despite retreating Friday to $104.61, as Middle East supply disruptions kept inflation concerns elevated.

Next week’s Federal Reserve decision is therefore the key catalyst for both assets. A rate hike accompanied by a hawkish outlook could keep gold and Bitcoin under pressure, while a less aggressive Fed message and a retreat in Treasury yields could provide room for a rebound.
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Gold, Silver and Bitcoin Fall as Higher Yields Keep Pressure on Alternative Assets

Gold, silver and Bitcoin traded lower Friday as elevated Treasury yields and persistent uncertainty over the Federal Reserve’s interest-rate outlook continued to weigh on non-yielding and risk-sensitive assets.

December gold futures fell 0.51% to $4,384.70 an ounce, although prices recovered substantially from an intraday low near $4,350. December silver declined 0.66% to $64.50 an ounce after also rebounding from earlier losses.

Bitcoin was down 1.04% over the past 24 hours at around $77,151. The cryptocurrency briefly fell toward $76,500 before recovering, but remained well below the $78,000 area seen earlier in the period.

The moves come after Thursday’s stronger-than-expected U.S. producer inflation data pushed Treasury yields sharply higher and revived concerns that the Fed could maintain a tighter policy stance. Meanwhile, oil prices remain above $100 a barrel despite Friday’s pullback, keeping energy-driven inflation risks in focus.

Investors are now turning their attention to Friday’s U.S. consumer inflation data, which could provide the next major signal for Treasury yields, the dollar, precious metals and Bitcoin ahead of next week’s Federal Reserve meeting.
Gold, Silver and Bitcoin Slide as Surging Treasury Yields Trigger Broad Selloff

Gold, silver and Bitcoin fell sharply Thursday as rising U.S. Treasury yields and renewed inflation concerns pressured both precious metals and cryptocurrencies.

December gold futures dropped 1.23% to $4,405.70 an ounce, while December silver futures plunged 4.98% to $65.23. Bitcoin fell 2.71% over 24 hours to around $77,016, briefly approaching $76,700.

The selloff came as the benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury yield surged to around 4.92%, its highest level since late 2023. Higher yields increase the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding assets such as gold and silver and can also tighten financial conditions for risk assets including Bitcoin.

Inflation concerns intensified after August U.S. producer prices rose 0.4% month over month and 5.4% year over year, slightly above the 5.3% annual forecast. At the same time, Brent crude surged above $104 a barrel as supply disruptions and a sharp decline in Saudi production heightened fears that energy costs could keep inflation elevated.

Silver significantly underperformed gold, reflecting its greater volatility and sensitivity to both investment flows and industrial demand. Bitcoin also came under pressure as higher bond yields reduced investors’ appetite for risk.

Markets now turn to Friday’s U.S. CPI report. Another strong inflation reading could reinforce expectations for tighter Federal Reserve policy and keep upward pressure on Treasury yields, creating further headwinds for precious metals and cryptocurrencies.
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Gold and Bitcoin Rise as Middle East Tensions Drive Volatility Across Markets

Gold and Bitcoin moved higher Wednesday as escalating Middle East tensions, oil prices above $100 and renewed inflation concerns drove volatility across global markets.

December gold futures rose 0.77% to $4,473.10 per ounce, extending an intraday rebound as investors sought traditional safe-haven assets. Spot gold was also higher on the day as global equities declined.

Geopolitical risk remains a major catalyst. Brent crude climbed above $100 per barrel for the first time since July as renewed U.S.-Iran attacks, strikes on tankers and attacks on Saudi energy facilities intensified concerns over Middle East oil supplies. Brent reached an intraday high of $100.90, while flows through the Strait of Hormuz have fallen sharply.

Bitcoin also advanced, rising 1.76% over the past 24 hours to around $79,303 after trading below $78,000 earlier in the period. The cryptocurrency’s recovery came despite pressure on U.S. equities and rising Treasury yields, suggesting some improvement in crypto risk appetite.

However, higher oil prices create a competing risk for both assets. The energy surge is increasing inflation concerns and strengthening the case for tighter monetary policy. The U.S. 10-year Treasury yield was around 4.81%, near a three-year high, as markets await producer and consumer inflation reports later this week.

Gold is currently benefiting more directly from safe-haven demand, while Bitcoin remains sensitive to the outlook for interest rates and broader risk sentiment. Upcoming U.S. inflation data could therefore be the next major catalyst for both markets.
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US Dividends

Dover Corporation (NYSE: DOV) declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.525 per share, payable on December 15, 2026, to shareholders of record as of November 30, 2026.
Lam Research Authorizes $25 Billion Share Buyback and Declares Quarterly Dividend

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

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

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

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

The $25 billion buyback provides substantial capital-return flexibility and reinforces Lam Research’s shareholder return strategy as semiconductor equipment demand remains supported by AI-driven investment and advanced chip manufacturing.
Thermo Fisher Authorizes $5 Billion Share Buyback and Declares Quarterly Dividend

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

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

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

The expanded repurchase authorization gives Thermo Fisher additional flexibility to return capital to shareholders and signals continued confidence in the company’s long-term cash generation and balance sheet capacity.
The UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) board of directors has authorized payment of a cash dividend of $2.32 per share, to be paid on December 15, 2026, to shareholders of record of common stocks as of the close of business December 7, 2026.
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Corning Incorporated Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend on October 6, 2026 of $0.28 per share.

The dividend will be payable on December 11, 2026, to shareholders of record on November 13, 2026.
The Board of Directors of Trane Technologies plc declared a quarterly dividend of $1.05 per ordinary share, $4.20 per share annualized. The dividend is payable December 31, 2026, to shareholders of record on December 4, 2026.
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Pfizer Declares $0.43 Fourth-Quarter Dividend, Extending Long-Running Payout Streak

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

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

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

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

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

Your source for finding the best dividend growth stocks

(dividend-growth-stocks.com)
Honeywell Technologies (NASDAQ: HON) declared a quarterly dividend payment of $0.70 per share on common stock. The dividend is payable on December 4, 2026 to holders of record at the close of business on November 13, 2026.
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Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) (Nasdaq: TXN) announced it will raise its quarterly cash dividend 7%, from $1.42 per share to $1.52. The dividend will be payable November 10, 2026, to stockholders of record on October 30, 2026, contingent upon formal declaration by the board of directors at its regular meeting in October.
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11-04-26WS Investor

NYSE:HSY

Hershey announced a limited-edition Dubai-Inspired Chocolate Bar that will launch on December 4, 2025, with only 10,000 bars available. The bar blends Hershey’s milk chocolate with pistachio cream and crispy kadayif, echoing a viral social-media dessert trend. It will be sold for 8.99 dollars exclusively through Gopuff in New York, Philadelphia, and Chicago, and in person at Hershey’s Chocolate World in Times Square, where a live countdown will take place. Hershey emphasized that this is a one-time release with no restock planned, positioned as a collectible item for trend followers and chocolate fans.
Hershey Tops Q3 Expectations and Raises 2025 Outlook on Strong Brand Momentum

The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) reported third-quarter 2025 net sales of $3.18 billion, up 6.5% year over year, with organic sales rising 6.2%. Reported net income was $276 million, or $1.36 per diluted share, down 38%, while adjusted EPS fell 44% to $1.30 due to higher costs and one-time items. CEO Kirk Tanner highlighted strong innovation and strategic brand investment as key growth drivers.

Based on solid year-to-date results, Hershey raised its full-year 2025 net sales growth target to about 3% and adjusted EPS guidance to the upper half of the $5.90–$6.00 range. The company expects approximately $150 million in cost savings from its Agility & Automation Initiative and confirmed capital expenditures of about $425 million.
The Hershey Company announced that on October 21, 2025, it entered into a new Five-Year Credit Agreement providing an unsecured revolving credit facility of up to $1.875 billion, with the option to expand commitments by up to an additional $1.0 billion upon lender consent. The facility, arranged by Bank of America (administrative agent), JPMorgan Chase, Citibank, Royal Bank of Canada, and U.S. Bank, may be used for general corporate purposes, and borrowings can be repaid at any time without penalty.

The agreement includes a financial covenant requiring that the ratio of pre-tax income from continuing operations to consolidated interest expense be at least 2.0 to 1.0 each quarter. It also contains customary covenants and events of default, with lenders holding a majority of commitments having the right to accelerate payments or terminate lending obligations in the event of default. Hershey may extend the termination date for up to two additional one-year periods.

Simultaneously, Hershey terminated its previous $1.35 billion five-year revolving credit facility dated April 26, 2023, which allowed expansion by up to $500 million.
The Hershey Company has launched a special-edition collaboration with The Pokémon Company, featuring Hershey’s Kisses chocolates wrapped in collectible foils showcasing all 151 original Pokémon from the Kanto region.
Each unwrapping offers a chance to discover, trade, and collect characters like Pikachu and Mew. Fans can track their collection digitally via Hersheyland.com/Pokemon and may also receive a limited-edition Collector’s Case to store all 151 designs. Available in 10.1 oz and 34.1 oz bags at select U.S. retailers, the chocolates blend nostalgia and fun for Pokémon fans and chocolate lovers alike.
ONE and Hershey’s Launch Double Chocolate Protein Bar, Backed by Bryson DeChambeau

ONE Brands and Hershey's have teamed up to launch the new ONE x Hershey’s Double Chocolate protein bar, featuring 18g of protein and just 1g of sugar. The bar uses real Hershey’s cocoa and chips, combining indulgence with performance. Pro golfer Bryson DeChambeau is endorsing the product, aligning it with his fitness and golf regimen. To promote the launch, ONE is running the “Double or ONEthing Challenge” during DeChambeau’s June tournament — if he scores another hole-in-one, fans can claim a free bar on June 16. The product is currently in select markets, with nationwide availability coming soon.
Hershey Unveils Caramel-Filled Milk Chocolate Bar Just in Time for Summer S'mores Season

The Hershey Company has launched a limited-edition HERSHEY’S Milk Chocolate with Caramel bar, blending its classic milk chocolate with a gooey caramel center. Just in time for summer, the new bar is designed to elevate s'mores with added melt and indulgence.

Available now in 6-packs at retailers nationwide, this seasonal treat promises to bring a sweet twist to campfire gatherings and backyard marshmallow roasts. Hershey says it’s the perfect mix of tradition and innovation, with a caramel drip that takes s'mores “from great to legendary.”
The product will only be available for a limited time while supplies last.
Hershey Shareholders Approve All Proposals at 2025 Annual Meeting

The Hershey Company held its 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders on May 6, where all proposals received strong shareholder support. All nominated directors were elected, Ernst & Young LLP was ratified as independent auditor, executive compensation was approved on an advisory basis, and the company’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation was adopted.

Notably, CEO Michele Buck was re-elected with over 647 million votes in favor. The advisory "say-on-pay" resolution passed with over 625 million votes supporting executive compensation, and shareholders approved the amended certificate of incorporation with nearly 654 million votes in favor.

Excerpt:
Hershey shareholders approved all agenda items, including board elections, auditor ratification, executive compensation, and corporate charter amendments, with strong majorities across the board.
The Board of Directors of The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) today announced quarterly dividends of $1.370 on the Common Stock and $1.245 on the Class B Common Stock. The dividends were declared April 30, 2025, and are payable June 16, 2025, to stockholders of record as of May 16, 2025. It is the 381st consecutive regular dividend on the Common Stock and the 162nd consecutive regular dividend on the Class B Common Stock.
Hershey Company reported first-quarter 2025 financial results showing declines in revenue and profit due to lower volumes and increased costs.

Key financials for Q1 2025 compared to Q1 2024:

- Net sales were $2.81 billion, a decrease of 13.8 percent.
- Organic, constant currency net sales declined 13.2 percent.
- Reported net income was $224 million, down 71.7 percent.
- Reported earnings per share (diluted) were $1.10, compared to $3.89 last year.
- Adjusted EPS was $2.09, a decline of 31.9 percent.
- Gross margin fell to 33.7 percent from 51.5 percent.
- Adjusted gross margin was 41.2 percent, down 370 basis points.
- Operating profit declined 65.1 percent to $369 million.
- Adjusted operating profit was $608 million, down 29.4 percent.

Segment performance:

- North America Confectionery net sales decreased 15.0 percent, driven by volume declines tied to prior-year inventory timing, the later Easter, and fewer shipping days. Segment profit was down 26.6 percent.
- North America Salty Snacks sales rose 1.0 percent, supported by strong performance from Dot’s Pretzels and SkinnyPop. Segment profit increased 8.1 percent.
- International segment sales dropped 15.9 percent, mostly due to reduced volume and currency impacts. Segment profit declined 32.9 percent.

Outlook for 2025:

- Net sales growth is expected to be at least 2 percent.
- Adjusted EPS is projected between $6.00 and $6.18, reflecting a mid-30 percent decline.
- Tariff expenses in Q2 are estimated at $15 to $20 million.
- Capital expenditures are expected to be between $425 million and $450 million.
- The company aims for $125 million in cost savings through its automation and agility initiative.
- Reported and adjusted effective tax rates are expected to be approximately 16 percent.

Main headwinds in Q1 included derivative mark-to-market losses, increased input costs, and volume softness. The company reaffirmed its full-year guidance despite ongoing tariff uncertainty.
The Hershey Company Announces Amendments to Corporate Bylaws
HERSHEY, PA – March 4, 2025 – The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) has announced amendments to its corporate bylaws, which were approved by the Board of Directors and are effective immediately. These changes are intended to enhance corporate governance and align with best practices.

Key Amendments to the Bylaws
1. Independent Chairman of the Board Requirement
The Chairman of the Board must be an independent director.
However, Michele G. Buck (current Chairman and CEO) may continue to hold both positions for as long as she remains a director and CEO.
2. Majority Voting Standard for Director Elections
Uncontested elections: Each director nominee must receive a majority of votes cast to be elected.
Voting Breakdown:
Common Stock Holders (Voting Separately): A nominee must receive more FOR votes than AGAINST votes to be elected.
Common & Class B Common Stock Holders (Voting Together): A nominee must receive more FOR votes than AGAINST votes to be elected.
3. Director Resignation Policy
Incumbent directors who receive more AGAINST votes than FOR votes must offer their resignation.
The Board (excluding the affected director) will determine within 90 days whether to accept the resignation based on a recommendation from the Governance Committee.
The company will disclose the decision in an SEC Form 8-K filing, including any reasons for rejecting the resignation.
Corporate Governance Commitment
These amendments reflect Hershey’s commitment to strong corporate governance, ensuring accountability and transparency in director elections and leadership structure.
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