Market News

With the DOJ expected to approve the $110 billion Hollywood megamerger, political concerns over turmoil at Paramount’s CBS may push Democratic AGs to act, experts say.

The U.S. economy may be more fragile than a raging bull market suggests.

Also: A way to invest in SpaceX before its IPO and advice from the Moneyist.

As work crews put up a temporary arena on the White House grounds for an Ultimate Fighting Club event next month tied to America’s 250th anniversary, supporters and critics of the event are in agreement that its prime placement in front of an American icon is an unprecedented opportunity for a company.

Dell’s blowout earnings report is highlighting how the AI buildout is also driving demand for old-school computing.

Even stocks in the beleaguered software industry have been on fire.

ServiceNow shares are up 40% this month, leading an industrywide relief rally among enterprise software companies.

Index funds popular with retirement plans are poised to buy SpaceX’s stock rocket-fast.

When newly public companies have been valued as richly as SpaceX, OpenAI and Anthropic seem likely to be, the outlook for ordinary investors has been poor.

Many of the ships stranded in the Persian Gulf depend on coverage negotiated at Lloyd’s, the center of marine insurance for more than 300 years.

United Super Pty Ltd, on behalf of the Construction & Building Unions Superannuation Fund, invested $15.52 million in Citizens Financial Group by acquiring 265,671 shares in Q4. Citizens Financial Group exceeded Q1 earnings expectations, reporting an EPS of $1.13 and revenue up 12% year-over-year. The company maintains a "Moderate Buy" consensus rating from analysts, with an average price target of $70.88.

United Super Pty Ltd, acting as Trustee for the Construction & Building Unions Superannuation Fund, has made a new investment of $11.72 million in Global Payments Inc., acquiring 151,370 shares. This investment gives the fund approximately 0.06% ownership in Global Payments. The stock continues to show mixed institutional and analyst sentiment, despite the company recently beating earnings and revenue estimates and announcing a quarterly dividend.

National Pension Service has increased its stake in The Boeing Company by 2.9% in the fourth quarter, acquiring an additional 43,983 shares. This raises their total holdings to 1,572,206 shares, valued at $341,357,000. Other hedge funds and institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in Boeing, with insider activity also reported.

Inspire Trust Co. N.A. reduced its stake in Citigroup Inc. by 12.5% in the fourth quarter, selling 10,000 shares and retaining 70,000 shares valued at approximately $8.17 million. This comes as Citigroup reported strong quarterly results, beating EPS and revenue estimates, and authorized a significant $30 billion share buyback program. Analysts generally maintain a "Moderate Buy" rating for Citigroup with an average target price of $137.62.

Jupiter Asset Management Ltd. reduced its stake in The Charles Schwab Corporation (SCHW) by 10.6% in the fourth quarter, selling 94,166 shares and retaining 797,358 shares valued at approximately $79.7 million. Charles Schwab reported strong earnings, beating analyst estimates with $1.43 EPS on $6.48 billion in revenue, showing significant year-over-year growth. Despite recent insider selling, analysts maintain a "Moderate Buy" rating with an average price target of $114.30 for SCHW.

Jupiter Asset Management Ltd. significantly increased its stake in Bank of America Corporation, purchasing nearly 2 million additional shares in the fourth quarter to hold a total of 2.52 million shares valued at about $138.4 million. This move comes as Bank of America reported strong earnings, exceeding expectations with quarterly EPS of $1.11 and revenue up 10.7% year over year. Despite recent insider selling, analysts maintain a "Moderate Buy" rating with an average target price of $61.06, and the company announced a quarterly dividend of $0.28 per share.

Ilmarinen Mutual Pension Insurance Co decreased its stake in PepsiCo by 7.1% in Q4, now holding 227,500 shares valued at $32.65 million. Wall Street analysts generally rate PepsiCo as "Hold" with an average target price of $170.11, despite the company reporting better-than-expected earnings and raising its dividend to $1.48 per share. The stock has seen mixed performance, with positive sentiment from its dividend increase and recent earnings, but concerns linger regarding inflation and margin pressures.

Intech Investment Management LLC significantly increased its stake in Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:C) by 115.6% during the fourth quarter, bringing their total holdings to 370,671 shares valued at $43,254,000. Other institutional investors like CFS Investment Advisory Services LLC, Foundations Investment Advisors LLC, and Baker Avenue Asset Management LP also adjusted their positions, with insider selling by Edward Skyler and John Cunningham Dugan also noted. Analysts generally maintain a "Moderate Buy" rating for Citigroup, forecasting positive revenue growth and recent earnings beats contributing to a favorable outlook.

Intech Investment Management LLC significantly increased its stake in Bank Of Montreal (BMO) by 69.5% in the fourth quarter, now holding 233,814 shares valued at $30.41 million. Other institutional investors like Vanguard Group Inc. and Canerector Inc. also boosted their holdings. The bank recently reported strong Q2 2026 results with increased earnings and a dividend hike, leading to positive analyst sentiment, though some caution was noted regarding credit data.

Intech Investment Management LLC increased its stake in Vistra Corp. (NYSE:VST) by 34.4% in the fourth quarter, acquiring an additional 48,378 shares, bringing its total to 188,921 shares valued at $30,479,000. Other institutional investors also adjusted their positions in Vistra, which analysts largely rate as a "Buy" with a consensus target price of $233.33. The company recently reported strong earnings, topping estimates, and announced an increase in its quarterly dividend.

Kingsview Wealth Management LLC significantly increased its stake in Duke Energy Corporation, purchasing an additional 8,761 shares, bringing their total to 62,308 shares valued at $7.3 million. This increase follows Duke Energy's strong Q1 performance, exceeding revenue and EPS estimates, and comes amidst a "Moderate Buy" analyst rating with an average price target of $139.07. Despite recent insider selling, institutional ownership remains high, and the company declared a quarterly dividend of $1.065 per share.

Jefferies Financial Group Inc. significantly reduced its stake in Deere & Company, selling 5,463 shares, which cut their position by 66.1% in the fourth quarter. Despite this, Deere's recent earnings exceeded expectations with an EPS of $6.55 and revenue of $13.37 billion, and the company announced a quarterly dividend of $1.62 per share. Wall Street analysts maintain a "Moderate Buy" consensus rating with an average price target of $638.08, though some concerns persist regarding margin pressure and agricultural market weakness.

Kingsview Wealth Management LLC increased its stake in Verizon Communications Inc. by 21.7% in the fourth quarter, bringing its total holdings to 163,411 shares valued at approximately $6.66 million. Verizon reported strong financial results, with earnings of $1.28 per share and revenue of $34.44 billion, exceeding analyst expectations. Despite an insider sale, the stock holds a "Moderate Buy" consensus rating with an average price target of $50.59, supported by positive sentiment surrounding its dividend, cash flow, and role in 5G/AI connectivity.

Legal & General Group Plc reduced its stake in Jacobs Solutions Inc. by 14.3% in the fourth quarter, selling 124,572 shares and retaining 749,103 shares valued at $99.2 million. Despite this, Jacobs Solutions reported strong quarterly results, beating EPS estimates and showing 8.9% revenue growth, while also reiterating positive FY 2026 guidance and announcing a quarterly dividend. Analyst sentiment for the company remains a "Moderate Buy" with an average target price of $153.40.

Jefferies Financial Group Inc. reduced its stake in The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc (NYSE:PNC) by 45.4% in the fourth quarter, selling 4,671 shares. Additionally, director Andrew T. Feldstein sold 45,000 shares, decreasing his position by over 80%. Despite the insider selling, PNC reported strong financial results, surpassing EPS estimates and increasing revenue by 13.1% year-over-year, alongside a healthy dividend payout.

J. M. Smucker is employing entertainment tie-ins, such as the Milk-Bone Krypto treats for the Supergirl film, to maintain the relevance of its legacy brands and appeal to institutional investors. Despite these marketing efforts, the company faces significant challenges with shrinking operating margins and flat sales volumes. Investors are closely watching whether these brand initiatives can translate into sustained volume growth and improved margins, which are crucial for the company's profitability and investment narrative.

Granite Construction (GVA) faces potential downside as demand driven by the IIJA is expected to peak and its funding expires in September 2026. This fading tailwind, coupled with declining backlog, could lead to a reversal in revenue and margin growth post-FY27, impacting profitability. The company's recent M&A activity near the cycle peak may involve overpaying for targets, and its valuation appears stretched, with projections of a 19-26% decline as EV/EBITDA multiples normalize.

FUKOKU MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE Co significantly reduced its stake in The Home Depot, selling 43,568 shares and ending with 3,834 shares valued at approximately $1.32 million. This comes as Home Depot reported Q1 earnings that surpassed expectations and announced a quarterly dividend of $2.33 per share. Analysts generally maintain a "Moderate Buy" rating for the stock with a consensus price target of $371.39.

“Backrooms,” a psychological horror flick opening this weekend, is part of a wave of breakout films from fledgling directors who honed their instincts on YouTube.

Oracle's shares jumped over 6% after Snowflake reported strong earnings, challenging the "SaaSpocalypse" narrative that AI would threaten legacy software. Snowflake's results demonstrated that AI is driving consumption, with its AI accounts rising significantly and its CFO identifying AI as a major revenue driver, leading to a broader rally in enterprise software stocks. Despite recent volatility, Oracle has shown long-term appreciation, though its stock remains below its 52-week high.

For two retailers that both saw their stock slide by a double-digit percentage after earnings, what may be most surprising is that executives at both Gap and American Eagle Outfitters say nothing is wrong with the economy.

Fideuram Asset Management Ireland dac initiated a new position in Walmart Inc. (NASDAQ:WMT) during the fourth quarter, acquiring 65,755 shares valued at approximately $7.33 million. This comes as Walmart maintains a "Moderate Buy" consensus rating from analysts, with a target price of $138.71, following a solid latest quarter where EPS matched estimates and revenue exceeded expectations. The company also raised its FY2027 guidance, reflecting positive operational momentum.

The Zacks Mining - Gold industry is facing significant pressure due to falling gold prices, rising costs, and labor shortages, with gold having slipped below $4,400 per ounce. Despite these headwinds, Zacks Equity Research highlights five companies—Franco-Nevada Corp., Harmony Gold, Novagold Resources, DRDGOLD Ltd., and Idaho Strategic Resources, Inc.—as well-positioned for growth. These companies are bolstered by strong balance sheets, strategic growth initiatives, and in some cases, strong operational performance and earnings growth forecasts.

Oil prices and stock markets fluctuated as investors assessed tentative signs of a pact to extend a cease-fire.

Geode Capital Management LLC has significantly increased its stake in Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. by 2.3% during the fourth quarter, now holding 7.05 million shares valued at approximately $1.96 billion. This move comes as Royal Caribbean reported strong earnings, beating EPS estimates, and an 11.3% year-over-year revenue increase, leading the company to raise its guidance for Q2 and full-year 2026. Analyst sentiment for Royal Caribbean remains largely positive, with a "Moderate Buy" consensus rating and several price target increases, supported by favorable industry news and lower fuel costs.

Shares of NVR Inc (US62944B1052) have remained steady above USD 6,100 despite missing Q1 2026 earnings expectations. The U.S. homebuilder reported an EPS of USD 67.76 against an analyst consensus of USD 79.97, leading to a reassessment of growth expectations by the market. Investors are weighing the company's long-term demand profile and capital allocation against nearer-term financial dynamics, with the next major event expected to be the Q2 2026 earnings report, tentatively scheduled for July 22, 2026.

Fifth Third Bancorp (NASDAQ:FITB) has received a consensus "Moderate Buy" rating from 21 brokerages, with an average 12-month price target of $57.19. The bank recently reported an EPS of $0.83, surpassing estimates, though revenue was slightly below forecasts. The article also notes a quarterly dividend of $0.40 per share and recent insider share sales by two executives.

CFC Planning Co LLC significantly increased its stake in Apple Inc. ($AAPL) during the fourth quarter, making it their largest holding. This move comes as Apple reported strong financial results, including beating EPS and revenue estimates, and increasing its quarterly dividend. The company's stock is trading near its 12-month high, fueled by optimism surrounding its AI roadmap and overall growth prospects.

Cullen Frost Bankers Inc. reduced its stake in JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 5.4% in the fourth quarter, selling 19,534 shares and retaining 344,281 shares valued at approximately $110.9 million. This adjustment makes JPMorgan Chase & Co. its 20th largest position, accounting for 1.2% of its total holdings. The financial services provider recently reported strong quarterly results with an EPS of $5.94 and a 10% year-over-year revenue increase, while analysts maintain a "Moderate Buy" consensus rating.

Clearwater Paper Corp (CLW) shares remained steady this week as investors assessed the company's latest quarterly figures and valuation metrics. The stock, trading in the mid-teens USD, reflects a modest price-to-earnings ratio and an EV-to-EBITDA multiple below larger peers, indicating cautious market sentiment on cyclicality and scale. The company's focus remains on optimizing manufacturing, improving productivity, and managing capital allocation, with future earnings and strategic updates anticipated to clarify its medium-term outlook.

Allstate Corp significantly increased its holdings in Old Dominion Freight Line by 89.1% in the fourth quarter, now owning 12,776 shares valued at approximately $2.0 million. The transportation company reported better-than-expected earnings of $1.14 EPS on $1.33 billion in revenue, and it announced a quarterly dividend of $0.29 per share. Analysts currently have a "Hold" consensus rating for the stock with an average price target of $206.29.

RTX's recent defense contracts for next-generation naval radar software and composable rocket motors, along with deliveries of the Lightweight Command Launch Unit, underscore its strategic shift towards modular, software-driven weapon systems. This move reinforces the company's existing investment narrative of a strong, tech-heavy defense backlog, but doesn't change the immediate focus on overcoming execution risks in engine programs. While this approach supports long-term growth and potential for a $215.27 fair value, investors should also consider the risk of shifting defense budgets away from large hardware initiatives.

Cintas (CTAS) has experienced a pullback in its stock price, prompting a re-evaluation of its valuation. While a Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) analysis suggests it's fairly valued with a slight discount, a Price-to-Earnings (P/E) comparison indicates it's currently overvalued compared to industry averages. The article presents bull and bear case narratives, with varying fair value estimates, to help investors gauge the stock's potential.

Cerence Inc. shares experienced a modest decline on Nasdaq after investors processed the company's fiscal Q2 2026 results and updated outlook for its automotive software business. The company posted Q2 2026 revenue of USD 80.0 million and highlighted ongoing efforts to stabilize revenue amid automotive industry transitions. Future stock performance will likely depend on sentiment surrounding automotive production and the broader valuation of software suppliers to the sector.

Commerce Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ:CBSH) has received an average "Hold" rating from analysts, with a consensus 1-year price target of approximately $59.30. The company recently reported Q1 earnings that surpassed estimates at $0.96 per share, though revenue slightly missed expectations at $475.69 million. CBSH also declared a quarterly dividend of $0.275 per share, resulting in an annualized yield of about 2.1%.

Goldman Sachs has downgraded Futu Holdings (FUTU) from Buy to Neutral, significantly cutting its price target due to increased regulatory uncertainty in China, including fines and required remediation for non-compliant client accounts. The downgrade also considers rising client acquisition costs in new markets and a decline in new assets under management. Despite repurchasing $160 million in American depositary shares, Futu faces operational challenges, leading to lowered financial estimates.

Acuity Brands Inc (AYI) shares saw a modest increase on the NYSE as investors analyzed the company's latest quarterly report from April 2026, focusing on its valuation metrics. The company reported on revenue, profitability, and capital allocation, noting performance in lighting, controls, and intelligent spaces segments, alongside a focus on energy-efficient solutions. Investors are weighing AYI's margin profile and growth opportunities against construction market cyclicality, using P/E and EV/EBITDA to compare it with peers, while also considering its dividend and share repurchase activities.

ICICI Bank Ltd. demonstrated significant trading activity, outperforming its sector and reversing a short-term downtrend, supported by robust value turnover and institutional interest. Despite a slight dip in delivery volumes, the bank's stock remains liquid, trading above its short-to-medium-term moving averages. A recent Mojo Grade upgrade from Sell to Hold reflects improving fundamentals and a cautiously positive outlook for the large-cap bank.

Shares of Central Garden & Pet (A) (CENTA) traded largely sideways on the Nasdaq on May 28, 2026, as investors awaited a new fundamental catalyst for the household and pet-care company. Technical analysis from StockTradersDaily highlighted the stock's consolidation phase after previous gains, emphasizing its active trading status and liquidity. The article notes that market participants are focused on technical levels and broader consumer spending trends, rather than new corporate news, as they anticipate future disclosures.

BWX Technologies Inc. (BWXT) shares have slightly pulled back on the NYSE, closing at around USD 199. This follows strong multi-year performance and comes as investors consider the company's robust nuclear-focused backlog and recent solid quarterly results. The company specializes in nuclear components and services, primarily for the U.S. government, with significant revenue growth supporting its profitability.