- Alexander Garcia
- 18 Feb, 2025
- Miami
Wall Street indexes flatlined in Tuesday's trading after investors returned from a three-day holiday.
The S&P 500 index edged up 0.1%, and the Nasdaq Composite declined 0.1%, and benchmark indexes lacked direction as investors reviewed geopolitical tensions and domestic inflation outlook.
The S&P 500 index and the Nasdaq Composite have been hovering near record highs amid optimism about earnings, macroeconomic outlook, and labor market conditions.
Despite the recent uptick in consumer and producer price inflations, investors continued to bet on the Federal Reserve to deliver at least four additional rate cuts totaling 100 basis points.
Investors are anticipating that the sustained wage increases will continue to drive consumer spending in the months ahead, despite high food prices and rising costs of shelter.
Across the Atlantic, benchmark indexes Paris and Frankfurt traded near record highs, and defense stocks rallied for the second consecutive day in the hopes that the NATO member nations will increase their security spending.
Tech stocks extended their rally for the second week in a row in Hong Kong, and China's political leaders ended their hostile attitude towards the private sector after the success of the artificial intelligence chatbot Deep Seek.
China's regulators stepped up scrutiny of the private sector in 2020 and squashed the initial public offering of Ant Group, a non-bank financing arm of Alibaba Group, amid worries of rising competition for the state-controlled local banks.
U.S. Indexes and Treasury Yields
The S&P 500 index increased 0.1% to 6,119.46, the Nasdaq Composite edged down 0.1% to 20,009.92, and the Russell 2000 index was up 0.1% to 2,290.91.
The yield on 2-year Treasury notes edged higher to 4.28%, 10-year Treasury notes increased to 4.53%, and 30-year Treasury bonds climbed to 4.73%.
WTI crude oil decreased $0.11 to $71.28 a barrel, and natural gas prices edged lower by $0.01 to $3.72 a thermal unit.
Gold increased by $31.78 to $2,940.78 an ounce, and silver edged up by $0.42 to $32.79.
The dollar index, which weighs the US currency against a basket of foreign currencies, increased 0.52 to 107.10 and traded at a two-year high.
U.S. Stock Movers
Southwest Airlines decreased 0.6% to $30.10, and the regional airline said on Monday that it plans to trim its corporate workforce by 15% in order to reduce its costs.
Delta Airlines declined 0.9% to $64.82 after the company's flight flipped upside down while landing at Toronto's main airport.
All 80 passengers and aircraft staff survived, but 18 people were reported injured.
Delta flight 4819 from Minneapolis to Toronto was carrying 76 passengers and four crew members, including 22 Canadian citizens.
The regional flight was operated by Dela's subsidiary Endeavor Air, and the aircraft was Bombardier CRJ-900.
Charles Schwab Corp. gained 1.4% to $81.48 after the financial services company reported a significant increase in new assets received during January 2025.
- Scott Peters
- 18 Feb, 2025
- New York City
Baidu Inc. dropped 2.1% to $95.45 after the Chinese search engine operator reported lower sales in the fourth quarter ending in December, despite a 26% growth in cloud revenue.
Revenue declined to RMB 19.34 billion from RMB 20.80 billion, net income increased to RMB 5.19 billion from RMB 2.60 billion, and earnings per diluted share rose to RMB 1.78 from 85 cents a year ago.
The company returned $356 million to shareholders in the quarter, bringing total repurchases to over $1 billion in 2024.
The company’s core business struggled, with online marketing revenue declining 7% from the same quarter last year, despite diversification efforts.
External ERNIE API calls marked a 178% increase, signaling a growing enterprise adoption.
Honda Motor Co. dropped 2.3% to $28.04 after the Japanese car manufacturer reported lower profit for the nine months to December 31.
Revenue increased to ¥16.33 trillion from ¥14.99 trillion, profit dropped to ¥805.26 billion from ¥869.61 billion, and earnings per diluted share fell to ¥169.69 from ¥176.78 a year ago.
The motorcycle business generated sales revenue of ¥2.71 trillion, higher than ¥2.36 trillion for the same period in 2023.
Dividends received were ¥114.69 billion, compared to ¥143.94 billion a year ago.
The company raised its full-year guidance and still expects to pay an annual total dividend of ¥68 per share.
Fannie Mae gained 0.4% to $7.09 after the mortgage loan provider reported a slight increase in full-year 2024 revenue, while net income dropped.
Revenue increased to $29.07 billion from $29.05 billion, and net income declined to $16.98 billion from $17.41 billion a year ago.
The single-family segment reported net income of $14.4 billion, a decrease of $425 million compared to 2023, but single-family acquisition volume advanced 3% for the year.
The multifamily segment reported net income of $2.5 billion, consistent with year 2023, and the company acquired approximately $55 billion in multifamily loans last year, up 4% from 2023.
Fannie Mae expects slower home price growth in 2025, compared to the rate of the household income increase, helping to gradually improve affordability for homebuyers.
Charles Schwab Corp. gained 1.2% to $81.32 after the financial services company reported a significant increase in new assets received during January 2025.
In January, new and existing clients brought in core net new assets worth $30.6 billion, or a 75% increase from a year ago.
Total client assets equaled $10.33 trillion, up 21% from January 2024 and up 2% compared to December 2024.
New brokerage accounts opened during the month totaled 433,000, an increase of 18% versus January 2024.
January daily average trades increased by 7% month-over-month to 7.37 million, driven by sustained market engagement.
- Inga Muller
- 18 Feb, 2025
- Frankfurt
European markets traded around recent highs despite lingering economic uncertainties.
The UK jobless rate held steady at 4.4% in the fourth quarter. France's inflation accelerated to a five-month high in January.
The DAX index decreased by 0.1% to 22,769.19, the CAC-40 index edged lower 0.3% to 8,165.08, and the FTSE 100 index declined by 0.02% to 8,765.87.
The yield on 10-year German bonds inched higher to 2.50%, French bonds increased to 3.18%, the UK gilts moved up to 4.57%, and Italian bonds edged higher to 3.55%.
Aker BP ASA dropped 1.1% to €20.38 after the Norwegian industrial investment company reported results for the fourth quarter ending in December.
Revenue decreased to $3.07 billion from $3.56 billion, and net profit from continued operations increased to $562 million from $164 million a year ago.
Profit before tax in the quarter rose to NOK 4.93 billion from NOK 584 million a year ago.
For fiscal 2025, the company estimated revenues between NOK 50 billion and NOK 55 billion, with EBITDA margins of 7.0% to 7.5%, excluding net income from OneSubsea.
OneSubsea, where Aker Solutions owns 20%, plans to distribute dividends of more than $250 million to its shareholders in 2025.
Sparebank ASA traded down 1.5% to €13.30 after the Norwegian bank reported higher net income in the fourth quarter ended in December.
Fourth-quarter net income increased to NOK 3.21 billion from NOK 2.66 billion, and pre-tax profit dropped to NOK 1.74 billion from NOK 1.81 billion a year ago.
Full-year net income increased to NOK 10.74 billion from NOK 8.74 billion, and profit before tax rose to NOK 6.41 billion from NOK 5.68 billion a year ago.
Ratos AB surged 5.6% to 39.70 krona despite the Swedish private equity company reporting slower revenue for the fourth quarter ended in December.
Net sales decreased to SEK 7.73 billion from SEK 7.96 billion, net income swung to a loss of SEK 144 million from a profit of SEK 980 million, and loss per diluted share was 71 cents compared to a positive SEK 1.45 a year ago.
The company’s Board of Directors proposed an ordinary dividend for 2024 of SEK 1.35 per class A and class B share, payable on April 2 to shareholders on record as of March 28.
Intercontinental Hotels Group Plc. gained 0.7% to 10,593 pence after the British-American luxury hotel operator reported revenue growth in fiscal 2024 ending in December.
Revenue increased 6.5% to $4.92 billion from $4.62 billion, profit declined to $628 million from $750 million, and earnings per diluted share dropped to 385.3 cents from 441.2 cents a year ago.
The company raised its dividend per share by 10% to 167.6 cents from 152.3 cents a year ago.
In addition, InterContinental Hotels plans to repurchase up to $900 million of its own shares.
Antofagasta Plc. gained 1.9% to 1,871 pence after the mining company reported revenue growth in fiscal 2024.
Revenue increased to $6.61 billion from $6.32 billion, profit declined to $829.4 million from $835.1 million, and earnings per basic share dropped to 84.1 cents from 84.7 cents a year ago.
Total dividends to ordinary shareholders dropped to 31.4 cents per share from 36.0 cents a year ago.
Dividends paid to equity holders of the company were $317.4 million, compared to $613.2 million in 2023.
Dividends paid by subsidiaries to non-controlling shareholders were $240.0 million, compared to $388.0 million in 2023.
The company proposed a final dividend of 23.5 cents per ordinary share, or $231.7 million in total, compared to 24.3 cents per ordinary share, or $239.6 million in total, a year earlier.
Bahnhoff AB dropped 6.8% to 54.50 krona after the Swedish Internet service provider reported lower earnings in the fourth quarter ending in December.
Net turnover increased 6.3% to SEK 515.1 million from SEK 484.8 million, net income declined 13.6% to SEK 50.3 million from SEK 58.2 million, and earnings per share dropped 13% to 47 cents from 54 cents a year ago.
The proposed ordinary dividend is unchanged at SEK 2.0 per share.
For the full year 2025, the broadband company estimated a turnover of SEK 2.2 billion, compared to SEK 2.12 billion a year ago, and an operating margin of 12%, compared to 13.3% in 2024.
Capgemini SE plunged 7.5% to €171.50 after the French information technology services and consulting company reported a 1.9% revenue decline for fiscal year 2024.
Revenue decreased to €22.10 billion from €22.52 billion, profit inched up 0.5% to €1.67 billion from €1.66 billion, and earnings per diluted share rose 1.1% to €9.47 from €9.37 a year ago.
The company proposed a dividend of €3.40 per share for approval at the shareholders’ meeting on May 7, and the corresponding payout ratio is 35% of net profit.
- Inga Muller
- 18 Feb, 2025
- Frankfurt
European markets traded around recent highs despite lingering economic uncertainties.
The UK jobless rate held steady at 4.4% in the fourth quarter. France's inflation accelerated to a five-month high in January.
The DAX index decreased by 0.1% to 22,769.19, the CAC-40 index edged lower 0.3% to 8,165.08, and the FTSE 100 index declined by 0.02% to 8,765.87.
The yield on 10-year German bonds inched higher to 2.50%, French bonds increased to 3.18%, the UK gilts moved up to 4.57%, and Italian bonds edged higher to 3.55%.
Aker BP ASA dropped 1.1% to €20.38 after the Norwegian industrial investment company reported results for the fourth quarter ending in December.
Revenue decreased to $3.07 billion from $3.56 billion, and net profit from continued operations increased to $562 million from $164 million a year ago.
Profit before tax in the quarter rose to NOK 4.93 billion from NOK 584 million a year ago.
For fiscal 2025, the company estimated revenues between NOK 50 billion and NOK 55 billion, with EBITDA margins of 7.0% to 7.5%, excluding net income from OneSubsea.
OneSubsea, where Aker Solutions owns 20%, plans to distribute dividends of more than $250 million to its shareholders in 2025.
Sparebank ASA traded down 1.5% to €13.30 after the Norwegian bank reported higher net income in the fourth quarter ended in December.
Fourth-quarter net income increased to NOK 3.21 billion from NOK 2.66 billion, and pre-tax profit dropped to NOK 1.74 billion from NOK 1.81 billion a year ago.
Full-year net income increased to NOK 10.74 billion from NOK 8.74 billion, and profit before tax rose to NOK 6.41 billion from NOK 5.68 billion a year ago.
Ratos AB surged 5.6% to 39.70 krona despite the Swedish private equity company reporting slower revenue for the fourth quarter ended in December.
Net sales decreased to SEK 7.73 billion from SEK 7.96 billion, net income swung to a loss of SEK 144 million from a profit of SEK 980 million, and loss per diluted share was 71 cents compared to a positive SEK 1.45 a year ago.
The company’s Board of Directors proposed an ordinary dividend for 2024 of SEK 1.35 per class A and class B share, payable on April 2 to shareholders on record as of March 28.
Intercontinental Hotels Group Plc. gained 0.7% to 10,593 pence after the British-American luxury hotel operator reported revenue growth in fiscal 2024 ending in December.
Revenue increased 6.5% to $4.92 billion from $4.62 billion, profit declined to $628 million from $750 million, and earnings per diluted share dropped to 385.3 cents from 441.2 cents a year ago.
The company raised its dividend per share by 10% to 167.6 cents from 152.3 cents a year ago.
In addition, InterContinental Hotels plans to repurchase up to $900 million of its own shares.
Antofagasta Plc. gained 1.9% to 1,871 pence after the mining company reported revenue growth in fiscal 2024.
Revenue increased to $6.61 billion from $6.32 billion, profit declined to $829.4 million from $835.1 million, and earnings per basic share dropped to 84.1 cents from 84.7 cents a year ago.
Total dividends to ordinary shareholders dropped to 31.4 cents per share from 36.0 cents a year ago.
Dividends paid to equity holders of the company were $317.4 million, compared to $613.2 million in 2023.
Dividends paid by subsidiaries to non-controlling shareholders were $240.0 million, compared to $388.0 million in 2023.
The company proposed a final dividend of 23.5 cents per ordinary share, or $231.7 million in total, compared to 24.3 cents per ordinary share, or $239.6 million in total, a year earlier.
Bahnhoff AB dropped 6.8% to 54.50 krona after the Swedish Internet service provider reported lower earnings in the fourth quarter ending in December.
Net turnover increased 6.3% to SEK 515.1 million from SEK 484.8 million, net income declined 13.6% to SEK 50.3 million from SEK 58.2 million, and earnings per share dropped 13% to 47 cents from 54 cents a year ago.
The proposed ordinary dividend is unchanged at SEK 2.0 per share.
For the full year 2025, the broadband company estimated a turnover of SEK 2.2 billion, compared to SEK 2.12 billion a year ago, and an operating margin of 12%, compared to 13.3% in 2024.
Capgemini SE plunged 7.5% to €171.50 after the French information technology services and consulting company reported a 1.9% revenue decline for fiscal year 2024.
Revenue decreased to €22.10 billion from €22.52 billion, profit inched up 0.5% to €1.67 billion from €1.66 billion, and earnings per diluted share rose 1.1% to €9.47 from €9.37 a year ago.
The company proposed a dividend of €3.40 per share for approval at the shareholders’ meeting on May 7, and the corresponding payout ratio is 35% of net profit.
- Bridgette Randall
- 18 Feb, 2025
- London
Stock market indexes across Europe wavered around the flatline as investors reviewed another batch of earnings and bid up defense stocks.
Benchmark indexes in Paris, Frankfurt, and London edged up, and defense sector stocks advanced for the second consecutive day.
Defense stocks were in focus amid growing chatter in diplomatic circles in the region that the European Union member nations should pay for a larger share of security expenses.
Saab AB, BAE Systems, Dassault Aviation, ThyssenKrupp, MTU Aero Engines, Rheinmetall, Safran, and Airbus jumped between 1% and 3% for the second consecutive session.
Despite market jitters over the last three weeks, benchmark indexes in Germany and in the UK have hovered near record highs amid rate cut optimism and earnings outlook for leading export-driven companies.
On the economic front, France's consumer price inflation rose to a five-month high of 1.7% in January from 1.3% in December, according to France's statistical office, INSEE.
The jobless rate in the UK in the fourth quarter held steady at 4.4%, according to the latest data released by the Office for National Statistics.
Average weekly earnings excluding bonuses rose 5.9% from a year ago, driven by a 6.2% rise in the private sector.
Europe Indexes and Yields
The DAX index decreased by 0.1% to 22,769.19, the CAC-40 index edged lower 0.3% to 8,165.08, and the FTSE 100 index declined by 0.02% to 8,765.87.
The yield on 10-year German bonds inched higher to 2.50%, French bonds increased to 3.18%, the UK gilts moved up to 4.57%, and Italian bonds edged higher to 3.55%.
The euro decreased to $1.04; the British pound was lower at $1.26; and the U.S. dollar was lower and traded at 90.05 Swiss cents.
Brent crude increased $0.44 to $75.65 a barrel, and the Dutch TTF natural gas was lower by €0.32 to €47.36 per MWh.
Europe Stock Movers
Renault SA edged up 0.2% to €52.48 after the French automaker signed a framework agreement with the China-based Geely Automobile to develop a market for electric vehicles in Brazil.
European and Asian electric vehicle makers are looking to alternative markets amid still trade barriers and import tax of more than 100% in the U.S.
Capgemini SE plunged 9.9% to €168.40 after the information technology services provider reported a 2% decline in annual constant currency sales.
Antofagasta plc jumped 2.4% to 1,880.50 pence after the Chile-based mining company said 2024 revenue increased 4% and operating income margin expanded to 52%.
BHP Group Ltd. declined 0.3% to 2,084.0 pence after the Australia-based mining company reported a decline in interim profit.
CTS Eventim AG advanced 4.5% to €105.0 after the company said its 2024 revenue soared 19%, driven by gains in its ticketing and live event segments.
- Bridgette Randall
- 18 Feb, 2025
- London
Stock market indexes across Europe wavered around the flatline as investors reviewed another batch of earnings and bid up defense stocks.
Benchmark indexes in Paris, Frankfurt, and London edged up, and defense sector stocks advanced for the second consecutive day.
Defense stocks were in focus amid growing chatter in diplomatic circles in the region that the European Union member nations should pay for a larger share of security expenses.
Saab AB, BAE Systems, Dassault Aviation, ThyssenKrupp, MTU Aero Engines, Rheinmetall, Safran, and Airbus jumped between 1% and 3% for the second consecutive session.
Despite market jitters over the last three weeks, benchmark indexes in Germany and in the UK have hovered near record highs amid rate cut optimism and earnings outlook for leading export-driven companies.
On the economic front, France's consumer price inflation rose to a five-month high of 1.7% in January from 1.3% in December, according to France's statistical office, INSEE.
The jobless rate in the UK in the fourth quarter held steady at 4.4%, according to the latest data released by the Office for National Statistics.
Average weekly earnings excluding bonuses rose 5.9% from a year ago, driven by a 6.2% rise in the private sector.
Europe Indexes and Yields
The DAX index decreased by 0.1% to 22,769.19, the CAC-40 index edged lower 0.3% to 8,165.08, and the FTSE 100 index declined by 0.02% to 8,765.87.
The yield on 10-year German bonds inched higher to 2.50%, French bonds increased to 3.18%, the UK gilts moved up to 4.57%, and Italian bonds edged higher to 3.55%.
The euro decreased to $1.04; the British pound was lower at $1.26; and the U.S. dollar was lower and traded at 90.05 Swiss cents.
Brent crude increased $0.44 to $75.65 a barrel, and the Dutch TTF natural gas was lower by €0.32 to €47.36 per MWh.
Europe Stock Movers
Renault SA edged up 0.2% to €52.48 after the French automaker signed a framework agreement with the China-based Geely Automobile to develop a market for electric vehicles in Brazil.
European and Asian electric vehicle makers are looking to alternative markets amid still trade barriers and import tax of more than 100% in the U.S.
Capgemini SE plunged 9.9% to €168.40 after the information technology services provider reported a 2% decline in annual constant currency sales.
Antofagasta plc jumped 2.4% to 1,880.50 pence after the Chile-based mining company said 2024 revenue increased 4% and operating income margin expanded to 52%.
BHP Group Ltd. declined 0.3% to 2,084.0 pence after the Australia-based mining company reported a decline in interim profit.
CTS Eventim AG advanced 4.5% to €105.0 after the company said its 2024 revenue soared 19%, driven by gains in its ticketing and live event segments.
- Akira Ito
- 18 Feb, 2025
- Tokyo
Stock market indexes in Tokyo extended gains for the second consecutive session amid earnings optimism and overcoming the rally in the yen.
The Nikkei 225 stock average gained as much as 0.7%, and the broader TOPIX advanced 0.5%; however, benchmark indexes trimmed early morning gains.
The yen advanced 0.3% to 151.99 against the yen as currency traders speculated that the Bank of Japan is likely to continue its rate hike campaign following the next policy meeting on March 19.
Benchmark indexes advanced in January but managed to erase those gains in February, leaving the indexes nearly unchanged after trading for seven weeks in 2025.
Market sentiment has weakened because of the ongoing threats of U.S. tariffs on Japan-made vehicles starting April 2.
Moreover, Japanese automakers are under pressure amid rising competition from Chinese companies and Japan's lagging response to the shift in the market to electric vehicles.
Japan Indexes and Stocks
The Nikkei 225 Stock Average advanced 0.3% to 39,270.40, and the broader TOPIX edged higher 0.3% to 2,775.51.
Tech stocks were among the leading gainers in Tokyo trading, and financial stocks were also in focus.
Screen Holdings jumped 2.4% to ¥10,815.0, Advantest Corp. jumped 3.2% to ¥9,503.0, and Tokyo Electron gained 1.4% to ¥25,130.0.
Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group advanced 2% to ¥2,022.0, and Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group added 0.8% to ¥3,909.0.
Kawasaki Heavy Industries advanced 4.5% to ¥7,905.0, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries gained 2.7% to ¥2,173.0, and Kanadevia Corp., formerly known as Hitachi Zosen, jumped 7.6% to ¥976.0.
Bridgestone Corp. decreased 2.8% to ¥5,874.0, despite the tiremaker announcing a $2 billion stock repurchase plan.
Consolidated revenue in the financial year 2024 ending in December increased 2.7% to 4.4 trillion yen from 4.3 trillion yen, and net income attributable to the parent company decreased 12.8% to 285.0 billion yen from 326.9 billion yen.
The company announced a cash dividend of 210 yen, an increase from 200 yen in 2023, and projected a cash dividend of 230 yen per share in the fiscal year 2025.
The company estimated fiscal 2025 consolidated revenue from continuing operations to decrease 2.3% to 4.33 trillion yen and adjusted operating income to advance 4.5% to 505.0 billion yen.
- Akira Ito
- 18 Feb, 2025
- Tokyo
Stock market indexes in Tokyo extended gains for the second consecutive session amid earnings optimism and overcoming the rally in the yen.
The Nikkei 225 stock average gained as much as 0.7%, and the broader TOPIX advanced 0.5%; however, benchmark indexes trimmed early morning gains.
The yen advanced 0.3% to 151.99 against the yen as currency traders speculated that the Bank of Japan is likely to continue its rate hike campaign following the next policy meeting on March 19.
Benchmark indexes advanced in January but managed to erase those gains in February, leaving the indexes nearly unchanged after trading for seven weeks in 2025.
Market sentiment has weakened because of the ongoing threats of U.S. tariffs on Japan-made vehicles starting April 2.
Moreover, Japanese automakers are under pressure amid rising competition from Chinese companies and Japan's lagging response to the shift in the market to electric vehicles.
Japan Indexes and Stocks
The Nikkei 225 Stock Average advanced 0.3% to 39,270.40, and the broader TOPIX edged higher 0.3% to 2,775.51.
Tech stocks were among the leading gainers in Tokyo trading, and financial stocks were also in focus.
Screen Holdings jumped 2.4% to ¥10,815.0, Advantest Corp. jumped 3.2% to ¥9,503.0, and Tokyo Electron gained 1.4% to ¥25,130.0.
Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group advanced 2% to ¥2,022.0, and Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group added 0.8% to ¥3,909.0.
Kawasaki Heavy Industries advanced 4.5% to ¥7,905.0, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries gained 2.7% to ¥2,173.0, and Kanadevia Corp., formerly known as Hitachi Zosen, jumped 7.6% to ¥976.0.
Bridgestone Corp. decreased 2.8% to ¥5,874.0, despite the tiremaker announcing a $2 billion stock repurchase plan.
Consolidated revenue in the financial year 2024 ending in December increased 2.7% to 4.4 trillion yen from 4.3 trillion yen, and net income attributable to the parent company decreased 12.8% to 285.0 billion yen from 326.9 billion yen.
The company announced a cash dividend of 210 yen, an increase from 200 yen in 2023, and projected a cash dividend of 230 yen per share in the fiscal year 2025.
The company estimated fiscal 2025 consolidated revenue from continuing operations to decrease 2.3% to 4.33 trillion yen and adjusted operating income to advance 4.5% to 505.0 billion yen.
- Li Chen
- 18 Feb, 2025
- Hong Kong
Stock market indexes in China and Hong Kong erased morning gains, and investors questioned the recent surge in indexes.
The Hang Seng index gained more than 1%, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 index extended losses of the session in the final hours of trading.
China's leaders stepped up verbal support of the private sector after the success of the affordable artificial intelligence chatbot Deep Seek.
China's leaders offered to relax supervision and encourage faster development of the advanced technologies after cracking down on Alibaba Group and forcing the company to cancel the public offering of its unit, Ant Group.
The reversal in the government sentiment comes after five years of a tight-fisted approach with the private sector, starting with the crackdown on tutoring service providers and non-bank financial services providers.
In the year so far, as of the close of Tuesday, the Hang Seng index advanced 16.1%, and the Hang Seng Tech index jumped 21.5% from the low in January, signaling the bull market in leading technology companies.
China Indexes and Stocks
The Hang Seng index advanced 1.1% to 22,873.32 and the mainland-focused CSI 300 index inched lower 0.3% to 3,936.26.
Alibaba Group jumped 1.8% to HK $124.40, Tencent Holding jumped 1% to HK $498.20, JD.com declined 1.3% to HK $155.10, Meituan gained 1.1% to HK $170.80.
BYD gained 2.2% to HK $363.20, Geely Automobile Holdings advanced 3.2% to HK $17.56, Xiaomi Corp. jumped 4.5% to HK $47.25.
- Li Chen
- 18 Feb, 2025
- Hong Kong
Stock market indexes in China and Hong Kong erased morning gains, and investors questioned the recent surge in indexes.
The Hang Seng index gained more than 1%, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 index extended losses of the session in the final hours of trading.
China's leaders stepped up verbal support of the private sector after the success of the affordable artificial intelligence chatbot Deep Seek.
China's leaders offered to relax supervision and encourage faster development of the advanced technologies after cracking down on Alibaba Group and forcing the company to cancel the public offering of its unit, Ant Group.
The reversal in the government sentiment comes after five years of a tight-fisted approach with the private sector, starting with the crackdown on tutoring service providers and non-bank financial services providers.
In the year so far, as of the close of Tuesday, the Hang Seng index advanced 16.1%, and the Hang Seng Tech index jumped 21.5% from the low in January, signaling the bull market in leading technology companies.
China Indexes and Stocks
The Hang Seng index advanced 1.1% to 22,873.32 and the mainland-focused CSI 300 index inched lower 0.3% to 3,936.26.
Alibaba Group jumped 1.8% to HK $124.40, Tencent Holding jumped 1% to HK $498.20, JD.com declined 1.3% to HK $155.10, Meituan gained 1.1% to HK $170.80.
BYD gained 2.2% to HK $363.20, Geely Automobile Holdings advanced 3.2% to HK $17.56, Xiaomi Corp. jumped 4.5% to HK $47.25.
- Inga Muller
- 17 Feb, 2025
- Frankfurt
Benchmark indexes in Europe jumped nearly 1%, driven by a surge in defense stocks in Europe.
The DAX index increased by 0.9% to 22,713.24, the CAC-40 index edged higher 0.04% to 8,181.49, and the FTSE 100 index increased by 0.2% to 8,753.54.
The yield on 10-year German bonds inched higher to 2.48%, French bonds increased to 3.17%, the UK gilts moved up to 4.59%, and Italian bonds edged higher to 3.55%.
Delivery Hero SE gained 2.4% to €30.30 after Germany’s online food ordering and delivery company reported fourth quarter and fiscal year 2024 results.
Revenue in 2024 increased 22% to €12.8 billion from €10.5 billion, and adjusted EBITDA swung to a loss of €750 million from a profit of €254 million a year ago.
Total segment revenue in the fourth quarter rose to €3.52 billion from €2.67 billion a year ago, supported by strong growth in Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, and the Americas.
In Asia, the gross merchandise volumes dropped 11.2% in the quarter and 7.7% in the full year.
For fiscal 2025, Delivery Hero estimated gross merchandise volumes to increase between 8% and 10%, total segment revenue to increase between 17% and 19%, and adjusted EBITDA between €975 million and €1.02 billion.
The company plans to buy back approximately €1.0 billion of convertible bonds due in 2025, 2026, and 2027.
Euronext NV jumped 2.2% to €118.30 after the European bourse operator reported revenue growth in the fourth quarter ending in December.
Revenue in fiscal 2024 increased 10.3% to €1.63 billion from €1.47 billion, net income climbed 14% to €682.5 million from €584.7 million, and earnings per diluted share rose 16.6% to €5.63 from €4.83 a year ago.
The company proposed a dividend of €292.8 million, an increase of 14% from 2023 and 50% of 2024 reported net income, for the shareholder approval at the annual general meeting scheduled on May 15.
Last year, Euronext announced a share repurchase program for a maximum amount of €300 million, effective through November 2025.
Revenue in the fourth quarter increased 11.1% to €415.8 million from €374.1 million, net income jumped 10.8% to €144.6 million from €130.6 million, and earnings per diluted share rose 12.1% to €1.39 from €1.24 a year ago.
Tate & Lyle Plc. dropped 2.2% to 577 pence after the British food ingredients provider lowered its 2025 revenue guidance.
For the year ending March 31, excluding CP Kelco, the company estimated revenue in constant currency in the mid-single-digit percent lower and for EBITDA growth to be towards the lower end of guidance between 4% and 7%.
For the three months ending in December, group revenue increased 14% to £423 million, supported by strong growth in the company’s sucralose segment.
Tate & Lyle completed its £215 million share buyback program and returned net proceeds from the sale of its remaining interest in Primient to shareholders.
On January 23, the company priced a multi-tranche debt offering of $300 million and €275 million in the private placement offering.
- Inga Muller
- 17 Feb, 2025
- Frankfurt
Benchmark indexes in Europe jumped nearly 1%, driven by a surge in defense stocks in Europe.
The DAX index increased by 0.9% to 22,713.24, the CAC-40 index edged higher 0.04% to 8,181.49, and the FTSE 100 index increased by 0.2% to 8,753.54.
The yield on 10-year German bonds inched higher to 2.48%, French bonds increased to 3.17%, the UK gilts moved up to 4.59%, and Italian bonds edged higher to 3.55%.
Delivery Hero SE gained 2.4% to €30.30 after Germany’s online food ordering and delivery company reported fourth quarter and fiscal year 2024 results.
Revenue in 2024 increased 22% to €12.8 billion from €10.5 billion, and adjusted EBITDA swung to a loss of €750 million from a profit of €254 million a year ago.
Total segment revenue in the fourth quarter rose to €3.52 billion from €2.67 billion a year ago, supported by strong growth in Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, and the Americas.
In Asia, the gross merchandise volumes dropped 11.2% in the quarter and 7.7% in the full year.
For fiscal 2025, Delivery Hero estimated gross merchandise volumes to increase between 8% and 10%, total segment revenue to increase between 17% and 19%, and adjusted EBITDA between €975 million and €1.02 billion.
The company plans to buy back approximately €1.0 billion of convertible bonds due in 2025, 2026, and 2027.
Euronext NV jumped 2.2% to €118.30 after the European bourse operator reported revenue growth in the fourth quarter ending in December.
Revenue in fiscal 2024 increased 10.3% to €1.63 billion from €1.47 billion, net income climbed 14% to €682.5 million from €584.7 million, and earnings per diluted share rose 16.6% to €5.63 from €4.83 a year ago.
The company proposed a dividend of €292.8 million, an increase of 14% from 2023 and 50% of 2024 reported net income, for the shareholder approval at the annual general meeting scheduled on May 15.
Last year, Euronext announced a share repurchase program for a maximum amount of €300 million, effective through November 2025.
Revenue in the fourth quarter increased 11.1% to €415.8 million from €374.1 million, net income jumped 10.8% to €144.6 million from €130.6 million, and earnings per diluted share rose 12.1% to €1.39 from €1.24 a year ago.
Tate & Lyle Plc. dropped 2.2% to 577 pence after the British food ingredients provider lowered its 2025 revenue guidance.
For the year ending March 31, excluding CP Kelco, the company estimated revenue in constant currency in the mid-single-digit percent lower and for EBITDA growth to be towards the lower end of guidance between 4% and 7%.
For the three months ending in December, group revenue increased 14% to £423 million, supported by strong growth in the company’s sucralose segment.
Tate & Lyle completed its £215 million share buyback program and returned net proceeds from the sale of its remaining interest in Primient to shareholders.
On January 23, the company priced a multi-tranche debt offering of $300 million and €275 million in the private placement offering.
- Bridgette Randall
- 17 Feb, 2025
- London
Stock market indexes in Europe advanced, overlooking the brewing geopolitical tensions and uncertainty related to the U.S. economic and trade policies.
Benchmark indexes in Frankfurt, Paris, Milan, and London advanced as much as 0.8%, led by gains in defense stocks.
Rheinmetall AG, MTU Aero Engines, Thales SA, Airbus SA, Dassault Aviation, BAE Systems, and Safran jumped between 2% and 10% after European leaders gathered to discuss plans to increase the defense budget.
European governments are likely to revise their defense budgets in the months ahead as the U.S. pushes with peace talks with Russia and demands higher spending by NATO allies.
European leaders have lagged in meeting their commitments of defense spending at least between 2% and 3%, but the Trump administration is demanding that spending increase to as much as 5%.
Europe Indexes and Yields
The DAX index increased by 0.9% to 22,713.24, the CAC-40 index edged higher 0.04% to 8,181.49; and the FTSE 100 index increased by 0.2% to 8,753.54.
The yield on 10-year German bonds inched higher to 2.48%, French bonds increased to 3.17%, the UK gilts moved up to 4.59%, and Italian bonds edged higher to 3.55%.
The euro decreased to $1.05; the British pound was higher at $1.26; and the U.S. dollar was higher and traded at 90.17 Swiss cents.
Brent crude decreased $0.21 to $74.53 a barrel, and the Dutch TTF natural gas was lower by €0.79 to €50.05 per MWh.
Europe Stock Movers
Stocks in Germany advanced after the benchmark index soared as much as 1%, driven by hopes of higher government spending.
Siemens Energy, Munich Re, MTU Aero Engine, BMW, and Allianz advanced between 1% and 1.5%.
- Bridgette Randall
- 17 Feb, 2025
- London
Stock market indexes in Europe advanced, overlooking the brewing geopolitical tensions and uncertainty related to the U.S. economic and trade policies.
Benchmark indexes in Frankfurt, Paris, Milan, and London advanced as much as 0.8%, led by gains in defense stocks.
Rheinmetall AG, MTU Aero Engines, Thales SA, Airbus SA, Dassault Aviation, BAE Systems, and Safran jumped between 2% and 10% after European leaders gathered to discuss plans to increase the defense budget.
European governments are likely to revise their defense budgets in the months ahead as the U.S. pushes with peace talks with Russia and demands higher spending by NATO allies.
European leaders have lagged in meeting their commitments of defense spending at least between 2% and 3%, but the Trump administration is demanding that spending increase to as much as 5%.
Europe Indexes and Yields
The DAX index increased by 0.3% to 22,573.34, the CAC-40 index edged lower 0.1% to 8,169.18, and the FTSE 100 index increased by 0.1% to 8,741.79.
The yield on 10-year German bonds inched higher to 2.48%, French bonds increased to 3.18%, the UK gilts moved up to 4.58%, and Italian bonds edged higher to 3.58%.
The euro decreased to $1.05; the British pound was higher at $1.26; and the U.S. dollar was higher and traded at 90.03 Swiss cents.
Brent crude increased $0.24 to $75.98 a barrel, and the Dutch TTF natural gas was lower by €0.79 to €50.05 per MWh.
Europe Stock Movers
Stocks in Germany advanced after the benchmark index soared as much as 1%, driven by hopes of higher government spending.
Siemens Energy, Munich Re, MTU Aero Engine, BMW, and Allianz advanced between 1% and 1.5%.