- Inga Muller
- 19 Feb, 2025
- Frankfurt
European stock market indexes turned lower amid economic uncertainty and rising geopolitical tensions.
Bond yields in the eurozone advanced for the fourth consecutive session, and the UK's consumer price inflation accelerated in January.
The DAX index decreased by 0.8% to 22,673.01, the CAC-40 index edged lower 0.8% to 8,139.37, and the FTSE 100 index declined by 0.5% to 8,725.49.
The yield on 10-year German bonds inched higher to 2.53%, French bonds increased to 3.19%, the UK gilts moved up to 4.61%, and Italian bonds edged higher to 3.58%.
Europe Stock Movers
HSBC Holdings plc decreased 0.3% to 895.40 pence, and the Hong Kong- and London-based financial service provider reported a 2% increase in profit in 2024.
The company said it plans to pay a cash dividend of 36 U.S. cents for the fourth quarter, increasing its total payout to 87 U.S. cents in the year, compared to 61 U.S. cents in 2023.
BAE Systems plc increased 1.3% to 1,354.0 pence after the defense company reported strong 2024 results.
Glencore PLC dropped 7.5% to 328.60 pence, and the mining company reported a sharp decline in earnings in 2024.
Philips NV plunged 10.5% to €24.26 after the Dutch medical device maker reported larger-than-expected losses in 2024.
MTU Aero Engines AG decreased 6.3% to €325.0, and the German engine maker said net income in the fourth quarter decreased to €143 million from €215 million a year ago.
Recent Earnings Movers
Temenos AG gained 1.2% to CHF 79.75 after the banking software company reported positive pipeline development in the fourth quarter ended in December.
Revenue increased to $318.92 million from $298.00 million, profit climbed to $77.0 million from $43.90 million, and earnings per diluted share rose to $1.08 from 60 cents a year ago.
The company said that annual recurring revenue (ARR) of cloud services made up 43% of the quarter's total ARR.
The Switzerland-based company lowered its full year 2028 targets to reflect the $400 million sale of its fund administration software business Multifonds, announced earlier in February.
For fiscal 2025, Temenos estimated revenue growth of at least 12%, and software as a service growth between 5% and 7%.
The company paid dividends of $1.33 per share within the last twelve months.
HSBC Holdings Plc. gained 1.8% to 897.20 pence after the London-based bank reported higher profit for fiscal year 2024.
Revenue declined to $65.85 billion from $66.06 billion, profit rose to $24.99 billion from $24.56 billion, and earnings per diluted share increased to $1.24 from $1.14 a year ago.
Dividends paid to shareholders were $16.41 billion in 2024, compared to $11.59 billion in 2023.
The company approved a fourth interim dividend of 36 cents per share, payable on April 25 to holders on record as of March 7, for a total of approximately $6.4 billion.
In addition, HSBC will repurchase up to $2 billion in shares, with the buyback expected to be completed by the end of the first quarter of 2025.
Glencore Plc. gained 0.8% to 353,25 pence after the Anglo-Swiss commodity trading and mining company reported higher revenue in fiscal year 2024.
Revenue increased 6% to $230.94 billion from $217.83 billion, net income swung to a loss of $1.63 billion from a profit of $4.28 billion, and loss per diluted share was 13 cents compared to a positive 34 cents a year ago.
For fiscal 2025, the company estimated revenue between $195.77 billion and $260.05 billion.
Glenore announced a stock repurchase program of up to $1 billion and completing the purchase on or before August 6.
- Bridgette Randall
- 19 Feb, 2025
- London
Stock market indexes turned sharply lower in the European Union amid growing tariff threats and economic uncertainty.
Benchmark indexes in Frankfurt and Paris eased from the highs in the previous session, and market enthusiasm waned after bond yields advanced for the fourth consecutive session.
Investors were on the backfoot after the U.S. stepped up tariff threats, and the Trump administration reiterated imposing additional "reciprocal tariffs" covering all imports.
The noise of tariffs, or import taxes, has weighed on the market for the last three weeks, as the incoming U.S. presidential administration stakes out a negotiating position with the European Union and adds pressure to buy LNG gas and other agricultural products from U.S. suppliers.
The U.K.'s consumer price inflation accelerated to 3.0% in January from 2.5% in December, the Office of National Statistics reported Wednesday.
The rebound in inflation was the fastest since March 2024, driven in large part by the increase in transportation costs and select food items.
Europe Indexes and Yields
The DAX index decreased by 0.8% to 22,673.01, the CAC-40 index edged lower 0.8% to 8,139.37, and the FTSE 100 index declined by 0.5% to 8,725.49.
The yield on 10-year German bonds inched higher to 2.53%, French bonds increased to 3.19%, the UK gilts moved up to 4.61%, and Italian bonds edged higher to 3.58%.
The euro decreased to $1.04; the British pound was higher at $1.26; and the U.S. dollar was higher and traded at 90.45 Swiss cents.
Brent crude increased $0.51 to $76.32 a barrel, and the Dutch TTF natural gas was lower by €0.49 to €49.38 per MWh.
Europe Stock Movers
HSBC Holdings plc decreased 0.3% to 895.40 pence, and the Hong Kong- and London-based financial service provider reported a 2% increase in profit in 2024.
Net income advanced 2.2% to $22.9 billion from $22.4 billion, and diluted earnings per share edged up a fraction to $1.25.
The company announced a new $2 billion stock repurchase plan after completing a $9 billion buyback in 2023.
The company said it plans to pay a cash dividend of 36 U.S. cents for the fourth quarter, increasing its total payout to 87 U.S. cents in the year, compared to 61 U.S. cents in 2023.
BAE Systems plc increased 1.3% to 1,354.0 pence after the defense company reported strong 2024 results.
Glencore PLC dropped 7.5% to 328.60 pence, and the mining company reported a decline in earnings in 2024.
Philips NV plunged 10.5% to €24.26 after the Dutch medical device maker reported larger-than-expected losses in 2024.
MTU Aero Engines AG decreased 6.3% to €325.0, and the German engine maker said net income in the fourth quarter decreased to €143 million from €215 million a year ago.
- Bridgette Randall
- 19 Feb, 2025
- London
Stock market indexes turned sharply lower in the European Union amid growing tariff threats and economic uncertainty.
Benchmark indexes in Frankfurt and Paris eased from the highs in the previous session, and market enthusiasm waned after bond yields advanced for the fourth consecutive session.
Investors were on the backfoot after the U.S. stepped up tariff threats, and the Trump administration reiterated imposing additional "reciprocal tariffs" covering all imports.
The noise of tariffs, or import taxes, has weighed on the market for the last three weeks, as the incoming U.S. presidential administration stakes out a negotiating position with the European Union and adds pressure to buy LNG gas and other agricultural products from U.S. suppliers.
The U.K.'s consumer price inflation accelerated to 3.0% in January from 2.5% in December, the Office of National Statistics reported Wednesday.
The rebound in inflation was the fastest since March 2024, driven in large part by the increase in transportation costs and select food items.
Europe Indexes and Yields
The DAX index decreased by 0.8% to 22,673.01, the CAC-40 index edged lower 0.8% to 8,139.37, and the FTSE 100 index declined by 0.5% to 8,725.49.
The yield on 10-year German bonds inched higher to 2.53%, French bonds increased to 3.19%, the UK gilts moved up to 4.61%, and Italian bonds edged higher to 3.58%.
The euro decreased to $1.04; the British pound was higher at $1.26; and the U.S. dollar was higher and traded at 90.45 Swiss cents.
Brent crude increased $0.51 to $76.32 a barrel, and the Dutch TTF natural gas was lower by €0.49 to €49.38 per MWh.
Europe Stock Movers
HSBC Holdings plc decreased 0.3% to 895.40 pence, and the Hong Kong- and London-based financial service provider reported a 2% increase in profit in 2024.
Net income advanced 2.2% to $22.9 billion from $22.4 billion, and diluted earnings per share edged up a fraction to $1.25.
The company announced a new $2 billion stock repurchase plan after completing a $9 billion buyback in 2023.
The company said it plans to pay a cash dividend of 36 U.S. cents for the fourth quarter, increasing its total payout to 87 U.S. cents in the year, compared to 61 U.S. cents in 2023.
BAE Systems plc increased 1.3% to 1,354.0 pence after the defense company reported strong 2024 results.
Glencore PLC dropped 7.5% to 328.60 pence, and the mining company reported a decline in earnings in 2024.
Philips NV plunged 10.5% to €24.26 after the Dutch medical device maker reported larger-than-expected losses in 2024.
MTU Aero Engines AG decreased 6.3% to €325.0, and the German engine maker said net income in the fourth quarter decreased to €143 million from €215 million a year ago.
- Li Chen
- 19 Feb, 2025
- Hong Kong
Stock market indexes in China and Hong Kong struggled to make headway after the artificial intelligence euphoria-driven rally faltered.
The Hang Seng index decreased 0.3%, and the CSI 300 index edged higher in volatile trading.
Tech stocks focused Hang Seng Tech index hovered near a five-year high after Baidu reported a 2% decline in annual revenue.
Investors feared that the latest rally over the last five weeks may have run out of steam after valuations surged to a five-month high.
Market participants bid up tech stocks in the hope that the affordable, artificial intelligence-driven chatbot Deep Seek could spark another wave of earnings growth for the leading tech companies.
However, Alibaba Group and Baidu Inc, the two main components of the tech index turned lower, sapping the market sentiment.
Moreover, property developers remained in focus after home prices continued to decline in January.
New home prices in first-tier cities declined 3.4% from a year ago in January, the National Bureau of Statistics said on Wednesday.
The prices in four main cities—Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou—fell at a slower pace from the fall of 3.8% in December.
Prices in the second- and third-tier cities decreased at a 5% and 6% annual pace, respectively.
Existing home prices in the top-tier cities declined 5.6% in January, and fell 7.6% in second-tier and 8.2% in third-tier cities.
China Indexes and Stocks
The Hang Seng index decreased 0.3% to 22,911.93, and the mainland China-focused CSI 300 index jumped 0.7% to 3,940.16.
Baidu Inc. declined 2% to HK $88.35 after the search engine company reported weaker-than-expected 2024 results.
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.
China Vanke rose 2.4% to HK $5.93, Longfor Group Holdings advanced 0.8% to HK $10.20, and Sun Hung Kai Properties gained 0.4% to HK $70.80.
HSBC Holdings plc increased 1.2% to HK $88.40, and the Hong Kong and London-based financial service provider reported a 2% increase in profit in 2024.
Net income advanced 2.2% to $22.9 billion from $22.4 billion, and diluted earnings per share edged up a fraction to $1.25.
The company announced a new $2 billion stock repurchase plan after completing a $9 billion buyback in 2023.
The company said it plans to pay a cash dividend of 36 U.S. cents for the fourth quarter, increasing its total payout to 87 U.S. cents in the year, compared to 61 U.S. cents in 2023.
- Li Chen
- 19 Feb, 2025
- Hong Kong
Stock market indexes in China and Hong Kong struggled to make headway after the artificial intelligence euphoria-driven rally faltered.
The Hang Seng index decreased 0.3%, and the CSI 300 index edged higher in volatile trading.
Tech stocks focused Hang Seng Tech index hovered near a five-year high after Baidu reported a 2% decline in annual revenue.
Investors feared that the latest rally over the last five weeks may have run out of steam after valuations surged to a five-month high.
Market participants bid up tech stocks in the hope that the affordable, artificial intelligence-driven chatbot Deep Seek could spark another wave of earnings growth for the leading tech companies.
However, Alibaba Group and Baidu Inc, the two main components of the tech index turned lower, sapping the market sentiment.
Moreover, property developers remained in focus after home prices continued to decline in January.
New home prices in first-tier cities declined 3.4% from a year ago in January, the National Bureau of Statistics said on Wednesday.
The prices in four main cities—Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou—fell at a slower pace from the fall of 3.8% in December.
Prices in the second- and third-tier cities decreased at a 5% and 6% annual pace, respectively.
Existing home prices in the top-tier cities declined 5.6% in January, and fell 7.6% in second-tier and 8.2% in third-tier cities.
China Indexes and Stocks
The Hang Seng index decreased 0.3% to 22,911.93, and the mainland China-focused CSI 300 index jumped 0.7% to 3,940.16.
Baidu Inc. declined 2% to HK $88.35 after the search engine company reported weaker-than-expected 2024 results.
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.
China Vanke rose 2.4% to HK $5.93, Longfor Group Holdings advanced 0.8% to HK $10.20, and Sun Hung Kai Properties gained 0.4% to HK $70.80.
HSBC Holdings plc increased 1.2% to HK $88.40, and the Hong Kong and London-based financial service provider reported a 2% increase in profit in 2024.
Net income advanced 2.2% to $22.9 billion from $22.4 billion, and diluted earnings per share edged up a fraction to $1.25.
The company announced a new $2 billion stock repurchase plan after completing a $9 billion buyback in 2023.
The company said it plans to pay a cash dividend of 36 U.S. cents for the fourth quarter, increasing its total payout to 87 U.S. cents in the year, compared to 61 U.S. cents in 2023.
- Arun Goswami
- 19 Feb, 2025
- Mumbai
Stock market indexes in Mumbai lacked direction amid weak market sentiment and high valuations.
The Sensex index advanced by 0.1% to 76,034.07, and the Nifty index increased by 0.1% to 22,959.65.
On the Mumbai stock exchange, 47 stocks traded at their 52-week highs, and 356 stocks traded at their 52-week lows.
The yield on the 10-year Indian government bonds inched lower to 6.7%, and the Indian rupee hovered near a record low and traded at 86.90 against the U.S. dollar.
Techno Electric & Engineering Company Ltd. jumped 5.8% to ₹956.90 after the power-infrastructure company reported a 35% surge in net income from a year ago in the December quarter.
Consolidated revenue increased to ₹719.8 crore from ₹407.3 crore, after-tax profit rose to ₹104.6 crore from ₹77.6 crore, and diluted earnings per share jumped to ₹8.99 from ₹7.21 a year ago.
Elantas Beck India Ltd. decreased 2.2% to ₹8,696.90 after the company reported a slight increase in revenue and a 20% decline in profit in the December quarter.
Consolidated revenue advanced to ₹207 crore from ₹190.7 crore, net income decreased to ₹29.7 crore from ₹37 crore, and diluted earnings per share fell to ₹37.52 from ₹46.67 a year ago.
The company declared an interim cash dividend for the fiscal 2025 of ₹7.50 per share.
Punjab Communications Limited advanced 5% to ₹45.95, and the telecommunications company's net income swung to a profit in the December quarter.
Consolidated revenue increased to ₹5.7 crore from ₹4.7 crore, net income swung to a profit of ₹0.5 crore from a loss of ₹1.4 crore, and diluted earnings per share rose to an income of 46 paisa from a loss of ₹1.13 a year ago.
Ambika Cotton Mills Limited increased 1.5% to ₹1,420 after the cotton yarn manufacturers reported a 19% drop in revenue and a slight increase in profit in the December quarter.
Consolidated revenue declined to ₹162.6 crore from ₹200.2 crore, net income rose to ₹14.3 crore from ₹13 crore, and diluted earnings per share advanced to ₹24.95 from ₹22.74 a year ago.
ICRA Limited fell 0.2% to ₹5,547.85 despite the credit rating agency reporting a 30% jump in its earnings in the December quarter.
Consolidated revenue increased to ₹139.7 crore from ₹131.8 crore, after-tax profit rose to ₹42.2 crore from ₹32.4 crore, and diluted earnings per share jumped to ₹43.63 from ₹33.42 a year ago.
The company declared an interim dividend for the fiscal 2025 of ₹100 per share.
Fiberweb (India) Limited rose 1.7% to ₹42.85 after the nonwoven fabric’s maker reported a two-fold increase in earnings in the December quarter.
Consolidated revenue advanced to ₹25.2 crore from ₹14.7 crore, net income jumped to ₹3.5 crore from ₹1.5 crore, and diluted earnings per share rose to ₹1.23 from 54 paise a year ago.
Omaxe Ltd. increased 4.2% to ₹80.78 despite the real estate company’s losses expanded sharply in the December quarter.
Consolidated revenue decreased to ₹300.4 crore from ₹601 crore, net loss expanded to ₹150.3 crore from ₹71.8 crore, and diluted losses per share advanced to ₹8.23 from ₹3.66 a year ago.
Garware Technical Fibres Ltd. inched up 1.4% to ₹715.75 after the technical textiles company reported a 19% increase in net income in the December quarter.
Consolidated revenue increased to ₹361.2 crore from ₹279.4 crore, net income jumped to ₹42.4 crore from ₹35.8 crore, and diluted earnings per share rose to ₹21.30 from ₹17.56 a year ago.
- Arun Goswami
- 19 Feb, 2025
- Mumbai
Stock market indexes in Mumbai lacked direction amid weak market sentiment and high valuations.
The Sensex index advanced by 0.1% to 76,034.07, and the Nifty index increased by 0.1% to 22,959.65.
On the Mumbai stock exchange, 47 stocks traded at their 52-week highs, and 356 stocks traded at their 52-week lows.
The yield on the 10-year Indian government bonds inched lower to 6.7%, and the Indian rupee hovered near a record low and traded at 86.90 against the U.S. dollar.
Techno Electric & Engineering Company Ltd. jumped 5.8% to ₹956.90 after the power-infrastructure company reported a 35% surge in net income from a year ago in the December quarter.
Consolidated revenue increased to ₹719.8 crore from ₹407.3 crore, after-tax profit rose to ₹104.6 crore from ₹77.6 crore, and diluted earnings per share jumped to ₹8.99 from ₹7.21 a year ago.
Elantas Beck India Ltd. decreased 2.2% to ₹8,696.90 after the company reported a slight increase in revenue and a 20% decline in profit in the December quarter.
Consolidated revenue advanced to ₹207 crore from ₹190.7 crore, net income decreased to ₹29.7 crore from ₹37 crore, and diluted earnings per share fell to ₹37.52 from ₹46.67 a year ago.
The company declared an interim cash dividend for the fiscal 2025 of ₹7.50 per share.
Punjab Communications Limited advanced 5% to ₹45.95, and the telecommunications company's net income swung to a profit in the December quarter.
Consolidated revenue increased to ₹5.7 crore from ₹4.7 crore, net income swung to a profit of ₹0.5 crore from a loss of ₹1.4 crore, and diluted earnings per share rose to an income of 46 paisa from a loss of ₹1.13 a year ago.
Ambika Cotton Mills Limited increased 1.5% to ₹1,420 after the cotton yarn manufacturers reported a 19% drop in revenue and a slight increase in profit in the December quarter.
Consolidated revenue declined to ₹162.6 crore from ₹200.2 crore, net income rose to ₹14.3 crore from ₹13 crore, and diluted earnings per share advanced to ₹24.95 from ₹22.74 a year ago.
ICRA Limited fell 0.2% to ₹5,547.85 despite the credit rating agency reporting a 30% jump in its earnings in the December quarter.
Consolidated revenue increased to ₹139.7 crore from ₹131.8 crore, after-tax profit rose to ₹42.2 crore from ₹32.4 crore, and diluted earnings per share jumped to ₹43.63 from ₹33.42 a year ago.
The company declared an interim dividend for the fiscal 2025 of ₹100 per share.
Fiberweb (India) Limited rose 1.7% to ₹42.85 after the nonwoven fabric’s maker reported a two-fold increase in earnings in the December quarter.
Consolidated revenue advanced to ₹25.2 crore from ₹14.7 crore, net income jumped to ₹3.5 crore from ₹1.5 crore, and diluted earnings per share rose to ₹1.23 from 54 paise a year ago.
Omaxe Ltd. increased 4.2% to ₹80.78 despite the real estate company’s losses expanded sharply in the December quarter.
Consolidated revenue decreased to ₹300.4 crore from ₹601 crore, net loss expanded to ₹150.3 crore from ₹71.8 crore, and diluted losses per share advanced to ₹8.23 from ₹3.66 a year ago.
Garware Technical Fibres Ltd. inched up 1.4% to ₹715.75 after the technical textiles company reported a 19% increase in net income in the December quarter.
Consolidated revenue increased to ₹361.2 crore from ₹279.4 crore, net income jumped to ₹42.4 crore from ₹35.8 crore, and diluted earnings per share rose to ₹21.30 from ₹17.56 a year ago.
- 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.
- 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.