Stock Markets

Daily coverage of equity markets, sectors, and major indices.

In-depth reporting on U.S. and global stock markets, including index performance, sector rotation, earnings reactions, volatility trends, and notable single-stock moves. Designed to help traders and investors understand what is driving price action across equities.

Articles

14,462 total articles

Google Cloud Leads AI-Driven Cloud Race as Big Tech Boosts Spending to $700 Billion

Google Cloud Leads AI-Driven Cloud Race as Big Tech Boosts Spending to $700 Billion

Alphabet’s cloud unit posted a standout quarter with 63% revenue growth, prompting investors to re-evaluate which major technology firms are converting heavy AI investments into commercial returns. Combined AI-related capital spending among leading tech companies is now expected to exceed $700 billion this year, and companies signaled that elevated…

Regulators Approve Nasdaq Bid for Cayman-Registered Software Firm, Easing Concerns for Red-Chip Listings

Regulators Approve Nasdaq Bid for Cayman-Registered Software Firm, Easing Concerns for Red-Chip Listings

China’s securities regulator has granted approval for DSC Holdings, a software provider for used-car dealers that is incorporated in the Cayman Islands, to pursue a Nasdaq listing. The move is the first such clearance in four months and underscores a selective, case-by-case stance toward red-chip firms seeking U.S. capital markets access amid tight…

Swiss regulator opens probes into alleged keyword non-bidding pacts by travel firms and online casinos

Swiss regulator opens probes into alleged keyword non-bidding pacts by travel firms and online casinos

Switzerland's Competition Commission (ComCo) has launched two formal investigations into alleged anti-competitive arrangements in which travel companies and online casinos purportedly agreed not to bid on each other's trademarked search terms in keyword auctions run by search engines. The inquiries follow complaints to the watchdog and will involve…

Automakers Recognize $2.3 Billion in Anticipated Tariff Refunds, Despite Uncertainty and Political Risk

Automakers Recognize $2.3 Billion in Anticipated Tariff Refunds, Despite Uncertainty and Political Risk

Several major automakers have begun recording projected reimbursements for tariffs paid to the U.S. government following a February Supreme Court ruling, collectively recognizing about $2.3 billion of expected refund income in first-quarter accounts. While the entries lifted reported quarterly profits, companies warned the money has not been receiv…

Italy’s Competition Regulator Ends Probes Into Three AI Firms After Binding Promises on Hallucination Risks

Italy’s Competition Regulator Ends Probes Into Three AI Firms After Binding Promises on Hallucination Risks

Italy's antitrust authority, the AGCM, has closed investigations into three companies developing generative artificial intelligence after accepting legally binding commitments designed to address the risk of AI 'hallucinations'. The firms agreed to permanent disclaimers and clearer disclosures on their chatbot services, while one committed to inves…

Befesa Posts Stronger Margins in Q1 Despite Sales Dip and FX Headwinds

Befesa Posts Stronger Margins in Q1 Despite Sales Dip and FX Headwinds

Befesa reported first-quarter results showing margin expansion and modest adjusted EBITDA growth even as sales fell and currency effects weighed on performance. Revenue for the period was €285 million, with adjusted EBITDA of €58 million and a margin of 20.3%. The company issued 2026 guidance that is modestly below market consensus on both adjusted…

Kingspan Holds Full-Year Profit Target After Q1 Sales Edge Up 3%

Kingspan Holds Full-Year Profit Target After Q1 Sales Edge Up 3%

Kingspan reported a 3% rise in pre-currency sales in the first quarter of 2026, narrowly missing the 3.5% consensus. Growth was concentrated in its Advnsys unit, while the larger Insulated Building Envelope division declined. The company reiterated its full-year trading profit guidance of 1.05 billion euros, citing stronger momentum and order intak…

United Utilities moves ahead with £800m equity raise to back AMP8 expansion

United Utilities moves ahead with £800m equity raise to back AMP8 expansion

United Utilities has launched an £800 million share issue, equivalent to around 9% of its market capitalisation, to fund an increase in its AMP8 capital programme to £11.5 billion from a previously planned £9 billion. Management expects faster regulatory asset base growth and has raised its target regulatory returns to 10-11%, while aiming to keep …

Whitbread posts flat adjusted profit, trims five-year profit ambition

Whitbread posts flat adjusted profit, trims five-year profit ambition

Whitbread reported adjusted pre-tax profit of £483m for fiscal 2026, essentially unchanged year-on-year and slightly above analyst forecasts. The group lowered its five-year incremental profit target to £275m, confirmed plans to return £2bn to shareholders, and will pause its buyback program in fiscal 2027 to finance its growth strategy amid higher…

MONY Group posts in-line trading as core divisions advance

MONY Group posts in-line trading as core divisions advance

MONY Group told shareholders at its annual general meeting on Thursday that current trading is meeting expectations, with all principal segments showing improvement. The insurer noted easing car insurance switching headwinds, the money business saw loan-driven growth and current account promotions supported performance, and home services benefited …