By Kane Wu TOKYO (Reuters) – Carlyle, Warburg Pincus and a host of global investment firms plan to beef up headcount in Japan as deals here surge, but the country’s relatively low number of buyouts for much of the past two decades has made it tough to find people with expertise. Carlyle, which has been investing in Japan for more than two decades, raised $2.8 billion for its fifth and largest Japan buyout fund in May. It wants to add 10 more people to its local 25-strong investment team in the next two years, said Takaomi Tomioka, the firm’s co-head of Japan. “We are planning to invest about a hundred billion yen per year across three to four transactions,” he said. “In order to execute that number of transactions and while at the same time managing portfolio companies, we need to enhance the team.” U.S. buyout firm Advent International has been talking to senior private equity professionals in Japan in recent months, seeking to establish a local office and an investment team in Tokyo, said two people familiar with its plans. Warburg Pincus, which this year hired former Goldman Sachs banker Takashi Murata as head of Japan and co-head of Asia real estate, is also looking to set up a Tokyo office and grow its local team, said two separate people. It has added three people to cover Japan since Murata’s hiring, said one of the two sources. Advent and Warburg declined to comment. The sources were not authorised to speak to media and declined to be identified. The hiring spree underscores the intensity of dealmaking in Japan, which has been a rare bright spot amidst a slowdown in M&A deals globally over the last couple of years. Japan became the largest market for private equity deals in Asia-Pacific last year accounting for 30% of the region’s total deal value, largely driven by take-private deals, according to a report by consultancy Bain & Co. That compares to a much smaller figure of 5% to 10% historically. Potential deals that have grabbed headlines include Alimentation Couche-Tard’s takeover offer for Seven & i as well as KKR and Bain Capital’s bidding war for software developer Fuji Soft. ‘ACCELERATED HIRING’ Overall, private equity, real estate and infrastructure funds currently have dozens of Japan vacancies that range from senior management to entry-level positions, dealmakers and recruiters say. A senior dealmaker with a global buyout fund in Tokyo said he has fielded calls from at least three other firms this year who were looking to set up shop in the country. He declined to be identified. The number of fund managers with a Japan office and a latest buyout or turnaround fund worth at least 50 billion yen has doubled between 2012 and 2024, with more new investors ready to enter the market, the Bain report said. “The surge in private equity deal activity in Japan has significantly accelerated hiring within the industry over the past few years,” said Gavin Smith, managing director at Tokyo-based Atlas (NYSE:) Recruitment which is looking to fill nearly 60 investment roles in Japan. But hiring has become more competitive in the last three years, said Smith, as the pool of available candidates is not deep enough to satisfy soaring demand. Taku Maeda, managing partner of buyout firm Corporate Support Research Institute (CSRI), said that with more and more money coming to Japan, the lack of fund managers is likely to become a bottleneck. CSRI, which raised 25 billion yen in its mid-cap maiden fund this year, plans to add three to four people to its five-member team by April, Maeda said, but added he was “a little bit worried about the gap between the money inflow and people inflow.” ($1 = 153.74 yen) !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s){if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function(){n.callMethod? n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments)};if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n;n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0';n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0;t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0];s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)}(window, document,'script','https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/fbevents.js'); Source link The post Carlyle, Warburg among investment firms hunting talent in Japan as deals boom By Reuters first appeared on Forex Trader Hub.

By Hyunjoo Jin SEOUL (Reuters) -South Korea’s ruling party introduced legislation on Monday to give chipmakers subsidies and an exemption from a national cap on working hours, to tackle potential risks from measures threatened by incoming U.S. President Donald Trump. The semiconductor industry is critical for the trade-dependent economy, Asia’s fourth biggest, with chips making up 16% of total exports last year. Last week, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol warned of the risks stemming from Trump’s threat of steep tariffs on Chinese imports that could prompt Chinese rivals to slash export prices and undercut Korean chip firms overseas. The ruling party’s bill comes as chipmakers like Samsung Electronics (KS:) also brace for growing competition from rivals in countries such as Taiwan and China. Shares of Samsung and SK Hynix extended losses on Tuesday on concerns about Trump’s potential tariffs and U.S. restrictions on AI chip sales to China. The bill will help Korean companies fend off challenges as China, Japan, Taiwan and the United States give subsidies to manufacturers amid a semiconductor trade war between China and the U.S., one of the bill’s sponsors, lawmaker Lee Chul-gyu, said in a statement. However, the legislation is likely to face an uphill battle to gain approval from the liberal opposition party, which controls a majority in parliament, said Greg Noh, an analyst at Hyundai Motor (OTC:) Securities. Under the bill, some employees involved in research and development will be allowed to work longer hours, waiving a labour law that limits weekly hours worked to a maximum of 52. This month, Samsung’s labour union opposed such a move, saying the company was trying to blame the law for its “management failure”. Last month, Samsung apologised for its disappointing profit, having lagged rivals TSMC and SK Hynix in tapping booming demand for artificial intelligence chips. In October, Trump threatened to scrap federal chip subsidies for Taiwan’s TSMC, South Korea’s Samsung and SK Hynix and others, in favour of import tariffs. !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s){if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function(){n.callMethod? n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments)};if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n;n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0';n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0;t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0];s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)}(window, document,'script','https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/fbevents.js'); Source link The post South Korea ruling party seeks to aid chipmakers to avert Trump threat By Reuters first appeared on Forex Trader Hub.

The Australian Dollar loses ground amid concerns over potential tariffs on Chinese goods from US President-Elect Donald Trump. Australia’s Westpac Consumer Confidence index increased by 5.3% in November, reaching 94.6 points. Traders await the US Consumer Price Index data release on Wednesday for insights into future US policy. The Australian Dollar (AUD) extends its losses against the US Dollar (USD) for the third consecutive session on Tuesday. Proposed tariff increases on Chinese goods by US President-Elect Donald Trump could negatively impact the AUD, as Australia is one of China’s largest exporters. Australia’s Westpac Consumer Confidence index rose by 5.3% to reach 94.6 points in November, marking its second consecutive month of improvement and the highest level in two and a half years. However, the index has remained below 100 for nearly three years, reflecting that pessimists still outnumber optimists. Matthew Hassan, Senior Economist at Westpac, noted, “Consumers are feeling less pressure on their family finances, are no longer worried about further interest rate rises, and are increasingly confident in the economic outlook.” The US Dollar continues to strengthen following the US election results that confirmed Trump’s victory. Analysts suggest that if Trump’s fiscal policies are implemented, they could boost investment, spending, and labor demand, raising inflation risks. This scenario might prompt the Federal Reserve (Fed) to adopt a more restrictive monetary policy, potentially strengthening the Greenback and putting added pressure on the AUD/USD pair. Traders await the US inflation data release on Wednesday for insights into future US policy. The headline Consumer Price Index (CPI) is expected to show a 2.6% year-over-year increase for October, while the core CPI is projected to rise by 3.3%. Daily Digest Market Movers: Australian Dollar struggles amid concerns over potential Trump’s tariff The Australian Dollar’s downside could be restrained as the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) Governor Michele Bullock reiterated a hawkish stance after the interest rate decision last week, emphasizing the need for restrictive monetary policy given persistent inflation risks and a strong labor market. The Aussie Dollar also struggled due to lower-than-expected Chinese Consumer Price Index (CPI) data released on Saturday. China’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 0.3% year-over-year in October, slightly below market expectations and down from September’s 0.4%. This marks the ninth consecutive month of consumer price inflation but represents the lowest rate since June. Month-over-month, the CPI dropped by 0.3%, a sharper decline than the expected 0.1% decrease, following a flat reading in September. China’s latest stimulus measures fell short of investor expectations, further dampening demand prospects for Australia’s largest trading partner and weighing on the Australian Dollar. China announced a 10 trillion Yuan debt package on Friday designed to alleviate local government financing pressures and support struggling economic growth. However, the package stopped short of implementing direct economic stimulus measures. Minneapolis Fed President Neel Kashkari stated on Sunday that the US economy has shown remarkable resilience as the Fed continues its efforts to curb inflation. However, Kashkari noted that the Fed is still “not all the way home.” He also mentioned that the Fed aims to be confident that inflation will fully return to the 2% target and needs additional evidence before considering another rate cut. Morgan Stanley divides the Trump administration’s macroeconomic policies into three key areas: tariffs, immigration, and fiscal measures. The report predicts that tariff policies will be prioritized, with an anticipated immediate imposition of 10% tariffs globally and 60% tariffs specifically on China. On Thursday, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell stated that he doesn’t anticipate Trump’s potential return to the White House impacting the Fed’s near-term policy decisions. “We don’t guess, speculate, and we don’t assume what future government policy choices will be,” Powell noted after the bank decided to lower interest rates by 25 basis points to a range of 4.50%-4.75%, as expected. Fed Chair Jerome Powell also emphasized that the Fed will continue to assess economic data to decide on the “pace and destination” of future rate changes, highlighting that inflation has been gradually slowing toward the Fed’s 2% target. Technical Analysis: Australian Dollar remains below the nine-day EMA near 0.6600 AUD/USD trades around 0.6570 on Tuesday. Analysis of the daily chart shows short-term downward pressure, as the pair remains below the nine-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA). Furthermore, the 14-day Relative Strength Index (RSI) consolidates below the 50 level, reinforcing the bearish outlook. On the support side, the AUD/USD pair could test its three-month low of 0.6512, recorded on November 6. Further key psychological support is at 0.6500.  To the upside, immediate resistance is found at the nine-day EMA at 0.6596, followed by the 14-day EMA at 0.6609. A break above these EMAs might push the AUD/USD pair toward its three-week high of 0.6687, with the next psychological target at 0.6700. AUD/USD: Daily Chart Australian Dollar PRICE Today The table below shows the percentage change of Australian Dollar (AUD) against listed major currencies today. Australian Dollar was the weakest against the US Dollar.   USD EUR GBP JPY CAD AUD NZD CHF USD   0.02% 0.06% 0.18% 0.03% 0.10% 0.00% 0.07% EUR -0.02%   0.04% 0.16% 0.00% 0.08% -0.02% 0.04% GBP -0.06% -0.04%   0.14% -0.04% 0.03% -0.08% 0.00% JPY -0.18% -0.16% -0.14%   -0.17% -0.09% -0.20% -0.12% CAD -0.03% -0.00% 0.04% 0.17%   0.07% -0.02% 0.04% AUD -0.10% -0.08% -0.03% 0.09% -0.07%   -0.09% -0.03% NZD -0.00% 0.02% 0.08% 0.20% 0.02% 0.09%   0.06% CHF -0.07% -0.04% -0.00% 0.12% -0.04% 0.03% -0.06%   The heat map shows percentage changes of major currencies against each other. The base currency is picked from the left column, while the quote currency is picked from the top row. For example, if you pick the Australian Dollar from the left column and move along the horizontal line to the US Dollar, the percentage change displayed in the box will represent AUD (base)/USD (quote). Australian Dollar FAQs One of the most significant factors for the Australian Dollar (AUD) is the level of interest rates set by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA). Because Australia is a resource-rich country another key driver is the price of its biggest export, Iron Ore. The health of the Chinese economy, its largest trading partner, is a factor, as well as inflation in Australia, its growth rate and Trade Balance. Market sentiment – whether investors are taking on more risky assets (risk-on) or seeking safe-havens (risk-off) – is also a factor, with risk-on positive for AUD. The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) influences the Australian Dollar (AUD) by setting the level of interest rates that Australian banks can lend to each other. This influences the level of interest rates in the economy as a whole. The main goal of the RBA is to maintain a stable inflation rate of 2-3% by adjusting interest rates up or down. Relatively high interest rates compared to other major central banks support the AUD, and the opposite for relatively low. The RBA can also use quantitative easing and tightening to influence credit conditions, with the former AUD-negative and the latter AUD-positive. China is Australia’s largest trading partner so the health of the Chinese economy is a major influence on the value of the Australian Dollar (AUD). When the Chinese economy is doing well it purchases more raw materials, goods and services from Australia, lifting demand for the AUD, and pushing up its value. The opposite is the case when the Chinese economy is not growing as fast as expected. Positive or negative surprises in Chinese growth data, therefore, often have a direct impact on the Australian Dollar and its pairs. Iron Ore is Australia’s largest export, accounting for $118 billion a year according to data from 2021, with China as its primary destination. The price of Iron Ore, therefore, can be a driver of the Australian Dollar. Generally, if the price of Iron Ore rises, AUD also goes up, as aggregate demand for the currency increases. The opposite is the case if the price of Iron Ore falls. Higher Iron Ore prices also tend to result in a greater likelihood of a positive Trade Balance for Australia, which is also positive of the AUD. The Trade Balance, which is the difference between what a country earns from its exports versus what it pays for its imports, is another factor that can influence the value of the Australian Dollar. If Australia produces highly sought after exports, then its currency will gain in value purely from the surplus demand created from foreign buyers seeking to purchase its exports versus what it spends to purchase imports. Therefore, a positive net Trade Balance strengthens the AUD, with the opposite effect if the Trade Balance is negative. Source link The post Australian Dollar remains subdued following Westpac Consumer Confidence first appeared on Forex Trader Hub.

Shares in China-based crypto mining chip designer Nano Labs rose slightly after announced it is now accepting Bitcoin as payment for its goods and services through a business account on Coinbase. In a Nov. 11 statement, the Huangzhou-based crypto mining chip maker, which is listed on the Nasdaq, said the move was part of a “commitment to embracing the latest in financial technology” as demand increases for “digital currency transactions in the technology sector.” Nano Labs said it was taking a “proactive stance in the evolving digital economy” as crypto “adoption continues to grow, particularly among businesses seeking efficient and secure cross-border transactions.”  According to Nano Labs, adopting Bitcoin (BTC) will provide “greater payment flexibility,” but it didn’t offer any details about whether it intends to keep the cryptocurrency on its balance sheet. Following the announcement, shares in the Nasdaq-listed company rose 2.81% to $3.29. Nano Labs’ share price saw a slight uptick after an announcement about accepting Bitcoin as a payment option. Source: Nasdaq However, it hasn’t been enough to offset a share slump over the last month,which fell over 60% from a high of $8.33. It’s also nowhere near the all-time high of $96.20 set in July 2022, soon after the company was listed on the Nasdaq.  A growing number of companies are now accepting crypto as payment for some of their services. Microsoft allows users of its Xbox store to pay in Bitcoin. McDonald’s adopted crypto as legal tender in its locations in El Salvador and Lugano, Switzerland.  The NBA franchise Dallas Mavericks also adopted Bitcoin as a payment option for club products and game tickets through BitPay.  China’s love-hate relationship with crypto Beijing cracked down on crypto activities in May 2021, shutting down multiple mining firms and suspending crypto trading. However, authorities’ stance appears to have relaxed in recent times, despite an attempt to crack down on Tether in January.  In September, former Chinese finance minister Lou Jiwei urged China to closely examine advancements in crypto during a speech at the Sept. 28 Tsinghua Wudaokou Chief Economists Forum in Beijing. Related: China still controls 55% of Bitcoin hashrate despite crypto ban A few days earlier, a Shanghai Intermediate People’s Court in China recognized Bitcoin as a unique and non-replicable digital asset and acknowledged its scarcity and inherent value in a Sept. 25. report. Another Chinese court came to a similar conclusion on Sept. 1.  Earlier this year, Hong Kong’s financial regulator, the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC), also approved the first spot Bitcoin and Ether (ETH) ETFs on April 24. Magazine: Real life yield farming: How tokenization is transforming lives in Africa Source link The post Chinese microchip company says it’s now accepting Bitcoin as payment  first appeared on Forex Trader Hub.

After-Hours Stock Movers: Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE:) rose 5% after it reported third quarter earnings per share that beat estimates. The company announced the highest ever concerts profitability with adjusted operating income of $474 million, up 39%, and margins of 7.2%. Zeta Global Holdings Corp. (ZETA) fell 8% despite delivering record revenue of $268M, an increase of 42% year-over-year, and raising full year guidance. Neurogene (NGNE) fell 35% after it reported interim clinical data in the first four participants in the low-dose cohort of its ongoing Phase 1/2 open-label trial designed to evaluate NGN-401 gene therapy for the treatment of female pediatric patients with Rett syndrome. IAC/Interactive Corp (IAC) rose 2% despite mixed third quarter results, after it said it is exploring a spinoff of its 85% ownership in Angi Inc. (ANGI) to IAC shareholders. !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s){if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function(){n.callMethod? n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments)};if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n;n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0';n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0;t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0];s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)}(window, document,'script','https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/fbevents.js'); Source link The post Live Nation Entertainment, Zeta Global, and more By Investing.com first appeared on Forex Trader Hub.

By Lisa Pauline Mattackal and Purvi Agarwal (Reuters) -Wall Street’s main indexes were near record highs on Monday (NASDAQ:), holding on to post-election gains, ahead of the next batch of economic data that could decide whether the equity rally can sustain itself. Several stocks that gained following the U.S. election results continued their upward trajectory. Tesla (NASDAQ:) jumped 7.4% after touching $1 trillion in market value on Friday for the first time since 2022. The EV maker gave a boost to consumer discretionary shares, with the sector at a record high. The small-cap jumped 1.6% to its highest level since last November and was near a record high, with the stocks expected to be a key beneficiary of President-elect Donald Trump’s proposed tax cuts and on expectations of an easier regulatory environment. “Assuming that Trump and Congress can deliver on even a few promised tax reforms and de-regulations, and if the economy stays healthy, it’s reasonable to expect current trends to continue,” said Mark Malek, chief information officer at Siebert. The Nasdaq, however, retreated after hitting a record high as megacap stocks weighed. Information technology shares fell 1% and chip stocks were down 3%, led by a 21% slump in Monolithic Power (NASDAQ:) Systems. “Last week’s moves were substantial, so expect some volatility and sideways trading until the new lawmakers are seated and policies become clear,” Malek added. The rose 374.85 points, or 0.85%, to 44,363.84, the gained 14.29 points, or 0.24%, to 6,009.83, and the lost 12.66 points, or 0.07%, to 19,274.12. Financial stocks jumped 1.85% to a record high, with banks giving the biggest boost to the Dow. The three main Wall Street indexes soared in the previous week as Trump retook the White House. The benchmark S&P 500 briefly crossed the 6,000 mark on Friday and the Dow touched 44,000 points for the first time. Crypto stocks rallied as bitcoin soared past $84,000 on Monday. Coinbase Global (NASDAQ:) jumped 17% and bitcoin miners MARA Holdings and Riot Platforms (NASDAQ:) gained 21% and 16.2%, respectively. Focus will now be on consumer price inflation data, due Wednesday, and a raft of other key data this week for signals on the economy and monetary policy outlook. The U.S. Federal Reserve cut interest rates by 25 basis points as expected last week, and investors see a 65.1% chance of the same move at its December meeting, according to CME FedWatch, though they have begun dialing back expectations for easing next year. “With policymakers already so cautious about the risk of renewed price pressures, particularly amid the continued strength of the U.S. economy, the Fed will need to tread a cautious path,” said Seema Shah, chief global strategist at Principal Asset Management. Advancing issues outnumbered decliners for a 1.7-to-1 ratio on the NYSE and a 1.47-to-1 ratio on the Nasdaq. The S&P 500 posted 115 new 52-week highs and seven new lows, while the Nasdaq Composite recorded 316 new highs and 61 new lows. !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s){if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function(){n.callMethod? n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments)};if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n;n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0';n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0;t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0];s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)}(window, document,'script','https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/fbevents.js'); Source link The post Wall Street hovers near record high as Trump-fueled rally continues By Reuters first appeared on Forex Trader Hub.

By Martin Coulter LISBON (Reuters) – Lisbon will this week play host to Europe’s biggest annual tech conference, Web Summit, where industry leaders and lawmakers will weigh the pros and cons of Donald Trump’s return to the White House.  Senior executives from firms such as Apple (NASDAQ:), Microsoft (NASDAQ:), and Meta (NASDAQ:) will join high-ranking officials from Europe for debates about the future of artificial intelligence, social media regulation, and the impact a second Trump presidency may have on the continent.  Trump has previously promised he could end the war between Ukraine and Russia within 24 hours of taking office. Days after Trump’s re-election, two senior Ukrainian government officials, Alex Bornyakov and Mykhailo Fedorov, will take to the stage to discuss how the country has continued innovating in the face of conflict. John Adam, chief revenue officer at software development firm Aimprosoft, is among those attending. About 70% of the company’s workforce is still based in Ukraine, with the rest having relocated around Europe after the war’s outbreak in 2022.  “There’s mixed feelings because the Trump approach looks like it’s more geared towards the present lines of conflict, which is not an ideal scenario for Ukraine, and there’s a reluctance to accept that. At the same time, we would like this to have an endpoint,” he said.  THE X FACTOR  While not expected to attend, tech billionaire and vocal Trump supporter Elon Musk will be a recurring theme, from his role in Ukraine via satellite service Starlink to his success with space exploration firm SpaceX and controversial stewardship of social media platform X, formerly Twitter. One panel will debate how Europe might develop a homegrown rival to SpaceX; another whether Musk “destroyed Twitter”. Joe Benarroch, who quit his role as X’s de facto spokesperson and head of business operations in June, will join a panel titled “What to do about social media”. While the EU has tried forcing online platforms to clamp down on harmful content, Trump’s election may lead to them reducing moderation efforts, according to Mark Weinstein, founder of privacy-focused social media platform MeWe, who will share the stage with Benarroch on Wednesday. “Historically, Trump has been highly critical of online moderation,” he said. “To avoid political retribution, major social networks are likely to continue the trend of becoming significantly more permissive with content they allow on their platforms.”  (This story has been corrected to fix the company name to ‘Aimprosoft’ from ‘Aimsoftpro’ in paragraph 4) !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s){if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function(){n.callMethod? n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments)};if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n;n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0';n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0;t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0];s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)}(window, document,'script','https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/fbevents.js'); Source link The post Web Summit kicks off in Lisbon as tech leaders weigh Trump’s return By Reuters first appeared on Forex Trader Hub.

By Shashwat Chauhan (Reuters) -European shares advanced on Monday (NASDAQ:), with most sectors gaining, ahead of a week packed with global economic data including inflation readings in Germany and the United States. The pan-European added 1%, with industrials among the top gainers, up 1.4%. Later this week, inflation readings across Europe, the United States and a preliminary reading of euro zone third-quarter GDP would remain in focus. Minutes from the European Central Bank’s October policy meeting, in which it cut interest rates by 25-basis-points, will be released on Thursday. The European benchmark logged its third straight weekly loss on Friday as investors assessed the likelihood of tariffs after Donald Trump recaptured the U.S. presidency. “The outlook in Europe has been weakened by the threat from the US to its exports. And the eurozone’s capacity to react is being undermined by heavyweights Germany and France, both of which are faced with a fragmented political environment which will limit decision-taking,” analyst at Edmond de Rothschild Group wrote in a morning note. Underwhelming Chinese measures to revive its ailing economy last week also added to the losses. “The stimulus package disappointed market expectations as it lacked direct fiscal stimulus and targeted measures to improve the housing market,” analysts at Deutsche Bank (ETR:) wrote in a morning note. Meanwhile, Wall Street stood at record highs, with the touching 6,000 points for the first time last week. Trump’s policies of lower corporate taxes and easing regulation could be a boost to U.S. domestic markets. [.N] Defence companies such as Sweden’s SAAB, Italy’s Leonardo and UK’s Rolls-Royce (OTC:) rose between 2.4% and 4%. MTU Aero Engines (OTC:) was up 2.1% after Goldman Sachs upgraded its rating on the German engine manufacturer to “buy”. gained 1.3%, boosted by a 4.4% jump in UK’s Croda (LON:) after the group posted higher third-quarter sales. Insurance rose 1.4%, with Germany’s Hannover Rueck (ETR:) advancing 3.9% after the world’s third-largest re-insurer hiked its 2024 profit target, citing favourable business development and a positive tax effect. Swiss reinsurance company Swiss Re (OTC:) added 4.2% after UBS upgraded its rating on the stock to “buy” from “sell”. Among key stocks, German automotive and industrial supplier Continental advanced 5.8% after posting a third-quarter core profit above expectations. Aquis Exchange more than doubled in value after Swiss stock exchange operator SIX Group said it has reached an agreement to acquire the London-based company in a cash offer. Delivery Hero added 2% after the Berlin-based food delivery company is set to list Talabat, its Middle East business on the Dubai Stock Exchange in mid-December. !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s){if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function(){n.callMethod? n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments)};if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n;n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0';n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0;t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0];s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)}(window, document,'script','https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/fbevents.js'); Source link The post Europe’s STOXX up 1% at start of data-packed week By Reuters first appeared on Forex Trader Hub.

Investing.com – Australia stocks were lower after the close on Monday, as losses in the , and sectors led shares lower. At the close in Sydney, the declined 0.35%. The best performers of the session on the were Pointsbet Holdings Ltd (ASX:), which rose 8.99% or 0.08 points to trade at 0.98 at the close. Meanwhile, Omni Bridgeway Ltd (ASX:) added 4.71% or 0.04 points to end at 0.89 and Appen Ltd (ASX:) was up 6.15% or 0.15 points to 2.59 in late trade. The worst performers of the session were Resolute Mining Ltd (ASX:), which fell 32.84% or 0.22 points to trade at 0.45 at the close. Champion Iron Ltd (ASX:) declined 9.76% or 0.61 points to end at 5.64 and Iluka Resources Ltd (ASX:) was down 7.89% or 0.46 points to 5.37. Falling stocks outnumbered advancing ones on the Sydney Stock Exchange by 616 to 492 and 487 ended unchanged. Shares in Appen Ltd (ASX:) rose to 52-week highs; rising 6.15% or 0.15 to 2.59. Shares in Iluka Resources Ltd (ASX:) fell to 3-years lows; falling 7.89% or 0.46 to 5.37. The , which measures the implied volatility of S&P/ASX 200 options, was up 0.67% to 11.25. Gold Futures for December delivery was down 0.71% or 19.20 to $2,675.60 a troy ounce. Elsewhere in commodities trading, Crude oil for delivery in December fell 0.43% or 0.30 to hit $70.08 a barrel, while the January Brent oil contract fell 0.34% or 0.25 to trade at $73.62 a barrel. AUD/USD was unchanged 0.20% to 0.66, while AUD/JPY rose 0.69% to 101.30. The US Dollar Index Futures was up 0.10% at 105.00. !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s){if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function(){n.callMethod? n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments)};if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n;n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0';n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0;t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0];s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)}(window, document,'script','https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/fbevents.js'); Source link The post Australia stocks lower at close of trade; S&P/ASX 200 down 0.35% By Investing.com first appeared on Forex Trader Hub.

Montreal dockworkers union reject offer, lockout to begin Source link The post Montreal dockworkers union reject offer, lockout to begin first appeared on Forex Trader Hub.

The Canadian Dollar shed 0.4% against the Greenback on Friday. Canada saw a worse-than-expected print in net new jobs additions in October. Average Canadian wages also rose, maintaining upward pressure on inflation expectations. The Canadian Dollar flubbed a near-term technical recovery on Friday, slumping back into familiar lows against the Greenback. The Loonie remains under pressure as the Bank of Canada (BoC) continues to keep downward pressure on interest rates in the face of lagging employment figures, though the Canadian central bank is quickly running out of runway as rising wages keep inflation expectations simmering in the background. Canada reported a much lower than expected print in Net Change in Employment in October, entirely missing the mark as job gains continue to wither. Canadian Average Hourly Wages also rebounded, reminding investors of Canada’s ongoing battle with still-high inflation expectations despite overall price growth well outpacing wages across the gamut of timeframes. Daily digest market movers: Canadian Dollar backslides on missed jobs growth Canadian Net Change in Employment rose by a scant 14.5K in October, missing the forecast 25K and well below September’s 46.7K print. Average Hourly Wages also grew 4.9% YoY in October, rebounding from September’s slowdown to 4.5%. With wages back on the rise, inflation expectations are likely to remain elevated, crimping the BoC’s hopes to single-handedly restart Canada’s growth engine using steep interest rate cuts. The US Consumer Sentiment Index also rose on Friday, with November chalking in an upswing to 73.0 in aggregated consumer survey results. Markets anticipated a much more moderate upswing to 71.0 from the previous 70.5. Despite a wider miss in Canada’s jobs figures for October, the Canadian Unemployment Rate held steady at 5.5% versus the forecast uptick to 6.6%. However, the on-balance Unemployment Rate print is likely due to long-term unemployed workers dropping out of the unemployment reference period as the Canadian Labor Force Participation Rate continues to sink below 65%. Canada’s LFPR last printed at 64.8%, and hasn’t been this low since the global recovery from the COVID pandemic in mid-2020. Canadian Dollar price forecast: Loonie remains sticky near familiar lows The Canadian Dollar (CAD) continues to churn chart paper close to medium-term lows against the US Dollar. USD/CAD marched to 14-month highs near 1.3960 earlier in November, and a sputtering technical recovery in the Canadian Dollar coupled with a broad-market strengthening of the Greenback has kept the pair bolstered north of the 1.3900 handle. USD/CAD daily chart Economic Indicator Net Change in Employment The Net Change in Employment released by Statistics Canada is a measure of the change in the number of people in employment in Canada. Generally speaking, a rise in this indicator has positive implications for consumer spending and indicates economic growth. Therefore, a high reading is seen as bullish for the Canadian Dollar (CAD), while a low reading is seen as bearish. Read more. Last release: Fri Nov 08, 2024 13:30 Frequency: Monthly Actual: 14.5K Consensus: 25K Previous: 46.7K Source: Statistics Canada   Source link The post Canadian Dollar sheds weight, flubbing technical recovery after jobs data misses the mark first appeared on Forex Trader Hub.

The Crypto Fear and Greed Index, which measures market sentiment for Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, hit its highest level of “greed” in nearly seven months on Nov. 10 as Bitcoin crossed $81,000. The index notched a score of 78 out of 100 — in the “Extreme Greed” zone, the highest it’s been since April 12 — when Bitcoin was trading around $70,000 and the 2024 halving event was fast approaching. Crypto Fear & Greed Index score. Source: Alternative.me Bitcoin (BTC) hit the “Extreme Greed” zone (75-100) on Oct. 31 and has hovered between 70 and 78 over the last week as Republican Donald Trump took out the United States presidential election. Bitcoin rallied 6.15% to a new all-time high of $81,358 on Nov. 10 but has since cooled off to $80,182 at the time of writing, according to CoinGecko. The Crypto Fear and Greed Index score has also since slightly regressed to 76 out of 100 on Nov. 11. However, industry analysts anticipate Bitcoin will see far more upside before Trump is inaugurated on Jan. 20, 2025. Change in Crypto Fear & Greed Index score over the last 12 months. Source: Alternative.me The index produces a score based on market volatility (25%), trading volume (25%), social media sentiment (15%), Bitcoin’s dominance (10%) and trends (10%) to reach an overall score. It used to account for surveys (15%), but that metric is currently paused.  Bitcoin is starting to trend on Google Meanwhile, Bitcoin’s recent price pump seems to have woken up more retail investors over the last week as Google search interest for “Bitcoin” has risen substantially. However, it’s still far off from the last bull run, with current search interest for Bitcoin scoring 48 out of 100 relative to late May 2021, when all-time search volumes reached their peak, per Google Trends data. Related: Elon Musk reposts call to end the Federal Reserve Bank Bullish sentiment has been fueled by Trump’s victory and a larger representation of pro-crypto politicians winning seats in the US Senate and House of Representatives for the 2025-2029 term. Market participants may also benefit from a potentially more accommodating Securities and Exchange Commission should Trump fulfill his promise to remove Gary Gensler as the SEC’s Chair. Mark Uyeda, an SEC commissioner who has criticized the SEC’s regulation by enforcement regime, could be next in line to replace Gensler, according to crypto attorney Jake Chervinsky. Magazine: Asian crypto traders profit from Trump’s win, China’s 2025 CBDC deadline Source link The post Crypto greed index taps 7-month high as Bitcoin surges past $81K first appeared on Forex Trader Hub.

Investing.com — As the U.S. presidential race unfolds, with former President Trump on track to return to the White House, major policy shifts appear likely, impacting sectors like machinery and construction.  Analysts at Barclays (LON:) have identified core areas where changes in trade, immigration, and regulatory policies under a Trump administration could reshape these industries, from tariff impacts to funding challenges. Tariffs, a key issue in Trump’s first term, could again become a central policy tool, posing potential headwinds for the machinery sector.  Companies in this field typically operate with global supply chains and substantial international sales exposure, including agricultural equipment firms that depend on global sales markets.  Tariffs on imports, particularly from major trade partners, could strain the machinery sector, though industry players are better equipped now to pass on costs compared to 2018.  During the last tariff hike, machinery stocks saw declines due to investor concerns over rising operational costs, but Barclays notes that companies today have refined pricing strategies to manage cost increases.  Firms have learned from COVID-related supply chain disruptions and developed mechanisms like tariff surcharges to offset cost pressures, which may help them adapt more effectively if tariffs return. The potential for restrictive immigration policies under a Trump presidency could pose challenges for construction and manufacturing industries, where foreign-born workers are critical to the labor force.  As per Barclays, these sectors employ about six million immigrant workers, many of whom fill roles that are currently difficult to staff with domestic labor alone.  Given that roughly 30% of U.S. construction workers are immigrants, stricter immigration policies could lead to increased labor shortages, driving up project costs and wage inflation. Southern states, which house a larger portion of these workers, are especially vulnerable.  If immigration constraints escalate, it could affect the availability of labor for projects in these high-growth regions, potentially reducing project feasibility or inflating costs. Regulatory policy shifts are also expected to have mixed impacts. Trump’s past approach to environmental regulation included substantial rollbacks, and a second term could see a continuation, particularly in clean energy areas.  Trump has been vocal about reducing support for electric vehicles, which could dampen federal backing for EV-related projects, a notable area of focus under the Biden administration.  Companies involved in renewable energy projects, such as wind or solar infrastructure, may face a cooling of support, while fossil fuel-based initiatives could see fewer regulatory obstacles. On a positive note, Trump’s focus on permitting reform may help machinery companies involved in infrastructure projects.  During his first term, Trump sought to ease permitting processes, and a second administration could further reduce bureaucratic hurdles, especially around large construction and infrastructure projects.  For companies reliant on heavy materials and equipment rentals, streamlined permitting could open up more opportunities for new projects and facilitate growth through mergers and acquisitions. With Republicans poised to control both chambers of Congress, key Biden spending initiatives could face scrutiny. Initiatives such as the Inflation Reduction Act and the CHIPS Act may see slower approval rates, and increased oversight could impact how future stimulus dollars are distributed. Barclays analysts flag the GOP’s interest in curtailing spending, particularly around discretionary projects tied to clean energy and technology.  While spending on these initiatives cannot be eliminated without congressional action, project approvals and budget allocations may be subject to delays and stricter oversight.  This potential shift is likely to impact sectors reliant on public funding for projects, including certain machinery and construction firms that had factored in stimulus-related revenues. Investors had anticipated a Trump victory but seem less prepared for a “red wave” scenario.  The immediate impact on machinery stocks is nuanced: while companies are expected to handle trade-related cost pressures better this cycle, a GOP-led Congress could heighten uncertainties around stimulus-backed megaprojects in areas like electric vehicle infrastructure and battery manufacturing.  Equipment rental companies, often viewed as indicators of large project growth, may see slower momentum if these projects stall. Certain construction firms may face direct risks from tightening immigration policies that impact labor availability and project timelines, while engineering firms that rely on global workforces may face fewer constraints.  The surface transportation funding within the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, however, is largely secure until fiscal year 2026, providing a buffer for companies heavily tied to this sector. Companies like MasTec (NYSE:), which have a diversified portfolio across traditional energy, communications, and power transmission, may be better positioned to navigate these shifts. Similarly, material firms with less exposure to clean energy are expected to remain more neutral to any changes resulting from a Trump administration. Barclays analysts also point to local transportation investments approved by voters in states like Arizona, Washington, and South Carolina, which could bolster regional construction and machinery demands.  Local initiatives to renew transportation taxes and maintain carbon credit markets were largely supported, and companies with strong regional ties, such as Vulcan Materials (NYSE:), Martin Marietta, and Arcosa (NYSE:), stand to benefit.  Though federal clean energy funding might face obstacles, these state-level decisions signal a steady demand for construction materials and equipment in specific markets, especially in the western and southern U.S. !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s){if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function(){n.callMethod? n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments)};if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n;n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0';n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0;t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0];s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)}(window, document,'script','https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/fbevents.js'); Source link The post What a second Trump presidency could mean for the machinery sector: Barclays By Investing.com first appeared on Forex Trader Hub.

Investing.com – Israel stocks were higher after the close on Sunday, as gains in the , and sectors led shares higher. At the close in Tel Aviv, the gained 2.60% to hit a new all time high. The best performers of the session on the were NICE Ltd (TASE:), which rose 8.81% or 5,790.00 points to trade at 71,500.00 at the close. Meanwhile, Tower Semiconductor Ltd (TASE:) added 6.86% or 1,110.00 points to end at 17,280.00 and Mizrahi Tefahot (TASE:) was up 3.90% or 610.00 points to 16,260.00 in late trade. The worst performers of the session were Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd (TASE:), which fell 0.89% or 58.00 points to trade at 6,478.00 at the close. OPC Energy Ltd (TASE:) declined 0.87% or 27.00 points to end at 3,066.00 and Nova (TASE:) was down 0.79% or 600.00 points to 74,900.00. Rising stocks outnumbered declining ones on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange by 345 to 114 and 80 ended unchanged. Shares in Mizrahi Tefahot (TASE:) rose to all time highs; rising 3.90% or 610.00 to 16,260.00. Crude oil for December delivery was down 2.74% or 1.98 to $70.38 a barrel. Elsewhere in commodities trading, Brent oil for delivery in January fell 2.33% or 1.76 to hit $73.87 a barrel, while the December Gold Futures contract fell 0.41% or 11.00 to trade at $2,694.80 a troy ounce. USD/ILS was up 0.81% to 3.75, while EUR/ILS unchanged 0.00% to 4.01. The US Dollar Index Futures was up 0.50% at 104.89. !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s){if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function(){n.callMethod? n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments)};if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n;n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0';n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0;t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0];s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)}(window, document,'script','https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/fbevents.js'); Source link The post Israel stocks higher at close of trade; TA 35 up 2.60% By Investing.com first appeared on Forex Trader Hub.

Investing.com – Saudi Arabia stocks were lower after the close on Sunday, as losses in the , and sectors led shares lower. At the close in Saudi Arabia, the declined 0.23%. The best performers of the session on the were Riyadh Cement Co (TADAWUL:), which rose 9.88% or 2.95 points to trade at 32.80 at the close. Meanwhile, Saudi Industrial Export Co (TADAWUL:) added 9.76% or 0.24 points to end at 2.70 and Miahona Holding SCJSC (TADAWUL:) was up 5.81% or 1.70 points to 30.95 in late trade. The worst performers of the session were AL-BABTAIN POWER &TELECOM CO (TADAWUL:), which fell 8.00% or 3.45 points to trade at 39.65 at the close. Al-Jouf Agriculture Development Co (TADAWUL:) declined 7.67% or 5.20 points to end at 62.60 and Shatirah House Restaurant Co (TADAWUL:) was down 7.11% or 1.50 points to 19.60. Falling stocks outnumbered advancing ones on the Saudi Arabia Stock Exchange by 175 to 129 and 25 ended unchanged. Shares in Shatirah House Restaurant Co (TADAWUL:) fell to all time lows; falling 7.11% or 1.50 to 19.60. Crude oil for December delivery was down 2.74% or 1.98 to $70.38 a barrel. Elsewhere in commodities trading, Brent oil for delivery in January fell 2.33% or 1.76 to hit $73.87 a barrel, while the December Gold Futures contract fell 0.41% or 11.00 to trade at $2,694.80 a troy ounce. EUR/SAR was down 0.74% to 4.03, while USD/SAR unchanged 0.00% to 3.76. The US Dollar Index Futures was up 0.50% at 104.89. !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s){if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function(){n.callMethod? n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments)};if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n;n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0';n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0;t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0];s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)}(window, document,'script','https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/fbevents.js'); Source link The post Saudi Arabia stocks lower at close of trade; Tadawul All Share down 0.23% By Investing.com first appeared on Forex Trader Hub.

Investing.com — Here is your Pro Recap of the top takeaways from Wall Street analysts for the past week. InvestingPro subscribers always get first dibs on market-moving AI analyst comments. Upgrade today! Roblox What happened? On Monday, Morgan Stanley upgraded Roblox Corp (NYSE:) to Overweight with a $65 price target *TLDR: Morgan Stanley sets Roblox target multiple at 25% premium. Bullish scenario values Roblox at $110 per share. What’s the full story? Morgan Stanley has set a target multiple for Roblox that represents a 25% premium compared to its internet peers. The bulge bracket bank justifies this premium by highlighting Roblox’s extensive user growth potential, high engagement levels, and a robust user-generated content (UGC) ecosystem. Additionally, Morgan Stanley (NYSE:) sees significant opportunities for Roblox to expand into high-margin revenue streams such as advertising and e-commerce. In its bullish scenario, Morgan Stanley values Roblox at $110 per share, based on a target EV/EBITDA multiple of 34x, reflecting a 76% EBITDA growth from 2023 to 2026. This scenario assumes that advertising revenue will grow much faster than the base case, with e-commerce also contributing to growth starting in the same year. The bank expects substantial acceleration in these new business lines as Roblox continues to monetize its rapidly expanding user base. Overweight at Morgan Stanley means “The stock’s total return is expected to exceed the average total return of the analyst’s industry (or industry team’s) coverage universe, on a risk-adjusted basis, over the next 12-18 months.“ Carvana Co. What happened? On Tuesday, Morgan Stanley upgraded Carvana (NYSE:) to Equal-weight with a $260 price target. *TLDR: Carvana’s Q3 profitability exceeded expectations with strong operating leverage. Positive cash flow supports self-financing and debt reduction. What’s the full story? Morgan Stanley analysts were pleasantly surprised by Carvana’s increased profitability in the third quarter, despite modestly above-expectation top-line growth. Carvana demonstrated substantial positive operating leverage, with SG&A per retail unit continuing to decline. Adjusted EBITDA margins of 11.7% were nearly 200 basis points higher than Morgan Stanley’s forecast. The company is leveraging its national digital used-car platform, which includes vertically integrated sourcing, reconditioning, and inventory/fleet/logistics management. This SG&A leverage, historically absent from the business, has now turned the corner, driving industry-leading double-digit EBITDA margins. The third-quarter results showed an EBITDA and cash flow run-rate well over a year ahead of prior forecasts. Carvana, which currently holds just 1% of the US used-car market, is approaching its peak retail unit volumes from 2021/2022. The difference this time is the company’s ability to generate efficiencies at gross margin and SG&A/gross, with fulfillment infrastructure capacity roughly double its current run rate. Used gross margins have more than doubled since 2021, while SG&A/gross has halved. The third-quarter results suggest that Carvana has achieved ‘escape velocity’ on profitable growth, which appears to be more than a temporary phenomenon. Additionally, the company is generating positive free cash flow, supporting self-financing and providing opportunities to pay down its $5.6 billion corporate debt balance over time. Equal-weight at Morgan Stanley means “The stock’s total return is expected to be in line with the average total return of the analyst’s industry (or industry team’s) coverage universe, on a risk-adjusted basis, over the next 12-18 months.” Snowflake Inc . What happened? On Wednesday, Monness Crespi Hardt upgraded Snowflake (NYSE:) to Buy with a $140 price target. *TLDR: Monness upgrades SNOW ahead of Q3 earnings; valuation attractive. Long-term AI benefits expected; avoiding restructuring may boost margins. What’s the full story? This Monness upgrade comes ahead of SNOW’s Q3 earnings report, scheduled for November 20th. Despite a 41% decline year-to-date in 2024 and a 73% drop from its peak in late 2020, the MCH analysts find Snowflake’s valuation increasingly attractive. They highlight the company’s accelerated pace of innovation this year, which they believe will start yielding results over the next 12-18 months. The MCH analysts also note that while the generative AI hype of 2023 has not translated into significant revenue for the software sector in 2024, they expect Snowflake and the industry to benefit from this trend in the long term. Additionally, Snowflake’s decision to avoid the severe restructuring measures seen across the tech industry could provide a significant margin advantage in the future if needed. Buy at Monness Crespi Hardt means “the security is expected to outperform the market by 10% or more during the next 6-12 months.” SolarEdge Technologies What happened? On Thursday, Piper Sandler downgraded SolarEdge Technologies Inc (NASDAQ:) to Underweight with a $9 price target. *TLDR: Piper downgrades SEDG to Underweight; Q3 results and Q4 guidance disappoint. European market challenges and cash flow issues prompt $9.00 price target. What’s the full story? Piper’s expectations for SolarEdge Technologies (SEDG) were already low, but the latest update still managed to disappoint. The third quarter of 2024 results were underwhelming, with larger-than-expected write-downs and significant cash burn, despite guidance alignment. The fourth quarter revenue guidance missed expectations by 40%, attributed to declining European battery sales and aggressive pricing and promotions for European inverters. Piper finds the sequential revenue decline troubling, especially since SEDG is no longer destocking its US channel. With normal levels of Days Sales Outstanding and Days Payable Outstanding, subdued sales into distribution, and higher US manufacturing expenses projected for the fourth quarter of 2024 and the first quarter of 2025, Piper sees no formal plan to reset headcount. Combined with European market challenges and competition from Tesla (NASDAQ:), Piper struggles to envision an improvement in cash flow next year and anticipates another capital raise. Radical cost reductions are deemed necessary for survival, leading Piper to downgrade SEDG to Underweight due to balance sheet risks heading into 2025, with a price target of $9.00 per share. Underweight at Piper means “Anticipated to underperform relative to the median of the group of stocks covered by the analyst.“ Bath & Body Works What happened? On Friday, Barclays downgraded Bath & Body Works Inc. (NYSE:) to Underweight with a $28 price target. *TLDR: Barclays downgrades Bath & Body Works; supply and demand risks cited. Weak consumer spending and aggressive promotions expected into 2025. What’s the full story? Barclays has downgraded shares of Bath & Body Works citing concerns over supply and demand risks for the next 12-15 months. While the second half of 2024 appears largely derisked following recent guidance adjustments, the bank anticipates sustained negative sales and margin contraction in 2025. Barclays’ supply analysis indicates that inventory is building ahead of a sales recovery, while demand analysis points to aggressive promotions, suggesting weak consumer spending. The downgrade is driven by several factors: a weakening U.S. consumer likely to persist into 2025, recent data points in the U.S. beauty segment showing worse-than-expected performance (including companies like Estée Lauder and Coty (NYSE:)), and an early start to holiday promotional activities. Barclays believes that during the holiday season, retailers will compete intensely for consumer spending, a trend that is not expected to reverse in 2025. Underweight at Barclays means “The stock is expected to underperform the unweighted expected total return of the industry coverage universe over a 12-month investment horizon.” !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s){if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function(){n.callMethod? n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments)};if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n;n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0';n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0;t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0];s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)}(window, document,'script','https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/fbevents.js'); Source link The post Street calls of the week By Investing.com first appeared on Forex Trader Hub.

By Christopher Lewis Reviewer Adam Lemon Fact-checker DailyForex.com Team Created on November 10, 2024 Forex payment gateways are a necessary bridge between a trader’s bank account and their Forex trading account. While Forex traders can use their bank account or the credit/debit card associated with it, Forex payment gateways are faster and cheaper. They can offer additional perks to support the lifestyle of successful Forex traders. Read my comprehensive review of Forex payment gateways, the roles of Forex payment gateways in Forex, and what factors to consider when selecting Forex payment gateways, as most Forex brokers offer multiple choices, and geographic restrictions apply. Forex payment gateways connect a trader’s capital to their Forex brokerage account. They ensure the seamless flow of capital with a secure infrastructure. The best Forex payment gateways feature additional products and services, rewards programs, and perks, especially in the travel, leisure, and shopping sectors. Using these gateways ensures secure, seamless financial transactions and caters to the lifestyle of successful Forex traders. While individual preferences and availability define the choice of Forex payment gateways, the best options share core similarities. Here are the core factors in selecting Forex payment gateways: Cutting-edge security – It must include robust encryption, two-factor authentication, and advanced fraud detection, ideally with AI-based assistance Transaction fees – Forex payment gateways offer various products and services, and transaction costs can vary, making an in-depth cost comparison, especially for withdrawals and follow-on transactions, a necessary step Availability – The choice of Forex payment gateways depends on the Forex broker, followed by the geographic location of traders Swift follow-on transactions – These are necessary to allow profitable Forex traders to spend their withdrawals globally Responsive customer support – This is essential, as issues may arise, including fraudulent transactions Noteworthy: Integrated cryptocurrency support is a much-sought-after benefit Additional perks, specifically for travel, leisure, and shopping, are excellent bonuses for profitable Forex traders Forex traders can choose among dozens of Forex payment gateways. Still, availability depends on their geographic location and Forex broker, as each Forex broker chooses which Forex payment gateways to integrate into their operations. I have listed the best Forex payment gateways below, based on usage among Forex traders. The following options rank among the best Forex payment gateways: Rapid Transfer Forex Brokers – Rapid Transfer is a Skrill service supported by 170+ banks and does not require a sign-up or registration. Traders can make instant deposits using their online banking credentials. Unlike many competitors, traders can request withdrawals via Rapid Transfer directly into their bank accounts. Rapid Transfer users also earn KNECT points, the Skrill loyalty program, earning more cash by using Rapid Transfer. Klarna Forex Brokers – Klarna, a Swedish FinTech company, bank, and the leading Scandinavian payment processor, offers traders the choice to use Sofort, also known as Pay Now, creating a one-time card number for transactions and features the Klarna Visa card. Please note that its services differ based on geographic location and applicable rules and regulations. Unlike many competitors, Klarna also developed a web-based extension alongside its mobile app. China Union Pay Forex Brokers – China Union Pay is available in 181 countries and supports mobile app payments in 99 countries via its UnionPay International unit. It partnered with millions of brands and became the largest credit/debit card issuer globally. China Union Pay continues to expand its products and services, is the only service linking all Chinese ATMs, and enjoys a fast-growing global footprint, particularly across Asia. Its popularity has more Forex brokers adding it to their Forex payment gateways, and it remains the best Asian option. Google Pay Forex Brokers – Google Pay, the digital wallet and payment processor developed and maintained by Google, requires traders to link their credit/debit cards to Google Pay to enable transactions between Google Pay and supported services. It also allows traders to interact with payment terminals via near-field communication (NFC), a fact to consider when spending Forex withdrawals. Google Pay is also available on Apple iOS devices, except for NFC transactions. It is an ideal option for Forex traders who prefer mobile trading, which is popular among millennial and GenZ traders. Apple Pay Forex Brokers – Apple Pay, the digital wallet and payment processor developed and maintained by Apple, is similar to Google Pay. Forex traders must link their credit/debit cards to Apple Pay before spending at millions of supported businesses. Apple Pay usage among Apple users is higher than Google Pay for Android users. Apple invests more in its infrastructure and integration, and its core advantage is the swift ability to spend money once a withdrawal arrives. Like Google Pay, it is ideal for mobile traders. Paypal Forex Brokers – PayPal, an online payment processor publicly listed on the NASDAQ stock market, operates in 200+ markets and has 430+ million active, registered accounts in 2024. Since 2008, it has acquired 26 companies, expanded its global footprint, and became a member of the MACH Alliance in 2023. PayPal ranked 143rd on the Fortune 500 list of largest US corporations by revenue in 2022. PayPal allows users to set currency conversions in the PayPal app. It also supports cryptocurrencies across its network, which boosted its interest among Forex traders. Neteller Forex Brokers – Neteller, part of PaySafe, which owns Skrill, ranks among the most popular Forex payment gateways. Traders in qualifying countries can get the debit card Net+, and Neteller supports cryptocurrency transactions. It levies a 4.49% markup to the average daily interbank market rate for currency conversions, a fact multi-currency account holders must consider. Neteller lists 78 deposit methods on its website with a flat fee of 2.5%. Neteller money transfers face a transaction cost of 2.99%, which can decrease to 1.45% with a $0.50 minimum for Neteller True accounts. Neteller is a good choice for Forex traders who keep the funds online, but withdrawals from Neteller are costly. Skrill Forex Brokers – Skrill, part of PaySafe that also owns Neteller, ranks among the leading Forex payment gateways operational in 100+ countries in 40+ currencies. It used to dominate online Forex transactions before a slew of regulatory changes limited the scope of its products and services globally, including its debit card. It also operates the Rapid Transfer services for qualifying countries and the KNECT reward program, which includes cash rewards and other perks. Skrill integrated cryptocurrency solutions into its infrastructure, boosting its usage among Forex traders. Deposit fees are 2.50%, and Skrill transaction costs are identical to Neteller. Credit Card Forex Brokers – Credit cards are a staple of the global financial system, and every bank offers them. China Union Pay, Visa, and Mastercard are the primary credit card issuers. While all Forex payment gateways have geographic restrictions, all Forex brokers offer credit card deposits and withdrawals. The benefits include fast payment processing, availability, and swift follow-on transactions. Most Forex brokers only allow traders to withdraw the deposit amount to credit cards, a fact to consider when choosing Forex payment gateways. Bank Wire Transfer Brokers – Bank wires remain the only choice for Forex traders with substantial capital, as there are no transfer limits as with other Forex payment gateways. There are no geographic restrictions, as bank wires form the core of global finance, and all Forex brokers offer bank wires. They are the most expensive and slowest among Forex payment gateways but also the safest. Forex brokers usually send excess capital that exceeds the deposit amount via bank wires. Best AMEX Forex Brokers – AMEX is the fourth-largest credit/debit card issuer, trailing China Union Pay, Visa, and Mastercard. Its acceptance rate at merchants is lower and ranks among the less popular Forex payment gateways. It continues to add products and services, making it a suitable choice for Forex traders who wish to spend their Forex earnings at high-end merchants, as AMEX has a reputation for catering to higher network clients. Forex payment gateways continue to evolve and adapt. They integrate breakthroughs in technology and security and widen their global market share. Here are some future trends in Forex payment gateways: Blockchain integration for faster, more secure, transparent, cross-border transactions Artificial intelligence and machine learning for more secure and intelligent financial transactions Research and development focused on mobile payments Evolving Forex payment gateways to comply with regulatory changes Before Forex traders decide which Forex payment gateways to use, they should consider the pros and cons. A user-friendly interface A combination of web-based services and mobile apps, sometimes integrated with other e-commerce portals Most Forex payment gateways have excellent security features, including two-factor authentication (2FA) Ultra-fast payment processing times, often with instant to near-instant deposits and withdrawals Low transaction fees, which can consist of a small, fixed fee and percentage-based costs of the transaction value Swift follow-on transactions The most popular Forex payment gateways have reward programs, allowing users to earn more cash while using the Forex payment gateways Additional perks, primarily for travel, leisure, and shopping, allow seamless use of capital for profitable Forex traders Many Forex payment gateways have integrated cryptocurrency solutions Widespread availability A choice of Forex payment gateways at the most competitive Forex brokers Small minimum transaction sizes Some Forex payment gateways support multi-currency accounts Geographic restrictions apply at most Forex payment gateways The product and services portfolio at Forex payment gateways will differ based on the geographic location of Forex traders Maximum transaction limits apply at most Forex payment gateways, making them less suitable for well-capitalized Forex traders Forex payment gateways form a necessary bridge between traders and brokers, ensuring seamless capital flow. The choice of Forex payment gateways depends on the Forex broker and the geographic location of traders. Source link The post Forex Payment Gateways Guide – Updated [year] first appeared on Forex Trader Hub.

RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) – Sweden has selected Embraer’s C-390 Millennium as the country’s new military cargo aircraft, the Brazilian planemaker said on Saturday. The deal marks the first purchase of the C-390 by a country in northern Europe, Embraer said in a statement. Expanding its presence abroad with more sales of the C-390 has been a key goal of Embraer’s defense unit. Sweden is the sixth European nation to choose the aircraft, along with Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, the Netherlands and Portugal. “This decision represents a new chapter in Brazil-Sweden relations,” Embraer said. Brazil in the past had purchased Gripen fighter jets from Sweden’s SAAB. !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s){if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function(){n.callMethod? n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments)};if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n;n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0';n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0;t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0];s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)}(window, document,'script','https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/fbevents.js'); Source link The post Sweden picks Embraer’s C-390 as new military cargo aircraft By Reuters first appeared on Forex Trader Hub.

By Karen Freifeld and Fanny Potkin NEW YORK/SINGAPORE (Reuters) – The U.S. ordered Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co to halt shipments of advanced chips to Chinese customers that are often used in artificial intelligence applications starting Monday (NASDAQ:), according to a person familiar with the matter.  The Department of Commerce sent a letter to TSMC imposing export restrictions on certain sophisticated chips, of 7 nanometer or more advanced designs, destined for China that power AI accelerator and graphics processing units (GPU), the person said.  The U.S. order, which is being reported for the first time, comes just weeks after TSMC notified the Commerce Department that one of its chips had been found in a Huawei AI processor, as Reuters reported last month. Tech research firm Tech Insights had taken apart the product, revealing the TSMC chip and apparent violation of export controls. Huawei, at the center of the U.S. action, is on a restricted trade list, which requires suppliers to obtain licenses to ship any goods or technology to the company. Any license that could aid Huawei’s AI efforts would likely be denied.  TSMC suspended shipments to China-based chip designer Sophgo after its chip matched the one found on the Huawei AI processor, sources told Reuters last month.  Reuters could not determine how the chip ended up on Huawei’s Ascend 910B, released in 2022, viewed as the most advanced AI chip available from a Chinese company.  The latest clampdown hits many more companies and will allow the U.S. to assess whether other companies are diverting chips to Huawei for its AI processor.  As a result of the letter, TSMC notified affected clients that it was suspending shipments of chips starting Monday, the person said.  The Commerce Department declined comment.  A spokesperson for TSMC also declined to comment beyond saying it was a “law-abiding company…committed to complying with all applicable rules and regulations, including applicable export controls.”  The Commerce Department communication — known as an “is informed” letter — allows the U.S. to bypass lengthy rule-writing processes to quickly impose new licensing requirements on specific companies. Ijiwei, a Chinese media site covering the semiconductor industry, reported on Friday that TSMC notified Chinese chip design companies it would suspend 7 nanometer or below chips for AI and GPU customers beginning Nov. 11.  The action comes as both Republican and Democratic lawmakers have raised concerns about the inadequacy of export controls on China and the Commerce Department’s enforcement of them.  In 2022, the Commerce Department sent is-informed letters to Nvidia (NASDAQ:) and AMD (NASDAQ:) restricting their ability to export top AI-related chips to China, and to chip equipment makers like Lam Research (NASDAQ:), Applied Materials (NASDAQ:) and KLA to restrict tools to make advanced chips to China. The restrictions in those letters were later turned into rules that apply to companies beyond them. The U.S. has been delayed in updating rules on tech exports to China. As Reuters reported in July, the Biden administration drafted new rules on some foreign exports of chipmaking equipment and planned to add about 120 Chinese companies to the Commerce Department’s restricted entity list, including chipmaking factories, toolmakers, and related companies. But despite plans for an August release, and later tentative target dates for publication, the rules still have not been issued. !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s){if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function(){n.callMethod? n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments)};if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n;n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0';n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0;t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0];s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)}(window, document,'script','https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/fbevents.js'); Source link The post Exclusive-US ordered TSMC to halt shipments to China of chips used in AI applications, source says By Reuters first appeared on Forex Trader Hub.

The NZD/USD got rejected by the 20-day SMA by the fourth time this week. Technical indicators point to increasing selling pressure and decreasing buying pressure. A breakout from the 0.5940-0.6030 range will confirm a bearish outlook. In Friday’s session, the NZD/USD declined by 1.05% to 0.5960, continuing its downward trend as the pair got rejected by a third time this week by the 20-day Simple Moving Average (SMA). The Relative Strength Index (RSI) is currently at 40 and in negative territory, indicating that selling pressure is rising. The RSI’s slope is declining sharply, suggesting that selling pressure is increasing. The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) is also showing a mixed outlook, with the histogram being green but decreasing, indicating that buying pressure is declining. The NZD/USD pair faced a third rejection from the 20-day Simple Moving Average (SMA), indicating strong selling pressure. This rejection has pushed the pair lower, suggesting that the downtrend is likely to continue. The multiple rejections of the 20-day SMA highlight the strength of the resistance level and the inability of buyers to break through it. As a result, traders can expect further downside momentum in the near term. NZD/USD daily chart   Source link The post Pair gets rejected again by the 20-day SMA, more downside on the horizon first appeared on Forex Trader Hub.