Core Viewpoint - Oil prices are experiencing volatility due to geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and Iran, with recent military threats and diplomatic communications influencing market sentiment [1][3][4]. Group 1: Oil Price Movements - Oil prices rose more than 1.5% in Asian trade amid concerns of a potential U.S. military attack on Iran, which could disrupt supply from the region [1]. - Recently, oil prices reached a six-month high due to fears of a military strike against Iran, with Brent crude falling as much as 6.4% to $66.15 per barrel [3]. - The U.S. West Texas Intermediate futures also saw a decline of 4.75% to $62.11 per barrel [3]. Group 2: Geopolitical Context - President Trump has warned Iran of possible intervention if it does not reach a nuclear deal or continues to suppress domestic protests, which Iran claims are influenced by Western powers [2]. - Diplomatic communications between Washington and Tehran are ongoing, raising hopes for de-escalation of tensions [4]. - The U.S. administration's sensitivity to rising oil prices could prevent further escalation, especially with midterm elections approaching [5]. Group 3: Supply Dynamics - Additional supply from Venezuela is entering the market, contributing to available oil barrels despite global production exceeding demand [6]. - OPEC+ has decided to maintain current production levels, extending a three-month supply freeze, which is expected to support oil prices [7].

A jeweller shows gold and silver bars at his shop in downtown Kuwait City on Jan. 12, 2026.Gold and silver extended their sell-off Monday, deepening losses from last Friday's rout as a firmer dollar and profit-taking drains momentum from a rally that had propelled the precious metals to record highs just days earlier.Spot gold lost around 5% to $4,616.79 per ounce, having crashed nearly 10% on Friday, when prices plunged below $5,000 an ounce. Silver, which had surged alongside gold on safe haven demand and ...

A study of affluent Chinese released this month by consulting firm Oliver Wyman found that 22% of respondents were negative about the economy when surveyed in May. It just exceeds the 21% seen in October 2022, just before Beijing announced plans to ease its stringent zero-Covid policy.Asia-Pacific markets traded mixed Monday as investors assessed private data for China's factory activity in January, while gold extended losses from Friday.China's factory activity gathered speed in January, according to a pri ...

Group 1: Alphabet - Alphabet is expected to report strong earnings, with a focus on its self-driving ride service Waymo, valued at $110 billion, which could attract consumer interest [1] - Ruth Porat, Alphabet's president and chief investment officer, is recognized as a highly effective executive, contributing to the company's positive image and performance [1] - The reversal of a previous antitrust ruling has strengthened Google's market position, allowing it to maintain its dominance in the internet space [1] - The launch of Gemini 3 has positioned Google favorably in the consumer AI market, enhancing its competitive edge against other AI products [1] - YouTube and Google Cloud are highlighted as key growth drivers, with YouTube becoming a leading video platform and Google Cloud gaining traction as a viable alternative to AWS and Azure [1] Group 2: Amazon - Amazon's upcoming earnings report is anticipated to impact market sentiment, with analysts expressing mixed feelings about the company's performance [2] - The company has successfully navigated challenges posed by the pandemic, but Wall Street remains skeptical about its consumer-focused business model [2] - Amazon Web Services (AWS) is facing scrutiny regarding its growth rate, but recent improvements may help regain investor confidence [2] - The potential for Amazon to outperform expectations hinges on its ability to deliver a strong earnings report amidst broader economic indicators, such as the upcoming jobs report [2]

Core Viewpoint - Corporate earnings and geopolitical concerns have influenced investor sentiment, but dividend-paying stocks remain an attractive option for consistent income in a volatile market [1] Group 1: Viper Energy (VNOM) - Viper Energy, a subsidiary of Diamondback Energy, focuses on mineral and royalty interests in oil-weighted basins, primarily the Permian in West Texas, offering a dividend yield of 5.53% [3] - Analyst Leo Mariani from Roth Capital maintains a buy rating on VNOM with a price target of $48, citing its high organic growth rate, solid and growing dividend, and strong free cash flow even at lower oil prices [4] - Viper is expected to produce 66,552 barrels of oil per day in Q4 2025, slightly above estimates, with total production of 129,424 barrels of oil equivalent per day, also above consensus [4] - A cash distribution of $0.57 per share is anticipated for Q4 2025, reflecting a 2% decline, alongside an increase in share buybacks to $95 million [5] - Viper is considered more insulated from drilling cuts due to weak oil prices, as Diamondback operates 60% of its production, allowing for scaled-back activity outside VNOM's mineral acreage [6] Group 2: SLB (SLB) - SLB, an oilfield services provider, reported better-than-expected Q4 2025 results and announced a 3.5% increase in its quarterly cash dividend to $0.295 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 2.41% [8] - Analyst Arun Jayaram from JPMorgan reiterated a buy rating on SLB, raising the price target to $54, noting that the company's 2026 guidance aligns with consensus expectations [9] - SLB is expected to benefit from growth in international markets, particularly in Latin America, the Middle East, and Asia, while facing a modest revenue decline in Europe and Africa [10] - The company anticipates generating approximately $4.2 billion in free cash flow in 2026 and returning nearly $4.3 billion to shareholders through dividends and buybacks [12] Group 3: EOG Resources (EOG) - EOG Resources offers a quarterly dividend of $1.02 per share, resulting in an annualized dividend yield of 3.68% [14] - Analyst Gabriele Sorbara from Siebert Williams Shank reaffirmed a buy rating on EOG with a price target of $150, expecting strong Q4 results in line with estimates [15] - EOG is projected to return at least 70% of free cash flow to shareholders annually, supported by strong free cash flow generation and a robust balance sheet [16] - The company plans opportunistic buybacks, with $4 billion available under an existing authorization, estimating $457.4 million in Q4 2025 share buybacks [17]

Core Insights - The majority of electric vehicle (EV) investments in the U.S. have historically favored Republican-led districts, particularly in the Southeast, raising questions about the future of these investments as the industry shifts focus away from EVs [1][2]. Investment Overview - Automakers and battery manufacturers have invested over $200 billion in EV and battery manufacturing in the U.S. from 2000 to 2024, with 84% of battery investments and 62% of EV manufacturing investments directed towards Republican-led districts [2]. - These investments were projected to create over 200,000 jobs, with 77% of these jobs located in Republican districts [2]. Regional Focus - Nearly 40% of the total investment in EVs and batteries has been allocated to the Southeastern U.S., which has been a manufacturing hub for the automotive industry for over 50 years [3]. Impact of Federal Policies - The removal of federal incentives for EVs under the Inflation Reduction Act has led to a significant decline in sales, prompting companies to pivot towards other vehicle types to mitigate losses [4][6]. Hyundai's Strategic Moves - Hyundai Motor Group, previously a leading EV seller in the U.S., has seen a 50% drop in EV sales by the fourth quarter following the end of federal incentives [6]. - The company has made a historic $12.6 billion investment in the Hyundai Metaplant in Georgia, which is expected to create approximately 8,500 jobs by 2031 [7][8]. - Hyundai plans to increase production capacity at the Metaplant by investing an additional $2.7 billion, targeting an annual output of 500,000 vehicles, with a mix of 30% EVs and 70% hybrids and gas vehicles [10]. Industry Challenges - Analysts estimate that U.S. automakers may face at least $100 billion in write-downs on EV investments, indicating that these investments may not yield the anticipated profits [11]. - Major automakers like Ford and General Motors have already announced significant financial charges related to their EV businesses, with Ford reporting a $19.5 billion charge and GM a $7.6 billion charge [12]. Market Projections - EV sales forecasts have drastically decreased from initial projections of 50% of new car sales by 2030 to a current estimate of only 17% [14][15]. - Bosch, a major automotive supplier, has had to adjust its investment strategies in light of these changing projections, moving employees from its EV motors division to other departments [16].

Core Insights - AstraZeneca is set to list on the New York Stock Exchange, aiming to strengthen its investment presence in the U.S., its largest market [1][10] - The company is making significant investments in China, including a $15 billion commitment through 2030, to enhance manufacturing and R&D capabilities [4][10] - AstraZeneca's strategy reflects a broader trend in the pharma industry, where companies are increasingly looking to China for innovation as patents on blockbuster drugs expire [2][3] Investment and Partnerships - AstraZeneca's investment in China will cover the entire value chain from drug discovery to manufacturing, highlighting its commitment to Chinese innovation [5] - The company has partnered with Hong Kong-listed CSPC Pharmaceuticals to bolster its obesity portfolio, involving an upfront payment of $1.2 billion and potential additional payments of $17.3 billion based on milestones [6][7] - This partnership is part of a growing trend of licensing deals between Big Pharma and Chinese biotechs, with 57 such deals reported in 2025 [14] Market Dynamics - The U.S. market presents pricing challenges that are pressuring Big Pharma, making the Chinese market increasingly important for revenue and research [2][3][10] - AstraZeneca's commitment to China is underscored by its recent actions, despite facing regulatory scrutiny in the past [12][13] - The Chinese biopharma sector is evolving rapidly, with a focus on next-generation therapeutics and efficient clinical trial processes, positioning it as a potential leader in biotechnology [15][16]

Core Viewpoint - The cryptocurrency market experienced significant declines, particularly Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana, following President Trump's announcement of Kevin Warsh as his choice for the next Federal Reserve chairman, which strengthened the U.S. dollar and raised concerns about the appeal of cryptocurrencies as alternative currencies [1][2]. Group 1: Cryptocurrency Market Performance - Bitcoin fell below $78,000, down 7.6% [1] - Ethereum decreased by approximately 11% to $2,382.57 [1] - Solana dropped 13% to $101.91 [1] Group 2: Federal Reserve Leadership Impact - Trump's selection of Kevin Warsh to lead the Fed is expected to bolster the U.S. dollar, potentially diminishing Bitcoin's attractiveness as an alternative currency [2] - If confirmed, Warsh would replace Jerome Powell, whose term ends in May [3] - Trump's criticism of Powell has been ongoing since 2018, particularly regarding interest rate policies [3] Group 3: Broader Market Context - The decline in cryptocurrencies follows a sharp selloff in spot silver, marking the worst day for the market since March 1980, with spot silver down 28% at $83.45 an ounce [3][4] - Silver futures fell 31.4% to settle at $78.53 [4]

Market Overview - The S&P 500 closed lower on Friday but was slightly higher for the week, with a 0.34% gain for the week and a 1.37% gain for January, briefly topping 7,000 for the first time ever [1] - The Nasdaq was flat for the week and gained 0.95% for January [1] Tech Earnings - Meta Platforms reported earnings that exceeded estimates, leading to a nearly 9% increase in its stock, while Microsoft saw an 8% drop due to disappointing results from its cloud computing business [1] - Apple broke an eight-week losing streak with a strong quarter driven by a 23% increase in iPhone sales, but concerns over memory shortages impacted its stock [1] - GE Vernova and Corning reached all-time highs, with Corning's stock rising after a $6 billion deal with Meta [1] Non-Tech Companies - Starbucks shares fell over 6% despite a promising quarter and a bullish Investor Day, indicating potential for a buying opportunity if the decline continues [1] - Honeywell shares reached an all-time high following a strong earnings report and news of accelerated aerospace spinoff plans, gaining nearly 3% for the week [1] - Dover's stock fell over 2% due to profit-taking after a strong earnings report, while Danaher and Boeing closed lower for the week [1] Software Sector - The software sector faced significant sell-offs, with Salesforce dropping 7% and ServiceNow falling 10% despite better-than-expected results [1] - Concerns over AI-driven disruptions led to a revaluation of SaaS companies, compressing price-to-earnings ratios [1] - Cybersecurity stocks like Palo Alto Networks and CrowdStrike also declined, but were viewed as buying opportunities [1] Federal Reserve Developments - The Federal Reserve held interest rates steady after three consecutive rate cuts, with Chairman Jerome Powell noting solid economic activity and stabilization in the unemployment rate [1] - President Trump nominated Kevin Warsh to succeed Powell, which is seen as a more hawkish move, impacting gold and silver prices negatively [1]

Core Viewpoint - Warren Buffett expresses optimism about stock market declines, viewing them as opportunities for long-term investment rather than reasons for panic [2][10]. Group 1: Market Reaction - The stock market was projected to drop by approximately 3% due to fears surrounding the coronavirus pandemic [1]. - Buffett indicates that he prefers to buy stocks when prices are lower, likening it to buying food at a discount [2][9]. - He notes that historical market declines have often presented good buying opportunities, suggesting that investors should not be deterred by short-term fluctuations [10][12]. Group 2: Long-term Investment Perspective - Buffett emphasizes that stocks should be viewed as businesses, and investors should focus on the long-term outlook rather than daily market movements [5][14]. - He asserts that the 10 to 30-year outlook for American businesses remains unchanged despite current market conditions [5][14]. - The company plans to continue buying stocks as long-term investments, reinforcing the idea that short-term market news should not dictate investment decisions [11][14].