What matters in U.S. and global markets today ...

Core Viewpoint - Marathon Petroleum exceeded Wall Street's profit expectations for the fourth quarter, driven by robust refining margins [1] Group 1: Financial Performance - The company reported a significant increase in profits, attributed to strong refining margins [1] - The fourth-quarter results surpassed analysts' forecasts, indicating a positive trend in financial performance [1] Group 2: Industry Context - The refining sector is experiencing favorable conditions, contributing to improved margins for companies like Marathon Petroleum [1] - Strong demand for refined products has bolstered the overall profitability of the refining industry [1]

Core Viewpoint - Merck & Co has projected 2026 sales and profits to be below Wall Street estimates due to the anticipated impact of losing patent exclusivity on its diabetes drug Januvia and other medications, which is expected to be more significant than analysts had previously estimated [1] Group 1 - The loss of patent exclusivity on Januvia is a major factor contributing to the forecasted decline in sales and profits [1] - Analysts had previously underestimated the impact of patent expirations on Merck's financial performance [1] - The company is facing challenges from increased competition in the diabetes medication market following the expiration of patents [1]

Core Viewpoint - India's Supreme Court has indicated the possibility of reinstating a ban on WhatsApp's data sharing practices, citing concerns that the app's privacy policy has misled users [1] Group 1 - The Supreme Court's warning comes in response to legal arguments presented by lawyers regarding the implications of WhatsApp's data sharing with other Meta-owned entities [1] - The court's stance highlights ongoing scrutiny over data privacy practices in the tech industry, particularly concerning user consent and transparency [1] - This development may impact WhatsApp's operational strategies and user trust, as regulatory pressures increase in the digital communication sector [1]

Core Viewpoint - Siemens Energy's CEO acknowledged the legitimacy of activist investor Ananym Capital's call for a spin-off of its unprofitable wind turbine division, emphasizing the need for the business to be stabilized and turned around first [1] Group 1 - The CEO's statement reflects a recognition of shareholder concerns regarding the performance of the wind turbine division [1] - The company is currently focused on stabilizing the wind turbine business before considering any structural changes such as a spin-off [1]

Core Viewpoint - A surge in gold prices is increasing demand for tokenized gold, a rapidly growing segment of the digital asset market, which presents custody and regulatory risks that are not always addressed [1] Group 1: Market Trends - The rising price of gold is driving interest in tokenized gold, indicating a shift in investment strategies towards digital assets [1] - Tokenized gold is becoming a popular alternative for investors seeking exposure to gold without the need for physical storage [1] Group 2: Risks and Challenges - Experts warn that tokenized gold carries custody risks, which may affect the security of investments [1] - Regulatory risks associated with tokenized gold are also highlighted, suggesting that the market may face scrutiny from financial authorities [1]

Core Viewpoint - Netflix's proposed acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery for $82.7 billion is under scrutiny in a U.S. Senate hearing, focusing on its potential impact on the industry [1] Group 1 - The acquisition is valued at $82.7 billion, indicating Netflix's aggressive expansion strategy in the media sector [1] - Ted Sarandos, Co-CEO of Netflix, is expected to address concerns regarding the implications of this merger on competition and consumer choice in the streaming market [1] - The hearing reflects increasing regulatory scrutiny over large media mergers, highlighting the evolving landscape of the entertainment industry [1]

Core Viewpoint - An investigation has revealed that 890 accounts at Credit Suisse may have potential links to Nazi activities, as stated by U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley during a Judiciary Committee hearing on banking practices [1] Group 1 - The investigation into Credit Suisse highlights concerns regarding the bank's historical connections and the management of accounts associated with Nazi affiliations [1] - Senator Grassley's comments indicate a broader scrutiny of banks' roles in facilitating accounts with questionable historical ties [1]

Core Insights - Siemens Energy plans to invest $1 billion to expand its U.S. power grid and gas turbine component production [1] Company Summary - The investment is aimed at supporting the infrastructure needed for data centers that power AI technology [1]

Group 1 - European banks Banco Santander SA and NatWest are considering the sale of UK pension assets valued at several billion pounds to an insurance company [1] - The potential transaction is reported by Bloomberg News, citing sources familiar with the matter [1] - This move indicates a strategic shift in asset management for these banks, focusing on optimizing their portfolios [1]