Holiday Inn owner IHG bets on World Cup for US recovery as Europe, Asia drive Q4 beat | ReutersSkip to main content[Exclusive news, data and analytics for financial market professionalsLearn more aboutRefinitiv]IHG logo and stock graph are seen displayed in this illustration taken, May 3, 2022. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration [Purchase Licensing Rights, opens new tab]- Companies- Summary- IHG launches $950 million buyback, proposes 10% annual dividend rise- Europe and Asia growth offset US decline, boosts Q ...

Core Insights - Infosys generated 5.5% of its revenue from AI services in the December quarter, according to CEO Salil Parekh [1] - The company's total revenue for the third quarter was reported at 454.79 billion rupees, equivalent to approximately $5.01 billion [1] Company Performance - Infosys reported a third-quarter revenue of 454.79 billion rupees ($5.01 billion) [1] - The contribution of AI services to the overall revenue indicates a growing focus on technology-driven solutions within the company [1]

Core Viewpoint - Luxury companies like LVMH and Kering are facing significant volatility in their stock prices due to hedge fund positioning and concerns over AI-related market fluctuations, as they attempt to recover from a two-year slowdown in sales [2][3][8]. Group 1: Company Performance - LVMH, the largest luxury group with a market cap of €260 billion ($308.49 billion), experienced its largest one-day stock drop since 2020 after CEO Bernard Arnault expressed caution about future growth, which contrasted with a previous 12% increase following an optimistic market update in October [4][10]. - Kering's shares rose by 11% after reporting fourth-quarter revenue that fell slightly less than expected, with new CEO Luca de Meo indicating "early, fragile" signs of recovery [6][11]. - Hermes, known for its Birkin bags, saw a modest 2.5% increase in shares despite a solid quarter, trading at 45 times forward earnings, more than double that of LVMH [11]. Group 2: Market Dynamics - The luxury sector is experiencing heightened volatility due to a high number of short positions taken by hedge funds, which can lead to significant price swings when unexpected results are announced [5][8]. - The luxury market's dependence on affluent consumer spending makes it particularly sensitive to fluctuations in the U.S. stock market, which is currently experiencing volatility driven by AI trends [8][9]. - Hedge funds are increasingly influencing market movements, with many trading based on news and data points, which can exacerbate price volatility in luxury stocks [7][10]. Group 3: Investor Sentiment - Investors are actively switching their bets among luxury brands, looking for potential turnaround stories as the sector navigates a slow recovery [11]. - Kering's CEO has highlighted the stock market as a key indicator of luxury spending in the U.S., warning that a correction in the AI market could negatively impact European luxury groups [9]. - The current market environment is characterized by nervousness among investors, with many seeking to sell amid high valuations and concentrated market conditions [10].

Group 1 - Danaher is nearing a deal to acquire Masimo for nearly $10 billion, as reported by the Financial Times [1] - Masimo has a market capitalization of approximately $7 billion, indicating a significant premium in the acquisition offer [1] - The announcement of the deal could occur as early as Tuesday, pending any last-minute complications [1]

Australian court fines Exxon's local petrol brand $11.3 million for misleading claims | ReutersSkip to main content[Exclusive news, data and analytics for financial market professionalsLearn more aboutRefinitiv]The logo of American multinational oil and gas corporation ExxonMobil is seen during the LNG 2023 energy trade show in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, July 12, 2023. REUTERS/Chris Helgren [Purchase Licensing Rights, opens new tab]- Companies[Exxon Mobil Corp]FollowFeb 17 (Reuters) - Federal Cour ...

Goldman Sachs plans to drop DEI from board-candidate criteria, WSJ reports | ReutersSkip to main content[Exclusive news, data and analytics for financial market professionalsLearn more aboutRefinitiv]Goldman Sachs logo appears in this illustration taken December 1, 2025. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration [Purchase Licensing Rights, opens new tab]- Companies[Goldman Sachs Group Inc]Follow[Citigroup Inc]Follow[Morgan Stanley]FollowFeb 16 (Reuters) - Goldman Sachs [(GS.N), opens new tab] is preparing to eliminat ...

Core Viewpoint - Oil prices remain steady as traders evaluate supply risks amid U.S.-Iran nuclear talks and Iranian military drills in the Strait of Hormuz [1] Oil Market Overview - Brent crude futures decreased by 0.2% to $68.59 per barrel, following a 1.3% increase on the previous day [1] - U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude rose by 1.34% to $63.73 per barrel, reflecting price movements from the previous day due to the U.S. Presidents Day holiday [1] - The market is unsettled due to ongoing geopolitical uncertainties, particularly in the Middle East and the Ukraine situation [1] Geopolitical Factors - Iran's military drills in the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial oil export route, have raised concerns about potential supply disruptions [1] - OPEC+ is considering increasing oil output from spare capacity in response to potential disruptions, aiming to prepare for peak summer demand [1] Future Price Projections - Citi forecasts that if Brent crude remains in the $65 to $70 per barrel range due to Russian supply disruptions, OPEC+ may respond by increasing output [1] - The expectation is that both Iran and Russia-Ukraine deals could occur by summer, potentially leading to a decline in Brent prices to $60-62 per barrel [1]

Group 1 - Activist investor Starboard Value is planning to advocate for a shake-up of Tripadvisor's board [1] - Starboard currently holds a stake of over 9% in Tripadvisor [1]

Oil prices could remain supported in the near term as U.S. President Donald Trump ramps up pressure for peace deals involving Russia and Iran, but a resolution later this year may ultimately push crud... ...

Core Viewpoint - Exor and the founder of Lifenet Healthcare have agreed to sell the Italian private healthcare group to insurer Reale Mutua, highlighting a trend of partnerships between insurers and private healthcare providers to manage costs and attract patients [1]. Company Summary - Lifenet Healthcare operates private hospitals, eye, and dental clinics across several regions in Italy, expecting revenues exceeding 450 million euros ($533 million) for the current year [1]. - The transaction values Lifenet Healthcare at approximately 600 million euros, with Reale Mutua acquiring 80% of the company while founder Nicola Bedin retains a 20% stake through his holding company Invin [1]. Industry Summary - The deal reflects a growing trend in the healthcare sector where insurers, private equity firms, and healthcare groups are increasingly collaborating, particularly focusing on outpatient clinics, day-surgery centers, and diagnostic services [1]. - JPMorgan acted as the lead financial adviser for the transaction, indicating the involvement of significant financial institutions in the healthcare deal-making landscape [1].