Group 1 - The threat of military action has contributed to gold prices rising above $5,000 [1] - U.S. stock futures are experiencing a decline as traders react to hawkish Federal Reserve minutes [1]

Core Insights - The conglomerate is considering expanding a refinery and doubling the production capacity at a lithium mine in Western Australia [1] Company Developments - The company is exploring options to enhance its refinery operations [1] - Plans are in place to increase lithium production capacity significantly [1] Industry Implications - The expansion in lithium production aligns with the growing demand for lithium in various sectors, particularly in electric vehicle batteries [1] - Doubling production capacity may position the company favorably in the competitive lithium market [1]

Core Viewpoint - Walmart is expected to release its earnings report today, which will provide insights into the company's financial performance and market position [1] Group 1: Company Performance - The earnings report will likely reflect Walmart's ability to navigate current economic conditions and consumer behavior [1] - Analysts are anticipating key metrics such as revenue growth and profit margins to be highlighted in the report [1] Group 2: Market Implications - The results may influence investor sentiment and stock performance, particularly in the retail sector [1] - Walmart's earnings could serve as a barometer for broader economic trends, given its significant market presence [1]

Core Viewpoint - Spanish energy company Repsol has continued its share buyback program and announced an increase in its dividend for 2026 [1] Group 1 - Repsol is maintaining the pace of its share buyback, indicating a strong commitment to returning value to shareholders [1] - The company has raised its dividend for 2026, reflecting confidence in its financial performance and future prospects [1]

Core Viewpoint - The growth model of the world's second-largest economy is facing increasing challenges, as stated by top IMF officials [1] Group 1 - The economy is identified as the second-largest globally, indicating its significant role in the world market [1] - IMF officials highlight that the current growth model is under pressure, suggesting potential shifts in economic strategy may be necessary [1]

Group 1 - The core point of the article is that SAP, a German business-software group, announced plans to distribute approximately 2.92 billion euros in dividends based on its earnings for 2025 [1]

Core Insights - The food giant is planning to divest its ice-cream business and focus on consolidating its operations around four main categories [1] Group 1 - The company aims to streamline its portfolio by offloading non-core segments, specifically the ice-cream business [1] - The consolidation strategy will enhance operational efficiency and allow for better resource allocation across the four main categories [1]

Core Insights - Air France-KLM reported a net profit for its fourth quarter, indicating a positive financial turnaround driven by improved productivity and fuel efficiencies [1] Financial Performance - The company experienced a swing to net profit in the fourth quarter, highlighting a significant recovery in its financial performance [1] - Unit costs decreased due to productivity improvements, contributing to the overall profitability [1] - Fuel efficiencies played a crucial role in enhancing the company's financial results [1]

Core Viewpoint - Pernod Ricard is focusing on cost-control measures due to weakening sales and rising costs impacting the distiller's earnings [1] Group 1: Company Performance - The company has reported a decline in sales, which has affected its overall earnings [1] - Rising costs are contributing to the pressure on the company's profitability [1] Group 2: Strategic Focus - The company is prioritizing cost-control strategies to mitigate the impact of declining sales and increasing expenses [1]

The world's second-biggest miner by market value said it made a net profit of $9.97 billion in 2025, down from $11.55 billion a year earlier. ...