Core Insights - US core inflation unexpectedly eased to a four-year low, raising questions among economists about the reliability of the data due to a prior government shutdown [8][14] - ByteDance has signed an agreement to establish a joint venture in the US with majority ownership by American investors [8][14] Market Performance - The A-share market opened lower but closed higher, with the Shanghai Composite Index up 0.16% at 3876.37 points, while the Shenzhen Component fell 1.29% and the ChiNext Index dropped 2.17% [1] - The Hong Kong market also saw fluctuations, with the Hang Seng Index closing up 0.12% at 25498.13 points, while the Hang Seng Tech Index fell 0.73% [1][5] Economic Indicators - The US core Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose by 2.6% year-on-year in November, while the overall CPI increased by 2.7% [14] - The report indicated that core CPI only increased by 0.2% over the last two months, with declines in hotel, leisure, and clothing prices limiting the overall increase [14] Corporate Developments - TikTok announced the establishment of a joint venture with US investors, which will operate independently and manage US data protection and algorithm security [8][14] - China has reportedly ordered 7 million tons of US soybeans, achieving over half of the procurement target set during the Trump administration [8][14]

Core Viewpoint - Dow Inc. is a prominent materials science company facing challenges and opportunities in a fluctuating market environment, with a current stock price of $23.02 and a "Hold" rating from Deutsche Bank [1][2][4]. Group 1: Stock Performance - Dow Inc.'s stock price is currently $23.02, reflecting a slight decrease of 0.24% or $0.055 [2]. - The stock has fluctuated between a low of $22.76 and a high of $23.07 today, with a yearly high of $42.17 and a low of $20.40 [3]. - The trading volume for Dow Inc. is 635,963 shares, indicating active investor interest despite cautious sentiment [4]. Group 2: Market Context - Deutsche Bank has lowered its price target for Dow Inc. from $26 to $25 amid a positive shift in the U.S. stock market, where the Dow Jones index has climbed approximately 400 points [2]. - The company's market capitalization is approximately $16.3 billion, highlighting its significant presence in the chemical industry [3].

Guido Mieth/DigitalVision via Getty Images Listen here or on the go via Apple Podcasts and Spotify Scott Kaufman discusses leading The Dividend Kings, and focusing on dividend growth and value investing (0:25). Key metrics for evaluating dividend stocks (5:00). Digging deeper into LyondellBasell, Dow, and Eastman Chemical Company (8:50). Dividend cut implications (11:40). Baby bonds and preferred securities (15:00). Market sentiment and interest rates (19:20). Transcript Rena Sherbill: Very happy to ...

Core Insights - The chemical industry is currently at the bottom of its cycle, with expectations of gradual recovery driven by global economic growth and demand increase [2][5][20] - The report emphasizes the importance of supply-side dynamics, noting the retreat of foreign investment and the slowdown of domestic capacity expansion, which may lead to a turning point for the industry [2][5][36] - Key recommendations include focusing on cyclical resilient and growth sectors such as industrial silicon, organic silicon, PTA, spandex, caprolactam, soda ash, and chlor-alkali, as well as high-demand products like refrigerants and potassium fertilizers [2][5][6] Demand Side Analysis - The chemical industry is closely tied to global economic performance, with a projected global GDP growth of 3.09% in 2026, driven mainly by developing countries like India [22][25] - China's GDP growth is expected to be 4.16% in 2026, indicating robust domestic demand [22][25] - Emerging sectors such as new energy and AI are expected to drive material consumption, with significant growth in electric vehicle sales and energy storage capacity anticipated [27][29] Supply Side Dynamics - The report highlights the challenges faced by foreign chemical giants due to rising energy costs and increased competition, leading to significant profit declines [36][41] - Major foreign companies are closing high-cost production facilities in Europe, which may create opportunities for domestic players [36][41][47] - Domestic chemical companies are experiencing pressure on investment returns, leading to a slowdown in capital expenditure growth and a pause in new capacity plans [49] Investment Strategy - The report suggests a focus on cyclical resilient products and growth sectors, with specific attention to high-quality companies that possess competitive advantages [6][36] - The potential for price increases or stable prices with volume growth in bottom-tier products is emphasized, particularly in industrial silicon and organic silicon [6][36] - The report also identifies opportunities in the tire and civil explosives sectors, particularly as companies expand internationally [7][36] Emerging Opportunities - New material sectors, including humanoid robots and AI materials, are highlighted as areas of potential growth, driven by domestic policy support and the need for localized supply chains [8][36] - The report notes the increasing importance of domestic production capabilities in high-end materials due to international trade tensions [8][36]

No, it's not Nvidia, or any of its tech titans for that matter'Tis the season of looking back on this year's stock market performance. With 2026 fast approaching, traders are taking stock of their wins and losses to shape their investment strategies for the new year. Despite no shortage of volatility, the tech sector was a big winner amid the AI boom. The VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH) has amassed a solid 44.6% year-to-date lead, even as overvaluation concerns weighed on the chip sector recently.The Dow Jon ...

Core Viewpoint - The recent price increases of MDI (Methylene Diphenyl Diisocyanate) by major chemical companies are driven by rising raw material costs, production disruptions, and increased demand for lightweight materials in various industries [3][4]. Price Increases - Major chemical companies including BASF, Huntsman, Wanhua Chemical, and Dow Chemical have announced significant price hikes for MDI products across Europe, Asia, and Africa, with increases reaching up to €350 per ton [3]. - Specific price adjustments include BASF raising prices by $200 per ton in South Asia, Wanhua Chemical increasing prices by $200 per ton in Southeast Asia and South Asia, and Huntsman announcing a €350 per ton increase in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East [3]. Reasons for Price Increases - The price hikes are attributed to several factors: fluctuations in international oil prices raising core raw material costs, increased transportation and energy costs, and compliance pressures [4]. - Additionally, 45% of China's MDI production capacity is undergoing maintenance, which includes major plants from Wanhua and BASF, leading to reduced output [4]. - The demand for MDI is also supported by trends in building insulation materials, a recovery in home appliance exports, and the growing need for lightweight materials in the electric vehicle sector [4]. Capacity Expansion - Wanhua Chemical is accelerating its MDI capacity expansion project in Fujian, expected to add 700,000 tons of capacity by Q2 2026, potentially increasing its global market share to 42% [4]. - Mitsui Chemicals announced plans to further increase its MDI production capacity by 10,000 tons per year, following a recent expansion that brought its total capacity to 610,000 tons [5]. Environmental Considerations - Mitsui Chemicals is also focusing on reducing greenhouse gas emissions by utilizing a recovery system during its capacity expansion, aligning with global efforts to improve building insulation performance and combat climate change [5]. Supply Chain Developments - The production process for MDI at Mitsui Chemicals has been enhanced through the implementation of advanced technology, which has improved the efficiency of chlorine production and reduced waste [6].

Core Viewpoint - Dow Inc. (NYSE:DOW) is viewed as a hold by Jim Cramer, who acknowledges its recent performance but suggests limited upside potential in the short term [1]. Company Overview - Dow Inc. develops chemical and material products utilized in various sectors including packaging, construction, transportation, and consumer industries [1]. Recent Performance - The last quarter was reported positively by CEO Jim Fitterling, indicating that the stock has the potential to increase further [1]. Investment Recommendations - Cramer suggests holding onto Dow Inc. stock, indicating confidence in its stability and potential for growth [1]. - Cramer also mentions Solstice, a recent spin-off from Honeywell, as a promising investment opportunity [1]. Comparative Analysis - While Dow Inc. shows potential, there are AI stocks identified as having greater upside potential and lower downside risk, suggesting a shift in focus for investors seeking high returns [1].

Market Overview - U.S. stock futures showed mixed performance following a mixed close on Thursday, with major indices experiencing fluctuations [1][3] - The Dow Jones increased by over 600 points, indicating a rotation out of expensive tech stocks, while overall risk appetite remained strong after the Federal Reserve's third consecutive interest-rate cut [1][2] Economic Indicators - The 10-year Treasury bond yielded 4.17%, while the two-year bond was at 3.53%, with a 73.4% likelihood of the Federal Reserve maintaining current interest rates [2] Company Performance - **Costco Wholesale Corp. (NASDAQ:COST)**: Experienced a 0.52% decline in premarket trading despite better-than-expected financial results for Q1 fiscal 2026, maintaining a weaker price trend [7] - **Broadcom Inc. (NASDAQ:AVGO)**: Dropped 5.18% due to disappointing guidance regarding shrinking gross margins and a higher tax rate for fiscal 2026, but maintains a stronger price trend overall [7] - **Lululemon Athletica Inc. (NASDAQ:LULU)**: Jumped 9.49% after exceeding Q3 expectations and raising full-year guidance, despite a weaker long-term price trend [16] - **RH (NYSE:RH)**: Increased by 4.26% despite mixed Q3 results, reporting earnings of $1.71 per share, missing estimates, but revenue of $883.81 million beat expectations [16] - **Tilray Brands Inc. (NASDAQ:TLRY)**: Surged 28.11% following the announcement of a new product line, maintaining a stronger long-term price trend [16] Sector Insights - Analysts suggest a rotation from Communication Services and Information Technology into sectors with more upside potential, specifically highlighting Financials, Industrials, and Utilities as favored sectors [12][14] - The anticipated GDP growth and moderating inflation are expected to create a favorable environment for risk assets, particularly equities [12]

Market Overview - Three of the four major indexes reached new closing highs, with the Dow gaining +646 points (+1.34%), S&P 500 increasing +14 points (+0.21%), and Russell 2000 rising +31 points (+1.21%) [1] - The tech-heavy Nasdaq experienced a slight dip of -60 points (-0.25%) due to concerns over Oracle's recent performance, indicating potential challenges in the AI sector [2] Company Earnings Reports - Broadcom (AVGO) reported fiscal Q4 earnings of $1.95 per share, exceeding the Zacks consensus of $1.87, with revenues of $18.02 billion surpassing the $17.50 billion estimate. AI semiconductor revenue grew +74% year over year [3] - Broadcom raised its fiscal Q1 revenue guidance to $19.1 billion, with AI semiconductor business expected to generate $8.2 billion next year, doubling from the previous year [4] - Costco (COST) reported mixed fiscal Q1 results, with earnings of $4.50 per share exceeding the $4.26 consensus, but sales of $65.98 billion fell short of the $67.33 billion estimate, leading to a marginal decline in shares [5] - Lululemon (LULU) shares rose over +10% following a strong Q3 earnings report, with earnings of $2.39 per share and revenues of $2.6 billion, surpassing analyst expectations of $2.48 billion [6]

The "January effect†for small-cap stocks now arrives in December. ...