The Nasdaq 100is threatening to close at 6-month lows as Trump's recent comments paradoxically signal that the global economy may need to deteriorate further to exert substantial enough pressure to force a ceasefire. Iran conflict latest: Trump pauses Iran energy plant strikes by 10 days Solid rebound in Hormuz tanker flows backs Trump's claim Oil prices tick down, set for weekly losses on Middle East de-escalation hopes Gold falls on mixed messaging regarding Iran; Trump asserts peace talks ongoing Nasdaq ...

NEW YORK, March 26, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- StoneX Group Inc. (“StoneX”; NASDAQ: SNEX) today announced the launch of a new Securitization Banking, Lending & Capital Markets platform, expanding the firm’s capabilities across structured finance and capital formation. The new business will provide clients with tailored capital markets solutions, lending capabilities, and opportunities for platform and portfolio investments across a broad range of asset classes. The initiative builds upon StoneX’s established ...

Integration helps grain companies improve origination, reduce manual work, and give merchandisers stronger control across the contract lifecycleFARGO, N.D. and NEW YORK, March 24, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bushel and StoneX (“StoneX”; NASDAQ: SNEX) today announced a partnership that brings together Bushel’s farmer-facing digital tools with StoneX Hedge, StoneX’s hedge workflow with back-office integration, giving grain companies a more connected merchandising process from offer through settlement. For grain ...

Core Viewpoint - Tighter phytosanitary checks in Brazil are impacting soybean shipments to China, potentially leading to supply constraints for the world's largest soybean importer [1][2]. Group 1: Phytosanitary Checks and Inspections - Brazil's Agriculture Ministry has intensified inspections on soybean shipments to China due to repeated findings of pesticide and fungicide residues [1]. - Chinese customs have reported increased issues with Brazilian soybeans, including live insects and beans treated with pesticides or fungicides [2]. - Importers are now required to verify that shipments are free of phytosanitary issues before departure to avoid being blocked upon arrival in China [2]. Group 2: Impact on Supply and Market Dynamics - The tightening of quality checks during Brazil's peak export season could affect soybean supplies in China, although the market is currently well-stocked due to last year's record purchases [3]. - Delays in inspections and clearance could slow the pace of soybean arrivals in March and April [3]. - U.S. suppliers may have an opportunity to increase sales to China if Brazilian shipments are disrupted, although this would likely be a temporary situation unless trade relations improve [4]. Group 3: Shipping and Cost Implications - Cargill has paused soybean exports from Brazil to China amid the tighter checks [5]. - Increased waiting times for ship certification at Brazilian ports have raised demurrage costs, compounding pressure from high freight rates due to geopolitical tensions [5]. - Freight rates for Panamax vessels from Santos Port to major northern Chinese ports have risen approximately 24% in March [6].

Group 1 - The article discusses the impact of inflation on various sectors, particularly focusing on the mining industry and its production capabilities [1][3]. - It highlights the challenges faced by manufacturers in adapting to inflationary pressures, which may affect their operational efficiency and profitability [1][3]. - The report suggests that ongoing inflation could lead to increased costs for mining companies, potentially impacting their margins and investment attractiveness [1][3]. Group 2 - The article provides insights into the broader economic environment, indicating that inflation rates are influencing market dynamics across multiple industries [1][3]. - It emphasizes the importance of monitoring inflation trends as they can significantly affect commodity prices and investment strategies [1][3]. - The piece also notes that companies in the mining sector may need to innovate and optimize their processes to mitigate the adverse effects of rising costs [1][3].

Core Viewpoint - U.S. stock markets began 2026 positively, but volatility emerged in February due to concerns over the sustainability of artificial intelligence (AI) investments, leading to a decline in the technology sector [1] Group 1: Stock Performance - A selection of stocks has demonstrated price strength, particularly those on a recent bull run, indicating potential for continued momentum [2] - Okeanis Eco Tankers Corp. (ECO) stock price increased by 36.2% over the past four weeks, with an expected earnings growth rate of 15.4% for the current year and a 74% improvement in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings over the last 30 days [7] - Seanergy Maritime Holdings Corp. (SHIP) stock price rose by 35.4% in the past four weeks, with an expected earnings growth of 46.1% for the current year and a 28.1% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings over the last 30 days [8] - Modine Manufacturing Co. (MOD) stock price surged by 30.3% over the past four weeks, with an expected earnings growth rate of 19% for the current year and a 4.1% improvement in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings over the last seven days [10] - Suzano S.A. (SUZ) stock price rallied by 20.5% in the past four weeks, despite an expected earnings decline of 39.2% for the current year, with a 32.6% improvement in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings over the last 60 days [11] - StoneX Group Inc. (SNEX) stock price advanced by 15.1% in the past four weeks, with an expected earnings growth of 34.1% for the current year and an 8.2% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings over the last 30 days [13] Group 2: Screening Parameters - Stocks selected for potential investment must show a percentage change in price greater than zero over the last four weeks, indicating upward movement [4] - Stocks must have a percentage change in price greater than 10% over the last 12 weeks to ensure sustained momentum [4] - Stocks must have a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) and an average broker rating of 1, indicating strong future performance expectations [5] - Stocks must be trading at a minimum price of $5 and be within 85% of their 52-week high to ensure they are strong in terms of price [6]

Core Viewpoint - Investors are increasingly seeking growth stocks that demonstrate above-average growth potential, with StoneX Group Inc. identified as a strong candidate due to its favorable growth metrics and Zacks Rank [2][10]. Earnings Growth - StoneX Group has a historical EPS growth rate of 22.5%, with projected EPS growth of 34.1% for the current year, significantly surpassing the industry average of 19.7% [4]. Cash Flow Growth - The company exhibits a year-over-year cash flow growth of 20.2%, which is notably higher than the industry average of -1.7% [5]. - Over the past 3-5 years, StoneX Group's annualized cash flow growth rate has been 27.9%, compared to the industry average of 11.9% [6]. Earnings Estimate Revisions - The current-year earnings estimates for StoneX Group have been revised upward, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate increasing by 8.2% over the past month [8]. - This positive trend in earnings estimate revisions correlates strongly with potential near-term stock price movements [7]. Overall Assessment - StoneX Group holds a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) and a Growth Score of B, indicating its potential as an outperformer and a solid choice for growth investors [10].

Core Insights - StoneX Group Inc. has launched a digital asset lending capability through its division, StoneX Digital, enhancing its brokerage and financing services for institutional clients [1][2]. Group 1: Digital Asset Lending Capability - The new lending capability connects institutional clients to digital asset markets, providing spot execution, listed products, and financing solutions within a single framework [2][3]. - This initiative aims to support clients in accessing additional liquidity and capital efficiency while maintaining exposure to digital assets [2][4]. - The initial collateral for the lending program will be Bitcoin, with plans to include additional large-cap digital assets as client demand grows [4]. Group 2: Market Demand and Infrastructure - Institutional market participants are increasingly seeking financing tools that integrate both digital and traditional asset workflows [3]. - StoneX developed this capability to meet the growing demand for integrated digital asset services aligned with established financial market standards [5]. - The lending capability builds on StoneX's existing brokerage and risk management infrastructure, facilitating the integration of digital asset financing into broader portfolio strategies [4]. Group 3: Company Overview - StoneX Digital was launched in June 2022 to provide institutional clients with digital asset trading tools and market access within a regulated framework [5]. - StoneX Group Inc. is a Fortune 50 company headquartered in New York City, serving over 80,000 commercial and institutional clients across more than 80 offices globally [6].

Core Insights - The successful first physical delivery under the Abaxx Gold Singapore Futures contract marks a significant milestone for Abaxx Technologies and its integrated gold market infrastructure in Singapore [1][2][3] Group 1: Company Achievements - Abaxx Technologies has successfully completed its first physical delivery of gold futures, validating its market infrastructure [1][2] - The delivery involved MTS Gold Group and Kilo Capital, with clearing services provided by StoneX and KGI Securities, showcasing the operational capabilities of Abaxx Exchange [2][3] - This event establishes the Abaxx Gold Singapore Futures contract as a benchmark for price discovery and risk management in the Asian physical gold market [2] Group 2: Industry Impact - The physical delivery signifies a bridge between futures trading and physical delivery, enhancing transparency and security in gold trading [3] - StoneX and KGI Securities emphasize the importance of a regionally anchored, physically settled gold benchmark, which empowers clients in navigating the global commodities landscape [3] - The Abaxx Gold Singapore Futures contract, launched in June 2025, is part of a broader suite of futures contracts aimed at meeting the commercial needs of today's commodity markets [2][10]

Core Insights - Investors prioritize companies with consistent profitability, measured effectively by net profit margin, which reflects operational efficiency and management quality [1][2] Company Summaries - **Enova International, Inc. (ENVA)**: A financial technology company providing online services to non-prime consumers and small businesses. It has a Zacks Rank of 1 and a VGM Score of A. The 2026 earnings estimate has been revised upward by 10.7% to $15.78 per share, with an average surprise of 8.66% over the last four quarters [8][9] - **StoneX Group Inc. (SNEX)**: Offers financial services including execution and post-trade settlement. It holds a Zacks Rank of 1 and a VGM Score of A. The fiscal 2026 earnings estimate has increased by 8.2% to $7.90 per share, with an average surprise of 3.83% in the last four quarters [9][10] - **Seanergy Maritime Holdings Corporation (SHIP)**: A pure-play Capesize shipowner providing dry bulk marine transportation. It has a Zacks Rank of 1 and a VGM Score of B. The 2025 earnings estimate has been revised upward to $1.59 per share from $1.46, with an impressive average surprise of 76.43% over the last four quarters [11] - **Flexsteel Industries, Inc. (FLXS)**: Engaged in designing and manufacturing upholstered furniture. It has a Zacks Rank of 1 and a VGM Score of B. The fiscal 2026 earnings estimate has increased by 15.5% to $4.09 per share, with an average surprise of approximately 53.1% in the last four quarters [12] Investment Strategy - A healthy net profit margin and solid EPS growth are critical for maximizing returns. Additional criteria include a net margin of at least 0%, positive EPS growth, a broker rating of 1, and a Zacks Rank of 1 or 2 [5][6][7]