Stock Market News·2026-02-09 10:08Company Developments - Kroger Co. is set to appoint Greg Foran, a former Walmart executive, as its new CEO, following a year-long search for leadership. This move aims to enhance Kroger's strategy in a competitive retail environment, particularly focusing on fresh food and store efficiency. Kroger shares rose nearly 3% in premarket trading after the news [3][7] - Eli Lilly's shares increased by 2.2% in premarket trading after Hims & Hers Health Inc. withdrew its weight-loss pill, reducing competition in the weight-loss drug market. This withdrawal follows a terminated partnership with Novo Nordisk due to concerns over marketing practices, potentially benefiting Eli Lilly's weight-loss treatments like Zepbound [4][7] Market Sentiment - The Eurozone's investor sentiment improved significantly, with the Sentix Investor Confidence index rising to 4.2 in February, surpassing the estimated 0.0 and increasing from -1.8 the previous month. This indicates growing optimism among investors regarding the Eurozone's economic outlook [5][7] Political and Economic Context - The British Pound and UK Gilts are under pressure due to a leadership crisis involving Prime Minister Keir Starmer, which has increased political risk premiums in the currency and bond markets. The resignation of Starmer's adviser amid controversy has heightened uncertainty, potentially affecting public debt sustainability [6][8] - Fitch Ratings upgraded China Vanke's Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating to 'CC', indicating a very high level of default risk. Despite the upgrade, the company faces significant financial challenges, including a profit warning projecting a net loss for 2025 [9]