Core Viewpoint - Stellus Capital Management has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by P10, Inc., enhancing Stellus' resources and expertise while maintaining its existing investment processes and operations [1][2]. Group 1: Company Overview - Stellus Capital Management specializes in senior secured loans in the lower-middle market, with $3.8 billion in assets under management (AUM) and a track record of over $10.3 billion invested in more than 375 portfolio companies [5]. - P10, Inc. is a private markets solutions provider with over $40 billion in AUM, focusing on the middle and lower-middle market across various investment strategies [6]. Group 2: Strategic Rationale - The acquisition is seen as a strategic partnership that will broaden access to direct lending opportunities for Stellus' clients while preserving its core investment philosophy [2][3]. - Stellus' management team will retain control over day-to-day operations, ensuring continuity in investment decisions and processes [1]. Group 3: Leadership Insights - Robert Ladd, Managing Partner of Stellus, emphasized the alignment of investment approaches between Stellus and P10, which will enhance their ability to develop new strategies and investment vehicles [3]. - Luke Sarsfield, Chairman and CEO of P10, highlighted the acquisition as part of P10's long-term strategy to partner with specialized investment managers, adding a strong direct lending franchise to their platform [3]. Group 4: Transaction Details - The transaction is expected to close in mid-2026, pending shareholder approvals and customary closing conditions [3]. - Goldman, Sachs & Co. is acting as the exclusive financial advisor for Stellus, while legal advisors include Eversheds Sutherland (US) LLP and Winston & Strawn LLP [4].

Futurum Equities, in its latest AI Fifteen report, identified the critical factors that will define the AI economy. These include the control of computing, data, deployment, and security. The firm’s list features companies that are not part of the Mag 7 but are disrupting the AI economy in various layers. Broadcom Leads AI Chip Revenue Surge Broadcom Inc. (NASDAQ:AVGO), which Futurum Equities describes as the “Uncle Sam of AI,” is leading the list. Despite a volatile earnings reaction, Broadcom remains at ...

Group 1 - U.S. employers announced 108,435 layoffs in January 2026, marking a 118% increase from January 2025 and a 205% increase from December 2025, the highest January total since 2009 [2][5] - Companies reported only 5,306 new hires in January 2026, the lowest figure for that month since 2009, indicating a significant decline in hiring intentions [2][5] - The transportation sector experienced the highest level of layoffs, primarily due to UPS's plan to cut over 30,000 jobs, while Amazon announced a reduction of 16,000 jobs, mainly at the corporate level [5] Group 2 - The Challenger data suggests a shift in the labor market, with increased layoffs indicating that employers are less optimistic about the economic outlook for 2026 [3] - Initial jobless claims for the week ending January 24 were reported at 209,000, with a longer-term trend near its lowest level in two years, contrasting with the layoff announcements [4] - Over 100 companies have notified the Labor Department of significant layoffs under Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification regulations, highlighting the scale of job cuts [6]

Group 1: Revenue and User Growth - YouTube's subscription and ad revenue is on the rise, with 325 million paying users across Google One and YouTube Premium, an increase from 300 million three months prior [1] - YouTube's ad revenue grew by 9% to $11.38 billion in Q4, although it fell short of analysts' expectations of $11.84 billion [2] - Overall revenue for YouTube, including ads and subscriptions, reached $60 billion for the full financial year, marking a 17% increase year-over-year [2] Group 2: Subscription Services and Offerings - The $8 per month ad-free YouTube Premium tier is experiencing strong traction, although specific user numbers were not disclosed [2] - The company plans to expand its subscription offerings, particularly for YouTube TV, with new plans that will provide over 10 genre-specific packages [3] Group 3: Content Engagement and AI Features - YouTube Shorts achieved 200 billion average daily views, consistent with the previous year, and in some regions, ads on short-form videos generate higher revenue per hour than in-stream ads [4] - The podcast format is gaining popularity, with viewers watching 700 million hours of podcasts from their TVs in October [4] - More than 1 million channels are utilizing YouTube's AI creation tools, and 20 million consumers engaged with its Gemini-powered content discovery tool in December [5]

Core Viewpoint - ONCAP and Griffon Corporation have formed a joint venture to create a leading global provider of hand tools, home organization solutions, and lawn and garden products for both professionals and consumers [1] Group 1: Joint Venture Details - The joint venture will combine Bellota Tools, Corona, and Burgon & Ball, which are currently subsidiaries of the respective companies [1]

Group 1 - The company Sandisk (SNDK) is viewed positively for potential portfolio addition despite market volatility and a significant year-to-date rally [1] - The key driver for interest in Sandisk is its role in the SSD market, particularly as a component in the datacenter supply chain, which is expected to remain stable [1] Group 2 - The analyst has a beneficial long position in Sandisk shares, indicating confidence in the company's future performance [2]

American engineer Peter H. Diamandis has recently flagged concerns regarding China generating 40% more electricity than the US and the European Union combined.In a post shared on X, which was reshared by Billionaire Elon Musk, Diamandis said, “China is generating 40% more electricity than the US & EU combined. In the global race where energy = intelligence, we need to start waking up.”Earlier this week, another American engineer, Rubén Domínguez Ibar, flagged a similar warning. In a social media post, he ex ...

The Allstate Corporation published its financial results for the fourth quarter of 2025, reporting $17.3 billion in total revenues, 5.1% higher than the prior year quarter, and a net income of $3.8 billion, which compares to the $1.9 billion seen in the same period last year.The insurer also reported its financial results for the full year 2025, with total revenues seeing a 5.6% increase, to $67.7 billion, compared to the year prior. Net income stood at $10.2 billion, which compares to the $4.6 billion repo ...

Core Insights - Algo Grande Copper Corp. has announced initial drill results from its first drilling program at the Adelita Project in Sonora, Mexico, confirming a significant expansion of copper-gold-silver mineralization at depth at Cerro Grande [2][3][10] Drill Results - Drill hole AG_GC_002 intersected a total of 41.6 meters of cumulative skarn mineralization across five well-mineralized horizons, including three new horizons not previously identified in historical drilling [4][10] - The drill hole also revealed a broader mineralized envelope totaling 70.6 meters above 0.6% Cu, indicating extensive mineralization beyond the skarn horizons [5][10] Mineralization Details - The skarn intersections include high-grade copper, gold, and silver mineralization, with specific intervals reporting: - 14.79 meters at 1.4% Cu, 0.5 g/t Au, and 20 g/t Ag [6] - 9.55 meters at 1.4% Cu, 0.4 g/t Au, and 41.8 g/t Ag [6] - 1.85 meters at 4.1% Cu, 11 g/t Au, and 150 g/t Ag [6] - The presence of multiple stacked skarn horizons enhances the tonnage potential of the mineralized system [16][28] Geological Insights - The identification of intrusive phases with copper mineralization and molybdenum values supports the interpretation that the skarn mineralization may be linked to a deeper porphyry-style intrusive source [14][17] - Geological observations indicate that the mineralization remains open, with ongoing exploration efforts focused on tracing these new horizons laterally and at depth [10][28] Future Exploration Plans - The company plans to utilize surface soil geochemistry, detailed magnetic surveying, and high-resolution LiDAR to refine the skarn corridor and improve structural interpretation for future drilling [18] - Drilling at Cerro Grande is ongoing, with additional drill holes in progress to further evaluate the extent and continuity of the mineralization [13][28]

Core Viewpoint - North American Niobium and Critical Minerals Corp. has submitted an initial application for an Authorization for Impact-Causing Exploration Work (ATI) to the Québec government, marking a significant step towards potential diamond drilling at its Bardy and Blanchette projects [1][3]. Permitting Process - The submission of the ATI application is crucial for executing a diamond drilling program at the Bardy and Blanchette projects, as it initiates the review process by Québec's Ministère des Ressources naturelles et des Forêts (MRNF) [3]. - The ATI process is iterative, and timelines may vary based on feedback and project logistics, with no assurance on the timing of the MRNF review or the receipt of the ATI permit [4]. Stakeholder Engagement - The company emphasizes stakeholder engagement as a core aspect of responsible exploration in Québec, with ongoing discussions with four identified stakeholder groups [5]. - An open-door information meeting is planned with the Atikamekw of Wemotaci to ensure transparency regarding potential drilling locations [6][8]. - The CEO of North American Niobium highlighted the importance of building constructive relationships with stakeholders as part of the ATI permitting framework [7]. Next Steps - The company will continue to engage with stakeholders, respond to feedback, and support the MRNF review process as required, with future exploration work contingent on receiving necessary approvals [7]. Company Overview - North American Niobium and Critical Minerals Corp. focuses on acquiring and developing mineral assets, including properties in British Columbia and Québec, which are significant for rare earth elements, niobium, and nickel-copper occurrences [9].