Group 1: Market Trends and Investment Opportunities - Several companies are expected to thrive in 2026, particularly in the artificial intelligence (AI) sector, which may lead to significant returns for investors [1] - Three recommended stocks to buy now for 2026 are Alphabet, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, and Amazon, all of which are anticipated to outperform the market [2] Group 2: Alphabet (GOOG) - Alphabet has seen a remarkable performance in 2025, with a stock price increase of over 60%, driven by its core business, Google Search, and advancements in AI with its Gemini model [4] - Analysts project Alphabet's revenue growth to be nearly 14% in the upcoming year, which is notable for a mature business [6] - The company has transitioned from an AI laggard to a leader, which is expected to continue driving its stock price higher [7] Group 3: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (TSM) - Taiwan Semiconductor is the largest foundry globally by revenue and is crucial for high-end computing chips used in AI data centers [8] - The company is positioned well for 2026, with AI hyperscalers indicating record capital expenditures, making it an attractive investment [8][10] - Trading at less than 23 times next year's earnings, Taiwan Semiconductor is considered the cheapest option among the recommended stocks [10] Group 4: Amazon (AMZN) - Amazon's stock performance in 2025 has been flat, but this may set the stage for a recovery in 2026, supported by its growing business units [11] - Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the primary profit driver, with Q3 revenue growth at 20%, outpacing the overall company growth rate of 13% [13] - The advertising segment is also a key growth area, increasing by 24% in Q3, which contributes positively to Amazon's margins [14]

Core Viewpoint - The S&P 500 has shown recent weakness but may have established a low point for a potential end-of-year rally, reminiscent of the 2021-2022 period when a rally failed [1] Group 1: Analyst Insights - Andrew McElroy, Chief Analyst at Matrixtrade, emphasizes a proprietary system developed over 15 years that incorporates fractals, Elliott Wave, and Demark exhaustion signals, along with macro drivers and market narrative analysis [1] - The 'Daily Edge' is a resource provided by McElroy that outlines actionable ideas, directional bias, and important levels in the S&P 500, as well as highlights on commodities, stocks, crypto, or forex [1] Group 2: Trading Strategy - The analysis includes a top-down approach starting with higher timeframes, indicating a comprehensive strategy for market analysis [1] - McElroy manages a family portfolio of stocks and ETFs, indicating a personal investment strategy aligned with his professional insights [1]

Core Insights - Defence stocks on the ASX have gained significant attention due to rising geopolitical tensions and advancements in military technology, leading to substantial capital inflow and sharp increases in share prices over the past year [2][15]. Company Summaries Droneshield Limited (ASX: DRO) - Droneshield's share price has surged by 348% in the past year, driven by a major European military contract worth $49.6 million and a strong pipeline of international orders [3][5]. - The company specializes in technology for detecting and neutralizing hostile drones, which are increasingly relevant in modern conflicts [4]. - Despite its growth, Droneshield's earnings are volatile, with potential sharp pullbacks following periods of high expectations [6][7]. Electro Optic Systems Limited (ASX: EOS) - Electro Optic Systems has experienced a remarkable share price increase of over 668%, attributed to large international contracts, including an $80 million deal for high-energy laser weapons in South Korea [3][8]. - The company has improved its operational execution, leading to better margins and clearer earnings visibility after previous challenges with cost overruns and delays [9]. - However, the company faces high expectations and is sensitive to long procurement cycles and geopolitical factors [10]. Austal Limited (ASX: ASB) - Austal's share price has risen by nearly 118%, supported by long-term contracts, including billion-dollar deals related to US naval expansion [12][13]. - The company focuses on designing and building naval vessels, providing more stable revenue visibility compared to its peers [12]. - Austal's business model offers exposure to defence spending through industrial execution, which entails steady cash flows but also risks related to cost control and project management [14]. Industry Overview - The ASX defence sector reflects a structural shift in defence spending and technology evolution, with Australian capabilities becoming increasingly relevant to allied nations [15]. - Investors are advised to understand the business models and contract flows of defence companies, as volatility can create opportunities for those familiar with the sector [15][16].

Core Insights - Bitmain co-founder Micree "James" Zhan Ketuan is reportedly facing a billion-dollar fine and alleged detention, leading to a significant fallout with business partner Jihan Wu [1][5] - The situation has created uncertainty within the crypto community, as conflicting reports about Zhan's status and the financial implications circulate [1][5] Company Overview - Bitmain is a leading company in Bitcoin mining hardware, controlling over 74% of the global Bitcoin hash rate and producing chips for AI data centers [2] - The company is currently experiencing internal strife and external pressures, including legal scrutiny and geopolitical factors [2][6] Internal Conflict - The dual CEO structure of Bitmain, which allowed Zhan and Wu to co-lead, has collapsed due to their ongoing conflict [5] - Wu has reportedly leveraged political connections to challenge Zhan, who has focused on technical operations [5][6] Speculation and Rumors - Speculation regarding Zhan's situation includes potential fines ranging from $1 billion to $10 billion, with some reports claiming he has already paid a $1 billion penalty [5] - There are rumors that Zhan fled to Indonesia two months ago and remains unaccounted for [5] Industry Implications - The rift between Bitmain's co-founders highlights the risks associated with intertwining business operations with influential backers in the crypto industry [6] - Recent disruptions in mining operations in Xinjiang further complicate the company's position amid internal conflicts [7]

When a power outage hit San Francisco on Saturday, local drivers had to navigate more than just darkened roads and inactive stoplights. Footage shared on social media shows some Waymo robotaxis stalled in traffic, clogging roadways and causing disruptions. One video on X showed at least five Waymos crowding an intersection, forcing human drivers to maneuver around them.The power outage in San Francisco has caused Waymo’s self-driving cars to come to a halt, leading to traffic disruptions across the city. h ...

Core Insights - Micron's stock has surged 215.97% year to date, with a significant boost following its fiscal Q1 2026 earnings report released on December 17, which contrasted with declines in Nvidia and Broadcom stocks despite their strong earnings [1] Financial Performance - Micron reported revenue of $13.64 billion for Q1 2026, up from $8.71 billion in the same period last year [7] - GAAP net income was $5.24 billion, translating to $4.60 per diluted share, while non-GAAP net income was $5.48 billion, or $4.78 per diluted share [7] - Operating cash flow reached $8.41 billion, compared to $3.24 billion for the same period last year [7] - The company provided guidance for Q2 with expected revenue of $18.70 billion ± $400 million, a gross margin of 67.0% ± 1.0%, and operating expenses of $1.56 billion ± $20 million [7] Analyst Ratings and Projections - Bank of America analysts raised Micron's stock price target from $250 to $300 and upgraded the rating to buy, based on a 2.3 multiple of the estimated price-to-book ratio for calendar year 2027 [9] - Pro forma EPS estimates for fiscal years 2026, 2027, and 2028 were increased by 62%, 80%, and 42%, reaching $31.84, $38.85, and $29.15 respectively [3] Market Outlook - Despite potential volatility in AI demand, the high-bandwidth memory (HBM) segment is sold out for the entirety of calendar year 2026, with customers engaged in multi-year agreements, suggesting a more sustainable upcycle for Micron compared to previous cycles [5] - Analysts noted that Micron faces risks such as a decline in average selling prices, increased competition from new entrants in China, and potential softening demand across major end markets like data centers, smartphones, and PCs [8][9]

(Bloomberg) -- A group of private equity firms led by Permira and Warburg Pincus has agreed to acquire Clearwater Analytics Holdings Inc. in a deal valuing the investment and accounting software maker at $8.4 billion including debt.Clearwater investors would get $24.55 a share for an equity value of about $7 billion, according to a statement confirming an earlier report by Bloomberg News. The company said the price, which is roughly 10% higher than the stock’s last close, represents a 47% premium to the pri ...

Core Insights - A group of five growth stocks is highlighted as potential multibaggers for long-term investors, despite recent declines of 22% to 55% from their 52-week highs [1][2] Group 1: Rocket Lab USA - Rocket Lab USA has seen its sales increase nearly tenfold since its IPO in 2021, positioning it as the No. 3 player in the launch services industry [4][5] - The company is expected to launch its Neutron rocket in Q1 next year, which could enhance its competitive stance against larger peers like SpaceX [4] - The space industry is projected to grow from $630 billion in 2023 to $1.8 trillion by 2035, indicating significant growth potential for Rocket Lab, which has a current market cap of $28 billion [7] - Rocket Lab's gross margin stands at 28.93%, and shares are currently 20% below their high, making it an attractive investment opportunity [9] Group 2: Kinsale Capital - Kinsale Capital Group has delivered a 39% total return since its 2016 IPO, with a combined ratio of 77%, outperforming peers with an average of 92% [10][11] - The company focuses on small, hard-to-assess risks, which has allowed it to carve out a profitable niche, although its revenue growth slowed to 19% in the latest quarter due to increased pricing competition [12] - Kinsale's stock is down 24% due to this growth slowdown, presenting a potential buying opportunity [13] Group 3: MercadoLibre - MercadoLibre has transformed from $85 million in sales at its 2007 IPO to $26 billion today, making it a 70-bagger [14] - The company operates in a market where online buying penetration in Latin America is only half that of the U.S., indicating further growth potential [15] - MercadoLibre's logistics network supports its e-commerce and fintech operations, and the stock has dipped 23% from its July 2025 highs, making it a favorable buy [16] Group 4: SPS Commerce - SPS Commerce has delivered 18% annualized returns since 2010, with sales growing 26 times in value during that period [17] - The company has achieved 99 consecutive quarters of positive sales growth, although its growth rate has decelerated, leading to a 55% drop in stock price over the last year [18] Group 5: Dutch Bros - Dutch Bros has seen a 14% annual stock price increase since 2021 and aims to expand from 1,089 locations to 2,029 by 2029 [20] - The company plans to buy back shares using at least half of its free cash flow, marking a shift from previous reliance on issuing new shares [21][22] - Despite trading at 40 times cash from operations, the growth potential could make it a multibagger if expansion goals are met [23]

Core Viewpoint - Mary Ann Bartels, a respected investment strategist, forecasts significant growth for the S&P 500, predicting it could reach between 10,000 and 13,000 by 2030, representing a potential increase of 46% to 90% from its current levels [9][11]. Group 1: Forecasts and Predictions - Bartels has a strong track record, having accurately predicted market movements, including a nearly 25% gain in the S&P 500 driven by major tech stocks [5]. - Her recent prediction for a nearly 20% market surge in 2025 is also on track, with the S&P 500 already up more than 15% this year [6][7]. - The S&P 500 closed at 6,834.50 on December 19, 2025, providing a baseline for her future projections [10]. Group 2: Market Dynamics - Bartels emphasizes that while the S&P 500's growth trajectory is promising, the market will face challenges, predicting a "necessary correction" in 2026 after years of significant gains [12]. - Multiple Wall Street firms share optimistic views for the S&P 500, with targets ranging from 7,100 to 8,100 for the end of 2026, driven by strong earnings and AI advancements [14].

Core Viewpoint - Regulators have concluded a settlement that previously prevented investment bankers from influencing research analysts, potentially altering the dynamics of investment research and banking relationships [1] Group 1: Regulatory Changes - The settlement aimed to separate investment banking from research to ensure unbiased analysis [1] - Ending this settlement may lead to increased collaboration between investment bankers and researchers, which could impact the integrity of research outputs [1] Group 2: Implications for Investment Banking - Investment banks may now have more leverage in shaping research opinions, which could enhance their ability to promote certain investment products [1] - This change could lead to a shift in how research is conducted and perceived in the market, potentially affecting investor trust [1]