Copper is on fire, tracking gold as a precious metal hitting record-high values. Should you start investing in it?
Yahoo Finance· 2026-02-01 20:00
Core Insights - Copper is emerging as a key metal to watch, following a significant price surge of 35% in 2025, reaching $11,771 per metric tonne, driven by supply and demand dynamics [1] - A predicted shortfall of 150,000 tons in global copper supply in 2025 highlights the increasing demand for copper, which is essential for various applications including power grids and electronics [1] Group 1: Demand and Supply Dynamics - BHP forecasts that global demand for copper will increase sixfold by 2050, largely due to the growth of data centers and improving living standards in developing economies [2] - The launch of the world's first physically backed ETF for copper by Sprott Asset Management in 2024 has seen a price increase of nearly 46% in 2025, reflecting strong market interest [2][3] Group 2: Market Trends and Investor Sentiment - In the U.S., stockpiling of copper is occurring as investors anticipate potential tariffs by mid-2026, which is exacerbating supply challenges and driving prices higher [3] - Copper is increasingly viewed as an economic indicator, reflecting investor sentiment regarding the performance of the U.S. market [3] Group 3: Safe-Haven Asset Perspective - Similar to gold and silver, copper is gaining recognition as a safe-haven asset amid concerns over tariffs and geopolitical tensions affecting the stock market [5] - Analysts suggest that investors interested in AI should consider investing in copper-related ETFs, indicating a strategic shift towards this metal [6]
Forget AI Stocks: This REIT Could Be Your Ticket to AI Profits
Yahoo Finance· 2026-02-01 19:50
Core Insights - AI stocks, particularly those related to semiconductor companies like Nvidia, have seen significant growth, with Nvidia's data center revenue increasing by 66% and its stock price surging nearly 50% over the past year [1] - Prologis is positioned to capitalize on the AI megatrend by developing real estate for data centers, which is essential for housing AI technology [2] Company Overview - Prologis is one of the largest real estate investment trusts (REITs) globally, with a portfolio of approximately 5,900 buildings totaling 1.3 billion square feet across 20 countries [4] - The company has a substantial land bank that supports future growth, with the capacity for $42.6 billion in total future investments [5] Investment Opportunities - The global investment required for data centers is projected to reach $7 trillion by 2030, presenting a significant opportunity for Prologis [7] - Prologis is developing modern AI-enabled buildings tailored for large-scale data center operators, either by constructing new facilities or converting existing warehouses [7] Future Growth Potential - Prologis aims to build up to 10 GW of data center capacity over the next decade, necessitating an investment of $30 billion to $50 billion [8] - This investment could generate $7.5 billion to $25 billion in value for shareholders, with development yields for data centers ranging from 7.5% to 10%, compared to 6%-7% for warehouse developments [8]
What comes after the bubble could be electrifying
Yahoo Finance· 2026-02-01 19:48
Group 1 - The stock market may see benefits from AI extending beyond large-cap tech companies, with small-cap stocks potentially outperforming large-cap stocks as they adopt AI technologies [1][2] - Small-cap stocks, as tracked by the Russell 2000, could experience a greater positive impact from AI adoption compared to large-cap stocks, with estimates suggesting that a 1% labor cost saving could lead to a ~6% EPS boost for small caps versus ~2% for large caps [2][3] - Companies across various industries are exploring and implementing AI applications, indicating that the benefits of AI are not limited to those developing the technology [3] Group 2 - The current phase of AI is still in its early stages, and it may take years to fully understand its impact on productivity across different sectors [4][6] - Historical parallels are drawn between the current AI era and past technological revolutions, such as electrification in the 1920s and the internet boom in the late 1990s, suggesting that significant upfront investments may be required before realizing productivity gains [5][6] - AI capital expenditures are expected to significantly support U.S. economic growth in the coming years, with many second-order effects of this investment not yet priced in [7]
'Dead Money': Netflix Stock Takes a Dive Despite Record Earnings
Yahoo Finance· 2026-02-01 19:46
Core Viewpoint - Despite exceeding earnings estimates and achieving strong results, Netflix's stock has fallen to a 52-week low amid concerns over its acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery [1] Group 1: Stock Performance and Market Reaction - The decline in Netflix's stock is linked to a conflict between its long-term strategy and immediate financial realities, with investors concerned about shrinking margins and the costs associated with the Warner Bros. acquisition [2] - Netflix's stock has dropped from the $109 range to the low $80s since the announcement of the Warner Bros. deal, indicating a market repricing of the streaming giant [3] Group 2: Investor Sentiment and Concerns - Analysts express mixed feelings about Netflix's future, with concerns stemming from increased content spending and the shift to an all-cash offer for the Warner Bros. deal [4] - Investors are apprehensive about the potential debt Netflix may incur to finance the acquisition, especially following the cessation of its share repurchase program [5] Group 3: Financial Guidance and Future Prospects - Netflix's forward guidance indicates a shrinking profit margin, with content costs projected to reach $20 billion this year, reflecting a return to pre-COVID spending levels [6] - Despite concerns, some analysts see potential in Netflix's advertising and live events segments, although the outcome of the Warner Bros. acquisition is crucial for the company's stock performance [6] Group 4: Importance of Financial Stability - The market's reaction highlights the tension between long-term growth strategies and immediate financial realities, emphasizing the need for Netflix to balance growth with financial stability amid the significant implications of the Warner Bros. acquisition [7]
ConocoPhillips and Trump's Venezuela Play: Is This a Hidden Catalyst or Just More Noise for Investors?
The Motley Fool· 2026-02-01 19:45
Core Viewpoint - ConocoPhillips stock is experiencing a significant rise at the start of 2026, driven by broader market trends and potential opportunities in Venezuela, although investors should consider other factors beyond this geopolitical situation [1][2]. Group 1: Stock Performance - ConocoPhillips stock has increased by more than 8% in January 2026, indicating strong market performance [2]. - The stock's rise is part of a broader rally among domestic oil equities [2]. Group 2: Venezuela Context - The capture of former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has raised hopes for U.S. oil companies, including ConocoPhillips, to invest in Venezuela [1]. - ConocoPhillips, like ExxonMobil, was expelled from Venezuela in 2007 due to nationalization policies, which may affect its willingness to return [5]. - ConocoPhillips has legal claims against Venezuela totaling $12 billion, making it one of the largest non-sovereign creditors of the country [6]. Group 3: Investment Considerations - The Trump administration encourages U.S. oil companies to invest in Venezuela but does not intend to act as debt collectors for past claims [7]. - ConocoPhillips maintains a low-risk profile by focusing on stable production regions, which may delay any potential investment in Venezuela [8][10].
OPEC+ to keep oil output unchanged as Iran tensions boost prices
New York Post· 2026-02-01 19:40
OPEC+ agreed to keep its oil output unchanged for March at a meeting, the producer group said on Sunday, even after crude prices hit six-month highs on concern the US could launch a military strike on OPEC member Iran.The meeting of eight OPEC+ members comes as Brent crude closed near $70 a barrel on Friday, close to the six-month high of $71.89 it hit on Thursday, despite speculation that a supply glut in 2026 would push prices down.The eight producers — Saudi Arabia, Russia, the United Arab Emirates, Kaza ...
The Best Stocks to Invest $500 in This February
Yahoo Finance· 2026-02-01 19:35
Group 1: Nvidia - Nvidia trades for approximately $190 per share and is considered essential for nearly all investors due to its central role in the artificial intelligence (AI) buildout [3] - Wall Street analysts project 67% growth for the fourth quarter and 52% growth for fiscal year 2027, indicating significant potential for continued expansion in the AI sector [4] Group 2: PayPal - PayPal generates high single-digit revenue growth but is focusing on share repurchases to enhance earnings per share (EPS), which could lead to market-beating growth [5] - The stock trades for less than 10 times forward earnings, presenting a strong value opportunity with potential for a 50% increase based on valuation alone [6] Group 3: Amazon - Amazon trades for about $245 per share and is expected to perform better in 2026, driven by growth in its cloud computing business and strong execution in its commerce segments [7] - The company is anticipated to deliver solid, market-beating returns in 2026, with earnings results expected to be revealed on February 5 [8]
Starbucks turnaround plan hits costly snags
Yahoo Finance· 2026-02-01 19:33
Core Insights - Starbucks is undergoing a corporate turnaround under CEO Brian Niccol, initiated with the "Back to Starbucks" plan aimed at revitalizing the brand and customer experience [4][5]. Financial Performance - In Q1 fiscal year 2026, Starbucks reported U.S. comparable transaction growth for the first time in eight quarters, with North America and U.S. comparable stores up 4%, driven by a 3% increase in comparable transactions and a 1% rise in average ticket [6][8]. - Consolidated net revenues increased by 6% to $9.9 billion, with global comparable store sales rising by 5% [8][9]. - In China, comparable store sales rose by 7%, attributed to higher transaction volume and average ticket size [9]. Strategic Initiatives - The "Back to Starbucks" plan focuses on four key areas: empowering baristas, enhancing morning service, reestablishing Starbucks as a community coffeehouse, and effectively communicating the company's story [5][7]. - The company is doubling down on its loyalty program, which may impact profits but aims to strengthen customer engagement [5]. Store Expansion - Starbucks opened 128 net new stores in Q1, bringing the total to 41,118 stores, with 52% being company-operated and 48% licensed [9].
Good Fortune Is Here: A Bottom-Basement Lithium Discount to Own Equity in Elektros Inc. - for Billionaires, Millionaires, and Everyone in Between
Accessnewswire· 2026-02-01 19:30
Core Viewpoint - Elektros Inc. has engaged Ludlow Consulting to improve its corporate messaging, media relations, and shareholder engagement, indicating a strategic move to enhance visibility in a competitive market [1] Group 1: Company Strategy - The company aims to leverage the current market conditions, which it describes as a "rare bottom-basement entry opportunity" for investors [1] - Elektros Inc. positions itself as an attractive investment in the lithium mining sector, targeting a wide range of investors from billionaires to entry-level participants [1] Group 2: Market Context - The announcement suggests that the company believes it is offering equity at a "once-in-a-lifetime discount level" in the lithium mining industry [1] - This strategic communication initiative is expected to elevate the company's profile and attract more investor interest in the lithium market [1]
Why Tesla Stock Could Double as Optimus Reaches Human-Level Proficiency This Year
Yahoo Finance· 2026-02-01 19:30
Core Insights - Tesla stock has risen 134% over the past three years, outperforming the S&P 500, despite recent volatility following the fourth-quarter financial update [1] - The company's high valuation reflects its long-term potential in AI services, particularly with the upcoming production of the Optimus humanoid robot [2] Investment and Production Plans - Tesla is set to start Optimus production by the end of this year, repurposing production lines from Model S/X vehicles, with a potential output of 1 million units annually [5] - The company will showcase version 3 of Optimus in the first quarter, expected to demonstrate significant advancements in human-like movements [4] Competitive Advantage - Tesla's access to real-world video data from its vehicle fleet provides a unique advantage in training AI for nuanced decision-making, positioning it as a major player in the humanoid robot market [6] Revenue Model and Future Outlook - The transition to a services business model, including monetizing Optimus as a service, is expected to enhance the lifetime value of the product, similar to Tesla's robotaxis and full self-driving subscriptions [7] - At full production capacity, Optimus is anticipated to become a highly profitable recurring revenue stream, with the stock market likely to begin discounting future earnings as production approaches [8]