Prices of lithium in China have surged after the announcement of the revocation plan for lithium mining licences by the natural resource authority in Yichun, Jiangxi province, the country’s main lithium-producing hub. The move has raised concerns among investors about the future supply of lithium, reported Reuters. On the Guangzhou Futures Exchange, the most active lithium carbonate contract climbed to 109,860 yuan ($15,595) per tonne (t), its highest level since June 2024. The contract closed up 7.61% ...

Core Viewpoint - The Zacks Transportation - Equipment and Leasing industry is facing a challenging macroeconomic environment characterized by persistent inflation, tariff-related tensions, and supply-chain disruptions, which are further exacerbated by geopolitical issues [1][6]. Industry Overview - The industry encompasses companies that provide equipment financing, leasing, and supply-chain management services, including aircraft, railcar, and intermodal container lessors [3]. - Participants in this industry offer fleet management solutions to a diverse customer base, including small businesses and large international enterprises, with significant clients in automotive, electronics, transportation, grocery, lumber, food service, and home furnishing sectors [4]. Financial Performance and Outlook - Companies in the industry are demonstrating strong financial returns for shareholders through dividend payouts and share buybacks, indicating financial strength and confidence in their business models [2][5]. - Ryder's board approved a 12% dividend increase, raising its quarterly cash dividend to $0.91 per share, while Wabtec announced a 25% increase, raising its quarterly cash dividend from $0.20 to $0.25 [5]. Economic Challenges - The industry is grappling with economic uncertainties due to tariff tensions and inflation, which are likely to dampen stock prospects and contribute to market volatility [6]. - Lingering supply-chain disruptions and weak freight rates are negatively impacting the industry's performance, with the Cass Freight Shipments Index declining 7.6% year over year in November, marking a downward trend for seven consecutive months [7]. Industry Ranking and Performance - The Zacks Transportation - Equipment and Leasing industry currently holds a Zacks Industry Rank of 187, placing it in the bottom 22% of over 250 Zacks industries, indicating gloomy near-term prospects [8][9]. - Over the past year, the industry has underperformed the S&P 500 Composite index, declining 17.8% compared to the S&P 500's increase of 17.8% [11]. Current Valuation - The industry is trading at a forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 14.24X, which is below the S&P 500's 23.21X and the sector's P/E ratio of 13.78X [12]. Notable Companies - **AerCap**: Engages in leasing and managing commercial flight equipment, with a strong earnings surprise history and an expected earnings growth rate of 22.81% for 2025, carrying a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) [14][15]. - **Wabtec**: Offers technology-based locomotives and services for freight rail and passenger transit, with a strong free cash flow and an expected earnings growth rate of 18.39% for 2025, holding a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [16][17]. - **Herc Holdings**: Operates as an equipment rental supplier, with a solid earnings surprise history and a Zacks Rank of 3 [18][19].

Traditional finance just gave crypto a huge vote of confidence. The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation — which clears nearly $4 quadrillion in annual transactions and custodies $100 trillion — will be tokenising US Treasury securities on the Canton Network, the DTCC announced Wednesday. The move highlights how the next chapter of onchain finance will be forged by systems — like Canton — that mirror how markets actually operate, comply with regulatory frameworks, and are designed to scale securely at ...

Core Insights - Proceeds from the call and tender offer for two issues of Southern California Edison preferred will be credited to brokerage accounts this week [1] Group 1 - The article discusses the financial transactions related to Southern California Edison preferred stock [1]

Core Insights - Roblon reported a profit from continuing operations for FY 2024/25, despite challenges from divesting its US subsidiary and winding up a product category [1][2][3] Financial Performance - Revenue from continuing operations was DKKm 236.9, down from DKKm 245.4, with an operating profit (EBIT) before special items of DKKm 31.6, resulting in an EBIT margin of 13.3% [2][6][7] - The Composite product group generated revenue of DKKm 192.7, while the FOC product group saw a decline to DKKm 44.2 due to difficult market conditions in EMEA [6][7] - Gross profit was DKKm 146.3, equating to a gross margin of 61.8%, and net cash inflow from operations was DKKm 31.4 [7][8] Special Items - The divestment of the US subsidiary resulted in a loss from discontinued operations after tax of DKKm 49.6, and a loss of DKKm 3.9 was recognized for winding up a product category targeting the European FOC market [2][3] Corporate Social Responsibility - Roblon's Annual Report includes a section on corporate social responsibility and separate climate accounts aligned with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, covering key figures for Scopes 1, 2, and 3 [4] Future Guidance - Management expects FY 2025/26 performance to be impacted by a changed product mix, particularly a decrease in revenue from submarine energy cable supplies [10][11] - The company anticipates returning to a higher activity level in 2026/27, despite ongoing price competition and challenging market conditions in the FOC product group [11]

Peter Schiff has given a damning assessment of Bitcoin and Michael Saylor's Strategy. Key Takeaways Peter Schiff warned that Bitcoin is unlikely to find a durable bottom at $50,000. Schiff argued that Strategy’s valuation is vulnerable to further declines. Michael Saylor and Strategy have downplayed downside risks and continue to add to their Bitcoin holdings. Bitcoin critic Peter Schiff on Wednesday issued a renewed warning about BTC, arguing that prices will fall well below $50,000 over the long ...

Core Insights - The article discusses the current market trends and potential investment opportunities within specific sectors, highlighting the importance of thorough analysis before making investment decisions [2]. Group 1: Market Trends - Recent market fluctuations have shown a significant impact on investor sentiment, with a notable increase in volatility observed in the tech sector [2]. - Analysts are focusing on the recovery patterns of various industries post-pandemic, particularly in consumer discretionary and travel sectors, which are showing signs of rebound [2]. Group 2: Investment Opportunities - There are emerging opportunities in renewable energy companies, driven by increased government incentives and consumer demand for sustainable solutions [2]. - The healthcare sector is also highlighted as a potential area for growth, especially companies involved in telehealth and biotechnology, which have gained traction during the pandemic [2]. Group 3: Risks and Considerations - Investors are advised to remain cautious of potential regulatory changes that could impact certain industries, particularly technology and finance [2]. - The article emphasizes the need for diversification in investment portfolios to mitigate risks associated with market volatility [2].

The New York State Department of Financial Services (NYDFS) recently released guidance that could reshape how financial institutions manage vendor and supply-chain risk. The letter states that third-party service provider (TPSP) risk management should be a central component of every entity’s cybersecurity programme. This sends a very important message—the old ways that banking and financial institutions treat third-party oversight as a compliance exercise are over. That’s because today’s financial instit ...

Core Insights - The biotech industry has shown strong performance in 2025 despite macroeconomic uncertainties, driven by new drug approvals and pipeline progress [1][2] - Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) have surged in 2025, with large companies expanding their portfolios through strategic collaborations and acquisitions [2][9] - Smaller biotech firms leveraging breakthrough technologies are gaining attention, contributing to overall sector momentum [2] Industry Overview - The Zacks Biomedical and Genetics industry includes biopharmaceutical and biotechnology companies that develop innovative drugs using advanced technologies [4] - The industry has outperformed both the Zacks Medical sector and the S&P 500, with a 22.1% gain over the last six months compared to 12.5% and 16.5% respectively [18] - The current valuation of the industry, based on the trailing 12-month price-to-sales ratio, is 2.47X, lower than the S&P 500's 5.96X and the Zacks Medical sector's 2.66X [19] Trends and Challenges - Key trends shaping the industry include a focus on innovation, the use of AI in drug discovery, and the rise of precision medicine [6][12] - Successful commercialization remains a challenge for smaller biotechs, often leading to collaborations with larger firms for shared sales or royalties [7] - Pipeline setbacks and potential tariffs pose risks, as developing drugs is costly and time-consuming, with many therapies taking years to gain approval [13][14] Notable Companies - Amicus Therapeutics has seen strong performance with its lead drug Galafold, which is approved for Fabry disease, and has settled patent litigation to fend off generic competition [21][22] - ANI Pharmaceuticals has a diversified focus on rare diseases and generics, with a notable 70% year-over-year sales increase for its ACTH-based injection [23][24] - Arcutis Biotherapeutics is focused on treating inflammatory skin diseases, with its lead product Zoryve performing well and expanding its label [25][26] - Tango Therapeutics is developing precision medicine for oncology, with promising data from its ongoing studies [27][28] - Pacira BioSciences is expanding its lead drug Exparel's label and has seen a 36.4% gain in shares over the past year [29][30]

Group 1 - The Bank of England (BOE) is expected to cut its key policy rate by 25 basis points [1] - The European Central Bank (ECB) is anticipated to hold its current rate [1] - Investors are primarily focused on the ECB's inflation and growth forecasts [1]