Core Viewpoint - Quantum BioPharma Ltd. is facing a class action lawsuit alleging stock manipulation that has materially harmed its shareholders between January 6, 2021, and October 15, 2025 [1] Company Overview - Quantum BioPharma Ltd. (NASDAQ: QNTM) is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative treatments for neurodegenerative and metabolic disorders, as well as alcohol misuse disorders [3] - The company is advancing its lead compound, Lucid-MS, which is designed to prevent and reverse myelin degradation associated with multiple sclerosis [3] - Quantum BioPharma retains a 19.86% ownership stake in Unbuzzd Wellness Inc., which is involved in the marketing of its product unbuzzd™ and is entitled to a 7% royalty on sales until total payments reach $250 million, after which the royalty rate will drop to 3% [3] Legal Actions - Shareholder Paul Durkacz has initiated a class action lawsuit against Quantum BioPharma, claiming that investors were victims of stock manipulation [1] - Quantum BioPharma intends to seek appointment as a lead plaintiff in the class action to protect its shareholders [2] Strategic Investments - The company maintains a portfolio of strategic investments through its subsidiary, FSD Strategic Investments Inc., which includes loans secured by residential or commercial properties [3]

Core Viewpoint - The U.S. labor market is showing signs of deterioration, with rising unemployment rates and a decline in non-farm employment numbers, indicating a cooling labor market [3][4]. Employment Data Summary - In November, non-farm employment increased by 64,000, slightly above market expectations, but the unemployment rate unexpectedly rose to 4.6%, the highest since September 2021, signaling a continued cooling of the labor market [3]. - October saw a significant decline in non-farm employment by 105,000, marking the third instance of "net reduction" in the past six months. This decline was primarily due to over 150,000 federal employees leaving their positions to accept government buyout offers, impacting public sector employment [3]. - Economists describe the current labor market as characterized by "low layoffs and low hiring," with companies cautious about layoffs and a decline in job vacancies [3]. Federal Reserve Policy Implications - Employment and inflation data are critical for the Federal Reserve's monetary policy decisions. However, due to the government shutdown affecting statistical work, the October and November employment data are considered somewhat distorted [4]. - The market expects the Federal Reserve to refrain from reacting strongly to these employment reports in the upcoming January meeting, with more reliable data anticipated in early January 2026 [4]. Divergence in Interest Rate Predictions - There is a divergence in views regarding the Federal Reserve's interest rate strategy for the upcoming year. Most officials predict only one rate cut in 2026, while some believe no cuts are necessary. In contrast, futures markets suggest investors are betting on two rate cuts in 2026 [5]. - Analysts have differing opinions on the employment report's implications. Some view it as providing the Federal Reserve with policy flexibility, while others express concerns about how a weaker job market could impact overall economic growth [5]. Economic Outlook - Despite the clear trend of cooling employment, some analysts believe it aligns with a "soft landing" for the U.S. economy, as job growth is no longer overheating and wage inflation pressures are easing [6]. - The urgency for the Federal Reserve to initiate a new round of rate cuts in January appears limited, with a preference to wait for more stable employment and inflation data before making further policy decisions [6].

Group 1 - The Federal Reserve announced a monthly purchase of $40 billion in U.S. Treasury securities starting this Friday, exceeding market expectations, aimed at alleviating short-term interest rate pressures by replenishing bank reserves [1] - Major banks on Wall Street have revised their forecasts for U.S. Treasury supply in 2026, with Barclays projecting total purchases could approach $525 billion, up from a previous estimate of $345 billion [1] - JPMorgan also raised its forecast, expecting the Fed to maintain the $40 billion monthly purchase pace until mid-April next year, with total purchases nearing $490 billion, nearly doubling previous estimates [1] Group 2 - Investment banks believe the Fed's actions will effectively ease reserve tightness caused by balance sheet reduction, helping to lower short-term financing pressures and benefiting SOFR-federal funds spread trading [2] - Analysts noted that the Fed is managing the return to "adequate" reserve levels more cautiously than in 2019, reflecting a strong intent to avoid disorder in the funding markets [2] - Despite improved liquidity conditions, some institutions warn that year-end market volatility remains likely, as the December purchase scale may not cover the seasonal overnight funding demand [2] Group 3 - The Fed's shift from balance sheet reduction to replenishing reserves marks a new phase in the funding market, becoming a key variable for balancing U.S. Treasury supply and short-term interest rate trends in 2026 [3]

The S&P 500 will end the year in the green again, notching strong gains, but Q4 tells a different story. The past three months have been marked by choppier trading, sluggish gains, and a market that’s clearly under considerable pressure following two years of double-digit surges. That’s exactly why Oppenheimer’s new 8,100 target for 2026 lands as a genuine surprise. Not only does it edge past the consensus, but it’s also the most bullish forecast among major Wall Street firms, calling for roughly 18% u ...

Core Insights - The article discusses the potential for index ETFs to be a significant part of an investor's portfolio, particularly focusing on small-cap, value, and growth ETFs for 2026 [1] Small-Cap ETFs - There is an increasing belief that small-cap stocks will outperform in 2026, following a period of strong performance over the past six months, despite trailing large-cap stocks previously [2][3] - The Federal Reserve's anticipated rate cuts are expected to benefit small-cap companies more significantly, as lower borrowing costs can stimulate domestic demand [3] Value ETFs - The market has seen growth stocks lead, but there is speculation that 2026 could be the year for value stocks to outperform due to investor nervousness and potential economic benefits from lower rates and tariff reversals [5][6] - Recommended value ETFs include the Vanguard 500 Value ETF and the Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF, which focus on value stocks and companies with strong financials and dividend histories [7] Growth ETFs - Large-cap growth stocks have been dominant in the market, particularly those associated with AI, and this trend may continue as AI technology develops [8] - Key growth ETFs include the Vanguard Growth ETF, Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF, and Invesco QQQ ETF, which have shown strong performance relative to the broader market [9] Investment Recommendations - The Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF is highlighted as a top choice for 2026, given its concentration in leading AI stocks, which are expected to continue driving market performance [12]

Core Insights - The transition of customers from Laurentian Bank to an acquiring bank is expected to be communicated through email or mail notifications, with the goal of minimizing disruptions and maintaining customer satisfaction [1][2] - Customers may experience changes in products, including fee structures, interest rates, and account features during the transition [2][4] - This transition presents an opportunity for customers to evaluate their banking needs and consider whether their current accounts and products still meet those needs [4] Company and Industry Summary - National Bank is set to expand its customer base by acquiring Laurentian's $10.9 billion in retail loans and deposits, along with $1.4 billion in small- and medium-enterprise loans and deposits, which will add to its existing total assets of approximately $594 billion [4] - The acquisition follows National Bank's recent purchase of Canadian Western Bank, which closed in February [4] - Customers are advised to keep their banking profiles updated to ensure they receive important communications and to remain vigilant against potential fraud during the transition [5]

Wall Street always loves a good consensus, especially when the stock market’s rip-roaring. That’s exactly when Bank of America’s fresh 2026 forecast becomes all the more interesting. According to a Business Insider report, while every major Wall Street firm dishes out a double-digit target for the S&P 500 next year, BofA analysts are pumping the brakes. Considering the S&P 500 closed at nearly 6,830 on Dec. 3, BofA’s year-end 7,100 S&P 500 forecast points to roughly a 4% upside. Investors have clearly go ...

RBC kicked off the day with a royal flush of earnings, but CEO Dave McKay also had a warning about the economy. Read our Canada Daily newsletter. https://t.co/PrlbS78mM0 ...

Core Insights - Quantum BioPharma Ltd. is involved in a significant legal battle against CIBC and RBC, alleging stock market manipulation through "stock spoofing," which has led to a USD $700 million lawsuit [2][4]. - The investigative series aired by CTV News highlights the impact of stock spoofing on retail investors and the broader implications for market integrity [2][4]. Company Overview - Quantum BioPharma is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative treatments for neurodegenerative and metabolic disorders, with its lead compound, Lucid-MS, showing promise in reversing nerve cell degradation associated with multiple sclerosis [5]. - The company retains a 19.86% ownership stake in Unbuzzd Wellness Inc., which is involved in the development of a product called unbuzzd™, and has a royalty agreement that could yield up to $250 million [5]. Legal Context - The lawsuit against CIBC and RBC is based on allegations that these banks facilitated stock spoofing, with claims that over 16 million illegal orders were placed through their trading platforms [4]. - The company aims to use the exposure from the lawsuit to protect other firms and investors from similar experiences of market manipulation [4].

Core Viewpoint - Quantum BioPharma Ltd. is involved in a significant legal battle against CIBC and RBC, alleging stock market manipulation through "stock spoofing," with a lawsuit amounting to USD $700 million [2][4]. Company Overview - Quantum BioPharma is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative treatments for neurodegenerative and metabolic disorders, including its lead compound, Lucid-MS, which has shown potential in reversing nerve cell degradation associated with multiple sclerosis [5]. - The company retains a 19.86% ownership stake in Unbuzzd Wellness Inc., which is linked to its product unbuzzd™, and has a royalty agreement that could yield up to $250 million [5]. Legal Context - The ongoing lawsuit against CIBC and RBC is based on allegations that these banks facilitated stock spoofing, with claims that over 16 million illegal orders were placed through their platforms [4]. - The investigative series by CTV News highlights the broader implications of stock spoofing on retail investors and the integrity of the market [2][4].