While the US continues to command a dominant share in global portfolios, questions around sustainability, overinvestment in AI, and stretched P/E multiples are prompting investors to reassess tactical allocations.In an interaction with Kshitij Anand of ETMarkets, He pointed to improving fundamentals across parts of Asia, compelling opportunities in India, South Korea and Indonesia, and a shifting sectoral mix in Europe — particularly manufacturing and defence — as reasons for potential diversification amid ...

In this articleORCLAMZNMETAGOOGLHyperscalers are significantly ramping up their AI capex spending — and increasingly using credit markets to fund it. But investors say this shift is challenging mega-cap tech giants' so-called 'fortress balance sheet' status, and rips up what they call the "unspoken contract" that kept speculative AI spending largely separate from debt markets.After Amazon, Meta and Google-owner Alphabet all unveiled sizable increases in their full-year capex spending plans during earnings s ...

Geopolitical Developments - Global markets are reacting to heightened tensions in the Middle East, particularly following President Trump's ultimatum to Iran regarding nuclear negotiations, which has driven safe-haven demand for gold, pushing prices to $5,018.44 per ounce [2][9] - The U.S. is contemplating a "symbolic" uranium enrichment allowance for Iran to prevent military action, while emphasizing that Tehran must present an unrefusable offer [3] Technology Sector Growth - The tech sector is a key driver of U.S. GDP growth, with software spending increasing by 7.1% and information-processing equipment spending soaring by 36.1%, largely due to AI investments [4][9] - Major companies like Nvidia and Microsoft are central to this capital expenditure surge as businesses upgrade their technology infrastructure, indicating a structural shift in corporate spending towards AI-related hardware [5] Aerospace Industry Developments - Boeing secured nearly $37 billion in aircraft orders from Vietnamese airlines, including a significant $22.5 billion order for 40 Dreamliners, following a diplomatic meeting with President Trump [6][9] Regulatory and Economic Updates - In Turkey, regulators are conducting a data-processing review of major platforms like Instagram and Facebook, focusing on children's privacy protections [12] - Thailand's Commerce Minister confirmed ongoing trade negotiations with the U.S., aiming to finalize a reciprocal tariff agreement by July 2026 [12]

Company Overview - Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation (NYSE:WAB) is a leading rail technology and equipment company that provides locomotives, equipment, systems, and services [2][3] - The company has a market capitalization of approximately $43.775 billion [2] Financial Performance - Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation reported $2.97 billion in sales for the fourth quarter of 2025, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 14.8% [4] - The stock closed at $256.06 per share on February 13, 2026, with a one-month return of 11.52% and a twelve-month increase of 36.06% [2] Investment Insights - The Aristotle Small Cap Equity Fund noted that Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation transitioned from a small-cap to a large-cap company, leading to a redeployment of capital into new positions with potential upside [3] - At the end of the third quarter, 62 hedge fund portfolios held shares of Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation, a decrease from 68 in the previous quarter [4]

Market Overview - The equity market experienced a positive period in 2025, with the S&P 500 Index returning 2.7% in Q4 and finishing the year up 17.9% [1] - The year began with potential disruptions and heightened volatility but ended with optimism driven by strong AI investment, clarity in policies, and U.S. Federal Reserve interest rate cuts [1] - The performance of the market was significantly influenced by the communication services and technology sectors, with earnings growth being a key driver of market expansion [1] Fund Performance - Carillon Eagle Growth & Income Fund holds net assets of $493.06 million across 48 holdings [1] - The Fund is optimistic about achieving another year of strong equity returns as it approaches 2026 [1] RTX Corporation Highlights - RTX Corporation (NYSE:RTX) was noted as a significant contributor to the Fund's performance, with a one-month return of -1.66% and a 52-week gain of 56.16% [2] - As of February 11, 2026, RTX Corporation's stock closed at $196.51 per share, with a market capitalization of $262 billion [2] - The positive performance of RTX Corporation was attributed to a strong third-quarter earnings report, showcasing improved revenue and earnings growth [3] - Key end markets such as commercial aerospace and global defense are expected to drive continued growth for RTX Corporation in the coming years [3] Financial Performance - RTX Corporation reported $24.2 billion in adjusted sales for Q4 2025, reflecting a 12% increase on an adjusted basis and a 14% organic growth [4] - Despite the potential of RTX Corporation as an investment, there is a belief that certain AI stocks may offer greater upside potential with less downside risk [4]

Group 1 - The Nikkei 225 Index fell 0.9% to close at 53,818.04, influenced by technology stocks amid valuation concerns and a broader Asian market slump due to rising AI investment costs [2][3] - SoftBank Group experienced a significant decline of 7% after its affiliated chip design firm Arm Holdings missed analysts' expectations on licensing revenues [2][3] - Semiconductor-related stocks saw notable drops, with Rohm down 9.1%, Advantest down 4.8%, and Disco down 4.4% in early Tokyo trading [2][3] Group 2 - The pharmaceuticals sector emerged as the top performer among the Tokyo Stock Exchange's 33 industry groups, driven by Astellas Pharma's 10% surge after the company raised its net profit forecast for the fiscal year by nearly five times [2][3] - There were 137 advancers on the Nikkei index compared to 88 decliners, indicating the significant influence of a few heavyweight tech names [2][3] - Despite the overall market decline, selective buying tied to earnings is expected to continue in Japan [2][3]

Nvidia is nearing a deal to invest $20 billion in OpenAI as part of its latest funding round, Bloomberg News reported citing people familiar with the matter. ...

We're back on Morning Trade Live. We'll get a closer look at the Mag 7 starting this afternoon when Meta, Microsoft, and Tesla all report quarterly earnings. Tesla and Microsoft have made modest gains over the last 12 months.Meta has been the lagard though of the group, just below the flatline for the year. So, let's go inside out on Meta ahead of earnings. Joining us now is Melissa Otto, head of Visible Alpha Research, S&P Global Market Intelligence.Joining me around the desk this morning. Hello to you, Me ...

Core Insights - The bank successfully integrated the Enterprise acquisition in 2025, retaining nearly 100% of client-facing personnel and experiencing negligible customer loss, with strong loan production and pipeline maintained throughout the integration period [1][4][7] Financial Performance - For Q4 2025, the bank reported GAAP net income of $75.3 million and diluted EPS of $1.52, with an adjusted operating net income of $84.4 million or $1.70 diluted EPS, reflecting a 1.20% return on assets and 8.38% return on average common equity [3][6] - Net interest income increased by $9.1 million to $212.5 million, with a reported net interest margin (NIM) rising to 3.77% [12] Loan and Deposit Growth - The bank achieved approximately 9% organic growth in commercial and industrial (C&I) loans, which now represent 25% of total loans, while commercial real estate (CRE) balances decreased by 3.6% [8][9] - Average core deposits grew by 3.6% annualized, despite a 0.8% decline in period-end deposit balances attributed to seasonal factors [11] Expense Management and Capital Strategy - The bank's operating expenses for Q4 were $142 million, up 3.7% from the previous quarter, influenced by one-time items [16] - The bank repurchased approximately 548,000 shares for $37.5 million, with plans for continued prudent buybacks and a tangible book value increase to $47.55 at year-end [19] 2026 Outlook - Management set targets for 2026, including a 1.4% return on average assets and a 15% return on average tangible capital, with expectations for mid-single-digit growth in C&I loans and low single-digit growth in combined CRE and construction [18][23] - The bank anticipates NIM to reach 3.85%–3.90% by Q4 2026, assuming two Federal Reserve rate cuts [23]

Group 1 - The discussion on Reddit highlights the misconception that owning luxury items, like a BMW, equates to being upper middle class, while many argue that true upper middle class individuals often prioritize financial stability over flashy spending [2][3]. - Personal finance expert Dave Ramsey supports the idea that most millionaires do not drive expensive cars, favoring more economical brands like Ford, Honda, or Toyota instead [4]. - Wealthier families often choose modest vehicles not out of necessity but due to a focus on value, with many high-income professionals opting for older, reliable cars [5]. Group 2 - The Reddit thread emphasizes that upper-middle-class living is defined by financial margin, which includes the ability to make choices, invest in the future, and maintain a work-life balance rather than by luxury brand ownership [6]. - For individuals seeking to improve their financial stability, working with a financial planner can provide guidance on investment planning and retirement strategies, steering clear of lifestyle markers that may not contribute to true wealth [7].