Japan's consumer prices rose at a slower pace in February, potentially affording the central bank more time to consider raising rates further amid heightened geopolitical risks. ...

>> LIVE FROM LONDON, THIS IS "BLOOMBERG DAYBREAK: EUROPE." OIL AND GAS JUMP AND GLOBAL STOCKS FALL AFTER ISRAEL AND IRAN TRADE ATTACKS ON MIDDLE EAST ENERGY FACILITIES. THE WORLD'S LARGEST LNG EXPORT PLANT IN QATAR SUFFERS EXTENSIVE DAMAGE. PRESIDENT TRUMP PRESSES FOR DE-ESCALATION OF ATTACKS ON GAS PLANTS BUT HE THREATENS TO MASSIVELY BLOW UP THE ENTIRETY OF THE FIELD IF IRAN HITS QATAR'S LNG FACILITIES AGAIN.THE FED ON HOLD AS CHAIR POWELL SAYS IT'S TOO SOON TO JUDGE THE IMPACT OF WAR. INVESTORS AWAY COMM ...

Core Viewpoint - Gold mining stocks are facing challenges due to increasing geopolitical risks, with the VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX) entering bear-market territory recently, while physical gold prices are nearing a correction [1]. Group 1: Market Performance - The VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX) has recently touched bear-market territory, indicating a significant decline in value [1]. - Physical gold prices are approaching a correction, suggesting potential volatility in the gold market [1]. Group 2: Geopolitical Impact - The mounting geopolitical risks are contributing to the struggles faced by gold mining stocks, highlighting the sensitivity of this sector to global events [1].

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview Basic Materials - China - **Metals Market Reactions**: Geopolitical risks, particularly in the Middle East, are impacting energy supplies and influencing metal prices. [1] - **Copper**: - LME copper price decreased by 3.6% WoW to USD 12,817/t - Domestic copper price fell by 1% to RMB 101,250/t - Domestic demand is recovering, but high Shanghai inventories are limiting spot premium improvements [1][34] - **Aluminum**: - LME aluminum price increased by 11.7% WoW to USD 3,493/t - Domestic aluminum price rose by 4.4% to RMB 24,450/t - Margins expanded to RMB 8,513/t due to expectations of tighter global supply amid rising tensions [1][34][51] - **Other Metals**: - Gold price declined by 2% WoW to USD 5,172/oz - Lithium carbonate price fell by 10% WoW to RMB 155,250/t - U₃O₈ slipped by 2.4% WoW to USD 86.8/lb - Shanghai cobalt price decreased by 0.7% to RMB 435,000/t [1][34] Steel Market - **Price Stability**: The steel market remained steady with no new policy signals from the Two Sessions. [2] - **Demand Recovery**: Post-holiday demand is recovering slowly, leading to muted buying interest. - **Price Changes**: - Rebar price rose by 0.4% WoW to RMB 3,252/t - Hot Rolled Coil (HRC) price edged down by 0.3% to RMB 3,264/t - **Inventory and Consumption**: - Finished steel inventories increased by 5.74% WoW - Apparent consumption rose by 4.35% to 6.91 million tons - **Raw Materials**: Iron ore price gained 2.06% WoW to USD 101.35/t, but margins remain negative [2][71][76]. Cement, Glass, and Paper Performance - **Cement**: - Average national cement price decreased slightly to RMB 329/t - Shipment ratio increased by 4.5 percentage points WoW to 12.1% - Inventory ratio decreased by 1.6 percentage points to 61.6% - Demand recovery is slow, with some regions lowering prices [3][94]. - **Glass**: - National average float glass price increased by 0.89% WoW to RMB 1,175/t - Xinyi float glass gross profit margin (GPM) expanded by 0.8 percentage points to 11.0% [3][102]. - **Paper**: - Paper prices increased by 1.2% WoW to RMB 3,625/t - Waste paper prices rose by 1.0% WoW to RMB 1,555/t [3][103]. Solar Materials - **Polysilicon Prices**: - N-type polysilicon price decreased by RMB 6/kg to RMB 50/kg (including VAT) - N-type granular silicon price fell by RMB 10/kg to RMB 45/kg (including VAT) [3][113]. - **Solar Glass**: - Prices for 3.2mm and 2.0mm coated solar glass remained stable at RMB 17.75/sqm and RMB 10.75/sqm, respectively - Daily capacity for solar glass production decreased to 88,100t/day, with inventory days expanding to 42.08 [3][115][127]. Additional Insights - **Geopolitical Risks**: The ongoing geopolitical tensions are significantly affecting the basic materials market, particularly in aluminum and copper sectors [1][34]. - **Market Dynamics**: The interplay between supply, demand, and geopolitical factors is crucial for understanding price movements in metals and construction materials [1][2][3].

Core Insights - Analysts are recommending six lesser-known S&P 500 stocks with potential gains of 60% or more, including Fair Isaac, Ares Management, and Robinhood Markets [1] Group 1: Stock Recommendations - Fair Isaac (FICO) is projected to rise 78% to $1,947.86 per share in the next 12 months, despite a 35.3% year-to-date decline [1] - Ares Management (ARES) is expected to increase by 74% in the next year, with shares down 40.3% year-to-date [1] - Robinhood Markets (HOOD) is forecasted to jump 68% in the next 12 months, having declined by 32.7% this year [1] Group 2: Market Trends - The market focus has shifted from AI disruption concerns to rising geopolitical risks, particularly related to the conflict in Iran [1] - Analysts are optimistic about profit growth for Fair Isaac, projecting 39% growth in 2026 and 28% in 2027 [1] - Ares Management is expected to see a staggering 277% growth in 2026, with a 20% increase in 2027 [1] Group 3: Additional Stock Insights - ServiceNow (NOW) is anticipated to rise 67.6%, KKR (KKR) by 67.2%, and Zebra Technologies (ZBRA) by 64.8% based on 12-month price targets [1] - Despite the current popularity of commodities, analysts are looking for future gains in these less obvious stocks [1]

Core Viewpoint - Evercore believes that internet stocks, including Amazon.com, Meta Platforms, and Uber Technologies, have experienced excessive declines due to investor concerns over AI disruption and geopolitical risks [1] Company Analysis - Amazon.com has been identified as one of the internet stocks that has fallen significantly, reflecting broader market fears [1] - Meta Platforms is also highlighted as a stock that has seen a considerable drop, indicating potential undervaluation amidst current market conditions [1] - Uber Technologies is mentioned alongside other major internet companies, suggesting that it too has been affected by the prevailing investor sentiment regarding AI and geopolitical uncertainties [1]

PJT Partners founder, chair and CEO Paul Taubman discusses how war-driven market volatility and AI disruption are weighing on global M&A. Speaking with Dani Burger on "Bloomberg Deals," Taubman argues that geopolitical risks have been mispriced and there will be a lot of "roadkill" left behind because of AI. -------- More on Bloomberg Television and Markets Like this video? Subscribe and turn on notifications so you don't miss any videos from Bloomberg Markets & Finance: https://tinyurl.com/ysu5b8a9 Visit h ...

Group 1 - Brazil's benchmark Ibovespa index remains above 181,000 points, reflecting strong investor interest despite global volatility [1][1] - Petrobras shares declined due to falling global oil prices, while Vale posted modest gains, highlighting the impact of commodity-linked companies on the index [1][1] - Major financial institutions like Itaú Unibanco, Banco do Brasil, and Bradesco significantly influence the Ibovespa, indicating the banking sector's dominance in Brazil's capital markets [1][1] Group 2 - Investors are closely monitoring Brazil's fiscal outlook and interest rate expectations, which are crucial for long-term capital flows into Brazilian assets [1][1] - Upcoming US economic data, particularly employment figures, could influence global financial conditions and market expectations for the Federal Reserve's policy trajectory [1][1] - The resilience of the Ibovespa amidst geopolitical tensions and global economic risks underscores the strength of Brazil's equities market [1][1]

🚨JUST IN: 2026 US RECESSION ODDS JUMP TO 41%Prediction market traders on @Polymarket are now assigning a 41% probability to a US recession in 2026. The odds have climbed sharply in recent days.Traders cite geopolitical risks and market volatility. Escalating tensions involving Iran have rattled global markets.Oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz remain under scrutiny. ...

China will keep fiscal stimulus flowing to support growth as domestic challenges stalk the economy with geopolitical risks on the rise https://t.co/B3tMWv58nl ...