March NY world sugar #11 (SBH26) on Thursday closed up +0.22 (+1.49%).  March London ICE white sugar #5 (SWH26) closed up +4.80 (+1.14%). Sugar prices settled higher on Thursday after a rally in the Brazilian real (^USDBRL) to a 2.25-month high against the dollar prompted short covering in sugar futures.  The stronger real discourages export sales from Brazil's sugar producers. More News from Barchart An excessively long position in London ICE white sugar futures could exacerbate any price decline.  La ...

Core Insights - Axsome Therapeutics Inc's stock is experiencing significant gains, rising 19% to $177.13 after the FDA granted priority review for its Alzheimer's disease agitation drug AXS-05 [1] - Analysts from Needham and TD Cowen have reiterated "buy" ratings, with Needham increasing its price target from $154 to $169 [1] - The stock is on track for its largest single-day percentage gain since February, reaching a record peak of $178.99 [2] Stock Performance - If current gains are maintained, Axsome Therapeutics is projected to finish 2025 with over 100% year-to-date gain [2] - The options market has seen a surge, with AXSM's options volume reaching ten times its average daily volume, particularly in the January 2026 185-strike call [2] Short Interest - A portion of the stock's increase may be due to short covering, as short interest accounts for 6.8% of the stock's available float [3] - It would take over five days for short sellers to buy back their borrowed shares based on the stock's average trading pace [3]

Market Reaction to Iran's Attacks - Initial price surge in WTI crude to $7762 was largely due to short covering, as money managers held significant short positions [1][2][5] - If retaliation freezes without infrastructure damage or Strait of Hormuz closure, prices may cool off due to no supply impact and continued OPEC production [3][4][5] - Closure of the Strait of Hormuz would significantly impact prices, increasing shipping costs and transit times, though alternatives like the Suez Canal exist [11][12] US Oil Production and Supply - US shale production may have peaked, with declining rig counts potentially putting downward pressure on oil production [6][8] - Despite potential production pullback, the United States remains one of the largest oil producers globally, maintaining production above 13 million barrels per day [4][8] Economic Factors and Future Outlook - Economic growth, US-China negotiations, and inflation trends influence oil prices [9] - Positive GDP outlook in the second quarter and boosted global GDP forecasts may support oil prices [10] - If the situation stabilizes, the high of $7762 for WTI and $7850 for Brent may be the peak for the remainder of 2025 [10]