January 12, 2026 Citi Research State of Enterprise Cybersecurity Spending: Vol. V Improving Budget Trends + Positive AI Implications Make Cyber Interesting Again for 2026 Fatima BoolaniAC Fatima.Boolani@citi.com +1 212-816-9115 Mark Zhang Mark1.Zhang@citi.com Joel Omino Joel.Omino@citi.com Rohan Kalra Rohan.Kalra@citi.com ee AppendixA-1 for AnalystCertification, Important Disclosures and ResearchAnalystAffiliations iti Research is a division of Citigroup Global Markets Inc. (the "Firm"), which does and seek ...

TEL AVIV, Israel, Jan. 05, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Check Point® Software Technologies Ltd. (NASDAQ: CHKP), a leading provider of cyber security solutions globally, today announced that it will release its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2025, on Thursday, February 12, 2026, before the U.S. financial markets open. Management will host a video conference call with the investment community at 8:30 AM EST/5:30 AM PST on February 12, 2026. A live video webcast of the ca ...

Market Overview - The S&P has reached 39 all-time highs this year, with all 11 sectors turning positive [2] - The VIX index is under 14 for the first time in a year, indicating reduced market volatility [2] - The macroeconomic factors did not drive the market; instead, earnings were the primary driver [3] Future Outlook - The market is expected to set up well for 2025, with historical trends showing bull markets occurring every decade [3] - In the fourth year of a bull market, there is a 50% chance of continued positive returns, but also a significant risk of drawdowns [4] - Leadership within sectors is expected to rotate, with volatility likely to increase and overall returns moderating [5] Sector Analysis - There is a potential shift in leadership within the tech sector, with a focus on companies that demonstrate profitability and margin growth rather than just spending [7] - AI-related spending is projected to grow from $400 billion this year to $600 billion next year, particularly in infrastructure and data center buildouts [6] - Companies in cybersecurity and software are highlighted as potential beneficiaries of AI advancements [8][11] Investment Strategy - The focus is on dividend growth companies, which have a history of increasing dividends rather than just high-yield stocks [10] - The "Dogs of the Dow" strategy, which targets the highest yielding stocks, has outperformed expectations this year [10] - Specific companies like Palo Alto Networks are noted for their leadership in cybersecurity, which is becoming increasingly essential due to rising data access risks [11]

Tech is capping off a blockbuster 2025 driven by AI infrastructure spending that fueled much of the sector's gains. But with as we head into 2026, the story is shifting from pure growth to execution, competition, and also risk. So for more on this, we're going to bring in Bob O'Donnell.He is a president of technalysis research. Bob, it is great to see you here and we talked about this earlier in the year on stocks and translation. So give us an update.What do you see the AI. what has been the dominant theme ...

Market Overview - The Dow is up approximately 270 points, with the S&P 500 increasing by about 0.3% and the NASDAQ rising by 0.2% [1][2]. - All three major indices are on track for five consecutive days of gains, indicating a potential Santa rally [2]. Sector Performance - Leading sectors include real estate, financials, consumer staples, healthcare, and industrials, contributing to the gains in the NASDAQ 100 [3]. - Notable stock movements include Apple up 1%, Amazon and Meta slightly higher, and Micron increasing by over 3% [3]. Precious Metals - Gold prices are above $4,500 per troy ounce, reflecting a year-to-date increase of 70%, while silver futures are up 140% [4][5]. - Central banks have been purchasing gold, and expectations of easing rates have contributed to the gold rally [5]. - Some strategists warn of potential volatility, citing historical patterns where significant price increases were followed by sharp declines [6][7]. AI and Technology Outlook - The prevalence of AI has significantly impacted market dynamics, with many companies in the S&P 500 benefiting from AI advancements [9]. - The focus is shifting towards the "magnificent 493" companies, which are expected to harness AI for improved efficiency and growth [12]. - Companies like Broadcom are well-positioned in the AI sector, with expectations of doubling their AI business by 2026 [20]. Healthcare Sector - The healthcare sector is anticipated to see long-term growth, particularly in recurring revenue businesses that provide tools to the healthcare industry [22][23]. - Companies like Thermo Fisher and Agilent Metler Toledo are highlighted as key players benefiting from improving demand [22]. Defense Sector - The defense industry is expected to experience significant growth, particularly with European NATO spending projected to triple over the next decade [25]. - Companies with strong recurring revenue models in the defense sector, such as Haiko and General Electric, are well-positioned to benefit from this trend [25][26]. IPO Market Outlook - 2026 is anticipated to be a significant year for IPOs, with a backlog of solid private companies ready to go public [34]. - Factors contributing to optimism include a stable market environment, declining interest rates, and successful high-profile IPOs potentially driving further interest [36][39]. Cryptocurrency Market - Bitcoin is currently trading between $85,000 and $90,000, struggling to regain momentum after a sharp decline from its record high [31][32]. - The cryptocurrency market is facing challenges, with regulatory developments impacting sentiment [102].

2026 will be an inflection point in the AI revolution. That's just one of the predictions Wed Bush's Dan Ives is making as he looks ahead to the new year. Joins us now as you see. It's good to see you.>> Hey, great to be here. >> What does that mean. An inflection point.>> I think it's about the modernization of the AI revolution specifically on the software side. You I think obviously Palunteer we've seen that front and center, but you look at MongoDB, Snowflake, the use cases. I think really the infrastru ...

Consumer Impact - Cyber breaches and hacks are projected to cost consumers approximately 15 billion dollars in 2023, highlighting significant financial implications for individuals [1] - The rise of AI is expected to blur the lines between reality and fake, necessitating human verification for consumers to navigate the digital landscape [2] - A total of 140,000 AI-powered fake e-commerce websites have been blocked, indicating a growing threat to consumer financial security [2] Enterprise Challenges - Major enterprises, including Amazon and Capital One, are facing an increase in cyber attacks that are becoming more sophisticated and systematic, particularly in relation to AI and supply chain vulnerabilities [4] - The common risk factor for both consumers and enterprises is identity, which is increasingly targeted by attackers using AI to create personalized attacks [5] Cybersecurity Trends - Platformization is a notable trend among cybersecurity companies, as they seek to combine various services to address the dynamic threat landscape [6] - Companies are diversifying their vendors and solutions to mitigate risks associated with service outages, as seen with recent incidents involving Crowdstrike and AWS [7] Risk Management - The biggest risk for consumers stems from data breaches within enterprise environments, which can lead to the theft of personal data and the creation of fake identities by bad actors [11] - Companies are leveraging AI to predict risks and manage digital footprints, while also offering insurance and restoration services in the event of a breach [13][14]

[music] Investors are sorting through a mixed picture of updates on the labor market, but our next guest still optimistic on the road ahead for the economy and markets. Bank of America senior investment strategist Lauren Sanfalippo joins me here now to discuss. Lauren, it is good to see you.Let's start in the macro. Lauren, uh, you're all calling for real GDP growth to accelerate nominal over 5%. What gives you the confidence to make that call.>> Well, I think we'll find out more on Thursday on the inflatio ...

Company Overview - ServiceNow's shares are down 11.5% amid reports of negotiations to acquire the cybersecurity firm Armis for approximately $7 billion [1] - The stock has also been downgraded, contributing to its current performance challenges [1] Market Trends - The momentum for ServiceNow appears weak, with the stock facing difficulties year-to-date and on a one-year basis, particularly in comparison to the semiconductor sector [2][3] - The technology sector is currently favoring semiconductors over software, indicating a shift in market preference [3] Strategic Moves - The potential acquisition of Armis is viewed positively as a strategic move into the cybersecurity space, which is considered a valuable area for growth [2] - The overall performance of software companies, including ServiceNow, has been under pressure relative to other sectors like semiconductors [3]

Five things to know ahead of the opening bell. New evidence of China's economic troubles. Consumption, investment, and industrial output data all falling short of expectations.In November, a court in Hong Kong finding pro-democracy activists and media baron Jimmy Lie guilty of sedition and collusion with foreign countries. 78-year-old was charged under Hong Kong's controversial national security law enacted in 2020 after pro-democracy protests the year before. Sanapy shares are lower.The French drug maker f ...