Core Insights - The article discusses the best long-term low volatility stocks to invest in, highlighting the importance of adapting to a changing economic landscape characterized by increased volatility and the emergence of new investment themes [1][3]. Group 1: Market Trends - Sherry Paul from Morgan Stanley emphasizes a shift from globalization to a "new world order," indicating a need for reimagining supply chains and partnerships, particularly in AI and automation manufacturing in the U.S. [2] - The current economic environment suggests increased volatility ahead, which is seen as a natural part of investing rather than a negative indicator [3]. Group 2: Investment Methodology - The selection of stocks is based on a methodology that identifies long-term stocks with stable fundamentals and a beta below 1, focusing on those with the highest number of hedge fund holders as of Q3 2025 [6]. - The rationale for focusing on hedge fund favorites is that imitating top stock picks can lead to market outperformance, as evidenced by a quarterly newsletter's significant returns since May 2014 [7]. Group 3: Company Highlights - **AstraZeneca PLC (NASDAQ:AZN)**: - The company is enhancing its weight management portfolio through a collaboration with CSPC Pharmaceuticals, focusing on next-generation therapies for obesity and type 2 diabetes [9]. - AstraZeneca will gain exclusive global rights outside of China to CSPC's weight management portfolio, which includes a clinical-ready asset and several preclinical programs [10][11]. - **International Business Machines Corporation (NYSE:IBM)**: - The company received a price target increase from Argus to $360, driven by strong Q4 performance attributed to GenAI and hybrid cloud momentum [13]. - RBC Capital also raised its price target to $361, citing solid free cash flow performance and exposure to secular themes, particularly from the z17 mainframe refresh cycle [14].

Core Viewpoint - Capgemini SE is initiating the sale of its US-based subsidiary, Capgemini Government Solutions, due to scrutiny over its contracts with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) [1][2]. Group 1: Company Actions - The sale process for Capgemini Government Solutions will begin immediately as stated by the company [1]. - Capgemini has indicated that legal restrictions hindered its ability to control certain operations of the subsidiary, affecting alignment with the Group's objectives [2]. Group 2: Government and Public Response - French Finance Minister Roland Lescure requested clarification from Capgemini regarding its subsidiary's links to ICE, emphasizing the company's lack of awareness about the contracts signed [3]. - There has been significant backlash against businesses associated with ICE, particularly following incidents related to immigration enforcement operations [4]. Group 3: Financial Impact - Capgemini Government Solutions accounts for only 0.4% of the group's estimated global revenue for 2025 and less than 2% of its US revenue [5]. - The subsidiary has had contracts with ICE since at least 2007, with a new contract awarded in December 2025 for locating individuals [5].

Core Insights - Cognizant Technology Solutions Corporation (CTSH) is a leading provider of IT, consulting, and business process services, competing with major players like Accenture and Infosys [1] Stock Performance - Over the past month, CTSH has shown a modest gain of 0.53%, indicating steady growth and investor confidence [2] - In the last 10 days, the stock experienced a decline of 3.16%, presenting a potential buying opportunity as it has touched a local minimum, suggesting a possible rebound [2][6] Growth Potential - CTSH's growth potential is forecasted at an impressive 15.09%, driven by market trends, company performance, and industry outlook, making it attractive for investors seeking future appreciation [3] Financial Health - The company has a strong Piotroski Score of 8, indicating robust financial health and effective management, providing reassurance to investors about its stability [4][6] Analyst Target Price - Analysts have set a target price for CTSH at $94.44, reflecting significant upside potential from current levels and confidence in the company's ability to achieve growth objectives [5]

French tech giant Capgemini to sell US subsidiary working for ICE https://t.co/7Zcf7Rsi2L ...

Core Viewpoint - The market capitalization of BSE-listed companies experienced a significant decline of Rs 9,40,581.75 crore, dropping to Rs 4,50,61,658.60 crore (USD 4.90 trillion) in a single day due to the proposed increase in Securities Transaction Tax (STT) on derivatives by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman [1][5]. Market Reaction - The BSE Sensex fell by 2,370.36 points or 2.88 percent, closing below the 80,000-mark at 79,899.42 during afternoon trading [4]. - The benchmark index ended at 80,722.94, down 1,546.84 points or 1.88 percent, marking a notable decline similar to the drop on February 1, 2020 [5][7]. Impact of STT Increase - The STT on futures contracts is set to increase from 0.02 percent to 0.05 percent, while the STT on options premium and exercise will rise to 0.15 percent from 0.1 percent and 0.125 percent respectively [6][9]. - This increase in STT is viewed negatively by active traders and the derivatives ecosystem, as it raises transaction costs and may reduce speculative volumes, impacting liquidity in futures and options [6][8]. Investor Sentiment - The proposed tax changes aim to moderate excessive derivatives activity and boost revenue, but they could dampen retail participation during bullish market phases and affect short-term broking revenues [8]. - The overall market sentiment was negative, with 2,375 stocks declining, while only 1,759 advanced and 175 remained unchanged on the BSE [12]. Sector Performance - Among the major companies, State Bank of India and Adani Ports saw declines of 5.61 percent and 5.53 percent respectively, while Tata Consultancy Services, Infosys, Sun Pharma, and Titan were among the gainers [11][12]. - Various indices experienced significant drops, with BSE PSU Bank falling by 5.60 percent and the metal sector declining by 3.85 percent [12].

Core Viewpoint - The Finance Minister's proposal to increase the Securities Transaction Tax (STT) on futures to 0.05% is expected to have a structurally negative impact on the capital market ecosystem, particularly affecting futures and options (F&O) driven businesses [1][11]. Market Reaction - The benchmark stock indices, Sensex and Nifty, experienced significant declines, with Sensex dropping by nearly 2% and settling at 80,722.94, down 1,546.84 points or 1.88% [2][3]. - The NSE Nifty fell by 495.20 points or 1.96%, closing at 24,825.45, with an intraday low of 24,571.75, a drop of 2.95% [3][7]. Impact on Trading and Liquidity - Higher transaction costs due to the increased STT are likely to reduce trading volumes, dampen short-term momentum, and lower profitability for active market participants [12][16]. - Foreign Institutional Investor (FII) participation in derivatives may decline as post-tax trading efficiency diminishes, which could negatively impact overall market liquidity [13][8]. Sector Performance - Among the 30 Sensex firms, State Bank of India and Adani Ports saw significant losses of 5.61% and 5.53%, respectively, with other companies like Bharat Electronics, ITC, Tata Steel, UltraTech Cement, and Reliance Industries also among the laggards [6][7]. - Conversely, Tata Consultancy Services, Infosys, Sun Pharma, and Titan were noted as gainers during this period [8][7]. Long-term Outlook - While the proposed STT increase is seen as a short-term dampener for capital market entities, some analysts suggest it may have positive implications in the long term [9]. - The budget also aims to support sectors affected by global trade tariffs and focuses on emerging areas such as data centers, semiconductors, and biopharma, which may provide some resilience to the market [10].

Core Viewpoint - French IT company Capgemini announced the sale of its U.S. subsidiary Capgemini Government Solutions following pressure to clarify a contract signed with U.S. immigration authorities [1] Group 1 - Capgemini is divesting its U.S. subsidiary, indicating a strategic shift in its operations [1] - The decision comes amid scrutiny regarding a specific contract related to U.S. immigration [1]

By the end of the session, the benchmarks had pared some losses, with the Sensex down 296.59 points or 0.36% at 82,269.78, while the Nifty fell 98 points or 0.39% to end at 25,320.65.Here's how analysts read the market pulse:Indian equity markets remained volatile ahead of the Union Budget, with benchmark indices dragged lower by weakness in “With geopolitical risks and global tariff pressures rising, the Union Budget is keenly awaited for cues on growth support and fiscal discipline. Globally, although a ...

Core Insights - Cognizant and Ace Hardware celebrate their 25-year partnership focused on advancing innovation in hardware retail, e-commerce, and supply chain management [1][2][6] - The collaboration has significantly contributed to Ace's digital transformation, enhancing core systems and e-commerce capabilities [2][5] Partnership Achievements - Over the past 25 years, Cognizant has facilitated Ace's transition from legacy systems to SAP, improving e-commerce and supply chain tools tailored to Ace's cooperative model [2][3] - Recent initiatives include the rollout of Manhattan Warehouse Management across more than 10 distribution centers, aimed at enhancing warehouse efficiency [3] Digital Transformation - The partnership has led to the launch of a digital version of Ace's annual spring convention, showcasing the ability to deliver critical digital experiences under tight timelines [4] - Ace's e-commerce has experienced over 450% growth since 2019, highlighting the success of the partnership in driving online sales [5] Future Outlook - The collaboration is positioned to support ongoing modernization and innovation in retail, with a focus on AI and automation to meet evolving market demands [6] - Ace is already witnessing positive impacts from modernization efforts, aiming to enhance e-commerce and supply chain agility [6]

Benchmark equity indices Sensex and Nifty ended lower on Friday, snapping a three-day rally, dragged by metal, IT stocks and caution ahead of the Budget presentation on February 1. Fresh foreign fund outflows and weakness in the rupee also added to the bearish trend in the equity markets. The 30-share BSE Sensex declined 296.59 points or 0.36 per cent to settle at 82,269.78. During the day, it tumbled 625.34 points or 0.75 per cent to 81,941.03. The 50-share NSE Nifty dropped 98.25 points or 0.39 per cent ...