This story on the January 2026 CPI inflation report is developing and will be updated with more details. Inflation remained elevated in January as the pace of consumer price growth stayed above the Federal Reserve's target rate as policymakers weigh affordability concerns.The Bureau of Labor Statistics on Friday said that the consumer price index (CPI) – a broad measure of how much everyday goods like gasoline, groceries and rent cost – rose 0.2% on a monthly basis in January and trended down to 2.4% on a y ...

Core Viewpoint - TotalEnergies has agreed to acquire a 42.5% operated interest in Namibia's PEL104 offshore exploration licence, enhancing its position in the region as an operator [1][2]. Group 1: Acquisition Details - The acquisition involves TotalEnergies purchasing a 42.5% interest from Eight Offshore Investments Holdings and Maravilla Oil & Gas, making it the operator of the PEL104 licence, which covers approximately 11,000 km² in the Lüderitz basin [1][2]. - Following the transaction, the ownership structure will be TotalEnergies (42.5%), Namcor (10%), and Eight (5%) [2]. Group 2: Strategic Importance - TotalEnergies aims to strengthen its position in Namibia, having previously acquired a 40% operated interest in the PEL83 licence in December [2]. - The company is focused on developing the Venus and Mopane discoveries while expanding its portfolio in Namibia to unlock further value for the country and stakeholders [3]. Group 3: Company Background - TotalEnergies has been operating in Namibia since 1964 and currently employs 55 people, being the fourth-largest fuel distributor in the country with 43 service stations [3]. - The company is also pursuing local opportunities for low-carbon energy projects as part of its multi-energy strategy, operating in approximately 120 countries globally [4].

Core Viewpoint - PPL Corporation and PPL Electric Utilities reaffirm their commitment to transparency, affordability, and collaboration in response to rising energy costs and the recent Budget Address by Governor Shapiro [1][2]. Ratemaking Transparency - PPL Electric supports enhanced transparency in the regulatory process, including full rate reviews and regular audits, to build public confidence in utility regulation [3]. Reforming Retail Markets - The company advocates for measures to protect customers from deceptive retail energy practices, highlighting that retail shopping abuses cost residential customers over $60 million in 2025 [4]. Eliminating Unnecessary Fees - PPL Electric aims to revise or eliminate "junk" fees that do not add value, which could lower customer bills, and is committed to supporting vulnerable customers [5]. Customer Protections - The company continues to uphold customer protections even without current laws and supports the reinstatement of Chapter 14, which expired in December 2024 [6]. Cost Management and Reliability - Over the past decade, PPL Electric has managed operating and maintenance expenses nearly 25% below inflation while investing in grid reliability, avoiding distribution base rate increases since 2015 [7]. Economic Development - PPL Electric's infrastructure investments support economic development projects, such as the Eli Lilly project, contributing to job creation and stability in Pennsylvania [8]. Energy Supply Prices - Rising energy supply costs are a significant concern, with supply prices for PPL Electric customers increasing by over 200% in the last five years, accounting for 47% of a typical residential bill [9][10]. Generation Capacity - The company supports building new generation capacity as a key strategy to lower energy bills and has engaged in a joint venture to support data center load growth [11]. Stakeholder Collaboration - PPL Electric is dedicated to collaborating with policymakers and stakeholders to develop effective solutions for energy cost challenges while ensuring safety and reliability [12]. Company Overview - PPL Corporation is a leading U.S. energy company serving over 3.6 million customers, focusing on building resilient power grids and advancing sustainable energy solutions [13]. PPL Electric Utilities Overview - PPL Electric Utilities provides reliable electricity to about 1.5 million customers in Pennsylvania and is recognized for its reliability and customer satisfaction [14].

Group 1 - TotalEnergies and Kuwait Oil Company signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation and conduct technical studies [1][2] - The MoU includes studies on new exploration opportunities in Kuwait, leveraging TotalEnergies' technical expertise [2] - Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies, emphasized the shared ambition to contribute to Kuwait's resource development and strengthen long-term relations [3] Group 2 - TotalEnergies is a global integrated energy company involved in oil, biofuels, natural gas, biogas, low-carbon hydrogen, renewables, and electricity [3] - The company operates in approximately 120 countries and focuses on sustainability as a core aspect of its strategy and operations [3]

Core Insights - NRG Energy has updated its 2026 financial guidance following the acquisition of a portfolio of assets from LS Power, which was completed on January 30, 2026. The updated guidance includes approximately 11 months of ownership of these assets in 2026 [1][4]. Financial Guidance - The updated guidance for 2026 includes: - Adjusted Net Income: $1,685 million - $2,115 million, with a midpoint of $1,900 million - Adjusted EPS: $7.90 - $9.90, with a midpoint of $8.90 - Adjusted EBITDA: $5,325 million - $5,825 million, with a midpoint of $5,575 million - Free Cash Flow before Growth (FCFbG): $2,800 million - $3,300 million, with a midpoint of $3,050 million - The guidance reflects approximately 90% of the acquired portfolio's estimated full-year 2026 contribution [1][2][3]. Fourth Quarter 2025 Earnings Call - NRG plans to report its Full Year and Fourth Quarter 2025 financial results on February 24, 2026, during a conference call and webcast at 9:00 a.m. EST [1][2]. Acquisition Details - NRG completed the acquisition of 18 natural-gas-fired generation facilities totaling approximately 13 GW of capacity and a commercial and industrial virtual power plant (C&I VPP) from LS Power. This acquisition is expected to enhance NRG's ability to deliver reliable and affordable energy solutions [3][4]. Dividend Announcement - NRG's Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.475 per share, representing an 8% increase from the previous year, aligning with the company's annual dividend growth rate target of 7-9% per share. The dividend is payable on February 17, 2026, to stockholders of record as of February 2, 2026 [4].

No change. The Federal Reserve holding rates steady in the range of three and a half to three and 3/4%. Now, this was a split decision. Fed Federal Reserve governors Steven Myron and Chris Waller both dissenting preferring to cut rates by a quarter percentage point. Waller had indicated ahead of the meeting that he still has concerns about the health of the job market. Now, Fed officials upgraded their assessment of the economy to solid from moderate on the back of that strong third quarter GDP reading and ...

Core Viewpoint - NRG Energy, Inc. has received all necessary regulatory approvals for its acquisition of 18 natural gas generation facilities and a commercial and industrial virtual power plant platform from LS Power, enhancing its operational capacity and service offerings. Regulatory Approvals - NRG received antitrust clearance from the U.S. Department of Justice on January 23, 2026, along with approvals from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the New York State Public Service Commission, allowing the transaction to proceed [2]. Acquisition Details - The acquisition will add 13 GW of quick-start, natural gas-fired generation capacity across the Northeast and Texas, along with 6 GW of virtual power plant capability, thereby improving the scale, resilience, and reliability of NRG's portfolio [3].

Market Overview - The U.S. equity markets experienced a significant downturn due to geopolitical threats from President Donald Trump, particularly regarding the acquisition of Greenland, which has led to military support from several EU countries [1] - The U.S. government has threatened to impose substantial tariffs on EU nations, prompting discussions of a potential 'trade bazooka' as a deterrent [1][2] Earnings Season and Investment Strategies - The ongoing unrest in Iran has contributed to a decline in equity markets, which may negatively impact the earnings season that has started modestly with banking stocks [2] - Investors are turning to momentum stocks, such as Kohl's Corporation (KSS), Albemarle Corporation (ALB), and Alcoa Corporation (AA), as a strategy to achieve sustained profits amid market volatility [2] Momentum Investing - Momentum investing is characterized by the strategy of "buying high and selling higher," based on the belief that established trends are likely to continue [3] - This investment approach capitalizes on the human tendency to project current trends into the future before mean reversion occurs [3] Screening Parameters for Momentum Stocks - The screening process identifies the top 50 stocks with the best percentage price change over the last 52 weeks, ensuring selection of stocks that have appreciated steadily [5] - From these, the bottom 10 performers over a one-week period are chosen to identify those experiencing short-term pullbacks [6] - Stocks with a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) and a Momentum Style Score of B or better are prioritized, indicating a higher probability of success [7] Selected Stocks - Kohl's Corporation (KSS) has seen a price increase of 43.2% over the past year but experienced a 5.7% decline in the past week, holding a Momentum Score of A [10][11] - Albemarle Corporation (ALB) has risen by 67.2% in the last year but faced a 3.7% drop in the past week, also with a Momentum Score of A [11][12] - Alcoa Corporation (AA) has increased by 52% over the past year but saw an 8.5% decline in the past week, maintaining a Momentum Score of A [12]

Core Viewpoint - NRG Energy, Inc. has announced the appointment of Robert J. Gaudette as the new Chief Executive Officer, effective April 30, 2026, coinciding with the company's Annual Meeting of Stockholders [1] Group 1: Leadership Transition - Lawrence Coben, Ph.D., will step down as President and remain as Chair and CEO until April 30, 2026, after which he will serve as an advisor for the remainder of the year [2] - Antonio Carrillo has been appointed as Chair of the Board, effective April 30, 2026 [2] Group 2: Robert J. Gaudette's Background - Mr. Gaudette has been with NRG since 2001 and has held various positions, including Executive Vice President and President of NRG Business and Market Operations [6] - He has extensive experience in managing one of the largest business-to-business retail gas and power platforms in North America, overseeing market operations, trading, and power generation [4][6] - Mr. Gaudette holds a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry and an MBA from Rice University [7] Group 3: Statements from Leadership - Dr. Coben expressed gratitude for his time at NRG and confidence in Mr. Gaudette's leadership abilities, highlighting his role in strengthening NRG's market position [3][4] - Mr. Gaudette emphasized the company's readiness to meet evolving energy needs and his commitment to delivering value for customers and shareholders [5]

Economic Overview - The U.S. economy in 2025 experienced modest growth, with real GDP rebounding sharply in Q2, expanding by 3.8%, a 0.5-percentage-point upward revision driven by stronger consumer spending [1][2] - Real GDP growth for 2025 is projected at about 2%, indicating steady but below-trend expansion compared to historical averages [1] Labor Market and Inflation - The labor market showed signs of cooling, with unemployment rising to 4.6%, the highest level in several years, and wage growth trending lower, impacting household income [2] - Inflation remained above the Federal Reserve's 2% target, although price pressures eased slightly later in the year [2] Major Economic Trends - Key trends influencing economic performance included a tightening monetary policy that eased later in the year, high tariffs, policy uncertainty, and corporate investment in technology, particularly AI [3] - The overall economic landscape in 2025 was characterized by moderate growth, labor market softness, tariff-driven inflationary pressures, and structural shifts [3] Equity Market Performance - The equity markets showed moderate gains in 2025, with the S&P 500 returning 17.8%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average rising 13.9%, and the Nasdaq Composite rallying 21.7% [4] Outlook for 2026 - Heading into 2026, the U.S. economy is expected to maintain measured but durable growth, with real GDP growth projected to hover near 2% [8] - Inflation is anticipated to gradually moderate, allowing the Federal Reserve to adopt a more accommodative policy stance, potentially supporting credit demand, capital investment, and asset prices [8] Consumer and Business Investment - Consumer spending is likely to remain a stabilizing force, supported by solid household balance sheets and slowing price pressures, despite modest softening in labor market conditions [9] - Business investment, particularly in technology, automation, and AI infrastructure, is expected to be a key growth driver, offsetting slower cyclical momentum [10] Dividend Investing Insights - High-yield dividend stocks within the S&P 500 are seen as attractive for income-focused and total-return investors, especially in a stabilizing interest rate environment [11] - Dividend-paying equities are regaining appeal for their reliable cash flows while maintaining exposure to market upside [11] Selected High-Yield Dividend Stocks - **Invesco Ltd. (IVZ)**: Offers a quarterly dividend of 21 cents (3.11% yield), with a payout ratio of 44% and a five-year dividend growth rate of 7% [18][19] - **Johnson & Johnson (JNJ)**: Provides a quarterly dividend of $1.30 (2.52% yield), with a payout ratio of 50% and a five-year dividend growth rate of 5.39% [20][21] - **NiSource (NI)**: Pays a quarterly dividend of 287 cents (2.7% yield), with a payout ratio of 60% and a five-year dividend growth rate of 6.22% [22][23] - **Bunge Global SA (BG)**: Offers a quarterly dividend of 70 cents (3.06% yield), with a payout ratio of 37% and a five-year dividend growth rate of 8.58% [24] - **Morgan Stanley (MS)**: Provides a quarterly dividend of $1.00 (2.26% yield), with a payout ratio of 41% and a five-year dividend growth rate of 20.35% [25][26]