Stock Market Analysis & Stock News: Sept 3, 2024

Global Markets

Canadian Markets: The Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) saw a decline as oil prices dropped, driven by concerns about weakening demand.  Canada’s PMI reading showed manufacturing output is slightly improving but still in the contraction phase.

U.S. Markets: U.S. equities experienced a broad-based drop as September began, a period typically marked by a return to trading activity after the summer. The market’s decline was influenced by disappointing economic data. Specifically, weaker-than-expected construction spending and manufacturing reports suggested that the economy might be slowing down, raising concerns about the health of various sectors.

European Markets: In Europe, stock indices eased as investors adopted a cautious stance. This caution stemmed from the anticipation of significant economic data releases later in the week. UK markets dropped almost one percent on macro concerns.

Asian Markets: Japan’s Nikkei index ended slightly lower. A firmer yen was a contributing factor, as a stronger currency can impact the competitiveness of Japanese exports, potentially dampening corporate earnings and market performance. Shanghai shares closed near seven-month lows. This downturn was primarily attributed to weaknesses in the banking and energy sectors, which have faced significant pressures, including regulatory challenges and declining commodity prices.

Currency and Commodities: The U.S. dollar was seen hovering near a two-week high against a basket of major currencies. This strength in the dollar is often a reflection of investor sentiment about U.S. economic conditions and expectations about future Fed actions. In commodity markets, gold prices edged higher. This uptick in gold can be attributed to expectations that the Federal Reserve might implement a rate cut, which tends to boost gold as a non-yielding asset.

Corporate Stock News

3M Co, Chemours Co & Corteva IncThese companies face a class action lawsuit accusing them of concealing the health risks associated with “forever chemicals” used in carpets. The lawsuit seeks damages for replacing contaminated carpets but does not include personal injury claims.

Air CanadaThe airline’s pilots, who are negotiating better pay, may strike as early as September 18. The Canadian government is reluctant to intervene, preferring to support collective bargaining.

Alimentation Couche-Tard IncThe company is facing pushback in Japan, where officials assert that national security laws cannot be manipulated to block foreign takeovers. Alimentation Couche-Tard is attempting to acquire Seven & i Holdings, with pressure from Artisan Partners Asset Management to finalize the deal.

Apple IncApple will switch to OLED displays for all iPhone models starting in 2025, moving away from LCDs. This decision excludes Japan’s Sharp and Japan Display from supplying Apple with displays.

AT&T IncThe Communications Workers of America have withdrawn from mediation talks with AT&T, accusing the company of stalling negotiations. AT&T is also expanding its fiber network in collaboration with Nokia.

Bain Capital Specialty Finance IncBain Capital has made a higher counter-offer to acquire Japanese software developer Fuji Soft, surpassing a bid from KKR.

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria (BBVA) SABBVA received approval from Britain’s Prudential Regulation Authority to take indirect control of Sabadell’s TSB as part of its bid for Sabadell.

Berkshire Hathaway IncBerkshire Hathaway has sold approximately $845 million worth of Bank of America shares, continuing its trend of reducing its stake in the bank.

Blackstone IncBlackstone has acquired an 80% stake in Burstone’s European warehouse portfolio and is also nearing a deal to acquire AirTrunk, an Australian data center group, for $13.53 billion.

BP PLCBP has agreed to divest several offshore gas fields in Trinidad and Tobago to Perenco T&T, focusing on higher-value assets as part of a broader strategy to streamline operations.

Cardinal Health Inc, Cencora Inc & McKesson CorpThese drug distributors have agreed to a $300 million settlement over claims that they contributed to the U.S. opioid crisis.

Catalent IncCatalent has delayed its annual report filing due to ongoing processes and is awaiting the closure of a $16.5 billion acquisition deal by Novo Holdings.

Chevron Corp & Shell PLCThese companies have submitted an updated development plan for the Aphrodite natural gas field in Cyprus, with a projected cost of about $4 billion.

ChinaChina is launching an anti-dumping investigation into Canadian canola imports in response to Canadian tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles.

Eni SpAEni and Snam have initiated Italy’s first carbon capture, transport, and storage project, aiming to reduce CO2 emissions from heavy industries.

Exxon Mobil CorpSinochem is planning to sell its 40% stake in a U.S. shale joint venture with Exxon, valued at around $2 billion. Exxon has the right of first refusal.

Ford Motor CoFord is recalling nearly 91,000 vehicles due to potential issues with engine intake valves, affecting various models from 2021-2022.

GE Vernova IncGE Vernova has acquired the remaining stake in a Saudi gas turbine joint venture, becoming the sole owner of the operation.

Grail Inc & Illumina IncIllumina won a legal battle against the EU’s investigation into its acquisition of Grail, which may impact the EU’s merger enforcement powers.

Halliburton CoHalliburton is incurring costs related to a cyber attack that accessed and removed information from its systems, but it believes the financial impact will be minimal.

Hewlett Packard Enterprise CoHewlett Packard Enterprise plans to continue legal proceedings seeking damages from Mike Lynch’s estate over alleged fraud in its Autonomy acquisition.

Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc, Hyatt Hotels Corp & Marriott International IncOver 10,000 hotel workers went on strike across the U.S., disrupting services at major hotel chains during the Labor Day weekend.

Intel CorpIntel is preparing a plan to cut costs and streamline operations, including potential sales of non-core businesses, to revitalize the company’s performance.

JPMorgan Chase & CoJPMorgan has appointed Cassander Verwey as co-head of EMEA Mergers & Acquisitions, alongside Dwayne Lysaght.

Polestar Automotive Holding Uk PlcPolestar has appointed Jean-Francois Mady as CFO, continuing a series of executive changes at the EV maker.

Sanofi SASanofi’s multiple sclerosis drug candidate missed key goals in trials for relapsing MS but succeeded in treating a less common progressive form of the disease.

Southwest Airlines CoElliott Investment Management now holds a 10% stake in Southwest Airlines, giving it the power to call a special meeting to address the airline’s challenges.

Tesla IncTesla plans to produce a six-seat version of the Model Y in China starting in late 2025 and has reported strong sales in China for August.

TotalEnergies SETotalEnergies and Adani Green Energy have finalized a joint venture deal, with TotalEnergies investing $444 million in a portfolio of solar projects in India.

Toyota Motor CorpToyota and Maruti Suzuki are intensifying their marketing efforts for hybrid cars in India’s Uttar Pradesh state, benefiting from tax waivers.

VolkswagenVolkswagen is considering closing factories in Germany due to competitive pressures from Asian automakers.

Walt Disney CoDisney and DirecTV failed to reach a new distribution agreement, resulting in a programming blackout affecting millions of DirecTV subscribers.