Market News & Analysis: November 22nd, 2024

Global Markets

Canadian Markets

Canada’s TSX moved higher on rising oil and gold prices. As a result, Energy and materials sectors led the gains, reflecting the robust demand for commodities in global markets. Data was reported on Canadian retail sales, which saw 0.4% rise in September, 2024.

American Markets

American markets saw major indexes extend their upward momentum as the ongoing bull market remained intact, driven by optimism in corporate earnings and resilient economic data. Investors’ confidence in risk assets was further bolstered by Bitcoin’s rally, which edged closer to the highly anticipated $100,000 milestone, signaling increased adoption of digital assets.

European Markets

European markets surged, with all major indexes posting gains. Germany’s DAX climbed despite expectations of a 3% decline in German industrial output this year, as technology shares fueled the rally. The region marked its first weekly gain in five weeks, driven by a strong recovery in tech and a rebound in investor sentiment.

UK moved substantially higher even though data was released that showed  disappointing PMI data, that saw the first contraction in UK business activity since 2023. This came in the wake of the government’s latest budget announcements, adding pressure on policymakers.

Japanese Markets

Japan’s Nikkei index closed higher, buoyed by strength in chip-related stocks.  The rally was fueled by optimism surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) technology, which continues to drive demand in the sector.

Corporate Stock News

Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc

• The company dismissed the possibility of a hostile takeover bid for Japan’s Seven & i. Chairman Alain Bouchard emphasized the intent to pursue an amicable deal. Discussions about raising the bid price continue, and regulatory approvals are expected to take six months if a deal is reached.

Apollo Global Management Inc

• Speculation arose over leadership changes as its chairman and CEO were linked to potential roles in the U.S. government under President-elect Donald Trump. Analysts discussed succession plans, with co-presidents Jim Zelter and Scott Kleinman among the likely candidates.

BJ’s Wholesale Club

• Target Price Update: Jefferies raised the target price for BJ’s to $110 (from $105), citing stronger-than-expected Q3 performance driven by traffic gains and margin expansion.

Bloom Energy

• Target Price Update: Jefferies raised the target price of Bloom to $22 (from $12), highlighting a deal to supply fuel cells to American Electric Power as a key driver.

Boeing Co

• The FAA plans a review board to address safety concerns regarding Boeing 737 MAX engines after incidents involving bird strikes. Separately, Boeing secured a $2.38 billion contract from the U.S. Air Force to build 15 KC-46A aerial refueling tankers.

BP plc

• BP and its partners announced a $7 billion investment in a carbon capture and gas field project in Indonesia, unlocking 3 trillion cubic feet of gas resources and aiming to reduce CO2 emissions.

Copart Inc

• Reported first-quarter revenue growth of 12.4% to $1.15 billion, beating estimates. Rising costs in vehicle repairs have boosted demand for Copart’s auction services, leading to improved margins.

Deere & Co

• Target Price Update: Jefferies raised the target price of John Deere to $510 (from $495) after Deere’s strong Q4 results, which included robust margins across all segments.

Echostar Corp

• DirecTV terminated its agreement to acquire Echostar’s satellite TV business, citing issues with a debt-exchange proposal.

Gap Inc

• Gap raised its annual sales forecast and beat Q3 earnings estimates. Shares rose after the company reported improved inventory management and stronger-than-expected holiday season sales.
• Target Price Update: JPMorgan raised the target price to $28 (from $26), reflecting solid Q3 performance.

GSK plc

• GSK’s RSV vaccine received approval in Japan for adults aged 50-59, broadening its usage. The approval adds to the company’s growing global footprint for the vaccine.

Intuit Inc

• Intuit lowered its Q2 revenue and profit forecast due to delays in TurboTax promotions but reaffirmed annual guidance for double-digit growth. Q1 results exceeded estimates.

Liberty Media Corp & Walt Disney Co

• Formula One, owned by Liberty Media, is negotiating a media rights renewal with ESPN. Talks are ongoing, but competition for rights could intensify if no deal is reached this year.

Merck & Co

• U.S. researchers linked the asthma drug Singulair to serious mental health side effects. The FDA previously added a black-box warning to the drug label, and new findings were presented at a toxicology meeting.

Morgan Stanley

• Opened a new Southeast Asia headquarters in Singapore, highlighting the city-state’s strategic importance as a financial hub.

NetApp Inc

• NetApp raised its fiscal 2025 revenue and profit forecast, driven by strong demand for data storage services, particularly from enterprises integrating AI into cloud platforms.

Ross Stores Inc

• Increased its annual profit outlook due to cost savings in freight and supply chains. However, it lowered Q4 earnings guidance due to slowing sales.
• Target Price Update: JPMorgan raised the target price of Ross to $173 (from $171), following better-than-expected Q3 earnings.

Viatris Inc

• The UK competition watchdog fined Viatris £1.5 million for management changes made without regulatory consent during a probe into a product rights deal.