Market Analysis & News: Oct 21st, 2024

Global Markets

Canadian Markets

• TSX Drops: The TSX declined on Monday despite an overall increase in commodity prices. This drop was attributed to profit-taking among investors who may have cashed in on gains following last week’s rally. The upcoming decision by the Bank of Canada on interest rates has added a layer of uncertainty, as investors are waiting to see how monetary policy might affect the economy and financial markets.

American Markets

• Mixed Performance: U.S. stock markets displayed mixed results. Investors are keenly awaiting earnings reports from major companies, which could either confirm the strength of the current market rally or signal potential weaknesses. A positive earnings season could propel stocks to new record highs, but any disappointing results might disrupt the upward momentum.

European Stocks

• Struggling for Direction: European markets have been lackluster, as investors are also focused on upcoming earnings, particularly from German software giant SAP. SAP’s performance will be closely watched for insights into the health of the tech sector and broader European economy. The uncertainty surrounding economic conditions in Europe is contributing to this indecisiveness.

China Markets

• Slight Gains in Tech: Chinese stocks closed slightly higher, buoyed by a rise in tech shares. The government’s announcement of new measures to support innovative technology companies has provided a sense of optimism. Additionally, the cut in benchmark lending rates is seen as a move to stimulate economic growth, which has been a concern amidst a sluggish recovery.

Japanese Markets

• Nikkei Decline: The Nikkei share average fell amid cautious trading as investors weighed the implications of an upcoming domestic election and forthcoming corporate earnings. This period of uncertainty has led to choppy trading, as market participants are hesitant to make large bets.

Corporate Stock News

• American Express Co: TD Cowen raises target price to $268 from $260 after the company reported third-quarter earnings per share above estimates.
• Atlantic Union Bankshares will buy Sandy Spring Bancorp in an all-stock deal worth $1.6 billion.
• BHP Group faces a lawsuit over Brazil’s Mariana dam disaster, with claims up to $47 billion.
• Boeing striking workers will vote on a new contract proposal that includes a 35% pay hike.
• Boston Scientific Corp: Canaccord Genuity raises target price to $98 from $88 on the expectation that the company will report increased revenue in 2024 post its acquisition of Silk Road Medical.
• Cigna is revisiting merger talks with Humana after previously abandoning negotiations.
• Eli Lilly sued vendors for selling copycat products containing tirzepatide.
• Eutelsat launched 20 satellites for its communications network using SpaceX.
• Exxon Mobil board member Gregory Goff resigned to pursue other opportunities.
• Fifth Third Bancorp: Barclays raises target price to $51 from $43, following the company’s better-than-anticipated third-quarter earnings.
• International Business Machines Corp: JPMorgan raises target price to $227 from $190 anticipating a strong third-quarter earnings report supported by healthy software growth.
• Kenvue received a stake from hedge fund Starboard Value, aiming to influence brand strategy.
• MetLife is in talks to acquire PineBridge Investments’ assets valued at $1 billion to $1.5 billion.
• Microsoft plans to allow customers to build autonomous AI agents.
• Procter & Gamble Co: Morgan Stanley raises target price to $191 from $174 believing that the company will showcase recovery in sales growth from China and Middle East.
• Sanofi agreed to sell a controlling stake in its consumer health unit Opella to Clayton Dubilier & Rice.
• Spirit Airlines extended a debt refinancing deadline by two months to December 23.
• Viad Corp agreed to sell its events business GES to Truelink Capital for $535 million.