Cboe Global Markets announced on Monday that it plans to offer 24-hour, five days per week trading for U.S. equities on its Cboe EDGX Equities Exchange, subject to regulatory review.
Bitcoin slipped below the $100K mark despite a brief recovery, while XRP and Toshi remained among the most active cryptos amid fluctuating retail sentiment ahead of David Sacks, Trump’s AI and Crypto Czar, discussing U.S. digital asset policy.
Shares of snack food company J&J Snack Foods (NASDAQJJSF)
fell 11.1% in the morning session after the company reported underwhelming fourth quarter results. Its gross margin fell short of Wall Street's estimates, leading to a large EPS shortfall. The company stated that "our performance was impacted by a less favorable sales mix namely related to our bakery and churros business, along with input cost inflation that was not fully covered with price increases." Overall, this was a weak quarter.
Shares of global pharmaceutical company Merck (NYSEMRK)
fell 11% in the morning session after the company reported mixed fourth-quarter earnings. Its full-year revenue and EPS guidance missed by a long shot. The company blamed some of the softness on rising competition and weak demand in China. On the other hand, Merck blew past analysts' constant currency revenue expectations this quarter, and its EPS outperformed Wall Street's estimates. Overall, this was a softer quarter.
Shares of data-mining and analytics company Palantir (NYSEPLTR)
jumped 26.9% in the morning session after the company reported impressive fourth-quarter results, which blew past analysts' billings, revenue, and EPS estimates, amid encouraging AI demand. Both its commercial and government businesses posted strong double-digit growth. The government side remains the bigger earner, but the commercial division is gaining ground, especially in the U.S. There, commercial sales jumped 64% from a year ago and 20% from the prior quarter. Looking ahead, the outlook provided was also encouraging, with the company's 2025 revenue guidance exceeding expectations. Zooming out, we think this was an outstanding quarter.
Shares of battery and lighting company Energizer (NYSEENR)
fell 5.7% in the morning session after the company reported weak fourth-quarter results: Its EPS guidance for next quarter fell short of Wall Street's estimates. Also, the FY 2025 sales forecast implied weak growth in the low single-digit range, which is unlikely to impress investors and Wall Street. On the other hand, Energizer exceeded analysts' organic revenue estimates during the quarter. The market seemed to focus on the negatives and the stock is down.
Shares of packaging manufacturer Ball (NYSEBLL) fell 7.7% in the afternoon session after the company reported weak fourth-quarter results, with its revenue falling below Wall Street's expectations. Weak demand in North and Central America dragged down volumes and prices. Still, its earnings per share beat expectations. Zooming out, we think this quarter was mixed yet weaker quarter.
Shares of water technology company Xylem (NYSEXYL)
jumped 7.2% in the morning session after the company reported impressive fourth-quarter results, which blew past analysts' organic revenue and EPS estimates. The results were buoyed by strong execution and demand. On the other hand, its full-year revenue and EPS guidance missed. Overall, this was a mixed yet decent quarter.
Shares of electrical safety company Atkore (NYSEATKR) fell 19.3% in the afternoon session after the company reported weak fourth quarter results. Its full-year EBITDA guidance missed significantly, and its revenue fell short of Wall Street's estimates as both prices and volumes weakened. On the other hand, it was encouraging to see Atkore beat analysts' EPS expectations this quarter. Overall, this was a weaker quarter.
The gold market experienced significant gains this week, driven by major geopolitical and economic developments. The primary catalyst was President Trump’s announcement of new tariffs.
Shares of beauty products company Estée Lauder (NYSEEL)
fell 18.2% in the morning session after the company reported underwhelming fourth-quarter results. Its EBITDA missed significantly, and its EPS guidance for next quarter fell short of Wall Street's estimates. On the other hand, Estée Lauder blew past analysts' EPS expectations this quarter. While revenue also beat analysts' estimates, sales declined year on year. The company unveiled "Beauty Reimagined," a plan to boost sales and profits by cutting costs, speeding up product launches, and expanding into fast-growing markets. As part of its cost optimization efforts, the company plans to eliminate 5,800 to 7,000 jobs. Overall, this was a difficult quarter.
Shares of healthcare tech company Premier (NASDAQPINC)
fell 14.3% in the afternoon session after the company reported weak fourth-quarter results, with its revenue and EPS falling short of Wall Street's estimates. Sales declined year on year, partly, reflecting the exit from the S2S Global direct sourcing business. And although it raised its full-year EPS forecast, its EBITDA guidance (more important) missed. Overall, this was a weaker quarter.
Shares of genomics company Illumina (NASDAQILMN) fell 6.3% in the afternoon session after China put the company on its "unreliable entity" list, opening the door to possible sanctions. The move came after the Trump administration slapped a 10% tariff on Chinese goods. Financial filings in 2024 revealed that Illumina makes about 7% of its sales from China, and it's unclear whether China's action is a short-term reaction or one with longer consequences.
Shell PLC (SHEL) shares up on resuming production at Penguins field in UK North Sea with new FPSO facility designed for lower emissions and extended lifespan.
CEO Lachlan Murdoch said the company’s focused strategy of live news and sports programming, coupled with its growing digital initiatives, continues to deliver.
Shares of Volcon surged following the company's announcement of a strategic partnership with Super Sonic Company Limited. Volcon will now exclusively distribute AODES-branded golf carts in the U.S.
