India Movers: Ambuja Cements, Adani Power, Bajaj Finance, Blue Dart Express, Indian Bank, Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motor, Voltas

Arjun Pandit
30 Jan, 2025
Mumbai

The Sensex and Nifty indexes advanced for the third consecutive day and erased weekly losses amid sustained buying from domestic investors.  

The Sensex index increased by 0.4% to 76,855.46, and the Nifty index increased by 0.5% to 23,290.70.

On the Mumbai stock exchange, 44 stocks traded at their 52-week highs, and 56 stocks traded at their 52-week lows.

Blue Dart Express Ltd. increased 0.4% to ₹6,431.65, and the company reported an 8% increase in revenue and a 9% decline in profit in the December quarter.

Consolidated revenue in the December quarter increased to ₹1,523.6 crore from ₹1,407.28 crore, after-tax profit declined to ₹81 crore from ₹88.9 crore, and diluted earnings per share dropped to ₹34.1 from ₹37.5 a year ago

Tata Motors Ltd. dropped 8.1% to ₹691.80, and the company reported a slight increase in revenue and a 22% decline in profit in the December quarter.

Consolidated revenue in the December quarter increased to ₹1,15,365 crore from ₹1,12,076 crore, net income fell to ₹5,578 crore from ₹7,145 crore, and diluted earnings per share decreased to ₹14.80 from ₹18.30 a year ago.

Maruti Suzuki India Ltd. increased 3% to ₹12,011.50 after the company reported an increase in revenue and earnings in the December quarter. 

Consolidated revenue in the December quarter increased to ₹39,822 crore from ₹34,509.2 crore, after-tax profit rose to ₹3,726.9 crore from ₹3,206.8 crore, and diluted earnings per share jumped to ₹118.54 from ₹102 a year ago.

Ambuja Cements Ltd. decreased 4% to ₹522.20 after the company reported a jump in net income but margins fell sharply in the December quarter. 

Consolidated revenue in the December quarter advanced to ₹10,680.8 crore from ₹8,322.5 crore, net income jumped to ₹2,620.1 crore from ₹1,090.7 crore, and diluted earnings per share rose to ₹8.59 from ₹3.87 a year ago.

Indian Bank increased 6% to ₹544.70, and the company reported a marginal increase in earnings in the fiscal third quarter.

Consolidated revenue in the December quarter increased to ₹2,397.4 crore from ₹2,112.8 crore, after-tax profit rose to ₹2,876.2 crore from ₹2,136.3 crore, and diluted earnings per share jumped to ₹21.60 from ₹17.46 a year ago.

Adani Power Ltd. decreased 0.4% to ₹520.50 despite the company reporting an increase in revenue and earnings in the fiscal third quarter. 

Consolidated revenue in the December quarter advanced to ₹14,833.4 crore from ₹13,355.7 crore, net income expanded to ₹2,940.1 crore from ₹2,738 crore, and diluted earnings per share rose to ₹7.67 from ₹6.61 a year ago.

Voltas Ltd. dropped 11.2% to ₹1,449.95 despite the company swinging to a profit from a year ago in the December quarter.

Consolidated revenue in the December quarter increased to ₹3,164.16 crore from ₹2,683.6 crore, net income swung to a profit of ₹130.76 crore from a loss of ₹27.60 crore, and diluted earnings per share jumped to ₹3.99 from loss of 92 paisa a year ago.

Bajaj Finance Limited increased 4.5% to ₹8110.15, and the company reported revenue in the December quarter rose 28% from a year ago.

Consolidated revenue in the December quarter increased to ₹18,058.3 crore from ₹14,167 crore, net income jumped to ₹4,308.19 crore from ₹3,639 crore, and diluted earnings per share rose to ₹68.47 from ₹59.20 a year ago.

India Movers: Ambuja Cements, Adani Power, Bajaj Finance, Blue Dart Express, Indian Bank, Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motor, Voltas

Arjun Pandit
30 Jan, 2025
Mumbai

The Sensex and Nifty indexes advanced for the third consecutive day and erased weekly losses amid sustained buying from domestic investors.  

The Sensex index increased by 0.4% to 76,855.46, and the Nifty index increased by 0.5% to 23,290.70.

On the Mumbai stock exchange, 44 stocks traded at their 52-week highs, and 56 stocks traded at their 52-week lows.

Blue Dart Express Ltd. increased 0.4% to ₹6,431.65, and the company reported an 8% increase in revenue and a 9% decline in profit in the December quarter.

Consolidated revenue in the December quarter increased to ₹1,523.6 crore from ₹1,407.28 crore, after-tax profit declined to ₹81 crore from ₹88.9 crore, and diluted earnings per share dropped to ₹34.1 from ₹37.5 a year ago

Tata Motors Ltd. dropped 8.1% to ₹691.80, and the company reported a slight increase in revenue and a 22% decline in profit in the December quarter.

Consolidated revenue in the December quarter increased to ₹1,15,365 crore from ₹1,12,076 crore, net income fell to ₹5,578 crore from ₹7,145 crore, and diluted earnings per share decreased to ₹14.80 from ₹18.30 a year ago.

Maruti Suzuki India Ltd. increased 3% to ₹12,011.50 after the company reported an increase in revenue and earnings in the December quarter. 

Consolidated revenue in the December quarter increased to ₹39,822 crore from ₹34,509.2 crore, after-tax profit rose to ₹3,726.9 crore from ₹3,206.8 crore, and diluted earnings per share jumped to ₹118.54 from ₹102 a year ago.

Ambuja Cements Ltd. decreased 4% to ₹522.20 after the company reported a jump in net income but margins fell sharply in the December quarter. 

Consolidated revenue in the December quarter advanced to ₹10,680.8 crore from ₹8,322.5 crore, net income jumped to ₹2,620.1 crore from ₹1,090.7 crore, and diluted earnings per share rose to ₹8.59 from ₹3.87 a year ago.

Indian Bank increased 6% to ₹544.70, and the company reported a marginal increase in earnings in the fiscal third quarter.

Consolidated revenue in the December quarter increased to ₹2,397.4 crore from ₹2,112.8 crore, after-tax profit rose to ₹2,876.2 crore from ₹2,136.3 crore, and diluted earnings per share jumped to ₹21.60 from ₹17.46 a year ago.

Adani Power Ltd. decreased 0.4% to ₹520.50 despite the company reporting an increase in revenue and earnings in the fiscal third quarter. 

Consolidated revenue in the December quarter advanced to ₹14,833.4 crore from ₹13,355.7 crore, net income expanded to ₹2,940.1 crore from ₹2,738 crore, and diluted earnings per share rose to ₹7.67 from ₹6.61 a year ago.

Voltas Ltd. dropped 11.2% to ₹1,449.95 despite the company swinging to a profit from a year ago in the December quarter.

Consolidated revenue in the December quarter increased to ₹3,164.16 crore from ₹2,683.6 crore, net income swung to a profit of ₹130.76 crore from a loss of ₹27.60 crore, and diluted earnings per share jumped to ₹3.99 from loss of 92 paisa a year ago.

Bajaj Finance Limited increased 4.5% to ₹8110.15, and the company reported revenue in the December quarter rose 28% from a year ago.

Consolidated revenue in the December quarter increased to ₹18,058.3 crore from ₹14,167 crore, net income jumped to ₹4,308.19 crore from ₹3,639 crore, and diluted earnings per share rose to ₹68.47 from ₹59.20 a year ago.

Fed Pauses Rate-Cut Cycle Citing Elevated Inflation

Brian Turner
29 Jan, 2025
Washington, D.C.

The Federal Reserve held rates steady after cutting rates after three meetings in a row, and the fed funds rate range was left unrevised between 4.25% and 4.50% at the end of a two-day meeting today. 

The U.S. economy has been growing at a healthy clip over the last four years; labor market conditions have moderated, but employers are still adding jobs at a healthy clip. 

Moreover, wages are still rising at a faster pace than overall inflation, driving an increase in real consumer income and supporting the increase in consumer spending. 

However, the U.S. economy is likely to face higher inflation, largely driven by looming Trump tariffs and labor shortages created by the nationwide crackdown on illegal immigrants.

Persistent inflation in the service sector is also adding pressures to inflationary forces. 

In addition, chaotic presidential administration and weak cabinet appointments are likely to negatively impact consumer confidence and support possible federal government shutdowns in the months ahead. 

Fed Pauses Rate-Cut Cycle Citing Elevated Inflation

Brian Turner
29 Jan, 2025
Washington, D.C.

The Federal Reserve held rates steady after cutting rates after three meetings in a row, and the fed funds rate range was left unrevised between 4.25% and 4.50% at the end of a two-day meeting today. 

The U.S. economy has been growing at a healthy clip over the last four years; labor market conditions have moderated, but employers are still adding jobs at a healthy clip. 

Moreover, wages are still rising at a faster pace than overall inflation, driving an increase in real consumer income and supporting the increase in consumer spending. 

However, the U.S. economy is likely to face higher inflation, largely driven by looming Trump tariffs and labor shortages created by the nationwide crackdown on illegal immigrants.

Persistent inflation in the service sector is also adding pressures to inflationary forces. 

In addition, chaotic presidential administration and weak cabinet appointments are likely to negatively impact consumer confidence and support possible federal government shutdowns in the months ahead. 

U.S. Movers: F5, General Motors, Lockheed Martin, Royal Caribbean, Starbucks

Scott Peters
29 Jan, 2025
New York City

Lockheed Martin gained 0.6% to $460 after the aircraft builder posted lower earnings for the fourth quarter ending in December.

Net sales dropped to $18.6 billion from $18.9 billion; net income declined to $527 million from $1.9 billion, and earnings per diluted share fell to $2.22 from $5.45 a year ago.

Cash from operations declined to $1.0 billion from $2.4 billion, reflecting a pension contribution of $990 million.

Starbucks eased 0.8% to $99.60 after the coffee shop retailer posted fiscal first quarter 2025 results ending in December.

Revenue was flat at $9.4 billion; net income plunged 23.8% to $780.8 million from $1.02 billion, and earnings per diluted share declined 23.3% to 69 cents from 90 cents a year ago.

Comparable store sales in North America and the U.S. declined 4% while in China dropped 6%.

Starbucks opened 377 net new stores in the first quarter, with a 61% of global stores in the U.S. and China.

F5 Inc surged 15% to $310.22 after the technology company posted strong earnings for its fiscal first quarter 2025 ending in December.

Revenue increased to $766 million from $693 million; net income climbed to $166 million from $138 million, and earnings per share jumped to $2.82 from $2.32 a year ago.

Looking ahead to the company’s second quarter, F5 estimated revenue in the range of $705 million to $725 million, with non-GAAP earnings in the range of $3.02 to $3.14 per diluted share.

Royal Caribbean Cruises eased 0.2% to $264.8 after the cruise company posted strong fourth-quarter earnings.

Revenue increased to $3.76 billion from $3.33 billion; net income surged to $559 million from $280 million, and earnings per diluted share rose to $2.02 from $1.06 a year ago.

Looking ahead for fiscal year 2025, the company projects adjusted earnings per share between $14.35 and $14.65.

General Motors Co gained 0.06% to $50.07 after the company posted mixed earnings for the fourth quarter ending in December.

Revenue increased to $47.70 billion from $42.98 billion; net income swung to a loss of $2.96 billion from a profit of $2.10 billion, and diluted loss per share was $1.64 compared to a profit of $1.59 a year ago.

U.S. Movers: F5, General Motors, Lockheed Martin, Royal Caribbean, Starbucks

Scott Peters
29 Jan, 2025
New York City

Lockheed Martin gained 0.6% to $460 after the aircraft builder posted lower earnings for the fourth quarter ending in December.

Net sales dropped to $18.6 billion from $18.9 billion; net income declined to $527 million from $1.9 billion, and earnings per diluted share fell to $2.22 from $5.45 a year ago.

Cash from operations declined to $1.0 billion from $2.4 billion, reflecting a pension contribution of $990 million.

Starbucks eased 0.8% to $99.60 after the coffee shop retailer posted fiscal first quarter 2025 results ending in December.

Revenue was flat at $9.4 billion; net income plunged 23.8% to $780.8 million from $1.02 billion, and earnings per diluted share declined 23.3% to 69 cents from 90 cents a year ago.

Comparable store sales in North America and the U.S. declined 4% while in China dropped 6%.

Starbucks opened 377 net new stores in the first quarter, with a 61% of global stores in the U.S. and China.

F5 Inc surged 15% to $310.22 after the technology company posted strong earnings for its fiscal first quarter 2025 ending in December.

Revenue increased to $766 million from $693 million; net income climbed to $166 million from $138 million, and earnings per share jumped to $2.82 from $2.32 a year ago.

Looking ahead to the company’s second quarter, F5 estimated revenue in the range of $705 million to $725 million, with non-GAAP earnings in the range of $3.02 to $3.14 per diluted share.

Royal Caribbean Cruises eased 0.2% to $264.8 after the cruise company posted strong fourth-quarter earnings.

Revenue increased to $3.76 billion from $3.33 billion; net income surged to $559 million from $280 million, and earnings per diluted share rose to $2.02 from $1.06 a year ago.

Looking ahead for fiscal year 2025, the company projects adjusted earnings per share between $14.35 and $14.65.

General Motors Co gained 0.06% to $50.07 after the company posted mixed earnings for the fourth quarter ending in December.

Revenue increased to $47.70 billion from $42.98 billion; net income swung to a loss of $2.96 billion from a profit of $2.10 billion, and diluted loss per share was $1.64 compared to a profit of $1.59 a year ago.

U.S. and Global Markets Trade Sideways as Earnings and Rate Decisions Take Center Stage, Fed Pauses Rate Cuts

Alexander Garcia
29 Jan, 2025
Miami

Stock market indexes deepened losses of the session after the Federal Reserve held rates steady and cautioned about elevated inflationary forces. 

The S&P 500 index decreased 0.8%, and the Nasdaq Composite declined 1.2% after the Federal Reserve cited, "inflation remains somewhat elevated."

Market indexes accelerated losses after the release of the policy committee's decision, amid worries that interest rates are likely to stay higher for longer.

The Federal Reserve held rates steady after cutting rates after three meetings in a row, and the fed funds rate range was left unrevised between 4.25% and 4.50% at the end of a two-day meeting today. 

The U.S. economy has been growing at a healthy clip over the last four years; labor market conditions have moderated, but employers are still adding jobs at a healthy clip. 

Moreover, wages are still rising at a faster pace than overall inflation, driving an increase in real consumer income and supporting the increase in consumer spending. 

However, the U.S. economy is likely to face higher inflation, largely driven by looming Trump tariffs and labor shortages created by the nationwide crackdown on illegal immigrants.

Persistent inflation in the service sector is also adding pressures to inflationary forces. 

In addition, chaotic presidential administration and weak cabinet appointments are likely to negatively impact consumer confidence and support possible federal government shutdowns in the months ahead. 

On the economic front, the U.S. goods trade deficit soared to $1.2 trillion in 2024, slightly higher than the previous record of $1.06 trillion in 2022, the U.S. Census Bureau reported Wednesday. 

December exports decreased 4.5% from a year ago to $167.5 billion, and imports rose 3.9% to $289.6 billion. 

The international goods trade deficit expanded by 18% to $122.1 billion from the revised $103.5 billion in November. 

Microsoft, Starbucks, F5, ASML, Lockheed Martin, General Motors, Royal Caribbean, Logitech, and SAP reported better-than-expected results, and investors are awaiting the release of earnings updates from Tesla and Meta Platform. 

U.S. Indexes and Treasury Yields

The S&P 500 index decreased 0.2% to 6,057.09, the Nasdaq Composite edged down 0.4% to 19,669.30, and the Russell 2000 index was up 0.2% to 2,288.86.

The yield on 2-year Treasury notes edged lower to 4.20%, 10-year Treasury notes dropped to 4.53%, and 30-year Treasury bonds eased to 4.77%.

WTI crude oil decreased $0.49 to $73.27 a barrel, and natural gas prices edged lower by $0.01 to $3.12 a thermal unit.

Gold rose by $4.43 to 2,758.05 an ounce, and silver edged up by $0.11 to $30.50.

The dollar index, which weighs the US currency against a basket of foreign currencies, gained 0.40 to 108.27 and traded at a two-year high.

U.S. Stock Movers 

Nvidia declined 2.2% to $126.14 and struggled to advance amid continued rout in the artificial intelligence-related stocks after the emergence of a cheaper chatbot alternative from China that does not rely on expensive chips made by the company. 

T-Mobile US jumped 7.6% to $238.0 after the cellular telephone service provider reported stronger-than-expected results in its latest quarter. 

Danaher Corp declined 5% to $235.20 after the medical and industrial products maker estimated possible revenue decline in the current quarter. 

Starbucks jumped 2.6% to $103.09 after the coffeehouse chain reported better-than-expected results, but same-store sales decreased in the quarter. 

Sweden Trimmed Rates Fifth Consecutive Meeting, Spain's GDP Growth Surpassed Expectations 

Stock market indexes in Europe advanced, and investors reviewed the latest corporate earnings updates. 

Benchmark indexes in Frankfurt and London advanced, but they struggled to stay above the flatline in Milan and Paris. 

Sweden's central bank lowered its policy rate for the fifth time in a row at the end of its policy meeting today, reflecting the weakening inflationary forces. 

The Riksbank trimmed its benchmark rate by 25 basis points to 2.25%, citing inflation decreasing to 2% and ongoing economic weakness. 

The central bank lowered its rates for the sixth time since May, totaling 175 basis points, and the policy committee signaled one more possible rate cut in the first half. 

Spain's economy expanded at a faster-than-anticipated pace in the fourth quarter, the National Statistics Institute reported Wednesday. 

GDP expanded at an annual pace of 3.5% in the fourth quarter, matching the rate of growth in the previous quarter. 

For the full year 2024, Spain's economy expanded at 3.2%, ahead of its eurozone peers. 

Europe Indexes and Yields

The DAX index moved higher by 0.4% to 21,505.42; the CAC-40 index fell 0.4% to 7,865.95; and the FTSE 100 index advanced by 0.02% to 8,535.75. 

The yield on 10-year German bonds inched higher to 2.48%, French bonds declined to 3.28%, the UK gilts moved down to 4.58%, and Italian bonds edged lower to 3.61%.

The euro was flat at $1.04; the British pound was flat at $1.24; and the U.S. dollar was higher and traded at 90.60 Swiss cents.

Brent crude decreased $0.57 to $76.95 a barrel, and the Dutch TTF natural gas was higher by €0.17 to €49.91 per MWh.

Europe Stock Movers

Logitech gained 0.4% to CHF 82.68 after the Swiss computer accessories maker posted mixed earnings for the third quarter of fiscal year 2025.

Atlas Copco Group plunged 3.5% to 180.40 krona after the Swedish industrial manufacturer posted earnings for the fourth quarter ending in December.

LVMH eased 0.6% to €750.6 after the luxury goods retailer posted a slight revenue decline for the full year 2024 ending in December.

Revenue declined 2% to €84.68 million from €86.15 million; net profit moved down to €12.55 million from €15.17 million a year ago, driven by a 36% plunge in wine and spirits sales.

The company proposed to pay a dividend of €7.50 per share on April 28.

Remy Cointreau SA edged down 2.8% to €58.20 after the French alcohol beverages distributor posted lower earnings for its third quarter ending in December.

Sales in the Americas and Asia-Pacific declined, reflecting tougher market conditions in China, while Southeast Asia sales rebounded.

In the first nine months of 2024-25, the company reported sales of €787.8 million, down 17.8% on an organic basis.

The overall performance includes an organic decline of 21.5% in the third quarter, or 20.6% as reported.

Akzo Nobel NV traded flat at €60.52 after the Dutch paints and performance coatings maker posted mixed earnings for the fourth quarter ending in December.

Tele2 edged up 0.6% to 115.20 krona after the Swedish streaming TV and networking company posted strong earnings for the fourth quarter ending in December.

Lonza Group AG traded flat at CHF594.60 after the Swiss pharmaceutical and nutrition products provider posted mild earnings for the year ending in December.

WH Smith Plc gained 5.7% to 1,258 pence after the British books and travel retailer posted growth for the 21-week period to January 25.

Comparable sales surged 3% in North America, driven by new product categories and additional stores at Orlando. Florida and Portland, Oregon, airports.

India Indexes Trimmed Weekly Losses after Bajaj Auto and TVS Motor Results

Stock market indexes in Mumbai edged higher and trimmed weekly losses, and the rupee hovered near the record low.

The Sensex and Nifty indexes advanced more than 0.3%, and consumer goods makers led the decliners in early trading. 

Bajaj Auto and TVS Motor advanced after reporting better-than-expected quarterly results, and Colgate Palmolive, Cipla, Hindustan Zinc, and Arvind Ltd. were in focus after the release of their quarterly results. 

Investor sentiment has turned cautious amid a confluence of multiple domestic and foreign headwinds, and they have lowered domestic earnings growth expectations. 

Bond yields in the U.S. are likely to stay elevated and above 5% in 2025 and 2026, lowering the attractiveness of risky stock investing abroad. 

Moreover, urban consumer spending growth has fallen off, as they struggle to pay debt accumulated over the last five years. 

Stretched valuations in the stock market have also kept investors on the defensive, limiting appetite for increasing exposure to high-growth stocks. 

In overnight trading, the S&P 500 index and the Nasdaq Composite rebounded after investors debated the impact of a cheaper Chinese alternative for chatbots, possibly limiting demand for high-priced chips made by U.S. companies. 

Stock Indexes and Bond Yields

The Sensex index increased by 0.3% to 76,143.02, and the Nifty index advanced by 0.3% to 23,031.10.

On the Mumbai stock exchange, 10 stocks traded at their 52-week highs, and 93 stocks traded at their 52-week lows.

The yield on the 10-year Indian government bonds inched lower to 6.7%, and the Indian rupee hovered near a record and traded at 86.58 against the U.S. dollar.

The gold price increased by 0.07% to ₹80,344 per ten grams, and silver fell by 0.02% to ₹91,030 per kilo.

Crude oil rose by 0.7% to ₹6,386 per barrel, and natural gas fell by 0.9% to ₹267.9 per thermal unit.

Stock Movers

Bajaj Auto increased 2.6% to ₹8,614.40 after the 2- and 3-wheeler maker reported better-than-expected earnings in the December quarter. 

The company said its electric vehicle turned profitable, following the sustained demand. 

TVS Motor Company gained 7% to ₹2,501.0 after the two-wheeler vehicle maker reported better-than-expected December quarter results.

Hyundai Motor decreased 0.1% to ₹1,622.85 after the passenger carmaker reported a 19% decline in profit in the December quarter. 

Hindustan Zinc Ltd. advanced 1% to ₹433.55 after the mining company reported a 32% rise in net income in the latest quarter. 

Cipla Ltd. inched up 0.3% to ₹1,425.60 after the generic pharmaceutical company reported nearly a 49% jump in profit in the December quarter. 

U.S. and Global Markets Trade Sideways as Earnings and Rate Decisions Take Center Stage

Alexander Garcia
29 Jan, 2025
Miami

Stock market indexes struggled to advance, and investors awaited the Federal Reserve's rate decisions and economic outlook later in the day. 

The S&P 500 index decreased 0.2%, and the Nasdaq Composite declined 0.4% as investors shifted their attention to the latest batch of corporate results. 

Microsoft, Starbucks, F5, ASML, Lockheed Martin, General Motors, Royal Caribbean, Logitech, and SAP reported better-than-expected results, and investors are awaiting the release of earnings updates from Tesla and Meta Platform. 

The Federal Reserve is likely to hold rates steady, and the fed funds rate range is expected to stay unchanged between 4.25% and 4.50% at the end of a two-day meeting later today. 

The Federal Reserve is set to release its statement at 2:30 p.m. ET, and investors are hoping that policymakers are likely to signal no change in stance. 

The U.S. economy has been growing at a healthy clip over the last four years; labor market conditions have moderated, but employers are still adding jobs at a healthy clip. 

Moreover, wages are still rising at a faster pace than overall inflation, driving an increase in real consumer income and supporting the increase in consumer spending. 

However, the U.S. economy is facing higher inflation, largely driven by looming Trump tariffs and labor shortages created by the nationwide crackdown on illegal immigrants. 

In addition, chaotic presidential administration and weak cabinet appointments are likely to negatively impact consumer confidence and possible federal government shutdown. 

On the economic front, the U.S. goods trade deficit soared to $1.2 trillion in 2024, slightly higher than the previous record of $1.06 trillion in 2022, the U.S. Census Bureau reported Wednesday. 

December exports decreased 4.5% from a year ago to $167.5 billion, and imports rose 3.9% to $289.6 billion. 

The international goods trade deficit expanded by 18% to $122.1 billion from the revised $103.5 billion in November. 

U.S. Indexes and Treasury Yields

The S&P 500 index decreased 0.2% to 6,057.09, the Nasdaq Composite edged down 0.4% to 19,669.30, and the Russell 2000 index was up 0.2% to 2,288.86.

The yield on 2-year Treasury notes edged lower to 4.20%, 10-year Treasury notes dropped to 4.53%, and 30-year Treasury bonds eased to 4.77%.

WTI crude oil decreased $0.49 to $73.27 a barrel, and natural gas prices edged lower by $0.01 to $3.12 a thermal unit.

Gold rose by $4.43 to 2,758.05 an ounce, and silver edged up by $0.11 to $30.50.

The dollar index, which weighs the US currency against a basket of foreign currencies, gained 0.40 to 108.27 and traded at a two-year high.

U.S. Stock Movers 

Nvidia declined 2.2% to $126.14 and struggled to advance amid continued rout in the artificial intelligence-related stocks after the emergence of a cheaper chatbot alternative from China that does not rely on expensive chips made by the company. 

T-Mobile US jumped 7.6% to $238.0 after the cellular telephone service provider reported stronger-than-expected results in its latest quarter. 

Danaher Corp declined 5% to $235.20 after the medical and industrial products maker estimated possible revenue decline in the current quarter. 

Starbucks jumped 2.6% to $103.09 after the coffeehouse chain reported better-than-expected results, but same-store sales decreased in the quarter. 

Sweden Trimmed Rates Fifth Consecutive Meeting, Spain's GDP Growth Surpassed Expectations 

Stock market indexes in Europe advanced, and investors reviewed the latest corporate earnings updates. 

Benchmark indexes in Frankfurt and London advanced, but they struggled to stay above the flatline in Milan and Paris. 

Sweden's central bank lowered its policy rate for the fifth time in a row at the end of its policy meeting today, reflecting the weakening inflationary forces. 

The Riksbank trimmed its benchmark rate by 25 basis points to 2.25%, citing inflation decreasing to 2% and ongoing economic weakness. 

The central bank lowered its rates for the sixth time since May, totaling 175 basis points, and the policy committee signaled one more possible rate cut in the first half. 

Spain's economy expanded at a faster-than-anticipated pace in the fourth quarter, the National Statistics Institute reported Wednesday. 

GDP expanded at an annual pace of 3.5% in the fourth quarter, matching the rate of growth in the previous quarter. 

For the full year 2024, Spain's economy expanded at 3.2%, ahead of its eurozone peers. 

Europe Indexes and Yields

The DAX index moved higher by 0.4% to 21,505.42; the CAC-40 index fell 0.4% to 7,865.95; and the FTSE 100 index advanced by 0.02% to 8,535.75. 

The yield on 10-year German bonds inched higher to 2.48%, French bonds declined to 3.28%, the UK gilts moved down to 4.58%, and Italian bonds edged lower to 3.61%.

The euro was flat at $1.04; the British pound was flat at $1.24; and the U.S. dollar was higher and traded at 90.60 Swiss cents.

Brent crude decreased $0.57 to $76.95 a barrel, and the Dutch TTF natural gas was higher by €0.17 to €49.91 per MWh.

Europe Stock Movers

Logitech gained 0.4% to CHF 82.68 after the Swiss computer accessories maker posted mixed earnings for the third quarter of fiscal year 2025.

Atlas Copco Group plunged 3.5% to 180.40 krona after the Swedish industrial manufacturer posted earnings for the fourth quarter ending in December.

LVMH eased 0.6% to €750.6 after the luxury goods retailer posted a slight revenue decline for the full year 2024 ending in December.

Revenue declined 2% to €84.68 million from €86.15 million; net profit moved down to €12.55 million from €15.17 million a year ago, driven by a 36% plunge in wine and spirits sales.

The company proposed to pay a dividend of €7.50 per share on April 28.

Remy Cointreau SA edged down 2.8% to €58.20 after the French alcohol beverages distributor posted lower earnings for its third quarter ending in December.

Sales in the Americas and Asia-Pacific declined, reflecting tougher market conditions in China, while Southeast Asia sales rebounded.

In the first nine months of 2024-25, the company reported sales of €787.8 million, down 17.8% on an organic basis.

The overall performance includes an organic decline of 21.5% in the third quarter, or 20.6% as reported.

Akzo Nobel NV traded flat at €60.52 after the Dutch paints and performance coatings maker posted mixed earnings for the fourth quarter ending in December.

Tele2 edged up 0.6% to 115.20 krona after the Swedish streaming TV and networking company posted strong earnings for the fourth quarter ending in December.

Lonza Group AG traded flat at CHF594.60 after the Swiss pharmaceutical and nutrition products provider posted mild earnings for the year ending in December.

WH Smith Plc gained 5.7% to 1,258 pence after the British books and travel retailer posted growth for the 21-week period to January 25.

Comparable sales surged 3% in North America, driven by new product categories and additional stores at Orlando. Florida and Portland, Oregon, airports.

India Indexes Trimmed Weekly Losses after Bajaj Auto and TVS Motor Results

Stock market indexes in Mumbai edged higher and trimmed weekly losses, and the rupee hovered near the record low.

The Sensex and Nifty indexes advanced more than 0.3%, and consumer goods makers led the decliners in early trading. 

Bajaj Auto and TVS Motor advanced after reporting better-than-expected quarterly results, and Colgate Palmolive, Cipla, Hindustan Zinc, and Arvind Ltd. were in focus after the release of their quarterly results. 

Investor sentiment has turned cautious amid a confluence of multiple domestic and foreign headwinds, and they have lowered domestic earnings growth expectations. 

Bond yields in the U.S. are likely to stay elevated and above 5% in 2025 and 2026, lowering the attractiveness of risky stock investing abroad. 

Moreover, urban consumer spending growth has fallen off, as they struggle to pay debt accumulated over the last five years. 

Stretched valuations in the stock market have also kept investors on the defensive, limiting appetite for increasing exposure to high-growth stocks. 

In overnight trading, the S&P 500 index and the Nasdaq Composite rebounded after investors debated the impact of a cheaper Chinese alternative for chatbots, possibly limiting demand for high-priced chips made by U.S. companies. 

Stock Indexes and Bond Yields

The Sensex index increased by 0.3% to 76,143.02, and the Nifty index advanced by 0.3% to 23,031.10.

On the Mumbai stock exchange, 10 stocks traded at their 52-week highs, and 93 stocks traded at their 52-week lows.

The yield on the 10-year Indian government bonds inched lower to 6.7%, and the Indian rupee hovered near a record and traded at 86.58 against the U.S. dollar.

The gold price increased by 0.07% to ₹80,344 per ten grams, and silver fell by 0.02% to ₹91,030 per kilo.

Crude oil rose by 0.7% to ₹6,386 per barrel, and natural gas fell by 0.9% to ₹267.9 per thermal unit.

Stock Movers

Bajaj Auto increased 2.6% to ₹8,614.40 after the 2- and 3-wheeler maker reported better-than-expected earnings in the December quarter. 

The company said its electric vehicle turned profitable, following the sustained demand. 

TVS Motor Company gained 7% to ₹2,501.0 after the two-wheeler vehicle maker reported better-than-expected December quarter results.

Hyundai Motor decreased 0.1% to ₹1,622.85 after the passenger carmaker reported a 19% decline in profit in the December quarter. 

Hindustan Zinc Ltd. advanced 1% to ₹433.55 after the mining company reported a 32% rise in net income in the latest quarter. 

Cipla Ltd. inched up 0.3% to ₹1,425.60 after the generic pharmaceutical company reported nearly a 49% jump in profit in the December quarter. 

Wall Street Indexes Meander Ahead of Rate Decisions, International Goods Deficit Widens to New Record High in 2024

Barry Adams
29 Jan, 2025
New York City

Stock market indexes struggled to advance, and investors awaited rate decisions later in the day. 

The S&P 500 index decreased 0.2%, and the Nasdaq Composite declined 0.4% as investors shifted their attention to the latest batch of corporate results. 

ASML, Logitech, and SAP reported better-than-expected results, and investors are awaiting the release of earnings updates from Microsoft, Starbucks, Tesla, and Meta Platform. 

The Federal Reserve is likely to hold rates steady, and the fed funds rate range is expected to stay unchanged between 4.25% and 4.50% at the end of a two-day meeting later today. 

The Federal Reserve is set to release its statement at 2:30 p.m. ET, and investors are hoping that policymakers are likely to signal no change in stance. 

The U.S. economy has been growing at a healthy clip over the last four years; labor market conditions have moderated, but employers are still adding jobs at a healthy clip. 

Moreover, wages are still rising at a faster pace than overall inflation, driving an increase in real consumer income and supporting the increase in consumer spending. 

However, the U.S. economy is facing higher inflation, largely driven by looming Trump tariffs and labor shortages created by the nationwide crackdown on illegal immigrants. 

In addition, chaotic presidential administration and weak cabinet appointments are likely to negatively impact consumer confidence and possible federal government shutdown. 

On the economic front, the U.S. goods trade deficit soared to $1.2 trillion in 2024, slightly higher than the previous record of $1.06 trillion in 2022, the U.S. Census Bureau reported Wednesday. 

December exports decreased 4.5% from a year ago to $167.5 billion, and imports rose 3.9% to $289.6 billion. 

The international goods trade deficit expanded by 18% to $122.1 billion from the revised $103.5 billion in November. 

U.S. Indexes and Treasury Yields

The S&P 500 index decreased 0.2% to 6,057.09, the Nasdaq Composite edged down 0.4% to 19,669.30, and the Russell 2000 index was up 0.2% to 2,288.86.

The yield on 2-year Treasury notes edged lower to 4.20%, 10-year Treasury notes dropped to 4.53%, and 30-year Treasury bonds eased to 4.77%.

WTI crude oil decreased $0.49 to $73.27 a barrel, and natural gas prices edged lower by $0.01 to $3.12 a thermal unit.

Gold rose by $4.43 to 2,758.05 an ounce, and silver edged up by $0.11 to $30.50.

The dollar index, which weighs the US currency against a basket of foreign currencies, gained 0.40 to 108.27 and traded at a two-year high.

U.S. Stock Movers 

Nvidia declined 2.2% to $126.14 and struggled to advance amid continued rout in the artificial intelligence-related stocks after the emergence of a cheaper chatbot alternative from China that does not rely on expensive chips made by the company. 

T-Mobile US jumped 7.6% to $238.0 after the cellular telephone service provider reported stronger-than-expected results in its latest quarter. 

Danaher Corp declined 5% to $235.20 after the medical and industrial products maker estimated possible revenue decline in the current quarter. 

Starbucks jumped 2.6% to $103.09 after the coffeehouse chain reported better-than-expected results, but same-store sales decreased in the quarter. 

Wall Street Indexes Meander Ahead of Rate Decisions, International Goods Deficit Hit New High in 2024

Barry Adams
29 Jan, 2025
New York City

Stock market indexes struggled to advance, and investors awaited rate decisions later in the day. 

The S&P 500 index decreased 0.2%, and the Nasdaq Composite declined 0.4% as investors shifted their attention to the latest batch of corporate results. 

ASML, Logitech, and SAP reported better-than-expected results, and investors are awaiting the release of earnings updates from Microsoft, Starbucks, Tesla, and Meta Platform. 

The Federal Reserve is likely to hold rates steady, and the fed funds rate range is expected to stay unchanged between 4.25% and 4.50% at the end of a two-day meeting later today. 

The Federal Reserve is set to release its statement at 2:30 p.m. ET, and investors are hoping that policymakers are likely to signal no change in stance. 

The U.S. economy has been growing at a healthy clip over the last four years; labor market conditions have moderated, but employers are still adding jobs at a healthy clip. 

Moreover, wages are still rising at a faster pace than overall inflation, driving an increase in real consumer income and supporting the increase in consumer spending. 

However, the U.S. economy is facing higher inflation, largely driven by looming Trump tariffs and labor shortages created by the nationwide crackdown on illegal immigrants. 

In addition, chaotic presidential administration and weak cabinet appointments are likely to negatively impact consumer confidence and possible federal government shutdown. 

On the economic front, the U.S. goods trade deficit soared to $1.2 trillion in 2024, slightly higher than the previous record of $1.06 trillion in 2022, the U.S. Census Bureau reported Wednesday. 

December exports decreased 4.5% from a year ago to $167.5 billion, and imports rose 3.9% to $289.6 billion. 

The international goods trade deficit expanded by 18% to $122.1 billion from the revised $103.5 billion in November. 

U.S. Stock Movers 

Nvidia declined 2.2% to $126.14 and struggled to advance amid continued rout in the artificial intelligence-related stocks after the emergence of a cheaper chatbot alternative from China that does not rely on expensive chips made by the company. 

T-Mobile US jumped 7.6% to $238.0 after the cellular telephone service provider reported stronger-than-expected results in its latest quarter. 

Danaher Corp declined 5% to $235.20 after the medical and industrial products maker estimated possible revenue decline in the current quarter. 

Starbucks jumped 2.6% to $103.09 after the coffeehouse chain reported better-than-expected results, but same-store sales decreased in the quarter. 

Europe Movers: Akzo Nobel, Atlas Copco, Givaudan, LVMH, Logitech, Lonza Group, Remi Cointreau, Tele2, WH Smith, Wacker Chemie

Inga Muller
29 Jan, 2025
Frankfurt

European markets rebounded and trimmed weekly losses as investors shifted their focus away from geopolitical tensions to the latest batch of corporate results. 

Sweden lowered its policy rate for the fifth time in a row. Spain's fourth-quarter GDP growth surpassed expectations. 

The DAX index moved higher by 0.4% to 21,505.42; the CAC-40 index fell 0.4% to 7,865.95; and the FTSE 100 index advanced by 0.02% to 8,535.75. 

The yield on 10-year German bonds inched higher to 2.48%, French bonds declined to 3.28%, the UK gilts moved down to 4.58%, and Italian bonds edged lower to 3.61%.

Logitech gained 0.4% to CHF 82.68 after the Swiss computer accessories maker posted mixed earnings for the third quarter of fiscal year 2025.

Net sales in the quarter ending in December increased to $1.34 billion from $1.26 billion; net income dropped to $200 million from $244.7 million, and earnings per diluted share fell to $1.32 from $1.55 a year ago.

Gaming sales surged 14% and tablet accessories sales were up 21%.

The company returned $200 million of cash to shareholders through share repurchases.

Atlas Copco Group plunged 3.5% to 180.40 krona after the Swedish industrial manufacturer posted earnings for the fourth quarter ending in December.

Revenue increased to 45.99 million krona from 44.95 million krona; profit surged to 7.80 million krona from 6.78 million krona, and earnings per diluted share rose to 1.60 krona from 1.39 krona a year ago.

Net cash from operating activities climbed to 11.76 million krona from 10.31 million krona, bringing the total cash and cash equivalents to 18.97 million krona from 10.89 million krona a year ago.

LVMH eased 0.6% to €750.6 after the luxury goods retailer posted a slight revenue decline for the full year 2024 ending in December.

Revenue declined 2% to €84.68 million from €86.15 million; net profit moved down to €12.55 million from €15.17 million a year ago, driven by a 36% plunge in wine and spirits sales.

The company proposed to pay a dividend of €7.50 per share on April 28.

Remy Cointreau SA edged down 2.8% to €58.20 after the French alcohol beverages distributor posted lower earnings for its third quarter ending in December.

Sales in the Americas and Asia-Pacific declined, reflecting tougher market conditions in China, while Southeast Asia sales rebounded.

In the first nine months of 2024-25, the company reported sales of €787.8 million, down 17.8% on an organic basis.

The overall performance includes an organic decline of 21.5% in the third quarter, or 20.6% as reported.

Akzo Nobel NV traded flat at €60.52 after the Dutch paints and performance coatings maker posted mixed earnings for the fourth quarter ending in December.

Revenue increased 4% to €2.62 billion from €2.53 billion; net income slipped to €21 million from €41 million, and earnings per share fell to 12 euro cents from 24 euro cents a year ago.

Net cash from operating activities declined to €398 million from €574 million, impacted by restructuring costs.

Tele2 edged up 0.6% to 115.20 krona after the Swedish streaming TV and networking company posted strong earnings for the fourth quarter ending in December.

Revenue increased 1.3% to 7.78 billion krona from 7.68 billion krona; net profit surged to 971 million krona from 936 million krona, and earnings per diluted share rose to 1.39 krona from 1.34 krona a year ago.

Equity free cash flow climbed to 808 million krona from 531 million krona a year earlier.

Lonza Group AG traded flat at CHF594.60 after the Swiss pharmaceutical and nutrition products provider posted mild earnings for the year ending in December.

Sales were down 2.1% to CHF6.57 billion from CHF6.72 billion; profit declined 2.7% to CHF637 million from CHF655 million, and earnings per diluted share edged down to CHF8.88 from CHF8.92 a year ago.

The company posted a significant increase of net debts, driven by acquisitions and divestitures.

WH Smith Plc gained 5.7% to 1,258 pence after the British books and travel retailer posted growth for the 21-week period to January 25.

Comparable sales surged 3% in North America, driven by new product categories and additional stores at Orlando. Florida and Portland, Oregon, airports.

Wacker Chemie AG gained 1.9% to €65.76 despite the German chemical company reporting a core profit decline on lower prices and high energy costs.

Sales in the fiscal year 2024 ending in December declined 11% to €5.7 billion from €6.4 billion; net income fell 19% to €265 million from €327 million, and earnings per share dropped to €4.90 from €6.31 a year ago.

Net cash flow swung to negative €325 million from positive €166 million, driven by a significantly higher net debt.

Givaudan SA eased 0.3% to CHF4.024 after the cosmetics ingredients maker topped forecasts with strong growth for fiscal year 2024 ending in December.

Group sales increased 7.2% to CHF 7.41 billion from CHF 2.69 billion; net income surged 22.1% to CHF 1.09 billion from CHF 893 million, and earnings per share rose to CHF 118.17 from CHF 96.81 a year ago.

Free cash flow climbed by 25.9% and net debt was 7% lower, driven by a 12.3% growth in overall comparable sales.

Europe Movers:

Inga Muller
29 Jan, 2025
Frankfurt

European markets rebounded and trimmed weekly losses as investors shifted their focus away from geopolitical tensions to the latest batch of corporate results. 

Sweden lowered its policy rate for the fifth time in a row. Spain's fourth-quarter GDP growth surpassed expectations. 

The DAX index moved higher by 0.4% to 21,505.42; the CAC-40 index fell 0.4% to 7,865.95; and the FTSE 100 index advanced by 0.02% to 8,535.75. 

The yield on 10-year German bonds inched higher to 2.48%, French bonds declined to 3.28%, the UK gilts moved down to 4.58%, and Italian bonds edged lower to 3.61%.

Logitech gained 0.4% to CHF 82.68 after the Swiss computer accessories maker posted mixed earnings for the third quarter of fiscal year 2025.

Net sales in the quarter ending in December increased to $1.34 billion from $1.26 billion; net income dropped to $200 million from $244.7 million, and earnings per diluted share fell to $1.32 from $1.55 a year ago.

Gaming sales surged 14% and tablet accessories sales were up 21%.

The company returned $200 million of cash to shareholders through share repurchases.

Atlas Copco Group plunged 3.5% to 180.40 krona after the Swedish industrial manufacturer posted earnings for the fourth quarter ending in December.

Revenue increased to 45.99 million krona from 44.95 million krona; profit surged to 7.80 million krona from 6.78 million krona, and earnings per diluted share rose to 1.60 krona from 1.39 krona a year ago.

Net cash from operating activities climbed to 11.76 million krona from 10.31 million krona, bringing the total cash and cash equivalents to 18.97 million krona from 10.89 million krona a year ago.

LVMH eased 0.6% to €750.6 after the luxury goods retailer posted a slight revenue decline for the full year 2024 ending in December.

Revenue declined 2% to €84.68 million from €86.15 million; net profit moved down to €12.55 million from €15.17 million a year ago, driven by a 36% plunge in wine and spirits sales.

The company proposed to pay a dividend of €7.50 per share on April 28.

Remy Cointreau SA edged down 2.8% to €58.20 after the French alcohol beverages distributor posted lower earnings for its third quarter ending in December.

Sales in the Americas and Asia-Pacific declined, reflecting tougher market conditions in China, while Southeast Asia sales rebounded.

In the first nine months of 2024-25, the company reported sales of €787.8 million, down 17.8% on an organic basis.

The overall performance includes an organic decline of 21.5% in the third quarter, or 20.6% as reported.

Akzo Nobel NV traded flat at €60.52 after the Dutch paints and performance coatings maker posted mixed earnings for the fourth quarter ending in December.

Revenue increased 4% to €2.62 billion from €2.53 billion; net income slipped to €21 million from €41 million, and earnings per share fell to 12 euro cents from 24 euro cents a year ago.

Net cash from operating activities declined to €398 million from €574 million, impacted by restructuring costs.

Tele2 edged up 0.6% to 115.20 krona after the Swedish streaming TV and networking company posted strong earnings for the fourth quarter ending in December.

Revenue increased 1.3% to 7.78 billion krona from 7.68 billion krona; net profit surged to 971 million krona from 936 million krona, and earnings per diluted share rose to 1.39 krona from 1.34 krona a year ago.

Equity free cash flow climbed to 808 million krona from 531 million krona a year earlier.

Lonza Group AG traded flat at CHF594.60 after the Swiss pharmaceutical and nutrition products provider posted mild earnings for the year ending in December.

Sales were down 2.1% to CHF6.57 billion from CHF6.72 billion; profit declined 2.7% to CHF637 million from CHF655 million, and earnings per diluted share edged down to CHF8.88 from CHF8.92 a year ago.

The company posted a significant increase of net debts, driven by acquisitions and divestitures.

WH Smith Plc gained 5.7% to 1,258 pence after the British books and travel retailer posted growth for the 21-week period to January 25.

Comparable sales surged 3% in North America, driven by new product categories and additional stores at Orlando. Florida and Portland, Oregon, airports.

Wacker Chemie AG gained 1.9% to €65.76 despite the German chemical company reporting a core profit decline on lower prices and high energy costs.

Sales in the fiscal year 2024 ending in December declined 11% to €5.7 billion from €6.4 billion; net income fell 19% to €265 million from €327 million, and earnings per share dropped to €4.90 from €6.31 a year ago.

Net cash flow swung to negative €325 million from positive €166 million, driven by a significantly higher net debt.

Givaudan SA eased 0.3% to CHF4.024 after the cosmetics ingredients maker topped forecasts with strong growth for fiscal year 2024 ending in December.

Group sales increased 7.2% to CHF7.41 billion from CHF 2.69 billion; net income surged 22.1% to CHF1.09 billion from CHF893 million, and earnings per share rose to CHF118.17 from CHF96.81 a year ago.

Free cash flow climbed by 25.9% and net debt was 7% lower, driven by a 12.3% growth in overall comparable sales.

Sweden Trimmed Rates Fifth Consecutive Meeting, Spain's GDP Growth Surpassed Expectations

Bridgette Randall
29 Jan, 2025
London

Stock market indexes in Europe advanced, and investors reviewed the latest corporate earnings updates. 

Benchmark indexes in Frankfurt and London advanced, but they struggled to stay above the flatline in Milan and Paris. 

Sweden's central bank lowered its policy rate for the fifth time in a row at the end of its policy meeting today, reflecting the weakening inflationary forces. 

The Riksbank trimmed its benchmark rate by 25 basis points to 2.25%, citing inflation decreasing to 2% and ongoing economic weakness. 

The central bank lowered its rates for the sixth time since May, totaling 175 basis points, and the policy committee signaled one more possible rate cut in the first half. 

Spain's economy expanded at a faster-than-anticipated pace in the fourth quarter, the National Statistics Institute reported Wednesday. 

GDP expanded at an annual pace of 3.5% in the fourth quarter, matching the rate of growth in the previous quarter. 

For the full year 2024, Spain's economy expanded at 3.2%, ahead of its eurozone peers. 

Europe Indexes and Yields

The DAX index moved higher by 0.4% to 21,505.42; the CAC-40 index fell 0.4% to 7,865.95; and the FTSE 100 index advanced by 0.02% to 8,535.75. 

The yield on 10-year German bonds inched higher to 2.48%, French bonds declined to 3.28%, the UK gilts moved down to 4.58%, and Italian bonds edged lower to 3.61%.

The euro was flat at $1.04; the British pound was flat at $1.24; and the U.S. dollar was higher and traded at 90.60 Swiss cents.

Brent crude decreased $0.57 to $76.95 a barrel, and the Dutch TTF natural gas was higher by €0.17 to €49.91 per MWh.

Europe Stock Movers

Logitech gained 0.4% to CHF 82.68 after the Swiss computer accessories maker posted mixed earnings for the third quarter of fiscal year 2025.

Atlas Copco Group plunged 3.5% to 180.40 krona after the Swedish industrial manufacturer posted earnings for the fourth quarter ending in December.

LVMH eased 0.6% to €750.6 after the luxury goods retailer posted a slight revenue decline for the full year 2024 ending in December.

Revenue declined 2% to €84.68 million from €86.15 million; net profit moved down to €12.55 million from €15.17 million a year ago, driven by a 36% plunge in wine and spirits sales.

The company proposed to pay a dividend of €7.50 per share on April 28.

Remy Cointreau SA edged down 2.8% to €58.20 after the French alcohol beverages distributor posted lower earnings for its third quarter ending in December.

Sales in the Americas and Asia-Pacific declined, reflecting tougher market conditions in China, while Southeast Asia sales rebounded.

In the first nine months of 2024-25, the company reported sales of €787.8 million, down 17.8% on an organic basis.

The overall performance includes an organic decline of 21.5% in the third quarter, or 20.6% as reported.

Akzo Nobel NV traded flat at €60.52 after the Dutch paints and performance coatings maker posted mixed earnings for the fourth quarter ending in December.

Tele2 edged up 0.6% to 115.20 krona after the Swedish streaming TV and networking company posted strong earnings for the fourth quarter ending in December.

Lonza Group AG traded flat at CHF594.60 after the Swiss pharmaceutical and nutrition products provider posted mild earnings for the year ending in December.

WH Smith Plc gained 5.7% to 1,258 pence after the British books and travel retailer posted growth for the 21-week period to January 25.

Comparable sales surged 3% in North America, driven by new product categories and additional stores at Orlando. Florida and Portland, Oregon, airports.

Sweden Trimmed Rates Fifth Consecutive Meeting, Spain's GDP Growth Surpassed Expectations

Bridgette Randall
29 Jan, 2025
London

Stock market indexes in Europe advanced, and investors reviewed the latest corporate earnings updates. 

Benchmark indexes in Frankfurt and London advanced, but they struggled to stay above the flatline in Milan and Paris. 

Sweden's central bank lowered its policy rate for the fifth time in a row at the end of its policy meeting today, reflecting the weakening inflationary forces. 

The Riksbank trimmed its benchmark rate by 25 basis points to 2.25%, citing inflation decreasing to 2% and ongoing economic weakness. 

The central bank lowered its rates for the sixth time since May, totaling 175 basis points, and the policy committee signaled one more possible rate cut in the first half. 

Spain's economy expanded at a faster-than-anticipated pace in the fourth quarter, the National Statistics Institute reported Wednesday. 

GDP expanded at an annual pace of 3.5% in the fourth quarter, matching the rate of growth in the previous quarter. 

For the full year 2024, Spain's economy expanded at 3.2%, ahead of its eurozone peers. 

Europe Indexes and Yields

The DAX index moved higher by 0.4% to 21,505.42; the CAC-40 index fell 0.4% to 7,865.95; and the FTSE 100 index advanced by 0.02% to 8,535.75. 

The yield on 10-year German bonds inched higher to 2.48%, French bonds declined to 3.28%, the UK gilts moved down to 4.58%, and Italian bonds edged lower to 3.61%.

The euro was flat at $1.04; the British pound was flat at $1.24; and the U.S. dollar was higher and traded at 90.60 Swiss cents.

Brent crude decreased $0.57 to $76.95 a barrel, and the Dutch TTF natural gas was higher by €0.17 to €49.91 per MWh.

Europe Stock Movers

Logitech gained 0.4% to CHF 82.68 after the Swiss computer accessories maker posted mixed earnings for the third quarter of fiscal year 2025.

Atlas Copco Group plunged 3.5% to 180.40 krona after the Swedish industrial manufacturer posted earnings for the fourth quarter ending in December.

LVMH eased 0.6% to €750.6 after the luxury goods retailer posted a slight revenue decline for the full year 2024 ending in December.

Revenue declined 2% to €84.68 million from €86.15 million; net profit moved down to €12.55 million from €15.17 million a year ago, driven by a 36% plunge in wine and spirits sales.

The company proposed to pay a dividend of €7.50 per share on April 28.

Remy Cointreau SA edged down 2.8% to €58.20 after the French alcohol beverages distributor posted lower earnings for its third quarter ending in December.

Sales in the Americas and Asia-Pacific declined, reflecting tougher market conditions in China, while Southeast Asia sales rebounded.

In the first nine months of 2024-25, the company reported sales of €787.8 million, down 17.8% on an organic basis.

The overall performance includes an organic decline of 21.5% in the third quarter, or 20.6% as reported.

Akzo Nobel NV traded flat at €60.52 after the Dutch paints and performance coatings maker posted mixed earnings for the fourth quarter ending in December.

Tele2 edged up 0.6% to 115.20 krona after the Swedish streaming TV and networking company posted strong earnings for the fourth quarter ending in December.

Lonza Group AG traded flat at CHF594.60 after the Swiss pharmaceutical and nutrition products provider posted mild earnings for the year ending in December.

WH Smith Plc gained 5.7% to 1,258 pence after the British books and travel retailer posted growth for the 21-week period to January 25.

Comparable sales surged 3% in North America, driven by new product categories and additional stores at Orlando. Florida and Portland, Oregon, airports.

India Movers: Arvind, Bajaj Auto, Cipla, Colgate-Palmolive, Hindustan Zinc, Hyundai Motor, Suzlon Energy, TVS Motor

Arun Goswami
29 Jan, 2025
Mumbai

The Sensex and Nifty indexes trimmed weekly losses, and investors bid up vehicle makers Bajaj Auto and TVS Motor, which reported better-than-expected quarterly results.

The Sensex index increased by 0.3% to 76,143.02, and the Nifty index advanced by 0.3% to 23,031.10.

On the Mumbai stock exchange, 10 stocks traded at their 52-week highs, and 93 stocks traded at their 52-week lows.

The yield on the 10-year Indian government bonds inched lower to 6.7%, and the Indian rupee hovered near a record and traded at 86.58 against the U.S. dollar.

Bajaj Auto increased 2.6% to ₹8,614.40 after the 2- and 3-wheeler maker reported better-than-expected earnings in the December quarter. 

The company said its electric vehicle turned profitable, following the sustained demand. 

Consolidated revenue in the December quarter increased to ₹13,516.41 crore from ₹12,521 crore, net income rose to ₹2,195.65 crore from ₹2,032.62 crore, and diluted earnings per share jumped to ₹78.7 from ₹71.9 a year ago.

TVS Motor Company gained 7% to ₹2,501.0 after the two-wheeler vehicle maker reported better-than-expected December quarter results.

Consolidated revenue in the December quarter increased to ₹11,199.7 crore from ₹10,125.8 crore, after-tax profit rose to ₹609.35 crore from ₹509.61 crore, and diluted earnings per share advanced to ₹11.91 from ₹10.08 a year ago.

Hyundai Motor decreased 0.1% to ₹1,622.85 after the passenger carmaker reported a 19% decline in profit in the December quarter. 

Consolidated revenue in the December quarter decreased to ₹16,892.4 crore from ₹17,243.5 crore, after-tax profit fell to ₹1,160.7 crore from ₹1,425.2 crore, and diluted earnings per share declined to ₹14.29 from ₹17.54 a year ago.

Hindustan Zinc Ltd. advanced 1% to ₹433.55 after the mining company reported a 32% rise in net income in the latest quarter. 

Consolidated revenue in the December quarter increased to ₹8,832 crore from ₹7,606 crore, net income jumped to ₹2,678 crore from ₹2,028 crore, and diluted earnings per share rose to ₹6.34 from ₹4.80 a year ago.

Cipla Ltd. inched up 0.3% to ₹1,425.60 after the generic pharmaceutical company reported nearly a 49% jump in profit in the December quarter. 

Consolidated revenue in the December quarter increased to ₹7,073 crore from ₹6,603.8 crore, after-tax profit advanced to ₹1,574.6 crore from ₹1,068.4 crore, and diluted earnings per share jumped to ₹19.43 from ₹13.07 a year ago.

Suzlon Energy Ltd. scored 5% to ₹52.76 despite the company reporting a 91% jump in consolidated profit from a year ago. 

Consolidated revenue in the December quarter increased to ₹3,002.4 crore from ₹1,569.7 crore, net income jumped to ₹387.8 crore from ₹203 crore, and diluted earnings per share rose to 28 paisa from 15 paisa a year ago.

Colgate Palmolive (India) Ltd. decreased 0.7% to ₹2,659.65, and the company reported a 5% rise in revenue and a 2% decline in net income in the December quarter.

Consolidated revenue in the December quarter increased to ₹1,482.2 crore from ₹1,413.5 crore; after-tax profit declined to ₹322.8 crore from ₹330.1 crore, and diluted earnings per share fell to ₹11.87 from ₹12.14 a year ago.

Arvind Ltd. increased 2% to ₹334, and the company reported a 13% increase in the fiscal third quarter ending in December. 

Consolidated revenue in the December quarter increased to ₹2,099.7 crore from ₹1,897.6 crore, net income jumped to ₹106.2 crore from ₹94.3 crore, and diluted earnings per share rose to ₹3.95 from ₹3.50 a year ago.