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Tuesday, January 6

Noteworthy US mega-cap moves today: UnitedHealth Group Inc (UNH) +1.5%. 

Global equity markets are trading mixed as investors digest a series of economic data releases and geopolitical developments. In the U.S., futures indicate a softer open following a record-setting session on Monday, with concerns about upcoming jobs and inflation data weighing on sentiment.

Recent inflation reports from France and Germany showed disappointing results, with France's annual inflation rate falling to 0.8%, below expectations, while Germany's December inflation dropped to 1.8%, also missing forecasts. These figures have raised concerns about economic momentum in Europe and may influence future monetary policy decisions by the European Central Bank.

In Japan, interest rates are climbing significantly amid strong underlying trends despite geopolitical tensions. The Bank of Japan's commitment to raising rates aligns with recent auction results showing robust demand for government bonds, reinforcing market confidence in Japan's economic recovery trajectory.

iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF (EWU) [+0.7%]
The iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF (EWU) has increased by 0.7% during the pre-market session. The UK Composite PMI rose to 51.40 in December, indicating modest economic expansion, while the services PMI also improved to 51.40. Concurrently, the FTSE 100 index gained 0.71%, supported by strong performances in energy and mining sectors alongside favorable corporate news and economic data. Key contributors to EWU's performance included GSK, HSBC, and AZN, all of which posted notable returns. Additionally, platinum prices increased significantly, reflecting broader market sentiment that may be influencing EWU's movement. Geopolitical developments regarding Venezuela have also positively affected global markets, further enhancing the environment for British equities.

Global X Copper Miners ETF (COPX) [+1.3%]
Copper prices have started 2026 with a rally, surpassing 13,000 per ton on the London Metal Exchange. Southern Copper Corporation and Freeport-McMoRan reported significant gains. The previous year saw a notable 43% increase in copper prices, attributed to supply concerns and operational disruptions at major mines like Grasberg in Indonesia and Kamoa-Kakula in the Democratic Republic of Congo. A strike at Chile's Mantoverde mine has further fueled speculation regarding supply constraints. Analysts cite ongoing structural issues from years of underinvestment and tariff policy uncertainty as potential factors limiting supply growth amid rising demand from electrification and renewable sectors. Additionally, geopolitical tensions following the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro could influence copper demand due to the interconnectedness of energy and metal prices.

MCHP | +3.9% | +1.5B
Microchip Technology Inc | Semiconductors
Microchip Technology Inc. has revised its fiscal third-quarter outlook, now projecting net sales of approximately $1.185 billion, an increase from the previous guidance of $1.109 billion to $1.149 billion. This update, communicated 14 hours ago, reflects a broad-based recovery across various markets, as noted by CEO Steve Sanghi, who cited strong booking activity in December and improved inventory levels among customers. Preparations are also underway to ramp factory output in March to address under-utilization charges. Analysts have responded favorably, with Needham raising its price target to 77 and Cantor upgrading to overweight with a target of 85. Social media discussions have echoed this sentiment, highlighting the positive outlook on the semiconductor sector's recovery, particularly in light of the raised revenue forecast aligning with consensus expectations.

VST | +4.3% | +2.5B
Vistra Corp | Independent Power Producers & Energy Traders
Vistra Corp is experiencing a notable increase in its stock price, attributed in part to significant movements within the Independent Power Producers & Energy Traders sector. The company has announced definitive agreements to acquire Cogentrix Energy for approximately $4.7 billion. This acquisition includes ten modern natural gas generation facilities, adding around 5,500 megawatts of capacity across PJM, ISO New England, and ERCOT. The financial structure involves about $2.3 billion in cash, $0.9 billion in Vistra stock, and the assumption of approximately $1.5 billion in Cogentrix debt. This deal is expected to close in mid-to-late 2026, pending regulatory approvals. Social media discussions reflect a positive sentiment regarding this strategic expansion, with reports indicating a 4% increase in Vistra's stock following the acquisition announcement.

AIG | -4.1% | -2.2B
American International Group Inc | Multi-line Insurance
American International Group Inc. (AIG) is experiencing negative market sentiment following the announcement that CEO Peter Zaffino will transition to the role of executive chair and retire as CEO by mid-2026. Eric Andersen has been appointed as president and CEO-elect, effective February 16, 2026, with plans to assume the CEO role after June 1, 2026. Andersen joins AIG from Aon, where he played a significant role in enhancing market value. This leadership transition comes amid AIG's strategic repositioning, which includes divesting non-core businesses and improving technology infrastructure. The news regarding Zaffino's planned departure has coincided with a notable decline in AIG's stock price, which has dropped significantly since Monday.

GSK | +3.1% | +6.4B
GSK plc | Pharmaceuticals
GSK plc has received approval from Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare for Exdensur (depemokimab), a treatment for severe bronchial asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps. This marks Exdensur as the first ultra-long-acting biologic approved in Japan for these conditions. The approval is supported by results from the SWIFT and ANCHOR phase III trials, which demonstrated significant efficacy, including a notable reduction in asthma exacerbations and improvements in nasal polyp size and nasal obstruction. Additionally, depemokimab was well-tolerated, showing a side effect profile comparable to placebo treatments. This news was shared on social media shortly before trading hours, coinciding with GSK's stock price increase of 2.5% since Monday.

NVO | +3.8% | +7.2B
Novo Nordisk A/S | Pharmaceuticals
Novo Nordisk A/S has seen its Wegovy pill become widely accessible throughout the United States, a development likely to influence market perceptions regarding product accessibility and sales potential. Social media discussions have highlighted increased competition following Eli Lilly's recent price reduction for its weight-loss and diabetes drug Mounjaro in China. Additionally, an accumulation pattern for NVO was noted, suggesting a favorable trading setup. President Trump’s comments on vaccine recommendations, which may affect multiple companies including Novo Nordisk, were also mentioned in recent posts. These factors coincide with a notable price increase of 3.8% since Monday.

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