Copper stocks soar as metal price hits record above $14,000 a ton

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Investing.com -- Copper mining stocks surged on Thursday as the price of the industrial metal soared to an all-time high above...

Investing.com -- Copper mining stocks surged on Thursday as the price of the industrial metal soared to an all-time high above $14,000 a metric ton, driven by speculative buying and expectations of robust demand.

Freeport-McMoRan (NYSE:FCX) stock jumped 5%, Southern Copper (NYSE:SCCO) shares rose 5.5%, while ERO Copper (NYSE:ERO) saw the largest gain at 7%. Other copper miners also rallied, with Hudbay Minerals (NYSE:HBM) up 6%, Ivanhoe Electric (NYSE:IE) gaining 3%, and Taseko Mines (NYSE:TGB) advancing 4%.

Benchmark three-month copper on the London Metal Exchange surged as much as 7.9% to $14,125 a metric ton during Asian trading before trimming gains to $13,935, still up 6.5%. The Shanghai Futures Exchange’s most-active copper contract closed 6.7% higher at 109,110 yuan ($15,708.77).

Analysts attribute the price surge to several factors beyond supply-demand fundamentals, including spillover interest from other hard assets like gold and silver, which have also hit record highs amid geopolitical tensions. A weaker dollar, hovering near multi-year lows, has further supported copper prices by making the metal cheaper for buyers using other currencies.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

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Meta Platforms, Tesla and IBM rise premarket; Microsoft and Whirlpool fall

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Investing.com -- U.S. stock futures edged higher Thursday, with the focus on a plethora of corporate earnings after the Federal Reserve kept interest rates unchanged, as widely expected.

Here are some of the biggest premarket U.S. stock movers today:

Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:META) stock soared 9.2% after the Facebook parent reported a comfortable revenue and profit beat for the fourth quarter, helping to assuage investor concerns over returns from the Facebook owner’s massive spending push on artificial intelligence.
Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) stock slumped 6.9% after the software giant spent heavily on its AI build-out, adding to worries still swirling around slightly lower growth at its key Azure cloud-computing division versus the prior quarter.
Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) stock gained 2.4% after the electric vehicle manufacturer reported fourth-quarter results that exceeded Wall Street estimates, signaling a pivot toward artificial intelligence even as its core automotive business faces sustained pressure.
IBM (NYSE:IBM) stock rose 9.9% after Big Blue beat estimates for fourth-quarter revenue and profit, as the rapid adoption of AI boosts demand for its software services, ranging from managing vast amounts of data to automating IT processes.
Blackstone (NYSE:BX) stock gained 1.1% after the world’s largest alternative asset manager beat expectations for fourth-quarter profit, as it cashed in on heightened dealmaking activity and saw growth in its data center business.
Caterpillar (NYSE:CAT) stock rose 1.7% after the heavy equipment manufacturer reported a surge in fourth-quarter revenue that exceeded Wall Street expectations, as the boom in enthusiasm around artificial intelligence fueled demand for the group’s energy equipment.
Royal Caribbean Cruises (NYSE:RCL) stock climbed 7.2% after the cruise operator reported fourth-quarter earnings that met expectations and issued optimistic 2026 guidance, signaling continued strong demand for cruise vacations.
ServiceNow (NYSE:NOW) stock fell 7.5% after the software company issued cautious full-year guidance, undermining healthy fourth-quarter profit and revenue figures, as strong demand for its AI-powered software helped drive growth.
Honeywell (NASDAQ:HON) stock rose 1.2% after the company reported a rise in fourth-quarter revenue and profit, buoyed by continued strength in its aerospace unit and aftermarket services.
Whirlpool (NYSE:WHR) stock slumped 10% after the domestic appliance maker’s ongoing earnings-per-share forecast for the full year disappointed, with its CEO saying that U.S. levies on imports have yet to give the company an edge over foreign rivals.
Las Vegas Sands (NYSE:LVS) stock dropped 9% after the casino operator’s results at its key Macao properties underwhelmed even as overall revenue surpassed $13 billion in 2025.

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Fractyl Health stock falls after midpoint data on GLP-1 weight maintenance

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Super Hi International Holding

-0.68%

Fractyl Health

-21.37%

Investing.com -- Fractyl Health (NASDAQ:GUTS) stock fell 35% after the company released six-month randomized midpoint data from its REMAIN-1 study evaluating Revita for weight maintenance following GLP-1 drug discontinuation.

The metabolic therapeutics company reported that Revita-treated patients experienced a 4.5% weight regain versus 7.5% in the sham arm at 6 months, showing an attenuation of expected post-GLP-1 rebound trajectory. An exploratory analysis of patients who achieved above median weight loss during GLP-1 run-in showed that Revita-treated participants experienced 4.2% weight regain versus 13.3% with sham.

Despite the company characterizing the results as positive, investors appeared to be disappointed with the data, sending shares sharply lower. The study was not designed to be sufficiently powered for efficacy analysis, according to the company.

Fractyl also reported that Revita-treated patients demonstrated improvements in cardiometabolic lipid parameters versus sham at 6 months, including increased HDL cholesterol and reduced triglyceride-to-HDL ratio. The company noted that patient-reported outcomes showed meaningful reductions in sweet-food craving versus sham.

The company said it has requested FDA feedback on reclassifying Revita under the De Novo pathway rather than a Premarket Approval, with feedback expected in Q2 2026. Fractyl anticipates releasing topline 6-month pivotal data and potentially filing with the FDA in the second half of 2026.

Fractyl is advancing toward multiple clinical and regulatory milestones across its REMAIN-1 weight maintenance program, with complete randomizations in the REMAIN-1 Pivotal Cohort expected in February 2026.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

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AMC stock rises after lender agreement provides debt refinancing flexibility

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Advanced Micro Devices

Investing.com -- AMC Entertainment (NYSE:AMC) stock rose 2.8% Thursday after the movie theater chain announced an agreement with lenders that will provide additional flexibility to refinance its existing debt.

The agreement with certain holders of its Muvico, LLC Senior Secured Notes due 2029 will allow AMC to refinance its existing term loan credit agreement and the 12.75% Odeon Senior Secured Notes due 2027. The company said any such refinancing would be expected to extend debt maturities and reduce interest expenses.

AMC also released preliminary results for the fourth quarter and full year 2025. The company expects fourth quarter revenue of approximately $1.29 billion, down slightly from $1.31 billion in the same period last year. For the full year 2025, AMC anticipates revenue of about $4.85 billion, up 4.6% compared to $4.64 billion in 2024.

The theater chain expects a fourth quarter net loss of approximately $127.4 million, an improvement from the $135.6 million loss reported in the fourth quarter of 2024. However, the full-year 2025 net loss is projected to widen to $632.4 million from $352.6 million in 2024.

Adjusted EBITDA for the fourth quarter is expected to be approximately $134.1 million, down from $164.8 million in the prior-year period. For the full year, adjusted EBITDA is projected to increase nearly 13% to $387.5 million compared to $343.9 million in 2024.

The company noted that the North American industry box office grew approximately 1.5% in 2025, while AMC outperformed with 4.6% revenue growth. AMC ended 2025 with $428.5 million in cash and cash equivalents, excluding restricted cash of $48.8 million.

AMC will report its full results for the fourth quarter and full year 2025 after market close on February 24, 2026.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

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UK banks set for 4Q25 results with focus on growth beyond hedges

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Investing.com -- UK banks are preparing to release their fourth quarter 2025 results, with Lloyds Banking Group PLC (LON:LLOY) kicking off the earnings season on Thursday.

According to a UBS preview report, the bank maintains a positive outlook on the sector despite banks outperforming their predictions last year. Investors are currently focused on potential downside risks to pricing and whether meeting consensus targets will be sufficient to maintain confidence given the sector’s recent revaluation.

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The report indicates significant investor overweight positions in Barclays PLC (LON:BARC), Lloyds, and NatWest Group PLC (LON:NWG), driven by hedge tailwinds and price-to-earnings discounts.

Strategic updates from Barclays and NatWest may reassure investors about growth forecasts, though there will be sensitivity to any signs of weakening price discipline among lenders.

International banks HSBC Holdings PLC (LON:HSBA) and Standard Chartered PLC (LON:STAN) have each risen approximately 20% in the past three months, with investor discussions centered on long-term growth in wealth management.

UBS believes wealth management offers promise for faster earnings growth and higher returns on tangible equity (ROTE) in the medium term.

On Thursday, Lloyds reported a 12% increase in annual profit, surpassing analyst expectations despite setting aside nearly £1 billion for compensation related to mis-sold motor finance products. The British lender’s profit before tax rose to £6.7 billion for 2025, up from £5.97 billion in the previous year. This exceeded the average analyst forecast of £6.4 billion.

The bank also raised its profitability targets, now aiming for a return on tangible equity above 16% in 2026. This represents a significant upgrade from its previous goal of 12% for 2025.

NatWest is set to report on February 13, Barclays on February 10, Standard Chartered on February 24, and HSBC on February 25. Shawbrook Group PLC (LON:SHAW) will release its maiden post-IPO full-year results on March 12.

UBS remains overweight on UK banks with a preference for lower P/E stocks including Barclays, NatWest, and Standard Chartered.

The report highlights ongoing debates about the relative merits of NatWest versus Lloyds, with Lloyds trading at 9.8x compared to NatWest at 8.5x. Some investors believe NatWest needs a stronger growth narrative beyond hedge tailwinds to progress further.

UBS expects all banks to face investor pressure to take their capital ratios to around 13%, similar to Lloyds’ guidance for fiscal year 2026. The firm also identifies bolt-on mergers and acquisitions as a key theme for 2026.

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Markets Should Care About Gold's Surge, Even If Fed's Powell Doesn't. Here's Why. — Barrons.com

Dow Jones Newswires

Gold prices are sending a message, but Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell isn't listening. The central bank chief says the precious metal's surge isn't about inflation risks, but investors shouldn't be too quick to dismiss the link.

The Fed's decision to hold interest rates steady Wednesday wasn't much of a surprise, so Powell's comments were the focus of attention. A more upbeat tone on the economy, minimizing both labor and inflation risks, means traders expect the central bank to freeze its benchmark rate at the current 3.5% to 3.75% level for several months. The S&P 500 slipped below 7000, but the overall stock market mood is still buoyant.

However, for all the cheer, Powell couldn't entirely mask market concerns. Asked about gold's recent jump, he dismissed it — "the argument...that we're losing credibility or something, it's simply not the case" — pointing to longer-term inflation expectations being consistent with the central bank's 2% target.

So is the gold price really disconnected from inflation fears? To be fair to Powell, there are various factors driving the yellow metal's gains. Speculative trading, retail and central bank demand, and geopolitical risks — with President Donald Trump warning of a "massive armada" heading toward Iran — are contributing to its move above $5,500 an ounce on Thursday.

But it stretches credibility to think gold's gains have nothing to do with expectations of rate cuts under the next Fed chair after Powell's term ends in May and the potential resulting inflationary pressures. After all, a potential candidate to lead the central bank, Governor Christopher Waller, was one of two dissenting votes on the Federal Open Market Committee calling for a rate cut Wednesday. Inflation expectations might shift quickly if the market feels a new Fed chair is vulnerable to political pressure from the White House to reduce borrowing costs.

Powell is walking a tricky line in his final months as Fed chair of defending the central bank's independence while also looking to maintain market calm. He might choose to turn a blind eye to gold's signal but that doesn't mean investors should.

Adam Clark

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The Fed Can Wait. Powell Is Confident on Economy.

Jerome Powell's term as Federal Reserve chair is winding down with him seeing the economy on a firm footing, suggesting a lengthy pause in interest-rate cuts after holding rates steady on Wednesday. Monetary policy is close to neutral, he said, risks look more balanced, and there's little urgency to cut.

Fed governors Christopher Waller and Stephen Miran dissented to holding rates steady in favor of another quarter-point cut. The Fed cut three-quarters of a percentage point in the second half of 2025. Yesterday, the policymakers noted growth was solid, an upgrade from their assessment in December.
Wednesday's policy statement also said job gains remain low but the unemployment rate has shown signs of stabilization. The Fed dropped language that had pointed to rising downside risks in the labor market, though they noted inflation remains somewhat elevated. Policy is well positioned to respond as data evolve, Powell said.
Morgan Stanley and Macquarie analysts read Powell's remarks during the press conference as reinforcing a longer pause, even though many Fed watchers expect modest easing later this year, after Powell's term as chair ends in May. Powell's tone on the economy was more upbeat than it has been in months.
If Powell sounded upbeat about the economy, he was careful in discussing politics. He declined to comment on Justice Department subpoenas, any criticism from the White House, the value of the dollar, or his plans for when his term as chair ends. He did emphasize the importance of Fed independence.

What's Next: One issue drew a longer response. Asked why he attended Supreme Court oral arguments in the case involving the Trump administration's efforts to remove Fed governor Lisa Cook, Powell said it would have been harder to explain staying away than showing up.

Nicole Goodkind and Janet H. Cho

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Meta's AI Spending Is Set to Spike 41% This Year

Meta Platforms is dramatically raising its artificial intelligence spending goals for the year. Fourth-quarter expenses rose 40% about half tied to a hiring spree. For the full-year 2026, Meta sees expenses rising by 41% at the midpoint, with capital expenditures hitting between $115 billion and $135 billion.

The capex is being used to build AI data centers, all for Meta's use. As he has for a year now, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg began his prepared remarks on the earnings call by running down where he sees the return on investment from the spending surge.
He wants to build new AI-based experiences for the 3.6 billion people who use Meta apps, including Facebook and Instagram. In an AI age, Zuckerberg believes these experiences are table stakes if Meta wants to keep users coming back every day. Meta is also using AI to improve ad targeting.
Meta CFO Susan Li told analysts it has used AI to improve systems that recommend content to users that keeps them engaged on the platforms and the system that targets users with personalized ads. Paid messaging on WhatsApp passed a $2 billion annual run rate in the fourth quarter.
Microsoft also has been spending enormous amounts of money on its AI infrastructure. Capital expenditures for the second quarter were $37.5 billion, above Wall Street's consensus estimate. CEO Satya Nadella said they are only at the beginning phases of the "AI diffusion."

What's Next: Meta has yet to release the successor to Llama 4, the large language model it released last year. But some believe a new model is coming, The Wall Street Journal reported, which cited an internal Q&A that puts the timeline in the first half of 2026.

Adam Levine and Angela Palumbo

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At Tesla, the Future Is All About Artificial Intelligence

Tesla's earnings conference call was all about artificial intelligence. Analysts focused almost exclusively on self-driving cars, robots, AI chips, and Tesla's new xAI investment. CEO Elon Musk delivered what he called "sad" news, saying the company plans to end production of the Model S and X vehicles.

It will be expensive. Tesla is planning to spend $20 billion on new plants and equipment in 2026, CFO Vaibhav Taneja said, up from about $8.5 billion in 2025. The guidance is about $10 billion above expectations and higher than the record $11 billion spent in 2024.
The factory capacity used to produce Model S and X cars will be used to make robots instead, Musk said. Meanwhile, Tesla agreed to invest approximately $2 billion to acquire shares of Series E Preferred Stock of xAI as part of their recent publicly-disclosed financing round.
Tesla's robo-taxi service can cover 25% to 50% of the U.S. population by the end of the year, pending regulatory approval, according to Musk. That is encouraging, although he said something similar about 2025.
Tesla plans to offer a robo-taxi service in the first half of 2026 in seven new cities: Dallas, Houston, Phoenix, Miami, Orlando, Tampa, and Las Vegas. The populations of those metro areas, plus Austin and San Francisco, where Tesla currently operates robo-taxis, total about 11% of the U.S. population.

What's Next: Tesla has 1.1 million customers for its Full Self-Driving option. About 70% of those paid a one-time fee for it. Tesla recently ended the one-time fee, opting for a $99 a month subscription model. Tesla hopes that FSD-enabled Tesla vehicles will one day be used in an Airbnb-type robo-taxi network.

Al Root

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Oil Hits 4-Month High Amid U.S. Iran Tensions

Oil prices hit a four-month high early Thursday as global markets became increasingly concerned about tensions between the U.S. and Iran.

Brent crude futures topped $69 per barrel early in the day, while West Texas Intermediate reached $65 -- both at their highest levels since Sept. 26. Oil prices are up around 13% so far in 2026.
It comes amid mounting geopolitical risks, and particularly the threat of escalating hostilities between the U.S. and Iran. President Trump is weighing several options, including airstrikes, but has not made a final decision, Reuters and CNN both reported early Thursday.
Trump warned Iran that "time is running out" to reach a nuclear deal, adding that a "massive Armada is heading to Iran," in a post on Truth Social Wednesday.
Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps said the country's armed forces were fully prepared and have action plans in place to respond to any attack, Iran's state news agency IRNA reported.

What's Next: While the hostilities still amount to just threats for now, markets are clearly getting more jittery about the risks of military intervention and, as Trump says, time is running out.