VerifyMe stock rises after regaining Nasdaq compliance

Investing.com -- Morgan Stanley said Google’s launch of its Genie 3 world model has intensified fears of disruption across the video games industry, after shares in several major companies slumped following the announcement. 

Analyst Matthew Cost said the launch “has sparked fears that world models could disrupt how video games are produced,” with potential implications for Unity, Roblox, Take-Two Interactive and AppLovin.

The model, released to subscribers on 29 January, prompted a sharp market reaction, with Unity down 24 percent, AppLovin off 17 percent, Roblox falling 13 percent and Take-Two losing 7 percent. 

Morgan Stanley said Genie 3 has become “a key debate for the game industry this year.”

“Long term, incumbents face two paths: adapt existing tools and frameworks to integrate AI or risk being disrupted by these new technologies,” stated Cost.

Under the first scenario, incumbents integrate AI tools into existing engines, such as Unity and Roblox Studio, to automate tasks like coding and asset creation. 

Morgan Stanley believes the second scenario, in which world models replace current technology, looks simpler in theory but carries major technical obstacles.

The bank argued that while world models can already generate “playable, video game-like worlds,” they suffer from structural limitations. 

The analysts said key issues, such as “determinism, memory, and updates,” may prove difficult to resolve. Because world models are probabilistic rather than deterministic, they lack a central “source of truth,” meaning multiple players could see inconsistent game states.

Cost said these challenges suggest Scenario 1 is more likely, with companies using AI to enhance production while “leveraging existing solutions” rather than replacing established engines outright.

Investing.com -- Air India has grounded one of its Boeing Dreamliner aircraft after a pilot reported an issue with the fuel control switch, the airline said on Monday.

The fuel control switch is currently at the center of an ongoing investigation into a deadly Air India crash that occurred last year.

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

Investing.com -- Blue chip stocks have long been the backbone of investment portfolios, offering stability and reliability in uncertain markets. Recent analysis from WarrenAI has identified several standout performers that combine growth potential with solid fundamentals. These established companies are showing remarkable strength in key metrics including analyst upside potential, revenue growth, and overall financial health.

Cigna Corp (NYSE:CI)

Cigna stands out with an extraordinary 145.5% EPS growth forecast, a figure rarely seen among blue chip companies. Analysts project a substantial 53.6% upside potential for the healthcare giant, which currently offers a respectable 2.2% dividend yield. The company’s financial health is rated "GREAT" by WarrenAI, with shares trading at an attractive 9.2x forward P/E ratio. Cigna’s 15.3% revenue growth further demonstrates its strong market position in the healthcare sector.

First Solar Inc (NASDAQ:FSLR)

As a leader in the clean energy transition, First Solar is experiencing remarkable momentum with 31.2% revenue growth. While the company doesn’t currently pay a dividend, analysts see a 12% upside potential. WarrenAI highlights First Solar as a "growth juggernaut" benefiting from significant green energy tailwinds. The company has positioned itself as a favorite for growth-focused investors looking to capitalize on the expanding renewable energy market.

Newmont Corporation (BCBA:NEMm)

Gold mining giant Newmont is experiencing a renaissance amid record gold prices, with impressive 26.6% revenue growth. Analysts project a 20.5% upside potential, making it an attractive option for investors seeking exposure to precious metals. The company offers a modest 0.9% dividend yield. WarrenAI describes Newmont as "gold’s comeback king," benefiting from renewed interest in gold as both an investment and inflation hedge.

These blue chip selections represent diverse sectors but share common characteristics of strong financial health, substantial growth metrics, and positive analyst sentiment. As always, investors should conduct their own research and consider their individual investment goals before making portfolio decisions.

Investing.com -- British stocks erased earlier losses to trade higher on Monday afternoon as mining shares rebounded from a sharp sell-off, tracking a recovery in metals prices that also lifted broader European markets after a weak open driven by declines in mining and defence stocks.

Markets across Europe and the UK had initially fallen as a significant drop in metals prices rattled investors.

As of 1300 GMT, the blue-chip index FTSE 100 rose 0.6% and the British GBP/USD fell 0.04% to $1.3691. DAX index in Germany gained 0.9%, the CAC 40 in France rose 0.6%.

UK round up

The Bank of England is expected to maintain its interest rate at 3.75% in its upcoming meeting, according to forecasts from major financial institutions. UBS analysts predict the decision will come after another tight vote, noting that despite declining wage growth, with the private sector at 3.6% year-over-year in November and lower wage growth expectations, the gradual nature of this decline doesn’t warrant an immediate policy response. UBS forecasts two rate cuts in 2026, scheduled for March and June, with risks tilted toward additional cuts. The bank also expects the BoE’s updated projections to show inflation returning to the 2% target by the end of 2026. ING takes a similar view but anticipates a more decisive 7-2 vote in favor of keeping rates unchanged, with Alan Taylor and Swati Dhingra likely to be the dissenting voices voting for a cut. The financial services firm points out that while hiring conditions remain weak and pay growth is slowing rapidly, headline inflation remains above 3%. With memories of the 2022 price spike still fresh, the Bank is expected to maintain its cautious stance. Despite this, ING continues to forecast a March rate cut, viewing the probability as higher than the 20% currently priced into markets.

UK manufacturing activity strengthened at the start of 2026, with the S&P Global UK Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) climbing to 51.8 in January from 50.6 in December. The January reading marked a 17-month high for the manufacturing sector and surpassed the preliminary flash estimate of 51.6. This represents the third consecutive month of growth in UK manufacturing activity, as indicated by readings above the 50.0 threshold that separates expansion from contraction. The improvement in January continues the positive momentum seen in the final months of 2025, suggesting a strengthening trend in the UK manufacturing sector as the new year begins.

Rolls-Royce Holdings PLC (LON:RR) has stopped its plans to place a nuclear reactor on the moon by 2029, the Telegraph reported. The company made this decision because it could not find enough potential partners for the lunar project. The aerospace and defense manufacturer had been working on a moon-based nuclear reactor initiative but has now paused these efforts, according to the report.

The UK Treasury is offering its officials up to £100,000 ($136,790) to leave voluntarily as part of a plan to cut hundreds of jobs, the Financial Times reported Monday. Finance Minister Rachel Reeves aims to reduce the Treasury workforce by approximately 300 employees from its current level of about 2,100 staff by 2030, according to people familiar with the plan. The job cuts are part of a broader initiative to reduce administrative costs across Whitehall by 16%.

Gold and silver prices extended their sharp sell-off on Monday, dragging European mining stocks lower as a stronger dollar and profit-taking sapped momentum from the precious metals. The rout in precious metals weighed heavily on miners, with Fresnillo PLC (LON:FRES) leading declines, while Antofagasta PLC (LON:ANTO) also came under notable pressure. Other major mining stocks opened lower, including Anglo American PLC (LON:AAL), Glencore PLC (LON:GLEN), and ArcelorMittal SA (AS:MT). Adding to the pressure on gold and silver, CME Group announced higher margin requirements for precious metals contracts, set to take effect after Monday’s close.

U.K. defence stocks declined Monday after Prime Minister Keir Starmer indicated Britain might join a future European Union defence funding initiative. Starmer stated his government would consider participating in a potential second multi-billion-euro version of the SAFE loans scheme. The announcement comes as ministers prepare for discussions with EU officials in London this week. The news impacted several major defence companies including BAE Systems PLC (LON:BAES), Babcock International Group PLC (LON:BAB), Rolls-Royce Holdings PLC (LON:RR), and Qinetiq Group PLC (LON:QQ).

British house prices rose 0.3% in January, contributing to a 1.0% annual increase compared to January 2025, according to data released Monday by mortgage lender Nationwide Building Society.

In corporate news, Discoverie Group PLC (LON:DSCV) reported a 1% organic sales increase for the three months ended December 31, with group sales up 5% at constant exchange rates. Orders climbed 9% at constant exchange rates and 4% organically, producing a book-to-bill ratio of 1.03x, an improvement from 0.99x in the first half. The company’s previously underperforming Controls operating unit showed improved trends.

3I Infrastructure PLC (LON:3IN) announced it will write down its £212 million investment in German fiber company DNS:NET to zero in its March NAV due to financing challenges in the German fiber sector. The write-down will have a negative impact of approximately 23p per share (5.6%) on NAV, though this is expected to be closer to 18p per share on a net basis after accounting for reduced performance fees.

BFF Bank SpA (BIT:BFF) revealed its CEO is stepping down, with CFO Giuseppe Sica set to replace him as General Manager. The bank is implementing measures to de-risk its portfolio ahead of a planned securitization of non-performing assets, resulting in approximately €72 million in provisions and a €22 million one-off charge. For 2025, BFF forecasts adjusted net income of approximately €150 million, representing a 23% return on equity, while reported net income is expected to be around €70 million.

The Helios Consortium announced an increased possible offer to acquire Cab Payments Holdings PLC (LON:CABP) at $1.15 per share in cash, representing a 21% premium to the thirty-day volume weighted average share price ended January 30. The offer values CAB Payments at approximately $292 million.

FitzWalter Capital Limited announced Monday it does not intend to make an offer for Auction Technology Group PLC (LON:ATG) after the ATG board unanimously rejected its proposed offer of 400 pence per share.

Investing.com -- Shares of rare earths and critical minerals companies surged after news that President Donald Trump plans to establish a $12 billion strategic minerals stockpile to reduce U.S. dependence on Chinese supplies.

USA Rare Earth jumped 6.5%, United States Antimony rose 7%, and Critical Metals climbed 8% following reports of the initiative, dubbed "Project Vault." MP Materials, a leading U.S. rare earths producer, gained 5.5%, while Ramaco Resources added 2%, Trilogy Metals increased 4%, and TMC the metals company rose 6%.

The proposed stockpile would combine $1.67 billion in private capital with a $10 billion loan from the U.S. Export-Import Bank to procure and store critical minerals for American manufacturers, according to Bloomberg News, citing senior administration officials who requested anonymity as the plan has not been officially announced.

Similar to the nation’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve, Project Vault would focus on stockpiling minerals such as gallium and cobalt that are essential for manufacturing smartphones, batteries, jet engines, and other high-tech products. The initiative aims to protect U.S. manufacturers from supply disruptions and price volatility.

The move highlights Trump’s efforts to reduce U.S. reliance on China, which currently dominates global production and processing of rare earths and many critical minerals essential to the automotive, aerospace, and energy sectors.

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