By Marcus Devlin
Two decades covering equity markets. Writes on single stocks, sectors, valuations and the trades behind the tape.
Kokusai Electric raises outlook as AI chip demand drives 71% profit jump
Kokusai Electric posted a 71% jump in fiscal Q1 net income and raised its FY2027 outlook, citing strong demand tied to generative AI chips.
Henkel lifts 2026 sales outlook after strong first half
Henkel raised its 2026 organic sales growth outlook to 1.5%-3.5% after a solid first half. Adhesive Technologies led with 4.5% growth, while
NN Group beats forecasts as Europe insurance drives strong first half
NN Group beat first-half expectations, generating €1.07 billion of operating capital and lifting its interim dividend 12%. Growth was led by
AI worries trigger 5% drop in South Korea's KOSPI as chip giants slide
South Korean stocks plunged more than 5% Thursday as Samsung and SK Hynix led a sharp selloff, sparked by renewed worries about AI-related t
Rupee steadies as oil stays below $80 and $40bn inflows ease pressure
India's rupee steadied this week as Brent crude held below $80 a barrel and over $40 billion in foreign inflows eased depreciation fears. Ch
Ares shrinks €1B private credit fund after investors challenge loan values
Ares Management slashed the target of a private credit continuation vehicle from €1 billion to about €400 million after investors challenged
Oil slips on Hormuz talks; Kenya plans AI-focused ETF
Oil slipped on hopes that Iran-Oman talks could ease tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, trimming the geopolitical risk premium. Meanwhile
Kao and Astellas surge on strong profits, but Taiyo Yuden slips
Kao jumped 12% after first-half profit rose 32.3%, and Astellas gained 5% as quarterly profit more than doubled. But Taiyo Yuden fell despit
Light & Wonder's profit climbs 9% as revenue stays soft
Light & Wonder's adjusted EBITDA rose 9% year-over-year to $383 million, beating analyst expectations. However, revenue growth was soft, wit
Indian shares set to open higher as oil eases and earnings hold up
Indian shares are poised for a higher open, with GIFT Nifty pointing up at 24,686.50. Brent crude eased on signs of progress in Iran-Oman ta
India's LIC stake sale draws strong demand from big investors
India's government sold a 6.5% stake in Life Insurance Corporation, drawing strong demand from institutional investors. The offer was subscr
Brazil's chicken glut set to squeeze JBS and MBRF margins in 2026
JPMorgan expects Brazil's chicken oversupply to continue into 2026, hitting margins at JBS and MBRF. With supply outpacing demand, prices ma