Market Signal Briefing

Wed, 7/01/2026 - 20:53

Bitcoin is on the cusp of plunging below the $90,000 level as bullish enthusiasm fades.

Cover image via U.Today Bitcoin bulls started the year on a high note, pushing the flagship cryptocurrency to nearly $95,000. However, the rally quickly faded.

The flagship coin is now on the cusp of losing the make-it-or-break-it $90,000 level once again. 

Bitcoin has failed to hold above the critical $90,000 level three distinct times since November 2025.

HOT Stories

The current despair among bulls is driven by the realization that the New Year's rally was likely a "bull trap" rather than a structural reversal.

CME gapsIf the breakout does not immediately confirm with strong momentum, the bullish structure is invalidated. 

The CME market closes on weekends and holidays. It leaves a literal blank space or "gap" on the chart when the market reopens at a significantly different price than it closed.

Traders focus on these because of the "gap fill theory." The market has a psychological and algorithmic tendency to "fill" these gaps.

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Bitcoin traders are currently focused on the gap between $90,550 – $91,550 that Bitcoin is seemingly filling right now. If Bitcoin finds support here and "bounces" after filling the gap, the bullish trend might resume. If it slices through, it confirms weakness.

If the support at this level breaks, this lower gap (($88,110 – $88,820) becomes the next logical target for bears.

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Journalist

Posted: January 8, 2026

As the crypto markets kicked off 2026, XRP has been making waves in the crypto space.

While Bitcoin and Ethereum faced unique headwinds, XRP has surged over 31% in early January.

In fact, the token has also overtaken Binance Coin [BNB] to become the third-largest cryptocurrency by market value.

Needless to say, this sudden rise has investors wondering: Is this familiar hype, or has true utility finally arrived?

XRP: The bridge between currencies According to CNBC’s MacKenzie Sigalos, unlike Bitcoin [BTC] or Ethereum [ETH], Ripple [XRP] was engineered for a specific, industrial-grade purpose, and that is cross-border settlement.

In traditional banking, converting USD to JPY can take days and forces banks to lock up large amounts of pre-funded capital abroad.

But with XRP acting as a bridge asset, sitting in the middle to settle these transfers, it takes fractions of seconds instead of days.

Providing more insights, Sigalos said, 

“Unlike stablecoin, which are tokenized dollars, XRP is trying to be the exchange layer that moves value between currencies.”

Why is the hype now? According to CNBC’s discussion, the rotation into XRP is driven by three primary catalysts that converged at the start of 2026.

Topping the list is the multi-year legal battle between Ripple and the SEC, which officially concluded in August 2025.

With both sides dropping appeals and a final $125 million penalty paid, XRP now holds a clean status in the U.S. that few other altcoins can claim.

Secondly, it’s the ETF effect. As of the 7th of January, Spot XRP ETFs have recorded a Cumulative Total Net Inflow worth $1.25B.

Lastly, it’s the MSCI hedge.

Herein, investors have been nervous about a potential MSCI decision regarding “Digital Asset Treasury Companies” like Saylor’s Strategy. Hence, fears of forced selling in Bitcoin-heavy stocks also led some traders to rotate into XRP.

Real adoption vs. “rules of the road” Ripple has already acquired firms like Metaco and Standard Custody to strengthen its full-stack financial services.

Yet, despite all these milestones, caution remains.

Global regulators are still writing the “rules of the road.”

Even on the price front, XRP at press time was trading at $2.23 after a drop of 4.77% in the past 24 hours, as per CoinMarketCap. 

Moreover, the U.S. Crypto Market Infrastructure Bill, meant to clarify digital asset regulations, is delayed in the Senate.

Now, whether XRP still holds its third spot or gets pulled down in the coming months is something everyone is eager to watch.

Final Thoughts The token’s clean regulatory slate gives it a unique advantage in a market still clouded by enforcement actions and legal ambiguity. If ETF inflows continue at this pace, XRP could emerge as the first altcoin with long-term institutional stickiness.

Ishika Kumari is a Crypto Analyst and Content Strategist at AMBCrypto, specializing in the analysis of cryptocurrency regulations, market trends, and the socio-political impact of blockchain technology. Her expertise is grounded in her academic background as a graduate of Political Science from the renowned University of Delhi. This discipline has equipped her with a sophisticated framework for analyzing complex governance models, international regulatory landscapes, and the economic principles that underpin decentralized systems. At AMBCrypto, Ishika applies this unique analytical lens to her work. She excels at breaking down intricate subjects—from the technicalities of new protocols to the nuances of global crypto legislation—into clear, accessible, and insightful content. Her primary mission is to bridge the gap between the complexity of the digital asset industry and the everyday reader, ensuring that AMBCrypto's audience is not just informed, but truly understands the forces shaping the future of finance.

TLDR

Chen Zhi, chairman of Prince Group, was arrested in Cambodia and extradited to China. He is linked to a network of “pig-butchering” scams and forced labor operations. The U.S. is claiming the largest Bitcoin seizure in its history from this haul. This Wednesday, businessman and founder of the Prince Group conglomerate, Chen Zhi, was detained and deported to China in an operation that is shaking the foundations of global cybersecurity. Beijing authorities requested his transfer following a joint investigation linking the businessman to a criminal network and a $15 billion Bitcoin crypto scam.

The tycoon, whose Cambodian citizenship was revoked late last year, was identified by the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) as the ringleader of a vast fraudulent operation. According to authorities, the network operated through forced-labor-based scam compounds in Cambodia, specializing in the “pig-butchering” technique—a form of romantic and investment fraud that generates billions in illicit profits.

Geopolitical Conflict Over the Bitcoin Seizure This case has escalated into a high-level diplomatic dispute. In October, the DOJ initiated an unprecedented forfeiture action to recover the proceeds of this $15 billion Bitcoin crypto scam, which includes hundreds of millions in real estate assets.

However, China has responded with direct accusations against Washington, alleging that part of these funds stems from a previous cyber theft against a Chinese mining pool in 2020. While Beijing asserts that the U.S. government orchestrated the theft of more than 120,000 BTC, North American authorities maintain that the assets in their custody are the direct result of money laundering and fraud connected to Chen Zhi and his entities.

In summary, the capture of this alleged leader represents a significant blow to criminal networks using digital assets for money laundering. The fate of the $15 billion Bitcoin crypto scam remains uncertain as China and the United States dispute the legitimacy and ownership of the seized funds, setting a critical precedent in crypto-asset jurisprudence and international cooperation.

Morgan Stanley’s decision to launch its own Bitcoin ETF is a major bullish signal for the crypto market, highlighting untapped investor demand and shifting institutional dynamics, according to Bitwise advisor Jeff Park.

Summary

Speaking Wednesday, Jeff Park outlined three key reasons why the move reinforces his bullish outlook. The market is far larger than anticipated: even two years after the first ETF launch, Morgan Stanley sees enough demand through its proprietary wealth channels to justify a branded product. “It means we are still so early,” Park said. The investment bank filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to seek approval to launch exchange-traded funds linked to cryptocurrency prices.

On X, Park outlined three key reasons why this move reinforces his bullish outlook. First, the market is far larger than anticipated: even two years after the first ETF launch, Morgan Stanley sees enough demand through its proprietary wealth channels to justify a branded product.

“It means we are still so early,” Park said.

Second, Bitcoin’s social importance amplifies the move. Unlike gold, where branded ETFs are rare, offering a Bitcoin ETF communicates forward-thinking credibility, helping attract ultra-high-net-worth independent investors and top talent.

Park noted that even if the ETF doesn’t scale to blockbuster success, it strengthens Morgan Stanley’s brand and advisory clout.

Third, the launch reflects defensive platform strategy. By creating its own ETF rather than relying on third parties, Morgan Stanley retains distribution control and prevents fee leakage.

Distribution owns the customer, not product superiority, Park explained, framing the launch as inevitable from a platform economics perspective.

Taken together, Park sees the ETF as confirming a larger total addressable market, enhancing Bitcoin’s social and institutional relevance, and fortifying proprietary distribution advantages.

heres what most people are missing about why Morgan Stanley launching Bitcoin ETF is the most bullish thing ever-

1) it means the market is MUCH bigger than even crypto professionals anticipated, especially to reach NEW customers. It is unheard of for a vanilla ETF product to…

— Jeff Park (@dgt10011) January 7, 2026 He added that Bitwise, which leads U.S. crypto index ETFs and Solana ETFs while offering integrated staking and custom strategies, is uniquely positioned to benefit from the shift.

TL;DR

Riot Platforms sold 1,818 Bitcoin for $161.6M in December, shifting focus to AI and data-center infrastructure over pure mining. The company holds 18,005 BTC and will switch to quarterly reports, prioritizing business performance over monthly mining stats. Miners are pivoting to AI compute to secure stable revenue after the Bitcoin halving reduced block rewards. Riot Platforms closed December with a sale of 1,818 Bitcoin for $161.6 million, at an average net price of $88,870 per coin. The company prioritizes monetizing power and data-center infrastructure—especially AI workloads—over pure BTC output.

As of December 31, Riot reports 18,005 BTC on balance, including 3,977 BTC pledged as collateral, and produced 460 BTC during the month. Management will end monthly operating updates and move to quarterly reports focused on overall business performance, progress on the data-center plan, and Bitcoin mining. In October, leadership signaled that mining no longer serves as the end goal, but as one pillar within a broader energy-and-compute agenda.

AI and energy: why miners look beyond BTC The April 2024 halving cut block rewards and raised unit costs, so multiple miners redirect electric capacity and white space toward high-performance compute. The appeal is clear: multi-year GPU-cloud contracts, steadier cash flow, and better use of sunk capex in power and cooling.

Riot outlines a 1-gigawatt AI campus, a scale point suited for long-duration deals. Operators of energy-dense sites already manage interconnections, power procurement, and 24/7 operations. Converting the existing base into computing revenue diversifies income and reduces cyclicality tied to BTC.

By selling BTC into strength or during consolidation, the firm funds construction, equipment, and GPU racks without heavy leverage. A 18,005 BTC position preserves exposure while serving as a financial cushion for capex peaks or low-liquidity windows.

Equity holders prize cash-flow visibility and execution A pivot to quarterly disclosure aims to measure the business by segment: physical progress across the campus, utilization, committed capex, power costs, and mining metrics. The breakdown supports comparisons with hyperscalers and crypto peers offering AI colocation.

Key markers for 2026 include firm GPU-capacity contracts, entry-into-service dates for new halls, mix between mining and services, and discipline on energy costs. If the company secures high utilization and keeps a resilient treasury—with BTC as a tactical asset—the narrative relies less on spot price and more on durable data-center cash flows.

TL;DR

BlackRock clarifies that Bitcoin and Ethereum are “early” in terms of institutional adoption, not valuation levels. Most pension funds, insurers, and sovereign portfolios still hold zero direct exposure to BTC and ETH. With Bitcoin at $90,094 and Ethereum at $3,137, recent price declines reflect market cycles, not stalled adoption.
Bitcoin and Ethereum continue to sit at the center of global crypto markets, but BlackRock is urging investors to rethink what “early” really means. Recent comments from the asset manager underline a structural argument about adoption rather than price expectations, offering a longer-term lens on digital assets.

Bitcoin and Ethereum often appear mature due to their scale, liquidity, and global recognition. However, market size does not equal full integration into traditional finance. The gap between active trading and long-term institutional allocation remains significant, even after years of market development.

Bitcoin And Ethereum In Institutional Allocation When BlackRock executives describe Bitcoin and Ethereum as early-stage assets, they are referring to their position inside institutional portfolios. Across pensions, insurance companies, and sovereign funds, exposure to crypto remains close to zero in most cases. This is driven less by skepticism and more by governance rules, internal risk limits, and regulatory processes that evolve slowly.

Even after the approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs in the United States, adoption has been selective rather than universal. These products reduced operational barriers and simplified custody, yet many institutions still require long evaluation cycles before introducing new asset classes. Compared with equities or fixed income, Bitcoin and Ethereum remain peripheral in strategic allocation models.

This pattern mirrors earlier financial instruments. ETFs and index products existed for years before becoming default portfolio components. Crypto infrastructure is now largely in place, but large-scale capital typically follows infrastructure with a delay.

Price Action Versus Adoption Timelines Market prices tend to move faster than institutions. Bitcoin trades at $90,094 after a 1.63% decline over the last 24 hours, while Ethereum stands at $3,137, down 3.27% over the same period. These moves reflect liquidity conditions and macro risk sentiment rather than changes in long-term adoption trends.

Institutions rarely react to short-term volatility. Capital allocation decisions move through committees, benchmarks, and policy reviews, processes measured in years rather than days. As a result, adoption curves often lag price discovery, even in liquid and widely traded markets like Bitcoin and Ethereum.

Crypto Scam Kingpin Behind $15B Bitcoin Seizure Deported to China — What Happens Next?

Hassan Shittu

Journalist

Hassan Shittu

Part of the Team Since

Jun 2023

About Author

Hassan, a Cryptonews.com journalist with 6+ years of experience in Web3 journalism, brings deep knowledge across Crypto, Web3 Gaming, NFTs, and Play-to-Earn sectors. His work has appeared in...

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Last updated: 

8 minutes ago

Chinese authorities have taken custody of Chen Zhi, the businessman at the center of what U.S. officials describe as one of the largest crypto scam and money laundering operations ever uncovered.

The move places the alleged kingpin behind a multibillion-dollar “pig butchering” network directly into China’s criminal justice system, raising questions about how Beijing will prosecute one of the most complex transnational crypto cases to date.

Cambodia Hands Over Chen Zhi After Revoking CitizenshipCambodia China Times and statements from Cambodia’s Ministry of Interior stated that Chen Zhi, along with two associates, Xu Ji Liang and Shao Ji Hui, was arrested on January 6 following months of joint investigations by Cambodian and Chinese authorities.

Beijing had desired the three to be deported to China. According to Cambodian authorities, the operation was conducted as a bilateral cooperation agreement that involved transnational crime.

In December 2025, Chen had already been removed as the royal decree had revoked his Cambodian citizenship, paving the way.

Chen, 38, has been the chairman and founder of Prince Group, a conglomerate that started its operations in Cambodia in the year 2015 and has interests in real estate, finance, and hospitality.

Although the company was publicly a legitimate regional company, U.S. and U.K. authorities have alleged that it was a cover to facilitate a massive criminal network, which they claim was developed through online frauds, money laundering, and forced labor.

Prince Group has refuted all the allegations.

The deportation is possible after the enforcement efforts by the United States in October, when the federal prosecutors sought to seize over 127,000 bitcoin they claimed was tied to wallets operated by Chen and his network.

By that point, the Bitcoin was worth approximately 15 billion dollars, which is the biggest cryptocurrency seizure to date associated with the use of online fraud.

The U.S. Treasury and the U.K. government had jointly described Prince Group as a transnational criminal group, and U.S. sanctions had been extended to dozens of crypto wallets containing hundreds of millions of dollars in Bitcoin.

After Deportation, Chinese Courts Set to Handle Global Crypto Fraud CaseThe schemes, commonly known as pig-butchering scams, involved building trust with victims before directing them to fake crypto trading platforms.

Once funds were deposited, the platforms disappeared. Investigators say the proceeds were funneled through more than 100 shell companies, crypto exchanges, and mining operations before being consolidated into private Bitcoin wallets.

The case now takes a new turn with Chen being back in China. The Chinese law enables the authorities to prosecute the citizens in case a serious crime was committed abroad, especially when it dealt with a massive fraud, money laundering, and human trafficking.

Even though the official charges are not yet declared, Chinese courts in the past have sentenced very harshly in similar cases, such as life imprisonment, and in extreme cases involving violence or forced labor, the death penalty.

Asset forfeiture is also anticipated by the Chinese authorities. Coordination with foreign governments is likely, given that U.S. officials have already seized billions of dollars in Bitcoin connected to the case.

Those assets could ultimately be used for victim compensation if courts approve such measures.

The arrest comes amid a broader global crackdown on crypto-enabled fraud networks operating across Southeast Asia.

Over the past year, regulators and law enforcement agencies have worked with major crypto firms to freeze and recover illicit funds.

Tether, Binance, Coinbase, and blockchain analytics firms have all assisted in tracing and blocking assets tied to pig-butchering scams.

U.S. data shows reported losses from these schemes reached $3.6 billion in 2024, showing their growing scale.

TLDR: JupUSD maintains 90% reserves in USDtb collateralized by BlackRock’s BUIDL Fund with 10% USDC buffer.  Three independent security audits completed before launch with institutional custody through Anchorage Digital.  Jupiter Lend integration offers exclusive promotional rewards for jlJupUSD token holders beyond standard yields.  Stablecoin will expand across Limit Orders, DCA, Mobile, Perps, and prediction markets on Jupiter platform. Jupiter Exchange has introduced JupUSD, a reserve-backed stablecoin pegged to the US Dollar. The platform announced the launch through its official X account, positioning the new token as infrastructure for decentralized finance operations. 

Built in collaboration with Ethena Labs, JupUSD operates on established stablecoin mechanisms with institutional-grade custody solutions. 

The token aims to serve as a unified currency across Jupiter’s product ecosystem while maintaining a one-to-one peg with the US Dollar.

The stablecoin for onchain finance has arrived.

Introducing: JupUSD

A reserve-backed stablecoin pegged to the US Dollar, designed to power the next chapter of finance.

Let’s dive in 👇 pic.twitter.com/dE0pIj35UV

— Jupiter (@JupiterExchange) January 5, 2026

Reserve Structure and Security Framework The stablecoin’s reserve composition follows a conservative allocation strategy at launch. Initially, 90% of backing will consist of USDtb, a regulated stablecoin collateralized by BlackRock’s BUIDL Fund. 

The remaining 10% provides a liquidity buffer through USDC holdings. This structure offers compliance with GENIUS standards while maintaining redemption flexibility.

Jupiter plans to gradually incorporate USDe into the reserve mix over time. This adjustment would enhance operational flexibility and improve economic efficiency for the broader ecosystem. The transition approach allows for risk management while expanding reserve diversification.

Security measures include custody through Porto, operated by Anchorage Digital. The platform selected institutional-grade self-custody to protect reserve assets. 

Additionally, the codebase underwent three independent security audits from Offside Labs, Guardian Audits, and Pashov Audit Group before deployment.

Integration Across Jupiter Ecosystem JupUSD connects with Jupiter Lend to enable lending, borrowing, and leverage operations. Users depositing into Lend’s Earn Vaults receive jlJupUSD tokens with promotional rewards. 

These benefits supplement standard lending yields and remain exclusive to JupUSD deposits. The platform also plans to establish borrow vaults for additional liquidity provision.

The stablecoin will expand across Jupiter’s product suite in phases. Integration includes Limit Orders and Dollar-Cost Averaging features with reward mechanisms. 

Mobile applications will incorporate JupUSD for streamlined user experience. Perpetual trading platforms will accept the token as JLP collateral.

Prediction markets represent another use case for settlement operations. Jupiter’s unified product architecture enables these cross-platform integrations without fragmentation. 

The approach creates a single-dollar standard across all services. This design reduces friction for users moving between different Jupiter products while maintaining consistent collateral requirements.

As much of the crypto market cools, one token is pulling ahead. XRP has become the standout trade of the 2026 crypto rally, leapfrogging Binance’s BNB by market value after a sharp weekly surge, according to CNBC analyst MacKenzie Sigalos.

Summary

“The breakout trade of the 2026 crypto rally isn’t Bitcoin or Ether — it is XRP,” Sigalos said. The Ripple-linked token is up more than 20% over the past week and has been a steady outperformer for months, she explained. The broader crypto complex, however, continues to pull back. On Tuesday, Jan. 6, Sigalos pointed out:

“The breakout trade of the 2026 crypto rally isn’t Bitcoin or Ether — it is XRP. Now, the token tied to Ripple is up more than 20% over the past week, pushing past Binance’s BNB to become the third-largest cryptocurrency by market value.”

XRP’s rally has been fueled by a combination of fundamentals and flows. The token’s core use case centers on payments—specifically cross-border settlement—where Ripple positions XRP as a bridge asset that can move value between currencies in seconds rather than days.

Source: CoinGecko That pitch, aimed squarely at banks and payment providers, stands in contrast to Bitcoin’s “digital gold” narrative and to stablecoins, which simply tokenize fiat currency.

Investors have also been drawn to XRP as a less crowded trade relative to Bitcoin and Ether, particularly after Ripple cleared its long-running regulatory overhang by resolving its SEC case. Importantly, XRP-focused investment products continued to attract inflows through the fourth quarter, even as Bitcoin ETF flows softened alongside prices.

With regulatory uncertainty easing and capital rotating away from more congested trades, Sigalos said XRP has quietly gained momentum from a lower base—setting it apart as money searches for alternatives within the crypto market.

Ironwood Pharmaceuticals Today

IRWD

Ironwood Pharmaceuticals

$4.11 -0.19 (-4.49%)

As of 03:27 PM Eastern

This is a fair market value price provided by Massive. Learn more.

52-Week Range$0.53▼

$5.78P/E Ratio25.77

Price Target$6.12

The pharmaceutical sector is famously volatile, usually driven by the binary outcomes of clinical trials. A drug either works, sending the stock to the moon, or it fails, causing a crash. However, investors in Ironwood Pharmaceuticals NASDAQ: IRWD witnessed a different kind of surge to kick off 2026. Between Friday, Jan. 2, and Tuesday, Jan. 6, Ironwood shares rallied approximately 26%, climbing aggressively into the $4.50 range.

This move was not triggered by a medical breakthrough or a takeover rumor. It was driven by something far more fundamental: a massive discrepancy between what Ironwood’s analyst community expected and what the company actually delivered. Ironwood released a financial outlook for 2026 that shattered consensus estimates, forcing a complete repricing of the stock. For investors who watched Ironwood struggle through 2025, this rally signals a potential turning point where business strategy, rather than science, is driving value.

Get IRWD alerts:

Smashing Consensus: Why a 40% Beat Is Rare To understand the magnitude of this stock movement, it is necessary to look at the numbers that caused the shock. In the stock market, guidance is the company’s own prediction of its future performance. Analysts use this to build their models, creating a consensus estimate that the market uses to price the stock. Usually, commercial-stage companies like Ironwood are predictable; missing or beating forecasts by 5% is considered significant.

Ironwood Pharmaceuticals Stock Forecast Today12-Month Stock Price Forecast:
$6.12
48.28% Upside

Moderate Buy
Based on 9 Analyst Ratings

Current Price$4.13High Forecast$14.00Average Forecast$6.12Low Forecast$0.70Ironwood Pharmaceuticals Stock Forecast Details

Ironwood unexpectedly revised its 2026 revenue projections, causing a stir. Analysts had anticipated revenue of around $319 million. However, on Jan. 2, the company released official guidance that projected significantly higher total revenue, between $450 million and $475 million.

This is not a small margin of error. Ironwood is projecting revenue roughly 40% higher than the market anticipated. Furthermore, the company highlighted its profitability, projecting Adjusted EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization) of over $300 million.

This data proves that Ironwood is not a cash-burning biotech hoping for a miracle; it is a cash-generating business with significant earnings power. The sheer size of this beat forced analysts to scramble. Major firms, including Citizens JMP, Citigroup and Wells Fargo, immediately issued upgrades and raised their price targets, acknowledging that their previous models were too pessimistic. 

Strategic Shift: Winning by Cutting Costs The most compelling aspect of this story, and the primary driver of that extra revenue, is the counterintuitive strategy Ironwood employed to get there. How does a company suddenly find an additional $150 million in revenue without launching a new drug?

The answer lies in a strategic decision regarding LINZESS, the company’s blockbuster treatment for Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation (IBS-C). Effective January 1, 2026, Ironwood and its commercial partner, AbbVie NYSE: ABBV, cut the list price of LINZESS by approximately 50%.

For the average consumer, a 50% price cut usually sounds like a loss of revenue for the seller. However, the U.S. pharmaceutical pricing system is unique. Under regulations like the Inflation Reduction Act, drug companies are often penalized if they raise prices over time. Because LINZESS has been on the market for over a decade, it has accumulated significant inflationary penalty rebates.

Here is the simple breakdown of the mechanism:

The Old Way: The list price was high, but Ironwood had to pay massive rebates back to Medicaid and other government programs as a penalty. This meant the net price (the cash Ironwood actually kept) was shrinking. The New Way: By slashing the list price, Ironwood resets the baseline. This move effectively eliminates or drastically reduces the penalty rebates. The Outcome: Although the sticker price is lower, the company keeps a much larger percentage of every dollar. Management refers to this as margin optimization. By removing the rebate burden, Ironwood has turned a regulatory headwind into a financial tailwind. This ensures that LINZESS remains a cash cow for the company, generating the funds needed to run the business without relying on outside capital.

Clearing the Runway: Pipeline Clarity and Cash Flow While the pricing strategy secures the present, the stock market always looks to the future. Throughout 2025, Ironwood’s share price was depressed by uncertainty surrounding its pipeline asset, apraglutide, a potential treatment for Short Bowel Syndrome. The FDA required additional clinical testing, which created a cloud over the stock. Investors dislike uncertainty, and the delay led many to sell their shares.

The updated 2026 guidance provided a critical update on this front. Ironwood confirmed that the confirmatory Phase 3 trial for apraglutide is scheduled to begin in the first half of 2026.

This update is bullish for two specific reasons:

Timeline Certainty: The will they or won't they debate is over. The trial has a start date, and the regulatory path is clear. Financial Independence: This is the most crucial point for investors. Clinical trials are costly. Often, small pharma companies must sell new stock (diluting existing shareholders) or take on high-interest debt to fund these trials. Because of the margin optimization strategy, Ironwood expects to generate over 300 million in adjusted earnings this year. This means the company can fully fund the expensive apraglutide trial using its own cash flow. 

The Bottom Line: Why the Bulls Are Back in Charge Overall MarketRank™93rd Percentile

Analyst RatingModerate Buy

Upside/Downside48.3% Upside

Short Interest LevelHealthy

Dividend StrengthN/A

News Sentiment0.58 Insider TradingN/A

Proj. Earnings Growth150.00%

See Full Analysis

Ironwood Pharmaceuticals has successfully hit the reset button for 2026. The 26% rally observed in the first week of the year is a rational response to a company that has fundamentally improved its financial health.

By implementing a savvy pricing strategy, management has unlocked significant value in the LINZESS franchise, securing cash flows that extend toward the patent expiration in 2029. This cash flow protects the company from the need to raise capital and fully funds its future growth engine, apraglutide.

While risks remain, specifically the execution of the upcoming clinical trial and the eventual entry of generic competition later in the decade, the immediate pressure has been lifted. The stock was priced for disaster in late 2025, but the new guidance proves the business is healthy. For investors, Ironwood has transitioned from a distressed asset to a compelling recovery story, backed by the strongest fundamental indicator of all: cold, hard cash.

Should You Invest $1,000 in Ironwood Pharmaceuticals Right Now?Before you consider Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, you'll want to hear this.

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The debts that Venezuela owes ConocoPhillips and ExxonMobil are not an immediate priority for the Trump administration after the overthrow of President Nicolas Maduro, Energy Secretary Chris Wright told CNBC on Wednesday.

"The huge debts that are owed Conoco and Exxon, those are very real and need to be recompensed in the future," Wright told CNBC's Brian Sullivan. "But that's a longer term issue. That's not a short-term issue."

Conoco and Exxon filed arbitration cases against Venezuela after former President Hugo Chavez nationalized the oil industry in 2007. Venezuela owes Conoco about $10 billion and Exxon about $2 billion, according to a JPMorgan note published on Monday.

The Trump administration's immediate priority is stabilizing Venezuela, Wright said.

"What we need to do with the revenue from those oil sales is stabilize the economy in Venezuela, stop the collapse of the Bolivar, prevent Venezuela from becoming a failed state," the energy secretary said.

Conoco and Exxon exited Venezuela after the Chavez nationalization. Chevron remained and is the only U.S. oil major operating in the country through a special license issued by the Trump administration.

It will take time for U.S. oil majors to invest the billions of dollars needed to rebuild Venezuela's eenergy infrastructure, Wright said.

"If you're Exxon or Conoco and you've exited the country, you just need normal, commercial business conditions, rule of law and some security to go back in. That will take some time," he said.

The Trump administration will work with Chevron on "incremental tweaks or changes" to allow their production to grow, he said.

Venezuelan production could grow by several hundred thousand barrels per day in the short to medium term, Wright said earlier at Goldman Sachs' annual energy conference in Miami.

The energy secretary said the U.S. will control Venezuela's oil sales indefinitely.

"We're going to market the crude coming out of Venezuela — first this backed up stored oil and then indefinitely, going forward, we will sell the production that comes out of Venezuela into the marketplace," Wright said at the Goldman conference.

"We need to have that leverage and that control of those oil sales to drive the changes that simply must happen in Venezuela," the energy secretary said.

Trump will meet with oil executives at the White House on Friday, sources told CNBC's Brian Sullivan. The CEOs of ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips as well as a representative from Chevron are expected to attend the meeting.

, /PRNewswire/ -- The Law Offices of Howard G. Smith announces that investors with substantial losses have opportunity to lead the securities fraud class action lawsuit against Perrigo Company plc ("Perrigo" or the "Company") (NYSE: PRGO).

IF YOU ARE AN INVESTOR WHO SUFFERED A LOSS IN PERRIGO COMPANY PLC (PRGO), CONTACT THE LAW OFFICES OF HOWARD G. SMITH BEFORE JANUARY 16, 2026 (LEAD PLAINTIFF DEADLINE) TO PARTICIPATE IN THE ONGOING SECURITIES FRAUD LAWSUIT.

Contact the Law Offices of Howard G. Smith to discuss your legal rights by email at [email protected], by telephone at (215) 638-4847 or visit our website at www.howardsmithlaw.com.

What Is The Lawsuit About?
The complaint filed alleges that, between February 27, 2023 and November 4, 2025, Defendants failed to disclose to investors: (1) that the infant formula business acquired from Nestlé suffered from significant underinvestment in maintenance, operational improvements, and repairs; (2) that Perrigo needed to make substantial capital and operational expenditures above the Company's outwardly stated cost estimates to remediate the infant formula business; (3) that there were significant manufacturing deficiencies in the facility for the Company's infant formula business; (4) that, as a result of the foregoing, the Company's financial results, including earnings and cash flow, were overstated; and (5) that, as a result of the foregoing, Defendants' positive statements about the Company's business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis.

Contact Us To Participate or Learn More:
If you wish to learn more about this class action, or if you have any questions concerning this announcement or your rights or interests with respect to the pending class action lawsuit, please contact:
Howard G. Smith, Esq.,
Law Offices of Howard G. Smith,
3070 Bristol Pike, Suite 112,
Bensalem, Pennsylvania 19020,
Call us at: (215) 638-4847
Email us at: [email protected],
Visit our website at: www.howardsmithlaw.com.

To be a member of the class action you need not take any action at this time; you may retain counsel of your choice or take no action and remain an absent member of the class action.

This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules.

Contact Us:
Law Offices of Howard G. Smith
Howard G. Smith, Esquire
215-638-4847
[email protected]
www.howardsmithlaw.com

SOURCE Law Offices of Howard G. Smith

U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright says the U.S. is "not taking" Venezuela's oil during a sit-down with CNBC's Brian Sullivan.

HomeStock IdeasLong IdeasHealthcare 

SummaryHims & Hers Health is aggressively expanding through new product launches, international markets, and strategic acquisitions, supporting a bullish outlook.HIMS targets $6.5 billion in 2030 revenue, leveraging a subscriber base with significant runway to reach a 10 million target.Management signals potential to exceed long-term targets, reinforced by a $250 million share buyback reflecting confidence in undervalued shares.The market undervalues HIMS, trading at just 3x 2026 sales targets, despite accelerating growth initiatives and conservative analyst estimates.This idea was discussed in more depth with members of my private investing community, Out Fox The Street. Learn More » Rasi Bhadramani/iStock via Getty Images

Hims & Hers Health, Inc. (HIMS) remains an unwarranted roller coaster stock. The online health and wellness platform is full-speed ahead with growth initiatives, from entering new specialties to aggressive international expansion, providing huge growth opportunities for the rest of the

Analyst’s Disclosure:I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, but may initiate a beneficial Long position through a purchase of the stock, or the purchase of call options or similar derivatives in HIMS over the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

The information contained herein is for informational purposes only. Nothing in this article should be taken as a solicitation to purchase or sell securities. Before buying or selling any stock, you should do your own research and reach your own conclusion or consult a financial advisor. Investing includes risks, including loss of principal.

Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.

, /PRNewswire/ -- Glancy Prongay & Murray LLP announces that investors with losses have opportunity to lead the securities fraud class action lawsuit against Klarna Group plc ("Klarna" or the "Company") (NYSE: KLAR).

IF YOU SUFFERED A LOSS ON YOUR KLARNA INVESTMENTS, CLICK HERE BEFORE FEBRUARY 20, 2026 (LEAD PLAINTIFF DEADLINE) TO PARTICIPATE IN THE SECURITIES FRAUD LAWSUIT

What Is The Lawsuit About?
The complaint filed alleges that, pursuant and/or traceable to the registration statement and related prospectus issued in connection with the Company's September 2025 initial public offering, Defendants failed to disclose to investors hat: (1) Defendants materially understated the risk that its loss reserves would materially go up within a few months of the IPO, which they either knew of or should have known of given the risk profile of many individuals agreeing to Klarnas buy now, pay later (BNPL) loans; and (2) as a result, Defendants' positive statements about the Company's business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times.

Contact Us To Participate or Learn More:
If you wish to learn more about this action, or if you have any questions concerning this announcement or your rights or interests with respect to these matters, please contact us.
Charles Linehan, Esq.,
Glancy Prongay & Murray LLP,
1925 Century Park East, Suite 2100,
Los Angeles California 90067
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 310-201-9150 (Toll-Free: 888-773-9224)
Visit our website at www.glancylaw.com.
Follow us for updates on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook.

If you inquire by email, please include your mailing address, telephone number and number of shares purchased. 

To be a member of the class action you need not take any action at this time; you may retain counsel of your choice or take no action and remain an absent member of the class action.

This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules.

Contact Us:
Glancy Prongay & Murray LLP,
1925 Century Park East, Suite 2100,
Los Angeles, CA 90067
Charles Linehan
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 310-201-9150
Toll-Free: 888-773-9224
Visit our website at: www.glancylaw.com.

SOURCE Glancy Prongay & Murray LLP

, /PRNewswire/ -- Compass, Inc. (NYSE: COMP) ("Compass") and Anywhere Real Estate Inc. (NYSE: HOUS) ("Anywhere") announce that stockholders of each company voted overwhelmingly to approve and adopt, as applicable, all proposals related to the previously announced merger (the "Merger") of Compass and Anywhere at their respective special meetings of stockholders held today. The Merger is expected to close on January 9, 2026, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.

Anywhere Real Estate. "We are pleased with the strong support from our and Anywhere's stockholders in approving this transaction," said Robert Reffkin, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Compass. "Today's outcome reflects confidence in our shared vision to empower real estate professionals with everything they need to grow their business and better serve their clients."

Approximately 99% of the votes cast at Compass' special stockholders meeting voted to approve the proposal to issue shares of Compass Class A common stock to Anywhere stockholders in connection with the Merger, and approximately 72.4% of the outstanding shares of Anywhere's common stock voted to approve the proposal to adopt the merger agreement at Anywhere's special stockholders meeting.

About Compass

Compass is a leading tech-enabled real estate services company that includes the largest residential real estate brokerage in the United States by sales volume. Founded in 2012 and based in New York City, Compass provides an end-to-end platform that empowers its residential real estate agents at its owned-brokerage to deliver exceptional service to seller and buyer clients. The platform includes an integrated suite of cloud-based software for customer relationship management, marketing, client service, brokerage services, and other critical functionality, all custom-built for the real estate industry. Compass agents utilize the platform to grow their business, save time, and manage their business more efficiently.

About Anywhere

Anywhere (NYSE: HOUS) is moving real estate to what's next. Anywhere fulfills its purpose to empower everyone's next move through its leading integrated services, which include franchise, brokerage, relocation, and title and settlement businesses, as well as mortgage and title insurance underwriter minority owned joint ventures. Anywhere's brands are some of the most recognized names in real estate: Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate, CENTURY 21®, Coldwell Banker®, Coldwell Banker Commercial®, Corcoran®, ERA®, and Sotheby's International Realty®. Every day, Anywhere helps fuel the productivity of its vast network of franchise owners and Anywhere's more than 300,000 affiliated agents globally as they build stronger businesses and best serve today's consumers. Learn more about Anywhere's award-winning culture of innovation and integrity at www.anywhere.re.

Investor Contact
Soham Bhonsle
[email protected] 

Media Contact
Devin Daly Huerta
[email protected] 

Investor Contact 
Tom Hudson
[email protected] 

Media Contact 
Kyle Kirkpatrick
[email protected] 

Forward-Looking Statements

This communication contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements include all statements that do not relate solely to historical or current facts, and can generally be identified by the use of words such as "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "project," "estimate," "potential," "plan," and similar expressions or future or conditional verbs such as "will," "should," "would," "may" and "could."  These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements related to the expected benefits of the Merger; the anticipated impact of the Merger on the combined company's business and future financial and operating results, including the expected leverage of the combined company and the amount and timing of synergies from the Merger; the expected timeline; and the ability to satisfy all closing conditions. Forward-looking statements inherently involve many risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in these statements, including statements about the consummation of the Merger and the anticipated benefits thereof.  Where, in any forward-looking statement, Anywhere or Compass express an expectation or belief as to future results or events, it is based on Anywhere and/or Compass' current plans and expectations, expressed in good faith and believed to have a reasonable basis. However, neither Anywhere nor Compass can give any assurance that any such expectation or belief will result or will be achieved or accomplished.  Important risk factors that may cause such a difference include, but are not limited to: Compass' and Anywhere's ability to consummate the Merger on the expected timeline or at all; the risk that a condition of closing of the Merger may not be satisfied or that the closing of the Merger might otherwise not occur; the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance or condition that could give rise to the termination of the merger agreement, including in circumstances requiring Anywhere or Compass to pay a termination fee; the diversion of management time on transaction-related issues; risks related to disruption from the Merger, including disruption of management time from current plans and ongoing business operations due to the Merger and integration matters; the risk that the Merger and its announcement could have an adverse effect on Compass' and Anywhere's ability to retain agents and personnel or that there could be potential adverse reactions or changes to business relationships resulting from the announcement or completion of the Merger; unexpected costs, charges or expenses resulting from the Merger; potential litigation relating to the Merger that could be instituted against the parties to the merger agreement or their respective directors, managers or officers, including the effects of any outcomes related thereto; the ability of the combined company to achieve the synergies and other anticipated benefits expected from the Merger or such synergies and other anticipated benefits taking longer to realize than anticipated; the ability of the combined company to achieve the expected leverage or such leverage taking longer to realize than anticipated; Compass' ability to integrate Anywhere promptly and effectively; anticipated tax treatment, unforeseen liabilities, future capital expenditures, economic performance, future prospects and business and management strategies for the management, expansion and growth of the combined company's operations; certain restrictions during the pendency of the Merger that may impact Anywhere's or Compass' ability to pursue certain business opportunities or strategic transactions or otherwise operate their respective businesses; and other risk factors detailed from time to time in Anywhere's and Compass' reports filed with the SEC, including Anywhere's and Compass' annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and other documents filed with the SEC, including documents that will be filed with the SEC in connection with the Merger.

These risks, as well as other risks associated with the Merger, are more fully discussed in the registration statement on Form S-4 filed by Compass on November 14, 2025 (the "Registration Statement"), including a joint proxy statement of Compass and Anywhere that also constitutes a prospectus of Compass. The definitive Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus was filed by Anywhere on December 2, 2025 (the "Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus", and together with the Registration Statement, the "Definitive Filing").  While the list of factors presented here and the list of factors presented in the Definitive Filing are considered representative, no such list should be considered to be a complete statement of all potential risks and uncertainties. Unlisted factors may present significant additional obstacles to the realization of forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance on any of these forward-looking statements as they are not guarantees of future performance or outcomes; actual performance and outcomes, including, without limitation, Anywhere's or Compass' actual results of operations, financial condition and liquidity, and the development of new markets or market segments in which Anywhere or Compass operate, may differ materially from those made in or suggested by the forward-looking statements contained in this communication. Neither Anywhere nor Compass assumes any obligation to publicly provide revisions or updates to any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, should circumstances change, except as otherwise required by securities and other applicable laws. Neither future distribution of this communication nor the continued availability of this communication in archive form on Anywhere's or Compass' website should be deemed to constitute an update or re-affirmation of these statements as of any future date.

SOURCE COMPASS

NEW YORK, Jan. 07, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The following statement is being issued by Levi & Korsinsky, LLP:

To: All persons or entities who purchased or otherwise acquired common stock of Varonis Systems, Inc. (“Varonis” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: VRNS) between February 4, 2025, and October 28, 2025, inclusive. You are hereby notified that the class action lawsuit Artem Molchanov v. Varonis Systems, Inc., et al. (Case No. 1:26-cv-00117) has been commenced in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. To get more information go to:

https://zlk.com/pslra-1/varonis-systems-inc-lawsuit-submission-form

or contact Joseph E. Levi, Esq. either via email at [email protected] or by telephone at (212) 363-7500. There is no cost or obligation to you.

According to the complaint, defendants provided overwhelmingly positive statements to investors while, at the same time, disseminating materially false and misleading statements and/or concealing material adverse facts concerning the true state of Varonis’ ability to convert its existing customer base; notably, that it was not truly equipped to convince existing users of the benefits of converting to the SaaS offering or otherwise maintain those customers on its platform, resulting in significantly reduced ARR growth potential in the near-term.

On October 28, 2025, Varonis announced its financial results for the third quarter of fiscal 2025, disclosing a significant miss to ARR and reducing its projections for the full fiscal year 2025, despite previously uplifting guidance for the previous two consecutive quarters. The Company attributed its results and lowered guidance on weaker than expected renewals and conversions in their federal and non-federal on-premises subscription business. Varonis further resultantly announced the end of life of the self-hosted solution and a 5% headcount reduction.

Following this news, Varonis’ common stock declined dramatically. From a closing market price of $63.00 per share on October 28, 2025, Varonis’ stock price fell to $32.34 per share on October 29, 2025, a decline of about 48.67% in the span of just a single day.

“Our firm is committed to ensuring that investors receive full compensation for losses caused by corporate misrepresentations,” said Joseph E. Levi, a partner at Levi & Korsinsky. “We encourage VRNS shareholders to step forward before the March 9, 2026 deadline so we can pursue justice on their behalf.”

If you suffered a loss in VRNS common stock, you have until March 9, 2026 to request that the Court appoint you as lead plaintiff. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn’t require that you serve as a lead plaintiff.

WHY LEVI & KORSINSKY: Over the past 20 years, the team at Levi & Korsinsky has secured hundreds of millions of dollars for aggrieved shareholders and built a track record of winning high-stakes cases. Our firm has extensive expertise representing investors in complex securities litigation and a team of over 70 employees to serve our clients. For seven years in a row, Levi & Korsinsky has ranked in ISS Securities Class Action Services’ Top 50 Report as one of the top securities litigation firms in the United States.

CONTACT:
Levi & Korsinsky, LLP  
Joseph E. Levi, Esq. 
Ed Korsinsky, Esq. 
33 Whitehall Street, 27th Floor 
New York, NY 10004 
[email protected]
Tel: (212) 363-7500 
Fax: (212) 363-7171 
www.zlk.com

, /PRNewswire/ -- The Law Offices of Frank R. Cruz announces that investors with losses related to Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc. ("Sprouts" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: SFM) have opportunity to lead the securities fraud class action lawsuit.

IF YOU ARE AN INVESTOR WHO SUFFERED A LOSS IN SPROUTS FARMERS MARKET, INC. (SFM), CLICK HERE BEFORE JANUARY 26, 2026 (THE LEAD PLAINTIFF DEADLINE) TO PARTICIPATE IN THE ONGOING SECURITIES FRAUD LAWSUIT.

What Is The Lawsuit About? 
The complaint filed alleges that, between June 4, 2025 and October 29, 2025, Defendants failed to disclose to investors that: (1) Sprouts' customer base was not "more resilient" to the macroeconomic environment and the Company was not positioned to "cope and deal with the changes" caused by economic uncertainty; (2) the "trade-down" dynamics—shifting consumer spending from food away from home to food at home—were either insufficient to offset a slowdown in sales or would fail to materialize as a meaningful "tailwind" for the Company; (3) the Company's increased comparable sales guidance and reported two-year stack figures did not accurately reflect a sustainable growth trajectory, as Sprouts was actually facing a significant slowdown in sales growth due to a more cautious consumer; and (4) as a result, Defendants' positive statements about the Company's business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times.

Contact Us To Participate or Learn More:
If you wish to learn more about this action, or if you have any questions concerning this announcement or your rights or interests with respect to these matters, please contact us.
The Law Offices of Frank R. Cruz,
Email us at: [email protected]
Call us at: 310-914-5007
Visit our website at: www.frankcruzlaw.com
Follow us for updates on Twitter: twitter.com/FRC_LAW.

If you inquire by email, please include your mailing address, telephone number, and number of shares purchased.

To be a member of the class action you need not take any action at this time; you may retain counsel of your choice or take no action and remain an absent member of the class action. 

This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules.

Contact Us:
The Law Offices of Frank R. Cruz, Los Angeles
Frank R. Cruz,
Telephone: 310-914-5007
Email: [email protected]
Visit our website at: www.frankcruzlaw.com

SOURCE The Law Offices of Frank R. Cruz, Los Angeles

Electricity demand is expected to reach peak levels in 2026 and beyond thanks to artificial intelligence (AI). This could make nuclear energy a more viable choice globally. With that, traders should add the Direxion Daily Uranium Industry Bull 2X Shares (URAA) to their watch lists in the new year.

AI should remain a persistent theme heading into 2026 as more users and businesses continue to adopt its usage. AI requires copious amounts of electricity to power its platforms, which should place undue stress on the current electrical grid. Because of this, nuclear power is emerging as an alternative option to energize the AI infrastructure.

As noted in a Mining.com article, a Uranium.io report highlighted survey results from 600 investors globally who view uranium as a strategic asset. That’s even more so the case given the energy demands required by AI.

“Our data shows that, three in five investors (63%) believe uranium remains misunderstood and materially mispriced, despite nearly six in ten (58%) already expressing a bullish outlook,” the report said. “The majority of respondents view uranium as a 3–5 year strategic opportunity, with energy security (49%), clean-energy transition (39%), and the supply-demand imbalance (36%) cited as core drivers of performance.”

If the bullish sentiment holds in 2026, uranium and even broader energy ETFs stand to benefit from the future upside.

Energize and Educate URAA provides 200% exposure to the performance of the Solactive United States Uranium and Nuclear Energy ETF Select Index. This index tracks the performance of U.S.-listed ETFs with a focus on uranium and nuclear energy. As such, the fund’s top holdings include names in the nuclear energy industry like Cameco Corporation and OKLO Inc.

Traders who want a more diversified option in the broader energy sector should also take a look at the Direxion Daily Energy Bull 3X Shares (ERX). Another option that strikes a balance between single-stock and sector-specific exposure is Direxion Daily Energy Top 5 Bull 2X ETF (TEXU). Introduced earlier this year, Titans ETFs give traders exposure to the top five companies representing a sector. Each company is given equal weight (a 20% allocation). This gives traders more targeted exposure to the movers and shakers within a sector.

Because of the double or even triple exposure, only experienced traders should use these leverage products. Fortunately, Direxion does have a dedicated education center that equips prospective investors with the baseline knowledge when looking to use leveraged ETFs. From defining leveraged ETFs to utilizing specific trading strategies, the education center is replete with material to learn from.

For more news, information, and analysis, visit the Leveraged & Inverse Content Hub.

Earn free CE credits and discover new strategies

HomeIndustriesComputers/ElectronicsTech StocksTech StocksAs the AI trade broadens out, Intel’s stock was leading the S&P 500’s gainersPublished: Jan. 7, 2026 at 3:46 p.m. ET

Intel’s stock looked to be the hot AI trade of the day. Photo: Agence France-Presse/Getty ImagesIntel’s stock hasn’t exactly been a poster child for the artificial-intelligence trade, but Wednesday’s stock action suggests that might be changing.

Shares of Intel INTC were up 6% in Wednesday afternoon trading, to lead the S&P 500’s SPX gainers.

HomeEconomy & PoliticsWashington WatchWashington WatchPresident targets executive pay as he calls for faster production and maintenance of military equipmentPublished: Jan. 7, 2026 at 3:47 p.m. ET

Shares of Lockheed Martin, whose F35-B jets are shown flying over Puerto Rico last year, and other defense companies are falling. Photo: AFP via Getty ImagesShares in defense contractors such as Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman slumped Wednesday after President Donald Trump pledged to block the companies’ dividends, stock buybacks and what he described as “Over Compensation of Executives” until the sector speeds up its production and maintenance of military equipment.

While the Trump administration has considerable power over big defense contracts, it wasn’t immediately clear exactly how the president would block such payouts by independent companies.

About the Author

Victor Reklaitis is a Washington Correspondent for MarketWatch. During his time at MarketWatch, he also has served in roles in the London and New York newsrooms. Prior to joining MarketWatch, he worked at Investor’s Business Daily and for newspapers in Virginia.

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Polymarket’s real-time prediction market data will soon be featured in The Wall Street Journal, Barron’s, MarketWatch, Investor’s Business Daily and other Dow Jones consumer platforms.

These offerings will follow the formation of an exclusive partnership between Polymarket and Dow Jones, which is a division of News Corp, that was announced Wednesday (Jan. 7), the companies said in a press release.

Polymarket will provide Dow Jones platforms with prediction market signals on a range of topics, including economic, political and cultural ones, according to the release.

The data will come from Polymarket’s prediction market on which traders predict the outcomes of future events, win when they are right, and generate market prices that gauge the likelihood of events occurring, the release said.

Dow Jones will display this data through dedicated data modules on the home pages and market-related pages of its digital properties and through some print placements, per the release.

The news and business information provider will also introduce new consumer-facing features that incorporate Polymarket’s prediction market data, including an earnings calendar that highlights the market’s expectations around corporate performance, according to the release.

Advertisement: Scroll to Continue

Almar Latour, CEO of Dow Jones and publisher of The Wall Street Journal, said in the release that prediction markets data is “a rapidly growing source of real-time insight into collective beliefs about future events.”

“In partnering with Polymarket, we aim to help consumers better interpret market sentiment and assess risk alongside traditional financial indicators,” Latour said.

Shayne Coplan, founder and CEO of Polymarket, said in the release that his company’s prediction market data is “increasingly relied upon for reliable, transparent and accurate information.”

“This partnership combines journalistic insight with real-time market probabilities — including the most-watched business news like public company earnings reports — to create a truly comprehensive news experience for readers,” Coplan said.

It was reported Dec. 31 that investors’ interest in prediction markets fueled an increase in venture funding. FinTech companies worldwide raised $55.94 billion from venture groups during 2025, up from $44.75 the previous year, and prediction markets Polymarket and Kalshi made up $3.71 billion of the 2025 figure.

PYMNTS reported Dec. 11 that prediction markets have also seen explosive growth in total trading volumes, which exceeded $28 billion globally in 2025 and saw weekly peaks of $2 billion.

CNBC's Leslie Picker reports on how JPMorgan is the first major investment firm to fully eliminate external proxy advisory firms.

Albertsons Companies, Inc. (ACI) Q3 2026 Earnings Call January 7, 2026 8:30 AM EST

Company Participants

Cody Perdue
Susan Morris - CEO & Director
Sharon McCollam - President & CFO

Conference Call Participants

Mark Carden - UBS Investment Bank, Research Division
Leah Jordan - Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., Research Division
Edward Kelly - Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, Research Division
John Heinbockel - Guggenheim Securities, LLC, Research Division
Rupesh Parikh - Oppenheimer & Co. Inc., Research Division
Thomas Palmer - JPMorgan Chase & Co, Research Division
Uriel Zachary Abraham - Morgan Stanley, Research Division
Kelly Bania - BMO Capital Markets Equity Research
Paul Lejuez - Citigroup Inc., Research Division

Presentation

Operator

Welcome to the Albertsons Companies' Third Quarter 2025 Earnings Conference Call, and thank you for standing by. [Operator Instructions] This call is being recorded. I would now like to hand the call over to Cody Perdue, Senior Vice President of Treasury, Investor Relations and Risk Management. Please go ahead.

Cody Perdue

Good morning, and thank you for joining us for the Albertsons Companies' Third Quarter 2025 Earnings Conference Call. With me today are Susan Morris, our CEO; and Sharon McCollam, our President and CFO. Today, Susan will provide an overview of our third quarter of 2025 and update you on our progress against our strategic priorities. Then Sharon will provide the details related to our third quarter financial results and our outlook for the remainder of fiscal 2025, before handing it back to Susan for closing remarks. After management comments, we will conduct a Q&A session. I would like to remind you that management may make forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws.

These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations and projections. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the factors identified