AI Stock Market News Today

Kpler analysts warn that a sustained US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz could drive Brent oil prices toward $125 per barrel. Such a move would effectively eliminate Iranian oil revenues if maintained for another two months.

• Brent price target of $120-$125 per barrel
• Potential for Iranian oil revenues to hit zero

Sandoz posted first-quarter net sales of $2.76 billion, meeting internal expectations and confirming its 2026 guidance. Strong performance in biosimilars helped offset a decline in the generics segment.

• Net sales reached $2.76 billion in Q1
• Biosimilars segment grew 18% at constant currency

Germany's largest lender reports a 77% surge in investment bank credit provisions. The increase is linked to a specific commercial property revaluation.

• Credit provisions hit €290 million in Q1
• 77% year-over-year increase in investment bank provisions

Spain's consumer price index unexpectedly accelerated in April, moving further away from the European Central Bank's target. The rise fuels market expectations for interest rate hikes to combat persistent price pressures.

• April inflation reached 3.5% year-over-year
• March inflation stood at 3.4%

Prudential PLC posted a 13% increase in new business profit for the first quarter, driven by strong performance in Asian markets. The company reaffirmed its confidence in achieving double-digit growth across key metrics for the full year 2026.

• Q1 new business profit reached $686 million, a 13% year-over-year increase
• APE sales rose to $1.82 billion, reflecting a 9% growth rate

Security solutions provider Hanwha Vision saw its first-quarter net loss surge by over 480% year-over-year. The company also experienced a significant drop in operating income and a slight decline in overall sales.

• Net loss surged to KRW 13.94 billion
• Operating income dropped by over 55%

The Republic of Uzbekistan is preparing to sell a 30% stake in its national investment fund, UzNIF, via a dual listing in London and Tashkent. The move provides international investors with a rare entry point into Central Asia's second-largest economy.

• Target valuation of $1.95 billion for UzNIF
• 30% stake offered to the public

Lloyds Banking Group reported a significant increase in first-quarter profits driven by higher total income and improved net interest margins. The lender reiterated its full-year 2026 outlook, projecting underlying net interest income to exceed £14.9 billion.

• Pre-tax profit climbed 33% to £2.03 billion
• Profit after tax increased 37% to £1.56 billion

UBS Group AG CEO Sergio Ermotti cautioned that investors may be underestimating the complexities of the ongoing Iran conflict. He suggested that market expectations for a standard resolution could be misplaced.

• Sergio Ermotti warns markets are over-optimistic about Iran
• Market expects a 'classical' resolution to the conflict

Woodside Energy Group Ltd saw a slight decline in revenue and production for the first quarter of 2026. However, the company successfully increased its total sales volumes during the period.

• Revenue decreased 2% year-over-year to $3.261 billion
• Production fell 8% to 45.2 MMboe

Over 1,000 Uber drivers in Victoria have ratified a landmark agreement with UFCW 1518. The contract establishes the first unionized framework for gig workers in Canada, introducing structured pay and benefits.

• First union contract for Canadian app-based drivers
• Covers 1,000+ drivers in Victoria, BC

UBS Group AG intends to finalize its planned $3 billion share repurchase program by the end of July. CEO Sergio Ermotti confirmed the timeline during a recent interview.

• Completion target set for the end of July
• Total buyback amount confirmed at $3 billion