Business
Futu Holdings Shares Rocket 17% on Buyback Progress, Dividend Momentum and Pre-Earnings Optimism
NEW YORK — Shares of Futu Holdings Limited surged more than 17% in midday trading Wednesday as investors cheered the online brokerage operator’s aggressive share repurchase activity and braced for what many expect to be another strong quarterly report later this week.
Futu stock climbed to $105.60, up $15.84 or 17.65%, as of about 1:19 p.m. EDT on heavy volume. The sharp rebound reflects renewed confidence in the company’s capital return efforts and growth trajectory ahead of its first-quarter 2026 earnings, scheduled for release before the market opens on May 28.
The Hong Kong-based company, which operates the Futu NiuNiu and Moomoo trading platforms, has been actively returning capital to shareholders. On May 23, Futu announced it had repurchased approximately $160 million worth of American depositary shares under its existing program, signaling strong belief in its undervaluation amid recent market volatility.
This buyback progress comes on the heels of a substantial cash dividend declared in early April. Futu’s board approved a payment of $0.325 per ordinary share, or $2.60 per ADS, totaling about $365 million. The dividend was paid to holders of record as of April 16, with distribution completed around late April.
Analysts and investors appear to be viewing the combination of capital returns and upcoming earnings as a positive catalyst. Wall Street maintains a generally bullish stance on Futu, with consensus price targets hovering well above current levels, often citing the company’s user growth, international expansion and resilient performance in Hong Kong and global markets.
Strong Historical Growth Sets the Stage
Futu’s most recent reported results, for the fourth quarter and full year 2025, showed robust expansion. Revenue grew 45.3% year-over-year, while net income jumped more than 80%. The company beat expectations on key metrics including new funded accounts.
The platform has benefited from higher trading volumes in Hong Kong equities, increased interest in international markets and the popularity of its user-friendly apps that blend brokerage services with social features. Moomoo, in particular, has gained traction among retail investors in the U.S., Southeast Asia and other regions as Futu pushes global diversification.
Paying client growth and assets under management have been key drivers. Analysts expect continued momentum in Q1 2026, though sequential trends may vary due to market conditions in the first three months of the year. Consensus estimates point to solid revenue and earnings, building on the strong finish to 2025.
Futu’s business model centers on commission-free or low-cost trading, interest income from customer cash balances and wealth management products. This structure has allowed it to scale efficiently while investing in technology and user acquisition. The company has expanded into markets including Singapore, Malaysia, Japan and Australia, aiming to reduce reliance on its core Hong Kong and China-related user base.
Capital Returns Highlight Financial Strength
The latest $160 million in repurchases demonstrates Futu’s commitment to shareholder returns. The program, initiated in late 2025, gives management flexibility to buy back shares opportunistically. Combined with the recent large dividend, the moves underscore a healthy balance sheet and strong cash generation.
Futu has navigated a complex regulatory environment in its home markets. Earlier in 2026, it faced some scrutiny related to cross-border activities, contributing to periods of stock volatility. However, the company has continued to emphasize compliance while expanding its international footprint.
Chief executives at similar fintech platforms have highlighted the importance of user engagement tools and diversified revenue streams in volatile markets. While no new executive quotes were available in the immediate lead-up to earnings, past commentary from Futu leadership has focused on building a “global ecosystem” for investors seeking opportunities beyond traditional boundaries.
Market Context and Outlook
The broader market environment has been mixed, with technology and growth stocks showing sensitivity to interest rate expectations and geopolitical developments. Futu’s sharp move Wednesday aligns with rebounds seen in other China-connected or fintech names after recent pullbacks.
Investors will closely watch the May 28 earnings for updates on client additions, trading volumes, assets under management and guidance for the remainder of 2026. Any commentary on international expansion progress or new product initiatives could further influence sentiment.
Futu operates in a competitive landscape that includes traditional brokerages and newer digital entrants. Its edge lies in integrated social features that encourage community-driven investing and educational content. The company has invested heavily in artificial intelligence for personalized recommendations, risk management tools and customer service enhancements.
Challenges persist, including regulatory risks in key Asian markets, competition for users and sensitivity to equity market cycles. Currency fluctuations and macroeconomic headwinds in emerging regions could also impact results. Despite these, analysts generally project mid-teens percentage revenue growth over the coming years, supported by rising participation in capital markets.
Futu went public on Nasdaq in 2019 and has experienced significant volatility typical of growth-oriented fintech stocks. Its market capitalization now sits in the mid-teens of billions, reflecting its position as a notable player in digital brokerage services. The stock’s 52-week range has been wide, offering both opportunities and risks for investors.
Investor Sentiment and Broader Implications
Wednesday’s rally suggests the market is pricing in a favorable earnings outcome and rewarding the visible capital discipline. Share repurchases at current levels are seen as accretive, potentially supporting earnings per share going forward.
For a company that has evolved from a Hong Kong-focused broker to a multi-market platform, sustaining user growth while maintaining high margins will be critical. The upcoming earnings call, set for 7:30 a.m. EDT on May 28, is expected to provide more color on strategic priorities.
Market participants also note Futu’s relatively attractive valuation compared to some U.S. peers, even after recent gains. With a forward price-to-earnings multiple in the single digits based on some estimates, the stock continues to draw value-oriented tech investors.
Looking ahead, Futu’s ability to execute on global expansion, navigate regulatory landscapes and deliver consistent returns will determine if the current momentum can be sustained. The combination of operational growth, capital returns and pre-earnings anticipation has created a compelling setup for the stock in the near term.
As trading continued Wednesday afternoon, volume remained elevated, indicating broad participation in the move. Whether this marks the start of a more sustained recovery or a short-term reaction will likely become clearer after the earnings release later this week.
Business
Iran war impact to hit household energy bills for the first time
A household using a typical amount of gas and electricity is forecast to pay about £200 more a year.
Business
Meta cuts nearly 1,400 Washington workers as AI overhaul expands
Vertiv CEO Giordano Albertazzi discusses his company’s support for tech giants in A.I. infrastructure on ‘The Claman Countdown.’
Meta’s artificial intelligence overhaul is now hitting one of the country’s largest tech corridors, with the Facebook parent company preparing to cut nearly 1,400 workers across Washington state.
New filings submitted to Washington state officials show Meta will begin terminating employees in Seattle, Bellevue, Redmond and remote positions starting July 22 as the company restructures operations around AI initiatives.
The filings provide one of the clearest looks yet at how Meta’s broader workforce overhaul is affecting employees on the ground after the company announced plans last week to eliminate roughly 10% of its workforce while shifting thousands of workers into AI-focused roles.
META THREATENS TO PULL FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM FROM NEW MEXICO OVER CHILD SAFETY TRIAL REQUIREMENTS

In this photo illustration, the app icons of Facebook, Messenger, Instagram, WhatsApp and Oculus VR are displayed on a smartphone screen with a Meta logo in the background. (Photo Illustration by Onur Dogman/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images / Getty Images)
Bellevue will take the largest hit, with 699 workers affected, according to the WARN notice filed Friday with the Washington State Employment Security Department. The cuts also include 259 employees across two Seattle offices, 206 workers in Redmond and another 231 remote employees statewide.
The layoffs affect a broad range of positions, including software engineers, data scientists, content designers and IT staff, underscoring how deeply Meta’s restructuring effort is reaching into its technical workforce.
“The changes we are implementing vary by team and include layoffs, open role closures, and moving thousands of employees to business critical priorities across the company,” a spokesperson for Meta said in a statement shared with FOX Business.
ZUCKERBERG SAYS META LAYOFFS TIED TO AI SPENDING, WON’T RULE OUT FUTURE CUTS

Meta is weighing significant workforce reductions as the tech giant ramps up spending on artificial intelligence infrastructure. (Getty Images / Getty Images)
Meta has emerged as one of Silicon Valley’s biggest spenders in the AI race, committing billions toward data centers, advanced chips and internal AI tools as competition intensifies with OpenAI, Microsoft and Google.
CEO Mark Zuckerberg has increasingly positioned artificial intelligence as central to the company’s future business strategy, while Meta simultaneously reduces headcount and reshapes internal teams around automation and AI-focused development.

Mark Zuckerberg, chief executive officer of Meta Platforms Inc., appears during the Meta Connect event in Menlo Park, California, on Sept. 17, 2025. (David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)
GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE
The company employed nearly 78,000 workers globally at the end of March, according to securities filings.
Workers affected by the Washington layoffs were notified May 20 and will continue receiving pay and benefits through their termination dates, according to the filing signed by Meta Chief People Officer Janelle Gale.
Fox Business’ Bradford Betz contributed to this report.
Business
Nancy Disappearance Remains Under Investigation as FBI, Pima County Review DNA
TUCSON, Ariz. — Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance remains under active investigation more than three months after she was reported missing, with the FBI and Pima County authorities continuing to review DNA evidence, surveillance footage and public tips in a case that has drawn sustained attention in Arizona and beyond.
Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC anchor Savannah Guthrie, was last seen in late January 2026 and reported missing on Feb. 1, according to earlier reporting on the case. Investigators have said they are treating the matter as a suspected abduction, but no arrest has been announced and no suspect has been publicly named.
The case has remained in the public eye because of Guthrie’s family connection and the absence of a clear resolution. Officials have continued to ask anyone with information to come forward, while investigators work through evidence collected from Guthrie’s home and the surrounding neighborhood.
Reports over the past several weeks have described a broad investigative effort that includes video analysis, DNA testing and continued follow-up on leads from the public. Authorities have said the FBI is involved in the case, and published reports indicate that forensic material recovered during the investigation has been sent for analysis.
The search has unfolded in phases. In the weeks after Guthrie disappeared, investigators canvassed the neighborhood, collected surveillance footage from nearby homes and businesses and interviewed potential witnesses. As the inquiry continued, authorities broadened the scope of the investigation to include digital records, additional video review and forensic work.
Officials have not publicly detailed every piece of evidence, but reporting has indicated that investigators are examining material from multiple cameras in the area and trying to reconstruct Guthrie’s movements before she went missing. The case has also involved DNA analysis, including data that has been received by the FBI, according to published accounts.
Law enforcement has described the investigation as active and ongoing. That means detectives and federal agents continue to review tips and compare evidence, even as the public waits for clearer answers. So far, authorities have not announced any charges or identified anyone publicly as a suspect.
The lack of a public breakthrough has fueled concern and speculation online. But officials have not confirmed the theory that a specific attack scenario has been established, and there has been no public evidence supporting claims that the case has been solved or that a particular person is responsible.
That uncertainty has created a difficult environment for Guthrie’s family and for investigators. High-profile missing-person cases often generate intense public interest, and this one has been no exception. Social media commentary and online theories have circulated widely, but authorities have continued to emphasize the importance of verified information and credible tips.
The FBI’s involvement reflects the seriousness of the case and the resources being used to try to find answers. Federal support in missing-person investigations can help with digital forensics, database checks and additional evidence review, especially when local authorities are working through a large amount of data.
As the case enters another month, the central facts remain unchanged: Nancy Guthrie is still missing, investigators are still searching for her, and no arrest has been announced. The case remains open, and authorities continue to ask the public for information that could help move the investigation forward.
One reason the case has remained so closely watched is Guthrie’s connection to Savannah Guthrie, who is one of NBC’s best-known anchors. That has brought greater media attention to the investigation and intensified public interest in developments, even when little new information has been released by law enforcement.
Still, the public record remains limited. Authorities have not confirmed a suspect, have not announced a motive and have not said whether the evidence recovered so far points conclusively to one explanation over another. In the absence of those details, investigators appear to be proceeding carefully, building the case piece by piece.
The timeline remains important. Guthrie was last seen in late January and reported missing on Feb. 1. Since then, investigators have continued to examine the home, the surrounding area and digital evidence in an effort to identify what happened in the hours before her disappearance. As time passes, investigators often face the challenge of narrowing down large volumes of footage and tip information while preserving the integrity of the case.
That process can be slow, but authorities have not indicated that the investigation has stalled. On the contrary, reporting has continued to show active evidence review, continued federal support and ongoing public outreach. In cases like this, progress often comes through small developments rather than one dramatic announcement.
Family members and supporters have also remained focused on answers. The Guthrie case has prompted sympathy, concern and renewed discussion about how long missing-person investigations can remain unresolved when there is little public evidence to share. It has also highlighted how families in the public eye can become the subject of speculation even when law enforcement has not identified wrongdoing.
For now, the status of the case is clear: Nancy Guthrie remains missing, the investigation remains open and authorities are still working through forensic and video evidence. Until investigators announce a suspect, make an arrest or release more details, the case will continue to stand as an active but unresolved missing-person investigation.
Anyone with information related to Guthrie’s disappearance has been urged to contact investigators. Officials say even small details can matter, particularly in cases where evidence is still being assembled and reviewed.
The public is likely to continue following the case closely until there is a confirmed development. For now, though, authorities have offered no public indication that the investigation is complete or that a final conclusion has been reached.
Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance remains one of the more closely watched unresolved missing-person cases in Arizona. With the FBI involved, DNA evidence under review and surveillance footage still being analyzed, investigators are continuing to search for answers while her family and the public await a breakthrough.
Business
Luka Doncic Earns Sixth All-NBA First Team Selection at 27, Joins Elite Group of Legends
LOS ANGELES — Luka Doncic received his sixth career All-NBA First Team selection Monday, cementing his place among the NBA’s all-time greats at just 27 years old and marking his first such honor as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Slovenian superstar led the league in scoring during the 2025-26 season with 33.5 points per game while adding 8.3 assists and 7.7 rebounds. He shot 47.6% from the field and 36.6% from three-point range, attempting a high volume of threes that ranked second only to Stephen Curry. His selection places him in rare historical company as just the fifth player in NBA history to earn at least six First Team nods by age 27, joining Tim Duncan, LeBron James, Oscar Robertson and Bob Pettit.
Doncic received 91 First Team votes and nine Second Team votes for a total of 482 points, the fourth-highest total among all players. The honor comes in his first full season with the Lakers after a high-profile trade that paired him with James in one of the league’s most anticipated partnerships.
The 2025-26 campaign represented a career peak for Doncic in several statistical categories. He joined an exclusive group of five players — Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jaylen Brown, Luka Dončić, Nikola Jokić and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander — to average at least 25 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. His scoring title and consistent production made him a frequent topic in MVP discussions throughout the season, though he ultimately finished outside the top three.
This marks the latest milestone in a career defined by rapid ascent and record-breaking efficiency. Doncic has now averaged at least 25 points per game in each of his past 17 seasons played, second only to LeBron James. He also climbed the NBA’s all-time scoring list this season, further solidifying his legacy as one of the most prolific scorers in league history.
The Lakers acquired Doncic ahead of the 2024-25 season in a move designed to create a championship window around two generational talents. While the team fell short in the Western Conference semifinals this year due in part to injuries, Doncic’s individual brilliance remained undeniable. His ability to carry the offense as the primary option while sharing the court with James demonstrated his adaptability and elite basketball IQ.
Doncic’s impact extends beyond raw numbers. His playmaking vision, step-back shooting and competitive fire have drawn comparisons to some of the game’s greatest players. At 27, he already boasts a résumé that includes multiple deep playoff runs, including a trip to the NBA Finals with the Dallas Mavericks in 2024.
The All-NBA First Team this season also included Victor Wembanyama, Nikola Jokić, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Cade Cunningham. The selections reflect a league transitioning toward a new generation of superstars while still featuring established veterans like James and Durant.
For the Lakers, Doncic’s recognition validates the strategic decision to build around him. The franchise, which has navigated challenges in recent years, sees him as the cornerstone of future contention. His chemistry with James has shown flashes of brilliance, though injuries and roster construction have prevented sustained success so far.
League officials praised the voting results as a reflection of fan and media appreciation for consistent excellence. The All-NBA teams are selected by a global panel of 100 voters, balancing statistical dominance with overall impact on winning.
Doncic’s efficiency at high volume sets him apart. Few players in NBA history have matched his combination of scoring output and shooting accuracy over sustained periods. His eight seasons of averaging 25-plus points on 50% field goal shooting and 40% from three-point range remain unmatched in league annals.
Off the court, Doncic has embraced his role as a global ambassador for the game. His popularity spans continents, with strong followings in Europe and among international fans. The move to Los Angeles has only amplified his visibility and marketability.
Looking ahead, Doncic’s focus remains on chasing an NBA championship. While individual accolades continue to accumulate, he has repeatedly emphasized team success as his ultimate goal. The Lakers will look to bolster the roster around him and James in the upcoming offseason to create a more complete contender.
The 2025-26 season presented both opportunities and obstacles for Doncic. He shouldered a heavy workload as the Lakers’ primary offensive engine, often playing through minor injuries to keep the team competitive. His leadership and resilience earned praise from teammates and coaches.
NBA history is filled with players who achieved early greatness only to fade. Doncic’s trajectory suggests a different path. His basketball intelligence, work ethic and physical tools position him for sustained excellence well into his 30s, much like the legends he now joins in the record books.
The All-NBA selection also carries financial implications. Players on the First Team receive the maximum allowable raise under the collective bargaining agreement, providing significant long-term security.
As the league prepares for the 2026 draft and free agency, Doncic’s latest honor serves as a benchmark for excellence. Few players have matched his production at such a young age while carrying the expectations of a major market franchise.
For Lakers fans, the recognition reinforces belief in the team’s direction. Pairing two of the game’s most accomplished players creates a foundation for future success, even if the immediate results have not yet matched the hype.
Doncic’s journey from European prodigy to NBA superstar continues to inspire. His story resonates with global audiences and highlights the league’s growing international appeal. As he enters the prime of his career, the basketball world watches with anticipation for what comes next.
The 2026 All-NBA teams reflect the depth of talent across the league. With multiple superstars sharing the spotlight, individual recognition becomes even more meaningful. Doncic’s sixth First Team nod at 27 places him on a path previously traveled only by the game’s immortals.
As summer workouts begin and teams regroup, Doncic will use this latest achievement as motivation. His competitive drive and desire to win remain as strong as ever, fueling expectations for an even stronger 2026-27 campaign.
The NBA landscape continues evolving, but certain constants remain. Elite scoring, playmaking and leadership will always be prized. In Luka Doncic, the league has one of its finest current examples of those qualities, now officially recognized once again among the very best.
Business
Electricity Generating Public Company Limited (EYGPF) Presents at SET Digital roadshow Q1/2026 – Slideshow
Electricity Generating Public Company Limited (EYGPF) Presents at SET Digital roadshow Q1/2026 – Slideshow
Business
Thailand and China have strengthened ties in trade, investment, transport, and security
Thailand and China have significantly boosted cooperation in trade, investment, transport, and security. Key discussions in 2025 included high-speed rail and EVs. This intensified partnership follows their golden jubilee, with a royal visit underscoring China’s strategic importance.
Key Points
- Thailand and China have strengthened cooperation across trade, investment, transport, and security.
- Key areas of focus include high-speed rail, the digital economy, EVs, and combating scam networks, reflecting an expanded bilateral relationship.
- This renewed momentum follows the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2025 and a significant royal visit to China, underscoring Beijing’s strategic importance.
Deepening Bilateral Engagement
Thailand and China have significantly intensified their cooperation across a broad spectrum of areas in recent years. Beyond traditional diplomatic channels, the two nations have prioritized advancements in trade, investment, and transport connectivity. Key discussions in 2025, for instance, focused on ambitious projects such as high-speed rail, the burgeoning digital economy, and the promotion of electric vehicles. Furthermore, a critical aspect of this strengthened partnership involves collaborative efforts to combat transnational scam networks, demonstrating a shared commitment to addressing contemporary global challenges. This multifaceted approach underscores the evolving and comprehensive nature of the bilateral relationship.
Catalysts for Enhanced Cooperation
The robust engagement between Thailand and China in 2025 has been propelled by a period of heightened symbolic and political interactions. The 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties, celebrated in 2025, served as a significant milestone, underscoring the long-standing relationship. This was further amplified by a historic royal visit from Thailand to China later that same year. This royal delegation underscored China’s strategic importance within Thailand’s foreign policy and its integral role in the nation’s economic strategy, providing substantial impetus for the deepening of bilateral ties and collaborative initiatives.
Expanding Horizons of Partnership
The burgeoning relationship between Thailand and China extends far beyond conventional diplomatic exchanges, reflecting a shared vision for future development and security. The focus on infrastructure projects like high-speed rail is poised to revolutionize connectivity, facilitating greater economic integration and people-to-people exchange. Moreover, the concerted efforts in the digital economy and electric vehicles signal a mutual commitment to embracing technological innovation and sustainable growth. The joint endeavors to dismantle transnational scam networks highlight a pragmatic and proactive approach to maintaining regional stability and protecting citizens. This diverse and expanding cooperation is setting a new paradigm for bilateral relations.
Other People are Reading
Business
Amazon AWS CEO Matthew Garman divests $4.07m in company stock

Amazon AWS CEO Matthew Garman divests $4.07m in company stock
Business
Crexendo Has Taken Off
Crexendo Has Taken Off
Business
Tenet Healthcare Corporation’s Regulatory Woes Don’t Put It In The ER (NYSE:THC)
Daniel is an avid and active professional investor.
He runs Crude Value Insights, a value-oriented newsletter aimed at analyzing the cash flows and assessing the value of companies in the oil and gas space. His primary focus is on finding businesses that are trading at a significant discount to their intrinsic value by employing a combination of Benjamin Graham’s investment philosophy and a contrarian approach to the market and the securities therein. Learn more.
Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within 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.
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.
Business
IPG Photonics CFO Mammen sells $1.19 million in stock

IPG Photonics CFO Mammen sells $1.19 million in stock
-
Crypto World5 days agoBlockchain.com files with SEC for U.S. IPO
-
Fashion4 days agoHoliday Weekend Open Thread – Corporette.com
-
Business4 days agoDell Technologies DELL Stock Surges 15% on AI Server Momentum and Analyst Upgrades in 2026
-
Crypto World5 days agoBitcoin Accumulation Weakens as BTC Realized Losses Hit $600M
-
Crypto World4 days agoRobinhood crypto COO Tanya Denisova exits
-
Crypto World4 days agoSpace X IPO Is ‘Bad News’ for Tech Stocks: But What About Bitcoin?
-
Politics4 days agoMakerfield: a tale of two social-media histories
-
Business2 days agoNYT Strands Answers May 24 2026 Revealed for Puzzle No. 812 Theme Summer Essentials
-
Tech1 day agoMicrosoft’s quiet Claude Code retreat and the real cost of enterprise AI
-
Crypto World5 days agoMicroStrategy’s Saylor Says Miners No Longer Set Bitcoin Price, Another Force Has Taken Over
-
Tech5 days agoWhatsApp ads could make Irish debut after discussions with DPC
-
Crypto World4 days agoAI infrastructure race heats up as IREN pitches full-stack strategy, WhiteFiber lands $160M deal
-
Tech4 days agoA 0.12% parameter add-on gives AI agents the working memory RAG can’t
-
Tech5 days agoYou Can Now Add ChatGPT To PowerPoint
-
NewsBeat5 days agoCharity run by Reform leader Malcolm Offord accused of ‘law breaking’ over Scottish registration
-
Business5 days agoTrump Invests $1M-$5M in Kura Sushi USA Chain With 27 California Locations
-
Crypto World2 days ago
Nvidia (NVDA) CEO Calls on Super Micro to Strengthen Export Controls Amid Smuggling Probe
-
Sports5 days ago2026 CJ Cup Byron Nelson leaderboard: Brooks Koepka finds putting stroke in Round 1
-
Tech1 day agoWestone Audio and Etymotic Acquired by Fidelity Collective in Major IEM Market Move
-
Crypto World6 days agoExa Labs raises $250 million in funding led by a16z

You must be logged in to post a comment Login