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Oil Price Falls to Pre-Iran War Levels as Hormuz Shipping Resumes

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Inflation fell more slowly than expected last month thanks to strong petrol and communication goods price pressures, casting doubt on hopes for immediate rate cuts by the Bank of England.

The price of oil has fallen back to levels not seen since before the Iran war, handing hard-pressed UK businesses the prospect of cheaper fuel as traffic through the critical Strait of Hormuz shipping lane gradually resumes.

Brent crude, the global benchmark, briefly dipped below $72.48 (£55) a barrel, the level it sat at the day before the United States and Israel launched their attacks on Iran on 28 February, before edging back up to $73.23.

Energy markets have endured a torrid few months since Tehran retaliated by effectively closing the strait, a waterway that carries a substantial share of the world’s seaborne oil and gas. For the haulage, hospitality and agricultural firms that have watched their fuel bills balloon since the spring, the retreat in crude cannot come soon enough. Many smaller operators have spent the conflict simply trying to absorb costs they could not pass on, a squeeze Business Matters has tracked among hauliers, hotels and farms pushed into survival mode.

Crude has been falling steadily since 17 June, when Washington and Tehran signed a Memorandum of Understanding setting out a 60-day window for negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme and other measures aimed at ending the war. Representatives from both sides met in Switzerland last weekend, talks that led the United States to partially lift sanctions on Iranian oil exports.

The number of vessels crossing the Strait of Hormuz has risen sharply since the agreement was struck, according to maritime intelligence firm Kpler. Its latest figures suggest 284 vessels made the transit from 18 June, the day after the deal was signed, although that remains well below the pre-conflict average of around 138 crossings a day. The ships passing through in recent days have included those carrying crude oil, liquefied natural gas, fertiliser and other goods, Kpler told the BBC.

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The United States and Iran have also established a “communication line” to prevent misunderstandings “with the aim of safe passage for commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz”, mediators Qatar and Pakistan said in a joint statement on Monday.

Dimitris Maniatis, chief executive of maritime risk advisory firm Marisks, which is working with ships stranded in the region, described a “tremendous shift”, with far more vessels using the strait in recent days. A limited number of ships can cross a northern passageway with the permission of Iranian authorities, he said, while the US navy has set out a southern route cleared of mines and other obstacles laid during the war. Even so, traffic remains below the pre-war norm, when more than 100 ships a day used the route.

For drivers and the firms that run vans and lorries, attention has now turned to how quickly the fall in crude feeds through to the forecourt.

“On the back of the lowest oil price since before the Iran war started, drivers should see the average price of petrol fall below 150p [a litre] in the next week or so,” said Simon Williams, head of policy at the RAC. He added that diesel “ought to go back under 160p”. Petrol peaked at 159.53p a litre on 28 May, according to the motoring group, while diesel has eased from a high of 191.54p on 15 April. Drivers can track the daily averages through the RAC’s Fuel Watch data, and the longer-term trend is laid out in the House of Commons Library’s briefing on petrol and diesel prices.

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In the United States, the average price of regular petrol has slipped to around $3.93 a gallon after touching $4 in April, its highest since 2022, though it remains well above pre-war levels.

The pace of those falls has become political. President Donald Trump on Wednesday ordered an investigation into the major energy companies, accusing Shell, ExxonMobil and others of “gouging” drivers by failing to cut pump prices even as crude costs tumbled. “Oil prices have come down so much and we are not seeing anything at the pump by comparison the way they should be,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. The American Petroleum Institute, which represents the US oil and gas industry, countered that fuel prices “don’t move in lockstep with crude oil”.

British energy firms have faced similar accusations of unfairly inflating petrol prices since the war began. Last month, however, the UK competition watchdog said it had found no widespread evidence of profiteering, noting that average margins were “broadly unchanged” between February and March.

For now, the direction of travel offers a measure of comfort to the millions of smaller firms for whom fuel is an unavoidable line on the balance sheet, and for whom relief has been a long time coming. Whether the easing endures will depend on whether the fragile peace holds, and on how far the broader pressure of stubbornly high energy costs on UK business continues to bite.

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Jamie Young

Jamie Young

Jamie is Senior Reporter at Business Matters, bringing over a decade of experience in UK SME business reporting.
Jamie holds a degree in Business Administration and regularly participates in industry conferences and workshops.

When not reporting on the latest business developments, Jamie is passionate about mentoring up-and-coming journalists and entrepreneurs to inspire the next generation of business leaders.

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Dell Technologies Stock Tumbles Again Friday as AI-Server Rally Faces Mounting Valuation Pressure Concerns

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Dell Cuts Its Workforce as Part of Broader Initiative to Reduce Costs After Sluggish Demand in PC Market

Shares of Dell Technologies fell sharply again Friday, dropping 5.26%, or $21.54, to $387.97 in midday trading, extending a multi-day slide that has pulled the AI-server hardware maker well off its recent highs.

The decline marks the latest leg of a pullback that began earlier this week, as investors reassess how much further Dell’s extraordinary AI-fueled rally can run after the stock’s value more than tripled over the past year.

A dramatic run now in reverse

Friday’s losses continue a stretch of heavy selling that has wiped out a meaningful chunk of Dell’s recent gains. Dell Technologies closed Thursday at $409.45, down 5.51%, following a broader profit-taking phase after a significant AI-server rally, and weakened further in pre-market trading Friday to $400.00, down another 2.31%.

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The stock’s longer-term trajectory still tells a story of explosive growth, even after this week’s pullback. Dell’s longer-term trend remains firmly bullish, with the stock up roughly 226% over the past 12 months, trading well above every major moving average even after Tuesday’s earlier drop in the same selloff. The stock’s 52-week high of $469.47 was set on June 1, 2026, while its 52-week low of $110.22 came on January 21, 2026 — underscoring just how dramatic the run higher has been this year.

An analyst downgrade adds to the pressure

Much of this week’s selling has been tied directly to a single research note questioning whether Dell’s valuation has run ahead of its fundamentals. GF Securities downgraded Dell to Hold from Buy on June 24, citing valuation concerns even as the broader AI-driven rally in the stock continues to be debated on Wall Street.

The firm’s specific concern centered on how much of Dell’s anticipated AI revenue growth is already reflected in the share price. GF Securities argued that Dell’s AI revenue upside — including expectations of more than $70 billion in AI-related revenue — is already well anticipated by the market after the stock’s extraordinary multi-hundred-percent rally since its fiscal fourth-quarter results.

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Not every analyst has turned negative on the stock, however. Several firms have continued raising price targets even amid this week’s volatility. Recent analyst actions include Piper Sandler maintaining an Overweight rating with a $497 price target on June 24, Morgan Stanley raising its price target to $477 on June 23 while keeping an Equal-Weight rating, and Goldman Sachs maintaining a Buy rating with a raised price target. Overall, analysts maintain a Buy consensus on Dell with an average price forecast of $472.06.

Rising memory costs squeezing margins

Beyond the valuation debate, Dell’s drop has also coincided with a broader dynamic playing out across the technology hardware sector: surging memory chip prices that are raising costs for companies that build servers and PCs. Dell’s drop this week doesn’t have a single confirmed catalyst, but it likely reflects the flip side of the memory squeeze rattling markets — Dell builds servers and PCs that buy memory, so the rising prices benefiting memory makers translate into input-cost pressure for Dell’s box-making business.

That pressure has already shown up in Dell’s own financial results. In Dell’s most recent quarter, the company posted revenue of $43.84 billion, up 88% year over year, alongside AI-optimized server revenue of $16.13 billion, up 757% year over year. Yet gross margin compressed to 18% from 21% a year earlier, with management attributing the pressure to a mix shift toward lower-margin AI servers.

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Insider selling adds to investor unease

Compounding the valuation and margin concerns, Dell has also seen a steady drumbeat of insider stock sales in recent months, a pattern that tends to weigh on investor sentiment even when it doesn’t necessarily signal a change in company fundamentals. Persistent insider selling, with insiders having offloaded over $1.5 billion in shares over the prior three months, has maintained a supply overhang that has reinforced cautious sentiment around the stock.

A specific transaction this week added to that narrative. Dell director Lynn Vojvodich Radakovich sold 12,022 shares in a Rule 10b5-1 transaction on June 22, 2026, a sale that contributed to the stock gapping down on heavy volume in subsequent trading and follows the broader pattern of insiders offloading $1.56 billion in shares over the past three months.

New debt adds to the balance sheet

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Dell has also been raising additional capital even as it continues investing heavily in its AI server business. The company recently completed a $3 billion senior unsecured notes offering across three tranches maturing between 2031 and 2037, with interest rates up to 5.250% — a debt issuance that increases the company’s leverage and long-term interest burden, which could compress margins further if demand for AI-optimized hardware experiences cyclical cooling.

Where the stock stands technically

From a chart perspective, traders are watching a series of specific price levels to gauge whether the selloff has further to run. Key support levels sit at $400 and $389, while resistance remains at $411.62 and $428.63, with technical indicators showing mixed signals as momentum readings flash caution even though the broader trend indicator suggests the longer-term move remains meaningful.

Some market analysts have framed the pullback as a natural, even healthy, pause after an unusually steep run rather than a fundamental shift in Dell’s outlook. After a 224% run this year through Wednesday’s close, some profit-taking in Dell stock is hardly surprising, and one red trading session after that kind of rally isn’t necessarily a thesis change.

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What’s ahead for Dell

Investors will get a clearer picture of how the AI server business is actually performing when Dell reports its next round of quarterly results. Dell is expected to report fiscal second-quarter results on August 27, 2026, with Wall Street anticipating earnings of $4.83 per share, up from $2.32 a year earlier, on revenue of $44.47 billion compared with $29.78 billion in the prior-year quarter.

For now, Dell remains caught between two competing narratives: a company riding a historic surge in AI server demand that has more than tripled its stock price over the past year, and a valuation that some analysts believe has already priced in much of that future growth. With memory costs rising, insiders continuing to sell shares, and at least one major firm now urging caution, Friday’s decline suggests that debate is far from settled — even as Dell’s underlying AI server revenue continues to grow at a pace few companies in the hardware sector can match.

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IBM Shares Surge More Than 5 Percent as Technology Giant Advances AI and Cloud Initiatives

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ServiceNow Stock Edges Higher as AI Platform Momentum Builds After

IBM Common Stock rose more than 5 percent on Friday, closing at $272.14 after gaining $13.91, as investors responded positively to the company’s progress in artificial intelligence, cloud computing and hybrid infrastructure solutions.

The significant advance reflected renewed confidence in IBM’s ability to compete in high-growth technology areas while maintaining its traditional strength in enterprise services. The company’s focus on hybrid cloud and AI has positioned it as a key player in digital transformation for businesses worldwide.

IBM has reported consistent revenue growth in its software and consulting segments, with particular strength in AI-powered solutions. Its Watson AI platform and various industry-specific offerings have gained traction among enterprise customers seeking practical artificial intelligence applications.

The company’s Red Hat subsidiary continues driving hybrid cloud adoption, providing open-source solutions that complement IBM’s enterprise technology stack. Strategic partnerships and acquisitions have expanded its capabilities in emerging technology areas.

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Business Performance and Strategy

IBM operates through software, consulting and infrastructure segments, providing a diversified approach to technology services. Its software business, including hybrid cloud and AI solutions, has shown strong growth and high margins.

The consulting segment leverages IBM’s deep industry expertise to help clients navigate digital transformation. Its ability to combine technology implementation with business strategy differentiates it from pure-play competitors.

Infrastructure services, while facing some pressure from cloud migration, provide stable revenue and opportunities in hybrid environments. The company’s focus on modernizing legacy systems supports long-term client relationships.

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IBM’s investment in research and development remains substantial, supporting innovation in quantum computing, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. Its research laboratories continue producing breakthroughs with commercial potential.

Artificial Intelligence Leadership

IBM has emphasized practical, enterprise-focused artificial intelligence applications rather than general-purpose models. Its Watson platform offers industry-specific solutions for healthcare, finance and other sectors.

The company’s approach to AI governance and ethics has gained attention as businesses seek responsible artificial intelligence implementation. IBM’s transparency and focus on explainable AI differentiate it from some competitors.

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Partnerships with various organizations have expanded Watson’s applications across different industries. These collaborations validate the platform’s versatility and practical value.

IBM’s quantum computing efforts, while still in early stages, position the company at the forefront of a potentially transformative technology. Its cloud-based quantum systems provide access for researchers and businesses.

Cloud and Hybrid Infrastructure

IBM’s hybrid cloud strategy addresses the reality that many enterprises operate in multi-cloud and on-premises environments. Red Hat OpenShift provides a consistent platform for application deployment across various infrastructures.

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The company’s focus on security and compliance in cloud solutions appeals to regulated industries with stringent requirements. Its ability to address enterprise concerns about data sovereignty and security provides competitive advantages.

Strategic acquisitions have strengthened IBM’s cloud capabilities and expanded its addressable market. Integration of these assets has enhanced its overall technology portfolio.

Investment Considerations

IBM’s share price performance reflects investor appreciation for its transformation efforts and dividend reliability. The company’s consistent payouts and financial discipline appeal to income-oriented investors.

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The stock offers exposure to enterprise technology trends with more defensive characteristics than pure growth companies. Its valuation reflects expectations for steady growth and margin improvement.

Risks include competition from larger cloud providers, execution challenges in transformation initiatives and potential slowdowns in enterprise spending. IBM’s diversified business model and strong balance sheet provide some resilience.

Analysts generally maintain stable to positive outlooks, citing the company’s execution on strategic priorities. Continued progress in cloud and AI could support further positive sentiment.

Industry Trends

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The enterprise technology sector continues evolving with emphasis on cloud adoption, artificial intelligence integration and digital transformation. Companies like IBM with comprehensive solutions and industry expertise remain relevant.

Hybrid cloud architectures have become standard as organizations balance various deployment options. IBM’s focus on this area aligns with market demands for flexibility and control.

Cybersecurity concerns drive demand for integrated security solutions across technology stacks. IBM’s capabilities in this area support its position as a trusted enterprise partner.

Sustainability and responsible technology practices gain importance for corporate customers. IBM’s initiatives in these areas enhance its appeal to organizations with environmental and social governance priorities.

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Future Outlook

IBM’s strategic direction focuses on leveraging its strengths in enterprise technology while investing in high-growth areas like artificial intelligence and hybrid cloud. Its ability to execute on these priorities will influence long-term performance.

The company continues refining its portfolio and operational efficiency while maintaining investment in innovation. Its balance of stability and growth positions it for sustained relevance in enterprise technology.

Investors will monitor upcoming financial results and strategic updates for signs of continued progress. Management guidance will provide insight into execution priorities and market conditions.

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The enterprise technology sector’s fundamental demand drivers remain strong. IBM’s established relationships, technology expertise and global reach position it for continued participation in digital transformation initiatives.

As the company advances its cloud and AI capabilities, its contribution to business innovation and operational efficiency will expand. IBM’s progress will be watched closely by enterprise customers, competitors and investors.

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What SK Hynix’s U.S. Listing in Means for the Stock and the Markets

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What SK Hynix’s U.S. Listing in Means for the Stock and the Markets

What SK Hynix’s U.S. Listing in Means for the Stock and the Markets

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US stocks: US market ends lower as tech stocks weigh on sentiment

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US stocks: US market ends lower as tech stocks weigh on sentiment
Wall Street ended lower on Friday, with a steep drop in AI-related chip stocks and sharp gains in Moderna and other healthcare stocks.

The PHLX chip index tumbled, underscoring recent volatility among AI-related chipmakers that have fueled much of Wall Street’s gains in recent years. While some investors remain optimistic about the potential for ‌AI to fuel ⁠higher profits, others ⁠worry that massive spending to build AI data centers may take too long to pay off.

“It’s too early to conclude that there’s a major correction brewing in tech, but what I would say is that the questions around profitability and the capex story are certainly not going away,” said David Stubbs, chief investment strategist at AlphaCore Wealth Advisory.

Stubbs also warned that Wall Street could be vulnerable to signs that U.S. companies may not be able to deliver on investors’ high earnings expectations. Apple partly rebounded from a selloff on Thursday, when it raised iPad ⁠and MacBook ‌prices, blaming soaring memory and storage chip costs.

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Moderna surged to its highest level since 2024 after the drug developer hosted an investor event and showcased its pipeline. U.S. inflation rose above 4% in ⁠May, data showed on Thursday, as the Iran war drove up energy prices, keeping alive the possibility of a Fed rate hike.


While oil prices have retreated sharply as the Middle East tensions eased, Apple’s newly announced price hikes suggest inflation remains a concern, said Art Hogan, chief market strategist at B. Riley Wealth.
Also Read | Japan’s Nikkei ends 4% lower as SoftBank tanks on OpenAI IPO delay report
“We saw a similar dynamic during the pandemic, when supply chain disruptions limited access to semiconductors. Now, we’re witnessing a comparable supply shock, this time driven by memory, which is creating renewed inflationary pressure,” Hogan said.
According to preliminary data, the S&P 500 lost 19.81 points, or 0.27%, to end ‌at 7,337.68 points, while the Nasdaq Composite lost 121.72 points, or 0.48%, to 25,236.88. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 125.78 points, or 0.23%, to 51,794.84. A report that OpenAI was considering delaying its public debut until next year also ⁠weighed on risk sentiment related to AI stocks.

Shares of SpaceX were mixed for much of the session. Passively managed index funds need to buy billions of dollars’ worth of the stock ahead of its inclusion in Russell indexes.

Meanwhile, interest rate concerns persisted, with traders pricing in one 25 basis-point rate hike and a near 27% chance of another by year-end, according to LSEG-compiled data. A survey showed U.S. consumer sentiment rebounded from record lows in June, though households remained worried about the high cost of living. ON Semiconductor dropped after agreeing to acquire Synaptics in an all-stock deal valued at about $7 billion.

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Greystone Housing: High-Yield Affordable Housing Play With Significant Risks (NYSE:GHI)

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What Moved Markets This Week

This article was written by

I’m DCF Value Investor a passionate individual analyst with unique ideas that cover all types of stocks and commodities. I focus on companies fundamentals and valuation, to deliver a proper investment analysis. My ideas explore a different point of view for undervalued opportunities. Although I cover all types of stocks, the sectors I prefer are materials, technology and real estate. My research process begins with screening for companies that appear undervalued based on their balance sheet, income statement and cash flow statement. From there I conduct a fundamental analysis, including valuation ratios and industry trends. Through my analysis, I aim to help my readers to make better investment decisions. As an independent writer, I write with a particular perspective, bringing fresh ideas to the platform. My ideas keen all types of readers with her intense research in the stock I’m covering, the investment thesis on my articles is solid as it is back on fundamentals and the whole concept on my pieces are based on value investing. My motivation for writing on Seeking Alpha is to offer a different perspective from Wall Street, writing about hidden opportunities in the market. Investigating over hyped stocks in the market, digging into financials and valuation with my own analysis are my passion.

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.

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Polestar blocked from US sales under China-linked vehicle crackdown

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Polestar blocked from US sales under China-linked vehicle crackdown

Polestar said on Thursday that the Trump administration is forcing the electric vehicle maker to stop selling vehicles in the U.S. starting with the 2027 model year under a new regulation cracking down on China-linked automakers.

The Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) declined to grant Polestar authorization to sell cars under the Connected Vehicles Rules, which restricts the importation and sale of cars with connected vehicle technology linked to China starting with the upcoming model year.

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Bluetooth, wireless internet, cellular connectivity and some satellite communications technologies are covered under the rules based on national security concerns stemming from the ability of such vehicles to collect sensitive data on American owners.

The Commerce Department first adopted the rule in January 2025 before the end of the Biden administration, while it has remained in effect under President Donald Trump.

TRUMP ADMINISTRATION PLANS NEW TARIFFS ON 60 TRADING PARTNERS OVER FORCED LABOR IMPORT ENFORCEMENT FAILURES

A Polestar EV sits in a showroom

Polestar will be banned from selling EVs in the U.S. starting with the 2027 model year due to the Connected Vehicles Rule. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Polestar CEO Michael Lohscheller said in a statement that the company will place a greater emphasis on Europe in its corporate strategy going forward, while the automaker’s announcement noted that 94% of its retail sales volumes in the first quarter of 2026 was from markets outside the U.S.

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Lohscheller said that the “automotive industry is entering a new phase, based on regional dynamics. Our strategy reflects that, with Europe being our largest growth engine and our plan to manufacture Polestar 7 in Europe.”

“Our record sales in 2025 and the first quarter of 2026 show that we are making strong progress, with several new market launches taking place in Europe this year. In addition, we will continue to invest in markets where we have opportunities to continue to grow, like Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin America and Canada,” he added.

GORDON CHANG WARNS CHINESE EVS ENTERING US VIA CANADA COULD BECOME ‘ROLLING SPY MACHINES’

Ticker Security Last Change Change %
PSNY POLESTAR AUTOMOTIVE 17.43 -1.54 -8.12%
VLVLY VOLVO AB 33.25 -0.51 -1.51%

Polestar, which is based in Sweden, is majority owned by China’s Geely Holding Co.

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FOX Business reached out to the Commerce Department and Geely for comment.

The company has struggled to turn a profit and has required repeated capital injections from Geely, and its shares have fallen sharply, which prompted it to carry out a reverse stock split last year to remain listed on the Nasdaq exchange.

Following the Commerce Department’s decision, Polestar will continue to sell the existing stock of Polestar 3 and Polestar 4 vehicles in the U.S. and support customers through access to its service network.

INDUSTRY GROUP WARNS OF CHINESE CONNECTED VEHICLES

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ZWOLLE, NETHERLANDS - SEPTEMBER 20: Polestar 2 full electric 5-door liftback car on display at the new Polestar Space dealership on 20 September 2024 in Zwolle, Netherlands. Polestar is an electric car manufacturer owned by Volvo Cars. (Photo by Sjoerd van der Wal/Getty Images)

Most of Polestar’s retail sales have been in Europe. (Sjoerd van der Wal/Getty Images)

Volvo, which produces some of Polestar’s cars and is a sister brand to the automaker, said in March it would consolidate production of the Polestar 3 at its South Carolina plant instead of also building it in China. It said it was too early to say whether Thursday’s announcement would shift those plans.

The Polestar 3 is the company’s only U.S.-manufactured model.

GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE

Reuters contributed to this report.

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American Airlines EVP COO David Seymour sells $2.2m in stock

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American Airlines EVP COO David Seymour sells $2.2m in stock

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ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Stock Soars Over 12% After EU Regulators Reverse Course on Rett Syndrome Drug

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Abbott Laboratories Shares Rise as Medical Device and Diagnostics Giant

Shares of ACADIA Pharmaceuticals surged Friday, climbing 12.65%, or $3.00, to $26.72 in midday trading, after European regulators reversed an earlier rejection of the company’s flagship Rett syndrome treatment.

The rally marks a dramatic turnaround for a stock that had been weighed down for months by uncertainty over whether the drug, trofinetide, would ever reach patients in the European Union.

A reversal months in the making

The catalyst behind Friday’s jump traces directly to a regulatory decision delivered this week. According to meeting highlights published by the European Medicines Agency, the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use, following a re-examination, recommended granting a marketing authorization for Daybu, the European brand name for trofinetide, for the treatment of neurobehavioral symptoms of Rett syndrome in adults and pediatric patients aged five years and older.

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The decision reverses a setback that had clouded ACADIA’s European ambitions since early this year. The committee had initially adopted a negative opinion on the drug’s marketing authorization application in March 2026, prompting the company to formally request a re-examination of that decision.

What went wrong the first time

When the CHMP first rejected the application, the committee’s concerns centered on specific gaps in the clinical data rather than a wholesale dismissal of the drug’s effectiveness. The committee’s refusal was based on perceived deficits including the view that the treatment effect observed with trofinetide after 12 weeks, while measurable, was limited in magnitude; that the pivotal study did not capture all core symptoms of Rett syndrome; and that assessment of longer-term outcomes was influenced by patient discontinuations over time — even though the pivotal LAVENDER trial had successfully met its co-primary and key secondary endpoints.

ACADIA’s chief executive responded to that initial setback by emphasizing the company’s confidence in the underlying clinical data. “While we are disappointed by the CHMP’s recommendation to refuse approval, we continue to be encouraged by the meaningful benefits trofinetide has demonstrated for people living with Rett syndrome,” Catherine Owen Adams, ACADIA’s Chief Executive Officer, said at the time. “The strong engagement and positive feedback we have seen from patients, caregivers, and clinicians in the Rett community reinforce our belief in the treatment’s clinical value.”

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A drug already approved elsewhere

Trofinetide’s path through European regulators stands in contrast to its reception in other major markets, where the drug has already secured approval and reached patients. The medicine, a synthetic version of a naturally occurring molecule known as the tripeptide glycine-proline-glutamate, was approved for the treatment of Rett syndrome in adults and pediatric patients two years of age and older by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in March 2023 under the trade name DAYBUE, and the drug is also approved in Canada and Israel.

In the U.S., ACADIA has continued expanding the franchise around the drug even as the European process played out. The company’s newer formulation, DAYBUE STIX, a dye- and preservative-free powder version of trofinetide, became broadly available across the United States earlier this year following a limited initial launch.

A business built on two approved drugs

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Beyond trofinetide, ACADIA’s commercial business rests on a second approved medicine targeting a different neurological condition. The company also markets NUPLAZID, a selective serotonin inverse agonist and antagonist used to treat hallucinations and delusions associated with Parkinson’s disease psychosis.

Both franchises have continued growing steadily even amid the European regulatory uncertainty. In the company’s first quarter of 2026, total revenues reached $268 million, up 11% year-over-year, with DAYBUE sales climbing 20% to $101 million and NUPLAZID sales rising 6% on a non-GAAP adjusted basis to $167 million. Management reaffirmed its full-year 2026 revenue guidance of $1.22 billion to $1.28 billion alongside those results, while reporting a robust balance sheet position of roughly $850 million in cash and no long-term debt.

A pipeline with more catalysts ahead

Friday’s regulatory win adds to a list of upcoming events that could further move the stock in the coming months. ACADIA has reaffirmed its expectation for topline results from a Phase 2 study of remlifanserin, an experimental treatment for Alzheimer’s disease psychosis, with results anticipated sometime between August and October of 2026. The company is also awaiting topline results from a trofinetide clinical trial underway in Japan, expected in the September-to-November window.

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Not every recent pipeline update has gone ACADIA’s way, however. The company’s investigational treatment for hyperphagia in Prader-Willi syndrome, an intranasal formulation known as ACP-101, missed all of its endpoints in a Phase III trial, leading the company to end its development work on that program.

Wall Street’s view heading into the news

Even before Friday’s regulatory reversal, analysts following the stock had largely maintained an optimistic outlook on ACADIA’s prospects. Across 21 analysts tracking the stock, the average rating has stood at “Buy,” with a 12-month price target of $31.65 implying a sizable increase from recent trading levels heading into this week. Recent analyst commentary had also pointed to the stock potentially being undervalued following the company’s reaffirmed guidance, even before factoring in the European approval news.

Not all recent analyst moves had been positive, however. RBC Capital lowered its price target on ACADIA to $29 from $30 in May, while Citi separately trimmed its target to $32 from $33, even as both firms maintained bullish ratings on the stock.

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What the European approval means going forward

While the CHMP’s recommendation represents a significant step, it is not the final word on the drug’s fate in the European market. A positive CHMP opinion typically precedes a formal decision by the European Commission, which generally follows the committee’s recommendation in granting marketing authorization across the European Union. If that authorization follows as expected, it would open the door for ACADIA to bring trofinetide to Rett syndrome patients across the European market for the first time, expanding the drug’s commercial reach well beyond the United States, Canada and Israel.

For a company whose stock has spent much of the year trading within a relatively narrow band between roughly $20 and $28, Friday’s regulatory reversal — and the sharp rally that followed it — offers a concrete sign that one of its more uncertain near-term catalysts has finally been resolved in the company’s favor.

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Infleqtion Shares Surge 7 Percent as Quantum Technology Firm Advances Commercial Applications

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Dell Cuts Its Workforce as Part of Broader Initiative to Reduce Costs After Sluggish Demand in PC Market

Infleqtion Inc. shares climbed more than 7 percent on Friday, reaching $13.77 after gaining $0.98, as investors responded positively to the company’s progress in developing practical quantum technology applications for commercial and government customers.

The quantum technology company has emerged as a leader in neutral atom quantum computing and quantum sensing, with products and services targeting real-world use cases rather than purely theoretical research. Its focus on delivering measurable value has attracted attention from both private sector clients and government agencies.

Infleqtion’s platform uses arrays of individual atoms as qubits, offering potential advantages in scalability and coherence times compared to other quantum computing approaches. The company has demonstrated systems capable of performing useful computations while working toward larger-scale implementations.

Its quantum sensing technologies have applications in navigation, medical imaging and scientific research. These products provide immediate commercial value while supporting longer-term quantum computing development.

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Business Strategy and Market Position

Infleqtion has pursued a dual-track approach of developing both quantum computing systems and quantum sensors. This strategy allows the company to generate revenue from near-term products while investing in longer-term quantum computing capabilities.

The company’s neutral atom technology uses laser-cooled atoms as qubits, offering advantages in connectivity and coherence. Its systems can operate at room temperature in some configurations, potentially reducing infrastructure requirements.

Government contracts and research partnerships have provided validation and funding for Infleqtion’s technology. Its work with various agencies demonstrates the practical applications of quantum systems in defense and scientific research.

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Commercial customers have begun adopting quantum sensing solutions for specific use cases where classical sensors fall short. These early deployments provide valuable feedback and reference cases for broader market adoption.

Technological Advantages

Neutral atom quantum computing offers unique benefits including the ability to rearrange atoms for optimal connectivity and perform certain operations more efficiently. Infleqtion’s systems have demonstrated competitive performance metrics in various benchmarks.

The company’s approach to error correction and system scalability addresses key challenges in quantum computing development. Its focus on practical applications rather than pure research differentiates it from some academic and competitor efforts.

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Quantum sensing technologies provide immediate value in navigation, timing and imaging applications. These products serve as both revenue generators and technology demonstrators for broader quantum capabilities.

Infleqtion’s software and control systems enable users to program and operate quantum devices without requiring deep expertise in quantum physics. This accessibility supports broader adoption across different industries.

Market Environment

The quantum technology sector has attracted substantial investment from both governments and private companies. National initiatives worldwide aim to develop quantum capabilities for economic and security advantages.

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Commercial interest in quantum sensing has grown as organizations seek competitive edges in specific applications. Early adopters in defense, healthcare and financial services have begun exploring practical implementations.

Quantum computing remains in early development stages with significant technical challenges to overcome before widespread commercial use. Companies like Infleqtion that demonstrate progress toward practical applications gain attention from potential customers and investors.

The sector’s growth depends on continued technological advancement, talent development and supportive policy environments. Infleqtion’s progress contributes to overall industry momentum.

Investment Considerations

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Infleqtion’s share price performance reflects investor interest in quantum technology and the company’s specific approach. The stock offers exposure to an emerging field with significant long-term potential.

Risks include technical development challenges, competition from better-funded companies and long timelines to commercial revenue. Infleqtion’s focus on near-term products provides some balance to these risks.

Longer-term investors see potential in quantum technology’s transformative applications across multiple industries. Infleqtion’s technology platform and early commercial traction support optimistic outlooks.

Analysts monitor the company’s technical milestones, customer adoption and financial performance. Consistent progress could support further valuation upside as the quantum market develops.

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Company Leadership and Culture

Infleqtion was founded by researchers with expertise in quantum physics and atomic systems. The company’s leadership emphasizes scientific rigor and practical application development.

Its facilities and research teams focus on translating fundamental quantum science into deployable technologies. This applied approach differentiates it from purely academic quantum research efforts.

Corporate culture encourages innovation while maintaining focus on customer needs and commercial viability. The company’s growth has attracted talent from various scientific and engineering backgrounds.

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Future Outlook

Infleqtion’s strategic direction focuses on scaling its quantum technologies while expanding commercial applications. Its ability to deliver practical value in quantum sensing while advancing computing capabilities will influence its trajectory.

The company continues investing in hardware development, software tools and customer support infrastructure. Its progress toward larger-scale systems and broader market adoption will be closely watched.

Investors will monitor technical announcements, customer contracts and financial results for signs of commercial traction. Management guidance will provide insight into development priorities and market opportunities.

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The quantum technology sector’s potential remains substantial despite current technical limitations. Infleqtion’s contributions to practical applications could play an important role in realizing this potential.

As the company advances its platform and customer relationships, its impact on quantum technology commercialization will grow. Infleqtion’s progress represents an important chapter in the development of quantum technologies for real-world use.

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Netflix Shares Surge More Than 5 Percent as Streaming Leader Reports Strong Subscriber Growth

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Netflix

Netflix Inc. shares jumped more than 5 percent on Friday, closing at $75.10 after gaining $4.21, as investors responded positively to the company’s continued subscriber growth and content strategy success.

The significant advance reflected confidence in Netflix’s position as the leading global streaming service with a robust content pipeline and improving profitability. The company has consistently added subscribers while optimizing its business model for sustainable growth.

Netflix’s focus on original content, international expansion and advertising-supported tiers has driven engagement and revenue diversification. Its ability to produce popular programming across multiple genres and languages has strengthened its competitive advantage.

The streaming giant’s financial performance has shown consistent improvement with revenue growth and margin expansion. Management’s emphasis on content efficiency and operational discipline has supported profitability gains.

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Subscriber Growth and Engagement

Netflix has reported strong subscriber additions across regions, with particular strength in international markets. Its global reach and localized content strategy have broadened its appeal to diverse audiences.

Engagement metrics, including viewing hours and completion rates, have remained robust as the company balances popular franchises with new releases. Its recommendation algorithms and personalization features enhance user satisfaction and retention.

The advertising tier has gained traction among price-sensitive consumers while maintaining premium subscription growth. This dual approach allows Netflix to serve different market segments effectively.

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Password sharing crackdowns and account consolidation efforts have contributed to subscriber growth without significant backlash. The company’s measured approach to these changes has preserved customer relationships.

Content Strategy and Investment

Netflix continues investing in original programming while leveraging licensed content to fill its library. Its data-driven approach to content decisions has improved hit rates and return on investment.

International content has become increasingly important to subscriber growth and cultural relevance. Productions from various regions have achieved global success and strengthened local market positions.

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The company’s focus on diverse storytelling and creator partnerships has expanded its appeal. Award-winning series and films have enhanced its reputation for quality programming.

Sports and live events have emerged as growth areas, with strategic rights acquisitions complementing its traditional scripted content. This diversification broadens Netflix’s entertainment offerings.

Competitive Landscape

Netflix faces competition from other streaming services including Disney+, Amazon Prime Video and Warner Bros. Discovery’s Max. Its first-mover advantage and global scale provide significant differentiation.

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The company’s focus on profitability and cash flow generation distinguishes it from competitors prioritizing subscriber growth at any cost. This discipline has supported positive free cash flow and financial flexibility.

Content spending across the industry has moderated as companies focus on returns rather than sheer volume. Netflix’s data advantages and creative expertise support efficient content investment.

Partnerships and licensing agreements with various studios provide additional content options while managing costs. These relationships enhance library depth without proportional increases in original production spending.

Investment Considerations

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Netflix’s share price performance reflects investor appreciation for its execution and growth strategy. The company’s valuation incorporates expectations for continued subscriber growth and margin expansion.

The stock appeals to growth-oriented investors seeking exposure to digital entertainment and content creation. Its improving profitability and cash flow generation support positive long-term outlooks.

Risks include competitive pressures, content performance variability and potential economic impacts on consumer spending. Netflix’s global diversification and content strategy provide some resilience.

Analysts generally maintain positive views, citing the company’s market leadership and operational improvements. Continued delivery on growth targets could support further positive sentiment.

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Industry Trends

The streaming industry has matured with increased focus on profitability and sustainable business models. Companies have shifted from subscriber growth at any cost to balanced approaches emphasizing returns.

Content spending has stabilized as platforms prioritize quality and efficiency over volume. Data analytics and audience insights drive more targeted content investment decisions.

Global expansion and localization have become essential for streaming success. Companies investing in regional content and marketing gain advantages in international markets.

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Technological advances in video quality, personalization and interactive features continue enhancing user experiences. Netflix’s investment in these areas supports its competitive positioning.

Future Outlook

Netflix’s strategic direction focuses on global growth, content innovation and operational efficiency. Its ability to execute on these priorities will influence long-term performance and market position.

The company continues refining its content strategy and platform features based on user behavior and competitive dynamics. Its data advantages and creative expertise support informed decision-making.

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Investors will monitor upcoming quarterly results for progress on subscriber metrics, revenue growth and margin trends. Management guidance will provide insight into content strategy and market conditions.

The streaming industry’s fundamental demand drivers remain strong as consumers seek convenient entertainment options. Netflix’s market leadership, global reach and content quality position it for continued success.

As the company advances its platform and content offerings, its contribution to global entertainment and cultural exchange will expand. Netflix’s progress will be watched closely by subscribers, competitors and investors worldwide.

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