The battle for Warner Bros Discovery’s (WBD) streaming content is heating up as Netflix mulls all-cash offer. Reports are emerging that Netflix (NFLX) is considering changing its bid for WBD. They might make it an all-cash offer to get the $83 billion deal over the line. Netflix has previously tabled an 85%/15% cash/stock split deal. WBD investors seem reluctant to accept this given the sharp fall in Netflix’ share price since the summer. Netflix stock peaked at a record close to $134 in July last year but has since lost 33%. Bidding battle Revising its offer would presumably come in response…

A core holding for millions of investors all over the globe, Apple (AAPL) could be facing its AI (artificial intelligence) make or break in 2026. Depending on your view, the $3.82tn tech giant has either been left in the slipstream of rivals in the scramble to build Large Language Models (LLMs) to provide AI infrastructure, or it has opted out of the race. However, Apple facing its AI make or break in 2026 could redefine its future trajectory in the tech industry. As Wedbush’s respected tech analyst Dan Ives noted, Apple stock has ‘languished so far this year’. Investors have…

The FTSE 100, now above 10,000, has come storming back into fashion. From the trailer trash relation in the global equity markets family, investors are now welcoming it back like the prodigal son. The UK’s blue-chip benchmark’s 22% rally through 2025, and 2%-plus into 2026, puts many other global indices to shame.  Investing in ETFs offers instant diversification in a low-cost package, making them a popular choice for those interested in the FTSE 100. Market2025 performanceFTSE 10021.8%MSCI World21.6%FTSE All-Share20.1%Nasdaq Composite17.8%Eurostoxx 60017.0%S&P 50014.7%FTSE 2509.7% Source: Google Finance Having taken almost eight years to go from 7,000 to 8,000, it has scorched…

Late in December (read here), we explained why AI (artificial intelligence) will continue to drive global stock market returns in 2026. In that feature, we listed several low-cost ETF options to help you position your portfolio, if that’s want you want to do. Basically, analysts at Barclays and BlackRock wrote extensively about AI in their respective 2026 Outlook notes recently. The next wave of AI innovation will move beyond answering questions. It will execute actions autonomously, which could dramatically enhance productivity across industries, wrote Barclays. BlackRock highlighted AI as the macro story shaping global growth. They estimated global AI capital expenditure…

In the latest podcast, Sharesify’s Steven Frazer and Ian Conway chat about supermarket sales over the festive season They also look at the latest developments in the investment trust space, and a White House threat hanging over US defence stocks. Join the Sharesify team in our casual chat through stocks, funds, investment trusts, market mood and all things investng. In this episode, Steven Frazer and his podcast partner in crime Ian Conway discuss UK supermarkets, impressive sales from a retail stalwart, and take a look at an ominous White House threat hanging over US defence stocks. THe chaps also talk…

Shareholders in the Herald Investment Trust (HRI) are to be given the opportunity to cash out their entire stakes. This follows the trust’s announcement on Friday (9 Jan 2026). Herald is proposing a tender offer allowing shareholders to sell up to 100% of their shares. This will be at close to NAV (net asset value). Herald INvestment Trust (HRI)Price: £26.51Market cap: £1.27bn The move comes as the company faces pressure from Saba Capital Management. Saba owns approximately 30.7% of Herald’s shares and has previously attempted to take control of the board. Discount challenges Saba is believed to be frustrated at the…

UK markets are not known for their tech stocks but Cerillion (CER) continues to stand out, here’s why. The £415 million international telco billing software designer recently saw its share price spike after unveiling its largest ever contract. Cerillion (CER)Price: £14.14Market cap: £415m The deal, worth Oman Telecommunications, or Omantel, will see Cerillion supply and install its cloud-native BSS/OSS suite (Business Support Systems and Operations Support Systems). Cerillion will provide ongoing support, maintenance, hosting, and managed services after securing its largest ever contract. £42.5 million deal Crucially, the technology will support Omantel’s mobile, fixed-line, and broadband services. The contract is…

Sharesify’s Steven Frazer and Ian Conway chat about FTSE 100 at 10,000, retail updates, latest on tech chips, and more.

Major dividend data lands tomorrow, and retail investors may have a decision to make. The news is significant as it could influence share price performance, in the short-term. The 8 Jan is the first ex-dividend date of 2026, a regular major dividend event that can send ripples through stock markets. What ex-dividend means When a stock goes ex-dividend, it means new investors no longer have the right to receive the stock’s next declared dividend payout. Here’s how it works: Sage going ex-dividend For example, enterprise software FTSE 100 firm Sage (SGE) will go ex-dividend tomorrow. It means, only shareholders at…

Microchip Technology (MCHP)Stock price: $67.06Market cap: $37.3bn Semiconductor demand remains hot, but it is not just AI pumping the gas. Microchip Technology (MCHP) reported widespread interest and orders from across the tech industry that saw the $37 billion firm’s stock surge nearly 4%. Because semiconductor demand remains hot, Microchip faces great growth potential. Microchip reported overnight Q3 sales that surpassed previous guidance. The semis manufacturer announced that it expects net sales of approximately $1.19 billion for Q3 ended 31 December 2025, reflecting how semiconductor demand remains hot across various sectors. Beating forecasts That’s well ahead of original guidance range of…