In our latest podcast, Sharesify’s Steven Frazer and Ian Conway talk markets at record highs (or very near), with the FTSE 100, S&P 500, Nasdaq Composite and Eurostoxx 600 on a 2026 rampage. But, as Ian explains, there are puzzling elements to watch, with various economic data points not seemingly tallying with investor hubris. Record gold for one, as the precious metal safe-haven blasts through $5,300 for the first time ever on Wednesday, making it a 23% gold rush rallying already in 2026. Steven and Ian then move on to crucial earning incoming this evening, when $10 trillion+ of big…

Dutch semiconductor equipment giant ASML (ASML) reported blowout Q4 figures on Wednesday. The Amsterdam and New York-listed business unveiled record bookings of €13.2 billion, more than double market expectations of around €6.3 billion. The surge in orders sent the Amsterdam stock more than 5% higher on Wednesday, as investors responded to the company’s strongest indication yet that AI‑driven semiconductor demand is accelerating. Quarterly revenue came in at €9.72 billion, slightly ahead of consensus estimates of €9.58 billion. Importantly, gross margin landed at 52.2%, in line with forecasts, according to research commentary and company filings. ASML (ASML)Price: €1,277Market cap: €491.37bn A…

AI infrastructure tech firm CoreWeave (CRWV) stock is gong gangbusters this week, shooting 17% higher. The sharp rally follows Nvidia’s (NVDA) $2 billion bet on the datacentres business. Nvidia seeks to secure leadership in fast-evolving AI Infrastructure growth. The move underscores the intensifying race to secure computing capacity for advanced AI workloads. Nvidia will purchase $2 billion of CoreWeave’s Class A common stock at $87.20 a share. Notably, CoreWeave already deploys Nvidia’s advanced GPUs (graphics processing units) at scale. The deal goes beyond a financial investment. It establishes a long-term partnership aimed at accelerating the development of AI-focused data centres…

The market is caught in a familiar cycle as ride-sharers Uber Technologies (UBER) and Lyft (LYFT) face a crucial transition to robotaxis. Solid stock performance over the past year has fuelled optimism, but forward guidance hints at a potential expectations gap. Let’s take a closer look. Uber Technologies — Q4 2025 preview When: Wednesday 4 February Earnings expectations Analysts currently expect a drop in EPS versus the year-ago quarter — with consensus calls for a significant year-over-year decline in profitability even as revenues grow. Estimates suggest EPS may be materially lower than the strong profit seen in the prior year…

Enterprise software firm Sage (SGE) reported a solid start to its 2026 financial year on Tuesday, posting double‑digit revenue growth in Q1. Importantly, it also signalled continued momentum in its transition toward cloud‑based services. The upbeat trading update initially prompted a positive reaction in London, the shares jumping more than 5% in early dealings. But that optimism quickly subsided to leave the stock largely flat. Sage (SGE)Price: £10.49 (+0.6%)Market cap: £9.99bn The FTSE 100 accounting and business software provider said group revenue rose 10% year‑on‑year to £674 million for the three months ended 31 December, underpinned by broad‑based growth across…

With more than $10 trillion in combined market cap and a volatile start to the year, there’s a lot riding on big tech earnings this week. Microsoft (MSFT), Meta Platforms (META), and Tesla (TSLA) will kick things off after the bell on Wednesday, with Apple (AAPL) the following day, after-hours on Thursday. These quarterly results will set the tone for the entire tech sector and, probably, the whole market. These four giants represent more than 17% of the S&P 500’s $58.5 trillion market cap. With the S&P 500 near record highs and volatility primed to rise post-options expiration, these four titans will…

Gold prices vaulted to fresh record highs on Monday, extending last week’s sharp rally. Investors are seeking refuge in the precious metal amid intensifying geopolitical tensions and growing uncertainty over US trade policy. Gold spot prices rallied to an all-time high of over $5,100 an ounce by 9.30am GMT, while US gold futures advanced by around 2.5% to a record $5,134/oz. The latest surge builds on a powerful move last week, when gold gained more than 8% and repeatedly breached previous historic peaks. Prices are now up almost 17% year-to-date, underpinned by heightened geopolitical risk, expectations of looser US monetary…

In our latest podcast, Sharesify’s Steven Frazer and Ian Conway try to make sense of a bumpy old week for major global stock markets following some classic TACO trade stuff. Are investors taking a bit of risk off the table and chasing defensives as volatility creeps in? Find out what the chaps think, with an eye on Procter & Gamble (PG) stock, and why investors don’t only react to published numbers. Steven then discusses chipmaker Intel (INTC), one of Wall Street’s stars over the past year, but not now. Is this a reality check for investors after a stunning H2…

Revival at Baillie Gifford US Growth Trust (USA) has been running for two years now. Yet today’s solid half-year results were given a big meh by investors. The share price has rallied 46% since April last year. However, convincing investors that its long-term growth strategy is worth backing won’t be easy. The FTSE 250 investment trust delivered total returns of 18% on its share price and 14.1% on NAV (net asset value), after deducting borrowings at fair value. Yet investors could have done better. This is based on the trust’s own 18.6% total return calculation for the S&P 500 Index.…

Chipmaker Intel (INTC) felt the full force of indignant market mood after investors were left unimpressed by soft Q1 2026 guidance. The stock plunged more than 11% in after-hours trading on Wall Street Thursday. The company continues to grapple with supply constraints while transitioning to new manufacturing technologies. Intel is forecasting breakeven EPS, below market expectations of $0.05. Meanwhile, revenue was steered towards the lower end of the estimates range. The company guided for revenue of between $11.7 billion and $12.7 billion. This compares with a consensus forecast of $12.55 billion. Pressure on production Thin guidance overshadowed a narrow earnings…