Author

admin

Browsing

The DAX index has surged to a record high of €21,800 even as the German economy slows and concerns of Donald Trump’s tariffs rise. It has jumped by 50% from its lowest level in 2023, making it one of the top-performing companies this year. Let’s explore some of the top DAX companies to watch this week and the top movers in 2024. 

Top DAX index companies to watch this week

There will be many top movers in the DAX 40 index this week as they publish their financial results. Siemens Energy, one of its top-performers since 2024 will in the spotlight as it publishes its quarterly results on Wednesday. These numbers wil provide more color about the business demand as its recovery continues. 

Siemens will then release its numbers on Thursday. The other big DAX index constituent to watch will be Commerzbank as it releases its results. Analysts are watching its numbers as speculation of a takeover by Unicredit increases. Unicredit has accumulated more shares and its management has not ruled out a complete buyout.

Thyssenkrupp will also release its numbers later this week. This is one of the biggest engineering companies, making products for key sectors like automotive, construction, chemicals, and food and beverages. 

Top DAX performers

The DAX index has surged as most companies rose. Heidelberg Materials, the biggest German manufacturer of building materials like cement, aggregates, asphalt, and ready-mix concrete, has done well as its stock surged by over 21% this year. 

Heidelberg Materials has done well as demand for its business continued growing. Its nine-month revenue rose by 2% to over 15.7 billion, helped by its American business. Analysts expect that its demand will continue doing well this year.

Commerzbank share price has soared by 20% this year and by 52% in the last six months. As mentioned, this growth is mostly because of Unicredit, which has become its biggest investor and hinted of an eventual rebound.

Rheinmetal stock price, which was the best performer in 2024, has continued its momentum. Its stock has soared by 17.8% this year as Donald Trump insists that NATO countries will need to spend about 5% of their GDP on defense. 

The other notable gainers in the DAX index are firms like Infineon, Sartorius, Zalando, SAP, Deutsche Telekom, Siemens Energy, and Daimler Truck Holding. All these firms have soared by over 10% so far this year. 

On the other hand, the top laggards in the DAX index are firms like Qiagen, Symrise, Porsche, and BMW. BMW and Porsche stock price has crashed this year amid concerns about the tariffs from the United States, where they do a lot of business.

DAX index analysis

DAX chart by TradingView

The DAX index has soared as the European Central Bank maintained a dovish tone by hinting that it would continue cutting rates later this yaer. It has remained above the 50-week moving average.

Further, the Relative Strength Index (RSI) and the MACD indicators have continued rising, a sign that it has momentum. It has also moved to the upper side of the ascending channel after rising in the last seven consecutive weeks. 

Therefore, the index may keep rising as bulls target the key resistance point at 22,000 euros. However, there is a likelihood that it may retreat in the coming weeks as traders target the 50-week Exponential Moving Average at 19,000 euros.

The post These DAX index companies are firing on all cylinders appeared first on Invezz

Former President Donald Trump has ordered the US Treasury to halt penny production, citing its manufacturing costs, which have exceeded the coin’s face value for nearly 20 years.

In a Truth Social post on Sunday night, Trump called the continued minting of the one-cent coin “wasteful” and instructed the Treasury to stop producing it.

The decision follows discussions on government spending inefficiencies and aligns with broader cost-cutting measures.

It remains unclear whether Trump has the authority to enforce this directive without congressional approval, raising questions about the legislative process required for such a move.

US Mint lost $85.3M in 2024

The cost of minting a penny has consistently outpaced its face value.

According to the US Mint’s 2024 annual report, each penny costs 3.69 cents to produce—more than three and a half times its worth.

This led to a loss of $85.3 million from penny production alone in the fiscal year ending September 2024.

The report also revealed that pennies accounted for 54% of all US coins minted during the period, highlighting the scale of the issue.

This financial burden extends beyond the penny. The five-cent coin, or nickel, also costs more to manufacture than its face value.

In FY2024, each nickel cost 13.78 cents to produce, leading to a $17.7 million loss for the Mint.

These figures have sparked debates about the necessity of low-value coin production and the inefficiencies it creates for the federal budget.

The Mint has repeatedly stated that rising material and production costs make these denominations increasingly unsustainable.

Congress approval needed

While Trump has ordered the Treasury to stop producing pennies, the move raises legal and logistical challenges.

Historically, changes to US currency have required legislative action, such as the discontinuation of the half-cent coin in 1857. If Congress does not intervene, the Treasury may face difficulties in unilaterally halting penny production.

Previous legislative proposals have addressed rounding cash transactions to the nearest five cents, eliminating the need for pennies in circulation.

If Trump’s directive gains political traction, lawmakers may be forced to consider similar rounding policies to avoid transactional inconsistencies in cash-based purchases.

Some industry experts argue that businesses could benefit from simplified transactions, while others caution against abrupt changes that might confuse consumers.

Future of pennies

The push to eliminate pennies is not new. Financial analysts have long argued that small-denomination coins no longer serve a practical purpose, especially with the rise of digital transactions and card-based payments.

Canada, for example, eliminated its penny in 2013, opting for rounding policies that simplify transactions.

Eliminating the penny could also impact businesses and consumers who rely on cash transactions.

Retailers may need to adjust pricing strategies, while customers could see subtle price shifts depending on rounding rules.

The nickel’s cost inefficiency may also spark further discussions on whether the five-cent coin should be next on the chopping block.

If both coins were removed from circulation, the US would need to implement a consistent approach to rounding rules to ensure price stability across industries.

The post The end of the penny? Trump pushes to halt production appeared first on Invezz

President Donald Trump declared plans to impose a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum imports, broadening his trade agenda and raising concerns among key US trading partners.

Speaking aboard Air Force One on Sunday, Trump confirmed that the tariffs would apply to all countries, including Mexico and Canada, without specifying when they would take effect.

Trump also hinted at introducing reciprocal tariffs on countries taxing US imports, noting these measures would be implemented “almost immediately” after an announcement. However, he provided no further details.

Possible impact of steel and aluminum tariffs

The US heavily relies on aluminum imports, primarily from Canada, the UAE, and China, which account for most of its demand.

Steel imports, though a smaller portion of consumption, are critical for industries requiring specialty grades not produced domestically, such as energy companies involved in wind development and oil drilling.

Metal markets in Asia showed a steady response to the announcement early Monday. Iron ore prices rose less than 1% in Singapore, while aluminum futures on the London Metal Exchange saw marginal gains. US aluminum futures on Comex added 0.4% in light trading.

Canada, Mexico, Brazil, and South Korea are the leading suppliers of steel to the U.S. Some companies, particularly in the oil sector, had secured exclusions from previous tariffs during Trump’s first term.

However, it remains unclear whether imports from China will face double tariffs, given the existing 10% duties on Chinese goods.

China has responded with retaliatory measures targeting $14 billion worth of US imports, set to take effect on Monday.

These targeted measures are more measured compared to Trump’s broader tariff plans.

Trump’s tariffs negotiations

Trump’s tariff strategy has often served as a bargaining chip. He delayed tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada to March following their proposals for increased border security.

In January, his threat of a 25% tariff on Colombia also worked as it forced the latter to accept deportees.

Additionally, the president has threatened duties on goods from the EU, including pharmaceuticals, oil, and semiconductors, while maintaining a mix of hardline rhetoric and willingness to negotiate with China.

The president’s use of tariffs aligns with his broader economic goals of reducing trade deficits and generating revenue to support his tax initiatives.

However, economists warn these measures could increase costs for manufacturers, raise consumer prices, and strain trade relations without achieving the expected revenue.

Mexico and Canada tariffs are still on the cards

Trump, in a Fox News interview, criticized Canada and Mexico for their insufficient measures to address border security, drug trafficking, and migration ahead of a looming March 1 tariff deadline.

Trump reiterated his threat to impose 25% tariffs on all imports from America’s two largest trading partners if more robust actions are not taken.

Trump had previously delayed the tariffs until March 1 after initial border security concessions from both nations.

Mexico pledged to deploy 10,000 National Guard troops to its borders, while Canada committed to deploying new technology, additional personnel, and implementing anti-fentanyl measures.

However, Trump made it clear these efforts have not met his expectations.

Asked if Mexico’s and Canada’s actions were adequate, Trump responded, “No, it’s not good enough. Something has to happen. It’s not sustainable, and I’m changing it.”

He did not elaborate on specific steps the two countries would need to take to avoid the tariffs.

The post President Trump plans to impose 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports appeared first on Invezz

President Donald Trump has recently signed an executive order proposing the creation of a U.S. sovereign wealth fund. 

The idea is simple: use government assets to generate returns, just like Norway or Saudi Arabia.

But the US isn’t sitting on a pile of surplus oil money or trade reserves. So, how exactly would this work? And more importantly, should it?

What is a sovereign wealth fund and why does Trump want one?

A sovereign wealth fund (SWF) is a government-run investment vehicle that holds stocks, bonds, real estate, or commodities. The goal is to turn state-controlled assets into long-term financial gains.

Countries with large natural resource reserves leverage a vehicle such as a SWF to invest in global assets.

The biggest examples are Norway with its $1.7 trillion fund, and Saudi Arabia with a $900 billion fund.

Even small nations like Singapore ($2.1 trillion combined between GIC and Temasek) have built massive funds.

Trump’s motivation is clear. He wants the US to generate wealth from its existing assets rather than just rely on taxes and debt. In his words:

 “It’s about time that this country had a sovereign wealth fund.” 

He has even suggested that the fund could be used to buy TikTok, though the details are still vague.

This isn’t a new idea. The Biden administration also explored a similar fund to invest in critical minerals, defense, and infrastructure.

But no president has ever pulled the trigger. But since Trump is known for his aggressive deal-making, he will want to change that.

Where would the money come from?

The biggest challenge for a US sovereign wealth fund is funding. Norway and Saudi Arabia built theirs thanks to their rich oil reserves.

China and Singapore did it through their large trade surpluses. 

The problem with the US, however, is that it’s running a $1.8 trillion budget deficit and has a national debt of $36 trillion.

Trump has floated several ideas. One is monetising federal assets, which totals $5.7 trillion, including:

  • $1.2 trillion in federal buildings, many of which are underused.
  • $2 trillion in student loan assets, though much of it could be written off.
  • Seized Bitcoin, with at least $21 billion in confiscated digital assets.

He has also suggested tariffs as a revenue stream. The idea would be to funnel money from import duties into the fund instead of spending it immediately.

Another possibility is requiring foreign companies, like TikTok, to give the US government a stake in exchange for operating in the country.

None of these are straightforward solutions. Selling government buildings isn’t easy.

Student loans don’t generate immediate cash flow. And tariffs, while lucrative, are unpredictable and could spark trade wars.

Could this actually work?

If the US successfully builds an SWF, it could become the largest in the world overnight. The sheer scale of government-owned assets dwarfs even the biggest sovereign funds today.

State-level examples show that this can be done. Alaska’s Permanent Fund ($80 billion) is financed through oil revenues and sends direct payments to residents.

North Dakota’s Legacy Fund ($11.5 billion) reinvests oil and gas taxes for the future.

A federal version could do the same on a national scale, funding infrastructure, debt reduction, or even direct cash payments to Americans.

Some analysts have even suggested using it to back a universal basic income (UBI) program similar to what Alaska does.

But there’s a catch. SWFs work best when built from excess capital, not borrowed money.

The US would need to either reallocate existing assets or find new revenue streams. If not managed well, the fund could become another political slush fund rather than a serious investment vehicle.

What are the risks?

The idea of a $6 trillion investment fund sounds good, but execution is everything. The biggest risks are political interference, poor investment decisions, and lack of oversight.

Many sovereign wealth funds operate independently to avoid political influence. Norway’s fund, for example, is run by professional managers who follow strict rules to avoid risky bets.

A US fund, however, would be deeply tied to Washington. If politicians start using it for pet projects, bailouts, or politically motivated investments, it could become a liability instead of an asset.

There’s also the risk of the government picking winners and losers. If the US government starts buying stakes in private companies, it raises ethical and legal concerns.

Would taxpayers want their money invested in a controversial tech firm like TikTok? What about fossil fuels? Big Pharma? A Bitcoin strategic reserve?

Then there’s the global reaction. Countries with existing SWFs, like China and Saudi Arabia, use them as strategic vehicles by investing in industries that give them geopolitical influence.

If the US follows suit, could this trigger investment wars between nations?

A bold idea with an uncertain future

Trump’s sovereign wealth fund proposal is ambitious, unconventional, and full of risks.

If structured well, it could be a powerful financial tool that helps America manage its wealth more effectively.

If mishandled, it could become another source of government waste and mismanagement.

The next 90 days will be critical. Treasury and Commerce officials must outline a clear plan that addresses how the fund will be financed, who will oversee it, and what its long-term investment strategy will be.

If done right, this could be one of the biggest financial moves in US history. If done wrong, it could just be another political talking point that fades away.

The post Can the United States really build a Sovereign Wealth Fund? appeared first on Invezz

Porsche stock price has imploded, and moved to a record low as the company goes through one of its worst crises in decades. It slumped to an all-time low of €55.56, down by over 55% from its all-time high, bringing its market cap to over €25 billion. Let’s explore why the Porsche share price has imploded and whether it is safe to buy the dip. 

Donald Trump and his tariffs

The main catalyst for the recent Porsche share price crash is Donald Trump, who has threatened to implement tariffs on European goods. 

These would be big tariffs considering the volume that the two regions do each year. The trade volume is estimated to be $851 billion, with the EU selling products worth $503 billion. Germany is one of the biggest US trading partners.

Porsche is highly exposed to the United States. The last trading update shows that it delivered 310,718 vehicles in 2024, a drop from the 320,220 it delivered a year earlier. 28% of these vehicles went to North America, making it the biggest market in the market. The other biggest region was Europe, China, and Germany. 

While Volkswagen Group has manufacturing plants in the United States, Porsche exports all its vehicles to the country. This means that any tariff, especially a big one like 25% would make its vehicles to be highly expensive.

Analysts believe that such tariffs would pressure the company to set up a manufacturing plant in the US, a highly expensive endeavor. 

China, its other big market is going through major changes as local companies like XPeng, Li Auto, and Nio have gained maket share.

Read more: Very bad news for the vulnerable Porsche stock price

Porsche Taycan sales have tanked

The other main reason why the Porsche stock price has crashed is that its entry into the EV industry has not been all that successful. It did that by launching the Taycan brand, which because highly successful initially.

Recently, however, Porsche Taycan’s sales have crashed. It delivered just 20,800 vehicles in 2024, down from over 40,630 a year earlier. It attributed the drop to the slower than planned electric ramp up and product changeover.

The reality, however, is that EV demand has dropped, and customers are afraid of buying a highly depreciative vehicle. It has a 42% depreciation in three years, with some new models going for less than $50,000. 

Weak financial results

Porsche has published weak financial results in the past few quarters. The most recent numbers showed that the third-quarter revenue dropped by 5.2% to €28.6 billion, while its operating profit plunged by 26.7%. 

This slowdown happened even as the Porsche Cayenne sals jumped by 21% during the quarter. This growth was offset by a big drop in other brands like Macan, Taycan, and Panamera.

Analysts anticipate thar Porsche’s earnings will remain under pressure in the coming quarters, especially as the tariff threat and economic growth in key countries plunge. 

Porsche stock price analysis

Porsche stock by TradingView

The daily chart shows that the Porsche share price has been in a strong downward trend in the past few years. It recently plunged below the key support level at €60 and the 50-day moving average. 

Porsche stock price has moved below the descending channel shown in black, a bearish view. Therefore, the downward trend will continue as bears wait for the new Donald Trump tariffs that will hit it hard. Such tariffs may push it to the next support at €50, followed by €45. 

On the positive side, the stock has formed a falling wedge pattern pointing to more gains later this year. 

The post Here’s why the Porsche stock price has imploded appeared first on Invezz

The CAC 40 index has risen in the last five straight weeks and is hoverng at its highest level since June 3 last year despite the rising tariff risks. It soared to a high of €8,000 on Friday, up by over 13% from its lowest point in December and and by 120% from its 2020 lows. So, what next for the blue-chip index?

Why the CAC 40 index is rising

The CAC 40 index has jumped as investors rotate back to European stocks. For example, the DAX index has soared to a record high this year, a trend that may continue. 

Similarly, the FTSE MIB index has jumped to €37,055, up by 160% from its lowest point in 2020. The IBEX 35 index, which tracks the biggest companies in Spain, has soared to €12,800, while the broader Stoxx 600 index has moved to €543. 

These indices are soaring as investors rotate from the low-yieldng European bonds to the stock market because of the dovish European Central Bank (ECB). The ECB has slashed interest rates five times, slashing the official cash rate to 3%. 

This, in turn, has pushed bond yields lower, with the ten-year yield moving to 3% from the year-to-date high of 3.50%. The 30-year yield has dropped to 3.6% from a high of 4%. This has made French stocks more attractive since the average dividend yield is about 3%. 

The CAC 40 index has also been boosted by the recent Chinese economic data, which revealed that the economy was doing well. A report showed that China’s GDP expanded by 5.4% in the fourth quarter and hit the 5% target. 

China is an important market for French companies, which do a lot of business there. Some of the most notable firms with large Chinese operations are the likes of LVMH, Pernod Rickard, and Kering. 

Top gainers French stocks

Societe Generale is the best-performing company in the CAC 40 index as it jumped by over 32% this year and by 62% in the last 12 months. This growth happened as the second-biggest bank in France published strong financial results. Its annual revenue soared by 6.7% to €26.7 billion, helped by higher net interest income. The firm paid over €1.7 billion in dividends.

Dassault Systemes stock price has soared by 18% this year, making it the second-best-performer in the CAC 40 index. It has done well as its business continued doing well. Its software revenue rose by 9% in the fourth quarter, bringing its annual revenue figure to €6.21 billion. It expects that its revenue will grow by between 6% and 7% this year. 

BNB Paribas, the biggest bank in France, has also jumped by over 16% this year, making it the the-best-performing stock in the index. Like Societe Generale, the company has done well, helped by the rising net interest income and higher distributions. 

The other top-performing companies in the CAC 40 index this year are Safran, Thales, Credit Agricole, TotalEnergies, Capgemini, and Sanofi. On the other hand, the top laggards in the index are firms like ST Microelectronics, Pernod Ricard, Edenred, and Stellantis.

CAC 40 index analysis

CAC index chart by TradingView

The daily chart shows that the CAC 40 index has been in a strong bull run in the past few months. It recently crossed the important resistance level at €7,800, its highest swing in September last year. This was a notable level since it was the neckline of the slanted double-bottom pattern.

Most importantly, the index has formed a golden cross pattern as the 200-day and 50-day Exponential Moving Averages (EMA) crossed each other. Therefore, the stock will likely keep rising as bulls target the all-time high of €8,255, up by 3.5% from the current level. 

The post CAC 40 index forms golden cross thanks to these stocks appeared first on Invezz

Adyen share price has risen in the last six straight weeks, moving to its highest level since July 2023. It has jumped by 150% from its lowest level in 2023, giving it a market cap of over €50 billion. So, is the Adyen stock price a good investment ahead of its earnings?

Growing fintech giant

Adyen is one of the biggest fintech companies in Europe. It is a money processing firm that helps companies accept money online and offline. 

Adyen has increased the number of services over the years. For example, it provides financing to some of its customers, allows firms to send global payouts in real time, and issuing physical and virtual cards. 

Adyen’s business has grown rapidly over the years as it signed some of the biggest companies globally to its ecosystem. Some of its top customers are firms like Uber, Mango, eBay, spotify, and McDonalds. These firms handle billions of dollars annually, some of which flows to Adyen. 

Adyen operates in one of the biggest – and competitive – industries globally. For example, it competes with some of the top competitors being the likes of Stripe, Square, Airwallex, WorldPay, and PayPal.

Adyen’s business has continued to do well as it experienced double-digit growth rates. Its net revenue rose by 24% in the first half of the year to €913 million. Having such a growth rate is encouraging for a company that has been in business for almost 20 years. 

The revenue growth happened as the firm processed over €619 billion, with its point-of-sale revenue jumping to €95.6 billion. 

Read more: Adyen share price is rebounding: Is it the best Dutch stock to buy?

Margin growth and earnings ahead

Adyen also continued to expand its margins, with the closely-watched EBITDA margin moving to 46% in the first half of the year, from 43% a year earlier. 

Most of its business growth is because of the growing share of online transactions, customer gains, and robust relationships with its existing customers. 

Additionally, the firm has taken measures to grow its margins through cost reductions. For example, it has focused on reduced hiring, a move it hopes will make it a more profitable company in the future. 

The next key catalyst for the Adyen stock price will be its earnings on February 13. These numbers will be crucial as they will provide more color about its growth and opportunities. 

Analysts expect that its business did well during the fourth quarter. The revenue is expected to come in at €506 million, a 22% increase from the same period last year. Its annual revenue will be almost €2 billion. 

Analysts note that Adyen stock price may keep rising for a while. It has a large market share, is growing its margins, and continues to attract more customers from around the world. The key risk is that the firm is facing substantial competition from other companies. 

Adyen share price analysis

Adyen share price chart by TradingView

The weekly chart shows that the Adyen share price has done well in the past few months. It has moved close to the 50% Fibonacci Retracement level.

The stock has moved above the 50-week moving average. Most importantly, it has formed an inverse head and shoulders chart pattern, a highly popular bullish sign in the market. This pattern has a head, two shoulders, and a neckline. It has recently moved above the upper side of the neckline.

Therefore, the Adyen share price will likely continue rising as bulls target the key resistance point at €2,260, the 23.6% retracement point. A drop below the support at €1,200 will invalidate the bullish view.

The post Adyen share price rare pattern points to a surge soon appeared first on Invezz

The DAX index has surged to a record high of €21,800 even as the German economy slows and concerns of Donald Trump’s tariffs rise. It has jumped by 50% from its lowest level in 2023, making it one of the top-performing companies this year. Let’s explore some of the top DAX companies to watch this week and the top movers in 2024. 

Top DAX index companies to watch this week

There will be many top movers in the DAX 40 index this week as they publish their financial results. Siemens Energy, one of its top-performers since 2024 will in the spotlight as it publishes its quarterly results on Wednesday. These numbers wil provide more color about the business demand as its recovery continues. 

Siemens will then release its numbers on Thursday. The other big DAX index constituent to watch will be Commerzbank as it releases its results. Analysts are watching its numbers as speculation of a takeover by Unicredit increases. Unicredit has accumulated more shares and its management has not ruled out a complete buyout.

Thyssenkrupp will also release its numbers later this week. This is one of the biggest engineering companies, making products for key sectors like automotive, construction, chemicals, and food and beverages. 

Top DAX performers

The DAX index has surged as most companies rose. Heidelberg Materials, the biggest German manufacturer of building materials like cement, aggregates, asphalt, and ready-mix concrete, has done well as its stock surged by over 21% this year. 

Heidelberg Materials has done well as demand for its business continued growing. Its nine-month revenue rose by 2% to over 15.7 billion, helped by its American business. Analysts expect that its demand will continue doing well this year.

Commerzbank share price has soared by 20% this year and by 52% in the last six months. As mentioned, this growth is mostly because of Unicredit, which has become its biggest investor and hinted of an eventual rebound.

Rheinmetal stock price, which was the best performer in 2024, has continued its momentum. Its stock has soared by 17.8% this year as Donald Trump insists that NATO countries will need to spend about 5% of their GDP on defense. 

The other notable gainers in the DAX index are firms like Infineon, Sartorius, Zalando, SAP, Deutsche Telekom, Siemens Energy, and Daimler Truck Holding. All these firms have soared by over 10% so far this year. 

On the other hand, the top laggards in the DAX index are firms like Qiagen, Symrise, Porsche, and BMW. BMW and Porsche stock price has crashed this year amid concerns about the tariffs from the United States, where they do a lot of business.

DAX index analysis

DAX chart by TradingView

The DAX index has soared as the European Central Bank maintained a dovish tone by hinting that it would continue cutting rates later this yaer. It has remained above the 50-week moving average.

Further, the Relative Strength Index (RSI) and the MACD indicators have continued rising, a sign that it has momentum. It has also moved to the upper side of the ascending channel after rising in the last seven consecutive weeks. 

Therefore, the index may keep rising as bulls target the key resistance point at 22,000 euros. However, there is a likelihood that it may retreat in the coming weeks as traders target the 50-week Exponential Moving Average at 19,000 euros.

The post These DAX index companies are firing on all cylinders appeared first on Invezz

Ferrari stock price has pulled back in the past few months as some investors question its growth trajectory and demand for its vehicles. RACE has crashed by 10% from its highest level in 2024, meaning that it is in a technical correction. So, is Ferrari a good blue-chip stock to buy?

Ferrari’s business is doing well, but risks remain

Ferrari, the giant luxury vehicle manufacturer, has been one of the best-performing companies in the automobile industry. Its vehicles have seen robust demand, with some of its models, including the F80 supercar and Purosangue SUV being sold out.

This performance is seen in its business growth, as evidenced by the recent financial results. Its revenue rose by 11.8% in 2024 to over €6.67 billion as it shipped 13,752 units during the year.

Ferrari’s third-quarter revenue rose to €1.7 billion as it shipped 3,325 vehicles. Its operating profit jumped to €468 million, while the EBITDA margin moved to 36.7% during the quarter.

The company hopes that its business will continue doing well as some of its models are seeing strong customer demand. 

Wall Street analysts are optimistic about Ferrari and its business. The average revenue estimate for the current quarter revenue is €1.79 billion, representing a 12.8% annual growth rate.  Ferrari’s annual revenue is expected to move to €7.16 billion, a 7.29% annual rate. 

A key challenge, however, is that there are concerns that the company is overproducing is vehicles in a bid to please its shareholders. For example, the firm produced 799 SF90 Stradale and 599 SF90 Spider. 

While all these vehicles sold out, third part-party data shows that prices have crashed in the resale market. Also, there are signs that the 12Cilindri is not selling as expected. 

The secondary market is important because many Ferrari buyers do so because of the perceived value. Its growth may slow over time with some vehicle types seeing substantial depreciation.

Read more: Why Ferrari’s EV strategy is ahead of Ford and GM

Valuation concerns remains

The other top concern is that Ferrari stock price is highly overvalued considering that its revenue growth is slowing. Ferrari has a market valuation of about $80 billion compared to its annual revenue stands about $7 billion and its profit at $1.58 billion. 

These numbers mean that Ferrari has a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 48, much higher than the sector median of 18. Its trailing twelve month (TTM) P/E ratio is 50, also higher than the sector median of 20.

The price-to-earnings-to-growth (PEG) ratio is a crucial number to watch because it considers a company’s growth rate. In this case, Ferrari has a PEG ratio of 2.25, against a sector median of 0.63.

To be clear: Ferrari requires a premium valuation because of its brand, high margins, and its strong balance sheet and returns. However, the company needs to do more to justify this valuation. 

Ferrari stock price analysis

RACE chart by TradingView

The daily chart shows that the RACE stock has been under pressure in the past few months. On the positive side, it has moved above the 50-day and 200-day Exponential Moving Averages (EMA).

The other positive is that the stock has formed a falling broadening wedge pattern, a popular bullish sign This pattern formed after it surged, meaning that it has formed a bullish flag pattern, a popular positive sign.

Therefore, the stock will likely keep rising as bulls target the all-time high of $497, the highest swing in August last year. This price is about 12% above the current level. A break above that level will point to more gains to $500. A drop below the support at $420 will invalidate the bullish view.

The post Ferrari stock price forms a rare bullish pattern, but risks remain appeared first on Invezz

Metaplanet Inc. has emerged as Japan’s best-performing stock, skyrocketing more than 3,600% over the past year amid a retail investment frenzy tied to Bitcoin.

Originally a struggling hotel developer, the company has fully repositioned itself as Japan’s answer to Bitcoin-heavy investment firms, mirroring the playbook of MicroStrategy.

The surge in Metaplanet’s stock comes as Bitcoin demand soars in Japan, coinciding with a global bull run that pushed BTC to an all-time high of $109,000 on Jan. 20.

While Bitcoin has since corrected to $97,000, Metaplanet’s stock continues to climb, reflecting a shift in Japanese retail investors’ appetite for exposure to digital assets.

The company’s success has been further propelled by Japan’s revamped Nippon Individual Savings Account (NISA) program, which incentivises long-term stock investments with tax advantages.

Retail investors drive growth

Metaplanet’s pivot to a Bitcoin-first strategy in early 2024 has reshaped its investor base, attracting a wave of retail traders.

According to company filings, its shareholder count has surged by 500% in the past year, reaching nearly 50,000.

The company’s ability to act as a stock market proxy for Bitcoin has made it an attractive alternative to direct BTC purchases, which are subject to Japan’s capital gains tax of up to 55%.

While major institutional players like Capital Group—also an investor in MicroStrategy—have taken positions in Metaplanet, the company’s rapid rise has been largely retail-driven.

Many investors, with limited experience in crypto markets, view the stock as a more accessible way to gain exposure to Bitcoin’s price movements.

CEO Simon Gerovich, a former Goldman Sachs equity derivatives trader, has positioned Metaplanet as Japan’s equivalent of MicroStrategy, adopting a bold Bitcoin accumulation strategy.

The company currently holds 1,762 BTC, worth approximately $171 million, and aims to expand its holdings to 10,000 BTC by the end of 2025 and 21,000 BTC by 2026.

Metaplanet expands holdings

Metaplanet’s stock rally reflects a broader transformation in Japan’s financial landscape, where policymakers have encouraged retail investment in domestic equities.

The introduction of the NISA program in early 2024 has made stocks like Metaplanet more attractive, particularly for those looking to bypass high crypto taxes.

To support its aggressive Bitcoin acquisition plans, Metaplanet is preparing to issue 21 million new shares, targeting a $750 million capital raise.

If successful, this would mark the largest equity offering for Bitcoin investment in Asia.

The move underscores the company’s long-term vision of becoming a major player in the global Bitcoin ecosystem.

Beyond Bitcoin holdings, Metaplanet is integrating its remaining hotel business into its crypto-focused identity.

The company plans to rebrand its last remaining property, the Royal Oak in Tokyo’s Gotanda district, as “The Bitcoin Hotel.”

Designed as a hub for Bitcoin enthusiasts, the hotel will host investor events and educational seminars, further embedding Metaplanet within Japan’s growing digital asset economy.

Risks remain despite gains

Despite its remarkable growth, Metaplanet remains a high-risk investment. The company has reported six consecutive years of losses, though it is expected to turn a profit in its upcoming fourth-quarter earnings report.

Its valuation remains heavily tied to Bitcoin’s price, meaning a sharp BTC downturn could trigger significant stock declines.

Analysts warn that the retail-driven nature of Metaplanet’s rally could make it susceptible to volatility, particularly if investor sentiment shifts.

While its Bitcoin-focused strategy has attracted comparisons to MicroStrategy, Metaplanet’s position within Japan’s financial ecosystem adds unique risks, including potential regulatory shifts.

The post Metaplanet stock up 3,600% in a year: is the Bitcoin bet paying off? appeared first on Invezz