European equities opened 2026 with further gains as the region’s main index hit a record and the London FTSE 100 topped the 10,000-point mark. Markets pushed higher on Jan. 2, 2026, extending a start-of-year rally.
The move leaves European benchmarks poised for a third consecutive weekly gain, with investor interest particularly concentrated in defense manufacturers’ stocks.
Traders noted broad-based demand across the session as markets digested the holiday-thinned start to the year; no specific company announcements were cited in the report. #FTSE100 #EuropeanStocks #DefenseStocks #FiatNews
Investors point to a handful of stocks that could surprise in 2026 after a weak year‑end. Despite the absence of a Santa Rally, market participants are not giving up on fresh upside for selected names as the new year begins.
Among the picks are Apple, cited for renewed ambitions in artificial intelligence; Citigroup, highlighted as attractively valued by some investors; and energy firm EQT, seen as a potential beneficiary of booming demand from data centers.
The selections reflect three clear themes: tech companies pivoting to AI, valuation plays in banking, and rising power needs tied to data‑center expansion. Investors expect these trends to shape stock performance into 2026. #Apple #Citigroup #EQT #AI #FiatNews
Eurozone manufacturing lost further momentum at the end of 2025, with December PMI readings signalling a deeper contraction in both output and new orders. The survey showed a broad slowdown across the region, with Germany suffering the largest deterioration and posting its weakest PMI result in ten months.
The weakness in Germany, Europe’s biggest industrial economy, pulled the eurozone manufacturing PMI lower overall, reinforcing signs that the industrial sector entered the new year under strain. The December readings pointed to falling production and softer demand from clients.
The data underline ongoing headwinds for eurozone industry as 2026 begins, highlighting challenges in restoring growth in factory activity and orders. #Eurozone #PMI #Germany #Manufacturing #FiatNews
Evercore ISI analyst Mark Mahaney says Meta is stepping up its push for success in artificial intelligence but currently lags behind other large tech firms. The observation, published 2 January 2026, frames Meta as intensifying its efforts while still trailing peers on AI progress.
Mahaney’s comment highlights a gap between Meta’s renewed focus on AI and the pace of development at rival companies. No specific metrics were provided in the note; the assessment is framed as the analyst’s view of Meta’s competitive positioning.
The remark contributes to ongoing market discussion about how major technology firms are allocating resources to AI and how quickly each is translating those investments into measurable leadership. #META #AI #FiatNews
Global equities opened the new year on a positive note while gold regained upward momentum. Although U.S. markets finished a shortened New Year’s Eve session in the red, trading after the holiday saw sentiment flip back to the upside and major markets recorded gains.
Traders returning from celebrations lifted risk assets broadly, with gold also climbing again as investors adjusted positions after year-end trading. Market breadth and specific index moves were not detailed in the report.
The early January rebound underscores a calm risk-on tone at the start of 2026 as participants resume full trading schedules. #markets #stocks #gold #USmarkets #FiatNews
Czech industry closed 2025 on a positive note as the manufacturing PMI rose to 50.4 in December, up from 48.0 in November, moving back into expansion territory for the first time since June. The December reading marks the strongest sentiment in the sector in more than three years and points to very mild growth at the end of the year.
The PMI’s jump above the 50 threshold signals an uptick in manufacturing activity after months in contraction territory. A reading of 50.4 indicates only modest expansion, but it nonetheless reverses the downward trend observed through much of 2025.
As a leading indicator of industrial health, the PMI’s improvement suggests easing pressures in production and order books heading into 2026, offering a cautiously positive signal for the Czech economy. #PMI #CzechIndustry #CzechRepublic #FiatNews
On 2 January 2026 the Czech Statistical Office (ČSÚ) reported that the Czech economy grew by 2.8% year‑on‑year in the third quarter of 2025. Gross domestic product rose 0.8% compared with the previous quarter.
The ČSÚ described the figure as an updated/clarified estimate, refining earlier releases. The notice provided the headline annual and quarterly rates.
The full ČSÚ release published on 2 January 2026 will contain the detailed breakdown of sectoral contributions and methodology. #CzechRepublic #GDP #ČSÚ #FiatNews
After years of stagnation, the outlook for the Czech economy in 2026 is optimistic. Forecasters expect the economy to enjoy favourable macro conditions similar to last year, with brisk GDP growth close to potential, inflation aligned with the central bank’s target, stable interest rates and a further strengthening of the koruna.
Key projections highlight growth near trend rather than overheating, a return of price stability consistent with policy goals, and continuity in monetary settings that should support both investment and currency appreciation. The assessment frames 2026 as a year in which previously stalled momentum may resume under benign macroeconomic conditions.
Background: the forecast follows several years of limited expansion and projects a pickup in activity without renewed inflationary pressures, implying a policy environment that can remain steady while the exchange rate firms. #CzechEconomy #GDP #inflation #CzechRepublic #FiatNews
Chinese tech giant Baidu plans to separate its semiconductor subsidiary Kunlunxin and offer its shares on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, according to a report dated Jan. 2, 2026. The unit develops chips for artificial intelligence (AI) applications.
The move would involve spinning off Kunlunxin as a listed company in Hong Kong; the report did not provide details on timing, the size of the offering, or valuation.
Kunlunxin is Baidu’s dedicated AI chip division, reflecting the group’s activities in both AI software and hardware. #Baidu #Kunlunxin #AI #HongKong #FiatNews
The Czech Statistical Office (ČSÚ) will publish revised Q3 GDP figures today. Preliminary data showed year-on-year growth of 2.8% for Q3 and a solid quarter-on-quarter acceleration; the upcoming release will provide the finalized numbers. #CzechRepublic #GDP #FiatNews
