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Positive trend on Wall Street
The trading day on Wall Street opened with an atmosphere of optimism, thanks to a series of robust quarterly results that boosted investor confidence. The Dow Jones Index registered an increase of 116.79 points, corresponding to +0.27%, while the S&P 500 gained 30.04 points, marking +0.50%.
The Nasdaq also showed a positive performance, rising by 154.98 points, equal to +0.78%.
Decline in oil and falling interest rates
Despite the favorable climate on the stock markets, the price of WTI oil at Nymex declined slightly, losing 0.12% and reaching 75.74 dollars per barrel. This decline could affect inflation expectations and future Federal Reserve decisions. In the United States, mortgage applications increased slightly, supported by a reduction in interest rates, which the previous week had reached their highest since May.
According to the Mortgage Bankers Association, in the week ending January 17, overall claims grew by 0.1%, with rates on 30-year fixed mortgages falling to 7.02%.
Business results: Johnson & Johnson and Abbott Labs
Johnson & Johnson reported revenue growth of 5.3% in the fourth quarter, although adjusted earnings fell by 11%. For 2025, the company expects an increase in operating revenues and adjusted earnings per share, driven by the innovative medicines sector. On the other hand, Abbott Labs reported revenues of around 11 billion dollars in the fourth quarter, slightly below expectations. The company expects organic sales growth of between 7.5% and 8.5% for 2025, maintaining strong growth momentum
.
Buyback transactions by Eni
Eni recently purchased more than 3.5 million treasury shares in the period from 13 January, part of the second buyback program. This transaction represents 0.11% of the share capital, with a cost of 50 million euros. Since January 13, Eni has acquired a total of 3.66% of the share capital, a transaction that has a significant impact on the stock market and demonstrates the company’s confidence in
its future.
