Occidental Petroleum Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of oil and gas properties in the United States, the Middle East, and North Africa. It operates through three segments: Oil and Gas, Chemical, and Midstream and Marketing. The company's Oil and Gas segment explores for, develops, and produces oil and condensate, natural gas liquids (NGLs), and natural gas. Its Chemical segment manufactures and markets basic chemicals, including chlorine, caustic soda, chlorinated organics, potassium chemicals, ethylene dichloride, chlorinated isocyanurates, sodium silicates, and calcium chloride; and vinyls comprising vinyl chloride monomer, polyvinyl chloride, and ethylene. The Midstream and Marketing segment gathers, processes, transports, stores, purchases, and markets oil, condensate, NGLs, natural gas, carbon dioxide, and power. This segment also invests in entities. Occidental Petroleum Corporation was founded in 1920 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas.

Occidental Petroleum Corporation

Key Points
Berkshire's cash position is near a record.
I predict Berkshire will start paying out some of its earnings in dividends.
I also expect the company to invest in more tech stocks in 2026.
This new year will mark the end of an era for Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE: BRK.A)(NYSE: BRK.B). Long-time CEO Warren Buffett retired from that position on Dec. 31, 2025, turning over the reins to Greg Abel. While Buffett plans to continue working for Berkshire, Abel will run the day-to-day operations.
I think 2026 could be a busy year for Buffett's successor. Here are two things I predict he'll do in his first year running Berkshire Hathaway.
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Berkshire Hathaway will initiate a dividend
Berkshire Hathaway has only paid one dividend during Buffett's tenure. Buffett joked that the board must have made the decision to pay that dividend in 1967 while he was in the bathroom. His preference has always been to retain the company's profits to reinvest them back into the business rather than pay dividends to shareholders.
That strategy has worked over the years. Buffett and his team have consistently identified attractive opportunities to invest capital. They've routinely acquired great operating businesses to expand Berkshire's platform, including Precision Castparts, BNSF, and Alleghany. Additionally, Berkshire Hathaway frequently purchases shares of high-quality, publicly traded companies. The company's investment portfolio is currently valued at nearly $310 billion and features notable names such as Apple, American Express, and Coca-Cola.
However, Berkshire Hathaway has found fewer opportunities to put capital to work in recent years. While the company agreed to buy Occidental Petroleum's chemicals subsidiary, OxyChem, for $9.7 billion in October, that was its first major deal since buying Alleghany Corporation for $11.6 billion in 2022. Meanwhile, Berkshire has been a net seller of stocks for the past 12 straight quarters. The company also hasn't repurchased any of its stock in the past five quarters.
As a result, Berkshire Hathaway has amassed a substantial cash position. It reached a record $381.7 billion by the end of the third quarter. Berkshire is currently generating interest income on this cash by investing it in T-bills (it currently holds more T-bills than the Federal Reserve).
However, with interest rates falling and Berkshire's cash position rising, investors will eventually demand that the company start returning some of this money to them. That drives my prediction that Berkshire Hathaway will initiate a dividend payment by the end of 2026.
Berkshire makes a bigger bet on tech
Warren Buffett has largely avoided investing in technology stocks throughout his career. He preferred to invest in companies that didn't change much. However, Buffett has softened his stance over the years. One of the company's more successful investments has been in Apple. Berkshire also recently purchased $4.9 billion worth of shares in Google's parent company, Alphabet.
I predict that Berkshire will buy more shares of tech companies in 2026. The industry is vital to the economy, especially in the AI age. The technology sector currently comprises about 35% of the S&P 500. Meanwhile, eight of the 10 largest companies by market cap are in the technology sector. Berkshire's decision to avoid the sector over the years has cost investors potential returns.
I expect Berkshire Hathaway to remain disciplined when investing in tech. For example, when Buffett's company bought shares of Alphabet, it traded at about 25 times forward earnings, a lower valuation multiple than Microsoft and Nvidia, which traded at 29 times and 30 times earnings, respectively, at the time. The company will likely seek opportunities to invest in a high-quality technology company when it trades at a more compelling valuation. While Alphabet's stock is no longer as cheap as it was when Berkshire first bought shares (it's currently over 29 times forward earnings), there are other potential opportunities these days. Meta Platforms is currently one of the cheapest large technology companies, with a valuation of about 26 times forward earnings, and may be an appealing option for Berkshire.
The dawn of a new era
I believe 2026 will be a year of change for Berkshire Hathaway under new CEO Greg Abel. I think that he will initiate a dividend and start investing more of the company's capital into the technology sector. These moves would put Berkshire in an even better position to produce market-beating total returns for its shareholders in the future.
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American Express is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Matt DiLallo has positions in Alphabet, Apple, Berkshire Hathaway, Coca-Cola, and Meta Platforms and has the following options: short January 2026 $265 calls on Apple. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Alphabet, Apple, Berkshire Hathaway, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, and Nvidia. The Motley Fool recommends Occidental Petroleum and recommends the following options: long January 2026 $395 calls on Microsoft and short January 2026 $405 calls on Microsoft. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

2 Predictions for Berkshire Hathaway in 2026

Looking at options trading activity among components of the Russell 3000 index, there is noteworthy activity today in Marathon Digital Holdings Inc (Symbol: MARA), where a total volume of 215,150 contracts has been traded thus far today, a contract volume which is representative of approximately 21.5 million underlying shares (given that every 1 contract represents 100 underlying shares). That number works out to 56.3% of MARA's average daily trading volume over the past month, of 38.2 million shares. Particularly high volume was seen for the $9.50 strike call option expiring January 09, 2026, with 32,109 contracts trading so far today, representing approximately 3.2 million underlying shares of MARA. Below is a chart showing MARA's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $9.50 strike highlighted in orange:
Occidental Petroleum Corp (Symbol: OXY) saw options trading volume of 50,889 contracts, representing approximately 5.1 million underlying shares or approximately 54.9% of OXY's average daily trading volume over the past month, of 9.3 million shares. Especially high volume was seen for the $43 strike call option expiring January 16, 2026, with 9,756 contracts trading so far today, representing approximately 975,600 underlying shares of OXY. Below is a chart showing OXY's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $43 strike highlighted in orange:
And Booking Holdings Inc (Symbol: BKNG) saw options trading volume of 1,237 contracts, representing approximately 123,700 underlying shares or approximately 52.3% of BKNG's average daily trading volume over the past month, of 236,420 shares. Especially high volume was seen for the $5100 strike put option expiring January 16, 2026, with 40 contracts trading so far today, representing approximately 4,000 underlying shares of BKNG. Below is a chart showing BKNG's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $5100 strike highlighted in orange:
For the various different available expirations for MARA options, OXY options, or BKNG options, visit StockOptionsChannel.com.
Also see:
LUXA market cap history
VMAR Videos
Funds Holding AMCX
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Noteworthy Wednesday Option Activity: MARA, OXY, BKNG

The S&P 500 Index ($SPX) (SPY) on Tuesday closed down -0.14%, the Dow Jones Industrials Index ($DOWI) (DIA) closed down -0.20%, and the Nasdaq 100 Index ($IUXX) (QQQ) closed down -0.25%. March E-mini S&P futures (ESH26) fell -0.14%, and March E-mini Nasdaq futures (NQH26) fell -0.22%.
Stock indexes settled slightly lower on Tuesday in thin, year-end trading. Higher bond yields were negative for stocks, as the 10-year T-note yield rose by 2 bp to 4.13%. Stock losses were limited by some positive carryover from Tuesday's rally in European stocks, as the Euro Stoxx 50 index climbed to a 1.5-month high.
Join 200K+ Subscribers: Find out why the midday Barchart Brief newsletter is a must-read for thousands daily.
Tuesday marks the last trading day of the year for many equity markets, including Germany, Japan, and South Korea.
US economic news on Tuesday was better than expected and supportive of stocks. The Oct S&P Case-Shiller composite-20 home price index rose +0.3% m/m and +1.3% y/y, stronger than expectations of +0.1% m/m and +1.1% y/y. Also, the Dec MNI Chicago PMI rose +9.2 to 43.5, stronger than expectations of 40.0.
The minutes of the December 9-10 FOMC meeting were neutral to slightly hawkish as some policymakers saw keeping interest rates on hold appropriate "for some time," while some judged further rate cuts were likely appropriate if inflation continues to decline over time. Also, "several participants pointed to the risk of higher inflation becoming entrenched and suggested that lowering the policy rate further in the context of elevated inflation readings could be misinterpreted as implying diminished policymaker commitment to the 2% inflation objective."
Seasonal factors are bullish for stocks. According to data from Citadel Securities, since 1928, the S&P 500 has risen 75% of the time in the last two weeks of December, climbing 1.3% on average.
Market attention this holiday-shortened week will focus on US economic news. On Wednesday, initial weekly unemployment claims are expected to increase by +5,000 to 219,000. On Friday, the Dec S&P manufacturing PMI is expected to remain unrevised at 51.8.
The markets are discounting the odds at 15% for a -25 bp rate cut at the FOMC's next meeting on January 27-28.
Overseas stock markets settled mixed on Tuesday. The Euro Stoxx 50 climbed to a 1.5-month high and closed up by +0.77%. China's Shanghai Composite closed unchanged. Japan's Nikkei Stock 225 fell to a 1-week low and closed down -0.37%.
Interest Rates
March 10-year T-notes (ZNH6) on Tuesday closed down -2.5 ticks. The 10-year T-note yield rose +1.8 bp to 4.128%. Mar T-notes were under pressure on Tuesday amid year-end liquidation by bond funds. Also, comments from President Trump on Monday night that undermine Fed independence weighed on T-notes, as he said he "still might" fire Fed Chair Powell. In addition, Tuesday’s minutes of the December 9-10 FOMC meeting were slightly hawkish and bearish for T-notes. Tuesday's stock market weakness boosted some safe-haven demand for government debt, limiting losses in T-notes.
European government bond yields moved higher on Tuesday. The 10-year German bund yield rose +2.6 bp at 2.855%. The 10-year UK gilt yield rose +1.2 bp to 4.498%.
Spain Dec CPI (EU harmonized) rose +3.0% y/y, right on expectations. Dec core CPI rose +2.6% y/y, stronger than expectations of +2.5% y/y.
Swaps are discounting a 1% chance of a +25 bp rate hike by the ECB at its next policy meeting on February 5.
US Stock Movers
Pharmaceutical companies were under pressure on Tuesday, weighing on the broader market. Insmed Inc (INSM), Gilead Sciences (GILD), and Vertex Pharmaceuticals (VRTX) closed down more than -1%. Also, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals (REGN) closed down -0.88%.
Energy companies moved higher on Tuesday. Occidental Petroleum (OXY) closed up more than +2%, and Diamondback Energy (FANG) closed up more than +1% to lead gainers in the Nasdaq 100. Also, Devon Energy (DVN), Halliburton (HAL), Baker Hughes (BKR), APA Corp (APA), ConocoPhillips (COP), and SLB Ltd (SLB) closed up more than +1%.
Jabil Inc (JBL) closed down more than -1% on signs of insider selling after an SEC filing showed EVP Borges sold $2.3 million of shares last Tuesday.
Citigroup (C) closed down -0.82% after it said it expects to post a roughly $1.1 billion after-tax loss on the sale of its remaining business in Russia to Renaissance Capital.
Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical (RARE) closed up more than +14%, recovering some of Monday’s -42% plunge when Jeffries said the stock could rebound in 2026 ahead of a late-stage update on its osteoporosis drug.
Molina Healthcare (MOH) closed up more than +2% after money manager Burry highlighted the company's record of strong expense ratios and underwriting results.
Newmont Mining (NEM) closed up more than +2%, and Hecla Mining (HL) closed up more than +1% after silver prices surged more than +10%.
Earnings Reports(12/31/2025)
CoastalSouth Bancshares Inc (COSO), Golden Matrix Group Inc (GMGI), Immersion Corp (IMMR).
On the date of publication, Rich Asplund did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.
More news from Barchart
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Stocks Fall Slightly in Thin Holiday Trade

The S&P 500 Index ($SPX) (SPY) today is down -0.12%, the Dow Jones Industrials Index ($DOWI) (DIA) is down -0.25%, and the Nasdaq 100 Index ($IUXX) (QQQ) is down -0.11%. March E-mini S&P futures (ESH26) are down -0.11%, and March E-mini Nasdaq futures (NQH26) are down -0.10%.
Stock indexes are slightly lower today as the market struggles for direction in thin year-end trading. Higher bond yields are negative for stocks as the 10-year T-note yield is up +2 bp to 4.13%. Losses in stocks are limited by some positive carryover from today's rally in European stocks as the Euro Stoxx 50 index climbed to a 1.5-month high.
Join 200K+ Subscribers: Find out why the midday Barchart Brief newsletter is a must-read for thousands daily.
Tuesday marks the last trading day of the year for many equity markets, including Germany, Japan, and South Korea.
US economic news today was better than expected and supportive of stocks. The Oct S&P Case-Shiller composite-20 home price index rose +0.3% m/m and +1.3% y/y, stronger than expectations of +0.1% m/m and +1.1% y/y. Also, the Dec MNI Chicago PMI rose +9.2 to 43.5, stronger than expectations of 40.0.
Seasonal factors are bullish for stocks. According to data from Citadel Securities, since 1928, the S&P 500 has risen 75% of the time in the last two weeks of December, climbing 1.3% on average.
Market attention this holiday-shortened week will focus on US economic news. Later today, the minutes of the December 9-10 FOMC meeting will be released. On Wednesday, initial weekly unemployment claims are expected to increase by 1,000 to 215,000. On Friday, the Dec S&P manufacturing PMI is expected to remain unrevised at 51.8.
The markets are discounting the odds at 16% for a -25 bp rate cut at the FOMC's next meeting on January 27-28.
Overseas stock markets are mixed today. The Euro Stoxx 50 climbed to a 1.5-month high and is up by +0.76%. China's Shanghai Composite closed unchanged. Japan's Nikkei Stock 225 fell to a 1-week low and closed down -0.37%.
Interest Rates
March 10-year T-notes (ZNH6) today are down -4 ticks. The 10-year T-note yield is up +2.2 bp to 4.132%. Mar T-notes are under pressure today amid year-end liquidation by bond funds. Also, overnight comments from President Trump that undermine Fed independence are weighing on T-notes, as he said he "still might" fire Fed Chair Powell. Today's stock market weakness has boosted safe-haven demand for government debt, limiting losses in T-notes.
European government bond yields are mixed today. The 10-year German bund yield is up +2.7 bp at 2.856%. The 10-year UK gilt yield is down -0.3 bp to 4.483%.
Spain Dec CPI (EU harmonized) rose +3.0% y/y, right on expectations. Dec core CPI rose +2.6% y/y, stronger than expectations of +2.5% y/y.
Swaps are discounting a 1% chance of a +25 bp rate hike by the ECB at its next policy meeting on February 5.
US Stock Movers
Pharmaceutical companies are under pressure today to weigh on the broader market. Insmed Inc (INSM) is down more than -1% to lead losers in the Nasdaq 100. Also, Gilead Sciences (GILD), Alnylam Pharmaceuticals (ALNY), Regeneron Pharmaceuticals (REGN), and Vertex Pharmaceuticals (VRTX) are down more than -1%.
Energy companies are climbing today as WTI crude oil adds to Monday's 2% gain. Devon Energy (DVN), Diamondback Energy (FANG), Halliburton (HAL), APA Corp (APA), ConocoPhillips (COP), SLB Ltd (SLB), and Occidental Petroleum (OXY) are up more than +1%.
Citigroup (C) is down more than -1% after it said it expects to post a roughly $1.1 billion after-tax loss on the sale of its remaining business in Russia to Renaissance Capital.
Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical (RARE) is up more than +9% after Monday’s -42% plunge when Jeffries said the stock could rebound in 2026 ahead of a late-stage update on its osteoporosis drug.
Molina Healthcare (MOH) is up more than +4% to lead gainers in the S&P 500 after money manager Burry highlighted the company's record of strong expense ratios and underwriting results.
Boeing (BA) is up more than +1% after being awarded a US Air Force contract valued at up to $8.58 billion.
Earnings Reports(12/30/2025)
Bright Minds Biosciences Inc (DRUG), Daily Journal Corp (DJCO), Dakota Gold Corp (DC), Lionsgate Studios Corp (LION), Phoenix Education Partners Inc (PXED), Triller Group Inc (ILLR).
On the date of publication, Rich Asplund did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.
More news from Barchart
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Stocks Slip as Bond Yields Rise

The S&P 500 Index ($SPX) (SPY) today is down -0.10%, the Dow Jones Industrials Index ($DOWI) (DIA) is down -0.15%, and the Nasdaq 100 Index ($IUXX) (QQQ) is down -0.17%. March E-mini S&P futures (ESH26) are down -0.11%, and March E-mini Nasdaq futures (NQH26) are down -0.17%.
Stock indexes are slightly lower today as the market struggles for direction in thin year-end trading. Higher bond yields are negative for stocks as the 10-year T-note yield is up +2 bp to 4.13%. Losses in stocks are limited by some positive carryover from today's rally in Europe's Stoxx 50 index, which reached a 1.5-month high.
Join 200K+ Subscribers: Find out why the midday Barchart Brief newsletter is a must-read for thousands daily.
Tuesday marks the last trading day of the year for many equity markets, including Germany, Japan, and South Korea.
US economic news today was better than expected and supportive of stocks. The Oct S&P Case-Shiller composite-20 home price index rose +0.3% m/m and +1.3% y/y, stronger than expectations of +0.1% m/m and +1.1% y/y. Also, the Dec MNI Chicago PMI rose +9.2 to 43.5, stronger than expectations of 40.0.
Seasonal factors are bullish for stocks. According to data from Citadel Securities, since 1928, the S&P 500 has risen 75% of the time in the last two weeks of December, climbing 1.3% on average.
Market attention this holiday-shortened week will focus on US economic news. Later today, the minutes of the December 9-10 FOMC meeting will be released. On Wednesday, initial weekly unemployment claims are expected to increase by 1,000 to 215,000. On Friday, the Dec S&P manufacturing PMI is expected to remain unrevised at 51.8.
The markets are discounting the odds at 16% for a -25 bp rate cut at the FOMC's next meeting on January 27-28.
Overseas stock markets are mixed today. The Euro Stoxx 50 climbed to a 1.5-month high and is up by +0.76%. China's Shanghai Composite closed unchanged. Japan's Nikkei Stock 225 fell to a 1-week low and closed down -0.37%.
Interest Rates
March 10-year T-notes (ZNH6) today are down -4 ticks. The 10-year T-note yield is up +2.2 bp to 4.132%. Mar T-notes are under pressure today amid year-end liquidation by bond funds. Also, overnight comments from President Trump that undermine Fed independence are weighing on T-notes, as he said he "still might" fire Fed Chair Powell. Today's stock market weakness has boosted safe-haven demand for government debt, limiting losses in T-notes.
European government bond yields are moving higher today. The 10-year German bund yield is up +2.5 bp at 2.854%. The 10-year UK gilt yield is up +0.4 bp to 4.491%.
Spain Dec CPI (EU harmonized) rose +3.0% y/y, right on expectations. Dec core CPI rose +2.6% y/y, stronger than expectations of +2.5% y/y.
Swaps are discounting a 1% chance of a +25 bp rate hike by the ECB at its next policy meeting on February 5.
US Stock Movers
Energy companies are climbing today as WTI crude oil adds to Monday's 2% gain. Devon Energy (DVN), Diamondback Energy (FANG), Halliburton (HAL), APA Corp (APA), ConocoPhillips (COP), SLB Ltd (SLB), and Occidental Petroleum (OXY) are up more than +1%.
Citigroup (C) is down more than -1% after it said it expects to post a roughly $1.1 billion after-tax loss on the sale of its remaining business in Russia to Renaissance Capital.
Molina Healthcare (MOH) is up more than +3% to lead gainers in the S&P 500 after money manager Burry highlighted the company's record of strong expense ratios and underwriting results.
Boeing (BA) is up more than +1% to lead gainers in the Dow Jones Industrials after being awarded a US Air Force contract valued at up to $8.58 billion.
Earnings Reports(12/30/2025)
Bright Minds Biosciences Inc (DRUG), Daily Journal Corp (DJCO), Dakota Gold Corp (DC), Lionsgate Studios Corp (LION), Phoenix Education Partners Inc (PXED), Triller Group Inc (ILLR).
On the date of publication, Rich Asplund did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Stocks Slightly Lower in Thin Holiday Trade

The S&P 500 Index ($SPX) (SPY) on Monday closed down -0.35%, the Dow Jones Industrials Index ($DOWI) (DIA) closed down -0.51%, and the Nasdaq 100 Index ($IUXX) (QQQ) closed down -0.46%. March E-mini S&P futures (ESH26) fell -0.34%, and March E-mini Nasdaq futures (NQH26) fell -0.47%.
Stock indexes settled lower on Monday, led by losses in megacap technology stocks. Also, Monday's plunge in metals prices weighed on mining stocks. Lower bond yields were supportive of stocks, with the 10-year T-note yield falling to a 1-week low of 4.10% on Monday.
Join 200K+ Subscribers: Find out why the midday Barchart Brief newsletter is a must-read for thousands daily.
Monday’s US economic news was mixed for stocks. Nov pending home sales rose 3.3% m/m, beating expectations of 0.9% m/m. Conversely, the Dec Dallas Fed manufacturing outlook of general business activity unexpectedly fell -0.5 to -10.9 versus expectations of an increase to -6.0.
Silver and platinum fell sharply from fresh record highs on Monday amid profit-taking following their parabolic rallies. The recent surge in both metals has taken prices to overbought levels, sparking technical selling. Also, the CME on Monday raised margin levels for precious metals trading, sparking some long liquidation pressures in metals.
Crude oil prices rose by more than +2% on Monday, lifting energy producers and limiting losses in the broader market, as advanced peace talks over the weekend to end the Ukraine-Russian war failed to yield a breakthrough. Geopolitical tensions from Venezuela to Nigeria are also supporting crude prices. In addition, crude prices rose after China's Ministry of Finance on Sunday pledged to broaden its fiscal spending base next year, signaling government support to drive economic growth.
Seasonal factors are bullish for stocks. According to data from Citadel Securities, since 1928, the S&P 500 has risen 75% of the time in the last two weeks of December, climbing 1.3% on average.
Market attention this holiday-shortened week will focus on US economic news. On Tuesday, the Dec MNI Chicago PMI is expected to rise by +3.5 points to 39.8. Also, the minutes of the December 9-10 FOMC meeting will be released. On Wednesday, initial weekly unemployment claims are expected to increase by 1,000 to 215,000. On Friday, the Dec S&P manufacturing PMI is expected to remain unrevised at 51.8.
The markets are discounting the odds at 16% for a -25 bp rate cut at the FOMC's next meeting on January 27-28.
Overseas stock markets settled mixed on Monday. The Euro Stoxx 50 closed up +0.10%. China's Shanghai Composite climbed to a 6-week high and closed up +0.04% for the ninth consecutive daily gain. Japan's Nikkei Stock 225 closed down -0.44%.
Interest Rates
March 10-year T-notes (ZNH6) on Monday closed up by +4.5 ticks. The 10-year T-note yield fell -1.8 bp to 4.110%. Mar T-notes rose to a 1-week high on Monday, and the 10-year T-note yield fell to a 1-week low of 4.102%. Monday's stock market weakness boosted safe-haven demand for T-notes. Also, geopolitical risks in Venezuela and Nigeria have added to the safe-haven appeal of T-notes. Monday’s US economic news was mixed for T-note prices, as the Dec Dallas Fed manufacturing outlook for general business activity unexpectedly declined, while Nov pending home sales rose more than expected.
European government bond yields moved lower on Monday. The 10-year German bund yield fell to a 3-week low of 2.824% and finished down -3.3 bp at 2.829%. The 10-year UK gilt yield dropped to a 1-week low of 4.459% and finished down -2.0 bp to 4.486%.
Swaps are discounting a 0% chance of a +25 bp rate hike by the ECB at its next policy meeting on February 5.
US Stock Movers
The Magnificent Seven stocks settled mostly lower on Monday, pressuring the broader market. Tesla (TSLA) closed down more than -3% to lead losers in the Nasdaq 100, and Nvidia (NVDA) closed down more than -1%. Also, Meta Platforms (META) closed down -0.69%, Amazon.com (AMZN) closed down -0.19%, and Microsoft (MSFT) closed down -0.13%. Bucking the trend, Alphabet (GOOGL) closed up +0.02% and Apple (AAPL) closed up +0.13%.
Mining companies retreated on Monday, after gold prices sank more than -4% and silver prices plunged more than -8% after initially climbing to a new record high. Newmont (NEM) closed down more than -5% to lead losers in the S&P 500. Also, Hecla Mining (HL) and Coeur Mining (CDE) closed down more than -4%, and Freeport-McMoRan (FCX) closed down more than -2%.
Energy companies moved higher on Monday as WTI crude rose more than +2%. Devon Energy (DVN), Diamondback Energy (FANG), ConocoPhillips (COP), Exxon Mobil (XOM), Valero Energy (VLO), and Occidental Petroleum (OXY) closed up more than +1%.
Praxis Precision Medicine (PRAX) closed up more than +11% after getting a breakthrough therapy designation from the FDA for its ulixacaltamide for the treatment of patients with essential tremor.
DigitalBridge Group (DBRG) closed up by more than +9% after SoftBank Group acquired the company for about $4 billion, or $16 a share.
Verisk Analytics (VRSK) closed up +2% after announcing that it terminated its agreement to purchase AccuLynx.
Coupang (CPNG) closed up more than +1% after offering compensation worth more than $1 billion to all customers affected by a data breach.
Earnings Reports(12/30/2025)
Bright Minds Biosciences Inc (DRUG), Daily Journal Corp (DJCO), Dakota Gold Corp (DC), Lionsgate Studios Corp (LION), Phoenix Education Partners Inc (PXED), Triller Group Inc (ILLR).
On the date of publication, Rich Asplund did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Stocks Settle Lower as Weakness in Big Tech Weighs

The S&P 500 Index ($SPX) (SPY) today is down -0.24%, the Dow Jones Industrials Index ($DOWI) (DIA) is down -0.09%, and the Nasdaq 100 Index ($IUXX) (QQQ) is down -0.24%. March E-mini S&P futures (ESH26) are down -0.28%, and March E-mini Nasdaq futures (NQH26) are down -0.27%.
Stock indexes are moving lower today, led by losses in megacap technology stocks. Also, today's plunge in metals prices is weighing on mining stocks. Lower bond yields are supportive of stocks, with the 10-year T-note yield falling to a 1-week low of 4.10% today.
Join 200K+ Subscribers: Find out why the midday Barchart Brief newsletter is a must-read for thousands daily.
Today’s US economic news is mixed for stocks. Nov pending home sales rose 3.3% m/m, beating expectations of 0.9% m/m. Conversely, the Dec Dallas Fed manufacturing outlook of general business activity unexpectedly fell -0.5 to -10.9 versus expectations of an increase to -6.0.
Silver and platinum fell sharply from fresh record highs today amid profit-taking following their parabolic rallies. The recent surge in both metals has taken prices to overbought levels, sparking technical selling. Also, the CME today raised margin levels for precious metals trading, sparking some long liquidation pressures in metals.
Crude oil prices are up by more than +2% today, lifting energy producers and limiting losses in the broader market, as advanced peace talks over the weekend to end the Ukraine-Russian war failed to yield a breakthrough. Geopolitical tensions from Venezuela to Nigeria are also supporting crude prices. In addition, crude prices rose after China's Ministry of Finance on Sunday pledged to broaden its fiscal spending base next year, signaling government support to drive economic growth.
Seasonal factors are bullish for stocks. According to data from Citadel Securities, since 1928, the S&P 500 has risen 75% of the time in the last two weeks of December, climbing 1.3% on average.
Market attention this holiday-shortened week will focus on US economic news. Later today, Nov pending home sales are expected to climb +1.0% m/m. On Tuesday, the Dec MNI Chicago PMI is expected to rise by +3.5 points to 39.8. Also, the minutes of the December 9-10 FOMC meeting will be released. On Wednesday, initial weekly unemployment claims are expected to increase by 1,000 to 215,000. On Friday, the Dec S&P manufacturing PMI is expected to remain unrevised at 51.8.
The markets are discounting the odds at 19% for a -25 bp rate cut at the FOMC's next meeting on January 27-28.
Overseas stock markets are mixed today. The Euro Stoxx 50 is up +0.14%. China's Shanghai Composite climbed to a 6-week high and closed up +0.04% for the ninth consecutive daily gain. Japan's Nikkei Stock 225 closed down -0.44%.
Interest Rates
March 10-year T-notes (ZNH6) today are up by +2 ticks. The 10-year T-note yield is down -0.8 bp to 4.120%. Mar T-notes rose to a 1-week high today, and the 10-year T-note yield fell to a 1-week low of 4.102%. Today's stock market weakness is boosting safe-haven demand for T-notes. Also, geopolitical risks in Venezuela and Nigeria have added to the safe-haven appeal of T-notes. US economic news today is mixed for T-note prices, as the Dec Dallas Fed manufacturing outlook for general business activity unexpectedly declined, while Nov pending home sales rose more than expected.
European government bond yields are moving lower today. The 10-year German bund yield fell to a 3-week low of 2.824% and is down -3.5 bp at 2.826%. The 10-year UK gilt yield dropped to a 1-week low of 4.459% and is down -1.9 bp to 4.488%.
Swaps are discounting a 0% chance of a +25 bp rate hike by the ECB at its next policy meeting on February 5.
US Stock Movers
The Magnificent Seven stocks are mostly lower today, pressuring the broader market. Nvidia (NVDA) and Tesla (TSLA) are down more than -1%. Also, Meta Platforms (META) is down -0.83%, Amazon.com (AMZN) is down -0.37%, Alphabet (GOOGL) is down -0.32%, Microsoft (MSFT) is down -0.24%, and Apple (AAPL) is down -0.07%.
Mining companies are weaker today, with gold prices down more than -4% and silver prices plunged more than -8% after initially climbing to a new record high. Newmont (NEM) is down more than -6% to lead losers in the S&P 500. Also, Hecla Mining (HL) is down more than -5%, Coeur Mining (CDE) is down more than -4%, and Freeport-McMoRan (FCX) is down more than -2%.
Energy companies are moving higher today, with WTI crude up more than +2%. Devon Energy (DVN) is up more than +2%. Also, Diamondback Energy (FANG) is up more than +1% to lead gainers in the Nasdaq 100, and Chevron (CVX) is up more than +1% to lead gainers in the Dow Jones Industrials. In addition, Exxon Mobil (XOM), Valero Energy (VLO), and Occidental Petroleum (OXY) are up more than +1%.
Praxis Precision Medicine (PRAX) is up more than +14% after getting a breakthrough therapy designation from the FDA for its ulixacaltamide for the treatment of patients with essential tremor.
DigitalBridge Group (DBRG) is up by more than +9% after SoftBank Group acquired the company for about $4 billion, or $16 a share.
Verisk Analytics (VRSK) is up more than +1% after announcing that it terminated its agreement to purchase AccuLynx.
Coupang (CPNG) is up more than +1% after offering compensation worth more than $1 billion to all customers affected by a data breach.
Earnings Reports(12/29/2025)
None.
On the date of publication, Rich Asplund did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Stocks Fall as Megacap Technology Stocks Slide and Metals Plunge

The S&P 500 Index ($SPX) (SPY) today is down -0.24%, the Dow Jones Industrials Index ($DOWI) (DIA) is down -0.09%, and the Nasdaq 100 Index ($IUXX) (QQQ) is down -0.24%. March E-mini S&P futures (ESH26) are down -0.28%, and March E-mini Nasdaq futures (NQH26) are down -0.27%.
Stock indexes are moving lower today, led by losses in megacap technology stocks. Also, today's plunge in metals prices is weighing on mining stocks. Lower bond yields are supportive of stocks, with the 10-year T-note yield falling to a 1-week low of 4.10% today.
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Silver and platinum fell sharply from fresh record highs today amid profit-taking following their parabolic rallies. The recent surge in both metals has taken prices to overbought levels, sparking technical selling. Also, the CME today raised margin levels for precious metals trading, which has sparked some long liquidation pressure.
Crude oil prices are up by more than +2% today, lifting energy producers and limiting losses in the broader market, as advanced peace talks over the weekend to end the Ukraine-Russian war failed to yield a breakthrough. Geopolitical tensions from Venezuela to Nigeria are also supporting crude prices. In addition, crude prices rose after China's Ministry of Finance on Sunday pledged to broaden its fiscal spending base next year, signaling government support to drive economic growth.
Seasonal factors are bullish for stocks. According to data from Citadel Securities, since 1928, the S&P 500 has risen 75% of the time in the last two weeks of December, climbing 1.3% on average.
Market attention this holiday-shortened week will focus on US economic news. Later today, Nov pending home sales are expected to climb +1.0% m/m. On Tuesday, the Dec MNI Chicago PMI is expected to rise by +3.5 points to 39.8. Also, the minutes of the December 9-10 FOMC meeting will be released. On Wednesday, initial weekly unemployment claims are expected to increase by 1,000 to 215,000. On Friday, the Dec S&P manufacturing PMI is expected to remain unrevised at 51.8.
The markets are discounting the odds at 19% for a -25 bp rate cut at the FOMC's next meeting on January 27-28.
Overseas stock markets are mixed today. The Euro Stoxx 50 is up +0.17%. China's Shanghai Composite climbed to a 6-week high and closed up +0.04% for the ninth consecutive daily gain. Japan's Nikkei Stock 225 closed down -0.44%.
Interest Rates
March 10-year T-notes (ZNH6) today are up by +4 ticks. The 10-year T-note yield is down -1.6 bp to 4.112%. Mar T-notes rose to a 1-week high today, and the 10-year T-note yield fell to a 1-week low of 4.102%. Today's stock market weakness is boosting safe-haven demand for T-notes. Also, geopolitical risks in Venezuela and Nigeria have added to the safe-haven appeal of T-notes.
European government bond yields are moving lower today. The 10-year German bund yield fell to a 1.5-week low of 2.836% and is down -1.4 bp at 2.848%. The 10-year UK gilt yield dropped to a 1-week low of 4.459% and is down -0.7 bp to 4.500%.
Swaps are discounting a 2% chance of a +25 bp rate hike by the ECB at its next policy meeting on February 5.
US Stock Movers
The Magnificent Seven stocks are mostly lower today, pressuring the broader market. Nvidia (NVDA) and Tesla (TSLA) are down more than -1%. Also, Meta Platforms (META) is down -0.82%, Alphabet (GOOGL) is down -0.40%, Amazon.com (AMZN) is down -0.23%, and Microsoft (MSFT) is down -0.02%. Bucking the trend, Apple (AAPL) is up +0.15%.
Mining companies are weaker today, with gold prices down more than -3% and silver prices plunged more than -7% after initially climbing to a new record high. Hecla Mining (HL) is down more than -6%, and Newmont (NEM) is down more than -5% to lead losers in the S&P 500. Also, Coeur Mining (CDE) is down more than -4%, and Freeport-McMoRan (FCX) is down more than -2%.
Energy companies are moving higher today, with WTI crude up more than +2%. Devon Energy (DVN), Marathon Petroleum (MPC), Halliburton (HAL), APA Corp (APA), Diamondback Energy (FANG), ConocoPhillips (COP), and Occidental Petroleum (OXY) are up more than +1%. Also, Chevron (CVX) is up +0.63% to lead gainers in the Dow Jones Industrials.
Praxis Precision Medicine (PRAX) s is up more than +14% after getting a breakthrough therapy designation from the FDA for its ulixacaltamide for the treatment of patients with essential tremor.
DigitalBridge Group (DBRG) is up by more than +9% after SoftBank Group acquired the company for about $4 billion, or $16 a share.
Coupang (CPNG) is up more than +1% after offering compensation worth more than $1 billion to all customers affected by a data breach.
Earnings Reports(12/29/2025)
None.
On the date of publication, Rich Asplund did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Stocks Slip Due to Weakness in Megacap Technology Stocks

Among the underlying components of the Russell 3000 index, we saw noteworthy options trading volume today in Lemonade Inc (Symbol: LMND), where a total of 15,418 contracts have traded so far, representing approximately 1.5 million underlying shares. That amounts to about 64.6% of LMND's average daily trading volume over the past month of 2.4 million shares. Particularly high volume was seen for the $90 strike call option expiring January 02, 2026, with 2,803 contracts trading so far today, representing approximately 280,300 underlying shares of LMND. Below is a chart showing LMND's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $90 strike highlighted in orange:
Occidental Petroleum Corp (Symbol: OXY) options are showing a volume of 56,017 contracts thus far today. That number of contracts represents approximately 5.6 million underlying shares, working out to a sizeable 61.7% of OXY's average daily trading volume over the past month, of 9.1 million shares. Especially high volume was seen for the $41 strike call option expiring January 02, 2026, with 7,691 contracts trading so far today, representing approximately 769,100 underlying shares of OXY. Below is a chart showing OXY's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $41 strike highlighted in orange:
And FuboTV Inc. (Symbol: FUBO) saw options trading volume of 61,471 contracts, representing approximately 6.1 million underlying shares or approximately 60.8% of FUBO's average daily trading volume over the past month, of 10.1 million shares. Particularly high volume was seen for the $4.50 strike call option expiring February 20, 2026, with 26,884 contracts trading so far today, representing approximately 2.7 million underlying shares of FUBO. Below is a chart showing FUBO's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $4.50 strike highlighted in orange:
For the various different available expirations for LMND options, OXY options, or FUBO options, visit StockOptionsChannel.com.
Also see:
Dividend History
EGOV market cap history
Top Ten Hedge Funds Holding MLPW
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Notable Tuesday Option Activity: LMND, OXY, FUBO

In this series, we look through the most recent Dividend Channel ''DividendRank'' report, and then we cherry pick only those companies that have experienced insider buying within the past six months. The officers and directors of a company tend to have a unique insider's view of the business, and presumably the only reason an insider would choose to take their hard-earned cash and use it to buy stock in the open market, is that they expect to make money — maybe they find the stock very undervalued, or maybe they see exciting progress within the company, or maybe both. So when stocks turn up that see insider buying, and are also top ranked, investors are wise to take notice. One such company is Occidental Petroleum Corp (Symbol: OXY), which saw buying by Director William R. Klesse.
Back on December 16, Klesse invested $194,900.00 into 5,000 shares of OXY, for a cost per share of $38.98. In trading on Tuesday, shares were changing hands as low as $39.72 per share, which is 1.9% above Klesse's purchase price. Occidental Petroleum Corp shares are currently trading -0.67% on the day. The chart below shows the one year performance of OXY shares, versus its 200 day moving average:
Looking at the chart above, OXY's low point in its 52 week range is $34.785 per share, with $53.20 as the 52 week high point — that compares with a last trade of $40.09. By comparison, below is a table showing the prices at which insider buying was recorded over the last six months:
Purchased
Insider
Title
Shares
Price/Share
Value
12/16/2025
William R. Klesse
Director
5,000
$38.98
$194,900.00
The DividendRank report noted that among the coverage universe, OXY shares displayed both attractive valuation metrics and strong profitability metrics. The report also cited the strong quarterly dividend history at Occidental Petroleum Corp, and favorable long-term multi-year growth rates in key fundamental data points.
The report stated, ''Dividend investors approaching investing from a value standpoint are generally most interested in researching the strongest most profitable companies, that also happen to be trading at an attractive valuation. That's what we aim to find using our proprietary DividendRank formula, which ranks the coverage universe based upon our various criteria for both profitability and valuation, to generate a list of the top most 'interesting' stocks, meant for investors as a source of ideas that merit further research.''
The annualized dividend paid by Occidental Petroleum Corp is $0.96/share, currently paid in quarterly installments, and its most recent dividend ex-date was on 12/10/2025. Below is a long-term dividend history chart for OXY, which the report stressed as being of key importance. Indeed, studying a company's past dividend history can be of good help in judging whether the most recent dividend is likely to continue.
Also see:
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Occidental Petroleum Corporation

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