AI power race reshapes utilities as Corning rides fiber demand boom - 26 May 2026

Jefferies lifts Prysmian target ahead of Q2 results - 7 Jul 2026

As of July 7, today’s news features market movements involving Prysmian's performance outlook and the rising costs of electricity for manufacturers due to the demand from data centers. Prysmian has received a favorable update from Jefferies, which maintained a "buy" rating and raised its price target from 176 euros to 178 euros. This adjustment follows a revision of earnings estimates, predicting an approximately 1% increase in EBITDA ahead of the upcoming quarterly report. Turning to broader market updates, the surge in power demand from data centers, particularly in America's Rust Belt, has led to significant increases in electricity costs for manufacturers. The Belden Brick Company, for instance, has seen its electricity expenses rise sharply, with monthly capacity charges jumping from 1,600 dollars to 12,000 dollars, directly attributed to the influx of capacity requirements driven by data centers serving the artificial intelligence sector. This trend highlights an increasing burden on manufacturers as operational costs escalate, driven by the energy consumption of AI infrastructure. In related market dynamics, a new legislation in the United States has commenced the phased withdrawal of federal tax credits for wind and solar energy projects, which supporters argue will encourage competition. However, critics warn it could result in higher electricity prices and hinder efforts to meet increasing power demands, particularly in the context of the country's emerging electricity needs. Meanwhile, in international business news, Brazilian power company Equatorial and Spain's Iberdrola are reportedly in discussions to acquire assets from Enel in Brazil, amid challenges surrounding Enel's power concession in São Paulo. The negotiations aim to secure regulatory compliance regarding the concession renewal, illustrating the competitive nature of the energy sector in Brazil. Lastly, in technology news, Samsung Electronics has announced a remarkable increase in second-quarter profits, boosted by the AI data center boom. However, despite this positive report, concerns over the sustainability of high demand for memory chips have led to significant declines in its market value. Finally, two tankers were hit in the Strait of Hormuz today, including an LNG carrier at risk of explosion, as huge crowds mourning Iran's slain Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei thronged the holy city of Qom.

Prysmian earns independent validation for E Path - 6 Jul 2026

As of July 6, today’s news highlights Prysmian's significant advancements in sustainability and developments in the technology and energy sectors. Prysmian has made a significant step-forward for its proprietary E Path label – which marks Prysmian’s best-in-class cable solutions based on criteria that reflects quality, performance and sustainability standards, the company said in a statement. Prysmian has obtained third-party validation from UL Solutions, in accordance with ISO/IEC 17029, of the internal processes and methodology it uses to assess product sustainability performance. Products that meet these criteria may carry Prysmian’s E Path label – confirming that it is executed in alignment with its defined design, processes, and operational requirements. In market developments, Fincantieri made headlines with its announcement of acquiring majority stakes in four underwater technology companies for approximately 600 million euros. This strategic move aims to bolster Fincantieri’s subsea segment, advancing its growth targets by four years. The acquisitions, including companies specializing in marine survey, underwater communications, and autonomous vessel technologies, are poised to significantly enhance the company's revenue and profitability, contributing over 60 million euros to net profit by 2026. Turning to broader market conditions, the outlook for aluminium prices has risen due to supply disruptions and decreasing stock levels. Analysts point to a projected aluminium market deficit this year, exacerbated by anticipated production declines in the Middle East. Meanwhile, Nexans has entered a five-year agreement with Norsk Hydro for the supply of approximately 85,000 tonnes of low-carbon aluminium, intended for medium-voltage power cable solutions. This collaboration highlights a significant step towards supporting Europe’s grid modernization and decarbonization efforts. In the technology sector, Microsoft announced a significant workforce reduction, cutting about 4,800 jobs in response to shifts in investment toward AI infrastructure. This measure aligns with trends seen across major tech firms as they adapt to market demands for AI-driven solutions. On the international front, tensions continue to simmer over policy and geopolitical issues, with recent remarks from former U.S. President Trump putting Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in the spotlight ahead of a NATO summit, sparking discussions about transatlantic relations.

Prysmian rallies as analysts raise price targets - 3 Jul 2026

As of July 3, today’s news is dominated by positive developments for Prysmian ahead of its upcoming quarterly earnings report, alongside market movements and international energy trends. Prysmian shares rose nearly 3% in Milan as investors positioned for a solid second-quarter update. Barclays raised its target price to 161 euros, citing strong demand across Grid, Transmission and optical fibre, with Digital Solutions seen as a key growth driver. Analysts expect potential hyperscaler fibre-optic agreements worth up to around 5 billion dollars to act as a major catalyst for the stock. BofA also reiterated its Buy rating and 175 euros target price, saying Prysmian’s growth momentum likely continued across Transmission, Grid, Electrification and Digital Solutions, while the stock’s valuation remains attractive. Turning to broader market updates, Nexans announced the completion of its sale of Autoelectric for electric vehicles at a valuation of 207 million euros, showcasing ongoing consolidation in the sector. Meanwhile, Stellantis reported a 13.7% rise in vehicle production in Italy during the first half of 2026, despite projections indicating a likely decline for the full year. In the energy sector, strong wind power supply is anticipated in Germany and France, although a decrease is expected next week as weather conditions shift. Analysts note that a robust demand persists despite fluctuating energy outputs and challenges in hydropower. From an international perspective, NATO leaders gather next week in Ankara, where Europeans aim to set aside strife with U.S. President Donald Trumpover Iran and Greenland and show they are stepping up to defend the continent as Washington cuts back on its commitments to the alliance.

Analysts lift Prysmian targets ahead of Q2 results - 2 Jul 2026

As of July 2, today’s news features corporate developments, particularly in the AI sector, alongside troubling international events and market trends. Prysmian has received a positive boost as JP Morgan raised its target price for the company from 172 euros to 190 euros. Additionally, Barclays has increased Prysmian's target price from 147 euros to 161 euros while maintaining an “overweight” rating. Analysts anticipate that during the upcoming quarterly earnings report, Prysmian may raise its full-year guidance. In other news, OpenAI is in preliminary discussions about potentially granting the US government a 5% stake in its operations. This move, as reported by the Financial Times, would involve similar arrangements with other leading US AI developers, including Anthropic and major tech firms like Google and Meta Platforms. OpenAI’s CEO Sam Altman has suggested this could serve as a method for the public to benefit from the AI boom. This proposal coincides with increasing regulatory pressure faced by AI firms, exemplified recently by Anthropic's suspension of its models due to national security concerns but subsequent clearance for broader distribution following compliance with safety regulations. Turning to market updates, aluminium prices have continued to decline, dropping to their lowest levels in over four months, influenced by a recovering supply and diminished risk appetite following geopolitical tensions. The price adjustments on the London Metal Exchange reflect broader market pressures, including shifts in global conflicts. In technological advancements, a new affordable AI model from Beijing-based startup Z.ai is gaining traction, offering capabilities that rival existing U.S. offerings while significantly undercutting their pricing. This development could shift market dynamics as consumers weigh different AI solutions. On the world stage, the human cost of ongoing conflicts remains stark, as Russia has launched one of the most devastating attacks on Kyiv, resulting in numerous casualties and extensive damage to infrastructure. The repercussions of this attack are being felt across the region, intensifying humanitarian concerns.

Prysmian drives sustainable copper for grid projects - 1 Jul 2026

As of July 1, today’s news sees advancements in sustainable practices within major infrastructure projects, particularly highlighted by Prysmian's innovative use of recycled materials. Prysmian, who is responsible for the manufacturing and the installation of the cables for the Eastern Green Link 2 project, is breaking new ground by delivering the most sustainable solution for the cable conductor, through the use of La Farga Genius 100% recycled copper, the company said in a statement. Due to the high demand for electricity infrastructure projects, as the world electrifies to deliver on climate action, copper is currently one of the most critical materials across the globe. Given the scale of its recent projects, Prysmian is now the single biggest purchaser of copper in the world. Meanwhile, US manufacturing activity expanded for a sixth straight month in June as a war-driven surge in input costs eased. The Institute for Supply Management’s manufacturing gauge fell 0.7 points to 53.3, holding close to a four-year high, according to data released Wednesday. Readings above 50 indicate growth, and the figures point to the longest expansion for the sector since 2022. Turning to other market updates, Europe's solar sector continues to flourish, with solar generation across the European Union poised to set new records this year thanks to rapid capacity additions and favorable weather conditions. However, this boom is challenging power markets by highlighting a disparity between production and demand, particularly during peak generation hours. Meanwhile, Australia's South32 has agreed to sell the majority of its aluminium portfolio to Alcoa for as much as 5.6 billion dollars, allowing South32 to focus on its core copper operations. Looking at broader macro trends, the International Energy Agency reports a shift in fossil fuel investment, anticipating U.S. spending on coal and gas power plants to surpass that of China for the first time in decades. Additionally, renewable energy sources achieved a remarkable milestone in Germany, with renewables accounting for 58% of electricity consumption in the first half of 2026, bolstered by increased outputs from onshore and offshore wind energy. From the international front, U.S. and Iranian officials are engaged in technical discussions aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz and establishing a permanent ceasefire amidst ongoing tensions and military actions over Iran's nuclear program.