S&P Global Stock Price, News & Analysis

S&P Global Commodity Insights has launched five new price-assessment-based indices through its Platts division to track global commodity sector value trends. The new indices cover Global Transportation Fuels, Conventional Energy, Industrial Materials, Decarbonization, and Global Recycled Packaging. These indices compile spot physical prices from various markets including oil, natural gas, LNG, carbon, metals, chemicals, and biofuels. Over 380 companies have engaged with these indices during beta testing, with the Transportation Fuels Index showing a 9.5% decline year-to-date through October, indicating reduced inflationary pressure from fuel costs.

CARFAX Canada has released its Year in Rear View 2024 report, revealing significant insights from millions of Vehicle History Reports. Key findings show that 152,622 vehicles are currently reported as stolen in Canada, with a 25% increase in theft reports this year. The report identified 141,260 potential VIN clones in operation. Total accident claim damages exceeded $7.6 billion, with Alberta leading in hail damage claims at $140 million. Additionally, 42% of lien checks revealed outstanding debt on vehicles. The report aims to help protect Canadians during vehicle transactions by providing comprehensive vehicle history information.

S&P Global Mobility projects November US light vehicle sales to reach 1.31 million units, representing a 6% growth year-over-year. The seasonally adjusted rate (SAAR) is expected to hit 15.9 million units, aligned with October's 16.0 million. Retail sales show sustained progress, supported by rising inventory, year-end promotions, and potentially lower interest rates. Available retail advertised inventory reached 3.06 million vehicles in October, marking the second consecutive month above three million units since the pandemic. Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) share has maintained above 8% since June, with November projected at 8.7%.

CARFAX reports alarming maintenance delays in US vehicles, with approximately 20% behind on oil changes and 30% on tire rotations, affecting over 30 million vehicles total. The company warns about the risks of neglected maintenance, especially during holiday travel season. Low or dirty oil can lead to engine failure, while skipped tire rotations may cause uneven wear and increased risk of flats or blowouts. The report also emphasizes the importance of winter-specific maintenance, including checking wiper blades, batteries, cooling systems, and considering winter tires for safer holiday travel.

S&P Global Market Intelligence has released a report highlighting the convergence of public and private credit markets in 2024 and its expected continuation into 2025. The report reveals that while public debt markets have grown, the $1.5 trillion private markets continue rapid expansion. Key findings show that Credit Default Swap (CDS) credit events have remained low, with only two credit event auctions in 2024. The private credit market is projected to double by 2028, though regulators and investors are calling for increased oversight in this largely unregulated space. The report notes that companies now have unprecedented access to private credit sources, potentially affecting credit risk transparency.

S&P Global Market Intelligence has released an analysis examining key M&A trends through 2025. While M&A announcements have increased in 2024, they remain below pre-pandemic levels and far from 2021's records. Private equity firms are showing increased activity and are expected to deploy more capital in a lower rate environment. The report highlights that oil and gas sector consolidation continues despite antitrust concerns, with North American transactions reaching record levels. The technology sector shows potential for recovery, though traditional strategic acquirers remain less active. Lower interest rates and a less restrictive regulatory environment are expected to create more favorable conditions for dealmaking.

Haynes International (HAYN) will be removed from the S&P SmallCap 600 index due to its pending acquisition. Dream Finders Homes (DFH) will replace HAYN in the index effective prior to market opening on Monday, November 25, 2024. The change comes as Haynes International's acquisition is expected to close soon, pending final conditions. Dream Finders Homes will be classified under the Consumer Discretionary sector, while Haynes International was previously listed under Materials.

S&P Global Market Intelligence has released a report analyzing commercial real estate (CRE) market challenges. The study highlights that while higher interest rates and post-pandemic behavior changes are pressuring CRE borrowers, the impact varies across asset classes. The report reveals that approximately $950 billion of CRE mortgages are due in 2024, with rates nearly 200 basis points below current origination rates. While increased defaults are expected, particularly in the office segment, analysts suggest the stress won't be severe enough to threaten the US economy. Despite concerns, life insurers' mortgage loan holdings continue reaching record highs in 2024.

S&P Global Market Intelligence has released a report examining how climate change and extreme weather are transforming the insurance industry. The report highlights how secondary perils like floods, fires, and severe convective storms now constitute a larger portion of catastrophe losses compared to traditional peak perils like tropical cyclones and earthquakes.

The report reveals that secondary perils contributed to the global reinsurance industry failing to earn its cost of capital for five out of six years between 2017 and 2022. A notable example is Hurricane Helene's unexpected devastation in the Appalachian Mountains rather than coastal regions. The report also notes significant flooding events in Europe during 2024, with data suggesting northern Germany will face increased pluvial flooding risks by the 2050s.