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July 23, 2025

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European stock markets opened broadly higher on Wednesday, with the pan-European Stoxx 600 index jumping as investors cheered the signing of a major trade deal between the United States and Japan.

This development has ignited optimism that a similar agreement could be reached with the European Union, temporarily overshadowing a mixed bag of corporate earnings reports.

About 10 minutes after the opening bell, the pan-European Stoxx 600 was last seen up by a strong 0.9%, with the tariff-sensitive autos sector leading the charge with a remarkable jump of 3.5%.

This follows a positive session in Asia-Pacific markets overnight, which had also reacted favorably to the US-Japan trade deal, where a baseline tariff of 15% was set on Japan’s exports to the United States.

The upbeat mood in Europe was further fueled by reports of comments made by US President Donald Trump at a dinner in Washington on Tuesday. He reportedly told guests that EU delegates were “coming in tomorrow, the next day,” suggesting that high-level negotiations are imminent and potentially productive.

This has provided a much-needed dose of optimism for markets that had declined again on Tuesday, as investors digested a slew of earnings and weighed the prospect of steep US trade tariffs kicking in on August 1 if a deal isn’t reached.

Futures data from IG had already signaled a positive open for European indexes, with London’s FTSE 100 seen opening 0.6% higher, France’s CAC 40 up 1.2%, Germany’s DAX up 1%, and Italy’s FTSE MIB also 1.2% higher.

A mixed bag of earnings: Thales up, Nokia down

Wednesday is a busy day for corporate financial updates, with several major companies reporting their latest results, presenting a mixed picture for investors.

  • Iberdrola: The Spanish electricity utilities giant posted a 14% year-on-year decline in its first-half net profit, which came in at 3.6 billion euros ($4.2 billion).

    The company also announced a 5-billion-euro increase in its share capital, stating that the move would cover its upcoming investment plan.

  • Equinor: The Norwegian energy group saw its adjusted earnings fall by 13% in the second quarter, a result that was in line with expectations. The decline was primarily attributed to lower oil prices.

    The company also booked a significant $955 million impairment on a key offshore wind project in the US, citing regulatory changes and the impact of tariffs.

  • Thales: French defense contractor Thales delivered a positive surprise, raising its full-year sales guidance after reporting stronger-than-expected profit.

    The company’s adjusted operating profit for the first half of the year came in at 1.25 billion euros ($1.47 billion), a 13% jump from the first six months of 2024 and ahead of the 1.23 billion euros anticipated by analysts, according to LSEG data.

    First-half sales grew 8.1% year-on-year to 10.3 billion euros, which Thales attributed largely to “a solid performance” in its aerospace and defense divisions.

    However, even in its upbeat report, Thales acknowledged the lingering trade risks, stating that it was still anticipating “a contained direct impact of tariffs” that could be imposed on EU goods by the Trump administration.

    The company’s guidance, it clarified, was based on the assumption of 10% reciprocal tariffs and excluded any potential retaliatory measures from European leaders.

  • Nokia: In a starkly negative development, shares of Finnish telecoms giant Nokia were down 7% in early trade on Wednesday after the company issued a profit warning.

    Nokia lowered its comparable operating profit guidance range to 1.6 billion euros to 2.1 billion euros ($1.9 billion to $2.5 billion), down from its previous expectation of a range between 1.9 billion euros and 2.4 billion euros.

The post Europe markets open: stocks rise; autos jump 3.5% on trade optimism; Nokia down appeared first on Invezz

The cannabis market has faced unexpected challenges in 2025, despite initial optimism for rescheduling in the US. 

While US federal regulatory uncertainty and banking remain persistent, companies are shifting focus to match changes in consumer behavior. The growing popularity of edibles and rising interest in cannabis-infused beverages reflect evolving demand in a persevering industry.

Cannabis companies in the sector continue to move forward and develop their offerings, and with potential catalysts ahead, some investors are interested in getting involved. Looking at the key players is often a good place to get started, so this list of US and Canadian cannabis stocks covers the companies with the largest presence in two major cannabis ETFs.

This list of the biggest publicly traded cannabis companies was put together based on the top-weighted cannabis stocks included in the AdvisorShares Pure US Cannabis ETF (ARCA:MSOS) and the Horizons Marijuana Life Sciences Index ETF (TSX:HMMJ) as of July 16, 2025. Share price information for the companies was accurate as of that time.

US cannabis market

Cannabis is federally illegal in the US, but state market openings have allowed some operators to thrive. Typically these firms set up vertically integrated businesses with a focus on branded products, retail networks and licenses.

While these companies have adapted to regulatory challenges, they have much to gain from country-level reform in the US, and are eager to see more welcoming federal laws that will allow their businesses to develop further.

Top cannabis stocks in the AdvisorShares Pure US Cannabis ETF

The AdvisorShares Pure US Cannabis ETF provides exposure to public companies exclusively operating within the US cannabis industry. By investing in companies that are working in states with clear guidelines, MSOS gives investors a way to be more selective about the types of cannabis companies they’re investing in.

1. Green Thumb Industries (CSE:GTII,OTCQX:GTBIF)

ETF weight: 32.06 percent
Market cap: US$1.36 billion
Share price: US$5.72

Green Thumb Industries is a multi-state operator (MSO) with headquarters in Chicago, Illinois.

The company is involved in the entire process of the industry, from cultivating and producing cannabis products to selling them in its own retail stores, of which there are many across the United States. Green Thumb Industries owns a portfolio of well-known cannabis brands like Rythm, Beboe, Dogwalkers, Incredibles and Doctor Solomon’s.

2. Trulieve Cannabis (CSE:TRUL,OTCQX:TCNNF)

ETF weight: 22.59 percent
Market cap: US$781.51 million
Share price: US$4.09

Trulieve is another major player in the cannabis industry, with a strong focus on medical cannabis. The company offers a diverse selection of cannabis products, including flower, pre-rolls, concentrates, edibles, topicals and more.

Vertically integrated, Trulieve Cannabis has a dominant market share in its home state of Florida, as well as in Arizona and Pennsylvania. In June 2024, the company opened its 200th dispensary in the United States.

3. Curaleaf Holdings (TSX:CURA,OTCQX:CURLF)

ETF weight: 15.37 percent
Market cap: US$764.16 million
Share price: US$1.00

Curaleaf Holdings has a significant presence in the US cannabis market, with around 150 dispensaries and several cultivation centers across 17 states. The company is also continuing its expansion into the European cannabis sector, where it already has a strong presence. Curaleaf has a wide range of brands covering a variety of cannabis product types, including flower, vapes, edibles and hemp-derived THC beverages.

4. Glass House Brands (CBOE:GLAS.A.U,OTC Pink:GHBWF)

ETF weight: 7.32 percent
Market cap: US$269.57 million
Share price: US$5.40

Glass House Brands is a vertically integrated cannabis company with a focus on the California market. The company is has placed an emphasis on sustainable practices at its large-scale cultivation facility in Camarillo, California. Glass House Brands is also a major producer and wholesaler of cannabis biomass and cannabis oil to other manufacturers and extractors in the industry.

Glass House offers a diverse range of cannabis products through its various brands and retail operations, including edibles and wellness products under its Mama Sue Wellness brand.

5. Cresco Labs (CSE:CL,OTCQX:CRLBF)

ETF weight: 5.53 percent
Market cap: US$235.9 million
Share price: US$0.53

Cresco Labs is a vertically integrated multi-state cannabis operator in the United States. A leading US cannabis company, it is known for its strong brands like Cresco, High Supply and Good News.

Cresco Labs controls its supply chain from cultivation to retail, offering a wide range of products. While it has its own stores, it focuses heavily on wholesale, getting its products into dispensaries across the country.

Canadian cannabis market

In 2018, Canada became the first G7 nation to legalize adult-use cannabis and create its own streamlined program regulated by both federal and provincial powers. Since then, companies working in the country have faced ups and downs in dealing with tight marketing rules, high tax rates and ongoing competition with the unregulated market.

Top cannabis stocks in the Global X Marijuana Life Sciences Index ETF

The Global X Marijuana Life Sciences Index ETF was the first cannabis ETF available in Canada, and it holds a variety of publicly traded companies involved in cannabis, along with several non-flower companies.

While HMMJ does not invest in US-based multi-state operators, it does have exposure to the US market through Canadian companies that have interests in the US cannabis industry. Overall, HMMJ is designed to give investors broad exposure to the cannabis industry, with a particular focus on North American companies.

1. Jazz Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:JAZZ)

ETF weight: 16.47 percent
Market cap: US$7.02 billion
Share price: US$116.08

Jazz Pharmaceuticals is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing medicines for people with serious diseases, often with limited or no other options. They have a diverse portfolio of products in areas like sleep disorders, cancer and epilepsy.

Jazz Pharmaceuticals’ cannabis business stems from their 2021 acquisition of GW Pharmaceuticals and its epilepsy medicine Epidiolex for a whopping US$7.2 billion. This made big waves as it was one of the largest moves by a traditional pharmaceutical company into the cannabis space.

2. Cronos Group (NASDAQ:CRON,TSX:CRON)

ETF weight: 13.14 percent
Market cap: US$774.69 million
Share price: US$2.01

Cronos Group is the Canada-based company behind the Spinach, Peace Naturals and Lord Jones cannabis brands. In Canada, Cronos’ Spinach brand is in the top three for retail sales in the flower and edible categories.

The company also has a presence in Israel and Germany with its brand Peace Naturals. In late 2023, the company re-entered the German medical cannabis market through its partnership with a German medical cannabis company called Cansativa Group. Cronos serves the Israeli market through its subsidiary Cronos Israel.

3. Innovative Industrial Properties (NYSE:IIPR)

ETF weight: 11.28 percent
Market cap: US$1.51 billion
Share price: US$53.99

Innovative Industrial Properties is a real estate investment trust that provides specialized real estate opportunities for cannabis companies in 19 states. Its properties mostly consist of processing plants, greenhouses and warehouses, with retail spaces making up a small percentage of its portfolio.

The firm has provided long-term absolute net lease agreements to some of the cannabis industry’s biggest names, including Green Thumb, TILT Holdings (NEO:TILT,OTCQB:TLLTF), Ascend Wellness (CSE:AAWH.U,OTCQX:AAWH) and Curaleaf. The company’s sale-leaseback program has helped cannabis companies access a source of capital, a much-needed workaround in the US where there are fewer traditional financing options.

4. Scotts Miracle-Gro Co (NYSE:SMG)

ETF weight: 10.74 percent
Market cap: US$3.92 billion
Share price: US$67.92

Scotts Miracle-Gro is a leader in lawn and garden products, but its involvement in the cannabis industry comes through its Hawthorne Gardening Company subsidiary. Hawthorne is an ancillary provider, supplying essential hydroponic and indoor growing equipment, nutrients, lighting and environmental control systems for large-scale cannabis production.

5. SNDL (NASDAQ:SNDL)

ETF weight: 7.8 percent
Market cap: US$383.4 million
Share price: US$1.49

SNDL, formerly known as Sundial Growers, is the largest private-sector liquor and cannabis retailer on the Canadian market. They cultivate and sell cannabis products under various brands, including Top Leaf, Sundial Cannabis, Palmetto and more. They focus on premium indoor cultivation and have a strong presence in the Canadian market.

SNDL has faced financial challenges in the past, but in Q1 2025 the company’s cannabis business revenue grew year-over-year for the 13th consecutive quarter. The company has continued to make strategic investments in 2025.

FAQs for investing in cannabis

Are cannabis stocks worth investing in?

Each investor will have to think and act for themselves to manage their own risk exposure, but it’s no secret that cannabis stocks have taken a beating for some time now. While financial experts point to the long-term upside of US operators as more state markets expand, the stock market has not been kind to these names lately.

Are cannabis stocks considered a high- or low-risk investment?

Cannabis investments are extremely young in the grand scheme of the investment universe. There is an exciting and refreshing element to these stocks, but the market has always been characterized by volatility and unpredictability.

While wild, spontaneous swings in the open market have become less common, cannabis stocks are often moved — both positively and negatively — by big pieces of market news or legalization updates.

Why do people buy cannabis stocks?

Investors may choose to get exposure to the cannabis market as a way to participate in the development of a new drug market with consumer packaged goods capabilities. Some participants are bullish on the industry’s long-term outlook and expect more welcoming laws in the US and across the world to provide upward momentum.

Securities Disclosure: I, Meagen Seatter, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

Elon Musk’s health tech company Neuralink labeled itself a “small disadvantaged business” in a federal filing with the U.S. Small Business Administration, shortly before a financing round valued the company at $9 billion.

Neuralink is developing a brain-computer interface (BCI) system, with an initial aim to help people with severe paralysis regain some independence. BCI technology broadly can translate a person’s brain signals into commands that allow them to manipulate external technologies just by thinking.

Neuralink’s filing, dated April 24, would have reached the SBA at a time when Musk was leading the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency. At DOGE, Musk worked to slash the size of federal agencies.

MuskWatch first reported on the details of Neuralink’s April filing.

According to the SBA’s website, a designation of SDB means a company is at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more “disadvantaged” persons who must be “socially disadvantaged and economically disadvantaged.” An SDB designation can also help a business “gain preferential access to federal procurement opportunities,” the SBA website says.

The Department of Justice has previously fined companies for making false claims about their SDB status.

Musk, the world’s wealthiest person, is CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, in addition to his other businesses like artificial intelligence startup xAI and tunneling venture The Boring Company. In 2022, Musk led the $44 billion purchase of Twitter, which he later named X before merging it with xAI.

Jared Birchall, a Neuralink executive, was listed as the contact person on the filing from April. Birchall, who also manages Musk’s money as head of his family office, didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.

Neuralink, which incorporated in Nevada, closed a $650 million funding round in early June at a $9 billion valuation. ARK Invest, Peter Thiel’s Founders Fund, Sequoia Capital and Thrive Capital were among the investors. Neuralink said the fresh capital would help the company bring its technology to more patients and develop new devices that “deepen the connection between biological and artificial intelligence.”

Under Musk’s leadership at DOGE, the initiative took aim at government agencies that emphasized diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). In February, for example, DOGE and Musk boasted of nixing hundreds of millions of dollars worth of funding for the Department of Education that would have gone towards DEI-related training grants.

This post appeared first on NBC NEWS

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee lashed out at almost 30 Western countries who on Monday called for Israel to end the war in Gaza, saying in a post on X that ‘when Hamas thinks you do good work, you are doing evil.’

‘How embarrassing for a nation to side w/ a terror group like Hamas & blame a nation whose civilians were massacred for fighting to get hostages released,’ wrote Huckabee after Hamas – whose Oct. 7, 2023, mass terror attack on Israel sparked the ongoing war in Gaza – said it welcomed ‘the contents of the joint statement issued by the United Kingdom Government along with 25 other countries, calling for an immediate end to the war on the Gaza Strip.’

The U.S. and EU-designated terror group also reiterated its claims that Israel was carrying out a ‘policy of starvation’ on the coastal enclave amid unverified reports that people have died due to hunger-related reasons. Fox News Digital has not been able to independently verify such reports.

‘The statement’s condemnation of the killing of over 800 Palestinian civilians at the gates of U.S.-Israeli-controlled aid checkpoints underscores the brutality of this mechanism,’ Hamas wrote following a statement issued by the U.K. Foreign Office and U.K. Foreign Secretary David Lammy.

‘The suffering of civilians in Gaza has reached new depths,’ read Lammy’s statement, which was also signed by the foreign ministers of 28 countries.

‘If Hamas embraces you – you are in the wrong place,’ Israel’s Foreign Minister Gidon Saar responded on X. ‘Hamas’s praise for the statement by the group of countries is the best proof of the mistake they made – part of them out of good intentions and part of them out of an obsession against Israel.’ 

Since launching a new model for food aid distribution in the war-torn strip in early May, Israel and the U.S. have come under fire from the international community over near-daily reports of people dying while attempting to receive aid or not receiving any aid at all.

Israel has refuted claims that there is hunger in Gaza or that it is using starvation as a tactic of the now 22-month-old war. Rather, officials have said they are working to prevent Hamas from stealing aid being distributed by veteran, mostly U.N.-run, humanitarian agencies and sold for exorbitant prices in a bid to continue funding terror operations. 

Israel, which is tasked with securing routes to four aid centers run by the U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Fund, has also denied that its soldiers intentionally kill Palestinian civilians but is rather issuing warning shots as a measure of crowd control. The GHF has so far delivered some 85 million meals since it started its aid operation in May.

U.N. spokesman Stéphane Dujarric said on Monday that Secretary-General Antonio Guterres ‘deplored the growing reports of both children and adults suffering from malnutrition and strongly condemned the ongoing violence, including the shooting, killing and injuring of people attempting to get food.’

‘As someone who has spent over 40 years in Israel’s Security Establishment – both as IDF Chief of Staff & Minister of Defense, I can say this unequivocally: Not only has Israel never starved or targeted civilians, but it goes above and beyond to protect civilians in the most complex of war zones like Gaza,’ Israeli opposition leader Benny Gantz wrote on X.

‘We must be clear – culpability for harm inflicted to civilians rests on terrorist Hamas and Hamas only,’ he added. 

On Tuesday, Dr. Mohammed Abu Salmiya, director of Al-Shifa Medical Complex in Gaza, said in a statement that ‘twenty-one children have died due to malnutrition and starvation in various areas across the Gaza Strip.’ 

‘Every moment, new cases of malnutrition and starvation are arriving at Gaza’s hospitals,’ he said.  

Kobi Michael, a senior researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies in Tel Aviv who has been monitoring the situation in Gaza closely, told Fox News Digital that he was ‘not aware of a single official report that people died because of starvation or hunger.’ 

‘I’m not familiar with any such report, but I am familiar with many warnings that were published by international organizations about the catastrophe that exists in Gaza and how in two months or so, 40 or 50,000 people will die because of hunger, but nobody has died because of hunger, because there is no hunger,’ he said, adding, ‘if there are some local problems of supply, it is because of Hamas – not because of the IDF.’

Michael, who is also a fellow at the Misgav Institute in Jerusalem, pointed out that Hamas ‘loots, robs and steals the humanitarian aid, partially for themselves, to feed themselves and the rest is sold in very high prices to the local population in order to make money.’

Israel’s goal of weakening Hamas’s grip on the Strip – and on aid agencies – appeared to be working on Monday, with The Washington Post reporting that the terror group ‘is facing its worst financial and administrative crisis in its four-decade history’ and is struggling to find the resource it needs to continue fighting Israel or rule Gaza. 

Quoting a former high-level Israeli intelligence officer, and current Israel Defense Forces officers, the report said that Hamas could no longer pay its fighters or rebuild its underground terror tunnels, where it is believed to be holding some 50 hostages, both alive and dead, who kidnapped during its Oct. 7 attack. 

This post appeared first on FOX NEWS