Expand Energy Shares Rise 4% as Natural Gas Prices Surge 25%
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Jan 20 2026
0mins
Should l Buy AU?
Source: CNBC
- Natural Gas Surge: Natural gas prices soared 25% to $3.89 per million British thermal units on Tuesday, marking the best single-day performance in four years, which is expected to drive heating demand up across the U.S. and boost Expand Energy's shares by over 4%.
- Gold Mining Rally: With gold prices hitting a fresh record high above $4,700 per troy ounce, gold mining stocks surged, with IAMGOLD rising over 15%, Anglogold Ashanti gaining nearly 7%, and Gold Fields increasing by 6%, indicating strong market demand and renewed investor confidence in the sector.
- Intel Stock Upgrade: Intel shares rose more than 5% after Seaport Research upgraded the stock from neutral to buy, setting a price target of $65, implying nearly a 40% upside from Friday's close, reflecting optimistic market sentiment regarding its future growth potential.
- 3M Earnings Miss: 3M's stock fell 7% following its latest earnings report, projecting adjusted earnings between $8.50 and $8.70 per share, below the FactSet consensus estimate of $8.64, despite beating earnings expectations in Q4, highlighting ongoing challenges for the company.
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Analyst Views on AU
Wall Street analysts forecast AU stock price to rise
5 Analyst Rating
5 Buy
0 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 92.390
Low
92.00
Averages
116.20
High
131.00
Current: 92.390
Low
92.00
Averages
116.20
High
131.00
About AU
AngloGold Ashanti plc is a global gold mining company with a diverse portfolio of operations, projects and exploration activities in 10 countries, across four continents. The Company’s diverse portfolio includes approximately 11 operations in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Egypt, Ghana, Guinea and Tanzania. The Company’s portfolio includes Africa, the Americas, and Australia. Its Africa portfolio includes Kibali- managed by Barrick Gold Corporation, Egypt (Sukari), Ghana (Iduapriem and Obuasi), Guinea (Siguiri) and Tanzania (Geita). The Americas hosts three of its operations, one in Argentina and two in Brazil, as well as two greenfield projects in Colombia and a significant new greenfield development in Nevada in the United States. Australia hosts two of its operations, which include Sunrise Dam and Tropicana, both in the north-eastern goldfields in the state of Western Australia.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Global Markets Decline Amid Inflation Concerns
- Market Decline: On Thursday, the S&P 500 fell by 0.27%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average by 0.44%, and the Nasdaq 100 by 0.29%, indicating a broad market decline driven by inflation concerns and investor pessimism.
- Energy Price Volatility: Crude oil prices experienced significant fluctuations as WTI initially rallied before retreating after Israel's assistance to the US in opening the Strait of Hormuz, highlighting the direct impact of geopolitical tensions on energy markets.
- Rising Bond Yields: The 10-year German Bund yield rose to a 2.25-year high of 3.01%, while the 10-year US Treasury yield reached a 6.75-month high of 4.32%, reflecting market expectations of potential tightening monetary policies by central banks, which could increase borrowing costs.
- Economic Data Impact: US weekly initial jobless claims unexpectedly fell to 205,000, indicating a strong labor market, while the Philadelphia Fed business outlook survey unexpectedly rose to a 6-month high of 18.1, further intensifying market concerns over potential interest rate hikes.
See More
Global Markets Decline Amid Inflation Concerns
- Market Decline: The S&P 500 index fell by 0.43%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average by 0.59%, and the Nasdaq 100 by 0.44%, indicating a broad sell-off in global equities driven by inflation concerns and investor pessimism.
- Rising Bond Yields: Hawkish comments from the BOE, ECB, and BOJ pushed global bond yields higher, with the 10-year German Bund yield reaching a 2.25-year high of 3.01%, which will increase borrowing costs and impact corporate financing.
- Surging Energy Prices: European natural gas prices surged over 12% to a three-year high due to escalating conflict in Iran, with Qatar reporting a 17% damage to its LNG export capacity, raising inflation risks and potentially disrupting global energy supplies.
- Strong US Economic Data: Despite initial jobless claims unexpectedly falling to 205,000, indicating a robust labor market, January new home sales plummeted 17.6% to 587,000, below expectations, reflecting weakness in the housing market that may affect future economic growth.
See More
Oil Stocks Rise, Accenture Surpasses Earnings Expectations
- Oil Stocks Surge: Brent crude futures briefly topped $119 per barrel, leading APA shares to rise by 5%, while SLB and Baker Hughes advanced over 4%, indicating market optimism about rising oil prices potentially boosting profitability for these companies.
- Accenture's Strong Performance: The IT company reported second-quarter earnings of $2.93 per share on revenue of $18.04 billion, exceeding Wall Street expectations, which highlights robust demand in digital transformation services and is likely to enhance its market share further.
- Rivian Secures Investment: Uber plans to invest up to $1.25 billion in Rivian to launch up to 50,000 robotaxis, resulting in a more than 3% increase in Rivian's stock price, and this strategic partnership is expected to accelerate penetration into the electric vehicle market and drive technological innovation.
- Signet Jewelers' Strong Rebound: The jewelry retailer reported adjusted earnings of $6.25 per share for the fourth quarter, surpassing market expectations, with revenue at $2.35 billion, reflecting sustained consumer demand for luxury jewelry, which is expected to further drive the company's stock price upward.
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US Stocks Decline Amid Surge in Energy Prices
- Market Decline: The S&P 500 index fell by 0.66%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average by 0.57%, and the Nasdaq 100 by 0.80%, all reaching 3.75-month lows, indicating market concerns over inflation and economic slowdown due to the Middle East conflict.
- Surge in Energy Prices: European natural gas prices surged over 24% to a three-year high after Qatar reported extensive damage at its largest gas export facility, exacerbating fears of supply disruptions that could further elevate global inflation.
- Rising Bond Yields: The 10-year Treasury note yield jumped to a 6.75-month high of 4.32% as stronger-than-expected US economic data indicated labor market resilience, increasing expectations for future rate hikes and adding pressure on the stock market.
- International Market Weakness: Overseas stock markets fell sharply, with the Euro Stoxx 50 hitting a 1.5-week low and China's Shanghai Composite dropping to a 2.5-month low, reflecting heightened risks of global economic slowdown impacting investor sentiment.
See More
Significant Progress in Tanzanian Gold Project
- Gold Recovery Confirmation: The Imwelo Gold Project in Tanzania has confirmed through metallurgical testing that approximately 97% of the gold can be recovered using conventional methods, significantly reducing metallurgical uncertainty in mine development and enhancing the project's economic viability.
- Strategic Partnerships: The project boasts shareholders including Barrick Gold and Tanzania's wealthiest mining billionaire, with insiders holding over 70% of the shares, indicating strong market confidence and financial backing that enhances the project's investment appeal.
- Exploration Results: A recently completed 21-hole drilling program confirmed that mineralization extends beyond the current pit design, with highlights including gold grades of 11.88 g/t, indicating strong expansion potential that may attract further investor interest.
- Favorable Market Conditions: With gold prices surpassing $5,000, major producers like Barrick and Newmont are experiencing significant cash flow increases, highlighting a strong demand for permitted, production-ready gold resources, which further elevates Lake Victoria Gold's market value.
See More
Premarket Trading Highlights: Micron, Alibaba, Align Technology, Five Below
- Micron Technology's Strong Quarter: Micron reported adjusted earnings of $12.20 per share, significantly exceeding the $9.31 consensus estimate, with revenue of $23.86 billion surpassing the expected $20.07 billion, yet shares fell nearly 7% in premarket trading due to investor concerns over increased spending.
- Alibaba's Disappointing Results: Alibaba's fourth-quarter revenue of 284.8 billion yuan fell short of the 290.7 billion yuan estimate, with net income plummeting 66% year-over-year to 15.6 billion yuan, leading to a 4.5% drop in U.S. premarket trading, reflecting market worries about its growth outlook.
- Align Technology's Stock Surge: Align Technology shares jumped 7% following news that Elliott Investment Management acquired a significant stake, as the activist investor seeks to enhance the stock price, indicating market optimism about the company's future potential.
- Five Below's Positive Earnings: Five Below reported adjusted earnings of $4.31 per share on revenue of $1.73 billion, both exceeding analyst expectations, and provided an optimistic first-quarter guidance of $1.57 to $1.69 per share, resulting in a 7% increase in stock price.
See More
Global Markets Decline Amid Inflation Concerns
- Market Decline: On Thursday, the S&P 500 fell by 0.27%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average by 0.44%, and the Nasdaq 100 by 0.29%, indicating a broad market decline driven by inflation concerns and investor pessimism.
- Energy Price Volatility: Crude oil prices experienced significant fluctuations as WTI initially rallied before retreating after Israel's assistance to the US in opening the Strait of Hormuz, highlighting the direct impact of geopolitical tensions on energy markets.
- Rising Bond Yields: The 10-year German Bund yield rose to a 2.25-year high of 3.01%, while the 10-year US Treasury yield reached a 6.75-month high of 4.32%, reflecting market expectations of potential tightening monetary policies by central banks, which could increase borrowing costs.
- Economic Data Impact: US weekly initial jobless claims unexpectedly fell to 205,000, indicating a strong labor market, while the Philadelphia Fed business outlook survey unexpectedly rose to a 6-month high of 18.1, further intensifying market concerns over potential interest rate hikes.
See More
Global Markets Decline Amid Inflation Concerns
- Market Decline: The S&P 500 index fell by 0.43%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average by 0.59%, and the Nasdaq 100 by 0.44%, indicating a broad sell-off in global equities driven by inflation concerns and investor pessimism.
- Rising Bond Yields: Hawkish comments from the BOE, ECB, and BOJ pushed global bond yields higher, with the 10-year German Bund yield reaching a 2.25-year high of 3.01%, which will increase borrowing costs and impact corporate financing.
- Surging Energy Prices: European natural gas prices surged over 12% to a three-year high due to escalating conflict in Iran, with Qatar reporting a 17% damage to its LNG export capacity, raising inflation risks and potentially disrupting global energy supplies.
- Strong US Economic Data: Despite initial jobless claims unexpectedly falling to 205,000, indicating a robust labor market, January new home sales plummeted 17.6% to 587,000, below expectations, reflecting weakness in the housing market that may affect future economic growth.
See More
Oil Stocks Rise, Accenture Surpasses Earnings Expectations
- Oil Stocks Surge: Brent crude futures briefly topped $119 per barrel, leading APA shares to rise by 5%, while SLB and Baker Hughes advanced over 4%, indicating market optimism about rising oil prices potentially boosting profitability for these companies.
- Accenture's Strong Performance: The IT company reported second-quarter earnings of $2.93 per share on revenue of $18.04 billion, exceeding Wall Street expectations, which highlights robust demand in digital transformation services and is likely to enhance its market share further.
- Rivian Secures Investment: Uber plans to invest up to $1.25 billion in Rivian to launch up to 50,000 robotaxis, resulting in a more than 3% increase in Rivian's stock price, and this strategic partnership is expected to accelerate penetration into the electric vehicle market and drive technological innovation.
- Signet Jewelers' Strong Rebound: The jewelry retailer reported adjusted earnings of $6.25 per share for the fourth quarter, surpassing market expectations, with revenue at $2.35 billion, reflecting sustained consumer demand for luxury jewelry, which is expected to further drive the company's stock price upward.
See More
US Stocks Decline Amid Surge in Energy Prices
- Market Decline: The S&P 500 index fell by 0.66%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average by 0.57%, and the Nasdaq 100 by 0.80%, all reaching 3.75-month lows, indicating market concerns over inflation and economic slowdown due to the Middle East conflict.
- Surge in Energy Prices: European natural gas prices surged over 24% to a three-year high after Qatar reported extensive damage at its largest gas export facility, exacerbating fears of supply disruptions that could further elevate global inflation.
- Rising Bond Yields: The 10-year Treasury note yield jumped to a 6.75-month high of 4.32% as stronger-than-expected US economic data indicated labor market resilience, increasing expectations for future rate hikes and adding pressure on the stock market.
- International Market Weakness: Overseas stock markets fell sharply, with the Euro Stoxx 50 hitting a 1.5-week low and China's Shanghai Composite dropping to a 2.5-month low, reflecting heightened risks of global economic slowdown impacting investor sentiment.
See More
Significant Progress in Tanzanian Gold Project
- Gold Recovery Confirmation: The Imwelo Gold Project in Tanzania has confirmed through metallurgical testing that approximately 97% of the gold can be recovered using conventional methods, significantly reducing metallurgical uncertainty in mine development and enhancing the project's economic viability.
- Strategic Partnerships: The project boasts shareholders including Barrick Gold and Tanzania's wealthiest mining billionaire, with insiders holding over 70% of the shares, indicating strong market confidence and financial backing that enhances the project's investment appeal.
- Exploration Results: A recently completed 21-hole drilling program confirmed that mineralization extends beyond the current pit design, with highlights including gold grades of 11.88 g/t, indicating strong expansion potential that may attract further investor interest.
- Favorable Market Conditions: With gold prices surpassing $5,000, major producers like Barrick and Newmont are experiencing significant cash flow increases, highlighting a strong demand for permitted, production-ready gold resources, which further elevates Lake Victoria Gold's market value.
See More
Premarket Trading Highlights: Micron, Alibaba, Align Technology, Five Below
- Micron Technology's Strong Quarter: Micron reported adjusted earnings of $12.20 per share, significantly exceeding the $9.31 consensus estimate, with revenue of $23.86 billion surpassing the expected $20.07 billion, yet shares fell nearly 7% in premarket trading due to investor concerns over increased spending.
- Alibaba's Disappointing Results: Alibaba's fourth-quarter revenue of 284.8 billion yuan fell short of the 290.7 billion yuan estimate, with net income plummeting 66% year-over-year to 15.6 billion yuan, leading to a 4.5% drop in U.S. premarket trading, reflecting market worries about its growth outlook.
- Align Technology's Stock Surge: Align Technology shares jumped 7% following news that Elliott Investment Management acquired a significant stake, as the activist investor seeks to enhance the stock price, indicating market optimism about the company's future potential.
- Five Below's Positive Earnings: Five Below reported adjusted earnings of $4.31 per share on revenue of $1.73 billion, both exceeding analyst expectations, and provided an optimistic first-quarter guidance of $1.57 to $1.69 per share, resulting in a 7% increase in stock price.
See More
