Barclays slashes WH Smith price target by 48% amid North America uncertainty

A prominent economist has criticized the Reagan Foundation for what he calls a betrayal of Ronald Reagan's legacy, particularly in light of recent tariff disputes. This criticism comes as President Trump threatens to halt trade with Canada, using a statement from the foundation to justify his stance. The situation highlights the growing tensions in trade relations and raises questions about the principles of free trade that Reagan championed. It matters because it reflects a significant shift in economic policy and the potential impact on international relations.

Barclays has issued a warning that U.S. sanctions on Russia could drive the price of Brent crude oil above $85 per barrel. This is significant because rising oil prices can have widespread economic implications, affecting everything from fuel costs to inflation rates. As tensions between the U.S. and Russia escalate, the energy market is bracing for potential volatility, which could impact consumers and businesses alike.

Norsk Hydro ASA, a leading aluminum manufacturer, has reported that despite missing third-quarter earnings estimates, there are encouraging signs for a rebound in demand for extrusion products in North America. This is significant as it suggests potential growth in the market, which could lead to increased production and job opportunities in the region.

Barclays has reported strong Q3 earnings, which has positively influenced the stock market, allowing it to overcome recent geopolitical concerns. This is significant as it reflects investor confidence and the bank's resilience in a challenging environment, potentially setting a positive tone for future financial performance.

JPMorgan has given CRH an Overweight rating, highlighting the company's strong performance in North America. This is significant as it reflects confidence in CRH's growth potential in a key market, which could attract more investors and boost the stock's value.

Barclays has raised its stock price target for SAP to €348, highlighting the company's strong growth in the cloud sector. This adjustment reflects confidence in SAP's ability to capitalize on the increasing demand for cloud services, which is crucial for its future profitability. Investors may see this as a positive sign, indicating that SAP is well-positioned to thrive in a competitive market.

Barclays has reinstated its coverage of DoorDash with an Equalweight rating, following the recent deal with Deliveroo. This move is significant as it reflects Barclays' confidence in DoorDash's market position and potential for growth. Investors may find this news encouraging, as it suggests that DoorDash is well-positioned to navigate the competitive landscape of food delivery services.

CFRA has upgraded Barclays' stock rating to 'Buy' due to improved profitability, signaling confidence in the bank's financial health. This upgrade is significant as it reflects a positive outlook for Barclays, potentially attracting more investors and boosting its market performance.

The News Quiz for October 25, 2025, invites readers to test their knowledge of the week's events as reported in The Wall Street Journal. This interactive feature not only engages readers but also helps them stay informed about current affairs, making it a valuable tool for anyone looking to enhance their understanding of recent news.

A former employee of Avis Budget in Syracuse has been accused of stealing 47 vehicles and renting them out across upstate New York. This alarming incident raises concerns about security and trust within rental companies, highlighting the need for better oversight and employee vetting to prevent such fraudulent activities in the future.

In Iowa, farmers are facing a challenging situation as they scramble to capture thousands of mink that were released in what is believed to be a terrorist act by anti-fur protesters. As of Friday morning, only about 60% of the mink had been recovered, raising concerns about the remaining animals' survival in the wild. This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between animal rights activists and farmers, and it underscores the potential consequences of such extreme actions on local wildlife and agriculture.

Legal sports betting has reached a remarkable milestone, generating $10 billion in just the first nine months of 2025. This surge highlights the industry's growth and the importance of distinguishing between legal and illegal betting markets, as emphasized by FanDuel. The ongoing discussions, particularly around the NBA's recent controversies, are crucial for ensuring a fair and regulated betting environment, which ultimately benefits consumers and the economy.

The recent discussions around AWS's position in the AI landscape have sparked interest and debate. While some analysts suggest that AWS may be lagging behind competitors in the AI race, others argue that its robust cloud infrastructure and services still hold significant value. This conversation is important as it highlights the competitive dynamics in the tech industry and the evolving role of AI in cloud services.

The New York Mafia is back in the spotlight as four of the city's five organized crime families are implicated in a major gambling sting involving rigged high-stakes poker games. This revelation is significant as it highlights the ongoing influence of organized crime in sports betting, raising concerns about the integrity of games and the potential for corruption in the NBA.