Japanese Pharmaceutical Stocks Slide as TrumpRx.gov Launch Sparks Market Concerns 
Silver Prices Plunge in Asian Trade as Dollar Strength Triggers Fresh Precious Metals Sell-Off 
Gold Prices Slide Below $5,000 as Strong Dollar and Central Bank Outlook Weigh on Metals 
Fed Governor Lisa Cook Warns Inflation Risks Remain as Rates Stay Steady 
Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening 25% Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran 
Bank of Japan Signals Readiness for Near-Term Rate Hike as Inflation Nears Target 
Trump Endorses Japan’s Sanae Takaichi Ahead of Crucial Election Amid Market and China Tensions 
Vietnam’s Trade Surplus With US Jumps as Exports Surge and China Imports Hit Record 
Thailand Inflation Remains Negative for 10th Straight Month in January 
Oil Prices Slide on US-Iran Talks, Dollar Strength and Profit-Taking Pressure 
Russian Stocks End Mixed as MOEX Index Closes Flat Amid Commodity Strength 
Dow Hits 50,000 as U.S. Stocks Stage Strong Rebound Amid AI Volatility 
Trump’s Inflation Claims Clash With Voters’ Cost-of-Living Reality 
South Africa Eyes ECB Repo Lines as Inflation Eases and Rate Cuts Loom 
Gold and Silver Prices Slide as Dollar Strength and Easing Tensions Weigh on Metals 
Dollar Steadies Ahead of ECB and BoE Decisions as Markets Turn Risk-Off 
RBI Holds Repo Rate at 5.25% as India’s Growth Outlook Strengthens After U.S. Trade Deal 
Activist investor Starboard Value has acquired a $1 billion stake in Pfizer to push for strategic changes in the U.S. pharmaceutical giant. This investment comes as Pfizer contends with declining sales of its COVID-19 vaccines and treatments, underwhelming sales for its RSV vaccine, and failed clinical trials for an obesity medication.
Former Pfizer Executives to Aid Starboard’s Efforts
Starboard has approached Ian Read, Pfizer’s CEO until 2019, and Frank D’Amelio, who served as CFO until 2021. Both former executives are interested in helping Starboard steer the company toward renewed growth.
Stock Price Decline Post-COVID Success
Albert Bourla, who became CEO in 2019, was key in partnering with BioNTech to develop Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine. However, as pandemic demand wanes, the company’s stock has plummeted from approximately $41 to $28.58 as of last Friday, reflecting concerns over weakened vaccine demand and disappointing new product launches.
Aggressive Acquisitions Draw Scrutiny
Since 2020, Pfizer has made over $70 billion in acquisitions, including major deals like Seagen for $43 billion, Biohaven for $13 billion, Arena for $6 billion, Global Blood Therapeutics for $5 billion, and Trillium for $2 billion. The acquisitions have raised investor concerns, especially regarding GBT’s sickle cell drug, which faced market withdrawal due to severe side effects and discontinuation of related studies.
Starboard’s History of Corporate Overhauls
Known for pushing changes in major companies like News Corp, Salesforce, and Match Group, Starboard Value's influence could lead to significant shifts in Pfizer's strategic direction.
The Wall Street Journal first reported Starboard’s Pfizer stake. Neither Pfizer nor Starboard has officially commented on the investment or potential next steps.
