Jefferies sees Atkore upside as U.S. pushes AI stance at G20 - 1 Sep 2026

As of September 1, today’s news sees developments concerning Prysmian and significant shifts in energy and technology sectors. Prysmian has received an updated target price from Jefferies, which has been reduced to 164 euros from 180 euros, although it maintains a 'buy' rating on the company's stock. Analysts commend Prysmian's acquisition of Atkore, highlighting its potential to enhance the Italian firm's Electrification segment through substantial commercial and cost synergies. Meanwhile, The U.S. will press G20 members to take a hands-off approach to AI regulation and avoid creating new rules for the technology, according to prepared remarks seen by Reuters, at a gathering of industry titans and commerce ministers that begins today in North Carolina. Turning to other market developments, Texas has halted the connection of new data centers to its power grid to scrutinize electricity demands, which have surged alarmingly among large power users, particularly data centers. This freeze comes amid concerns that much of this "ghost" demand may not materialize, presenting potential oversupply risks for the grid in the future. Similar investigations are unfolding in other U.S. states, as regulators seek to clarify genuine power needs. In European energy markets, spot power prices have surged following forecasts predicting a significant drop in German wind power supply. The German day-ahead baseload contract soared 16.6%, reaching 166.50 euros per megawatt-hour, while the French equivalent also saw increases, albeit to a lesser extent. Concurrently, the power fundamentals in France remained stable with minor fluctuations in wind supply. Shifting toward electric vehicles, Tesla’s registrations in Europe showcased a mixed scenario for August. While France and Denmark reported substantial increases in Tesla vehicle sales, Norway and Sweden experienced notable declines. This contrasting performance underscores the variable nature of the European EV market, although Tesla's overall sales trajectory this year appears more favorable compared to prior downturns. On the global stage, Iran's president reiterated the nation’s readiness to reciprocate if the U.S. resumes its commitments under an interim agreement, amidst heightened tensions following recent military actions by both nations.