diff --git a/app/config.py b/app/config.py
index 5d8a960..98b8864 100644
--- a/app/config.py
+++ b/app/config.py
@@ -24,6 +24,10 @@ class Settings(BaseSettings):
     openai_model: str = "gpt-4o-mini"
     openai_sentiment_batch_size: int = 5
 
+    # Sentiment Provider — DeepSeek / xAI (OpenAI-compatible; optional env fallback)
+    deepseek_api_key: str = ""
+    xai_api_key: str = ""
+
     # Fundamentals Provider — Financial Modeling Prep
     fmp_api_key: str = ""
 
diff --git a/app/providers/openai_compatible_sentiment.py b/app/providers/openai_compatible_sentiment.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c6356b9
--- /dev/null
+++ b/app/providers/openai_compatible_sentiment.py
@@ -0,0 +1,171 @@
+"""Sentiment provider for any OpenAI-compatible Chat Completions endpoint.
+
+Covers DeepSeek, OpenRouter, Together, Groq, Mistral, local Ollama, etc. — any
+service exposing the OpenAI Chat Completions API at a custom base_url.
+
+NOTE: Unlike the OpenAI Responses provider and Gemini, this path has NO web
+search grounding. Sentiment reflects the model's training knowledge, not live
+news. Cheap, but not real-time.
+"""
+
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+import json
+import logging
+import os
+from datetime import datetime, timezone
+from pathlib import Path
+
+import httpx
+from openai import AsyncOpenAI
+
+from app.exceptions import ProviderError, RateLimitError
+from app.providers.protocol import SentimentData
+
+logger = logging.getLogger(__name__)
+
+_CA_BUNDLE = os.environ.get("SSL_CERT_FILE", "")
+
+_SENTIMENT_PROMPT = """\
+Assess the CURRENT market sentiment for the stock ticker {ticker} based on your \
+knowledge of the company, its sector, and recent developments you are aware of.
+
+Respond ONLY with a JSON object in this exact format (no markdown, no extra text):
+{{"classification": "<bullish|bearish|neutral>", "confidence": <0-100>, "reasoning": "<brief explanation>"}}
+
+Rules:
+- classification must be exactly one of: bullish, bearish, neutral
+- confidence must be an integer from 0 to 100
+- reasoning should be a brief one-sentence explanation
+"""
+
+_SENTIMENT_PROMPT_SEARCH = """\
+Search the web and X for the LATEST news, analyst opinions, and market developments \
+about the stock ticker {ticker} from the past 24-48 hours.
+
+Based on your search findings, analyze the CURRENT market sentiment.
+
+Respond ONLY with a JSON object in this exact format (no markdown, no extra text):
+{{"classification": "<bullish|bearish|neutral>", "confidence": <0-100>, "reasoning": "<brief explanation citing recent news>"}}
+
+Rules:
+- classification must be exactly one of: bullish, bearish, neutral
+- confidence must be an integer from 0 to 100
+- reasoning should cite specific recent news or events you found
+"""
+
+VALID_CLASSIFICATIONS = {"bullish", "bearish", "neutral"}
+
+
+def _clean_json_text(raw: str) -> str:
+    clean = raw.strip()
+    if clean.startswith("```"):
+        clean = clean.split("\n", 1)[1] if "\n" in clean else clean[3:]
+    if clean.endswith("```"):
+        clean = clean[:-3]
+    return clean.strip()
+
+
+class OpenAICompatibleSentimentProvider:
+    """Sentiment via the OpenAI Chat Completions API at a configurable base_url."""
+
+    def __init__(
+        self,
+        api_key: str,
+        model: str,
+        base_url: str,
+        source: str = "openai_compatible",
+        live_search: bool = False,
+        extra_body: dict | None = None,
+    ) -> None:
+        if not api_key:
+            raise ProviderError("API key is required")
+        if not base_url:
+            raise ProviderError("base_url is required for an OpenAI-compatible provider")
+        if not model:
+            raise ProviderError("model is required")
+
+        http_kwargs: dict = {}
+        if _CA_BUNDLE and Path(_CA_BUNDLE).exists():
+            http_kwargs["verify"] = _CA_BUNDLE
+        http_client = httpx.AsyncClient(**http_kwargs)
+        self._client = AsyncOpenAI(api_key=api_key, base_url=base_url, http_client=http_client)
+        self._model = model
+        self._source = source
+        self._live_search = live_search
+        self._extra_body = extra_body
+
+    @staticmethod
+    def _extract_citations(response: object) -> list[dict[str, str]]:
+        """Best-effort extraction of xAI Live Search citations (list of URLs)."""
+        raw = getattr(response, "citations", None)
+        if not raw:
+            extra = getattr(response, "model_extra", None) or {}
+            raw = extra.get("citations") if isinstance(extra, dict) else None
+        citations: list[dict[str, str]] = []
+        for item in raw or []:
+            if isinstance(item, str):
+                citations.append({"url": item, "title": ""})
+            elif isinstance(item, dict) and item.get("url"):
+                citations.append({"url": str(item["url"]), "title": str(item.get("title", ""))})
+        return citations
+
+    async def fetch_sentiment(self, ticker: str) -> SentimentData:
+        prompt = _SENTIMENT_PROMPT_SEARCH if self._live_search else _SENTIMENT_PROMPT
+        kwargs: dict = {}
+        if self._extra_body:
+            kwargs["extra_body"] = self._extra_body
+        try:
+            response = await self._client.chat.completions.create(
+                model=self._model,
+                messages=[
+                    {
+                        "role": "system",
+                        "content": "You are a financial sentiment analyst. Always respond with valid JSON only, no markdown fences.",
+                    },
+                    {"role": "user", "content": prompt.format(ticker=ticker)},
+                ],
+                temperature=0.3,
+                **kwargs,
+            )
+            raw_text = (response.choices[0].message.content or "").strip()
+            if not raw_text:
+                raise ProviderError(f"Empty response from {self._source} for {ticker}")
+
+            parsed = json.loads(_clean_json_text(raw_text))
+
+            classification = str(parsed.get("classification", "")).lower()
+            if classification not in VALID_CLASSIFICATIONS:
+                raise ProviderError(
+                    f"Invalid classification '{classification}' from {self._source} for {ticker}"
+                )
+
+            confidence = max(0, min(100, int(parsed.get("confidence", 50))))
+            reasoning = str(parsed.get("reasoning", ""))
+            if reasoning:
+                logger.info(
+                    "%s sentiment for %s: %s (confidence=%d) — %s",
+                    self._source, ticker, classification, confidence, reasoning,
+                )
+
+            return SentimentData(
+                ticker=ticker,
+                classification=classification,
+                confidence=confidence,
+                source=self._source,
+                timestamp=datetime.now(timezone.utc),
+                reasoning=reasoning,
+                citations=self._extract_citations(response) if self._live_search else [],
+            )
+
+        except json.JSONDecodeError as exc:
+            logger.error("Failed to parse %s JSON for %s: %s", self._source, ticker, exc)
+            raise ProviderError(f"Invalid JSON from {self._source} for {ticker}") from exc
+        except ProviderError:
+            raise
+        except Exception as exc:
+            msg = str(exc).lower()
+            if "429" in msg or "rate" in msg or "quota" in msg or "insufficient" in msg:
+                raise RateLimitError(f"{self._source} rate limit hit for {ticker}") from exc
+            logger.error("%s provider error for %s: %s", self._source, ticker, exc)
+            raise ProviderError(f"{self._source} provider error for {ticker}: {exc}") from exc
diff --git a/app/routers/admin.py b/app/routers/admin.py
index 57d6d46..870a8a5 100644
--- a/app/routers/admin.py
+++ b/app/routers/admin.py
@@ -194,6 +194,7 @@ async def update_sentiment_settings(
         provider=body.provider,
         model=body.model,
         api_key=body.api_key,
+        base_url=body.base_url,
     )
     return APIEnvelope(status="success", data=config)
 
diff --git a/app/schemas/admin.py b/app/schemas/admin.py
index c77c995..6a5e65b 100644
--- a/app/schemas/admin.py
+++ b/app/schemas/admin.py
@@ -70,9 +70,10 @@ class ActivationConfigUpdate(BaseModel):
 class SentimentConfigUpdate(BaseModel):
     """Runtime sentiment LLM config. api_key is write-only; omit/empty to keep
     the stored key."""
-    provider: Literal["openai", "gemini"] | None = None
+    provider: Literal["openai", "gemini", "deepseek", "xai", "openai_compatible"] | None = None
     model: str | None = Field(default=None, max_length=100)
     api_key: str | None = Field(default=None, max_length=400)
+    base_url: str | None = Field(default=None, max_length=300)
 
 
 class SentimentTestRequest(BaseModel):
diff --git a/app/services/sentiment_provider_service.py b/app/services/sentiment_provider_service.py
index 73676c1..3a3d9c5 100644
--- a/app/services/sentiment_provider_service.py
+++ b/app/services/sentiment_provider_service.py
@@ -22,23 +22,43 @@ from app.services.admin_service import update_setting
 
 logger = logging.getLogger(__name__)
 
-VALID_PROVIDERS = {"openai", "gemini"}
+VALID_PROVIDERS = {"openai", "gemini", "deepseek", "xai", "openai_compatible"}
 
 PROVIDER_DEFAULT_MODELS: dict[str, str] = {
     "openai": "gpt-4o-mini",
     "gemini": "gemini-2.0-flash",
+    "deepseek": "deepseek-chat",
+    "xai": "grok-3",
+    "openai_compatible": "",
 }
 
+# Fixed base URLs for named OpenAI-compatible providers.
+PROVIDER_BASE_URLS: dict[str, str] = {
+    "deepseek": "https://api.deepseek.com",
+    "xai": "https://api.x.ai/v1",
+}
+
+# Providers grounded in live web search. The rest score from model knowledge.
+# xAI grounds via Live Search (search_parameters); OpenAI/Gemini via their tools.
+WEB_SEARCH_PROVIDERS = {"openai", "gemini", "xai"}
+
+# xAI Live Search: auto mode lets Grok search web + X when the query needs it.
+_XAI_SEARCH_PARAMETERS = {"mode": "auto", "return_citations": True}
+
+# Providers needing a user-supplied base URL (generic compatible endpoints).
+CUSTOM_BASE_URL_PROVIDERS = {"openai_compatible"}
+
 # SystemSetting keys
 KEY_PROVIDER = "sentiment_provider"
 KEY_MODEL = "sentiment_model"
 KEY_API_KEY = "sentiment_api_key"
+KEY_BASE_URL = "sentiment_base_url"
 
 
 async def _get_settings_map(db: AsyncSession) -> dict[str, str]:
     result = await db.execute(
         select(SystemSetting).where(
-            SystemSetting.key.in_([KEY_PROVIDER, KEY_MODEL, KEY_API_KEY])
+            SystemSetting.key.in_([KEY_PROVIDER, KEY_MODEL, KEY_API_KEY, KEY_BASE_URL])
         )
     )
     return {s.key: s.value for s in result.scalars().all()}
@@ -49,6 +69,10 @@ def _env_key_for(provider: str) -> str:
         return settings.openai_api_key or ""
     if provider == "gemini":
         return settings.gemini_api_key or ""
+    if provider == "deepseek":
+        return getattr(settings, "deepseek_api_key", "") or ""
+    if provider == "xai":
+        return getattr(settings, "xai_api_key", "") or ""
     return ""
 
 
@@ -60,36 +84,54 @@ def _env_model_for(provider: str) -> str:
     return PROVIDER_DEFAULT_MODELS.get(provider, "")
 
 
-async def _resolve(db: AsyncSession) -> tuple[str, str, str, str]:
-    """Resolve (provider, model, api_key, api_key_source) from DB > env > default."""
+def _base_url_for(provider: str, stored_base_url: str) -> str:
+    if provider in PROVIDER_BASE_URLS:
+        return PROVIDER_BASE_URLS[provider]
+    return stored_base_url
+
+
+async def _resolve(db: AsyncSession) -> dict:
+    """Resolve effective config from DB > env > default."""
     stored = await _get_settings_map(db)
 
     provider = (stored.get(KEY_PROVIDER) or "").strip().lower()
     if provider not in VALID_PROVIDERS:
-        # Default to whichever env key is present, else openai
         provider = "openai" if settings.openai_api_key or not settings.gemini_api_key else "gemini"
 
     model = (stored.get(KEY_MODEL) or "").strip() or _env_model_for(provider)
+    base_url = _base_url_for(provider, (stored.get(KEY_BASE_URL) or "").strip())
 
     db_key = (stored.get(KEY_API_KEY) or "").strip()
     if db_key:
-        return provider, model, db_key, "database"
-    env_key = _env_key_for(provider)
-    if env_key:
-        return provider, model, env_key, "environment"
-    return provider, model, "", "none"
+        api_key, source = db_key, "database"
+    elif _env_key_for(provider):
+        api_key, source = _env_key_for(provider), "environment"
+    else:
+        api_key, source = "", "none"
+
+    return {
+        "provider": provider,
+        "model": model,
+        "base_url": base_url,
+        "api_key": api_key,
+        "api_key_source": source,
+    }
 
 
 async def get_sentiment_config(db: AsyncSession) -> dict:
     """Public config — never includes the raw API key."""
-    provider, model, api_key, source = await _resolve(db)
+    r = await _resolve(db)
     return {
-        "provider": provider,
-        "model": model,
-        "api_key_configured": bool(api_key),
-        "api_key_source": source,
+        "provider": r["provider"],
+        "model": r["model"],
+        "base_url": r["base_url"],
+        "api_key_configured": bool(r["api_key"]),
+        "api_key_source": r["api_key_source"],
+        "web_search": r["provider"] in WEB_SEARCH_PROVIDERS,
         "valid_providers": sorted(VALID_PROVIDERS),
         "default_models": PROVIDER_DEFAULT_MODELS,
+        "web_search_providers": sorted(WEB_SEARCH_PROVIDERS),
+        "custom_base_url_providers": sorted(CUSTOM_BASE_URL_PROVIDERS),
     }
 
 
@@ -98,9 +140,9 @@ async def update_sentiment_config(
     provider: str | None = None,
     model: str | None = None,
     api_key: str | None = None,
+    base_url: str | None = None,
 ) -> dict:
-    """Persist provider/model/key. An empty/omitted api_key leaves the stored
-    key untouched (so saving other fields does not wipe credentials)."""
+    """Persist config. An empty/omitted api_key leaves the stored key untouched."""
     if provider is not None:
         provider = provider.strip().lower()
         if provider not in VALID_PROVIDERS:
@@ -114,6 +156,9 @@ async def update_sentiment_config(
         if model:
             await update_setting(db, KEY_MODEL, model)
 
+    if base_url is not None:
+        await update_setting(db, KEY_BASE_URL, base_url.strip())
+
     if api_key:  # only overwrite when a non-empty key is supplied
         await update_setting(db, KEY_API_KEY, api_key.strip())
 
@@ -123,9 +168,10 @@ async def update_sentiment_config(
 async def build_sentiment_provider(db: AsyncSession):
     """Construct the active sentiment provider from current config.
 
-    Raises ProviderError if no API key is available for the chosen provider.
+    Raises ProviderError if credentials/base_url are missing.
     """
-    provider, model, api_key, _source = await _resolve(db)
+    r = await _resolve(db)
+    provider, model, base_url, api_key = r["provider"], r["model"], r["base_url"], r["api_key"]
     if not api_key:
         raise ProviderError(f"No API key configured for sentiment provider '{provider}'")
 
@@ -135,20 +181,31 @@ async def build_sentiment_provider(db: AsyncSession):
     if provider == "gemini":
         from app.providers.gemini_sentiment import GeminiSentimentProvider
         return GeminiSentimentProvider(api_key, model)
+    if provider in {"deepseek", "xai", "openai_compatible"}:
+        if not base_url:
+            raise ProviderError(f"No base_url configured for sentiment provider '{provider}'")
+        from app.providers.openai_compatible_sentiment import OpenAICompatibleSentimentProvider
+        if provider == "xai":
+            return OpenAICompatibleSentimentProvider(
+                api_key, model, base_url, source="xai",
+                live_search=True,
+                extra_body={"search_parameters": _XAI_SEARCH_PARAMETERS},
+            )
+        return OpenAICompatibleSentimentProvider(api_key, model, base_url, source=provider)
 
     raise ProviderError(f"Unsupported sentiment provider '{provider}'")
 
 
 async def test_sentiment_provider(db: AsyncSession, ticker: str = "AAPL") -> dict:
     """Build the active provider and fetch one ticker as a live credentials check."""
-    provider, model, _key, _source = await _resolve(db)
+    r = await _resolve(db)
     try:
         prov = await build_sentiment_provider(db)
         data = await prov.fetch_sentiment(ticker.strip().upper())
         return {
             "ok": True,
-            "provider": provider,
-            "model": model,
+            "provider": r["provider"],
+            "model": r["model"],
             "ticker": ticker.strip().upper(),
             "classification": data.classification,
             "confidence": data.confidence,
@@ -158,7 +215,7 @@ async def test_sentiment_provider(db: AsyncSession, ticker: str = "AAPL") -> dic
         logger.warning("Sentiment provider test failed: %s", exc)
         return {
             "ok": False,
-            "provider": provider,
-            "model": model,
+            "provider": r["provider"],
+            "model": r["model"],
             "error": str(exc),
         }
diff --git a/frontend/src/components/admin/SentimentProviderSettings.tsx b/frontend/src/components/admin/SentimentProviderSettings.tsx
index 05a9eb8..4ae5d6c 100644
--- a/frontend/src/components/admin/SentimentProviderSettings.tsx
+++ b/frontend/src/components/admin/SentimentProviderSettings.tsx
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ import {
   useUpdateSentimentSettings,
   useTestSentimentProvider,
 } from '../../hooks/useAdmin';
-import { Select } from '../ui/Field';
+import { Dropdown, type DropdownOption } from '../ui/Dropdown';
 import { SkeletonTable } from '../ui/Skeleton';
 import type { SentimentTestResult } from '../../lib/types';
 
@@ -14,6 +14,18 @@ const SOURCE_LABEL: Record<string, string> = {
   none: 'not configured',
 };
 
+const PROVIDER_LABELS: Record<string, string> = {
+  openai: 'OpenAI — web search',
+  gemini: 'Google Gemini — web search',
+  deepseek: 'DeepSeek — cheap, no web search',
+  xai: 'xAI Grok — Live Search',
+  openai_compatible: 'OpenAI-compatible — custom URL',
+};
+
+function providerLabel(p: string): string {
+  return PROVIDER_LABELS[p] ?? p;
+}
+
 export function SentimentProviderSettings() {
   const { data, isLoading, isError, error } = useSentimentSettings();
   const update = useUpdateSentimentSettings();
@@ -22,12 +34,14 @@ export function SentimentProviderSettings() {
   const [provider, setProvider] = useState('openai');
   const [model, setModel] = useState('');
   const [apiKey, setApiKey] = useState('');
+  const [baseUrl, setBaseUrl] = useState('');
   const [testResult, setTestResult] = useState<SentimentTestResult | null>(null);
 
   useEffect(() => {
     if (data) {
       setProvider(data.provider);
       setModel(data.model);
+      setBaseUrl(data.base_url ?? '');
     }
   }, [data]);
 
@@ -35,10 +49,17 @@ export function SentimentProviderSettings() {
   if (isError) return <p className="text-sm text-red-400">{(error as Error)?.message || 'Failed to load sentiment settings'}</p>;
   if (!data) return null;
 
+  const grounded = data.web_search_providers ?? ['openai', 'gemini'];
+  const needsBaseUrl = (data.custom_base_url_providers ?? ['openai_compatible']).includes(provider);
+  const isGrounded = grounded.includes(provider);
+
+  const providerOptions: DropdownOption[] = data.valid_providers.map((p) => ({
+    value: p,
+    label: providerLabel(p),
+  }));
+
   const onProviderChange = (next: string) => {
     setProvider(next);
-    // Auto-fill the model with the new provider's default unless the user has a
-    // custom value that isn't the previous provider's default.
     const defaults = data.default_models;
     if (!model || Object.values(defaults).includes(model)) {
       setModel(defaults[next] ?? '');
@@ -50,6 +71,7 @@ export function SentimentProviderSettings() {
     update.mutate({
       provider,
       model,
+      ...(needsBaseUrl ? { base_url: baseUrl } : {}),
       ...(apiKey ? { api_key: apiKey } : {}),
     });
     setApiKey('');
@@ -74,11 +96,7 @@ export function SentimentProviderSettings() {
       <div className="grid gap-4 md:grid-cols-2">
         <label className="block space-y-1">
           <span className="text-xs text-gray-400">Provider</span>
-          <Select value={provider} onChange={(e) => onProviderChange(e.target.value)} className="w-full !py-2">
-            {data.valid_providers.map((p) => (
-              <option key={p} value={p}>{p}</option>
-            ))}
-          </Select>
+          <Dropdown value={provider} onChange={onProviderChange} options={providerOptions} ariaLabel="Sentiment provider" />
         </label>
 
         <label className="block space-y-1">
@@ -87,12 +105,33 @@ export function SentimentProviderSettings() {
             type="text"
             value={model}
             onChange={(e) => setModel(e.target.value)}
-            placeholder={data.default_models[provider] ?? ''}
+            placeholder={data.default_models[provider] || 'model id'}
             className="w-full input-glass px-3 py-2 text-sm"
           />
         </label>
       </div>
 
+      {needsBaseUrl && (
+        <label className="block space-y-1">
+          <span className="text-xs text-gray-400">Base URL</span>
+          <input
+            type="text"
+            value={baseUrl}
+            onChange={(e) => setBaseUrl(e.target.value)}
+            placeholder="https://openrouter.ai/api/v1"
+            className="w-full input-glass px-3 py-2 text-sm"
+          />
+          <span className="text-[11px] text-gray-600">OpenAI-compatible Chat Completions endpoint (OpenRouter, Together, Groq, local Ollama…).</span>
+        </label>
+      )}
+
+      {!isGrounded && (
+        <div className="rounded-lg border border-amber-500/20 bg-amber-500/10 px-4 py-2.5 text-xs text-amber-300">
+          ⚠ No live web search. This provider scores sentiment from the model's training knowledge,
+          not current news — cheaper, but not real-time. OpenAI and Gemini are grounded in live search.
+        </div>
+      )}
+
       <label className="block space-y-1">
         <span className="text-xs text-gray-400">API Key</span>
         <input
diff --git a/frontend/src/components/admin/TickerUniverseBootstrap.tsx b/frontend/src/components/admin/TickerUniverseBootstrap.tsx
index 53de13c..4038b04 100644
--- a/frontend/src/components/admin/TickerUniverseBootstrap.tsx
+++ b/frontend/src/components/admin/TickerUniverseBootstrap.tsx
@@ -5,6 +5,7 @@ import {
   useUpdateTickerUniverseSetting,
 } from '../../hooks/useAdmin';
 import type { TickerUniverse } from '../../lib/types';
+import { Dropdown } from '../ui/Dropdown';
 
 const UNIVERSE_OPTIONS: Array<{ value: TickerUniverse; label: string }> = [
   { value: 'sp500', label: 'S&P 500' },
@@ -50,18 +51,11 @@ export function TickerUniverseBootstrap() {
       <div className="grid gap-4 md:grid-cols-3">
         <label className="block space-y-1 md:col-span-2">
           <span className="text-xs text-gray-400">Default Universe</span>
-          <select
+          <Dropdown
             value={universe}
-            onChange={(e) => setUniverse(e.target.value as TickerUniverse)}
-            className="w-full input-glass px-3 py-2 text-sm"
-            disabled={isLoading || updateDefault.isPending || bootstrap.isPending}
-          >
-            {UNIVERSE_OPTIONS.map((option) => (
-              <option key={option.value} value={option.value}>
-                {option.label}
-              </option>
-            ))}
-          </select>
+            onChange={(v) => setUniverse(v as TickerUniverse)}
+            options={UNIVERSE_OPTIONS.map((o) => ({ value: o.value, label: o.label }))}
+          />
         </label>
 
         <label className="flex items-end gap-2 pb-2">
diff --git a/frontend/src/components/admin/UserTable.tsx b/frontend/src/components/admin/UserTable.tsx
index b5be549..93ecd3b 100644
--- a/frontend/src/components/admin/UserTable.tsx
+++ b/frontend/src/components/admin/UserTable.tsx
@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
 import { useState } from 'react';
 import { useUsers, useCreateUser, useUpdateAccess, useResetPassword } from '../../hooks/useAdmin';
 import { SkeletonTable } from '../ui/Skeleton';
+import { Dropdown } from '../ui/Dropdown';
 import type { AdminUser } from '../../lib/types';
 
 export function UserTable() {
@@ -53,10 +54,15 @@ export function UserTable() {
         </div>
         <div className="flex flex-col gap-1.5">
           <label className="text-xs text-gray-400">Role</label>
-          <select value={newRole} onChange={(e) => setNewRole(e.target.value)} className="input-glass px-3 py-2 text-sm">
-            <option value="user">User</option>
-            <option value="admin">Admin</option>
-          </select>
+          <Dropdown
+            value={newRole}
+            onChange={setNewRole}
+            className="w-32"
+            options={[
+              { value: 'user', label: 'User' },
+              { value: 'admin', label: 'Admin' },
+            ]}
+          />
         </div>
         <label className="flex items-center gap-2 text-sm text-gray-300 pb-1">
           <input type="checkbox" checked={newAccess} onChange={(e) => setNewAccess(e.target.checked)}
diff --git a/frontend/src/components/signals/SetupsPanel.tsx b/frontend/src/components/signals/SetupsPanel.tsx
index a683e06..ab20153 100644
--- a/frontend/src/components/signals/SetupsPanel.tsx
+++ b/frontend/src/components/signals/SetupsPanel.tsx
@@ -9,7 +9,8 @@ import { useToast } from '../ui/Toast';
 import { Button } from '../ui/Button';
 import { Callout } from '../ui/Callout';
 import { Disclosure } from '../ui/Disclosure';
-import { Field, Input, Select } from '../ui/Field';
+import { Field, Input } from '../ui/Field';
+import { Dropdown } from '../ui/Dropdown';
 import { triggerJob } from '../../api/admin';
 import type { TradeSetup } from '../../lib/types';
 import { RECOMMENDATION_ACTION_GLOSSARY, RECOMMENDATION_ACTION_LABELS } from '../../lib/recommendation';
@@ -178,15 +179,17 @@ export function SetupsPanel() {
           </div>
         </Field>
         <Field label="Direction" htmlFor="direction">
-          <Select
+          <Dropdown
             id="direction"
             value={directionFilter}
-            onChange={(e) => setDirectionFilter(e.target.value as DirectionFilter)}
-          >
-            <option value="both">Both</option>
-            <option value="long">Long</option>
-            <option value="short">Short</option>
-          </Select>
+            onChange={(v) => setDirectionFilter(v as DirectionFilter)}
+            className="w-32"
+            options={[
+              { value: 'both', label: 'Both' },
+              { value: 'long', label: 'Long' },
+              { value: 'short', label: 'Short' },
+            ]}
+          />
         </Field>
         <Field label="Min Confidence" htmlFor="min-confidence">
           <Input
@@ -201,18 +204,20 @@ export function SetupsPanel() {
           />
         </Field>
         <Field label="Recommended Action" htmlFor="action">
-          <Select
+          <Dropdown
             id="action"
             value={actionFilter}
-            onChange={(e) => setActionFilter(e.target.value as ActionFilter)}
-          >
-            <option value="all">All</option>
-            <option value="LONG_HIGH">{RECOMMENDATION_ACTION_LABELS.LONG_HIGH}</option>
-            <option value="LONG_MODERATE">{RECOMMENDATION_ACTION_LABELS.LONG_MODERATE}</option>
-            <option value="SHORT_HIGH">{RECOMMENDATION_ACTION_LABELS.SHORT_HIGH}</option>
-            <option value="SHORT_MODERATE">{RECOMMENDATION_ACTION_LABELS.SHORT_MODERATE}</option>
-            <option value="NEUTRAL">{RECOMMENDATION_ACTION_LABELS.NEUTRAL}</option>
-          </Select>
+            onChange={(v) => setActionFilter(v as ActionFilter)}
+            className="w-56"
+            options={[
+              { value: 'all', label: 'All' },
+              { value: 'LONG_HIGH', label: RECOMMENDATION_ACTION_LABELS.LONG_HIGH },
+              { value: 'LONG_MODERATE', label: RECOMMENDATION_ACTION_LABELS.LONG_MODERATE },
+              { value: 'SHORT_HIGH', label: RECOMMENDATION_ACTION_LABELS.SHORT_HIGH },
+              { value: 'SHORT_MODERATE', label: RECOMMENDATION_ACTION_LABELS.SHORT_MODERATE },
+              { value: 'NEUTRAL', label: RECOMMENDATION_ACTION_LABELS.NEUTRAL },
+            ]}
+          />
         </Field>
         <div className="ml-auto">
           <Button onClick={() => scanMutation.mutate()} loading={scanMutation.isPending}>
diff --git a/frontend/src/components/ticker/IndicatorSelector.tsx b/frontend/src/components/ticker/IndicatorSelector.tsx
index fd0e7bc..a33120b 100644
--- a/frontend/src/components/ticker/IndicatorSelector.tsx
+++ b/frontend/src/components/ticker/IndicatorSelector.tsx
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 import { useState } from 'react';
 import { useQuery } from '@tanstack/react-query';
 import { getIndicator, getEMACross } from '../../api/indicators';
-import { Select } from '../ui/Field';
+import { Dropdown } from '../ui/Dropdown';
 import type { IndicatorResult, EMACrossResult } from '../../lib/types';
 
 const INDICATOR_TYPES = ['ADX', 'EMA', 'RSI', 'ATR', 'volume_profile', 'pivot_points'] as const;
@@ -86,16 +86,12 @@ export function IndicatorSelector({ symbol }: IndicatorSelectorProps) {
       <h3 className="mb-3 text-xs font-medium uppercase tracking-widest text-gray-500">Indicators</h3>
 
       <div className="mb-4">
-        <Select
+        <Dropdown
           value={selectedType}
-          onChange={(e) => setSelectedType(e.target.value)}
-          className="w-full !py-2.5"
-        >
-          <option value="">Select indicator…</option>
-          {INDICATOR_TYPES.map((type) => (
-            <option key={type} value={type}>{type}</option>
-          ))}
-        </Select>
+          onChange={setSelectedType}
+          placeholder="Select indicator…"
+          options={INDICATOR_TYPES.map((type) => ({ value: type, label: type }))}
+        />
       </div>
 
       {selectedType && indicatorQuery.isLoading && (
diff --git a/frontend/src/components/ui/Dropdown.tsx b/frontend/src/components/ui/Dropdown.tsx
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b41a0ec
--- /dev/null
+++ b/frontend/src/components/ui/Dropdown.tsx
@@ -0,0 +1,116 @@
+import { useEffect, useRef, useState } from 'react';
+
+export interface DropdownOption {
+  value: string;
+  label: string;
+}
+
+interface DropdownProps {
+  value: string;
+  onChange: (value: string) => void;
+  options: DropdownOption[];
+  id?: string;
+  className?: string;
+  ariaLabel?: string;
+  placeholder?: string;
+}
+
+/**
+ * Fully dark, custom dropdown — replaces native <select>, whose popup list
+ * can't be reliably styled (white background on Windows). Button + absolutely
+ * positioned menu, click-outside and Escape to close.
+ */
+export function Dropdown({
+  value,
+  onChange,
+  options,
+  id,
+  className = '',
+  ariaLabel,
+  placeholder = 'Select…',
+}: DropdownProps) {
+  const [open, setOpen] = useState(false);
+  const rootRef = useRef<HTMLDivElement>(null);
+
+  const selected = options.find((o) => o.value === value);
+
+  useEffect(() => {
+    if (!open) return;
+    const onDocClick = (e: MouseEvent) => {
+      if (rootRef.current && !rootRef.current.contains(e.target as Node)) setOpen(false);
+    };
+    const onKey = (e: KeyboardEvent) => {
+      if (e.key === 'Escape') setOpen(false);
+    };
+    document.addEventListener('mousedown', onDocClick);
+    document.addEventListener('keydown', onKey);
+    return () => {
+      document.removeEventListener('mousedown', onDocClick);
+      document.removeEventListener('keydown', onKey);
+    };
+  }, [open]);
+
+  return (
+    <div ref={rootRef} className={`relative ${className}`}>
+      <button
+        type="button"
+        id={id}
+        aria-haspopup="listbox"
+        aria-expanded={open}
+        aria-label={ariaLabel}
+        onClick={() => setOpen((v) => !v)}
+        className="input-glass flex w-full items-center justify-between gap-2 px-3 py-1.5 text-left text-sm"
+      >
+        <span className={selected ? 'text-gray-200' : 'text-gray-500'}>
+          {selected ? selected.label : placeholder}
+        </span>
+        <svg
+          className={`h-4 w-4 shrink-0 text-gray-500 transition-transform duration-150 ${open ? 'rotate-180' : ''}`}
+          viewBox="0 0 20 20"
+          fill="none"
+          stroke="currentColor"
+        >
+          <path strokeLinecap="round" strokeLinejoin="round" strokeWidth={1.8} d="M6 8l4 4 4-4" />
+        </svg>
+      </button>
+
+      {open && (
+        <ul
+          role="listbox"
+          className="absolute z-50 mt-1 max-h-64 w-full overflow-auto rounded-lg border border-white/[0.1] bg-[#151911] p-1 shadow-2xl shadow-black/50"
+        >
+          {options.map((opt) => {
+            const isSelected = opt.value === value;
+            return (
+              <li key={opt.value} role="option" aria-selected={isSelected}>
+                <button
+                  type="button"
+                  onClick={() => {
+                    onChange(opt.value);
+                    setOpen(false);
+                  }}
+                  className={`flex w-full items-center justify-between rounded-md px-3 py-2 text-left text-sm transition-colors duration-100 ${
+                    isSelected
+                      ? 'bg-blue-400/15 text-blue-200'
+                      : 'text-gray-300 hover:bg-white/[0.06] hover:text-gray-100'
+                  }`}
+                >
+                  <span>{opt.label}</span>
+                  {isSelected && (
+                    <svg className="h-3.5 w-3.5 text-blue-300" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="currentColor">
+                      <path
+                        fillRule="evenodd"
+                        d="M16.7 5.3a1 1 0 010 1.4l-7.5 7.5a1 1 0 01-1.4 0L3.3 9.7a1 1 0 011.4-1.4l3.3 3.3 6.8-6.8a1 1 0 011.4 0z"
+                        clipRule="evenodd"
+                      />
+                    </svg>
+                  )}
+                </button>
+              </li>
+            );
+          })}
+        </ul>
+      )}
+    </div>
+  );
+}
diff --git a/frontend/src/components/ui/Field.tsx b/frontend/src/components/ui/Field.tsx
index 9811e41..ec65604 100644
--- a/frontend/src/components/ui/Field.tsx
+++ b/frontend/src/components/ui/Field.tsx
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-import type { InputHTMLAttributes, ReactNode, SelectHTMLAttributes } from 'react';
+import type { InputHTMLAttributes, ReactNode } from 'react';
 
 interface FieldProps {
   label: string;
@@ -21,11 +21,3 @@ export function Field({ label, htmlFor, children }: FieldProps) {
 export function Input({ className = '', ...rest }: InputHTMLAttributes<HTMLInputElement>) {
   return <input className={`input-glass px-3 py-1.5 text-sm ${className}`} {...rest} />;
 }
-
-export function Select({ className = '', children, ...rest }: SelectHTMLAttributes<HTMLSelectElement>) {
-  return (
-    <select className={`input-glass px-3 py-1.5 text-sm [&>option]:bg-[#151911] ${className}`} {...rest}>
-      {children}
-    </select>
-  );
-}
diff --git a/frontend/src/lib/types.ts b/frontend/src/lib/types.ts
index e4da189..cfab29c 100644
--- a/frontend/src/lib/types.ts
+++ b/frontend/src/lib/types.ts
@@ -165,10 +165,14 @@ export interface ActivationConfig {
 export interface SentimentProviderConfig {
   provider: string;
   model: string;
+  base_url: string;
   api_key_configured: boolean;
   api_key_source: 'database' | 'environment' | 'none';
+  web_search: boolean;
   valid_providers: string[];
   default_models: Record<string, string>;
+  web_search_providers: string[];
+  custom_base_url_providers: string[];
 }
 
 export interface SentimentTestResult {
diff --git a/frontend/src/pages/MarketPage.tsx b/frontend/src/pages/MarketPage.tsx
index 0c1ca5f..53f6349 100644
--- a/frontend/src/pages/MarketPage.tsx
+++ b/frontend/src/pages/MarketPage.tsx
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@ import { RankingsTable } from '../components/rankings/RankingsTable';
 import { WeightsForm } from '../components/rankings/WeightsForm';
 import { Callout } from '../components/ui/Callout';
 import { Disclosure } from '../components/ui/Disclosure';
-import { Select } from '../components/ui/Field';
+import { Dropdown } from '../components/ui/Dropdown';
 import { PageHeader } from '../components/ui/PageHeader';
 import { SkeletonTable } from '../components/ui/Skeleton';
 import { Tabs } from '../components/ui/Tabs';
@@ -72,16 +72,17 @@ function WatchlistPanel() {
             <AddTickerForm />
             <label className="flex items-center gap-2 text-xs text-gray-400">
               <span>Sort by</span>
-              <Select
+              <Dropdown
                 value={sortMode}
-                onChange={(event) => setSortMode(event.target.value as SortMode)}
-                className="!py-1 !text-xs"
-              >
-                <option value="score_desc">Score (high → low)</option>
-                <option value="score_asc">Score (low → high)</option>
-                <option value="name_asc">Name (A → Z)</option>
-                <option value="name_desc">Name (Z → A)</option>
-              </Select>
+                onChange={(v) => setSortMode(v as SortMode)}
+                className="w-44"
+                options={[
+                  { value: 'score_desc', label: 'Score (high → low)' },
+                  { value: 'score_asc', label: 'Score (low → high)' },
+                  { value: 'name_asc', label: 'Name (A → Z)' },
+                  { value: 'name_desc', label: 'Name (Z → A)' },
+                ]}
+              />
             </label>
           </div>
 
diff --git a/frontend/tsconfig.tsbuildinfo b/frontend/tsconfig.tsbuildinfo
index 2cf225e..a076495 100644
--- a/frontend/tsconfig.tsbuildinfo
+++ b/frontend/tsconfig.tsbuildinfo
@@ -1 +1 @@
-{"root":["./src/app.tsx","./src/main.tsx","./src/vite-env.d.ts","./src/api/activation.ts","./src/api/admin.ts","./src/api/auth.ts","./src/api/client.ts","./src/api/fundamentals.ts","./src/api/health.ts","./src/api/indicators.ts","./src/api/ingestion.ts","./src/api/ohlcv.ts","./src/api/performance.ts","./src/api/scores.ts","./src/api/sentiment.ts","./src/api/sr-levels.ts","./src/api/tickers.ts","./src/api/trades.ts","./src/api/watchlist.ts","./src/components/admin/activationsettings.tsx","./src/components/admin/datacleanup.tsx","./src/components/admin/jobcontrols.tsx","./src/components/admin/pipelinereadinesspanel.tsx","./src/components/admin/recommendationsettings.tsx","./src/components/admin/sentimentprovidersettings.tsx","./src/components/admin/settingsform.tsx","./src/components/admin/tickermanagement.tsx","./src/components/admin/tickeruniversebootstrap.tsx","./src/components/admin/usertable.tsx","./src/components/auth/protectedroute.tsx","./src/components/charts/candlestickchart.tsx","./src/components/layout/appshell.tsx","./src/components/layout/mobilenav.tsx","./src/components/layout/sidebar.tsx","./src/components/rankings/rankingstable.tsx","./src/components/rankings/weightsform.tsx","./src/components/scanner/tradetable.tsx","./src/components/signals/setupspanel.tsx","./src/components/signals/trackrecordpanel.tsx","./src/components/ticker/dimensionbreakdownpanel.tsx","./src/components/ticker/fundamentalspanel.tsx","./src/components/ticker/indicatorselector.tsx","./src/components/ticker/recommendationpanel.tsx","./src/components/ticker/sroverlay.tsx","./src/components/ticker/sentimentpanel.tsx","./src/components/ui/badge.tsx","./src/components/ui/button.tsx","./src/components/ui/callout.tsx","./src/components/ui/confirmdialog.tsx","./src/components/ui/disclosure.tsx","./src/components/ui/field.tsx","./src/components/ui/pageheader.tsx","./src/components/ui/scorecard.tsx","./src/components/ui/section.tsx","./src/components/ui/skeleton.tsx","./src/components/ui/tabs.tsx","./src/components/ui/toast.tsx","./src/components/watchlist/addtickerform.tsx","./src/components/watchlist/watchlisttable.tsx","./src/hooks/useactivation.ts","./src/hooks/useadmin.ts","./src/hooks/useauth.ts","./src/hooks/usefetchsymboldata.ts","./src/hooks/useperformance.ts","./src/hooks/usescores.ts","./src/hooks/usetickerdetail.ts","./src/hooks/usetickers.ts","./src/hooks/usetrades.ts","./src/hooks/usewatchlist.ts","./src/lib/format.ts","./src/lib/ingestionstatus.ts","./src/lib/qualification.ts","./src/lib/recommendation.ts","./src/lib/types.ts","./src/pages/adminpage.tsx","./src/pages/dashboardpage.tsx","./src/pages/loginpage.tsx","./src/pages/marketpage.tsx","./src/pages/registerpage.tsx","./src/pages/signalspage.tsx","./src/pages/tickerdetailpage.tsx","./src/stores/authstore.ts"],"version":"5.6.3"}
\ No newline at end of file
+{"root":["./src/app.tsx","./src/main.tsx","./src/vite-env.d.ts","./src/api/activation.ts","./src/api/admin.ts","./src/api/auth.ts","./src/api/client.ts","./src/api/fundamentals.ts","./src/api/health.ts","./src/api/indicators.ts","./src/api/ingestion.ts","./src/api/ohlcv.ts","./src/api/performance.ts","./src/api/scores.ts","./src/api/sentiment.ts","./src/api/sr-levels.ts","./src/api/tickers.ts","./src/api/trades.ts","./src/api/watchlist.ts","./src/components/admin/activationsettings.tsx","./src/components/admin/datacleanup.tsx","./src/components/admin/jobcontrols.tsx","./src/components/admin/pipelinereadinesspanel.tsx","./src/components/admin/recommendationsettings.tsx","./src/components/admin/sentimentprovidersettings.tsx","./src/components/admin/settingsform.tsx","./src/components/admin/tickermanagement.tsx","./src/components/admin/tickeruniversebootstrap.tsx","./src/components/admin/usertable.tsx","./src/components/auth/protectedroute.tsx","./src/components/charts/candlestickchart.tsx","./src/components/layout/appshell.tsx","./src/components/layout/mobilenav.tsx","./src/components/layout/sidebar.tsx","./src/components/rankings/rankingstable.tsx","./src/components/rankings/weightsform.tsx","./src/components/scanner/tradetable.tsx","./src/components/signals/setupspanel.tsx","./src/components/signals/trackrecordpanel.tsx","./src/components/ticker/dimensionbreakdownpanel.tsx","./src/components/ticker/fundamentalspanel.tsx","./src/components/ticker/indicatorselector.tsx","./src/components/ticker/recommendationpanel.tsx","./src/components/ticker/sroverlay.tsx","./src/components/ticker/sentimentpanel.tsx","./src/components/ui/badge.tsx","./src/components/ui/button.tsx","./src/components/ui/callout.tsx","./src/components/ui/confirmdialog.tsx","./src/components/ui/disclosure.tsx","./src/components/ui/dropdown.tsx","./src/components/ui/field.tsx","./src/components/ui/pageheader.tsx","./src/components/ui/scorecard.tsx","./src/components/ui/section.tsx","./src/components/ui/skeleton.tsx","./src/components/ui/tabs.tsx","./src/components/ui/toast.tsx","./src/components/watchlist/addtickerform.tsx","./src/components/watchlist/watchlisttable.tsx","./src/hooks/useactivation.ts","./src/hooks/useadmin.ts","./src/hooks/useauth.ts","./src/hooks/usefetchsymboldata.ts","./src/hooks/useperformance.ts","./src/hooks/usescores.ts","./src/hooks/usetickerdetail.ts","./src/hooks/usetickers.ts","./src/hooks/usetrades.ts","./src/hooks/usewatchlist.ts","./src/lib/format.ts","./src/lib/ingestionstatus.ts","./src/lib/qualification.ts","./src/lib/recommendation.ts","./src/lib/types.ts","./src/pages/adminpage.tsx","./src/pages/dashboardpage.tsx","./src/pages/loginpage.tsx","./src/pages/marketpage.tsx","./src/pages/registerpage.tsx","./src/pages/signalspage.tsx","./src/pages/tickerdetailpage.tsx","./src/stores/authstore.ts"],"version":"5.6.3"}
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/tests/unit/test_sentiment_provider_service.py b/tests/unit/test_sentiment_provider_service.py
index 3703271..6879547 100644
--- a/tests/unit/test_sentiment_provider_service.py
+++ b/tests/unit/test_sentiment_provider_service.py
@@ -33,7 +33,8 @@ class TestGetConfig:
         assert config["model"] == "gpt-4o-mini"
         assert config["api_key_configured"] is False
         assert config["api_key_source"] == "none"
-        assert set(config["valid_providers"]) == {"openai", "gemini"}
+        assert config["web_search"] is True
+        assert set(config["valid_providers"]) == {"openai", "gemini", "deepseek", "xai", "openai_compatible"}
 
     async def test_never_returns_raw_key(self, session: AsyncSession):
         await sps.update_sentiment_config(session, api_key="sk-secret-123")
@@ -92,3 +93,38 @@ class TestBuildProvider:
         await sps.update_sentiment_config(session, provider="openai")
         provider = await sps.build_sentiment_provider(session)
         assert type(provider).__name__ == "OpenAISentimentProvider"
+
+    async def test_builds_deepseek_with_fixed_base_url(self, session: AsyncSession):
+        await sps.update_sentiment_config(session, provider="deepseek", api_key="ds-x")
+        provider = await sps.build_sentiment_provider(session)
+        assert type(provider).__name__ == "OpenAICompatibleSentimentProvider"
+        config = await sps.get_sentiment_config(session)
+        assert config["base_url"] == "https://api.deepseek.com"
+        assert config["web_search"] is False
+
+    async def test_builds_xai_with_live_search(self, session: AsyncSession):
+        await sps.update_sentiment_config(session, provider="xai", api_key="xai-x")
+        provider = await sps.build_sentiment_provider(session)
+        assert type(provider).__name__ == "OpenAICompatibleSentimentProvider"
+        # xAI is wired with Live Search enabled
+        assert provider._live_search is True
+        assert provider._extra_body == {"search_parameters": {"mode": "auto", "return_citations": True}}
+        config = await sps.get_sentiment_config(session)
+        assert config["base_url"] == "https://api.x.ai/v1"
+        assert config["web_search"] is True
+
+    async def test_openai_compatible_requires_base_url(self, session: AsyncSession):
+        await sps.update_sentiment_config(session, provider="openai_compatible", api_key="x")
+        with pytest.raises(ProviderError):
+            await sps.build_sentiment_provider(session)
+
+    async def test_openai_compatible_with_base_url(self, session: AsyncSession):
+        await sps.update_sentiment_config(
+            session,
+            provider="openai_compatible",
+            api_key="x",
+            model="llama-3.1-70b",
+            base_url="https://openrouter.ai/api/v1",
+        )
+        provider = await sps.build_sentiment_provider(session)
+        assert type(provider).__name__ == "OpenAICompatibleSentimentProvider"