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Gold price last week

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WS News 08-16-26

Gold Rallies More Than 11% in a Month as Weak U.S. Data, Fed Expectations and Geopolitical Risks Boost Demand

Gold has staged a powerful rebound over the past month, with December 2026 futures trading around $4,437 per ounce, up roughly 11.3% over the period. The contract recently approached $4,500, reflecting a combination of softer U.S. economic data, changing Federal Reserve expectations and persistent geopolitical uncertainty.

The latest U.S. data added another layer of support. July retail sales unexpectedly fell 0.6% month over month, the first decline in nine months and the largest in more than a year. The weakness reinforced concerns that consumer spending and economic momentum may be cooling.

Inflation data have also become more supportive for precious metals. U.S. consumer prices increased just 0.1% in July, while annual inflation eased to 3.4% from 3.5% in June. The combination of softer inflation and weaker consumption has reduced expectations for additional Federal Reserve tightening. Markets currently assign only around a 30% probability to a September rate increase.

Geopolitical Risks Add Safe-Haven Support

Gold’s rebound has also developed against a highly uncertain geopolitical backdrop. Tensions surrounding Iran and the Strait of Hormuz have kept energy markets volatile and maintained demand for defensive assets. Earlier in August, gold was trading near $4,030 as markets reacted to changing expectations surrounding U.S.-Iran developments.

The softer U.S. dollar has provided an additional tailwind. Gold and other precious metals strengthened late last week as weak retail-sales data reduced expectations for higher U.S. interest rates and pressured the dollar.

What to Watch

The move toward $4,500 represents a significant recovery after gold’s sharp correction earlier this year. Despite the recent rally, bullion remains well below the record levels reached in January, highlighting how much volatility remains in the market.

The next direction will likely depend heavily on U.S. economic data and Federal Reserve communication. Continued evidence of slowing growth and easing inflation could support gold by limiting the case for further rate increases. Conversely, renewed inflation pressure—particularly through elevated energy prices—or a more hawkish Fed could lift Treasury yields and the dollar, creating resistance around the recent $4,500 area.

Graph: yahoofinance*com

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WS News 08-16-26

China's Gold Investing Outweighs Jewelry 2.5x | Gold News

Gold investing demand in China topped jewellery purchases 2.5 times by weight in the first half of 2026 new data show >>

(bullionvault.com)

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European Investor 08-15-26

Gold, silver rise as weak retail sales cut Fed-hike odds - Kitco PM Report | Kitco News

(Kitco NewsWire) - Spot gold and silver prices are higher in late-afternoon U.S. trading Friday, as a weaker U.S. dollar and reduced Federal Reserve rate-hike expectations outweighed firmer Treasury yields tied to renewed oil-market risk. At the time of writing, spot gold was trading near $4,373.50 an ounce, up 0.53%, while spot silver was trading at $64.530, up 0.32% on the session.North American equity markets closed slightly lower after touching record territory earlier in the week. The S&P 500 fell 0.2% to 7,785.76, the Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 0.2% to 53,732.41, the Nasdaq Composite slipped 0.3% to 26,729.16 and the Russell 2000 rose 0.5% to 3,068.42. European markets finished mixed. The CAC 40 fell 0.16% to 8,636.80, the FTSE 100 lost 0.21% to 10,750.11, Germany’s DAX gained 0.51% and the Stoxx 600 declined 0.21%.The latest positioning remains split between weaker U.S. growth data and oil-driven inflation risk. July retail sales fell 0.6%, against expectations for a 0.1% increase, while the University of Michigan’s preliminary August consumer-sentiment index fell to 51.0 from 55.2. The retail-sales miss, Wednesday’s cooler CPI and Thursday’s flat headline PPI pushed the market-implied probability of a September Fed rate hike down near 29%, from about 34% Thursday night. The rate relief supported gold through the dollar channel, but the 10-year Treasury yield still finished near the 4.7% area as crude oil rose and traders looked ahead to the August employment and inflation reports that will arrive before the September Fed meeting.The Strait of Hormuz remains the main geopolitical channel into oil, inflation expectations and defensive demand. Talks between the U.S. and Iran over reopening the waterway remain stalled, two more ships were attacked and Washington has signaled it can maintain a naval blockade of Iran indefinitely. Brent crude traded near $88 a barrel and WTI crude near the $82 area as the standoff kept energy-supply risk in the market. For gold, the impact remains two-sided: weaker data and a softer dollar support non-yielding metals, while restricted Gulf shipping and higher crude keep the inflation-risk premium alive and limit the decline in yields.The key outside markets see Nymex WTI crude oil prices firmer and trading around $82.78 a barrel, while Brent crude was near $88.45. The yield on the benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury note is trading near the 4.7% area. The U.S. dollar index is softer. (Kitco Global Index shows how much of today's gold move is the dollar versus the gold market itself.)Technically, spot gold bulls' next upside price objective is to push prices back above the $4,416.82 resistance level, with a sustained move targeting $4,481.78 and then $4,503.19. Bears' next near-term downside price objective is a break below $4,311.04, with deeper downside targets at $4,195.96 and then $4,136.05. First resistance is seen at $4,416.82 and then at $4,481.78. First support is seen at $4,311.04 and then at $4,195.96.Spot silver bulls' next upside price objective is to drive prices back above $65.44, with a move above that level targeting $66.83 and then $71.00. The next downside price objective for the bears is a break below $64.16, with deeper downside targets at $63.10 and then $60.87. First resistance is seen at $65.44 and then at $66.83. Next support is seen at $64.16 and then at $63.10.See live precious metals prices for gold, silver, platinum and palladium — in USD, CAD and 12 more currencies. 

(kitco.com)

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European Investor 08-15-26

Gold Rises 0.8% as Softer U.S. Inflation Eases Fed Rate-Hike Concerns

Gold prices extended gains on Wednesday following the release of U.S. inflation data, as cooling annual price pressures reduced expectations for further Federal Reserve tightening and weighed modestly on the U.S. dollar.

December COMEX gold futures were up around 0.8%, trading near $4,477 per ounce and reaching intraday levels close to $4,500. The metal had traded around $4,450 earlier in the session before strengthening around the U.S. CPI release.

U.S. CPI Supports Gold

July's Consumer Price Index rose 0.1% month-over-month and 3.4% year-over-year, both matching expectations. Annual inflation nevertheless eased from 3.5% in June.

Core inflation also moderated. Core CPI increased 0.2% monthly, while the annual rate declined to 2.5% from 2.6%, again matching forecasts.

While the report did not deliver a downside surprise, the continued moderation in annual headline and core inflation reduced concerns that the Fed could need to tighten policy further. The probability of a September rate increase fell, while the dollar index slipped following the report.

That combination is supportive for gold. Lower expectations for interest-rate increases reduce the opportunity cost of holding the non-yielding metal, while a weaker dollar makes bullion less expensive for holders of other currencies.

For now, Wednesday's CPI report has reduced immediate monetary-policy concerns. Gold's move toward $4,500 suggests investors are focusing on the combination of easing U.S. inflation, a softer dollar and persistent geopolitical uncertainty, leaving the precious metal firmly higher during the session.

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WS Investor 08-12-26

Gold Prices Rise as Investors Await U.S. Inflation Data, Geopolitical Risks Support Demand

Gold prices moved higher on Wednesday, with December COMEX gold futures rising 0.59% to around $4,467 per ounce in early trading, as investors positioned ahead of a closely watched U.S. inflation report while persistent geopolitical uncertainty continued to support demand for the precious metal.

Gold initially slipped toward the $4,445 area before reversing sharply and climbing close to $4,470, suggesting buyers remain active despite uncertainty over the Federal Reserve’s next policy move.

U.S. CPI Takes Center Stage

The main macro catalyst for gold is the July U.S. Consumer Price Index report due Wednesday morning. Economists expect headline CPI to rise 0.1% month-over-month following June’s 0.4% decline, while annual inflation is forecast to ease to 3.4% from 3.5%. Core CPI is expected to increase 0.2% monthly, with the annual rate cooling to 2.5% from 2.6%.

The inflation report has taken on additional importance following recent signs of weakness in the U.S. labor market. A softer-than-expected CPI reading could strengthen expectations for easier Federal Reserve policy, potentially putting downward pressure on Treasury yields and the U.S. dollar. That combination would generally favor gold by reducing the opportunity cost of holding the non-yielding metal.

Conversely, an unexpectedly strong inflation reading could revive concerns that the Fed will need to maintain restrictive monetary policy for longer, potentially creating near-term pressure on bullion.

Geopolitical Risks Provide Additional Support

Gold is also receiving support from continued uncertainty surrounding the Middle East. Markets are weighing developments involving the U.S.-Iran conflict and prospects for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, while elevated oil prices remain an important inflation risk.

The combination creates a mixed but broadly supportive environment for gold. Geopolitical uncertainty encourages safe-haven demand, while higher energy prices can increase demand for inflation hedges. At the same time, persistently high oil prices could complicate the Fed's inflation outlook and keep interest-rate expectations volatile.

What to Watch

Gold's next major move is likely to depend heavily on the CPI release. A weaker inflation reading could reinforce expectations for monetary easing and help gold extend its advance, while hotter inflation could trigger a rebound in yields and the dollar.

For now, December gold futures holding near $4,467 after recovering strongly from their intraday lows indicates that investors remain willing to maintain exposure to the precious metal ahead of the inflation data, with both monetary-policy expectations and geopolitical uncertainty continuing to underpin demand.

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European Investor 08-12-26

Gold Jumps More Than 1% as U.S. Labor Data and Hormuz Risks Support Prices

Gold prices climbed sharply on Friday, with December futures rising about 1.2% to around $4,349 per ounce, extending a strong weekly advance as investors assessed softer elements of U.S. labor data alongside renewed uncertainty surrounding the Strait of Hormuz.

U.S. Labor Data Supports Gold

Thursday’s U.S. data offered a mixed picture. Initial jobless claims came in at 199,000, below the 203,000 expected and only slightly above the previous week’s 198,000, indicating that layoffs remain low. However, continuing claims increased to 1.801 million from 1.777 million, exceeding the 1.790 million forecast. The rise suggests unemployed workers may be taking longer to find new jobs. Official Labor Department data confirmed the increase in both initial and continuing claims.

Another supportive factor for gold was unit labor costs. Second-quarter labor costs increased only 1.3%, well below the 2.2% expected. Softer labor-cost growth reduces one source of inflation pressure and could give the Federal Reserve more flexibility on monetary policy.

Gold has already benefited this week from declining Treasury yields and weaker employment indicators, with Reuters reporting that the metal reached a seven-week high as lower yields increased the appeal of non-yielding bullion.

Hormuz Adds Another Layer of Support

Geopolitical uncertainty is also back in focus. Iran’s proposed restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz have raised doubts about a quick normalization of traffic through the critical energy route. The resulting uncertainty is supporting demand for defensive assets, although higher oil prices could eventually complicate the picture by increasing inflation expectations.

For now, the combination of softer labor-cost pressures, rising continuing unemployment claims, lower yields and renewed Middle East uncertainty is providing a favorable backdrop for gold.

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WS News 08-07-26

Gold Rises as Weaker U.S. Labor Data Boosts Rate-Cut Expectations

Gold prices edged higher on Thursday, extending this week's gains as investors continued to react to signs of a cooling U.S. labor market and growing expectations that the Federal Reserve could lower interest rates in the coming months.

December gold futures rose about 0.4% to around **$4,321** per ounce after gaining more than 5% over the past five trading sessions.

The precious metal has been supported by a series of weaker U.S. labor market indicators. Wednesday's ADP Employment Report showed private payrolls increased by just **44,000** in July, well below expectations, reinforcing expectations that the Federal Reserve may have greater scope to ease monetary policy if upcoming employment data also soften.

Gold also continued to benefit from a weaker U.S. dollar and declining Treasury yields following the labor data, improving the appeal of non-yielding assets. While stronger-than-expected U.S. Services and Composite PMI readings highlighted resilient business activity, investors placed greater emphasis on signs that labor market conditions are gradually cooling.

Attention is now shifting to Friday's official U.S. Nonfarm Payrolls report, which could become the week's most important catalyst for gold. A weaker-than-expected employment report would likely strengthen expectations for Fed rate cuts and provide additional support for bullion. Conversely, a stronger labor market reading could push Treasury yields higher and weigh on gold prices.

For now, gold remains supported by easing monetary policy expectations, while investors continue to balance resilient economic growth against signs of a gradually softening labor market.

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European Investor 08-06-26

Precious Metal Price Forecasts 2026: Gold, Silver and more

Explore expert and AI predictions for precious metal prices in 2026. Get insights on market trends for gold, silver, platinum, and palladium. Read here >>

(bullionvault.com)

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Global Finance News 08-05-26

Gold Rises Nearly 1.5% as Softer Inflation Expectations Boost Rate-Cut Hopes

Gold prices climbed nearly 1.5% on Wednesday to around $4,215 per ounce, as investors increased bets that easing inflation pressures and gradually softer U.S. economic data could give central banks more room to reduce interest rates in the coming quarters.

The rally came despite stronger-than-expected U.S. manufacturing activity released earlier this week. The ISM Manufacturing PMI rose to 55.6 in July from 53.3, while the S&P Global Manufacturing PMI held at 53.9, signaling continued resilience in the factory sector.

However, investors focused more on signs that inflation pressures may be moderating. The ISM Prices Paid Index declined to 71.1 from 73.0, while JOLTS job openings fell below expectations to 7.359 million, pointing to a gradually cooling labor market. Meanwhile, the Atlanta Fed's GDPNow estimate for third-quarter U.S. growth was revised down to 5.9% from 6.2%.

These developments strengthened expectations that inflation could continue easing over the coming months, allowing the Federal Reserve and other major central banks to adopt a more accommodative policy stance. Lower interest rates typically support gold by reducing the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding assets.

Markets also drew support from easing geopolitical concerns. While tensions between the United States and Iran remain an important risk factor, recent developments have pointed toward de-escalation rather than further escalation, shifting investor focus back toward inflation trends and the outlook for monetary policy.

What to Watch

Investors will closely monitor upcoming U.S. inflation and labor market data for additional clues on the Federal Reserve's policy path. Any further evidence of moderating inflation or cooling employment conditions could strengthen expectations for lower interest rates and provide further support for gold prices, while comments from major central banks are likely to remain another key catalyst for the precious metals market.

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Global Finance News 08-05-26

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08-13-26The Investor

08-13-26Global Finance News

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08-06-26European Investor

08-03-26WS News

NASDAQ:NVDAFollow

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IBM Expands AI Infrastructure Push With $240 Million Together AI Agreement

IBM (NYSE: IBM) announced a multi-year $240 million agreement with Together AI to deploy a large-scale artificial intelligence inference cluster on IBM Cloud, further expanding the company’s exposure to growing enterprise AI infrastructure demand.

Under the agreement, IBM plans to deploy NVIDIA HGX B300 systems combined with NVIDIA Spectrum-X Ethernet networking. The cluster, expected to become available in the first quarter of 2027, will be used by Together AI to provide production-scale inference for open-source AI models.

The deployment will be IBM Cloud’s first dedicated large-scale inference cluster based on HGX B300 systems. NVIDIA says the architecture can deliver as much as 30 times greater AI factory output compared with previous generations.

Together AI has been scaling rapidly as demand for open-source AI models grows. The company says its inference platform currently processes around 400 trillion tokens per month and recently raised $800 million at an $8.3 billion valuation.

For IBM, the agreement strengthens its position as an infrastructure provider for increasingly compute-intensive AI workloads. It also deepens IBM’s existing relationship with NVIDIA, spanning GPUs, networking, cloud infrastructure and enterprise AI software.

The $240 million multi-year commitment provides IBM with another significant AI infrastructure customer while demonstrating demand for its GPU-based cloud capacity. The companies expect the platform to help enterprises run open-source AI models with improved performance and lower inference costs.

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The Investor 08-11-26

Semiconductor Stocks Fall as China's Chip Breakthrough Pressures Nvidia and the AI Sector

Semiconductor stocks came under pressure on Monday, dragging the Nasdaq lower as investors weighed China's rapidly advancing semiconductor industry against the latest developments in the global AI infrastructure race. Nvidia led the sector's decline, falling more than 4%, while weakness spread across AI and memory chipmakers.

The latest catalyst on the AI front came after reports that Nvidia is in talks to provide roughly $250 billion in financing guarantees for OpenAI's massive AI data center project in Ohio. The proposed 10-gigawatt facility would rank among the world's largest AI infrastructure projects, underscoring the enormous capital being committed to artificial intelligence. While the news reinforces long-term demand for AI hardware, it also highlights the rapidly evolving competitive landscape and the unprecedented scale of investment required across the industry.

Investor sentiment was also weighed down by developments in China. ChangXin Memory Technologies (CXMT), China's largest memory chipmaker, surged more than 400% in its Shanghai trading debut following Asia's largest IPO of 2026. The emergence of another major Chinese chipmaker renewed concerns that global competition in memory and AI-related semiconductors will intensify. Those concerns were particularly significant for Nvidia, whose growth opportunities in China have already been constrained by U.S. export restrictions.

The weakness extended across the broader semiconductor sector. Memory-related companies including Sandisk, Micron Technology, Western Digital, and SK Hynix posted notable declines, while ASML, AMD, Intel, Marvell Technology, Super Micro Computer, and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) also traded lower as investors reassessed the industry's competitive outlook.

Despite Monday's selloff, the semiconductor industry's long-term fundamentals remain supported by accelerating AI adoption and record investment in data center infrastructure. However, the combination of elevated valuations, China's rapid technological progress, and an increasingly competitive global landscape prompted investors to lock in profits following the sector's strong rally.

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European Investor 07-27-26

NVIDIA shares climbed approximately 4.5% today as investors reacted positively to the company’s latest artificial intelligence chip announcements and expanding vision for AI-powered computing.

The rally was fueled by NVIDIA’s unveiling of a powerful new AI supercomputer chip scheduled for release this fall, reinforcing the company’s position at the center of the global artificial intelligence infrastructure boom. Investors view the new product as another step in NVIDIA’s effort to maintain its technological lead as demand for AI training and inference continues to accelerate across enterprises, cloud providers, and government organizations.

Markets also welcomed news highlighting how NVIDIA’s next-generation AI processors could bring advanced artificial intelligence capabilities directly to Windows PCs. The move expands NVIDIA’s opportunity beyond data centers and cloud computing, potentially opening a massive consumer and enterprise PC market for AI-powered applications.

The announcements come just days after NVIDIA delivered another strong earnings report, which showcased continued growth in AI-related revenue and robust demand for its Blackwell platform. Today’s gains suggest investors remain confident that the company can sustain its leadership position despite increasing competition from rivals such as AMD, Intel, and custom chip developers.

With a market value exceeding $5 trillion and analysts maintaining an average price target well above current levels, NVIDIA continues to be viewed as one of the primary beneficiaries of the global AI spending cycle. Investors are betting that the company’s expanding portfolio of AI chips, software, and computing platforms will drive another wave of growth as businesses increasingly adopt artificial intelligence technologies.

Today’s move highlights the market’s belief that NVIDIA’s innovation pipeline remains strong and that demand for advanced AI computing is still in the early stages of a multi-year expansion.

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WS News 06-01-26

Nvidia Barely Moves in Premarket Despite Historic Quarter as Monster Guidance Already Priced In

Nvidia reported what may be the most extraordinary quarter in semiconductor history yesterday, yet shares edged up just 0.08% in premarket trading — a reaction that speaks volumes about how thoroughly the AI infrastructure bull case has been priced into one of the world's most closely watched stocks.

Revenue for Q1 fiscal 2027 came in at a record $81.6 billion, up 85% year over year and 20% sequentially, beating the consensus expectation of approximately $78 billion. Data Center revenue reached a record $75.2 billion, up 92% year over year, with compute revenue up 77% and networking revenue — a figure that had been less scrutinized — surging 199% to $14.8 billion. GAAP net income tripled to $58.3 billion and GAAP diluted EPS of $2.39 was more than triple the $0.76 reported a year ago. Gross margin expanded to 74.9% from 60.5% a year ago. The company returned a record $20 billion to shareholders in the quarter alone.

The forward guidance was the number the market had been waiting for. Nvidia guided Q2 revenue of $91.0 billion, plus or minus 2%, representing another roughly 12% sequential acceleration and approximately 76% year-over-year growth. Critically, the company stated it is not assuming any Data Center compute revenue from China in its outlook — meaning the guidance stands entirely on non-China demand, a significant reassurance given ongoing export restriction concerns.

The company also announced an $80 billion additional share repurchase authorization and a dramatic dividend increase, raising the quarterly payout from $0.01 per share to $0.25 per share — a 2,400% increase that signals management's confidence in sustained cash generation.

CEO Jensen Huang framed the moment in sweeping terms, describing the buildout of AI factories as the largest infrastructure expansion in human history and positioning Nvidia as the only platform running in every cloud, powering every frontier model and scaling from hyperscale data centers to the edge.

The company is also transitioning to a new reporting framework with two market platforms — Data Center and Edge Computing — reflecting its evolution beyond chips into a full-stack AI infrastructure company. The Vera Rubin platform, NVIDIA Dynamo 1.0 and a broad suite of agentic AI tools underscore that the product roadmap extends well beyond the current Blackwell cycle.

The near-flat premarket reaction is not a sign of disappointment — the results were objectively exceptional by any historical standard. It is instead a reflection of a stock that has already rallied 20% in the past month and trades at a valuation that embeds extraordinary future growth. When a company beats $78 billion estimates with $81.6 billion and guides to $91 billion next quarter, and the stock barely moves, it tells you that the market had already bought the dream. The question now is whether $91 billion in Q2 will finally surprise to the upside of even the most bullish expectations — and whether the Vera Rubin ramp can extend this cycle well into 2027 and beyond.

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The Investor 05-21-26

US Markets Open Cautiously Higher as All Eyes Turn to Nvidia

US equity markets opened in positive territory today, with the S&P 500 up 0.31%, the Dow adding 0.14% and the Nasdaq gaining 0.38%, as investors adopted a measured stance ahead of what is arguably the most consequential earnings report of the season — Nvidia's first quarter fiscal 2027 results, due after the closing bell today.

The cautious optimism comes after two consecutive sessions of declines driven by rising bond yields and geopolitical anxiety. The modest green open reflects a market catching its breath rather than making a bold directional call, with most participants holding their positions ahead of Nvidia's numbers.

Nvidia is expected to report roughly $78 billion in revenue and $1.77 in non-GAAP earnings per share, implying approximately 77% to 78% year-on-year revenue growth. Buy-side whispers run higher, with some sell-side desks modeling closer to $79 billion and the most aggressive houses above $80 billion. Nvidia has beaten the Street every quarter of this cycle, meaning a beat alone is already priced in. What markets will be watching most closely is the Q2 guidance and any commentary on the China export restrictions and gross margin sustainability.

The broader earnings backdrop heading into today is genuinely strong. With approximately one-third of S&P 500 companies reported, the blended year-over-year earnings growth rate stood at 15%, up from 13% expected at the end of March, putting the index on track for a sixth consecutive quarter of double-digit earnings growth. Eighty-four percent of reporting companies have beaten EPS estimates, with the magnitude of beats averaging 12%, well above the five-year historical average of 7.3%.

Today's earnings slate is also busy, with Target, Lowe's, TJX, Analog Devices and Hasbro among the morning reporters. From the earnings covered over the past two days, CAVA's 9.7% same-restaurant sales growth driven by actual traffic gains and 8x8's first GAAP-profitable fiscal year since 2015 were standouts, while Red Robin's margin improvement and Agilysys' record revenue quarter added to a broadly constructive picture across sectors.

On the macro front, the tension between a strong earnings season and a difficult rate environment remains unresolved. Bond yields have been climbing, with the 30-year Treasury recently crossing 5.18%, its highest level in nearly two decades. Iran ceasefire diplomacy continues to generate daily headlines and oil price swings, keeping inflation expectations elevated and Fed rate cut hopes pushed further into the future.

For today, Nvidia is the market. A strong print with confident guidance could provide the catalyst the broader indices need to break decisively higher. Anything short of that, and two days of bond-driven selling could resume.

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WS Investor 05-20-26

Nvidia Extends Rally as Jensen Huang Joins Trump in Beijing, May 20 Earnings in Sight

May 14, 2026 | NASDAQ: NVDA

Nvidia is building on yesterday's 2.29% gain with a further 1.93% rise in premarket, extending a five-day winning streak that has added approximately $590 billion in market cap and pushed shares back toward all-time highs. Two converging forces are driving the momentum — a dramatic geopolitical development in Beijing and accelerating anticipation ahead of the May 20 earnings report.

The headline development from the last 24 hours is Jensen Huang's last-minute addition to President Trump's China delegation. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has joined Trump's trip to China after initial indications he had not been invited. After seeing media coverage of Huang's absence from the delegation, Trump called the Nvidia executive and asked him to join, and Huang flew to Alaska to board Air Force One (CNBC).

Trump had previously approved Nvidia H200 chip exports to China in January 2026, but not a single one has been sold, making Huang's presence at the summit a potential catalyst for breaking that impasse. The market is treating that possibility as a meaningful positive for Nvidia's China revenue outlook.

Wells Fargo raised its price target on Nvidia from $265 to $315 with an overweight rating, saying AI will drive the stock more than 40% higher from current levels (CNBC). The broader analyst community is similarly positioned ahead of the May 20 earnings report. Nvidia has guided for Q1 fiscal 2027 revenue of $78 billion, plus or minus 2%, while the Wall Street consensus expects approximately $78.8 billion in revenue and adjusted EPS of $1.77 (Motley Fool). Hyperscaler capex commitments provide strong demand visibility — Microsoft plans to spend $190 billion in calendar 2026, Amazon approximately $200 billion, and Alphabet between $180 and $190 billion, all largely AI-driven (Motley Fool).

Nvidia shares have gained approximately 20% year to date, outpacing the S&P 500's 7.5% and the Nasdaq's 14% gains, with the stock trading near its 52-week high of $225 and a market cap of approximately $5.5 trillion. At roughly 27 times forward earnings, the valuation has actually compressed relative to prior peaks, giving bulls a reasonable entry point ahead of what most expect will be another beat-and-raise quarter.

The China angle is the wildcard. If the Beijing summit produces any signal of a pathway to H200 shipments resuming, the revenue upside for Nvidia could be significant — and the market appears to be starting to price in that possibility.

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European Investor 05-14-26

NVIDIA Rises as AI Momentum and China Hopes Lift Sentiment

NVIDIA shares rose about 2.65% today, extending a strong rally as investors continued to price in demand for artificial-intelligence chips and looked ahead to the company’s next earnings report. The stock traded near record levels, on pace for a record close after four straight days of gains.

One key driver appears to be renewed optimism around China. Investing*com reported that the move was helped by news of President Trump’s planned state visit to China on May 13–15, which investors interpreted as a possible opening for discussions around AI chip export restrictions. Since China remains a major potential market for advanced AI hardware, any easing or renegotiation of restrictions could be meaningful for NVIDIA’s future sales outlook (Investing*com).

The rally also reflects positioning ahead of NVIDIA’s upcoming earnings, expected on May 20 on which analysts remain highly bullish. Expectations for revenue is about $78.6 billion, up 78% year over year.

Recent AI infrastructure news has also supported sentiment. Reuters reported last week that NVIDIA plans to invest up to $2.1 billion in data-center operator IREN as part of a broader deal to deploy up to 5 gigawatts of AI infrastructure, underscoring the scale of demand for computing capacity (Reuters).

Overall, today’s gain seems to be driven by three factors: record-high momentum, expectations for another strong earnings report, and hopes that U.S.-China talks could improve the outlook for AI chip sales. The main risk is valuation: after such a sharp rally, investors may expect near-perfect earnings and guidance.

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Global Finance News 05-11-26

NVIDIA and ServiceNow announced an expanded partnership to develop autonomous AI agents for enterprise use, unveiled at ServiceNow Knowledge 2026.

The collaboration focuses on delivering governed, secure AI agents capable of executing complex, multi-step workflows across enterprise systems. A key highlight is “Project Arc,” a self-evolving desktop agent designed to assist knowledge workers such as developers and IT teams by interacting directly with local systems and applications.

The solution integrates NVIDIA’s accelerated computing and open models with ServiceNow’s workflow and governance platforms, enabling enterprises to deploy AI agents with greater control, auditability, and security. The initiative also emphasizes efficiency, leveraging NVIDIA’s AI infrastructure to significantly reduce operational costs for large-scale AI deployments.

The partnership reflects a broader shift toward autonomous, action-oriented AI systems, where enterprises prioritize not just AI reasoning but real-world execution within controlled environments.

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The Investor 05-05-26

Nvidia Slides 4% in Pre-Market as Custom Chip Threat and China Restrictions Cloud the AI Chip Throne

Nvidia shares are down around 4% in pre-market trading on May 1, a jarring contrast to the broader AI optimism generated by a wave of blowout Big Tech earnings, as two converging headwinds move to the forefront of investor concern.

The primary catalyst for the drop is growing anxiety about competition in the AI chip market. Amazon recently disclosed that its in-house chip business is growing quickly, while Alphabet announced plans to sell its custom AI chips to select outside customers, prompting investors to question whether Nvidia's dominant position may begin to erode as hyperscalers increasingly develop alternatives. (CNBC)

The China situation is adding a second layer of pressure. A recent crackdown on chip smuggling in China has pushed prices of Nvidia's B300 servers close to $1 million each. Since these advanced systems are restricted in China, supply is constrained and prices are surging, but this also risks reducing demand and accelerating the push by Chinese customers toward competitor hardware. Separately, Chinese AI and tech firms including Alibaba and Tencent are increasingly betting on Huawei chips as they seek to break their dependence on Nvidia given ongoing US export restrictions. (CNBC, Investing*com)

The irony of the sell-off is that the hyperscaler earnings released overnight were uniformly bullish for AI infrastructure demand. Alphabet raised its 2026 capex guidance to $180 to $190 billion, while Amazon and Microsoft also flagged significant AI infrastructure increases, with Big Tech capital expenditures now seen topping $1 trillion collectively in 2027. Yet markets are increasingly asking whether that spending will flow to Nvidia or to proprietary custom silicon. (Stocktwits)

Nvidia closed at $209.25 on April 30 and is trading around $199.57 in pre-market, with a 52-week range of $110.82 to $216.83. The stock is still up more than 92% over the past year. Nvidia's next earnings report is scheduled for May 20, where the company will need to demonstrate that demand for its Blackwell architecture remains insulated from the custom chip threat. (The Motley Fool)

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European Investor 05-01-26

Nvidia stock volatile this week as AI optimism meets rising concerns

Shares of NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA) showed volatile performance this week, as strong momentum in the AI sector was offset by growing investor concerns about sustainability of demand and broader market risks.

The stock initially surged to a new record high, supported by continued enthusiasm around artificial intelligence and expectations of strong spending by major tech companies. According to Investopedia, Nvidia’s rally has been driven by its dominant position in data center GPUs and its central role in AI infrastructure.

However, the rally lost momentum as the broader market turned cautious. Reuters reported that semiconductor stocks, including Nvidia, came under pressure amid concerns that AI growth could slow and uncertainty around large-scale data center investments.

Additional headwinds also weighed on sentiment. Reports cited by KuCoin News highlighted risks from potential U.S. export restrictions on advanced AI chips, which could limit Nvidia’s access to key markets such as China.

Despite these short-term pressures, the longer-term outlook remains supported by strong structural demand. Investopedia noted that continued investment in AI infrastructure is expected to sustain Nvidia’s growth, even as valuation and macro concerns create near-term volatility.

Overall, this week’s price action reflects a balance between strong AI-driven fundamentals and rising investor caution, keeping Nvidia among the most closely watched stocks globally.

Source: Reuters, Investopedia, KuCoin News

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WS Investor 04-28-26

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COINBASE:XRPUSDFollow

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Powell Just Lit the Fuse on Altcoin Season - Fat Tail Daily

Rate cuts aren’t just good for tech stocks. Lower rates mean more investors will also take a chance on higher-risk cryptos. Here’s the opportunity that’s just getting started…

(daily.fattail.com.au)

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WS Investor 09-27-25

Fidelity crypto half year report link:
https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/trading-investing/crypto-midyear-outlook-2025?ccsource=em_Promo_1119565_18_0_22171_201

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WS News 06-06-25

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WS News 06-06-25

XRP, SOL, ADA's Coinbase Premium Surges to One-Month High After Trump's Crypto Reserve News

Tokens traded at a notable premium on Coinbase relative to Binance after Trump announced plans for establishing strategic crypto reserve.

(finance.yahoo.com)

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WS News 03-03-25

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WS Investor 01-15-25

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NASDAQ:PLTRFollow

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Palantir Stock Soars 23% After Blowout Q2 Results and Massive Guidance Increase

Palantir Technologies (NASDAQ: PLTR) surged 23% on Tuesday after delivering another blockbuster quarterly report that significantly exceeded Wall Street expectations. The AI software company reported explosive revenue growth, record commercial demand and sharply raised its full-year outlook, reinforcing its position as one of the biggest beneficiaries of accelerating enterprise AI adoption.

Second-quarter revenue jumped 93% year over year to $1.94 billion, while U.S. commercial revenue surged an extraordinary 149% to $764 million. Total U.S. revenue climbed 115% to $1.57 billion, supported by continued strength across both commercial and government customers.

U.S. Commercial Business Continues to Accelerate

The company's commercial momentum remained the key highlight of the quarter. Palantir closed a record $2.13 billion in U.S. commercial total contract value (TCV), up 153% from a year ago, while U.S. commercial remaining deal value increased 124% to $6.24 billion.

Overall, the company closed 220 deals worth at least $1 million during the quarter, including 73 contracts exceeding $10 million. Total contract value reached $3.37 billion, up 49% year over year, highlighting sustained demand for Palantir's AI-driven software platform.

CEO Alex Karp said growing demand for "AI sovereignty" is driving organizations toward platforms that allow customers to retain full control of their data while deploying artificial intelligence at scale.

Profitability and Cash Flow Reach New Highs

Palantir also demonstrated exceptional profitability alongside its rapid growth. GAAP operating income reached $912 million, representing a 47% operating margin, while adjusted operating income climbed to $1.19 billion, or 62% of revenue.

GAAP net income totaled $1.06 billion, with both adjusted free cash flow and cash from operations exceeding $1.2 billion. The company ended the quarter with $9.2 billion in cash, cash equivalents and short-term U.S. Treasury securities, providing significant financial flexibility.

Guidance Raised Well Above Expectations

Management substantially increased its 2026 outlook, now expecting full-year revenue between $8.15 billion and $8.16 billion, representing approximately 82% annual growth. The company also raised its U.S. commercial revenue forecast to more than $3.42 billion, implying at least 134% growth, while increasing adjusted operating income guidance to as much as $4.90 billion.

## What to Watch

Tuesday's rally reflects investor confidence that Palantir remains one of the strongest AI growth stories in the market. Investors will now focus on whether the company can sustain its exceptional commercial growth, continue converting large enterprise contracts into recurring revenue, and maintain its industry-leading profitability as AI adoption accelerates globally.

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European Investor 08-04-26

Palantir (PLTR) Stock Rises After DA Davidson Upgrades Shares to Buy

Palantir Technologies (NASDAQ: PLTR) shares gained approximately 3.5% on Thursday after DA Davidson upgraded the software company to Buy from Neutral and raised its price target to $175 from $165.

The upgrade comes as Palantir continues to benefit from strong investor enthusiasm surrounding artificial intelligence, with the company expanding its presence across both commercial and government markets through its AI-driven software platforms.

DA Davidson upgraded the stock and increased its price target, reflecting a more constructive outlook on the shares. The positive analyst action added to investor optimism surrounding Palantir's long-term growth potential.

Palantir has been one of the strongest performers in the software sector this year as enterprises continue increasing investments in AI applications, data analytics, and automation. The company has also continued to win government contracts while expanding adoption of its Artificial Intelligence Platform (AIP) among commercial customers.

# Why PLTR Stock Rose

Several factors supported the stock:

* DA Davidson upgraded Palantir to Buy from Neutral.
* The firm raised its price target to $175 from $165.
* Continued optimism around enterprise AI adoption and government demand has supported investor sentiment toward Palantir.
* The company remains well positioned to benefit from growing investment in AI-powered software and data analytics.

The combination of a rating upgrade and continued optimism surrounding the AI sector helped lift Palantir shares approximately 3.5% during Thursday's trading session.

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Global Finance News 07-02-26

Palantir Stock Gains After Analyst Upgrades Shares to Buy

Palantir Technologies (NASDAQ: PLTR) shares rose 4% on Monday after President Capital upgraded the stock to Buy from Neutral and significantly increased its price target, reinforcing bullish sentiment toward the AI software company.

The firm raised its price target to $133 from $25.50, reflecting increased confidence in Palantir's growth trajectory as demand for artificial intelligence, data analytics, and defense software platforms continues to expand.

The upgrade comes as Palantir continues to benefit from strong adoption of its AI-powered platforms across both government and commercial customers. Investors remain optimistic that accelerating enterprise AI deployment and growing federal contracts will support robust revenue growth in the coming quarters.

The analyst action also coincided with a broader rally in technology stocks, supported by easing geopolitical tensions between the United States and Iran and improving investor risk appetite.

At the time of writing, Palantir shares were trading around $117, up approximately 4% during Monday's session as investors welcomed the bullish analyst upgrade.

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European Investor 06-29-26

Palantir Slips as Wall Street Issues Mixed Ratings

Palantir Technologies (NASDAQ: PLTR) shares fell 2.7% as investors digested a wave of new analyst coverage that highlighted both the company's strong artificial intelligence prospects and concerns about its elevated valuation.

The stock received mixed treatment from Wall Street. UBS upgraded Palantir and assigned a Buy rating with a $200 price target, reflecting optimism about the company's growing role in the AI software market and expanding commercial business. Wedbush also initiated coverage with an Outperform rating, reinforcing the bullish case for continued growth.

However, not all analysts share that enthusiasm. BTIG Research downgraded the stock to Neutral, while Benchmark moved to Hold. BNP Paribas Exane initiated coverage with an Underperform rating, signaling concerns that recent years' gains may have outpaced fundamentals.

The conflicting analyst views come after Palantir's remarkable rally over the past 2 years, driven by surging demand for its Artificial Intelligence Platform (AIP), expanding government contracts, and accelerating adoption among commercial customers. The company has emerged as one of the market's most prominent AI beneficiaries, helping push its valuation to levels that have divided analysts.

The stock's decline suggests investors are taking a more cautious stance following its strong run, with valuation concerns temporarily outweighing enthusiasm for the company's growth prospects. Still, the presence of multiple bullish ratings and a $200 price target from UBS indicates that many analysts continue to see substantial long-term upside tied to Palantir's leadership in enterprise AI.

The mixed ratings underscore the central debate surrounding Palantir: whether its rapid growth in AI-driven software can justify one of the market's richest valuations.

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Global Finance News 06-16-26

Palantir Falls 4.5% in Market Selloff Despite Analysts Reaffirming Bullish Views

Palantir Technologies shares fell 4.5% on Friday as a broad technology selloff swept through U.S. markets, even as Wall Street analysts continued to express confidence in the company's long-term prospects.

The stock's decline came amid one of the sharpest drops in technology shares this year, with investors reacting to stronger-than-expected U.S. employment data that pushed Treasury yields higher and reduced expectations for near-term Federal Reserve rate cuts. High-growth technology companies were among the hardest hit as investors reassessed valuations in a higher-rate environment.

Despite the market weakness, analysts remained firmly positive on Palantir. Wedbush analyst Dan Ives reiterated his Outperform rating and maintained a $230 price target, while Rosenblatt Securities analyst John McPeake reaffirmed a Buy rating with a $225 target. Both targets imply substantial upside from the stock's closing price near $136.

The bullish stance reflects continued optimism surrounding Palantir's position in the rapidly expanding artificial intelligence market. The company has emerged as one of the most visible beneficiaries of enterprise AI adoption, with its Artificial Intelligence Platform (AIP) helping businesses and government agencies deploy AI applications using their own data. Strong demand from both commercial and government customers has fueled rapid revenue growth and improved profitability over the past year.

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The Investor 06-06-26

Palantir Drops 3% Pre-Market Despite Record Q1 Growth — Valuation Fears Persist

May 5, 2026

Palantir Technologies (NASDAQ: PLTR) slipped roughly 3% in Tuesday's pre-market session, even after delivering what the company called its strongest quarter ever. The pattern is now familiar: record numbers, raised guidance, and a stock that still falls.

Q1 by the Numbers

Total revenue came in at $1.633 billion, up 85% year-over-year — the company's highest-ever annual growth rate — easily clearing the $1.54 billion consensus estimate (Yahoo Finance). The U.S. business drove the outperformance: U.S. revenue hit $1.282 billion, up 104% year-over-year, with U.S. commercial revenue surging 133% to $595 million and U.S. government revenue rising 84% to $687 million.

Profitability was equally striking. GAAP net income reached $871 million (53% margin), adjusted free cash flow came in at $925 million, and the company's Rule of 40 score — which combines revenue growth and profit margin — hit 145%, a level CEO Alex Karp said has been matched only by NVIDIA, Micron, and SK Hynix among AI infrastructure peers (Palantir Earnings Release).

Guidance Raised Again

Management lifted full-year 2026 revenue guidance to $7.650–$7.662 billion, implying 71% growth — roughly 10 percentage points above what was guided just one quarter ago. U.S. commercial revenue guidance was raised to at least $3.224 billion, representing 120% growth. Adjusted free cash flow guidance was lifted to $4.2–$4.4 billion (Palantir Earnings Release).

The Valuation Problem

Despite the blowout results, the stock's extreme valuation continues to weigh on sentiment. Palantir entered 2026 with a trailing price-to-sales ratio above 100 (Motley Fool), and even after a roughly 20% pullback from its October 2025 all-time highs (Motley Fool), the stock trades at approximately 225 times trailing earnings and a forward price-to-sales ratio near 49 (Perplexity Finance). RBC Capital Markets maintained a bearish stance, flagging the valuation at around 50 times 2026 revenue estimates as unsustainable (Perplexity Finance). For comparison, Nvidia — growing at a similar pace — trades at roughly 44 times trailing earnings (Motley Fool).

This is not new territory. After Palantir's Q4 2025 earnings — themselves a beat-and-raise — shares fell more than 11% the following session on the same valuation concerns (24/7 Wall St.). The pre-market dip today, while painful, is relatively mild by recent standards.

Bull vs. Bear

Wedbush holds an Outperform rating with a $230 price target, calling Palantir a potential trillion-dollar AI company, while Oppenheimer initiated with an Outperform and $200 target ahead of earnings (Perplexity Finance). Bears counter that no level of revenue growth justifies a P/S ratio above 70, and that significant insider selling — $435 million worth of shares in the past three months — signals caution at the top (GuruFocus).

Palantir's Q1 was, by any measure, exceptional. Whether the stock can grow into its valuation is a question the market is still refusing to answer with a buy.

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The Investor 05-05-26

Palantir Technologies has signed a $300 million agreement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to modernize digital services for farmers and strengthen agricultural security. The partnership supports the “One Farmer, One File” initiative, aimed at simplifying access to USDA programs through digital tools and reducing administrative burdens.

Palantir’s software will enhance data integration, improve service delivery, and help detect risks such as fraud and supply chain vulnerabilities. The system is also expected to accelerate payments and disaster recovery support for farmers, while consolidating legacy IT systems into a unified platform.

Source: Business Wire

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Global Finance News 04-24-26

Palantir’s Stock Is Down 15% YTD: Should You Brace for More Volatility?

Explore Palantir's significant stock drop of 15% year to date and whether more volatility is on the horizon for investors.

(thesmartinvestor.com.sg)

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European Investor 04-23-26

Palantir Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ: PLTR) announced today that results for its first quarter ended March 31, 2026 will be released on Monday, May 4, 2026, following the close of U.S. markets.

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WS Investor 04-14-26

Palantir Technologies Inc. announced the renewal and expansion of its partnership with Stellantis for an additional five years.

The agreement extends a collaboration that began in 2016 and will see Stellantis expand its use of Palantir’s Foundry platform while introducing the Artificial Intelligence Platform (AIP) across selected operations.

The combined technologies aim to integrate data and AI into core business processes, improving decision-making, transparency, and operational efficiency across Stellantis’ global industrial activities.

The partnership also supports Stellantis’ broader data strategy by enabling secure and scalable use of AI, reinforcing its transition toward a more data-driven and AI-powered enterprise.
Business Wire

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WS Investor 03-30-26

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USFollow

Inflation is increasingly in focus for the US bond market and the Fed, says Mike Mitchell, head of US Treasury and Inflation Trading at Goldman Sachs.

(goldmansachs.com)

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European Investor 08-15-26

U.S. Stocks Slip as Weak Retail Sales and Consumer Sentiment Raise Growth Concerns

U.S. stocks are trading modestly lower Friday after a weaker-than-expected batch of economic data raised fresh concerns about consumer demand and the near-term growth outlook.

The S&P 500 is down 0.07% at 7,793.67, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average is 0.18% lower at 53,741.48. The Nasdaq Composite is down 0.19% at 26,751.53.

Retail Sales Weaken in July

The main pressure comes from July retail sales. Headline retail sales fell 0.6% month over month, considerably weaker than the 0.1% increase expected by economists and reversing the previous month's 0.2% gain.

Core retail sales also disappointed, declining 0.3% compared with expectations for a 0.2% increase. The previous reading was a 0.2% decline.

The figures point to softer consumer spending momentum entering the second half of the year. Because household consumption remains a major driver of the U.S. economy, the downside surprise is reinforcing concerns that economic growth could lose some momentum.

Consumer Sentiment Falls as Inflation Expectations Rise

The University of Michigan's preliminary consumer sentiment index for August dropped to 51.0 from 55.2, well below the 54.7 consensus estimate.

Consumer expectations weakened as well, falling to 50.6 from 55.4 and missing expectations of 55.2.

At the same time, one-year inflation expectations increased to 4.3% from 4.2%. The combination of weaker confidence and slightly higher inflation expectations presents a less favorable macro backdrop: consumers are becoming more cautious while inflation concerns remain elevated.

Why Are U.S. Stocks Down?

Friday's data create a mixed signal for monetary policy. Weak retail spending and deteriorating consumer confidence strengthen the case for easier Federal Reserve policy, but the increase in short-term inflation expectations could complicate that outlook.

The relatively small declines across the S&P 500, Dow and Nasdaq suggest investors are not treating the data as evidence of a severe downturn. Instead, the market reaction reflects renewed caution over whether softer consumer demand could begin weighing more materially on corporate earnings and U.S. economic growth during the second half of 2026.

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Global Finance News 08-14-26

U.S. Stocks Rally as Softer PPI Supports Rate-Cut Hopes

U.S. stocks moved sharply higher Thursday as investors welcomed softer-than-expected producer inflation data, while labor-market figures offered a mixed but still relatively stable picture.

The Nasdaq led gains, rising 0.97% to 26,845.93, while the S&P 500 advanced 0.84% to 7,813.91. The Dow Jones gained 0.50% to 54,041.72.

The main catalyst was July's Producer Price Index. Headline PPI was unchanged month over month, below the 0.2% increase expected and following a 0.1% decline previously. Core PPI increased 0.2%, also below the 0.3% forecast and slowing from 0.4%.

The softer producer-price figures reinforced expectations that inflationary pressures in the production pipeline remain contained, potentially giving the Federal Reserve greater flexibility to lower interest rates.

Labor data were somewhat less supportive. Initial jobless claims rose to 209,000, above the 202,000 expected and 200,000 previously. However, continuing claims declined to 1.777 million, better than the 1.800 million forecast.

The combination of cooling producer inflation without clear evidence of severe labor-market deterioration created a favorable backdrop for equities. Technology stocks responded particularly strongly, helping the Nasdaq outperform as lower inflation expectations improved the outlook for interest-rate-sensitive growth valuations.

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The Investor 08-13-26

Nasdaq Leads US Stocks Higher After Inflation Data Matches Expectations

U.S. stocks traded mostly higher Wednesday after July inflation data came in exactly in line with expectations, with technology shares outperforming as the report avoided an upside inflation surprise that could have renewed concerns over Federal Reserve policy.

The Nasdaq was the strongest major index, rising 0.48% to 26,573.43. The S&P 500 gained 0.19% to 7,742.85, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average lagged, slipping 0.03% to 53,776.39.

CPI Data Supports Technology Stocks

Headline U.S. CPI increased 0.1% month-over-month in July, matching expectations, while annual inflation eased to 3.4% from 3.5%.

Core CPI also matched forecasts, rising 0.2% monthly while the annual rate slowed to 2.5% from 2.6%.

The absence of an upside inflation surprise was particularly supportive for technology and other growth stocks. Cooling annual inflation reduces the risk that the Federal Reserve will need to return to a more aggressive monetary-policy stance, an environment generally favorable for higher-duration growth valuations.

However, because all four major CPI readings matched consensus estimates, the report did not provide a major dovish surprise. That helps explain the relatively moderate gain in the broader S&P 500 and the nearly flat Dow.

Nasdaq Outperforms Broader Market

The divergence among the major indexes points to stronger investor appetite for technology and growth stocks rather than a broad-based post-CPI rally.

The Nasdaq's 0.48% advance substantially outpaced the S&P 500's 0.19% gain, while the Dow remained slightly negative. AI and semiconductor shares continue to provide additional support to the technology-heavy index, alongside the favorable inflation reaction.

For Wall Street, the July CPI report largely preserves the existing macroeconomic narrative: inflation is gradually cooling, but remains above the Federal Reserve's 2% target. With the report producing no significant surprise, investors are likely to shift their attention toward upcoming economic releases and their implications for interest rates.

For now, the combination of easing annual inflation and no upside CPI shock is providing a modestly positive backdrop for U.S. equities, with technology stocks and the Nasdaq emerging as the clearest beneficiaries.

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WS Investor 08-12-26

U.S. Existing Home Sales Fall 1.7% in July as High Mortgage Rates Weigh on Housing

U.S. existing home sales declined 1.7% month over month in July 2026 to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.06 million units, down from 4.13 million in June. The headline level was roughly in line with market expectations of around 4.05 million.

According to the National Association of Realtors, sales were nevertheless 0.7% higher than a year earlier, marking a fourth consecutive annual increase. Housing inventory fell 1.9% from June to 1.54 million units, equivalent to 4.6 months of supply. The median existing-home price increased 2.0% year over year to $434,100.

According to Reuters, elevated borrowing costs remain a major constraint on the housing market, with the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate recently reaching 6.69%, its highest level since July 2025. Higher rates are discouraging potential buyers while also limiting supply as homeowners with lower-rate mortgages remain reluctant to sell.

Overall, the July report points to continued weakness in housing activity rather than a sharp deterioration. Sales remain subdued near the 4 million annualized level, with a more meaningful recovery likely dependent on lower mortgage rates and improved affordability.

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The Investor 08-11-26

U.S. 6-Month Treasury Bill Yield Falls to 3.830%

The U.S. Treasury's latest six-month bill auction produced a yield of 3.830%, down slightly from 3.855% at the previous auction.

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WS Investor 08-10-26

US One-Year Inflation Expectations Ease to 3.6% in July

U.S. consumers' near-term inflation expectations declined slightly in July, adding to signs that inflation concerns are gradually moderating.

The New York Fed's one-year consumer inflation expectation fell to 3.6% from 3.7% previously.

The decline is modest but potentially supportive for the Federal Reserve, particularly alongside Friday's much weaker-than-expected employment report. July nonfarm payrolls fell by 23,000, while average hourly earnings increased just 0.1% month-over-month.

Together, softer wage growth, weaker employment and slightly lower consumer inflation expectations reduce pressure on the Fed to consider additional monetary tightening.

The data also support Friday's positive reaction in U.S. equities, particularly rate-sensitive technology stocks, as investors increasingly focus on the possibility that monetary policy can remain accommodative without a renewed acceleration in inflation expectations.

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Global Finance News 08-07-26

US Stocks Rise After July Payrolls Shock as Weak Jobs Data Eases Fed Rate-Hike Fears

U.S. stocks moved higher Friday after a surprisingly weak July employment report reduced concerns that the Federal Reserve may need to raise interest rates again.

The Nasdaq is leading the advance, rising 0.74% to 26,543.88. The S&P 500 is up 0.28% at 7,731.76, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average is gaining 0.12% to 53,948.27.

The positive market reaction followed data showing the U.S. economy unexpectedly lost 23,000 jobs in July, compared with expectations for an increase of roughly 80,000–85,000. The prior month was also revised to a loss of 20,000 jobs, adding to evidence of a weakening labor market.

Wage Growth Also Comes in Weak

The payroll disappointment was accompanied by softer wage growth. Average hourly earnings increased just 0.1% month-over-month in July, below the 0.3% consensus estimate and the previous month's 0.3% increase.

Annual wage growth also slowed, reinforcing signs that labor-market-driven inflationary pressures are easing.

One counterpoint came from the unemployment rate, which unexpectedly declined to 4.1% from 4.2%. However, weaker labor-force participation complicated the otherwise positive signal from the lower unemployment rate.

Nasdaq Leads as Rate Expectations Support Tech Stocks

Technology stocks are outperforming as investors focus on what the weak employment report could mean for monetary policy.

The Nasdaq's 0.74% advance is considerably stronger than the S&P 500's 0.28% gain and the Dow's 0.12% rise. Growth and technology stocks tend to be particularly sensitive to interest-rate expectations, making them among the primary beneficiaries of reduced expectations for additional monetary tightening.

Stronger economic conditions had recently increased concerns that persistent inflation could force the Fed to maintain a restrictive policy stance or potentially return to rate increases. Friday's unexpectedly weak payroll and wage figures weaken that argument.

Weak Jobs Data Creates a Delicate Balance

The market reaction nevertheless highlights a delicate balance for investors.

Moderate labor-market cooling can be positive for equities because it reduces wage pressure and the risk of higher interest rates. But an outright decline in payrolls is a stronger warning signal. If job losses persist, attention could quickly shift from Fed policy toward concerns about consumer spending, economic growth and corporate earnings.

For now, Wall Street appears to be treating the July employment shock primarily as a dovish monetary-policy signal. The Nasdaq's strong outperformance suggests reduced rate-hike risk is outweighing concerns about the weakening U.S. labor market in Friday's early trading.

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Global Finance News 08-07-26

The U.S. services sector accelerated more than expected in July, while overall private-sector business activity reached its strongest level in several months, highlighting the economy's resilience despite signs of a cooling labor market.

S&P Global Services PMI (Jul)
Actual: 54.6
Forecast: 53.6
Previous: 51.2
S&P Global Composite PMI (Jul)
Actual: 54.5
Forecast: 53.6
Previous: 51.9

Both readings comfortably exceeded expectations and improved sharply from June, signaling a broad-based acceleration in business activity. A Services PMI of 54.6 points to robust expansion in the largest part of the U.S. economy, supported by stronger demand and business confidence. Meanwhile, the Composite PMI indicates that overall private-sector activity gained momentum as both services and manufacturing contributed to growth.

The stronger PMI data contrasts with the weaker-than-expected ADP employment report released earlier in the day, suggesting that while hiring may be slowing, business activity remains healthy. This mixed picture is likely to keep investors focused on upcoming labor market data, particularly Friday's official Nonfarm Payrolls report.

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The Investor 08-05-26

The U.S. labor market added fewer private-sector jobs than expected in July, according to the latest ADP Employment Report.

Actual: 44K
Forecast: 68K
Previous: 95K

Private payroll growth slowed sharply from June and missed market expectations, pointing to a cooling labor market. While employment continued to increase, the pace of hiring was the weakest in several months, suggesting employers are becoming more cautious amid slowing economic activity and elevated borrowing costs.

The softer-than-expected reading is likely to strengthen expectations that the Federal Reserve will have more room to ease monetary policy if broader labor market data confirm the trend. Investors will now closely watch Friday's official Nonfarm Payrolls report to determine whether the weakness seen in the ADP report is reflected in the government's employment data.

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The Investor 08-05-26

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NYSE:CHWYFollow

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Chewy Holds Near Flat Despite Strong Results as Investors Weigh Long-Term Growth Outlook

Chewy (NYSE: CHWY) traded slightly lower on Wednesday following a strong first-quarter earnings report, with the muted reaction reflecting investor caution after a difficult year for the stock rather than concerns about the quarter itself.

The online pet products retailer reported first-quarter revenue of $3.36 billion, up 7.7% year over year, while delivering record profitability. Gross margin expanded to 30.1%, adjusted EBITDA surged 31% to $253.1 million, and adjusted earnings per share increased to $0.43. The company also added nearly 200,000 net active customers during the quarter, demonstrating continued market share gains.

Despite these solid results, Chewy shares remain down roughly 55% over the past year. That decline has been driven by broader concerns about slowing consumer spending, uncertainty surrounding growth in the pet industry, and investor skepticism about whether pandemic-era demand trends can be sustained over the long term.

As a result, the market's focus has shifted beyond quarterly earnings beats toward the company's ability to deliver sustained growth over multiple years. While Chewy's profitability has improved significantly, investors continue to watch closely for signs of accelerating customer growth, increasing spending per customer, and expanding opportunities in higher-margin categories such as pet healthcare, pharmacy services, and sponsored advertising.

The latest results suggest management is executing well. Revenue growth outpaced much of the broader pet retail market, margins reached record levels, and free cash flow generation remained strong. Chief Executive Officer Sumit Singh emphasized that Chewy continues to gain market share despite a challenging consumer environment.

The stock's muted reaction likely reflects a market that was already expecting strong results and remains focused on longer-term questions rather than near-term profitability improvements. After losing more than half its value over the past year, investors appear to be waiting for clearer evidence that Chewy can return to a more sustained growth trajectory before significantly re-rating the shares.

Nevertheless, the quarter reinforced Chewy's position as one of the strongest operators in the pet retail industry. If the company can continue combining mid-to-high single-digit revenue growth with expanding margins and consistent customer additions, investor sentiment toward the stock could improve substantially over time.

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European Investor 06-10-26

Chewy Posts Strong Third-Quarter Results as Margins and Profit Surge

Chewy reported another quarter of solid growth for fiscal Q3 2025, with net sales rising 8.3 percent year over year to $3.12 billion. Profitability improved sharply: net income reached $59.2 million, lifting net margin to 1.9 percent, up 180 basis points from a year ago. Basic and diluted earnings per share rose to $0.14, a $0.13 improvement.

The company delivered significant gains in adjusted metrics as well. Adjusted EBITDA increased to $180.9 million, with the margin expanding to 5.8 percent. Adjusted net income climbed to $135.7 million, supporting adjusted diluted EPS of $0.32.

CEO Sumit Singh said Chewy continues to outperform the broader pet care market, citing strong execution, structural resilience, and free cash flow generation. The company exceeded the high end of its Q3 sales outlook while expanding margins.

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The Investor 12-10-25

Chewy, Inc. has released its financial results for the first quarter of fiscal year 2025 ended May 4, 2025.

Fiscal Q1 2025 Highlights:

•Net sales of $3.12 billion increased 8.3 percent year over year
•Gross margin of 29.6 percent decreased 10 basis points year over year
•Net income of $62.4 million, including share-based compensation expense and related taxes of $78.0 million
•Net margin of 2.0 percent decreased 30 basis points year over year
•Basic earnings per share of $0.15, consistent year over year
•Diluted earnings per share of $0.15, consistent year over year
•Adjusted EBITDA(1) of $192.7 million, an increase of $29.8 million year over year
•Adjusted EBITDA margin(1) of 6.2 percent increased 50 basis points year over year
•Adjusted net income(1) of $148.9 million, an increase of $11.8 million year over year
•Adjusted basic earnings per share(1) of $0.36, an increase of $0.04 year over year
•Adjusted diluted earnings per share(1) of $0.35, an increase of $0.04 year over year

💬 🔗

WS Investor 06-12-25

Chewy CFO David Reeder to Depart; Company Reaffirms Q1 Guidance

Chewy, Inc. (NYSE: CHWY) announced that Chief Financial Officer David Reeder will leave the company in the coming months to become CEO of a semiconductor firm. Reeder will remain in his current role through Chewy’s next earnings release in June and will assist in a smooth leadership transition.
CEO Sumit Singh expressed appreciation for Reeder’s contributions and emphasized that the company’s long-term strategy and business momentum remain on track. Chewy also reaffirmed its previously issued financial guidance for the first quarter of fiscal 2025.
The company has initiated a search for Reeder’s successor.
Chewy reiterated its commitment to delivering high-quality pet products and services, supported by its extensive online platform and partnerships with over 3,200 brands.

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WS News 05-13-25

Chewy, Inc. Appoints Dr. Nat Goldhaber to Board of Directors

Plantation, Florida – Chewy, Inc. (NYSE: CHWY) announced that its Board of Directors has increased its size from thirteen to fourteen directors, appointing Dr. Nat Goldhaber as a Class I director. His term will expire at the Company’s annual meeting of stockholders in 2026.

Dr. Goldhaber brings extensive experience in venture capital, clean energy, and technology, having co-founded Claremont Creek Ventures and founded CyberGold, Inc. He has held prominent leadership roles at Kaleida Labs, Cole Gilburne Goldhaber & Ariyoshi Management, and Sun Microsystems.

Dr. Goldhaber will receive standard non-affiliated director compensation, and the Company has entered into an indemnification agreement with him. His appointment was made without any arrangement or understanding with other persons.

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M

ME NEWS 04-28-25

Chewy Amends Credit Agreement, Extends Maturity to 2030
Plantation, FL – April 1, 2025 – Chewy, Inc. (NYSE: CHWY) announced it has entered into Amendment No. 3 to its Asset-Based Lending (ABL) Credit Agreement, originally dated June 18, 2019.

Key changes include:

Extension of the maturity date to April 1, 2030

Removal of the 10 basis point SOFR credit spread adjustment

Enhanced flexibility in financial covenants and reporting

Increased thresholds for default events

Greater capacity for additional revolving commitments

The amended agreement involves Wells Fargo as administrative agent and JPMorgan Chase as syndication agent. The update was disclosed under Items 1.01 and 2.03 in a Form 8-K filed with the SEC.

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M

ME NEWS 04-03-25

Chewy ends fiscal 2024 with record sales, improved margins, and strong customer growth

Chewy reported fiscal fourth quarter 2024 net sales of $3.25 billion, a 14.9% increase year over year, and full-year sales of $11.86 billion, up 6.4%. quarterly gross margin expanded 30 basis points to 28.5%, while adjusted ebitda rose 44% to $124.5 million. full-year net income reached $392.7 million, up significantly from $39.6 million in 2023, with a net margin of 3.3%. adjusted diluted earnings per share for the year grew to $1.04 from $0.69. autoship customer sales represented over 79% of annual sales, reflecting strong loyalty. free cash flow for the year was $452.5 million, up 31.9%. the company ended the year with 20.5 million active customers and remains focused on innovation and strategic execution in 2025.

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WS News 03-26-25

Chewy, Inc. announced the appointment of Deborah Ellinger to its Board of Directors, increasing the board size from twelve to thirteen members. Ellinger, an experienced executive and board member, has extensive expertise in consumer products and pet-related industries. She is currently a Senior Advisor at Boston Consulting Group (BCG), where she works with private equity clients in consumer and retail investments.

Her career includes leadership roles as CEO or President at multiple private-equity-backed companies, including Ideal Image, The Princeton Review, Restoration Hardware, and Wellness Pet Food. She also held senior executive positions at CVS Pharmacy, Staples, and BCG, and began her career in banking at Mellon Financial Corporation.

Ellinger has served on various public and private boards, including Tupperware, iRobot, Covetrus, Sealy, and Interpublic, among others. She holds a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts from the University of Cambridge, UK, and is a non-practicing Barrister-at-Law.

The Board determined that Ellinger qualifies as an independent director under SEC and NYSE regulations. She will serve as a Class II director with a term expiring in 2027 and will receive Chewy’s standard annual compensation for non-affiliated directors. Additionally, she has entered into an indemnification agreement with the company similar to those of other directors.

There are no related-party transactions requiring disclosure, and her appointment was not based on any prior arrangement or understanding with other individuals.

This appointment is effective as of February 21, 2025, and was officially signed by Da-Wai Hu, General Counsel and Secretary of Chewy, Inc.

💬 🔗

European Investor 02-26-25

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NASDAQ:METAFollow

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Meta Stock Falls 9% Premarket Despite Strong Revenue Growth as Profit Margins Shrink on AI Spending

Meta Platforms (NASDAQ: META) shares dropped 9% in premarket trading on Thursday after the social media giant reported second-quarter results that highlighted the growing cost of its aggressive artificial intelligence investments, overshadowing another quarter of strong revenue growth.

Revenue increased 28% year-over-year to $60.8 billion, driven by continued strength in digital advertising. Ad impressions rose 14%, while the average price per ad increased 12%. Family Daily Active People (DAP) reached 3.60 billion, up 3% from a year earlier, demonstrating continued user engagement across Meta's platforms.

## AI Investment Weighs on Profitability

Despite the robust top-line growth, investors focused on a sharp deterioration in profitability. Total costs and expenses surged 55% to $42.0 billion, reflecting massive AI infrastructure investments, $2.4 billion in legal-related charges and $1.18 billion in severance costs following the company's May workforce reduction.

As a result, operating income declined 8% to $18.8 billion, while operating margin contracted to 31% from 43% a year ago. Net income fell 14% to $15.8 billion, and diluted earnings per share decreased 13% to $6.18.

Meta also spent $31.1 billion on capital expenditures during the quarter and narrowed its full-year capital expenditure guidance to $130-145 billion, reinforcing expectations that AI infrastructure spending will remain elevated.

## Guidance Offers Limited Relief

For the third quarter, Meta expects revenue between $61 billion and $64 billion, while raising the lower end of its full-year expense guidance to $165-169 billion. The company maintained its expectation that full-year operating income will exceed 2025 levels, but investors appeared more concerned about the pace of spending than the revenue outlook.

## What to Watch

The sharp premarket decline suggests investors are becoming increasingly sensitive to profitability as large technology companies continue investing heavily in AI. Going forward, the market will closely monitor whether Meta can translate its record AI spending into stronger earnings growth while preserving operating margins.

💬 🔗

European Investor 07-30-26

Meta Beats Q1 Estimates, But Surging AI Capex Spooks Investors

Meta Platforms delivered a strong Q1 2026, yet shares slid after hours as Wall Street fixated on a massive spending hike.

Revenue climbed 33% year-over-year to $56.31 billion — the fastest growth since 2021 — beating estimates of $55.45 billion. Adjusted EPS came in at $7.31, topping the $6.79 consensus. Ad impressions jumped 19% year-over-year, while average price per ad rose 12%.

The trouble? AI spending. Meta raised its full-year 2026 capex guidance to $125–$145 billion, up from $115–$135 billion, citing higher component pricing and additional data center costs — and that single line item drove a ~6% after-hours decline.

META shares were trading at $613.00 in pre-market, down 8.39%.

Zuckerberg's AI investments have yet to produce new revenue streams but have strengthened the core advertising business. For now, markets want proof the bet will pay off (CNBC).

💬 🔗

WS Investor 04-30-26

Meta Posts 33% Revenue Growth in Q1 2026, Hits $56.3 Billion

Meta Platforms reported first-quarter revenues of $56.3 billion, up 33% year over year, with operating income rising 30% to $22.9 billion at a 41% margin. Net income surged 61% to $26.8 billion, though results were boosted by an $8 billion one-time tax benefit. Daily active users across Meta's family of apps averaged 3.56 billion in March, up 4% from a year ago. Ad impressions grew 19% and average ad prices rose 12%. Capital expenditures reached $19.8 billion for the quarter, with full-year capex guidance raised to $125-145 billion, reflecting higher component costs and expanded data center investment. For Q2, Meta guided revenues of $58-61 billion.

Source: Meta Platforms, Inc. Press Release, April 29, 2026

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Global Finance News 04-29-26

Meta has signed a major agreement with Amazon Web Services to deploy AWS Graviton processors at scale, supporting its next-generation AI infrastructure. The rollout will begin with tens of millions of Graviton cores, with capacity expected to expand as demand grows.

The partnership reflects increasing demand for CPU-intensive workloads driven by “agentic AI,” including real-time reasoning, code generation, and multi-step task orchestration. While GPUs remain key for training models, Graviton chips are positioned to handle large-scale operational AI processes more efficiently.

The deal strengthens Meta’s long-standing relationship with AWS and supports its broader AI strategy, leveraging Amazon’s cloud infrastructure and services to manage billions of AI-driven interactions.
Business Wire

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The Investor 04-26-26

Get Smart: Is It Too Late to Invest in US Stocks?

It’s never about getting the perfect price. It’s about getting the business right — and staying invested long enough for it to matter.

(thesmartinvestor.com.sg)

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European Investor 04-23-26

Meta Platforms, Inc. and CBRE Group, Inc. announced the launch of “LevelUp,” a multi-year workforce development program aimed at training thousands of technicians to support data center construction across the United States.

Under the initiative, CBRE will establish training centers nationwide, beginning in summer 2026, to prepare workers in installing fiber-optic cables, network infrastructure, and other mission-critical equipment. Graduates will have opportunities to work on Meta’s data center projects through its contractor network.

The program targets the growing shortage of skilled fiber technicians, while creating new career pathways for high school graduates and individuals seeking to enter the skilled trades. It is designed to provide broadly applicable technical skills relevant across the data center and construction industries.

Meta highlighted that the initiative supports its expanding infrastructure footprint, with 27 data centers currently operational or under construction in the U.S., and reinforces its broader investment in workforce development tied to AI-driven infrastructure growth.
Business Wire

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Global Finance News 04-20-26

Meta Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ: META) announced that the company's first quarter 2026 financial results will be released after market close on Wednesday, April 29th, 2026.

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WS Investor 04-14-26

Corning and Meta Platforms announced the start of construction on a major optical cable manufacturing expansion in North Carolina to support growing demand for AI data center infrastructure.

The project is part of a multiyear agreement valued at up to $6 billion, under which Corning will supply advanced optical fiber and connectivity solutions for Meta’s data centers. Meta will serve as the anchor customer for the new facility, which is expected to strengthen domestic manufacturing capabilities and supply chains.

The expansion is also set to boost employment in the region, potentially increasing Corning’s workforce in North Carolina by up to 20%. Both companies highlighted the importance of high-performance connectivity in scaling AI infrastructure and maintaining U.S. leadership in advanced technologies.

The initiative underscores accelerating investment in data center capacity as demand for AI computing continues to grow.
Business Wire

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WS Investor 04-01-26

Meta announces 4 new AI chips, raising competitive stakes with Nvidia, AMD

Meta has debuted four new AI chips. increasing competition with Nvidia and AMD.

(finance.yahoo.com)

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WS News 03-11-26

Is Meta Still a Buy at Current Valuation?

Explore whether Meta still represents a buy at current valuation after significant investment in artificial intelligence.

(thesmartinvestor.com.sg)

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WS Investor 03-09-26

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NYSE:WRBYFollow

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VantagePoint Vantagepoint A.I. Hot Stocks Outlook for October 31, 2025 Stocks $PSA, $QGEN, $CIEN, $LCID, $GS, $WRBY

hot stocks outlook for the week ...

(vantagepointsoftware.com)

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Global Finance News 11-02-25

Warby Parker and Google Partner to Create AI-Powered Smart Glasses

Warby Parker (NYSE: WRBY) announced a new partnership with Google to develop intelligent eyewear powered by multimodal AI, designed for all-day wear. The collaboration marks the first eyewear initiative for Google’s Android XR platform.

The planned smart glasses will combine Warby Parker’s design expertise with Google’s advanced tech ecosystem. Launch of the first product line is expected after 2025 and will include prescription and non-prescription options.

Google has committed up to $150 million to the partnership: $75 million toward product development and commercialization, and up to $75 million in equity investment, subject to milestone achievements.
This initiative aims to bring enhanced real-time contextual awareness to users through AI, furthering Warby Parker’s vision of blending design, accessibility, and innovation.

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WS Investor 05-21-25

Warby Parker Q1 2025 Earnings Summary: Returns to Profit with Strong Revenue and Customer Growth

Warby Parker reported first-quarter 2025 results that mark its first profitable quarter as a public company, fueled by double-digit revenue growth, improved operating leverage, and strong customer metrics.

Key Financial Highlights:
• Net revenue: $223.8 million, up 11.9% year-over-year
• Net income: $3.5 million, vs. a loss of $2.7 million in Q1 2024
• Adjusted EBITDA: $29.2 million, up from $22.4 million
• Adjusted EBITDA margin: 13.1%, compared to 11.2%
• Free cash flow: $13.2 million, more than doubled from $5.5 million
• Gross margin: 56.3%, slightly down from 56.7% due to higher contact lens sales and occupancy costs
• SG&A: $123.5 million (55.2% of revenue); Adjusted SG&A fell to 49.3% of revenue

Operational Metrics:
• Active Customers: 2.57 million, up 8.7%
• Average Revenue per Customer: $310, up 4.8%
• Net new store openings: 11; total store count reached 287

Balance Sheet:
• Cash and cash equivalents: $265.1 million
• No significant debt reported

2025 Outlook (Revised):
• Full-year revenue: $869–886 million (13–15% growth)
• Adjusted EBITDA: $91–97 million (margin of 10.5–11.0%)
• Planned store openings: 45, including 5 Target shop-in-shops

Co-CEOs Neil Blumenthal and Dave Gilboa highlighted strong e-commerce momentum and disciplined expense control as drivers of the quarter’s success. CFO Steve Miller emphasized sustainable growth and improved margin performance heading into the rest of 2025.

💬 🔗

Global Finance News 05-09-25

Warby Parker reported strong financial results for the fourth quarter and full-year 2024, achieving double-digit revenue growth and increased profitability while expanding its customer base and store footprint.

Key financial highlights:

Fourth Quarter 2024:
- Net revenue: $190.6 million, up 17.8% from Q4 2023
- Gross margin: 54.1%, an improvement from 53.8%
- Active customers: 2.51 million, up 7.8%
- Average revenue per customer: $307, up 6.8%
- GAAP net loss: $6.9 million, an improvement from a $19.0 million loss
- Adjusted EBITDA: $13.8 million, up from $9.4 million
- Adjusted EBITDA margin: 7.3%, an increase of 1.5 percentage points

Full-Year 2024:
- Net revenue: $771.3 million, up 15.2%
- Gross margin: 55.3%, an improvement from 54.5%
- GAAP net loss: $20.4 million, an improvement from a $63.2 million loss
- Adjusted EBITDA: $73.1 million, up 40% year-over-year
- Adjusted EBITDA margin: 9.5%, an increase of 1.7 percentage points
- Net cash provided by operating activities: $98.7 million, up from $61.0 million
- Free cash flow: $34.7 million, up from $7.3 million
- Opened 41 new stores, bringing the total to 276 locations

Recent developments:
- Announced a partnership with Target to launch five Warby Parker shop-in-shops in 2025, with potential for future expansion.

2025 outlook:
- Net revenue of $878 million to $893 million, reflecting 14% to 16% growth
- Adjusted EBITDA of approximately $97 million, with a margin of around 11%
- 45 new store openings, including five Target shop-in-shops

CEO commentary:
Co-founders and co-CEOs Dave Gilboa and Neil Blumenthal expressed confidence in the company’s strong foundation and strategic growth, emphasizing exceptional customer experiences, scaling vision care services, and increasing impact.

Conclusion:
Warby Parker continues to strengthen its position in the eyewear market, delivering revenue growth, customer expansion, and improving profitability. With increased store openings, new partnerships, and a focus on operational efficiency, the company is poised for further growth in 2025.

💬 🔗

Global Finance News 02-27-25

Evercore downgrades WRBY from outperform to hold

💬 🔗

European Investor 01-19-25

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08-16-26WS News

NASDAQ:COSTFollow

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Costco July Sales Rise 10.7% as Digital Growth Remains Strong

Costco Wholesale (NASDAQ: COST) reported strong July sales growth, supported by higher comparable sales in the U.S. and continued strength in its digitally enabled business.

Net sales reached $23.12 billion for the four weeks ended August 2, up 10.7% from $20.89 billion a year earlier. For the first 48 weeks of the fiscal year, net sales increased 10.1% to $273.55 billion.

## Comparable Sales Rise 8.9%

Total comparable sales increased 8.9% in July, led by a 10.3% increase in the U.S. Canada comparable sales rose 4.2%, while other international markets increased 6.0%.

Excluding fluctuations in gasoline prices and foreign exchange rates, total comparable sales increased 6.6%. On the same adjusted basis, U.S. comparable sales rose 6.9%, Canada increased 4.9% and other international markets gained 6.6%.

Costco's digitally enabled business remained one of its fastest-growing channels, with comparable sales rising 17.7%, or 18.2% excluding gasoline and currency effects.

The July figures indicate that Costco continues to generate solid underlying sales growth across its warehouse and digital operations. With 48-week net sales now more than 10% above last year's level, the results reinforce the retailer's strong sales momentum heading toward the end of its fiscal year.

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Global Finance News 08-07-26

Costco Stock Falls 1.7% Premarket After JPMorgan Lowers Price Target

Costco Wholesale (NASDAQ: COST) shares fell 1.7% in premarket trading on Thursday after JPMorgan lowered its price target on the warehouse retailer to $1,100 from $1,110 while maintaining its *Overweight* rating.

Why Is Costco Stock Falling Today?

The modest premarket decline followed a slight reduction in JPMorgan's price target, although the firm continued to recommend the stock with an *Overweight* rating, signaling that its long-term investment thesis remains intact.

The revised target reflects a more conservative valuation rather than a change in the company's underlying fundamentals, as the new target still implies upside from Costco's recent trading price.

Costco's Fundamentals Remain Strong

Costco continues to benefit from resilient consumer spending, industry-leading membership renewal rates, and steady traffic across its warehouse network. The retailer has also maintained strong comparable sales growth by offering competitive pricing and expanding its private-label Kirkland Signature products.

In recent quarters, Costco has continued to gain market share as consumers increasingly seek value amid a still uncertain economic environment.

What Investors Are Watching Next

Investors will continue to monitor monthly comparable sales, membership fee income, and consumer spending trends for signs that Costco can sustain its growth momentum. Market participants are also watching for any future updates regarding membership fee increases and the company's ongoing warehouse expansion plans.

While the slight reduction in JPMorgan's price target weighed on shares in premarket trading, the firm's continued *Overweight* rating suggests Wall Street remains constructive on Costco's long-term growth prospects.

💬 🔗

The Investor 07-09-26

Costco Shares Slip After Citi Starts Coverage With Neutral Rating

Costco (NASDAQ: COST) fell 1.3% after Citigroup initiated coverage of the warehouse retailer with a Neutral rating and a $1,020 price target.

The rating reflects a balanced view of Costco's strong business fundamentals and premium valuation. Citi acknowledged the company's industry-leading membership model, loyal customer base, and consistent execution, but suggested much of that strength is already reflected in the stock price.

Costco remains one of the retail sector's top performers, benefiting from high membership renewal rates, resilient consumer demand, and steady market-share gains. The company also generates a significant portion of its profits from recurring membership fees, providing a stable earnings base.

While Citi's price target implies some upside from current levels, investors appeared to focus on the Neutral rating, sending shares modestly lower. The reaction suggests valuation concerns may be outweighing the company's otherwise strong long-term growth outlook.

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Global Finance News 06-18-26

Costco Gains After Analyst Reiterates Rating Following Strong Earnings Report

Costco Wholesale (COST) shares rose about 1.4% as investors continued to digest the company's recent earnings report and a fresh analyst update from DA Davidson.

The firm reiterated its Neutral rating on Costco while maintaining a $1,000 price target, signaling confidence in the retailer's operational strength despite the stock's already premium valuation. With shares trading near $976, the target suggests analysts see limited but still positive upside from current levels.

Costco recently reported another solid quarter, supported by strong membership renewal rates, resilient consumer spending, and continued growth in e-commerce and international operations. The retailer has consistently outperformed many competitors by offering value-focused pricing, a strategy that remains attractive even as consumers navigate an uncertain economic environment.

While analysts continue to praise Costco's business model, loyal customer base, and steady cash generation, some remain cautious about valuation after the stock's strong performance over the past several years. This helps explain the Neutral rating despite the company's strong fundamentals.

Today's gain suggests investors remain confident in Costco's ability to deliver stable growth regardless of broader economic conditions. As consumers continue to prioritize value and essential spending, Costco remains one of the most defensive and reliable names in the retail sector.

💬 🔗

WS Investor 06-04-26

Costco Slips 3% Despite Strong Earnings Beat as Investors Digest Valuation and Slowing Adjusted Comparable Sales

COSTCO fell 3% following its fiscal third-quarter 2026 earnings report, even though the warehouse retail giant delivered another quarter of double-digit sales growth, strong comparable sales and rising profitability. The pullback appears to reflect investor concerns over valuation and signs of moderating growth rather than any weakness in the underlying business.

Costco reported third-quarter net sales of $69.15 billion, an increase of 11.6% from a year earlier, while total revenue rose to $70.53 billion. Net income climbed to $2.19 billion, or $4.93 per diluted share, up from $1.90 billion, or $4.28 per share, in the prior-year period. The results continued Costco’s long track record of consistent growth and operational execution.

Comparable sales remained impressive across all major markets. Reported comparable sales increased 9.8% companywide, including gains of 9.4% in the United States, 10.7% in Canada and 11.2% in other international markets. Digital sales were particularly strong, rising 21.5% during the quarter.

However, investors appeared to focus on the adjusted comparable sales figures, which exclude gasoline price fluctuations and foreign exchange effects. On that basis, total company comparable sales growth was 6.6%, a solid result but somewhat lower than the headline figures and indicative of a more moderate pace of underlying growth.

Another factor likely weighing on the stock was valuation. Costco shares entered the earnings release near all-time highs after significantly outperforming the broader market over the past several years. With expectations elevated, even strong results may not have been enough to justify further multiple expansion.

Despite the market reaction, Costco's financial position remains exceptionally strong. Cash and cash equivalents rose to nearly $19 billion, operating cash flow increased to $11.1 billion during the first 36 weeks of fiscal 2026, and operating income climbed 12.3% year over year to $2.82 billion in the quarter. Membership fee revenue also increased to $1.37 billion, providing a stable and highly profitable recurring revenue stream.

The company continues to expand globally, ending the quarter with 931 warehouses worldwide, including seven locations in China and growing operations across Europe and Asia. Digital sales growth above 20% also highlights Costco’s increasing ability to blend its traditional warehouse model with e-commerce capabilities.

The stock's decline suggests investors were taking profits after another strong run rather than reacting to disappointing fundamentals. Costco delivered robust sales growth, expanding profits and continued market share gains, but with the shares already priced for near-perfection, the market appeared to demand an even larger upside surprise to sustain the rally.

💬 🔗

The Investor 05-30-26

Costco announced a quarterly cash dividend on common stock and approved a quarterly increase from $1.30 to $1.47 per share, $5.88 on an annualized basis. The quarterly dividend is payable May 15, 2026, to shareholders of record at the close of business on May 1, 2026.

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WS Investor 04-16-26

Costco Reports Strong March Sales Growth Despite Calendar Headwind

Costco Wholesale Corporation reported net sales of $28.41 billion for March (five weeks ended April 5, 2026), marking an 11.3% increase year-over-year.

Comparable sales rose 9.4% globally, with solid performance across regions, including 8.7% growth in the U.S. and double-digit gains internationally. E-commerce continued to outperform, with digitally enabled sales surging over 23%.

For the first 31 weeks of the fiscal year, total sales reached $173.26 billion, up 9.1% from the prior year.

The company noted that having one fewer shopping day due to the Easter calendar shift negatively impacted results by approximately 1.5 percentage points, indicating underlying demand remained strong.

Costco’s performance highlights resilient consumer spending and continued momentum in both physical and digital retail channels.
Globe Newswire

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WS Investor 04-09-26

Costco Wholesale Corporation reported solid January sales growth, with net sales rising 9.3% year over year to $21.33 billion for the four weeks ended February 1, 2026. For the first 22 weeks of the fiscal year, net sales increased 8.5% to $123.16 billion.

Comparable sales grew 7.1% globally for the four-week period and 6.6% over 22 weeks, led by strong performance in Canada and international markets, while digitally enabled comparable sales surged 34.4% for the month. Excluding the effects of gasoline price changes and foreign exchange, total company comparable sales rose 6.4% for the four weeks and 6.3% year to date. The later timing of Lunar and Chinese New Year modestly weighed on international results.

Source: Costco Wholesale Corporation, GlobeNewswire, February 4, 2026.

💬 🔗

WS Investor 02-06-26

Costco has declared a quarterly cash dividend on common stock of $1.30 per share. The quarterly dividend is payable February 13, 2026, to shareholders of record at the close of business on January 30, 2026.

💬 🔗

European Investor 01-17-26

Costco Wholesale Corporation reported net sales of $29.86 billion for December, covering the five weeks ended January 4, 2026, representing an 8.5% increase from the prior year. For the first 18 weeks of the fiscal year, net sales rose 8.3% year over year to $101.83 billion.

Comparable sales increased 7.0% companywide for the five-week period, with digitally enabled sales up 18.9%. Excluding gasoline price and foreign exchange impacts, total comparable sales grew 6.2%, highlighting continued strong demand across U.S., Canadian, and international markets.

Source: Costco Wholesale Corporation / GlobeNewswire

💬 🔗

WS Investor 01-08-26

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NYSE:WMTFollow

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Walmart Completes Vibe*co Acquisition to Expand Connected TV Advertising Business

Walmart announced it has completed its acquisition of Vibe*co, a self-service connected TV (CTV) advertising platform, strengthening Walmart Connect's commerce media business and expanding its presence in streaming television advertising.

The acquisition combines Vibe*co's self-service advertising platform with Walmart Connect's retail media capabilities, enabling advertisers to plan, purchase and measure streaming TV campaigns more easily. Walmart said the deal will make connected TV advertising more accessible for businesses of all sizes while helping brands better connect advertising campaigns with measurable shopping outcomes.

Vibe*co, founded in 2021, has developed a platform used by more than 10,000 advertisers to launch streaming TV campaigns across premium publishers through simplified campaign management, flexible budgets and AI-powered optimization.

Walmart said the acquisition will enhance Walmart Connect's ability to deliver closed-loop advertising solutions by integrating first-party customer insights with streaming, digital and in-store advertising channels. The company expects the transaction to create new opportunities for suppliers, marketplace sellers and brands to reach customers throughout the shopping journey while improving campaign measurement and effectiveness.

The acquisition reflects Walmart's continued investment in its rapidly growing advertising business as retailers increasingly expand beyond traditional retail operations into high-margin retail media and digital advertising services.

💬 🔗

European Investor 08-04-26

Walmart Gains 1% as Investors Favor Defensive Stocks Despite Analyst Downgrade

Walmart shares rose 1% on Friday, outperforming the broader market as investors sought safety in defensive sectors during a sharp selloff that pushed major technology indexes significantly lower.

The gain came even as Erste Group Bank downgraded the stock from Buy to Hold. While downgrades often pressure shares, the market appeared more focused on Walmart's defensive characteristics and resilient business model amid growing economic uncertainty.

As concerns about higher-for-longer interest rates weighed heavily on technology and growth stocks, investors rotated into companies with stable earnings, strong cash flow, and consistent consumer demand. Walmart is widely viewed as one of the largest beneficiaries of this type of market environment due to its dominant position in grocery retailing and its ability to attract consumers across income levels.

The retailer has also strengthened its competitive position through investments in e-commerce, delivery services, advertising, and membership offerings. These higher-margin businesses have helped diversify revenue streams and improve profitability beyond traditional retail operations.

Friday's positive performance suggests investors remain confident in Walmart's ability to navigate a potentially slower economic environment. Historically, the company has performed relatively well during periods of economic uncertainty as consumers increasingly prioritize value and essential purchases.

The divergence between the analyst downgrade and the stock's gain highlights the current market dynamic. While some analysts may see more limited upside after Walmart's strong performance over recent years, investors continue to view the company as a high-quality defensive holding capable of delivering steady growth and earnings stability even as broader market volatility increases.

With interest-rate expectations remaining elevated and economic uncertainty persisting, Walmart's combination of scale, pricing power, and essential consumer exposure continues to make it an attractive destination for investors seeking stability in an increasingly turbulent market environment.

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The Investor 06-06-26

Walmart Falls 7% Despite Solid Quarter as Guidance Disappoints Investors

Walmart dropped 7% after the world's largest retailer reported a broadly solid first quarter but issued second quarter guidance and reiterated full-year commentary that left investors wanting more, particularly against the backdrop of a macro environment where consumer staples companies are expected to demonstrate resilience.

Revenue for Q1 came in at $177.8 billion, up 7.3% year over year or 5.9% in constant currency — a healthy topline for a company of Walmart's scale. Global eCommerce sales grew 26%, led by store-fulfilled pickup and delivery and marketplace, continuing the digital transformation that has been central to Walmart's investment thesis. The global advertising business surged 37%, with Walmart US advertising up 36%, and membership fee revenue grew 17.4% globally — both high-margin revenue streams that point to the structural evolution of the business beyond traditional retail. Gross profit rate improved 6 basis points, led by Walmart US. Operating income grew 5.0%, or 5.1% on an adjusted constant currency basis. GAAP EPS was $0.67 and adjusted EPS was $0.66.

On the surface these are respectable numbers. The issue for investors lies in what comes next. The company reiterated its full-year fiscal 2027 outlook rather than raising it, and the Q2 guidance it issued apparently failed to clear the bar a market had set following strong results from TJX and other retailers this week. Inventory was up 8.9%, partly reflecting timing of receipts and strong grocery demand, but elevated inventory levels require monitoring in a demand environment that remains uncertain.

The 7% decline is steep for a company that delivered mid-single digit operating income growth and accelerating digital revenue. It reflects a market that had priced in a guidance raise following weeks of positive retail sentiment, and found instead a company that is performing well but choosing to hold its cards rather than signal acceleration. In the current environment, where every retailer faces tariff cost pressures and consumer spending uncertainty, a reiterated rather than raised outlook was read as a cautious message regardless of the underlying momentum.

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European Investor 05-21-26

Walmart reported continued growth momentum, with revenue increasing 5.1% in constant currency to $715.9 billion and profit rising 5.4% on an adjusted basis. The company’s global eCommerce sales surged 24% to $150.4 billion, supported by strong performance across marketplace, advertising, and membership segments.

Operating cash flow reached $41.6 billion, while Walmart returned $15.6 billion to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases. The company also highlighted rapid expansion in advertising revenue and ongoing investments in technology, including AI-driven tools to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency.

Management emphasized that the integration of physical stores and digital platforms, along with supply chain innovation, continues to strengthen Walmart’s business model and support future growth.

Source: Walmart

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Global Finance News 04-24-26

Walmart reported continued growth momentum, with revenue increasing 5.1% in constant currency to $715.9 billion and profit rising 5.4% on an adjusted basis. The company’s global eCommerce sales surged 24% to $150.4 billion, supported by strong performance across marketplace, advertising, and membership segments.

Operating cash flow reached $41.6 billion, while Walmart returned $15.6 billion to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases. The company also highlighted rapid expansion in advertising revenue and ongoing investments in technology, including AI-driven tools to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency.

Management emphasized that the integration of physical stores and digital platforms, along with supply chain innovation, continues to strengthen Walmart’s business model and support future growth.

Source: Walmart

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Global Finance News 04-24-26

Walmart announced a major redesign of its flagship private label brand, Great Value, marking its first full refresh in over a decade.

The update introduces a modern visual identity aimed at improving product visibility and ease of shopping across both stores and digital platforms, while maintaining the same product quality and pricing. The redesign will cover nearly 10,000 items, making it the largest private brand update in the company’s history.

Walmart said the rollout will be phased over the next two years, starting with select product categories. The initiative is part of the retailer’s broader strategy to enhance customer experience and adapt to evolving consumer preferences, while continuing to emphasize affordability and consistency.

The company noted that Great Value products are present in most U.S. households and play a key role in delivering cost savings compared to national brands.

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WS Investor 04-16-26

Walmart Inc. has launched a new business unit, Upstream Facility Services, expanding its in-house maintenance capabilities to serve external companies across the United States.

The new offering leverages Walmart’s extensive operational scale and expertise developed across its network of stores and Sam’s Club locations. Upstream will provide services including HVAC, refrigeration, electrical, plumbing, and general maintenance, targeting businesses with multi-location operations where uptime and efficiency are critical.

The service model combines urgent repairs, preventive maintenance, and predictive solutions, supported by a nationwide network of technicians positioned close to customer sites. Clients will also benefit from real-time visibility into service performance, enabling improved planning and faster decision-making.

With this move, Walmart aims to commercialize one of the largest in-house facility service operations in the country, helping businesses reduce downtime, extend asset life, and improve operational consistency.

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WS Investor 04-14-26

Walmart Launches ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ Inspired Fashion Collection

Walmart has unveiled a limited-time “The Devil Wears Prada Scoop Collection,” bringing high-fashion inspiration to its affordable private-label lineup.

The collection, part of Walmart’s exclusive Scoop brand, draws on the iconic style of *The Devil Wears Prada* and features tailored blazers, structured dresses, denim sets, and statement accessories designed to reflect New York-inspired fashion trends.

Priced between $16 and $54, the range aims to deliver trend-forward styles at accessible price points. Pre-orders began on April 9 via Walmart*com, with a full launch scheduled for April 20 across online channels and select U.S. stores.

The release highlights Walmart’s ongoing strategy to expand its fashion offerings and appeal to style-conscious consumers seeking value-driven apparel.

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WS Investor 04-09-26

Walmart and VIZIO announced new integrations to expand their content-to-commerce ecosystem, combining streaming, advertising, and retail data to deliver measurable outcomes for brands.

The partnership will introduce a unified account system allowing users to log into VIZIO smart TVs using Walmart credentials, enabling seamless linkage between viewing behavior and purchasing activity.

The companies also unveiled new branded content initiatives and advertising capabilities, including product placement integrations and closed-loop measurement tools, aiming to strengthen the connection between entertainment and retail commerce.

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WS Investor 03-23-26

Walmart announced that digital shelf labels (DSLs) are now live in approximately 2,300 U.S. stores, with full chain-wide deployment expected within the next year.

The technology replaces paper price tags with centrally managed digital displays, allowing associates to execute approved price updates through a secure internal system. Pricing remains consistent for all customers within a store and does not vary by demand, time of day or shopper profile. Updates are typically pushed outside shopping hours to ensure price stability during the day and alignment with Walmart’s Everyday Low Price (EDLP) model.

Operational impact is the primary driver:

• Price changes that previously required manual tag replacement across tens of thousands of SKUs can now be completed in minutes.
• “Stock to Light” functionality enables associates to activate LED indicators on shelf labels to quickly locate items requiring restocking.
• “Pick to Light” supports faster and more accurate online order fulfillment by guiding associates to products during pickup and delivery preparation.

With more than 120,000 items in a typical store and thousands of weekly price adjustments, the efficiency gains reduce repetitive manual tasks and redirect labor toward customer service, merchandising standards and inventory management.

Walmart also emphasized that DSLs operate on a closed system. They do not include cameras or microphones and do not collect shopper data.

The rollout represents an operational modernization initiative focused on labor productivity, price accuracy and paper waste reduction, rather than dynamic pricing.

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The Investor 03-02-26

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