US

U.S. stocks traded little changed on Friday as investors weighed encouraging consumer sentiment data against persistent inflation concerns and uncertainty over the Federal Reserve's policy outlook.

The S&P 500, Dow Jones Industrial Average, and Nasdaq all hovered near the flatline after the University of Michigan's June survey showed consumer sentiment and future expectations improved more than anticipated. One-year inflation expectations also eased to 4.6% from 4.8%, offering a modest sign that consumers expect price pressures to moderate.

However, gains remained limited after this week's inflation data showed Core PCE holding at 3.4% year-over-year, well above the Federal Reserve's 2% target. The persistent inflation backdrop has reinforced expectations that the Fed will maintain a cautious stance on interest rates.

Technology stocks remained mixed following this week's sharp semiconductor rally, while investors continued to monitor incoming economic data for further clues on the outlook for inflation, monetary policy, and corporate earnings.
U.S. consumer sentiment improved more than expected in June, suggesting households have become somewhat more optimistic about the economic outlook despite persistent inflation.

The University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index rose to 49.5 in June, exceeding the consensus forecast of 48.9 and improving from 44.8 in May. The Consumer Expectations Index also increased to 50.7 from 44.1, beating expectations of 49.3 and indicating stronger confidence in future economic conditions.
U.S. consumers' short-term inflation expectations eased slightly in June, offering a modest sign that inflation concerns may be stabilizing despite remaining well above the Federal Reserve's target.

The University of Michigan's one-year inflation expectations index came in at 4.6% in June, matching economists' forecasts and improving from 4.8% in May. While the decline suggests consumers expect price pressures to moderate somewhat over the next year, the reading remains elevated by historical standards.
U.S. stocks traded mixed on Thursday as investors digested a fresh batch of economic data that reinforced the resilience of the U.S. economy while keeping expectations for Federal Reserve rate cuts in check. The Dow Jones Industrial Average edged higher 0.1%, while the S&P 500 slipped 0.1% and the Nasdaq fell 0.6%.

Economic reports painted a mixed but generally constructive picture. First-quarter GDP was revised sharply higher to an annualized 2.1%, beating expectations and signaling stronger economic momentum than previously estimated. Initial jobless claims also surprised to the downside, falling to 215,000, indicating the labor market remains healthy. Meanwhile, durable goods orders declined 4.5% in May, though the drop was slightly smaller than the expected 5.0% decline after April's strong surge.

Technology stocks remained under pressure following this week's semiconductor-led selloff, weighing on the Nasdaq despite Micron's blockbuster quarterly results and stronger-than-expected guidance released after Wednesday's close. Investors continue to balance optimism surrounding AI-driven growth against concerns that resilient economic data could keep interest rates elevated for longer.

Overall, markets remained cautious as stronger economic fundamentals were offset by continued weakness in the technology sector and uncertainty over the Federal Reserve's next policy move.:::
U.S. labor market data remained resilient, as initial jobless claims fell more than expected, signaling that layoffs remain historically low despite elevated interest rates.

Initial jobless claims declined to 215,000, beating economists' expectations of 225,000 and improving from the previous week's 227,000. The lower-than-expected reading suggests employers continue to retain workers, reflecting ongoing strength in the U.S. labor market.
The latest U.S. economic data presented a mixed picture, with first-quarter GDP sharply higher than forecast while durable goods orders declined in May.

The U.S. economy expanded at an annualized rate of 2.1% in the first quarter, well above the previous 0.5% and exceeding economists' expectations of 1.6%. Meanwhile, durable goods orders fell 4.5% month-over-month in May, following an 8.5% increase in April. Although orders declined, the reading was slightly better than the expected 5.0% drop, indicating manufacturing demand held up somewhat better than anticipated after the previous month's surge.

Overall, the data reinforce the view that the U.S. economy remains resilient despite elevated interest rates. Stronger GDP growth supports expectations that the Federal Reserve can remain patient on interest rate cuts, while the moderation in durable goods orders suggests higher borrowing costs are gradually cooling business investment without signaling a sharp slowdown.
U.S. core inflation remained steady in May, with the Core Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) Price Index—the Federal Reserve's preferred inflation measure—matching market expectations.

The Core PCE Price Index rose 3.4% year-over-year, in line with forecasts and up slightly from 3.3% in April. On a monthly basis, core prices increased 0.3%, matching both expectations and the previous month's pace.

The data suggests underlying inflation remains persistent despite the Federal Reserve's restrictive monetary policy. While inflation has eased significantly from its peak, the latest reading indicates that price pressures continue to run well above the Fed's long-term 2% target.
U.S. stocks moved modestly higher on Wednesday as investors weighed mixed economic data and easing geopolitical concerns. The S&P 500 gained 0.2%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.3%, and the Nasdaq advanced 0.1%.

Market sentiment was supported by signs that tensions in the Middle East may be stabilizing, helping to reduce uncertainty across global markets. Lower oil prices also provided relief for investors concerned about inflationary pressures and the potential impact of higher energy costs on economic growth.

Economic data released during the session painted a mixed picture. U.S. business activity remained resilient, with both manufacturing and services PMIs exceeding expectations earlier this week, reinforcing confidence in the broader economy. However, the housing market showed signs of weakness, as May new home sales fell 7.3% month-over-month to an annualized pace of 580,000, well below market forecasts.

The combination of steady economic growth and softer housing activity has left investors balancing optimism about corporate earnings against uncertainty surrounding future Federal Reserve policy. Markets continue to monitor incoming economic data for clues on the timing of potential interest-rate cuts.

Despite recent volatility in technology and semiconductor shares, the broader market remained supported by resilient economic fundamentals and improving risk sentiment, allowing major indexes to post modest gains.
U.S. new home sales fell sharply in May, signaling continued weakness in the housing market as elevated mortgage rates and affordability challenges weighed on buyer demand.

New home sales declined 7.3% month-over-month to an annualized rate of 580,000, significantly below the consensus forecast of 638,000 and down from 626,000 in April. The result marks a notable slowdown in housing activity and highlights the pressure facing homebuilders and prospective buyers.

The weaker-than-expected report suggests higher borrowing costs continue to limit affordability, particularly for first-time homebuyers. Although the labor market remains relatively healthy, many consumers appear reluctant to commit to large purchases amid elevated financing costs and economic uncertainty.
U.S. business activity accelerated in June, supported by stronger growth in both the manufacturing and services sectors, while labor market data continued to signal a resilient economy.

The S&P Global Manufacturing PMI rose to 55.7, beating expectations of 54.6 and improving from 55.1 in May. The reading points to solid expansion in factory activity and suggests demand remains healthy despite higher interest rates and ongoing economic uncertainty.

The services sector also showed improvement, with the S&P Global Services PMI increasing to 51.3 from 50.7 and exceeding the 51.1 consensus estimate. As services account for the majority of U.S. economic output, the stronger reading indicates continued strength in consumer and business spending.

Meanwhile, ADP data showed private-sector employers added 30,750 jobs during the week, up from 25,500 previously, reinforcing the view that labor market conditions remain stable.

The stronger-than-expected PMI reports suggest the U.S. economy maintained momentum at the end of the second quarter. However, the combination of resilient growth and a healthy labor market could also support the Federal Reserve's cautious approach to interest rate cuts, as policymakers continue to monitor inflation pressures.

Financial markets are likely to view the data as evidence that economic activity remains robust, although stronger growth may also contribute to expectations that interest rates will stay elevated for longer.
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NASDAQ:MU

Micron Technology (NASDAQ: MU) extended its rally on Thursday after a series of Wall Street firms raised their price targets following the company's record quarterly results and stronger-than-expected outlook, reinforcing confidence in the AI memory leader.

Needham, Raymond James, RBC Capital Markets, Susquehanna, KeyBanc, Goldman Sachs, and Morgan Stanley all increased their price targets, while Wolfe Research initiated coverage with a bullish target. The wave of analyst upgrades followed Micron's record fiscal third-quarter earnings and robust fourth-quarter guidance, highlighting accelerating demand for high-bandwidth memory (HBM) and AI infrastructure.

Analysts pointed to Micron's expanding strategic customer agreements, improving pricing environment, and leadership in AI-focused memory products as key drivers of long-term growth. Several firms also cited growing visibility into earnings as hyperscale cloud providers continue investing heavily in AI data centers.

Shares climbed nearly 16% as investors welcomed both the blockbuster earnings report and the broad-based analyst support, reinforcing Micron's position as one of the semiconductor sector's strongest AI beneficiaries.

Tech stocks live: Micron stock jumps over 12% on earnings beat after tumbling earlier this week

Wow, very good earning results for Micron

(finance.yahoo.com)
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Micron Technology (NASDAQ: MU) surged 17% in after-hours trading after reporting record fiscal third-quarter results and issuing a significantly stronger-than-expected outlook, fueled by booming AI-driven demand for memory chips.

The company posted record quarterly revenue of $41.5 billion, up sharply from $23.9 billion in the previous quarter and $9.3 billion a year ago. Non-GAAP earnings reached $25.11 per share, while operating cash flow more than doubled sequentially to $25.4 billion, highlighting the strength of Micron's business momentum.

Management also announced multi-year Strategic Customer Agreements designed to improve revenue visibility and support long-term growth. Demand remained robust across cloud, data center, mobile, automotive, and embedded markets, with high-bandwidth memory (HBM) products continuing to benefit from rapid AI infrastructure investments.

Investors were particularly encouraged by Micron's fourth-quarter guidance. The company expects revenue of approximately $50 billion and non-GAAP EPS of about $31.00, both well above current market expectations. Management also projected gross margins of roughly 86%, underscoring continued pricing power and favorable supply-demand dynamics.

The strong earnings report reinforced Micron's position as one of the biggest beneficiaries of the AI investment cycle, driving broad optimism across the semiconductor sector in after-hours trading.
Micron Technology (NASDAQ: MU) and Qualcomm (NASDAQ: QCOM) fell sharply on Tuesday despite receiving higher price targets from Bank of America, as a broad selloff across semiconductor and technology stocks weighed on investor sentiment.

Micron dropped 7.9% to $1,115.82 after Bank of America raised its price target to $1,500 from $950 and maintained a Buy rating. The sizable increase reflects growing confidence in the memory chip maker's position within the AI infrastructure market, where demand for high-bandwidth memory and advanced data center products continues to expand.

Qualcomm fell 6.9% to $206.55 after Bank of America increased its price target to $195 from $165. Although the firm maintained an Underperform rating, the higher target suggests improving expectations for the company's earnings outlook and AI-related opportunities.

The declines came as investors broadly reduced exposure to semiconductor and AI-related stocks following weakness across the technology sector. The selloff overshadowed otherwise positive analyst commentary and reflected concerns about near-term demand trends and elevated valuations after a strong rally in chip stocks.

Despite Tuesday's weakness, the analyst actions indicate Wall Street remains constructive on long-term semiconductor growth, particularly as artificial intelligence continues to drive investment in advanced computing infrastructure and next-generation devices.
Micron Gains Premarket as Bernstein Sets $1,300 Price Target

Micron Technology (NASDAQ: MU) rose 3.3% in premarket trading after Sanford C. Bernstein initiated coverage with a $1,300 price target, highlighting continued optimism surrounding the memory chip maker's position in the rapidly expanding artificial intelligence market.

The bullish target reflects growing confidence that Micron will remain one of the primary beneficiaries of increasing demand for high-bandwidth memory (HBM) and advanced DRAM products used in AI servers and data centers. As hyperscale cloud providers and technology companies accelerate investments in AI infrastructure, demand for memory solutions has become a critical component of the semiconductor industry's growth cycle.

Micron has emerged as one of the strongest beneficiaries of the AI boom, with investors increasingly focused on the company's ability to supply memory chips required for next-generation AI accelerators and data center deployments. Industry demand has remained robust as companies continue expanding computing capacity to support large language models and AI applications.

The analyst action follows a series of recent bullish calls across the semiconductor sector, where firms have raised expectations for AI-related spending over the coming years. Investors continue to view memory as one of the most supply-constrained segments of the AI hardware ecosystem, supporting favorable pricing and profitability trends.

The stock's premarket advance suggests investors welcomed the new price target as further validation of Micron's growth outlook. With AI infrastructure spending showing few signs of slowing, the company remains well positioned to capitalize on rising demand for advanced memory technologies and data center solutions.
Micron Technology Climbs 4.3% Premarket as Citi and Deutsche Bank Lift Price Targets

Micron Technology (NASDAQ: MU) rose 4.3% in premarket trading after receiving a pair of bullish analyst updates, with both Citigroup and Deutsche Bank significantly increasing their price targets amid growing confidence in the AI-driven memory market.

Citigroup analyst Atif Malik raised his price target to $1,200 from $840 while maintaining a Buy rating. Deutsche Bank analyst Melissa Weathers was even more optimistic, lifting her target to $1,500 from $1,000 and reiterating a Buy rating.

The substantial target increases reflect Wall Street's growing conviction that Micron is one of the largest beneficiaries of the artificial intelligence infrastructure boom. Demand for high-bandwidth memory (HBM), a critical component used in AI accelerators and advanced data center systems, continues to exceed expectations as hyperscale cloud providers and technology companies aggressively expand AI capacity.

Micron has emerged as a key supplier of next-generation memory products required for AI training and inference workloads. HBM demand has become one of the strongest growth drivers across the semiconductor industry, with leading AI chip manufacturers requiring increasingly larger amounts of advanced memory to support more powerful models and applications.

Investor enthusiasm has intensified as analysts increasingly view the memory industry as being in the early stages of a multi-year upcycle. Tight supply conditions, strong pricing trends, and rapidly growing AI-related demand have significantly improved earnings expectations for memory manufacturers.

The positive analyst actions also follow a broader wave of bullish calls across the semiconductor sector. Recent target increases for companies including Applied Materials, Lam Research, KLA, AMD, and Arm underscore Wall Street's belief that AI-related capital spending remains one of the strongest themes in global technology markets.

Micron's position is particularly attractive because memory is an essential component across nearly every segment of AI infrastructure. As AI systems become larger and more complex, demand for advanced DRAM and HBM solutions is expected to grow faster than the broader semiconductor market.

The stock's strong premarket gain suggests investors welcomed the analysts' increasingly optimistic outlook. With AI data center investments continuing to accelerate and memory supply remaining constrained, Micron is widely viewed as one of the clearest beneficiaries of the ongoing AI spending cycle.

Investors will now focus on upcoming earnings results, HBM production capacity, and customer demand trends for further evidence that the company's growth trajectory continues to strengthen.
Micron Shares Surge After RBC Raises Price Target

Micron Technology (NASDAQ: MU) shares climbed 8.4% after Royal Bank of Canada raised its price target on the memory chip maker from $525 to $1,200 while maintaining an Outperform rating.

The significant target increase reflects growing optimism surrounding Micron's position in the AI boom, particularly as demand for high-bandwidth memory (HBM) chips continues to accelerate. HBM has become a critical component in AI servers and advanced data center infrastructure, creating a strong growth opportunity for memory manufacturers.

Investors have increasingly viewed Micron as one of the biggest beneficiaries of rising AI-related semiconductor spending, with strong pricing trends and improving supply-demand dynamics supporting earnings expectations.

The bullish analyst action helped fuel the stock's rally, as markets continue to reward companies positioned at the center of the expanding AI infrastructure buildout.
Micron Gains 3.4% as Wolfe Research Raises Price Target on AI Memory Demand

Micron Technology (NASDAQ: MU) shares rose 3.4% on Thursday after Wolfe Research significantly increased its price target on the memory-chip maker from $550 to $1,250 while maintaining an Outperform rating.

The dramatic target increase reflects growing confidence that Micron is one of the largest beneficiaries of the artificial intelligence boom, particularly through its leadership in high-bandwidth memory (HBM), a critical component used in advanced AI accelerators and data center processors.

Demand for AI infrastructure continues to drive unprecedented growth in memory requirements as hyperscale cloud providers and technology companies invest heavily in next-generation computing systems. High-bandwidth memory has emerged as one of the most supply-constrained and strategically important segments of the semiconductor market, supporting strong pricing and profitability trends for leading suppliers.

Investors have become increasingly optimistic about Micron's earnings outlook as AI-related demand offsets weakness in more traditional memory markets. The company is expected to benefit from both rising HBM shipments and improving conditions across DRAM and NAND memory markets.

The positive analyst commentary also reflects broader enthusiasm for semiconductor companies tied to AI infrastructure spending. As data centers require larger amounts of advanced memory to support increasingly complex AI models, Micron is viewed as a key supplier positioned to capture a growing share of industry profits.

Thursday's gain highlights Wall Street's belief that the AI investment cycle remains in its early stages and that Micron's technology leadership could drive strong revenue and earnings growth over the coming years.
Micron Falls 4.7% Despite Major Goldman Sachs Price Target Increase

Micron Technology (NASDAQ: MU) shares fell 4.7% today despite receiving a significant price target increase from Goldman Sachs, highlighting the broader pressure facing semiconductor stocks during the session.

Goldman Sachs raised its price target on Micron to $900 from $400 while maintaining a Neutral rating. The dramatic increase reflects growing optimism about the company's exposure to artificial intelligence, particularly the surging demand for high-bandwidth memory (HBM) used in AI accelerators and advanced data center hardware.

Despite the bullish target revision, investors appeared focused on broader weakness across the technology sector, with semiconductor stocks facing profit-taking after a strong rally driven by AI-related enthusiasm. Rising Treasury yields and uncertainty surrounding the outlook for interest rates also weighed on sentiment.

Micron remains one of the most important memory suppliers to the AI ecosystem, with demand for DRAM and HBM products continuing to accelerate as cloud providers and technology companies expand AI infrastructure investments. Analysts generally expect memory market conditions to remain favorable through the next several quarters as supply remains relatively disciplined and AI-driven demand continues to grow.

While shares were lower on the day, Goldman Sachs' sharply higher price target underscores Wall Street's growing confidence that Micron is positioned to be one of the key beneficiaries of the ongoing AI investment cycle.
Micron Surges 10% After Cantor Fitzgerald Doubles Price Target on AI Memory Demand

Micron Technology (MU) climbed nearly 10% after receiving a major vote of confidence from Cantor Fitzgerald analyst C.J. Muse, who raised his price target on the stock from $700 to $1,500 while maintaining an Overweight rating.

The dramatic target increase reflects growing optimism surrounding Micron's position in the artificial intelligence infrastructure boom, particularly its leadership in high-bandwidth memory (HBM) products. HBM chips have become one of the most critical components inside advanced AI accelerators used by companies such as Nvidia and other AI hardware providers, creating an unprecedented demand environment for memory manufacturers.

Investors have increasingly viewed Micron as one of the largest beneficiaries of the AI spending cycle. Demand for AI servers continues to accelerate as hyperscale cloud providers, technology companies, and enterprises race to build the infrastructure required to support generative AI applications. This trend has created supply constraints in advanced memory products and significantly improved pricing power across the industry.

The bullish analyst call comes amid growing expectations that Micron's earnings growth could accelerate substantially over the next several years as HBM revenue becomes a larger portion of the company's business. Industry analysts expect memory demand from AI applications to grow much faster than traditional PC and smartphone markets, providing a powerful structural growth driver.

The upgrade also reflects increasing confidence that the current AI investment cycle remains in its early stages. Major technology companies continue to announce multi-billion-dollar investments in data centers and AI infrastructure, supporting expectations for sustained demand for advanced memory and storage solutions.

With the stock already benefiting from strong momentum across the semiconductor sector, the substantial increase in Cantor Fitzgerald's price target reinforced the view that Micron remains one of the most attractive ways to gain exposure to the rapidly expanding AI hardware ecosystem. The combination of improving memory pricing, strong HBM demand, and accelerating AI infrastructure spending helped push shares sharply higher during today's trading session.
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NASDAQ:MSFT

Microsoft Receives Fresh Wall Street Support as Analysts Reaffirm Bullish Ratings

Microsoft (MSFT) received another vote of confidence from Wall Street as both Cantor Fitzgerald and TD Cowen reiterated positive ratings on the stock, maintaining Overweight and Buy recommendations, respectively.

The analyst updates come despite Microsoft's shares trading roughly 15% below their highs reached last year. With price targets of $502 and $540, both firms continue to see substantial upside from the current share price near $427, reflecting confidence in the company's long-term growth trajectory.

Analysts remain particularly optimistic about Microsoft's leadership in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and enterprise software. The company continues to benefit from strong demand for Azure cloud services, expanding adoption of AI-powered Copilot products, and its strategic partnership with OpenAI.

While some technology stocks have recently faced profit-taking pressure, Microsoft's diversified business model and strong cash generation continue to make it one of Wall Street's favorite large-cap technology names. The reaffirmed ratings suggest analysts believe the recent pullback from previous highs has not altered the company's long-term investment case.

With AI investment continuing to accelerate across industries, analysts expect Microsoft to remain one of the primary beneficiaries of the ongoing digital transformation and artificial intelligence spending cycle. The latest rating reiterations reinforce the view that Wall Street remains highly confident in Microsoft's ability to deliver sustained earnings growth in the years ahead.
Microsoft Reports 17% Revenue Growth in Fiscal Q2 2026, Cloud Tops $50 Billion

Microsoft posted revenues of $81.3 billion for its fiscal second quarter ended December 31, 2025, up 17% year over year. Operating income rose 21% to $38.3 billion, while GAAP net income jumped 60% to $38.5 billion, partly reflecting gains from its OpenAI investment. On a non-GAAP basis, net income grew 23% to $30.9 billion. Diluted EPS came in at $5.16 on a GAAP basis. Microsoft Cloud revenue crossed $50 billion for the quarter, underscoring strong demand across the company's portfolio. CEO Satya Nadella noted that Microsoft's AI business has already grown larger than some of its most established franchises.

Source: Microsoft Corp. Earnings Release, January 28, 2026
Microsoft Corp. on Tuesday announced that its board of directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.91 per share. The dividend is payable June 11, 2026, to shareholders of record on May 21, 2026.

Tech stocks today: Nvidia stock rises as guidance signals AI boom alive and well

All eyes are on Nvidia's fourth quarter results, due after the closing bell on Wednesday, as AI concerns continue to grip markets.

(finance.yahoo.com)
CrowdStrike (NASDAQ: CRWD) and Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) have expanded their strategic alliance to make the CrowdStrike Falcon platform available on Microsoft Marketplace, allowing customers to purchase it using their existing Microsoft Azure Consumption Commitment funds.

The move enables organizations to apply pre-committed Azure cloud spending toward Falcon’s AI-native cybersecurity platform, simplifying procurement, consolidating billing, and accelerating deployment across endpoints, cloud workloads, identity, AI, and data environments.

By aligning security purchases with cloud budgets, the partnership reduces procurement friction and helps customers optimize cloud spend while strengthening security posture. Industry analysts note that transacting Falcon through Azure Marketplace can accelerate deal velocity and streamline the path from agreement to deployment.

The Falcon platform is immediately available via Microsoft Marketplace with full Azure Consumption Commitment eligibility.

Source: Business Wire

Azure vs AWS vs Google Cloud: Who Wins the AI Race in 2026?

Uncover insights on Azure vs AWS vs Google Cloud: Who Wins the AI Race in 2026? Discover the leaders in AI technology.

(thesmartinvestor.com.sg)

AI Boom or Bust? Here are 4 Telltale Signs

Is it AI Boom or Bust? Uncover the 4 telltale signs that differentiate real AI success from mere marketing speak.

(thesmartinvestor.com.sg)

Microsoft Q2 2026: Steady operational performance amid high AI investment

Microsoft declined by 10.0% following the release of its Q2 2026 results, as Azure’s growth rate did not align with market expectations.

(fifthperson.com)
Microsoft reported strong second-quarter fiscal 2026 results, driven by accelerating demand for Cloud and AI services across its portfolio. Revenue rose 17% year over year to $81.3 billion, while operating income increased 21% to $38.3 billion, reflecting solid operating leverage. On a GAAP basis, net income surged 60% to $38.5 billion, supported in part by investment-related impacts, while non-GAAP net income climbed 23% to $30.9 billion. Diluted EPS reached $5.16 on a GAAP basis and $4.14 on a non-GAAP basis, both showing robust year-over-year growth.

Cloud performance remained the core growth engine. Microsoft Cloud revenue surpassed $50 billion for the quarter, rising 26% year over year, underscoring strong enterprise and consumer adoption. The Intelligent Cloud segment posted revenue of $32.9 billion, up 29%, with Azure and other cloud services growing 39%, highlighting continued momentum in AI-driven workloads. Productivity and Business Processes revenue increased 16% to $34.1 billion, led by double-digit growth in Microsoft 365 Commercial and Consumer cloud offerings, LinkedIn, and Dynamics 365. More Personal Computing revenue declined slightly to $14.3 billion, reflecting softer Xbox content and services, partially offset by steady Windows OEM and growth in search and news advertising.

CEO Satya Nadella said Microsoft is still in the early stages of AI diffusion, noting that the company has already built an AI business larger than some of its traditional franchises. CFO Amy Hood highlighted that the company exceeded expectations across revenue, operating income, and earnings per share, while returning $12.7 billion to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases during the quarter. Microsoft indicated that forward-looking guidance will be provided during its earnings conference call, as it continues to invest heavily across its AI stack to drive long-term growth.

More Than Just Chips: Why the AI Revolution Needs These 5 Companies

AI is not only about NVIDIA. We are more interested in who is baking the five-layer cake of artificial intelligence.

(thesmartinvestor.com.sg)
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NYSE:C

Citigroup Declines as Truist Raises Price Target

Citigroup (NYSE: C) shares fell 2.2% on Friday despite Truist Financial raising its price target on the bank to *$158 from $147* and reiterating its *Buy* rating.

The higher target reflects Truist's growing confidence in Citigroup's ongoing transformation, with the firm expecting continued progress in operational efficiency, capital returns, and earnings growth. The maintained Buy rating underscores its positive long-term view despite recent market volatility.

While the rating update failed to lift the stock during Friday's session, the increased price target suggests analysts see meaningful upside from current levels. The report highlights continued optimism that Citigroup's restructuring efforts and improving profitability will support shareholder returns over time.
Citigroup Shares Edge Higher After Wells Fargo Sets $165 Price Target

Citigroup (NYSE: C) shares rose about 1% in premarket trading after Wells Fargo analyst Mike Mayo established a $165 price target and maintained an Overweight rating on the banking giant.

The positive analyst action comes as large U.S. banks continue to benefit from resilient economic conditions, healthy consumer spending, and improving capital market activity. Investors have increasingly focused on the sector's earnings potential as concerns about a sharp economic slowdown have eased in recent months.

Citigroup has been executing a multi-year restructuring strategy aimed at simplifying its global operations, improving profitability, and enhancing shareholder returns. The company has made progress streamlining non-core businesses while focusing resources on higher-return segments, including institutional banking, wealth management, and core consumer operations.
Citigroup has launched “Citi Sky,” an AI-powered virtual assistant for its wealth management division, developed in partnership with Google Cloud and Google DeepMind. Announced at the Google Cloud Next 2026 conference, the tool is designed to provide real-time financial insights, anticipate client needs, and enable conversational interaction through voice and avatar technology.

Citi Sky will initially roll out to U.S. Citigold clients this summer, offering features such as market guidance, alerts on financial events, and multilingual support. The platform is intended to enhance—not replace—financial advisors by improving client engagement and decision-making. The initiative builds on Citi’s multi-year partnership with Google, marking a broader push to integrate advanced AI into wealth management services.
Citi Wealth has entered a strategic partnership with Advyzon to launch a global Unified Managed Account (UMA) program aimed at enhancing personalized investment solutions for clients. The platform will integrate a wide range of investment products—including ETFs, mutual funds, and alternative assets—into a single, streamlined account structure.

The new UMA offering will feature multi-currency capabilities, access to both onshore and offshore investments, and AI-powered portfolio management tools, enabling more efficient account management and improved client reporting. It is designed to simplify the investment experience while delivering tailored advisory services across Citi’s global client base.

The program is expected to begin rollout in the fourth quarter of 2026 and forms part of Citi’s broader strategy to modernize its wealth management platform and drive growth through technology-enabled, advice-driven solutions.
Citigroup Inc. and AT&T Inc. announced enhancements to the AT&T Points Plus® credit card, introducing new savings and rewards features for customers.

The updated card offers monthly discounts on AT&T wireless and internet bills, along with 2x ThankYou Points on AT&T purchases and no foreign transaction fees. Customers can also earn up to $240 annually in statement credits by meeting spending thresholds, while continuing to accumulate rewards on everyday categories such as gas, EV charging, and groceries.

The companies emphasized that the refreshed card is designed to provide greater value, simplicity, and flexibility, allowing users to reduce monthly expenses while maximizing rewards through routine spending.

The enhanced benefits are now available to existing cardholders, with new customers able to apply immediately.
Citigroup Inc. reported strong first-quarter 2026 results, with net income rising to $5.8 billion, or $3.06 per share, on revenues of $24.6 billion, compared to $4.1 billion, or $1.96 per share, on $21.6 billion revenue a year earlier.

The bank’s revenues increased 14% year-over-year, supported by growth across all five core business segments and legacy franchises, alongside favorable foreign exchange effects. Profit growth was driven by higher revenues and a lower effective tax rate, though partially offset by increased expenses and higher credit loss provisions.

Citigroup returned approximately $7.4 billion to shareholders through dividends and share buybacks, resulting in a payout ratio of 134%. The bank maintained a Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) capital ratio of 12.7%, while book value per share reached $112.22 and tangible book value per share stood at $99.01.

Earnings per share growth was further supported by a reduced share count due to ongoing repurchase activity.
Citi Wealth released The Short and Long: Q2 2026 Macro Investment View, its quarterly report designed to offer global, data-driven guidance to help investors

(docs.citi.com)
The Board of Directors of Citigroup Inc. declared a quarterly dividend on Citigroup’s common stock of $0.60 per share, payable on May 22, 2026, to stockholders of record on May 4, 2026.

The Board also declared dividends on Citigroup’s preferred stocks
Citi issued its first digitally native structured note on Euroclear’s Digital Financial Market Infrastructure (D-FMI) distributed ledger technology platform, marking a milestone for both the bank and the wealth management industry.

The transaction represents the first structured note issued on Euroclear’s D-FMI platform and demonstrates how distributed ledger technology can streamline the issuance and settlement of traditional financial products. The note was issued under English law by Citigroup Global Markets Funding Luxembourg.

Citi said the deal highlights its efforts to expand digital asset solutions and integrate blockchain-based infrastructure into capital markets, aiming to improve efficiency, transparency and scalability in financial transactions.
Citigroup Inc. (NYSE: C) has unveiled a $60 billion, five-year commitment aimed at boosting housing affordability across the United States, targeting the creation and preservation of at least 250,000 housing units.

Under its Blueprint for Housing Opportunity initiative, Citi will finance the acquisition, construction, rehabilitation and long-term funding of affordable housing, including developments for essential workers and lower-cost rental options in high-cost markets. The bank, which has been the top affordable housing lender in the U.S. for 15 consecutive years, financed more than $32 billion in affordable multifamily housing over the past five years, including $7.6 billion in 2025 that supported over 35,000 units.

In parallel, the Citi Foundation will deploy $50 million in philanthropic grants to non-profits addressing housing challenges and strengthening residents’ financial health. The effort begins with a $1 million grant to the Center for Affordable Housing Lending to support research and policy solutions.

Citi also said it will advocate for public policies that expand housing supply, including enhancements to the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program.
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Gold

Gold traded little changed near $4,050 an ounce on Friday as investors balanced easing geopolitical tensions against persistent U.S. inflation and expectations that the Federal Reserve will keep monetary policy restrictive.

The precious metal stabilized after a sharp selloff earlier in the week, when a ceasefire in the Middle East reduced demand for safe-haven assets. While geopolitical risks have eased, gold has found support as bargain hunters emerged following its recent decline.

However, gains remained limited after the latest U.S. inflation data showed Core PCE rising 3.4% year-over-year and headline PCE accelerating to 4.1%, reinforcing the view that inflation remains well above the Federal Reserve's target. The data has strengthened expectations that policymakers will maintain a hawkish stance, supporting the U.S. dollar and weighing on non-yielding assets such as gold.

Investors are now watching upcoming Fed commentary and economic data for further clues on the path of interest rates, with persistent inflation continuing to limit gold's upside despite calmer geopolitical conditions.
Gold prices extended their decline on Wednesday, with August futures falling nearly 1.5% to around $4,090 per ounce as investors continued to reduce safe-haven exposure amid easing geopolitical tensions and improving risk sentiment.

The precious metal remained under pressure as markets monitored ongoing diplomatic efforts involving the United States and Iran. Hopes that negotiations could lower regional tensions and reduce the risk of major energy supply disruptions have weakened demand for traditional safe-haven assets such as gold.

At the same time, investors continue to digest the Federal Reserve's relatively hawkish policy stance. Expectations that interest rates may remain elevated for longer have supported Treasury yields and the U.S. dollar, both of which tend to weigh on non-yielding assets like gold.

Recent U.S. economic data have also reinforced the view that the economy remains resilient. Strong business activity readings and steady labor market conditions have reduced expectations for aggressive rate cuts, further limiting support for precious metals.

Despite the recent pullback, gold remains near historically elevated levels. However, Wednesday's decline suggests investors are increasingly focused on easing geopolitical risks and the prospect of higher-for-longer interest rates. Traders will continue watching developments in U.S.-Iran negotiations, Federal Reserve commentary, and upcoming economic data for further direction.
Gold prices fell sharply on Tuesday, with August futures declining 1.6% to around $4,136 per ounce as investors continued to reduce safe-haven positions amid easing geopolitical tensions and a stronger U.S. dollar.

The recent decline follows signs of progress in diplomatic discussions involving the United States and Iran, including talks held in Switzerland, which have helped ease concerns about a broader regional conflict. Reduced geopolitical risk has weakened demand for traditional safe-haven assets such as gold.

At the same time, markets continue to digest last week's Federal Reserve meeting, where policymakers maintained a relatively hawkish tone. Higher Treasury yields and expectations that interest rates could remain elevated for longer have increased the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding assets such as gold.

The stronger U.S. dollar has also added pressure to precious metals, making gold more expensive for international buyers. While gold remains near historically elevated levels, recent market action suggests investors are shifting toward risk assets as fears of energy supply disruptions and inflation pressures moderate.

Going forward, traders will closely monitor developments in U.S.-Iran negotiations, Federal Reserve commentary, and upcoming economic data for clues on the direction of interest rates and safe-haven demand.
Gold Slips as Fed Outlook and U.S.-Iran Talks Weigh on Safe-Haven Demand

Gold traded modestly lower on Monday, with August futures falling around 0.5% to near $4,225 per ounce as investors continued to assess the Federal Reserve's hawkish policy outlook.

The precious metal remains under pressure after last week's Fed meeting, where policymakers left interest rates unchanged but signaled caution on future rate cuts. Higher Treasury yields and a stronger U.S. dollar have reduced the appeal of non-yielding assets such as gold.

Recent U.S. economic data has reinforced the higher-for-longer rate narrative. Strong retail sales, resilient labor market conditions, and improving manufacturing activity suggest the economy remains on solid footing, reducing expectations for near-term monetary easing.

Geopolitical developments have also influenced sentiment. Reports of ongoing diplomatic discussions between the United States and Iran in Switzerland have improved hopes for de-escalation in the Middle East, reducing some safe-haven demand for gold.

Despite the recent weakness, geopolitical uncertainty and continued central-bank buying remain supportive factors for gold over the longer term. Investors will closely monitor developments in the U.S.-Iran talks, upcoming economic data, and Federal Reserve commentary for clues on the next move in gold prices.

For now, stronger economic data, elevated yields, and improving diplomatic prospects remain the dominant forces weighing on the gold market.
Gold Weekly Analysis: Hawkish Fed and Easing Geopolitical Risks Trigger Sharp Pullback

Gold posted a decline this week, with August futures falling to around $4,170 per ounce and losing approximately 1% over the past five trading days. The precious metal came under pressure as investors reassessed interest-rate expectations following the Federal Reserve meeting while geopolitical tensions in the Middle East eased considerably.

The primary catalyst behind gold's weakness was the Federal Reserve's policy announcement. Although the Fed left interest rates unchanged, policymakers delivered a more hawkish message than markets had anticipated. Treasury yields moved higher following the meeting, while the U.S. dollar strengthened as investors reduced expectations for aggressive rate cuts later this year.

Geopolitical developments also contributed to the decline. The signing of the U.S.-Iran agreement significantly reduced fears of a broader regional conflict and eased concerns about disruptions to global energy supplies. Brent crude oil fell sharply during the week as traders unwound the geopolitical risk premium that had been built into energy markets.

Recent U.S. economic data reinforced the Fed's cautious stance. The Philadelphia Fed Manufacturing Index unexpectedly jumped to 10.3 in June from -0.4 previously, signaling improving industrial activity. Initial jobless claims remained low at 226,000, highlighting continued labor-market resilience. Retail sales also showed underlying strength, with core retail sales rising 0.8% in May.

Together, these figures suggest the U.S. economy remains on relatively solid footing despite elevated interest rates. Stronger economic activity reduces expectations for near-term monetary easing, another factor weighing on gold prices.

International data painted a mixed picture. Eurozone inflation remained elevated, with headline CPI at 3.2% and core CPI at 2.6%, while UK retail sales surged 3.2% year-over-year. These reports suggest global economic activity remains resilient, limiting the urgency for central banks to shift aggressively toward lower interest rates.

Looking ahead, gold investors will closely monitor Treasury yields, inflation data, and future Federal Reserve communication. While long-term structural support for gold remains intact due to central-bank buying and fiscal concerns, the near-term outlook appears challenging as markets adjust to a higher-for-longer interest-rate environment.

For now, easing geopolitical tensions, lower oil prices, stronger economic data, and a more hawkish Federal Reserve have combined to create a difficult backdrop for gold, resulting in one of the metal's weakest weekly performances in recent months.
Gold and Brent Crude Fall as Hawkish Fed Outlook and Easing Middle East Tensions Pressure Commodities

Gold and Brent crude oil moved lower this week as investors digested a more hawkish-than-expected Federal Reserve outlook alongside improving geopolitical conditions following the recent U.S.-Iran agreement.

Gold fell more than 2% to around $4,280 per ounce, while Brent crude declined roughly 2.7% to near $77 per barrel. The pullback reflects a combination of rising interest-rate expectations, a stronger U.S. dollar, and fading geopolitical risk premiums across commodity markets.

The primary pressure on gold came from the Federal Reserve's latest policy meeting. While policymakers left interest rates unchanged, the overall tone was viewed as more hawkish than investors had anticipated. Markets responded by pushing Treasury yields higher and reducing expectations for aggressive monetary easing in the months ahead.

Higher yields typically weigh on gold because the metal does not generate income. As returns on bonds increase and the U.S. dollar strengthens, the opportunity cost of holding gold rises, making the precious metal less attractive to investors.

At the same time, the recently signed U.S.-Iran agreement has helped ease concerns about disruptions to global energy supplies. The agreement reopened important trade routes and improved expectations for Iranian oil exports, leading traders to unwind much of the geopolitical risk premium that had been built into crude prices during the recent conflict.

Brent crude has now fallen sharply from recent highs as markets increasingly focus on supply fundamentals rather than geopolitical uncertainty.

Recent economic data has reinforced a relatively resilient U.S. growth picture. Manufacturing activity has improved, jobless claims remain near historically low levels, and equity markets continue to benefit from strong investor appetite for technology and artificial intelligence-related companies. As risk sentiment improves, demand for traditional safe-haven assets such as gold has weakened.

Going forward, investors will closely monitor Treasury yields, Federal Reserve guidance, inflation data, and developments in global energy markets. For now, however, the dominant market theme remains clear: a hawkish Fed and easing Middle East tensions are pushing both gold and oil lower.
Gold Retreats While Oil Stabilizes as Markets Digest Easing Geopolitical Risks and Mixed Economic Signals

Gold prices edged lower on Wednesday while Brent crude oil steadied near $79 per barrel, as investors reassessed the global economic outlook following the recent U.S.-Iran agreement and a fresh round of inflation and growth data from major economies.

Gold slipped 0.2% to around $4,344 per ounce after reaching record highs earlier this week. The decline comes as geopolitical risk premiums continue to fade following the agreement between the United States and Iran, which significantly reduced fears of a broader Middle East conflict. The easing of tensions has improved investor confidence and reduced demand for traditional safe-haven assets.

At the same time, falling energy prices are helping to improve the global inflation outlook. Brent crude, which had surged on supply disruption concerns, has fallen sharply from recent highs and is now trading around $79 per barrel. Lower oil prices could ease cost pressures across major economies, potentially reducing inflation risks and supporting consumer spending.

Recent economic data offered a mixed picture. In Europe, headline inflation accelerated to 3.2% in May while core inflation rose to 2.6%, slightly above expectations, suggesting underlying price pressures remain persistent. However, investor confidence improved sharply, with both German and Eurozone ZEW sentiment indices returning to positive territory, signaling growing optimism about future economic conditions.

In the United States, economic indicators pointed to moderating but still-positive growth. The Atlanta Fed's GDPNow estimate for second-quarter growth was revised down to 2.8% from 3.3%, while housing starts fell sharply, highlighting the impact of elevated interest rates. Import and export prices also showed signs that trade-related inflation pressures may be stabilizing.

Against this backdrop, gold appears to be losing some support from geopolitical uncertainty while continuing to benefit from expectations that lower energy costs and moderating growth could eventually allow central banks to adopt a more accommodative policy stance. Meanwhile, oil traders are increasingly focusing on demand fundamentals rather than supply risks as the geopolitical situation stabilizes.

The combination of softer gold prices and a much lower oil market compared with recent peaks suggests investors are becoming more confident that global inflation risks are easing. Market attention will now shift toward upcoming central bank decisions and economic data to determine whether the improving inflation backdrop can be sustained through the second half of the year.
Gold Climbs While Oil Falls After U.S.-Iran Deal Reduces Supply Concerns

Gold prices edged higher on Tuesday, rising 0.3% to around $4,360 per ounce, while Brent crude oil dropped more than 2% to near $81 per barrel after the United States and Iran signed a deal that eased concerns about disruptions to global energy supplies.

Oil markets reacted sharply to the agreement, as traders removed much of the geopolitical risk premium that had fueled the recent rally. With the likelihood of supply disruptions in the Middle East now reduced, investors reassessed the outlook for global crude markets, sending Brent prices lower.

The decline in oil prices could have broader implications for the global economy. Lower energy costs may help reduce inflationary pressures for both developed and emerging economies, potentially easing the burden on consumers and businesses while improving the outlook for economic growth.

Gold, meanwhile, remained well supported despite the improvement in geopolitical conditions. Rather than benefiting from safe-haven demand, the precious metal appeared to draw support from expectations that lower energy prices could contribute to a more favorable inflation environment and give central banks greater flexibility to pursue interest-rate cuts in the future.

The combination of rising gold prices and falling oil prices was viewed positively by investors, as lower energy costs can support economic activity while also reducing inflation risks. Market participants will now focus on upcoming economic data and central bank signals to assess how the changing inflation outlook could influence monetary policy and commodity markets in the months ahead.
Gold Jumps as Oil Plunges on Expectations of Lower Inflation and a Potential U.S.-Iran Peace Deal

Gold prices surged while crude oil tumbled on Monday as investors reacted to growing expectations that the United States and Iran are moving closer to a peace agreement that could ease tensions in the Middle East and reduce inflationary pressures worldwide.

Gold rose 2.6% to approximately $4,350 per ounce, while Brent crude oil fell nearly 5% to $83.15 per barrel. The sharp decline in oil prices came as markets increasingly priced in the possibility of a diplomatic breakthrough between Washington and Tehran, reducing concerns about disruptions to global energy supplies.

Reports that the two countries have reached a preliminary framework for a potential agreement fueled optimism that the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most critical oil shipping routes, could remain fully open and secure. Earlier this year, fears of escalating conflict in the region had pushed oil prices above $100 per barrel as traders built a substantial geopolitical risk premium into energy markets.

The market reaction also reflects growing confidence that lower energy prices could support economic growth by reducing costs for consumers and businesses. Equity markets broadly advanced as investors welcomed the prospect of both easing geopolitical risks and a more favorable inflation outlook.

Despite the recent selloff, Brent crude remains well above levels seen earlier this year, suggesting traders are not fully discounting geopolitical risks. Much will depend on whether negotiations between the United States and Iran ultimately result in a formal agreement and whether any deal proves durable over the long term.

For now, markets appear to be embracing a "goldilocks" scenario in which declining oil prices help moderate inflation without significantly damaging economic growth. Under that outlook, gold benefits from expectations of lower interest rates, while equities gain from improved growth prospects and reduced geopolitical uncertainty.
Gold Rises While Oil Falls as Markets Weigh Geopolitics and Inflation Outlook

Gold prices moved higher on Friday while crude oil prices declined, reflecting a market increasingly focused on the potential economic impact of a diplomatic breakthrough between the United States and Iran.

Oil came under pressure as reports suggested that negotiations between Washington and Tehran are making progress, raising hopes that a deal could be reached in the coming days. Investors believe an agreement could reduce tensions in the Middle East and lower the risk of supply disruptions. As a result, energy prices retreated after recent volatility driven by geopolitical concerns.

At the same time, gold continued to attract buyers. The precious metal was supported by expectations that easing inflation pressures could eventually create room for lower interest rates. Investors also reacted positively to the latest U.S. consumer sentiment data, which showed improving confidence and moderating inflation expectations.

The combination of falling oil prices and stable economic growth is viewed as a positive development for financial markets. Lower energy costs could help reduce inflationary pressures on consumers and businesses, supporting corporate profits and strengthening the case for a soft landing for the U.S. economy.

While oil traders are increasingly pricing in a more stable geopolitical environment, gold investors continue to maintain defensive positions amid uncertainty surrounding global growth, trade policy, and future Federal Reserve decisions. The result was an unusual but favorable market combination: lower oil prices improving the inflation outlook while higher gold prices reflected continued demand for safe-haven assets.

Investors will continue to monitor developments in U.S.-Iran negotiations, as a successful agreement could further ease energy market concerns and influence the outlook for inflation, interest rates, and global economic growth.
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NYSE:WFC

Wells Fargo Slips Friday, Gains After Hours Following Truist Price Target Increase

Wells Fargo (NYSE: WFC) shares fell 1.0% during Friday's regular trading session before rebounding about 0.4% in after-hours trading after Truist Financial raised its price target on the bank.

Truist analyst John McDonald increased the firm's price target on Wells Fargo to $94 from $90 while reiterating a Buy rating. The higher target reflects confidence in the bank's execution and its ability to continue improving profitability through growth in commercial banking and capital markets businesses.

While the rating update was not enough to prevent Friday's decline, it helped support sentiment after the close, with investors responding positively to the upgraded valuation and Truist's continued optimism about Wells Fargo's long-term earnings outlook.
Wells Fargo & Company reported first-quarter 2026 net income of $5.3 billion, or $1.60 per share, supported by broad-based business growth and strong credit performance.

Revenue rose 6% year-over-year, with loans up 11% and deposits up 7%, while earnings per share increased 15%. Growth was driven by both higher net interest income and noninterest income, alongside solid performance across consumer banking, commercial banking, investment banking, and wealth management.

The bank returned $4 billion to shareholders through buybacks and benefited from a $135 million tax-related gain. Management highlighted resilient economic conditions and strong customer financial health despite market volatility.
Wells Fargo reported fourth-quarter 2025 net income of $5.4 billion, or $1.62 per diluted share, up from $5.1 billion and $1.43 a year earlier, reflecting improved profitability and solid business momentum. Excluding a notable severance expense, net income reached $5.8 billion, or $1.76 per share. Quarterly revenue rose to $21.3 billion, while expenses and credit provisions declined year on year.

The bank delivered a return on equity of 12.3% and return on tangible common equity of 14.5%, alongside growth in average loans and deposits across both consumer and commercial segments. During the quarter, Wells Fargo repurchased $5.0 billion of common stock, underscoring its strong capital position.
Wells Fargo announced it will redeem all of its Floating Rate Junior Subordinated Deferrable Interest Debentures due January 15, 2027, on January 15, 2026, at 100% of principal plus accrued interest. Following the redemption, a related covenant restricting Wells Fargo’s ability to repurchase or redeem its Series BB preferred stock will no longer apply.
Wells Fargo Reports $5.6 Billion Q3 Profit, Earnings Rise to $1.66 per Share

Wells Fargo posted third-quarter 2025 net income of $5.6 billion, up from $5.1 billion a year earlier, with earnings per share rising to $1.66. Revenue increased 5% to $21.4 billion, driven by higher net interest income and broad-based fee growth. Return on equity improved to 12.8%, and the bank repurchased $6.1 billion in stock during the quarter. CEO Charlie Scharf, newly appointed as board chairman, said strong loan growth, solid credit performance, and resilient consumer spending supported results despite ongoing economic uncertainty.
Wells Fargo Reports Q2 2025 Earnings: Net Income Rises to $5.5 Billion, EPS $1.60

Wells Fargo & Company reported second-quarter 2025 net income of $5.5 billion, or $1.60 per diluted share, up from $4.9 billion or $1.33 per share a year earlier. Revenue rose slightly to $20.8 billion, while noninterest expense remained stable at $13.4 billion.

Credit loss provisions decreased to $1.0 billion from $1.2 billion last year. Average loans held steady at $916.7 billion, while average deposits dipped slightly to $1.33 trillion. Return on equity (ROE) rose to 12.8% and return on tangible common equity (ROTCE) improved to 15.2%.

Segment-wise, corporate and investment banking showed strong growth, with loans up 4% year-over-year. Consumer banking and lending saw a slight decline in loan volume.

The quarter also included a $253 million gain from acquiring the remaining interest in the company’s merchant services joint venture.
Wells Fargo repurchased $3.0 billion in stock during the quarter and announced plans to increase its dividend by 12.5% in Q3, pending board approval. CEO Charlie Scharf highlighted the lifting of the Federal Reserve’s asset cap as a major milestone, positioning the bank for renewed growth.

S&P Global 'positive' on Wells Fargo as regulatory burden lifts

The U.S. Federal Reserve's unprecedented, seven-year long punitive measure was imposed on Wells in 2018 and restricted balance sheet growth so the bank could address rampant governance and compliance concerns that had been brought to light in a fake accounts scandal in 2016. The Fed's unanimous decision on Tuesday capped years of efforts by the bank to repair the damage and pay off billions of dollars in fines, sending Wells Fargo shares to a three-month high a day later. "The positive outlook on the holding company reflects our view that Wells Fargo has substantially improved its underlying governance, risk, and control profile, allowing for the removal of the Fed's asset cap," said S&P.

(ca.finance.yahoo.com)
Wells Fargo Issues $8 Billion in Medium-Term Notes


SAN FRANCISCO – Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) has announced the issuance of $8 billion in Medium-Term Notes, Series W, dated April 23, 2025, as disclosed in a recent SEC Form 8-K filing.

The debt offering includes:

$3 billion in Senior Redeemable Fixed-to-Floating Rate Notes due April 23, 2036

$2.25 billion in Senior Redeemable Fixed-to-Floating Rate Notes due April 23, 2031

$2.25 billion in Senior Redeemable Fixed-to-Floating Rate Notes due April 23, 2029

$500 million in Senior Redeemable Floating Rate Notes due April 23, 2029

These offerings were made under the company’s shelf registration on Form S-3 (File No. 333-269514). Supporting documentation filed with the SEC includes the forms of the notes, a legal opinion from Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, and the firm’s consent as tax counsel.
Wells Fargo Q1 2025 Earnings Summary

Net income: $4.9 billion
Earnings per share (EPS): $1.39 (up 16% year-over-year)
Total revenue: $20.1 billion (down 3% year-over-year)
Return on equity (ROE): 11.5%
Return on tangible common equity (ROTCE): 13.6%
Net interest income: $11.5 billion (down 6%)
Noninterest income: $8.7 billion (flat year-over-year)
Efficiency ratio: 69%
CET1 ratio: 11.1%
Liquidity coverage ratio: 125%
Net charge-offs: $1.0 billion

Key items included in Q1 2025:
- $313 million discrete tax benefits from prior period resolution
- $263 million gain on sale of commercial mortgage servicing segment
- $149 million loss on debt securities repositioning

Segment highlights:

Consumer Banking and Lending:
- Net income: $1.69 billion (down 1%)
- Revenue: $8.91 billion (down 2%)
- Loan balances declined 4% year-over-year
- Deposit balances increased 1%
- Credit card revenue up 2%, auto lending down 21%
- Noninterest expense down 2% due to efficiency improvements

Commercial Banking:
- Net income: $794 million (down 19%)
- Revenue: $2.93 billion (down 7%)
- Net interest income declined 13%
- Noninterest income rose 8% on higher treasury and investment banking fees

Corporate and Investment Banking:
- Net income: $1.94 billion (down 2%)
- Revenue: $5.06 billion (up 2%)
- Investment banking revenue up 13%
- Commercial real estate revenue up 18%
- Markets revenue stable; strong results in commodities and FX

Wealth and Investment Management:
- Net income: $392 million (up 3%)
- Revenue: $3.87 billion (up 4%)
- Asset-based fees rose due to higher market valuations
- Client assets: $2.23 trillion (up 2%)
- Deposit balances up 22% year-over-year

Corporate:
- Net income: $78 million (compared to $435 million loss last year)
- Revenue dropped due to lower venture capital and securities results
- Noninterest expense down significantly, mainly due to lower FDIC assessments

Capital and shareholder return:
- Repurchased 44.5 million shares ($3.5 billion) in Q1
- Tangible common equity: $137.8 billion
- Total assets: $1.92 trillion (average)

CEO commentary:
Charlie Scharf highlighted strong EPS growth, efficiency improvements, and capital returns. He emphasized progress on risk and control infrastructure, noting that five consent orders were closed in the quarter. He acknowledged macro uncertainty due to trade policy and the economic environment but affirmed that Wells Fargo is well-positioned and remains focused on efficiency and transformation.
Wells Fargo announced that the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) has terminated its 2021 consent order related to the company’s Home Lending loss mitigation practices. This marks the eleventh consent order closed by Wells Fargo’s regulators since 2019 and the fifth closure since the beginning of 2025.

CEO Charlie Scharf highlighted the progress made, stating that the termination was achieved in just three and a half years, a significant improvement compared to previous regulatory orders. He also reaffirmed the company’s confidence in completing the remaining consent order requirements.

Wells Fargo, with approximately $1.9 trillion in assets, operates across four main segments: Consumer Banking and Lending, Commercial Banking, Corporate and Investment Banking, and Wealth & Investment Management. The company ranked No. 34 on Fortune’s 2024 list of America’s largest corporations.
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NYSE:BAC

Bank of America Slips Despite Truist Price Target Increase

Bank of America (NYSE: BAC) shares slipped 0.5% on Friday even as Truist Financial raised its price target on the banking giant to $64 from $61, while maintaining a *Buy* rating.

The higher target reflects Truist's confidence in Bank of America's earnings outlook, supported by its strong consumer banking franchise, improving net interest income prospects, and resilient capital position. The reaffirmed Buy rating signals the firm's expectation that the bank remains well-positioned to benefit from a favorable operating environment.

Although the stock ended Friday slightly lower, the analyst's price target increase underscores continued optimism about Bank of America's long-term growth potential. With the new target implying meaningful upside from current levels, Wall Street remains constructive on the bank's outlook despite recent market weakness.
Bank of America Corporation today announced the Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly cash dividend on Bank of America common stock of $0.28 per share, payable on June 26, 2026 to shareholders of record as of June 5, 2026.

Bank of America Declares Preferred Stock Dividends Payable in May and June 2026

Bank of America Declares Preferred Stock Dividends Payable in May and June 2026. Details are at the link ...

(newsroom.bankofamerica.com)
Charlotte, April 15, 2026 — Bank of America reported first-quarter 2026 net income of $8.6 billion, with earnings per share rising 25% year-over-year to $1.11, supported by solid revenue growth and strong client activity.

Revenue increased 7% to $30.3 billion, driven by higher net interest income, which rose 9% to $15.7 billion, along with double-digit growth in trading, investment banking, and asset management fees. The bank highlighted continued momentum in consumer spending and stable asset quality, pointing to a resilient U.S. economy.

Across business segments, consumer banking generated $3.1 billion in profit on $11.0 billion in revenue, while global wealth and investment management earned $1.3 billion as client balances climbed to $4.6 trillion. Global banking delivered $2.1 billion in net income with investment banking fees up 21%, and global markets posted $2.0 billion in profit, supported by a 13% increase in trading revenue.

The bank maintained a strong balance sheet, with average deposits exceeding $2 trillion and loans growing 9% year-over-year. It returned $9.3 billion to shareholders through dividends and share buybacks during the quarter.
Bank of America to Report First Quarter 2026 Financial Results on April 15
Bank of America Corporation announced the Board of Directors has authorized regular cash dividends on the outstanding shares or depositary shares of series of preferred stocks.
Bank of America Corporation announced that the Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly cash dividend on common stock of $0.28 per share, payable on March 27, 2026 to shareholders of record as of March 6, 2026.

The Board also declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $1.75 per share on the 7% Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, Series B. The dividend is payable on April 24, 2026 to shareholders of record as of April 10, 2026.
Bank of America Declares Preferred Stock Dividends Payable in February and March 2026
Bank of America reported fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 results, posting Q4 net income of $7.6 billion, up from $6.8 billion a year earlier, with earnings per share rising 18% year on year to $0.98. Quarterly revenue increased 7% to $28.4 billion, supported by higher net interest income, asset management fees, and solid sales and trading performance.

For full-year 2025, Bank of America generated net income of $30.5 billion and EPS of $3.81, both up 19% from 2024. Net interest income grew 10% year on year to $15.8 billion in the fourth quarter, while credit quality improved, with provisions for credit losses declining and net charge-offs falling. The bank also returned $8.4 billion to shareholders during the quarter through dividends and share repurchases.

All major business segments reported profits in the quarter, led by Consumer Banking with net income of $3.3 billion, followed by Global Banking at $2.1 billion, Global Wealth and Investment Management at $1.4 billion, and Global Markets at $1.0 billion. CEO Brian Moynihan said the results capped a strong year, citing resilient consumers and businesses, improved efficiency, and confidence in maintaining momentum into 2026.
Bank of America Corporation announced that it will redeem the full $3.0 billion outstanding amount of its 5.080% Fixed/Floating Rate Senior Notes due January 2027 on January 20, 2026. The notes will be redeemed at 100% of principal plus accrued and unpaid interest up to, but excluding, the redemption date, after which interest will cease to accrue.
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US Funds

State Street Investment Management launched the State Street IG Public & Private ABS ETF (PRAB), an actively managed exchange-traded fund designed to give investors broader exposure to investment-grade asset-backed securities across both public and private markets.

The fund invests in securities such as collateralized loan obligations (CLOs) and residential and commercial mortgage-backed securities, aiming to provide diversified income opportunities and potentially higher yields compared with corporate bonds of similar risk.

State Street said the ETF responds to growing investor demand for access to the global asset-backed finance market, which exceeds $20 trillion but remains underrepresented in traditional bond portfolios.
Business Wire
State Street Investment Management has expanded its MyIncome ETF lineup with the launch of five actively managed high yield corporate bond target maturity ETFs, adding to what it calls the industry’s first actively managed corporate target maturity ETF suite.

The new funds — My2027 (MYHA), My2028 (MYHB), My2029 (MYHC), My2030 (MYHD) and My2031 (MYHE) High Yield Corporate Bond ETFs — provide exposure to high yield bonds with matching maturity years from 2027 through 2031. The ETFs are designed to help investors build bond ladders that manage interest rate risk while offering predictable income and liquidity.

Managed by the firm’s fixed income team, the funds aim to maximize yield while preserving capital and managing liquidity, sector and issuer concentration risks. Each ETF is structured to distribute remaining principal and liquidate around December 15 of its respective maturity year. As of January 31, 2026, assets under management in the MyIncome suite totaled $298 million.

Source:Business Wire

Sector Momentum Favors Defense; QQQ Yet To Break; Split NDX Breadth

The stock market is clearly in defensive mode but QQQ is still holding up, and its long-term breadth still hasn't turned bearish. Arthur Hill's analysis identifies the key levels to watch.

(articles.stockcharts.com)
State Street Investment Management has launched the **State Street Prime Money Market ETF (MMK)**, an actively managed ETF designed to provide flexible, transparent, and cost-effective cash management.

The ETF aims to maximize current income while preserving capital and liquidity, investing in short-term, high-quality debt instruments such as U.S. government securities, certificates of deposit, commercial paper, asset-backed securities, mortgage-related securities, and repurchase agreements.

With an expense ratio of **18 basis points**, MMK is among the lowest-cost active prime money market ETFs in the U.S. As of December 31, 2025, State Street’s cash team managed approximately **$599.55 billion** in assets.

Source: Business Wire.

VantagePoint A.I. Asset of the Week iShares Silver Trust ($SLV) - VantagePoint $SLV

This week's ai asset spotlight is the iShares Silver Trust ($SLV) On December 3, 2025, we put $SLV front and center as our Asset of the Week and made one thing crystal clear: silver was no

(vantagepointsoftware.com)
I collected my first dividend from the FDVV ETF this week. It was not much—just $12—but it felt good to see the portfolio start to generate cash. Over time, I expect these payments to grow.

I am also spending time researching QQQI. It is a relatively new ETF and clearly carries more risk, especially since it focuses on large technology companies that may be somewhat overvalued right now. Still, I plan to allocate a small portion of my portfolio to it. The annual yield of around 13% is attractive, and I believe the tech and AI rally is likely to continue for at least another couple of years. If that plays out, QQQI could contribute meaningfully to overall returns.
Blackrock multi asset income monthly commentary ...

(blackrock.com)
State Street launches lowest-cost leveraged loan ETF in the U.S.

State Street Investment Management introduced the State Street SPDR S&P Leveraged Loan ETF (LVLN), giving investors broad, index-based exposure to the expanding leveraged loan market. With a 0.40 percent gross expense ratio, LVLN is now the lowest-cost leveraged loan ETF available in the U.S., according to Bloomberg data as of November 18, 2025.

The fund tracks the S&P USD Select Leveraged Loan Index, which includes U.S. dollar–denominated loans of at least 500 million dollars and applies issuer, facility and industry caps for diversified coverage. State Street says demand for leveraged loans continues to grow as investors seek income and low correlation to Treasuries and investment-grade corporate bonds.

The launch expands State Street’s fixed-income ETF lineup to include both active and index strategies targeting the rapidly growing loan segment.
State Street Investment Management, the asset management arm of State Street Corporation (NYSE: STT), announced the launch of the State Street SPDR Portfolio Ultra Short T-Bill ETF (SPTU) on October 8, 2025. The new fund expands the firm’s low-cost SPDR Portfolio ETF Suite, providing investors with exposure to U.S. Treasury bills maturing between one and twelve months at an expense ratio of just 0.05%—making it one of the lowest-cost ETFs in its category.

SPTU tracks the ICE BofA U.S. Treasury Bill Index and gives investors a way to manage liquidity or short-term cash while capturing yields at the ultra-short end of the curve. The ETF is also designed to qualify as a permitted investment and margin collateral under CFTC Regulation 1.25, enabling its use by derivatives market participants, including futures commission merchants (FCMs) and clearing organizations (DCOs).

Anna Paglia, Chief Business Officer at State Street Investment Management, said the fund provides a flexible, low-cost option to help clients manage income generation, liquidity, and risk, and may serve as an efficient collateral tool for institutional investors.

With the addition of SPTU, State Street’s SPDR Portfolio U.S. Treasury lineup now covers the entire yield curve — from short-term (SPTS) to long-term (SPTL) Treasurys — and includes more than $323 billion in assets across its low-cost ETF family. State Street Investment Management oversees over $5 trillion in assets globally, offering index, ETF, and fixed-income products to institutional and retail investors in more than 60 countries.
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NYSE:PLTR

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.
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.
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.
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

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)
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.
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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(thesmartinvestor.com.sg)
Bain & Company announced an expansion of its strategic partnership with Palantir Technologies to accelerate enterprise AI adoption worldwide.

The enhanced collaboration combines Bain’s consulting and transformation expertise with Palantir’s AI platforms, including Foundry and AIP, to help clients deploy data-driven solutions at scale and improve operational efficiency.

The partnership aims to support end-to-end AI transformation, from strategic planning to full operational implementation, responding to growing demand from businesses seeking productivity gains and cost efficiencies through AI.

Both companies said the expanded alliance will enable broader access to advanced AI technologies and strengthen their ability to deliver large-scale, real-time AI-driven solutions across industries.
PRNewswire

3 Defence Stocks Gaining Amid Middle East Tensions

Discover the 3 defence stocks gaining amid geopolitical tensions, showcasing best-in-class equipment and strong financials.

(thesmartinvestor.com.sg)
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NYSE:PG

Procter & Gamble Edges Higher as Jefferies Raises Price Target

Procter & Gamble (NYSE: PG) shares gained 0.35% on Friday after Jefferies Financial Group raised its price target on the consumer goods giant to $179 from $177, while reiterating its *Buy* rating.

The modest increase in the price target reflects Jefferies' continued confidence in Procter & Gamble's resilient business model, supported by its portfolio of leading consumer brands, pricing power, and consistent cash flow generation. The firm expects the company to remain well-positioned despite a challenging consumer spending environment.

The analyst update provided additional support for investor sentiment, helping PG finish the session slightly higher. With the new $179 target implying further upside from current levels, Wall Street remains constructive on the company's long-term outlook.
Procter & Gamble reported fiscal third-quarter 2026 results with net sales rising 7% to $21.2 billion and organic sales up 3%, reflecting broad-based growth across categories and regions.

Diluted earnings per share increased 6% to $1.63, while core EPS rose 3% to $1.59. Net earnings and operating cash flow both reached $4.0 billion during the quarter.

The company returned $3.2 billion to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases and maintained its full-year guidance for sales, earnings, and cash returns.

Source: Business Wire
The Procter & Gamble Company announced that its board has declared a quarterly dividend of $1.0568 per share, payable on or after February 17, 2026, to shareholders of record as of January 23, 2026. The dividend applies to P&G’s common stock as well as its Series A and Series B ESOP Convertible Class A Preferred Stock.

The company highlighted its long-standing commitment to shareholder returns, noting that it has paid dividends for 135 consecutive years and increased its dividend for 69 straight years. P&G said the payout underscores its focus on providing steady and reliable income to investors.

Source: Procter & Gamble news release, January 13, 2026.

Dividend Growth Stocks: Procter & Gamble (PG) Dividend Stock Analysis

P&G dividend ...

(dividend-growth-stocks.com)
Procter & Gamble Reports 3% Sales Growth in First Quarter of Fiscal 2026

The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE: PG) announced fiscal 2026 first-quarter results with net sales of $22.4 billion, up 3% year over year, and organic sales rising 2%. Diluted earnings per share increased 21% to $1.95, while core EPS rose 3% to $1.99. The company generated $5.4 billion in operating cash flow and returned $3.8 billion to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases.

Segment performance was led by the Beauty division, which saw a 6% organic sales increase driven by innovation and premium product mix. Grooming and Health Care grew 3% and 1%, respectively, while Fabric & Home Care and Baby, Feminine & Family Care were flat year over year.

P&G reaffirmed its full-year outlook, maintaining guidance for 1–5% sales growth and 3–9% EPS growth. The company expects to return around $15 billion to shareholders in fiscal 2026 through $10 billion in dividends and $5 billion in share buybacks. CEO Jon Moeller emphasized continued investment in innovation and brand superiority amid a challenging global environment.
Procter & Gamble Appoints Craig Arnold to Board of Directors

The Procter & Gamble Company has appointed Craig Arnold, former Chairman and CEO of Eaton Corporation, to its Board of Directors effective June 9. Arnold will serve on the Audit and Compensation & Leadership Development Committees. He is considered an independent director under NYSE standards.

As part of P&G’s standard compensation program for non-employee directors, Arnold will receive a pro-rated restricted stock unit (RSU) grant. His appointment was also disclosed in a company press release.
P&G plans to cut 7.000 jobs in two years, due to tariffs uncertainty
Procter & Gamble Declares Quarterly Dividend of $1.0568 Per Share


The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE: PG) has announced that its Board of Directors has declared a quarterly dividend of $1.0568 per share. The dividend applies to both its common stock and its Series A and Series B ESOP Convertible Class A Preferred Stock.

Shareholders of record for the common stock as of the close of business on April 21, 2025, will be eligible to receive the dividend, which is scheduled to be paid on or after May 15, 2025. For Series A and Series B preferred shares, the record date is the start of business on April 21, 2025.

The declaration continues P&G’s long-standing commitment to returning value to shareholders through consistent dividend payments.
The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG) will webcast a discussion of its third quarter earnings results on Thursday, April 24, 2025 beginning at 8:30 a.m. ET.

Media and investors may access the live audio webcast at www.pginvestor.com. The webcast will also be available for replay.

Procter & Gamble overtakes Unilever in rivalry, WSJ reports | Markets Insider

P&G (PG) has overtaken Unilever (UL) by focusing on its biggest brands and improving their efficacy, while Unilever is still reliant on food...

(markets.businessinsider.com)
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