Latest

Apple event live updates: First foldable, the iPhone Duo, iPhone 18 Pro, watches, and more

Apple is hosting its annual fall event at its Cupertino, Calif., headquarters.

finance.yahoo.com 09-09-26

U.S. 10-Year Treasury Auction Yield Jumps to 4.834% as Oil Fuels Inflation Concerns The U.S. Treasury’s 10-year note auction cleared

The U.S. Treasury’s 10-year note auction cleared at 4.834% on Wednesday, sharply above the 4.683% yield at the previous auction, reflecting the broader rise...

09-09-26

XPeng Stock Falls 2.9% as UBS Starts Coverage With Neutral Rating XPeng (NYSE: XPEV) shares fell 2.9% to $10.62 on

XPeng (NYSE: XPEV) shares fell 2.9% to $10.62 on Wednesday as UBS initiated coverage of the Chinese electric-vehicle maker with a Neutral rating. UBS...

09-09-26

AMD Stock Rises 3.5% as CLSA Reiterates Outperform Rating With $710 Price Target Advanced Micro Devices (NASDAQ: AMD) shares rose

Advanced Micro Devices (NASDAQ: AMD) shares rose 3.5% to $523.37 on Wednesday as CLSA reiterated its Outperform rating on the semiconductor company. CLSA maintained...

09-09-26

Consumer Confidence Weakens in Argentina and Brazil in September Consumer sentiment deteriorated in both Argentina and Brazil in September, according

Consumer sentiment deteriorated in both Argentina and Brazil in September, according to the latest Thomson Reuters/Ipsos Primary Consumer Sentiment Index readings. Argentina’s PCSI declined...

09-09-26

U.S. Consumer Sentiment Improves in September, While Confidence Weakens in Canada and Mexico Consumer sentiment across North America diverged in

Consumer sentiment across North America diverged in September, according to the latest Thomson Reuters/Ipsos Primary Consumer Sentiment Index readings. In the United States, the...

09-09-26

Broadridge Launches DLX Platform for 24/7 Tokenized Financial Markets Broadridge Financial Solutions (NYSE: BR) launched DLX, a new digital asset

Broadridge Financial Solutions (NYSE: BR) launched DLX, a new digital asset infrastructure platform designed to connect traditional financial markets with tokenized and blockchain-based markets....

09-09-26

Constellation Brands’ Pacifico Unveils Transformable Outdoor Gear Prototype Series Constellation Brands’ (NYSE: STZ) Pacifico brand unveiled Pacifi-Go, a new series

Constellation Brands’ (NYSE: STZ) Pacifico brand unveiled Pacifi-Go, a new series of experimental outdoor gear designed to transition from outdoor activities to post-adventure social...

09-09-26

Corteva and Globachem Form 50/50 Joint Venture to Develop New Crop Protection Solutions Corteva (NYSE: CTVA) and Belgium-based Globachem entered

Corteva (NYSE: CTVA) and Belgium-based Globachem entered into a definitive agreement to establish a 50/50 joint venture focused on developing and commercializing new crop...

09-09-26

U.S. Bank Tests Proprietary Stablecoin for Cross-Border Payments on Stellar Blockchain U.S. Bank has successfully completed a live cross-border payment

U.S. Bank has successfully completed a live cross-border payment using USBDC, its proprietary U.S. dollar-backed stablecoin, marking a significant step in the bank’s digital...

09-09-26

Uber Eats Partners With Wakefern to Add More Than 375 Grocery Stores Across U.S. Northeast Uber Technologies (NYSE: UBER) announced

Uber Technologies (NYSE: UBER) announced a partnership with Wakefern Food Corp. that will bring more than 375 supermarkets across the U.S. Northeast to the...

09-09-26

Bristol Myers Squibb’s Arlo-Cel Meets Primary Endpoint in Phase 2 Multiple Myeloma Trial Bristol Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY) announced positive

Bristol Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY) announced positive topline results from the registrational Phase 2 QUINTESSENTIAL trial evaluating arlocabtagene autoleucel, or arlo-cel, in heavily pretreated...

09-09-26

US Dividends

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Johnson Controls Declares $0.40 Quarterly Dividend

Johnson Controls International (NYSE: JCI) announced that its board of directors approved a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.40 per share.

The dividend will be payable on October 16, 2026, to shareholders of record at the close of business on September 21.

Nvidia Can Clearly Afford a Bigger Dividend. Why Its Payout Hasn’t Grown.

Nvidia left its quarterly dividend unchanged at $0.25 after reporting Q2 revenue of $96.2 billion, even though the company clearly has the cash to pay more.

(finance.yahoo.com)

Dividend Growth Stocks: McDonald's Corporation (MCD) Dividend Stock Analysis

Your source for finding the best dividend growth stocks

(dividend-growth-stocks.com)
National Beverage (FIZZ) Stock Soars After Special Dividend and Fiscal 2026 Results

National Beverage Corp. (NASDAQ: FIZZ) shares surged approximately 13% on Thursday after the company announced a $3.25 per share special cash dividend alongside its fiscal 2026 financial results, boosting investor sentiment despite relatively flat earnings.

The special dividend, payable on or before July 30 to shareholders of record as of July 13, marks the company's thirteenth special cash dividend over the past 22 years. National Beverage said it has returned more than $1.8 billion to shareholders through special dividends during that period.

For fiscal 2026, the maker of LaCroix sparkling water reported net sales of $1.18 billion, compared with $1.20 billion in the prior fiscal year. Net income slipped slightly to $183.6 million from $186.8 million, while diluted earnings per share declined to $1.96 from $1.99.

Despite the modest year-over-year declines, management expressed confidence in the company's outlook, pointing to continued product innovation, a strong balance sheet, and improving market conditions. Cash increased by $156 million during the year to $350 million, providing significant financial flexibility.

The company also highlighted strong momentum from newer LaCroix flavors, including PineApple CocoNut and Strawberry Peach, while noting that easing commodity costs and improving consumer spending trends could support future growth.

# Why FIZZ Stock Rose

Several developments fueled Thursday's rally:

* National Beverage declared a special cash dividend of $3.25 per share.
* The company ended fiscal 2026 with $350 million in cash, up $156 million from the prior year.
* Management expressed confidence in future growth, citing improving market conditions and continued product innovation.
* Investors welcomed the company's long history of returning capital to shareholders through special dividends.

While fiscal 2026 earnings were largely stable compared with the prior year, the sizeable special dividend and upbeat outlook significantly boosted investor sentiment, sending National Beverage shares approximately 13% higher during Thursday's trading session.
Paychex, Inc. (Nasdaq: PAYX) has declared a regular quarterly cash dividend on Paychex common stock of $1.19 per share, an increase of $0.11 (or 10%) from the prior quarterly dividend of $1.08 per share, payable on May 29, 2026 to shareholders of record as of May 13, 2026.
Kenvue Inc. (NYSE: KVUE) declared a quarterly dividend of $0.2075 per share on its common stock. The quarterly dividend is payable on May 27, 2026, to shareholders of record as of the close of business on May 13, 2026.
The Board of Directors of Prologis, Inc. (NYSE: PLD) declared a regular cash dividend for the quarter ending June 30, 2026, on the following securities:

A dividend of $1.07 per share of the company's common stock, payable on June 30, 2026, to common stockholders of record at the close of business on June 16, 2026; and

A dividend of $1.0675 per share of the company's 8.54% Series Q Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, payable on June 30, 2026, to Series Q stockholders of record at the close of business on June 16, 2026.

PRNewswire
W.W. Grainger, Inc. (NYSE: GWW) announced a quarterly cash dividend of $2.49 per share, an increase of 10% from the most recent company dividend. The dividend is payable on June 1, 2026, to shareholders of record on May 11, 2026.
Corteva, Inc. (NYSE: CTVA) announced a common stock dividend of $0.18 cents per share, payable June 15, 2026, to the Company’s shareholders of record on June 1, 2026.
Williams (NYSE: WMB) approved a regular dividend of $0.525 per share, $2.10 annualized, on the company’s common stock, payable on June 29, 2026, to holders of record at the close of business on June 12, 2026.
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US Bonds

Apple event live updates: First foldable, the iPhone Duo, iPhone 18 Pro, watches, and more

Apple is hosting its annual fall event at its Cupertino, Calif., headquarters.

(finance.yahoo.com)
U.S. 10-Year Treasury Auction Yield Jumps to 4.834% as Oil Fuels Inflation Concerns

The U.S. Treasury’s 10-year note auction cleared at 4.834% on Wednesday, sharply above the 4.683% yield at the previous auction, reflecting the broader rise in long-term U.S. borrowing costs.
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US Stocks Rise as Treasury Bond-Market Support Eases Yield Pressure

U.S. stocks were mostly higher Wednesday as the Treasury Department’s expanded bond-buyback operations continued to support sentiment by easing pressure in the government debt market.

The S&P 500 was up 0.37% at 7,719.85, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.46% to 53,588.62. The Nasdaq Composite, however, slipped 0.05% to 26,277.81, giving back its earlier gains as technology stocks lagged the broader market.

Treasury Intervention Brings Relief to Bonds and Stocks

The main catalyst supporting risk sentiment was Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s move to bolster liquidity in the Treasury market. The department said it would at least double the maximum size of liquidity-support buybacks for longer-dated Treasury securities, increasing operations from $2 billion to at least $4 billion and targeting the 10- to 30-year portion of the curve.

Bond yields dropped sharply following the announcement. The benchmark 10-year Treasury yield fell about 6 basis points to around 4.65%, while the 30-year yield declined roughly 9 basis points to around 5.20%. Treasury prices and yields move inversely.

The action has provided some relief after the recent surge in long-term borrowing costs became a major headwind for equities. The 30-year Treasury yield had climbed to around 5.34% on Tuesday, its highest level in nearly two decades, amid concerns over government borrowing, inflation, the U.S.-Iran conflict and elevated energy prices.

Dow Leads While Nasdaq Loses Momentum

The latest market action shows a divergence beneath the headline indexes. The Dow is now outperforming with a 0.46% gain, while the S&P 500 remains moderately higher. The Nasdaq has reversed its earlier advance and is trading slightly lower.

The reversal suggests that lower Treasury yields have not been enough to sustain the initial rebound in technology stocks. Growth and technology shares remain particularly sensitive to changes in long-term rates because higher yields reduce the present value of expected future earnings.

For the broader market, however, Treasury intervention has eased one of Wall Street’s most immediate concerns and helped stabilize financial conditions.

Investors will continue to monitor the Treasury market, oil prices and developments surrounding the U.S.-Iran conflict. The Federal Reserve’s July meeting minutes are also in focus for additional clues about the outlook for monetary policy, inflation and interest rates.
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U.S. Stocks Fall as Iran Conflict, Rising Oil Prices and Treasury Yields Pressure Markets

U.S. stocks traded lower Tuesday as the continuing U.S.-Iran conflict pushed oil prices higher and intensified concerns about inflation and interest rates, with technology stocks leading the decline.

The Nasdaq Composite fell 1.3% to 26,301, underperforming the broader market. The S&P 500 declined 0.49% to 7,707, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average was down 0.06% at 53,429.

The risk-off move comes as hopes for a lasting resolution to the U.S.-Iran conflict fade. Iran has shifted toward a more offensive military posture after efforts to negotiate a permanent end to the conflict stalled, while Washington declined to extend the temporary ceasefire.

Oil and Bond Yields Add Pressure

Energy markets remain one of the main channels through which the conflict is affecting U.S. equities. Brent crude rose for a third consecutive session Tuesday, trading around $91 per barrel and reaching its highest level in nearly three weeks as continued restrictions around the Strait of Hormuz raised concerns about global oil supplies.

Higher oil prices are feeding concerns that energy costs could keep inflation elevated, complicating the outlook for monetary policy.

Those concerns have spilled into the bond market. The U.S. 30-year Treasury yield climbed as high as 5.327%, its highest level since 2007, while the benchmark 10-year yield was also around 4.73%. The rise in long-term yields reflects a combination of inflation concerns related to the conflict and oil prices, alongside broader worries about U.S. borrowing and debt issuance.

The combination of higher energy prices and rising bond yields is particularly challenging for growth and technology stocks, helping explain the Nasdaq's sharper decline.

Latest U.S. Data Point to Softer Economic Momentum

Tuesday's economic releases added another layer of uncertainty.

U.S. housing starts dropped 12.4% month-over-month in July to an annualized 1.239 million units, well below expectations of 1.340 million and down sharply from 1.415 million previously.

Industrial production increased just 0.2% month-over-month in July, below the 0.3% forecast and previous reading. On a year-over-year basis, production growth slowed to 1.08% from 1.29%.

The labor market offered a somewhat stronger signal. Weekly ADP employment growth came in at 9,500 jobs, up from 8,300 previously.

Taken together, the data point to uneven economic momentum: employment continues to expand, but housing activity weakened sharply and industrial production grew more slowly than expected.

For Wall Street, however, geopolitics remains the dominant driver Tuesday. As long as the U.S.-Iran conflict keeps Brent crude elevated and pushes longer-term Treasury yields higher, pressure on equity valuations — particularly in the technology sector — is likely to remain a central market risk.
Inflation is increasingly in focus for the US bond market and the Fed, says Mike Mitchell, head of US Treasury and Inflation Trading at Goldman Sachs.

(goldmansachs.com)
U.S. 6-Month Treasury Bill Yield Falls to 3.830%

The U.S. Treasury's latest six-month bill auction produced a yield of 3.830%, down slightly from 3.855% at the previous auction.
U.S. Treasury Auction Yields Rise Ahead of Fed Decision as Investors Demand Higher Returns

U.S. Treasury yields moved higher on Monday after the Treasury’s latest debt auctions cleared at higher yields than the previous sales, reflecting investor caution ahead of this week’s Federal Reserve meeting and a busy slate of economic data.

The U.S. Treasury’s $69 billion 2-year note auction stopped at a high yield of 4.315%, up from 4.189% at the previous auction. Later in the day, the $70 billion 5-year note auction also cleared at a higher yield of 4.408%, compared with 4.200% previously.

The higher stop-out yields suggest investors demanded greater compensation to hold U.S. government debt, a sign that bond markets remain cautious about the outlook for interest rates and inflation. Treasury auctions are closely watched because they provide insight into investor demand for government securities and can influence borrowing costs across financial markets.

The auctions came just hours after softer-than-expected U.S. durable goods orders data, which pointed to moderating business investment but did little to change expectations that the Federal Reserve will leave interest rates unchanged at this week’s policy meeting.

Higher Treasury yields can weigh on equity valuations, particularly in growth sectors such as technology, by increasing discount rates used to value future earnings.

With the Federal Reserve’s policy announcement, key inflation data, and earnings from several mega-cap technology companies all due later this week, investors are likely to remain focused on the bond market for further signals about the direction of monetary policy and the broader U.S. economy.
The U.S. Treasury's latest 10-year note auction attracted solid investor demand, with the high yield settling at 4.538%, modestly above the previous auction's 4.468% level.
The US 2-Year Treasury note auction cleared at 4.071%, significantly above the previous 3.812%.
The U.S. 10-year TIPS auction drew a yield of 2.169%, up from the previous 1.896%, indicating investors demanded higher real returns to hold inflation-protected government debt.
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NYSE:CHWY

Chewy Stock Falls 7% Despite Strong Q2 Results and Raised Outlook

Chewy (NYSE: CHWY) shares fell about 7% Wednesday despite reporting stronger fiscal second-quarter earnings and raising its full-year outlook, as investors appeared unimpressed by underlying sales growth and flat gross margins.

Second-quarter net sales increased 7.3% year over year to $3.33 billion, landing at the high end of the company’s guidance. Excluding contributions from SmartPak and Modern Animal, however, organic sales growth was a more moderate 5.7%.

Profitability improved significantly. Net income reached $80.5 million, while net margin expanded 40 basis points to 2.4%. Adjusted EBITDA climbed $43.4 million to $226.7 million, with adjusted EBITDA margin expanding 90 basis points to 6.8%. Adjusted diluted EPS increased to $0.36 from $0.33 a year earlier.

Gross margin remained unchanged year over year at 30.4%, potentially limiting enthusiasm around the otherwise strong margin performance.

Chewy said its recurring revenue base and continued customer growth supported the quarter, while management raised its full-year revenue and profitability outlook following results that exceeded its expectations.

The 7% decline suggests investors may have been looking for stronger organic growth or greater gross-margin expansion, despite Chewy’s improved earnings and upgraded outlook.
Chewy Holds Near Flat Despite Strong Results as Investors Weigh Long-Term Growth Outlook

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CEO Sumit Singh said Chewy continues to outperform the broader pet care market, citing strong execution, structural resilience, and free cash flow generation. The company exceeded the high end of its Q3 sales outlook while expanding margins.
Chewy, Inc. has released its financial results for the first quarter of fiscal year 2025 ended May 4, 2025.

Fiscal Q1 2025 Highlights:

•Net sales of $3.12 billion increased 8.3 percent year over year
•Gross margin of 29.6 percent decreased 10 basis points year over year
•Net income of $62.4 million, including share-based compensation expense and related taxes of $78.0 million
•Net margin of 2.0 percent decreased 30 basis points year over year
•Basic earnings per share of $0.15, consistent year over year
•Diluted earnings per share of $0.15, consistent year over year
•Adjusted EBITDA(1) of $192.7 million, an increase of $29.8 million year over year
•Adjusted EBITDA margin(1) of 6.2 percent increased 50 basis points year over year
•Adjusted net income(1) of $148.9 million, an increase of $11.8 million year over year
•Adjusted basic earnings per share(1) of $0.36, an increase of $0.04 year over year
•Adjusted diluted earnings per share(1) of $0.35, an increase of $0.04 year over year
Chewy CFO David Reeder to Depart; Company Reaffirms Q1 Guidance

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

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

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

Dr. Goldhaber will receive standard non-affiliated director compensation, and the Company has entered into an indemnification agreement with him. His appointment was made without any arrangement or understanding with other persons.
Chewy Amends Credit Agreement, Extends Maturity to 2030
Plantation, FL – April 1, 2025 – Chewy, Inc. (NYSE: CHWY) announced it has entered into Amendment No. 3 to its Asset-Based Lending (ABL) Credit Agreement, originally dated June 18, 2019.

Key changes include:

Extension of the maturity date to April 1, 2030

Removal of the 10 basis point SOFR credit spread adjustment

Enhanced flexibility in financial covenants and reporting

Increased thresholds for default events

Greater capacity for additional revolving commitments

The amended agreement involves Wells Fargo as administrative agent and JPMorgan Chase as syndication agent. The update was disclosed under Items 1.01 and 2.03 in a Form 8-K filed with the SEC.
Chewy ends fiscal 2024 with record sales, improved margins, and strong customer growth

Chewy reported fiscal fourth quarter 2024 net sales of $3.25 billion, a 14.9% increase year over year, and full-year sales of $11.86 billion, up 6.4%. quarterly gross margin expanded 30 basis points to 28.5%, while adjusted ebitda rose 44% to $124.5 million. full-year net income reached $392.7 million, up significantly from $39.6 million in 2023, with a net margin of 3.3%. adjusted diluted earnings per share for the year grew to $1.04 from $0.69. autoship customer sales represented over 79% of annual sales, reflecting strong loyalty. free cash flow for the year was $452.5 million, up 31.9%. the company ended the year with 20.5 million active customers and remains focused on innovation and strategic execution in 2025.
Chewy, Inc. announced the appointment of Deborah Ellinger to its Board of Directors, increasing the board size from twelve to thirteen members. Ellinger, an experienced executive and board member, has extensive expertise in consumer products and pet-related industries. She is currently a Senior Advisor at Boston Consulting Group (BCG), where she works with private equity clients in consumer and retail investments.

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

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

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

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

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

U.S. Consumer Sentiment Improves in September, While Confidence Weakens in Canada and Mexico

Consumer sentiment across North America diverged in September, according to the latest Thomson Reuters/Ipsos Primary Consumer Sentiment Index readings.

In the United States, the PCSI rose to 50.45 from 49.38 in August, indicating an improvement in household sentiment after the previous month’s decline. The index measures consumers’ views on economic conditions, personal finances, purchasing comfort, job security and expectations.

Canada moved in the opposite direction, with the index falling to 47.35 from 48.19. Canadian households have remained cautious amid affordability pressures, trade uncertainty and concerns about inflation and the broader economic outlook.

Mexico’s PCSI also weakened, declining to 50.84 from 52.77 in August.

The September figures therefore point to improving consumer confidence in the U.S., while sentiment deteriorated in both Canada and Mexico.
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U.S. Stocks Open Lower as Oil Tops $100 and Inflation Concerns Persist

U.S. stocks opened lower Wednesday, extending the previous session’s losses as sharply higher oil prices fueled concerns over inflation and the Federal Reserve’s interest-rate outlook.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.55% to 52,497.96, while the S&P 500 declined 0.32% to 7,648.70. The Nasdaq Composite slipped 0.34% to 26,331.54.

Higher oil prices were a key source of pressure. Brent crude climbed above $100 per barrel for the first time since July as escalating U.S.-Iran tensions and attacks on tankers and energy infrastructure increased concerns about prolonged Middle East supply disruptions. Brent was recently up about 2.8% at $100.66, while WTI gained roughly 3% to $95.77.

The oil rally is adding to inflation concerns ahead of key U.S. inflation data and the Federal Reserve’s policy meeting next week. Higher energy costs could keep price pressures elevated and complicate the Fed’s interest-rate decision.

Meanwhile, the latest weekly ADP employment estimate showed private payrolls increasing by 12,000, up from the previous week’s 10,000 gain. The modest increase points to continued but relatively subdued hiring momentum.

With oil prices rising and bond yields remaining elevated, investors are increasingly focused on whether renewed energy-driven inflation will force the Fed to maintain a tighter monetary-policy stance.
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U.S. Consumer Inflation Expectations Hold at 3.6% in August

U.S. consumers’ short-term inflation expectations remained unchanged in August, according to the latest New York Federal Reserve Survey of Consumer Expectations.

Median inflation expectations one year ahead held at 3.6%, unchanged from July. The stable one-year reading comes as inflation remains above the Federal Reserve’s 2% target and oil prices have risen sharply amid the escalating U.S.-Iran conflict.

Attention now turns to Friday’s U.S. CPI report, which could play a decisive role in the Fed’s September 15–16 interest-rate decision.
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U.S. Stocks Fall as Rising Oil Prices and Fed Rate-Hike Fears Pressure Wall Street

U.S. stocks opened lower Tuesday as surging oil prices fueled renewed inflation concerns, while investors assessed escalating tensions in the Middle East and the possibility of another Federal Reserve rate hike.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell about 1.2% in morning trading, while the S&P 500 declined 0.5% and the Nasdaq Composite lost roughly 0.5%.

Rising energy prices were a major source of pressure. Brent crude climbed toward the psychologically important $100-per-barrel level as the U.S.-Iran conflict escalated and concerns grew about further disruptions to Middle Eastern oil supplies.

Higher crude prices present a broader problem for equities because sustained increases in energy costs could feed into inflation and make it more difficult for the Fed to ease monetary policy. The concern has intensified following Friday’s stronger-than-expected U.S. jobs report, which pushed expectations toward tighter monetary policy.

Treasury yields also remained elevated, adding pressure to equity valuations, particularly in rate-sensitive growth and technology stocks.

Investors are now turning their attention to this week’s U.S. inflation reports. Hotter-than-expected inflation, particularly with oil prices approaching $100, could strengthen expectations for a September Fed rate hike and add further pressure to Wall Street.
U.S. Oil Rig Count Rises to 449 as Total Drilling Activity Holds Steady

The number of active U.S. oil rigs increased in the latest Baker Hughes survey, while overall drilling activity remained unchanged.

The U.S. oil rig count rose to 449 from 447 in the previous week, an increase of two rigs. Meanwhile, the total U.S. rig count held steady at 588.
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U.S. Stocks Slip as Strong Jobs Report Revives Fed Rate-Hike Fears

U.S. stocks traded slightly lower Friday after a much stronger-than-expected August employment report revived expectations that the Federal Reserve could raise interest rates at its September meeting.

The S&P 500 fell 0.21% to 7,731.74, while the Dow Jones dropped 0.46% to 53,436.70. The Nasdaq was nearly flat at 26,583.15.

U.S. nonfarm payrolls increased by 162,000 in August, nearly triple expectations of around 55,000. July's figure was also revised sharply higher to a gain of 21,000 from an initially reported decline of 23,000. Private payrolls rose by 127,000, while the unemployment rate remained unchanged at 4.1%.

Strong Labor Market Pushes Treasury Yields Higher

The unexpectedly strong report challenged hopes that the Fed could keep rates unchanged. Markets increased bets on a 25-basis-point September hike, with the implied probability rising to around 60% following the data. U.S. Treasury yields moved sharply higher in response.

The report comes just a day after Fed Governor Christopher Waller suggested he could support holding rates steady if inflation continues to cool. With the labor market showing renewed strength, next week's inflation data could now prove decisive for the Fed's September decision.

The modest decline in equities suggests investors are balancing evidence of a resilient U.S. economy against the risk that stronger employment gives the Fed more room to tighten monetary policy further.
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U.S. Stocks Rise as Strong Services Activity and Lower Treasury Yields Offset Inflation Concerns

U.S. stocks traded higher Thursday as investors weighed stronger-than-expected services activity against signs of a cooling labor market and renewed inflation pressure from rising oil prices. The S&P 500 gained 0.37% to 7,694.65, the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.46% to 53,304.90, and the Nasdaq Composite advanced 0.66% to 26,391.59.

Economic data painted a mixed but generally resilient picture. Initial jobless claims increased slightly to 206,000 from 204,000, marginally above the 205,000 consensus, while continuing claims climbed to 1.779 million from 1.771 million. The figures suggest layoffs remain relatively limited even as hiring momentum has weakened ahead of Friday’s closely watched August employment report.

Services activity was considerably stronger. The ISM Non-Manufacturing PMI rose to 55.4 in August from 54.1, comfortably beating expectations for an unchanged 54.1 reading. S&P Global’s Services PMI also increased to 56.5 from 54.6, although it came slightly below the 56.8 forecast. Together, the readings indicate that the dominant U.S. services sector continues to expand at a healthy pace.

The inflation component, however, complicated the outlook for the Federal Reserve. ISM services prices jumped to 72.6 from 70.3, well above the 70.0 forecast, signaling persistent input-cost pressures. Investors are already sensitive to inflation after Fed Chair Kevin Warsh’s hawkish Jackson Hole message increased expectations that monetary policy may need to remain restrictive.

Oil remains another major inflation risk. Brent crude climbed to around $97 a barrel and WTI moved above $93 as renewed U.S. strikes on Iran and threats of further escalation raised concerns about supplies through the Strait of Hormuz.

Despite those risks, declining Treasury yields are currently providing support to equities, particularly technology stocks, helping the Nasdaq outperform. Markets now turn to Friday’s U.S. employment report, which could determine whether investors focus more heavily on slowing labor demand or the increasingly visible inflation pressures coming from services and energy markets.
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U.S. Stocks Trade Mixed as Weak Jobs Data Collides With Oil-Driven Inflation Fears

U.S. stocks traded mixed Wednesday as investors weighed softer-than-expected labor-market data against rising oil prices, elevated Treasury yields and renewed concerns that energy costs could keep inflation above the Federal Reserve’s target.

The S&P 500 was nearly flat at 7,638.19, up 0.09%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.39% to 52,975.28. The Nasdaq Composite slipped 0.08% to 26,079.81, with technology shares remaining more sensitive to elevated bond yields.

Fresh labor data provided some support for equities. ADP reported that private employers added only 38,000 jobs in August, below expectations for 47,000 and down from an upwardly revised 46,000 in July. It was the weakest pace of private-sector job creation since January. Manufacturing lost 17,000 jobs and professional and business services shed 16,000, while education and health services added 45,000.

Ordinarily, weaker employment growth would strengthen expectations for easier monetary policy. This time, however, the signal is being complicated by renewed inflation risks. Escalating U.S.-Iran hostilities have pushed crude prices sharply higher, with Brent trading around $95 a barrel Wednesday after surging in recent sessions. Concerns over disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz have put an additional geopolitical premium into energy markets.

Higher oil prices are feeding directly into inflation expectations and challenging hopes that slowing employment will quickly translate into lower interest rates. U.S. Treasury yields have consequently remained elevated, with the 10-year yield reaching roughly 4.8%, its highest level since late 2023. Markets have also increased expectations for another Federal Reserve rate hike following Fed Chair Kevin Warsh’s recent hawkish comments on inflation.

The result is an increasingly difficult backdrop for equities: labor-market momentum is weakening at the same time that an external energy shock is threatening to revive inflation. That combination helps explain Wednesday’s divergence, with the Dow advancing while the rate-sensitive Nasdaq remains under pressure. Investors will now turn to Friday’s official U.S. employment report for a clearer indication of whether labor-market cooling is becoming significant enough to alter the Fed’s inflation-focused policy stance.
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U.S. Stocks Fall as Treasury Yields and Mixed Economic Data Pressure Tech Shares

U.S. stocks traded lower Tuesday as a renewed selloff in government bonds pushed Treasury yields higher, while investors assessed mixed manufacturing and labor-market data ahead of Friday’s key U.S. jobs report.

The S&P 500 fell about 0.6% to 7,640, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average declined roughly 0.4%. The Nasdaq Composite underperformed with a drop of about 1%, reflecting greater pressure on technology and other growth stocks as borrowing costs increased.

Treasury yields remained one of the biggest headwinds for equities. The benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury yield climbed to around 4.79%, its highest level since January 2025, as a global government-bond selloff continued. Higher yields make bonds more competitive with equities and reduce the present value of future corporate earnings, putting particular pressure on richly valued technology companies.

Tuesday’s economic data provided a mixed picture. The S&P Global Manufacturing PMI was finalized at 53.9 for August, above the 53.2 preliminary estimate and signaling continued expansion. The ISM Manufacturing PMI, however, declined to 54.6 from 55.6 and missed the 55.2 forecast. ISM’s prices index remained elevated at 71.1, slightly above expectations, keeping inflation concerns in focus.

The labor market also showed signs of cooling. JOLTS job openings increased to 7.271 million in July from 7.182 million but remained below the 7.330 million forecast. ISM manufacturing employment fell to 51.2 from 52.8, while construction spending unexpectedly declined 0.5% in July.

The combination is uncomfortable for markets: economic activity remains relatively resilient, but employment indicators are softening while price pressures remain elevated. That makes the Federal Reserve’s next move more difficult, particularly after Chair Kevin Warsh’s recent hawkish Jackson Hole remarks increased expectations for another rate hike.

Geopolitical risks are adding to those inflation concerns. Brent crude traded above $92 per barrel as renewed U.S.-Iran fighting raised fears of further disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz. Higher energy prices have contributed to the global bond selloff by increasing concerns that inflation could remain above central-bank targets for longer.

Investors will now focus heavily on Friday’s August employment report. Strong jobs data could reinforce expectations that the Fed has room to raise rates, potentially keeping Treasury yields elevated and technology stocks under pressure. Weaker employment figures, however, would highlight the growing tension between slowing labor demand and persistent inflation.
US Stocks Fall as Iran Tensions, Oil Prices and Fed Rate-Hike Bets Weigh

U.S. stocks traded lower Monday as renewed military clashes between the United States and Iran pushed oil prices higher and revived concerns about inflation and interest rates.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 370 points, or 0.69%, to 53,189.64. The S&P 500 declined 0.50% to 7,673.22, while the Nasdaq Composite slipped 0.45% to 26,284.22.

The main pressure came from the renewed U.S.-Iran conflict. U.S. forces carried out fresh strikes against Iranian targets near the Strait of Hormuz, prompting retaliation and raising fears of further disruption to one of the world's most important oil-shipping routes. Brent crude climbed above $90 per barrel as geopolitical risk returned to energy markets.

Higher oil prices are particularly important for equities because they could add another layer of inflationary pressure just as investors are becoming more concerned about Federal Reserve policy. Fed Chair Kevin Warsh delivered a hawkish message at Jackson Hole last week, saying borrowing costs may need to rise if inflation does not move toward the central bank's 2% target. Markets now see a greater than 60% probability of a September rate increase, up sharply from 41.4% a week earlier (Reuters).

Economic data added another concern. The Chicago PMI plunged to 47.1 in August from 57.6, far below the 57.8 forecast. The move below 50 signaled a return to contraction in regional business activity, creating an uncomfortable combination of weaker growth signals and renewed inflation risks.

Treasury yields also remained elevated following Friday's jump after Warsh's comments. The 10-year Treasury yield was around 4.76%, while longer-term yields remained under pressure from inflation and interest-rate concerns.

Energy stocks were among the few beneficiaries of the geopolitical escalation, with higher crude prices supporting oil producers, while most other S&P 500 sectors traded lower.

Investors will now turn their attention to this week's U.S. labor-market data, culminating in Friday's August jobs report. A weak employment report could reinforce concerns about slowing economic growth, while stronger data could further strengthen expectations that the Fed has room to raise rates despite signs of softer activity.
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NYSE:SIG

Signet Jewelers Stock Surges 17% as Profitability Improves and 2027 Guidance Jumps

Signet Jewelers (NYSE: SIG) shares surged about 17% Wednesday after the jewelry retailer delivered sharply improved second-quarter profitability, raised its fiscal 2027 earnings outlook and expanded its share repurchase program.

Second-quarter sales were $1.53 billion, while same-store sales increased 2.2%. Merchandise average unit retail rose about 6%, with growth across both Bridal and Fashion categories. Adjusted operating income climbed to $107.2 million from $85.4 million, while adjusted diluted EPS jumped to $2.19 from $1.61.

Margins strengthened considerably. Gross margin expanded 80 basis points to 39.4%, helped by lower inventory and distribution costs as well as about $15 million of previously paid tariff refunds. Adjusted operating margin improved to 7.0% from 5.6%.

Signet also raised its fiscal 2027 adjusted EPS guidance by more than 10%, to $10.45–$12.15 from $9.20–$11.00. Adjusted EBITDA guidance increased to $730–$800 million from $665–$745 million, while the lower end of its same-store sales outlook was lifted to flat from a 0.75% decline.

Adding to the positive catalysts, Signet plans a $125 million accelerated share repurchase and expanded its remaining buyback authorization to $700 million.

The combination of stronger margins, sharply higher earnings guidance and increased capital returns appears to be driving Wednesday’s 17% rally.
Signet Jewelers Gains 3.7% as Sales Growth and Higher Earnings Outlook Boost Confidence

Shares of Signet Jewelers (NYSE: SIG) rose 3.7% after the company reported better-than-expected first-quarter results and raised its full-year earnings guidance, signaling improving momentum across its jewelry brands.

The company generated first-quarter sales of $1.55 billion, with same-store sales increasing 1.8%. Growth was supported by strong demand across both bridal and fashion jewelry categories, while average unit retail prices rose approximately 5%.

Adjusted earnings per share climbed to $1.56 from $1.18 a year earlier, while adjusted operating income increased 11.8% to $78.6 million. Management attributed the improvement to sales growth, cost reductions from last year's reorganization, and disciplined inventory management.

Investors were particularly encouraged by the company's updated outlook. Signet raised its fiscal 2027 adjusted EPS guidance to $9.20-$11.00, up from its previous range of $8.80-$10.74. The company also increased its full-year sales forecast and improved its same-store sales outlook.

Management highlighted strong performance during Valentine's Day and Mother's Day periods and said early results from its "Grow Brand Love" strategy are supporting growth across key brands including Kay, Zales, and Jared.

Shareholder returns remain another positive catalyst. Signet has already returned more than $125 million to shareholders this year through dividends and share repurchases and plans to launch a new $50 million accelerated share repurchase program.

The stock's gain reflects growing confidence that Signet's brand investments, cost discipline, and shareholder-friendly capital allocation strategy can continue driving earnings growth despite an uncertain consumer spending environment.
Signet Jewelers reported Q4 FY25 sales of $2.35 billion, down 5.8%, with same-store sales declining 1.1%. Operating income fell to $152.6 million from $416.3 million, impacted by $200.7 million in impairment charges. Adjusted EPS was $6.62, slightly down from $6.73 last year.

For FY25, sales dropped 6.5% to $6.7 billion, with same-store sales down 3.4%. Operating income fell to $110.7 million from $621.5 million, driven by asset impairments. Adjusted EPS was $8.94, compared to $10.37 last year. The company generated $590.9 million in cash from operations and returned $1 billion to shareholders.

Signet introduced a new strategy, “Grow Brand Love,” focusing on style-driven products and bridal leadership. It plans to transition over 10% of mall stores to off-mall and eCommerce within three years. FY26 guidance projects sales between $6.53 billion and $6.80 billion, with adjusted EPS between $7.31 and $9.10.
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NASDAQ

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U.S. Stocks Open Lower as Oil Tops $100 and Inflation Concerns Persist

U.S. stocks opened lower Wednesday, extending the previous session’s losses as sharply higher oil prices fueled concerns over inflation and the Federal Reserve’s interest-rate outlook.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.55% to 52,497.96, while the S&P 500 declined 0.32% to 7,648.70. The Nasdaq Composite slipped 0.34% to 26,331.54.

Higher oil prices were a key source of pressure. Brent crude climbed above $100 per barrel for the first time since July as escalating U.S.-Iran tensions and attacks on tankers and energy infrastructure increased concerns about prolonged Middle East supply disruptions. Brent was recently up about 2.8% at $100.66, while WTI gained roughly 3% to $95.77.

The oil rally is adding to inflation concerns ahead of key U.S. inflation data and the Federal Reserve’s policy meeting next week. Higher energy costs could keep price pressures elevated and complicate the Fed’s interest-rate decision.

Meanwhile, the latest weekly ADP employment estimate showed private payrolls increasing by 12,000, up from the previous week’s 10,000 gain. The modest increase points to continued but relatively subdued hiring momentum.

With oil prices rising and bond yields remaining elevated, investors are increasingly focused on whether renewed energy-driven inflation will force the Fed to maintain a tighter monetary-policy stance.
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U.S. Stocks Fall as Rising Oil Prices and Fed Rate-Hike Fears Pressure Wall Street

U.S. stocks opened lower Tuesday as surging oil prices fueled renewed inflation concerns, while investors assessed escalating tensions in the Middle East and the possibility of another Federal Reserve rate hike.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell about 1.2% in morning trading, while the S&P 500 declined 0.5% and the Nasdaq Composite lost roughly 0.5%.

Rising energy prices were a major source of pressure. Brent crude climbed toward the psychologically important $100-per-barrel level as the U.S.-Iran conflict escalated and concerns grew about further disruptions to Middle Eastern oil supplies.

Higher crude prices present a broader problem for equities because sustained increases in energy costs could feed into inflation and make it more difficult for the Fed to ease monetary policy. The concern has intensified following Friday’s stronger-than-expected U.S. jobs report, which pushed expectations toward tighter monetary policy.

Treasury yields also remained elevated, adding pressure to equity valuations, particularly in rate-sensitive growth and technology stocks.

Investors are now turning their attention to this week’s U.S. inflation reports. Hotter-than-expected inflation, particularly with oil prices approaching $100, could strengthen expectations for a September Fed rate hike and add further pressure to Wall Street.
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U.S. Stocks Slip as Strong Jobs Report Revives Fed Rate-Hike Fears

U.S. stocks traded slightly lower Friday after a much stronger-than-expected August employment report revived expectations that the Federal Reserve could raise interest rates at its September meeting.

The S&P 500 fell 0.21% to 7,731.74, while the Dow Jones dropped 0.46% to 53,436.70. The Nasdaq was nearly flat at 26,583.15.

U.S. nonfarm payrolls increased by 162,000 in August, nearly triple expectations of around 55,000. July's figure was also revised sharply higher to a gain of 21,000 from an initially reported decline of 23,000. Private payrolls rose by 127,000, while the unemployment rate remained unchanged at 4.1%.

Strong Labor Market Pushes Treasury Yields Higher

The unexpectedly strong report challenged hopes that the Fed could keep rates unchanged. Markets increased bets on a 25-basis-point September hike, with the implied probability rising to around 60% following the data. U.S. Treasury yields moved sharply higher in response.

The report comes just a day after Fed Governor Christopher Waller suggested he could support holding rates steady if inflation continues to cool. With the labor market showing renewed strength, next week's inflation data could now prove decisive for the Fed's September decision.

The modest decline in equities suggests investors are balancing evidence of a resilient U.S. economy against the risk that stronger employment gives the Fed more room to tighten monetary policy further.
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U.S. Stocks Rise as Strong Services Activity and Lower Treasury Yields Offset Inflation Concerns

U.S. stocks traded higher Thursday as investors weighed stronger-than-expected services activity against signs of a cooling labor market and renewed inflation pressure from rising oil prices. The S&P 500 gained 0.37% to 7,694.65, the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.46% to 53,304.90, and the Nasdaq Composite advanced 0.66% to 26,391.59.

Economic data painted a mixed but generally resilient picture. Initial jobless claims increased slightly to 206,000 from 204,000, marginally above the 205,000 consensus, while continuing claims climbed to 1.779 million from 1.771 million. The figures suggest layoffs remain relatively limited even as hiring momentum has weakened ahead of Friday’s closely watched August employment report.

Services activity was considerably stronger. The ISM Non-Manufacturing PMI rose to 55.4 in August from 54.1, comfortably beating expectations for an unchanged 54.1 reading. S&P Global’s Services PMI also increased to 56.5 from 54.6, although it came slightly below the 56.8 forecast. Together, the readings indicate that the dominant U.S. services sector continues to expand at a healthy pace.

The inflation component, however, complicated the outlook for the Federal Reserve. ISM services prices jumped to 72.6 from 70.3, well above the 70.0 forecast, signaling persistent input-cost pressures. Investors are already sensitive to inflation after Fed Chair Kevin Warsh’s hawkish Jackson Hole message increased expectations that monetary policy may need to remain restrictive.

Oil remains another major inflation risk. Brent crude climbed to around $97 a barrel and WTI moved above $93 as renewed U.S. strikes on Iran and threats of further escalation raised concerns about supplies through the Strait of Hormuz.

Despite those risks, declining Treasury yields are currently providing support to equities, particularly technology stocks, helping the Nasdaq outperform. Markets now turn to Friday’s U.S. employment report, which could determine whether investors focus more heavily on slowing labor demand or the increasingly visible inflation pressures coming from services and energy markets.
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U.S. Stocks Trade Mixed as Weak Jobs Data Collides With Oil-Driven Inflation Fears

U.S. stocks traded mixed Wednesday as investors weighed softer-than-expected labor-market data against rising oil prices, elevated Treasury yields and renewed concerns that energy costs could keep inflation above the Federal Reserve’s target.

The S&P 500 was nearly flat at 7,638.19, up 0.09%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.39% to 52,975.28. The Nasdaq Composite slipped 0.08% to 26,079.81, with technology shares remaining more sensitive to elevated bond yields.

Fresh labor data provided some support for equities. ADP reported that private employers added only 38,000 jobs in August, below expectations for 47,000 and down from an upwardly revised 46,000 in July. It was the weakest pace of private-sector job creation since January. Manufacturing lost 17,000 jobs and professional and business services shed 16,000, while education and health services added 45,000.

Ordinarily, weaker employment growth would strengthen expectations for easier monetary policy. This time, however, the signal is being complicated by renewed inflation risks. Escalating U.S.-Iran hostilities have pushed crude prices sharply higher, with Brent trading around $95 a barrel Wednesday after surging in recent sessions. Concerns over disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz have put an additional geopolitical premium into energy markets.

Higher oil prices are feeding directly into inflation expectations and challenging hopes that slowing employment will quickly translate into lower interest rates. U.S. Treasury yields have consequently remained elevated, with the 10-year yield reaching roughly 4.8%, its highest level since late 2023. Markets have also increased expectations for another Federal Reserve rate hike following Fed Chair Kevin Warsh’s recent hawkish comments on inflation.

The result is an increasingly difficult backdrop for equities: labor-market momentum is weakening at the same time that an external energy shock is threatening to revive inflation. That combination helps explain Wednesday’s divergence, with the Dow advancing while the rate-sensitive Nasdaq remains under pressure. Investors will now turn to Friday’s official U.S. employment report for a clearer indication of whether labor-market cooling is becoming significant enough to alter the Fed’s inflation-focused policy stance.
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U.S. Stocks Fall as Treasury Yields and Mixed Economic Data Pressure Tech Shares

U.S. stocks traded lower Tuesday as a renewed selloff in government bonds pushed Treasury yields higher, while investors assessed mixed manufacturing and labor-market data ahead of Friday’s key U.S. jobs report.

The S&P 500 fell about 0.6% to 7,640, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average declined roughly 0.4%. The Nasdaq Composite underperformed with a drop of about 1%, reflecting greater pressure on technology and other growth stocks as borrowing costs increased.

Treasury yields remained one of the biggest headwinds for equities. The benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury yield climbed to around 4.79%, its highest level since January 2025, as a global government-bond selloff continued. Higher yields make bonds more competitive with equities and reduce the present value of future corporate earnings, putting particular pressure on richly valued technology companies.

Tuesday’s economic data provided a mixed picture. The S&P Global Manufacturing PMI was finalized at 53.9 for August, above the 53.2 preliminary estimate and signaling continued expansion. The ISM Manufacturing PMI, however, declined to 54.6 from 55.6 and missed the 55.2 forecast. ISM’s prices index remained elevated at 71.1, slightly above expectations, keeping inflation concerns in focus.

The labor market also showed signs of cooling. JOLTS job openings increased to 7.271 million in July from 7.182 million but remained below the 7.330 million forecast. ISM manufacturing employment fell to 51.2 from 52.8, while construction spending unexpectedly declined 0.5% in July.

The combination is uncomfortable for markets: economic activity remains relatively resilient, but employment indicators are softening while price pressures remain elevated. That makes the Federal Reserve’s next move more difficult, particularly after Chair Kevin Warsh’s recent hawkish Jackson Hole remarks increased expectations for another rate hike.

Geopolitical risks are adding to those inflation concerns. Brent crude traded above $92 per barrel as renewed U.S.-Iran fighting raised fears of further disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz. Higher energy prices have contributed to the global bond selloff by increasing concerns that inflation could remain above central-bank targets for longer.

Investors will now focus heavily on Friday’s August employment report. Strong jobs data could reinforce expectations that the Fed has room to raise rates, potentially keeping Treasury yields elevated and technology stocks under pressure. Weaker employment figures, however, would highlight the growing tension between slowing labor demand and persistent inflation.
US Stocks Fall as Iran Tensions, Oil Prices and Fed Rate-Hike Bets Weigh

U.S. stocks traded lower Monday as renewed military clashes between the United States and Iran pushed oil prices higher and revived concerns about inflation and interest rates.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 370 points, or 0.69%, to 53,189.64. The S&P 500 declined 0.50% to 7,673.22, while the Nasdaq Composite slipped 0.45% to 26,284.22.

The main pressure came from the renewed U.S.-Iran conflict. U.S. forces carried out fresh strikes against Iranian targets near the Strait of Hormuz, prompting retaliation and raising fears of further disruption to one of the world's most important oil-shipping routes. Brent crude climbed above $90 per barrel as geopolitical risk returned to energy markets.

Higher oil prices are particularly important for equities because they could add another layer of inflationary pressure just as investors are becoming more concerned about Federal Reserve policy. Fed Chair Kevin Warsh delivered a hawkish message at Jackson Hole last week, saying borrowing costs may need to rise if inflation does not move toward the central bank's 2% target. Markets now see a greater than 60% probability of a September rate increase, up sharply from 41.4% a week earlier (Reuters).

Economic data added another concern. The Chicago PMI plunged to 47.1 in August from 57.6, far below the 57.8 forecast. The move below 50 signaled a return to contraction in regional business activity, creating an uncomfortable combination of weaker growth signals and renewed inflation risks.

Treasury yields also remained elevated following Friday's jump after Warsh's comments. The 10-year Treasury yield was around 4.76%, while longer-term yields remained under pressure from inflation and interest-rate concerns.

Energy stocks were among the few beneficiaries of the geopolitical escalation, with higher crude prices supporting oil producers, while most other S&P 500 sectors traded lower.

Investors will now turn their attention to this week's U.S. labor-market data, culminating in Friday's August jobs report. A weak employment report could reinforce concerns about slowing economic growth, while stronger data could further strengthen expectations that the Fed has room to raise rates despite signs of softer activity.
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Nasdaq 100 Futures Jump 1.1% as Tech Sentiment Strengthens

Nasdaq 100 futures are up about 1.1% early Thursday, pointing to a strong open for U.S. technology stocks. The September contract is trading near 29,608, up roughly 319 points.

The move comes amid broad strength in major technology names following a busy round of earnings. NVIDIA is up around 7.5% in premarket trading after reporting a 106% year-over-year surge in quarterly revenue and 117% growth in Data Center sales. Salesforce is up about 13%, while CrowdStrike, Okta, Veeva and Nutanix are also posting strong premarket gains following their results.

AI remains the central driver of sentiment. NVIDIA’s $108 billion Q3 revenue outlook, continued acceleration in AI infrastructure spending, and strong enterprise AI commentary from Salesforce and CrowdStrike are reinforcing expectations that AI-related investment remains robust.

The futures rally therefore appears to be driven primarily by renewed strength across AI, software and cybersecurity stocks, with NVIDIA’s results providing the most important catalyst ahead of the U.S. market open.
US Stocks Open Slightly Lower as PCE Inflation Remains Elevated

US stocks opened modestly lower on Wednesday as investors assessed July inflation data that showed underlying price pressures remained persistent.

The S&P 500 slipped 0.07% to 7,671.53 shortly after the opening bell, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.15% to 53,499.19. The technology-heavy Nasdaq Composite declined 0.28% to 26,079.36, underperforming the broader market.

Core PCE Holds at 3.3%

The Federal Reserve's closely watched core PCE price index increased 3.3% year over year in July, unchanged from the previous month and matching market expectations.

On a monthly basis, core PCE rose 0.2%, also in line with forecasts, but accelerating slightly from June's 0.1% increase.

Headline inflation delivered a somewhat firmer signal. The PCE price index rose 0.2% month over month, above the 0.1% expected and reversing the previous month's 0.1% decline. Annual headline PCE inflation came in at 3.7%, slightly above the 3.6% forecast but unchanged from June.

Inflation Data Keeps Fed Outlook in Focus

The figures suggest inflation remains sticky, with both headline and core PCE running well above the Federal Reserve's 2% target. While the core readings matched expectations, the hotter-than-forecast monthly headline figure offered little evidence of a decisive return toward price stability.

That may be contributing to the cautious start on Wall Street, particularly in rate-sensitive technology stocks, with the Nasdaq posting the largest decline among the three major indexes.

Investors will now assess whether persistent inflation pressures could keep US monetary policy restrictive for longer than previously anticipated.
U.S. Stocks Edge Higher Despite Weak Housing Data and Escalating Canada Trade War

U.S. stocks traded modestly higher Tuesday as investors weighed mixed economic data against a sharp escalation in trade tensions between the United States and Canada.

The Nasdaq Composite led gains, rising 0.60%, while the S&P 500 advanced 0.27% and the Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.11%.

U.S. Economic Data Sends Mixed Signals

ADP's weekly employment estimate showed private-sector employment increasing by 11,800, up from 9,500 previously, signaling continued resilience in the labor market.

Other data were weaker. The Conference Board's Consumer Confidence Index fell to 89.4 in August from 90.2, missing the 90.3 forecast. New home sales also dropped sharply to an annualized 607,000 in July from 678,000 and came in below expectations of 620,000.

The softer housing and confidence readings could support expectations for a less restrictive Federal Reserve policy outlook, helping offset concerns about the labor market remaining relatively firm.

U.S.-Canada Trade Tensions Escalate

Trade developments added uncertainty to the session after Canada announced retaliatory tariffs on about C$27.6 billion, or roughly $20 billion, of U.S. goods. The measures, scheduled to take effect September 8, will impose tariffs ranging from 15% to 50% on hundreds of product categories, including steel, aluminum, appliances, electronics, clothing and agricultural products.

Canada's action follows new 50% U.S. tariffs on roughly $20 billion of Canadian imports after trade negotiations between the two countries broke down. President Donald Trump has also threatened further tariffs on Canadian automobiles and auto parts, increasing concerns about disruption to highly integrated North American supply chains.

Despite the escalation, U.S. equities remained positive, with technology stocks providing the strongest support to the broader market. Investors are now balancing expectations for easier monetary policy against the inflation and growth risks created by the expanding U.S.-Canada trade dispute.
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Gold

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Gold and Bitcoin Rise as Middle East Tensions Drive Volatility Across Markets

Gold and Bitcoin moved higher Wednesday as escalating Middle East tensions, oil prices above $100 and renewed inflation concerns drove volatility across global markets.

December gold futures rose 0.77% to $4,473.10 per ounce, extending an intraday rebound as investors sought traditional safe-haven assets. Spot gold was also higher on the day as global equities declined.

Geopolitical risk remains a major catalyst. Brent crude climbed above $100 per barrel for the first time since July as renewed U.S.-Iran attacks, strikes on tankers and attacks on Saudi energy facilities intensified concerns over Middle East oil supplies. Brent reached an intraday high of $100.90, while flows through the Strait of Hormuz have fallen sharply.

Bitcoin also advanced, rising 1.76% over the past 24 hours to around $79,303 after trading below $78,000 earlier in the period. The cryptocurrency’s recovery came despite pressure on U.S. equities and rising Treasury yields, suggesting some improvement in crypto risk appetite.

However, higher oil prices create a competing risk for both assets. The energy surge is increasing inflation concerns and strengthening the case for tighter monetary policy. The U.S. 10-year Treasury yield was around 4.81%, near a three-year high, as markets await producer and consumer inflation reports later this week.

Gold is currently benefiting more directly from safe-haven demand, while Bitcoin remains sensitive to the outlook for interest rates and broader risk sentiment. Upcoming U.S. inflation data could therefore be the next major catalyst for both markets.
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Brent Nears $100 as U.S.-Iran Tensions Escalate, While Gold Falls on Rate-Hike Fears

Brent crude surged toward the psychologically important $100-per-barrel level on Tuesday as the U.S.-Iran conflict intensified, while gold moved sharply lower as rising oil prices reinforced inflation concerns and expectations for tighter Federal Reserve policy.

Brent futures climbed 2.51% to $98.70 per barrel, reaching an intraday high above $99. The rally comes as shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains severely disrupted. Geopolitical tensions have continued to deteriorate. Iran has threatened retaliation for further U.S. attacks and warned that energy infrastructure across the Gulf could be targeted. Tehran is also preparing a new restricted maritime zone around the Gulf and Hormuz area. Meanwhile, Iran-backed Houthi forces attacked Saudi energy facilities on Tuesday, further expanding concerns about regional energy infrastructure. (Reuters)

Gold, however, has not benefited from the escalating geopolitical risk. December futures fell *0.83% to $4,439.50*, extending their retreat after Friday’s strong U.S. employment report.

The key connection is oil. Higher crude prices increase the risk that energy costs will reignite inflation, potentially forcing the Fed to maintain tighter monetary policy. Markets are currently pricing roughly a 60% probability of a Fed rate hike. Higher expected rates raise the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding gold.

The U.S.-Iran conflict is therefore producing an unusual divergence: Brent is benefiting directly from fears of physical supply disruption, while gold’s traditional safe-haven support is being overwhelmed by the inflation and interest-rate implications of the oil surge. U.S. inflation data later this week will be crucial for determining whether that divergence continues.
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Gold Falls to $4,403 Despite Escalating U.S.-Iran Conflict

Gold prices extended their decline on Monday as stronger U.S. labor data and rising expectations for a Federal Reserve rate hike outweighed safe-haven demand generated by the escalating U.S.-Iran conflict.

Spot gold traded at approximately $4,403.85 per ounce, down 0.50%. Friday’s stronger-than-expected U.S. jobs report remains the main source of pressure. The economy added 162,000 jobs in August, significantly above forecasts, while unemployment held at 4.1%. Traders were pricing roughly a 58% probability of a rate increase at the Fed’s September 15–16 meeting. Higher interest rates and Treasury yields tend to reduce the appeal of non-yielding gold.

Geopolitical risks, however, intensified over the weekend. U.S. forces struck three Iranian oil tankers on Saturday, while Iran retaliated by targeting vessels in and around the Strait of Hormuz. The escalation has raised concerns about disruptions to Middle Eastern energy supplies, helping push Brent crude toward $97 a barrel.

Normally, escalating military tensions would support gold through safe-haven demand. In this case, however, the conflict is also driving oil prices higher and increasing inflation concerns, which could reinforce the case for tighter Fed policy. For gold, that leaves geopolitical safe-haven demand competing with higher-rate expectations, with this week’s U.S. inflation data likely to determine which force dominates.
Gold Falls 1.4% as Strong U.S. Jobs Data Revives Fed Rate-Hike Fears

Gold prices fell sharply on Thursday as stronger-than-expected U.S. employment data pushed Treasury yields higher and strengthened expectations that the Federal Reserve could raise interest rates again.

December gold futures (GC=F) closed at $4,476.60, down $63.30, or 1.39%. Despite the daily decline, gold was nearly unchanged over the five-day period shown in the chart.

The selloff followed the August U.S. jobs report, which showed nonfarm payrolls rising by 162,000, far above expectations for 55,000. The unemployment rate remained at 4.1%, while private payrolls increased by 127,000.

Stronger labor-market data reduced expectations for a dovish Fed and increased the probability of another rate hike, pushing U.S. Treasury yields higher. Rising yields tend to pressure gold because the metal does not generate interest.

Gold had rallied earlier in the week after Fed Governor Christopher Waller signaled support for keeping rates unchanged if inflation continued to cool. Thursday’s jobs report challenged that narrative, triggering a sharp reversal from levels above $4,500.

The next direction for gold is likely to remain closely tied to Treasury yields and expectations for the Fed’s September policy decision.
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Gold and Brent Oil Edge Lower as Markets Weigh Fed Outlook and U.S.-Iran Conflict

Gold and Brent crude futures edged lower Friday, although both remain supported by shifting Federal Reserve expectations and escalating U.S.-Iran tensions.

December gold futures slipped 0.26% to $4,528 per ounce, while Brent crude fell 0.47% to $95.07 per barrel. Despite the pullback, both commodities remain on track for weekly gains.

Gold Holds Above $4,500

Gold jumped more than 2% Thursday after Fed Governor Christopher Waller indicated he would support keeping rates unchanged in September if inflation continues to cool. His comments reduced rate-hike expectations and pushed U.S. Treasury yields and the dollar lower.

The move partially reversed pressure following Fed Chair Kevin Warsh’s hawkish Jackson Hole speech, which had driven Treasury yields higher and weighed on bullion.

Attention now turns to Friday’s U.S. jobs report. Economists expect payrolls to rise by around 56,000 in August after falling by 23,000 in July. A weaker report could further reduce expectations for a Fed hike and support gold.

Brent Near $95 on U.S.-Iran Supply Risks

Brent remains elevated following renewed U.S. attacks on Iran and retaliatory hostilities, which have increased concerns about oil supplies through the Strait of Hormuz.

Shipping activity through the critical waterway remains heavily disrupted, while Iranian crude exports have also fallen sharply. Brent is up roughly 7.6% this week, with WTI gaining around 10.4%.

For gold, the key near-term drivers are U.S. employment data, Treasury yields and Fed expectations. For oil, attention remains firmly on the U.S.-Iran conflict and whether disruptions to Gulf exports intensify or begin to ease.
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Gold Jumps 2.2% Above $4,500 as Iran Conflict, Lower Yields and Weaker Dollar Fuel Safe-Haven Demand

Gold surged Thursday, with December COMEX futures climbing 2.24% to $4,513.60 an ounce, as renewed U.S.-Iran hostilities combined with falling Treasury yields and a weaker dollar to trigger a sharp rebound in precious metals. Bitcoin also rallied, rising 3.02% to $79,342, as demand strengthened across alternative stores of value.

Gold’s move represents a significant reversal from earlier this week, when rising Treasury yields and expectations for another Federal Reserve rate increase pressured the non-yielding metal. The U.S. 10-year Treasury yield has since retreated toward 4.75%, while the dollar has weakened, reducing two important headwinds for bullion. Spot gold was already advancing before the U.S. session, supported by the pullback in both yields and the dollar.

Geopolitical demand has added another layer of support. The renewed U.S.-Iran conflict has pushed Brent crude back toward $100 a barrel and raised concerns over energy supplies through the Strait of Hormuz. President Donald Trump has indicated that the latest U.S. military operations may not last long, which has provided some hope that the conflict could be contained, but continued attacks and retaliation have kept uncertainty high. (Reuters)

Gold is therefore benefiting from two competing consequences of the conflict. The immediate geopolitical uncertainty increases demand for safe-haven assets, while the recent retreat in bond yields makes holding gold more attractive. At the same time, oil-driven inflation remains a major risk: persistent energy inflation could force the Fed to maintain a more hawkish stance and eventually send yields higher again.

Bitcoin’s simultaneous 3% advance is also notable. BTC has recently benefited from improving technical momentum after a roughly 30% rally, while the U.S. Treasury’s expansion of long-duration debt buybacks has contributed to the move.

Attention now shifts to Friday’s U.S. employment report. A weak payrolls number could reduce expectations for a September Fed rate hike, potentially extending the decline in yields and providing another catalyst for both gold and Bitcoin. Conversely, a strong jobs report could revive rate-hike expectations and test Thursday’s rally, particularly for gold, which remains highly sensitive to real interest rates.
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Gold Extends Decline as Treasury Yields Rise, While Brent Nears $95 on U.S.-Iran Conflict

Gold remained under pressure Wednesday while Brent crude extended its recent rally, as renewed U.S.-Iran fighting pushed energy prices higher and reinforced concerns that inflation could keep the Federal Reserve hawkish.

December gold futures traded around $4,370 per ounce, down roughly 0.6% on the session and nearly 5% over five days. Brent crude, meanwhile, climbed to about $94.90 a barrel and has gained roughly 8% over the past five sessions.

Higher Yields Override Gold’s Safe-Haven Appeal

Gold has struggled despite escalating geopolitical risk because markets are increasingly viewing the U.S.-Iran conflict as an inflationary shock rather than purely a safe-haven event. Renewed U.S. strikes on Iranian targets and Iranian counterattacks have raised concerns over prolonged disruption to oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz, pushing crude sharply higher.

That rise in energy prices is feeding directly into expectations for inflation and monetary policy. U.S. Treasury yields have moved higher, with the 10-year yield rising above 4.8%, increasing the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding gold. The dollar has also strengthened alongside yields.

Fed Chair Kevin Warsh added to the pressure with his hawkish Jackson Hole message, emphasizing the Fed’s 2% inflation objective and keeping another rate increase firmly in consideration. Markets have since raised the probability of a September rate hike significantly compared with before the speech.

Tuesday’s U.S. macro data provided little reason for bond investors to abandon that view. The S&P Global Manufacturing PMI came in at 53.9, above expectations, while ISM prices remained elevated at 71.1. At the same time, the headline ISM Manufacturing PMI softened to 54.6, JOLTS openings came in at 7.271 million and construction spending fell 0.5%, creating a mixed growth picture but continuing inflation concerns.

Brent Approaches $95 as Hormuz Risk Returns

Oil is responding very differently to the same macro backdrop. Brent is approaching $95 after U.S. and Iranian forces exchanged fresh attacks, reviving fears that disruption around the Strait of Hormuz could become prolonged. Oil prices jumped more than $4 a barrel Tuesday to their highest settlement in about five weeks before extending gains Wednesday.

The divergence between gold and oil highlights the unusual market impact of the conflict. Geopolitical tension is supporting crude through direct supply risk, while higher oil prices are simultaneously pushing inflation expectations and Treasury yields higher, creating a headwind for gold.

For now, Brent remains primarily a geopolitical trade, while gold has become increasingly dependent on the Fed and the bond market. Upcoming U.S. labor data could therefore be decisive: signs of significant economic weakness could pull Treasury yields and rate-hike expectations lower and provide relief for bullion, while resilient employment combined with expensive energy would reinforce the current pressure on gold.
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Gold Falls 1.5% as Treasury Yields Surge and Fed Rate-Hike Bets Rise

Gold prices fell sharply on Tuesday as rising U.S. Treasury yields and growing expectations for a Federal Reserve rate hike outweighed safe-haven demand generated by renewed U.S.-Iran tensions.

December gold futures dropped about 1.5% to $4,416.60, extending the pullback that began after Fed Chair Kevin Warsh’s hawkish Jackson Hole speech.

The biggest pressure came from the bond market. The U.S. 10-year Treasury yield climbed to around 4.79%, its highest level since January 2025, as a global government-bond selloff intensified. Higher yields increase the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding assets such as gold.

Warsh’s comments remain another major headwind. After signaling that the Fed may need to tighten policy if inflation does not return toward its 2% target, traders are now pricing roughly a 66% probability of a September rate hike. (Reuters)

Renewed fighting between the U.S. and Iran would normally support gold through safe-haven demand. This time, however, the conflict has also pushed Brent crude above $90 per barrel, raising concerns that another energy shock could keep inflation elevated and force the Fed to maintain tighter monetary policy. That inflation-and-rates effect is currently outweighing gold’s geopolitical support.

Attention now turns to U.S. labor-market data, particularly ADP employment and Friday’s nonfarm payrolls report. Strong employment figures could reinforce expectations for a September Fed hike and keep pressure on gold, while weaker data could provide room for bullion to recover.
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Gold Extends Losses, Falls Below $4,500 as Higher-Yield Expectations Weigh

Gold remained under pressure on Monday, extending Friday’s sharp decline as investors continued to digest a more hawkish Federal Reserve outlook.

December gold futures were trading at $4,493.70 per ounce, down $36.20, or 0.80%, after briefly falling toward $4,465 earlier in the session. Prices subsequently recovered part of the decline but remained below the psychologically important $4,500 level.

The weakness follows Friday’s selloff, when gold dropped 2.88% after Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh emphasized that inflation remains too high and reinforced the Fed’s commitment to restoring price stability. The remarks pushed U.S. Treasury yields higher as markets reassessed the likelihood of further monetary tightening.

Higher Treasury yields are a significant headwind for bullion because they increase the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding gold. The prospect of tighter Fed policy can also support the U.S. dollar, adding further pressure on dollar-denominated precious metals.

Gold has now fallen from above $4,700 earlier last week to below $4,500, representing a substantial reversal in a matter of days. Near-term direction is likely to remain closely tied to movements in U.S. Treasury yields and incoming economic data as investors gauge whether the Fed will follow Warsh’s hawkish rhetoric with additional rate increases.
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Gold Ends Volatile Week With Sharp Selloff as Fed’s Warsh Pushes Treasury Yields Higher

Gold ended a volatile week with a sharp decline on Friday, as a hawkish message from Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh triggered a rise in U.S. Treasury yields and forced investors to reassess the outlook for interest rates.

December gold futures closed Friday at $4,529.90 per ounce, down $134.10, or 2.88%. The decline erased much of gold’s earlier strength after prices had traded above $4,700 during the week.

Earlier in the week, gold benefited from developments in the U.S. Treasury market. The Treasury’s decision to increase the size of its long-dated bond buybacks had helped push longer-term yields lower, reducing the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding gold. The Treasury doubled its long-duration buyback cap from $2 billion to $4 billion per operation, a move followed by declines in both 10-year and 30-year yields.

The environment changed sharply on Friday following Warsh’s first Jackson Hole speech as Fed chair. Warsh emphasized that inflation remains too high and reinforced the Fed’s commitment to returning inflation to its 2% target, prompting markets to increase expectations for further monetary tightening.

Treasury yields jumped in response. The two-year yield, which is particularly sensitive to Fed policy expectations, rose about 9.5 basis points to 4.325%, while the benchmark 10-year yield increased roughly 2.8 basis points to 4.70%. Markets also increased the probability assigned to a September rate hike.

That combination of higher Treasury yields and a more hawkish Fed outlook proved particularly negative for gold. Higher yields increase the relative attractiveness of interest-bearing assets compared with bullion, while expectations for tighter monetary policy can also support the U.S. dollar.

Despite Friday’s steep 2.88% drop, the week highlighted two competing forces for gold: concerns surrounding U.S. debt and the Treasury market continue to provide longer-term support, while persistent inflation and the possibility of additional Fed tightening present a significant near-term headwind.
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NASDAQ:ADBE

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Adobe Expands Acrobat With AI-Powered Visuals, Podcasts and Presentation Tools

Adobe (NASDAQ: ADBE) announced a major expansion of AI capabilities in Acrobat, positioning the platform to move beyond traditional PDF software into a broader AI-powered document productivity platform.

Powered by Adobe Productivity Agent, the new features can transform complex documents into interactive reports, summary slides, personal podcasts and audio summaries. Users can analyze a single document or collections of files and convert dense information into formats designed to be understood more quickly.

Adobe is also introducing Knowledge Base and Analyzer for enterprise customers. Knowledge Base allows employees to query trusted document collections across PDFs, Office files, web pages, emails and other sources, while Analyzer can extract structured information from thousands of documents for areas such as finance, procurement and operations.

Another new feature, Stylize, uses Adobe Express templates to turn source documents into polished presentations, resumes, invoices and reports while preserving the underlying content.

Adobe said more than 400 billion PDFs are opened in Acrobat annually. The company is also extending Acrobat capabilities across major platforms including ChatGPT, Claude, WhatsApp, Microsoft Edge and Chrome, broadening the potential reach of its AI-powered document tools.
Adobe Names Anil Chakravarthy as Next CEO as Shantanu Narayen Moves to Executive Chair

Adobe (NASDAQ: ADBE) announced a major leadership transition, naming Anil Chakravarthy as its next president and CEO as the software giant positions itself for its next phase of growth in artificial intelligence.

Chakravarthy will take over as CEO and join Adobe’s board on December 1, 2026. Longtime CEO Shantanu Narayen will transition to executive chair and work with Chakravarthy during the leadership change.

Adobe Turns to an AI-Focused Insider

Chakravarthy currently leads Adobe’s Customer Experience Orchestration business and worldwide field operations. He joined Adobe in 2020 and has overseen products including Adobe CX Enterprise, GenStudio and Brand Visibility, while helping scale Adobe Experience Platform. He also played a role in the acquisitions and integrations of Workfront and Semrush.

The appointment signals continuity rather than a major strategic reset. Chakravarthy said his priorities include accelerating growth and strengthening Adobe’s position in “agentic software” across creativity, productivity and customer experience.

The leadership transition comes at an important point for Adobe as generative and agentic AI reshape the creative-software industry. Investors will now turn their attention to Adobe’s fiscal third-quarter earnings on September 10 for further indications of growth and AI monetization trends.
Adobe Expands Saudi AI Partnership With Over $4 Billion in Free Creative Tools

Adobe (NASDAQ: ADBE) announced Monday an expanded partnership with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) and HUMAIN, providing millions of people across the Kingdom with access to its AI-powered creative tools.

Under the initiative, Adobe plans to give more than 27 million eligible Saudi citizens and residents aged 13 and older 12 months of free access to Adobe Firefly Standard and Adobe Express Premium features. Adobe values the commitment at more than $4 billion.

The partnership also includes a new AI image-generation model jointly developed by Adobe and HUMAIN using Adobe Firefly Foundry. The model will be tuned to Saudi culture and designed to generate culturally relevant imagery using Arabic-language prompts.

Adobe is also expanding Arabic support across its products. Adobe Express now offers Modern Standard Arabic right-to-left support across desktop, web and iOS, including typography, text editing and culturally tailored templates.

The initiative extends beyond consumers. Beginning in early 2027, eligible Saudi startups participating in MCIT-backed entrepreneurship programs will receive free access to selected Adobe tools, training and expertise. Adobe and MCIT also plan to provide AI and creative-skills training through Adobe Digital Academy.

The expanded agreement strengthens Adobe’s position in the growing generative AI market while giving the company large-scale exposure to Saudi Arabia’s rapidly developing AI and digital economy. It also deepens Adobe’s relationship with HUMAIN as Saudi Arabia invests heavily in AI infrastructure, locally relevant models and technology skills.
Adobe (ADBE) Stock Gains After HSBC Upgrades Shares to Buy

Adobe (NASDAQ: ADBE) shares rose approximately 3.1% on Thursday after HSBC upgraded the software giant to Buy from Hold and raised its price target to $308 from $282.

The upgrade comes as Adobe continues to strengthen its position in generative AI, integrating AI-powered features across its Creative Cloud, Document Cloud, and Experience Cloud platforms. Investors have grown increasingly optimistic that these innovations will drive higher customer engagement and long-term revenue growth.

HSBC upgraded the stock and increased its price target, reflecting a more constructive outlook on Adobe's growth prospects. The analyst action helped reinforce positive sentiment toward the software company following its recent investments in AI-enabled products.

Adobe remains one of the leading software providers benefiting from the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence, as businesses and creative professionals increasingly incorporate AI tools into their workflows. The company also continues to generate strong recurring revenue through its subscription-based business model.

# Why ADBE Stock Rose

Several factors supported the stock:

* HSBC upgraded Adobe to Buy from Hold.
* The firm raised its price target to $308 from $282.
* Continued optimism surrounding generative AI and Adobe's expanding AI product portfolio has improved investor sentiment.
* The company's subscription-based business and leadership in creative software continue to support its long-term growth outlook.

The combination of a rating upgrade and growing confidence in Adobe's AI strategy helped lift the stock approximately 3.1% during Thursday's trading session.
Adobe Slides as Wave of Analyst Target Cuts Overshadows Strong Earnings

Adobe shares fell 6.8% despite reporting record quarterly revenue, raising its full-year outlook, and highlighting strong growth in its artificial intelligence business, as Wall Street analysts lowered their price targets following the earnings release.

Several major firms, including Mizuho, Baird, Piper Sandler, UBS, BMO Capital Markets, and Citigroup, reduced their targets on the stock, while JPMorgan cut its target from $420 to $340 despite maintaining an Overweight rating. Most analysts kept their existing ratings, suggesting confidence in Adobe's business but a more cautious view on valuation.

The company reported fiscal second-quarter revenue of $6.62 billion, up 13% year over year, while AI-first annual recurring revenue exceeded $500 million after more than tripling from a year earlier. Adobe also raised its fiscal 2026 revenue and earnings guidance, citing strong demand for its AI-powered products.

However, the analyst revisions indicate investors were expecting even stronger signs that Adobe can convert growing AI adoption into faster revenue growth. The target cuts suggest Wall Street believes the company's long-term fundamentals remain solid but that expectations for future growth and valuation have become more measured.

The stock's decline highlights the increasingly high bar facing large-cap software companies, where strong earnings and higher guidance are no longer enough if investors believe AI-driven growth could take longer to fully materialize.
Adobe Falls Despite Record Results as Investors Seek Stronger AI Monetization Signals

Adobe shares fell 6.8% on Friday despite the company reporting record fiscal second-quarter results and raising its full-year outlook, as investors appeared unconvinced that the software giant's strong AI momentum will translate into the level of growth needed to justify its premium valuation.

The company reported record revenue of $6.62 billion, up 13% year over year, while non-GAAP earnings per share climbed to $5.96. Adobe also raised its fiscal 2026 revenue forecast to $26.5-$26.6 billion and increased its full-year earnings outlook, reflecting continued demand for its AI-powered creative and productivity tools.

A bright spot was Adobe's AI business, with AI-first annual recurring revenue more than tripling from a year ago to exceed $500 million. The company highlighted strong adoption of generative AI products across creative professionals, marketers, and business users, suggesting that AI is becoming an increasingly important growth driver.

However, the market reaction suggests investors were looking for even stronger evidence that Adobe can fully capitalize on the rapidly expanding generative AI market. While growth remains healthy, some analysts believe investors expected larger AI revenue contributions and more aggressive guidance increases given the strong demand seen across the broader AI sector.

Investor sentiment may also have been affected by the announcement that Chief Financial Officer Dan Durn will leave the company later this month, introducing a degree of uncertainty during a critical period as Adobe continues its AI transformation.

The selloff highlights the high expectations facing large-cap software companies in 2026. Although Adobe delivered solid earnings, raised guidance, generated $2.17 billion in operating cash flow, and repurchased 8.5 million shares during the quarter, investors appear focused on whether the company can accelerate AI monetization fast enough to compete with the market's most favored artificial intelligence beneficiaries.

For now, Adobe remains fundamentally strong, but Friday's decline demonstrates that in the current market environment, simply beating expectations is often not enough—investors want clear signs of accelerating AI-driven growth.
Adobe Gains as Analyst Reiterates Rating, Signaling Stability After Recent Volatility

Adobe (ADBE) shares rose about 2% today, extending recent gains as investors responded positively to a fresh analyst update that reinforced confidence in the software company's outlook.

Piper Sandler reiterated its Neutral rating on Adobe and maintained a $280 price target, implying additional upside from current trading levels. While the firm did not upgrade the stock, the decision to maintain its target and rating suggests analysts continue to see value in Adobe despite ongoing concerns surrounding competition in the rapidly evolving artificial intelligence software market.

Adobe has been under close scrutiny over the past year as investors evaluate the impact of generative AI on its creative software franchise. Some market participants have worried that new AI-powered tools could disrupt traditional content creation workflows. However, Adobe has responded aggressively by integrating AI capabilities across its product portfolio, including Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat and its Firefly AI platform.

Today's gain reflects growing investor confidence that Adobe remains well positioned to monetize artificial intelligence rather than be disrupted by it. The company continues to benefit from a large installed customer base, recurring subscription revenue and strong adoption of its creative and digital experience products.

While analysts remain somewhat cautious about the pace of future growth, the latest rating update suggests that Wall Street generally views Adobe's fundamentals as stable. Investors appear increasingly focused on the company's ability to leverage AI to enhance its products, improve customer retention and create new revenue opportunities.

As the software sector continues to navigate the AI transition, Adobe remains one of the industry's most closely watched companies. The stock's positive performance today indicates that investors are becoming more comfortable with the company's strategy and long-term competitive position.
Adobe Inc. announced it has completed the acquisition of Semrush Holdings, aiming to strengthen its customer experience (CX) capabilities and expand brand visibility solutions in the growing AI-driven digital landscape.

The deal integrates Semrush’s SEO and brand intelligence platform into Adobe’s CX Enterprise ecosystem, enhancing tools for search optimization, generative engine optimization, and AI-driven customer engagement. The move comes as businesses increasingly rely on AI agents and conversational interfaces for customer discovery and interaction.

Adobe said the acquisition will help marketers better manage brand visibility across both traditional search engines and emerging AI platforms, while delivering more personalized and scalable customer experiences.

Source: Adobe press release
IBM and Adobe announced an expanded collaboration to deliver AI-powered customer experience orchestration solutions, aimed at helping organizations better respond to evolving customer expectations. The initiative combines Adobe’s customer data and experience platforms with IBM’s agentic AI tools, including watsonx, to enable real-time, data-driven decision-making.

New research from IBM highlights the urgency of this approach, showing companies lose an average of $29 million annually due to slow response to customer needs, with many organizations failing to act effectively on available data.

The partnership introduces industry-specific solutions, initially targeting sectors such as airlines and healthcare, where AI-driven orchestration can improve personalization, streamline workflows, and enhance customer engagement.

IBM said the collaboration aims to bridge the gap between insight and action by integrating data, automation, and governance, enabling companies to deliver more connected and responsive customer experiences.
Adobe has partnered with DICK’S Sporting Goods to enhance customer engagement through AI-driven personalization across digital and in-store experiences. The collaboration aims to create a more tailored “athlete journey” by leveraging Adobe’s enterprise solutions and data platforms.

The initiative will introduce AI-powered “digital coaches” that provide personalized product recommendations, training guidance, and interactive experiences via DICK’S mobile app and other channels. It will also integrate customer data across touchpoints to deliver more relevant and timely content.

Additionally, the partnership focuses on scaling content production using generative AI tools, enabling DICK’S to create customized marketing materials more efficiently.

Adobe said the collaboration highlights the growing role of AI in delivering highly personalized retail experiences and strengthening customer loyalty.
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NYSE:UBER

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Uber Eats Partners With Wakefern to Add More Than 375 Grocery Stores Across U.S. Northeast

Uber Technologies (NYSE: UBER) announced a partnership with Wakefern Food Corp. that will bring more than 375 supermarkets across the U.S. Northeast to the Uber Eats grocery delivery platform.

The rollout includes stores operating under ShopRite, Price Rite Marketplace, The Fresh Grocer, Fairway Market, Gourmet Garage, Morton Williams, Dearborn Market and Di Bruno Bros. Customers will be able to order fresh produce, meat, seafood, prepared foods, pantry items and household essentials for on-demand or scheduled delivery.

The partnership significantly expands Uber Eats’ grocery presence across the Northeast, including New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island.

Uber said grocery and retail continues to see strong growth across North America as consumers increasingly use on-demand delivery for everyday purchases. The addition of Wakefern, the largest retailer-owned supermarket cooperative in the U.S., broadens Uber’s selection beyond restaurant delivery and strengthens its position in the grocery delivery market.

Uber One members will also receive $0 delivery fees on eligible Wakefern orders, subject to applicable terms, while promotional discounts of up to 30% will be offered on some customers’ first orders.
Uber and Wayve Launch UK’s First Autonomous Ride-Hailing Service in London

Uber Technologies (NYSE: UBER) and British autonomous-driving company Wayve have launched supervised autonomous rides in London, marking the first time autonomous ride-hailing trips have become available to the public in the United Kingdom.

Starting September 3, London customers requesting UberX, Uber Electric or Uber Comfort may be matched with an autonomous Wayve vehicle at no additional cost. The initial fleet consists of all-electric Ford Mustang Mach-E vehicles equipped with the Wayve AI Driver and surrounding sensors. A trained, Transport for London-licensed driver will remain onboard during the supervised launch phase.

The service initially covers London except airports and will begin with a small number of vehicles before expanding according to demand, regulatory developments and operational readiness. Uber said more than 140,000 Londoners have already opted in to increase their chances of being matched with a Wayve vehicle.

Wayve’s technology differs from many traditional autonomous-driving systems. Its AV2.0 approach uses an AI Driver trained to learn from driving experience and adapt to different environments without depending on high-definition maps or extensive hand-coded rules. This mapless, hardware-agnostic approach could potentially make the technology easier to deploy across different vehicles and markets.

The London rollout is part of a broader Uber-Wayve partnership designed to deploy Wayve-powered vehicles across 12 markets. The companies also plan to introduce autonomous Nissan LEAF vehicles using Wayve AI Driver and NVIDIA DRIVE Hyperion in Tokyo later this year.

The launch represents another step in Uber’s strategy to become a major distribution platform for autonomous transportation rather than developing all autonomous-driving technology internally. Uber now works with more than 30 autonomous-vehicle partners across mobility, delivery and freight, which collectively complete millions of autonomous trips annually on its platform. Uber expects AV rides to be available through its network in as many as 15 cities by the end of 2026 and aims to become the world’s largest facilitator of autonomous trips by 2029.

Tech stocks today: Uber cuts 3,300 roles, implements stricter remote work policy

Tech stocks were muted as Uber announced layoffs and Dell earnings impressed.

(finance.yahoo.com)
Uber Launches €41.50-a-Share Takeover Offer for Delivery Hero

Uber (NYSE: UBER) has formally launched its voluntary takeover offer for Delivery Hero after receiving approval from German regulator BaFin. The company is offering €41.50 in cash per share, representing a roughly 108% premium to Delivery Hero’s unaffected May 8 closing price. The acceptance period runs from August 27 through November 5, 2026.

The acquisition would significantly expand Uber’s global delivery footprint. The combined businesses would operate across 99 markets with pro-forma 2025 gross bookings of $236 billion, while the number of markets where Uber offers both mobility and delivery would nearly double from 34 to 58.

Uber already owns about 24.77% of Delivery Hero and has additional exposure through derivatives. Combined with an irrevocable commitment from Prosus covering roughly 16.68% of Delivery Hero shares, Uber’s total economic interest is approximately 53%. The deal remains subject to regulatory approvals and other closing conditions, with settlement expected in the second half of 2027.
Uber Launches Baidu Driverless Robotaxis in Dubai

Uber Technologies (NYSE: UBER) and Baidu (NASDAQ: BIDU) have launched fully driverless Apollo Go robotaxis on Uber’s platform in Dubai, marking the first commercial deployment under their multi-year autonomous-vehicle partnership.

Starting August 20, riders requesting UberX or Uber Comfort in select areas of Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah may be matched with Baidu’s autonomous vehicles. Customers can also select an “Autonomous” option in the Uber app to increase their chances of receiving a robotaxi.

Dubai Becomes Launchpad for Global Expansion

The service uses Baidu’s sixth-generation RT6, a purpose-built electric robotaxi equipped with more than 30 sensors. Dubai is expected to serve as the starting point for plans to deploy thousands of Apollo Go vehicles across Uber’s global network.

Baidu said Apollo Go now operates across 28 cities and has accumulated more than 350 million autonomous kilometers, including over 240 million kilometers without a human driver.

For Uber, the launch advances its strategy of becoming the distribution platform for autonomous mobility rather than developing its own self-driving technology. Uber now works with more than 30 autonomous-vehicle partners, allowing competing AV developers to access its large ride-hailing network.

The Dubai deployment is therefore strategically important for both companies: Baidu gains international distribution for Apollo Go, while Uber strengthens its position as a marketplace connecting autonomous fleets with riders.
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Uber Stock Jumps 5.5% as Citigroup Reiterates Market Outperform Rating

Uber Technologies (NYSE: UBER) shares are up about 5.5% after Citigroup reiterated its Market Outperform rating on the ride-hailing and delivery company, adding to positive investor sentiment around the stock.

The bullish rating reinforces confidence in Uber’s position as a global leader in mobility and food delivery. The company’s scale, extensive driver and customer network, and improving profitability give it a strong competitive position within the transportation technology sector.

Uber is also increasingly positioned as a potential beneficiary of autonomous driving rather than simply facing it as a competitive threat. The company has been building partnerships with autonomous-vehicle developers, seeking to use its large mobility platform as a distribution network for robotaxi services as the technology expands.

The 5.5% gain suggests investors are responding positively to the reiterated bullish analyst view, with Uber’s improving financial profile, dominant mobility platform and longer-term autonomous vehicle opportunity supporting sentiment.
Uber Partners With Zipline to Scale Drone Delivery Across U.S., Targets 1 Million Deliveries a Day

Uber Technologies (NYSE: UBER) announced a major strategic partnership with autonomous drone delivery company Zipline on Monday, aiming to bring drone-based Uber Eats deliveries to millions of U.S. consumers.

The first deployments are expected to begin later in 2026, allowing customers in supported markets to receive Uber Eats orders through Zipline’s autonomous drones. The companies plan to expand the service across dozens of U.S. cities.

More significantly, Uber and Zipline are targeting one million drone deliveries per day by the end of 2029, signaling ambitions to make autonomous delivery a meaningful part of Uber’s logistics network rather than a limited pilot program.

Uber will also make a strategic investment in privately held Zipline, although the size of the investment was not disclosed.

Uber Expands Its Autonomous Delivery Strategy

The partnership strengthens Uber’s push toward a hybrid delivery network combining human couriers, sidewalk robots and drones. Using autonomous delivery for suitable orders could eventually reduce delivery times and costs while expanding the capacity of the Uber Eats network.

Zipline already has significant operating experience. The company operates across four continents, has completed more than 2.7 million deliveries and has flown over 135 million autonomous commercial miles. Its technology is designed to deliver orders within approximately five to 10 minutes.

For Uber, the agreement provides access to an established drone platform without requiring the company to develop the underlying aviation technology itself. At the same time, Zipline gains access to Uber Eats’ large consumer and merchant network.

The scale of the 2029 target makes the partnership strategically significant for Uber. If successfully deployed across major U.S. markets, drones could become another important component of the company’s broader effort to automate portions of its delivery network and improve the economics of last-mile logistics.
Uber and Pony*ai Expand Robotaxi Partnership With Plan for More Than 2,000 Vehicles in Europe

Uber Technologies (NYSE: UBER) and Pony*ai (NASDAQ: PONY) are expanding their autonomous-driving partnership, with plans to deploy more than 2,000 Pony*ai robotaxis across Europe as the companies move toward larger-scale commercialization of driverless transportation.

The expanded partnership builds on the companies’ existing project in Zagreb, Croatia, where Pony*ai robotaxis are expected to become available through the Uber platform. The companies now plan to expand into four additional European cities, with further deployment also planned for the Middle East.

The names of the additional European cities and the rollout timetable have not yet been disclosed.

Partnership Targets Commercial Robotaxi Scale

Under the agreement, Pony*ai will provide its Level 4 autonomous-driving technology and robotaxi operating expertise, while Uber will provide its mobility platform, including customer access, booking, payments and customer service.

Local fleet partners may handle vehicle ownership and daily operations depending on the market. This structure could allow Uber and Pony*ai to expand without either company necessarily financing and operating the entire fleet itself.

The companies said the strategy is designed to move autonomous mobility beyond individual pilot programs toward repeatable, commercially scalable deployments.

Pony*ai already operates paid, fully driverless robotaxi services in four major Chinese cities and said it has reached city-wide breakeven unit economics in multiple markets. That experience could provide an important foundation as the company expands its technology internationally.

Uber Builds Out Autonomous Mobility Network

The announcement further strengthens Uber’s strategy of positioning its platform as a distribution network for autonomous vehicles rather than developing its own autonomous-driving system.

It also follows Uber’s separate announcement this week of plans for a robotaxi pilot in Tokyo using Nissan LEAF vehicles equipped with Wayve’s AI Driver technology.

For Uber, adding more than 2,000 Pony*ai vehicles would represent a meaningful expansion of autonomous vehicles available through its platform and could strengthen its position as robotaxi operators increasingly seek established ride-hailing networks to reach customers.

For Pony*ai, meanwhile, the agreement provides access to Uber’s large customer base and established mobility infrastructure, potentially accelerating its expansion outside China.
# Uber Expands Robotaxi Push with Tokyo Pilot Planned for Late 2026

Uber Technologies (NYSE: UBER) is advancing its autonomous mobility strategy in Japan through a new operational partnership with Hinomaru Kotsu for a robotaxi pilot scheduled to launch in Tokyo in late 2026.

The program builds on Uber’s March 2026 robotaxi agreement with Nissan and autonomous-driving technology company Wayve. The pilot will use Nissan LEAF vehicles equipped with Wayve’s AI Driver technology, while rides will be available through Uber’s ride-hailing platform.

## Uber Builds Local Operating Model for Robotaxis

Hinomaru Kotsu will handle the physical fleet operations required for the service, including vehicle maintenance, inspections, cleaning, charging, depot management and vehicle availability.

The structure is particularly important in Japan because passenger transportation must be provided by authorized taxi operators. Uber will supply the matching platform and operational tools, while Hinomaru Kotsu will act as the licensed fleet operator.

The initial rollout will not be fully driverless. Experienced Hinomaru Kotsu drivers will remain behind the wheel as safety operators, with fully autonomous operations potentially introduced later subject to regulatory approval.

For Uber, the Tokyo project represents another step toward positioning its platform as an aggregation layer for autonomous vehicles rather than relying exclusively on human drivers. Partnerships with automakers, autonomous-driving developers and established fleet operators could allow Uber to expand robotaxi services without developing its own autonomous-driving system.

Tokyo also provides a demanding test environment because of its dense urban infrastructure and complex traffic conditions. A successful deployment could strengthen Uber's position as autonomous mobility moves from limited testing toward commercial ride-hailing applications.

The partnership could also address Japan's persistent driver shortages over the longer term, while giving Uber an additional route to expand its presence in a market where local transportation regulations have historically constrained traditional ride-hailing models.
Uber Stock Rises 2.8% as Jefferies Raises Price Target to $110

Uber Technologies (NYSE: UBER) shares rose about 2.8% Monday after Jefferies raised its price target on the ride-hailing and delivery company while maintaining a Buy rating.

Jefferies analyst John Colantuoni increased the firm's price target on Uber to $110 from $100. Based on the stock's recent price of about $76.82, the new target implies roughly 43% potential upside.

Jefferies Maintains Bullish View on Uber

The $10 increase in the price target reinforces Jefferies' positive stance on the company. Unlike a rating upgrade, Monday's analyst action maintains the existing Buy recommendation but increases the valuation Jefferies believes Uber shares can support.

The move is particularly notable following recent volatility in Uber shares, as investors continue to assess the company's growth prospects alongside longer-term questions surrounding autonomous vehicles and their potential impact on the ride-hailing industry.

Uber has increasingly positioned itself as a platform that could benefit from autonomous vehicles rather than simply compete against them, establishing partnerships designed to bring robotaxi services onto its network.

Investors will now be watching Uber's mobility and delivery growth, profitability and free cash flow, as well as progress in autonomous-driving partnerships. For Monday's session, however, the Jefferies target increase is providing a clear positive catalyst for UBER shares.
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Canada

U.S. Consumer Sentiment Improves in September, While Confidence Weakens in Canada and Mexico

Consumer sentiment across North America diverged in September, according to the latest Thomson Reuters/Ipsos Primary Consumer Sentiment Index readings.

In the United States, the PCSI rose to 50.45 from 49.38 in August, indicating an improvement in household sentiment after the previous month’s decline. The index measures consumers’ views on economic conditions, personal finances, purchasing comfort, job security and expectations.

Canada moved in the opposite direction, with the index falling to 47.35 from 48.19. Canadian households have remained cautious amid affordability pressures, trade uncertainty and concerns about inflation and the broader economic outlook.

Mexico’s PCSI also weakened, declining to 50.84 from 52.77 in August.

The September figures therefore point to improving consumer confidence in the U.S., while sentiment deteriorated in both Canada and Mexico.
Canada’s Leading Index Growth Slows to 0.13% in August

Canada’s Leading Index increased 0.13% month over month in August, signaling continued but moderating momentum in the Canadian economy.

The latest reading slowed from a 0.17% increase in July.

The index is designed to provide an early indication of changes in economic activity, making the slowdown a sign that growth momentum may be losing some strength heading into the latter part of the year.
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Canada Loses 41,700 Jobs in August, but Ivey PMI Jumps to 64.3

Canada’s economic data sent mixed signals Friday, with employment falling sharply in August while the Ivey PMI showed a surprisingly strong acceleration in business activity.

Employment declined by about 41,700 in August, badly missing expectations for a 15,100 increase and reversing part of July’s 75,100 gain. The unemployment rate nevertheless remained unchanged at 6.4%, matching forecasts.

Wage pressures also cooled, with average hourly earnings rising just 2.0% year over year, down from 2.8% in July.

Ivey PMI Surges Above Expectations

In contrast, the August Ivey PMI jumped to 64.3 from 55.1 in July, significantly exceeding the 56.2 forecast.

The combination creates a mixed picture for the Bank of Canada: weakening employment and slower wage growth point toward softer labor-market conditions, while the strong PMI suggests underlying business activity remains resilient.

With the Bank of Canada having kept its policy rate at 2.25% this week, upcoming inflation and GDP data will be important in determining the next move.
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Canada’s Economy Accelerates Sharply in Q2

Canada’s economy expanded strongly in the second quarter of 2026, marking a significant acceleration from the weak growth seen at the start of the year.

GDP increased 0.8% quarter over quarter, up sharply from 0.1% previously. On an annualized basis, the economy grew 3.3%, just below the 3.4% forecast but far above the previous 0.3% pace.

The figures indicate that Canadian economic activity regained substantial momentum in Q2 after a near-stagnant start to 2026.
Canada Raw Material Prices Fall 2.2% in July as New Home Prices Edge Lower

Canadian economic data released Thursday showed continued weakness in raw material and housing prices, adding to signs of subdued price pressures in parts of the economy.

Raw Material Prices Decline 2.2%

Canada's Raw Materials Price Index (RMPI) fell 2.2% month over month in July, a larger decline than the 1.8% expected. However, the decrease was considerably smaller than the previous month's 6.7% drop.

The weaker-than-expected reading points to continued downward pressure on input costs for Canadian producers.

Meanwhile, Canada's New Housing Price Index declined 0.1% in July, compared with expectations for no change and matching the previous month's 0.1% decline.

Overall, the data point to relatively soft upstream and housing-related price pressures. The figures could marginally support expectations for a more accommodative Bank of Canada stance, although broader inflation, employment and economic growth data will remain more important for the policy outlook.
Canada Inflation Accelerates in July as Core CPI Rises to 2.3%

Canadian inflation strengthened in July, with both headline and core consumer prices accelerating from the previous month.

Headline CPI increased 0.5% month-over-month, above the 0.4% market forecast and reversing June’s 0.4% decline.

Core inflation also showed renewed pressure. Core CPI rose 0.2% on a monthly basis, accelerating from 0.1% previously, while the annual core inflation rate increased to 2.3% from 2.1%.

The figures suggest underlying price pressures remain persistent despite signs of softer economic momentum. The stronger-than-expected monthly headline reading, combined with accelerating core inflation, could make the Bank of Canada more cautious about providing additional monetary policy support.

For markets, the July inflation report may strengthen the case for keeping interest rates restrictive for longer, particularly if subsequent data confirm that underlying inflation is beginning to reaccelerate.
Canada Building Permits Surge 18.5% in June, Far Above Expectations

Canadian building permits rebounded sharply in June, significantly exceeding market expectations and signaling stronger planned construction activity.

Building permits jumped 18.5% month-over-month, compared with expectations for a modest 0.8% increase. The result also represented a substantial reversal from the previous month's 3.0% decline.
Canada Adds 75,100 Jobs in July as TSX Rises 0.4%

Canada's labor market delivered a much stronger-than-expected performance in July, while Canadian stocks traded higher as investors assessed the implications of the latest economic data.

The S&P/TSX Composite Index was up 0.39% at 36,275.76 in late-morning trading, gaining about 139 points on the session.

Employment increased by 75,100 in July, dramatically exceeding expectations for a gain of 17,800 and accelerating from the previous month's 18,200 increase.

The unemployment rate also unexpectedly improved, falling to 6.4% from 6.5%. Economists had expected the rate to remain at 6.5%.

Strong Jobs Report Signals Labor Market Resilience

The combination of significantly stronger job creation and a lower unemployment rate points to greater resilience in Canada's labor market than economists had anticipated.

The magnitude of the employment surprise is particularly notable, with Canada adding more than four times the number of jobs expected by economists.

For monetary policy, the report could reduce the urgency for the Bank of Canada to provide additional easing. A stronger labor market can support household income and consumer demand, potentially limiting the need for lower interest rates if inflationary pressures remain persistent.

Ivey PMI Shows Slower but Continued Expansion

Separate data offered a somewhat softer signal on Canadian economic activity.

The Ivey Purchasing Managers Index fell to 55.1 in July from 56.2 previously and came in slightly below the 55.4 consensus estimate.

However, the index remained comfortably above 50, indicating that activity continued to expand despite the slowdown from June.

TSX Advances Despite Reduced Rate-Cut Expectations

Canadian equities remained positive following the data, with the S&P/TSX Composite gaining 0.39% to 36,275.76.

The market reaction suggests investors are currently placing greater weight on the economic resilience indicated by the strong employment numbers than on the possibility that a stronger labor market could reduce expectations for additional Bank of Canada rate cuts.

Overall, Friday's data paint a relatively constructive picture of the Canadian economy. Employment growth substantially exceeded expectations, unemployment declined and business activity remained in expansion territory. The key question for markets will be whether this resilience continues without generating renewed inflation pressure that could keep Canadian interest rates higher for longer.
Canada's Trade Surplus Expands More Than Expected in June

Canada's trade surplus widened to C$3.86 billion in June, exceeding market expectations of C$3.00 billion and improving from a revised C$3.70 billion in May, signaling continued resilience in the country's external trade position.

The stronger-than-expected surplus suggests Canadian exports remained solid despite ongoing uncertainty in the global economy, providing additional support for overall economic growth.
Canadian Economy Grows More Than Expected in June

Canada's economy expanded faster than expected in June, providing another sign of resilience despite elevated interest rates.

Monthly GDP rose 0.3% in June, exceeding economists' expectations of a 0.2% increase. The stronger-than-expected reading suggests economic activity gained momentum toward the end of the second quarter, supported by broad-based growth across the economy.
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