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

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

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

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

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

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

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Global Finance News 08-07-26

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

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

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

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

Wage Growth Also Comes in Weak

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

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

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

Nasdaq Leads as Rate Expectations Support Tech Stocks

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

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

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

Weak Jobs Data Creates a Delicate Balance

The market reaction nevertheless highlights a delicate balance for investors.

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

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

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Global Finance News 08-07-26

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

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

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

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

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The Investor 08-05-26

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

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

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

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

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The Investor 08-05-26

U.S. Job Openings Fall, Factory Orders Disappoint as Atlanta Fed Lowers GDPNow Forecast

U.S. economic data released on Tuesday painted a mixed picture of the economy, with labor demand and manufacturing activity showing signs of cooling while growth expectations were revised lower.

The JOLTS Job Openings report showed vacancies fell to 7.359 million in June, below both the 7.440 million consensus estimate and May’s revised 7.537 million. The decline suggests labor demand continues to moderate, supporting expectations that the U.S. job market is gradually cooling after remaining resilient for much of the year.

Manufacturing data also came in weaker than expected. Factory Orders declined 0.3% month-over-month in June, missing expectations for a 0.2% increase. However, the result represented an improvement from May’s revised 1.1% decline, indicating that manufacturing activity remains under pressure despite stabilizing from the previous month.

Meanwhile, the Atlanta Federal Reserve lowered its closely watched GDPNow estimate for third-quarter U.S. economic growth to 5.9% from 6.2%. Although the forecast remains exceptionally strong by historical standards, the downward revision reflects a slightly softer near-term economic outlook following the latest data releases.

The figures come after recent U.S. manufacturing PMI reports surprised to the upside, highlighting a mixed macroeconomic backdrop. While manufacturing activity has shown resilience, softer labor demand, weaker factory orders and a modest reduction in growth expectations suggest parts of the economy are beginning to lose momentum.

Investors will continue monitoring upcoming labor market and inflation data for further clues on the Federal Reserve’s policy path, as signs of slowing economic activity could strengthen expectations for future interest rate cuts if inflation continues to moderate.

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WS News 08-04-26

U.S. Stocks Climb as AI Earnings Momentum and Strong Economic Data Offset Geopolitical Uncertainty

U.S. stocks moved higher on Tuesday, with technology shares once again leading the market as investors welcomed another round of strong AI-relase earnings, upbeat economic data and easing concerns over the U.S.-Iran conflict.

The Nasdaq gained 1.38%, outperforming the broader market, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.99% and the S&P 500 advanced 0.72%. The rally reflected continued confidence in artificial intelligence spending and corporate earnings despite ongoing geopolitical uncertainty.

AI Optimism Strengthens After Palantir's Strong Results

Technology stocks received another boost after Palantir reported exceptional quarterly results that reinforced optimism surrounding enterprise AI adoption. The company posted a 93% year-over-year increase in revenue, raised its full-year guidance and highlighted accelerating demand from both government and commercial customers. Shares surged following the report, extending the positive sentiment that has supported AI-related stocks throughout the earnings season.

The upbeat results added to investor confidence after last week's strong earnings from major technology companies, reinforcing expectations that AI investment remains one of the strongest themes driving corporate growth.

Manufacturing Data Signals Continued Economic Strength

Economic data also supported the market. The ISM Manufacturing PMI climbed to 55.6 in July from 53.3, well above expectations of 54.0 and marking the strongest expansion in the manufacturing sector in several years. The S&P Global Manufacturing PMI also remained solid at 53.9, while the ISM Prices Index eased to 71.1 from 73.0, suggesting inflationary pressures continued to moderate even as factory activity accelerated.

Lower Oil Prices Improve Market Sentiment

Investor confidence was further boosted by reports that diplomatic efforts between the United States and Iran continue to make progress, reducing fears of prolonged supply disruptions in the Middle East. The resulting decline in crude oil prices eased inflation concerns and supported sectors such as technology, consumer discretionary and industrials, although energy shares lagged the broader market.

What to Watch

Investors will now focus on upcoming labor market data and additional corporate earnings to assess whether the current rally can continue. AI-related earnings remain a key catalyst for technology stocks, while developments in U.S.-Iran negotiations and the direction of oil prices are likely to remain important drivers of broader market sentiment.

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European Investor 08-04-26

U.S. Trade Deficit Narrows in June

The U.S. trade deficit narrowed to $73.3 billion in June, improving from a revised $77.6 billion in May as the gap between exports and imports continued to shrink. Although the reading was slightly wider than economists' expectation of a $73.0 billion deficit, it marked a notable improvement from the previous month.

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European Investor 08-04-26

US Manufacturing Activity Accelerates in July as ISM Beats Expectations

U.S. manufacturing data painted a stronger-than-expected picture on Monday, with both the S&P Global Manufacturing PMI and the closely watched ISM Manufacturing PMI signaling improving factory activity. The stronger readings reinforced expectations that the industrial sector continues to recover despite elevated interest rates and ongoing trade uncertainty.

The ISM Manufacturing PMI rose to 55.6 in July, well above the market expectation of 54.0 and up from 53.3 in June. The reading points to an acceleration in manufacturing activity and suggests that new orders and production remained resilient at the start of the third quarter.

The earlier-released S&P Global Manufacturing PMI also came in at 53.9, slightly above the consensus forecast of 53.8 and matching June’s reading, indicating that manufacturing growth remained steady across a broad range of industries.

Inflation Pressures Ease Slightly but Remain Elevated

The ISM Manufacturing Prices Index declined to 71.1 from 73.0 in June, although it still exceeded expectations of 70.0. The lower reading suggests that input cost pressures continued to moderate but remained elevated, indicating inflation risks have eased somewhat without disappearing.

For investors, the combination of stronger manufacturing activity and gradually cooling price pressures is generally viewed as constructive, as it points to continued economic expansion without a significant resurgence in inflation.

What to Watch

Markets will now turn their attention to upcoming labor market and inflation data to assess whether the U.S. economy can maintain its current momentum. Investors will also monitor future Federal Reserve commentary to determine whether resilient economic activity and still-elevated price pressures could influence the outlook for interest rates in the coming months.

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WS News 08-03-26

US Stocks Slip as Stronger Economic Data Reinforces Fed Caution

U.S. stocks traded modestly lower on Friday, with the S&P 500 falling 0.23%, as investors digested a fresh batch of economic data pointing to resilient economic activity while weighing the implications for Federal Reserve policy.

The latest reports painted a mixed but generally constructive picture of the U.S. economy. Chicago PMI unexpectedly rose to 57.6 in July, beating expectations of 56.0 and improving from 56.7 in June, signaling that manufacturing activity in the Chicago region continued to expand at a healthy pace.

Consumer confidence also showed signs of improvement. The University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index increased to 55.2 from 49.5 in the previous month, surpassing the consensus estimate of 54.4. Meanwhile, the Consumer Expectations Index climbed to 55.4 from 50.7, also exceeding forecasts, suggesting households have become more optimistic about future economic conditions.

Inflation expectations offered additional encouragement. The University of Michigan's one-year inflation expectation remained unchanged at 4.2%, improving from the preliminary reading of 4.6% and matching market expectations. The stable inflation outlook may provide some reassurance that inflation pressures are not reaccelerating despite continued economic resilience.

Despite the largely positive data, markets remained under pressure as stronger economic activity could reinforce the Federal Reserve's cautious approach toward future interest rate cuts. Investors are increasingly balancing encouraging growth signals against the prospect that policymakers may keep borrowing costs elevated for longer if the economy continues to outperform expectations.

What to Watch

Markets will continue to monitor upcoming labor market and inflation data for further clues on the Fed's policy path. Investors will also remain focused on corporate earnings and management guidance as companies assess the impact of interest rates, consumer demand and ongoing macroeconomic uncertainty during the second half of the year.

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The Investor 07-31-26

Nasdaq Leads U.S. Markets Higher as Tech Earnings Fuel Rally

U.S. stocks traded broadly higher on Thursday, with the Nasdaq outperforming after another wave of stronger-than-expected corporate earnings reinforced optimism around artificial intelligence, cloud computing and technology spending.

At the time of writing, the Nasdaq was up 1.95%, while the S&P 500 gained 0.78% and the Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced 0.23%.

Technology stocks were the primary drivers of the rally, as investors continued to rotate into AI-related names following another round of upbeat quarterly results. Strong earnings from companies including Microsoft, Lam Research, Trane Technologies, Regeneron and Yum! Brands helped support broader market sentiment, while several companies also raised their full-year guidance, reinforcing confidence in corporate earnings despite ongoing macroeconomic uncertainty.

Industrial and infrastructure-related companies also attracted buying interest. Trane Technologies surged after reporting record bookings and raising its annual outlook, while Air Products advanced after exceeding adjusted earnings expectations and increasing its full-year EPS guidance despite large one-time restructuring charges.

Healthcare was another area of strength, with Regeneron posting double-digit revenue growth driven by Dupixent, EYLEA HD and Libtayo. Meanwhile, Enterprise Products Partners edged higher after reporting record earnings and cash flow supported by strong pipeline and terminal volumes.

Not all earnings reactions were positive. Investors sold shares of several defensive healthcare and consumer companies despite solid quarterly results. Bristol Myers Squibb, Sanofi and Altria all declined after reporting earnings, suggesting investors remain selective and continue to focus on long-term growth prospects rather than headline beats alone.

Attention now turns to the remainder of the earnings season and upcoming economic data, with investors watching whether the current momentum in AI, industrial spending and corporate profitability can continue supporting U.S. equities near record highs.

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WS Investor 07-30-26

08-07-26WS News

08-05-26The Investor

07-30-26European Investor

NASDAQ:ABNB

Airbnb Stock Jumps 9% as Q2 Growth Accelerates and 2026 Outlook Rises

Airbnb (NASDAQ: ABNB) shares jumped about 9% in premarket trading Friday after the company delivered strong second-quarter results and raised its full-year outlook.

Revenue increased 17% year over year to $3.6 billion, while Gross Booking Value rose 16% to $27.2 billion. Nights and Seats Booked increased 10% to 148.3 million. Net income reached $816 million, while adjusted EBITDA climbed 21% to $1.3 billion, producing a 35% margin.

Strong Demand and AI Strategy Support Growth

Airbnb said growth accelerated across both expansion markets and several major core markets, including the U.S., France, UK and Australia. The company also highlighted its AI strategy, saying faster development has helped increase the number of features and improvements shipped this year by nearly 80%.

Beyond accommodations, Airbnb is expanding Services and Experiences. Experiences supply increased nearly 80% year over year, while hotel nights booked grew roughly three times as fast as the company's homes business.

Airbnb Raises Full-Year Outlook

The strongest catalyst for the premarket rally appears to be guidance. Airbnb raised its expectations for both full-year revenue growth and adjusted EBITDA margin. The company now expects 2026 revenue growth of at least the mid-teens and an adjusted EBITDA margin of at least 35.5%. For Q3, Airbnb expects revenue of $4.69 billion to $4.77 billion, representing 15%–17% growth.

The combination of accelerating bookings, strong profitability, AI-driven efficiency and an upgraded full-year outlook appears to be driving the sharp positive reaction in ABNB shares.

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WS Investor 08-07-26

Airbnb Falls in After-Hours Trading Despite Positive Analyst Coverage

Airbnb shares finished Friday's regular session nearly unchanged, slipping just 0.13% to $133.54, significantly outperforming the broader market as the Nasdaq plunged more than 4%. However, the stock came under pressure after the close, falling approximately 1% in after-hours trading.

The company received supportive analyst commentary during the day. CICC Research initiated coverage with an Outperform rating and a $165 price target, while Jefferies set a $160 price target. Both targets suggest substantial upside from current levels and reflect confidence in Airbnb's long-term growth prospects.

Despite the positive analyst sentiment, Airbnb's after-hours weakness likely reflected the broader risk-off environment affecting growth-oriented stocks. Following stronger-than-expected U.S. employment data, investors reduced exposure to sectors sensitive to interest rates as expectations for Federal Reserve rate cuts moved further into the future.

Even with the after-hours decline, Airbnb demonstrated relative strength compared with many technology and growth stocks during Friday's market selloff. Investors continue to view the company as a leading player in global travel, supported by its strong brand, asset-light business model, and ability to generate significant cash flow without the capital requirements faced by traditional hotel operators.

The contrasting moves—positive analyst ratings but weaker after-hours trading—highlight the current market environment, where macroeconomic concerns and interest-rate expectations are often outweighing company-specific developments. Nevertheless, the analyst targets suggest Wall Street remains optimistic that Airbnb can continue benefiting from long-term travel demand and expanding global adoption of its platform.

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The Investor 06-06-26

Airbnb Barely Moves After Hours Despite Strong Quarter as Investors Weigh Macro Headwinds

San Francisco, May 7, 2026 — Shares in Airbnb edged down just 0.43% in after-hours trading yesterday after the home-sharing platform delivered a first quarter that beat its own guidance on revenue and raised its full-year outlook, with the near-flat reaction suggesting investors were largely satisfied but not surprised by what they saw.

Revenue grew 18% year-over-year to $2.7 billion, exceeding the high end of guidance. Gross Booking Value rose 19% to $29.2 billion, driven by strong demand and a favorable foreign exchange tailwind. Nights and Seats Booked grew 9% to 156.2 million, a figure management noted would have been approximately 10% absent the drag from elevated cancellations tied to the Middle East conflict, particularly in EMEA and Asia Pacific. Adjusted EBITDA rose 24% to $519 million, with margin expanding to 19% from 18% a year ago. Free cash flow came in at $1.7 billion, representing a 64% margin.

The growth story is broadening geographically. First-time booker growth accelerated to 10%, the highest pace since early 2022, with India delivering approximately 50% origin nights growth year-over-year and Brazil posting over 20% for the third consecutive quarter. App-based bookings grew 22% and now account for 63% of total nights booked, up from 58% a year ago. The FIFA World Cup this summer, for which over 100,000 homes have already listed for the first time across host cities, represents a meaningful near-term demand catalyst.

Full-year guidance was raised, with revenue growth now expected to accelerate to low-to-mid teens and Adjusted EBITDA margin guided to at least 35%. For Q2, Airbnb guided revenue of $3.54 to $3.60 billion, representing 14% to 16% growth.

The muted after-hours reaction reflects a quarter that delivered on expectations rather than exceeded them dramatically, with the Middle East conflict and tougher year-over-year comparisons in the back half keeping investor enthusiasm measured.

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WS Investor 05-08-26

Airbnb released its fourth-quarter results two days ago, but frankly, I could not access them. The links lead to the company’s investor relations page, but there is no direct link to the actual results.

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Global Finance News 02-14-26

Airbnb, Inc. (NASDAQ: ABNB) today announced that the company's second quarter 2025 financial results will be released after market close on Wednesday, August 6, 2025.

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European Investor 07-24-25

Apple, Google, Airbnb, and X are reportedly eyeing stablecoin payments

Apple, Google, Airbnb, and X are weighing stablecoin adoption as regulatory sentiment shifts and fintech giants embrace the tech.

(finance.yahoo.com)

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WS News 06-08-25

Airbnb, Inc. (NASDAQ: ABNB) today announced that the company's first quarter 2025 financial results will be released after market close on Thursday, May 1, 2025. The company's shareholder letter will be made available on the Airbnb Investor Relations website at https://investors.airbnb.com.

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WS News 04-18-25

Airbnb reports a significant rise in solo travel for Valentine’s Day 2025, with searches for solo trips more than doubling compared to last year. Duo travelers' searches have increased by 50%, while groups of three or more have seen a 70% rise. Solo travelers are gravitating toward beach destinations, couples are opting for cozy off-grid escapes, and groups are looking for poolside stays. Popular romantic destinations include the Cotswolds, Riomaggiore, Sedona, and Puerto Vallarta. Airbnb has highlighted unique stays catering to different traveler preferences, from shepherd’s huts in the Scottish Highlands to modern guesthouses in Australia, reflecting evolving travel trends for the holiday.

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WS News 02-01-25

Airbnb.org has provided emergency housing for over 17,000 people displaced by the Los Angeles wildfires through a partnership with 211 LA. The nonprofit, founded by Airbnb, aims to support at least 25,000 affected residents and has committed funding for 100,000 free nights of emergency stays. In total, Airbnb and Airbnb.org have allocated over $26 million toward housing assistance in the region. To prevent price gouging, Airbnb has implemented restrictions preventing hosts in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties from raising rates by more than 10% from pre-emergency levels.

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WS News 02-01-25

Wells Fargo Sticks to Their Sell Rating for Airbnb (ABNB) | Markets Insider

Wells Fargo analyst Ken Gawrelski maintained a Sell rating on Airbnb (ABNB – Research Report) today and set a price target of $96.00. The compan...

(markets.businessinsider.com)

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European Investor 01-17-25

08-07-26WS News

05-16-26The Investor

S&P 500

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Global Finance News 08-07-26

S&P 500 Trades Lower as Communication Services Weigh on Market

U.S. stocks traded mixed on Wednesday, with the S&P 500 slipping 0.1% in early afternoon trading as weakness in Communication Services and Energy offset gains in Materials, Health Care, and Technology.

The market initially moved lower before recovering part of its losses, as investors continued digesting a busy day of corporate earnings alongside mixed economic data. Earlier in the session, stronger-than-expected S&P Global PMI readings highlighted resilient business activity, while a weaker ADP employment report pointed to a slowing labor market.

Communication Services was the weakest-performing sector, falling more than 3%, likely pressured by post-earnings declines in major media and internet companies. Energy also lagged, down 1.4%, as lower oil prices weighed on the sector.

On the positive side, Materials led the market with a 1.4% gain, followed by Health Care, which rose 1.2% as several pharmaceutical companies posted strong quarterly results. Information Technology also remained in positive territory, supported by continued strength in AI-related companies and solid earnings reports.

Despite the S&P 500 trading slightly lower, market breadth remained relatively balanced as investors rotated into defensive sectors such as Health Care while selectively buying companies that delivered strong earnings and optimistic guidance.

With earnings season in full swing, investors will continue watching corporate results and upcoming labor market data for further clues on the strength of the U.S. economy and the Federal Reserve's interest-rate outlook.

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The Investor 08-05-26

The major U.S. stock indexes traded higher on Wednesday, supported by stronger-than-expected S&P Global PMI data despite earlier concerns following a weak ADP employment report. Investors welcomed signs that business activity accelerated in July, helping offset worries about slowing private-sector hiring.

* S&P 500: 7,759.96 (+0.30%)
* Dow Jones Industrial Average: 54,672.16 (+1.08%)
* Nasdaq Composite: 26,622.67 (+0.14%)

The session was shaped by mixed economic signals. The ADP Employment Report showed private payrolls increased by just 44,000 in July, well below the consensus estimate of 68,000, initially fueling expectations that the labor market is losing momentum. However, sentiment improved after the S&P Global Services PMI climbed to 54.6 and the Composite PMI rose to 54.5, both comfortably above expectations and marking a sharp acceleration from June.

The stronger PMI readings suggested that U.S. businesses continued to expand at a healthy pace, indicating that economic growth remains resilient even as hiring slows. The data also reinforced expectations that consumer and corporate demand have remained solid during the third quarter.

The Dow Jones outperformed the broader market, while the technology-heavy Nasdaq posted only modest gains as investors balanced stronger economic growth against the possibility that the Federal Reserve may not rush to cut interest rates if economic activity remains robust.

Markets are now turning their attention to Friday's official U.S. Nonfarm Payrolls report, which will be closely watched for confirmation of whether the labor market is genuinely cooling or whether the weak ADP reading was an outlier. The employment data is expected to play a key role in shaping expectations for the Federal Reserve's next policy decision.

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The Investor 08-05-26

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European Investor 08-04-26

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The Investor 07-31-26

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WS Investor 07-30-26

US Markets Mixed on Tuesday as Dow Climbs While Tech Stocks Weigh on Nasdaq

U.S. stocks traded mixed on Tuesday, with investors rotating away from technology shares while buying more defensive and cyclical names. The Dow Jones Industrial Average outperformed the broader market, gaining 0.68%, while the S&P 500 slipped 0.20%. The Nasdaq Composite lagged, falling 1.05% as weakness in large-cap technology stocks pressured the index.

The divergence between the major indexes suggests investors are becoming more selective following the strong rally in AI and semiconductor stocks over recent months. Profit-taking in technology names weighed on the Nasdaq, while strength in industrial, financial, healthcare, and other value-oriented sectors helped lift the Dow into positive territory.

Technology remained the primary drag on the broader market, with investors trimming exposure ahead of another busy stretch of corporate earnings. Several AI-related and semiconductor companies have reported strong results, but elevated valuations continue to leave little room for disappointment, leading to increased volatility across the sector.

Meanwhile, the Dow’s advance reflected continued interest in companies with more stable earnings profiles. Investors appeared willing to rotate into sectors viewed as less sensitive to lofty growth expectations while still maintaining exposure to the broader U.S. economy.

The mixed session also comes as markets continue to digest the latest earnings releases and assess the outlook for corporate profits through the remainder of 2026. With many companies either raising or reaffirming guidance, stock-specific reactions have become a more important driver than broader macroeconomic themes.

Looking ahead, investors will remain focused on upcoming earnings reports from major technology companies, additional economic data, and any signals that could influence expectations for Federal Reserve policy. Whether the recent rotation away from high-growth technology stocks continues will likely determine the near-term direction of both the Nasdaq and the broader market.

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WS News 07-28-26

S&P 500 Sector Performance Today: Communication Services Lead While Technology and Energy Weigh on the Market

The S&P 500 traded little changed on Monday, edging up just 0.02% in early afternoon trading as investors rotated between sectors ahead of a busy week featuring the Federal Reserve's policy decision, major technology earnings, and key U.S. economic data. Broader market sentiment was supported by easing geopolitical tensions following the pause in hostilities between the U.S. and Iran, although weakness in semiconductors and energy stocks limited gains.

Communication Services emerged as the market's strongest-performing sector, gaining 2.06%. The advance was driven by strength in large-cap names such as Alphabet, while investors also positioned ahead of this week's earnings from several technology and internet giants. Consumer Staples followed with a 1.29% gain, reflecting continued demand for defensive stocks, while Financials (+0.88%) and Health Care (+0.87%) also outperformed as investors favored companies reporting solid quarterly earnings.

Consumer Discretionary added 0.75%, supported by improving risk appetite and lower oil prices, which tend to benefit retailers, travel companies, and other consumer-focused businesses. Materials posted a modest 0.20% gain as commodity markets remained relatively stable.

On the downside, Information Technology was the weakest major sector, falling 1.09%. The decline was largely driven by renewed selling pressure in semiconductor stocks following concerns over China's rapidly advancing domestic chip industry and the blockbuster debut of memory chipmaker CXMT. Nvidia, AMD, ASML and several other chip-related companies remained under pressure despite broader market resilience.

Energy shares dropped 1.61%, making the sector the second-worst performer of the day. The decline followed a sharp fall in crude oil prices after the U.S. and Iran paused hostilities, easing concerns over potential supply disruptions in the Middle East. Lower oil prices weighed on major oil producers while boosting sectors that benefit from reduced fuel costs.

Overall, today's sector performance highlights a market that remains balanced between optimism over easing geopolitical risks and caution surrounding the technology sector. Investors are now turning their attention to this week's Federal Reserve meeting and earnings reports from several mega-cap technology companies, which are likely to determine the market's direction over the coming days.

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European Investor 07-27-26

U.S. Stock Futures Advance as Earnings Optimism and Middle East De-escalation Lift Sentiment

U.S. stock futures traded higher as investors looked ahead to another busy week of corporate earnings while welcoming signs of easing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

Nasdaq futures led the gains, rising 1.19%, while S&P 500 futures added 0.63% and Dow futures advanced 0.48%. The stronger performance in Nasdaq futures reflected continued optimism toward technology and artificial intelligence-related stocks.

Investor sentiment has been supported by a strong start to the second-quarter earnings season. Major U.S. banks, including JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, Citigroup, and Wells Fargo, reported better-than-expected quarterly results, highlighting resilient consumer activity, robust investment banking fees, and strong trading revenue despite a mixed macroeconomic backdrop.

Markets also continue to benefit from last week’s softer-than-expected U.S. inflation data, which strengthened expectations that the Federal Reserve could begin lowering interest rates later this year. Lower borrowing costs would likely provide additional support for equity valuations, particularly in growth-oriented sectors.

Geopolitical developments also remain in focus. Investor sentiment improved after the United States halted its military attacks on Iran, reducing concerns that the conflict could escalate into a broader regional confrontation. The de-escalation has helped ease fears over global energy supplies, contributing to a pullback in oil prices from last week’s highs and supporting broader risk appetite.

As U.S. cash markets prepare to reopen later on Monday, investors will closely monitor another wave of corporate earnings, particularly from technology and industrial companies, along with any new developments on U.S. trade policy, Federal Reserve expectations, and geopolitical events that could influence market direction.

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WS News 07-27-26

U.S. Stocks Mixed as Softer Inflation Boosts Tech While Dow Lags

U.S. stocks traded mixed in early trading on Tuesday as investors reacted to a softer-than-expected June inflation report that strengthened expectations for Federal Reserve interest rate cuts.

The Nasdaq gained about 0.8%, supported by technology and growth stocks that typically benefit from lower interest rates. The S&P 500 also moved modestly higher, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped slightly as investors rotated away from some defensive and value-oriented sectors.

Markets welcomed the June CPI report, which showed headline inflation fell 0.4% month over month, while annual inflation slowed to 3.5%. Core inflation also came in below expectations, with monthly core CPI unchanged and annual core inflation easing to 2.6%. The weaker inflation data reinforced expectations that the Federal Reserve could begin easing monetary policy sooner than previously anticipated.

Technology stocks led gains across the broader market as lower interest rate expectations improved the outlook for high-growth companies. Investors also continued to monitor corporate earnings season, with company-specific results driving notable moves across individual stocks.

Meanwhile, geopolitical developments remained in focus. Recent tensions between the United States and Iran continue to be monitored by investors, particularly after the exchange of military strikes over the past week. Although markets have largely shifted their attention back toward economic data and earnings, any renewed escalation could quickly affect risk sentiment and commodity prices.

Investors will continue watching upcoming economic releases, Federal Reserve commentary, and second-quarter earnings reports for further direction as markets assess the outlook for interest rates and corporate profitability.

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WS News 07-14-26

08-07-26WS News

08-07-26WS Investor

08-07-26WS News

08-05-26The Investor

08-04-26European Investor

NYSE:NET

Cloudflare (NET) Stock Soars 15% as Q2 Revenue Growth Accelerates and AI Demand Strengthens

Cloudflare (NYSE: NET) shares surged about 15% in premarket trading on Friday after the company delivered strong second-quarter results, highlighted by accelerating revenue growth, expanding customer adoption, and an upbeat outlook.

Revenue reached $696.1 million, up 36% year over year, while current remaining performance obligations (RPO) also increased 35%, providing another strong indicator of future contracted revenue.

Revenue Growth Accelerates

Cloudflare reported broad-based growth across its platform, including record increases in total paying customers, large customers, and developers.

Key Q2 results included:

* Revenue: $696.1 million, +36% year over year
* Non-GAAP operating income: $96.1 million
* Non-GAAP EPS: $0.29, up from $0.21
* Free cash flow: $56.4 million, up from $33.3 million
* Current RPO growth: +35%

Cloudflare remained unprofitable on a GAAP basis, posting a $170 million net loss. Gross margin also declined year over year, but investors appear to be focusing more heavily on accelerating growth and improving cash generation.

AI Opportunity Adds to Optimism

CEO Matthew Prince emphasized Cloudflare's position in what he described as the emerging “Agentic Internet,” where AI agents increasingly interact directly with websites, applications, and other machines.

This could represent an important growth opportunity for Cloudflare because its global network already provides security, connectivity, developer infrastructure, and traffic management services. Rising AI-related internet traffic could therefore increase demand across multiple parts of its platform.

## Strong Outlook Supports the Rally

For Q3, Cloudflare expects revenue of $736 million to $737 million and non-GAAP EPS of $0.34. Full-year revenue is projected at $2.864 billion to $2.870 billion, with non-GAAP EPS of $1.25 to $1.26.

Friday's premarket rally suggests investors are particularly encouraged by the combination of accelerating revenue growth, strong bookings momentum, improving free cash flow, and Cloudflare's growing exposure to AI infrastructure demand.

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WS Investor 08-07-26

Cloudflare Introduces Digital Wallets and Payments for AI Agents

Cloudflare announced Cloudflare Wallets and cloudflare*pay, a new set of tools designed to give AI agents secure digital identities and the ability to make online purchases on behalf of their users.

The new platform aims to support the growing trend of agentic commerce, where AI agents can browse websites, access APIs and complete transactions autonomously. Cloudflare said the new infrastructure will allow businesses to verify who is behind an AI agent while enabling agents to transact securely within spending limits defined by their human owners.

Each Cloudflare account will receive a unique web address that serves as a persistent digital identity, which can also be extended to individual AI agents. The company is also introducing Account Wallets capable of holding stablecoins and Virtual Wallets that AI agents can use to make purchases. Users will be able to set spending caps, approved merchant lists and maximum transaction limits to maintain control over agent activity.

Cloudflare said the new payment and identity system will integrate with its Monetization Gateway, helping create a trusted infrastructure for AI-powered online commerce.

Handle reservations for Cloudflare Wallets are now open, while full wallet functionality—including funding, withdrawals and Virtual Wallet issuance—is expected to roll out in the coming months. The announcement highlights Cloudflare's continued expansion into AI infrastructure as autonomous software agents become increasingly important in digital commerce.

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European Investor 08-04-26

Cloudflare Sinks 16% After Hours as Mass Layoffs and Soft Q2 Guide Rattle Investors

San Francisco, May 7, 2026 — Shares in Cloudflare plunged around 16% in after-hours trading yesterday after the connectivity cloud company delivered a strong first quarter beat but simultaneously announced it is cutting approximately 1,100 employees — roughly 20% of its entire workforce — as part of a sweeping shift to what management is calling an "agentic AI-first operating model."

The Q1 numbers were genuinely impressive. Revenue grew 34% year-over-year to $639.8 million, beating analyst estimates of around $622 million by a comfortable margin. Adjusted EPS of $0.25 beat expectations of $0.23. Free cash flow rose to $84 million, or 13% of revenue. Full-year guidance was raised, with revenue now expected at $2.805 to $2.813 billion — above prior estimates — and adjusted EPS of $1.19 to $1.20, well ahead of the $1.14 consensus.

Yet none of that was enough to offset the shock of the layoff announcement. CEO Matthew Prince and COO Michelle Zatlyn announced the cuts in a letter to staff, framing them as a necessary transformation as AI agents increasingly take over work previously done by humans. The restructuring is expected to cost $140 to $150 million, with the bulk hitting Q2 earnings. Cloudflare, which had been aggressively hiring, joins a growing list of technology companies including Oracle, Meta, and Atlassian in using AI-driven efficiency as justification for significant headcount reductions.

Adding fuel to the selloff, Q2 revenue guidance of $664 to $665 million came in just below the analyst consensus of $665.3 million — a small miss in absolute terms but enough to amplify negative sentiment on a night already dominated by the layoff news. Valuation concerns also linger, with the stock having traded at a significant premium ahead of the report.

The irony is stark: Cloudflare is cutting jobs because AI is making its workforce more productive, while simultaneously telling investors that AI is the biggest tailwind in the company's history. The market, at least tonight, is focused on the human cost and the near-term uncertainty rather than the long-term opportunity.

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WS Investor 05-08-26

Cloudflare Inc. partnered with Wiz to strengthen security for AI applications by combining Cloudflare’s edge protections with Wiz’s cloud visibility platform.

The integration enables organizations to identify “shadow AI” tools, monitor AI traffic in real time, and detect risks such as prompt injection and sensitive data exposure. By mapping AI applications and data flows, the solution helps security teams prioritize vulnerabilities and respond to threats more effectively.

The partnership aims to provide a unified approach to managing the growing AI attack surface, allowing companies to adopt AI technologies more securely without sacrificing performance or requiring major infrastructure changes.
Business Wire

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WS Investor 04-14-26

Cloudflare announced an expansion of its Agent Cloud platform, introducing new tools and infrastructure to support the development and large-scale deployment of autonomous AI agents.

The update includes features such as Dynamic Workers for efficient execution of AI-generated code, Git-compatible “Artifacts” storage for managing agent-generated data, and general availability of Sandboxes—isolated environments where agents can run full operating systems. The platform also introduces “Think,” a framework enabling long-running, multi-step agent tasks.

Cloudflare aims to address key challenges in scaling AI agents, including cost, security, and infrastructure limitations, by offering a unified platform that integrates multiple AI models and simplifies switching between providers.

The company said the enhancements are designed to move AI agents from experimental use cases to production-grade applications, supporting a future where millions of autonomous agents operate simultaneously across enterprise environments.
Business Wire

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European Investor 04-13-26

Cloudflare, Inc. and GoDaddy Inc. announced a strategic partnership aimed at enabling a more transparent and secure “agentic web” for the AI era.

The collaboration introduces tools that allow website owners to control how AI-powered crawlers access their content, including integration of Cloudflare’s AI Crawl Control into GoDaddy’s hosting platform. It also supports new open standards such as Agent Name Service (ANS) and Web Bot Authentication to verify the identity of AI agents.

The companies said the initiative will help address growing concerns over unverified bot traffic and content usage, while enabling a more trusted digital ecosystem where AI agents can interact securely with websites.

The partnership reflects efforts to establish infrastructure and standards for managing AI-driven interactions as the internet evolves beyond human-centric use.
Business Wire

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WS Investor 04-07-26

Cloudflare, Inc. (NYSE: NET) announced it is the first SASE platform to fully support modern post-quantum encryption standards across its entire Cloudflare One ecosystem.

The update extends post-quantum (PQ) protection to wide-area networking (WAN) use cases through IPsec and Cloudflare One Appliance, complementing its existing Zero Trust and Secure Web Gateway capabilities. The move is designed to protect organizations against emerging quantum computing threats, including “harvest now, decrypt later” attacks, while ensuring interoperability and high-availability routing.

Cloudflare said the quantum-safe SASE capabilities are available immediately at no additional cost.

Source: Business Wire

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The Investor 02-23-26

Cloudflare, Inc. (NYSE: NET) and Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE: MA) announced a strategic partnership to expand cyber defense capabilities for small businesses, governments and critical infrastructure.

The collaboration will combine Mastercard’s Recorded Future and RiskRecon attack surface monitoring tools with Cloudflare’s Application Security portfolio. The joint solution is designed to help organizations identify unknown internet-facing assets, assess cyber posture in real time and automate remediation through controls such as web application firewalls and encryption.

Users will receive continuously updated security ratings, visibility into vulnerabilities and third-party risks, and prioritized remediation guidance within Cloudflare’s Security Insights dashboard.

The companies aim to close security gaps created by shadow IT, legacy systems and expanding digital ecosystems, providing smaller and resource-constrained organizations with enterprise-grade protection without slowing innovation.
Business Wire

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The Investor 02-17-26

Cloudflare, Inc. reported strong fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 results, driven by accelerating enterprise demand and AI-related workloads.

Fourth-quarter revenue rose 34% year over year to $614.5 million. GAAP operating loss was $49.2 million, or 8% of revenue, while non-GAAP operating income reached $89.6 million, or 15% of revenue. GAAP net loss narrowed to $12.1 million ($0.03 per share), and non-GAAP net income increased to $106.8 million ($0.28 per diluted share). Operating cash flow was $190.4 million, and free cash flow totaled $99.4 million, or 16% of revenue. Remaining performance obligations (RPO) grew 48% year over year, with current RPO up 34%.

For full year 2025, revenue climbed 30% to $2.17 billion. GAAP operating loss was $207.2 million, while non-GAAP operating income reached $303.9 million (14% margin). GAAP net loss was $102.3 million ($0.29 per share), and non-GAAP net income totaled $342.9 million ($0.93 per diluted share). Operating cash flow increased to $603.1 million, with free cash flow of $260.6 million. The company ended the year with $4.1 billion in cash and investments.

Management highlighted record annual contract value growth in Q4 and pointed to rising demand tied to AI and “agentic” workloads as a key driver.

For Q1 2026, Cloudflare expects revenue of $620–$621 million and non-GAAP EPS of $0.23. For full year 2026, it forecasts revenue of $2.785–$2.795 billion and non-GAAP EPS of $1.11–$1.12.

Source: Business Wire press release

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WS Investor 02-11-26

Cloudflare announced that it has acquired the team behind Astro, a popular open-source framework used to build fast, content-driven websites. Under the agreement, Astro will remain open source, with Cloudflare committing long-term investment to ensure the framework continues to prioritize speed, reliability, and developer flexibility.

Cloudflare said the move strengthens its focus on high-performance web development as search engines and users increasingly favor fast-loading, lightweight pages. Astro is widely adopted by major brands and platforms and is designed to ship only the minimum code required for each page, improving load times and search visibility. With the Astro team joining Cloudflare, the company plans to accelerate Astro’s roadmap, including support for additional JavaScript runtimes and faster build times.

Cloudflare emphasized that Astro will remain framework-agnostic and usable beyond Cloudflare’s own infrastructure, while ongoing community contributions will continue to be supported through the Astro Ecosystem Fund and industry partners.

Source: Cloudflare, Business Wire

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Global Finance News 01-18-26

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Gold

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

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

U.S. Labor Data Supports Gold

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

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

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

Hormuz Adds Another Layer of Support

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

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

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WS News 08-07-26

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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European Investor 08-06-26

Precious Metal Price Forecasts 2026: Gold, Silver and more

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

(bullionvault.com)

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Global Finance News 08-05-26

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

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

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

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

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

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

What to Watch

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

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Global Finance News 08-05-26

Gold and Silver Retreat as Higher Treasury Yields and Easing Geopolitical Tensions Pressure Precious Metals

Gold and silver prices moved lower on Tuesday as investors rotated away from safe-haven assets following easing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and rising U.S. Treasury yields ahead of this week's Federal Reserve meeting.

Gold futures fell around 0.8% to trade near $4,043 per ounce, while silver declined nearly 1.8% to about $57.70 per ounce, underperforming gold as traders reduced exposure across the precious metals complex.

The primary driver behind the decline was the continued unwinding of the geopolitical premium that had supported bullion during recent tensions between the United States and Iran. As fears of a broader regional conflict eased, demand for traditional safe-haven assets weakened.

At the same time, U.S. Treasury yields moved higher after the latest 2-year and 5-year Treasury auctions cleared at higher yields than previous sales. Rising yields increase the opportunity cost of holding non-interest-bearing assets such as gold and silver, making precious metals less attractive relative to fixed-income investments.

A firmer U.S. dollar also weighed on bullion prices by making dollar-denominated commodities more expensive for overseas buyers. Meanwhile, softer-than-expected U.S. durable goods orders reinforced expectations of moderating economic growth but did not materially change market expectations ahead of this week's Federal Reserve policy decision.

Silver posted steeper losses than gold, reflecting its dual role as both a precious and industrial metal. While safe-haven demand weakened, concerns about slowing manufacturing activity and softer industrial demand also weighed on silver prices.

Despite today's pullback, the longer-term outlook for precious metals remains supported by expectations that the Federal Reserve could begin easing monetary policy later this year if inflation continues to moderate. Investors are now focused on this week's Fed meeting, key U.S. inflation data, and comments from policymakers for further clues on the direction of interest rates and precious metal prices.

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European Investor 07-28-26

Gold and Silver Rise as Fed Rate Cut Expectations and Easing Middle East Tensions

Gold and silver traded higher on Monday morning in Asia, as investors continued to price in potential Federal Reserve interest rate cuts later this year and the impact of easing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

Gold climbed above $4,100 per ounce, gaining nearly 1% over the past five trading days, while silver rose above $60 per ounce, extending its weekly advance to almost 2%. Both precious metals found support from last week’s softer-than-expected U.S. inflation data, which reinforced expectations that the Federal Reserve could begin easing monetary policy in the coming months.

Lower interest rates typically benefit precious metals by reducing the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding assets and putting downward pressure on the U.S. dollar. As a result, investors continued to increase exposure to gold and silver despite a decline in safe-haven demand.

Geopolitical risks also remained in focus. The United States’ decision to halt its military attacks on Iran reduced fears of a broader regional conflict, easing some of the safe-haven buying . However, expectations of lower oil price, inflation and borrowing costs largely offset the impact of improving geopolitical sentiment.

Silver continued to draw additional support from its industrial demand outlook. Beyond its role as a precious metal, silver is widely used in solar panels, electronics, and other technology applications, making it more sensitive to expectations for global economic and manufacturing activity than gold.

Looking ahead, investors will closely monitor upcoming U.S. economic data and Federal Reserve commentary for further clues on the timing of potential rate cuts. While easing geopolitical tensions may limit safe-haven demand, expectations of lower interest rates and resilient industrial demand could continue supporting both gold and silver in the near term.

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WS News 07-27-26

Gold Holds Above $4,000 as Cooling Inflation and Geopolitical Risks Offset Strong Labor Data

Gold prices edged higher on Friday, holding above the psychologically important $4,000-per-ounce level as easing inflation and lingering geopolitical tensions continued to support safe-haven demand despite signs of resilience in the U.S. labor market.

The precious metal gained around 0.2% to trade near $4,001 after this week’s softer-than-expected U.S. inflation report strengthened expectations that the Federal Reserve could begin cutting interest rates later this year. June CPI and core CPI both came in below market expectations, reinforcing the view that inflationary pressures are gradually easing.

At the same time, Thursday’s U.S. jobless claims data pointed to a still-solid labor market. Initial claims fell to 208,000, below expectations of 216,000, while continuing claims also declined, suggesting layoffs remain limited. However, weaker core retail sales indicated consumer spending may be losing some momentum, helping preserve expectations for policy easing.

Geopolitical developments also remained a key driver for gold. Investors continued to monitor tensions involving the United States and Iran following recent military exchanges, while broader conflicts in the Middle East and Eastern Europe maintained demand for defensive assets.

Looking ahead, traders will focus on upcoming Federal Reserve commentary and additional economic data for clues on the timing of the first rate cut. Any renewed geopolitical escalation could provide additional support for gold prices in the near term.

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WS News 07-17-26

Gold and silver rally as CPI cools Fed-rate pressure - Kitco AM Report | Kitco News

Gold and silver rally as CPI cools Fed-rate pressure - Kitco AM Report
...

(kitco.com)

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The Investor 07-14-26

Gold is becoming the reserve asset of the new multipolar world – Sprott’s Paul Wong | Kitco News

Gold is becoming the reserve asset of the new multipolar world – Sprott’s Paul Wong ...

(kitco.com)

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Global Finance News 07-14-26

Gold Holds Above $4,000 as Investors Balance Geopolitical Risks and Economic Data

Gold prices edged higher on Tuesday, trading around $4,020 per ounce as investors continued to balance geopolitical uncertainty in the Middle East against a steady stream of global economic data and expectations for central bank policy.

The precious metal has remained well supported in recent weeks following renewed military tensions between the United States and Iran. Although immediate fears of a broader regional conflict have eased, the recent exchange of attacks has reinforced gold's appeal as a safe-haven asset, helping prices remain above the psychologically important $4,000 level.

At the same time, investors are digesting a series of mixed economic releases from major economies. China's trade data exceeded expectations, with both exports and imports posting strong growth, while recent inflation figures from India pointed to persistent price pressures. In Japan, industrial production missed forecasts despite stronger household spending, reflecting an uneven global economic backdrop.

Meanwhile, markets continue to assess the outlook for monetary policy. Softer inflation trends in some regions have strengthened expectations for future interest rate cuts, while resilient economic activity in others suggests central banks may remain cautious. This combination has helped limit downside pressure on non-yielding assets such as gold.

Looking ahead, traders will closely monitor upcoming U.S. inflation data, Federal Reserve commentary, and any further developments surrounding U.S.-Iran relations. While easing geopolitical tensions could reduce safe-haven demand, any renewed escalation or signs of slowing global growth could provide fresh support for gold prices.

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Global Finance News 07-14-26

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08-06-26European Investor

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07-28-26WS News

Brent Crude

Brent Crude Rises as Iran’s Hormuz Demands Renew Supply Concerns

Brent crude prices moved higher on Friday as uncertainty over the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz returned to the center of the oil market. The contract shown was trading around $79.83 per barrel, up roughly 1.3%.

According to Reuters⁠, Iran, working with Oman, has proposed restrictions that would prevent vessels it considers “hostile,” including U.S. and Israeli ships, from using the Strait. The proposal also reportedly includes penalties of up to 20% of cargo value for violations.

Hormuz Uncertainty Restores Risk Premium

The demands have raised doubts that negotiations will quickly restore normal commercial traffic through the crucial waterway. U.S. officials have also indicated that Washington would not accept an arrangement effectively leaving Iran in control of the Strait, according to Al Jazeera⁠.

The Strait of Hormuz normally handles roughly one-fifth of global oil supply, making any restrictions on shipping an immediate concern for energy markets.

For now, Brent is likely to remain highly sensitive to the negotiations. A workable agreement allowing normal tanker traffic could reduce the geopolitical premium, while further restrictions or a breakdown in talks could push supply concerns—and oil prices—higher.

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WS News 08-07-26

Crude Oil Plunges as U.S.-Iran Diplomatic Hopes Ease Supply Concerns

Crude oil prices fell sharply on Monday, with WTI crude dropping more than 5% to around $76 per barrel, as investors reacted to signs of a potential diplomatic breakthrough between the United States and Iran that could reduce supply disruption risks in the Middle East.

The selloff followed reports that negotiations between Washington and Tehran have gained momentum, with mediators circulating a draft agreement and U.S. officials expressing optimism that a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz could be reached within days. The prospect of easing tensions significantly reduced the geopolitical risk premium that had driven oil prices higher in recent weeks. ([Reuters][1])

Diplomatic Developments Reverse War Premium

Oil had rallied sharply during the U.S.-Iran conflict on fears that disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz could constrain global crude supplies. However, markets quickly repriced those risks after President Donald Trump suspended planned military action against Iran in favor of renewed diplomatic efforts.

Additional pressure came from OPEC+'s planned production increase for September, reinforcing expectations of stronger global supply should geopolitical risks continue to ease.

What to Watch

Markets will closely monitor developments in U.S.-Iran negotiations and any progress toward reopening the Strait of Hormuz. While hopes for a diplomatic resolution have pushed oil sharply lower, the situation remains fragile, and any setback in negotiations or renewed military escalation could quickly restore the geopolitical premium in crude prices.

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European Investor 08-04-26

Brent Crude Holds Above $91 as U.S.-Iran Tensions and Fed Outlook Keep Oil in Focus

Brent crude traded around $91.40 per barrel on Thursday, up 0.7% in early trading, as renewed military escalation between the United States and Iran kept a geopolitical risk premium embedded in oil prices.

Recent exchanges between Washington and Tehran have raised concerns that the conflict could threaten energy flows through key shipping routes in the Middle East, particularly the Strait of Hormuz. While no major supply disruptions have materialized, traders continue to price in the possibility of tighter global oil supplies if tensions escalate further.

Oil also remained in focus following Wednesday's Federal Reserve policy decision. As widely expected, the Fed left interest rates unchanged, while signaling that future decisions will remain data dependent. However, persistently higher crude prices could complicate the inflation outlook in the months ahead. If elevated energy costs begin feeding into broader consumer prices, the Fed may have less room to consider interest rate cuts at upcoming meetings.

The latest advance leaves Brent comfortably above the psychologically important $90 level, supporting energy producers while increasing inflation concerns for oil-importing economies.

Looking ahead, investors will closely monitor developments in the Middle East, U.S. inflation data, and comments from Federal Reserve officials. Any further escalation between the U.S. and Iran could keep upward pressure on oil prices, while signs of easing geopolitical tensions may trigger profit-taking after the recent rally.

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European Investor 07-30-26

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported that crude oil inventories fell by 7.17 million barrels last week, far exceeding market expectations for a 700,000-barrel decline. The previous week's report had shown a build of 2.01 million barrels.

Meanwhile, inventories at the Cushing, Oklahoma delivery hub also declined by 771,000 barrels, following a 674,000-barrel draw in the previous week. Cushing is the primary delivery point for WTI crude futures, and falling inventories there are typically viewed as supportive for oil prices.

The larger-than-expected nationwide inventory draw suggests refinery activity and end-user demand remain resilient despite concerns about global economic growth. The continued decline at Cushing also indicates tightening physical crude supplies in a key U.S. storage hub.

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The Investor 07-29-26

Brent Crude Surges Nearly 8% as Trump Warns U.S. Could Strike Iran Again

Brent crude extended its rally on Wednesday, climbing nearly 8% to around $90 per barrel after U.S. President Donald Trump said the United States could launch further military strikes against Iran if Tehran continues its actions, sharply increasing fears of a broader conflict in the Middle East.

The latest comments added fresh geopolitical risk to an already tense market following recent military exchanges involving the United States, Iran, and regional allies. Investors are increasingly concerned that any further escalation could disrupt oil exports from the Persian Gulf, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint that carries roughly one-fifth of global oil shipments.

The sharp rally reflects traders rapidly pricing in a higher geopolitical risk premium rather than any immediate change in physical supply. However, markets remain highly sensitive to developments, as any disruption involving major oil producers could quickly tighten global crude supplies.

Investors will closely monitor any additional statements from Washington and Tehran, as well as developments across the Middle East. Further military escalation could push Brent toward the $90-$95 range, while signs of diplomatic de-escalation would likely remove part of the geopolitical premium currently supporting oil prices.

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The Investor 07-29-26

Brent Crude Surges Above $87 as Iran-U.S.-Saudi Escalation Sparks Supply Fears

Brent crude climbed more than 3.5% on Wednesday to trade around *$87 per barrel*, with the rally driven primarily by escalating geopolitical tensions involving Iran, the United States, and Saudi Arabia, which have reignited concerns over potential disruptions to global oil supplies.

The sharp move higher follows reports of military actions and heightened hostilities involving Iran, the U.S., and Saudi Arabia, prompting traders to rapidly price in a larger geopolitical risk premium. Any escalation involving major oil-producing nations in the Middle East raises fears of supply interruptions, particularly through key export routes such as the Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly one-fifth of the world's oil supply passes.

The gains were further supported by a backdrop of relatively tight global crude supplies and continued production discipline from OPEC+, leaving the market more vulnerable to geopolitical shocks. With spare supply remaining limited, any threat to Middle Eastern exports can have an outsized impact on oil prices.

Investors will continue monitoring developments involving Iran, the United States, and Saudi Arabia, as further escalation could push crude prices even higher. Conversely, any signs of de-escalation or diplomatic progress could quickly reduce the geopolitical premium that has driven Brent's latest rally.

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Global Finance News 07-29-26

Brent Crude Extends Losses as Easing Geopolitical Risks and Stronger Dollar Weigh on Oil Prices

Brent crude futures fell nearly 4% on Tuesday, slipping to around $84.90 per barrel as traders continued to unwind the geopolitical risk premium that had built up during recent Middle East tensions.

The sharp decline comes as concerns over potential supply disruptions eased following the de-escalation of hostilities between the United States and Iran. With fears of interruptions to oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz fading, investors have reduced bullish positions that had previously pushed crude prices higher.

The move was also supported by expectations that global oil supplies will remain adequate despite ongoing geopolitical uncertainty. Traders have increasingly shifted their focus back to market fundamentals, including OPEC+ production policy and the outlook for global demand.

Adding to the pressure, stronger U.S. Treasury yields and a firmer U.S. dollar made dollar-denominated commodities less attractive for international buyers. Meanwhile, softer-than-expected U.S. durable goods data reinforced concerns that economic activity may be moderating, tempering expectations for stronger fuel demand in the months ahead.

Despite today's decline, the broader outlook for Brent remains supported by relatively healthy summer fuel demand and continued production discipline from OPEC+ producers. However, with the immediate geopolitical premium fading, crude prices are becoming increasingly driven by macroeconomic data, central bank policy expectations, and global supply-demand fundamentals.

Investors will now closely watch this week's Federal Reserve meeting, U.S. inventory data, and any new developments in the Middle East for further direction in the oil market.

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European Investor 07-28-26

Brent Crude Falls as U.S.-Iran De-escalation Eases Supply Concerns

Brent crude oil fell on Monday, retreating toward $85 per barrel as investors reduced the geopolitical risk premium after the United States halted its military attacks on Iran, easing immediate concerns over potential supply disruptions in the Middle East.

Oil prices had rallied sharply over the previous week, briefly climbing above $90 per barrel as markets priced in the possibility of a broader regional conflict that could threaten crude production and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. However, with Washington suspending its attacks and no major disruption to oil flows materializing, traders moved to unwind part of that geopolitical premium.

Despite Monday’s pullback, oil prices remain elevated compared with levels seen before the recent escalation in Middle East tensions, reflecting that geopolitical risks have not disappeared entirely. Traders continue to monitor developments involving Iran, Israel, and the United States for any signs that tensions could flare up again.

Looking ahead, Brent crude is expected to remain sensitive to both geopolitical headlines and macroeconomic data. Investors will also watch OPEC+ production policy, U.S. inventory reports, and global demand indicators for further direction in the energy market.

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WS News 07-27-26

Brent Crude Extends Rally Above $89 as Middle East Tensions Keep Supply Risks in Focus

Brent crude climbed above $89 per barrel on Tuesday, extending its gains over the past week as escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East continued to fuel concerns about potential supply disruptions.

The benchmark has gained more than 6% over the past five trading days, with investors maintaining a sizable geopolitical risk premium amid continued military exchanges involving US and Iran. Markets remain highly sensitive to any developments that could threaten production or transportation through key energy routes in the region.

The rally has also been supported by expectations that global oil markets could tighten if geopolitical risks persist. Traders continue to monitor the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil shipping corridors, where any escalation could have significant implications for global crude exports.

Beyond geopolitics, investors are also assessing the macroeconomic outlook. Recent U.S. inflation data strengthened expectations that the Federal Reserve could begin lowering interest rates later this year, a move that may support economic activity and energy demand. At the same time, resilient U.S. labor market data has reinforced expectations that the world’s largest economy remains on solid footing despite signs of moderating consumer spending.

Looking ahead, Brent crude is likely to remain driven primarily by geopolitical developments. Any signs of de-escalation in the Middle East could ease the current risk premium, while further escalation could push oil prices higher. Traders will also continue monitoring OPEC+ production policy, U.S. inventory data, and global demand trends for additional direction.

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WS News 07-21-26

Brent Crude Climbs Toward $80 as Supply Risks Outweigh Economic Concerns

Brent crude oil advanced nearly 1% on Friday, extending its recent gains as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East continued to support concerns over potential supply disruptions.

Oil prices remained elevated after recent military exchanges between the United States and Iran heightened uncertainty across the region. Investors continue to price in a geopolitical risk premium given the strategic importance of the Middle East to global energy markets.

The market also assessed this week’s U.S. economic data. Softer inflation strengthened expectations for Federal Reserve interest rate cuts, a development that could support future fuel demand by improving economic activity. However, mixed retail sales data suggested consumer spending may be moderating, limiting some of the optimism surrounding the demand outlook.

Meanwhile, traders continued monitoring global supply conditions, including OPEC+ production policy and U.S. inventory trends, while keeping a close watch on developments involving Russia and broader geopolitical risks.

With Brent approaching the $80-per-barrel level, price action is likely to remain highly sensitive to both macroeconomic developments and geopolitical headlines. Investors will continue watching Middle East tensions, central bank policy expectations, and global demand indicators for the next direction in the oil market.

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WS News 07-17-26

08-07-26WS News

08-05-26The Investor

07-31-26The Investor

07-30-26European Investor

07-29-26WS News

NYSE:UA

Under Armour Stock Drops 2.7% as Weaker Demand Forces Revenue Outlook Cut

Under Armour (NYSE: UA, UAA) shares fell about 2.7% Friday after the sportswear company reported fiscal first-quarter 2027 results and sharply lowered its full-year revenue expectations, as weak demand in North America and Asia-Pacific overshadowed substantial gross-margin improvement and an unchanged profitability outlook.

Fiscal Q1 revenue declined 3% year over year to $1.1 billion, or 4% on a constant-currency basis. North America remained the largest pressure point, with revenue falling 9% to $610 million.

International revenue increased 5% to $490 million, but performance varied considerably by region. EMEA grew 12%, while Asia-Pacific declined 7%.

Footwear and E-Commerce Show Particular Weakness

The details of the quarter reinforced concerns about underlying consumer demand.

Direct-to-consumer revenue fell 6% to $437 million, including a 12% decline in e-commerce. Wholesale revenue decreased 2%.

Footwear was particularly weak, with revenue falling 8% to $245 million. Apparel declined 2% to $734 million, while accessories decreased 4%.

Despite the revenue weakness, profitability showed meaningful improvement. Gross margin expanded 590 basis points to 54.1%, helped substantially by refunds related to tariff costs recorded in fiscal 2026.

Adjusted operating income reached $52 million, while adjusted net income was $21 million, or $0.05 per share.

Under Armour Cuts Fiscal 2027 Revenue Outlook

The major negative catalyst for UA shares was management's revised sales forecast.

Under Armour now expects fiscal 2027 revenue to decline at a mid-single-digit percentage rate, substantially worse than its previous expectation for only a slight decline.

North American revenue is now expected to fall by a mid-single-digit percentage, compared with the previous low-single-digit decline forecast.

The company also reversed its growth expectations for two international regions. Both Asia-Pacific and EMEA are now expected to record low-single-digit revenue declines; previously, Under Armour had forecast low-single-digit growth in both markets.

Management cited softer demand, particularly in North America and Asia-Pacific.

Profit Guidance Remains Intact

Importantly, Under Armour did not reduce its adjusted profitability forecast.

Adjusted operating income is still expected at $140 million to $160 million, while adjusted EPS guidance remains $0.08 to $0.12.

The company plans to offset weaker sales through more aggressive expense management. SG&A is now expected to decline at a high-single-digit rate, compared with the previous expectation for a low-single-digit decrease.

Gross margin is still projected to expand by 220 to 270 basis points, although approximately 150 basis points of that improvement is expected to come from recovery of prior-year tariff costs.

Why Is UA Stock Down 2.7% Today?

The selloff appears primarily driven by the deterioration in Under Armour's revenue outlook rather than the current quarter's profitability.

A shift from a "slight" full-year revenue decline to a mid-single-digit contraction represents a meaningful reduction in demand expectations. More concerningly, weakness is broadening beyond North America, with Asia-Pacific and EMEA forecasts moving from growth to contraction.

Maintaining adjusted profit guidance is positive, but investors may question the quality and sustainability of earnings if they increasingly depend on cost reductions while sales continue falling. Part of this year's margin improvement also comes from tariff refunds rather than underlying operating gains.

Under Armour's turnaround therefore faces a key test: management is succeeding in protecting profitability and reducing discounting, but Friday's 7% decline suggests investors want evidence that its strategy can eventually stabilize demand and return the brand to sustainable revenue growth.

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Global Finance News 08-07-26

Under Armour Tumbles 18% as Tariffs, Restructuring Costs, and Weak Outlook Weigh Heavily

May 12, 2026 | NYSE: UA

Under Armour is the day's worst earnings-driven performer, shedding 18% after reporting a full fiscal year of declining revenue, margin compression, and a fiscal 2027 outlook that offers little reason for near-term optimism.

Full-year fiscal 2026 revenue fell 4% to $5.0 billion, with North America — the core market — down 8% to $2.9 billion. International provided some offset, growing 4% in reported terms, but was essentially flat in constant currency. Footwear was the weakest category, declining 11% for the year. Gross margin contracted 240 basis points to 45.5%, pressured by higher tariffs, pricing headwinds, and unfavorable mix. The full-year net loss was $496 million, inflated by a $247 million valuation allowance on US deferred tax assets — a meaningful signal that management has limited near-term visibility into domestic profitability. Adjusted net income was a thin $50 million.

The restructuring program, originally expected to cost $255 million, has now crept to a projected $305 million total, with completion pushed to December 2026. That kind of cost overrun on a turnaround plan erodes investor confidence in management's ability to forecast and execute.

The fiscal 2027 outlook did little to help. Revenue is expected to decline again, albeit slightly. Gross margin improvement of 220 to 270 basis points is largely dependent on an assumed reversal of IEEPA tariff costs — a political and regulatory assumption rather than an operational achievement. Adjusted operating income of $140 to $160 million assumes roughly $70 million in tariff refunds materializing. Strip that out and the underlying earnings power looks very modest.

With North America still shrinking, the brand repositioning still underway, and profitability reliant on external factors outside management's control, the market's 18% verdict today reflects a company that has yet to give investors a clear reason to believe the worst is behind it.

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WS Investor 05-12-26

Under Armour stock steadies in premarket after Fairfax lifts stake to 16.1% in fresh buys

Under Armour stock steadies in premarket after Fairfax lifts stake to 16.1% in fresh buys - TechStock²

(ts2.tech)

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WS News 12-31-25

Under Armour Q2 FY2026 Results: Signs of Brand Momentum Amid Turnaround

Under Armour reported Q2 FY2026 revenue of $1.3 billion, down 5% year over year (6% lower on a currency-neutral basis). North America fell 8% to $792 million, while international revenue rose 2% to $551 million, supported by 12% growth in EMEA and 15% in Latin America, offset by a 14% decline in Asia-Pacific. Wholesale sales decreased 6% to $775 million, and direct-to-consumer declined 2% to $538 million, with eCommerce down 8%.

By category, apparel revenue slipped 1% to $936 million, footwear dropped 16% to $264 million, and accessories fell 3% to $113 million. Gross margin declined 250 basis points to 47.3%, affected by tariffs and an unfavorable mix, partly offset by pricing gains. SG&A expenses increased 12% to $582 million, largely due to higher marketing costs and the absence of a prior-year insurance recovery.

Operating income was $17 million, while adjusted operating income reached $53 million. The company posted a net loss of $19 million (diluted loss per share of $0.04); adjusted net income was $15 million (adjusted EPS $0.04).

Under Armour repurchased $25 million of Class C stock during the quarter, retiring 5.2 million shares, and has spent $115 million of its $500 million repurchase plan since May 2024.

CEO Kevin Plank said the quarter exceeded expectations and highlighted strengthening brand momentum in North America.

For FY2026, Under Armour expects revenue to decline 4–5%, with continued weakness in North America and Asia-Pacific, offset by growth in EMEA. Gross margin is projected to fall 190–210 basis points due to higher U.S. tariffs, while SG&A is expected to decline at a mid-teens rate (mid-single digits on an adjusted basis). Adjusted operating income is forecast between $90 million and $105 million, with adjusted EPS between $0.03 and $0.05.

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The Investor 11-06-25

Under Armour Reports Q4 and Fiscal 2025 Results, Offers Q1 FY2026 Outlook

Baltimore, May 13, 2025 – Under Armour, Inc. (NYSE: UAA, UA) released its unaudited financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended March 31, 2025, showing revenue declines but improvement in gross margins and progress in restructuring efforts. CEO Kevin Plank emphasized the company's ongoing strategic reset aimed at sustainable and profitable growth.

Fourth Quarter Fiscal 2025 Highlights
• Revenue: $1.18 billion, down 11% YoY (down 10% currency neutral)
o North America: $689 million (-11%)
o International: $489 million (-13%)
 Asia-Pacific: -27%
 EMEA: -2%
 Latin America: -10%
• Product Revenue: Apparel down 11%, Footwear down 17%, Accessories up 2%
• Channel Revenue:
o Wholesale down 10% to $768 million
o Direct-to-consumer down 15% to $386 million
o eCommerce down 27%
• Gross Margin: Improved by 170 bps to 46.7%
• Operating Loss: $72 million; adjusted loss was $36 million
• Net Loss: $67 million; adjusted net loss was $35 million
• Adjusted EPS: ($0.08)
• Inventory: Down 1% to $946 million
• Cash: $501 million, no outstanding borrowings

Full Year Fiscal 2025 Summary
• Revenue: $5.16 billion, down 9% (currency neutral)
o North America down 11%, International down 6%
o Footwear declined 13%; Apparel 9%
• Gross Margin: Improved 180 bps to 47.9%
• Operating Loss: $185 million; adjusted operating income was $198 million
• Net Loss: $201 million; adjusted net income $135 million
• Adjusted EPS: $0.31
• SG&A Expenses: Rose 8% to $2.6 billion, though adjusted SG&A fell 2%

Restructuring and Transformation Plan
• Under Armour recognized $89 million in charges under its Fiscal 2025 restructuring plan
o $55 million cash-related
o $34 million non-cash
• Additional charges expected in FY2026
Share Repurchase Program
• Repurchased $25 million in shares during Q4
• Total repurchases under the $500 million program (approved May 2024): $90 million (12.8 million shares)

Q1 Fiscal 2026 Outlook
• Revenue: Expected to decline 4–5% YoY
o North America down 4–5%, EMEA growth in high-single digits, Asia-Pacific decline in mid-teens
• Gross Margin: Projected to rise 40–60 bps YoY
• Operating Income: GAAP range of $5–15 million; adjusted range $20–30 million
• EPS: GAAP range of ($0.02)–$0.00; adjusted EPS between $0.01–$0.03

Store Count as of March 31, 2025
• North America: 195 doors (180 Factory House, 15 Brand House)
• International: 246 doors
• Total company-owned doors: 441 (up 1 from 2024)

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The Investor 05-13-25

Under Armour Appoints Three New Members to Its Board of Directors

Under Armour announced the appointment of Dawn N. Fitzpatrick, Eugene D. Smith, and Robert J. Sweeney to its Board of Directors, effective immediately. Board Chair Mohamed A. El-Erian highlighted the trio’s strategic value, citing their financial, operational, and intercollegiate sports expertise.

Dawn Fitzpatrick is the CEO and CIO of Soros Fund Management and formerly held senior roles at UBS. She also serves on the boards of Barclays and the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas.

Gene Smith recently retired as Athletic Director at Ohio State University after nearly two decades. He is known for leadership roles in NCAA committees and is a former football player and coach at Notre Dame.

Rob Sweeney is President of Sycamore Partners and previously served as a partner at Goldman Sachs. He advised Under Armour on its 2005 IPO and is a former U.S. Navy officer.

The new appointments bring the total number of Under Armour board members to 12.

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The Investor 04-16-25

Under Armour, Inc. (NYSE: UAA, UA) reported its unaudited financial results for the third quarter of fiscal year 2025, which ended on December 31, 2024. The company highlighted a focus on brand strength, product strategy, and a shift to a category-led operating model as key drivers of its transformation.

Key financial results for the third quarter:
- Revenue decreased 6% to $1.4 billion (down 6% currency neutral).
- North America revenue decreased by 8% to $844 million.
- International revenue decreased 1% to $558 million (down 2% currency neutral), with notable regional variations:
- EMEA revenue up 5% (up 3% currency neutral).
- Asia-Pacific revenue down 5% (down 6% currency neutral).
- Latin America revenue down 16% (down 9% currency neutral).
- Wholesale revenue decreased 1% to $705 million.
- Direct-to-consumer revenue decreased by 9% to $673 million, with a 20% decline in eCommerce revenue due to planned decreases in promotional activities. eCommerce represented 39% of direct-to-consumer business for the quarter.
- Apparel revenue decreased by 5% to $966 million, footwear revenue declined by 9% to $301 million, and accessories revenue increased by 6% to $110 million.

Other financial metrics:
- Gross margin increased 240 basis points to 47.5%, driven by less discounting, lower product and freight costs, and favorable foreign currency impacts.
- Selling, general, and administrative (SG&A) expenses increased 6% to $638 million, primarily due to higher marketing investments. Adjusted SG&A expenses increased 5% to $606 million.
- Restructuring charges amounted to $14 million.
- Operating income was $14 million, and adjusted operating income was $60 million after excluding impairment, transformation, and restructuring charges.
- Net income was $1 million, while adjusted net income was $35 million.
- Diluted EPS was $0.00, with adjusted diluted EPS of $0.08.

Inventory remained flat at $1.1 billion. As of December 31, 2024, cash and cash equivalents totaled $727 million, with no borrowings under the company's $1.1 billion revolving credit facility.

Share repurchases:
- Under Armour repurchased $25 million of its Class C common stock in the third quarter, retiring 2.8 million shares.
- A total of 8.7 million shares were repurchased for $65 million as part of a three-year, $500 million program approved by the Board of Directors in May 2024.

CEO Kevin Plank expressed confidence in the company’s transformation and its focus on an updated marketing strategy, emphasizing a multi-year initiative to enhance brand visibility and athlete connections.

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European Investor 02-06-25

NASDAQ:AMD

MD Acquires Taalas to Strengthen AI Inference Chip Portfolio

AMD (NASDAQ: AMD) has agreed to acquire Taalas, a Toronto-based developer of specialized AI inference silicon, as the chipmaker expands its technology portfolio for the rapidly growing AI inference market.

Founded in 2023, Taalas develops technology designed specifically to optimize AI inference dataflows, reducing compute and memory bottlenecks associated with more general-purpose architectures. AMD said the technology could provide significant improvements in inference performance and efficiency.

The acquisition is intended to complement AMD's broader full-stack AI platform, which includes Instinct GPUs, EPYC CPUs, ROCm software and Helios rack-scale systems.

## AMD Targets Growing AI Inference Demand

AMD plans to integrate Taalas' technology into its accelerator roadmap and combine it with Instinct GPUs to develop system-level AI solutions.

The strategy reflects the industry's increasing focus on inference — the process of running trained AI models — as artificial intelligence moves into high-volume, real-time applications. More specialized silicon can potentially lower the computing, memory and energy requirements associated with deploying increasingly large AI models.

AMD said Taalas' engineering team will also strengthen its AI capabilities while expanding the company's existing semiconductor and AI presence in Canada.

Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The acquisition remains subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.

The deal represents another step in AMD's effort to build a broader AI computing platform and compete across multiple layers of the AI infrastructure market, with Taalas adding specialized inference technology alongside AMD's existing GPU-based accelerator portfolio.

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Global Finance News 08-07-26

## AMD Stock Falls 10% After Hours Despite Record Revenue as Investors Focus on AI Expectations

Advanced Micro Devices (NASDAQ: AMD) shares fell 10% in after-hours trading Tuesday, despite reporting record second-quarter revenue and earnings, as investors appeared to take profits following high expectations for the company's AI business.

AMD delivered record second-quarter revenue of $11.5 billion, up 50% year over year, while non-GAAP earnings per share surged 246% to $1.66. Gross margin expanded to 56%, and operating income climbed to $3.1 billion, reflecting strong profitability as AI demand continued to accelerate.

The Data Center business remained AMD's primary growth engine. Segment revenue more than doubled, rising 107% year over year to $6.7 billion, driven by robust demand for EPYC server processors and Instinct AI accelerators. The segment accounted for approximately 58% of total company revenue during the quarter. Meanwhile, the Client business continued to perform well with Ryzen processor demand driving 23% growth, although Gaming revenue declined 31% due to weaker semi-custom sales.

Management highlighted a series of major AI announcements during the quarter, including the launch of the Helios AI rackscale platform, the new Instinct MI400 GPU family, sixth-generation EPYC processors, and expanded partnerships with leading AI companies including OpenAI, Microsoft, Meta, Anthropic, Oracle, and others. AMD also announced new collaborations designed to accelerate AI infrastructure deployments and broaden adoption of its hardware and software ecosystem.

Looking ahead, the company forecast third-quarter revenue of approximately $13.0 billion, representing roughly 41% year-over-year growth and another sequential acceleration, while maintaining an expected non-GAAP gross margin of approximately 56%.

Despite the strong financial performance and optimistic outlook, the stock declined after hours as investors appeared to have anticipated another exceptional quarter following AMD's strong rally and elevated expectations surrounding AI infrastructure spending. While the earnings reinforced AMD's growing position in AI computing, the market reaction suggests investors are demanding increasingly larger upside surprises from leading semiconductor companies.

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WS Investor 08-04-26

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

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

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

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

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

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

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European Investor 07-27-26

AMD Stock Rises 3.8% as China AI Chip Approval News and Analyst Price Target Increases Lift Sentiment

Advanced Micro Devices (NASDAQ: AMD) shares climbed 3.8% on Tuesday after receiving fresh support from Wall Street analysts and a Reuters report that another Chinese company has obtained U.S. approval to purchase AMD's advanced AI chips.

Bank of America raised its price target on AMD to $620 from $550 while maintaining a Buy rating. Meanwhile, KeyBanc increased its target price to $725 from $530 and reiterated its Overweight rating, reflecting growing confidence in AMD's long-term AI growth prospects.

According to Reuters, the U.S. government approved Zhuhai Hengqin Yunxiang Zhisheng Network Technology to purchase certain AMD AI accelerators that compete with Nvidia's H200 chips. The report added that ZTE Kangxun Telecom and server maker Maginfra also received approval to purchase Nvidia's H200 processors. These approvals follow similar authorizations granted in May to major Chinese technology companies, including Alibaba, Tencent, ByteDance, and JD*com, suggesting Washington may be selectively easing restrictions on advanced AI chip exports to China.

The Reuters report was viewed as a positive development for AMD, as China remains an important long-term market for AI infrastructure despite ongoing export controls. The latest approvals could allow AMD to capture additional demand from Chinese cloud providers and enterprise customers while expanding its presence in one of the world's largest AI markets.

The broader semiconductor sector also traded higher, supported by expectations of sustained AI infrastructure spending and easing inflation data that reinforced hopes for lower U.S. interest rates. The combination of improving policy developments, stronger access to the Chinese market, and renewed analyst optimism helped lift AMD shares alongside other AI chipmakers.

Investors will continue watching for further developments in U.S. export policy, enterprise AI spending trends, and AMD's execution in the increasingly competitive AI accelerator market, where it continues to challenge Nvidia for market share.

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The Investor 07-14-26

AMD Stock Jumps as Goldman Sachs Raises Price Target to $640

Advanced Micro Devices (NASDAQ: AMD) surged nearly 9% on Monday after Goldman Sachs reaffirmed its Buy rating and sharply increased its price target on the semiconductor giant to $640 from $450.

The sizable price target increase comes as optimism surrounding artificial intelligence infrastructure spending continues to strengthen. AMD has been gaining traction in the AI accelerator market with its Instinct GPU lineup, while growing demand for high-performance computing chips has fueled expectations for sustained revenue growth.

The bullish analyst update also reflects confidence that AMD is well positioned to benefit from expanding enterprise AI adoption and continued investment in data center infrastructure. Investors have increasingly viewed the company as one of the leading beneficiaries of the global AI spending cycle alongside other major semiconductor firms.

The rating action helped accelerate buying interest, pushing AMD shares to fresh highs during Monday's session and making the stock one of the strongest performers in the semiconductor sector.

The move highlights continued investor enthusiasm for AI-related chipmakers, with analysts remaining optimistic that strong demand for AI hardware and cloud infrastructure will support AMD's long-term growth trajectory.

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WS Investor 07-06-26

AMD (AMD) Stock Rises After Cantor Fitzgerald Raises Price Target to $700

Advanced Micro Devices (NASDAQ: AMD) shares gained 3.4% on Monday after Cantor Fitzgerald raised its price target on the semiconductor giant, citing continued confidence in the company's position within the rapidly expanding artificial intelligence market.

The brokerage increased its price target to $700 from $500 while reiterating its Overweight rating, signaling meaningful upside potential as AMD continues to strengthen its AI portfolio.

# Cantor Fitzgerald Turns More Bullish on AMD

The higher price target reflects growing optimism about AMD's ability to capture a larger share of the AI accelerator market, where demand remains robust as hyperscale cloud providers continue investing heavily in AI infrastructure.

AMD has been expanding its presence in AI chips with its Instinct accelerator lineup while benefiting from strong demand for EPYC server processors, positioning the company to compete more aggressively in the data center market.

# AI Infrastructure Spending Continues to Support Semiconductor Stocks

The analyst action comes as investors remain focused on companies tied to artificial intelligence infrastructure. Expectations for sustained spending on AI data centers, high-performance computing, and cloud infrastructure have continued to support leading semiconductor names.

While AI remains the primary long-term growth driver, improving market sentiment also contributed to Monday's gains across the broader technology sector.

Why AMD Stock Rose

Investors responded positively to several catalysts:

* Cantor Fitzgerald raised its price target to $700 from $500.
* The firm reiterated its Overweight rating.
* Continued optimism surrounding AI accelerator demand.
* Strong expectations for AI infrastructure and data center investment.

The combination of a bullish analyst update and ongoing confidence in AI-related semiconductor spending helped lift AMD shares 3.4% during Monday's trading session.

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WS Investor 06-30-26

AMD Shares Rise 3% After Bernstein Establishes $600 Price Target

Advanced Micro Devices (NASDAQ: AMD) gained 3% in premarket trading after Bernstein analyst Stacy Rasgon established a $600 price target and assigned an Outperform rating, reinforcing Wall Street's increasingly bullish view on the semiconductor company's AI opportunities.

The positive analyst action comes as AMD continues to strengthen its position in the rapidly expanding artificial intelligence market. Investors have become increasingly optimistic about the company's ability to capture a larger share of AI accelerator spending, particularly as hyperscale cloud providers and enterprise customers seek alternatives in the fast-growing AI infrastructure market.

Bernstein's $600 target suggests substantial upside potential from current levels and reflects confidence in AMD's expanding AI product portfolio, including its Instinct accelerator family and next-generation data center processors. The firm appears to be betting that AI-related demand will remain a powerful growth driver for years to come.

AMD has emerged as one of the primary competitors to Nvidia in AI computing, while also maintaining strong positions in server CPUs, personal computers, gaming, and embedded markets. The company's data center business has become a particular focus for investors as cloud providers and enterprises increase spending on AI training and inference infrastructure.

The analyst call follows a series of announcements highlighting AMD's growing influence in the AI ecosystem. Earlier this week, Rackspace Technology signed a definitive agreement with AMD for the phased deployment of 30 megawatts of AMD-powered AI compute infrastructure, underscoring the strong demand environment for the company's products.

Investor sentiment toward semiconductor stocks has remained positive as AI-related capital spending continues to accelerate. Equipment suppliers, chip designers, and data center infrastructure providers have all benefited from expectations that AI investment will remain one of the technology sector's strongest growth themes.

AMD's premarket gain suggests investors welcomed Bernstein's optimistic outlook and see further room for appreciation as the company continues executing on its AI strategy. Market participants will be closely watching future customer deployments, data center revenue growth, and upcoming product launches for evidence that AMD can continue expanding its presence in the highly competitive AI computing market.

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WS Investor 06-18-26

AMD Jumps 7% After Wolfe Research Raises Price Target

Advanced Micro Devices (NASDAQ: AMD) surged 7% on Monday after Wolfe Research raised its price target on the semiconductor company to $450, while maintaining an Outperform rating.

The bullish target increase reflects growing confidence in AMD's position within the rapidly expanding artificial intelligence infrastructure market. Investors have increasingly focused on the company's AI accelerator business, where its Instinct GPU lineup is competing for a share of the massive spending wave driven by hyperscale cloud providers and enterprise AI deployments.

The strong rally suggests the market views AMD as one of the primary beneficiaries of continued AI-related capital expenditures, alongside other leading semiconductor firms. Analysts have highlighted improving demand for high-performance computing chips and data center products as key drivers of future revenue growth.

AMD has also benefited from expectations that major cloud providers and technology companies will continue investing heavily in AI infrastructure, creating opportunities for alternative suppliers beyond the market leader. The positive analyst commentary reinforced investor optimism that AMD can continue gaining traction in the fast-growing AI accelerator market.

The stock's 7% gain made it one of the stronger performers in the semiconductor sector, underscoring the market's appetite for companies with significant exposure to AI-driven growth trends.

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WS Investor 06-16-26

### AMD Rises 4.7% Despite Mixed Analyst Calls as AI Optimism Continues to Drive Momentum

Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) gained 4.7% on Friday, overcoming a mixed set of analyst rating changes as investors remained focused on the company's growing position in the artificial intelligence semiconductor market.

The analyst activity reflected sharply differing views on AMD's valuation and future growth prospects. Goldman Sachs upgraded the stock to Buy, signaling confidence in the company's ability to benefit from accelerating AI infrastructure spending and growing demand for its data center products. The upgrade helped reinforce investor optimism surrounding AMD's expanding presence in the AI accelerator market.

However, not all analysts shared that enthusiasm. Wolfe Research downgraded the stock to Peer Perform, while Barclays issued a more cautious downgrade, moving its rating from Overweight to Underweight. he bearish calls might suggest the believe that the stock's recent rally has already priced in much of the expected AI-driven growth.

Despite the conflicting analyst opinions, investors appeared to focus on the broader industry backdrop. Demand for AI computing infrastructure remains exceptionally strong, and AMD continues to be viewed as one of the primary challengers to Nvidia in the rapidly growing market for AI accelerators and high-performance data center chips.

The stock's advance suggests that bullish sentiment surrounding artificial intelligence continues to outweigh valuation concerns. While some analysts are becoming more cautious after AMD's strong run, investors remain confident that the company is well positioned to capture a larger share of the AI market as hyperscale cloud providers and enterprises increase spending on next-generation computing infrastructure.

Friday's gain highlights the powerful influence of the AI investment theme, with positive long-term growth expectations proving strong enough to offset multiple analyst downgrades.

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WS Investor 06-12-26

AMD Rises 3.1% After Bank of America Raises Price Target on AI Opportunity

Advanced Micro Devices (NASDAQ: AMD) shares gained 3.1% on Thursday after Bank of America raised its price target on the chipmaker from $500 to $560 while maintaining a Buy rating, reflecting growing confidence in the company's position within the rapidly expanding artificial intelligence market.

The higher target underscores Wall Street's increasingly bullish view that AMD is becoming a major beneficiary of the global AI infrastructure buildout. The company has been gaining traction with its AI accelerators and data center products, which are competing for a larger share of spending from cloud providers and enterprise customers seeking alternatives in the high-performance computing market.

Investor sentiment has improved as demand for AI-related hardware continues to accelerate across the technology sector. AMD's data center business has emerged as a key growth driver, supported by strong adoption of its latest server processors and AI-focused products.

The analyst upgrade also reflects expectations that AI-related capital expenditures will remain elevated for years as hyperscale cloud companies, enterprises, and governments continue investing heavily in next-generation computing infrastructure.

AMD has been one of the most closely watched semiconductor stocks during the AI boom, and the latest target increase suggests analysts see further upside potential as the company expands its presence in high-growth markets. Thursday's gain added to broader strength across semiconductor stocks as investors continued to favor companies positioned to benefit from long-term AI spending trends.

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European Investor 06-11-26

08-05-26The Investor

08-05-26WS News

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07-28-26WS News

NASDAQ:MNST

Monster Beverage (MNST) Stock Edges Higher After Strong Q2 Sales and Earnings Growth

Monster Beverage (NASDAQ: MNST) shares edged up about 0.3% on Friday after the energy drink company reported strong second-quarter results, including double-digit growth in revenue, operating income, and earnings.

Net sales increased 20.2% year over year to $2.54 billion, while net income rose 19.6% to $584.5 million. Diluted EPS increased 19% to $0.59, while adjusted EPS reached $0.60, up 15.2%.

International Sales Drive Growth

Monster Energy Drinks remained the main growth engine, with segment sales climbing 21.6% to $2.36 billion. International performance was particularly strong: sales outside the U.S. jumped 34.6% to $1.16 billion and represented approximately 46% of total revenue.

Gross margin improved slightly to 55.9% from 55.7%, helped by pricing and product mix. Operating income increased 17.2% to $740.4 million. However, operating expenses rose to $679.2 million from $544.8 million, partly reflecting increased spending on marketing, sponsorships, and endorsements.

Stock Split Approaches

Monster also has a near-term corporate catalyst. Its previously announced two-for-one stock split will be distributed after the market closes on August 10, with shares expected to begin trading on a split-adjusted basis on August 11.

Friday's relatively modest stock gain suggests investors welcomed the strong sales and international growth but also weighed higher operating expenses and continued weakness in the Alcohol Brands business, where sales declined 15.2%.

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WS Investor 08-07-26

Monster Beverage Jumps Nearly 6% After Hours as Record Quarter Stuns on Every Metric

Corona, May 7, 2026 — Shares in Monster Beverage rose nearly 6% in after-hours trading yesterday after the energy drink giant delivered a first quarter that shattered expectations, with net sales crossing the $2 billion threshold for the first time in the company's history for a single first quarter.

Net sales surged 26.9% to $2.35 billion, or 22.1% on a foreign currency adjusted basis — a meaningful beat that reflected strong demand both domestically and internationally. Operating income rose 28.1% to $730 million and net income jumped 28.6% to $569.5 million. EPS of $0.58 per diluted share increased 27.6% year-over-year and topped analyst estimates comfortably.

The standout was the international business. Net sales to customers outside the United States grew 44.9% to $1.06 billion, representing approximately 45% of total net sales — the highest proportion of international revenue in the company's history for a single quarter. CEO Hilton Schlosberg highlighted this milestone directly, framing it as evidence of Monster's global expansion strategy bearing fruit across markets where energy drink penetration continues to grow. On a foreign currency adjusted basis, international sales still grew a robust 32.7%.

The Monster Energy Drinks segment, which includes the flagship brand alongside Reign, Bang, and newer wellness-oriented lines, drove the bulk of the results with a 27.6% revenue increase to $2.19 billion. Strategic Brands grew 28.9%. The only drag was the small Alcohol Brands segment, which declined 5.9% — but at just $32.7 million in revenue, it is immaterial to the overall story.

The one note of caution in the report was a slight gross margin compression, with gross profit as a percentage of sales falling to 55.0% from 56.5% a year ago, driven by higher aluminum can and freight costs from out-of-orbit production needed to meet surging demand. Investors appear willing to accept that trade-off given the scale of the revenue and earnings outperformance.

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WS Investor 05-08-26

Monster Beverage Corporation (NASDAQ: MNST) announced today that results for its second quarter ended June 30, 2025, will be reported on Thursday, August 7, 2025, after the close of the market. The company also said that Chief Executive Officer, Hilton Schlosberg, will host an investor conference call that same day at 2 p.m. Pacific Time to review the company’s financial results and operations.

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The Investor 08-01-25

4 High-Quality US Consumer Stocks That You Can Own for Life - The Smart Investor

Here are four solid consumer stocks that can provide you with consistent growth and dividends.

(thesmartinvestor.com.sg)

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Global Finance News 07-30-25

Monster Beverage Announces Board Member Gary P. Fayard Will Not Stand for Reelection

CORONA, Calif. – Monster Beverage Corporation (NASDAQ: MNST) has announced that Gary P. Fayard, a member of its Board of Directors, has informed the company of his decision not to stand for reelection at the company’s upcoming 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

Mr. Fayard, who has served on Monster’s Board, will continue to fulfill his duties as a director until the date of the annual meeting. In his notice, he emphasized that his decision was not due to any disagreement with Monster Beverage Corporation, its management, or the Board.

The company expressed appreciation for Mr. Fayard’s contributions during his tenure. His departure will mark a planned transition in board composition as Monster Beverage continues to align its leadership with long-term strategic objectives.

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ME NEWS 04-18-25

Monster Beverage Corporation Rebukes Short Seller Report, Affirms Ethical Standards and Financial Integrity

Monster Beverage Corporation (NASDAQ: MNST) issued a strong rebuttal today in response to a report published by short-selling firm Spruce Point Capital Management. The company labeled the report—which was released on April 8—as misleading and inaccurate, accusing the activist investor of attempting to manipulate Monster’s stock price for financial gain.

In a joint statement, Co-CEOs Rodney Sacks and Hilton Schlosberg denounced the report’s claims, emphasizing Monster's longstanding commitment to ethical operations and transparent financial reporting. “The document... is filled with and based on inaccuracies and aspersions,” they said, underscoring that the company’s financial statements continue to comply with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and SEC regulations.

Lead Independent Director Mark Vidergauz reiterated the Board’s full confidence in the management team and affirmed the company’s strategic direction, describing Monster as “well-positioned for long-term success.”

Monster stated it does not plan to respond further to the report and maintains that the claims lack credibility.

The company, based in Corona, California, develops and markets a broad range of energy drinks and related beverages under numerous brands including Monster Energy®, Reign®, Bang®, Full Throttle®, and NOS®, among others.

More information is available at [www.monsterbevcorp.com](https://www.monsterbevcorp.com).

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Global Finance News 04-09-25

MONSTER BEVERAGE URGES STOCKHOLDERS TO REJECT MINI-TENDER OFFER BY TRC CAPITAL

Monster Beverage Corporation has advised its stockholders to reject an unsolicited “mini-tender” offer by TRC Capital Investment Corporation to purchase up to 2 million shares at $52.95 per share—about 5.1% below the stock’s market price on March 10, 2025. The company emphasized that it is not associated with TRC or the offer, which is below market value and avoids typical SEC safeguards by targeting less than 5% of shares. Monster urged shareholders to consult with financial advisors and review SEC resources on mini-tender offers before taking action.

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WS Investor 03-30-25

Monster Beverage Corporation – Form 8-K Summary
Date of Report (Earliest Event Reported): March 10, 2025
Commission File Number: 001-18761
State of Incorporation: Delaware
I.R.S. Employer Identification No.: 47-1809393
Principal Executive Office:
1 Monster Way, Corona, CA 92879
Registrant’s Telephone Number: (951) 739-6200
Trading Symbol: MNST
Exchange: Nasdaq Global Select Market

Key Developments
1. Leadership Transition – Rodney C. Sacks Retirement
Rodney C. Sacks, Co-Chief Executive Officer (Co-CEO) & Chairman, has notified the Board of his retirement.
Effective June 12, 2025 (11:59 p.m.), Mr. Sacks will resign as Co-CEO.
Effective June 13, 2025, Hilton H. Schlosberg will become the sole CEO of Monster Beverage.
2. Transition Agreement for Rodney C. Sacks
March 10, 2025: Mr. Sacks and Monster Beverage entered into a Transition Letter Agreement to define his ongoing role and compensation.
June 13, 2025 – December 31, 2026:
✅ Mr. Sacks will remain Chairman of the Board (subject to re-election at the 2025 and 2026 annual meetings).
✅ He will oversee strategic direction for marketing, innovation, and litigation.
✅ His salary will be $900,000 per year (effective July 1, 2025).
✅ He will receive 2025 & 2026 target annual incentive awards and long-term incentive grants.
✅ He remains eligible for stock option vesting and exercise rights under the Company’s incentive plans.
3. Post-Retirement Role – Board of Directors
After December 31, 2026:
✅ Mr. Sacks will serve as a non-employee director until at least the 2027 annual meeting of stockholders.
✅ The term may be extended beyond 2027 by mutual agreement and shareholder approval.
4. Governance & Shareholder Impact
The transition ensures continuity in leadership while maintaining Mr. Sacks' strategic involvement.
The company’s board structure and leadership composition remain stable, minimizing risk.
Regulatory & Disclosure Compliance
Transition Letter Agreement is included as Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K filing.
No disagreements reported between Mr. Sacks and the Board regarding operations, policies, or practices.
Strategic & Financial Implications
✅ Smooth Leadership Transition

The handover to Hilton H. Schlosberg as sole CEO ensures leadership stability.
✅ Retention of Sacks’ Strategic Influence

His continued involvement in marketing, innovation, and litigation provides continuity and expertise.
✅ Compensation & Shareholder Considerations

$900,000 salary + long-term incentive awards aligns with executive retention practices.
✅ Long-Term Board Stability

The flexibility to extend his tenure beyond 2027 ensures corporate governance stability.
Final Takeaways
???? Rodney C. Sacks steps down as Co-CEO in June 2025 but remains Chairman until 2026.
???? Hilton H. Schlosberg takes over as sole CEO starting June 13, 2025.
???? Sacks will remain a director until at least 2027, ensuring leadership continuity.
???? Financial and strategic oversight remains intact, minimizing business disruption.

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ME NEWS 03-11-25

Monster Beverage Corporation announced an investor meeting to be hosted on January 21, 2025, by Co-Chief Executive Officers Rodney Sacks and Hilton Schlosberg, along with other senior management. The meeting will provide updates on the company's business and operations and will be accessible via a live webcast at 4:45 p.m. Eastern Time on the company’s website under the "Events & Presentation" section.

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European Investor 01-21-25

04-03-26WS Investor

NYSE:CEG

Constellation Energy (CEG) Q1 2026: Good Results, Wrong Story

Monday, May 11, 2026

Constellation Energy is down 2.46% today after reporting a first quarter that looked strong on the surface but failed to deliver what Wall Street actually needed: a major new hyperscaler contract and cleaner guidance optics. In a stock that has already shed roughly 22% from its 52-week high, "solid" isn't enough.

The Numbers: Strong, But Not the Point

On a headline basis, the results are genuinely good. GAAP net income surged to $4.49 per share from just $0.38 a year ago, and adjusted (non-GAAP) operating earnings rose 28% to $2.74 per share from $2.14 in Q1 2025. The Calpine acquisition — completed in January 2026 for $16.4 billion — is clearly adding scale, contributing meaningfully to both earnings and operational breadth. Constellation's nuclear fleet produced 44,666 gigawatt-hours in the quarter, and renewable energy capture hit 96.7%. The company also commissioned the 105 MW Pastoria Solar Project and brought the 460 MW Pin Oak Creek natural gas facility in Texas online on April 30.

Full-year 2026 adjusted operating earnings guidance was reaffirmed at $11.00 to $12.00 per share. The company also earned the No. 1 spot on Barron's Most Sustainable U.S. Companies list for 2026.

Why the Stock Is Falling

The selloff is not about what Constellation reported — it's about what it didn't announce. The investment case hinges on a single variable: whether Constellation can translate its 147 million megawatt-hours of uncontracted nuclear capacity into long-term, premium-priced agreements with hyperscalers and enterprise customers before the market prices that optionality in. No such announcement came today.

The stock is already down roughly 22% from its 52-week high, and without new data center contracts announced, the re-rating catalyst is delayed. The market had priced in a possible upside surprise. When it didn't materialize, sellers moved.

There's also a regulatory overhang. PJM regulatory clarity on data center interconnection rules is not expected until late 2026, leaving major hyperscaler contract announcements on hold through most of the year. That's a long time to wait in a market that rewards catalysts immediately.

That said, one meaningful development did come through: the PUCT approved the net metering application for co-location of a CyrusOne data center at the Freestone site in Texas, with a 380 MW agreement in place and an exclusive on a further 380 MW for Phase 2. The broader CyrusOne relationship now covers more than 1,100 megawatts — a significant position in the AI power infrastructure build-out, even if it's not the headline hyperscaler deal investors were hoping for.

The Bigger Picture

Constellation remains the most strategically positioned clean power company in the U.S., operating the largest nuclear fleet in the country at a moment when AI data centers are desperate for reliable, carbon-free baseload electricity.

But the stock is in an awkward middle phase: post-acquisition integration, pre-contract announcement, and navigating a PJM regulatory timeline it can't fully control. Until a major hyperscaler deal lands or Crane's interconnection timeline clarifies, the stock is likely to remain range-bound — rewarding patience rather than urgency.

Today's 2.46% decline is the market saying: show me the contract.

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Global Finance News 05-11-26

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

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

(thesmartinvestor.com.sg)

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WS Investor 01-19-26

Constellation Energy said it completed its acquisition of Calpine on January 7, 2026, making Calpine a wholly owned subsidiary.

The deal consideration included 50,000,000 newly issued Constellation shares plus $4.50 billion in cash (net of certain expenses). Constellation said former Calpine stockholders now hold about 13.8% of its outstanding common stock (based on shares outstanding as of January 6, 2026).

At closing, Constellation entered a registration rights agreement with certain former Calpine stockholders and disclosed a lock-up schedule that releases half the shares on June 30, 2026 and the remainder on June 30, 2027 (subject to exceptions). Calpine’s existing unsecured and secured notes remain outstanding under their prior indentures.

Constellation also disclosed CFO leadership changes effective at closing, naming Shane Smith as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, with Daniel Eggers moving to Senior Executive Vice President, Finance and Data Economy.

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The Investor 01-08-26

Constellation secures DOE-guaranteed 1 billion dollar loan facility for nuclear plant restart

Constellation Energy Corporation (CEG) announced that subsidiary Constellation Energy Generation, LLC entered into a 1 billion dollar loan guarantee agreement with the U.S. Department of Energy and a related note purchase agreement with the Federal Financing Bank. The financing will support the restart and repowering of the 835 MW Christopher M. Crane Clean Energy Center, a nuclear facility in Pennsylvania. Borrowings can be made through 2030, up to 80 percent of eligible project costs or 1 billion dollars. The loan carries semiannual interest tied to U.S. Treasury yields plus 0.375 percent and matures in 2055. Constellation has not yet drawn on the facility and must make an initial borrowing by May 2027 to maintain access. The obligations are currently unsecured but may require equal lien status if future secured debt is issued.

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Global Finance News 11-19-25

Constellation Energy reports Q3 2025 earnings; narrows full-year outlook

Constellation Energy Corporation (Nasdaq: CEG) reported third-quarter 2025 GAAP net income of $2.97 per share and adjusted operating earnings of $3.04 per share, up from $2.74 a year earlier. The company narrowed its full-year adjusted earnings guidance to $9.05–$9.45 per share.

CEO Joe Dominguez said the company achieved one of its strongest nuclear operating quarters and secured a major regulatory milestone with the Maryland Department of the Environment’s water quality certification for the Conowingo Dam, enabling its re-licensing and continued operation. Dominguez emphasized nuclear power’s growing role in supporting the expanding data economy and national energy reliability.

CFO Dan Eggers highlighted operational and financial strength, supported by strong nuclear and commercial performance. Excluding Salem and the South Texas Project, Constellation’s nuclear plants achieved a 96.8% capacity factor, up from 95.0% last year, while total nuclear generation rose to 46,477 GWh. The company also reaffirmed plans to close its merger with Calpine, positioning the combined entity to meet growing demand for clean, reliable power.

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European Investor 11-08-25

Constellation Energy Q1 2025 Earnings Summary

Constellation Energy reported GAAP net income of $118 million, or $0.38 per share, for the first quarter of 2025, down from $883 million, or $2.78 per share, in Q1 2024. However, adjusted (non-GAAP) operating earnings rose to $673 million, or $2.14 per share, up from $579 million ($1.82 per share) a year earlier. The company reaffirmed its full-year 2025 adjusted earnings guidance of $8.90 to $9.60 per share.

Revenue increased to $6.79 billion from $6.16 billion in Q1 2024. The nuclear fleet operated at a strong 94.1% capacity factor, and total nuclear generation reached 45,582 GWh. Natural gas and renewables output fell to 5,905 GWh from 8,274 GWh, while purchased power rose to 16,935 GWh.

Key developments:

• The Calpine acquisition remains on track for closing in Q4 2025, promising to enhance capacity and customer reach.
• The Crane Clean Energy Center was selected for fast-track grid interconnection by PJM, supporting expansion of emissions-free power.
• The dispatch match rate for the gas fleet reached 99.2%, and renewables operated at 96.2% capture efficiency.

Constellation’s cash flow from operations was $107 million, while capital expenditures totaled $806 million. Ending cash balance was $1.94 billion, down from $3.13 billion at year-end 2024, driven by investments and timing of working capital changes.

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WS News 05-06-25

Constellation Energy Corporation reported strong financial results for the fourth quarter and full year of 2024, exceeding the top end of its twice-revised guidance range. The company reported GAAP net income of $2.71 per share and adjusted (non-GAAP) operating earnings of $2.44 per share for Q4, while full-year GAAP net income reached $11.89 per share, with adjusted operating earnings at $8.67 per share.

Key highlights include:
- Affirming full-year 2025 adjusted operating earnings guidance of $8.90 - $9.60 per share.
- A definitive agreement to acquire Calpine Corporation, merging Constellation’s clean energy assets with Calpine’s dispatchable natural gas operations.
- A 20-year power purchase agreement with Microsoft to support the Crane Clean Energy Center.
- Completion of $1 billion in share repurchases in 2024, with a total of $2 billion repurchased since 2023.
- Moody’s upgraded Constellation’s credit rating from Baa2 to Baa1.
- Issued the first U.S. corporate green bond including nuclear energy.
- Increased the annual dividend by 25% and announced plans for an additional 10% increase in 2025.

Operationally, Constellation maintained its position as the nation’s top emissions-free energy producer for the 11th consecutive year and achieved a nuclear capacity factor of 94.6%. The company also contributed over $20 million to community initiatives and logged 116,500 volunteer hours.

Looking ahead, Constellation expects continued strong performance, with plans to invest over $2.5 billion in 2025 for operational reliability and growth initiatives, independent of the Calpine acquisition.

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Global Finance News 02-18-25

05-11-26Global Finance News

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