Stocks fell, with the three major U.S. indexes poised to close lower for the week, as major banks kicked off the fourth quarter earnings season with mixed results and December retail sales were lower than expected. Key Takeways Stocks are lower with the Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq poised to drop for the week. Retail and food sales sank 1.9% in December, the biggest drop in 10 months. Banks reported mixed earnings, and JPMorgan is the worst-performing Dow and S&P 500 stock after it reported trading revenue fell. Banks and Retail Stocks Fall, Energy Gains The Dow is down more than 300 points, nearly a full percent, and the S&P 500 is about 0.5% lower. The Nasdaq's earlier gains have reversed and that index is down about 0.2%. JPMorgan Chase & Co. ( JPM ) is the worst-performing stock in both the Dow and S&P 500 after reporting a fourth-quarter loss, and net interest margin that came in below analysts' consensus estimates. Shares of … [Read more...] about Stocks Fall as Bank Shares Drop and December Retail Disappoints
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Stocks Mixed as Retail Sales Drop Most in 10 Months
U.S. stocks again started the day mixed after a report said that U.S. retail and food services fell more than expected last month. Investors are also digesting a slew of quarterly earnings reports from banks, as JPMorgan Chase & Co. ( JPM ) and Citigroup Inc. ( C ) recorded income declines, while Wells Fargo & Company ( WFC ) said that profit jumped. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) and the S&P 500 are poised to finish the week lower, while the Nasdaq may end up higher for the week. All three major indexes finished lower yesterday. Key Takeaways Stocks are mixed again this morning, with the Nasdaq gaining and the Dow and S&P 500 falling. Retail and food sales sank 1.9% in December, marking the biggest drop in 10 months. JPMorgan and Citigroup reported falling quarterly profit, while Wells Fargo reported fourth quarter profit that beat analysts' forecasts. The University of Michigan will release its Consumer Sentiment Index for … [Read more...] about Stocks Mixed as Retail Sales Drop Most in 10 Months
Stocks’ Rout Deepens as Oil Soars and Russian Invasion Raises Recovery Worries
U.S. equity markets are sinking as Russia escalates attacks on Ukraine, raising concerns about disruptions of oil and other commodities. The Dow at one point was down more than 600 points, while crude oil approached $107 a barrel. Key Takeaways The Dow Jones fell more than 600 points as crude oil surged past $105 a barrel and financial and travel company shares slumped. Wheat and corn futures traded limit up as both Russia and Ukraine are major exporters, with wheat hitting prices not seen since 2008. Retailers including Target and Walmart are trading higher. Oil prices are soaring to more than $105 a barrel, the highest they’ve been since 2014. Wheat and corn futures traded limit up as both Russia and Ukraine are major exporters. Wheat prices are at levels not seen since 2008. Investors continued to put money into haven investments. Bond prices are rising with the yield on the 10-year Treasury note falling another 11 basis points (BPS) to 1.72%. Gold and … [Read more...] about Stocks’ Rout Deepens as Oil Soars and Russian Invasion Raises Recovery Worries
Stock markets struggle as fears over economy grow
- A + A LONDON (May 16): European stocks slipped on Monday and Wall Street was set for a lower open, as investor sentiment struggled to recover from last week's sell off amid fears of a slowdown in economic growth. Global shares hit their lowest point in 18 months last week, with investors worried that rising interest rates to counter high inflation will damage the global economy. Unexpectedly weak economic data kept from China kept those worries in centre stage on Monday. April retail sales plunged 11.1% on the year, almost twice the fall forecast, as full or partial Covid-19 lockdowns were imposed in dozens of cities. Industrial output dropped 2.9% when analysts had looked for a slight increase. At 1104 GMT, the MSCI world equity index, which tracks shares in 50 countries, was up around 0.1% on the day, struggling to recover from last week's lows. Europe's STOXX 600 was down 0.2%, while London's FTSE 100 was down flat. US stock index futures pointed to a … [Read more...] about Stock markets struggle as fears over economy grow
Markets to Focus on Retail Stock Earnings
This will be a big week for the retail sector, with fresh data and earnings due. On Tuesday, the Commerce Department is likely to show retail sales were up 0.8% in April, following a 0.6% gain the month before. The data comes after the University of Michigan’s Consumer Sentiment Index slumped to its lowest level in nearly 11 years in May, as worries about inflation persist. Also on Tuesday, Walmart is expected to report a fall in first-quarter profit, hurt by higher shipping and other supply chain costs. On Wednesday, Target is similarly expected to report a fall in first-quarter earnings hurt by higher shipping, warehousing and labor costs. Comments on consumer demand and inflation will also be in focus. Home improvement chains Home Depot and Lowe’s will post their results on Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively. Analysts are projecting a decline in first-quarter revenue as higher mortgage rates and prices weigh on customers. So far this year, Walmart ( WMT ) shares are … [Read more...] about Markets to Focus on Retail Stock Earnings
Hong Kong becomes world’s must-watch market
FOR global investors trying to the gauge the fallout from surging interest rates and slowing economic growth, Hong Kong is quickly emerging as a must-watch market. Perhaps nowhere else is as exposed to two of the biggest worries roiling global asset prices – the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) rapidly tightening monetary policy and China’s sputtering economy. While Hong Kong’s US$466bil (RM2 trillion) foreign-reserves stockpile and plentiful interbank liquidity suggest little chance of an imminent crisis, signs of financial stress are building. This week saw the city intervene to prop up its pegged currency for the first time since 2019. Its stock market has tumbled this year at one of the fastest rates globally. Home prices in the world’s least affordable property market are falling and signs of capital flight are multiplying, after portfolio outflows last year topped US$100bil (RM440bil) for only the second time since Hong Kong’s 1997 handover to China. “There’s a lot the city … [Read more...] about Hong Kong becomes world’s must-watch market
Disney (DIS) Falls on Guggenheim Downgrade
Shares for The Walt Disney Company ( DIS ) fell by almost 3% after analysts at investment firm Guggenheim Partners downgraded the stock over concerns for the company's future profit growth. Disney, which reports earnings on Feb. 9, closed trading at $155.44 on Jan. 13. As of this writing, the stock is changing hands for $151.13. Key Takeaways Disney stock is falling because it was downgraded to Neutral from Buy by investment firm Guggenheim Partners. The firm cited the threat of new COVID variants disrupting operations and the entertainment behemoth's increased content spend as reasons for its downgrade. Out of 17 analysts covering Disney, 14 have still rated it a Buy for 2022. Why Did Guggenheim Downgrade Disney? Analysts at Guggenheim downgraded Disney stock to Neutral from their earlier Buy rating. They also cut the firm's price target on Disney shares to $165 from $205 due to "broader business pressure." Elements of this pressure include higher wages … [Read more...] about Disney (DIS) Falls on Guggenheim Downgrade
Market Wrap: Powell Sticks to Rate Hike, Ford Announces EV Move, AutoZone Soars
Federal Reserve President Jerome Powell told Congress while the Fed still plans to hike interest rates to combat inflation, the economic impact from the invasion of Ukraine remains “highly uncertain,” and policymakers will need to be “nimble” in responding to new information. Key Takeaways Stocks are moving higher, gaining back ground lost yesterday, despite the Federal Reserve saying interest rates will move higher this month. ADP reported private-sector jobs jumped more than anticipated last month. Ford, Chevron, Hewlett-Packard Enterprises, and AutoZone are among companies gaining today. Solid economic and corporate news is edging stocks higher. All three major indices are up more than 1%, clawing back some of yesterday's losses. Almost all of the stocks in the Dow are rising. Shares of Chevron Corp. ( CVX ) and other energy companies are higher as the fighting in Ukraine increases concerns about disruptions in oil supplies. Oil futures reached the highest … [Read more...] about Market Wrap: Powell Sticks to Rate Hike, Ford Announces EV Move, AutoZone Soars
Highway 1 Road Trip: What To Do In Santa Cruz, Cambria And Avila Beach
Share to Twitter Share to Linkedin Highway 1 is arguably one of the best road trips travelers can take in the United States. Along the way you’ll have the blue, and sometimes roaring, Pacific Ocean on one side, and verdant valleys or rugged cliffs on the other. It’s a beautiful contrast that must be experienced at least once in your lifetime, but there’s a very good chance you’ll fall in love with it and make a return visit. For those who haven’t done the route before, Big Sur is everyone’s go-to stop, but along the coast there are several other towns worth visiting. Three of those underrated destinations are Santa Cruz, Cambria, and Avila Beach. For your next vacation, whether you’re traveling with kids or with fellow adults, this trio of beach towns should be on your list. Below, a guide on what to do, where to eat, and where to stay in Santa Cruz, Cambria, and Avila Beach for your next Highway 1 road trip. Santa Cruz The best way to thoroughly enjoy … [Read more...] about Highway 1 Road Trip: What To Do In Santa Cruz, Cambria And Avila Beach
Can Coca-Cola (KO) Keep Up the Trend?
As one of the larger companies of the consumer discretionary sector, The Coca-Cola Company ( KO ) shares have enjoyed a relative upward trend since the beginning of 2022 as investors appear to be bracing for potential interest rate hikes. Coca-Cola shares currently trade in an above average range based on historical volatility, and option traders appear to be positioned for the stock to rise after the company reports earnings for the fiscal fourth quarter. Analysts expect the company to announce $0.41 in earnings per share (EPS) and $8.93 billion in revenue. Investors will be paying keen attention to how Coca-Cola has managed to navigate ongoing supply chain issues and how rising costs could affect the bottom line. Insiders have recently increased the amount of shares being sold, unloading over 314,000 shares valued at close to $18.6 million over the past 90 days. Investors will be keeping an eye on if the beverage maker can continue to increase sales volume and what, if … [Read more...] about Can Coca-Cola (KO) Keep Up the Trend?