The State Department’s planned $400 million purchase of “Armoured Teslas” has hit a roadblock. A 2025 procurement forecast, initially listing the purchase, was recently updated to remove Tesla’s name and instead specify “Armoured Electric Vehicles.” This change follows reports of potential conflict of interest due to Elon Musk’s prominent role …
Read More »Meta’s Thriving While Big Tech Companies Struggle
Big Tech’s 2025 is a story of headwinds. Giants like Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and Apple grapple with missed targets and stock declines. Yet, Meta defies the trend, riding a 24% stock surge. The key? A strategic, inward-focused AI gambit.While others chase external clients, Meta’s AI investments directly fuel its core: …
Read More »U.S. Producer Prices Surge in January, Strengthening Fed’s Higher-for-Longer Stance
U.S. producer prices increased more than expected in January, reinforcing concerns that inflation is reaccelerating and pushing back expectations for Federal Reserve interest rate cuts to the second half of 2025. According to Thursday’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) report: The Producer Price Index (PPI) for final demand rose 0.4% …
Read More »U.S. Stock Futures Trade Flat Amid Ukraine Peace Talks, Inflation Data in Focus
U.S. stock index futures remained largely unchanged on Thursday as investors assessed potential peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, alongside upcoming inflation data and corporate earnings reports. As of 10:10 GMT: Dow Jones Futures fell 10 points (-0.1%) S&P 500 Futures dropped 1 point (-0.1%) Nasdaq 100 Futures edged up …
Read More »Is Bitcoin’s Rebound A Sign of Shifting Tides?
Bitcoin’s recent price action has sparked considerable interest, particularly its swift recovery after an initial dip triggered by unexpectedly high U.S. inflation data. This rebound, coupled with other market dynamics, raises questions about the forces currently shaping the cryptocurrency landscape.Inflation’s Impact and the Fed’s HawkishnessThe release of stronger-than-anticipated Consumer Price …
Read More »Wall Street’s Latest Earnings Season: A Story of Two Realities
US companies have delivered a robust earnings season, exceeding expectations and demonstrating significant growth. However, this positive performance has been overshadowed by broader economic concerns, leaving investors hesitant and stock prices subdued. This disconnect between strong earnings and market reaction reveals a complex interplay of factors influencing investor sentiment.Strong Earnings, …
Read More »U.S. Futures Edge Lower Ahead of Key Inflation Report
U.S. stock index futures dipped slightly on Wednesday as investors awaited a crucial consumer inflation report that could influence the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy outlook. At 05:50 ET (10:50 GMT): Dow Jones Futures fell 75 points (-0.2%) S&P 500 Futures declined 8 points (-0.1%) Nasdaq 100 Futures slipped 9 points …
Read More »Powell’s Pause: Stocks Steady Amid Uncertainty
US stock markets have recently experienced a period of mixed performance, influenced by new tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, fluctuating Treasury yields, and Federal Reserve policy. While these factors create market uncertainty, a focus on underlying economic indicators and individual company performance remains crucial for investors. Federal Reserve Policy …
Read More »Explainer: Global Markets Focus On Key Clues As Powell Faces US Lawmakers In Washington
The US Federal Reserveis not in a rush to cut its short-term interest rate again due to an “strong overall” economy, low unemployment, and inflation that remains above the Fed’s 2% target. Fed Chair Jerome Powell stated that the economy is strong overall and has made significant progress toward its …
Read More »McDonald reveals Q4 mixed performance, Eyes 2025 Rebound
McDonald’s Q4 results showed mixed performance, with revenue slightly below expectations and adjusted earnings per share reaching $2.80. Global same-store sales saw a modest 0.4% increase, but US same-store sales fell 1.4% year over year due to an E. coli outbreak. CEO Chris Kempczinski acknowledged the need for swift action …
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