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U.S. Stocks Rally as Softer PPI Supports Rate-Cut Hopes

U.S. stocks moved sharply higher Thursday as investors welcomed softer-than-expected producer inflation data, while labor-market figures offered a mixed but still relatively stable picture.

The Nasdaq led gains, rising 0.97% to 26,845.93, while the S&P 500 advanced 0.84% to 7,813.91. The Dow Jones gained 0.50% to 54,041.72.

The main catalyst was July's Producer Price Index. Headline PPI was unchanged month over month, below the 0.2% increase expected and following a 0.1% decline previously. Core PPI increased 0.2%, also below the 0.3% forecast and slowing from 0.4%.

The softer producer-price figures reinforced expectations that inflationary pressures in the production pipeline remain contained, potentially giving the Federal Reserve greater flexibility to lower interest rates.

Labor data were somewhat less supportive. Initial jobless claims rose to 209,000, above the 202,000 expected and 200,000 previously. However, continuing claims declined to 1.777 million, better than the 1.800 million forecast.

The combination of cooling producer inflation without clear evidence of severe labor-market deterioration created a favorable backdrop for equities. Technology stocks responded particularly strongly, helping the Nasdaq outperform as lower inflation expectations improved the outlook for interest-rate-sensitive growth valuations.

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The Investor 08-13-26

Nasdaq Leads US Stocks Higher After Inflation Data Matches Expectations

U.S. stocks traded mostly higher Wednesday after July inflation data came in exactly in line with expectations, with technology shares outperforming as the report avoided an upside inflation surprise that could have renewed concerns over Federal Reserve policy.

The Nasdaq was the strongest major index, rising 0.48% to 26,573.43. The S&P 500 gained 0.19% to 7,742.85, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average lagged, slipping 0.03% to 53,776.39.

CPI Data Supports Technology Stocks

Headline U.S. CPI increased 0.1% month-over-month in July, matching expectations, while annual inflation eased to 3.4% from 3.5%.

Core CPI also matched forecasts, rising 0.2% monthly while the annual rate slowed to 2.5% from 2.6%.

The absence of an upside inflation surprise was particularly supportive for technology and other growth stocks. Cooling annual inflation reduces the risk that the Federal Reserve will need to return to a more aggressive monetary-policy stance, an environment generally favorable for higher-duration growth valuations.

However, because all four major CPI readings matched consensus estimates, the report did not provide a major dovish surprise. That helps explain the relatively moderate gain in the broader S&P 500 and the nearly flat Dow.

Nasdaq Outperforms Broader Market

The divergence among the major indexes points to stronger investor appetite for technology and growth stocks rather than a broad-based post-CPI rally.

The Nasdaq's 0.48% advance substantially outpaced the S&P 500's 0.19% gain, while the Dow remained slightly negative. AI and semiconductor shares continue to provide additional support to the technology-heavy index, alongside the favorable inflation reaction.

For Wall Street, the July CPI report largely preserves the existing macroeconomic narrative: inflation is gradually cooling, but remains above the Federal Reserve's 2% target. With the report producing no significant surprise, investors are likely to shift their attention toward upcoming economic releases and their implications for interest rates.

For now, the combination of easing annual inflation and no upside CPI shock is providing a modestly positive backdrop for U.S. equities, with technology stocks and the Nasdaq emerging as the clearest beneficiaries.

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WS Investor 08-12-26

U.S. Existing Home Sales Fall 1.7% in July as High Mortgage Rates Weigh on Housing

U.S. existing home sales declined 1.7% month over month in July 2026 to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.06 million units, down from 4.13 million in June. The headline level was roughly in line with market expectations of around 4.05 million.

According to the National Association of Realtors, sales were nevertheless 0.7% higher than a year earlier, marking a fourth consecutive annual increase. Housing inventory fell 1.9% from June to 1.54 million units, equivalent to 4.6 months of supply. The median existing-home price increased 2.0% year over year to $434,100.

According to Reuters, elevated borrowing costs remain a major constraint on the housing market, with the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate recently reaching 6.69%, its highest level since July 2025. Higher rates are discouraging potential buyers while also limiting supply as homeowners with lower-rate mortgages remain reluctant to sell.

Overall, the July report points to continued weakness in housing activity rather than a sharp deterioration. Sales remain subdued near the 4 million annualized level, with a more meaningful recovery likely dependent on lower mortgage rates and improved affordability.

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The Investor 08-11-26

U.S. 6-Month Treasury Bill Yield Falls to 3.830%

The U.S. Treasury's latest six-month bill auction produced a yield of 3.830%, down slightly from 3.855% at the previous auction.

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WS Investor 08-10-26

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

08-13-26The Investor

08-13-26Global Finance News

08-12-26WS Investor

Gold

Gold Rises 0.8% as Softer U.S. Inflation Eases Fed Rate-Hike Concerns

Gold prices extended gains on Wednesday following the release of U.S. inflation data, as cooling annual price pressures reduced expectations for further Federal Reserve tightening and weighed modestly on the U.S. dollar.

December COMEX gold futures were up around 0.8%, trading near $4,477 per ounce and reaching intraday levels close to $4,500. The metal had traded around $4,450 earlier in the session before strengthening around the U.S. CPI release.

U.S. CPI Supports Gold

July's Consumer Price Index rose 0.1% month-over-month and 3.4% year-over-year, both matching expectations. Annual inflation nevertheless eased from 3.5% in June.

Core inflation also moderated. Core CPI increased 0.2% monthly, while the annual rate declined to 2.5% from 2.6%, again matching forecasts.

While the report did not deliver a downside surprise, the continued moderation in annual headline and core inflation reduced concerns that the Fed could need to tighten policy further. The probability of a September rate increase fell, while the dollar index slipped following the report.

That combination is supportive for gold. Lower expectations for interest-rate increases reduce the opportunity cost of holding the non-yielding metal, while a weaker dollar makes bullion less expensive for holders of other currencies.

For now, Wednesday's CPI report has reduced immediate monetary-policy concerns. Gold's move toward $4,500 suggests investors are focusing on the combination of easing U.S. inflation, a softer dollar and persistent geopolitical uncertainty, leaving the precious metal firmly higher during the session.

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WS Investor 08-12-26

Gold Prices Rise as Investors Await U.S. Inflation Data, Geopolitical Risks Support Demand

Gold prices moved higher on Wednesday, with December COMEX gold futures rising 0.59% to around $4,467 per ounce in early trading, as investors positioned ahead of a closely watched U.S. inflation report while persistent geopolitical uncertainty continued to support demand for the precious metal.

Gold initially slipped toward the $4,445 area before reversing sharply and climbing close to $4,470, suggesting buyers remain active despite uncertainty over the Federal Reserve’s next policy move.

U.S. CPI Takes Center Stage

The main macro catalyst for gold is the July U.S. Consumer Price Index report due Wednesday morning. Economists expect headline CPI to rise 0.1% month-over-month following June’s 0.4% decline, while annual inflation is forecast to ease to 3.4% from 3.5%. Core CPI is expected to increase 0.2% monthly, with the annual rate cooling to 2.5% from 2.6%.

The inflation report has taken on additional importance following recent signs of weakness in the U.S. labor market. A softer-than-expected CPI reading could strengthen expectations for easier Federal Reserve policy, potentially putting downward pressure on Treasury yields and the U.S. dollar. That combination would generally favor gold by reducing the opportunity cost of holding the non-yielding metal.

Conversely, an unexpectedly strong inflation reading could revive concerns that the Fed will need to maintain restrictive monetary policy for longer, potentially creating near-term pressure on bullion.

Geopolitical Risks Provide Additional Support

Gold is also receiving support from continued uncertainty surrounding the Middle East. Markets are weighing developments involving the U.S.-Iran conflict and prospects for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, while elevated oil prices remain an important inflation risk.

The combination creates a mixed but broadly supportive environment for gold. Geopolitical uncertainty encourages safe-haven demand, while higher energy prices can increase demand for inflation hedges. At the same time, persistently high oil prices could complicate the Fed's inflation outlook and keep interest-rate expectations volatile.

What to Watch

Gold's next major move is likely to depend heavily on the CPI release. A weaker inflation reading could reinforce expectations for monetary easing and help gold extend its advance, while hotter inflation could trigger a rebound in yields and the dollar.

For now, December gold futures holding near $4,467 after recovering strongly from their intraday lows indicates that investors remain willing to maintain exposure to the precious metal ahead of the inflation data, with both monetary-policy expectations and geopolitical uncertainty continuing to underpin demand.

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European Investor 08-12-26

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

08-13-26The Investor

08-13-26Global Finance News

08-07-26WS News

08-06-26European Investor

08-03-26WS News

S&P 500

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The Investor 08-13-26

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WS Investor 08-12-26

S&P 500 Trades Flat as Investors Await CPI, Housing Data Signals Continued Weakness

The S&P 500 was little changed in Tuesday trading, hovering around 7,751 by 11:10 a.m. EDT as investors remained cautious near record territory ahead of this week’s key U.S. inflation data.

The benchmark was down about 0.03% at 7,750.68 after a volatile morning session. The index initially traded above 7,760 before giving back its gains, extending the relatively subdued tone seen at the start of the week. The S&P 500 had slipped less than 0.1% on Monday after reaching a record closing high on Friday.

CPI Keeps Investors Cautious

The main macro focus is Wednesday’s July Consumer Price Index report. Markets are looking for further clues about the Federal Reserve’s policy outlook after recent weakness in the U.S. labor market increased expectations that monetary policy could become more accommodative.

MarketWatch noted that economists expect annual CPI inflation to ease slightly to around 3.4% from 3.5% in June. At the same time, higher energy prices remain a potential inflation risk, giving investors another reason to avoid aggressive positioning before the report.

Geopolitical uncertainty is also limiting risk appetite. According to Charles Schwab, oil prices moved higher as the lack of progress surrounding Iran added another layer of uncertainty for equities, while investors are also watching Treasury auctions and corporate earnings.

U.S. Housing Market Remains Under Pressure

Tuesday’s economic data offered little evidence of a meaningful housing recovery.

Existing home sales fell 1.7% month over month in July to an annualized 4.06 million units, compared with 4.13 million previously. The headline level was nevertheless close to the 4.05 million consensus estimate.

According to Reuters, the decline marked the second consecutive monthly drop, with the average 30-year mortgage rate reaching 6.69%, its highest level since July 2025. Inventory declined 1.9% to 1.54 million homes, while the median existing-home price increased 2% year over year to $434,100.

Market Breadth Looks Better Than the Index

Despite the nearly flat S&P 500, the underlying session has been somewhat stronger than the headline index suggests.

Corporate fundamentals remain supportive. According to Charles Schwab, 442 S&P 500 companies have now reported second-quarter results, with 87% beating earnings estimates and 69% exceeding revenue expectations.

For the remainder of the session, the S&P 500 may remain sensitive to movements in Treasury yields and oil prices, but Wednesday’s CPI report is likely to be the more important catalyst for determining whether the index can resume its push into record territory or face a broader pullback.

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The Investor 08-11-26

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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

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

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

08-13-26Global Finance News

08-12-26WS Investor

08-12-26European Investor

NASDAQ:CSCO

Cisco Stock Falls 4.7% Despite Record Earnings as Margin Outlook Weighs on AI-Fueled Growth

Cisco Systems (NASDAQ: CSCO) shares fell 4.7% in premarket trading Thursday despite reporting record fiscal fourth-quarter results, as investors appeared to focus on profitability expectations and whether rapid AI infrastructure growth can translate into sufficient earnings upside.

Cisco reported Q4 revenue of $17.3 billion, up 18% year over year, while non-GAAP EPS increased 23% to $1.22. Networking revenue jumped 28%, and total product orders surged 35%, highlighting strong demand across the business.

AI Infrastructure Demand Accelerates

AI was one of the strongest parts of the report. Cisco received $4 billion of AI infrastructure orders from hyperscalers during Q4, bringing fiscal 2026 orders to $9.3 billion. The company generated approximately $4 billion in AI infrastructure revenue during the year and expects that figure to climb to $7.5 billion in fiscal 2027.

Networking orders increased 40% in Q4, marking the eighth consecutive quarter of double-digit growth and supporting management's view that a networking "supercycle" is underway.

However, margins provided a potential reason for the negative share reaction. Non-GAAP gross margin declined to 66.3% from 68.4% a year earlier despite the substantial revenue growth. Cisco's Q1 FY2027 guidance calls for a non-GAAP gross margin of 65%-66%, indicating further pressure at the midpoint.

For fiscal 2027, Cisco expects revenue of $72.2 billion to $73.4 billion and non-GAAP EPS of $5.05 to $5.11.

The premarket decline suggests investors expected even stronger profitability and guidance after Cisco's recent AI-driven momentum. Still, rapidly expanding hyperscaler orders and the expected rise in AI infrastructure revenue leave Cisco increasingly positioned as a major networking beneficiary of global AI data center investment.

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Global Finance News 08-13-26

Cisco Surges 19% in Premarket on Record Revenue and Explosive AI Infrastructure Demand

May 13, 2026 | NASDAQ: CSCO

Cisco is set for one of its best single-day performances in years, jumping 19% in premarket after delivering a quarter that reframes the company's identity — from legacy networking giant to essential AI infrastructure backbone — and raises its AI-related revenue expectations by 80%.

The headline numbers are exceptional. Record quarterly revenue of $15.8 billion grew 12% year-on-year, beating the high end of guidance. GAAP EPS of $0.85 surged 37%, and non-GAAP EPS of $1.06 grew 10%. GAAP operating income rose 24% to $4.0 billion. Net income jumped 35% to $3.4 billion. Every major geographic segment posted growth — Americas up 14%, EMEA up 9%, APJC up 9%.

The numbers driving the 19% premarket move, however, are the order metrics. Total product orders grew 35% year-on-year — and even excluding hyperscalers, orders were up 19%, demonstrating that demand is broad-based rather than concentrated in a handful of mega-customers. Networking product orders accelerated to more than 50% growth year-on-year. Data center switching orders grew more than 40%. Campus networking orders grew more than 25%, with the next-generation portfolio ramping faster than prior product cycles.

The AI infrastructure story is where the real revision happened. Cisco raised its expected fiscal 2026 AI infrastructure orders to $9 billion — nearly double the prior $5 billion expectation. And it raised expected FY26 AI-related revenue to $4 billion, up from $3 billion previously. Year to date, the company has already taken $5.3 billion in AI infrastructure orders. The message is unambiguous: hyperscalers and enterprises are buying Cisco's networking infrastructure to connect and secure AI workloads at a pace that is accelerating, not stabilizing.

The campus networking refresh cycle adds another layer to the growth story. This is the traditional enterprise replacement cycle — companies upgrading aging campus networks — and Cisco is seeing it ramp faster than historical product launches. Combined with the AI-driven data center and hyperscaler demand, Cisco is simultaneously riding two distinct capex waves.

Q4 guidance calls for revenue of $16.7 to $16.9 billion with non-GAAP EPS of $1.16 to $1.18, and full-year revenue guidance was set at $62.8 to $63.0 billion. At $16.7 to $16.9 billion, Q4 would represent another sequential record.

With $16.6 billion in cash, $9.6 billion remaining in buyback authorization, and $2.9 billion returned to shareholders in the quarter alone, the balance sheet is in excellent shape. In a market that has been hungry for concrete proof that AI infrastructure spending is translating into real revenue for networking names, Cisco just delivered the most convincing evidence yet.

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European Investor 05-14-26

Cisco unveiled a new Universal Quantum Switch, a research prototype designed to enable communication between different quantum computing systems and advance the development of quantum networks. The technology allows quantum information to be routed and translated across multiple encoding formats while preserving data integrity, addressing a key challenge in scaling quantum computing.

In early tests, the system demonstrated less than 4% degradation in quantum information fidelity and operated at room temperature using existing telecom infrastructure. Cisco said the innovation represents a major step toward building interconnected quantum systems capable of supporting real-world applications.

The company emphasized that quantum networking will be essential for scaling quantum computing, with the new switch forming part of its broader strategy to develop a full-stack quantum network ecosystem.

Source: PR Newswire

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Global Finance News 04-24-26

Cisco Systems, Inc. reported that industrial artificial intelligence is rapidly moving into real-world operations, though infrastructure and security gaps remain key challenges to scaling adoption.

According to Cisco’s latest global study, around two-thirds of industrial organizations are already deploying AI in live operational environments, with applications spanning automation, predictive maintenance, and logistics. However, many companies face limitations in network readiness, cybersecurity, and collaboration between IT and operational teams.

The report highlights that infrastructure and security are now critical factors determining whether AI can scale effectively in industries such as manufacturing, transportation, and energy.

Cisco said organizations that invest in strong networks, cybersecurity, and IT/OT integration are better positioned to expand AI deployments and capture operational benefits.
PRNewswire

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WS Investor 04-07-26

Cisco reported that strategic investments in wireless infrastructure are delivering strong returns for enterprises, driven by the growing demands of AI, IoT, and high-bandwidth applications.

According to its State of Wireless Report, 80% of organizations have increased wireless spending over the past five years, with more than 80% expecting further increases. Companies investing in modern wireless networks are seeing measurable benefits, including improved operational efficiency (78%), higher employee productivity (75%), and increased customer engagement (75%), with over two-thirds also reporting revenue gains.

The report highlights a “wireless AI paradox,” where AI both boosts network value and introduces challenges such as complexity, security risks, and talent shortages. Organizations that effectively address these issues are significantly more likely to achieve strong returns on their wireless investments.

Cisco emphasized that AI-driven automation is becoming critical, with companies saving hundreds of hours annually per IT employee, while modern Wi-Fi technologies such as Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 are expected to see rapid adoption.
PRNewswire

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Global Finance News 04-03-26

Cisco unveiled a suite of new security solutions designed for the emerging “agentic AI” workforce, aiming to enable secure deployment of autonomous AI agents at scale.

The company introduced Zero Trust extensions for AI agents, including identity management, strict access controls, and real-time monitoring, alongside new tools such as AI Defense Explorer for model testing and DefenseClaw, an open-source secure agent framework.

Cisco also expanded AI capabilities within its Splunk platform to automate security operations, helping organizations detect and respond to threats at machine speed as AI-driven workloads increase.
PRNewswire

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WS Investor 03-23-26

Cisco Systems Inc. Expands AI Infrastructure Partnership with NVIDIA

Cisco Systems Inc. announced an expansion of its Secure AI Factory with NVIDIA, enabling enterprises to deploy and secure AI workloads across both centralized data centers and edge environments.

The updated architecture supports real-time AI inference at the edge—such as in hospitals, factories, and vehicles—while integrating NVIDIA hardware with Cisco networking and security solutions. The platform also enhances performance through high-speed switching and simplifies deployment, reducing implementation timelines from months to weeks.

Additionally, Cisco is embedding advanced security features, including AI Defense and Hybrid Mesh Firewall, to protect AI infrastructure and agent-based systems, addressing growing risks as organizations scale AI from pilot projects to full production.
PRNewswire

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WS Investor 03-17-26

Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) has released Splunk’s 2026 CISO Report, highlighting the growing role of agentic AI in strengthening digital resilience as security leaders face increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.

Based on a survey of 650 global Chief Information Security Officers, the report finds that 95% cite the rising sophistication of threat actors as their greatest risk. Nearly all respondents now oversee AI governance and risk management, reflecting the expanding scope of the CISO role.

AI adoption is accelerating across security teams. Ninety-two percent of CISOs said AI enables them to review more security events, while 89% reported improved data correlation. Among organizations that have adopted agentic AI, 39% strongly agreed it has significantly increased reporting speed, compared with 18% still exploring the technology. At the same time, 86% expressed concern that agentic AI could heighten the sophistication of social engineering attacks.

The report also underscores operational pressures, with nearly two-thirds of teams experiencing moderate to significant burnout driven by high alert volumes and false positives. CISOs are prioritizing workforce upskilling and cross-functional collaboration to close skills gaps and improve resilience.

Source: PR Newswire, February 24, 2026.

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Global Finance News 02-24-26

HCLTech and Cisco have launched an enhanced AI-powered Fluid Contact Center solution, combining Cisco’s Webex Contact Center platform with HCLTech’s Contact Center as a Service (CCaaS) transformation expertise.

The solution integrates AI and GenAI capabilities, including multilingual virtual agents, conversational IVR, agent-assist tools, analytics and proactive monitoring. It is designed to support guided migration to cloud-based CCaaS, simplify adoption and improve service responsiveness and operational efficiency.

HCLTech and Cisco aim to help enterprises shift from reactive to predictive customer engagement, enabling smarter, more personalized customer experiences across industries.

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Global Finance News 02-13-26

Cisco Systems, Inc. reported strong fiscal Q2 2026 results, with double-digit revenue and earnings growth above guidance.

Revenue rose 10% year over year to a record $15.3 billion. GAAP net income was $3.2 billion, or $0.80 per share (+31%), while non-GAAP net income reached $4.1 billion, or $1.04 per share (+11%). GAAP gross margin was 65.0% and non-GAAP gross margin 67.5%; GAAP operating margin was 24.6% and non-GAAP operating margin 34.6%, both above the high end of guidance.

Product orders increased 18% year over year, with networking orders up more than 20%. AI infrastructure orders from hyperscalers totaled $2.1 billion, reflecting accelerating demand. Cisco also announced a 2% dividend increase to $0.42 per share.

For Q3 FY2026, Cisco expects revenue of $15.4–$15.6 billion and non-GAAP EPS of $1.02–$1.04. For FY2026, it projects revenue of $61.2–$61.7 billion and non-GAAP EPS of $4.13–$4.17, including the estimated impact of tariffs under current trade policy.

Source: PR Newswire.

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European Investor 02-12-26

08-12-26European Investor

06-20-26European Investor

06-06-26The Investor

05-14-26WS Investor

NASDAQ:COHR

Coherent Stock Falls 4.8% Despite Strong AI-Driven Growth and Record Revenue

Coherent (NYSE: COHR) shares fell 4.8% in premarket trading Thursday despite reporting strong fiscal fourth-quarter results, with rapid AI data center demand driving revenue growth and margin expansion.

Fourth-quarter revenue reached $2.05 billion, up 34% year over year and 42% on a pro forma basis. Non-GAAP EPS rose to $1.74, up $0.74 from a year earlier, while non-GAAP gross margin expanded 215 basis points to 40.2%.

AI Optical Demand Remains a Major Growth Driver

Coherent continues to benefit from the rapid expansion of AI infrastructure. The company said customer demand remains exceptionally strong as AI data center architectures increasingly shift from copper toward optical connectivity, where Coherent supplies photonic components and technologies.

Management expects that momentum to continue into fiscal 2027, supported by additional manufacturing capacity and new growth platforms.

For the first quarter, Coherent expects revenue of $2.2 billion to $2.4 billion and non-GAAP EPS of $1.85 to $2.05. Non-GAAP gross margin is projected at 39.5%-41.5%.

Despite the strong growth outlook, the 4.8% premarket decline suggests expectations were already elevated following Coherent's AI-driven momentum. Investors may also be reacting to the Q1 margin outlook, whose midpoint of 40.5% represents only modest improvement from Q4's 40.2%, alongside increased spending to expand manufacturing capacity.

Still, Coherent remains strongly positioned within the AI infrastructure sector as rising bandwidth requirements increase demand for high-speed optical connectivity.

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Global Finance News 08-13-26

Coherent Slips 3.44% in Premarket Despite Strong Quarter, as Investors Weigh Valuation Against Growth

Coherent Corp. is trading lower by 3.44% in premarket today, a counterintuitive reaction to what was by most measures a genuinely strong third quarter fiscal 2026 earnings report. The decline likely reflects profit-taking after a period of elevated expectations, rather than any fundamental concern with the results themselves — a classic "buy the rumor, sell the news" dynamic in a stock that has benefited from intense investor enthusiasm around AI infrastructure spending.

Revenue for the quarter ended March 31, 2026 came in at $1.81 billion, a 21% increase year-over-year on a reported basis and 27% on a pro forma basis. Both figures point to a business riding a powerful and durable demand wave. Gross margin expanded meaningfully, with the GAAP figure coming in at 37.7%, up 243 basis points year-over-year, while the non-GAAP gross margin reached 39.6%, up 105 basis points. The direction of travel on margins is clearly positive, and the pace of improvement suggests that operating leverage is beginning to assert itself as volumes scale.

Earnings per share told a similar story of rapid improvement. GAAP EPS reached $0.97 per diluted share, a $1.08 improvement year-over-year that reflects both the stronger revenue base and the absence of charges that weighed on the prior year period. Non-GAAP EPS came in at $1.41, up $0.50 year-over-year, demonstrating that the underlying cash earnings power of the business is compounding at a meaningful rate.

The driving force behind the results is no mystery. CEO Jim Anderson pointed directly to exceptionally strong demand across the company's datacenter and communications businesses, with AI infrastructure buildout at the center of the growth story. Coherent occupies a strategically important position in the AI supply chain as a maker of photonic components — the transceivers, lasers, and optical networking technology that move data between chips, servers, and data centers at the speeds that modern AI workloads demand. As hyperscalers continue to pour hundreds of billions of dollars into AI infrastructure, the need for high-speed optical interconnects is scaling in lockstep, and Coherent is one of a small number of companies with the photonic technology portfolio and manufacturing scale to meet that demand.

CFO Sherri Luther reinforced that the company's visibility into ongoing demand remains strong, and noted that the company is actively ramping capital investment to expand capacity. That capital commitment is a signal of confidence in the durability of the growth cycle, not a sign of strain — management is investing because customers are asking for more product than Coherent can currently supply.

The 3.44% premarket decline, against this backdrop of accelerating revenue growth, expanding margins, and rising earnings, is best read as a valuation adjustment rather than a fundamental reassessment. Stocks that have run hard on AI optimism are held to an exceptionally high standard at earnings time, and even a strong quarter can disappoint a market that had priced in perfection. For investors with a longer horizon, the underlying trajectory — faster growth, better margins, a critical position in the AI infrastructure stack — remains firmly intact.

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The Investor 05-07-26

Coherent Corp. – Bain Capital waives dividend rights on Series B preferred stock

Coherent Corp. announced that it has entered into a Waiver Agreement with Bain Capital, the holder of its Series B-1 and Series B-2 Convertible Preferred Stock. Under the agreement, Bain Capital irrevocably waives its rights to receive any dividends on these preferred shares from November 20, 2025 onward.

Bain Capital, which has reduced but still maintains a significant ownership stake in Coherent, said the decision reflects long-term confidence in the company’s strategy and management. Senior Advisor Steve Pagliuca described Coherent as a strong long-term investment with clear strategic direction.

Coherent stated that the waiver strengthens alignment between Bain Capital and common shareholders and supports the company’s strategic priorities.

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Global Finance News 11-21-25

Coherent Secures $1.25B Term Loan, Expands Credit Facility to $700M

Coherent Corp. (NYSE: COHR) has refinanced and expanded its credit facilities through two amendments to its existing Credit Agreement with JPMorgan Chase and other lenders.

Under Amendment No. 4, the company replaced its prior revolving credit commitments with a new $700 million senior secured revolving credit facility and secured $1.25 billion in new incremental Term A loans. Proceeds were used to repay existing Term A loans, prepay part of its Term B-2 loans, and fund corporate needs. The new Term A loans mature in 2030, carry leverage-linked interest rates, and feature quarterly amortization.

Amendment No. 5 refinanced $1.08 billion of Term B-2 loans into new Term B-3 loans with reduced interest margins, while keeping maturity dates unchanged. Together, the amendments extend maturities, lower borrowing costs, and strengthen liquidity flexibility, with covenant adjustments allowing leverage up to 4.25x, temporarily higher after acquisitions.

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Global Finance News 09-27-25

06-09-26Global Finance News

05-13-26The Investor

NASDAQ:NVDA

IBM Expands AI Infrastructure Push With $240 Million Together AI Agreement

IBM (NYSE: IBM) announced a multi-year $240 million agreement with Together AI to deploy a large-scale artificial intelligence inference cluster on IBM Cloud, further expanding the company’s exposure to growing enterprise AI infrastructure demand.

Under the agreement, IBM plans to deploy NVIDIA HGX B300 systems combined with NVIDIA Spectrum-X Ethernet networking. The cluster, expected to become available in the first quarter of 2027, will be used by Together AI to provide production-scale inference for open-source AI models.

The deployment will be IBM Cloud’s first dedicated large-scale inference cluster based on HGX B300 systems. NVIDIA says the architecture can deliver as much as 30 times greater AI factory output compared with previous generations.

Together AI has been scaling rapidly as demand for open-source AI models grows. The company says its inference platform currently processes around 400 trillion tokens per month and recently raised $800 million at an $8.3 billion valuation.

For IBM, the agreement strengthens its position as an infrastructure provider for increasingly compute-intensive AI workloads. It also deepens IBM’s existing relationship with NVIDIA, spanning GPUs, networking, cloud infrastructure and enterprise AI software.

The $240 million multi-year commitment provides IBM with another significant AI infrastructure customer while demonstrating demand for its GPU-based cloud capacity. The companies expect the platform to help enterprises run open-source AI models with improved performance and lower inference costs.

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The Investor 08-11-26

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

NVIDIA shares climbed approximately 4.5% today as investors reacted positively to the company’s latest artificial intelligence chip announcements and expanding vision for AI-powered computing.

The rally was fueled by NVIDIA’s unveiling of a powerful new AI supercomputer chip scheduled for release this fall, reinforcing the company’s position at the center of the global artificial intelligence infrastructure boom. Investors view the new product as another step in NVIDIA’s effort to maintain its technological lead as demand for AI training and inference continues to accelerate across enterprises, cloud providers, and government organizations.

Markets also welcomed news highlighting how NVIDIA’s next-generation AI processors could bring advanced artificial intelligence capabilities directly to Windows PCs. The move expands NVIDIA’s opportunity beyond data centers and cloud computing, potentially opening a massive consumer and enterprise PC market for AI-powered applications.

The announcements come just days after NVIDIA delivered another strong earnings report, which showcased continued growth in AI-related revenue and robust demand for its Blackwell platform. Today’s gains suggest investors remain confident that the company can sustain its leadership position despite increasing competition from rivals such as AMD, Intel, and custom chip developers.

With a market value exceeding $5 trillion and analysts maintaining an average price target well above current levels, NVIDIA continues to be viewed as one of the primary beneficiaries of the global AI spending cycle. Investors are betting that the company’s expanding portfolio of AI chips, software, and computing platforms will drive another wave of growth as businesses increasingly adopt artificial intelligence technologies.

Today’s move highlights the market’s belief that NVIDIA’s innovation pipeline remains strong and that demand for advanced AI computing is still in the early stages of a multi-year expansion.

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WS News 06-01-26

Nvidia Barely Moves in Premarket Despite Historic Quarter as Monster Guidance Already Priced In

Nvidia reported what may be the most extraordinary quarter in semiconductor history yesterday, yet shares edged up just 0.08% in premarket trading — a reaction that speaks volumes about how thoroughly the AI infrastructure bull case has been priced into one of the world's most closely watched stocks.

Revenue for Q1 fiscal 2027 came in at a record $81.6 billion, up 85% year over year and 20% sequentially, beating the consensus expectation of approximately $78 billion. Data Center revenue reached a record $75.2 billion, up 92% year over year, with compute revenue up 77% and networking revenue — a figure that had been less scrutinized — surging 199% to $14.8 billion. GAAP net income tripled to $58.3 billion and GAAP diluted EPS of $2.39 was more than triple the $0.76 reported a year ago. Gross margin expanded to 74.9% from 60.5% a year ago. The company returned a record $20 billion to shareholders in the quarter alone.

The forward guidance was the number the market had been waiting for. Nvidia guided Q2 revenue of $91.0 billion, plus or minus 2%, representing another roughly 12% sequential acceleration and approximately 76% year-over-year growth. Critically, the company stated it is not assuming any Data Center compute revenue from China in its outlook — meaning the guidance stands entirely on non-China demand, a significant reassurance given ongoing export restriction concerns.

The company also announced an $80 billion additional share repurchase authorization and a dramatic dividend increase, raising the quarterly payout from $0.01 per share to $0.25 per share — a 2,400% increase that signals management's confidence in sustained cash generation.

CEO Jensen Huang framed the moment in sweeping terms, describing the buildout of AI factories as the largest infrastructure expansion in human history and positioning Nvidia as the only platform running in every cloud, powering every frontier model and scaling from hyperscale data centers to the edge.

The company is also transitioning to a new reporting framework with two market platforms — Data Center and Edge Computing — reflecting its evolution beyond chips into a full-stack AI infrastructure company. The Vera Rubin platform, NVIDIA Dynamo 1.0 and a broad suite of agentic AI tools underscore that the product roadmap extends well beyond the current Blackwell cycle.

The near-flat premarket reaction is not a sign of disappointment — the results were objectively exceptional by any historical standard. It is instead a reflection of a stock that has already rallied 20% in the past month and trades at a valuation that embeds extraordinary future growth. When a company beats $78 billion estimates with $81.6 billion and guides to $91 billion next quarter, and the stock barely moves, it tells you that the market had already bought the dream. The question now is whether $91 billion in Q2 will finally surprise to the upside of even the most bullish expectations — and whether the Vera Rubin ramp can extend this cycle well into 2027 and beyond.

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The Investor 05-21-26

US Markets Open Cautiously Higher as All Eyes Turn to Nvidia

US equity markets opened in positive territory today, with the S&P 500 up 0.31%, the Dow adding 0.14% and the Nasdaq gaining 0.38%, as investors adopted a measured stance ahead of what is arguably the most consequential earnings report of the season — Nvidia's first quarter fiscal 2027 results, due after the closing bell today.

The cautious optimism comes after two consecutive sessions of declines driven by rising bond yields and geopolitical anxiety. The modest green open reflects a market catching its breath rather than making a bold directional call, with most participants holding their positions ahead of Nvidia's numbers.

Nvidia is expected to report roughly $78 billion in revenue and $1.77 in non-GAAP earnings per share, implying approximately 77% to 78% year-on-year revenue growth. Buy-side whispers run higher, with some sell-side desks modeling closer to $79 billion and the most aggressive houses above $80 billion. Nvidia has beaten the Street every quarter of this cycle, meaning a beat alone is already priced in. What markets will be watching most closely is the Q2 guidance and any commentary on the China export restrictions and gross margin sustainability.

The broader earnings backdrop heading into today is genuinely strong. With approximately one-third of S&P 500 companies reported, the blended year-over-year earnings growth rate stood at 15%, up from 13% expected at the end of March, putting the index on track for a sixth consecutive quarter of double-digit earnings growth. Eighty-four percent of reporting companies have beaten EPS estimates, with the magnitude of beats averaging 12%, well above the five-year historical average of 7.3%.

Today's earnings slate is also busy, with Target, Lowe's, TJX, Analog Devices and Hasbro among the morning reporters. From the earnings covered over the past two days, CAVA's 9.7% same-restaurant sales growth driven by actual traffic gains and 8x8's first GAAP-profitable fiscal year since 2015 were standouts, while Red Robin's margin improvement and Agilysys' record revenue quarter added to a broadly constructive picture across sectors.

On the macro front, the tension between a strong earnings season and a difficult rate environment remains unresolved. Bond yields have been climbing, with the 30-year Treasury recently crossing 5.18%, its highest level in nearly two decades. Iran ceasefire diplomacy continues to generate daily headlines and oil price swings, keeping inflation expectations elevated and Fed rate cut hopes pushed further into the future.

For today, Nvidia is the market. A strong print with confident guidance could provide the catalyst the broader indices need to break decisively higher. Anything short of that, and two days of bond-driven selling could resume.

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WS Investor 05-20-26

Nvidia Extends Rally as Jensen Huang Joins Trump in Beijing, May 20 Earnings in Sight

May 14, 2026 | NASDAQ: NVDA

Nvidia is building on yesterday's 2.29% gain with a further 1.93% rise in premarket, extending a five-day winning streak that has added approximately $590 billion in market cap and pushed shares back toward all-time highs. Two converging forces are driving the momentum — a dramatic geopolitical development in Beijing and accelerating anticipation ahead of the May 20 earnings report.

The headline development from the last 24 hours is Jensen Huang's last-minute addition to President Trump's China delegation. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has joined Trump's trip to China after initial indications he had not been invited. After seeing media coverage of Huang's absence from the delegation, Trump called the Nvidia executive and asked him to join, and Huang flew to Alaska to board Air Force One (CNBC).

Trump had previously approved Nvidia H200 chip exports to China in January 2026, but not a single one has been sold, making Huang's presence at the summit a potential catalyst for breaking that impasse. The market is treating that possibility as a meaningful positive for Nvidia's China revenue outlook.

Wells Fargo raised its price target on Nvidia from $265 to $315 with an overweight rating, saying AI will drive the stock more than 40% higher from current levels (CNBC). The broader analyst community is similarly positioned ahead of the May 20 earnings report. Nvidia has guided for Q1 fiscal 2027 revenue of $78 billion, plus or minus 2%, while the Wall Street consensus expects approximately $78.8 billion in revenue and adjusted EPS of $1.77 (Motley Fool). Hyperscaler capex commitments provide strong demand visibility — Microsoft plans to spend $190 billion in calendar 2026, Amazon approximately $200 billion, and Alphabet between $180 and $190 billion, all largely AI-driven (Motley Fool).

Nvidia shares have gained approximately 20% year to date, outpacing the S&P 500's 7.5% and the Nasdaq's 14% gains, with the stock trading near its 52-week high of $225 and a market cap of approximately $5.5 trillion. At roughly 27 times forward earnings, the valuation has actually compressed relative to prior peaks, giving bulls a reasonable entry point ahead of what most expect will be another beat-and-raise quarter.

The China angle is the wildcard. If the Beijing summit produces any signal of a pathway to H200 shipments resuming, the revenue upside for Nvidia could be significant — and the market appears to be starting to price in that possibility.

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European Investor 05-14-26

NVIDIA Rises as AI Momentum and China Hopes Lift Sentiment

NVIDIA shares rose about 2.65% today, extending a strong rally as investors continued to price in demand for artificial-intelligence chips and looked ahead to the company’s next earnings report. The stock traded near record levels, on pace for a record close after four straight days of gains.

One key driver appears to be renewed optimism around China. Investing*com reported that the move was helped by news of President Trump’s planned state visit to China on May 13–15, which investors interpreted as a possible opening for discussions around AI chip export restrictions. Since China remains a major potential market for advanced AI hardware, any easing or renegotiation of restrictions could be meaningful for NVIDIA’s future sales outlook (Investing*com).

The rally also reflects positioning ahead of NVIDIA’s upcoming earnings, expected on May 20 on which analysts remain highly bullish. Expectations for revenue is about $78.6 billion, up 78% year over year.

Recent AI infrastructure news has also supported sentiment. Reuters reported last week that NVIDIA plans to invest up to $2.1 billion in data-center operator IREN as part of a broader deal to deploy up to 5 gigawatts of AI infrastructure, underscoring the scale of demand for computing capacity (Reuters).

Overall, today’s gain seems to be driven by three factors: record-high momentum, expectations for another strong earnings report, and hopes that U.S.-China talks could improve the outlook for AI chip sales. The main risk is valuation: after such a sharp rally, investors may expect near-perfect earnings and guidance.

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Global Finance News 05-11-26

NVIDIA and ServiceNow announced an expanded partnership to develop autonomous AI agents for enterprise use, unveiled at ServiceNow Knowledge 2026.

The collaboration focuses on delivering governed, secure AI agents capable of executing complex, multi-step workflows across enterprise systems. A key highlight is “Project Arc,” a self-evolving desktop agent designed to assist knowledge workers such as developers and IT teams by interacting directly with local systems and applications.

The solution integrates NVIDIA’s accelerated computing and open models with ServiceNow’s workflow and governance platforms, enabling enterprises to deploy AI agents with greater control, auditability, and security. The initiative also emphasizes efficiency, leveraging NVIDIA’s AI infrastructure to significantly reduce operational costs for large-scale AI deployments.

The partnership reflects a broader shift toward autonomous, action-oriented AI systems, where enterprises prioritize not just AI reasoning but real-world execution within controlled environments.

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The Investor 05-05-26

Nvidia Slides 4% in Pre-Market as Custom Chip Threat and China Restrictions Cloud the AI Chip Throne

Nvidia shares are down around 4% in pre-market trading on May 1, a jarring contrast to the broader AI optimism generated by a wave of blowout Big Tech earnings, as two converging headwinds move to the forefront of investor concern.

The primary catalyst for the drop is growing anxiety about competition in the AI chip market. Amazon recently disclosed that its in-house chip business is growing quickly, while Alphabet announced plans to sell its custom AI chips to select outside customers, prompting investors to question whether Nvidia's dominant position may begin to erode as hyperscalers increasingly develop alternatives. (CNBC)

The China situation is adding a second layer of pressure. A recent crackdown on chip smuggling in China has pushed prices of Nvidia's B300 servers close to $1 million each. Since these advanced systems are restricted in China, supply is constrained and prices are surging, but this also risks reducing demand and accelerating the push by Chinese customers toward competitor hardware. Separately, Chinese AI and tech firms including Alibaba and Tencent are increasingly betting on Huawei chips as they seek to break their dependence on Nvidia given ongoing US export restrictions. (CNBC, Investing*com)

The irony of the sell-off is that the hyperscaler earnings released overnight were uniformly bullish for AI infrastructure demand. Alphabet raised its 2026 capex guidance to $180 to $190 billion, while Amazon and Microsoft also flagged significant AI infrastructure increases, with Big Tech capital expenditures now seen topping $1 trillion collectively in 2027. Yet markets are increasingly asking whether that spending will flow to Nvidia or to proprietary custom silicon. (Stocktwits)

Nvidia closed at $209.25 on April 30 and is trading around $199.57 in pre-market, with a 52-week range of $110.82 to $216.83. The stock is still up more than 92% over the past year. Nvidia's next earnings report is scheduled for May 20, where the company will need to demonstrate that demand for its Blackwell architecture remains insulated from the custom chip threat. (The Motley Fool)

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European Investor 05-01-26

Nvidia stock volatile this week as AI optimism meets rising concerns

Shares of NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA) showed volatile performance this week, as strong momentum in the AI sector was offset by growing investor concerns about sustainability of demand and broader market risks.

The stock initially surged to a new record high, supported by continued enthusiasm around artificial intelligence and expectations of strong spending by major tech companies. According to Investopedia, Nvidia’s rally has been driven by its dominant position in data center GPUs and its central role in AI infrastructure.

However, the rally lost momentum as the broader market turned cautious. Reuters reported that semiconductor stocks, including Nvidia, came under pressure amid concerns that AI growth could slow and uncertainty around large-scale data center investments.

Additional headwinds also weighed on sentiment. Reports cited by KuCoin News highlighted risks from potential U.S. export restrictions on advanced AI chips, which could limit Nvidia’s access to key markets such as China.

Despite these short-term pressures, the longer-term outlook remains supported by strong structural demand. Investopedia noted that continued investment in AI infrastructure is expected to sustain Nvidia’s growth, even as valuation and macro concerns create near-term volatility.

Overall, this week’s price action reflects a balance between strong AI-driven fundamentals and rising investor caution, keeping Nvidia among the most closely watched stocks globally.

Source: Reuters, Investopedia, KuCoin News

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WS Investor 04-28-26

08-13-26Global Finance News

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NYSE:TPR

Tapestry (TPR) Falls 15.6% Despite Strong Q4 as FY2027 Outlook Disappoints

Tapestry (NYSE: TPR) shares are down 15.6% after the luxury fashion company reported strong fiscal fourth-quarter results but issued a more moderate growth outlook for fiscal 2027.

Fourth-quarter revenue rose 9% year over year to $1.88 billion, while pro forma sales excluding Stuart Weitzman increased 12%. Non-GAAP EPS climbed 28% to $1.32, and non-GAAP operating margin expanded 250 basis points to 19.3%.

Coach remained the company's main growth engine, with Q4 revenue rising 15%, including particularly strong growth in Greater China. However, Kate Spade remained a weak spot, with quarterly revenue falling 7%.

Why Is TPR Stock Down?

The selloff appears primarily tied to expectations for slower growth ahead. Tapestry forecasts fiscal 2027 revenue of $8.4 billion to $8.5 billion, representing only mid-single-digit growth, while EPS is expected at $7.80 to $7.90, representing low-double-digit growth. For Q1, the company expects high-single-digit revenue growth and EPS of approximately $1.55.

The sharp reaction suggests investors had priced in stronger momentum following Coach's exceptional fiscal 2026 performance. With Coach growth likely normalizing and Kate Spade still contracting, the FY2027 outlook appears to have fallen short of elevated market expectations despite another strong quarter.

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The Investor 08-13-26

Tapestry, Inc. reported strong results for the fiscal second quarter of 2025, with record revenue of $2.2 billion, marking a 5% increase from the previous year. The growth was driven by a 10% increase in Coach's revenue. Gross margin expanded by 280 basis points, reflecting operational improvements and lower freight expenses.

The company achieved a diluted EPS of $1.38 on a reported basis and a record non-GAAP diluted EPS of $2.00, surpassing expectations. This was driven by operational outperformance, share repurchase activity, and a favorable tax rate. Cash flow from operating activities was robust, exceeding $500 million, with adjusted free cash flow of around $890 million.

Tapestry's strategic initiatives included growing its customer base, with 2.7 million new customers acquired in North America, particularly among Gen Z and Millennials. The company saw positive revenue growth across all regions, with notable gains in Europe (+42%), North America (+4%), and APAC (+1%).

In terms of shareholder returns, Tapestry expects to return over $2 billion in fiscal 2025 through dividends and share repurchases. The company declared a quarterly dividend of $0.35 per common share, payable in March 2025.

Overall, Tapestry remains confident in its future prospects, citing strong brand performance, effective operational management, and strategic investments aimed at sustainable growth.

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European Investor 02-06-25

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WS News 07-28-26

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

U.S. Markets Trade Mixed as Investors Monitor U.S.-Iran Conflict and Await Earnings Season

U.S. stocks traded mixed on Monday as investors balanced escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East against expectations for upcoming corporate earnings and a resilient U.S. economy.

The S&P 500 slipped 0.23%, while the Nasdaq declined 0.88% as technology stocks came under pressure. The Dow Jones Industrial Average outperformed, edging 0.20% higher with support from industrial and defensive shares.

Investor sentiment remained heavily influenced by the latest developments in the U.S.-Iran conflict. Military exchanges between the two countries intensified in recent days, with both sides carrying out missile and drone strikes and uncertainty surrounding shipping through the Strait of Hormuz continuing to fuel concerns over global energy supplies. The renewed escalation has pushed oil prices higher and added to inflation concerns, although markets remain hopeful that the conflict will not significantly disrupt global crude exports.

On the macroeconomic front, investors continued to digest recent data showing a mixed but generally resilient U.S. economy. Last week’s weaker-than-expected nonfarm payrolls and softer services activity reinforced expectations that the Federal Reserve could still ease monetary policy later this year. At the same time, moderating inflation indicators have helped support the broader outlook for risk assets.

The market is also shifting its focus toward the upcoming second-quarter earnings season, with major U.S. banks set to report results next week. Investors will closely watch corporate guidance for signs that earnings growth can continue despite elevated interest rates, geopolitical uncertainty, and higher energy prices.

Although the major indexes remain near record levels, today’s mixed performance reflects a cautious market environment as investors weigh the economic impact of rising geopolitical tensions against a still-solid U.S. economic backdrop. The direction of the U.S.-Iran conflict, oil prices, and the start of earnings season are likely to remain the primary drivers of market sentiment in the coming days.

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WS News 07-13-26

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NASDAQ:ASND

Ascendis Pharma (ASND) Falls 3.8% Despite 105% Revenue Growth

Ascendis Pharma (NASDAQ: ASND) shares are down 3.8% after the company reported second-quarter 2026 results, despite strong commercial growth across its rare-disease portfolio.

Product revenue reached €315 million, up 105% year over year. YORVIPATH remained the main growth driver with €252 million in quarterly revenue, while SKYTROFA contributed €55 million and newly launched YUVIWEL generated €8 million.

Why Is ASND Stock Down?

The decline appears to reflect elevated investor expectations rather than weakness in the headline operating figures. With ASND already benefiting from expectations for rapid YORVIPATH adoption, strong growth may have been largely priced into the shares.

Investors may also be assessing the early trajectory of YUVIWEL. The company reported more than 220 unique U.S. patient enrollments through July 31, but at this early stage the product remains a relatively small revenue contributor.

Fundamentally, YORVIPATH continues to show strong demand, while Ascendis is advancing several label-expansion and late-stage clinical programs. The 3.8% decline therefore appears more consistent with a post-earnings reset in expectations than deterioration in the company's underlying commercial momentum.

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The Investor 08-13-26

NYSE:CAVA

CAVA Stock Jumps 10% as Strong Traffic and 31% Revenue Growth Fuel Q2 Rally

CAVA Group (NYSE: CAVA) shares jumped 10% in premarket trading Wednesday after the Mediterranean fast-casual restaurant chain reported strong second-quarter growth, led by rising customer traffic, robust same-restaurant sales and continued expansion of its restaurant network.

The market reaction appears to reflect the quality of CAVA's growth, particularly its 5.3% increase in guest traffic at a time when consumer spending and restaurant traffic remain important concerns for the industry.

Revenue Rises 31% as Guest Traffic Accelerates

CAVA generated second-quarter revenue of $365.4 million, up 31.3% from $278.2 million a year earlier. Same-restaurant sales increased 9.0%, consisting of 5.3% guest traffic growth and a 3.7% contribution from menu pricing and product mix.

The traffic component is particularly significant because it shows that CAVA's comparable-sales growth was not dependent primarily on higher prices.

Average unit volume also increased to $3.1 million from $2.9 million a year earlier, providing further evidence of strengthening restaurant productivity.

CAVA opened 17 net new restaurants during the quarter, bringing its total to 476, up 19.6% year-over-year. Management said newer restaurants continue to perform above expectations, supporting the company's strategy of expanding the brand into additional U.S. markets.

Profit Growth Keeps Pace With Expansion

Restaurant-level profit increased 28.1% to $93.8 million, while adjusted EBITDA rose 30% to $54.7 million. Net income climbed 25.3% to $23 million.

Restaurant-level profit margin remained strong at 25.7%, although it declined 60 basis points from the prior-year quarter. CAVA attributed the pressure partly to costs associated with its Pomegranate Glazed Salmon launch, a greater mix of third-party delivery and additional wage investments.

Despite the slight margin contraction, higher sales allowed restaurant-level profit dollars to continue growing strongly.

CAVA Reaffirms 2026 Guidance

CAVA maintained its full-year outlook, forecasting 75 to 77 net new restaurant openings and same-restaurant sales growth of 4.5% to 6.5%. Restaurant-level profit margin is expected between 23.7% and 24.3%, while adjusted EBITDA is projected at $181 million to $191 million.

The reaffirmed guidance means management is not yet extrapolating Q2's 9% comparable-sales growth across the remainder of the year, but the quarter nevertheless provides encouraging evidence that CAVA's expansion is being accompanied by healthy underlying demand.

CAVA's 10% premarket rally therefore appears driven by a combination of rapid unit expansion and, importantly, strong organic growth at existing locations. Continued positive guest traffic, rising average unit volumes and solid restaurant-level profitability reinforce the company's position as one of the faster-growing brands in the U.S. fast-casual restaurant sector.

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European Investor 08-12-26

CAVA Jumps 7.33% in Premarket as Traffic Growth and Raised Guidance Impress

CAVA Group surged more than 7% in premarket trading today after the Mediterranean fast-casual chain delivered a first quarter that beat on nearly every metric and raised its full-year outlook, reinforcing its position as one of the standout growth stories in the restaurant industry.

Revenue grew 32.2% to $434.4 million, driven by 20 net new restaurant openings in the quarter and same restaurant sales growth of 9.7%. Crucially, the comparable sales gain was led by guest traffic growth of 6.8% rather than price increases alone, with menu price and mix contributing the remaining 2.9% — a distinction that carries significant weight in a consumer environment marked by caution and value-seeking behavior. The company now operates 459 CAVA restaurants, a 20.2% increase year over year, with recent new market entries in Cincinnati, St. Louis and Columbus.

Restaurant-level profit margin held steady at 25.1%, flat to the prior year despite higher third-party delivery costs and incremental wage investments, as sales leverage offset the headwinds. Adjusted EBITDA grew 37.6% to $61.7 million, or 14.1% of revenue. Net income came in at $23.6 million, slightly below the prior year's $25.7 million due to a higher effective tax rate from lower equity compensation tax benefits and higher depreciation.

The raised full-year guidance was the catalyst for the premarket move. CAVA lifted its same restaurant sales outlook to 4.5% to 6.5% from the prior range of 3.0% to 5.0%, and raised adjusted EBITDA guidance to $181 million to $191 million from $176 million to $184 million. Net new restaurant openings guidance was also nudged up to 75 to 77.

In a macro environment where many restaurant brands are struggling with traffic declines, CAVA's ability to grow guest counts by nearly 7% while lapping strong prior year comparisons is a genuinely differentiated result, and the market's premarket reaction reflects exactly that.

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European Investor 05-20-26

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