Core Viewpoint - TikTok has entered a joint-venture agreement that will introduce new investors in its US operations, while maintaining control over key business functions under its current owner, ByteDance [1][2]. Group 1: Joint Venture Structure - The new investors include Oracle, Abu Dhabi investment firm MGX, and private-equity firm Silver Lake, who will manage national security-related tasks such as data management and algorithm training [1][2]. - TikTok's current owner, ByteDance, will retain control over essential business lines, including e-commerce and advertising, ensuring that TikTok global continues to operate under its oversight [2][3]. Group 2: Ownership and Valuation - The joint venture will see Oracle, Silver Lake, and MGX acquiring a combined 45% stake, while existing ByteDance investors will hold around 30%, and new investors will take 5%. ByteDance will maintain just under 20% ownership of the US business [5]. - The deal is valued at $14 billion, significantly lower than the $50 billion estimate from Morningstar analysts, reflecting a focus on national security rather than business growth [4]. Group 3: Employee Concerns - Employees at TikTok are uncertain about the implications of the new agreement for their organizational structure and leadership, with some not expecting significant changes [6].

Who's grabbing control of TikTok's US assets?On Thursday, TikTok told staffers it had TikTok told staffers it had signed a deal to form a joint venture for its US business with a group of investors, according to an internal memo sent by CEO Shou Chew, which was viewed by Business Insider. The company expects the deal to close in January late, per the memo. Three managing investors will each hold a 15% stake in the new venture: Oracle, private equity firm Silver Lake, and Abu Dhabi-based investment firm M ...

Core Viewpoint - Target is experiencing an outage affecting its app and website, disrupting online order fulfillment during a critical holiday shopping period [1] Group 1: Outage Details - The outage has led to a rising number of reports on Downdetector over the past three hours [1] - Target's official communication on its X profile advised customers to retry transactions after one to two hours [1] Group 2: Timing and Impact - The outage occurs in the final week of the holiday shopping rush, a crucial time for retail sales [1]

Core Insights - Nike is experiencing a decline in its cultural relevance in the Chinese sneaker market, leading to a 9% drop in stock after disappointing Q2 fiscal results [1][2] - Sales in Greater China fell by 17% to $1.42 billion, contrasting with a 9% increase in North America sales to $5.63 billion [1] Company Strategy - Nike's CEO acknowledged the need to "reset" the company's approach to the China marketplace, emphasizing the urgency of addressing lagging areas, particularly in China [2][5] - The company has made some progress in reducing promotions and improving inventory management, but deeper cultural challenges remain [6] Cultural Relevance - Analysts highlight a "systemic cultural lag," indicating that Nike must move beyond traditional sports marketing to connect with the cultural values and lifestyle aspirations of China's younger generation [7] - The rise of the "Guochao" movement, which celebrates Chinese heritage, has led younger consumers to favor local brands like Anta and Li-Ning, which create culturally relevant campaigns [7][8] Competitive Landscape - Local competitors are successfully engaging younger consumers through culturally relevant marketing and digital experiences, while Nike's messaging feels outdated [8][9] - Geopolitical tensions are also influencing consumer preferences, pushing them towards domestic brands [9] Digital Engagement - Nike is lagging in digital engagement, relying on traditional marketing channels, which limits its visibility among Gen Z shoppers who prefer discovering brands through apps and marketplaces [10][11] - Rivals like Lululemon and Adidas are leveraging local collaborations and community engagement to connect with consumers more effectively [10]

A historic labor shock may be about to hit the job market. That's according to London Business School professor Ekaterina Abramova.She said AI is advancing so quickly that it could trigger mass layoffs long before new jobs emerge to replace them — a mismatch that has historically fueled social unrest. Abramova, who studies technology-driven economic transitions, said the past three years of AI advances mark a sharp break from earlier waves of mechanization.In past eras — from 18th-century textile automati ...

Core Insights - The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law on July 4, will have significant market implications starting in January, particularly benefiting cyclical sectors outside of tech and AI [1] Beneficiary Categories Defense Beneficiaries - General Dynamics Corp (GD) is positioned for defense modernization funding under the OBBBA - L3Harris Technologies Inc (LHX) will benefit from investments in advanced defense systems - Northrop Grumman Corp (NOC) is well-placed for missile defense and space programs - Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) is supported by naval modernization initiatives [7] Capex Incentive Beneficiaries - United Rentals Inc (URI) is set to gain from increased construction activity - Jacobs Solutions Inc (J) will benefit from infrastructure upgrades - Trimble Inc (TRMB) aligns with manufacturing investment pushes - Caterpillar Inc (CAT) benefits from accelerated depreciation incentives - Cummins Inc (CMI) is supported by R&D expensing and industrial investment [11] Small and Midsize Enterprises & Private Market Beneficiaries - Citizens Financial Group (CFG) is positioned for expanded credit demand - KeyCorp (KEY) is set for higher loan growth and tax relief for small businesses - Wells Fargo & Co (WFC) aligns with increased funding flows from OBBBA - Apollo Global Management (APO) benefits from tax-efficient deal structures [11] Consumer Beneficiaries - Ralph Lauren Corp (RL) will benefit from higher disposable income among affluent households - Ulta Beauty Inc (ULTA) is positioned for a boost in discretionary spending - Apple Inc (AAPL) benefits from increased high-income spending and a favorable tax environment - Costco (COST) is well-positioned to capture incremental consumer spending from tax relief [12][11] Energy Policy Beneficiaries - Exxon Mobil Corporation (XOM) benefits from expanded drilling rights under OBBBA - ConocoPhillips (COP) is positioned for lease expansions in Gulf and Alaska [13]

Core Points - TikTok has reached a deal with investors to form a new joint venture for its US operations, following a law that required its owner, ByteDance, to divest or face a ban due to being classified as a "foreign adversary-controlled" company [1][3] - The new joint venture will operate independently in areas such as US data protection and content recommendation algorithm training, while still being connected to TikTok's global business lines like e-commerce and advertising [2] - The deal comes after a lengthy legal battle, where TikTok argued that the divest-or-ban law violated the First Amendment, but the Supreme Court upheld the law [3] Financial Aspects - The sale of TikTok's US operations is valued at around $14 billion, as approved by an executive order signed by President Donald Trump [4] - The buyer group is expected to include "four or five world-class investors," with Oracle and Larry Ellison mentioned as part of the deal [4]

Core Points - President Trump signed an executive order to reclassify marijuana as a Schedule III drug, easing some federal restrictions and allowing for more research opportunities [1][3] - The reclassification is aimed at addressing the medical needs of individuals suffering from extreme pain and incurable diseases, positioning marijuana as a substitute for opioid painkillers [2][4] - Marijuana stocks experienced a surge in value following rumors of the executive order prior to its announcement [3] Industry Impact - The reclassification could provide tax relief for marijuana businesses in states where the substance is already legalized, potentially boosting the industry [2] - Trump's campaign for a third term in 2024 indicates a shift towards a more favorable stance on marijuana, suggesting future legislative support for the industry [4][5] - The executive order does not fully legalize marijuana but represents a significant step towards more lenient regulations, which could enhance market conditions for marijuana-related businesses [1][4]

Core Viewpoint - Nasdaq plans to submit paperwork to the SEC for approval of around-the-clock stock trading for 23 hours a day, potentially disrupting the traditional trading hours established since the 1980s [1] Group 1: Pros of 23-Hour Trading - The initiative could democratize markets and enhance accessibility for traders outside the US, particularly those with standard 9-5 jobs [4] - José Torres from Interactive Brokers highlights that extended trading hours would allow for real-time reactions to overnight events, benefiting a broader demographic [5] - Bob Lange from Explosive Options supports the move, suggesting it will encourage more individuals to participate in trading [5] Group 2: Cons of 23-Hour Trading - Concerns exist that the trading environment may favor institutional players like hedge funds and quant firms, who possess advanced tools for rapid trading [6] - Michael Ashley Schulman warns that retail investors may face challenges in the thinner overnight market, leading to unpredictable price movements [6] - Louis Navellier expresses concerns about potential market manipulation by short sellers and overseas markets after regular trading hours [8] Group 3: Competitive Landscape - Nasdaq's push for extended trading hours appears to be a response to competition, as Robinhood has already implemented 24-hour trading for certain stocks, and the NYSE has filed for a 22-hour trading day [9]

Economic Overview - US stocks experienced a significant rise following a cooler-than-expected inflation report, with consumer prices increasing by 2.7% year-over-year, lower than the anticipated 3.1% [1][5] - The latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) data is viewed as a positive development for the market, which has been under pressure due to high valuations and concerns regarding the AI sector [4] Tech Sector Performance - The tech sector rebounded after a period of weakness, with chip stocks, particularly Micron Technology, seeing a notable increase of up to 14% following strong earnings and robust guidance [2][8] - Micron reported $13.6 billion in revenue, surpassing Wall Street's expectation of $12.8 billion, and projected $18.7 billion in revenue for the current quarter, exceeding the $14.2 billion forecast by analysts [7][8] Federal Reserve Outlook - The combination of cooler inflation and a weaker job market has increased the likelihood of the Federal Reserve continuing its rate-cutting cycle, with expectations for a potential 25 basis point cut by March [5][6] - Analysts suggest that the latest CPI reading indicates the Fed may be ahead of its inflation targets for the upcoming year, supporting a narrative that job market risks are rising faster than inflation risks [6][7]