If positive seasonality kicks in, investors can expect all-time highs before year-end. ...

"Masstige†is winning even as consumers cut costs elsewhere. ...

Core Viewpoint - Stocks are nearing record levels after a volatile month, but concerns over persistent inflation and declining consumer sentiment are causing unease among investors ahead of the Federal Reserve's final policy meeting of the year [1] Group 1: Market Performance - Stocks are back on the doorstep of record territory after a volatile month on Wall Street [1] - Persistent inflation worries are impacting investor confidence [1] - Souring consumer sentiment is contributing to market unease [1] Group 2: Federal Reserve Impact - Investors are particularly anxious ahead of the Fed's last policy meeting of the year [1]

Core Viewpoint - President Donald Trump attributes the recent U.S. military actions in the Caribbean Sea to drug trafficking and has threatened to push for the resignation of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, indicating a geopolitical stance that intertwines drug enforcement with foreign policy [1] Group 1 - The U.S. strikes on boats in the Caribbean Sea are linked to efforts against drug trafficking [1] - Trump's administration is considering more aggressive measures against Venezuela, including the potential resignation of Maduro [1] - The situation highlights the intersection of drug trafficking issues and U.S. foreign policy in Latin America [1]

Core Viewpoint - J.P. Morgan recommends shares of Visa and Toast, highlighting their quality businesses despite struggling for momentum in 2025 [1] Company Analysis - Visa is identified as a strong business with potential for growth, yet it has faced challenges in gaining momentum in the current year [1] - Toast, similarly, is recognized for its quality operations but has also struggled to achieve significant progress in 2025 [1]

Core Insights - The electric vehicle (EV) maker's shares are currently approximately 6% below their all-time high, which was reached in December of the previous year [1] Company Summary - The company's stock performance indicates a strong recovery and investor confidence, as it approaches its record high [1] Industry Summary - The EV industry continues to show resilience, with companies nearing previous peak valuations, reflecting ongoing demand and market interest [1]

They're breaking one of the basic rules of investing ...

Paramount Skydance had been considered the front-runner in the bidding war for Warner Bros. Discovery, but signaled on Thursday that it felt it is losing to Netflix in a process it deemed unfair. ...

Rather than how much sales rise for a retailer, investors sometimes care more about how that growth has changed over time. ...

Core Viewpoint - Applied Materials is expected to benefit from upcycles in both the DRAM and leading-edge foundry industries according to TD Cowen [1] Group 1: Industry Insights - The DRAM industry is experiencing an upcycle, which is anticipated to positively impact Applied Materials [1] - The leading-edge foundry sector is also in an upcycle, further contributing to the favorable outlook for Applied Materials [1]