Core Insights - Mastercard has demonstrated a strong performance at the beginning of the year, which counters concerns regarding a slowdown in consumer spending [1] Company Summary - The analyst highlights that Mastercard's early-year results are robust, indicating resilience in consumer spending patterns despite broader economic fears [1]

Core Insights - Meta Platforms reported impressive fourth-quarter earnings, alleviating concerns regarding its artificial intelligence strategy [1] Financial Performance - The fourth-quarter earnings report showcased strong financial results, indicating robust performance in the face of previous uncertainties [1]

Core Viewpoint - The U.S. jobs market appears to have stabilized, supporting the Federal Reserve's decision to maintain current interest rates [1] Group 1: Job Market Stability - Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell indicated that the jobs market has shown signs of stabilization after a disappointing performance last year [1] - The latest jobless claims report aligns with Powell's assertion regarding the stabilization of the job market [1]

Core Viewpoint - Investors are becoming the dominant force in gold buying, overshadowing central banks and contributing to the ongoing rally in gold prices [1] Group 1: Investor Behavior - The shift in gold purchasing power from central banks to individual and institutional investors is significant, indicating a change in market dynamics [1] - Increased demand from investors is keeping the momentum alive for gold, which has seen historic price increases [1] Group 2: Market Impact - The ongoing rally in gold prices is being fueled by this shift in buying power, suggesting a robust market for the precious metal [1] - The involvement of investors is likely to sustain the upward trend in gold prices, as they continue to seek safe-haven assets amid economic uncertainties [1]

Core Insights - IBM's stock increased by 9% to $321, surpassing its 50-day average of $302, indicating positive market sentiment [1] - The company's adjusted earnings per share reached $4.52, exceeding Wall Street's expectations of $4.30 [1] - IBM reported sales of $19.69 billion, which also topped analyst estimates, reflecting strong financial performance [1]

Levi Strauss, known for generations for its jeans, doesn't expect to rely on them as much for sales growth this year, as it banks more on tops and clothes that aren't made from denim. ...

Caterpillar Inc. shares jumped early Thursday before giving up a chunk of their gains as investors welcomed news of a record order backlog and the biggest quarterly earnings ever, but balked at projec... ...

The U.S. dollar has been battered in the year since President Donald Trump returned to the White House. It may now be tethering on the edge of a bigger drop. ...

Core Viewpoint - Royal Caribbean's stock has surged due to a strong earnings outlook driven by record cruise bookings and positive demand for future cruises [1] Earnings Results - The company reported a fourth-quarter earnings rise that met Wall Street expectations, contributing to an optimistic full-year profit and revenue outlook [1] - The wave booking season has started strongly, indicating robust demand for cruises [1] Fleet Expansion - Royal Caribbean announced agreements with a shipyard in France to expand its fleet, including additions for river vessels [1]

Core Viewpoint - A JPMorgan strategist has analyzed the potential impact on gold prices if households were to replace bonds with gold in their balanced investment portfolios [1] Group 1 - The analysis suggests that a significant shift from bonds to gold could lead to increased demand for gold, thereby driving up its prices [1] - The strategist's calculations indicate that this transition could result in a notable percentage increase in gold prices, reflecting the changing dynamics of investment preferences among households [1]