Core Insights - The Federal Reserve is facing a challenging 2026 with mixed economic signals and a leadership change as President Trump prepares to appoint a new Fed chair [1][9] - Analysts predict that the Fed may lower interest rates a couple of times due to signs of a weakening economy, particularly highlighted by the November jobs report [1][4] - The internal dynamics of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) will play a crucial role in shaping interest rate decisions, with potential divisions among members [3][9] Economic Indicators - The labor market is showing signs of softening, with unemployment rising to 4.6% in November and only 64,000 jobs added [4] - Despite this, consumer spending and investments in artificial intelligence are contributing to overall GDP growth, which may mitigate risks to the labor market [4] - Economic data is expected to become less supportive of lower rates by mid-2026, complicating the Fed's decision-making process [4] Leadership Changes - Trump's nominee for Fed chair is expected to be finalized soon, with potential candidates including Fed Governor Chris Waller, former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh, and economist Kevin Hassett [6][7] - Betting markets suggest that Hassett is the most likely pick, raising concerns about his alignment with Trump's aggressive interest rate cut agenda [7] - The new Fed chair will need to navigate a divided committee, as past votes indicate challenges in achieving consensus on rate cuts [3][9] Federal Reserve Structure - The FOMC consists of 12 regional district heads who provide local perspectives, and their appointments have been secured for the next five years, enhancing the Fed's perceived independence [17][18] - The influence of the administration on the FOMC is expected to increase as Trump may have opportunities to appoint additional members to the Fed's Board of Governors [13][14] - Powell's future as Fed chair remains uncertain, with his term ending in May 2026, but he may choose to remain on the board to reinforce the Fed's independence [15][16]

Caterpillar has long been known for construction equipment like bulldozers and dump trucks.By completing this form, you agree to receive marketing communications from PYMNTS and to the sharing of your information with our sponsor, if applicable, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions .Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited free access to all PYMNTS content — no additional logins required.But these days, another side of the company’s business is powering sales: g ...

Key Points Opendoor Technologies has risen to a market cap north of $5 billion on its appeal as a meme stock this year. The business itself is still languishing with revenue off by a third from its 2022 peak. The valuation is stiff, but Wall Street pros see revenue rising 15% next year on narrowing losses. 10 stocks we like better than Opendoor Technologies › You don't expect stocks with large market caps to have small price tags, but Opendoor Technologies (NASDAQ: OPEN) is a jumbo shrimp contra ...

Core Insights - Alibaba (BABA) is facing ongoing challenges in its core e-commerce operations despite a strategic shift towards artificial intelligence investments [2] - The company reported a 5% year-over-year revenue growth to RMB247.8 billion in Q2 FY26, but profitability metrics have significantly deteriorated [2][9] Financial Performance - Non-GAAP earnings fell 71% year-over-year to RMB4.36 per American Depositary Share, underperforming analyst expectations by approximately 20% [3] - Operating income dropped 85% from RMB35.2 billion to RMB5.4 billion, indicating severe margin compression due to strategic investments [3] Competitive Landscape - The China commerce segment is experiencing heightened competition from PDD Holdings, ByteDance's Douyin, and JD.com, leading to costly defensive strategies for Alibaba [4] - Local e-commerce revenues grew 16% in Q2 FY26, supported by government consumption stimulus, but this growth necessitated increased marketing expenditures and aggressive subsidies [4] Strategic Investments - Alibaba announced plans to expand its instant commerce infrastructure through its Cainiao logistics arm, with new or expanded warehouses in 31 cities by January 2026 [5] - The company reported negative free cash flow of RMB21.8 billion last quarter, driven by an 80% year-over-year increase in capital spending, raising concerns about sustaining investments in AI and logistics [5] Rival Developments - Amazon has rapidly expanded its quick commerce operations, establishing over 300 micro-fulfillment centers in India, with a 25% month-over-month growth in daily orders since September 2025 [6] - JD.com surpassed 700 million annual active customers, achieving significant growth in its JD NOW instant retail platform, contrasting with Alibaba's mounting losses [7] Market Positioning - Both Amazon and JD.com face similar infrastructure cost pressures as Alibaba but are better positioned to absorb these expenses due to stronger profitability and disciplined capital allocation [8] - Alibaba's stock has surged 30.3% over the past six months, outperforming the Zacks Internet – Commerce industry and the Zacks Retail-Wholesale sector [10] Valuation Metrics - Alibaba's stock is currently trading at a forward 12-month price/sales ratio of 2.23X, compared to the industry's 2.14X, with a Value Score of D [13] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for fiscal 2026 earnings is projected at $6.42 per share, indicating a 28.7% year-over-year decline [16]

Core Insights - Amgen is developing MariTide, a late-stage obesity candidate, to compete with Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk in the GLP-1 therapy market [1] - MariTide's long-acting profile allows for monthly or less frequent dosing, potentially improving patient adherence compared to weekly injectable options [2] - The drug is being evaluated in pivotal studies for obesity and other cardiometabolic conditions, with strong enrollment interest [3][4] Group 1: Product Development and Market Position - MariTide is part of Amgen's MARITIME phase III program, focusing on obesity and related cardiometabolic indications [1][3] - The drug has shown predictable and sustained weight loss in earlier studies, positioning it as a convenient long-term treatment option [2] - Enrollment for MARITIME-1 and MARITIME-2 studies has been completed with approximately 5,000 patients participating [3] Group 2: Competitive Landscape - Novo Nordisk has received FDA approval for an oral version of Wegovy, enhancing competition in the obesity treatment market [5] - Eli Lilly is also advancing its oral obesity candidate, orforglipron, with a potential launch next year [6] - Both market leaders continue to invest in next-generation therapies, indicating a robust competitive environment [7][8] Group 3: Financial Performance and Valuation - Amgen's shares have outperformed the industry year to date, reflecting positive market sentiment [9] - The company is trading at a P/E ratio of 15.20, which is below the industry average of 17.56, indicating a potential valuation opportunity [12] - EPS estimates for 2025 and 2026 have increased in the past 60 days, suggesting positive growth expectations [14]

Core Insights - The article discusses the role of Ernest Hoffman as a Crypto and Market Reporter for Kitco News, highlighting his extensive experience in market news and journalism [3]. Group 1 - Ernest Hoffman has over 15 years of experience in writing, editing, broadcasting, and producing for various media and cultural organizations [3]. - He began his career in market news in 2007, establishing a broadcast division that created a fast web-based audio news service [3]. - Hoffman has a Bachelor's degree in Journalism from Concordia University [3].

U.S. stocks traded lower midway through trading, with the Dow Jones index falling more than 100 points on Tuesday.The Dow traded down 0.22% to 48,353.51 while the NASDAQ slipped 0.16% to 23,436.70. The S&P 500 also fell, dropping, 0.13% to 6,896.56.Check This Out: AAR Gears Up For Q2 Print; Here Are The Recent Forecast Changes From Wall Street’s Most Accurate AnalystsLeading and Lagging SectorsEnergy shares rose by 0.6% on Tuesday.In trading on Tuesday, consumer discretionary stocks fell by 0.3%.Top Headlin ...

U.S. stocks traded lower midway through trading, with the Dow Jones index falling more than 100 points on Tuesday.The Dow traded down 0.22% to 48,353.51 while the NASDAQ slipped 0.16% to 23,436.70. The S&P 500 also fell, dropping, 0.13% to 6,896.56.Check This Out: AAR Gears Up For Q2 Print; Here Are The Recent Forecast Changes From Wall Street’s Most Accurate AnalystsLeading and Lagging SectorsEnergy shares rose by 0.6% on Tuesday.In trading on Tuesday, consumer discretionary stocks fell by 0.3%.Top Headlin ...

Core Insights - Merck (MRK) is heavily reliant on a drug whose patent is set to expire around 2028, raising concerns about future revenue streams [1] - The company faces significant uncertainties in its pipeline and R&D expenses, which could impact its growth potential [1] - There is a noted dependence on government regulations and policies, adding another layer of risk to the company's operations [1]

Group 1 - Kaldalón hf. purchased 400,000 of its own shares for a total consideration of ISK 10,840,000 as part of its share buyback program [1] - Following the latest transactions, Kaldalón hf. now holds a total of 21,002,721 treasury shares, which is 1.93% of the company's total issued share capital [2] - The buyback program commenced on 29 October 2025, with a maximum target of 9,000,000 shares and a total consideration limit of ISK 250,000,000 [3] Group 2 - The total number of shares purchased under the buyback program reached 6,812,800, equivalent to 0.63% of the issued share capital, with a total purchase price of ISK 177,841,394 [2] - The buyback program was conducted in compliance with the Icelandic Companies Act and relevant EU regulations on market abuse [4]