State Street Corporation (NYSE:STT) is one of the 12 Most Undervalued Financial Stocks to Buy Now. On March 11, 2026, State Street Corporation (NYSE:STT) said at the RBC Capital Markets Global Financial Institutions Conference that first-quarter results are expected to come in stronger than what the company had anticipated earlier in the year. An executive has noted that a weaker dollar is relatively neutral to overall operating leverage but is expected to have “a couple of percentage points of impact on b ...

Flagstar Bank, National Association (NYSE:FLG) is one of the 12 Most Undervalued Financial Stocks to Buy Now. On March 13, 2026, Flagstar Bank, National Association (NYSE:FLG) was upgraded by Keefe Bruyette analyst Christopher McGratty to Outperform from Market Perform with a price target of $16, raised from $14. The firm cited the stock’s recent underperformance, improving fundamentals, and what it described as an emerging share buyback catalyst as reasons for the upgrade. On March 2, 2026, Morgan Stanl ...

Core Viewpoint - Duke Energy is preparing for severe weather conditions, including high winds and potential tornadoes, which may lead to power outages and downed trees and power lines [1]. Company Overview - Duke Energy, a Fortune 150 company based in Charlotte, N.C., serves 8.6 million electric customers across several states and has a total energy capacity of 55,100 megawatts [4]. - The company also provides natural gas services to 1.7 million customers in multiple states [4]. Energy Transition and Infrastructure - Duke Energy is focused on an ambitious energy transition, prioritizing customer reliability and value while investing in electric grid upgrades and cleaner energy sources, including natural gas, nuclear, renewables, and energy storage [5]. Customer Preparedness and Safety Measures - Customers are advised to prepare for potential outages by charging devices, gathering emergency supplies, and updating their Duke Energy app and account information [7]. - The company emphasizes the importance of safety, urging customers to avoid downed power lines and to report outages through various channels [7]. - Despite infrastructure improvements, severe weather can still lead to extended outages, and restoration efforts may be delayed due to hazardous conditions [7].

Overview of Savings Interest Rates - The national average savings account rate is currently 0.39%, a significant increase from 0.06% three years ago [2] - Despite the low national average, some top savings accounts are offering rates as high as 4% APY [2] Comparison of Interest Earnings - A $1,000 deposit at the average interest rate of 0.39% would yield a total of $1,003.91 after one year, resulting in $3.91 in interest [4] - In contrast, a high-yield savings account with a 4% APY would grow the same $1,000 deposit to $1,040.81, earning $40.81 in interest over the same period [4] Impact of Deposit Amount on Earnings - Depositing $10,000 in a high-yield savings account at 4% APY would result in a total balance of $10,408.08 after one year, with $408.08 earned in interest [5]

Core Insights - The article discusses the current landscape of certificate of deposit (CD) rates, highlighting the importance of finding competitive rates across financial institutions [1] Group 1: Overview of CD Rates - Historically, longer-term CDs offered higher interest rates than shorter-term CDs, but the current economic climate has reversed this trend [2] - As of March 15, 2026, the highest CD rate available is 4.1% APY, offered by Lending Club for an 8-month term and Synchrony Bank for a 14-month term [2] Group 2: Interest Earnings from CDs - The interest earned from a CD is determined by the annual percentage rate (APY), which accounts for the base interest rate and the frequency of interest compounding [3] - For example, a $1,000 investment in a one-year CD with 1.55% APY would yield a total balance of $1,015.61 after one year, while a 4% APY would result in a balance of $1,040.74 [4] Group 3: Types of CDs - Various types of CDs offer different benefits, which may include accepting a lower interest rate for more flexibility [5] - Bump-up CDs allow for a one-time request to increase the interest rate if the bank's rates rise during the term [5] - No-penalty CDs permit early withdrawal without penalties, while Jumbo CDs require higher minimum deposits (typically $100,000 or more) and may offer higher rates [5] - Brokered CDs are purchased through a brokerage and may provide higher rates or flexible terms, but they carry more risk and may not be FDIC-insured [5]

Core Viewpoint - Gold investors are facing a critical week as the Federal Reserve's meeting on March 17 and 18 could significantly impact gold prices depending on Chair Jerome Powell's statements [1][2]. Group 1: Economic Indicators - Spot gold is struggling to maintain the $5,050 level, having declined over 1% for the week due to a stronger dollar [1]. - The February jobs report showed a loss of 92,000 jobs, with unemployment rising to 4.4%, indicating economic weakness [3]. - Core inflation remains sticky at 2.5%, complicating the Fed's decision-making process [2]. Group 2: Federal Reserve's Influence - The relationship between gold and the Fed is straightforward: rate cuts typically lead to lower real yields and a weaker dollar, boosting gold prices, while rate hikes have the opposite effect [3]. - Analysts expect the Fed to maintain rates between 3.5% and 3.75% during the upcoming meeting, with fewer rate cuts projected in the dot plot update [5]. - Goldman Sachs has delayed its first rate cut forecast to September, reflecting a shift in market expectations [5]. Group 3: Market Sentiment and Predictions - J.P. Morgan analysts highlight a unique situation where geopolitical fears are clashing with a strengthening dollar, making gold's near-term direction difficult to predict [4]. - Powell's language regarding inflation and energy costs will be crucial; terms like "transitory" versus "persistent" could lead to significant price movements in gold [4]. - A hawkish stance from Powell could lead to increased real yields and a stronger dollar, putting additional pressure on gold prices, which have already fallen from their all-time high of $5,595 [6].

Core Viewpoint - The lawsuit against BellRing Brands, Inc. alleges that the company and its executives misled investors regarding the true drivers of its sales growth, which was primarily due to retailers hoarding inventory rather than genuine consumer demand [3][5]. Company Overview - BellRing Brands, Inc. is facing a securities fraud lawsuit that claims misleading statements were made about the sustainability and drivers of its sales growth, as well as the competitive landscape affecting demand for its products [5][6]. Allegations of Misleading Information - The lawsuit contends that BellRing's reported sales growth in 2025 was artificially inflated due to retailers stockpiling inventory to prevent shortages, which was not reflective of actual consumer demand [3][7]. - A significant drop in BellRing's share price occurred after disclosures revealed the inventory hoarding, leading to a 33% decline in a single day [3][7]. Financial Impact - Following disappointing financial results for Q2 2025, BellRing's CFO admitted that some retailers had been hoarding inventory, which contributed to a 19% drop in share price [7]. - The Q3 2025 financial results further revealed a narrowed sales outlook, resulting in a 33% drop in share price after the announcement [7]. Legal Proceedings - The lead plaintiff deadline for the lawsuit is set for March 23, 2026, and investors who suffered losses during the specified period are encouraged to participate [1][6].

Core Insights - The Federal Reserve has cut its target rate three times in 2025, leading to a steady decline in deposit rates, including money market account (MMA) rates [1] - The national average MMA rate is currently at 0.56%, while some top accounts offer rates as high as 3%-4% APY, suggesting a potential opportunity for consumers to earn more by opening accounts now [2] Money Market Account Rates - The national average money market account rate is 0.56% according to the FDIC, but higher rates of 3%-4% APY are available from select accounts [2] - The interest earned from a money market account is determined by the annual percentage rate (APY), which accounts for the base interest rate and compounding frequency, typically daily [2] Interest Earnings Examples - A deposit of $1,000 in an MMA at the average interest rate of 0.56% with daily compounding would yield a total balance of $1,005.62 after one year, resulting in $5.62 in interest [3] - In contrast, a high-yield MMA offering 4% APY would grow a $1,000 deposit to $1,040.81 over the same period, generating $40.81 in interest [3] Impact of Deposit Amount - Increasing the deposit amount in a money market account significantly enhances potential earnings; for example, a $10,000 deposit at 4% APY would result in a total balance of $10,408.08 after one year, yielding $408.08 in interest [4]

Core Viewpoint - Oracle's stock has faced significant challenges in early 2026, dropping over 18% after a strong performance in Q3 2025, but recent analysis suggests the worst may be over [1]. Financial Performance - Oracle reported a record quarter with earnings per share and total revenue both increasing by over 20% year over year, marking the first time in over 15 years that both metrics achieved such growth in the same period [2]. - The company's Remaining Performance Obligations (RPOs) reached $553 billion in Q3 2026, representing a 325% increase compared to the previous year, indicating strong future revenue potential [5]. Analyst Sentiment - Following the earnings report, JPMorgan upgraded Oracle to Overweight from Neutral, setting a price target of $210, while Barclays raised its target to $240, despite the stock closing at $159 on March 12 [2]. - Analysts are optimistic about Oracle, believing the recent stock sell-off was exaggerated, thus presenting a more attractive entry point and fairer valuation [3]. Debt and Workforce Management - Oracle successfully secured $25 billion in debt, alleviating concerns regarding its debt rating and the need for additional funding in 2026 [3]. - The company announced plans to lay off 12% to 18% of its workforce, equating to 20,000 to 30,000 jobs, as part of efforts to enhance its cash position [6]. Market Concerns - Initial concerns about Oracle included over-reliance on OpenAI, high costs associated with AI-related capital expenditures, and the necessity for increased debt financing, which led to a significant decline in stock value, dropping over 50% from its 52-week high of $345 since September 2025 [4].

Berkshire Could Repurchase Over $50 Billion of Stock Annually Based on Recent Buy - Barron'sSkip to Main ContentThis copy is for your personal, non-commercial use only. Distribution and use of this material are governed by our Subscriber Agreement and by copyright law. For non-personal use or to order multiple copies, please contact Dow Jones Reprints at 1-800-843-0008 or visit www.djreprints.com.# Berkshire Could Repurchase Over $50 Billion of Stock Annually Based on Recent BuyBy Andrew BaryShareResize---R ...