ST. LOUIS, July 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Stifel Financial Corp. (NYSE: SF) today reported net revenues of $1.3 billion for the three months ended June 30, 2025, compared with $1.2 billion a year ago. Net income available to common shareholders was $145.7 million, or $1.34 per diluted common share, compared with $156.0 million, or $1.41 per diluted common share for the second quarter of 2024. Non-GAAP net income available to common shareholders was $185.6 million, or $1.71 per diluted common share for th ...

B. Riley scheduled an earnings call for the middle of next month, a normally routine matter, but in this case it suggests that the financial services firm is closer to filing its long-overdue regulatory reports. https://t.co/b8q6YAs80X ...

Core Viewpoint - AST SpaceMobile experienced a significant stock price increase of 102.6% in June, outperforming the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite, driven by excitement in defense technology and bullish market momentum [1][3]. Group 1: Stock Performance - AST SpaceMobile's stock saw a remarkable rally in June, attributed to promising growth indicators and investor interest [3]. - The stock's price is down approximately 3.5% in July but remains up 264% over the past year, indicating strong overall performance despite recent pullbacks [6][7]. Group 2: Analyst Coverage and Price Targets - B. Riley maintained a buy rating on AST and raised its one-year price target from $36 to $44, citing the company's growing spectrum resources as a catalyst for valuation growth [4]. - Roth Capital also reiterated a buy rating and increased its one-year price target from $42 to $51, viewing AST's service and pricing as superior compared to competitors [8]. Group 3: Partnerships and Growth Opportunities - AST SpaceMobile announced a partnership with Vodafone to provide connectivity in untapped markets in India, which could significantly expand its customer base [5]. - The collaboration on the SpaceMobile Satellite System is expected to lay the groundwork for rapid business scaling and enhance long-term performance outlook [5].

Core Viewpoint - The decline in trust towards the US dollar and US Treasury bonds may lead to structural shocks in risk assets like stocks, especially as the dollar has experienced its weakest performance in decades [1][2]. Group 1: Dollar Performance - The US dollar index fell by 10.7% against other major currencies by June, marking the worst half-year performance since 1973 [1]. - Multiple negative factors, including worsening fiscal conditions and geopolitical tensions, are exerting downward pressure on the dollar, with expectations of further challenges in the second half of the year [1]. Group 2: Market Impact - Despite the dollar's depreciation, there has not been a significant impact on the US stock market, as over 40% of S&P 500 companies' revenues come from overseas, making a weaker dollar beneficial for US exports [2]. - The US public debt is nearing $30 trillion, with projected fiscal deficits exceeding $2 trillion by 2025, raising concerns about the dollar's dominance [2]. Group 3: Central Bank Actions - Global central banks are increasing gold reserves, with monthly purchases reaching 24 tons, reflecting a strategic intent to diversify away from the dollar amid ongoing trade and fiscal issues [2]. - The price of gold has seen its highest increase since 1979 in the first half of the year, indicating a shift in reserve asset preferences [2]. Group 4: Future Outlook - There is uncertainty regarding the effectiveness of potential interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve, as historical trends show that the dollar and US Treasury yields can rise during previous easing cycles [3]. - Divergent views exist among Wall Street institutions regarding the dollar's future, with some emphasizing its irreplaceable role in global trade and finance, while others predict a slow "de-dollarization" process due to the shortcomings of alternative currencies [3]. - Despite recent fluctuations, underlying risks such as debt crises and policy uncertainties continue to exert pressure on the dollar [3].

Group 1 - The US dollar has experienced its weakest first half since the Nixon administration, with the dollar index down 10.7% against other major currencies, marking the worst semi-annual record since 1973 [1] - Multiple negative factors, including worsening fiscal conditions and geopolitical tensions, are exerting continuous pressure on the dollar, suggesting greater challenges ahead in the second half of the year [1] - Despite the dollar's depreciation, it has not significantly impacted the US stock market, as over 40% of S&P 500 companies' revenues come from overseas, making a weaker dollar beneficial for US exports [1] Group 2 - Central banks globally are accelerating gold purchases as a reserve asset, with monthly gold buying reaching 24 tons, reflecting a strategic intent to reduce reliance on the dollar amid ongoing tariff and fiscal deficit issues [2] - There is a divergence in Wall Street's outlook on the dollar, with some analysts believing that the dollar's core position in global trade and finance remains irreplaceable, while others predict a slow "de-dollarization" process due to significant shortcomings in alternative currencies [2][3] - US Treasury Secretary Scott Basset described recent exchange rate fluctuations as a "normal phenomenon," but rising US bond yields indicate ongoing market concerns regarding US assets [3]