Market Overview - The US market is experiencing modest gains, with the Dow up approximately 350 points and the S&P 500 attempting to reach a new record close [1] - Consumer discretionary stocks are performing well despite retail sales data showing no growth for the holiday season, which was below the expected increase of 0.4% [1] - Spotify shares surged nearly 17% following strong subscriber growth and improved margins, marking its best gain in about a year [1] Retail Sales and Consumer Behavior - December retail sales data indicated flat year-over-year sales, contrasting with a 6.4% increase in holiday spending across all generations [1][2] - High-income households (earning $125,000 or more) increased their holiday spending by 29%, while mid and low-income cohorts reduced spending by about 4% [2] - The K-shaped economy is evident, with wealthier consumers driving spending while lower-income consumers focus on essentials [2] Company Earnings and Forecasts - CVS reported a strong fourth quarter, with revenue from healthcare benefits rising 10% to approximately $36 billion and pharmacy services revenue increasing by 9% to about $51 billion [5] - CVS's profit guidance for 2026 is set between $7 and $7.20 per share, with a cash forecast of $9 billion for the year [5][6] - Coca-Cola's shares fell over 1% after a disappointing forecast, while S&P Global's shares dropped 8% due to a weak outlook [1] Streaming Industry Insights - Spotify's record user growth is attributed to innovative marketing strategies like its Wrapped campaign and curated playlists [1][45] - The company aims to maintain its market dominance by continuously engaging new users and enhancing its service offerings [45] Biotech Sector Developments - The biotech industry is expected to see an increase in M&A activity, with companies like Halosime actively acquiring startups to enhance drug delivery technologies [4] - Halosime's recent acquisitions focus on subcutaneous drug delivery, which could transform patient care by reducing the need for lengthy infusion treatments [4] Travel and Hospitality Sector - Marriott reported strong demand for travel, particularly in the luxury segment, despite challenges from government shutdowns affecting business travel [27][29] - The company anticipates continued growth in revenue per available room (RevPAR) and has a robust pipeline of new hotel openings [29]

Ben Smith, your latest piece for Semaphore is titled How Trump's Politics Returned to EARTH AND IN IT YOU WRITE IN PART, TRUMP'S POLITICAL STANDING WHICH HAS EVOLVED OVER JUST A FEW MONTHS FROM DOMINANT TO DESPERATE IS A GOOD REMINDER OF A FEW THINGS CONVENTIONAL WISDOM HAS GOTTEN WRONG. REMEMBER THE DEEP FAKE, PANIC. LAST YEAR MANY WERE CONVINCED AMERICAN POLITICS WOULD BE DESTABILIZED BY VIDEOS MANIPULATED BY ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE OR LULLED INTO A POST-TRUTH STUPOR BY AI SLOP.BUT IT TURNS OUT THAT THE P ...

RT Red Pill Media (@RedPillMediaX)An Israeli spy named Bari Weiss runs CBS. ...

RT illuminatibot (@iluminatibot)Jeffrey Epstein was wiring money to the owner of CBS, David Ellison https://t.co/Fm6awCjCOX ...

RT Israel Exposed (@xIsraelExposedx)Why was Jeffrey Epstein wiring money to the owner of CBS, David Ellison? 🤔 https://t.co/oHOx2ea0Wf ...

RT Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders)Thanks to Trump, right-wing multibillionaire Larry Ellison will now control the TikTok algorithm, along with:CBSMTVThe Free PressBETCMTSimon & SchusterNickelodeonParamount+Pluto TVand moreThis is what Oligarchy looks like. ...

CBS News Editor in Chief Bari Weiss said the network is “not producing a product that enough people want” and called for a radical shift in how it delivers the news https://t.co/OE0Vz2aeVR ...

CBS News Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss announced sweeping changes at the network in an all-hands meeting on Tuesday, sharing her vision for a news organization with greater focus on online journalism https://t.co/IQCpnDmM2R ...

Group 1 - The CBS owner announced an extension of the deadline for its tender offer while maintaining its bid of $30 per share [1]

Core Viewpoint - President Trump suggested that television broadcasting licenses should be revoked for networks that report negatively on him and the Republican Party, claiming that if news and late-night shows are almost 100% negative, their valuable broadcasting licenses should not be maintained [1][2]. Group 1: Trump's Criticism of Late-Night Shows - Trump criticized late-night show host Stephen Colbert, calling him "a pathetic train wreck" lacking talent necessary for success in the entertainment industry, and noted that Colbert's show is set to end in May 2026 [1][2]. - He stated that Colbert's ratings have worsened since being fired by CBS, describing him as "a dead man walking" and suggesting CBS should "let him sleep" as a humane act [1][2]. Group 2: General Discontent with Late-Night Hosts - Trump expressed broader dissatisfaction with late-night hosts across networks like CBS, ABC, and NBC, claiming they share three common traits: high salaries, lack of talent, and low ratings [1][2]. - Earlier this year, Trump proposed revoking broadcasting licenses for networks that report negatively about him, indicating that the decision should be made by FCC Chairman Brendan Carr [1][2].