The conversation people are not ready for is that we would probably be in a recession if the tariffs had not been put in place.They were incredibly deflationary and allowed for the massive GDP surge earlier this year.The truth is the exact opposite of what people predicted. ...

Core Viewpoint - Costco is expected to report strong earnings, positioning itself as a leading retailer globally due to its diverse business model and growth opportunities, particularly in store expansion [2][3]. Company Performance - Costco is anticipated to have exceptional growth, with the potential to expand its store count by 30 to 40% globally [2]. - Each Costco store is equivalent to 30 Albertson's stores, indicating its competitive advantage as rivals face closures [3]. - The company is outperforming competitors like Walmart and Sam's Club in various operational metrics, including better service and inventory management [3]. Market Positioning - Costco is benefiting from a value-driven consumer base, with a notable shift towards private label brands, particularly its Kirkland brand, which is recognized for quality and value [4][5]. - The company has stringent procurement practices, ensuring that vendors cannot unjustifiably raise prices, which enhances customer value [5][6]. Expansion Strategy - Costco is expected to announce expansion plans in regions such as the People's Republic of China, Asia-Pacific, and Central United States, capitalizing on opportunities in markets with less competition [7][8]. - The company is likely to convert vacant retail spaces from bankrupt stores into high-volume Costco locations, further solidifying its market presence [8]. Financial Outlook - Costco's stock is currently trading between $145 and $150, with a target price projected to increase by 20 to 24% within a year, indicating strong growth potential despite broader retail challenges [9]. - The company is managing tariff impacts by passing costs onto vendors rather than consumers, which may affect margins but helps maintain competitive pricing [9][16].

This story was originally published on CFO Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily CFO Dive newsletter. Dive Brief: The total number of “mega bankruptcies” filed by corporations with assets valued at more than $1 billion rose about 33% to 32 for the 12 months ended in June compared to 24 in the year-earlier period, according to a report released this week by Cornerstone Research, a San Francisco-based economic and financial consulting firm.    The rise in the largest corpor ...

Economic Overview - The US economy grew at a revised annualized rate of 3.8% in the second quarter, marking the fastest growth in nearly two years [2][9][12] - Jobless claims fell to 218,000, down from an expected 233,000, indicating a stronger labor market [11][12] Trade and Tariffs - The Trump administration is considering additional tariffs on imports, including robotics and medical devices, which could increase costs for consumers and manufacturers [3][6] - A recent tariff reduction from 25% to 15% on EU cars and parts is expected to ease concerns in the European car sector [23][24] Company News - Starbucks announced a billion-dollar restructuring plan, which includes cutting 900 jobs and closing unprofitable stores [3][31] - CoreWeave expanded its partnership with OpenAI, increasing the total contract value to approximately $22.4 billion for AI model training [32] - CarMax shares dropped 18% after reporting a surprise decline in comparable sales, attributed to consumers rushing to buy vehicles before tariffs were imposed [33] Market Trends - The tech sector is experiencing a pullback, with concerns about a potential tech bubble as major companies engage in multi-billion dollar deals [35][36] - Analysts suggest a barbell strategy for investment, balancing high-growth tech stocks with more defensive, lower-volatility stocks [41][44]

All of those things would seem to suggest that this is an economy in trouble. Not so according to the economic data released in the last hour. It showed the US economy growing at the fastest pace in nearly two years, thanks to consumer spending, though apparently not on used cars.Fed Governor Stephen Myron spoke to Bloomberg ahead of that data on the next steps for the Fed. My view is not one of enormous economic pessimism. You know, I don't think the economy is about to crater. I don't think the labor mark ...

China launched a trade barrier investigation into Mexico after the Latin American country announced plans to impose tariffs of as much as 50% on Chinese cars and other products. https://t.co/fUOb9bhbXI ...

This story was originally published on CFO Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily CFO Dive newsletter. Dive Brief: CFOs expect tariffs to have a major impact on price growth at their organizations this year as well as in 2026, according to a quarterly survey of finance chiefs by Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business and the Federal Reserve Banks of Richmond and Atlanta. On average, price growth would be about 30% lower in 2025 and roughly 25% lower in 2026 without the ...

The industrial side of the U.S. economy has been rocked by higher tariffs, but a saving grace has been new tax cuts for investment and a frenzy of spending in artificial intelligence. Business investment rose sharply in August to mark the second strong increase in a row. ...

Core Insights - Retailers are expected to sharply reduce seasonal hiring plans in the fourth quarter, with anticipated job additions dropping to the lowest level in 16 years [1][2] - The overall job market in the U.S. is softening, with only 22,000 jobs added in August, significantly below expectations [2] Group 1: Seasonal Hiring Trends - Employers are predicted to add less than half a million jobs in the fourth quarter, down from 543,000 last year [1] - Several major retailers, including Target, Macy's, and Burlington, have not yet announced their seasonal hiring plans, and those who have reported numbers are either equal to or slightly lower than last year [4] Group 2: Economic Factors Impacting Retail - Tariffs and inflationary pressures are affecting seasonal hiring, as companies are increasingly relying on automation and permanent staff rather than large seasonal hires [2] - The Consumer Price Index indicates that household goods are 10% more expensive than pre-tariff levels, which may be influencing consumer spending behavior [5] - A PwC report indicates that shoppers plan to spend 5% less on holiday gifts, travel, and entertainment this year, marking the first significant decline since 2020 [5] Group 3: Consumer Behavior - Despite economic challenges, consumer spending at stores remains steady, and if this trend continues into the holiday season, retailers may be compelled to increase hiring later in the year [3]

The Swiss National Bank said Thursday that tariffs on goods to the U.S. present a "major challenge" for exporters, with its economy set to take a hit.The country has swallowed some of the highest duties imposed by President Donald Trump's administration, with a 39% tariff rate implemented in August. It came after a Swiss delegation led by the country's President Karin Keller-Sutter failed to secure a trade deal after meeting with Trump in Washington D.C."The U.S. tariffs present a major challenge for affect ...