Interest Rate Cuts
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CleanSpark: Buy The CLSK Stock Rally Before It's Too Late?
Forbes· 2025-09-19 13:40
Core Insights - CleanSpark stock (NASDAQ: CLSK) has surged over 40% in the past month, attributed to a 38% increase in bitcoins mined in August, supported by a significant operational hashrate of 50 EH/s achieved in June 2025 [2][3] - The broader cryptocurrency market is experiencing strong momentum, with other Bitcoin miners also showing gains, influenced by the U.S. Federal Reserve's interest rate cuts, which are favorable for cryptocurrencies [3] - CleanSpark's revenue has grown rapidly, with a 90.8% increase in quarterly revenue to $199 million compared to $104 million a year ago [8] Valuation and Financial Performance - CleanSpark's price-to-sales (P/S) ratio is 6.3, compared to 3.2 for the S&P 500, and its price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio is 12.4 versus 24.0 for the benchmark [7] - Revenue growth for CleanSpark averaged 81.4% over the past three years, with a recent 85.1% increase from $341 million to $632 million in the past 12 months [7] - CleanSpark's operating income over the last four quarters was -$104 million, reflecting a weak operating margin of -16.5% [16] Profitability and Financial Stability - CleanSpark's profit margins are below most companies in the Trefis coverage universe, indicating weak profitability [9] - The company's balance sheet appears strong, with a debt of $820 million against a market cap of $3.8 billion, resulting in a debt-to-equity ratio of 21.8% [16] - Cash and equivalents stand at $916 million out of $3.1 billion in total assets, giving a cash-to-assets ratio of 29.5% [16] Market Position and Competitive Analysis - CleanSpark is considered undervalued compared to competitors, with IREN trading at 17 times trailing revenue, MARA at 8 times, and RIOT at 11 times, while CleanSpark trades at 6 times revenues [13] - The stock has shown significant volatility, having plunged 95.6% from $40.39 on January 7, 2021, to $1.78 on December 19, 2022, while still being below its pre-crisis high [17] - Overall, CleanSpark is characterized by very strong growth, weak profitability, very strong financial stability, and weak resilience during downturns [17]
Watch CNBC's full interview with Minneapolis Fed President Neel Kashkari
Youtube· 2025-09-19 13:05
Core Viewpoint - Minneapolis Fed President Neil Kashkari anticipates two more rate cuts from the central bank this year, despite concerns about inflation and the Fed's commitment to its 2% target [1][17]. Summary by Relevant Sections Rate Cuts and Inflation - Kashkari expresses confidence in the need for two additional rate cuts this year, suggesting that the current funds rate is above neutral given a 3% inflation rate [17][18]. - He acknowledges the challenge of cutting rates while inflation remains elevated, emphasizing the importance of communicating the rationale behind these decisions to the public [2][3]. Inflation Dynamics - The essay highlights that housing services inflation is on a steady decline, and non-housing services inflation is also gradually decreasing, linked to wage growth trends [6][7]. - Core goods inflation had turned negative earlier in the year but has since increased due to tariffs, which Kashkari believes may have a one-time effect rather than a persistent impact [7][8]. Fed Independence and Market Reactions - Kashkari discusses the importance of Fed independence in maintaining low inflation expectations and the dollar's value, noting that market participants generally trust that this independence will be upheld [10][11]. - Despite concerns about potential erosion of Fed independence, he observes that the bond market does not currently reflect these worries, indicating confidence in institutional stability [9][10]. Labor Market Insights - The labor market shows signs of fragility, with businesses cautious about hiring and firing, which could necessitate rate cuts as a form of insurance to prevent a significant downturn [24][25]. - Kashkari mentions that estimates for job growth needed to maintain a stable unemployment rate are around 50,000 to 80,000, suggesting a cautious outlook on labor market dynamics [22][23]. Economic Forecasting and Policy Response - The Fed is focused on forward-looking indicators, with confidence that inflation will continue to decline as housing inflation decreases and tariff rates stabilize [19][20]. - Kashkari expresses skepticism about the immediate impact of fiscal policies, such as tax cuts, on economic growth, emphasizing the need for cautious forecasting [26][28]. Technological Impact on Labor Market - The potential effects of AI on the labor market are acknowledged, but Kashkari believes these changes will unfold gradually, similar to past technological advancements [32][33].
5 Discretionary Stocks to Grab as Fed Signals More Interest Rate Cuts
ZACKS· 2025-09-19 12:51
Economic Overview - Wall Street resumed its rally following a 25 basis points rate cut by the Federal Reserve, with the Dow and Nasdaq reaching record highs, indicating regained investor confidence [1][3] - The Federal Reserve raised its GDP forecast for the year, reflecting a positive sentiment in the economy as inflation has eased substantially [1][6] Rate Cuts and Economic Impact - The Federal Reserve's recent rate cut to a range of 4-4.25% is aimed at addressing concerns over a struggling labor market and a slowing economy, with expectations of two more rate cuts this year [3][5][9] - Lower borrowing costs are anticipated to benefit the broader economy, particularly in consumer discretionary sectors [6][9] Consumer Discretionary Stocks - Boyd Gaming Corporation (BYD) has an expected earnings growth rate of 5.2%, with a 4.9% improvement in the Zacks Consensus Estimate over the last 60 days [7] - Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NCLH) is projected to have a 13.7% earnings growth rate, with a 3% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate [8] - Ralph Lauren Corporation (RL) shows a strong expected earnings growth rate of 19.8%, with an 8.4% improvement in the Zacks Consensus Estimate [10] - Hasbro, Inc. (HAS) has an expected earnings growth rate of 21.5%, with a notable 14.6% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate [11] - Grand Canyon Education, Inc. (LOPE) is expected to see a 12.8% earnings growth rate, with a 3.7% improvement in the Zacks Consensus Estimate [12][13]
Kashkari advocates two more rate cuts this year as he sees limited tariff impact on inflation
CNBC· 2025-09-19 12:47
Minneapolis Federal Reserve President Neel Kashkari said Friday that he expects President Donald Trump's tariffs to expert minimum long-term pressure on inflation, leaving room for multiple interest rate reductions ahead.In a CNBC interview, the central banker detailed reasons why he would like the Fed to lower its benchmark borrowing level at each of the remaining two meetings this year in addition to the one the Federal Open Market Committee approved Wednesday. The three total cuts is one more than he had ...
Inside the Fed’s economic projections, ‘something isn’t adding up’ according to SoFi investment chief
Yahoo Finance· 2025-09-19 11:04
Economic Projections - The U.S. Federal Reserve forecasts economic growth through 2028, with GDP estimates for 2025 increasing from 1.4% to 1.6%, and further growth to 1.8% in 2026 and 1.9% in 2027 [1] - The Fed projects a decline in the unemployment rate from 4.5% currently to 4.2% by 2028 [2] Interest Rate Decisions - Despite positive economic forecasts, the Fed cut interest rates, which is typically associated with recessionary conditions [2][3] - The Fed's dot plot indicates a decline in interest rates toward 3% over the next few years, suggesting more rate cuts than previously anticipated [3][4] Market Reactions - The S&P 500 reached a record high of 6,631.96, up 0.48% for the day and nearly 13% year-to-date, reflecting investor enthusiasm for lower interest rates [5] - Concerns arise from analysts like Liz Thomas, who suggest that the market may be overvalued or "frothy" due to the ongoing rate cuts [5]
Bitcoin Edges Lower on Mild Profit Taking
Barrons· 2025-09-19 08:34
Core Insights - Bitcoin experienced a slight decline due to profit-taking after reaching a one-month high [1] - The Federal Reserve resumed interest rate cuts, initially causing Bitcoin to drop, but later it rebounded as the Fed indicated further rate cuts favorable for risky assets [2] Group 1: Market Reactions - Bitcoin fell slightly as traders took profits after a recent peak [1] - The Federal Reserve's decision to cut interest rates led to an initial drop in Bitcoin prices [1] - Bitcoin later reversed its trend and increased as the Fed's stance on further rate cuts was seen as positive for riskier investments [2]
Fed seems ‘COMMITTED' to cutting rates further: Treasury official
Youtube· 2025-09-19 07:15
Core Viewpoint - The discussion centers around the impact of Trump's tariffs on aluminum, with contrasting views on their effects on U.S. manufacturing jobs and economic growth. The administration argues that tariffs have generated significant revenue and are part of a broader strategy to stimulate industrial production and investment. Group 1: Economic Impact of Tariffs - Tariffs have raised substantial revenue, which the administration claims supports economic security and growth incentives [2][11] - The administration believes that tariffs could lead to new aluminum factories being built, countering concerns about job losses in manufacturing [3][5] - The current tariff structure, combined with low corporate tax rates and deregulation, is expected to encourage production in various sectors, including aluminum and technology [5][6] Group 2: Industrial Production and Investment - There has been no growth in industrial production over the past four years, highlighting the need for renewed investment in manufacturing [4] - The administration emphasizes the importance of capital investment in buildings and structures to enhance production efficiency and potentially lower prices [9] - The stock market's positive performance, particularly among industrial companies, is seen as a sign of future economic growth [6][10] Group 3: Federal Reserve and Economic Conditions - The payroll data indicates a weak economy inherited by the Trump administration, with a need for recalibration of economic policies [7][8] - The Federal Reserve is expected to continue cutting rates, which could support economic growth and lower mortgage rates [8][10] - Housing affordability is currently low due to high interest rates, which the administration aims to address through fiscal measures [11]
DLS and DFJ- Two International ETFs for this Post-Powell Market
Yahoo Finance· 2025-09-19 05:01
Group 1 - Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell indicated uncertainty in policy direction, suggesting recent interest rate cuts may act as insurance against potential economic slowdown [1][2] - The Fed's dual mandate of controlling inflation and maximizing employment is currently facing negative risks, with two additional interest rate cuts being considered for the last quarter of the year [2] - The US economy shows resilience despite a cooling labor market, with August retail sales exceeding expectations, indicating consumer health [6] Group 2 - The WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend ETF (DLS) and WisdomTree Japan SmallCap Dividend ETF (DFJ) are recommended for investment, focusing on dividend-paying small-cap stocks outside the US and in Japan respectively [1][7] - Recent trades in the Japanese market have been successful, supported by various favorable factors [6] - Global stock markets showed positive performance during the reporting period, with the S&P 500 up 1%, Euro Stoxx 50 up 0.2%, Nikkei 225 up 2.2%, and Shanghai Composite up 1.7% [5]
Stocks finish week higher; Wall Street at record highs
Yahoo Finance· 2025-09-19 02:32
By Chibuike Oguh and Elizabeth Howcroft NEW YORK (Reuters) - Global stocks rose in choppy trading on Friday, on track for a weekly gain, driven by positive sentiment on Wall Street following key central bank decisions. The Federal Reserve cut U.S. interest rates by a quarter of a percentage point on Wednesday, the first easing since December, while Norway and Canada also cut rates. On Wall Street, all three indexes closed at record highs. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.37% to 46,315.27, the S&P ...
Bank of England raises alarm over new tax raid
Yahoo Finance· 2025-09-18 17:19
Group 1 - The Bank of England has decided to hold interest rates at 4% amid persistent inflation and wage pressures, with expectations that inflation will return to the 2% target gradually [4][67][82] - The Bank plans to reduce its balance sheet by £70 billion over the next year, a slower pace compared to the previous £100 billion reduction, in response to concerns about the impact on the bond market [7][24][65] - There are widespread fears among businesses regarding potential tax increases in the upcoming Budget, with estimates suggesting the Chancellor may need to find between £20 billion and £50 billion in tax rises or spending cuts [6][32][60] Group 2 - The recent inflation rate remains at 3.8%, which is significantly above the Bank's target, and is attributed to factors such as rising food prices and increased employer National Insurance contributions [10][11][61] - The Bank's agents have reported a theme of "consumer caution," with businesses worried about the impact of the upcoming Autumn Budget on economic confidence [5][60] - The Chancellor has indicated that measures are being explored to keep costs down for households, including a potential freeze on fuel duty and the removal of VAT on gas and electricity bills [2][8] Group 3 - The Bank of England's decision to slow down quantitative tightening is seen as a potential boost for the Chancellor, as it may help lower yields on government bonds, thereby easing borrowing costs [33][70][72] - Concerns have been raised about the impact of the Bank's bond sales on the government's gilt issuance strategy, with calls for closer coordination between the Bank and the Debt Management Office [25][41][58] - The current economic environment is characterized by high inflation expectations, which could complicate the Bank's ability to cut rates in the near future [19][27][54]