Group 1: Target Corporation - Target has faced significant challenges, with its stock down 64%, but it has a history of resilience, having paid and raised dividends for 53 consecutive years [4][5] - Current issues include declining sales due to inflation, high interest rates, tariff uncertainty, and a backlash from reduced diversity initiatives [5][6] - Target is implementing a management shakeup through a new Enterprise Acceleration Office to improve execution and plans to open approximately 300 new stores over the next decade [7][8] - The stock currently has a low price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 10.5 and offers a dividend yield of 4.7%, supported by a 60% dividend payout ratio [8] Group 2: PepsiCo - PepsiCo's stock is down 34%, facing challenges from tighter consumer finances and competition from store brands, as well as the impact of weight loss drugs on its product demand [9][10] - Despite these challenges, PepsiCo remains a resilient company with a diverse portfolio of brands and a manageable dividend payout ratio of 72% [10] - The company is adapting by acquiring healthier food and beverage brands and innovating with products like zero-sugar sodas [11] - PepsiCo's current dividend yield is 4.25%, and its P/E ratio has dropped to 19, below its 10-year average of 26, indicating potential for respectable growth moving forward [12]

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell is scheduled to testify before Congress Tuesday, where he will likely face question about interest rates, the Fed's independence from politics, and the impact of the U.S. entry into the war between Israel and Iran. https://t.co/LhdP2j5c8o ...

like Matt on because you're trying to figure out what exactly are we not thinking of in terms of the market action why are we higher why is V down all these things that you wouldn't have thought we play that game if I told you what had happened would you be able to tell me what the reaction the market% none of this today I would give maybe maybe yields maybe yields lower it was the only one I potentially could have gotten right based on but in terms of crude oil being down 6% absolutely not the S&P rallying ...

Yeah. Well, I think the bigger thing that markets were worried about at least in the short term here was everything that's going on in the Middle East. And I think the big concern was if you did see some sort of closure of the straight horses or you saw any sort of damage to energy infrastructure, that is actually a much bigger risk that inflation's going higher from there.Because realistically, if you do see oil going above $100 a barrel, which people talk about if the straight were to be closed, you could ...

Key expectations M Idea Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC Michael T Gapen Chief US Economist Michael.Gapen@morganstanley.com +1 212 761-0571 Matthew Hornbach Strategist Matthew.Hornbach@morganstanley.com +1 212 761-1837 Jay Bacow Strategist Jay.Bacow@morganstanley.com +1 212 761-2647 Sam D Coffin Economist Sam.Coffin@morganstanley.com +1 212 761-4630 Diego Anzoategui Economist Diego.Anzoategui@morganstanley.com +1 212 761-8573 Lenoy Dujon US/Canada Economist Lenoy.Dujon@morganstanley.com +1 212 761-2779 Heather Berg ...

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the implications of rising national debt and suggests investing in life and retirement insurance companies as a protective measure against potential economic challenges posed by this debt [1][4]. Rising Debt and Economic Impact - The U.S. national debt has significantly increased, with a corresponding rise in the debt-to-GDP ratio, particularly during recessionary periods such as the 2008-2009 financial crisis and the pandemic [2]. - The response to rising debt has historically been increased spending and debt issuance, raising concerns about the sustainability of this approach [3]. Interest Rate Projections - Higher debt levels suggest that more debt issuance will occur, which could lead to rising long-term interest rates, potentially exceeding market expectations [6][7]. - The current market appears complacent regarding long-term interest rates, not pricing in significant risks associated with rising debt levels [7]. Investment Opportunities in Insurance Sector - In a rising interest rate environment, life and retirement insurers like Prudential Financial, MetLife, and Corebridge Financial may perform well, as they can invest in higher-yielding assets [8]. - These insurers typically hold a significant portion of their assets in low-risk investments, which will be affected by rising rates but will also allow them to purchase new assets at higher rates [10]. Asset Composition of Insurers - Prudential Financial holds 54.9% of its general account assets in publicly available fixed maturities, while MetLife has 31.6% in investment-grade corporate debt [12][13]. - Corebridge Financial has a substantial 97% of its assets in fixed income or short-term investments, positioning these companies favorably in a higher interest rate scenario [13]. Strategic Investment Considerations - While the debt issue is concerning, predicting interest rates remains challenging; however, investing in the insurance sector may be a prudent strategy for those worried about future public debt servicing costs [14].

Federal Reserve Gov. Christopher Waller said that the central bank could cut interest rates as early as July, arguing that inflation under tariffs wouldn't likely be a problem. https://t.co/qZ7szHXuNO ...

Compare today’s best mortgage refinance rates, compiled from hundreds of loan offers and analyzed by Investopedia’s mortgage rate experts. https://t.co/WlN0H2yeA9 ...

Okay, we're gonna pass from Steve to Steve. So, Steve Graass, so I'm going to kick it off with you just because the name was top of mind. Nice.Uh, have Steve Leeman on more. Well, listen, two big interviews today. Waller made comments.I just don't know if anybody has any visibility, including Jay Pal on down about where things are going to be given we don't know what oil prices are going to do, inflation's going to do, tariffs are going to do. So, you know, when you look at uh the Treasury Secretary uh Bess ...

30-year mortgage rates have been yo-yoing, with the latest move being a two-day dip that approaches a six-week low. Rates for many other loan types have fallen as well. https://t.co/YTUsoQK8QE ...