Group 1 - President Trump has a "backup plan" to impose 10% tariffs if the Supreme Court strikes down his higher "Liberation Day" tariffs [1][3] - The Supreme Court is reviewing the legality of Trump's tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), which includes tariffs on China, Mexico, and Canada [2][9] - If the Supreme Court rules against the tariffs, the White House plans to implement 10% tariffs under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, which allows for tariffs of up to 15% for 150 days to address trade imbalances [3][4] Group 2 - The administration expresses confidence that the Supreme Court will side with them, despite indications from justices that they are skeptical of the president's tariffs [5] - The outcome of the Supreme Court ruling is uncertain, particularly regarding the status of tariffs already paid by companies, with over 1,000 companies filing lawsuits for refunds [6][7] - Trump's tariffs have been a central part of his economic agenda, despite warnings from economists about potential negative impacts on consumer prices and the economy [8]

Core Viewpoint - EU stocks are under scrutiny following President Donald Trump's indication of imposing tariffs on countries that oppose the U.S. efforts to acquire Greenland, highlighting the geopolitical implications for national security [1] Group 1 - President Trump emphasized the need for Greenland for national security purposes, suggesting a strategic interest that could influence international relations and trade policies [1]

“I may put a tariff on countries if they don’t go along with Greenland, because we need Greenland with national security, so I may do that,” Trump said without elaborating. ...

Core Insights - Dealmaking activity in the retail and consumer goods sectors is expected to increase in 2025 after a slowdown caused by tariffs on imports to the U.S. during the first half of the year [1] Group 1: Industry Outlook - Analysts predict a rise in mergers and IPOs for retailers and consumer goods companies in 2025 [1]

Core Insights - India's exports to China increased significantly by 67% in December, reaching $2 billion, while exports to the U.S. decreased by 1.8% to $6.8 billion [1] - The U.S. imposed 50% tariffs on India, affecting trade relations and prompting India to seek alternative markets [2] - India's exports to mainland China rose nearly 37% in the first nine months of the fiscal year ending March 2026, with Hong Kong shipments increasing over 25% [2] Trade Relations - China has become India's largest goods trading partner, with trade worth $110.20 billion from April to December 2025, surpassing the U.S. at $105.31 billion [4] - India has a trade surplus with the U.S. of over $26 billion, while the trade deficit with China has reached $81.7 billion during the same period [5] - In fiscal year 2025, India traded goods worth $131.84 billion with the U.S. and $127.71 billion with China, excluding Hong Kong [5] Diplomatic Engagements - India's Foreign Secretary met with a Chinese official to discuss improving bilateral ties, focusing on business and people-centric engagements [3] - Relations between India and China have been improving since a meeting between Prime Minister Modi and President Xi Jinping in September [3]

Economic Impact of Tariffs - President Trump attributes significant economic gains to tariffs, claiming the U.S. has received hundreds of billions of dollars with minimal inflation while enhancing national security [1] - The U.S. and Taiwan have reached a trade agreement that includes a commitment of at least $250 billion in direct U.S. investment from Taiwanese semiconductor and technology firms [4][2] Semiconductor Manufacturing and Supply Chain - The agreement aims to reverse the decline in U.S. semiconductor manufacturing, which fell from 37% in 1990 to less than 10% by 2024, raising economic and national security concerns [5] - Future U.S. tariffs on semiconductors will favor Taiwanese companies that establish manufacturing operations in the U.S., allowing for duty-free imports linked to increased domestic production [5] Investment and Industry Cooperation - The deal is structured to reward companies investing in American workers and facilities while discouraging overseas production reliance [8] - Taiwan is expected to facilitate U.S. investment in critical industries such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, defense technology, telecommunications, and biotechnology, which are essential for economic competitiveness and national security [8][11] Trade Strategy and Economic Data - The Taiwan agreement indicates that tariffs will continue to be a key element of Trump's trade strategy, focusing on rebuilding domestic manufacturing and securing supply chains [13] - Trump has consistently argued that tariffs protect American workers and provide leverage in trade negotiations, despite critics' concerns about potential consumer price increases [12]

Core Insights - Fear-based headlines are distracting investors from significant market growth, potentially harming their financial outcomes [1] - The stock market has shown substantial growth over the past three years, with the S&P 500 increasing by 67% cumulatively from 2023 to 2025 [2] - A $100,000 investment in a growth stock mutual fund would have grown to approximately $170,000 without any additional contributions [2] - Larger investments yield even more significant returns; a $1 million investment would have increased by $700,000, while a $10 million investment would have gained $7 million over the same period [3] Investment Strategy - The recommended approach is to maintain steady investing regardless of market headlines, emphasizing a long-term strategy [4] - Even underperforming mutual funds can outperform high-yield savings accounts, highlighting the importance of staying invested [5] - Investors are encouraged to ignore sensational news and focus on consistent investment practices to achieve long-term financial growth [5]

Core Viewpoint - Silver prices experienced a significant pullback after reaching a record high, influenced by profit-taking and the US decision not to impose tariffs on critical minerals [1][3]. Group 1: Price Movements and Market Reactions - Silver prices fell as much as 7.3% on Thursday after a rally that saw prices increase by over 20% in the previous four sessions, peaking at $93.75 [1]. - The decision by US President Donald Trump to avoid broad tariffs on critical minerals, including silver, suggests a more targeted approach to trade measures, alleviating fears of widespread impacts on metal prices [3]. Group 2: Supply and Demand Dynamics - Approximately 434 million ounces of silver are currently held in warehouses linked to the Comex futures exchange in New York, which is about 100 million ounces more than a year ago, indicating a buildup of inventory due to tariff-related trade disruptions [3]. - Silver's price increase of nearly 150% last year was driven by strong industrial demand, particularly from the solar sector, and a shift in investor interest from gold to silver as gold prices rose [5]. Group 3: Future Outlook - The medium-term outlook for silver remains positive, supported by supply shortfalls, industrial consumption, and spillover demand from gold, although recent price volatility suggests caution in the near term [6]. - There is potential for some constraints in silver movement out of the US, as it remains on the list of critical minerals that could be subject to future trade measures [4].

Core Insights - Conagra Brands, Inc. (CAG) is experiencing a difficult environment characterized by a slowdown in consumer spending, elevated inflation, and tariffs, leading to a Zacks Rank of 5 (Strong Sell) and nearing a 5-year low [1] Financial Performance - In the second quarter of fiscal 2026, Conagra reported earnings of $0.45, beating the Zacks Consensus of $0.44, marking the second consecutive earnings beat [2] - Net sales decreased by 6.8%, with organic net sales down by 3.0%, although the company is optimistic about a return to net sales growth in the second half of the fiscal year [3] Guidance and Inflation - Conagra reaffirmed its fiscal 2026 guidance, expecting organic net sales to change by a loss of 1% to 1% compared to fiscal 2025, with earnings projected between $1.70 and $1.85 [4] - The company anticipates continued elevated costs of goods sold inflation, with total cost of goods inflation expected to reach 7% in fiscal 2026, influenced by U.S. tariffs increasing costs by 3% before mitigations [5] Analyst Revisions - Analysts have cut fiscal 2026 earnings estimates, with the Zacks Consensus falling to $1.72 from $1.75, indicating a 25.2% decline in earnings [6] - For fiscal 2027, estimates were also reduced, with the Zacks Consensus dropping to $1.79 from $1.86, reflecting a projected earnings growth of 4.2% [7] Stock Performance and Valuation - Conagra's shares have declined significantly over the past year, now near 5-year lows [10] - The company trades at a forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 9.6, suggesting it may be undervalued [12] Dividend Information - Conagra pays a dividend of $1.40 per share, yielding 8.5%, with dividends paid in the first half of fiscal 2026 remaining flat year over year at $335 million [13]

The volatility wrought by tariffs is no longer a background risk but a daily operational reality, forcing companies to make strategic decisions with incomplete data and shifting economic signals. As tariffs collided with delayed government statistics and cooling consumer demand, firms have had to confront what PYMNTS Intelligence describes as peak uncertainty for product and operational leaders.By completing this form, you agree to receive marketing communications from PYMNTS and to the sharing of your info ...