RT BBC Breaking News (@BBCBreaking)UK economic growth slowed between April and June to 0.3%, official figures show https://t.co/I2huEb35tf ...

Core Insights - The article emphasizes that quality stocks, particularly dividend-paying ones, can be attractive investment opportunities when they are undervalued in the market [1][2]. Group 1: Merck - Merck's revenue is heavily reliant on its cancer drug Keytruda, which accounts for 50% of total revenue, and faces patent expirations in the U.S. by 2028 and in Europe by 2031, contributing to a 39% decline in stock price from last year's peak [3][6]. - Despite current challenges, Merck has a promising pipeline with up to 20 drugs that could collectively generate over $50 billion in annual sales by the mid-2030s [5][6]. - The stock is currently priced at less than 9 times expected earnings, with a dividend yield of 4%, indicating that challenges are already reflected in the stock price [7]. Group 2: Target - Target has struggled with a 3.8% decline in same-store sales and a 60% drop in stock price since late 2021, largely due to economic conditions and internal controversies [8][12]. - There are signs of potential economic recovery, with a slight increase in consumer confidence and GDP growth estimates, which could benefit Target's sales [9][12]. - The stock is priced at about 14 times expected earnings, with a forward-looking dividend yield of 4.3%, suggesting a reasonable risk-reward profile for investors [12]. Group 3: PepsiCo - PepsiCo has experienced a 26% decline in stock price since its 2023 high, but this downturn may have reached its limit [13]. - The company faces challenges from rising costs in its beverage and food segments, but it is adapting by introducing healthier product options and optimizing its supply chain [14][16]. - PepsiCo is well-positioned to benefit from a potential resurgence in consumer spending and the growing trend towards healthy snacks [16].

Bank of Ghana Governor Johnson Asiama urged the nation’s banks to increase private-sector lending to support economic growth https://t.co/wy2tlxYmp4 ...

China’s fresh consumer subsidy program could spur several trillion yuan in new loans to boost spending, helping the world’s second-largest economy amid a tariff standoff with US, analysts said https://t.co/q4KJchbtwj ...

Economic Outlook - Russia's economy likely returned to growth last quarter [1] - The economy dodged a recession despite pressure from ultra-high interest rates [1]

Inflation & Tariffs - Core CPI annualized basis came in a little hotter than expected, at the highest since February [2] - Sequential core inflation and underlying inflation data are showing an uptick after two years of moving closer to the Fed target [3] - Tariff pass-through is having a moderate impact and is likely to grow in the months ahead [3] - Import-sensitive categories like furniture, appliances, and car parts are seeing a shift towards higher inflation [4] Economic Growth & Labor Market - Recent economic data shows some labor market weakening and slowing in economic activity and growth [4] - There are medium-term questions about the effect of tariffs on both inflation and economic growth/employment [4] Consumer Spending & Impact on Working Class - Tariffs disproportionately affect low and moderate-income households [8] - Wage growth is slowing down at the bottom of the income distribution [9] - Consumer spending has been almost flat in the aggregate over the last six months, likely weaker at the bottom of the distribution [9] Healthcare & Student Loans - Premiums for those getting healthcare through Affordable Care Act exchanges will increase, in some cases by 10-20% starting in 2026 [11] - The turning off of the student loan pause is already showing its way in some of the credit score data [12] - There are challenges in the bottom half of the distribution that policymakers will need to be attuned to [13] Data Integrity - It's critical that members of the US Senate interrogate the nominee and press him on whether he can commit to providing credible nonpartisan data completely free from political interference [5] - Business leaders and market participants should make their voices heard about the importance of US economic data being respected [6]

The Central Bank of Kenya cut its benchmark interest rate for the seventh time in a row to boost private-sector lending and economic growth as inflation remains within target https://t.co/yHW4llf3yY ...

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves is drawing up plans for another overhaul of Britain’s planning rules, in a bid to speed up the delivery of infrastructure and boost economic growth https://t.co/U0mq8S3nT5 ...

Production Decline - New Zealand's concrete production has fallen to a 10-year low [1] Economic Factors - Cooling economic growth is a contributing factor [1] - Global uncertainty is impacting the market [1] Construction & Investment - Home construction is being curbed [1] - Investment in new commercial buildings is being curbed [1]

The industry helps drive economic growth. Housing employs a lot of people and homes are a slug of many families’ net worth. It is worth watching to see where the economy is heading https://t.co/QGKsXdlAfL ...