Bitcoin briefly dropped below $91k following the release of the job data — Source: CoinGape Bitcoin briefly dropped below $91,000 following the release of the November JOLTS jobs openings data. The November data came in at 7.1 million, way below estimates of 7.6 million. The job data suggests that the labor market remains weak, strengthening the case for further rate cuts. Bitcoin has continued its decline today, having begun the year on a high, rising above $94,000 earlier this week. This latest ...

Group 1 - The S&P 500 index is currently near 6,792, showing a weekly increase and a three-month gain of 8%, indicating a strong market trend [1][2] - The September CPI report revealed a year-over-year inflation rate of 3%, slightly below expectations, providing a favorable environment for potential interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve [2][4] - Fundstrat's Tom Lee predicts a robust year-end rally for the S&P 500, suggesting it could surpass 7,000, driven by cooling inflation and anticipated Fed rate cuts [4][5] Group 2 - Lee believes the stock market could achieve gains exceeding 4%, potentially reaching 10% by year-end, due to the combination of new rate cuts and diminishing skepticism [5][6] - The current market conditions are reminiscent of previous "reset" years, such as 1998 and 2024, when the Fed cut rates late in the cycle, leading to strong market finishes [7] - There is a division among Wall Street analysts regarding the market's potential, with bullish sentiments rising but bearish perspectives still present [8]

Economic Overview - Inflation is cooling at a faster rate than expected, with the consumer price index (CPI) rising only 0.1% sequentially in May, lower than the consensus estimate of 0.2% [3][9] - Year-over-year, CPI increased 2.4%, aligning with analysts' expectations, while core CPI rose 0.1% sequentially and 2.8% year-over-year, both lower than expected [3][4] Consumer Discretionary Stocks - Positive sentiment in the market suggests investing in consumer discretionary stocks such as Carnival Corporation & plc (CCL), Fox Corporation (FOX), Netflix, Inc. (NFLX), and Interface, Inc. (TILE) [2][8] - These stocks have seen positive earnings estimate revisions in the last 60 days, with each carrying a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy) [2] Company-Specific Insights Carnival Corporation & plc - Carnival Corporation operates as the largest cruise operator globally, carrying nearly half of the global cruise guests [10] - The expected earnings growth rate for the current year is 31.7%, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings improving by 1.1% over the last 60 days [10] Fox Corporation - Fox Corporation produces and distributes news, sports, and entertainment content, with brands including FOX News and FOX Sports [11] - The expected earnings growth rate for the current year is 32.4%, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings improving by 1.1% over the past 60 days [11] Netflix, Inc. - Netflix is a pioneer in the streaming space, aggressively building its portfolio of original shows to maintain its leading position [12] - The expected earnings growth rate for the current year is 27.7%, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings improving by 3.3% over the past 60 days [12] Interface, Inc. - Interface is the world's largest manufacturer of modular carpets, committed to sustainability while enhancing shareholder value [13] - The expected earnings growth rate for the current year is 8.2%, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings improving by 2.6% over the past 60 days [13]

Retail Sector Overview - U.S. retail sales grew 0.1% in April after a revised 1.7% increase in March, with a year-over-year rise of 5.2% [3] - Online store sales increased by 2% in April, while food services and drinking places saw a 1.2% rise [3] - The retail sector has shown resilience despite challenges from tariffs and consumer sentiment [4] Impact of Tariffs and Trade Deals - A temporary pause on tariffs was announced after the U.S. and China reached a trade truce, which is expected to benefit the retail sector [1][6] - The retail sector's growth was hindered by fears of tariffs, but upcoming trade deals may provide a boost [5] Inflation and Economic Outlook - U.S. consumer inflation showed signs of cooling, with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rising 0.2% in April and 2.3% year-over-year, the smallest gain since February 2021 [7] - Lower inflation rates may lead to potential rate cuts by the Federal Reserve, which would positively impact the retail sector and the broader economy [8] Investment Opportunities in Retail Stocks - Recommended retail stocks include Maplebear Inc. (CART), PC Connection, Inc. (CNXN), Carvana Co. (CVNA), and Nordstrom, Inc. (JWN), all showing positive earnings estimate revisions [2] - Maplebear Inc. has an expected earnings growth rate of 7.6% for the current year, with a Zacks Rank of 2 [10] - PC Connection has an expected earnings growth rate of 6.8% for the current year, also holding a Zacks Rank of 2 [11] - Carvana Co. is projected to have over 100% earnings growth next year, with a Zacks Rank of 2 [13] - Nordstrom has an expected earnings growth rate of 1.8% for the current year, maintaining a Zacks Rank of 2 [15]