Money market funds aren’t the most lucrative. So why do investors keep buying them? The strategies continue to see massive inflows, with $20 billion flowing in last week alone, bringing total assets to about $7.4 trillion and heightening interest in money market ETFs, a small but growing adjacent niche. Issuers have been quick to hop on the bandwagon, with JPMorgan, Vanguard and Schwab all introducing their own money market ETFs, despite a lower interest-rate environment that can diminish returns for mone ...

Core Insights - Helen of Troy Limited (HELE) is expected to report a decline in both revenue and earnings for the second quarter of fiscal 2026, with projected revenues of $418.8 million, reflecting an 11.7% decrease year-over-year, and earnings estimated at $0.54 per share, indicating a 55.4% decline from the previous year [1][9]. Revenue and Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for HELE's quarterly revenues is $418.8 million, which is a decrease of 11.7% from the prior-year quarter [1][9]. - The earnings estimate for HELE stands at 54 cents per share, representing a 55.4% decline compared to the same quarter last year [2][9]. Challenges Facing the Company - HELE is experiencing pressure from tariff-related disruptions and global trade uncertainties, leading to order cancellations and reduced imports from China as retailers adapt to higher costs [3]. - The company is facing a challenging macroeconomic environment characterized by weaker consumer and retailer demand, with a projected 17.3% drop in organic volumes for the fiscal second quarter [4]. - Rising Selling, General and Administrative (SG&A) expenses are a concern, with an expected 310-basis point increase in adjusted SG&A as a percentage of sales to 38.9% in the fiscal second quarter [5]. Strategic Initiatives - Despite the challenges, HELE's Leadership Brands remain a strong point, with a focus on operational excellence and portfolio optimization helping to stabilize performance [6]. - The company is diversifying its sourcing outside of China to mitigate tariff exposure and has initiated Project Pegasus, which is delivering cost savings [3][6]. Earnings Prediction Model - The current model does not predict an earnings beat for HELE, as it holds a Zacks Rank of 3 and an Earnings ESP of 0.00% [7].

Macro Environment Overview - The macro environment in the dental industry has remained relatively stable, with patient traffic data indicating consistent levels throughout the year [1] - Patient traffic is considered a key indicator for merchandise sales and inventory turnover [1] Impact of Interest Rate Changes - The recent cuts in U.S. interest rates are viewed as a significant macroeconomic factor that may provide short-term opportunities for increased equipment sales [2] - Larger dollar equipment sales are often financed through leasing or other financing methods, suggesting potential for growth in this area due to lower interest rates [2]

Group 1 - Microsoft will increase the recommended retail price of several Xbox consoles in the U.S. starting in October due to "changes in the macroeconomic environment" [1] - The price increase does not apply to accessories such as controllers and headsets, and prices in other countries will remain unchanged [1] - This marks the second price increase for Microsoft's consoles in the U.S. this year, following similar actions by competitors Sony and Nintendo [3] Group 2 - The Xbox Series S will now start at $399, up from $379, while the 1TB version will cost $449 [3] - The Xbox Series X Digital console will now be priced at $599, reflecting a $50 increase, and the Xbox Series X with a disc drive will also see a $50 increase to $649 [3] - The most expensive version of the Xbox Series X, with 2TB of storage, will now cost $799, up from $729 [3]

Microsoft said it is increasing the prices of its flagship Xbox Series S and Series X video game consoles on Oct. 3, citing changes in the macroeconomic environment https://t.co/kQ8KKTkRX1 ...

Group 1: Trading Performance - C&C reported that trading for the six months ending in August is in line with expectations, with net revenues 4% below last year due to lower distribution revenues and planned exit from lower margin business [1] - Core brands Tennent's and Bulmers showed solid performance with revenue growth during the same period [2] Group 2: Brand Strategy - Following the transfer of control of Magners UK back to C&C in January, the company initiated a multi-year program to reinvigorate the brand, starting with a new marketing campaign and initial distribution gains [3] - The premium portfolio continues to build distribution in both on and off trade channels [3] Group 3: Future Outlook - C&C plans to continue investing in the business despite a challenging macroeconomic environment, aiming to achieve operating profit in line with market expectations [4] Group 4: Leadership Changes - Andrew Andrea, Chief Financial and Transformation Officer, will step down to become CFO at Domino's Pizza Group, with a search for a new CFO starting immediately [5] - The leadership change at Domino's comes amid challenges for UK firms facing inflation and changing consumer behavior [6][7]

Core Insights - Endava plc (NYSE:DAVA) is a British tech consultancy that specializes in modernizing IT systems for large corporations, but it has faced significant challenges in the stock market, with shares dropping over 30% and stock value plummeting by more than 80% since early 2024 due to guidance that did not meet investor expectations [1][6] Financial Performance - On September 4, 2025, DAVA reported earnings per share of $0.329, surpassing the estimated $0.32, and achieved revenue of approximately $256.3 million, significantly exceeding the estimated $184 million [2] - Despite the positive earnings surprise, the company's revenue decreased by 4% year over year, and its workforce was reduced by 5%, indicating challenges in maintaining consistent growth [2][6] - The company set its full-year fiscal 2026 revenue and earnings targets below expectations, despite the positive earnings report [3][6] Valuation Metrics - DAVA has a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of approximately 24.05, indicating the price investors are willing to pay for each dollar of earnings [4] - The price-to-sales ratio stands at about 0.56, suggesting that the market values the company's sales at just over half of its current market price [4] - The enterprise value to sales ratio is approximately 0.71, reflecting the company's total valuation relative to its sales [4] Financial Stability - DAVA maintains a relatively low level of debt compared to its equity, with a debt-to-equity ratio of about 0.29, indicating financial stability [5][6] - The current ratio is approximately 2.18, suggesting good short-term financial health [5][6]

Core Viewpoint - The U.S. economy is exhibiting remarkable resilience, with strong consumer behavior and stable unemployment rates, despite concerns over tariffs and economic volatility [1]. Economic Environment - The consumer sector remains robust, with purchases potentially being accelerated due to tariff concerns [1]. - Unemployment rates have shown minor fluctuations but remain stable, indicating a healthy labor market [1]. - Initial fears regarding the impact of tariffs have not materialized as significantly as anticipated [1]. Investment Opportunities - There is a significant amount of investment capital ready to be allocated to specific industries, particularly in technology and biomedical sectors [1].

Macroeconomic Environment & Regulatory Clarity - Rate cuts are approaching, creating a more favorable macroeconomic environment for crypto [1] - The crypto industry is experiencing the most positive regulatory clarity since its inception [1]

Core Viewpoint - Rocket Companies (NYSE: RKT) has experienced significant price volatility recently, with various bullish and bearish perspectives emerging in response to the uncertain macroeconomic environment. The analysis leans towards a bullish outlook for the company [1]. Group 1: Company Performance - Rocket Companies is navigating a challenging macroeconomic landscape, which has led to fluctuating stock prices [1]. - The company is viewed positively due to its potential for growth and the disruptive changes anticipated in the industry over the next decade [1]. Group 2: Market Sentiment - There is a mix of opinions among investors regarding Rocket Companies, with some expressing optimism while others remain cautious [1].