The market for personal luxury goods should return to growth in 2026 after two years of flatlining, according to one of the world’s biggest consulting firms https://t.co/VSvlhidpHY ...

Core Viewpoint - Procter & Gamble (PG) is experiencing fluctuations in its consensus price target, reflecting changes in analyst expectations and company performance [1][2][5] Price Target Analysis - The average price target for PG decreased from $168.25 in the previous quarter to $164.5, indicating a downward trend in analyst expectations [2][5] - Deutsche Bank has set a price target of $177, suggesting a more optimistic outlook compared to the average [2] Earnings and Performance Outlook - PG is set to release its first-quarter earnings on October 24, with expectations on the lower side due to recent performance [3] - The company is actively working on cost reduction and revamping its cost base, which may enhance long-term performance [3][5] Market Position and Growth Potential - PG has underperformed relative to the S&P 500 and its staple peers, but there is potential for recovery and above-average market growth [4][5] - Despite expected declines in Q1 earnings, PG's strategic initiatives and earnings reports are crucial for assessing future performance [4][5]

Insightful post about why BlackRock is staying focused on just BTC and ETH amidst the Crypto ETF "explosion"BlackRock's Matt Kunke acknowledged that there will be an ETF wrapper for basically every crypto assetBut it boils down to "a client demand question"“Given the relative size of [BTC and ETH] markets compared to some of the smaller ones, I think commercially we’re probably better off prioritizing and elevating those two main products from an education perspective and a marketing perspective," Kunke wen ...

Core Insights - The global smartphone market experienced a 3% year-on-year growth in Q3 2025, indicating a return to growth momentum driven by major product launches during the quarter [1] - The rebound in the market was supported by strong replacement demand and several vendors preparing inventories ahead of a busy Q4 2025 [1] - Samsung retained its position as the market leader for the third consecutive quarter, holding a 19% market share, bolstered by sustained volume strength [1]

Core Viewpoint - The potential for significant layoffs of federal employees during a government shutdown is not causing concern among market bulls, as it is perceived to lead to more Federal Reserve rate cuts [1] Group 1 - The prospect of massive layoffs is seen as a positive signal for the market, indicating potential monetary easing [1]

We are so early to prediction markets.Strap in for a 100x market growth from here tbhTarek Mansour (@mansourtarek_):Last night, Kalshi's daily volume has officially surpassed Election Day.Nothing beats football in America. https://t.co/z6oqWvLTvS ...

Market Growth - Japan's blockchain market is projected to increase from $499 million in 2022 to almost $75 billion by 2030 [1] Industry Adoption - Heritage brands are tokenizing fine whisky [1] - Automotive leaders are reimagining mobility finance [1] - Megabanks are backing stablecoins [1]

Market Trends - Microdrama, backed by Chinese investment, is gaining traction with its short video app, Real Short [1] - China's microdrama market has surpassed 50 billion yen (approximately 690 million USD) in 2024, exceeding China's box office revenue [2] - Microdrama producers aim to appeal to the American public, viewing it as a gateway to global market dominance due to America's significant cultural influence [3] Content & Strategy - Microdramas utilize instant gratification tactics and over-the-top scenarios to entertain viewers [2] - The microdrama format is described as a more intense version of soap operas [1]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Alcon's Q2 2025 sales reached $2.6 billion, reflecting a 3% increase year-over-year, consistent with Q1 performance [27] - Core gross margin for Q2 was 62.2%, in line with the previous year, while core operating margin decreased by 100 basis points to 19.1% due to increased R&D investments [31] - Core diluted earnings per share were $0.76, broadly in line with the previous year on a constant currency basis [31] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Surgical franchise revenue increased by 1% year-over-year to $1.5 billion, with implantable sales down 2% to $456 million due to soft market conditions and competitive pressures [27][28] - Vision Care sales rose by 5% to $1.1 billion, with contact lens sales up 7% to $692 million, driven by product innovation and price increases [29] - Oculo Health sales were $430 million, up 2% year-over-year, led by eye drops, partially offset by declines in contact lens care [30] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Global cataract volumes grew approximately low single digits in Q2, compared to a historical average of about 4% [25] - The retail market for contact lenses grew mid single digits during the quarter [25] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Alcon is focused on acquiring transformative technologies in eye care, with recent acquisitions including the Voyager Direct device for glaucoma and STAR for refractive surgery [8][9] - The company aims to leverage its broader commercial infrastructure to accelerate adoption of new products and expand its presence in high-growth markets like China [11][12] - Alcon's strategy includes driving organic growth through innovation and execution, with a robust pipeline and strategic expansion planned for 2026 and beyond [7][36] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the long-term durability of end markets and the resilience of customers despite softer market conditions in the first half of the year [6][7] - The company anticipates a gradual return to historical growth rates in surgical procedures, driven by an aging population and increasing cataract prevalence [57][58] - Alcon expects to fully offset tariff impacts through foreign exchange and operational actions, maintaining a focus on innovation and cost discipline [32][33] Other Important Information - Alcon generated $681 million in free cash flow in the first half of the year, enabling $287 million in returns to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends [32] - The company incurred $27 million in tariff-related charges during Q2, with an expected full-year impact of approximately $100 million on cost of sales [32] Q&A Session Summary Question: Stability in PCIOLs share in the U.S. and international markets - Management noted a sequential improvement in U.S. share by about four points, attributed to the successful reception of PanOptix Pro, while acknowledging competitive pressures in international markets [43][46] Question: Outlook for 2026 and impact of recent acquisitions - Management refrained from providing specific guidance for 2026 but expressed confidence in the strategic value of recent acquisitions, emphasizing the importance of synergies and operational support [51][53] Question: Market weakness and outlook for recovery - Management highlighted that the aging population and increasing cataract prevalence underpin confidence in future growth, despite current market normalization [57][58] Question: Unity VCS order book and placements - Management reported over 1,000 qualified leads for Unity VCS within ten weeks of launch, emphasizing a deliberate ramp-up in installations to ensure proper training and support for surgeons [62][64] Question: Performance of SUSTAIN and competitive dynamics - Management indicated mid to high single-digit growth for SUSTAIN, noting a market pop due to competitor advertising, while addressing supply issues affecting some products [92][94] Question: Growth outlook for STAR and local competition in China - Management acknowledged local competition in China but expressed confidence in the long-term growth potential of the EVO ICL platform, supported by Alcon's critical mass and market presence [96][99]

Group 1 - Energy Services of America (NASDAQ: ESOA) experienced significant exogenous headwinds in Q2'25 due to adverse weather conditions in its serviced region, leading to a substantial net loss [1] - Despite the near-term challenges, the market served by the company remains robust with substantial investment outlay [1] - The analyst, Michael Del Monte, has over 5 years of experience in the investment management industry and has worked across various sectors including Oil & Gas, Oilfield Services, Midstream, Industrials, Information Technology, EPC Services, and consumer discretionary [1]