Core Viewpoint - Commerce Bancshares, Inc. has announced a share repurchase program allowing for the repurchase of up to 5,000,000 shares of its common stock, reflecting the company's strategy to enhance shareholder value [1] Group 1: Share Repurchase Program - The Board of Directors approved a repurchase program that includes the remaining amount from a prior authorization, allowing for the repurchase of up to 5,000,000 shares [1] - Repurchases may occur through open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions, or other compliant methods, with management having sole discretion over timing and number of shares [1] - The program does not obligate the company to repurchase a specific number of shares and can be suspended, modified, or terminated at any time [1] Group 2: Company Overview - Commerce Bancshares, Inc. is a regional bank holding company with $32.3 billion in assets, offering a full range of banking services through its subsidiaries [2] - The company operates full-service banking facilities across the Midwest and maintains commercial offices in several major cities beyond the Midwest [2] - Commerce Bank, a subsidiary, has a 160-year history of providing financial solutions to individuals and businesses [2] Group 3: Financial Performance - For the third quarter of 2025, Commerce Bancshares reported earnings of $1.06 per share, an increase from $1.01 per share in the same quarter of the previous year [6] - Net income for the third quarter of 2025 was $141.5 million, compared to $138.0 million in the third quarter of 2024 [6] - For the nine months ended September 30, 2025, earnings per share totaled $3.18 [6] Group 4: Merger Activity - FineMark Holdings' shareholders have approved the merger agreement with Commerce Bancshares, marking a significant step in the strategic combination of the two institutions [7] - Over 83% of FineMark's issued and outstanding shares were represented at the special meeting for the merger approval [7]

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the benefits of redeeming credit card points for holiday shopping, highlighting various redemption options that can help consumers save money and earn rewards during the holiday season [1][2]. Redemption Options - Credit card points can be redeemed for various options including gift cards, statement credits, travel, and merchandise, with gift cards often providing straightforward redemption values [2][3]. - For example, Amex offers a redemption value of up to $100 for every 10,000 points, while Chase typically maintains a 1:1 ratio for gift cards [4][5]. - Statement credits and bank deposits are flexible redemption options, usually at a 1:1 ratio, but Amex Membership Rewards may offer less value at $60 for 10,000 points [6][7]. - Travel redemptions also follow a 1:1 ratio, but certain cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® can provide enhanced value through specific bookings [10]. Popular Gift Card Options - Gift cards from retailers such as Apple, Amazon, and Target are highlighted as convenient options for holiday gifting, with most issuers providing clear redemption values [3][4]. Maximizing Rewards - Strategies to maximize credit card rewards during the holiday season include using rewards credit cards for all purchases, earning sign-up bonuses, and checking for targeted shopping offers from card issuers [14][15][17]. - Utilizing online shopping portals can also enhance rewards earned on purchases, as these portals share commissions with users [21][22]. Recommended Credit Cards - The article lists several credit cards that are particularly beneficial for holiday shopping, including the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, Prime Visa, and Chase Freedom Unlimited, each with unique features and welcome offers [27][31][35][38].

(Corrects headline to show Miran says policy too restrictive, rather than not restrictive) By Howard Schneider WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Federal Reserve officials on Monday continued pressing competing views of where the economy stands and the risks facing it, a debate set to intensify ahead of the U.S. central bank's next policy meeting and in the absence of data suspended due to the federal government shutdown. In an appearance on the Bloomberg Surveillance television program, Fed Governor Stephen Miran r ...

Core Viewpoint - The Federal Reserve is experiencing a debate among its officials regarding the current state of the economy and the associated risks, which is expected to intensify ahead of the upcoming policy meeting due to a lack of new data caused by the federal government shutdown [1] Group 1: Interest Rate Perspectives - Fed Governor Stephen Miran advocates for deeper interest rate cuts, arguing that the buoyant stock and corporate credit markets do not indicate that monetary policy is too loose [2][3] - Miran expressed dissent against the recent decision to cut rates by a quarter percentage point, favoring a half-percentage-point reduction instead [3] - He believes that rising equity prices and narrow corporate credit spreads do not necessarily reflect the stance of monetary policy, especially as interest-sensitive sectors like housing show weakness [4] Group 2: Inflation Concerns - Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee is cautious about further rate cuts while inflation remains significantly above the Fed's 2% target, with expectations of acceleration through 2025 [5] - Goolsbee, a voting member of the Fed's policy committee, supported the recent rate cut but remains undecided about future cuts due to ongoing inflation concerns [6] - The contrasting views of Miran and Goolsbee highlight a significant divide among Fed officials regarding monetary policy direction, despite both having extensive economic backgrounds [6]

CEO Turnover and Trends - In Q3, 174 global CEOs left their positions, with average CEO tenure declining to 7.2 years, down from 8.4 years two years ago [1][2] - 88% of new CEOs appointed globally in 2025 are first-timers, indicating a search for new perspectives amid multifaceted business challenges [3] - U.S. companies reported that 69% of new CEO hires were internal, reflecting a balance between institutional knowledge and the need for fresh viewpoints [3] Economic Impact of Government Shutdown - The ongoing government shutdown could cost the U.S. between $7 billion to $14 billion in GDP, affecting federal workers and food benefits [6] - The expiration of health insurance subsidies under the Affordable Care Act is leading to significant premium increases, with an average rise of 17% in state-run exchanges and 30% in federally managed programs [7] Consumer Confidence and Economic Outlook - Consumer confidence dropped to a seven-month low of 94.6 in October, with some sectors potentially in recession [8][9] - The Federal Reserve cut interest rates by a quarter point for the second consecutive month, with mixed opinions among governors regarding future cuts [10] Major Corporate Deals - Kimberly-Clark announced plans to acquire Kenvue for $48.7 billion, positioning itself as the second-largest seller of health and wellness products globally, with expected annual revenue of $32 billion [11][13] - Kenvue's stock had fallen over 22% since September but rose more than 16% following the acquisition announcement [13] Workforce Changes Due to AI - Amazon announced layoffs of 14,000 corporate staff, with projections that AI and automation could replace 600,000 jobs by 2033 [14][15] - Other tech companies, including Microsoft and Meta, have also reduced headcounts, with Goldman Sachs estimating 6% to 7% of the U.S. workforce could be displaced by AI [15][16] AI in Customer Service - ReflexAI focuses on using AI to train human call center employees rather than replacing them, emphasizing the importance of human interaction for customer satisfaction [18][23] - The company aims to enhance training simulations to better prepare agents for handling various customer emotions and situations [21][22]

Core Insights - The article discusses the best grocery credit cards for 2025, highlighting various options based on their rewards structures and benefits. Group 1: Best Grocery Credit Cards - The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express offers 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 in eligible purchases annually, with a $0 intro annual fee for the first year and a $95 fee thereafter [3][5][6] - The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card provides 3% cash back on grocery purchases with no cap, making it a strong option for frequent grocery shoppers [9][12][13] - The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express has no annual fee and offers 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 in eligible purchases annually [17][18] Group 2: Additional Benefits and Offers - The Amex Blue Cash Preferred Card includes additional cash-back categories for streaming, transit, and U.S. gas stations, enhancing its overall value [6][10] - The Capital One Savor card features a welcome offer of $300 in bonuses and a $100 credit for travel bookings, making it attractive for new cardholders [11][12] - The American Express Gold Card allows for 4x Membership Rewards points at U.S. supermarkets, which can be beneficial for those looking to convert grocery spending into travel rewards [23][24] Group 3: Spending Limits and Cash Back Potential - The average American spends approximately $5,703 annually on groceries, which influences the potential cash back earned from these cards [54][75] - The U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards Visa Signature Card offers 6% cash back on the first $1,500 in combined purchases each quarter with selected retailers, including superstores [39][40] - The Citi Custom Cash Card provides 5% cash back on grocery purchases up to $500 per month, allowing for significant rewards for regular grocery shoppers [44][46]

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Federal Reserve Governor Stephen Miran said on Monday it is wrong to put too much emphasis on the strength of equity and corporate credit markets in assessing monetary policy that he feels remains too restrictive and is heightening the risk of a downturn. "Financial markets are driven by a lot of things, not just monetary policy," Miran said on the Bloomberg Surveillance television program, in explaining why he dissented last week against a quarter-percentage-point rate cut in favor ...

Core Insights - The individual has a decade of experience in a Big 4 audit firm, focusing on banking, mining, and energy sectors, which provides a strong foundation in finance and strategy [1] - Currently serves as the Head of Finance for a leading retail real estate owner and operator, overseeing complex financial operations and strategy [1] - Active investor in the U.S. stock market for 13 years, with a portfolio that reflects a balanced approach, emphasizing value stocks while maintaining exposure to growth opportunities [1] - Investment philosophy is based on thorough research and a long-term perspective, aiding in navigating various market cycles successfully [1] - Aims to uncover promising under-the-radar stocks that may not be widely recognized in the market [1] - Background in auditing and finance, combined with hands-on investing experience, allows for unique insights and actionable ideas for investors [1]

Core Viewpoint - The situation surrounding Binance founder Changpeng Zhao's alleged involvement in Kyrgyzstan's Bereket Bank has generated confusion due to conflicting statements from Zhao and President Sadyr Japarov regarding the bank's establishment and Zhao's role in it [1][3][4]. Group 1: Zhao's Involvement and Denial - Zhao deleted a post on X where he denied proposing the creation of Bereket Bank, which is aimed at attracting foreign investment in digital assets [1][2]. - Initially, Zhao claimed he never suggested starting a bank and had no interest in running one, but later removed his denial post, raising questions about the accuracy of his statements [3][4]. - President Japarov stated that Zhao approached him in May 2024 with the idea of opening a digital bank, indicating a potential interest from Zhao in a private institution focused on virtual assets [4][6]. Group 2: Bereket Bank and Government Involvement - The National Bank of Kyrgyzstan approved Bereket Bank as part of the country's crypto strategy, with President Japarov's son, Nurdoolot, being one of the founders [2][5]. - Japarov emphasized that the bank operates as a private business with no state ownership or family control, despite the familial connections involved [2][5]. - Zhao's ongoing collaboration with Kyrgyzstan's government includes a memorandum of understanding to develop the country's cryptocurrency and blockchain ecosystem, indicating a deeper relationship despite his public denials [7].

Automotive Sector - Tesla (TSLA) experienced a dramatic decline in new registrations in Denmark, falling by 86% year-on-year in October, despite an overall increase in car sales and a high adoption rate of electric vehicles in the market, where EVs constituted over 70% of new registrations [3][9] - The Volkswagen Group is gaining significant market share in Denmark, dominating the top 10 list of new registrations [3] Commodity Markets - Aluminum prices are approaching a three-year high, with prices rising to $2,892.55 USD per tonne, representing an 11.04% increase compared to the same period last year, driven by easing US-China tensions and strong demand from sectors like renewable energy and transportation [4][9] Economic Indicators - Switzerland's Consumer Price Index (CPI) for October reported an annual inflation rate of 0.1%, missing the estimated 0.3% and falling from 0.2% in September, indicating persistent low inflationary pressures [5][9] - Sweden's Swedbank/Silf PMI Manufacturing registered 55.1 in October, a slight decrease from the previous month's 55.5, suggesting a moderation in growth momentum while still indicating expansion in the manufacturing sector [6] Corporate Ratings - Goldman Sachs downgraded Remy Cointreau (RCO) to Neutral from Buy, reducing its target price from €65 to €50, citing low visibility for recovery and weak demand for cognac in the United States and China [7][9] - JP Morgan added Alphabet Inc. (GOOGL, GOOG) to its US Analyst Focus List, maintaining an "Overweight" rating and raising its price target for Alphabet to $340 from $300 [8]