Core Insights - Walmart has become the presenting partner of ElClásico in the U.S., marking a historic milestone for both Walmart and LALIGA [3][9] - The partnership aims to enhance the experience of soccer fans in the U.S. through various events and activations [6][9] Company Overview - Walmart is the world's largest retailer, with fiscal year 2025 revenue of $681 billion and approximately 2.1 million associates globally [11] - The company operates over 10,750 stores and numerous eCommerce websites across 19 countries, serving around 270 million customers weekly [11] Industry Context - ElClásico, featuring FC Barcelona and Real Madrid, is a cultural phenomenon with an audience of 650 million viewers across more than 180 countries [4] - The match is scheduled to take place on the weekends of October 25-26, 2025, and May 9-10, 2026, during the 2025/26 LALIGA season [5] Partnership Details - The partnership will include large-scale viewing events, concerts, meet-and-greets with LALIGA Legends, and co-branded merchandise [3][9] - Walmart's involvement in soccer is part of a broader strategy to connect with a rapidly growing fanbase in North America, especially ahead of the 2026 World Cup [6][8] Marketing and Branding - A new visual identity for ElClásico will be introduced, featuring Walmart as the presenting partner, to be used across all match-related properties in the U.S. and Canada [2][3] - Walmart's partnership with LALIGA follows a recent multi-year agreement with Major League Soccer (MLS) and Leagues Cup, emphasizing its commitment to soccer [8]

Core Insights - Retailers are expected to sharply reduce seasonal hiring plans in the fourth quarter, with anticipated job additions dropping to the lowest level in 16 years [1][2] - The overall job market in the U.S. is softening, with only 22,000 jobs added in August, significantly below expectations [2] Group 1: Seasonal Hiring Trends - Employers are predicted to add less than half a million jobs in the fourth quarter, down from 543,000 last year [1] - Several major retailers, including Target, Macy's, and Burlington, have not yet announced their seasonal hiring plans, and those who have reported numbers are either equal to or slightly lower than last year [4] Group 2: Economic Factors Impacting Retail - Tariffs and inflationary pressures are affecting seasonal hiring, as companies are increasingly relying on automation and permanent staff rather than large seasonal hires [2] - The Consumer Price Index indicates that household goods are 10% more expensive than pre-tariff levels, which may be influencing consumer spending behavior [5] - A PwC report indicates that shoppers plan to spend 5% less on holiday gifts, travel, and entertainment this year, marking the first significant decline since 2020 [5] Group 3: Consumer Behavior - Despite economic challenges, consumer spending at stores remains steady, and if this trend continues into the holiday season, retailers may be compelled to increase hiring later in the year [3]

Market Overview - US stock futures showed little change before the opening bell on September 25, as investors awaited jobless claims data to assess the Federal Reserve's next interest rate move [1][10] - Futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average hovered just below flat, while S&P 500 contracts slipped 0.2% and Nasdaq 100 futures dipped 0.3%, extending pressure after major indexes closed lower for two consecutive days [2][11] Economic Indicators - The focus is on weekly jobless claims, which are a key signal of labor market health and have been flagged as a concern by Fed officials [4][6] - Investors are also looking at second-quarter GDP, personal consumption, and existing home sales ahead of the Fed's preferred inflation gauge, the Personal Consumption Expenditures index, expected to show easing price pressures [7][11] Corporate Developments - Costco is set to report quarterly earnings, with analysts anticipating higher sales as consumers seek bargains in an uncertain economy [7][13] - Intel shares rose over 3% in premarket trading due to reports of potential investment talks with Apple, with Intel's stock closing at $31.22 and rising to $31.70 in early trade [12] - Hertz's stock increased by 4% after announcing a $250 million exchangeable senior notes offering [12] - Qualcomm's stock slipped 1% following the launch of new chips for PCs and phones [12] - CarMax's stock dropped 12% in premarket trading after its quarterly results missed Wall Street estimates [12] - Oracle received a downgrade from Redburn analyst Alex Haissl, who set a $175 price target, implying a 42% downside, suggesting it may be time for investors to take profits [9][13]

Group 1 - Marks and Spencer Group is currently in the third year of its 'Reshape for Growth' turnaround plan, indicating a long-term strategy for recovery and growth [1] - The share price of Marks and Spencer Group reflects the progress and challenges faced during the turnaround process, suggesting market sentiment towards the company's restructuring efforts [1] Group 2 - The article does not provide specific financial data or performance metrics related to Marks and Spencer Group's turnaround plan [1]

Group 1 - Marks and Spencer Group is currently in the third year of its 'Reshape for Growth' turnaround plan, indicating a long-term strategy for improvement [1] - The share price performance reflects the progress and challenges faced by the company during this restructuring phase [1] Group 2 - The company operates in the retail sector, specifically in the UK market, which has been undergoing significant changes and competition [1] - The focus on growth and restructuring suggests a proactive approach to adapt to market demands and consumer preferences [1]

Group 1 - Walmart made a surprise appearance at New York Fashion Week with a fashion pop-up event [2] - The event promoted Walmart's Scoop and Free Assembly fashion lines [2]

Core Insights - The logistics sector has seen significant engagement from investors, particularly in the ASEAN and US markets, highlighting a trend towards diversification in investment portfolios [1] - The popularity of insurance companies in the Philippines since 2014 indicates a growing interest in financial products beyond traditional savings [1] - The entry into the US market has provided opportunities for investment in various sectors, including banks, hotels, and logistics, reflecting a broader strategy of portfolio diversification [1] Investment Strategies - Initial investments were focused on blue-chip companies, which suggests a strategy aimed at stability and reliability in returns [1] - The approach has evolved to include a mix of long-term holdings for retirement and short-term trades for profit, indicating a balanced investment strategy [1] - The use of analyses from platforms like Seeking Alpha has enhanced the understanding of market dynamics, allowing for better comparisons between different markets [1]

Economic Outlook - U.S. rate futures indicate a 91.9% probability of a 25 basis point rate cut at the upcoming monetary policy meeting, with an 8.1% chance of no change [1] - San Francisco Fed President Mary Daly suggests that further interest rate cuts may be necessary to restore price stability while supporting the labor market [1] - U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent expresses disappointment over the lack of a clear agenda from Fed Chair Jerome Powell regarding interest rate reductions, advocating for a decrease of 100 to 150 basis points by year-end [2] Market Performance - Wall Street's main equity benchmarks closed lower, with Freeport-McMoRan experiencing a significant drop of nearly 17% after cutting Q3 sales guidance and declaring force majeure on copper supplies [3] - Bloom Energy fell over 10% following a downgrade by Jefferies, while Adobe declined more than 2% after a downgrade by Morgan Stanley [3] - Conversely, Marvell Technology rose over 7% after announcing a new $5 billion share repurchase program [3] Upcoming Economic Data - The U.S. Commerce Department's final estimate of GDP is anticipated to show a 3.3% annual growth rate for Q2 [5] - Durable Goods Orders are expected to decline by 0.3% month-over-month, while Core Durable Goods Orders are forecasted to fall by 0.1% [5] - Existing Home Sales are projected at 3.96 million for August, down from 4.01 million in July [6] Corporate Earnings - Notable companies such as Costco, Accenture, Jabil Circuit, and CarMax are set to report quarterly results today [7] - Oracle's stock fell over 2% in pre-market trading after a Sell rating was initiated by Rothschild & Co. Redburn [16] International Market Insights - The Euro Stoxx 50 Index is down 0.49%, influenced by declines in healthcare and construction stocks [9] - Japan's Nikkei 225 Index reached a new record high, supported by a weaker yen and expectations of a Bank of Japan interest rate hike [12]

Core Insights - Walmart is partnering with La Liga to become the first presenting partner of "El Clásico," enhancing its presence in the soccer market in the U.S. [2][3] - The partnership aims to create engaging experiences for fans, including co-branded merchandise and large-scale events [3][5] - La Liga has a significant audience in the U.S., with the league's games attracting millions of viewers and growing interest ahead of the 2026 World Cup [6][9][10] Group 1: Partnership Details - Walmart will debut a new logo as the presenting partner for El Clásico, which will be used in the U.S. and Canada [3] - The first match of the 2025-26 season is scheduled for October 26, 2025, in Madrid, with a second match on May 10, 2026, in Barcelona [4] - The partnership will kick off with fan events in Houston starting October 24, 2025, featuring viewing parties and concerts [5] Group 2: Market Context - The U.S. is the top market for La Liga outside of Spain, with a growing soccer fanbase [6][10] - ESPN reported that the 2024-2025 La Liga season was its most successful, with 5.4 billion minutes viewed across its platforms [8] - Walmart's previous multi-year deal with MLS indicates a broader strategy to capitalize on the growing soccer market in the U.S. [11]

Portfolio Performance - Private Equity and Infrastructure portfolios are performing resiliently despite a subdued macroeconomic environment[6] - Royal Sanders continues to perform well, and the broader PE portfolio shows improving momentum[6] - MAIT's sale was announced earlier this month, with total gross proceeds of approximately £143 million, a roughly 30% increase over its valuation on March 31, 2025, resulting in a 2.7x MM and approximately 27% IRR[6] - Action's year-to-date sales (as of September 21, 2025) reached €10.9 billion, which is 18% higher than the same period last year[6] - Action's year-to-date like-for-like (LFL) sales growth is 6.5% (compared to 6.8% at the end of August 2025), driven by transaction growth in all countries[6] - Action's operating EBITDA for the 12 months leading up to the end of P9 2025 is expected to be approximately €2,295 million, a 21% increase from €1,894 million at the end of P9 2024[6] Action Expansion - Action added 207 net new stores year-to-date and is on track to deliver or exceed 370 net new stores in 2025[6] - Action opened 7 stores in Switzerland year-to-date, and its first store in Romania opened on September 24, 2025[6] Investment and Acquisition - On September 24, 2025, 3i entered into an agreement with GIC to purchase a limited partnership interest representing 2.2% of Action equity in exchange for the issue of 19,916,225 new ordinary shares in 3i Group plc[6] - 3i invested approximately €1.7 billion in consumer businesses over the last 2 years[11] - 3i invested £124 million in MPM[18] - 3i invested approximately €145 million in WaterWipes[49] - 3i invested approximately £53 million in MAIT[95] - 3i invested £99 million in OMS[111] MPM Transaction - The total gross proceeds from the MPM transaction are approximately £400 million, with a money multiple of 3.2x and an IRR of 29%[44]