Investment & Manufacturing - Hyundai's investment in Georgia aligns with the goal of bringing back manufacturing and attracting foreign investment [1]

Core Insights - Foreign investment in China is undergoing a significant structural transformation as multinational companies (MNCs) shift capital towards new-economy industries [1][2] - MNCs are increasing investments in high-end manufacturing, healthcare, and pharmaceuticals, while also remaining optimistic about consumption-related sectors like fast-moving consumer goods [2][3] - China is being positioned as a global market for innovation, consumption, and growth by global companies [3] Investment Trends - According to HSBC's Global Trade Pulse Survey, 44% of MNCs view China as the top target market for enhancing global trade capabilities, with around 40% planning to increase manufacturing in China over the next two years [5] - China's vast market size, comprehensive industrial facilities, dynamic innovation ecosystem, and abundant talent continue to attract international investment [6] Financial Instruments - The accumulated issuance of panda bonds, which are yuan-denominated securities from overseas institutions operating in China, has surpassed 1 trillion yuan (approximately US$140 billion) since 2005 [7] - The availability of domestic fundraising tools in China reduces financing costs and enhances the expansion of MNCs, optimizing their asset-liability structures and improving capital allocation efficiency [8]

Economic Indicators & Analysis - Job creation has stalled after four plus years of strong growth, transitioning to a "no hire, no fire" situation [1][2] - Uncertainty surrounding tariffs in May and June contributed to the slowdown in job creation [2] - The Federal Reserve (Fed) is likely to cut interest rates due to the softening job market, although inflation data remains a key factor [5] - The economy may be heading towards a period of rising unemployment and rising inflation [27] Labor Market Disparities - Job losses are not uniform across the board, with white men and black women experiencing employment declines since the beginning of the year [7] - Manufacturing has lost jobs since January, contradicting the argument that tariffs would bring manufacturing back to America [8][9] - Government job losses are largely driven by federal government cuts [9] Trade & Tariff Policy - Incompetent and incoherent tariffs are detrimental to the economy, particularly tariffs on inputs like steel and aluminum [12][13] - Steel tariffs implemented in the previous administration led to the loss of approximately 1,000 jobs [10][11] Inflation & Cost of Living - The cost of living remains a primary concern for American families, outweighing the job situation [19] - Over the past five years, food prices have increased by 26%, auto insurance prices by 30-40%, and housing costs by 50% [19][20] - Inflation remains higher than the Fed's target, creating a dilemma between addressing inflation and stimulating the job market [20] Political Implications - The economy matters politically, especially how people feel about their jobs [15] - Frustrations related to high prices and the perceived lack of economic improvement are influencing voters, particularly swing voters who previously supported Biden and then switched back to Trump [24][25]

Leadership Changes - MillerKnoll announced the appointment of John Hoke as Board Chair, effective October 13, 2025, following Mike Volkema's retirement after 25 years on the Board [1][2] - Jeff Stutz has been named Chief Operating Officer, effective September 8, 2025, continuing to report to Andi Owen, President and CEO [1][3] Leadership Background - John Hoke has been on the MillerKnoll Board since 2005 and has over 30 years of experience at Nike Inc., where he served as Chief Innovation Officer [2][3] - Jeff Stutz has been with the company since 2001, previously serving as Chief Financial Officer and has played a key role in navigating macroeconomic challenges [3][4] Responsibilities and Focus Areas - In his new role, Stutz will oversee MillerKnoll's International Contract Business, global manufacturing and distribution operations, and Europe-based brands [4] - Stutz aims to grow the International Contract and Group brands through the dealer ecosystem and optimize manufacturing operations globally [4][5] Company Overview - MillerKnoll is a collective of design brands, including Herman Miller and Knoll, focusing on furniture and accessories for commercial and residential spaces [6] - The company generated net sales of $3.7 billion in fiscal year 2025 [6]

Core Viewpoint - The collaboration between Seres (601127) and Huawei aims to establish a global model for smart manufacturing parks by integrating advanced ICT technologies into Seres' super factory [1] Group 1: Company Developments - Seres officially launched the Seres Super Factory Smart Park global model during the AI + Manufacturing Industry Conference in Chongqing on September 5 [1] - The partnership with Huawei focuses on incorporating AI, connectivity, computing, storage, digital energy, and cloud technologies into the manufacturing process [1] Group 2: Industry Implications - The initiative represents a significant step towards smart manufacturing, showcasing how traditional manufacturing can evolve through digital transformation [1] - The integration of ICT technologies is expected to enhance operational efficiency and innovation within the manufacturing sector [1]

We're back with some breaking economic data. >> Yeah. In the first jobs report since President Trump fired the head of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the US economy added 22,000 jobs in August.That is much less than what was expected. The unemployment rate came in at 4.3%. >> Here to dig into the numbers, NBC News business and data correspondent Brian Chung and Invested's editor-inchief Caleb Silver.They are our economic dream team. But Brian, these are not dream numbers here. I mean, walk us through it on ...

Core Viewpoint - Nukkleus, Inc. has announced a private placement to raise approximately $10 million to fund strategic acquisitions and business expansion initiatives in the Aerospace and Defense sectors [1][2]. Funding Details - The private placement includes a $9.5 million investment from Esousa Group Holdings, LLC and a $500,000 investment from Sixth Borough Capital Fund, LP [1]. - The company will issue 200 units at a price of $50,000 each, consisting of Series A convertible preferred stock and common warrants [2]. Securities Information - Each Series A convertible preferred stock has a stated value of $50,000 and can be converted into 10,224 unregistered shares of common stock at a conversion price of $4.89 per share [2]. - Common warrants allow the purchase of one share of unregistered common stock at an exercise price of $5.405 per share [3]. Acquisition Plans - The net proceeds will be used for acquiring Tiltan Software Engineering Ltd., a defense market AI software provider, and 51% of Star 26 Capital, which owns RIMON, a supplier for the Iron Dome missile defense system [6]. - The company plans to establish advanced manufacturing zones in the Baltics and Israel through a joint venture with Mandragola Ltd. [6]. - Nukkleus aims to commercialize a drone payload license from Blade Ranger Ltd., marking its entry into commercial aviation services [6]. Closing and Regulatory Information - The closing of the private placement is expected around September 9, 2025, pending customary closing conditions [4]. - The securities are being offered in a private placement exempt from registration requirements under the Securities Act of 1933 [5]. Company Overview - Nukkleus focuses on acquiring and scaling suppliers in the defense, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing sectors, targeting Tier 2 and Tier 3 companies [9]. - The company aims to integrate operational capabilities and financial discipline to modernize and expand strategic suppliers, supporting dual-use innovation and resilient supply chains [10].

Labor Market Overview - Nonfarm payrolls increased by only 22,000 in August, significantly below the expected rise of 75,000, indicating a slowdown in job creation [2][3] - The unemployment rate rose to 4.3%, reflecting a broader trend of labor market weakening [2][3] Revisions and Historical Context - The July payroll increase was revised up to 79,000, while June saw a net loss of 13,000 after a downward revision of 27,000 [3][4] - The recent changes in payroll figures come after the dismissal of former BLS Commissioner Erika McEntarfer, which has raised concerns about the integrity of the data [4][12] Sector Performance - The federal government reported a payroll reduction of 15,000, while the health care sector added 31,000 jobs and social assistance contributed 16,000 [6] - Manufacturing and wholesale trade both experienced declines of 12,000 jobs, highlighting weaknesses in these sectors [6][9] Economic Indicators and Federal Reserve Expectations - Markets are anticipating a 25-basis-point interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve, with a 12% probability of a half-point cut being priced in [3][7] - Despite weak job creation, average hourly earnings increased by 0.3% for the month, with an annual gain of 3.7%, slightly below the forecast [5] Broader Labor Market Trends - The household survey indicated an increase of 288,000 employed individuals, but the number of unemployed also rose by 148,000, leading to a higher unemployment rate [10] - The labor force participation rate edged up to 62.3%, with a total labor force increase of 436,000 [10] Controversies and Future Outlook - The upcoming release of annual benchmark revisions has been a source of controversy, particularly regarding the accuracy of post-Covid employment data [11] - National Economic Council director Kevin Hassett expressed expectations for the August payroll count to be revised higher, noting historical trends of initial counts being revised lower [13]

Group 1: Company Performance - Amrize Ltd (AMRZ) has seen its current year earnings estimate revised downward by 8.2% over the last 60 days [1] - Hormel Foods (HRL) has experienced a downward revision of almost 7.5% in its current year earnings estimate over the last 60 days [2] - Leggett & Platt (LEG) has had its current year earnings estimate revised downward by almost 5.4% over the last 60 days [3] Group 2: Industry Insights - Amrize Ltd operates primarily in the building materials business in North America [1] - Hormel Foods is a leading manufacturer and marketer of various meat and food products in both U.S. and international markets [2] - Leggett & Platt is a global manufacturer that designs and produces a wide variety of engineered components and products for homes, offices, and automobiles [3]

Financial Performance - The Toro Company's Q3 2025 net sales were $1,131.3 million, a decrease of 2.2% compared to $1,156.9 million in Q3 2024[25] - Adjusted diluted EPS for Q3 2025 was $1.24, a 5.1% increase from $1.18 in Q3 2024[25] - The company repurchased $90 million of its common stock during Q3 2025[6] - The company updated its full-year fiscal 2025 adjusted diluted EPS guidance to approximately $4.15[6] Segment Results - Professional segment net sales increased by 5.7%, from $880.9 million in Q3 2024 to $930.8 million in Q3 2025[27] - Professional segment earnings margin increased by 250 bps, from 18.8% in Q3 2024 to 21.3% in Q3 2025[27] - Residential segment net sales decreased by 27.9%, from $267.5 million in Q3 2024 to $192.8 million in Q3 2025[30] - Residential segment earnings margin decreased by 1030 bps, from 12.2% in Q3 2024 to 1.9% in Q3 2025[30] Cost Savings and Efficiency - The company's AMP initiative is expected to deliver at least $100 million in incremental annualized cost savings by fiscal 2027[22] - Approximately $4 million of run-rate savings were achieved in Q3 2025 through the AMP initiative[24] Tariff Mitigation - The company estimates fiscal 2025 tariff headwinds to be approximately $70 million, down from a prior estimate of approximately $90 million[7] - The company is on track to mitigate 100% of tariff headwinds for full-year 2025[9]