Core Insights - 45% of global shoppers often abandon purchases due to frustrating digital experiences provided by major retailers [1] - 52% of shoppers express excitement about the possibility of having their own AI agent to assist with shopping [1] Industry Analysis - The ninth annual Future Shopper report by VML highlights that despite significant digital advancements, many brands are still not meeting basic customer experience expectations [1]

Core Insights - The current tariff environment has significantly impacted corporate financial results and finance departments' planning and forecasting capabilities across various industries [1] Group 1: Impact on Profitability and Forecasting - A survey of 942 finance leaders revealed that 59% reported a moderate impact on profitability due to tariffs, while 64% indicated that tariffs affected their ability to prepare timely and reliable forecasts [2] - In the United States, 76% of respondents reported at least a moderate impact on forecasting, compared to 60% in Europe and 46% in Asia-Pacific [3] Group 2: Industry-Specific Effects - Financial services, consumer packaged goods, and retail sectors reported the highest levels of impact on profitability, with 70% of U.S.-based companies experiencing at least a moderate impact [4] - Manufacturing and distribution organizations are identified as the most affected industries regarding tariff-related forecasting issues [3] Group 3: Supply Chain Adjustments - Companies are addressing supply chain concerns by enhancing communication with suppliers (60%) and increasing third-party risk management oversight (52%) [4] - A significant portion of companies are sourcing materials locally (39%) and diversifying their supply chains across multiple regions (35%), while 51% have made no changes to their outsourcing or offshoring strategies [5] Group 4: Role of CFOs - CFOs are positioned to act as the "voice of reason" in discussions with shareholders and board members regarding the impact of tariffs on costs and profit margins [5] - Strong cross-functional collaboration is necessary for addressing questions related to tariffs, including cost of goods sold and pricing adjustments [6]

Retail employment in the UK has dropped to its lowest level in over a decade, with steep decreases across full-time and part-time roles, according to data and expert analysis. Key pressures include rising employer costs and proposed legislation that may reduce hiring flexibility. Declining retail employment and part-time job losses The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported there were 2.73 million jobs in retail in June 2025. Using a four-quarter average to smooth seasonal effects, that number f ...

Group 1 - European stocks opened positively after the U.S. Federal Reserve cut interest rates for the first time since December, indicating more cuts may follow due to signs of labor market weakness [1] - The pan-European STOXX 600 index increased by 0.7 percent to 554.35, with notable gains in major indices: the German DAX rose by 1.2 percent, France's CAC 40 surged by 1 percent, and the U.K.'s FTSE 100 added 0.3 percent [2] Group 2 - Domino's Pizza in Britain experienced a decline of 1.1 percent following the appointment of a new CFO [3] - Bytes Technology Group, operating in IT solutions and services, saw a rally of 2.2 percent after reporting a resilient performance in the first half [3] - Retailer Next Plc faced a significant drop of 5 percent after issuing a warning about slowing sales in the second half [3] - Engineering giant Renishaw surged by 7.5 percent after reporting record full-year revenue and stronger adjusted profit [3]

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Core Viewpoint - The Federal Reserve's recent interest rate cut of 25 basis points reflects growing concerns about slowing labor markets, despite persistent inflation pressures [2][5][6]. Rate Cuts and Economic Indicators - The Federal Reserve has cut interest rates four times since 2024, with the latest adjustment bringing the federal funds target range to 4.00%–4.25% [2][3]. - The unemployment rate rose to 4.3% in August, the highest level since late 2021, indicating a slowdown in job creation [5]. - Fed Chair Jerome Powell described the rate cut as a "risk-management cut," highlighting simultaneous cooling in both labor supply and demand [6]. Fed's Projections and Policy Outlook - The updated "dot plot" projections show a divided outlook among policymakers, with ten officials expecting two more rate cuts this year and nine anticipating only one [8]. - The Fed's longer-run neutral rate median remains at 3%, with some policymakers advocating for an even lower rate, reflecting uncertainty about the necessary policy tightening to manage inflation without hindering growth [9]. Market Reactions - Following the rate decision, the Dow Jones Industrial Average increased by 260 points (0.6%), while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite experienced slight declines [12]. - Rate-sensitive sectors, including blue-chip companies like Walmart and JPMorgan, saw gains, while high-flying tech stocks faced profit-taking [13]. Political Context - The rate cut decision occurred amid political pressure, with President Trump advocating for more aggressive rate cuts to support housing and manage government debt [11].

Core Viewpoint - FEMSA has appointed Jose Antonio Fernández Garza-Lagüera as the new CEO effective November 1, 2025, following a structured leadership succession planning process [1][2]. Group 1: Leadership Transition - The Corporate Practices and Nominations Committee of FEMSA's Board of Directors worked on the succession planning, leading to the formation of a Special Committee to oversee the process [2]. - The Special Committee, chaired by Ricardo Saldívar Escajadillo, included members from the Corporate Practices and Nominations Committee and independent directors, ensuring adherence to high corporate standards [2]. Group 2: Jose Antonio Fernández Garza-Lagüera's Background - Jose Antonio joined Cervecería Cuauhtémoc Moctezuma Heineken in 2011 and has held various management roles within FEMSA, including CEO of FEMSA Proximity & Health [3]. - He currently leads over 180,000 employees and oversees more than 28,000 proximity stores, 4,300 drugstores, and 550 fuel stations across multiple countries [3]. Group 3: Strategic Vision - Jose Antonio is expected to bring a strategic focus and results-driven leadership style to FEMSA, emphasizing growth, innovation, and sustainability [4]. - The company aims to enhance economic and social value creation while focusing on the development of its employees and the communities it serves [4]. Group 4: Current Leadership - José Antonio Fernández Carbajal will continue as Executive Chairman and has been interim CEO since July 2023, receiving gratitude from the Board for his leadership during the transition [5]. Group 5: Company Overview - FEMSA operates in the retail industry through its Proximity Americas Division, which includes OXXO, and has a significant presence in the beverage industry as the largest franchise bottler of Coca-Cola products by volume [6]. - The company employs over 392,000 people across 18 countries and is recognized in various sustainability indices [6].

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Core Insights - Affirm Holdings, Inc. is expanding its "buy now, pay later" (BNPL) offerings across various sectors, including retail, home services, and wellness, reflecting a commitment to consumer-friendly financing [1][9] - The company aims to capture a share of the projected $3.7 trillion U.S. health and wellness market by 2034 through enhanced mobile capabilities and integration with major platforms [2][8] Group 1: BNPL Expansion - Affirm has launched a feature allowing in-store purchases using Apple Pay, enabling U.S. consumers to utilize pay-over-time options at physical checkouts [2][3] - Eligible purchases can be split into biweekly or monthly payments starting at 0% APR, with no late or hidden fees, enhancing consumer flexibility [3][5] - The integration with Apple Pay is expected to bridge the gap between digital and physical retail, making BNPL more accessible for everyday purchases [4][9] Group 2: Partnerships and Industry Impact - Affirm has partnered with ServiceTitan to embed BNPL into the trades industry, allowing homeowners to manage average annual improvement costs of $8,800 through flexible payment plans [5][6] - The collaboration with Vagaro aims to bring flexible payments to beauty, wellness, and fitness businesses, enabling nearly 100,000 U.S. salons and spas to offer personalized payment plans [7][8] - These partnerships are designed to empower contractors and service providers by reducing upfront cost barriers, thereby enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty [5][6][9]

Group 1: Netflix - Loop Capital upgraded Netflix to a buy rating and raised its price target to 1350, with current trading around 1220 [1] - Netflix is facing competition from Paramount and Warner's streaming assets, but it remains the clear leader in the market [2][3] - The addition of live events by Netflix, such as wrestling and boxing, may pose a threat to Disney Plus, which has a strong library but lacks focus on live events [4] - Netflix is viewed as a "permanent compounder" with reasonable valuation and potential upside [3][6] Group 2: Disney - Disney is considered the clear number two in streaming services, with a focus on transitioning from linear to streaming [4] - Streaming is now profitable for Disney, and earnings expectations are likely to exceed current estimates [5] - Disney's valuation is attractively priced at 18 times earnings, with growth expected from both streaming and theme parks [5][6] Group 3: Walmart - Bank of America increased Walmart's price target to 125, maintaining a buy rating, with Walmart trading just under 106 [7] - Walmart is recognized as a leader in AI and e-commerce, leveraging technology to enhance consumer experience [8] - Walmart is projected to reach a trillion-dollar market cap, reflecting its strong market position [8] Group 4: AbbVie (AVY) - Baronberg upgraded AbbVie to a buy rating, raising its price target to 270 from 170, indicating significant potential for the stock [9] - AbbVie has successfully navigated the expiration of Humira, with strong prospects for Skyrizzy and Renvoke [10] - The stock offers a 3% dividend yield and is trading at 15 times forward earnings, making it an attractive investment despite recent price appreciation [10] Group 5: Healthcare Sector - The healthcare sector has underperformed, with a 6% increase in the S&P compared to top sectors rising nearly 30% [11] - There are opportunities in pharma and biotech, particularly for value investors looking to diversify away from mega-cap tech [12] - Biotech stocks, such as those in the XBI index, have shown strong performance, up 14% in the quarter [13][14]