Market Overview - The S&P 500 ended a four-day losing streak, rising by 0.79%, while the Nasdaq Composite increased by 1.38% and the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose by 0.14% [2] - The market reacted positively to lighter-than-expected inflation data from November's consumer price index, which had been delayed due to a government shutdown [2] Consumer Sector Performance - The consumer sector, which had faced pressure throughout the year due to concerns over the economy and spending, showed signs of recovery, driven by gains in consumer-oriented companies [3][4] - Notable winners in the consumer sector included Darden Restaurants, Texas Roadhouse, Williams-Sonoma, Target, and Kohl's, contributing to what may be the start of a "Santa Claus rally" [4] Technology Sector Concerns - Despite gains in the consumer sector, there are concerns regarding the sustainability of tech companies' massive investments in artificial intelligence, which have drawn scrutiny [1][3] - The tech sector's performance has been mixed, with significant spending on AI leading to questions about the viability of these investments [1][3] Federal Reserve and Economic Outlook - The Federal Reserve's decision to cut interest rates is seen as justified, with expectations that lower rates will encourage consumer spending [5] - There is an anticipation of further cost reductions, providing the Fed with more room to ease rates in the coming year [5] - The trend of lower prices is expected to continue, with gasoline prices likely to remain stable due to an oil glut, which could increase disposable income for consumers [6]

As we exit 2025, one of the key themes pervading the markets is a weakening consumer spending environment, which can be readily measured in decelerating comp sales (or same-store sales) in the retail and restaurant stocks that report this metric. Though vast portions of bothWith combined experience of covering technology companies on Wall Street and working in Silicon Valley, and serving as an outside adviser to several seed-round startups, Gary Alexander has exposure to many of the themes shaping the indus ...

You can find original article here Nrn. Subscribe to our free daily Nrn newsletters. Darden Restaurants Inc.’s sales exceeded the company’s own expectations for its second  fiscal quarter, ended Nov. 23, as its performance surpassed the overall casual-dining segment in which it operates.  “Each of our segments delivered positive same-restaurant sales,” chief executive officer Rick Cardenas said in a conference call discussing the results on Thursday before market. The parent company of Olive ...

Core Insights - Darden Restaurants, Inc. reported fiscal second-quarter earnings with an EPS of $2.08, slightly missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.09, but showing a modest increase from $2.03 in the same quarter last year [1][5] - The company's revenue reached approximately $3.1 billion, exceeding estimates of $3.07 billion, marking a 7.3% increase from $2.89 billion reported in the same period last year [2][5] - Darden's net income was $237.2 million, or $2.03 per share, up from $215.1 million, or $1.82 per share, the previous year, with same-store sales rising by 4.3%, surpassing Wall Street's expectations of 3% [3][5] Financial Metrics - Darden's price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio is approximately 20.04, indicating favorable market valuation of its earnings [4] - The price-to-sales ratio stands at about 1.81, and the enterprise value to sales ratio is roughly 2.30, reflecting investor confidence in its revenue and overall valuation [4] - The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of about 3.08, indicating significant reliance on debt financing, while a current ratio of approximately 0.39 highlights short-term liquidity challenges [4]

Every weekday, the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer releases the Homestretch — an actionable afternoon update, just in time for the last hour of trading on Wall Street. Market moves : The S & P 500 was making a comeback Thursday following four straight sessions of declines. Technology rebounded from recent losses after Micron signaled that strong demand for its AI memory chips will continue. Micron shares surged more than 12%. However, the AI trade was not carrying Thursday's market. What was actually wo ...

Key Takeaways Everybody seemed to want, and to want to sell, more protein this year. Now Chipotle is carrying the torch into 2026. Understanding Same-Store Sales: Key Metrics for Retail Success Companies Are 'Sprinkling Protein Everywhere.' Here's What Coke Is Doing "For years, guests have used Chipotle's customizable offerings to build high protein and fiber-filled meals on their own," said Chipotle President Chris Brandt in a statement. "This curated menu brings that fan behavior to the forefront." Chipot ...

We came across a bullish thesis on McDonald’s Corporation on wallstreetbets subreddit by nskidder. In this article, we will summarize the bulls’ thesis on MCD. McDonald’s Corporation's share was trading at $318.73 as of December 15th. MCD’s trailing and forward P/E were 27.02 and 23.92 respectively according to Yahoo Finance. People Love McDonald’s Corporation (MCD) Because Of Value, Says Jim Cramer McDonald's Corporation owns, operates, and franchises restaurants under the McDonald's brand in the United ...

How to Build Your Crispy & Bubbly New Year's Eve Lineup Fried chicken, bubbly and caviar have become the high–low pairing of the moment. Showing up everywhere from social feeds to holiday trend reports. Once the secret of chefs and sommeliers, the trio has quickly become a favorite conversation starter. With food at the center of most at-home countdowns, BOGO 8-piece Fried Chicken Bucket (dark meat only) ** — available exclusively for KFC rewards members — gives fans an easy, delicious way to make the night ...

Corona, CA, Dec. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Keke’s Breakfast Cafe, the popular neighborhood breakfast destination known for fresh ingredients and made-to-order classics, has officially opened its newest cafe in Corona, California.  Located at 3915 Bedford Canyon Road, the Corona cafe marks Keke’s first location in the Los Angeles market and continues the concept’s expansion in the Golden State, with additional California locations planned to open soon.  Keke’s Breakfast Cafe has built a loyal following fo ...

Core Message - Jack in the Box is celebrating its 75th anniversary with a year-long campaign featuring nostalgic menu items, exclusive collectibles, and special deals to thank its loyal customers [1][2][3] Group 1: Anniversary Celebration - The celebration includes the return of fan-favorite menu items, limited edition collectibles, and various promotions throughout the year [2][3] - The Chicken Supreme, a popular item first introduced in 1980 and retired in 2004, is making a comeback as part of the anniversary festivities [4] - The company is launching a special offer of 2 tacos for $0.75 on January 6, available exclusively through the Jack app for one day [5] Group 2: Collectibles and Promotions - Alongside the Chicken Supreme, Jack in the Box is introducing limited-edition collectible bag charms called Jibbis, which are included in the Chicken Supreme Munchie Meal [4] - The company plans to engage customers with 75 Days of Trivia throughout the year, offering in-app trivia questions related to key dates and fan-favorite moments [5][6] - Additional nostalgic menu items, exclusive merchandise, and surprises are expected throughout 2026 as part of the ongoing celebration [6] Group 3: Company Overview - Jack in the Box Inc. operates approximately 2,135 restaurants across 21 states and is one of the largest hamburger chains in the U.S. [8] - The company also operates Del Taco, the second largest Mexican-American QSR chain in the U.S. with around 575 restaurants across 18 states [8]