Core Viewpoint - There is a significant disconnect between the stock market performance and consumer sentiment, primarily driven by issues of affordability [2][5][10]. Group 1: Stock Market vs. Consumer Sentiment - Over the past four to five years, stock valuations have increased significantly while consumer optimism has declined to near-record lows, breaking a historical correlation between the two [2][3]. - The University of Michigan's consumer sentiment index was expected to be 93 at the end of 2025 based on economic indicators but was instead 40 points lower, indicating a severe drop in consumer confidence [4]. Group 2: Factors Affecting Consumer Sentiment - The term "vibecession" describes the negative mood among consumers, largely attributed to their perceptions of affordability [5][6]. - Key factors contributing to the decline in economic well-being include rising prices, housing affordability issues, and a stagnant job market [9]. Group 3: Price Levels and Housing Costs - Average consumer prices have risen by approximately 26% from December 2019 to December 2025, leading to discomfort among consumers despite a slowdown in inflation [10]. - Homeownership costs have surged, with average mortgage rates exceeding 6%, significantly impacting affordability for families [11][12]. Group 4: Labor Market Conditions - The labor market is characterized by low hiring and low layoffs, creating a challenging environment for job seekers and new entrants [14]. - Many employees are experiencing reduced flexibility in work arrangements, contributing to a negative perception of work-life balance [15]. Group 5: Stock Market Drivers - The stock market's growth is largely supported by a few major technology companies, known as the "Magnificent Seven," which do not heavily rely on consumer spending [16][17]. - Investment in artificial intelligence and technology has driven economic growth, but this sector does not create as many jobs compared to more labor-intensive industries [18]. Group 6: Economic Disparities - High-income households are disproportionately supporting the stock market, with the top 10% of income earners accounting for over 49% of consumer spending in Q2 2025 [19][20]. - The "K-shaped" economic recovery indicates that while spending is increasing for wealthier households, it is declining for lower-income groups, posing potential economic risks [20][21].

Core Viewpoint - Freedom Holding Corp. reported significant growth in assets, shareholders' equity, and customer base across its core business segments for the three and nine months ending December 31, 2025 [1]. Financial Performance - Total assets reached $12.38 billion, a 25% increase from $9.91 billion at the end of the previous fiscal year, driven by the expansion of the investment portfolio and increased client balances in brokerage accounts [2]. - Net cash provided by operating activities for the nine-month period was $1.73 billion, primarily due to growth in customer funds in brokerage accounts and a reduction in margin-related balances [2]. - Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash stood at $3.51 billion, up from $1.64 billion at the start of the financial year [3]. - Total revenue for the three months ending December 31, 2025, was $628.6 million, with a nine-month total of $1.69 billion, reflecting diverse revenue sources from brokerage, banking, and insurance segments [4]. - Total shareholders' equity increased to $1.40 billion from $1.21 billion at the end of the prior fiscal year, with net income for the third quarter at $76.2 million and diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $1.25 for the quarter and $2.38 for the nine-month period [8]. Customer Growth and Business Development - The number of banking customers rose from 2.5 million to 4.5 million over nine months, while the brokerage customer base grew by over 20%, supported by expanded digital offerings [5]. - The company has integrated traditional brokerage and banking with everyday consumer services, resulting in over 7 million customers using its platform, with plans for expansion into additional markets [7]. Business Model and Ecosystem - The diversified business model across financial, insurance, and technology segments has proven effective, with ongoing development of a financial and digital ecosystem [6]. - The SuperApp is the most downloaded application in Kazakhstan, indicating strong market presence and user engagement [7].

Alphabet is on a borrowing spree as it seeks to finance the unprecedented spending plan behind its AI ambitions.The Google parent raised $20 billion in its biggest ever US dollar bond sale on Monday, and has plans to debut deals in Switzerland and the UK – including a rare sale of 100-year bonds. Read more: https://t.co/Bo094S2ctF📷️: Mike Kai Chen/Bloomberg ...

Four of OpenAI’s six big deal announcements this year were followed by a total combined net gain of $1.7trn among the 49 big companies in Bloomberg’s broad AI index plus Intel, Samsung and SoftBank. However, the gains for most concealed losses for some https://t.co/gs1WcLl656 ...

Core Insights - NetScout Systems (NTCT) reported revenue of $250.68 million for the quarter ended December 2025, a decrease of 0.5% year-over-year, while EPS increased to $1.00 from $0.94 in the same quarter last year [1] - The revenue exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $235.78 million by 6.32%, and the EPS surpassed the consensus estimate of $0.86 by 16.96% [1] Revenue Breakdown - Service revenue was reported at $128.98 million, exceeding the two-analyst average estimate of $118.04 million, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 4.2% [4] - Product revenue was $121.7 million, slightly above the average estimate of $117.75 million, but showed a year-over-year decline of 5.1% [4] Profit Metrics - Gross profit from services reached $97.75 million, surpassing the average estimate of $89.03 million from two analysts [4] - Gross profit from products was reported at $106.91 million, exceeding the average estimate of $103.17 million [4] Stock Performance - Over the past month, NetScout shares have returned 2.8%, while the Zacks S&P 500 composite experienced a decline of 0.2% [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating expected performance in line with the broader market in the near term [3]

“Big Short” investor Michael Burry issued a warning Monday about Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOGL) (NASDAQ:GOOG) planning to issue 100-year bonds, drawing parallels to Motorola Solutions Inc.‘s (NYSE:MSI) downfall following a similar move in 1997.Burry Draws Motorola ComparisonWriting on X Monday, Burry stated, “Alphabet looking to issue a 100-year bond. Last time this happened was Motorola in 1997, which was the last year Motorola was considered a big deal.”Alphabet’s Bond Sale DetailsMultiple media outlets hav ...

Core Viewpoint - Ouster has announced the acquisition of StereoLabs, indicating a strategic move to enhance its competitive position and product offerings in the industry [1][2]. Group 1: Acquisition Details - Ouster's acquisition of StereoLabs was officially announced prior to market opening, with a news release and Form 8-K filed [2]. - The call includes key executives from both Ouster and StereoLabs, highlighting the importance of this acquisition for the companies involved [2]. Group 2: Forward-Looking Statements - The company will discuss forward-looking statements regarding the integration of StereoLabs, competitive positioning, industry trends, and product development [3]. - Actual results may differ from these forward-looking statements due to various factors that could impact performance and trends [3].

Core Insights - Fortive Corporation (FTV) has a market capitalization of $19.1 billion and specializes in developing, manufacturing, and marketing software-enabled workflow solutions and specialized technical products [1] Performance Overview - Over the past 52 weeks, FTV shares have declined by 24.7%, significantly underperforming the S&P 500 Index, which has increased by 14%. However, year-to-date, FTV stock is up 8.9%, outperforming the S&P 500's 1.3% return [2] - Fortive has lagged behind the State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLK), which rose by 20.2% over the past 52 weeks, but has outperformed XLK's 2% year-to-date drop [3] Recent Financial Results - On February 4, FTV shares rose by 10.6% following better-than-expected Q4 results, with revenue increasing by 4.6% year-over-year to $1.1 billion and core revenue rising by 3.3%. Adjusted EPS advanced by 12.5% from the previous year, reaching $0.90, exceeding analyst estimates [3] Future Earnings Expectations - Analysts project FTV's EPS to grow by 8.9% year-over-year to $2.95 for fiscal 2026, ending in December. The company's earnings surprise history is mixed, having met or exceeded consensus estimates in three of the last four quarters [4] Analyst Ratings - Among 20 analysts covering FTV, the consensus rating is a "Hold," consisting of two "Strong Buy," one "Moderate Buy," 15 "Hold," and two "Strong Sell" ratings [4] - Seaport Research maintained a "Buy" rating on FTV and raised its price target to $70, indicating a potential upside of 16.4% from current levels [5] Price Target and Trading Status - FTV is currently trading above its mean price target of $59.06 [6]

🚨HUGE: ALPHABET SEEKING MAMMOTH RAISE FROM US BOND SALEPer reports, Google's parent company, Alphabet, is seeking to raise about $15B from a US Bond Sale.The platform is tapping into the US high-grade bond market, adding to a borrowing spree by companies at the forefront of the AI investment boom. ...

分组1 - The telehealth firm Hims & Hers (HIMS) has decided to halt its plan to offer a cheaper version of the Wegovy pill after facing potential legal action and industry pushback, leading to a 16% drop in its shares [4][7] - Novo Nordisk (NVO) saw its shares rise by 7% in premarket trading following Hims & Hers' decision, indicating a positive market reaction to the news [4] - The compounded drugs market, which includes more affordable alternatives to branded medications, is under scrutiny due to regulatory concerns and the legality of mass-compounding practices [5][6][7] 分组2 - The FDA allows compounded drugs to be manufactured under specific conditions, such as nationwide shortages, which has been a point of contention in the case of weight loss medications like Wegovy and Ozempic [6][7] - The market for compounded drugs is growing, particularly in the context of high demand for weight loss solutions, but the lack of FDA oversight raises questions about safety and effectiveness [5][6] - The Seeking Alpha community is actively discussing various investment themes, including the performance of tech stocks and the implications of market rotations [8][9]