Company Performance - Pinterest shares fell over 20% in after-hours trading due to missing Wall Street's earnings and revenue expectations for Q4 [5] - Pinterest CEO attributed the disappointing results to President Trump's tariffs affecting retail advertisers, and the company provided weaker-than-expected guidance for Q1 [6] - In contrast, Instacart reported strong revenue and an optimistic forecast for Q1, leading to a 13% increase in its shares before the market opened [6] Economic Indicators - The Bureau of Labor Statistics is set to release January's consumer price index (CPI), which was delayed due to a government shutdown [2] - Economists anticipate a 2.5% year-over-year increase in the CPI, which would align with levels seen in May 2025 [3] Industry Valuations - Three NBA teams reached valuations of $10 billion during the 2024-2025 season, with the Golden State Warriors valued at $10.8 billion, the New York Knicks at $10.1 billion, and the Los Angeles Lakers at $10 billion [11][12] - The average revenue for the league's 30 teams was $416 million, resulting in an average valuation of $5.52 billion, reflecting an 18% increase from the previous year [12] Climate Policy - The Trump administration revoked a significant finding that classified six greenhouse gases as threats to public health, which could have long-term implications for climate change efforts [9][10]

Core Insights - Elixiir Foods has raised $9 million in seed funding to launch a ready-to-eat food platform targeting urban Indian consumers with "affordable premium" products [1][2] - The startup aims to build a tech and supply chain infrastructure to support its operations, starting with the Delhi NCR region [2][4] - The platform will offer a variety of products including fresh produce, dairy, meat, poultry, seafood, and daily essentials, with a focus on gourmet ingredients [3] Company Overview - Elixiir Foods was founded in 2026 by industry veterans Arvind Mediratta and Ambuj Narayan, who have extensive experience in the FMCG and retail sectors [4][5] - Mediratta has 34 years of experience in the industry, having held senior roles at major companies like Walmart and Procter & Gamble, while Narayan has over 25 years of experience in retail strategy [5] Market Context - The Indian urban consumer market is becoming increasingly health and brand conscious due to rising GDP, per capita income, and urbanization [6] - The foodtech sector is witnessing growth with various D2C brands and startups addressing the demand for healthier alternatives and product diversification [6][7] - Competitors in the ready-to-eat category include established names like Licious, Country Delight, and iD Fresh Food, indicating a competitive landscape [7]

Core Insights - Maplebear Inc. (NASDAQ:CART) is recognized as a top e-commerce stock, particularly following its partnership expansion with Costco Wholesale into Europe, which includes the launch of same-day delivery services in France and Spain [1] Group 1: Partnership and Expansion - Maplebear Inc. and Costco announced the expansion of their North American partnership into Europe, launching Costco's first same-day delivery websites in France and Spain [1] - The initial rollout includes delivery from all Costco locations in the Paris metropolitan area and Mulhouse in France, as well as Bilbao, Madrid, Seville, and Zaragoza in Spain [1] Group 2: Financial Performance and Ratings - Morgan Stanley maintained a Hold rating on Maplebear Inc. with a price target of $48, citing expected adjusted earnings of $0.95 per share on approximately $970 million in revenue for fiscal Q4, indicating significant growth from the previous year [3] - The firm emphasized the company's loyal subscriber base, noting that customers tend to remain with the service due to its convenience [3] Group 3: Business Model - Maplebear Inc. is involved in designing and developing an online application that offers grocery delivery and pick-up services through Instacart, connecting users with personal shoppers in their area [4]

Group 1 - Uber Technologies has agreed to purchase Getir's food delivery business in Türkiye for $335 million in cash, along with a separate investment of $100 million for a 15% stake in Getir's grocery, retail, and water delivery operations [1][2] - The acquisition of grocery, retail, and water delivery assets will occur over the coming years, contingent on specific operational and financial performance targets, with the food delivery transaction expected to complete in the second half of 2026 [2] - This deal will consolidate Getir and Trendyol Go delivery operations under Uber's ownership, enhancing consumer choice and creating more delivery work for couriers [3][4] Group 2 - Uber's CEO emphasized the company's commitment to investing in Türkiye's digital economy and consumer base, aiming to support the growth of a competitive ecosystem that benefits consumers, couriers, and merchants [3] - Getir's CEO highlighted the agreement as a significant milestone, showcasing the strong operating model and brand built in Türkiye, and expressed excitement about integrating Getir's delivery expertise into Uber's global ecosystem [5]

Core Insights - Asia's equity capital markets are projected to have a strong performance in 2026, continuing the momentum from 2025, which saw significant growth in share sales across the region [1][2] Group 1: Market Performance - In 2025, share listings, placements, and block trades in Asia Pacific raised $262.7 billion, marking the highest total in four years [2] - For the first time, four of the world's five busiest deal venues were located in Asia, driven by a rebound in Hong Kong and record IPOs in India [2] Group 2: Upcoming IPOs - Major IPOs expected in 2026 include Baidu Inc., Zepto Ltd., ChangXin Memory Technologies Inc., and Coca-Cola's India bottling unit [3] - Hong Kong listings of Chinese firms already traded in mainland China are anticipated to continue contributing to the IPO pipeline [3] Group 3: Regional Highlights - Hong Kong listings may raise up to $45 billion in 2026, potentially the largest amount in six years, while Indian IPOs are expected to achieve a third consecutive annual record [4] - Jio Platforms Ltd. is preparing for what could be India's largest-ever IPO, while A.S. Watson Group is considering a listing that could raise over $2 billion [8] Group 4: Notable Companies and Their Plans - Syngenta Group is in preliminary talks for a potential listing in 2026 after previously withdrawing a $9 billion plan [8] - Baidu's AI chip unit has confidentially filed for a Hong Kong IPO, valued at a minimum of $3 billion [8] - Other companies like Luxshare Precision Industry Co. and Muyuan Foods Co. are also pursuing significant IPOs in Hong Kong [8] Group 5: Indian Market Developments - PhonePe Ltd. has filed for an IPO that could raise up to $1.5 billion, valuing the fintech firm at approximately $15 billion [13] - Flipkart is exploring an IPO after moving its holding company to India, while Zepto aims to raise about $500 million through its IPO [13] Group 6: International Listings - SK Hynix Inc. is considering a potential New York listing to align its valuation with global peers [13] - Shein Group Ltd. has confidentially filed for a Hong Kong IPO, pending approval from Beijing [13]

Group 1: Novo Nordisk and Obesity Treatment - Novo Nordisk received FDA approval for the first-ever obesity treatment pill, set to launch early next year at a starting dose of 1.5 milligrams for $149 per month [7] - The approval is seen as a landmark decision that could expand access for patients suffering from obesity [1] - Following the news, shares of Novo Nordisk surged by 7%, while competitor Eli Lilly's shares fell by over 1% as it attempts to launch its own obesity pill [7] Group 2: Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery - Paramount Skydance secured the backing of billionaire Larry Ellison in its bid for Warner Bros. Discovery, addressing concerns about financing from WBD's board [2][3] - WBD investors face a decision to either accept a sale to Netflix or tender their shares to Paramount, with potential implications for shareholder value [3] Group 3: Alphabet and Data Center Acquisition - Alphabet announced its acquisition of data center company Intersect for $4.75 billion in cash, which includes assuming its debt, aimed at enhancing data center capacity [5] Group 4: Janus Henderson Acquisition - Trian Fund Management and General Catalyst are set to acquire asset manager Janus Henderson for $49 per share, valuing the company at approximately $7.4 billion, with shares rising over 3% following the announcement [6] Group 5: Electric Vehicle Market Trends - The initial excitement around electric vehicles (EVs) has diminished, with legacy automakers now prioritizing traditional trucks and SUVs over EVs due to unmet demand expectations [9][10] Group 6: Instacart Pricing Strategy - Instacart announced the end of its AI-driven pricing tests after consumer concerns about price discrepancies for identical items, indicating a shift in its pricing strategy [11][12]

Core Viewpoint - Instacart will stop using AI-driven pricing tests on its grocery delivery platform due to scrutiny from a study and criticism from lawmakers [1][2] Group 1: Company Actions - The company announced that retailers can no longer utilize its Eversight technology for pricing experiments, effective immediately [1] - Instacart acquired Eversight for $59 million in 2022, which allowed retailers to conduct pricing tests [2] Group 2: Customer Impact - The company acknowledged that the pricing tests led to different prices for the same item at the same store, which caused confusion among customers [2] - Instacart emphasized the importance of trust, transparency, and affordability, especially during challenging economic times for families [2] Group 3: Technology Purpose - The technology was initially intended to help retailers enhance sales and growth while providing customers with the best deals [3]

TikTok and ByteDance - TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, has signed binding agreements to establish a U.S. joint venture that will be majority-owned by American investors, involving partners such as Oracle, Silver Lake, and MGX [3] - The new U.S. joint venture will focus on U.S. data protection, algorithm security, content moderation, and software assurance, operating as an independent entity [4] Instacart - Instacart has reached a $60 million settlement with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) over claims of deceptive consumer practices, including misleading advertising regarding free delivery services [5][6] - The settlement prohibits Instacart from making misrepresentations about delivery costs and requires clear disclosure of subscription terms, with the $60 million to be offered as refunds to consumers [7] Nike - Nike reported better-than-expected fiscal second quarter results, driven by strong wholesale and North America sales, which account for 40% of its total business [8] - Despite a profit of $0.53 per share, down 32% year-over-year but 16 cents above expectations, Nike faces challenges from tariffs and margin compression, leading to a gross margin decline of over 300 basis points to 40.6% [9][10]

TikTok and ByteDance - TikTok's parent company ByteDance has signed binding agreements to establish a U.S. joint venture that will be majority-owned by American investors, involving partners such as Oracle, Silver Lake, and MGX [3][4] - The new joint venture will focus on U.S. data protection, algorithm security, content moderation, and software assurance, operating as an independent entity [4] Instacart - Instacart has reached a $60 million settlement with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) over claims of deceptive consumer practices, including misleading advertising regarding free delivery services [5][6] - The settlement prohibits Instacart from making misrepresentations about delivery costs and requires clear disclosure of subscription terms, with the $60 million to be offered as refunds to consumers [7] Nike - Nike reported better-than-expected fiscal second quarter results, driven by strong wholesale and North America sales, which account for 40% of its total business [8] - Despite a profit of $0.53 per share, down 32% year-over-year but 16 cents above expectations, Nike faces challenges from tariffs and margin compression, leading to a gross margin decline of over 300 basis points to 40.6% [9][10]

Grocery delivery firm Instacart will pay $60 million to refund consumers who were deceived into enrolling in the company’s subscription service https://t.co/hDoVPcaQWq ...