Key TakeawaysMiddle East tensions escalate dramatically as Iran declares EU militaries "terrorist groups" in retaliation for the EU's designation of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), coinciding with heightened Israeli-US military coordination regarding a potential strike against Iran.Taiwan is rapidly bolstering its maritime defense capabilities, including radar and surveillance systems, and conducting extensive drills to counter persistent Chinese "gray zone" operations and incursions.China's P ...

Group 1: Job Market Insights - The U.S. jobs report for January is anticipated, with December showing signs of labor market weakening, as only 50,000 jobs were added, lower than economists' expectations [3] - Federal Reserve officials are monitoring the labor market closely after keeping interest rates unchanged, citing elevated inflation risks despite a slowdown in hiring [4] Group 2: Earnings Reports Focus - Key earnings reports are expected from major tech firms such as Alphabet and Amazon, with Alphabet recently surpassing $100 billion in revenue [5] - Amazon has also shown strong revenue growth in the previous quarter but announced another round of layoffs [5] - Reports from Advanced Micro Devices indicate brisk sales of data center chips, contributing to positive analyst sentiment, although concerns about inflated valuations for top tech companies persist [6] Group 3: Sector-Specific Earnings - Disney's earnings report will provide insights into its direct-to-consumer segment, which grew 8% in the last quarter but fell short of expectations [7] - Pharmaceutical firms are also in focus, with Eli Lilly's shares rising due to optimism over its weight loss drugs, alongside earnings reports from competitors like Novo Nordisk, Amgen, Merck, AbbVie, and Novartis [7]

Core Insights - Costco and Walmart are the two largest retailers globally, with Walmart operating big box and grocery stores, while Costco focuses solely on club stores [1] - Both companies are currently considered expensive, with price-to-sales, price-to-earnings, and price-to-book ratios above their five-year averages and the market's average [1] Valuation and Investment Appeal - Value investors are likely to avoid both stocks due to their high valuation metrics, with Walmart's P/E ratio exceeding the market average [1] - Dividend investors may also be disinterested, as Walmart's dividend yield is 0.8% and Costco's is even lower at 0.5%, both below the S&P 500's yield of 1.1% [2] Growth Potential - Growth investors may find Costco more appealing due to its ongoing geographic expansion, despite Walmart's larger size [3] Company Performance Metrics - Costco's current price is $940.10, with a market cap of $417 billion, a gross margin of 12.88%, and a dividend yield of 0.68% [5] - Walmart's current price is $119.13, with a market cap of $950 billion, a gross margin of 23.90%, and a dividend yield of 0.79% [6][7] Business Model and Long-term Outlook - Costco's membership fees contribute significantly to its gross profits, allowing for lower product margins and higher member retention [5] - Walmart benefits from consumers trading down to its stores due to economic conditions, but this could change if the economy improves [7] - Both companies are well-managed, but their current valuations make them less attractive for many investors, with Costco's business model seen as better positioned for long-term success [8]

Core Viewpoint - Costco is a leading player in the retail sector, showing significant investment returns over the past decade, outperforming the S&P 500 index [1][2]. Group 1: Investment Performance - Over the past 10 years, Costco has produced a total return of 682%, meaning a $100 investment would be worth $782 today [1]. - Costco's current market capitalization stands at $417 billion, with shares trading at a price of $940.10 [3][4]. Group 2: Business Fundamentals - The company has expanded its global presence with over 900 warehouses, leading to increased merchandise sales and a larger membership base [2]. - Costco is experiencing higher net income due to its growth in warehouse numbers and customer loyalty [2]. Group 3: Stock Valuation - Costco's shares are currently considered expensive, with a price-to-earnings ratio of 52, suggesting that investors should wait for a pullback before considering an investment [4].

Core Viewpoint - The "New Year Consumption Season" in Erqi District aims to stimulate local consumption and enhance community engagement through various cultural and commercial activities [3][4]. Group 1: Event Overview - The "New Year Consumption Season" was launched on January 30, 2026, featuring a variety of activities including traditional culture showcases and modern consumer experiences [2][3]. - The theme "Welcoming the New Year with Joy in Erqi" connects local businesses and shopping districts to create a festive atmosphere for all age groups [3]. Group 2: Activities and Promotions - Key activities include "Good Luck with the New Year" in collaboration with major shopping centers, highlighting traditional cultural elements [3]. - Special events such as the "Treasure Market" and "Immersive New Drama" are designed to attract visitors and enhance the shopping experience [3]. - Over 50 events, including a New Year goods festival and food festival, are planned to maintain consumer enthusiasm throughout the season [3]. Group 3: Community Engagement - The initiative encourages community participation, inviting citizens to enjoy the festive offerings and celebrate the New Year together [4]. - Local businesses, including major retailers like JD.com and Suning, are providing discounts and promotions to enhance consumer spending [3].

Core Viewpoint - The upcoming Spring Festival is driving a surge in consumer activity in the annual goods market across various regions, highlighting a vibrant festive atmosphere [1] Group 1 - The year-end shopping season is characterized by increased purchases of traditional New Year items such as decorations, dried fruits, and seafood [1] - The bustling market scene in Qingdao, Shandong Province, exemplifies the lively consumer engagement as residents actively select their festive goods [1]

Group 1 - Saks Global, a bankrupt retailer, is terminating its partnership with Amazon.com for the "Saks on Amazon" initiative [1]

分组1 - The stock market is poised for a potential rebound if major companies report strong earnings next week, following a week of declines in the S&P 500 [1] - Disney is set to report earnings on Monday, with ongoing discussions about CEO succession; the company's performance has been stagnant, leading to a decision to exit its position in November [2] - Key earnings reports on Tuesday include Pfizer, Pepsi, Merck, Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), and Chipotle, with AMD's performance being particularly scrutinized for insights into the AI sector [3] - Western Digital will host an innovation day on Tuesday to showcase advancements in data storage, which is critical after a significant drop in its stock despite a strong quarterly report [4] 分组2 - Eli Lilly will report on Wednesday, with attention on potential new trial results for its GLP-1 portfolio, which may impact stock movements more than quarterly results [5] - Alphabet's upcoming report is considered highly significant for the market, with a shift in narrative positioning it as a strong contender among tech stocks [6] - Amazon will report earnings on Thursday, facing challenges with stock momentum despite the company's strong fundamentals [6] - The January employment report on Friday may show weaker-than-expected job gains and wage inflation, potentially supporting lower bond yields and benefiting stocks [6]

分组1 - The stock market is poised for a potential rebound if major companies report strong earnings next week, following a week of declines in the S&P 500 [1] - Disney is set to report earnings on Monday, with ongoing discussions about CEO succession, and the CNBC Investing Club has exited its Disney position due to stagnant performance [2] - Key earnings reports on Tuesday include Pfizer, Pepsi, Merck, Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), and Chipotle, with AMD's performance being particularly scrutinized for insights into the AI sector [3] - Western Digital will host an innovation day on Tuesday to showcase advancements in data storage, which is critical after a significant drop in its stock despite a strong quarterly report [4] 分组2 - Eli Lilly will report on Wednesday, with attention on potential new trial results for its GLP-1 portfolio, which may impact stock movements more than quarterly results [5] - Alphabet's upcoming report is considered highly significant for the market, with a positive narrative shift around the company due to its advancements in AI and other technologies [6] - Amazon will report earnings on Thursday, facing challenges with stock momentum despite the company's strong fundamentals, as selling pressure has hindered its recent performance [6] - The January employment report on Friday may show weaker-than-expected job gains and wage inflation, which could support lower bond yields and positively impact stock prices [6]

Employment records of at least two Minneapolis-area businesses are being audited by the Department of Homeland Security, in what state and local officials describe as retaliation over the fallout from the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown in Minnesota. Hennepin Healthcare, which operates the state’s largest safety-net hospital, and Mischief Toy Store, a small retailer in St. Paul, both got notices from DHS demanding records to verify their employees are authorized to work in the US. Most Read ...