Core Viewpoint - The Federal Reserve is maintaining a cautious stance regarding interest rate cuts due to concerns over inflationary pressures from tariffs imposed by President Trump, leading to uncertainty in the market [1][5][6]. Federal Reserve Meeting Insights - The minutes from the latest Federal Reserve meeting indicate that most officials are not in a hurry to implement an immediate rate cut, suggesting a wait-and-see approach [2][5]. - A delay in rate cuts could lead to increased volatility in the stock market [2][7]. - Most participants believe that any inflationary impact from tariffs will be temporary or modest, and there is no urgency for rate cuts in the near term [6]. Investment Recommendations - Given the current uncertainty, it is advisable to invest in defensive stocks from the utility and consumer staples sectors, which are considered safe havens [3][11]. - Recommended stocks include: - **Atmos Energy Corporation (ATO)**: Expected earnings growth rate of 6%, Zacks Rank 2, beta of 0.70, and a dividend yield of 2.27% [9]. - **Fortis, Inc. (FTS)**: Expected earnings growth rate of 3.8%, Zacks Rank 2, beta of 0.48, and a dividend yield of 3.81% [13]. - **Colgate-Palmolive Company (CL)**: Expected earnings growth rate of 1.7%, Zacks Rank 2, beta of 0.37, and a dividend yield of 2.27% [15]. - **The Coca-Cola Company (KO)**: Expected earnings growth rate of 3.1%, Zacks Rank 2, beta of 0.45, and a dividend yield of 2.94% [17]. Stock Characteristics - The recommended stocks are characterized by low beta (greater than 0 but less than 1), high dividend yields, and favorable Zacks Ranks, making them attractive in the current market environment [4][11].

Core Insights - Kroger is promoting various ways for customers to celebrate Father's Day, emphasizing acts of kindness and thoughtful gifts for dads [2][3] Group 1: Father's Day Promotions - Kroger encourages customers to surprise dads with special treats and experiences leading up to Father's Day, highlighting the importance of appreciation beyond just one day [2] - The company offers a range of ideas including grilling meals, gifting donuts, and providing gourmet hot sauce and beverages [6] - Customers can find inspiration for Father's Day gifts and recipes on Kroger's blog, The Fresh Lane, which features various grilling recipes and party essentials [3][6] Group 2: Pricing and Offers - Kroger is implementing lower prices on over 1,000 items in-store, alongside everyday low prices and more than $600 in digital coupons available weekly [3] - The company promotes its Fresh & Quality Guarantees, ensuring customers do not have to compromise on quality for lower prices [3] Group 3: Company Overview - Kroger operates with a mission to "Feed the Human Spirit," serving over 11 million customers daily through various retail food stores and e-commerce [4] - The company employs more than 400,000 associates and is committed to creating communities with ZeroHungerZeroWaste [4]

27 May 2025 | 9:42AM EDT Americas Beverages NielsenIQ data thru 5/17 - Non-alcoholic bev sales growth decelerates sequentially, driven by softer pricing Our View - Recent NielsenIQ sales growth trends (including xAOC + Convenience and now Amazon) across total non-alcoholic beverages modestly decelerated on a sequential basis in the latest 2-wks ending 5/17/25, dragged by slightly softer pricing growth - as volume growth was broadly stable. Overall, $ sales growth was up +3.4% y/y for 2-wks (vs. +3.8%/+5.0%/ ...