US index futures are falling in pre-market this Tuesday,
reverberating weak data in China and Europe, casting doubt on the
world economy.
By 6:48 AM, Dow Jones futures (DOWI:DJI) were down 236 points,
or 0.67%. S&P 500 futures were down 0.62% and Nasdaq-100
futures were down 0.61%. The 10-year Treasury yield was at
4.233%.
In Tuesday’s economic agenda, investors will follow retail sales
at 8:30 am, in which the consensus expects a variation of 0.40% in
July on a monthly basis. At the same time, the Empire State
manufacturing index, which measures manufacturing conditions in New
York, will be released, with a projection of a 1% retraction in
August, and the price of exported goods, which has a consensus of
0.20%. At 10 am, it will be the turn of the NAHB residential
housing market index, while at 11 pm a speech by Neel Kashkari,
president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, is expected
to talk about monetary policy. At 4:30 pm, the API releases
oil inventories for the past week.
In Europe, Eurozone unemployment rose to 4.2% in June, beating
expectations. The Zew Index, reflecting the economic climate,
saw declines in both the Eurozone and Germany, signaling a
challenging recovery.
Asian markets showed mixed results after various indicators from
China and Japan. China lowered its long-term lending rate to 2.50%
and posted below-predicted figures on investment and
production. Chinese unemployment rose to 5.3%, while retail
sales and industrial production missed expectations. These
results emphasize the obstacles in the Chinese economic recovery,
affecting emerging markets.
In Japan, GDP grew 1.50% in June, surpassing projections, and
industrial production also exceeded expectations. The dynamics
of Japanese government bonds are observed as they seek growth with
stable inflation. This situation impacts traditional financial
strategies, affecting foreign currencies. If the Bank of Japan
changes its approach to interest rates, it could pose challenges
for global investors and subsequently impact Japan itself.
In the commodities market, West Texas Intermediate crude for
September fell -1.12% at $81.59 a barrel. Brent crude for
October fell 0.87% near $85.46 a barrel. Iron ore futures
traded in Dalian, China, rose 1.58% to $101.17 a tonne.
At Monday’s close, US stocks were up, with technology stocks in
particular, in an unfavorable day for Asian markets. Treasury
yields declined. The economic situation in China has worsened
with news indicating that the real estate company Country Garden
Holdings is looking for alternatives to restructure its
debt. In addition, investors are keeping an eye on forecasts
related to the Federal Reserve’s decision, waiting for clues in the
FOMC minutes due to be released on Wednesday. The Dow Jones
rose 26.23 points or 0.07% to 35,307.63 points. The S&P
500 closed up 25.67 points, or 0.58%, at 4,489.72 points, close to
the day’s high, while the Nasdaq closed up 143.48 points, or 1.05%,
at 13,788,33 points.
Ahead of Tuesday’s corporate earnings, traders are watching
reports from Home Depot (NYSE:HD), Sea Limited (NYSE:SE),
CardinalHealth (NYSE:CAH), Paysafe (NYSE:PSFE), Elbit Systems
(NASDAQ:ESLT), IHS (NYSE:IHS) , Eagle Point (NYSE:ECCC), prior to
market opening. After closing, results will be released for Nu
Holdings (NYSE:NU), Coherent (NYSE:COHR), Cava (NYSE:CAVA), Mercury
(NYSE:MCY), Stride (NYSE:LRN), Agilent Technologies (NYSE:A),
H&R Block (NYSE:HRB), among others.
Wall Street Corporate Highlights for Today
Meta
Platforms (NASDAQ:META), Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOGL)
– The Biden administration has asked the US Supreme Court to review
laws in Texas and Florida that limit social media
moderation. Tech groups, including Meta and Alphabet, object,
citing First Amendment protection. The laws are intended to
prevent “censorship”.
Netflix (NASDAQ:NFLX) – Netflix is
testing a video game streaming service, expanding beyond mobile
games. It currently offers two games in the UK and
Canada. This move challenges giants like Microsoft
(NASDAQ:MSFT). Previously, the company focused on games based
on its properties.
Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) – Tesla has launched
more affordable versions of the Model S and X in the US with
reduced ranges, seeking to cut costs and expand sales. The new
models cost about 10% less than previous versions. In other
news, Tesla plans to invest in battery material production in
Indonesia, tapping into local nickel reserves. Minister Luhut
Pandjaitan met with Elon Musk and mentioned significant investment
but no plans for a car factory. Musk will also expand Starlink
in Indonesia.
PayPal (NASDAQ:PYPL) – Activist investor
Elliott Investment Management liquidated its stake in payments
company PayPal, as reported in a filing with the US Securities and
Exchange Commission. In addition, PayPal has
named Intuit Executive Alex Chriss
(NASDAQ:INTU) as its new CEO, replacing Dan Schulman. The
appointment, which may indicate an increased focus on mergers and
acquisitions, is aimed at expanding PayPal’s presence in the small
business payments market.
Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN) – David Limp, head of
devices at Amazon, will retire after 13 years. His division
faced revenue challenges and significant layoffs. Since Andy
Jassy became CEO in 2021, there have been several notable
departures from the company.
Ford (NYSE:F) – Ford has named Peter Stern, a
former Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) executive
responsible for Apple TV+, iCloud and Apple News+, to lead its new
Ford Integrated Services unit. It will focus on integrating
hardware, software and services, helping Ford expand digital and
recurring services, similar to Apple’s approach. Stern will
work alongside other former Apple professionals and focus on Ford’s
BlueCruise package.
Philips (NYSE:PHG) – Exor
NV (EU:EXO), affiliated with the Agnelli family,
became Philips’ largest shareholder by acquiring 15% for $2.8
billion after Philips faced product recall challenges. Exor
can increase its stake to 20% and will sit on Philips’ supervisory
board.
BP (NYSE:BP) – BP has invested in startup
Advanced Ionics, which develops technology to reduce the cost of
producing green hydrogen using industrial steam. Symbion
technology aims to reduce the need for electricity in the
electrolysis process. BP Ventures was among several investors
in a $12.5 million Series A financing in US-based Advanced
Ionics.
Chesapeake Energy (NASDAQ:CHK) –
Chesapeake Energy will sell its Eagle Ford assets to SilverBow
Resources for $700 million, bringing a total of $3.5 billion in
sales in the region. Chesapeake will focus on Marcellus and
Haynesville lineups, following previous sales on Eagle Ford.
AMC Entertainment (NYSE:AMC) – AMC
Entertainment announced a 10-for-1 stock split on August 24 and the
conversion of preferred stock to common stock on the 25th. This
decision follows a recently approved revised deal.
Salesforce (NYSE:CRM) – In early 2023,
Salesforce faced criticism from activist investors. However,
after good results and reforms, many reduced their holdings or
withdrew completely. Starboard Value and Third Point LLC
reduced their shares, while Inclusive Capital Management exited
even earlier. Salesforce shares are up 57% since January.
Intel (NASDAQ:INTC), Synopsys (NASDAQ:SNPS)
– Intel has expanded its partnership with Synopsys, allowing Intel
customers to license technologies from Synopsys. The deal aims
to accelerate chip production and strengthen Intel’s position as a
chip maker, rivaling TSMC (TSM) and Samsung.
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing
Co. (NYSE:TSM) – Taiwanese presidential candidate Lai
Ching-te has stated that he will not stop TSMC from expanding
globally. He sees the expansion as an economic boost for
Taiwan, while ensuring TSMC’s base remains on the island.
Okta (NASDAQ:OKTA) – Goldman Sachs analyst
Gabriela Borges has upgraded Okta’s stock rating to
“Buy”. Borges predicts an outperformance driven by
subscription revenue and 15-20% growth in annual recurring
revenue. She highlighted Okta’s approach to Auth0 and
potential cross-selling. Despite competition from Microsoft,
Borges maintains a positive outlook. Okta will report its
earnings on August 30th.
Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE:BRK.A) –
Berkshire Hathaway, led by Warren Buffett, announced new
investments in homebuilders such as DR
Horton (NYSE:DHI), Lennar (NYSE:LEN)
and NVR (NYSE:NVR). Despite the
slowdown in construction sectors due to rising interest rates, low
home supply spurred new construction. However, Berkshire sold
more shares than it bought in 2023, including reducing its stake
in General Motors (NYSE:GM).
Redfin (NASDAQ:RDFN) – Shares in real
estate company Redfin gained 1.3% to $10.29 after Oppenheimer
raised its valuation from Underperform to Perform without setting a
price target.
Greenlight Capital (NASDAQ:GRNA) –
Greenlight Capital has acquired a significant stake
in Activision Blizzard (NASDAQ:ATVI)
amid its pending acquisition by Microsoft. David Einhorn also
bought shares in First Horizon
Corp (NYSE:FHN) and
Advance Auto Parts
Inc (NYSE:AAP), selling his position
in Global Payments Inc (NYSE:GPN).
Getty Images (NYSE:GETY) – Shares in Getty
Images fell more than 18% in premarket Tuesday after disappointing
quarterly results and lowering annual sales forecasts. The
company reported a $4.3 million loss and a 3.3% drop in
revenue. CEO Craig Peters highlighted improvements and
innovations at the company.
Walt Disney (NYSE:DIS) – There is
speculation in Hollywood about the next steps for Bob Iger, CEO of
Disney, after comments about possible changes in the structure of
the company. He hinted that some TV deals may be
non-essential, piquing interest from bankers and
investors. Rumors suggest possible realignments or sales of
certain assets, such as ESPN or Hulu, while Disney could focus more
on cinema, theme parks and streaming. Executives debate
whether Iger is preparing Disney for a possible takeover by giants
like Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL)
or Google (NASDAQ:GOOGL).
Home Depot (NYSE:HD) – Home Depot beat
Wall Street expectations for the second quarter with EPS of $4.65
on revenue of $42.92 billion, but was down 2% in annual sales,
citing that the current scenario challenged its
sales. Analysts had expected $4.45 on revenue of $42.23
billion. Consumers show caution in larger purchases. The
company maintains its annual forecast and sees supply chain
disruptions decreasing.
Nike (NYSE:NKE) – The early elimination of
the US from the Women’s World Cup took big brands such as Adidas
and Nike by surprise, forcing quick adaptations in marketing
strategies. A crowd of 2 billion is expected for the
tournament, despite time zone barriers. Brands have invested
heavily in merchandise but face challenges due to changing fan
preferences.
Target (NYSE:TGT) – Target expects to post
its first quarterly drop in revenue in six years as consumers shift
to services like travel over discretionary shopping. Inflation
and reactions to the Pride collection also impacted sales.
Kraft Heinz (NASDAQ:KHC) – Miguel
Patricio, CEO of Kraft Heinz, will be replaced by Carlos
Abrams-Rivera in 2023. Patricio, who has sought to revitalize the
brand since 2019, will remain as non-executive
chairman. Abrams-Rivera faces the challenge of driving demand
and regaining market share.
Clorox (NYSE:CLX) – After detecting
“unauthorized activity” on its networks, Clorox took down some IT
systems, impacting business operations. The company is
tightening security, and although it did not detail the attack,
authorities and cybersecurity experts are investigating what
happened.
Discover Financial (NYSE:DFS) – Discover
Financial announced the immediate departure of Roger Hochschild as
CEO and President. Board member John Owen was appointed to
lead the firm. A committee was established to find a permanent
replacement. Discover’s stock was down 5.4% in premarket
Tuesday.
Blackstone (NYSE:BX) – Earlier this year,
Blackstone’s Steve Schwarzman urged executives to unite over
grievances with the Blackstone Growth (BXG) division, run by Jon
Korngold. BXG, initially intended to connect Blackstone to
fast-growing companies and generate big profits, faced challenges
after failed investments. Schwarzman and Jon Gray sought
greater team discipline. BXG, part of Gray’s larger plan for
Blackstone, was looking to expand into growth sectors but was faced
with market shifts and questionable valuations.
JPMorgan Chase (NYSE:JPM) – Fitch Ratings
analyst Chris Wolfe has warned of the potential downgrade of US
banks, including JPMorgan. An industry downgrade to A+ would
force over 70 banks to be rerated. Factors include Federal
Reserve fees and bad debts.
Bank of America (NYSE:BAC) – In August,
global investor optimism rose to the lowest pessimistic level since
February 2022, according to a Bank of America survey. Managers
with $545 billion in assets see slower global growth but brighter
prospects.
UBS (NYSE:UBS) – UBS has agreed to pay
$1.435 billion to settle US allegations related to troubled
mortgage bonds from the 2008 crisis. The US Department of Justice
has collected more than $36 billion in fines from institutions
financial. The UBS settlement ends a 2018 lawsuit.
Hawaiian Electric (NYSE:HE) – Shares in
Hawaiian Electric Industries plunged 34% on Monday following
suspicions of its involvement in the deadly fires in Lahaina,
Maui. While the cause remains under investigation, the company
faces lawsuits. Reports suggest flaws in the company’s
security measures.
Boeing (NYSE:BA) – Boeing can secure an
order for 25 planes from IndiGo as the Indian airline expands
internationally. While talks remain confidential, IndiGo
recently ordered 500 Airbus jets and is looking to increase its
global footprint by diversifying its fleet.
Embraer (NYSE:ERJ) – Embraer exceeded Q2
expectations. Francisco Gomes Neto, CEO, expressed confidence
in delivering more than 80 aircraft in 2024 and expects to reach
100 by 2026. The company had a 25% increase in adjusted net
income.
US Steel (NYSE:X) – US Steel saw its
shares jump on Monday after Esmark offered $7.8 billion in cash,
beating an earlier offer by Cleveland-Cliffs. The offer
represents a 54% premium over the previous close. Esmark did
not detail the financing. US Steel rejected a $7.3 billion
Cleveland-Cliffs bid but invited it for future revisions.
Canoo (NASDAQ:GOEV) – Startup Canoo has
closed $113 million incentive deals with Oklahoma and Cherokee
Nation. She is already hiring for facilities in Oklahoma City
and Pryor. Benefits include credit and tax exemption
programs. Canoo reported a lower-than-expected quarterly loss
due to lower research and development costs. In addition, it
launched delivery vehicle 190 and posted a loss of US$70.9
million. The company collaborates with the Department of
Defense and NASA.
MSCI (NYSE:MSCI) – MSCI will buy the
remaining 66% of Burgiss Group for $697 million, expanding its data
analysis footprint of private assets. This acquisition spans
data from $15 trillion in global investments. The transaction
is expected to close in the 4th quarter of 2023.
Catalent (NYSE:CTLT) – Pharmaceuticals
Catalent, under pressure from Elliott Investment Management,
attracted interest from activist investors Corvex Management and
Sachem Head Capital in Q2. After playing a role in vaccine
production, Catalent saw its shares and revenue
drop. Catalent’s share price closed at $45.29 on Monday,
significantly down from $110 when it traded a year ago.
BioXcel (NASDAQ:BTAI) – BioXcel Therapeutics
will reduce its workforce by more than 50% and focus on developing
the drug BXCL501 for domestic agitation. That move caused a
significant drop in stocks on Monday. The company plans to cut
expenses and rethink strategies.
Delcath Systems (NASDAQ:DCTH) – Shares in
Delcath Systems surged 64.42% in premarket trading Tuesday after
the FDA approved the Hepzato Kit to treat metastatic uveal melanoma
in certain patients. This approval releases more funding for
the company, with the product expected to be commercialized in the
fourth quarter.
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