Lilly Beats Estimates, Misses on GLP-1 Sales in Q4

Asian stocks tumble as a five-day rally pushes a regional gauge into overbought territory, with investors cautious amid escalating trade tensions and geopolitical uncertainty.

Published on: February 19, 2025, 04:01 AM UTC

Listen to Decoding Retirement: How much should you save for a comfortable retirement? Learn tips and strategies to maximize your savings and secure your financial future.

Published on: February 14, 2025, 11:01 PM UTC

Coca-Cola (KO) Q4 Earnings Preview: Revenue, Earnings, and Analyst Estimates

Published on: February 11, 2025, 08:02 AM UTC

Despite looming tariffs, the stock market continues to trade near record highs. This is surprising considering tariffs could harm earnings, the most critical factor driving stock prices. However, investors may anticipate short-lived or less burdensome tariffs. Analysts warn that tariffs could decrease S&P 500 EPS by 2-3%, potentially impacting two-thirds of this year's EPS growth. Despite the threat of tariffs, earnings continue to perform well, with Q4 EPS growth exceeding expectations. As earnings remain the primary driver of stock prices, strong earnings could mitigate the negative effects of tariffs. Historically, earnings have contributed significantly to the S&P 500's total return, indicating their importance in determining stock prices. The labor market remains strong, with job growth and low unemployment. Wage growth is ticking up, while job openings are falling, suggesting a gradual cooling in the job market. Layoffs remain low, and hiring continues to exceed layoffs. Consumer sentiment has declined, but card spending data shows resilience. Gas prices are rising, while supply chain pressures remain loose. Business investment activity remains at record levels, and services and manufacturing surveys signal growth. Construction spending and mortgage rates are trending lower. Office occupancy is increasing, and GDP growth estimates remain positive. While the market is near all-time highs, the long-term outlook remains favorable as earnings growth is expected to continue. However, investors should stay vigilant and consider potential risks such as geopolitical turmoil, energy price volatility, and economic recessions.

Published on: February 10, 2025, 12:01 PM UTC

The Trump administration's trade policies remain uncertain with a self-imposed Feb. 1 deadline for tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China. Economic observers and world leaders are closely monitoring the situation, with confusion and frustration expressed by leaders in Canada and Mexico. The potential impact on business decisions and the economy remains unclear, with economists predicting a possible recession if tariffs are implemented.

Published on: January 31, 2025, 01:02 AM UTC