🏛️ Wall Street’s Watching: Consumer Heat, Earnings, AI Shakeup 🫨
In under 5 minutes, let us introduce you to investing opportunities found in recent market analysis. Grow your portfolio with knowledge.
Edition #125
Investing Unlocks: How to Capitalize on the Hot Topics From The Last 7 Days
We analyze recent trends and opportunities, offering strategic insights that help you manage risks and identify growth opportunities for your portfolio.
📈 Fed Cut Lifts Markets to Highs
Markets surged Sept 15–19 as the Fed delivered its first rate cut of 2025 and signaled more easing ahead. The S&P 500, Nasdaq, and Dow all hit record highs, while small caps led gains early before fading. Tech outperformed, and longer-term bond yields rose, suggesting lingering inflation concerns despite the cut.
This week, investors will focus on the core PCE inflation reading Friday, along with personal income and spending data. Fed officials speaking throughout the week may clarify how many more cuts are likely this year, especially if inflation runs hot.
PRESENTED BY CANTERRA MINERALS CORP.
With fresh high-grade discoveries and new targets defined by modern geophysics, Canterra Minerals (TSX-V: CTM, OTCQB: CTMCF) is advancing exploration next door to a CAD$9 billion major gold company. Get the complete breakdown in your in-depth investor guide.
Hot Topics
Pfizer amps up push into obesity treatments with $4.9B deal for Metsera
Google faces antitrust déjà vu as US seeks to break up its digital advertising business
Trump reveals Murdochs and Dell could potentially take part in TikTok deal
Japanese automaker Nissan is developing self-driving technology
Backed by a billion dollars from E.l.f., Hailey Bieber’s Rhode arrives at Sephora
FTC sues Ticketmaster, saying it forces fans to pay more for concerts and events
Reactions pour in about ABC's suspension of Jimmy Kimmel's show
Wealth Watch
Investing Data Story
Gold is leading 2025 returns, with Bitcoin following as a strong second. See where key assets stand and what it means for your investment strategy.
Gold Leads 2025 Asset Returns, Bitcoin Close Behind
Inflation Worries, Splurges Continue
Consumers across major economies are worried about rising prices, but many still intend to splurge on discretionary purchases in the near term. This suggests a paradox of financial caution mixed with spending resilience.
The share of consumers concerned about inflation ranges from 37% (Saudi Arabia) to 60% (Australia). Advanced economies (Australia, US, EU-5) show higher concern levels (43–60%) than emerging markets like India (40%) or Saudi Arabia (37%). Inflation worries are global, but consumers in emerging markets remain far more willing to splurge. Advanced economies, meanwhile, are showing caution and restraint, signaling uneven consumer sentiment across regions.
Even amid rising price worries, history shows that staying invested, through both highs and lows, outperforms waiting for the “perfect moment”. Don’t let price fears stall your wealth building. See why long-term investors win in any market.
Amazon and Walmart Own U.S. E-Commerce
Amazon and Walmart dominate U.S. e-commerce, with no other retailer coming close in market reach. Secondary players like Target, Temu, and eBay capture far smaller but still meaningful shares, while niche platforms like Apple, Best Buy, and SHEIN serve narrower audiences.
Dominance online reflects dominance in brand value; see the world’s 20 most valuable brands in 2025.
Earnings Performance
FactSet Research Systems Inc.
FactSet Research Systems Inc closed Q4 with strong momentum as revenue grew 6.2% Y/Y and profits jumped sharply, with GAAP diluted EPS up nearly 74%. Growth was fueled by steady demand from institutional and wealth clients along with tighter cost control. Cash generation was robust, with free cash flow rising almost 30%. The company rewarded investors with higher dividends and continued share buybacks, underscoring its commitment to shareholder returns. The attached chart shows how FactSet has steadily raised dividends while repurchasing shares, highlighting a long track record of returning capital to investors.
Other Earnings Updates
Darden Restaurants Stock (DRI): Serves Up Growth but Rising Costs Bite Margins
Lennar Stock (LEN): Stock Slips as Home Prices Drop and Margins Squeeze
General Mills Stock (GIS): Revenue Down 7%, EPS Tops Estimates
Research Solutions Stock (RSSS): Returns to Profit, Boosts ARR 20%
Cracker Barrel Stock (CBRL): Brand Challenges and Outlook
FedEx Stock (FDX): Beats Earnings, Restores Outlook
Datavault AI Stock (DVLT): Impressive Revenue Growth Story
Investing Data Story
68 years of S&P 500 data shows long-term returns stay strong—even when buying at market highs. Here's why timing isn't everything.
It Seems There’s No Bad Time to Invest
Analyst Strong Buy Ratings This Week! 📈
Looking for stocks with strong analyst backing? These companies have earned top-tier "Strong Buy" ratings from analysts, signaling potential upside for investors.
Whether you’re eyeing small-to-mid cap opportunities in the U.S. and Canada or want to stick with trusted S&P 500 blue-chip picks, this list highlights stocks that experts believe could outperform.
🔍 Do your research and see if any of these fit your portfolio!
AI Race: Grok Booms, Big Tech Trims
Elon Musk’s xAI has launched an API for its Grok 3 model and reports 64 million monthly users. A recent flaw exposed hundreds of thousands of private user conversations. The company also laid off 500 general annotators as it shifts toward specialist AI tutors. Meanwhile, Google cut over 200 AI contractors working on its Gemini chatbot, citing a ramp-down of roles. Combined layoffs across Google, xAI, Fiverr, Salesforce, and Oracle have surpassed 10,000 in recent months, fueling concerns about AI-linked job losses even as sector adoption accelerates.
According to Polymarket traders, Google is currently favored over xAI to have the leading AI model by the end of 2025.
Even as jobs are cut, AI investment is scaling fast. See where retail investors can capture value across the AI chain.