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Indian stocks have been performing exceptionally well, with the MSCI India index surging 21% this year. The country's strong economy, geopolitical tensions with China, and foreign investments have contributed to this growth. However, the stock rally has been driven largely by domestic investors, including young individuals who see the stock market as a quick way to wealth. This has led to a trading frenzy, particularly in derivatives, which could be risky. Additionally, the Indian stock market is already expensive, and a sudden shift in sentiment or external shocks could lead to a reversal. While India is a promising long-term investment, caution is advised. [Extracted from the article]

The article reports on the retreat of Asian semiconductor stocks, influenced by Nvidia's 6.9 percent drop in after-hours trading. Topics discussed include the impact on key Asian chipmakers like SK Hynix and Samsung Electronics, Nvidia's earnings report and market expectations, and broader market reactions to Nvidia's artificial intelligence (AI) chip issues.

Stocks and government bonds rallied on the final day of July, with all three major indexes opening higher. The Federal Reserve held interest rates steady and signaled a willingness to cut them in September if inflation continues to decrease. The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite had its best day since February, jumping 2.6%, while the S&P 500 added 1.6% and the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.2%. The Russell 2000 index of small companies lagged behind other indexes after a strong performance in recent weeks. The drop in government bond yields also contributed to the market rally. [Extracted from the article]

Stocks in Asia and Europe rose on Monday, along with U.S. index futures, as investors awaited the release of U.S. inflation data. The Federal Reserve's preferred measure of price pressures, the personal-consumption expenditures price index, is due on Friday, while inflation readings are scheduled for the eurozone and Australia this week. The market is closely watching central banks' actions, as conflicting data on growth and inflation has increased volatility. Additionally, U.S. stock investors are anticipating earnings reports from companies such as Salesforce, Costco Wholesale, and Dollar General. The plumbing of U.S. financial markets will also undergo a significant change this week, with a shift to a shorter settlement cycle. [Extracted from the article]

The S&P 500 index rose 0.1% and the Nasdaq Composite gained 0.2% after Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell reassured investors about potential interest-rate cuts. Powell stated that despite a strong economy, the central bank still expects rate cuts later this year. The Institute for Supply Management's non-manufacturing survey showed a slower pace of economic expansion in March. The U.S. economy added 184,000 jobs in March, according to ADP, and economists predict the Labor Department's March jobs report will show an addition of about 200,000 jobs. Despite strong jobs growth, hiring and quitting rates have decreased, making a rate cut more likely. Interest-rate derivatives traders have assigned a 62% probability of a rate cut at the central bank's June policy meeting. Bond prices rose and yields fell, with the 10-year Treasury yield settling at 4.354%. Disney shares fell 3.1% after CEO Bob Iger won a boardroom battle against activist investor Nelson Peltz, and Intel shares declined 8.2% after reporting a $7 billion loss in its chip-manufacturing arm last year. [Extracted from the article]

Nvidia's stock has experienced a significant increase, contributing to almost 28% of the S&P 500's gains in 2024. However, it is important to put this rise in perspective and not feel left behind. The concentration of market value in a few companies is not unprecedented, as seen in the 1950s. While valuations are not crazy, they are also not cheap. It is crucial to control feelings of fear of missing out (FOMO) and to track intuitions, recognizing that not all hunches are worth following. [Extracted from the article]

The S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average both fell slightly, while the Nasdaq Composite slipped in a subdued trading session after last week's rally fueled by chip maker Nvidia's earnings. Despite the slight dip, all three indexes are on track to finish February with gains for the fourth consecutive month. Several large technology stocks, including Apple and Google-parent Alphabet, experienced declines, while Berkshire Hathaway saw a drop after Warren Buffett's annual letter revealed gains from Japanese stocks but a lack of acquisition targets. Domino's Pizza, on the other hand, reported better-than-expected profits and raised its dividend, leading to a rise in its stock price. Investors are awaiting data on household spending, income, and inflation from the Commerce Department and Federal Reserve later in the week. Despite concerns about inflation, many investors remain optimistic about the economy, as other data have shown positive signs of growth. The stock market's gains have also extended beyond the tech sector, indicating that the market is not solely driven by artificial intelligence. The S&P 500 is currently up 6.3% for the year. Bond prices fell, causing the yield on the 10-year U.S. Treasury note to rise. Japanese stocks reached another record high, while stock indexes in Europe and China mostly fell. [Extracted from the article]

The Wall Street Journal article discusses the criticism faced by Nasdaq, the stock exchange, due to the trading frenzies surrounding penny stocks. Bit Brother, a Chinese crypto company, gained attention when its trading volume surged to billions of shares a day in late December. Critics argue that Nasdaq's listing rules and grace period for delisting companies with low share prices contribute to the problem. The article also highlights the increase in reverse stock splits and the potential distortion of market volume caused by high trading activity in sub-$1 stocks. [Extracted from the article]

Japan's Nikkei 225 index recently surpassed its 1989 high, ending a 34-year period of stagnation for Japanese shareholders. However, there are reasons to be cautious about this milestone. Firstly, it reflects the severity of the economic downturn Japan experienced, rather than a cause for celebration. Secondly, headline index numbers, such as the Nikkei, are not reliable indicators of market performance over the long term. Additionally, the Nikkei itself is a flawed measure, as it does not account for dividends or inflation. Despite this achievement, it is important to consider other factors when evaluating Japan's stock market. [Extracted from the article]

Teenagers in the United States are increasingly investing in the stock market through custodial accounts set up by their parents. Custodial accounts allow minors to invest in stocks and other assets until they reach legal age. The number of custodial accounts for teens has been rising, with brokerages like Charles Schwab, Vanguard, Fidelity, and Robinhood reporting a surge in these accounts. Many teenagers are investing in popular tech stocks like Tesla, Apple, and Amazon, and are using social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube to educate others about investing. The trend of teen investing is part of a broader increase in individual investing since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. [Extracted from the article]

The S&P 500 reached a new intraday record of 5000, driven by a strong economy and decreasing inflation. The index closed at a record high for the ninth time in 2024, with a 0.1% daily advance. The Dow Jones Industrial Average also closed at a record high, while the Nasdaq Composite remained 1.6% below its record close from November 2021. Earnings reports have influenced individual stock movements, and analysts predict a 2.8% growth in S&P 500 company profits for the fourth quarter of 2023. However, some investors express concerns about the stock market's high valuation and rising bond yields. [Extracted from the article]

Technology shares in the stock market slipped as investors awaited earnings from major tech companies, causing the S&P 500 to back off from its record high. The Dow, however, reached a new record by adding 0.3%. General Motors and MSCI were among the biggest gainers, while United Parcel Service and Whirlpool saw their shares decline. Investors are closely watching earnings and guidance from big-tech companies to determine if they will continue to drive the market higher. The Federal Reserve is expected to hold interest rates steady, and traders will be looking to Fed Chair Jerome Powell's remarks for guidance on future rate cuts. [Extracted from the article]

Tesla's stock has been underperforming compared to other technology stocks, known as the "Magnificent Seven," which have been experiencing significant gains. Tesla's stock has fallen over 26% in the past four weeks and experienced a sharp decline after reporting earnings and revenue that missed expectations. The company's executives have warned that growth is likely to slow in 2024. Despite being a dominant player in the electric car market, Tesla's reputation as a tech leader is now working against its stock. [Extracted from the article]

The S&P 500 reached another record high after new data revealed that the U.S. economy remained unexpectedly strong throughout 2023. The benchmark index rose 0.5% to achieve its fifth consecutive record, while the Dow industrials also reached a record high with a 0.6% increase. The Nasdaq Composite, which is tech-heavy, saw a 0.2% gain. The Commerce Department reported that the economy grew at a 3.3% rate in the fourth quarter, surpassing economists' expectations of 2%. The Federal Reserve's preferred inflation measure remained steady at 2% in the last three months of the year, indicating that the central bank is successfully managing inflation. Tesla shares declined by 12% after the company projected slower growth in 2024 and experienced a decrease in profit margin. UnitedHealth Group and Humana also negatively impacted major indexes, with Humana warning of potential difficulties for Medicare businesses. IBM, on the other hand, experienced positive earnings results, leading to a 9.5% increase in shares. Boeing shares fell by 5.7% due to production limits on 737 MAX jets, while American Airlines saw a 10% rise in shares after exceeding analyst forecasts. Regional bank shares slipped despite the financial sector of the S&P 500 finishing positively. The 10-year U.S. Treasury yield decreased to 4.131% after reaching its highest level since December 12. In international markets, the Stoxx [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the decline in returns for money-market funds and explores alternative investment options. It cautions against making drastic changes to investment strategies based on market swings or flashy headlines. The article suggests considering the stock market, particularly for long-term investments, as historical data shows that new highs often lead to more new highs. It also mentions the potential for value or international stocks to rally and recommends maintaining a diversified portfolio. Lastly, the article advises against making hasty decisions and emphasizes the importance of staying informed and balanced in investment decisions. [Extracted from the article]

The stock market reached a fourth consecutive record high, with the S&P 500 leading the charge. Strong performances from major tech companies like Microsoft and Apple contributed to the gains. The Nasdaq Composite also saw a 0.4% increase, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.3%. Investors are returning to large-cap tech shares, believing that the economy is too strong for the Federal Reserve to cut rates. Netflix experienced a significant jump in stock price after adding 13.1 million subscribers in the last quarter of 2023. However, not all communication companies fared well, as AT&T's shares declined. Some analysts predict that smaller stocks and beaten-down sectors will recover throughout the year, assuming inflation remains moderate and economic growth remains steady. DuPont shares fell due to weak demand from China and industrial customers. The 10-year U.S. Treasury yield rose to its highest level this year, and manufacturing activity rebounded for the first time in nine months. The Stoxx Europe 600 and Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index also saw gains. [Extracted from the article]

The S&P 500 reached a new record high for the third consecutive day as earnings season gained momentum. Some companies, such as United Airlines Holdings, saw their shares rise, while others, like 3M, experienced declines. Overall, major U.S. companies saw slight gains, with the S&P 500 increasing by 0.3% and the Nasdaq Composite rising by 0.4%. However, the Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped by 0.3%. Investors are optimistic about the economy due to falling inflation and the expectation of lower interest rates. However, concerns remain about whether the positive news is already priced into the market. Earnings reports are being closely watched to determine if future profits can sustain the rally. [Extracted from the article]

The Dow Jones Industrial Average reached a record high, surpassing 38,000 for the first time, with gains in technology companies and Goldman Sachs shares. The S&P 500 also reached a new high, while the Nasdaq Composite increased as well. Small companies in the Russell 2000 outperformed their peers. The stock market rebounded after a rocky start to the year, driven by positive earnings reports and a strong economy. Investors have shown interest in artificial intelligence, which has boosted the tech sector. Some investors have expressed caution despite the rally. Economic data and earnings reports will be closely watched this week, including figures on inflation and spending. The iShares U.S. Home Construction ETF and shares of Affirm saw gains, while major Chinese companies experienced declines. The selling pressure in Chinese markets has raised concerns about the country's economic health. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report by the Federal Reserve's inspector general cleared two former presidents of Federal Reserve banks, Robert Kaplan and Eric Rosengren, of violating policies or laws in their trading practices. However, the report did find that the presidents had not properly filed their financial disclosures, and if they had, the appearances of conflicts of interest posed by their personal investments in 2020 would likely have been worse than initially thought. The report also highlighted the need for higher standards and the avoidance of even the appearance of conflicts for leaders in such positions. The investigation comes after the Fed implemented new rules in 2022 that bar senior officials from trading in individual stocks. [Extracted from the article]

Stocks have reached record highs, driven by cooling inflation and expectations of interest-rate cuts. However, recent fluctuations in the stock and bond markets suggest that further gains may be harder to come by. Some analysts and portfolio managers are warning that the anticipated rate cuts may not happen as quickly as investors had hoped, which could slow down stock market growth. Additionally, data showing economic strength and potential inflationary pressures have caused bond yields to rise, further dampening investor optimism. While some investors remain optimistic about the strong economy boosting stocks, others are concerned about potential sources of inflation and technical factors that could disrupt the market. [Extracted from the article]

Rising technology shares led to gains in major stock indexes, with the S&P 500 rising 0.9% and the Nasdaq Composite gaining 1.3%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average also advanced 0.5%, ending a three-session losing streak. The information-technology sector performed well, with chip stocks rallying after Taiwan Semiconductor gave a stronger outlook than expected. The strength of the economy has caused investors to reconsider expectations of aggressive interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note reached its highest level in 2024, while the average rate on the 30-year fixed mortgage fell to an eight-month low. [Extracted from the article]

Stock benchmarks in Japan and India reached historic highs, while U.S. markets were closed for Martin Luther King Day. The Bank of Japan's expected continuation of loose monetary policy contributed to the rise in Japan's Nikkei 225, boosting export earnings for Japanese companies. In India, strong economic growth has fueled the stock market's recent success. European stocks, however, experienced a decline due to weakening global demand for German industrial goods. The upcoming week will provide insights into the health of corporate America and the broader economy through fourth-quarter earnings reports. Additionally, investors are closely watching retail sales data and the possibility of a Federal Reserve interest rate cut. Bitcoin also saw a rebound, briefly surpassing $43,000. [Extracted from the article]

Microsoft briefly surpassed Apple as the largest U.S. company by market value before Apple reclaimed the top spot. Microsoft's stock has been on the rise due to the growth of its cloud computing division and optimism about artificial intelligence. Apple became the first company to reach a market value of $3 trillion last year, but investors and analysts are concerned about its future growth. Both Microsoft and Apple are expected to report their results in the coming weeks, and analysts anticipate further gains for Microsoft. [Extracted from the article]

According to the Wall Street Journal, many investors believe that high-quality U.S. bonds are currently a good investment. The consensus on Wall Street is that interest rates have peaked for this economic cycle, which should make further investments in Treasury bonds and highly rated corporate bonds a safe bet. However, the immediate fate of bond investments depends on the Federal Reserve, with traders in futures markets betting on rate cuts throughout the year. While some investors are hopeful that rate cuts will help bond portfolios recover after a difficult period, others are concerned about the potential risks of buying safe bonds at current high prices. [Extracted from the article]

Midcap stocks, which are companies with market capitalizations between $2 billion and $10 billion, are often overlooked by investors in favor of large-cap and small-cap stocks. However, some market professionals argue that midcap stocks offer financial stability, growth potential, and industry diversification, making them a good investment option. While midcaps lagged behind large-cap and small-cap indexes in 2023, they still delivered a double-digit return and ended the year near record territory. Looking ahead, some experts believe that midcaps could outperform large-caps, especially considering their appealing price-to-earnings ratios. However, not everyone agrees, and some caution that midcap stocks may be overbought and require stronger earnings to sustain their rise. Overall, midcap stocks present attractive opportunities in various industries, and investors can consider passive exchange-traded funds like iShares Russell Mid-Cap ETF and Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF, as well as active funds like Touchstone Mid Cap Fund. Some recommended midcap stocks include BorgWarner, Campbell Soup, APA, and Healthpeak Properties. [Extracted from the article]

Despite a general feeling of pessimism among Americans, there were several positive developments in 2023. The commercialization of weight loss drugs like Ozempic offered benefits beyond weight management, such as improved overall health and a decrease in diabetes cases. Crime rates in the US also decreased, with murders reaching a multi-decade low in cities like Detroit and violent crime decreasing in New York City. Additionally, carbon emissions in the US and other developed countries continued to fall, thanks to the adoption of renewable energy sources and digital technologies. The US economy also performed well, with GDP growth of 2.6% and low unemployment rates. Wage gains outpaced inflation, and financial markets showed resilience and strength. The gap between public pessimism and positive data reflects a growing belief that people have a right to a better future and are unwilling to accept inept or corrupt systems. Dissatisfaction is seen as a necessary condition for change. [Extracted from the article]

Investors are making two bets against the Federal Reserve. The first bet is that the Fed will make rapid and deep cuts to interest rates next year, contrary to previous expectations of higher rates. The second bet is that the Fed will have to keep rates much higher in the long run than it currently predicts. These bets go against the popular belief of "never fight the Fed." The market's disagreement with the Fed is based on factors such as decreasing inflation, signs of stress in the economy, and the Fed's willingness to discuss rate cuts. However, caution is advised as the market has been wrong about Fed easing in the past. There is also a split on how the Fed responds to economic results, with some arguing that the Fed will cut rates if inflation slows, while others believe the Fed will err on the side of higher rates due to past mistakes. The market also believes that long-run interest rates will be higher than the Fed predicts, due to factors such as deficit spending and inflationary pressures. The Fed's next move could resolve these issues, with the possibility of rate cuts in the spring and a reassessment of long-run rates. [Extracted from the article]

On December 7, 2023, bond yields tumbled and stocks retreated in the U.S. market. The yield on 10-year Treasury notes reached its lowest level since August, indicating a cooling economy. The S&P 500 lost 0.4%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average shed 0.2%, and the Nasdaq Composite fell 0.6%. Falling oil prices and losses in technology stocks raised concerns about the global economy. However, shares of companies sensitive to the economy, such as airlines and cruise operators, outperformed. Investors are eagerly awaiting the monthly employment report for further insights into the economy and the Federal Reserve's next steps. [Extracted from the article]

Oil prices fell on Thursday due to discord among leading energy producers, while stocks in Hong Kong and mainland China were boosted by optimism about support for property developers. The US stock markets were closed for the Thanksgiving holiday, resulting in muted global market activity. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies, known as OPEC+, announced that their next ministerial meeting will be held online, causing further uncertainty in the oil market. In Asia, the Hang Seng Index in Hong Kong rose 1% and the Shanghai Composite added 0.6%, while Japan's market was closed for a holiday. Chinese property developers experienced significant gains in Hong Kong, as reports suggested that the Chinese government may provide more support to the struggling sector. [Extracted from the article]

Hackers targeted the New York unit of Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), the world's largest bank, disrupting trading in U.S. Treasurys. While the impact was relatively minor, the incident raised concerns about the vulnerability of the Treasury market and the potential for hackers to disrupt financial systems. ICBC was forced to disconnect and isolate some of its systems, causing clients whose trades were routed through ICBC to be in limbo. The hack also highlighted the risk of a breakdown in the Treasury market and the need for increased cybersecurity measures. [Extracted from the article]

The Federal Reserve's policies are seen as a threat to the American economy and financial markets, with concerns of a potential recession and a repeat of the 1987 Black Monday. The M2 money supply, which measures cash, deposits, and other assets, grew at an unprecedented rate during the pandemic but has since contracted due to the Fed's tightening measures. Quantitative tightening and decreased availability of commercial bank credit are contributing factors to the shrinking money supply. The authors argue that the current situation could lead to a stock market crash and a decline in economic activity. [Extracted from the article]

Keywords: wsjfinance-markets; wsjfinance; gfx-contrib; North America; United States; Corporate Funding; Corporate Debt Instruments; Corporate Actions; Corporate/Industrial News; High-yield Corporate Bonds EN wsjfinance-markets wsjfinance gfx-contrib North America United States Corporate Funding Corporate Debt Instruments Corporate Actions Corporate/Industrial News High-yield Corporate Bonds N.PAG N.PAG 1 10/25/23 20231024 NES 231024 The benchmark for U.S. borrowing costs has climbed at a rate alarming to investors A deepening selloff in the U.S. bond market drove the yield on the 10-year U.S. Treasury note to 5% for the first time in 16 years, marking a milestone that has rattled stocks, lifted mortgage rates and fueled persistent fears of an economic slowdown. Investor expectations for higher rates drive down prices of Treasurys and push up yields because investors anticipate that new bonds will offer larger interest payments. Investors and economists pay close attention to Treasury yields, and the 10-year yield in particular, because they set a floor on the interest rates across the economy, including those on mortgages and corporate debt. [Extracted from the article]

The recent rise in yields for longer-term Treasurys, particularly the 10-year note, signifies the return of the U.S. bond market. This development has caused concern among some commentators who have become accustomed to years of low interest rates and central bank interventions. However, the rise in yields is a positive sign as it indicates a normalization of monetary policy and allows for more disciplined market behavior. While there are risks associated with higher rates, such as potential difficulties for indebted firms and the need for the federal government to refinance debt at higher rates, overall, the return of the bond market is seen as a welcome development. [Extracted from the article]

Keywords: North America; United States; Financial Performance; Earnings; Corporate/Industrial News; Equity Markets; Debt/Bond Markets; Commodity/Financial Market News; Government Debt/Bond Markets; National Government Debt/Bond Markets EN North America United States Financial Performance Earnings Corporate/Industrial News Equity Markets Debt/Bond Markets Commodity/Financial Market News Government Debt/Bond Markets National Government Debt/Bond Markets N.PAG N.PAG 1 10/04/23 20230930 NES 230930 Heading into the fourth quarter, the S&P 500 is clinging to a 12% advance for the year It seemed like nothing could stop the 2023 market rally. North America, United States, Financial Performance, Earnings, Corporate/Industrial News, Equity Markets, Debt/Bond Markets, Commodity/Financial Market News, Government Debt/Bond Markets, National Government Debt/Bond Markets. [Extracted from the article]