Stocks Hit Record as Fed Cut Bets Gain Momentum: Markets Wrap
Equity index futures in Japan, Australia and Hong Kong were all higher early Friday after the S&P 500 advanced 0.8% to within striking distance of a new high. The Nasdaq 100 achieved the feat after rising 0.9%, helping MSCI's global shares index to a record high. Contracts for US equities edged higher early Friday.
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Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
What To Expect in Markets This Week: Fed Chair Remarks, Home Sales, Walmart and Home Depot Earnings
Key Takeaways Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell is set to deliver closely watched remarks on Friday, potentially signaling how the central bank could approach interest rates. Walmart, Home Depot, Target, and Lowe's are scheduled to report earnings, giving insight into consumer spending patterns and tariff pressures. Housing market data, Fed meeting minutes, and weekly jobless claims also will attract attention this week. Get ready to hear a lot about Jerome Powell. Remarks from the Federal Reserve chair will likely demand market watchers' attention this week as investors seek clarity over the central bank's next interest-rate moves. Powell has been under pressure to produce rate cuts, but recent economic data has put officials in a tough position. Traders also will be following earnings expected from major retailers, including Walmart, Target, Home Depot, Lowe's, and Ross Stores. Investors will watch for signs of tariff-driven inflation and fading consumer sentiment. Housing market data, Fed meeting minutes, and weekly jobless claims also could have an impact on markets this week. The major U.S. indexes logged gains last week, with the Dow touching an intraday record on Friday. Read to the bottom for our calendar of key events—and one more thing. Investors Look to Powell Remarks for Clarity on Interest- Rate Path Attention will turn toward the American West this week. At the annual Jackson Hole Economic Policy Symposium, Powell is expected to lead a lineup of speakers that includes central bankers, economists, and top officials. Economists are seeing more likelihood that the Fed will cut interest rates at its next meeting as the central bank faces relentless pressure from President Donald Trump and other administration officials to lower borrowing costs when it next meets in September. The Fed hasn't lowered rates since last December and now finds itself in a tough position, said BMO Senior Economist Jennifer Lee, with inflation ticking higher while the job market looks weaker than thought. 'Can't imagine the pressure on Fed Chair Powell ahead of the Jackson Hole gathering,' Lee wrote in a recent blog post. The minutes for the July meeting of the Federal Open Market Committee will provide a look into the Fed's view of interest rates and the economy and could add insight about the actions of two committee members who split from their colleagues to vote in favor of a rate cut last month. Housing market data and jobless claims also will be released this week. Walmart, Target Earnings Due as Tariff Pressures Loom As Trump's tariffs begin to show some impact on inflation, earnings reports from large retailers will show if the import taxes are hitting their sales. Walmart's (WMT) scheduled report on Thursday comes after the retailer said it would look to price increases to help balance the costs of tariffs. Home Depot (HD) has said it was attempting to maintain its pricing structure, with investors getting more details on the hardware retailer with its report set for Tuesday. Target's (TGT) expected Wednesday report follows warnings in the prior quarter that sales may move lower than originally projected. Sales also seen softening for T.J. Maxx parent TJX (TJX), which said in the prior quarter that tariffs are expected to impact revenue figures. Other noteworthy retailers scheuled to report this week include home improvement chain Lowe's (LOW) and discount retailer Ross Stores (ROST). Quick Links: Recap Last Week's Trading | Read Investopedia's Latest News This Week's Calendar Monday, Aug. 18 Homebuilder confidence (August) Key Earnings: Palo Alto Networks (PANW) Tuesday, Aug. 19 Housing starts (July) Key Earnings: Home Depot, Medtronic (MDT), Keysight Technologies (KEYS), Viking Holdings (VIK), XPeng (XPEV), Toll Brothers (TOL) Wednesday, Aug. 20 FOMC minutes for July meeting Fed Officials Speaking: Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic Key Earnings: TJX Cos., Lowe's, Analog Devices (ADI), Target, Estee Lauder (EL), Baidu (BIDU) Thursday, Aug. 21 Existing home sales (July) Fed Officials Speaking: Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic, Jackson Hole Economic Policy Symposium begins Key Earnings: Walmart, Intuit (INTU), Workday (WDAY), Ross Stores Data to Watch: Initial jobless claims (Week ending Aug. 16), Philadelphia Fed manufacturing survey (August), S&P Flash U.S. PMI (August), U.S. leading economic indicators (July) Friday, Aug. 22 Expected remarks from Fed Chair Jerome Powell at Jackson Hole symposium Key Earnings: BJ's Wholesale Club (BJ) One More Thing Social Security celebrates its 90th anniversary this month, but fewer Americans are confident in the program's long-term financial stability. Investopedia's Aaron McDade has more on the potential benefit reductions that the program faces. Read the original article on Investopedia Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Associated Press
2 hours ago
- Associated Press
Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations License Optimisation Service Delivering Up to 50 Percent Cost Reduction While Strengthening Enterprise Securite
Brisbane-based DSS has launched an enhanced Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations (F&O) License Optimisation Service, designed to reduce licensing costs by up to 50% while bolstering enterprise security. BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA / ACCESS Newswire / August 16, 2025 / Dynamics Security Solutions Pty Ltd (DSS), a specialist Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations and Dynamics AX consultancy, today announced significant enhancements to their demonstrated license cost optimization service alongside expanded security auditing capabilities. The comprehensive solution addresses two critical pain points plaguing large enterprises: excessive Microsoft D365 F&O licensing costs and inadequate security governance. After spending the better part of two decades in corporate finance and systems management - from multinational operations to enterprise-scale implementations - I've witnessed first-hand how organisations consistently overpay for software licenses whilst simultaneously creating security vulnerabilities. What started as a personal mission to help businesses operate more efficiently has evolved into a systematic approach that's delivering impressive outcomes across industries. 'It's really a straightforward decision,' says Paul Belan, co-founder of DSS. 'We're seeing companies throw tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars annually at licenses they simply don't need, whilst unknowingly exposing themselves to serious security risks. The irony is that fixing both problems simultaneously is far more straightforward than most executives realise.' The Problem: Hidden Costs and Overlooked Risks DSS research indicates that up to 80% of large enterprises running Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations or older Dynamics AX versions are overspending on user licenses by 20-50%. The culprit? Bloated role assignments, dormant accounts, and a fundamental misunderstanding of how Microsoft's licensing structure actually works. 'What we consistently find - and this genuinely surprised me early on - is that most organizations assign users to premium roles as a 'just in case' measure,' Belan explains. 'A finance manager gets full system access when they really only need accounts payable functionality. It's like buying a Formula 1 car for the school run.' Compounding this waste is the security risk. Excessive permissions don't just cost more - they create potential pathways for deception, data breaches, and compliance failures. The DSS Solution: Precision Without Compromise DSS has developed a four-tier service framework that tackles both cost optimization and security enhancement: Tailored User License Cost Reduction Service The cornerstone offering conducts a comprehensive role analysis to eliminate unnecessary high-tier licenses. Working exclusively in non-production environments initially, DSS maps actual user requirements against assigned permissions, then redesigns role structures to reflect genuine business needs. Dormant User Account & License Audit This complementary service identifies inactive accounts that continue incurring annual licensing fees - often overlooked during standard reviews. DSS provides recommendations for improved user lifecycle management moving forward. Role Extension Pack Purpose-built custom security roles targeting specific modules or responsibilities without overprovisioning. These include management access roles for senior staff, view-only roles for auditors and consultants, and workflow administrator roles for issue resolution. Security Health Check An in-depth audit identifying vulnerabilities, control gaps, and deception exposure, complete with actionable security improvement roadmaps and ongoing monitoring frameworks. Safe and Secure Implementation What sets DSS apart is their unique assurance structure. 'We don't get paid unless we deliver measurable savings,' Belan states. 'And we never touch production data relating to master or transactional data. Updates are completed without disrupting any business operations. It's all about proving value before asking for investment.' The DSS methodology ensures: Demonstrated Results Across Industries Early adopters report: 'The outcomes are self-evident,' notes Belan. 'From retail chains to not-for-profit organizations, we're consistently delivering substantial savings whilst simultaneously strengthening security frameworks. It's the kind of outcome that makes finance directors smile and IT managers sleep better.' About Dynamics Security Solutions Co-founded by Paul Belan, a veteran of corporate finance and enterprise systems management with executive education from Columbia University, DSS specialises in Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations optimization, as well as supporting older versions of Dynamics AX. Based in Brisbane, Australia, the company serves large enterprises globally, focusing on cost reduction and security enhancement without operational risk. DSS's unique approach combines deep technical expertise with real-world business exposure, developed through decades of multinational enterprise experience. The company's mission centres on helping organizations operate more efficiently whilst maintaining the highest security standards. Availability and Next Steps The DSS license optimization and security enhancement service is available immediately for organizations running Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations or older versions of Dynamics AX. Initial consultations are provided at no cost, with detailed savings projections delivered within 48 hours of security configuration review. 'Instead of guessing, you can be certain,' concludes Belan. 'Every organization deserves to understand exactly what they're paying for and whether they're adequately protected. We make that crystal clear.' Media Contact Organization: Dynamics Security Solutions Pty Ltd Contact Person Name: Pavel Belan Website: Email: [email protected] City: Brisbane Country: Australia SOURCE: Dynamics Security Solutions Pty Ltd press release
Associated Press
2 hours ago
- Associated Press
Last Chance: Just 7 Days Left to Lock in the LiberNovo Omni Early-Bird Price
HONG KONG / ACCESS Newswire / August 16, 2025 / With only seven days remaining, the LiberNovo Omni Kickstarter campaign is closing in on the finish line, and it's already a record-breaker. With over 8,000 supporters pledging more than $7 million, the Omni has become the highest-funded ergonomic chair in Kickstarter history. The campaign officially ends August 23, 2025, at 8:51 AM PDT (August 23, 11:51 PM CST). When it does, the up to 31% Early-Bird discount will disappear, along with free U.S. shipping (excludes remote and island areas), no VAT or customs fees, and stretch goal rewards. Heard enough? Reserve yours now on Kickstarter Why Omni Is Redefining Ergonomics Omni, the world's first dynamic ergonomic office chair with footrest, is built for people who spend their days creating, coding, designing, gaming, or working remotely and refuse to sacrifice health for productivity. Unlike traditional ergonomic office chairs that are rigid, Omni moves like you do, adjusting in real time to every shift, lean, or stretch. Its Bionic FlexFit backrest uses 16 pivot joints and 8 adaptive panels for seamless, S-curve spinal support. The Dynamic Support system keeps your head, spine, arms, and hips in perfect sync, allowing you to sit naturally, comfortably, and for long hours without compromise, making it one of thebest ergonomic chairs on the market in 2025. Omni also features: Built for People Who Move From all-day design sessions to late-night gaming marathons, Omni is engineered for the way people want to sit, not diagrams of ideal posture. It has the right mode for every part of the day: 105° upright and alert for meetings, 120° slight recline for focused tasking, 135° to kick back and relax, and 160° for a complete reset. Omni adjusts instantly to match your every move. That's why tech reviewers and ergonomics experts alike sing its praise - with Ahnestly naming it the Best Ergonomic Chair of 2025. Early-Bird Backer Rewards All Kickstarter backers get free U.S. shipping (excludes remote and island areas), no VAT or customs fees, and access to stretch goal rewards, including: About LiberNovo Based in Hong Kong, LiberNovo designs products that keep people moving and supported through the most extended workdays. Its flagship ergonomic computer chair Omni dynamic ergonomic chair unites comfort, support, and mobility in one design, helping people work, create, and game without sacrificing their health. Last chance - Early-Bird pricing ends when the Kickstarter campaign closes on August 23. Reserve your LiberNovo Omni now: Kickstarter Campaign Link Contact InformationVicki Qin Integrated Marketing of LiberNovo SOURCE: LiberNovo press release
