Ghana's Economy Grows 5.3% as Slump in Cocoa, Gold Sectors End
Gross domestic product expanded an annual 5.3% in the three months through March, compared with 3.6% in the prior quarter, Government Statistician Alhassan Iddrisu told reporters in the capital, Accra, on Wednesday.
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Mortgage rates just hit 2025 lows
Mortgage rates just hit 2025 lows originally appeared on TheStreet. The average rate on the most common mortgage durations reached their lowest point of 2025 this week, per data released Thursday by Freddie Mac () . Per the government enterprise, the 30-year mortgage rate was 6.58% (down from 6.63% last week). The less-popular 15-year mortgage came in at 5.71% (down from 6.63% last week). These rates represent the lowest point that we've seen since Oct. 20. At this point, they are just a little higher than their historical average since 1991. And they're likely to go lower. Why are mortgage rates falling now? Per Fannie Mae, mortgage rates are "determined by adding a spread to the benchmark 10-year Treasury note." The 10-year Treasury is a common kind of government bond, which is sold and guaranteed by the U.S. government. The aforementioned spread is a premium collected by a financial institution in exchange for the risk of lending you money. Those risks consider your background, the state of the mortgage market, and the broader economy. As a result, spreads may vary from borrower to borrower. However, the real factor influencing America's recent mortgage rates has been the 10-year. Despite the Federal Reserve, America's central bank, cutting interest rates twice last year, the 10-year remained elevated into 2025. As of today at 1:49 p.m. ET, the 10-year stood at 4.287%. (Compare that with the Fed Funds Rate (FFR) of 4.25% to 4.50%.) The higher yield reflects bond investors' persistent worries about inflation and the U.S. government's debt. These worries have worsened since September, when the 10-year was under 4%, reflecting investor expectations for the Fed to cut interest rates. Only recently has optimism about rate cuts returned, due to the slowing rate of inflation and a more tepid economic environment. In September, the Fed is said to weigh a 25 basis point (0.25%) rate cut, which could affect the 10-year. Where are interest rates going from here? The Fed is expected to entertain up to a half dozen rate cuts between now and the end of 2026, contingent on the state of economy. The central bank's 'dual-mandate' emphasizes maximizing employment, while maintaining low inflation. If either of those things are threatened, it could change the track of the Fed's cuts. And with that, the 10-year. Lower interest rates are expected to revive the housing market, which has stagnated in the face of still-high rates and sky-high home valuations. Some right-sizing has happened in recent quarters, reflecting the weaker homebuying demand. Per data from FRED, median sales price for homes are down from an all-time high of $442,600 (in Q4 2022). In Q2 2025, median sales prices were $410,800. That's a 7.2% decline. Still, homeowners are seeking top dollar from buyers. But with rates where they are, there aren't very many capable or interested buyers left. As a result, homes have been taking longer to sell. Some homeowners have taken their listings down, as a result. Data from Redfin shows that home sales were down 1.3% year-over-year in June, while newly-listed homes are down 3.4% YoY. Mortgage rates just hit 2025 lows first appeared on TheStreet on Aug 14, 2025 This story was originally reported by TheStreet on Aug 14, 2025, where it first appeared.
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Can Palantir Stock Hit $200 in 2025?
The artificial intelligence (AI) revolution is reshaping industries, and Palantir Technologies (PLTR) is becoming one of its most aggressive players. Known for its deep roots in government intelligence and enterprise data solutions, Palantir has pivoted fast into AI, shortening deal cycles and expanding its reach across major commercial sectors. Now, with enterprise demand heating up, the company is gaining serious traction as a go-to platform for mission-critical AI deployment. In the second quarter of 2025, Palantir crossed a major milestone, recently reporting stellar results and pulling in its first-ever $1 billion revenue quarter, beating estimates and raising full-year guidance. PLTR stock surged past $180 after a record-breaking run, up over 11% since its Q2 release, and the Street took notice. More News from Barchart UnitedHealth Stock Soars as Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Discloses $1.57B Stake Apple CEO Tim Cook Says the Technology They're Developing Will Be 'One of the Most Profound Technologies of Our Lifetime' Palantir CEO Alex Karp Sees More Gains Ahead With America-Focused Growth Strategy, Calls U.S. The 'Leader of the Free World' Get exclusive insights with the FREE Barchart Brief newsletter. Subscribe now for quick, incisive midday market analysis you won't find anywhere else. Wedbush's Dan Ives upped the price target to $200 – the highest on the Street – anticipating Palantir is on a 'golden path to become the next Oracle' of the AI era due to its explosive product demand and long-term enterprise runway. But it's also true that PLTR's valuation is becoming a sticking point. So, can the momentum carry it to $200, or will gravity catch up? About Palantir Stock Founded in 2003 with backing from the CIA's In-Q-Tel, Palantir Technologies has evolved from a post-9/11 counterterrorism startup into a leading force in AI and data-driven decision-making. Headquartered in Denver, the company has built platforms like Gotham, Foundry, Apollo, and AIP – each designed to unlock actionable insights across defense, healthcare, and finance. Now worth $423.7 billion by market capitalization, Palantir is stepping into the large-cap arena. Its deepening role in U.S. defense and enterprise AI, highlighted by initiatives like Warp Speed for Warships, signals its expanding influence across both government and industry. Palantir's rally has been impressive. PLTR has surged 134% year-to-date (YTD), tagging a fresh high of $190 on Aug. 12, crowned as the S&P 500 Index's ($SPX) top gainer of 2025. Zoom out and it's even more stellar. The stock has rallied 467% in one year, 1,051% over two, and over 2,027% in three. But the air seems thin up here. With its 14-day relative strength index (RSI) at 62 it is just shy of flashing overbought, and fading volume on green candles hints at buyers stepping back. Momentum is strong, but the next leg might need fresh fuel. PLTR stock has been on a stellar run, but its valuation raises eyebrows. Priced at 439 times forward earnings and a price-to-sales (P/S) ratio north of 140, puts the stock in ultra-premium territory, well above big tech norms. While commercial growth is accelerating, government contracts still anchor revenue. The valuation assumes flawless execution and sustained hypergrowth, and any slowdown could trigger multiple compressions quickly. Palantir's Q2 Results Exceed Projections Palantir's Q2 earnings hit like a thunderclap on Aug. 5, sending bulls into celebration mode and forcing skeptics to rethink the narrative. For the first time ever, the company crossed the $1 billion revenue mark, coming in at $1.004 billion, up a massive 48% year-over-year (YoY) and comfortably ahead of Wall Street estimates. The growth largely came from its U.S. business, especially the commercial side, where revenue jumped 93% YoY to $306 million and 20% sequentially. That segment alone now makes up over 30% of total revenue. Palantir continues to deepen its enterprise grip, closing 157 deals over $1 million, including 66 worth over $5 million and 42 crossing the $10 million line. Its top 20 customers are now averaging $75 million in trailing 12-month revenue, a 30% annual jump. Total contract value (TCV) for Q2 soared over 140% to $2.3 billion, while U.S. commercial contract value exploded 222% to $843 million. Government momentum didn't slow down either, with government revenue growing 49% to $553 million, and the U.S. Government revenue up 53% annually. And it wasn't just a top-line story; profitability crushed expectations, too. Adjusted EPS hit $0.16, while operating income reached $464.4 million for a margin of 46.3%. Adjusted free cash flow (FCF) rose to $568.8 million, with margins coming in at 57%. Palantir now sits on a healthy $6 billion in cash, giving it room to keep scaling and investing in AI dominance. With that kind of performance, it's no surprise the company raised its full-year guidance. The management now anticipates revenue to be between $4.142 billion and $4.150 billion, up from a previous range. U.S. commercial growth alone is projected to soar at least 85%. Adjusted operating income is expected to be between $1.912 billion and $1.920 billion, with FCF estimated to be between $1.8 billion and $2 billion. Meanwhile, Q3 revenue is expected to land somewhere between $1.083 billion and $1.087 billion, while adjusted operating income is estimated to be between $493 million and $497 million. Analysts monitoring Palantir expect the company's Q3 revenue to be $1.09 billion, while EPS could climb 50% YoY to $0.09. Looking further ahead to fiscal 2025, the bottom line is estimated to be around $0.38 per share, up 375% annually, and rise by another 18.4% to $0.45 per share in fiscal 2026. What Do Analysts Expect for Palantir Stock? After Palantir's impressive Q2 earnings report, Wedbush's Dan Ives raised its price target from $160 to a Street-high $200, keeping its 'Outperform' rating. The firm called it another 'eye-popping quarter for the Messi of AI,' pointing to surging U.S. commercial revenue, massive deal flow, and rising enterprise adoption. Palantir's top 20 customers are spending more, government momentum is strong, and cash flow crushed expectations. Wedbush believes Palantir is on a golden path to become the next Oracle, and might just grow into that premium valuation. Meanwhile, Piper Sandler bumped PLTR's price target to $182 from $170, keeping its 'Overweight' call. The brokerage firm called it Palantir's biggest beat yet and praised its eighth straight quarter of revenue acceleration. With double-digit gross margins, U.S. commercial growth, and that massive $10 billion Army deal, Piper sees serious staying power. Sure, valuation is rich, but Piper Sandler analysts say Palantir's blend of growth and margin earns the premium. Wall Street is not exactly rolling out the red carpet for this software stock. It's more of a polite handshake than a standing ovation. The stock holds a consensus 'Hold' rating. Of the 22 analysts keeping tabs, only four are bullish with a 'Strong Buy.' The majority - 15 of them - are cautiously watching from the sidelines, tagging it with a 'Hold.' One analyst takes a step back with a 'Moderate Sell,' while two go all in on the skepticism, stamping it with a 'Strong Sell.' While PLTR is trading at a premium to its average analyst price target of $155.78, Wedbush's Street-high target of $200 suggests that the stock can still rise by as much as 13% from current levels. Final Thoughts on Palantir Palantir's momentum since my last coverage has been nothing short of electric. The commercial engine, powered by AIP and its viral bootcamp strategy, is scaling fast. Add in the Army deal and steady defense wins like 'Golden Dome,' and investors have real dual-engine growth. Yes, valuation is rich and government lean remains, but if Palantir keeps delivering like this, the stock has the potential to hit Wedbush's target. On the date of publication, Sristi Suman Jayaswal did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Sign in to access your portfolio
