Latest news with #BoA
CNBC
16 hours ago
- Business
- CNBC
European small caps surged this year — and could have further to run, Goldman Sachs strategist says
European small-cap stocks have outperformed this year and are poised to continue their winning streak, according to a senior Goldman Sachs strategist. Speaking to CNBC's "Squawk Box Europe" on Thursday, Sharon Bell said a weak dollar and expectations of an improving regional economy were giving "a little bit of a kicker to small caps." "So small caps in Europe have outperformed this year, which is very different from the U.S. … [where] it's the mega caps that have done very well," she said. "Small caps tend to be more domestic — they tend to be euro earners in Europe, and the euro has done well. If you're a dollar earner, you're a big-cap international company. Translating that back into euros when the euro has been so strong [will have] been painful for you this year. So that's one reason small caps have done well." MSCI's Europe Small Cap Index, home to stocks from across the region including British real estate platform Rightmove and Swiss real estate firm PSP Swiss Property , has gained around 13% since the beginning of the year. The German SDAX index, comprised of 70 small cap companies, has gained close to 32% so far this year. In comparison, the pan-European Stoxx 600 is up 7.9% in the year to date, while the U.S. S & P 500 index has added around 7%. Bell also noted that part of small cap stocks' appeal right now is that they remain cheap relative to large and mega-cap companies. "The large caps [are] at all at all-time highs and extremely stretched in valuation terms," she told CNBC. "And of course, when you get a little bit cheaper versus the large caps, you become big targets. And we have seen a pick-up in M & A [which] I do think will continue to improve next year, and in the end, all small caps get bid up when you start seeing people's expectations for M & A improve." According to data from professional services giant PwC, global M & A volumes fell 9% year-on-year in the first half of 2025, but deal values were up by 15%. In the EMEA region, volumes and values were down 6% and 7%, respectively, compared to the first half of 2024. PwC attributed this largely to a drop in the number of megadeals in the U.K. compared with the previous year. Bell isn't alone in seeing opportunities among small European firms. Bank of America's July European Fund Manager Survey found that a net 44% of respondents expect small caps to outperform large caps over the next 12 months. The regional survey included responses from fund managers who collectively manage assets worth $172 billion. That view marks a massive pivot in position on small cap stocks. Just one month earlier, only 7% of fund managers told BoA they believed small caps would outperform. BoA strategists said in the report on the survey findings that there was currently "a clear preference for European cyclicals, value [and] small caps stocks." Christopher Hart, a fund manager at Boston Partners, told CNBC on Friday that, while he didn't disagree with the pro-small cap view "from an idiosyncratic perspective," it was important to take a considered approach to investing in the space. However, Hart — who manages Boston Partners' $274 million Global Equity Fund — did note that there was "a sweet spot" among small caps, with some smaller companies offering both value and a strong growth trajectory. He urged not to treat small-caps as one.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'Hunter with a Scalpel' star Park Ju Hyun talks about rejecting big agency as a teenager; says 'it was too much pressure'
' Love All Play ' actress Park Ju Hyun recently delved into her career as an actress. From the challenges she has faced to all the opportunities she has come across, she managed to take a deep dive into her past. In a recent interview, she even talked about how she managed to reject a casting call for one of the biggest management agencies in the country as well! Ju Hyun talks about her career and past opportunities Park Ju Hyun recently featured as a guest on the popular variety show 'Omniscient Interfering View' on July 19, where she opened up about her career as an actress in the industry. While talking about how her career began in the entertainment industry, she shared that as a teenager, while living in a small town in Busan, she ended up receiving her first call for casting. She received a call from one of the biggest management companies in the country at the time. Home to big names like BoA, SHINee , EXO and many more, the company had reached out while she was out and about in a store! She shared the instance, saying, 'I'm from Busan, and one day while I was visiting Lotte World , I was street-casted'. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Your Finger Shape Says a Lot About Your Personality, Read Now Tips and Tricks Undo At the time however, as a teenager she felt that the pressure that came with the casting call was too much for her to handle. She loved singing and dancing, however, did not accept the call at the time. She still continued with her career, however, and even started her journey as a trainee and as a member of a high school band too! Her entry into the industry as an actor While the actress was unable to follow through with her dream of becoming an idol in the industry, she shared that acting was equally rewarding. Her first ever role in the acting industry, that also became one of the reasons for her rising fame and popularity was the hit OTT show ' Extracurricular '. She is now known for working in projects like 'Love All Play', 'Iron Girls', 'The Forbidden Marriage', and 'Perfect Family'. One of her latest projects includes thriller series, ' Hunter with a Scalpel '.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
BoA announces first album in five years
18 Jul – It was not all bad news for BoA's fans after news of her concert cancellation hit the Internet, as the singer recently announced that her new album will be released in August. Sharing the good news on 17 July, SM Entertainment revealed that the album, titled "Crazier", will be her 11th full-length album that celebrates her 25th year in music. "The new album will be a special gift to fans who have supported BoA through the long years," the agency stated. "Crazier", which is BoA's first album in five years since 2020's "Better", will have 11 tracks including the title track, ranging from ballad to dance. Some of the songs are even written by the singer. It was earlier this month that SM Entertainment announced the cancellation of BoA's Jamsil Stadium concert in August due to her having acute osteonecrosis. They stated that the condition requires the singer to undergo surgery and refrain from strenuous activities. Check out BoA's teaser of her upcoming album: View this post on Instagram A post shared by BoA (@boakwon) (Photo Source: BoA IG)
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
The economy enters its budget shopping era, with consumers doubling down on value even as they ramp up spending
Retail spending growth in June shows consumers are still opening their wallets, but an uncertain economic environment means they're increasingly picky about where their money goes as they try to stretch dollars further. A consumer spending surge last month shows that tariffs haven't quite killed the American shopper's need to spend. Retail spending grew at a healthy pace of 0.6% in June, and core spending—a category excluding volatile sectors like gasoline—grew 3.9% from the year before. But under the surface, there are signs of stress. Shoppers are still opening their wallets, yes, but they're taking a much choosier approach to spending—cutting back on many nonessentials and hunting for deals on unavoidable purchases. A recent Bank of America Institute note spotted a contradiction: While data shows customers increasing spending at restaurants recently, when surveyed, shoppers said they actually cut spending on dining out. They explain this by deal-hunting: Diners still went out, but scaled down the types of restaurants they visited to get more bang for their buck. '[C]onsumers do not necessarily dine out less during downturns, but rather they shift to cheaper restaurants,' BoA wrote. 'We are seeing a continuation of the consumer selectivity that typically characterizes times of economic uncertainty. Specifically, some consumers appear to be seeking out perhaps fewer, but more meaningful experiences,' the research found. A similar trend is playing out in the grocery aisle, with consumers shopping more frequently but spending less money per trip, 'meaning it's likely people are shopping more selectively to get the best bargains,' BoA wrote. So while the average American consumer is still spending, they're getting pickier about where the money goes—cutting back to just the necessities, where possible. In an overall strong month where spending expanded across most retail categories, spending fell for furniture, electronics, and appliances—categories that are starting to feel a price hit from tariffs. The just-ended Amazon Prime sales event also showed hints of consumer stress. Sales during the four-day event this year grew 30.3% from the year before, according to Adobe, but much of the growth was driven by discounts, as the 'consumer remains price sensitive.' The use of buy-now-pay-later also rose, as shoppers looked for 'more flexible ways to manage their budgets,' according to the data provider. Above all, Prime shoppers 'prioritized essentials like dish soap and paper products over big-ticket purchases,' the Associated Press reported, citing consumer-data provider Numerator. The hunt for bargains has even expanded into the luxury space. According to eMarketer, over a quarter of U.S. adults in a recent survey said they've cut back spending on luxury goods, but the same portion says they've bought refurbished or used luxury items. '[T]he takeaway is clear—even luxury buyers are feeling the pinch,' the outlet wrote, advising retailers to 'emphasize value, investment-worthy quality, and exclusivity' in marketing. As shoppers grow increasingly price-conscious, a surge in inflation could take a further bite out of that confidence. Consumer prices in June rose at a 2.7% annual rate, speeding up from May, the Labor Department previously reported. For now, a healthy job market with low unemployment is still keeping the floor under spending, Heather Long, the chief economist at Navy Federal Credit Union, said in a statement to the AP. 'There's still a lot of trepidation about tariffs and likely price hikes, but consumers are willing to buy if they feel they can get a good deal,' she said. This story was originally featured on 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
Time of India
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
BoA Cancels 25th Anniversary Concert Due to Knee Surgery: A Heartbreaking Update for K-Pop Fans
In a devastating blow to the K-Pop world, Asia's sweetheart BoA has been forced to cancel her highly anticipated 25th anniversary concert due to a serious knee condition that requires immediate surgical intervention. The shocking announcement has left millions of fans across Asia heartbroken and worried about the future of their beloved idol's career. The Crushing Medical Diagnosis SM Entertainment dropped the bombshell news on July 15, revealing that BoA had been diagnosed with acute osteonecrosis in her knee. The condition, which occurs when bone tissue dies due to lack of blood supply, has been causing the singer excruciating pain and threatens to end her legendary dancing career if left untreated. The 38-year-old superstar had been experiencing severe knee pain that progressively worsened, forcing her to seek medical attention. Doctors delivered the harsh reality that she must undergo surgery immediately and completely avoid any strenuous physical activity, including the high-energy dance performances that have defined her quarter-century career. Career-Defining Concert Scrapped The cancellation hits particularly hard as BoA was set to celebrate her remarkable 25-year journey with a special fifth solo concert at Seoul's Jamsil Indoor Stadium on August 30-31. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like An engineer reveals: One simple trick to get internet without a subscription Techno Mag Learn More Undo The milestone event was meant to be a triumphant celebration of her evolution from a 13-year-old rookie to the undisputed Queen of K-Pop. According to industry estimates, the concert cancellation could result in financial losses of approximately ₹12-15 crores (considering production costs, venue bookings, and potential refunds). The ripple effects extend beyond just monetary concerns, as this was supposed to be BoA's grand return to the concert stage after focusing on other projects. Silver Lining for Devoted Fans Despite the concert setback, SM Entertainment assured fans that BoA's 25th anniversary album will still be released as planned in the third quarter of 2025. The completed album represents years of artistic growth and was specifically crafted to commemorate her incredible journey from teenage sensation to mature artist. The agency emphasized their commitment to BoA's health, stating that future concert possibilities will depend entirely on her recovery progress following the surgery. This uncertainty has left fans anxiously waiting for updates on their idol's condition and potential return to performing. The Legend's Incredible Journey BoA's story reads like a fairy tale - debuting at just 13 years old in 2000, she quickly conquered not only South Korea but the entire Asian market with hits like "No.1," "Valenti," and "Hurricane Venus". Her success earned her the prestigious title "Asia's Star," making her one of the first K-Pop artists to achieve true international recognition. Beyond her singing career, BoA has successfully transitioned into producing, most notably working with NCT Wish, and has maintained her relevance across multiple entertainment sectors including acting and variety shows. Her influence on the current generation of K-Pop stars cannot be overstated.
