Latest news with #volatile
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Markets swing after Trump backs away from reports that he's ready to fire Fed Chair Powell
Markets saw volatile trading Wednesday afternoon after Trump denied talk that he's ready to fire Fed Chair Powell. Stocks dropped after sources said the president "likely will soon" fire the Fed chief. But the losses were pared after Trump backed away from the reports he could oust Powell for cause. Stocks pared losses after President Donald Trump backed away from reports that he's getting ready to fire Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell. Major indexes dropped sharply after a White House official told Bloomberg that the president was likely to fire the Fed chief soon, and had discussed Powell's termination in a meeting with Republican lawmakers on Tuesday. Indexes dropped suddenly and bond yields ticked higher on the report. The Dow dropped as much as 260 points, and the S&P 500 lost 0.5%. Stocks pared losses and yields edged lower shortly after Trump's comments on the matter, though. Here's where major indexes stood at 12:55 p.m. ET: S&P 500: 6,249.36, up 0.09% Dow Jones Industrial Average: 44,101.65, up 0.18% (+78.36 points) Nasdaq Composite: 20,690.51, up 0.04% A senior White House official confirmed to BI that Trump asked a group of lawmakers how they felt about him firing Powell on Tuesday, and that they expressed approval for firing him. Trump then indicated that he "likely will soon," according to the official. But when speaking in the Oval Office on Wednesday, Trump appeared to refute the reports, saying it was "highly unlikely" he would fire Powell. "No, I'm not talking about that," the president said. "Fortunately, we get to make a change in the next what, eight months or so, and we'll pick somebody that's good." It is unclear how soon Trump could move to fire Powell, or whether he will do so at all — the president is known to change his mind or reverse course, especially as markets balk at his proposals. Trump said in April he had no intention of firing Powell, but markets have been rattled by the president's numerous attempts to undermine Powell's influence this year. Earlier this week, analysts at Deutsche Bank said Trump removing Powell from his post was one of the most underappreciated risks in markets, with investors pricing in just a 20% chance of Powell's removal this year. The event could also pose severe risks to the currency and bond market, the bank wrote. Market pros generally agree that firing Powell could lead to a series of negative consequences for the economy and financial markets, mainly because it puts the Fed's independence into question and shakes confidence that the central bank will be able to tame inflation by keeping interest rates elevated. Read the original article on Business Insider
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited (FRFHF) Achieved Significant Growth Through Strategic Underwriting and Investment
Alphyn Capital Management, an investment management firm, released its second-quarter 2025 investor letter. A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. The Master Account of the fund returned 12.4% net in the second quarter compared to 10.9% for the S&P 500 Index. As of the second quarter of 2025, the top ten holdings accounted for approximately 65% of the portfolio, and approximately 17% of the portfolio was held in cash. Market conditions remained volatile in Q2 due to ongoing tariff developments and evolving interest rate projections. In addition, please check the fund's top five holdings to know its best picks in 2025. In its second quarter 2025 investor letter, Alphyn Capital Management highlighted stocks such as Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited (OTC:FRFHF). Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited (OTC:FRFHF) is an insurance company that offers property and casualty insurance and reinsurance, and investment management services. The one-month return of Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited (OTC:FRFHF) was 1.89%, and its shares gained 55.38% of their value over the last 52 weeks. On July 11, 2025, Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited (OTC:FRFHF) stock closed at $1,803.38 per share with a market capitalization of $40.424 billion. Alphyn Capital Management stated the following regarding Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited (OTC:FRFHF) in its second quarter 2025 investor letter: Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited's (OTC:FRFHF) progress over the last three years has been a textbook exercise in compounding. Hard-market pricing from 2022 to 2024 enabled the group to expand net written premiums at a double-digit clip, increasing float to $33 billion, up roughly 12% per year since 2020. With that larger float invested in longer-duration bonds, interest and dividend income have climbed from $0.6 billion in 2021 to about $2.5 billion last year. Adding a steady $1bn+ of associate earnings and normalized underwriting profit, Fairfax is positioned to earn more than $165 per share in 2025, over triple the approximately $52 per-share run rate we underwrote in 2019. These four pillars, disciplined underwriting, growing float, higher fixed-income yields, and associate contributions, have driven the company's outperformance since 2022. A close-up of a hand signing a property casualty insurance product contract. Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited (OTC:FRFHF) is not on our list of 30 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds. As per our database, 1 hedge fund portfolios held Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited (OTC:FRFHF) at the end of the first quarter, which was 1 in the previous quarter. While we acknowledge the potential of FRFHF as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. In addition, please check out our hedge fund investor letters Q2 2025 page for more investor letters from hedge funds and other leading investors. READ NEXT: The Best and Worst Dow Stocks for the Next 12 Months and 10 Unstoppable Stocks That Could Double Your Money. Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey. 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
Globe and Mail
7 days ago
- Business
- Globe and Mail
MarketBeat Week in Review – 07/07 - 07/11
Investors endured another volatile week. Tariff concerns escalated on Friday, jeopardizing the Dow and S&P 500's weekly gains. The NASDAQ, however, continued to hold strong, with one of the week's highlights being NVIDIA Corp. (NASDAQ: NVDA) becoming the first company to achieve a $4 trillion market cap. The strong move in NVDA stock highlights the idea that the AI trade is alive and well. For investors, this means that a super cycle in chip stocks is still in its early stages. Next week will bring a firehose of information with inflation data, retail sales data, and the official start of a new earnings season. At this time, expectations are for better-than-expected earnings, but analysts will be watching the guidance closely. The MarketBeat analysts will be doing the same. Here are some of our most popular articles from this week. Articles by Thomas Hughes The MarketBeat site has several free tools that can help investors generate ideas. This week, Thomas Hughes highlighted the Most Upgraded stocks tool, which is frequently a bullish sign, and highlighted three stocks receiving the most upgrades from analysts. Hughes also wrote about Micron Technology Inc. (NASDAQ: MU) 's recent gains. Insiders are selling, but Hughes points out that institutional support after a strong earnings report makes MU stock a clear buying opportunity. SoundHound AI Inc. (NASDAQ: SOUN) dipped sharply as short interest put pressure on the stock. Hughes noted that pressure has turned into fuel for a rally as positive AI news is causing short covering that could carry through the summer. Articles by Chris Markoch Chris Markoch was one of many MarketBeat analysts who took the opportunity to highlight stocks that may benefit from the "One Big Beautiful Bill." The defense budget is growing, and Markoch analyzed three large-cap defense stocks that are likely to have bullish momentum for the rest of 2025 and beyond. The U.S. dollar had its worst first half of the year since 1972. A weak dollar should put pressure on international travel. Markoch cited data that showed that wasn't the case and explained why that's bullish for these three travel stocks. Palantir Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ: PLTR) continues to have valuation concerns. However, Markoch explained why the company is on target to generate $1 billion in revenue in a single quarter for the first time in 2025. That would spotlight the company's operating leverage and may justify the premium valuation the stock enjoys. Articles by Ryan Hasson Knowing when to take profits is one key to successful investing. This week, Ryan Hasson highlighted three technology stocks showing clear signs of being overbought and ripe for a pullback. Hasson also examined some undervalued stocks this week. But not just any undervalued stocks—Hasson analyzed five dividend stocks with a low price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio but a high-yield dividend that offers an attractive payout. Hasson also pointed out the technical signals that Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ: GOOGL) is recovering. Although the tech giant has trailed its Mag 7 counterparts this year, Alphabet stock is recovering and may benefit from a strong earnings report. Articles by Gabriel Osorio-Mazilli Cryptocurrency assets made a strong move this week, but Gabriel Osorio-Mazilli points out that, for three companies, a strategic shift to Bitcoin investments is starting to look more like speculation as they give off a 1999 dot-com era feel. This week was Prime Week, which is usually bullish for Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN) 's e-commerce division. However, a 14% year-over-year decline in the early hours of the event didn't decrease interest in AMZN stock. Osorio-Mazilli highlighted the key technical indicator suggesting further gains in AMZN stock. Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) is one of the laggards in the tech sector and the broader market. Osorio-Mazilli explained why patient investors may want to follow analysts' lead and buy AAPL stock to ride a strong recovery. Articles by Leo Miller A significant line item in the Trump administration's 'One Big Beautiful Bill' removes the tax credits for electric vehicles (EVs) after September 2025. This week, Leo Miller looked at two under-the-radar EV companies and explained why the absence of tax credits may give each stock a charge. Like many healthcare stocks, Centene Corp. (NYSE: CNC) had a rough week after withdrawing its 2025 full-year guidance. However, Miller pointed out that the 40% sell-off makes CNC stock more attractive strictly based on valuation. But even risk-tolerant investors may want to wait for more clarity around future Medicaid cuts. Data shows that alcohol consumption is dropping in the United States. That would seem to be bearish for Constellation Brands (NYSE: STZ), but Constellation is a top-20 stock for Berkshire-Hathaway Inc. (NYSE: BRK.B), and recent upgrades may remind investors why it's tough to bet against Warren Buffett. Articles by Nathan Reiff Equity offerings dilute shareholder value and typically have a negative impact on a stock's performance. But Nathan Reiff explained why D-Wave Quantum Inc. (NYSE: QBTS) is bucking that trend. For now, investors are willing to consider the company's enhanced cash position, which stabilizes it in one of the market's most attractive sectors. Savvy investors know they don't have to like the 'One Big Beautiful Bill' to profit from it. This week, Reiff put that statement to work and highlighted three stocks that lean into sectors that are likely to be clear winners from the bill. Reiff also analyzed the strong move in cryptocurrency stocks, noting that an increase in the debt ceiling amplifies concerns about U.S. government debt. Like the current bull run in gold, investors should consider these three crypto mining stocks as a way to gain exposure with less risk. Articles by Dan Schmidt A company's value is not the same as its stock price. For example, Costco Wholesale Corp. (NASDAQ: COST) stock may seem costly, even though the company's business model performs well and offers good value for consumers. Nonetheless, Dan Schmidt pointed out that opportunistic investors might view BJ's Wholesale Club Holdings Inc. (NYSE: BJ) as a short-term buy for better value compared to COST stock. The solar industry expects to face stricter regulations and the removal of the industry's 30% tax credits at the end of the year. However, Schmidt highlighted several last-minute provisions in the "One Big Beautiful Bill" that may benefit these three solar stocks. Articles by Jeffrey Neal Johnson Holdings Inc. (NYSE: BBAI) has been one of the best-performing stocks in the last month. BBAI stock is up 90% in the last 30 days as the AI trade has gained steam. This week, Jeffrey Neal Johnson explained the reasons for the recent rally and the analyst sentiment that suggests why BBAI stock can still move higher. Another of 2025's top performers, AST Spacemobile Inc. (NASDAQ: ASTS), has declined sharply over the past 30 days. However, Johnson reminded investors that while traders are taking profits, investors should see this as an opportunity to buy shares at a lower price. Although CAVA Group Inc. (NYSE: CAVA) is down 19% in 2025, Johnson says analysts still believe the stock's business model looks tasty. That could be a buying opportunity for fans of a company that's creating a new category in fast casual dining. Articles by Jordan Chussler Many investors are eyeing a Brian Niccol-led turnaround for Starbucks Corp. (NASDAQ: SBUX). But Jordan Chussler pointed out that investors may be finding out what coffee enthusiasts already know. Dutch Bros (NYSE: BROS) is a name to keep an eye on. Chussler explained why the company's current and future growth plans may make BROS stock a compelling growth name in this space. Articles by Brian O'Connell UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) has been weighing down the Dow index almost by itself. However, Brian O'Connell pointed out that several company insiders and members of Congress have been buying UNH stock in the last 90 days. O'Connell explained how this enthusiasm in UNH stock aligned with a change in the company's C-Suite, and why it may not be too late for risk-tolerant investors to take a position. Where Should You Invest $1,000 Right Now? Before you make your next trade, you'll want to hear this. MarketBeat keeps track of Wall Street's top-rated and best performing research analysts and the stocks they recommend to their clients on a daily basis. Our team has identified the five stocks that top analysts are quietly whispering to their clients to buy now before the broader market catches on... and none of the big name stocks were on the list. They believe these five stocks are the five best companies for investors to buy now...
Bloomberg
02-07-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
HDB's $1.5 Billion IPO Points to Strong Appetite For Large Offerings in India
Before the trading day starts we bring you a digest of the key news and events that are likely to move markets. Today we look at: Good morning, this is Ashutosh Joshi, an equities reporter in Mumbai. Local shares could be in for a volatile session, tracking losses in Asian markets as US President Donald Trump refuses to budge on his July 9 deadline for higher tariffs. All eyes will be on HDB Financial as the year's biggest IPO debuts on the bourses. Also in focus will be Asian Paints after the antitrust regulator ordered a probe on the company over alleged abuse of dominant market position.
LBCI
24-06-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
French president says Iran situation still 'volatile' after ceasefire announcement
French President Emmanuel Macron said Tuesday that the situation surrounding Iran remained "volatile" despite U.S. President Donald Trump's ceasefire declaration. "The situation clearly remains volatile and unstable. I think it's a very good thing that President Trump is calling for a ceasefire," Macron told reporters during a visit to Norway, adding that "the last few minutes have shown that the situation remains very fragile". AFP
