The UK government will introduce a major financial services reform bill in the King’s Speech on May 13, the Financial Times reported , citing officials briefed on the measure. The legislation will overhaul regulation for the City of London, including merging the payments watchdog into the FCA, reforming the financial ombudsman, and easing rules for senior staff, according to the newspaper. The bill is expected to allow for the scrapping of the much-criticized certification regime that makes mandatory for financial services companies to conduct annual checks that its senior employees are fit and proper, the FT said. The reforms aim to simplify regulation and boost competitiveness, though the final scope of the bill is still uncertain, the newspaper added. The King’s Speech is delivered at the opening of each Parliamentary session, and lays out the government’s priorities for the coming year. It’s set to take place days after what’s expected to be a bruising election for the Labour Party and will be a chance for Prime Minister Keir Starmer to reset his agenda as the war in Iran drives up inflation and dents efforts to stimulate economic growth.

格隆汇4月26日｜据央视，当地时间4月26日，美国总统特朗普与英国首相斯塔默通电话，讨论当前中东局势，并强调“迫切需要恢复霍尔木兹海峡航运”。英国方面表示，持续数周的封锁已导致大量船员被困海湾地区。斯塔默警告称，这将对全球经济以及英国民众生活成本带来“严重后果”。伊朗方面同日警告称，该水道“在任何情况下都不会恢复到此前状态”。

Stanley Black & Decker ( SWK ) declares $0.83/share quarterly dividend , in line with previous. Forward yield 4.33% Payable June 23; for shareholders of record June 8; ex-div June 8. See SWK Dividend Scorecard, Yield Chart, & Dividend Growth. More on Stanley Black & Decker Even If Tariffs Don't Impact Earnings, Stanley Black & Decker Still Not A Buy (Technical Analysis) Stanley Black & Decker, Inc. (SWK) Presents at JPMorgan Industrials Conference 2026 Transcript Stanley Black & Decker: The Current Valuation Is Not Justified (Rating Downgrade) Stanley Black & Decker says tariff changes unlikely to affect outlook; shares rise Tariff shock ripples through industrials as BRP pulls outlook

Armstrong World ( AWI ) declares $0.339/share quarterly dividend , in line with previous. Forward yield 0.76% Payable May 26; for shareholders of record May 11; ex-div May 11. See AWI Dividend Scorecard, Yield Chart, & Dividend Growth. More on Armstrong World Armstrong World Industries: Shares Are Right Where They Belong Armstrong World Industries, Inc. 2025 Q4 - Results - Earnings Call Presentation Armstrong World Industries, Inc. (AWI) Q4 2025 Earnings Call Transcript Small- and mid-cap industrials enter ‘next wave’ for rebalancing: J.P. Morgan Armstrong expects 8–10% net sales growth in 2026 while targeting margin expansion and new CEO transition

据叙利亚国家电视台26日报道，叙利亚过渡政府当天开启对阿萨德政权“核心人物”的首次公开审理。报道说，当天的庭审在大马士革司法宫举行，聚焦阿提夫·纳吉布的案件，他是此次诉讼中首名出庭的被告。下一次庭审将于5月10日举行。据报道，阿提夫·纳吉布是叙利亚前总统巴沙尔·阿萨德的表亲，曾担任德拉省政治安全部门负责人。 (新华社)

Musk's $134B OpenAI lawsuit opens Monday after a judge narrowed it to two claims against Altman and Microsoft.

Park National ( PRK ) declares $1.10/share quarterly dividend , in line with previous. Forward yield 2.56% Payable June 10; for shareholders of record May 15; ex-div May 15. See PRK Dividend Scorecard, Yield Chart, & Dividend Growth. More on Park National Park National: Quality Is High But So Is The Valuation Seeking Alpha’s Quant Rating on Park National Historical earnings data for Park National Dividend scorecard for Park National Financial information for Park National

Badger Meter ( BMI ) declares $0.40/share quarterly dividend , in line with previous. Forward yield 1.31% Payable June 5; for shareholders of record May 22; ex-div May 22. See BMI Dividend Scorecard, Yield Chart, & Dividend Growth. More on Badger Meter Badger Meter, Inc. 2026 Q1 - Results - Earnings Call Presentation Badger Meter: Finally A Buy Following Q1 Earnings Tumble Badger Meter, Inc. (BMI) Q1 2026 Earnings Call Transcript Badger Meter anticipates 2026 organic revenue in line with 2025 as it agrees to acquire UDlive for $100M Badger Meter shares slide after Q1 revenue and EPS miss

Peoples Financial Services ( PFIS ) declares $0.625/share quarterly dividend , in line with previous. Forward yield 4.4% Payable June 15; for shareholders of record May 29; ex-div May 29. See PFIS Dividend Scorecard, Yield Chart, & Dividend Growth. More on Peoples Financial Services Peoples Financial Services Isn't Ready For A Downgrade Just Yet Small-cap financial stocks split on quant ratings ahead of Q1 earnings Seeking Alpha’s Quant Rating on Peoples Financial Services Historical earnings data for Peoples Financial Services Dividend scorecard for Peoples Financial Services

Commerce Bancshares ( CBSH ) declares $0.275/share quarterly dividend , in line with previous. Forward yield 2.17% Payable June 23; for shareholders of record June 5; ex-div June 5. See CBSH Dividend Scorecard, Yield Chart, & Dividend Growth. More on Commerce Bancshares Commerce Bancshares, Inc. (CBSH) Shareholder/Analyst Call - Slideshow Commerce Bancshares, Inc. (CBSH) Shareholder/Analyst Call Prepared Remarks Transcript Commerce Bancshares: Valuation, Not Quality, Is The Problem Commerce Bancshares GAAP EPS of $0.96 beats by $0.14, revenue of $475.69M in-line Bottom 10 mid-cap stocks with lowest dividend safety grade

Middlesex Water ( MSEX ) declares $0.36/share quarterly dividend , in line with previous. Forward yield 2.7% Payable June 1; for shareholders of record May 15; ex-div May 15. See MSEX Dividend Scorecard, Yield Chart, & Dividend Growth. More on Middlesex Water Western states look to desalination deals as Colorado River crisis deepens: WSJ Small-Cap rutility stocks ranked by quant ratings after earnings season Seeking Alpha’s Quant Rating on Middlesex Water Historical earnings data for Middlesex Water Dividend scorecard for Middlesex Water

当地时间4月26日，伊朗伊斯兰革命卫队表示其特种部队已成功摧毁三枚美国GBU-57巨型钻地弹，并拆除了在伊朗赞詹省遗留的另一枚。 GBU-57型钻地弹（又称地堡炸弹）是美国研制的重型钻地炸弹，美国去年在对伊朗核设施进行打击的军事行动中使用该型号炸弹，在今年的美伊战事中也使用了大量该型号武器。

ArcBest ( ARCB ) declares $0.12/share quarterly dividend , in line with previous. Forward yield 0.39% Payable May 22; for shareholders of record May 8; ex-div May 8. See ARCB Dividend Scorecard, Yield Chart, & Dividend Growth. More on ArcBest ArcBest Corporation: Price Rally Has Already Reached Its Best, Time To Pause (Rating Downgrade) ArcBest: Increasingly Confident On Earnings Growth Acceleration ArcBest Corporation 2025 Q4 - Results - Earnings Call Presentation ArcBest outlines $150M–$170M capex for 2026 while advancing AI and managed solutions growth ArcBest Non-GAAP EPS of $0.36 misses by $0.06, revenue of $972.7M beats by $5.3M

Key PointsAlthough now mature, the weight-loss drug market remains strong and growing.

According to an SEC filing dated April 24, TSP Capital Management Group, LLC disclosed a buy of Western Union (NYSE:WU) shares. Western Union provides international money transfer and payment services, operating through a broad agent network and digital platforms. It seeks to use its scale and established brand to enable efficient cross-border transactions for both consumers and businesses. TSP Capital aggressively purchased Western Union shares in the first quarter. The firm tripled its share ownership to nearly 1.1 million shares. With a $9.5 million value as of March 31, the stake represented 2.3% of its reported AUM. Continue reading

Andrew Harnik/Getty Images News Republican Senator Thom Tillis said Sunday he will allow Kevin Warsh’s nomination for Federal Reserve chair to move forward after the Department of Justice ended its investigation into current Fed Chair Jerome Powell. Tillis had previously vowed to block any nominee while the probe remained open. The development is important to investors because it reduces uncertainty around Fed leadership at a time when markets are focused on interest rates, inflation and economic growth. A smoother transition at the central bank could calm concerns about political interference and help markets focus on future monetary policy decisions. "I am prepared to move on with the confirmation of Mr. Warsh," Tillis said on NBC’s Meet the Press. "I think he's going to be a great Fed chair." The decision likely clears a path for Warsh to win Senate confirmation before May 15, when Powell’s term as chair expires. Republicans on the Senate Banking Committee now appear to have enough votes to advance the nomination despite unified Democratic opposition. Powell disclosed in January that the DOJ had opened a criminal investigation into his handling of a $2.5 billion renovation of two Fed buildings in Washington. He called the probe intimidation and part of broader efforts to pressure the Fed to cut interest rates. A federal judge later blocked subpoenas tied to the case. On Friday, U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said the DOJ would end the investigation and instead refer the matter to the Fed’s inspector general, which was already reviewing the project. Tillis said his concerns were never about Warsh, whose qualifications he described during confirmation hearings as “impeccable.” Warsh, a former Fed governor, has pledged to review the Fed’s policy framework and coordinate more closely with other parts of government on non-monetary issues. Powell has said he would temporarily remain chair if Warsh is not confirmed by May 15. He could also stay on as a Fed governor beyond ...

Cathie Wood sells $75 of surging semiconductor stock thestreet.com

Cathie Wood sells $75M of surging semiconductor stock thestreet.com

venusphoto/iStock via Getty Images Co-authored with Hidden Opportunities Can you name one of your possessions that you’ve held onto for years, something that has quietly stood the test of time? For some, it’s a wedding band, serving as a symbol of a lifelong commitment made by two people. Others think of the phrase "diamonds are forever” as a way of saying that the hardest known substance to human beings depicts unmatched hardness and durability (not the James Bond movie starring Sean Connery). You may have also heard the phrase “worth its weight in gold.” Not all prized possessions are valuable from a monetary standpoint. Some people have a memory box for their children, storing meaningful toys and artifacts that remind them of their kids growing up. Family photographs, heirlooms, and recipes are popular examples of objects that are cherished for decades, often by multiple generations. I’m reminded of a cousin who planted a tree each time one of his children was born. Today, those children are in their teens, and in his backyard stand two strong, deeply rooted trees, growing steadily year after year, requiring little attention, yet impossible to ignore. Some assets are worth more in your hands than in the market. If you have a 20-year-old car that is well-maintained and runs perfectly, odds are high that selling it will fetch you no more than a few thousand dollars. Yet, the value in that asset comes in its ownership and regular use, rather than the cash it can secure by selling it in the market at pennies. The most valuable things in life are often not the flashy, valuable ones. They are the ones that last. Investing can work the same way. While markets swing between euphoria and fear, there are select investments designed not for excitement, but for endurance. These assets quietly generate cash flow quarter after quarter, year after year, and are often structured to reward patience, to incentivize holding, and to compound wealth over time. They are well-positione...

United Parcel Service (NYSE: UPS) is one of the world's largest package delivery services. It provides a vital service that isn't going away anytime soon. However, the company has been overhauling its business, and its financial results have been weak for a couple of years. Management believes that's going to change in the second half of 2026, which is why you might want to buy before the upturn arrives. To improve the company's profitability and growth prospects, UPS has been investing in technology, trimming staff, and selling unnecessary assets. It has also been refocusing on high-margin customers and moving away from lower-margin customers, even if those customers have high volumes. All in, UPS has been working through a period of elevated costs and falling revenues. That's a worrying mix, and the stock has lost half of its value since the start of 2022. Image source: Getty Images. Continue reading

财联社4月26日讯（记者 陆婷婷） 在当前的产业周期中， AI PCB 被视为行业最具确定性的增长极，正引领板块走出结构性行情。受益于AI算力革命与 汽车 电子 化浪潮，产业链上下游迎来量价齐升，部分环节甚至反馈订单溢出。 国内某头部PCB上市公司高管向财联社记者表示，“AI PCB相关的产品确实需求很好，比如18层以上PCB、高阶HDI、封装基板的需求也好起来了，如果没有极端情况出现，全球AI投资还会持续，高端PCB的产品还是会面临比较长的高景气度。” 这在行业公司的一季度业绩中已有所体现，多数沾上这波增长红利的企业盈利改善明显，净利润实现同比倍增，归因表述中多提及“AI”“业务量增加”等。 展望后市，多位受访人士一致认为，PCB行业需求结构将持续分化，传统PCB市场竞争态势加剧、价格压力上行。 沙利文中国高级合伙人兼董事总经理贾庞在接受财联社记者采访时指出，“整体看，未来一段时间，高端化、国产替代和产能升级带来的持续成长机会值得关注。”今年以来，已有多家头部厂商宣布扩产高端PCB事宜，投资数额动辄百亿，力图进一步提升业务层面的AI科技含量。 产业链盈利能力显著提升 PCB（ 印刷 电路板）是承载并连接电子元器件的核心载体。 AI硬件需求的爆发，正驱动产业链景气度由PCB制造环节向上游材料、关键设备等领域持续扩散。开年以来，电子布、覆铜板等PCB上游材料价格攀涨，详见财联社记者前期相关报道： 《需求攀升叠加成本上涨 PCB上游覆铜板再现涨价潮 产业链抢滩高端CCL》 。 目前，已有超过十家PCB产业链公司披露了一季度业绩情况，多数盈利水平改善明显。与此同时，涨价依然如影随形。 从PCB上游材料与设备企业已披露的2026年一季报和业绩预告来看，电解 铜箔 供应商 嘉元科技 （688388.SH）预计Q1净利润同比增长329.33%至394.76%。PCB钻针棒材供应商 欧科亿 （688308.SH）预计Q1净利润同比增长2248.89%至2770.86%； 鼎泰高科 (301377.SZ)Q1净利润同比增长259%，达2.61亿元。 PCB 专用设备 商 大族数控 （301200.SZ）Q1净利润为3.23亿元，同比增长176.53%。主要系 AI服务器 PCB市场专用加工设备的旺盛需求及公司高附加值创新设备销售占比增加；核心盈利能力提升。 另一设备商 芯碁微装 （...

美国共和党参议员汤姆・蒂利斯周日表态，将放行美联储主席提名候选人凯文・沃什的参议院确认程序。此前美国司法部于周五撤销了针对美联储主席杰罗姆・鲍威尔的调查，蒂利斯一直认为该调查会损害美联储的政治独立性。 在这项调查尚未终止期间，蒂利斯曾誓言阻挠所有美联储提名人选的任命表决。 这位代表北卡罗来纳州的共和党参议员蒂利斯在全国广播公司《面对媒体》节目中表示：“我已准备推进沃什先生的提名确认工作。我认为他会成为一名出色的美联储主席。” 此番表态结束了沃什长达数月的任职僵局，为其在 5 月 15 日前获得参议院批准扫清障碍，鲍威尔的美联储主席任期将于当日届满。 责任编辑：江学思

內地五一黃金周將至，高鐵香港段將加開13對往來香港和深圳的列車，以配合客運需求。 高鐵在4月30日至5月3日，每日加開13對列車，往返香港西九龍站和深圳福田站，乘客可透過12306網站或手機應用程式、指定代理或前往香港西九龍站購買列車車票。 入境處早前預計，五一長假期期間，會有98萬內地旅客經各出入境口岸訪港，按年增加百分之七。

In the aftermath of the shooting at the White House Correspondents's dinner, Bloomberg's Joe Mathieu joins David Gura and Christina Ruffini on Bloomberg This Weekend to discuss the history of assassination attempts on US presidents how such events have shaped security protocols in Washington, DC. (Source: Bloomberg)

美国共和党参议员汤姆·蒂利斯表示，他将允许参议院对美联储主席提名人凯文·沃什的确认程序继续进行。 “我已准备好继续推进对沃什先生的确认工作，”代表北卡罗来纳州的共和党人蒂利斯在NBC的《会见新闻界》（Meet the Press）节目中表示，“我认为他会成为一名出色的美联储主席。” 这一决定结束了凯文·沃什长达数月的搁置状态，并为其在5月15日鲍威尔领导任期届满前通过参议院确认扫清了障碍。 有了蒂利斯的支持，参议院银行委员会的共和党人现在拥有了所需的多数席位，可以投票击败立场统一的民主党反对派，并将凯文·沃什的提名提交给参议院全体会议。预计共和党将在全体会议上确认他的任命。 此前，美国司法部于周五放弃了对现任美联储主席鲍威尔的调查，蒂利斯此前认为该调查威胁到了央行的政治独立性。 蒂利斯曾誓言，只要该调查仍未结案，他就会阻止任何美联储提名人的确认程序。

jbk_photography/iStock Editorial via Getty Images I've been Mastercard's ( MA ) shareholder for years, and I keep increasing my position from time to time. In my eyes, it's one of the best business models ever created. I know it's not the leadership player, as it's still behind Visa ( V ) (which I also own), but I see MA as a strong challenger. What do I like about MA as compared to V? While it has a smaller scale, it grows faster. Still, I put MA on hold the last time I covered it (in October last year). Why? I felt like the valuation was too high given the volatile market environment and quite high expectations for future results. Seeking Alpha I'm happy I stopped buying, as I saw MA's stock price decline over the last 6 months. It dropped by c.a. 12% since the last time I talked about MA. At the same time, the broad index grew by nearly 4%, so MA was quite an underperformer, wasn't it? Now, I'd like to provide you with a follow-up given the upcoming earnings release. I'll share my thoughts on the upcoming results and the shift in valuation. But I will say this right from the get-go: I'm upgrading MA to a Buy. Yes, I recognize the valuation is higher than V's. But I think the risk-to-reward profile is much more attractive now. MA's Earnings Preview: Positive Outlook Despite Slower Growth Expectations Before I discuss the upcoming earnings release, I will take a step back and take a quick look at the most recent data. I was happy to see a relatively high double-digit revenue growth (vs. MA's previous quarters). At the same time, operating expenses grew more slowly. What's the result? What I like to see the most, higher operating margin, which is one of the best profitability levels in the market. Yes, in the market. Not just in the sector. MA's Investor Presentation Ok, let's now discuss the upcoming earnings release. I think it will be positive for MA, but I don't think it will be the catalyst for stock price growth. The market is now much more careful than it was...

Key PointsThis year's volatility serves as a good example of why owning solid funds filled with high-quality companies is ideal for long holding periods.

格隆汇4月26日｜黎巴嫩真主党：其对以色列在黎巴嫩境内及以色列北部部队的袭击是“对违反停火协议行为的合理回应”。以色列违反停火协议的行为将会遭到反抗。

美国共和党参议员汤姆·蒂利斯周日表示，鉴于司法部上周五已终止对美联储主席鲍威尔的调查——蒂利斯曾认为该调查威胁到美联储的政治独立性——他将允许参议院继续推进美联储主席提名人凯文·沃什的确认程序。 此前蒂利斯曾誓言，只要调查仍在进行，他将阻挠任何美联储提名的确认。 “我准备推进沃什先生的确认程序，”代表北卡罗来纳州的共和党人蒂利斯表示。“我认为他会成为一位出色的美联储主席。” 这一决定结束了沃什长达数月的悬而未决状态，并为其在5月15日——即鲍威尔任期结束之日——前获得参议院确认扫清了道路。 鲍威尔今年1月透露，司法部已就其管理华盛顿两栋美联储大楼25亿美元翻新工程一事展开刑事调查。在周日晚上发布的一段措辞直白的视频中，鲍威尔称此举是恐吓，也是特朗普政府试图迫使美联储降息的手段之一。 3月，一名联邦法官驳回了司法部的传票，认定其发出目的是为了迫使鲍威尔降息或辞职，此举不合规程。美国检察官珍妮恩·皮罗表示将提起上诉，就在上周，她还公开表示将推进调查。 然而，上周五她在X平台上表示，她将终止该调查，并会请求美联储内部监察长接手——后者已对翻新工程展开了数月的独立审查。 蒂利斯的反对意见从未针对沃什本人——他在周二的确认听证会上曾称沃什的资历“无可挑剔”。 沃什曾于2006年至2011年担任美联储理事，他承诺将彻底改革美联储的货币政策方针，并在非货币政策事务上与财政部及政府其他部门加强合作。 他在听证会上告诉议员们，特朗普并未试图让他承诺降息，但他同时也表示，他不担心关税会导致通胀，并暗示美联储决策者可能正在使用高估价格压力的通胀指标。 在蒂利斯的支持下，参议院银行委员会的共和党人现已掌握多数席位，足以压倒民主党的一致反对，并将沃什的提名提交至参议院全体会议，预计共和党人将在那里确认其任命。 距离鲍威尔的主席任期结束还有约三周时间 ，其中一周参议院计划休会，时间安排十分紧迫。此前参议院仅有一次在不到三周的时间内确认美联储提名的先例。 鲍威尔曾表示，若沃什未能在5月15日前获得确认，他将担任临时主席。 一旦沃什就任美联储主席，鲍威尔仍可能以理事身份留任，其任期还有一年半。 “在调查彻底结束、结果透明且具有终局性之前，我无意离开理事会，”鲍威尔上月表示。 皮罗周五表示，她可能会根据监察长的调查结果重启调查。参议院民主党人、马萨诸塞州的伊丽莎白·沃伦和伊利诺伊州的迪克·德宾周五称...

美国司法部副部长布兰奇（Todd Blanche）周日表示，在华盛顿举行的白宫记者协会晚宴上，一名嫌疑人向一名负责安保的特勤局特工开枪，其目标很可能是特朗普总统及政府官员。 该男子在华盛顿 希尔顿酒店 的一个安检点用霰弹枪向一名特勤局特工开枪，随后被制服并逮捕。特朗普和第一夫人梅拉尼娅被紧急带离晚宴现场。 “看来他确实是蓄意针对政府工作人员，很可能包括总统本人，”布兰奇称，“该嫌疑人很可能乘坐火车从洛杉矶前往芝加哥，随后前往华盛顿。” 布兰奇表示，该嫌疑人将于周一在联邦法院被起诉，指控包括袭击联邦官员、开枪射击以及企图杀害联邦官员。他并表示，目前尚不清楚此次袭击是否与伊朗有关联。 责任编辑：李桐