It’s still unclear how big a blow the Iran war will inflict on the euro-area economy, according to European Central Bank Chief Economist Philip Lane . “Until we know more how long this war is going to last, it is really hard to know whether this is going to prove to be a temporary phase or a much bigger shock to the European economy,” Lane said Wednesday, while highlighting that energy prices are ...
It’s still unclear how big a blow the Iran war will inflict on the euro-area economy, according to European Central Bank Chief Economist Philip Lane . “Until we know more how long this war is going to last, it is really hard to know whether this is going to prove to be a temporary phase or a much bigger shock to the European economy,” Lane said Wednesday, while highlighting that energy prices are already feeding through to inflation. Speaking on a panel in Frankfurt, he highlighted that the conflict is a “significant shock, but I have not seen anything in the last month to overturn information we had at our March meeting between the baseline and our adverse scenarios.” Disruptions from the Iran war are hitting a European economy already reeling under US trade tariffs, Chinese competition and difficulties in adapting to a greener, more digital future. The ECB expects growth of just 0.9% this year in the best case, and keeps urging Brussels to help strengthen its foundations by pushing reforms. Lane’s comments are among the last from ECB leaders before they enter a customary, week-long quiet period ahead of policy decisions. While an interest-rate increase next Thursday has become unlikely after a ceasefire in the Middle East raised prospects of a peace deal between the US and Iran, President Donald Trump ’s back-and-forth and a continued blockade of the Strait of Hormuz is keeping officials on edge. The length of the disruption and potential spillovers into inflation are complicating the ECB’s job and argue in favor of gathering more information before drawing firm conclusions, President Christine Lagarde said Monday. Traders are no longer pricing a hike for next week, but see an 85% chance for a 25-basis-point move in June. Lagarde Says War’s ‘Double Uncertainty’ Calls for More Data ECB Moves Away From April Hike as Peace Talks Progress: Overview ECB’s Lane Sees ‘Natural’ Fiscal Case for Europe Common Debt Turning to other European challenges, Lane mentioned investm...
An heir to EssilorLuxottica SA founder Leonardo Del Vecchio is in advanced talks to buy out two of his siblings for about €10 billion ($11.7 billion), in a potential step toward resolving the Ray-Ban magnate’s estate four years after his death. Thirty-year-old Leonardo Maria Del Vecchio , a son of Leonardo, has accelerated discussions to acquire a roughly 25% stake in the family holding company ow...
An heir to EssilorLuxottica SA founder Leonardo Del Vecchio is in advanced talks to buy out two of his siblings for about €10 billion ($11.7 billion), in a potential step toward resolving the Ray-Ban magnate’s estate four years after his death. Thirty-year-old Leonardo Maria Del Vecchio , a son of Leonardo, has accelerated discussions to acquire a roughly 25% stake in the family holding company owned by siblings Luca and Paola , and could reach a preliminary agreement within weeks, according to people familiar with the matter. Such a move could also pave the way for a broader agreement on Del Vecchio’s fortune, estimated to be the second-biggest in Italy when he died in 2022, based on the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. Since then, disagreements between the eight equal heirs have frozen major decisionmaking because Del Vecchio’s will requires consensus. A transaction would make Leonardo Maria by far the largest shareholder of family holding company Delfin Sarl with a stake of about 37.5%. A unified bloc of that size would make it easier to meet unanimity requirements and potentially unlock further dealmaking, according to the people. Leonardo Maria is in talks with a group of banks to finalize the financing, which would be backed by the holdings of the three siblings, one of the people said. The debt package could be structured as a bridge loan that would buy time to evaluate a range of options for Delfin’s stakes and its corporate governance, the person said. Negotiations are ongoing and terms could still change, the people said. Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera reported on Wednesday that a preliminary deal between Leonardo Maria and his two siblings had been reached. A shareholder vote is scheduled for Monday, according to La Repubblica, and it’s possible some siblings may oppose the proposal. Unicredit SpA , BNP Paribas SA and Credit Agricole SA are reportedly working on the financing. A third Del Vecchio heir could also put a stake in Delfin up for sale, the ...
Lobbyists for some of Wall Street’s biggest alternative asset managers are asking regulators to relax rules preventing the buying and selling of assets between funds overseen by the same company, a move they say will boost the adoption of private assets in retirement accounts. The Alternative Investment Management Association , which represents firms including Blackstone Inc. and Apollo Global Man...
Lobbyists for some of Wall Street’s biggest alternative asset managers are asking regulators to relax rules preventing the buying and selling of assets between funds overseen by the same company, a move they say will boost the adoption of private assets in retirement accounts. The Alternative Investment Management Association , which represents firms including Blackstone Inc. and Apollo Global Management Inc. , is encouraging the Securities and Exchange Commission to lift the current ban on so-called cross-trading in private assets, according to an email shared with members seen by Bloomberg News. The effort comes as alternative asset managers prepare to push into 401(k)s and similar retirement savings plans. Last month, the Department of Labor released draft guidance that would blunt the threat of class-action litigation for employers who offer private credit, equity and other illiquid assets in workplace plans. Though the 401(k) guidance is “a step in the right direction,” AIMA Deputy Chief Executive Officer Jiri Krol called on the SEC to join the reform effort by allowing cross-trading in vehicles such as interval funds and business development companies, a type of private credit fund for retail investors. “The rule limits the ability of registered funds, including interval funds and BDCs, to engage in cross-trading with affiliated private funds, even where such transactions could improve portfolio construction and liquidity management,” Krol said in the letter. The current rules limit cross-trading to securities with “readily available market quotations” and demand that “the trade be executed at the ‘independent current market price,’” which curbs the ability to trade private assets as well as fixed income and other alternatives. Advocates for the industry say relaxing the rules would make it easier for funds to return cash to investors, and enable private funds to sell their holdings to affiliated retail funds. For the private credit industry, access to retirem...
In the first quarter of 2026, Vulcan Value Partners Small Cap Portfolio initiated positions in Ryan Specialty ( RYAN ), TransUnion ( TRU ), StandardAero ( SARO ), and CTS Eventim. On the other hand, the fund exited five positions during the quarter, including Virtus Investment Partners ( VRTS ), Crown Holdings ( CCK ), The Middleby Corporation ( MIDD ), The Timken Company ( TKR ), and Sealed Air C...
In the first quarter of 2026, Vulcan Value Partners Small Cap Portfolio initiated positions in Ryan Specialty ( RYAN ), TransUnion ( TRU ), StandardAero ( SARO ), and CTS Eventim. On the other hand, the fund exited five positions during the quarter, including Virtus Investment Partners ( VRTS ), Crown Holdings ( CCK ), The Middleby Corporation ( MIDD ), The Timken Company ( TKR ), and Sealed Air Corporation (SEE), to reallocate capital into more discounted businesses. Source: Q1 fund letter More on Vulcan Value Partners Small Cap Fund Inv, Ryan Specialty Group, etc. Vulcan Value Partners All Cap Portfolio Q1 2026 Review Vulcan Value Partners Focus Plus Portfolio Q1 2026 Review Vulcan Value Partners Focus Portfolio Q1 2026 Review Vulcan Value Partners Focus Plus initiates TRU and SAP SE positions and exits CSGP and CRM Virtus Investment Partners sees AUM of $149B as of March end
DNY59/iStock via Getty Images Yesterday, stocks finally gave back some gains over concerns that the deadline for the ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran would come and go today with no resolution. President Trump warned earlier in the day that there would be no extension and that bombing would resume with no deal. Vice President Vance was prepared to board a flight to Pakistan to engage in a secon...
DNY59/iStock via Getty Images Yesterday, stocks finally gave back some gains over concerns that the deadline for the ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran would come and go today with no resolution. President Trump warned earlier in the day that there would be no extension and that bombing would resume with no deal. Vice President Vance was prepared to board a flight to Pakistan to engage in a second round of talks. At the last minute, his trip was cancelled because Iran had no intentions of showing up. Nor did the regime seem concerned about the end of the ceasefire. Unsurprisingly, after the market close, Trump extended the ceasefire indefinitely to allow mediators in Pakistan to encourage Iran to present a proposal to the Trump administration. Still, Iran has not responded on that front either, and overnight, the IRGC attacked two vessels for violating its blockade. Index charts (Finviz) Iran refuses to engage until the President lifts the blockade on the Strait of Hormuz for its vessels, which he has refused to do. Therefore, oil prices remain elevated, with WTI climbing above $90, while Brent inches back towards $100. It is not just the supply of crude oil that is constrained, but also fertilizer, helium, and liquefied natural gas. Iran is playing the waiting game, as it knows the longer the strait remains closed and prices remain elevated, the more economic pressure it puts on the global economy and the Trump administration. The ball seems to be in President Trump’s court, but the clock is ticking. Brent below 100 (Bloomberg) Stocks rose after hours on news about the extension of the ceasefire, but that seems shortsighted to me, ignoring the coming headwinds that strengthen each day the waterway remains closed. Granted, retail sales soared in March by 1.7%, largely due to gasoline sales, but core sales were also impressive, increasing 0.6%. This strength in the face of rising gas prices had a lot to do with extra income from tax refunds, but that one-time paymen...
(RTTNews) - Wednesday, Block, Inc. (XYZ) announced a global partnership with Uber Technologies, Inc. (UBER) to restaurant operations capabilities across multiple markets and payment flexibility in the U.S.
(RTTNews) - Wednesday, Block, Inc. (XYZ) announced a global partnership with Uber Technologies, Inc. (UBER) to restaurant operations capabilities across multiple markets and payment flexibility in the U.S.
Upstart Holdings ( UPST ) on Wednesday said it has entered into a multi-year agreement with funds managed by Centerbridge Partners, under which the investment firm will purchase up to $1.2 billion of consumer loans originated on Upstart’s platform. The deal is structured as a 24-month forward-flow arrangement and follows an initial transaction between the two parties in 2024. Upstart said the agre...
Upstart Holdings ( UPST ) on Wednesday said it has entered into a multi-year agreement with funds managed by Centerbridge Partners, under which the investment firm will purchase up to $1.2 billion of consumer loans originated on Upstart’s platform. The deal is structured as a 24-month forward-flow arrangement and follows an initial transaction between the two parties in 2024. Upstart said the agreement is aimed at expanding its funding capacity and supporting loan originations through its artificial intelligence-based lending marketplace. UPST +3.82% premarket to $34.47. Source: Press Release More on Upstart Upstart: Buy The Meltdown - Compellingly Valued AI Lender With Profitable Growth Upstart: Bank Charter Is The Future I Was So Wrong About Upstart: Do Not Ignore The AI Threat Top and bottom mid-cap financials identified in quant rankings before results Most and least shorted large-cap financial stocks at the end of March
GE Vernova首席执行官Scott Strazik在与分析师的电话会议上表示，该公司在中东地区能够安全运营的区域继续开展业务。他补充说：“我们正在密切关注局势，迄今为止，我们的业务和财务表现受到的影响微乎其微。“该公司上调了全年展望，这反映出其电气化业务的收入增长高于预期，以及电力和电气化业务的利润率进一步扩大。GE Vernova股价盘前上涨8%。
GE Vernova首席执行官Scott Strazik在与分析师的电话会议上表示，该公司在中东地区能够安全运营的区域继续开展业务。他补充说：“我们正在密切关注局势，迄今为止，我们的业务和财务表现受到的影响微乎其微。“该公司上调了全年展望，这反映出其电气化业务的收入增长高于预期，以及电力和电气化业务的利润率进一步扩大。GE Vernova股价盘前上涨8%。
RTX's ( RTX ) Pratt & Whitney on Wednesday said it is investing $100 million in its facility in Rzeszów, Poland, to expand production capacity, and add advanced capabilities to meet demand for its commercial and military engines, including the Pratt & Whitney GTF, F135, and F100 engines. At its Rzeszów site, Pratt & Whitney will construct a new facility that will house specialized capabilities for...
RTX's ( RTX ) Pratt & Whitney on Wednesday said it is investing $100 million in its facility in Rzeszów, Poland, to expand production capacity, and add advanced capabilities to meet demand for its commercial and military engines, including the Pratt & Whitney GTF, F135, and F100 engines. At its Rzeszów site, Pratt & Whitney will construct a new facility that will house specialized capabilities for processing isothermally forged parts, including heat treatment, sonic machining, and inspection operations. This expansion follows and supports the recently announced $200 million investment in a seventh isothermal forging press at Pratt & Whitney's Columbus Forge facility in Georgia , U.S., the company said. These capital projects, expected to be fully operational by 2028, will enable a 30% increase in output of critical engine parts, such as rotating compressor and turbine disks. Poland represents RTX's largest investment and employee base outside the United States , with more than 9,400 employees across its Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon businesses in the country. Source: Press Release More on RTX Corporation RTX Corporation: Flying High Operationally, Grounded Temporarily By Expectations RTX Corporation (RTX) Q1 2026 Earnings Call Transcript RTX Corporation 2026 Q1 - Results - Earnings Call Presentation Navy turns to Patriot missiles for ship defense in boost for Lockheed RTX raises 2026 adjusted EPS outlook to $6.70-$6.90 while projecting $92.5B-$93.5B in sales
Tomas Babkauskas/iStock via Getty Images Mueller Industries ( MLI ) recently reported its Q1 numbers, which were received very well; however, I have some doubts regarding the short-term outlook, which can muddy the performance of any company involved in any way, shape, or form within the volatile mortgage industry due to the current conflict between the US and Iran. By the Numbers Looking at the t...
Tomas Babkauskas/iStock via Getty Images Mueller Industries ( MLI ) recently reported its Q1 numbers, which were received very well; however, I have some doubts regarding the short-term outlook, which can muddy the performance of any company involved in any way, shape, or form within the volatile mortgage industry due to the current conflict between the US and Iran. By the Numbers Looking at the top-line performance, net sales came in at $1.19B, up 19% y/y, a fantastic performance. If we look a little closer, we will see that the best performer of the bunch was Industrial Metals, growing to $321.3m, up 27.6%, followed by Piping Systems, with a growth of almost 19% y/y, coming in at $760.5m, and then Climate, which came in essentially flat, at $123.7m. The revenue increase was mainly price-led. The management said that the improved sales across the industrial, electrical, and commercial markets stem from higher raw material costs. The company clearly benefited from a favorable combination of copper pricing and end-market strength, leading to a very good top-line performance. Let’s take a look at the company’s latest margin profile. Q1 diluted EPS increased to $2.16 vs. $1.39 at the same time last year. Looking at the individual segments’ profitability, we can see that the Piping systems’ operating income increased to $217m, up 37.2%. Industrial metals increased 47.2% to $44.3m, and Climate disappoints yet again with a -6.3% change y/y to $33.4m. Overall operating margin came in at 26.2%, up 560bps from a year ago. At first glance, the improvements are fantastic in terms of profitability; however, if we look at the 8-K, we will see that this quarter, the company recorded a one-time gain on the sale of business for approximately $41.4m. Without it, operating margins still improved around 200bps, but not as impressively. The company sold its Sherwood Valve business. MLI 8-K Now, let’s take a look at the company’s financial position. MLI finished the first quarter with a...
(RTTNews) - Stocks are likely to move to the upside in early trading on Wednesday, regaining ground following the pullback seen over the two previous sessions. The major index futures are currently pointing to a higher open for the markets, with the S&P 500 futures up by 0.6 perc
(RTTNews) - Stocks are likely to move to the upside in early trading on Wednesday, regaining ground following the pullback seen over the two previous sessions. The major index futures are currently pointing to a higher open for the markets, with the S&P 500 futures up by 0.6 perc
Sundry Photography/iStock Editorial via Getty Images As we head into the Q1 earnings season, one group of stocks is flying high and powering the S&P 500's return to all-time highs: infrastructure and hardware stocks that are responsible for fueling the data center boom. In general, I'm skeptical of the large premiums commanded by most of the chip sector, such as Western Digital ( WDC ) and Sandisk...
Sundry Photography/iStock Editorial via Getty Images As we head into the Q1 earnings season, one group of stocks is flying high and powering the S&P 500's return to all-time highs: infrastructure and hardware stocks that are responsible for fueling the data center boom. In general, I'm skeptical of the large premiums commanded by most of the chip sector, such as Western Digital ( WDC ) and Sandisk ( SNDK ). Investors are putting huge premiums on these memory stocks at the exact time that their supply is constrained, but once the demand burst passes, there's a lot of competition to absorb orders and put downward pressure on pricing. This is less true of Arista ( ANET ), now the undisputed leader in networking hardware that has been steadily chipping away at the market share of its main competitor, Cisco ( CSCO ). Arista's fierce revenue growth is increasingly making the networking industry look like a one-sided market, and this is fueling the stock's ~30% surge this year. Still, the question for cautious investors is, can Arista keep rallying and justifying its premium multiples? Data by YCharts I last wrote a buy article on Arista in December, when the stock was trading near $130 per share. I'll cut to the chase here: I've grappled with whether to take an already handsome profit on this trade or let it keep running, but ultimately I'm staying firm and reiterating my buy rating on this name. The next major catalyst for Arista is its Q1 earnings release, expected on May 5, and I expect this to be a major positive catalyst for the stock, especially against the backdrop of increased data center capex news. Q1 look-ahead: expect healthy AI demand to fuel further outlook optimism First, let's get a good grounding on what Arista is expecting for both Q1 and for FY26 and lay out all the reasons why even this forecast may be conservative. For FY26, Arista has already raised its full-year revenue growth outlook to 25% y/y growth, a full five points higher than its previous 20...
Alpha Compute ( ALP ) has inked a binding term sheet for a $31.9M non-recourse loan facility secured by B300 Nvidia ( NVDA ) graphics processing units (GPUs). The transaction marks the company's strategy to scale its AI compute capabilities while optimizing its capital structure, it said. Proceeds from the facility are expected to be used for AI infrastructure/data center expansion/networking, sup...
Alpha Compute ( ALP ) has inked a binding term sheet for a $31.9M non-recourse loan facility secured by B300 Nvidia ( NVDA ) graphics processing units (GPUs). The transaction marks the company's strategy to scale its AI compute capabilities while optimizing its capital structure, it said. Proceeds from the facility are expected to be used for AI infrastructure/data center expansion/networking, supporting Alpha Compute's long-term growth initiatives. ALP +18.18% premarket to $0.33. Source: Press Release More on Portage Biotech Seeking Alpha’s Quant Rating on Portage Biotech Historical earnings data for Portage Biotech Financial information for Portage Biotech
Investing.com -- Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOGL) shares rose 1.7% Wednesday following the company’s announcement of new artificial intelligence infrastructure and partnerships at its Cloud Next ’26 conference.
Investing.com -- Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOGL) shares rose 1.7% Wednesday following the company’s announcement of new artificial intelligence infrastructure and partnerships at its Cloud Next ’26 conference.