Dzmitry Dzemidovich/iStock via Getty Images Exactly one week ago, the Bureau of Labor Statistics published its January report for wholesale prices, showing a 3.6 percent year-on-year rise in the Producer Price Index, much larger than economists had expected. Today, the same Bureau of Labor Statistics issued its monthly jobs report, noting, rather coyly, that nonfarm payrolls had “edged down” by 92...
Dzmitry Dzemidovich/iStock via Getty Images Exactly one week ago, the Bureau of Labor Statistics published its January report for wholesale prices, showing a 3.6 percent year-on-year rise in the Producer Price Index, much larger than economists had expected. Today, the same Bureau of Labor Statistics issued its monthly jobs report, noting, rather coyly, that nonfarm payrolls had “edged down” by 92,000 in February. Now, perhaps whoever edits the BLS report wanted to soften the delivery of bad news for whatever delicate sensibilities might be perusing the jobs numbers, but a decline of 92,000, when economists had been expecting a gain of 60,000, is not “edging down” as much as it is a whopping clunker of a payroll figure. Shutdown in the Strait These two BLS reports bookended the other major news of the week, the attack on Iran by the US and Israel that has led to widespread disruption throughout the Middle East, including a near-total shutdown of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow body of water between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman through which one-fifth of the world’s oil exports pass through. Much of that oil is bound for nations in the Asia Pacific Region. Local stock indexes in that region were quick to reflect the potential shock to the system. The Kospi index in South Korea, which had set a year-to-date high just last week, plunged by around 20 percent over the first three days of this week before stabilizing a bit by week’s end. The immediate reaction of most world markets was somewhat less dramatic than the Kospi crash. Even oil prices rose more modestly on Monday and Tuesday than many observers had been predicting after the first US and Israeli air strikes on Saturday. But as questions grew in number over the week, without much in the way of coherent answers from those directing the operations, the “resilience” theme pronounced by many financial media sources gave way to mounting concerns that the disruptions could persist for some ti...
helloabc/iStock Editorial via Getty Images Bilibili ( BILI ) is a thesis that I find very interesting in the Chinese market, and now that I have sold my Alibaba ( BABA ) position, I am considering opening a new position to regain some exposure to Chinese names. In my last article , I highlighted the main reasons, such as the whole ecosystem structure and having built a “sticky” platform for Gen Z,...
helloabc/iStock Editorial via Getty Images Bilibili ( BILI ) is a thesis that I find very interesting in the Chinese market, and now that I have sold my Alibaba ( BABA ) position, I am considering opening a new position to regain some exposure to Chinese names. In my last article , I highlighted the main reasons, such as the whole ecosystem structure and having built a “sticky” platform for Gen Z, having very diversified revenue, and still having a relatively appealing valuation. And for me, Bilibili manages to combine a little bit of everything that is compelling for a long-term thesis. The business is very good, recurring, has several forms of expansion, and as Q4 earnings have just proven, is still very profitable and has a lot of operating leverage capacity. BILI’s Q4 Earnings: Rock-solid I'll start with the good news about Q4. Bilibili exceeded EPS estimates by $0.01 and revenue estimates by $10 million, which for a company that earns ~$1.2 billion per quarter is not much, but it's something. Revenue rose 8% , which is interesting, but it gets better when we look at the breakdown and see that ad revenue rose 27%, and that was already a significant amount of revenue. This great momentum in ads is not only because Bilibili is managing to monetize better, for example, by placing more ads in the space or increasing ads in videos; it is a reflection of a better ecosystem overall. So we have to look first at the KPIs (key performance indicators). DAUs grew 10%, and the average daily time spent per user reached 107 minutes, an increase of 8%. This shows that Bilibili is managing to keep users highly engaged and that its algorithms are really keeping users loyal. In the earnings call , management explained this very well when they said: “As our users dive deeper into the content they love, their willingness to spend continues to rise. This is reflected in our MPUs, which surged 21% year-over-year to a record 36 million. Users growing spending power is also extending be...
Cement, Drugs, And Oil - How The Iran Conflict Could Disrupt Global Supply Chains Authored by Andrew Moran via The Epoch Times (emphasis ours), The conflict in Iran could have consequences for international trade that extend beyond oil and gas. It has been less than a week since the start of the U.S.–Israeli operations in Iran, and oil tanker traffic in the Strait of Hormuz—a key global chokepoint...
Cement, Drugs, And Oil - How The Iran Conflict Could Disrupt Global Supply Chains Authored by Andrew Moran via The Epoch Times (emphasis ours), The conflict in Iran could have consequences for international trade that extend beyond oil and gas. It has been less than a week since the start of the U.S.–Israeli operations in Iran, and oil tanker traffic in the Strait of Hormuz—a key global chokepoint for energy shipments—has come to a screeching halt. Approximately 200 oil tankers have been stranded in the Gulf, according to data from Lloyd’s List Intelligence. The strait handles an estimated 20 million barrels of crude oil and petroleum products per day, with a majority being directed to Asia. While Tehran has not officially shuttered the narrow waterway, it has been effectively closed by Western insurers, which have canceled coverage or raised risk premiums. It is not only maritime commerce and energy that are being adversely affected by the conflict. Planes carrying air cargo out of the Middle East have been grounded. Other vessels have started detouring around Africa’s Cape of Good Hope, a move that adds days and raises fuel costs to a trip. The longer the war drags on, the greater the odds that it could bleed into the broader global supply chain, whether for consumer goods or construction equipment. Key construction and manufacturing materials such as cement, concrete, and sand are produced across the Middle East. Seven percent of the global aluminum supply flows through the strait. Pharmaceuticals manufactured in India or natural-gas-based products produced in Saudi Arabia traverse the region. A prolonged conflict in Iran would cause delays and potentially product shortages, leading to higher production and transportation costs. The Containerized Freight Index has already climbed by more than 5 percent in the past month. In the liquefied natural gas market, shipping rates have increased by 650 percent to $300,000 per day, according to shipbroker Fearnleys. These ...
J Studios/DigitalVision via Getty Images This is my first coverage of BigBear.ai ( BBAI ). In this article, I will talk about their business, the recent acquisitions, their pivot to the Middle East, and the valuation. I am issuing a ''Sell'' rating in the near term until I see evidence of success in their Middle East operations or organic growth from their legacy and recently acquired ventures. In...
J Studios/DigitalVision via Getty Images This is my first coverage of BigBear.ai ( BBAI ). In this article, I will talk about their business, the recent acquisitions, their pivot to the Middle East, and the valuation. I am issuing a ''Sell'' rating in the near term until I see evidence of success in their Middle East operations or organic growth from their legacy and recently acquired ventures. Introduction For those unfamiliar with the company, BigBear.ai is an enterprise software company that uses AI to power its decision-making software. Their AI is designed to help corporations process massive amounts of data for analytics, to automate workflows, and to execute complex processes. They are in many ways similar to Palantir ( PLTR ), but they have a more modular software architecture rather than a full end-to-end operating system like Palantir's Foundry. Comparison with Palantir If one were to consider investing in BigBear.ai, one must understand whether the company can replicate Palantir's success. As I mentioned, Palantir offers end-to-end solutions that organize and process the entire workflow. This makes their revenues quite sticky, as they become integrated in the customer's operations. BigBear, on the other hand, relies on modular software. Their products, like ConductorOS or veriScan, are designed to solve specific operational problems, which makes their revenues less sticky and more likely to get "commoditized." As a consequence, Palantir is highly profitable, with a net margin of around 40%. At the same time, BBAI has negative operating margins; in the latest quarter, it declined to negative 76.7% . BigBear's products, like ConductorOS and veriScan, are quite mature, yet they have failed to generate meaningful revenues when compared to Palantir’s platform. This is, in my opinion, the main reason the company is pivoting to the Middle East and the reason for the recent acquisitions. I would argue that the company's future is entirely dependent on the success...
Earlier this week, Benchmark reiterated its positive analyst rating on Aeluma, Inc., citing optimism fuelled by Nvidia’s moves in optical technology and potential benefits for Aeluma’s compound semiconductor platform. The interesting angle is that confidence in Aeluma is being inferred from Nvidia’s broader optical investment activity, underscoring how closely investors are watching ecosystem link...
Earlier this week, Benchmark reiterated its positive analyst rating on Aeluma, Inc., citing optimism fuelled by Nvidia’s moves in optical technology and potential benefits for Aeluma’s compound semiconductor platform. The interesting angle is that confidence in Aeluma is being inferred from Nvidia’s broader optical investment activity, underscoring how closely investors are watching ecosystem linkages rather than company‑specific announcements alone. Next, we’ll examine how Benchmark’s rating reaffirmation, tied to Nvidia’s optical investments, could influence Aeluma’s existing investment narrative. Explore 22 top quantum computing companies leading the revolution in next-gen technology and shaping the future with breakthroughs in quantum algorithms, superconducting qubits, and cutting-edge research. Aeluma Investment Narrative Recap To own Aeluma, you need to believe its compound semiconductor platform can convert today’s R&D and ecosystem ties into meaningful commercial demand across AI infrastructure and defense. Benchmark’s rating reaffirmation, grounded in Nvidia’s optical investments, reinforces that thesis but does not materially change the near term catalyst, which is securing design wins that translate into product revenue. The biggest current risk remains execution on that transition while spending and headcount rise ahead of confirmed volume orders. Among recent announcements, the appointment of Bouchaib Nessar as Senior Vice President of Business Development and Product stands out as directly related to these ecosystem tailwinds. His remit across communication, sensing and quantum markets sits squarely in the areas where Nvidia linked optical interest could accelerate customer engagement and move Aeluma closer to the multi million unit opportunities that underpin the investment case. But against this, investors should also be aware that reliance on outsourced U.S. foundry and packaging partners could... Read the full narrative on Aeluma (it's free!) Aelu...
Never miss an important update on your stock portfolio and cut through the noise. Over 7 million investors trust Simply Wall St to stay informed where it matters for FREE. Japan’s Fair Trade Commission raided Microsoft’s Tokyo offices as part of an antitrust probe into its business conduct. Microsoft is continuing to roll out Anthropic’s AI tools across its cloud and productivity platforms despite...
Never miss an important update on your stock portfolio and cut through the noise. Over 7 million investors trust Simply Wall St to stay informed where it matters for FREE. Japan’s Fair Trade Commission raided Microsoft’s Tokyo offices as part of an antitrust probe into its business conduct. Microsoft is continuing to roll out Anthropic’s AI tools across its cloud and productivity platforms despite the Pentagon labeling Anthropic a supply chain risk. The company signed new agreements tied to community-scale solar projects and AI collaboration, including work with mining group Codelco. Microsoft, NasdaqGS:MSFT, is under regulatory pressure in Japan at the same time it is pushing ahead with deeper AI integration across its ecosystem. The stock last closed at $408.96, with a 4.1% gain over the past week, a 4.8% return over 1 year, and larger cumulative returns of 68.4% over 3 years and 80.8% over 5 years. The mixed shorter term picture, including a 1.3% decline over 30 days and a 13.5% decline year to date, frames these developments against a backdrop of both recent softness and longer term strength. For investors, the combination of an antitrust probe, defense related scrutiny of an AI partner, and new renewable and AI partnerships points to meaningful shifts in how Microsoft manages risk, regulation, and growth initiatives. These events are likely to be important for how the company balances regulatory expectations, cloud competition, and capital allocation between AI and energy projects. Stay updated on the most important news stories for Microsoft by adding it to your watchlist or portfolio. Alternatively, explore our Community to discover new perspectives on Microsoft. NasdaqGS:MSFT 1-Year Stock Price Chart Is Microsoft's balance sheet strong enough for future acquisitions? Dive into our detailed financial health analysis. Quick Assessment ✅ Price vs Analyst Target : At US$408.96 versus a consensus target of about US$596, the price sits roughly 31% below where anal...
Bluefield, WV (24701) Today Sunny to partly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 77F. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph.. Tonight A steady rain this evening. Showers continuing overnight. Low 57F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%.
Bluefield, WV (24701) Today Sunny to partly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 77F. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph.. Tonight A steady rain this evening. Showers continuing overnight. Low 57F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%.
In this podcast, Motley Fool personal finance expert Robert Brokamp speaks with Ryan Detrick, the chief market strategist at Carson Group and a regular source of insightful and fun stats about stocks. Also in this episode: Will AI create the world's first trillionaire? Our team just released a report on the one little-known company, called an "Indispensable Monopoly" providing the critical technol...
In this podcast, Motley Fool personal finance expert Robert Brokamp speaks with Ryan Detrick, the chief market strategist at Carson Group and a regular source of insightful and fun stats about stocks. Also in this episode: Will AI create the world's first trillionaire? Our team just released a report on the one little-known company, called an "Indispensable Monopoly" providing the critical technology Nvidia and Intel both need. Continue » Markets all over the world are in a bull market, and a record number of stocks in the S&P 500 are outperforming the index. are outperforming the index. Mortgage rates drop to four-year lows as home price growth slows. How many calendar years has the stock market declined more than 10%? Tackle your financial tasks by having a "financial health week" as we recently did at The Motley Fool. To catch full episodes of all The Motley Fool's free podcasts, check out our podcast center. When you're ready to invest, check out this top 10 list of stocks to buy. A full transcript is below. Where to invest $1,000 right now When our analyst team has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, Stock Advisor’s total average return is 964%* — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 192% for the S&P 500. They just revealed what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy right now, available when you join Stock Advisor. See the stocks » *Stock Advisor returns as of March 6, 2026. This podcast was recorded on Feb. 28, 2026. Robert Brokamp: What we can learn from market history and the worldwide bull market. That and more on this Saturday, Personal Finance edition of Motley Fool Money. I'm Robert Brokamp, this week, I speak with Ryan Detrick, the Chief Market Strategist at Carson Group, and a consistent source of data about the market's past and what it could say about the future. But first, some news from this week. According to Callum Thomas of Topdown Charts, 80% of the 70 companies he tracks have stock markets that are up at le...
NEW YORK, March 06, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of common stock of Oracle Corporation (NYSE: ORCL) between June 12, 2025, and December 16, 2025, inclusive (the “Class Period”), of the important April 6, 2026 lead plaintiff deadline. SO WHAT: If you purchased Oracle common stock during the Class Period you may be entitled to co...
NEW YORK, March 06, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of common stock of Oracle Corporation (NYSE: ORCL) between June 12, 2025, and December 16, 2025, inclusive (the “Class Period”), of the important April 6, 2026 lead plaintiff deadline. SO WHAT: If you purchased Oracle common stock during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Oracle class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=51135 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email case@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than April 6, 2026. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually handle securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved, at that time, the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for inves...
There will be no mortgage price war while all this is going on. The BoE, which had been heavily backed to cut rates this month, is now expected to wait and see.
There will be no mortgage price war while all this is going on. The BoE, which had been heavily backed to cut rates this month, is now expected to wait and see.
Taiwan’s legislature has agreed to begin reviewing a long-stalled special defence budget , but competing opposition proposals are set to complicate passage of the government’s NT$1.25 trillion (US$40 billion) plan despite mounting pressure from the United States. Lawmakers began scrutinising the bill on Friday, as three rival proposals from the island’s main political parties exposed deep division...
Taiwan’s legislature has agreed to begin reviewing a long-stalled special defence budget , but competing opposition proposals are set to complicate passage of the government’s NT$1.25 trillion (US$40 billion) plan despite mounting pressure from the United States. Lawmakers began scrutinising the bill on Friday, as three rival proposals from the island’s main political parties exposed deep divisions over how much Taiwan should spend on defence and what mix of foreign weapons and home-grown capabilities it should prioritise. The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) government has proposed an eight-year programme from 2026 to 2033, worth NT$1.25 trillion, aimed at accelerating Taiwan’s shift towards asymmetric warfare as military pressure from Beijing intensifies. Advertisement The plan combines large-scale purchases from the United States with expanded indigenous defence programmes intended to strengthen the island’s ability to withstand a prolonged conflict. Among the US systems included are 82 Himars rocket launchers with more than 1,200 rockets and 420 tactical missiles, 60 M109A7 Paladin self-propelled howitzers and 1,057 Javelin and 1,545 Tow-2B anti-tank missiles. Advertisement The package – estimated to be worth NT$350 billion – also includes 1,554 Altius-700M loitering munitions and 478 air-launched Altius-600 ISR drones designed to improve battlefield reconnaissance and precision strike capabilities. Beyond US purchases, the government plan allocates significant funding for indigenous programmes, including the production of roughly 200,000 reconnaissance and attack drones and more than 1,000 uncrewed surface vessels for coastal defence.