While monthly jobs reports often grab headlines, savvy investors are increasingly looking beyond employment figures to a broader array of economic indicators for a more nuanced understanding of market health. Two such crucial metrics, Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) inflation and the Chicago Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI), are currently providing critical
Stocks slipped Tuesday as fresh economic data reignited stagflation fears on Wall Street, overshadowing a blowout quarter from Palantir Technologies Inc.
Global hospitality company Marriott (NASDAQ:MAR) beat Wall Street’s revenue expectations in Q2 CY2025, with sales up 4.7% year on year to $6.74 billion. Its non-GAAP profit of $2.65 per share was 1% above analysts’ consensus estimates.
Marriott's Q2 2025 earnings slightly beat estimates with $6.74B revenue and $2.65 EPS. Global growth offsets flat U.S. demand, but shares remain stagnant.
The U.S. economy finds itself at a pivotal juncture, marked by a cautious Federal Reserve, a significant dip in inflation, and a stark contraction in Wall Street's workforce. In March 2025, the Federal Reserve opted to hold interest rates steady for the second consecutive meeting, signaling a "wait-and-see" approach
While profitability is essential, it doesn’t guarantee long-term success.
Some companies that rest on their margins will lose ground as competition intensifies - as Jeff Bezos said, "Your margin is my opportunity".
The S&P 500 (^GSPC) is home to the biggest and most well-known companies in the market, making it a go-to index for investors seeking stability.
But not all large-cap stocks are created equal - some are struggling with slowing growth, declining margins, or increased competition.
While strong cash flow is a key indicator of stability, it doesn’t always translate to superior returns.
Some cash-heavy businesses struggle with inefficient spending, slowing demand, or weak competitive positioning.
Wall Street’s bearish price targets for the stocks in this article signal serious concerns.
Such forecasts are uncommon in an industry where maintaining cordial corporate relationships often trumps delivering the hard truth.
A company with profits isn’t always a great investment.
Some struggle to maintain growth, face looming threats, or fail to reinvest wisely, limiting their future potential.
