Public Markets 8-Hour Briefing
×Market Moves
Asian stocks are set to climb following a technology-led rally on Wall Street that eased AI-related concerns. The Nasdaq bounced back after the AMD-Meta AI chip deal, reversing earlier losses. Bond traders are aggressively betting the Federal Reserve's rate-cutting cycle will extend into 2027. This shift in rate expectations is making cheap valuations harder to find in Europe and Japan as capital rotates out of US markets.
Corporate Earnings & Actions
Planet Fitness CEO Colleen Keating discussed the company's "unparalleled" reach and growth plans amid its business health check. HSBC faces a key earnings test Wednesday as its shares hover near a record high, with revenue prospects and a subsidiary buyout in focus. Cava reported a 21% rise in fourth-quarter sales, driven by higher prices and new restaurant openings. In contrast, Boston Beer posted lower Q4 revenue and warned shifting tariff policies could impact its annual guidance. First Solar posted higher Q4 profit but issued revenue guidance for this year that missed expectations. HP dialed down its fiscal-year expectations, sending shares lower after hours as memory chip costs rose. Workday forecast up to 13% subscription revenue growth, yet shares fell 6%. Mercado Libre saw its shares rise after revenue beat estimates. PayPal extended its rally following a report that Stripe is eyeing an all or part acquisition. Saks Global CEO Geoffroy van Raemdonck outlined his path to profitability following the company's bankruptcy restructuring. Spirit Airlines revealed its post-bankruptcy plan, anticipating a smaller company exit by early summer.
Policy & Macro Drivers
Federal Reserve Bank of Boston President Susan Collins stated rates are likely to stay unchanged "for some time" as labor market risks ease. The Trump administration set preliminary duties as high as 126% on solar imports from India, Indonesia, and Laos. A senior US senator opened a Binance probe into alleged Iran and Russia sanctions violations. Separately, a government agency is being reshaped to function more like a sovereign wealth fund, a key Trump administration goal.