Congressional Spending

Business

Gen Z's Sobering Reality: Just 4% of U.S. Alcohol Sales in 2025 as Industry Grapples with Shifting Tastes

New market data reveals a stark generational divide in American drinking habits, with Gen Z contributing a mere 4% to total alcohol sales last year. The findings challenge long-held industry assumptions and highlight the enduring spending power of older consumers amid a broader shift toward premiumization and alternative beverages.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Earnings Season Showdown: How Tech Giants Are Funding the AI Arms Race

This week's Big Tech earnings revealed a stark divide: companies using existing cash cows to fund AI ambitions versus those betting the farm on a future payoff. The market's patience for visionary spending is wearing thin, demanding concrete timelines and a path to profit.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Nvidia's AI Dominance: A Five-Year Outlook on Stock Performance and Market Trajectory

Fueled by explosive growth in AI infrastructure spending, Nvidia's commanding market position sets the stage for significant potential gains. Analysts project a revenue path that could see its stock reach new heights by the end of the decade.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

First Citizens Beats Estimates But Market Sours: Five Key Questions from the Q4 Call

First Citizens BancShares delivered Q4 revenue and adjusted EPS above analyst forecasts, yet its stock fell. While management pointed to strong fundamentals, analysts probed pressures on margins, tech spending, and integration challenges.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Arizona Price Report Sparks Debate: Economist Says Democratic Analysis Lacks Inflation Context

A recent report by Congressional Democrats highlights rising costs for Arizonans, but a local economist argues the figures lack crucial context on 'normal' inflation, igniting a political firestorm over economic messaging.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Cramer's Critique: Has Meta Strayed From Its Path Amid AI Ambitions?

CNBC's Jim Cramer questions Meta's direction, citing investor skepticism over its AI strategy and spending. Yet strong Q4 earnings reveal a more complex financial picture, sparking debate on Wall Street.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

The Hidden Tax of Sales Tech: Why Feature Adoption Isn't ROI

A new report reveals a staggering 67% of purchased sales software features go unused, spotlighting a critical disconnect between tech spending and revenue impact. As IT budgets swell, C-suite leaders are urged to shift from measuring adoption to calculating true dollar-for-dollar returns.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Morgan Stanley Doubles Down on Nvidia: $250 Target Signals 30% Upside Amid AI Arms Race

Morgan Stanley reaffirms its Overweight rating on Nvidia with a $250 price target, citing the company's systemic advantage through its Vera Rubin platform and robust hyperscaler spending, despite acknowledging competitive and demand risks.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

American Express Shares Dip After Q4 Earnings Narrowly Miss Estimates; Long-Term Outlook Remains Bullish

American Express reported fourth-quarter earnings that slightly trailed analyst forecasts, prompting a share price decline. Despite the near-term miss, the company issued strong forward guidance for 2026 and announced a significant dividend hike, underscoring confidence in its long-term growth trajectory driven by card member spending and fee growth.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

American Express Caps Strong 2025 with Record Revenues, Eyes Sustained Premium Growth in 2026

American Express reported record full-year revenues of $72 billion for 2025, driven by robust card member spending and a strategic shift towards premium products. The company forecasts continued momentum for 2026, targeting 9-10% revenue growth and a significant dividend hike, while navigating a competitive landscape and macroeconomic uncertainties.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Bilt's Rewards Overhaul Puts Renters at a Crossroads: To Keep or Cancel the Card?

Bilt's transition to a tiered rewards system forces its user base, largely comprised of renters, to recalculate the card's value. The changes, which require higher spending to unlock points on rent, have sparked confusion and a critical decision ahead of a fast-approaching deadline.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Mizuho Upgrades Applied Materials to Outperform, Citing Strong Global Chip Equipment Demand

Mizuho Securities raised its rating on Applied Materials (AMAT) to Outperform, with a $370 price target, forecasting accelerated growth in global wafer fab equipment spending driven by major chipmakers' capital expenditure plans.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Fox News Poll: Democrats Hold Early 6-Point Lead in 2026 Generic Ballot, Fueled by Cost-of-Living Concerns

A new Fox News survey reveals Democrats leading Republicans 52% to 46% in a generic congressional ballot for the 2026 midterms, the highest level of support recorded for either party in this poll series. Voter priorities and sharp partisan divides on key issues shape the early political landscape.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

MarineMax Navigates Choppy Waters: Premium Sales Buoy Q4 Revenue as Margins Face Squeeze

MarineMax's Q4 2025 results surpassed revenue forecasts, driven by robust premium boat sales, but profitability was hampered by industry-wide discounting and cautious consumer spending, leading to a wider-than-expected loss per share.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Rubrik's Stock Slump Sparks Debate: Is the Cybersecurity Firm Now a Value Play?

Shares of data security company Rubrik have faced significant pressure, declining over 25% in the past month. While the sell-off has pushed its valuation below some fair value estimates, analysts point to stiff competition and cautious IT spending as key headwinds. We examine whether the weakness presents a buying opportunity or a sign of deeper challenges.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

AI Bubble Fears Loom Over 2026 Markets, But This S&P 500 ETF Remains a Bedrock Strategy

As trillion-dollar AI infrastructure spending fuels concerns of a market bubble, long-term investors are questioning whether broad index funds like the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF still offer a safe harbor.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Royal Caribbean Soars on Record Earnings, Forecasts Smooth Sailing Ahead

Royal Caribbean Cruises (RCL) shares surged nearly 19% after posting a 48% jump in annual profit, driven by robust ticket sales and onboard spending. The cruise giant's bullish outlook for 2026 signals continued strong demand in the travel sector.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Meta's $135 Billion AI Bet Signals Accelerating Arms Race, With CoreWeave Poised to Capitalize

Meta Platforms' staggering capital expenditure forecast for 2026, heavily weighted toward AI infrastructure, underscores the intensifying tech investment cycle. Specialized cloud provider CoreWeave emerges as a likely key beneficiary, its fortunes tied to the hyperscaler spending spree.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Eagle Materials Navigates Mixed Construction Landscape with Strong Heavy Materials Performance in Q3

Eagle Materials (NYSE: EXP) posted resilient fiscal Q3 2026 results, with revenue reaching $556 million and EPS at $3.22. While wallboard sales softened, robust growth in cement and aggregates, fueled by infrastructure spending, highlights a strategic pivot. The company also outlined operational efficiency drives and a fortified balance sheet.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Apple's iPhone Powers Record Revenue Amid Mac, Wearables Slowdown

Apple's latest quarterly earnings reveal a tale of two halves: blockbuster iPhone sales, particularly in emerging markets like India, drove revenue to a new high, while Mac and wearables segments saw notable declines. The tech giant also faces questions over its AI strategy and conservative spending.

Jan 30, 2026