Baidu's flagship AI assistant, Ernie, has surpassed 200 million monthly active users, a milestone reported by the Wall Street Journal. The growth underscores Baidu's deepening integration of AI across its ecosystem amid fierce competition with domestic tech rivals.
Soybean prices extended their decline on Friday, pressured by lackluster export sales data and a broader commodity sell-off. With key commitments lagging last year's pace, traders are now looking ahead to next week's crush data for signs of domestic demand strength.
Bitcoin's rally to near $91,000 this week was abruptly halted as the U.S. dollar found its footing. The shift highlights the cryptocurrency's growing sensitivity to traditional macroeconomic forces and Federal Reserve policy speculation.
While the financial sector remains the economy's cornerstone, policy headwinds have capped its recent performance. We analyze one credit rater and a fintech disruptor that show resilience, alongside a legacy asset manager facing challenges.
While Wall Street analysts are overwhelmingly bullish on several stocks, their optimistic price targets often come with a caveat. We examine one company where the enthusiasm appears justified and two where underlying challenges suggest a more cautious approach.
While small-cap stocks can offer high-growth potential, their path is often fraught with operational challenges and valuation risks. We examine three companies where the risks may outweigh the rewards in the current market environment.
While stocks priced between $10 and $50 can offer an appealing mix of accessibility and relative maturity, savvy investors know the sticker price is just the beginning. We examine one company in this range that appears poised for growth and two where the fundamentals warrant a closer, more cautious look.
A strategic report warns that recent tariff hikes could significantly increase clothing costs for American shoppers unless brands rapidly diversify production to a network of partner nations.
Cullen/Frost Bankers (NYSE: CFR) reported fourth-quarter revenue in line with expectations but delivered a significant earnings beat, driven by its aggressive branch network expansion in Texas and robust commercial lending. Management expressed confidence in sustained loan growth and improving margins for the coming year.
Credit Acceptance (CACC) posted strong fourth-quarter results, surpassing revenue and profit forecasts. The auto finance firm credits its performance to new digital tools for dealers and strategic investments in AI, aiming to deepen partnerships in a competitive market.
Valley National Bancorp (VLY) reported fourth-quarter revenue and profit that topped Wall Street forecasts, driven by robust core deposit growth and disciplined balance sheet management. The regional bank's leadership pointed to strategic tech investments and commercial loan demand as key pillars for its 2025 outlook.
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.
Royal Caribbean Group (RCL) reported strong fourth-quarter results, meeting revenue expectations with a 13.3% year-over-year increase to $4.26 billion. The cruise giant's performance, driven by record passenger volumes and strategic investments, signals robust health in the leisure travel sector.
In a market often swayed by hype, starkly bearish analyst targets are a rare signal. We examine three such cases: two consumer giants where the pessimism may be overdone, and one high-flyer where the concerns might be justified.
While market gains have been concentrated in a handful of tech giants, a select group of companies across semiconductors, beauty, and banking have delivered consistent, triple-digit returns by mastering the fundamentals of growth, margins, and capital efficiency.
While lofty price targets can signal opportunity, a closer look reveals that not all consensus forecasts are created equal. We examine one company poised to deliver and two where investor caution may be warranted.
Secretary-General António Guterres warns the United Nations could exhaust its regular budget cash by July, citing chronic non-payment of dues by member states and a "Kafkaesque" financial cycle that threatens its core operations.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has issued a stark warning that the organization faces a severe liquidity crisis, with funds for its regular operations potentially running dry by July. The crisis is exacerbated by billions in unpaid dues, primarily from the United States.
As silver prices breach $100 amid a structural supply deficit, analysts spotlight Hecla Mining's low-cost operations and North American focus as a strategic hedge against market volatility and geopolitical uncertainty.
Lyft's stock has experienced significant volatility, with recent gains failing to offset broader declines. As the company pushes its autonomous driving and European expansion narrative, investors are left weighing its premium valuation against a challenging competitive landscape and uncertain path to sustained profitability.
