Inflation steady, Fed cut odds, AI chips slide

US inflation came in slightly hotter than expected in August, with headline CPI up 0.4% month over month and core CPI up 0.3%, keeping annual inflation at 2.9% headline and 3.1% core. The data underscores sticky price pressures in services and shelter, while food and apparel show tariff-driven gains. Still, markets expect the Fed to cut rates by 25 basis points next week as jobless claims hit a four-year high. Stocks continue to hover near records, with Oracle (ORCL) powering the AI trade after its blowout forecast. Klarna’s ([KLAR]) IPO delivered a 43% pop before easing, and blockchain lender Figure ([FIGR]) prices its debut at a $5.3B valuation. In trending tickers, Opendoor (OPEN) jumps on leadership changes, Kroger (KR) beats on food sales, and Centene (CNC) rallies on Medicare quality ratings. Takeaways: CPI rises 0.4% in August; inflation still above Fed’s 2% target Fed expected to cut 25 bps next week despite sticky services prices Oracle leads AI-fueled rally; Klarna and Figure highlight IPO momentum Opendoor, Kroger, and Centene move on leadership, earnings, and health ratings Yahoo Finance's flagship show, Morning Brief, is your go-to source for smarter investing and market moves. Thoughts? Questions? Fan mail? Please email us at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

US stocks push higher with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq at record highs after Oracle (ORCL) surges more than 30% on blowout AI-driven cloud guidance, adding $200B+ to its market cap overnight. Wall Street strategists rush to lift forecasts: Deutsche Bank raises its year-end S&P 500 target to 7,000, Barclays hikes to 6,450, and Wells Fargo sees double-digit gains into 2026. Inflation data adds fuel as the Producer Price Index unexpectedly declines for the first time since April, reinforcing bets on a Fed rate cut next week. Meanwhile, Klarna launches its long-awaited IPO under ticker [KLAR], valued at $15B after pricing above range. On the regulatory front, a judge blocks President Trump’s attempt to oust Fed Governor Lisa Cook, keeping her on the board ahead of next week’s policy meeting. In trending tickers, Synopsys (SNPS) plunges on a weak China outlook and job cuts, Novo Nordisk (NVO) sheds 9,000 jobs while cutting guidance, and Chewy (CHWY) falls on rising costs despite higher sales. Takeaways: Oracle skyrockets on AI cloud outlook; S&P 500 targets raised across Wall Street PPI falls for first time since April, boosting Fed rate cut bets Klarna IPO prices at $40/share, values firm at $15B under ticker KLAR Synopsys slumps, Novo Nordisk cuts jobs, Chewy drops on costs Yahoo Finance's flagship show, Morning Brief, is your go-to source for smarter investing and market moves. Thoughts? Questions? Fan mail? Please email us at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

US stocks edge higher with the Nasdaq (^IXIC) at a record as investors await revised jobs data and key inflation reports later this week. Apple (AAPL) headlines with its iPhone 17 launch event, unveiling a thinner “Air” model alongside new Apple Watches and AirPods, while analysts debate pricing and AI features. Oracle (ORCL) reports earnings after the bell, facing high expectations following a $30B cloud deal with OpenAI. GameStop (GME) also reports as it pursues its turnaround strategy. Meanwhile, investors brace for the Bureau of Labor Statistics' annual jobs revision, expected to show as many as 900,000 fewer jobs created between March 2024 and March 2025, a potential catalyst for Fed policy. In trending tickers, CoreWeave inks a $17.4B GPU capacity deal with Microsoft (MSFT), UnitedHealth (UNH) rallies on Medicare Advantage star ratings, and Nasdaq Inc. (NDAQ) invests $50M in Gemini’s upcoming crypto IPO. Takeaways: Apple launches iPhone 17 lineup, thinner Air model leads event Oracle earnings test AI-fueled rally after OpenAI cloud deal Jobs revision could show 600K–900K fewer positions, pressuring Fed CoreWeave, UnitedHealth, and Nasdaq move on major deals and upgrades Yahoo Finance's flagship show, Morning Brief, is your go-to source for smarter investing and market moves. Thoughts? Questions? Fan mail? Please email us at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Google parent Alphabet (GOOG) rallies after a judge ruled it will not have to divest Chrome in the DOJ’s antitrust case, though the company must end exclusive search deals. The decision also lifted Apple (AAPL), which benefits from its search partnership while gaining room to work with AI rivals. US bond yields climb, with the 30-year brushing 5% amid inflation, deficit, and geopolitical concerns. Macy’s (M) jumps on its strongest same-store sales growth in 12 quarters and raised guidance, while Dollar Tree (DLTR) slips despite a beat and higher full-year outlook as its Q3 profit forecast disappoints. In trending tickers, Campbell Soup (CPB) rises on better-than-feared results, Polestar (PSNY) posts a wider loss but reaffirms growth targets, and Kraft Heinz (KHC) gets an upgrade as it prepares to split into two companies. Takeaways: Google avoids Chrome breakup but faces new competition in AI search Bond yields near 5% as markets price in long-term inflation risks Macy’s rallies on strong sales; Dollar Tree sinks on soft profit outlook Campbell Soup, Polestar, and Kraft Heinz move on earnings and upgrades Yahoo Finance's flagship show, Morning Brief, is your go-to source for smarter investing and market moves. Thoughts? Questions? Fan mail? Please email us at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

US stocks open the month lower after August gains, with September historically the weakest month for equities. Gold prices hit a record as investors seek safety amid tariff uncertainty, after a federal appeals court struck down most of President Trump’s trade levies — a case now likely headed to the Supreme Court. Kraft Heinz (KHC) announces plans to split into two companies: Global Taste Elevation Co., housing brands like Heinz ketchup and Philadelphia cream cheese, and North America Grocery Co., home to Oscar Mayer and Lunchables. PepsiCo (PEP) faces pressure from activist investor Elliott Management, which built a $4B stake and is pushing for changes. Meanwhile, Nestlé (NESN.SW) ousts CEO Laurent Freixe over a relationship with a subordinate, naming coffee division head Philippe Naël as his successor. Takeaways: Stocks dip as September begins, with gold surging to record highs Kraft Heinz to split into two companies, highlighting the big food breakups trend Elliott Management takes $4B stake in PepsiCo, presses for growth and margin gains Nestlé CEO ousted; leadership shifts amid industry headwinds Yahoo Finance's flagship show, Morning Brief, is your go-to source for smarter investing and market moves. Thoughts? Questions? Fan mail? Please email us at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

US stock futures dip after the Fed’s preferred inflation gauge, core PCE, rose 2.9% year over year — in line with estimates but still above the central bank’s 2% target. Fed Governor Christopher Waller backed a September rate cut and signaled more easing ahead. Fed Governor Lisa Cook faces a court hearing today as she fights President Trump’s attempt to oust her over mortgage fraud allegations. Marvell Technology (⁠MRVL⁠) sinks on Wall Street after weak guidance and disappointing data center revenue, echoing Nvidia’s (NVDA) report earlier this week. Dell (DELL) also falls on lighter AI server sales and margin pressure, while Affirm (AFRM) jumps on strong earnings and an upbeat outlook. Takeaways: Core PCE inflation holds at 2.9%, keeping Fed cut bets alive Fed Governor Lisa Cook’s legal fight with Trump heads to court Marvell, Dell earnings show cracks in AI hardware demand Affirm rallies on buy now, pay later growth and strong outlook Yahoo Finance's flagship show, Morning Brief, is your go-to source for smarter investing and market moves. Thoughts? Questions? Fan mail? Please email us at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nvidia (NVDA) stock edged lower after reporting record Q2 earnings but softer-than-expected data center revenue, signaling growth may moderate after a massive AI-driven boom. CEO Jensen Huang told Yahoo Finance that demand remains strong even without China sales, but investors are parsing export risks and new product outlooks. US stocks hold steady after GDP was revised up to 3.3%, with PCE inflation data due Friday and jobs data next week. Mexico plans to raise tariffs on China in its 2026 budget proposal, targeting cars, textiles, and plastics under pressure from the US. Meanwhile, Snowflake (SNOW) jumps on strong guidance, Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway (BRK-A) boosts stakes in Japan’s trading houses, and Best Buy (BBY) tops estimates but sticks with its forecast, citing tariff risks. Takeaways: Nvidia beats earnings but data center growth slows; China outlook in focus US GDP revised up; PCE and jobs data next key tests for Fed rate cuts Mexico to hike tariffs on China imports as trade tensions rise Snowflake rallies, Buffett bets on Japan, Best Buy cautious on tariffs Yahoo Finance's flagship show, Morning Brief, is your go-to source for smarter investing and market moves. Thoughts? Questions? Fan mail? Please email us at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

US stocks pull back after last week’s Fed-fueled rally, with investors betting on rate cuts but watching key data ahead of the September FOMC meeting. Nvidia (NVDA) reported earnings on Wednesday, a critical test for the AI trade. Analysts eye data center growth, sovereign AI, and China sales—crypto surges as ethereum hits record highs, boosting Coinbase (COIN) and Circle. Meanwhile, Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP) strikes an $18B deal to acquire JDE Peet’s (JDEP.AS), planning to split its coffee and beverage units into two US-listed companies. Intel (INTC) jumps after the US government takes a 10% stake under the CHIPS Act, Wayfair (W) sinks on new tariff probes, and Ørsted (ORSTED.CO) slumps after the US blocks a central offshore wind farm. Takeaways: Fed rally fades; markets eye PCE data and September rate cut bets Nvidia earnings loom as AI trade faces critical test ethereum surge lifts crypto plays; Circle and Coinbase benefit Keurig Dr Pepper in $18B JDE Peet’s deal; Intel, Wayfair, Ørsted move on policy news Yahoo Finance's flagship show, Morning Brief, is your go-to source for smarter investing and market moves. Thoughts? Questions? Fan mail? Please email us at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

US stocks slide as the Federal Reserve kicks off its Jackson Hole Symposium, with investors awaiting Chair Jerome Powell’s speech on interest rates. Walmart (WMT) posts its first earnings miss in three years, citing one-time costs, but raises full-year guidance. Tech stocks retreat in a sharp rotation: Palantir (PLTR) tumbles more than 15% from last week’s highs as retail traders buy the dip, while Nvidia (NVDA) gains fresh price target boosts from UBS and Wedbush ahead of next week’s results. Meanwhile, the US and EU finalized trade deal details, Boeing (⁠BA⁠) explored a 500-jet sale to China, and Dayforce (⁠DAY⁠) confirmed a $12.3B buyout by Thoma Bravo. Takeaways: Fed’s Jackson Hole meeting begins with Powell’s speech in focus Walmart earnings miss, drags stock despite higher guidance Palantir plunges as tech sell-off deepens; Nvidia outlook in spotlight Boeing in China jet talks, Dayforce in $12.3B Thoma Bravo deal Yahoo Finance's flagship show, Morning Brief, is your go-to source for smarter investing and market moves. Thoughts? Questions? Fan mail? Please email us at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

US markets were steady after Tuesday’s tech sell-off that saw Palantir (PLTR) drop 10%, Nvidia (NVDA) and AMD (AMD) tumble, and Broadcom (AVGO) slip. Investors brace for Nvidia earnings next week, with questions over China exposure. Target (TGT) names COO Michael Fiddelke as new CEO, replacing Brian Cornell, sending stock down more than 10% as Wall Street had hoped for an outsider. Lowe’s (LOW) rises after reporting earnings and announcing an acquisition of Foundation Building Materials. Meanwhile, reports suggest the US government may take non-voting equity stakes in chipmakers including Intel (INTC), TSMC (TSM), Samsung (005930.KS), and Micron (MU) through the CHIPS Act. TJX (TJX) surges on strong guidance, Estee Lauder (EL) slides on tariffs and weak outlook, and Dayforce (DAY) confirms buyout talks with Thoma Bravo. Takeaways: Tech pullback pressures Palantir, Nvidia, AMD, and Broadcom Target stock sinks as insider Fiddelke named CEO, Lowe’s gains on deal and results The US may take equity stakes in Intel, TSMC, Samsung, and Micron under the CHIPS Act TJX rallies, Estee Lauder slumps, Dayforce in $11.2B buyout talks Yahoo Finance's flagship show, Morning Brief, is your go-to source for smarter investing and market moves. Thoughts? Questions? Fan mail? Please email us at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices