Money’s Got Moves: Inflation Hedges Tango Back Into The Spotlight!

Money’s Got Moves: Inflation Hedges Tango Back into the Spotlight!

BofA analysts dropped a flow show note that got everyone buzzing! It seems inflation hedges are strutting their stuff back on the scene, making a fashionable comeback. Cash has been sashaying in with some serious inflows, rocking a $104.1 billion influx for the month so far. No cash exodus here, darlings!

But let’s not forget the stars of the show – TIPS! They’ve been MIA since August 2022, but now they’re back in the spotlight with a stunning inflow. It’s like seeing an old flame at a high school reunion – interesting, indeed, especially with the CPI doing its rollercoaster moves from 9% to 3% drop since autumn ’22.

Tech had its moment to shine with inflows over the past six weeks, though the last week’s performance was a tad lackluster, strutting in with a modest $0.1 billion. On the other hand, materials are having a real moment, boasting the largest inflow in 25 weeks, flaunting a dazzling $1.9 billion over the past two weeks. Seems like investors are all about that China outlook glow-up!

In the world of finance, it’s not just about the numbers; it’s a fierce dance floor where different assets take their turns in the limelight. So, grab your popcorn, sit back, and enjoy the show, because in this financial extravaganza, every move counts!

Intel, Roku and Procter & Gamble rise premarket; Chevron, Ford fall

U.S. futures rose Friday, boosted by Intel’s surprising profit ahead of the release of the Federal Reserve’s preferred gauge of inflation.

Here are some of the biggest premarket U.S. stock movers today:

• Intel (NASDAQ:INTC) stock rose 6.5% after the semiconductor chip manufacturer posted a surprise profit, saying a decline in sales of its key personal computer chips in the second quarter was not as steep as had been expected.
• ExxonMobil (NYSE:XOM) stock fell 0.2% after the oil major reported lower-than-anticipated profit in the second quarter, hit by a decline in natural gas prices.
• Chevron (NYSE:CVX) stock fell 0.8% after the oil company reported that its annual production forecast was near the low-end of its previously estimated range.
• Procter & Gamble (NYSE:PG) stock rose 1.7% after the consumer goods giant beat quarterly sales estimates on resilient demand for its cleaning products, paper towels, and other household products.
• Roku (NASDAQ:ROKU) stock soared 9.6% after the streaming device maker forecast upbeat third-quarter revenue and posted market-beating results for the second quarter on improved ad sales.
• Ford (NYSE:F) stock fell 1% after the auto giant said it expects to see losses from electric vehicles hit $4.5 billion this year, up from the prior forecast of $3B, on higher costs, overshadowing better than expected second-quarter results and positive guidance.
• First Solar (NASDAQ:FSLR) stock rose 11% after the manufacturer of solar panels beat second-quarter earnings expectations and announced plans to spend up to $1.1 billion on its fifth U.S. factory.
• Enphase Energy (NASDAQ:ENPH) stock fell 16% after the energy technology company’s third-quarter revenue target fell well short of expectations due to weak demand.

(Source: Investing.com)

Some of the biggest movers:

Bearish traders swarm AMC options as stock conversion plan faces doubts

Shares of AMC Entertainment (NYSE:AMC) Holdings Inc have been hit by a wave of bearish options bets amid uncertainty over the company’s stock conversion plan.

The one-month moving average of open puts versus call options on AMC hit 1.7-to-1 on Thursday, the most bearish the measure has been in at least four years, Trade Alert data showed. Puts convey the right to sell shares at a fixed price in the future while calls offer the right to buy shares.

At issue is the company’s efforts to convert its preferred class of shares – which trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “APE” – into its common stock.

The debt-laden AMC raised capital last year by creating preferred shares, which trade at a discount to the common stock. While the common shares finished Thursday at $4.52, the APE preferred shares ended the session at $1.86.

Stock Analysis

Small Fish, Big Bite: Tiny Bank Shows Off 5% Yield to Wall Street Sharks!

Citizens & Northern Bank, serving up a delightful menu of banking and mortgage services to individuals and corporate customers alike. Holding a hefty sum of USD 2.5 billion in assets sprinkled across 37 locations, they’re clearly no small fry.

Now, let’s meet the competitors in this financial showdown! We have ACNB Corporation (Nasdaq:ACNB) and Farmers National Banc Corp. (Nasdaq:FMNB).

ACNB might sound like a secret agent organization, but they’re just another player in the banking world. Farmers National Banc Corp., well, they sound like they know a thing or two about agriculture, but we’ll keep our focus on their financial prowess.

When it’s time for a reality check, we see that Farmers National Banc Corp.’s market capitalization is a healthy USD 600 million, flexing its financial muscles. On the other hand, both Citizens & Northern Corporation and ACNB Corporation fall a bit short, sitting under USD 350 million. But don’t let their size fool you; they still pack a punch and showcase a tantalizing yield compared to their competitors.

So, where’s the real spice in this financial stew? Ah, the secret ingredient lies in that delicious 5% return of their yield. It’s the seasoning that adds flavor to the stock value, making it all the more appetizing to investors.

Remember, when it comes to these financial feasts, it’s not just about the size, but about the savory returns that count. Bon appétit, investors!

Smart investing is like playing chess with your money – it’s not just about making the right moves, but anticipating your opponent’s next play too. It’s about dancing gracefully on the stock market floor, avoiding the wild swings and mastering the art of balance. Remember, in this financial tango, patience is your partner, and research is your rhythm. So, let the amateurs chase quick gains like headless chickens, while you, the savvy investor, sip your tea and watch your wealth grow steadily. When others panic, you maintain your cool like a zen master, seizing opportunities that others overlook. Smart investing is more than just numbers; it’s a dance of wit, nerve, and finesse.”