Landon Capital

In the wild realm of monetary policy, the U.S. Federal Reserve officials find themselves in a situation that’s about as familiar as a unicorn at a tea party. They’re like sailors navigating a sea of uncharted waters, armed with neither compass nor sextant.

It’s a twist in the plot that would even leave history scratching its head. According to the latest missive from the Richmond Fed, these monetary maestros are facing a rate cycle so uniquely baffling that it’s been declared “unlike any other.”

Hold on to your hats, folks, because this isn’t your typical economic roller coaster. We’re talking about a scenario where inflation is playing a disappearing act, yet the unemployment rate hasn’t gotten the memo to put on its dancing shoes and increase. Richmond Fed’s brainy bunch, including the esteemed Pierre-Daniel Sarte, penned a research note that reads like an intellectual detective novel, unveiling the mystery of this unparalleled situation.

So, as these Fed wizards conjure economic spells and pull out their monetary magic wands, remember that we’re sailing into a territory where the compass is spinning and the map has gone rogue. The economic script has taken an unexpected twist, and the Richmond Fed is our narrator, unraveling the enigma one research note at a time. Welcome to the world of monetary intrigue, where even the unicorns are taking notes.


Penn Entertainment, Rivian and Twilio rise premarket; Lyft, WeWork fall

U.S. futures rose Thursday, with investors awaiting a key inflation release which could provide clues towards future Federal Reserve interest rate decisions.

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

  • Walt Disney (NYSE:DIS) stock rose 1.4% after the entertainment giant announced changes to its streaming service, including increasing the prices of its streaming service and cracking down on password sharing, to help offset sputtering performance in its film and television divisions.
  • Wynn Resorts (NASDAQ:WYNN) stock rose 1.9% after the casino operator reported better-than-expected second-quarter results as strength in its Las Vegas and Macau properties drove growth in gaming, dining, and hotel bookings.
  • Sonos (NASDAQ:SONO) stock rose 6.5% after the manufacturer of audio products reported third-quarter results that beat estimates on both adjusted earnings and revenue.
  • Alibaba (NYSE:BABA) ADRs rose 1.8% after the Chinese e-commerce giant posted first-quarter adjusted core income that topped analyst estimates, boosted by strong momentum across its businesses and a focus on operating efficiencies.
  • Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) stock rose 0.6% after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved its antibody-based therapy for patients with a difficult-to-treat type of blood cancer.
  • Capri Holdings (NYSE:CPRI) stock soared 57.4% with Coach parent Tapestry (NYSE:TPR), down 4.5%, set to buy the Michael Kors owner in an $8.5 billion deal, creating a top U.S. fashion house.
  • Penn Entertainment (NASDAQ:PENN) stock fell 2.5% after Truist downgraded its stance on the sports bettor to ‘Hold’ from ‘Buy’, uncertainty lingers over the partnership with ESPN.

 

(Source: Investing.com)


Roblox, the virtual playground for online gamers, tripped over its own game controller in the second quarter, falling short of expectations for bookings. It seems the once-soaring demand for its digital delights has taken a bit of a breather, while rivals have been turning up the heat, causing Roblox’s growth to cool off. This sudden shift in fortunes had its shares feeling a little queasy, tumbling almost 20%.

In fact, Roblox’s stock was gearing up for what could easily be labeled as its gloomiest day in the past ten months. If this downward trend persists, it might just wipe out nearly all of the gains it managed to rack up this year.

The world of virtual fun and games is currently grappling with a conundrum. As gamers keep a wary eye on their virtual wallets due to the specter of inflation, they’ve become quite the picky patrons when it comes to choosing which popular titles deserve their precious pennies.


Stock Analysis

Nestled within the hustle and bustle of New York, Financial Institutions, Inc. (Nasdaq:FISI) reigns supreme as the puppet master behind Five Star Bank, a financial haven for individuals, businesses, and even entire municipalities. With 48 branches dotting the landscape, they’ve crafted a compelling presence, adorning themselves with an impressive USD 5.8 billion in assets.

Meet the Competition: In the grand financial arena, we’ve got The First of Long Island Corporation (Nasdaq:FLIC) and SmartFinancial, Inc. (Nasdaq:SMBK), each playing their own tunes.

But lo and behold, amidst this symphony of fiscal prowess, Financial Institutions steps onto the stage, wearing its dazzling earnings per share of 3.6 like a crown. A price-to-earnings ratio of 5.5? Oh, they’ve got it, and they wear it well – a ratio that makes even Wall Street’s savviest raise their eyebrows in admiration.

Peering through the financial telescope, one can’t help but notice that this bank’s return-on-equity and net income are like sparkling gems, outshining their competitors like stars in a midnight sky. And don’t get us started on their yield – a tantalizing 6.1% that would even make the pros at SmartFinancial blush, while also giving The First of Long Island Corporation a run for their money.

Five Star Bank isn’t just a name; it’s a testament to how to shine bright in the galaxy of finance.


Investing without seeking advice is like trying to navigate a dense jungle with a blindfold and a vague treasure map. Sure, you might stumble upon a hidden gem, but you’re more likely to trip over roots, walk into spider webs, and end up wrestling with a disgruntled parrot.

Seeking help from seasoned experts is like enlisting a team of experienced guides armed with machetes, night-vision goggles, and parrot-whispering skills. They’ll lead you through the investment wilderness, helping you avoid quicksand pitfalls and steering you toward the treasure troves of financial success. Remember, in the jungle of finance, a little professional guidance can be the difference between uncovering a golden idol and being chased by an angry tribe of financial woes.