- Barry Adams
- 18 Jul, 2025
- New York City
Wall Street indexes scaled new highs on Friday and extended weekly gains, following a string of positive earnings.
The S&P 500 index inched higher 0.2%, and the tech-focused Nasdaq Composite advanced 0.3%, as investors remained sharply focused on the fresh batch of earnings.
American Express, Netflix, Interactive Brokers, and 3M reported stronger-than-expected quarterly reports, supporting the eight-week rally.
For the week, the S&P 500 index increased 1%, and the Nasdaq Composite inched higher 1.8%, after big banks reported strong quarterly results and economic data confirmed a resilient labor market and consumer spending.
U.S. Stock Movers
Netflix Inc. decreased 2.5% to $1,242.50 despite the streaming media company's quarterly results surpassing market expectations.
Consolidated revenue in the quarter increased 16% to $11.1 billion from $9.6 billion, net income jumped to $3.1 billion from $2.1 billion, and diluted earnings per share rose 47% to $7.19 from $4.88 a year ago.
Netflix estimated annual revenue to range between $44.8 and $45.2 billion, compared to the previous range between $43.5 and $44.5 billion.
Norfolk Southern Corp. jumped 4.4% to $281.73 on speculation that the company is likely to be a takeover target of Union Pacific.
The Wall Street Journal reported the possible deal, citing people familiar with the acquisition talks.
Union Pacific Corp. jumped 0.4% to $228.31.
Interactive Brokers Group advanced 5.5% to $62.70, and the online brokerage services provider's revenue and profit surpassed analysts' expectations.
Total net revenue in the second quarter increased to $1.5 billion from $1.2 billion, net income advanced to $224 million from $179 million, and diluted earnings per share increased to 51 cents from 41 cents a year ago.
3M Company advanced 3.1% to $164.0, and the diversified conglomerate raised its annual outlook and reported better-than-expected quarterly results.
The company raised its full-year earnings outlook to a range between $7.75 and $8.0, adjusted total sales growth of about 2.5%, and operating cash flow between $5.1 billion and $5.5 billion.
Net sales increased 1.4% to $6.34 billion from $6.25 billion, net income fell to $723 million from $1.2 billion, and diluted earnings per share decreased to $1.34 from $2.07 a year ago.
American Express decreased 0.3% to $314.50, and the financial services provider reported better-than-expected quarterly results.
Total revenue adjusted for credit losses in the second quarter increased to $16.45 billion from $15.05 billion, net income edged down to $2.85 billion from $2.97 billion, and diluted earnings per share fell to $5.40 from $4.15 a year ago.
"We saw record Card Member spending in the quarter, demand for our premium products was strong, and our credit performance remained best in class.
Based on our strong performance year to date, we are reaffirming our full-year guidance for revenue growth of 8 to 10 percent and EPS of $15.00 to $15.50," Chairman and Chief Executive Stephen J. Squeri.
- Bridgette Randall
- 18 Jul, 2025
- London
Stock market indexes in Europe rebounded on Friday as investors reviewed the latest batch of positive corporate results.
Benchmark indexes in Frankfurt, Paris, Milan, and London advanced and extended weekly gains to between 0.7% and 1.8%.
Market sentiment recovered this week as investors shifted their attention from the ongoing trade talks to the start of the earnings season.
Despite the market rebound, negotiators are far from an agreement with the U.S., and the region could face as much as an additional 25% tariff beginning August 1.
On the economic front, Germany's producer price index fell 1.3% in June, following a 1.2% drop in May, the Federal Statistical Office, or Destatis, reported Friday.
The producer prices declined for the fourth consecutive month and fell at the fastest pace since September 2024.
The overall decline was driven by a 6.4% fall in energy costs and 0.4% weakness in the intermediate goods, offset by an increase of 3.6% in non-durable consumer goods, a rise of 1.7% in durable consumer goods, and capital goods.
Europe Indexes
The DAX index in Frankfurt advanced 0.4% to 24,466.06, the CAC-40 index in Paris edged higher 0.6% to 7,870.05, and the FTSE 100 index increased 0.2% to 8,990.92.
Europe Movers
Reckitt Benckiser Group plc increased 0.7% to 5,020.0 pence, and the company agreed to sell its essential home business unit to Advent International for $4.8 billion.
Reckitt plans to retain a 30% stake in the company, and the company plans to return excess capital to shareholders, including a $2 billion special dividend.
Electrolux AB Class B decreased 14.3% to SEK 61.52, despite the household appliance maker reporting improving second-quarter results amid market challenges.
Net sales in the quarter decreased to SEK 31.3 billion from SEK 33.8 billion, driven by growth in North America and Latin America, partly offset by a slight decline in Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa.
Net income swung to a profit of SEK 178 million from a loss of SEK 80 million, and earnings per share improved to SEK 0.66 from a loss of SEK 0.30 a year ago.
The company reiterated its annual outlook and said that it plans to pass on to consumers tariff-related costs in North America.
Saab AB jumped 10.6% to SEK 532.20 after the Swedish defense and aerospace company reported strong results in the second quarter.
Revenue in the quarter jumped 32% to SEK 19.7 billion from SEK 15.2 billion, net income jumped 52% to SEK 1.5 billion from SEK 1.0 billion, and diluted earnings per share advanced 53% to SEK 2.83 from SEK 1.85 a year ago.
New order inflow in the quarter slowed to SEK 28.40 billion from SEK 39.6 billion a year ago.
Burberry Group plc increased 4.9% to 1,309.50 pence after the fashion group's sales in the quarter surpassed market expectations.
Revenue in the fiscal first quarter ending in June declined to £433 million from £458 million, and comparable store sales decline slowed to 1% from 21% a year ago.
Comparable sales in the Americas increased 4%, in Greater China advanced 5%, and in the Middle East, Europe, and Africa inched higher 1%.
The company stressed that it is still in the "early stages of its turnaround," and the macroeconomic environment remains "uncertain."
- Bridgette Randall
- 18 Jul, 2025
- London
Stock market indexes in Europe rebounded on Friday as investors reviewed the latest batch of positive corporate results.
Benchmark indexes in Frankfurt, Paris, Milan, and London advanced and extended weekly gains to between 0.7% and 1.8%.
Market sentiment recovered this week as investors shifted their attention from the ongoing trade talks to the start of the earnings season.
Despite the market rebound, negotiators are far from an agreement with the U.S., and the region could face as much as an additional 25% tariff beginning August 1.
On the economic front, Germany's producer price index fell 1.3% in June, following a 1.2% drop in May, the Federal Statistical Office, or Destatis, reported Friday.
The producer prices declined for the fourth consecutive month and fell at the fastest pace since September 2024.
The overall decline was driven by a 6.4% fall in energy costs and 0.4% weakness in the intermediate goods, offset by an increase of 3.6% in non-durable consumer goods, a rise of 1.7% in durable consumer goods, and capital goods.
Europe Indexes
The DAX index in Frankfurt advanced 0.4% to 24,466.06, the CAC-40 index in Paris edged higher 0.6% to 7,870.05, and the FTSE 100 index increased 0.2% to 8,990.92.
Europe Movers
Reckitt Benckiser Group plc increased 0.7% to 5,020.0 pence, and the company agreed to sell its essential home business unit to Advent International for $4.8 billion.
Reckitt plans to retain a 30% stake in the company, and the company plans to return excess capital to shareholders, including a $2 billion special dividend.
Electrolux AB Class B decreased 14.3% to SEK 61.52, despite the household appliance maker reporting improving second-quarter results amid market challenges.
Net sales in the quarter decreased to SEK 31.3 billion from SEK 33.8 billion, driven by growth in North America and Latin America, partly offset by a slight decline in Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa.
Net income swung to a profit of SEK 178 million from a loss of SEK 80 million, and earnings per share improved to SEK 0.66 from a loss of SEK 0.30 a year ago.
The company reiterated its annual outlook and said that it plans to pass on to consumers tariff-related costs in North America.
Saab AB jumped 10.6% to SEK 532.20 after the Swedish defense and aerospace company reported strong results in the second quarter.
Revenue in the quarter jumped 32% to SEK 19.7 billion from SEK 15.2 billion, net income jumped 52% to SEK 1.5 billion from SEK 1.0 billion, and diluted earnings per share advanced 53% to SEK 2.83 from SEK 1.85 a year ago.
New order inflow in the quarter slowed to SEK 28.40 billion from SEK 39.6 billion a year ago.
Burberry Group plc increased 4.9% to 1,309.50 pence after the fashion group's sales in the quarter surpassed market expectations.
Revenue in the fiscal first quarter ending in June declined to £433 million from £458 million, and comparable store sales decline slowed to 1% from 21% a year ago.
Comparable sales in the Americas increased 4%, in Greater China advanced 5%, and in the Middle East, Europe, and Africa inched higher 1%.
The company stressed that it is still in the "early stages of its turnaround," and the macroeconomic environment remains "uncertain."
- Scott Peters
- 18 Jul, 2025
- New York City
Netflix Inc. gained 1.9% to $1,274.17 after the streaming media services provider reported a 48% jump in its earnings in the fiscal second quarter ending in June.
Consolidated revenue in the quarter increased 16% to $11.1 billion from $9.6 billion, net income jumped to $3.1 billion from $2.1 billion, and diluted earnings per share rose 47% to $7.19 from $4.88 a year ago.
Netflix estimated annual revenue to range between $44.8 and $45.2 billion, compared to the previous range between $43.5 and $44.5 billion.
BlackRock Inc. gained 1.7% to $1,100.54 after the global investment management company reported a 13% rise in its earnings in the latest quarter.
Consolidated revenue in the quarter increased to $5.4 billion from $4.8 billion, net income jumped to $1.7 billion from $1.5 billion, and diluted earnings per share rose 2% to $10.19 from $9.99 a year ago.
A 13% increase in annual revenue was driven by the positive impact of markets, organic base fee growth, and fees related to the GIP transaction, as well as higher technology services and subscription revenue, partially offset by lower performance fees.
On July 1st, the company completed the purchase of HPS Investment Partners, which added $165 billion in client assets under management and $118 billion in fee-paying assets.
The asset management company's long-term net inflows decreased 9.8% from a year ago to $46 billion in the quarter because of a $52 billion outflow of a lower-fee index fund by the client.
Chairman and CEO Laurence D. Fink said, “Our expanding client relationships are resonating in higher, more diversified organic base fee growth. We generated 6% organic base fee growth for the second quarter and the first half of 2025 and 7% over the last twelve months."
The company's assets under management increased to $12.5 trillion.
- Scott Peters
- 18 Jul, 2025
- New York City
Netflix Inc. gained 1.9% to $1,274.17 after the streaming media services provider reported a 48% jump in its earnings in the fiscal second quarter ending in June.
Consolidated revenue in the quarter increased 16% to $11.1 billion from $9.6 billion, net income jumped to $3.1 billion from $2.1 billion, and diluted earnings per share rose 47% to $7.19 from $4.88 a year ago.
Netflix estimated annual revenue to range between $44.8 and $45.2 billion, compared to the previous range between $43.5 and $44.5 billion.
BlackRock Inc. gained 1.7% to $1,100.54 after the global investment management company reported a 13% rise in its earnings in the latest quarter.
Consolidated revenue in the quarter increased to $5.4 billion from $4.8 billion, net income jumped to $1.7 billion from $1.5 billion, and diluted earnings per share rose 2% to $10.19 from $9.99 a year ago.
A 13% increase in annual revenue was driven by the positive impact of markets, organic base fee growth, and fees related to the GIP transaction, as well as higher technology services and subscription revenue, partially offset by lower performance fees.
On July 1st, the company completed the purchase of HPS Investment Partners, which added $165 billion in client assets under management and $118 billion in fee-paying assets.
The asset management company's long-term net inflows decreased 9.8% from a year ago to $46 billion in the quarter because of a $52 billion outflow of a lower-fee index fund by the client.
Chairman and CEO Laurence D. Fink said, “Our expanding client relationships are resonating in higher, more diversified organic base fee growth. We generated 6% organic base fee growth for the second quarter and the first half of 2025 and 7% over the last twelve months."
The company's assets under management increased to $12.5 trillion.
- Akira Ito
- 18 Jul, 2025
- Tokyo
Stocks struggled in Tokyo ahead of the Upper House election this weekend, and investors reviewed the latest inflation report.
The Nikkei 225 Stock Average fell 0.1%, and the broader Topix declined 0.1% amid political uncertainty and fiscal spending worries.
The yen rebounded from the previous session but hovered near a three-year low of 148.17 against the U.S. dollar.
On the economic front, overall consumer price inflation in June eased to a seven-month low, and core inflation dropped to a three-month low.
Consumer price inflation slowed to 3.3% from 3.5% in May, marking the lowest level since last November, according to the data released by the Ministry of Internal Affairs & Communications.
The overall inflation cooled, but the food price inflation rebounded to 7.2% from the 6.6% level in the previous two months, and electricity prices rose at a softer pace of 5.5% compared to 11.3% in the previous month.
Core inflation, which excludes food prices but includes energy prices, matched the overall inflation rate of 3.3%, following a 3.7% increase in the previous month.
Japan Indexes and Stocks
The Nikkei 225 Stock Average inched lower 0.11% to 39,857.38, and the broader Topix decreased 0.1% to 2,836.96.
The market gains were capped by rising trade risks, as Japan has yet to finalize its trade agreement with the U.S. ahead of the U.S.-imposed deadline of August 1.
Toyota Motor Corp. decreased 0.4% to ¥2,511.0, Honda Motor Co. Ltd. fell 0.03%, and Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. eased 1% to ¥306.30.
Seven & I Holdings Co. Ltd. fell 3.5% to ¥1,935.50, Takashimaya Co. Ltd. edged up 1.1% to ¥1,140.50, Aeon Co. Ltd. gained 1.8% to ¥4,682.0, Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings Ltd. jumped 0.5% to ¥2,187.0, and Fast Retailing Co. Ltd. inched higher 0.1% to ¥44,560.0.
- Akira Ito
- 18 Jul, 2025
- Tokyo
Stocks struggled in Tokyo ahead of the Upper House election this weekend, and investors reviewed the latest inflation report.
The Nikkei 225 Stock Average fell 0.1%, and the broader Topix declined 0.1% amid political uncertainty and fiscal spending worries.
The yen rebounded from the previous session but hovered near a three-year low of 148.17 against the U.S. dollar.
On the economic front, overall consumer price inflation in June eased to a seven-month low, and core inflation dropped to a three-month low.
Consumer price inflation slowed to 3.3% from 3.5% in May, marking the lowest level since last November, according to the data released by the Ministry of Internal Affairs & Communications.
The overall inflation cooled, but the food price inflation rebounded to 7.2% from the 6.6% level in the previous two months, and electricity prices rose at a softer pace of 5.5% compared to 11.3% in the previous month.
Core inflation, which excludes food prices but includes energy prices, matched the overall inflation rate of 3.3%, following a 3.7% increase in the previous month.
Japan Indexes and Stocks
The Nikkei 225 Stock Average inched lower 0.11% to 39,857.38, and the broader Topix decreased 0.1% to 2,836.96.
The market gains were capped by rising trade risks, as Japan has yet to finalize its trade agreement with the U.S. ahead of the U.S.-imposed deadline of August 1.
Toyota Motor Corp. decreased 0.4% to ¥2,511.0, Honda Motor Co. Ltd. fell 0.03%, and Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. eased 1% to ¥306.30.
Seven & I Holdings Co. Ltd. fell 3.5% to ¥1,935.50, Takashimaya Co. Ltd. edged up 1.1% to ¥1,140.50, Aeon Co. Ltd. gained 1.8% to ¥4,682.0, Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings Ltd. jumped 0.5% to ¥2,187.0, and Fast Retailing Co. Ltd. inched higher 0.1% to ¥44,560.0.
- Li Chen
- 18 Jul, 2025
- Hong Kong
China stocks extended weekly gains amid improving market sentiment, and investors overlooked trade tensions.
The Hang Seng index edged up 0.8%, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 index advanced 0.7%, tracking gains in overnight trading in New York.
Investors shifted their focus to corporate results, and leading technology and electric vehicle makers led the gainers amid expectations of improved earnings.
Investors ignored trade tensions as China stocks continued their weekly gains as market sentiment improved.
For the week, the CSI 300 index gained 0.8%, and the Hang Seng index advanced 2.4% to a three-month high.
In New York, the S&P 500 index gained 0.5%, and the Nasdaq Composite advanced 0.7%, following strong earnings and robust economic data.
The jobless claims dropped for the fifth week in a row and eased to the level last seen in April, and retail and food services sales advanced, confirming resilient consumer spending.
For now, the U.S. tariff-related price hikes are not impacting consumer spending and labor market conditions.
China Indexes and Stocks
The Hang Seng index advanced 0.8% to 24,676.64, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 index added 0.7% to 4,053.39.
Li Auto Inc. decreased 1.7% to HK $122.0, Xpeng gained 0.5% to HK $71.45, and Xiaomi Corp. added 0.3% to HK $56.35.
Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. increased 2.2% to HK $115.0, Tencent Holdings Ltd. edged up 0.6% to HK $520.0, and Meituan advanced 1.4% to $127.20.
- Li Chen
- 18 Jul, 2025
- Hong Kong
China stocks extended weekly gains amid improving market sentiment, and investors overlooked trade tensions.
The Hang Seng index edged up 0.8%, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 index advanced 0.7%, tracking gains in overnight trading in New York.
Investors shifted their focus to corporate results, and leading technology and electric vehicle makers led the gainers amid expectations of improved earnings.
For the week, the CSI 300 index gained 0.8%, and the Hang Seng index advanced 2.4% to a three-month high.
In New York, the S&P 500 index gained 0.5%, and the Nasdaq Composite advanced 0.7%, following strong earnings and robust economic data.
The jobless claims dropped for the fifth week in a row and eased to the level last seen in April, and retail and food services sales advanced, confirming resilient consumer spending.
For now, the U.S. tariff-related price hikes are not impacting consumer spending and labor market conditions.
China Indexes and Stocks
The Hang Seng index advanced 0.8% to 24,676.64, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 index added 0.7% to 4,053.39.
Li Auto Inc. decreased 1.7% to HK $122.0, Xpeng gained 0.5% to HK $71.45, and Xiaomi Corp. added 0.3% to HK $56.35.
Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. increased 2.2% to HK $115.0, Tencent Holdings Ltd. edged up 0.6% to HK $520.0, and Meituan advanced 1.4% to $127.20.
- Scott Peters
- 17 Jul, 2025
- New York City
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company increased 3.1% to $244.96 after the chip manufacturer reported sharply higher sales and earnings in the second quarter.
The company's sales surged more than 38%, and net income advanced 61%, driven in large part because of solid demand for its advanced chips used in artificial intelligence applications.
Revenue climbed to NT$933.8 billion from NT$673.5 billion, net earnings soared to NT$398.3 billion from NT$247.8 billion, and diluted earnings per share increased to NT$15.36 from NT$9.56 a year ago.
TSMC guided third-quarter revenues to be between $31.8 billion and $33.0 billion, an increase of 38% from a year ago and a rise of 8% from the second quarter.
The company estimated a gross profit margin between 55.5% and 57.5% and an operating profit margin between 45.5% and 47.5%.
GE Aerospace advanced 0.6% to $267.77 after the industrial engineering company reported a 54% increase in net income in the June quarter.
Consolidated revenue in the quarter increased to $11 billion from $9.1 billion, net income jumped to $2 billion from $1.3 billion, and diluted earnings per share rose to $1.89 from $1.15 a year ago.
For the six-month period, revenue advanced to $21 billion from $18 billion, net income soared to $4 billion from $3.1 billion, and diluted earnings per share edged higher to $3.73 from $2.55 a year ago.
The company plans to increase its capital return to shareholders by 20% between 2024 and 2026, reaching around $24 billion.
After 2026, it expects to keep returning at least 70% of its free cash flow to shareholders through dividends and stock buybacks.
GE Aerospace guided full-year revenue to be between $7.8 billion and $8.5 billion and diluted earnings per share between $5.10 and $5.80.
GE Aerospace Chairman and CEO H. Lawrence Culp, Jr., said, “The GE Aerospace team delivered an excellent second quarter with free cash flow nearly doubling and more than 20% growth in orders, revenue, operating profit, and EPS. We are raising our 2025 guidance."
The company's order backlog at the end of the quarter increased to $175 billion.
- Scott Peters
- 17 Jul, 2025
- New York City
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company increased 3.1% to $244.96 after the chip manufacturer reported sharply higher sales and earnings in the second quarter.
The company's sales surged more than 38%, and net income advanced 61%, driven in large part because of solid demand for its advanced chips used in artificial intelligence applications.
Revenue climbed to NT$933.8 billion from NT$673.5 billion, net earnings soared to NT$398.3 billion from NT$247.8 billion, and diluted earnings per share increased to NT$15.36 from NT$9.56 a year ago.
TSMC guided third-quarter revenues to be between $31.8 billion and $33.0 billion, an increase of 38% from a year ago and a rise of 8% from the second quarter.
The company estimated a gross profit margin between 55.5% and 57.5% and an operating profit margin between 45.5% and 47.5%.
GE Aerospace advanced 0.6% to $267.77 after the industrial engineering company reported a 54% increase in net income in the June quarter.
Consolidated revenue in the quarter increased to $11 billion from $9.1 billion, net income jumped to $2 billion from $1.3 billion, and diluted earnings per share rose to $1.89 from $1.15 a year ago.
For the six-month period, revenue advanced to $21 billion from $18 billion, net income soared to $4 billion from $3.1 billion, and diluted earnings per share edged higher to $3.73 from $2.55 a year ago.
The company plans to increase its capital return to shareholders by 20% between 2024 and 2026, reaching around $24 billion.
After 2026, it expects to keep returning at least 70% of its free cash flow to shareholders through dividends and stock buybacks.
GE Aerospace guided full-year revenue to be between $7.8 billion and $8.5 billion and diluted earnings per share between $5.10 and $5.80.
GE Aerospace Chairman and CEO H. Lawrence Culp, Jr., said, “The GE Aerospace team delivered an excellent second quarter with free cash flow nearly doubling and more than 20% growth in orders, revenue, operating profit, and EPS. We are raising our 2025 guidance."
The company's order backlog at the end of the quarter increased to $175 billion.