Japan's Nikkei 225 Closed Up Following a Rebound In Semiconductor Equipment Makers

Japan's stocks recouped losses of the previous session following a rebound in technology stocks. 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average closed up 0.5%, and the broader Topix edged up 0.1%. 

Tech stocks led the rebound in Tokyo after Nvidia's CEO Jensen Huang said that the company can soon resume selling advanced chips to China, meeting the guidelines set by the U.S. 

Investors reviewed the latest batch of economic data from China, which confirmed that the economy is resilient despite the ongoing tariff tensions in the U.S. 

China's second quarter GDP expanded at an annual pace of 5.2%, slower than the 5.4% in the first quarter, the National Bureau of Statistics reported Tuesday.

New property prices in June fell 0.3% from the previous month, faster than the 0.2% rate in the previous month, signaling ongoing demand weakness. 

Domestically, investors awaited the release of inflation and international trade data later this week.

Japan's 10-year bond yield rose to 1.59%, the highest since 2008, amid expectations that the fiscal spending is likely to expand ahead of the Upper House election this Sunday. 

The yen hovered at a two-month low of 147 against the U.S. dollar, as traders worried about the persistent trade tensions with the U.S.

Japan Stocks and Indexes 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average edged up 0.5% to 39,678.02, and the broader Topix gained 0.1% to 2,825.31. 

Tokyo Electron Ltd. increased 3.4% to ¥27,410.0; Advantest Corp. gained 1.8% to ¥11,720.0; and Disco Corp. jumped 4.4% to ¥46,250.0. 

Seven & I Holdings decreased 0.1% to ¥2,198.50, Fast Retailing advanced 1.8% to ¥44,920.0, and Aeon Co. Ltd. added 0.2% to ¥4,421.0.

China's Economic Growth Steady Despite U.S. Tariff Headwinds, Property Market Weakness Persists

Stocks in China lost early momentum after investors digested the latest batch of mixed economic data. 

The Hang Seng index edged up 0.2% and eased from a rebound of 1.5%, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 index decreased 0.5%. 

Investors welcomed the second quarter's GDP growth data, but the weak updates on retail sales, property prices, and fixed investment kept investor enthusiasm in check. 

China's GDP expanded at an annual pace of 5.2% in the second quarter, slightly lower than the 5.4% increase in the first quarter, the National Bureau of Statistics reported Tuesday.

For the first half, the economy expanded at an annual pace of 5.3%, confirming that China's economy is resilient despite the threats of monster tariffs. 

The 52% growth in the first half was driven by consumer spending, with exports contributing about 31.2%.

Beijing is looking to decrease the economy's reliance on exports, but the government's trade-in program worth 300 billion yuan (or $42 billion) for cars, household appliances, and consumer goods is losing steam. 

Retail sales advanced at an annual pace of 4.8% in June, slower than a 6.4% rate in May, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.

The jobless rate held at 5% in June, matching the rate in the previous month, according to the official data released by the NBS. 

Overall fixed investment increased 2.8% from a year ago in the first six months compared to a 3.7% rise in the January-May period. 

The weakness in the property sector weighed heavily on the economy, and investment dropped 11.2% in the first six months, compared to a decline of 10.7% in the first five months.

China Indexes and Stocks 

The Hang Seng index increased 0.2% to 24,250.90, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 index decreased 0.5% to 3,997.40. 

Property stocks declined after new home prices in 70 major cities fell 0.3% from the previous month in June. 

China Vanke Co. Ltd. decreased 2.4% to HK $5.19, after the real estate developer said net loss in the first half is likely to expand to between 10 billion yuan and 12 billion yuan, compared to 9.85 billion yuan in the same period a year ago. 

Longfor Group Holdings Ltd. decreased 2.4% to HK $10.14, China Resources Land Ltd. fell 3% to HK $28.60, and China Overseas Land & Investment Ltd. declined 1.4% to HK $13.50. 

China's Economic Growth Steady Despite U.S. Tariff Headwinds, Property Market Weakness Persists

Stocks in China lost early momentum after investors digested the latest batch of mixed economic data. 

The Hang Seng index edged up 0.2% and eased from a rebound of 1.5%, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 index decreased 0.5%. 

Investors welcomed the second quarter's GDP growth data, but the weak updates on retail sales, property prices, and fixed investment kept investor enthusiasm in check. 

China's GDP expanded at an annual pace of 5.2% in the second quarter, slightly lower than the 5.4% increase in the first quarter, the National Bureau of Statistics reported Tuesday.

For the first half, the economy expanded at an annual pace of 5.3%, confirming that China's economy is resilient despite the threats of monster tariffs. 

The 52% growth in the first half was driven by consumer spending, with exports contributing about 31.2%.

Beijing is looking to decrease the economy's reliance on exports, but the government's trade-in program worth 300 billion yuan (or $42 billion) for cars, household appliances, and consumer goods is losing steam. 

Retail sales advanced at an annual pace of 4.8% in June, slower than a 6.4% rate in May, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.

The jobless rate held at 5% in June, matching the rate in the previous month, according to the official data released by the NBS. 

Overall fixed investment increased 2.8% from a year ago in the first six months compared to a 3.7% rise in the January-May period. 

The weakness in the property sector weighed heavily on the economy, and investment dropped 11.2% in the first six months, compared to a decline of 10.7% in the first five months.

China Indexes and Stocks 

The Hang Seng index increased 0.2% to 24,250.90, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 index decreased 0.5% to 3,997.40. 

Property stocks declined after new home prices in 70 major cities fell 0.3% from the previous month in June. 

China Vanke Co. Ltd. decreased 2.4% to HK $5.19, after the real estate developer said net loss in the first half is likely to expand to between 10 billion yuan and 12 billion yuan, compared to 9.85 billion yuan in the same period a year ago. 

Longfor Group Holdings Ltd. decreased 2.4% to HK $10.14, China Resources Land Ltd. fell 3% to HK $28.60, and China Overseas Land & Investment Ltd. declined 1.4% to HK $13.50. 

Earnings Optimism Likely to Support Market Rally Despite New Tariff Jitters

Stock market indexes in New York headed lower following the threats of new tariffs over the weekend. 

The S&P 500 index decreased 0.1%, and the Nasdaq Composite declined 0.2% as the U.S. president threatened additional tariffs of 30% on Mexico and the European Union. 

Despite the ongoing negotiations, Trump's threats raise the question about the reliability of an agreement with the U.S., because new tariff threats include nations that have signed a trade agreement. 

The erratic and unpredictable Trump administration's approach to international trade has left many world leaders wondering about the value of an agreement with the U.S. 

Trump, as in the past, could repudiate any future trade deal at any time, rendering an agreement worthless.

This week investors in the U.S. are looking forward to the release of consumer inflation reports, and overall inflation is expected to rise to 2.6%, and core inflation is likely to rebound to 3%.

On the earnings front, banks are scheduled to kick off the earnings season, including results from JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, and American Express.

U.S. Stock Movers

Kenvue Inc. rose 4.8% to $22.37, and the company said its chief executive, Thibaut Mongon, has resigned. 

The company's board is looking to simplify its diverse product portfolio and consider its strategic alternatives. 

MicroStrategy Inc. jumped 2.9% to $446.70 after Bitcoin advanced 2.2% to $121,818, trading at a new record high. 

 Boeing Company jumped 1.4% to $229.89 after the preliminary investigation revealed that malfunction of the fuel switch may have played a key role in Air India's fatal crash last month. 

The preliminary investigation rules out the airplane's design or manufacturing-related issues. 

Earnings Optimism Likely to Support Market Rally Despite New Tariff Jitters

Stock market indexes in New York headed lower following the threats of new tariffs over the weekend. 

The S&P 500 index decreased 0.1%, and the Nasdaq Composite declined 0.2% as the U.S. president threatened additional tariffs of 30% on Mexico and the European Union. 

Despite the ongoing negotiations, Trump's threats raise the question about the reliability of an agreement with the U.S., because new tariff threats include nations that have signed a trade agreement. 

The erratic and unpredictable Trump administration's approach to international trade has left many world leaders wondering about the value of an agreement with the U.S. 

Trump, as in the past, could repudiate any future trade deal at any time, rendering an agreement worthless.

This week investors in the U.S. are looking forward to the release of consumer inflation reports, and overall inflation is expected to rise to 2.6%, and core inflation is likely to rebound to 3%.

On the earnings front, banks are scheduled to kick off the earnings season, including results from JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, and American Express.

U.S. Stock Movers

Kenvue Inc. rose 4.8% to $22.37, and the company said its chief executive, Thibaut Mongon, has resigned. 

The company's board is looking to simplify its diverse product portfolio and consider its strategic alternatives. 

MicroStrategy Inc. jumped 2.9% to $446.70 after Bitcoin advanced 2.2% to $121,818, trading at a new record high. 

 Boeing Company jumped 1.4% to $229.89 after the preliminary investigation revealed that malfunction of the fuel switch may have played a key role in Air India's fatal crash last month. 

The preliminary investigation rules out the airplane's design or manufacturing-related issues. 

European Markets Fall As Frequent U.S. Trade Policy Changes Unnerve Investors

European markets declined on Monday as investors weighed the impact of the latest U.S. tariff threats. 

The U.S. president on Saturday threatened to impose a 30% tax on imports from the European Union and Mexico starting August 1, even as they are locked in trade negotiations. 

Trump's arbitrary trade policy changes are making it impossible to finalize a trade agreement, as the U.S. president's erratic and random threats question the trustworthiness of an agreement.

Germany's finance minister called for firm action if import taxes are levied, and France's President Emmanuel Macron urged the European Union to "resolutely defend European interests."

"We remain ready to continue working towards an agreement by August 1.

At the same time, we will take all necessary steps to safeguard EU interests, including the adoption of proportionate countermeasures if required," President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen responded to the latest U.S. threats. 

Investors are looking forward to the release of several key economic metrics later in the week. 

The UK’s inflation rate is expected to stay at 3.4%, and the jobless rate is likely to stay at a four-year high of 4.6%.

Eurozone industrial production and trade data from the Euro Area, Switzerland, Spain, and Italy are on tap as well.

On the earnings front, investors are awaiting results from Experian, Ericsson, Novartis, ABB, Atlas Copco, SAAB, Volvo, Rio Tinto, Aeroports de Paris, and ASML Holding.

Europe Stock Movers 

Defense stocks advanced after the French president announced 6.5 billion in additional military spending over the next two years. 

Thales SA edged up 1.7% to €255.30, Safran SA inched lower 0.3% to €278.70, Dassault Aviation increased 2% to €309.0, and Airbus SE declined 0.6% to €182.16. 

Automobile stocks traded down after the U.S. president threatened to impose additional tariffs on imports from the European Union. 

Volkswagen AG fell 1.8% to €92.28, Mercedes-Benz Group dropped 2% to €52.01, and Stellantis NV fell 1.1% to €8.49. 

European Markets Fall As Frequent U.S. Trade Policy Changes Unnerve Investors

European markets declined on Monday as investors weighed the impact of the latest U.S. tariff threats. 

The U.S. president on Saturday threatened to impose a 30% tax on imports from the European Union and Mexico starting August 1, even as they are locked in trade negotiations. 

Trump's arbitrary trade policy changes are making it impossible to finalize a trade agreement, as the U.S. president's erratic and random threats question the trustworthiness of an agreement.

Germany's finance minister called for firm action if import taxes are levied, and France's President Emmanuel Macron urged the European Union to "resolutely defend European interests."

"We remain ready to continue working towards an agreement by August 1.

At the same time, we will take all necessary steps to safeguard EU interests, including the adoption of proportionate countermeasures if required," President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen responded to the latest U.S. threats. 

Investors are looking forward to the release of several key economic metrics later in the week. 

The UK’s inflation rate is expected to stay at 3.4%, and the jobless rate is likely to stay at a four-year high of 4.6%.

Eurozone industrial production and trade data from the Euro Area, Switzerland, Spain, and Italy are on tap as well.

On the earnings front, investors are awaiting results from Experian, Ericsson, Novartis, ABB, Atlas Copco, SAAB, Volvo, Rio Tinto, Aeroports de Paris, and ASML Holding.

Europe Stock Movers 

Defense stocks advanced after the French president announced 6.5 billion in additional military spending over the next two years. 

Thales SA edged up 1.7% to €255.30, Safran SA inched lower 0.3% to €278.70, Dassault Aviation increased 2% to €309.0, and Airbus SE declined 0.6% to €182.16. 

Automobile stocks traded down after the U.S. president threatened to impose additional tariffs on imports from the European Union. 

Volkswagen AG fell 1.8% to €92.28, Mercedes-Benz Group dropped 2% to €52.01, and Stellantis NV fell 1.1% to €8.49. 

Japan's Bond Yields Spiked Ahead of Upper House Elections, Machine Tool Orders Eased In May

Stocks in Japan fluctuated ahead of Upper House elections this week, and investors reviewed the latest U.S. tariff announcements. 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average decreased 0.2%, and the broader Topix inched higher by a fraction as investors focused on a possible increase in government spending after the Upper House elections this weekend.

The ruling coalition is likely to announce additional government programs to support household spending, which will add to already large government debt. 

On July 20, 124 of the 248 members of the upper house of the National Diet are scheduled for an election, and the ruling coalition needs to win at least 50 seats to secure a majority. 

Japan's 10-year bond yield edged up to 1.57% amid growing fiscal concerns ahead of the Upper House elections, and the ruling coalition is likely to support a consumption tax cut. 

On the economic front, Japan's machine orders increased in May from the previous month, but the core orders declined, the Cabinet Office reported Monday. 

The seasonally adjusted total value of machinery orders received by 280 manufacturers increased by 3.8% in May from the previous month. 

Core orders, which exclude large and volatile orders for ships and power plants, decreased 0.6% from the previous month.

Investors reviewed the latest U.S. tariff announcements and braced for higher import duties on Japanese goods. 

The U.S. president announced his plans to impose 30% tariffs on Mexico and the European Union starting August 1. 

Japan Indexes and Stocks 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average decreased 0.2% to 39,498.89, and the broader Topix edged up 0.03% to 2,824.13. 

Fast Retailing Co. Ltd. rebounded 1.4% to ¥44,140.0, after the stock fell as much as 7% in Friday's session. 

The parent company of Uniqlo signaled that its U.S. operations are likely to suffer in the second half because of higher import duties and unpredictable U.S. trade policy. 

Japan's Bond Yields Spiked Ahead of Upper House Elections, Machine Tool Orders Eased In May

Stocks in Japan fluctuated ahead of Upper House elections this week, and investors reviewed the latest U.S. tariff announcements. 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average decreased 0.2%, and the broader Topix inched higher by a fraction as investors focused on a possible increase in government spending after the Upper House elections this weekend.

The ruling coalition is likely to announce additional government programs to support household spending, which will add to already large government debt. 

On July 20, 124 of the 248 members of the upper house of the National Diet are scheduled for an election, and the ruling coalition needs to win at least 50 seats to secure a majority. 

Japan's 10-year bond yield edged up to 1.57% amid growing fiscal concerns ahead of the Upper House elections, and the ruling coalition is likely to support a consumption tax cut. 

On the economic front, Japan's machine orders increased in May from the previous month, but the core orders declined, the Cabinet Office reported Monday. 

The seasonally adjusted total value of machinery orders received by 280 manufacturers increased by 3.8% in May from the previous month. 

Core orders, which exclude large and volatile orders for ships and power plants, decreased 0.6% from the previous month.

Investors reviewed the latest U.S. tariff announcements and braced for higher import duties on Japanese goods. 

The U.S. president announced his plans to impose 30% tariffs on Mexico and the European Union starting August 1. 

Japan Indexes and Stocks 

The Nikkei 225 Stock Average decreased 0.2% to 39,498.89, and the broader Topix edged up 0.03% to 2,824.13. 

Fast Retailing Co. Ltd. rebounded 1.4% to ¥44,140.0, after the stock fell as much as 7% in Friday's session. 

The parent company of Uniqlo signaled that its U.S. operations are likely to suffer in the second half because of higher import duties and unpredictable U.S. trade policy. 

Hong Kong Indexes Wavered, China Exports and Trade Surplus Widened

Stocks in China and Hong Kong fluctuated as investors focused on new U.S. tariff threats and overlooked exports data. 

The Hang Seng index edged up 0.1%, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 index increased 0.2% amid new U.S. threats of higher baseline tariffs.

The U.S. president announced a new baseline tariff for all trading partners between 15% and 20% and an additional duty of as much as 35% on select trading partners. 

The Trump administration has kept its highest tariff rates totaling as much as 50% for China, as the world's largest economy hopes to lower its trade deficit. 

China's Exports and Trade Surplus Expanded in June

Despite the Trump administration's efforts to stem the rising flow of goods from Chinese makers, China's exports accelerated in June. 

The exports surged 5.8% to $325.2 billion, imports advanced 1.1% to $210.4 billion, driving the trade surplus higher by 14% to $114.8 billion, the National Bureau of Statistics reported Monday. 

Exports in June accelerated from a 4.8% annual increase in the previous month. 

China's trade surplus widened to $114.8 billion from $98.9 billion a year ago, and the trade surplus with the U.S. expanded to $26.6 billion from $18 billion in May. 

Over the first half, despite the brewing trade tensions with the U.S., China's exports have increased 5.9% to $1.8 trillion and imports contracted 3.9% to $1.2 trillion.

In the six-month period to June, China's trade surplus widened to $586 billion, driven by a surge in exports of electric vehicles, electronic goods, and household appliances. 

China Indexes and Stocks 

The Hang Seng Index increased 0.1% to 24,166.03, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 index edged up 0.2% to 4,023.75. 

Internet platform operators and property stocks dominated trading. 

Alibaba Group Holding rose 1.3% to HK $106.60, Meituan edged up 0.6% to HK $120.70, and Tencent Holding increased 0.5% to HK $498.80. 

China Vanke declined 0.5% to HK $5.30, Longfor Group Holdings gained 0.4% to HK $10.46, and Sun Hung Kai Properties fell 0.9% to HK $89.0.

Hong Kong Indexes Wavered, China Exports and Trade Surplus Widened

Stocks in China and Hong Kong fluctuated as investors focused on new U.S. tariff threats and overlooked exports data. 

The Hang Seng index edged up 0.1%, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 index increased 0.2% amid new U.S. threats of higher baseline tariffs.

The U.S. president announced a new baseline tariff for all trading partners between 15% and 20% and an additional duty of as much as 35% on select trading partners. 

The Trump administration has kept its highest tariff rates totaling as much as 50% for China, as the world's largest economy hopes to lower its trade deficit. 

China's Exports and Trade Surplus Expanded in June

Despite the Trump administration's efforts to stem the rising flow of goods from Chinese makers, China's exports accelerated in June. 

The exports surged 5.8% to $325.2 billion, imports advanced 1.1% to $210.4 billion, driving the trade surplus higher by 14% to $114.8 billion, the National Bureau of Statistics reported Monday. 

Exports in June accelerated from a 4.8% annual increase in the previous month. 

China's trade surplus widened to $114.8 billion from $98.9 billion a year ago, and the trade surplus with the U.S. expanded to $26.6 billion from $18 billion in May. 

Over the first half, despite the brewing trade tensions with the U.S., China's exports have increased 5.9% to $1.8 trillion and imports contracted 3.9% to $1.2 trillion.

In the six-month period to June, China's trade surplus widened to $586 billion, driven by a surge in exports of electric vehicles, electronic goods, and household appliances. 

China Indexes and Stocks 

The Hang Seng Index increased 0.1% to 24,166.03, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 index edged up 0.2% to 4,023.75. 

Internet platform operators and property stocks dominated trading. 

Alibaba Group Holding rose 1.3% to HK $106.60, Meituan edged up 0.6% to HK $120.70, and Tencent Holding increased 0.5% to HK $498.80. 

China Vanke declined 0.5% to HK $5.30, Longfor Group Holdings gained 0.4% to HK $10.46, and Sun Hung Kai Properties fell 0.9% to HK $89.0.

Wall Street Indexes Dropped As Escalating Tariff War Reignite Inflation Worries

Stock market indexes in New York turned lower amid escalating trade tensions and renewed worries about the tariff-linked inflation and its impact on long-term interest rates.

The S&P 500 index decreased 0.2%, and the tech-focused Nasdaq Composite declined 0.1%.

Benchmark indexes in New York faced headwinds after the U.S. president announced a 35% tariff on Canada and blanket tariffs between 15% and 20% on all other trade partners. 

The Trump administration's announcements took investors by surprise, just as investors and businesses were adjusting to the possible rate of 10%. 

The average tariffs paid by the U.S. importers and businesses are near the historic low of 3%, and the sharp escalation in import taxes is likely to fuel inflation.

So far businesses have not passed on higher tariffs to consumers, as companies work off inventories and look for ways to absorb the higher cost of doing business. 

But in the months ahead, businesses will be forced to pass on at least some of the higher import taxes to consumers, which will stoke inflation and force the Federal Reserve to keep higher rates for longer.

Imports from China are facing a tariff rate of 40%, those from Japan are likely to be taxed at 25%, and those from the European Union, Mexico, and Canada are expected to be taxed between 15% and 35%.

U.S. Stock Movers 

Levi Strauss & Company jumped 8.6% to $21.43 after the denim maker lifted its sales outlook and reported better-than-expected results in its latest quarter. 

PriceSmart Inc. advanced 7.6% to $110.50, and the membership-based warehouse club operator reported stronger-than-expected revenue and earnings for the latest quarter.

WD-40 Inc edged up 0.4% to $225.75, and the company reported weaker-than-expected revenue, but earnings surpassed expectations.

Wall Street Indexes Dropped As Escalating Tariff War Reignite Inflation Worries

Stock market indexes in New York turned lower amid escalating trade tensions and renewed worries about the tariff-linked inflation and its impact on long-term interest rates.

The S&P 500 index decreased 0.2%, and the tech-focused Nasdaq Composite declined 0.1%.

Benchmark indexes in New York faced headwinds after the U.S. president announced a 35% tariff on Canada and blanket tariffs between 15% and 20% on all other trade partners. 

The Trump administration's announcements took investors by surprise, just as investors and businesses were adjusting to the possible rate of 10%. 

The average tariffs paid by the U.S. importers and businesses are near the historic low of 3%, and the sharp escalation in import taxes is likely to fuel inflation.

So far businesses have not passed on higher tariffs to consumers, as companies work off inventories and look for ways to absorb the higher cost of doing business. 

But in the months ahead, businesses will be forced to pass on at least some of the higher import taxes to consumers, which will stoke inflation and force the Federal Reserve to keep higher rates for longer.

Imports from China are facing a tariff rate of 40%, those from Japan are likely to be taxed at 25%, and those from the European Union, Mexico, and Canada are expected to be taxed between 15% and 35%.

U.S. Stock Movers 

Levi Strauss & Company jumped 8.6% to $21.43 after the denim maker lifted its sales outlook and reported better-than-expected results in its latest quarter. 

PriceSmart Inc. advanced 7.6% to $110.50, and the membership-based warehouse club operator reported stronger-than-expected revenue and earnings for the latest quarter.

WD-40 The company edged up 0.4% to $225.75, and the company reported weaker-than-expected revenue, but earnings surpassed expectations.

PriceSmart Inc. increased by 0.7% to $107.70 after the warehouse club operator reported an 8% rise in its earnings in the fiscal third quarter ending in June.

Consolidated revenue in the June quarter inched higher to $1.3 billion from $1.2 billion, net income increased to $35.1 million from $32.5 million, and diluted earnings per share rose to $1.14 from $1.08 a year ago.

For the nine-month period, revenue advanced to $3.8 billion from $3.6 billion, net income soared to $166.3 million from $109.8 million, and diluted earnings per share edged higher to $3.80 from $3.62 a year ago.

WD-40 Co. declined 2.1% to $224.90, and the maintenance products maker reported a 5% rise in its earnings in the fiscal third quarter ending in June.

Consolidated revenue in the quarter increased to $156.9 million from $155 million, net income inched higher to $21 million from $19.8 million, and diluted earnings per share rose to $1.54 from $1.46 a year ago.

For the six-month period, revenue edged higher to $456.5 billion from $434.6 billion, net income soared to $69.8 million from $52.9 million, and diluted earnings per share advanced to $5.13 from $3.88 a year ago.

The company guided full-year net sales growth to narrow to between 6% and 9%, or $600 million and $620 million, after adjusting for estimated translation impacts of foreign currency.

Gross margin for the full year continues to be expected to be between 55% and 56%.

The company estimated the income tax rate to be around 22.5%.

The diluted earnings per share estimate was revised higher to between $5.30 and $5.60 based on an estimated 13.5 million weighted average shares outstanding. 

This new range reflects anticipated growth of between 12% and 18% compared to 2024.

The company’s board of directors declared a regular quarterly dividend of $0.94 per share payable on July 31 to stockholders of record on July 18.