Economy

“Retail sales increased 0.2% in February, though spending up less than expected”

“Retail sales increased 0.2% on the month, better than the downwardly revised decline of 1.2% the prior month but below the Dow Jones estimate for a 0.6% rise. The so-called control group, which strips out noncore sectors and feeds directly… Continue Reading…

Economy

“US shoppers cut spending as economic outlook concerns mount”

“…Many retailers reported solid sales at the end of last year, but warned of slower growth in 2025, and industry data shows that their forecasts are already playing out. Footfall to US stores fell by 4.3 per cent year on… Continue Reading…

Economy

“U.S. budget deficit surged in February, passing $1 trillion for year-to-date record”

“…Government spending eased slightly on a monthly basis though it still far outpaced revenue, according to a Treasury Department statement Wednesday. The deficit totaled just over $307 billion for the month, nearly 2½ times what it was in January and… Continue Reading…

Stocks

“Roblox shares drop 22% as company cuts annual bookings forecast on muted player spending”

“…Roblox now expects full-year bookings to be between $4 billion and $4.10 billion, down from its earlier forecast of $4.14 billion to $4.28 billion. Its second-quarter bookings forecast of $870 million to $900 million was also below estimates…” https://www.cnbc.com/2024/05/09/roblox-shares-drop-nearly-30percent-as-company-cuts-annual-bookings-forecast-on-muted-player-spending.html

Business

“Microsoft says cloud AI demand is exceeding supply even after 79% surge in capital spending”

“…In its earnings report on Thursday, Microsoft said capital expenditures jumped 79% from a year earlier to $14 billion. The company is spending much faster than it’s increasing revenue — sales climbed 17% in the period. Even with all that investment, Microsoft… Continue Reading…

Economy

“Global military spending hit all-time high in 2023 after 7% jump, report finds”

“Global military spending reached a record high of $2.4 trillion in 2023 amid a “global deterioration in peace and security,” the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute said Monday. The figure marked a 6.8% increase from 2022 and the sharpest year-on-year… Continue Reading…

Economy

“IMF Steps Up Its Warning to US Over Spending and Ballooning Debt”

“The International Monetary Fund leveled an unusually direct criticism at US policymakers Tuesday, saying the country’s recent standout performance among advanced economies was in part driven by an unsustainable fiscal policy…” https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-04-16/imf-steps-up-its-warning-to-us-over-ballooning-debt The U.S. has unsustainable debt. It doesn’t take a rocket… Continue Reading…

Economy

“Fears Sadiq Khan will bring in pay-per-mile road taxes after spending £3m on project”

“Sadiq Khan spent £3 million of taxpayers’ money planning a pay-per-mile road charging system, amid fears he could bring the scheme in if he is re-elected. Transport officials were working on a driver charging project as recently as January, even though… Continue Reading…

Economy

“Jamie Dimon believes U.S. debt is the ‘most predictable crisis’ in history—and experts say it could cost Americans their homes, spending power and national security”

“…Jamie Dimon says Washington is facing a global market “rebellion” because of the tab it is racking up, while Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan believes it’s time to stop admiring the problem and instead do something about it. Elsewhere The Black Swan author Nassim Taleb says the… Continue Reading…