US markets closed mixed on Wednesday, tech shares lifted Nasdaq while S&P 500 remained flat. Fed Chair Powell reiterated wait-and-see approach. Asian markets mostly up, European markets also positive with oil prices steady.
In this video, Epstein discusses the current state of the metal markets, highlighting various economic indicators set to be released, such as the Chicago Federal Reserve's May National Activity Index, U.S. first-quarter GDP data, and jobless claims.
Applied Industrial’s first quarter results met Wall Street’s revenue expectations but drew a negative market reaction, with shares falling sharply after the announcement. Management attributed the soft performance to ongoing weakness in key industrial markets, particularly in its Engineered Solutions segment, which continued to face slowdowns in OEM fluid power demand and delayed project activity. CEO Neil Schrimsher described the environment as “muted and evolving,” noting that operational discipline and continued focus on gross margin initiatives helped offset sluggish organic growth. The company also highlighted improving order activity in some end markets, but acknowledged that demand trends remain volatile and difficult to predict.
ITT’s first quarter saw a positive market response, as the company delivered flat sales of $913 million—exceeding Wall Street revenue expectations by a small margin. Management attributed stable performance to strong order momentum, especially in the Industrial Process segment and recent acquisitions. CEO Luca Savi highlighted that orders grew 7% overall, with notable contributions from the kSARIA and Svanehøj acquisitions, driving a record backlog. Despite headwinds from lower volumes in auto and aerospace and currency effects, Savi credited “shop floor productivity and price” for supporting margins and noted record free cash flow in the quarter.
Graphic Packaging Holding’s first quarter was marked by a sharp market disappointment, as the company’s results fell below consensus expectations amid continued consumer belt-tightening and input cost inflation. CEO Mike Doss cited stretched consumers and lackluster promotional activity as the main reasons for lower sales volumes, especially in the Americas, with ongoing cost pressures further eroding profitability. Doss acknowledged, “We have taken actions to offset higher costs and continue to generate innovation sales growth,” but also described the backdrop as “very challenging” and signaled that near-term headwinds are unlikely to resolve quickly.
Wyndham’s first quarter results met Wall Street’s revenue expectations, while adjusted earnings per share surpassed estimates. Management attributed the steady quarter to continued growth in its hotel system and development pipeline, as well as resilient pricing in most markets. CEO Geoff Ballotti noted that U.S. and international royalty rates increased, and the company saw healthy ancillary fee growth from partnerships and co-branded credit cards. However, leisure demand in the U.S. softened during the quarter, and China faced ongoing pricing pressures, which management linked to broader macroeconomic uncertainty.
Pilgrim’s Pride’s first quarter results were met with a negative market reaction, as both revenue and non-GAAP profit fell short of Wall Street expectations. Management attributed the shortfall primarily to a shifting demand landscape in the U.S., with more consumers moving purchases from foodservice venues to retail channels. CEO Fabio Sandri noted, “We’re seeing a movement from one segment to another, leading to strong demand in retail and double-digit growth in dark meat categories.” Despite improved production efficiencies and higher margins, the company faced challenges from volatile feed costs and consumer caution amid persistent inflation.
Payroll and human resources software provider, Paychex (NASDAQ:PAYX) missed Wall Street’s revenue expectations in Q2 CY2025, but sales rose 10.2% year on year to $1.43 billion. Its non-GAAP profit of $1.19 per share was in line with analysts’ consensus estimates.
Investors weighed mixed signals from Washington and the Middle East while awaiting fresh U.S. economic data, including GDP and inflation figures due later this week.
The end of an earnings season can be a great time to discover new stocks and assess how companies are handling the current business environment. Let’s take a look at how Essent Group (NYSE:ESNT) and the rest of the property & casualty insurance stocks fared in Q1.
Micron Technology’s artificial intelligence-powered third-quarter outperformance could be a welcome relief to traders who are left to contend with macro and geopolitical challenges.
Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) is placing the blame for the Federal Reserve's increasingly grim economic outlook on President Donald Trump's trade and tariff policies.
Disinflation or slowing inflation (prices rise but more slowly) and the best example is the 1980s under Volcker . Stagflation or stagnant growth and higher inflation and the best example is the U.S. oil shock of the 1970s.
Cryptocurrency markets are trending higher, supported by increased corporate buying and growing hope of Federal Reserve rate cuts. Meanwhile, spot Bitcoin ETFs have seen inflows for 11 straight days, further boosting market confidence.
Trump’s latest criticism of Powell comes at a time when the Fed Chair questioned who would pay for the President’s tariff policies during his testimony to Congress.
