Kevin Hassett’s push for deeper rate cuts comes as he emerges as the leading contender to replace Jerome Powell, with markets bracing for a more dovish Fed.
Shares of auto parts and accessories retailer AutoZone (NYSE:AZO)
fell 6.3% in the morning session after it reported fourth-quarter earnings and sales that fell short of Wall Street expectations. The company's earnings per share came in at $31.04, missing analyst forecasts of $32.40. While net sales grew 8.2% year-over-year to $4.63 billion, the figure was slightly below estimates of $4.65 billion. Furthermore, same-store sales, a key performance indicator for retailers, rose 4.7% year-on-year. The company's profitability also weakened, with its gross margin declining by 2 percentage points and its operating margin falling to 16.9% from 19.7% in the same quarter last year, contributing to lower-than-expected profits.
Shares of student loan provider Sallie Mae (NASDAQ:SLM) fell 16.4% in the morning session after multiple analysts downgraded the stock, citing concerns about a higher expense outlook. Morgan Stanley lowered its rating on the student loan company from 'Overweight' to 'Equalweight' and cut its price target. The change came after Sallie Mae presented a scenario that showed potentially higher-than-expected expenses in 2026 and 2027 as it prepared for new loan opportunities and potential government changes. Due to this outlook, Morgan Stanley reduced its earnings per share estimates for those years. Adding to the pressure, Compass Point also downgraded the stock more severely, from 'Buy' to 'Sell,' and significantly lowered its price target from $35.00 to $23.00.
As of December 9, 2025, the financial world is abuzz with a wave of bold predictions shaping the outlook for the stock market in 2026. Analysts and strategists are forecasting a pivotal year, characterized by a complex interplay of continued economic expansion, persistent yet moderating inflation, and a significant shift
December S&P 500 E-Mini futures (ESZ25) are trending up +0.07% this morning as investors gear up for the start of the Federal Reserve’s two-day policy meeting, while also awaiting the delayed reading on U.S. job openings.
When compared to the first quarter of 2021, Rocket Lab’s recent quarter reported a revenue surge of 750%, making the third quarter of this year its best one ever.
Shares of luxury electric car manufacturer Lucid (NASDAQ:LCID) fell 6.2% in the afternoon session after Morgan Stanley downgraded the stock and sharply cut its price target, citing a prolonged path to profitability and significant risks for shareholders.
Shares of medical technology company Inspire Medical Systems (NYSE:INSP)
jumped 4.5% in the morning session after Piper Sandler raised its price target on the company's stock to $165 from $135. The investment firm also maintained its positive "Overweight" rating. The decision was based on improved reimbursement news for the company, which makes technology to treat sleep apnea. The analyst noted that better insurance coverage should help drive more sales and lead to higher average selling prices for Inspire's products.
Shares of semiconductor equipment maker Lam Research (NASDAQ:LRCX)
jumped 1.6% in the morning session after Morgan Stanley raised its price target on the stock to $158 from $137. The firm kept its "Equal Weight" rating on the shares. This decision came as the analyst firm increased its forecast for the Wafer Fab Equipment (WFE) market, which is the machinery used to create computer chips. The firm's 2027 WFE forecast was lifted to $145 billion, marking a 13% increase from its prior projection. The stock's rise also occurred during a session that saw broad strength across the chip-making sector, providing a positive lift for the industry.
Tesla dropped after Morgan Stanley downgraded the stock, saying the stock already reflects expected AI gains and lowering near-term auto volume forecasts.
A Morgan Stanley analyst has downgraded the stock of Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ: TSLA) despite the company's impressive performance in the electric vehicle sector.
Central banks globally are constantly evaluating monetary policy in response to economic indicators. A perennial question in this discourse is the efficacy of interest rate cuts as a catalyst for economic growth. As of late 2025, with varying economic signals across major economies, the prospect of central banks easing monetary
