$KR

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Update: Signed US-Iran Peace Deal Lifts US Equity Futures Pre-Bell

(Updates with economic data, recent oil price movement, world markets' overview and corporate stock movements.)US equity futures were higher pre-bell Thursday after the US and Iran digitally signed an agreement aimed at ending the war in the Middle East.Dow Jones Industrial Average futures were 0.5% higher, S&P 500 futures were up 0.8%, and Nasdaq futures were 1.6% higher.President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian digitally signed a memorandum of understanding targeting a permanent peace deal to end the war between the US and Iran. Amid criticism that Iran came out with the better end of the deal, Trump said in a post on Truth Social that people thinking he was not tough enough on the Middle Eastern nation were "either jealous, bad people, or stupid."All three major US stock indexes ended lower on Wednesday after Federal Reserve officials signaled a potential rate hike by the end of 2026 as inflation remains elevated.Traders observed the latest round of earnings, with Accenture (ACN) posting higher fiscal Q3 earnings and revenue.Oil prices were lower, with front-month global benchmark North Sea Brent crude down 1.3% at $78.52 per barrel and US West Texas Intermediate crude 2.1% lower at $75.22 per barrel.The weekly jobless claims bulletin showed 226,000 new unemployment claims for the week ended June 13, compared with the upwardly adjusted 230,000 figure in the prior week and above the 225,000 expected in a survey compiled by Bloomberg. The Philadelphia Federal Reserve's monthly manufacturing index rose to 10.3 in June from negative 0.4 in May, compared with expectations for a smaller increase to a reading of 10.0.In other world markets, Japan's Nikkei closed 1.7% higher, Hong Kong's Hang Seng ended 1.6% lower, and China's Shanghai Composite finished 0.4% lower. Meanwhile, the UK's FTSE 100 was down 1.1%, and Germany's DAX index was 00% lower in Europe's early afternoon session.In equities, Intel (INTC) shares were up 9% after President Donald Trump said Apple (AAPL) has "agreed to work with Intel to design and build its Chips in America." Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing's (TSM) stock was up 1.6% after a Nikkei Asia report cited chief operating officer Chris Koopmans as saying that Marvell Technology (MRVL) plans to adopt the company's 1.4-nanometer process for future chips. Broadcom (AVGO) shares were up 3.2% after the company said increased the maximum amount it will spend on its debt buyback program to $3 billion from $2.5 billion due to the strong participation.On the losing side, Accenture shares dropped 16% after the company reported its fiscal Q3 financial results. Kroger (KR) stock was down 4.7% after the company posted higher fiscal Q1 adjusted earnings and revenue.

Dow JonesNasdaq CompositeS&P 500$AAPL$ACN$AVGO$INTC$KR$MRVL$TSM

US Markets42d ago

Stocks Rise Pre-Bell as US, Iran Sign Peace Deal; Traders Assess Fed Rate Decision

US equity markets were tracking in the green before the opening bell Thursday as investors weighed the signing of an interim US-Iran peace deal and the Federal Reserve's decision to hold interest rates steady.The S&P 500 rose 0.7%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.5% and the Nasdaq added 1.1% in premarket activity. The three main indexes finished Wednesday trading lower.US markets will be closed on Friday for the Juneteenth National Independence Day holiday.US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding to end the Middle East war, Bloomberg News reported. Trump reportedly said he signed the agreement at the palace of Versailles near Paris.The agreement was earlier reported to be scheduled for formal signing in Switzerland on Friday, but a spokesperson for Iran's Foreign Ministry said no ceremony would be held as the deal has been signed digitally, CNN reported.The agreement calls for the rapid reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and immediate sanctions waivers for Iranian oil exports, with talks on nuclear issues to follow, according to the report.Earlier on Wednesday, Trump said the proposed memorandum of understanding with Iran is "not final" and that Washington would resume military operations if he doesn't like the Tehran deal, according to various media outlets.West Texas Intermediate crude oil dropped 2.9% to $74.58 a barrel before the open, while Brent declined 2.2% to $77.80.The International Energy Agency on Wednesday lowered its global oil demand forecast for 2026 amid war-driven headwinds while projecting a rebound next year."While the US-Iran interim agreement paves the way for a rebound in Middle East (oil) exports, operational and political constraints, including prolonged demining and unresolved transit arrangements, leave downside risks to the outlook," the agency said.The Fed kept its monetary policy steady on Wednesday to mark its fourth consecutive pause, removing the so-called easing bias from its statement. Fed policymakers raised interest rate expectations through 2028 and their inflation projections for 2026 and 2027.The policy decision was the first under new Chair Kevin Warsh.US Treasury yields were mixed in premarket action, with the two-year rate increasing 2.9 basis points to 4.19% and the 10-year rate retreating 0.6 basis points to 4.46%.Thursday's economic calendar has the weekly jobless claims bulletin at 8:30 am ET, along with the Philadelphia Fed manufacturing index for June. The weekly Baker Hughes oil-and-gas rig count is out at 1 pm.Intel's (INTC) shares jumped 8.3% pre-bell after Trump on social media said that iPhone maker Apple (AAPL) has agreed to work with the chipmaker to design and build chips in the US.Robinhood Markets (HOOD) advanced 2.1% after finishing the previous trading session with an 8.8% jump. Meta Platforms (META) rebounded 1.6% following a 5.4% decline on Wednesday.Accenture (ACN) and Kroger (KR) are scheduled to report their latest financial results before the bell.Gold fell 2.1% to $4,289 per troy ounce, while bitcoin decreased 0.7% to $63,934.

Dow JonesNasdaq CompositeS&P 500$AAPL$ACN$HOOD$INTC$KR$META

US Markets44d ago

Kroger Likely to Report In-Line First-Quarter Results, Maintain Outlook, Oppenheimer Says

Kroger's (KR) fiscal first-quarter results are expected to be largely in line with expectations for a softer start to the year, Oppenheimer said in a Tuesday note.The supermarket chain, which will release its quarterly results on Thursday, is also expected to reaffirm its full-year guidance, according to Oppenheimer analysts, including Rupesh Parikh.In March, Kroger projected adjusted earnings of $5.10 to $5.30 per share for fiscal 2026, compared to the current FactSet consensus of $5.23. It pegged full-year identical sales growth, excluding fuel, at 1% to 2%, taking into account a roughly 130 basis-point headwind from the Inflation Reduction Act, which reduces reimbursement rates on key medications. Same-store sales in fiscal 2025 grew 2.9%."We expect a largely in-line (first-quarter) delivery even with a more difficult grocery/pharmacy backdrop to start the year," Parikh wrote. "We believe management has already incorporated headwinds related to egg deflation, the Inflation Reduction Act, and (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) when the company provided guidance in early March."Kroger's first-quarter identical sales, excluding fuel, would be near the low end of the full-year range, driven primarily by continued egg deflation, Chief Financial Officer David Kennerley said during the earnings conference call in March, according to a FactSet transcript.Oppenheimer is also projecting a 1% identical sales increase for the quarter, while Wall Street is looking for a 1.1% growth."We view this report as one of the most anticipated ones in a while as investors await a strategic update from new CEO Greg Foran on plans to more aggressively reduce prices," Parikh said. Foran took over in February.But with Kroger still evaluating recent efforts, Oppenheimer believes the company is unlikely to unveil new comprehensive strategic plans until later this year.The brokerage has a perform rating on the stock, without any price target."(Kroger) shares remain on our radar with valuation a key positive," Parikh said.Price: $63.67, Change: $-0.40, Percent Change: -0.62%

$KR

US Markets45d ago

Update: Dow Climbs to Record, Oil Tumbles Following US-Iran Framework

(Updates with market moves at the end of the day.)The Dow Jones Industrial Average notched a new all-time high on Monday as a framework between the US and Iran to reopen the crucial Strait of Hormuz sent oil prices tumbling.The Dow rose 0.9% to settle at 51,671, topping its previous closing high recorded on June 4. The Nasdaq Composite jumped 3.1% to 26,683.9, while the S&P 500 climbed 1.7% to 7,554.3 -- both indexes advancing for a third consecutive session.Most sectors were in the green, led by technology's 3.4% gain, while energy saw the steepest drop.US markets will be closed Friday for the Juneteenth National Independence Day holiday.The US and Iran have reached an agreement to end their war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz after more than three months of conflict that disrupted regional stability and global shipping routes.The strait -- the world's most important chokepoint for crude flows -- has remained effectively closed since the US-Israel war with Iran began at the end of February.West Texas Intermediate crude oil was down 4.1% at $81.39 a barrel in Monday late-afternoon trade, while Brent fell 4.1% to $83.73.In the US, gasoline prices averaged $4.065 per gallon on Monday, compared with $4.164 a week earlier and $4.528 a month ago, according to AAA, a travel organization that tracks fuel prices in the country.While the US-Iran agreement lifts sentiment, analysts flagged potential implementation risks.US Treasury yields were lower, with the two-year rate last down 1.4 basis points at 4.08% and the 10-year rate falling 1.1 basis points to 4.48%.The Federal Reserve is scheduled to kick-off its two-day monetary policy meeting Tuesday, with Chair Kevin Warsh at the helm for the first time. Policymakers are widely expected to leave their benchmark lending rate unchanged Wednesday, which would mark their fourth consecutive pause, according to the CME FedWatch tool."We expect the Warsh Fed to move slowly on interest rates, especially with expectations for an end to the war," D.A. Davidson said. "The Fed, however, could remove its easing bias (a view that rates will be lower over the medium term)."The central bank's so-called "dot plot" may signal no interest rate cuts until 2028, said UBS Securities, which flagged the possibility of a tighter monetary policy amid the energy price shock stemming from the Middle East conflict.In economic news, US industrial production increased less than estimated in May as nondurable manufacturing fell, while mining output increased, Fed data showed.US homebuilder confidence declined this month as rising material costs and high mortgage rates stoked affordability concerns, the National Association of Home Builders and Wells Fargo said.SpaceX (SPCX) surged 20%, after the Elon Musk-led company finished its trading debut on Friday up 19%.Nvidia (NVDA) rose 3.5%, the second-biggest gainer on the Dow. Nvidia is looking to raise at least $20 billion from its first corporate bond sale since 2021, Bloomberg reported, citing people with direct knowledge of the matter.Micron Technology (MU) shares deserve a higher valuation amid a stronger memory cycle driven by artificial intelligence demand and tight industry supply, RBC Capital Markets said. The brokerage raised its price target for Micron to $1,200 from $525 and maintained an outperform rating.Micron's stock rallied 11%.In company news, Fox (FOX, FOXA) agreed to acquire Roku (ROKU) in a cash-and-stock deal that values the TV streaming platform at about $22 billion, creating a media and technology entity with one of the largest streaming businesses in the US.Fox's class A and B shares slid about 17% and 15%, respectively, the worst performers on the S&P 500, while Roku fell 1.9%.Payoneer (PAYO) agreed to be acquired by Canada's Nuvei in an all-cash transaction valued at about $2.75 billion, creating a global platform for local and cross-border commerce. Payoneer climbed 4.2%.Accenture (ACN), Jabil (JBL) and Kroger (KR) are scheduled to report their latest quarterly financial results later this week.Gold was last up 2.5% at $4,342.80 per troy ounce, while silver rose 3.4% to $70.29 per ounce.

Dow JonesNasdaq CompositeS&P 500$ACN$FOX$FOXA$JBL$KR$MU$NVDA$PAYO$ROKU$SPCX

US Markets45d ago

Update: Equity Markets Rally Intraday, Oil Tumbles Following US-Iran Deal

(Updates with latest market prices and developments.)US benchmark equity indexes were higher intraday, while oil prices sank as markets cheered an agreement between Washington and Iran to end their war and reopen the crucial Strait of Hormuz.The Nasdaq Composite was up 3.1% at 26,677.8 after midday Monday, while the S&P 500 rose 1.9% to 7,569.3. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.3% to 51,878.1. Most sectors were in the green, led by technology's 3.3% advance, while energy saw the steepest drop.On Sunday, US President Donald Trump said that a deal with Iran was "complete" and that he authorized the immediate removal of the US naval blockade of Iranian ports. In a separate social media post, Trump said the Strait of Hormuz will reopen for mine removal upon the signing of the peace agreement, scheduled for Friday in Switzerland.The strait has been effectively shut since the end of February, when the US and Israel launched joint strikes on Iran.West Texas Intermediate crude oil was down 5.3% at $80.41 a barrel intraday Monday, while Brent fell 4.9% to $83.02."The market driver is an alleged peace framework between the US and Iran that does have the advantage of getting oil flowing through the Strait of Hormuz, at least for now," Scotiabank said in a note.Separately, Rystad Energy said the US-Iran peace framework has lifted sentiment, but it will take time for oil supply to improve meaningfully.US Treasury yields were lower intraday, with the two-year rate down 2.5 basis points at 4.06% and the 10-year rate falling 1.5 basis points to 4.47%.The Federal Reserve is scheduled to kick-off its two-day monetary policy meeting Tuesday. Policymakers are widely expected to leave their benchmark lending rate unchanged Wednesday, which would mark their fourth consecutive pause, according to the CME FedWatch tool.The central bank's so-called "dot plot" may signal no interest rate cuts until 2028, said UBS Securities, which flagged the possibility of a tighter monetary policy amid the energy price shock stemming from the Middle East conflict."We have been saying since early March the energy price increase and potential supply disruptions (amid the Iran war) widened the potential outcomes for the future path of the funds rate, including rate hikes," UBS said in a note.In economic news, US industrial production increased less than estimated in May as nondurable manufacturing fell, while mining output increased, Fed data showed.US homebuilder confidence declined this month as rising material costs and high mortgage rates stoked affordability concerns, the National Association of Home Builders and Wells Fargo said."Costly and inefficient regulatory policy is clearly impeding the ability of builders to increase the housing supply," NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz said. "Easing permitting bottlenecks, density limits and inefficient zoning rules would help reduce costs and support the housing growth the nation needs."SpaceX (SPCX) was up 14% intraday, after the Elon Musk-led company finished its trading debut on Friday up 19%.Certain other big tech names were also higher intraday Monday, with Nvidia (NVDA) up 3.5%, among the best performers on the Dow. Microsoft (MSFT) rose 2.3%.In company news, Fox (FOX, FOXA) agreed to acquire Roku (ROKU) in a cash-and-stock deal that values the TV streaming platform at about $22 billion, creating a media and technology entity with one of the largest streaming businesses in the US.Fox's class A and B shares were down 16% and 15%, respectively, the worst performers on the S&P 500, while Roku fell 1.8%.Payoneer (PAYO) agreed to be acquired by Canada's Nuvei in an all-cash transaction valued at about $2.75 billion, creating a global platform for local and cross-border commerce. Payoneer shares were up 4.1%.Accenture (ACN), Jabil (JBL) and Kroger (KR) are scheduled to report their latest quarterly financial results later this week, along with others.US markets will be closed Friday for the Juneteenth National Independence Day holiday.Gold was up 2.9% at $4,360.80 per troy ounce, while silver climbed 3.6% to $70.42 per ounce.

Dow JonesNasdaq CompositeS&P 500$ACN$FOX$FOXA$JBL$KR$MSFT$NVDA$PAYO$ROKU$SPCX

US Markets45d ago

Stocks Rise Pre-Bell as US, Iran Reach Peace Deal; Investors Await Fed Policy Decision

The benchmark US stock measures were pointing higher before the opening bell Monday as the US and Iran reached an agreement to end their war and reopen the crucial Strait of Hormuz, while investors prepare for a major policy decision by the Federal Reserve later in the holiday-shortened week.The S&P 500 rose 1.2%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.8% and the Nasdaq added 1.9% in premarket activity. The indexes finished Friday trading in the green.US markets will be closed on Friday for the Juneteenth National Independence Day holiday.In a social media post on Sunday, President Donald Trump said a deal with Iran is "complete" and that he authorized the immediate removal of the US naval blockade of Iranian ports. In a separate post, Trump said the Strait of Hormuz will reopen for mine removal upon the signing of the peace agreement, currently scheduled for Friday in Switzerland.West Texas Intermediate crude oil dropped 5.6% to $80.11 a barrel in the most recent premarket activity, while Brent declined 5.2% to $82.77.Trump's posts came after Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced on X that a peace deal had been reached between Washington and Tehran, with both sides agreeing to immediately end their military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon.Iran's Supreme National Security Council said a memorandum of understanding regarding the end of war negotiations with the US was "finalized," Iran's Mehr News Agency reported Monday.The Fed's monetary policy committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, with a decision on interest rates due on Wednesday. Markets are widely expecting the central bank to keep its key lending rate unchanged for a fourth consecutive meeting, according to the CME FedWatch tool.Treasury yields were down in premarket action, with the two- and 10-year rates retreating 4 basis points each to 4.05% and 4.45%, respectively.Last week, government data showed that annual inflation in the US accelerated to its highest level in three years in May.Monday's economic calendar has the Empire State manufacturing index for June at 8:30 am ET, followed by the industrial production report for May at 9:15 am. The housing market index for the current month is out at 10 am.SpaceX (SPCX) rose 6.1% pre-bell after the Elon Musk-led company finished its trading debut on Friday up 19%. Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) inclined 4.2%, while Nvidia (NVDA) moved 2.1% higher.Accenture (ACN), Jabil (JBL) and Kroger (KR) are scheduled to report their latest financial results later this week.Gold advanced 2.8% to $4,359 per troy ounce, while bitcoin increased 3% to $65,660.

Dow JonesNasdaq CompositeS&P 500$ACN$AMD$JBL$KR$NVDA$SPCX

Asia Markets45d ago

US Equity Investors to Watch Out for Fed Chair Kevin Warsh's Inflation Views, Details of Iran Peace Deal This Week

US equity investors will focus this week on Kevin Warsh's inflation assessment at his first rate-setting meeting as the chair of the Federal Reserve, and details of the framework agreement that Washington and Tehran announced over the weekend to end the Iran war.* Wednesday's summary statement will be accompanied by the Fed's Summary of Economic Projections, followed by Warsh's press conference, a Scotiabank note said late Friday. No rate changes are expected, according to the CME FedWatch tool.* Will Warsh seek to tweak 'Inflation is elevated'?, the note said, referring to current language in the Fed policy statement and President Donald Trump's calls to lower interest rates in the final leg of Jerome Powell's chairmanship.* "The [Federal Open Market] Committee would have to agree, but his argument in favour of trimmed mean PCE could invite a modification," the note said, drawing attention to a different gauge that may become the Fed's preferred to assess inflation.* Iran confirmed a deal with the US to end fighting on all fronts, Al Jazeera reported Monday. Trump ended Washington's blockade of Iranian ports and said the Strait of Hormuz will reopen on Friday when a pact is signed in Switzerland, the news report said. The deal comes ahead of the upcoming Group of Seven meeting in France that Trump is attending.* Iran said its nuclear program will be the subject of talks after the deal is signed, Reuters reported. Israel said it will not withdraw from Lebanese territory it has seized and will retaliate if Iran attacks it due to events in Lebanon, the news report added.* Early Monday, West Texas Intermediate crude oil futures were down 5.6% to $80.11 barrel, the US 10-year Treasury yield dropped four basis points to 4.45%, and gold futures jumped 2.8% to $4,359.01 per ounce.* Quarterly earnings due this week include Accenture (ACN), Kroger (KR), and Jabil (JBL).

Dow JonesNasdaq CompositeS&P 500$ACN$JBL$KR

Equities48d ago

S&P 500 Posts Weekly Gain Amid Heightened Iran Deal Expectations, Dovish Inflation Prints

The Standard & Poor's 500 index rose 0.7% this week as the US edged closer to signing a peace deal with Iran and consumer and wholesale price inflation reports that leaned dovish.The market benchmark ended the week at 7,431.46. The index is now up 14% quarter-to-date and 8.6% so far in the year.The US and Iran may sign a peace deal as soon as Sunday, setting the stage for a re-opening of the Strait of Hormuz, according to multiple media reports.While President Donald Trump fumed at Tehran for the inaccurate state media descriptions of a potential interim US-Iran agreement, Iran's foreign minister reportedly said a deal had been reached "on a majority of issues" and negotiators are in the final stage of internal deliberatioins.The core Producer Price Index grew slower than forecast in May on a month-over-month and a year-earlier basis. The core Consumer Price Index also came in cooler than expected on a monthly basis while the year-earlier print was in line.The probability of 25-basis-point increases in September, October, and December was lower on Friday than a week earlier, according to the CME FedWatch tool. The Fed is widely expected to remain on hold in June and July.The materials sector rose the most this week, up 3%, followed by a 2.6% gain in consumer staples and a 2% rise in financials.Shares of International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF) ended the week 7.2% higher at $78.27, the fifth-biggest gainer in materials. Benchmark initiated the company with a buy rating and a $100 price target. Late last month, International Flavors & Fragrances agreed to sell a majority stake in its food ingredients unit to private equity firm CVC Capital Partners in a deal worth roughly $4.3 billion.Casey's General Stores (CASY) shares surged more than 17% this week, the top performer in consumer staples, after the convenience store operator reported better-than-expected fiscal Q4 results.The two S&P 500 sectors that declined this week were communication services and energy.Meta Platforms (META) completed an operational separation from AI startup Manus and cut off data sharing amid pressure from Chinese authorities to reverse the $2 billion deal, Bloomberg reported Thursday, citing people familiar with the matter. Alphabet (GOOGL, GOOG) unit Google's YouTube and Meta (META) were denied a new trial after a jury found that the companies were liable for designing social media platforms that are addictive to young people, Reuters reported Wednesday.Shares of Meta and Alphabet were down 4.4% and 2.4%, respectively, this week, among the steepest decliners in communication services.Next week, Accenture (CAN) and Kroger (KR) are among the companies reporting their quarterly results. The US stock market will be closed on Friday for Juneteenth.Economic data due next week includes the Fed's interest-rate announcement, building permits and housing starts, and retail sales.

S&P 500$CAN$CASY$GOOG$GOOGL$IFF$KR$META

US Markets48d ago

AI Likely to Become Functional Part Across Retail Operations, UBS Says

Artificial intelligence will likely become a functional part across retail operations, with implications ranging from demand generation to cost structures, UBS Securities said in a note emailed Friday.The US hardline and food retail sector has mostly used AI in areas such as marketing, customer service chatbots and basic inventory optimization, the brokerage said.However, the technology is now being adopted more broadly across different functions, UBS analysts, including Michael Lasser, said."As consumers increasingly rely on large language models and agentic systems to discover, evaluate, and purchase goods, traditional traffic channels -- stores and websites -- may become less central," Lasser said. "This raises important questions around traffic monetization, particularly for high-margin businesses such as retail media."UBS expects higher-income consumers to influence demand dynamics, as the top 10% of households dictate about half of all spending.AI may exacerbate income inequality, benefiting premium categories and adding pressure on value-oriented segments, according to the UBS note. This means retailers may have to alter strategies to reflect "a more bifurcated consumer landscape."Retailers that use AI-driven marketing are likely to see improved customer acquisition efficiency, Lasser said.On the cost management front, he said working capital needs could drop due to the automation of repetitive processes and improved inventory management systems.While AI helps improve accuracy in stores and distribution centers, it introduces new costs, including cloud computing, data governance and cybersecurity, Lasser said.Retailers with integrated ecosystems are likely best positioned to benefit from mounting AI adoption, according to UBS. They include Walmart (WMT), Costco Wholesale (COST), Target (TGT), Home Depot (HD), Lowe's (LOW) and Kroger (KR).Also on that list are AutoZone (AZO), O'Reilly Automotive (ORLY), Wayfair (W) and Williams-Sonoma (WSM).Price: $120.42, Change: $-0.08, Percent Change: -0.07%

$AZO$COST$HD$KR$LOW$ORLY$TGT$W$WMT$WSM

Wire59d ago

Sprouts Farmers Market Faces Risk From Kroger's Value Push, RBC Capital Markets Says

Sprouts Farmers Market (SFM) faces a potential risk from Kroger's (KR) plan to cut prices as Sprouts' customer base largely overlaps with Kroger's and narrowing price gaps combined with high gas prices could lead to trip consolidation, RBC Capital Markets said in a note Monday.Citing Numerator Insights data, the brokerage said about 66% of Sprouts shoppers have also shopped at a Kroger and roughly 16.2% of households have shopped at both Sprouts and Kroger in the last 12 months, indicating a relatively high degree of overlap in markets where both stores exist.Higher gas prices likely adversely affect Sprouts given its role as a supplementary grocery store, according to the note.The brokerage said a spot analysis of RBC Elements' price monitoring data shows that Sprouts' price positioning on about 120 items compared with Kroger's has "worsened modestly" since July 2025, although it is more "prudent" to focus on directional changes in pricing rather than absolute price gaps.RBC kept an outperform rating on Sprouts Farmers Market, with a price target of $114.Shares of Sprouts Farmers Market were down more than 2% in Monday trading.Price: $80.80, Change: $-1.83, Percent Change: -2.21%

$KR$SFM

US Markets64d ago

Dollar General, Dollar Tree Face Mounting Pressures Amid Macro Headwinds, Deutsche Bank Says

Dollar General (DG) and Dollar Tree (DLTR) face growing challenges amid mounting energy costs and a tough pricing environment, Deutsche Bank said in a Wednesday note.Dollar Tree is scheduled to release its first-quarter results on Thursday, followed by Dollar General on June 2. Both discount retailers have lost more than 20% each in value so far this year."While it's been a rough few months for shares of (Dollar General) and (Dollar Tree), we are incrementally more cautious not only on the low-end consumer ... but also these models' ability to absorb/mitigate rising energy costs at a time consumers seek affordability," Deutsche Bank analyst Krisztina Katai said.Gasoline and crude oil prices have surged due to supply disruptions caused by the Middle East conflict.Deutsche Bank downgraded its rating on Dollar General to hold from buy, and lowered the price target to $110 from $170.Shares of Dollar General "may be unable to outperform this year as numerous headwinds impact results," Katai said.The biggest challenge is for Dollar General to expand gross margin amid diesel cost pressures, at a time of "a sharp food retail pricing environment" led by major retailers Walmart (WMT), Kroger (KR), and Target (TGT), Katai said.Deutsche Bank reiterated its hold rating on Dollar Tree, with a price target of $99.While discretionary reads have been favorable, Dollar Tree is "at risk of losing share given value perception challenges with the rapid expansion of multi-price, and increased reliance on holidays/occasions to drive traffic/sales," Katai said. "Moreover, this plays out against a backdrop of rising costs."Price: $104.95, Change: $+1.34, Percent Change: +1.29%

$DG$DLTR$KR$TGT$WMT

Sectors70d ago

Sector Update: Consumer Stocks Lean Lower Premarket Thursday

Consumer stocks were leaning lower premarket Thursday, with the State Street Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLP) declining 0.8% and the State Street Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLY) down 0.1%.Walmart (WMT) stock was down more than 3% even after the company reported higher fiscal Q1 adjusted earnings and revenue.Kroger (KR) Chief Executive Officer Greg Foran is looking to implement substantial price cuts to keep the company competitive, Bloomberg reported, citing an interview with the CEO. Kroger shares were down more than 4% pre-bell.Birkenstock Holding (BIRK) has signed a $250 million accelerated share repurchase agreement with Goldman Sachs (GS), the company said. Birkenstock Holding shares were up more than 8% premarket.

$BIRK$GS$KR$WMT$XLP$XLY

Commodities70d ago

Exchange-Traded Funds, Equity Futures Lower Pre-Bell Thursday Amid Uncertainty Surrounding US-Iran Talks

The broad market exchange-traded fund SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) was down 0.4% and the actively traded Invesco QQQ Trust (QQQ) was 0.6% lower in Thursday's premarket activity amid increasing uncertainty about the progress of any talks between the US and Iran.US stock futures were also lower, with S&P 500 Index futures down 0.3%, Dow Jones Industrial Average futures slipping 0.2%, and Nasdaq futures retreating 0.5% before the start of regular trading.US initial jobless claims fell to a level of 209,000 in the employment survey week ended May 16 from an upwardly revised 212,000 level in the previous week, compared with expectations for a smaller decrease to 210,000 in survey of analysts compiled by Bloomberg as of 7:30 am ET.April housing starts fell by 2.8% from the previous month to a 1.465 million annual rate, compared with expectations compiled by Bloomberg as of 7:30 am ET for a 1.410 million rate after an increase to a 1.507 million pace in March.April housing starts fell by 2.8% from the previous month to a 1.465 million annual rate, compared with expectations compiled by Bloomberg as of 7:30 am ET for a 1.410 million rate after an increase to a 1.507 million pace in March.The Philadelphia Federal Reserve's monthly manufacturing index fell to minus 0.4 in May after rising to 26.7 in April, compared with expectations for a smaller decrease to a reading of 17.8 in a survey compiled by Bloomberg.Traders will be looking ahead to the S&P global flash estimates of May manufacturing and services conditions, which are slated for a 9:45 am ET release, followed by weekly natural gas stocks at 10:30 am ET.The Kansas City Fed's manufacturing index for May will be released at 11 am ET.Richmond Fed President Tom Barkin is due to speak on Thursday.In premarket activity, bitcoin was down by 0.5%. Among cryptocurrency ETFs, the cryptocurrency fund ProShares Bitcoin Strategy ETF (BITO) was 0.5% lower, Ether ETF (EETH) declined 1%, and Bitcoin & Ether Market Cap Weight ETF (BETH) was flat.Power Play:Health CareThe State Street Health Care Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLV) advanced 0.3%, the Vanguard Health Care Index Fund (VHT) retreated by 0.6%, while the iShares US Healthcare ETF (IYH) was inactive. The iShares Biotechnology ETF (IBB) was flat.Nanobiotix (NBTX) stock was down more than 7% premarket after the company said it launched a global follow-on offering of 75 million euros ($87.2 million).Winners and Losers:EnergyThe iShares US Energy ETF (IYE) gained 0.2%, while the State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE) was up by 0.5%.Borr Drilling (BORR) stock was down more than 7% before the opening bell after the company reported a wider Q1 net loss.FinancialThe State Street Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLF) retreated by 0.3%. Direxion Daily Financial Bull 3X Shares (FAS) was down 0.8%, while its bearish counterpart, Direxion Daily Financial Bear 3X Shares (FAZ), was up 1%.Hyperliquid Strategies (PURR) shares were up more than 6% pre-bell a day after Chardan raised its price target for the company's stock to $9.75 from $8.45.IndustrialThe State Street Industrial Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLI) retreated by 0.1%, while the Vanguard Industrials Index Fund (VIS) and the iShares US Industrials ETF (IYJ) were inactive.Deere (DE) stock was down more than 3% before the opening bell after the company reported lower fiscal Q2 earnings.ConsumerThe State Street Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLP) was down 0.8%, and the Vanguard Consumer Staples Index Fund ETF Shares (VDC) retreated 0.6%. The iShares US Consumer Staples ETF (IYK) was 3.5% higher. The State Street Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLY) lost 0.2%. The VanEck Retail ETF (RTH) decreased by 0.2%, while the State Street SPDR S&P Retail ETF (XRT) declined by 0.4%.Kroger (KR) shares were down more than 3% pre-bell after closing the prior session with a 2.7% fall. Chief Executive Officer Greg Foran is looking to implement substantial price cuts to keep the company competitive, Bloomberg reported Thursday, citing an interview with the CEO.TechnologyThe State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLK) retreated 0.4%, and the iShares US Technology ETF (IYW) was 0.7% lower, while the iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF (IGM) was up 0.01%. Among semiconductor ETFs, the State Street SPDR S&P Semiconductor ETF (XSD) was down 04%, while the iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX) fell by 0.6%.AMD (AMD) shares were down more than 2% in premarket activity after closing the previous day with a 8% rise. The company said it plans to invest more than $10 billion in Taiwan's artificial intelligence ecosystem and is ramping production of its new EPYC processor in Taiwan using Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing's (TSM) 2-nanometer process technology.CommoditiesFront-month US West Texas Intermediate crude oil retreated by 0.8% to $107.77 per barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Natural gas was up 0.8% at $3.03 per 1 million British Thermal Units. The United States Oil Fund (USO) increased by 2.7%, while the United States Natural Gas Fund (UNG) was 0.7% lower.Gold futures for May retreated by 0.4% to $4,517.40 an ounce on the Comex. Silver futures declined by 1.1% to $75.36 an ounce. SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) was down by 0.9%, and the iShares Silver Trust (SLV) fell by 1.6%.

Dow JonesNasdaq CompositeS&P 500$AMD$BETH$BITO$BORR$DE$EEM$EETH$EXI$FAS$FAZ$GLD$IBB$IGM$IGV$IPK$IVV$IWM$IYE$IYH$IYJ$IYK$IYW$KR$NBTX$PMR$PURR$QQQ$RTH$SLV$SOXX$SPY$TSM$UNG$USO$VDC$VHT$VIS$XLE$XLF$XLI$XLK$XLP$XLV$XLY$XRT$XSD

International72d ago

US Equity Markets Lower After Treasury Yield Hike, Chances of Policy Rate Increase, President Trump's Threat to Hit Iran Again

US equity indexes end lower on Tuesday after the 30-year treasury yield hit a near two-decade high, the chances of an interest rate hike increased and President Donald Trump threatened to resume strikes if Iran fails to reach a peace deal.* President Trump warned strikes would resume on Iran in the coming days as part of the push for a deal to end the war, after he said he had just called off a US attack, Bloomberg reported.* The probability of a 25 basis-point increase in US interest rates in December was at over 40% from 1% a month ago, according to the CME FedWatch tool Tuesday.* Redbook US same-store sales rose by 8.1% from a year earlier in the week ended May 16 after a 9.6% year-over-year increase in the previous week.* June West Texas Intermediate crude oil fell $0.07 to settle at $108.59 per barrel, while July Brent crude, the global benchmark, was last seen down $0.85 at $111.25.* The Kroger (KR) shares were up about 3.4%, the biggest gainer on the S&P 500, after the company said it has been included among the 2026 Axios Harris Poll 100, an annual ranking of the most visible companies in the US.* Estee Lauder (EL) remains in talks with Puig over a potential business combination, though there's no announcement to make yet, Reuters reported, citing Estee Lauder CEO Stephane de La Faverie. Estee Lauder shares were down 5.4%, the steepest decliner on the S&P 500.

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