Block Soars on AI-Driven Restructuring, Eyes 2026 Profit Targets
Technology Sarah Chen

Block Soars on AI-Driven Restructuring, Eyes 2026 Profit Targets

Block shares jumped sharply following a major workforce reduction tied to AI integration and updated financial guidance projecting significantly higher profitability by 2026.

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Mastercard Gains as Inflation Data Delays Rate Cut Hopes
Markets Daniel Marsh

Mastercard Gains as Inflation Data Delays Rate Cut Hopes

Mastercard shares advanced Friday, closing at $517.21, as a stronger-than-expected producer inflation print reduced near-term rate cut odds. Investors now await next week's U.S. employment report for direction.

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Western Digital Insider Sale Draws Attention Ahead of Key March Events
Markets Daniel Marsh

Western Digital Insider Sale Draws Attention Ahead of Key March Events

Western Digital shares declined after an insider sale filing by its chief legal officer. Investor focus shifts to an upcoming Morgan Stanley conference and the stock's ex-dividend date.

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Gold, Oil Volatility Looms After Middle East Military Action
Commodities Rebecca Torres

Gold, Oil Volatility Looms After Middle East Military Action

Gold prices surged late Friday following military strikes on Iran, setting up a choppy Monday open as traders brace for safe-haven demand. Oil markets are also on edge with shipments through the Strait of Hormuz suspended.

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Geopolitical Tensions Pressure Bitcoin, Risk Assets Retreat
Crypto Sarah Chen

Geopolitical Tensions Pressure Bitcoin, Risk Assets Retreat

Cryptocurrency prices retreated over the weekend following military strikes in the Middle East, with Bitcoin dipping below $65,400. Investors shifted to risk-off sentiment, impacting related equities and fund flows.

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Silver Surges on Geopolitical Tensions, Eyes on U.S. Jobs Data
Commodities Rebecca Torres

Silver Surges on Geopolitical Tensions, Eyes on U.S. Jobs Data

Silver prices rallied sharply Friday, climbing 4.8% to $92.60 per ounce amid heightened geopolitical risk following military strikes in the Middle East. Market focus now shifts to upcoming U.S. employment data and global PMI surveys.

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American Express Plunges 7.9% as Inflation Fears Rattle Financial Sector
Markets Daniel Marsh

American Express Plunges 7.9% as Inflation Fears Rattle Financial Sector

American Express shares tumbled nearly 8% on Friday, dragged down by a sector-wide retreat in financial stocks following higher-than-expected inflation data. Investors now brace for key employment and inflation reports next week.

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Salesforce Faces Investor Scrutiny Over AI Strategy and Revenue Outlook
Earnings James Calloway

Salesforce Faces Investor Scrutiny Over AI Strategy and Revenue Outlook

Salesforce shares fell as a softer revenue outlook and significant AI spending unsettled investors, despite announcing a $50 billion share repurchase and increased dividend. Broader tech stocks also retreated on inflation concerns.

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Intuit Shares Swing on Mixed Q2 Results, Soft Q3 Outlook
Earnings James Calloway

Intuit Shares Swing on Mixed Q2 Results, Soft Q3 Outlook

Intuit shares climbed 3.7% to $409.03 Friday before dropping roughly 4% in extended trading following third-quarter earnings guidance that fell short of analyst expectations. The company posted a 17% revenue increase for its second quarter.

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Applied Materials Retreats from Highs Amid Insider Sale and Sector Pressure
Technology Sarah Chen

Applied Materials Retreats from Highs Amid Insider Sale and Sector Pressure

Applied Materials shares fell 0.91% to $372.30 Friday, retreating from a recent peak near $396. The drop followed an insider sale and a sector-wide decline driven by inflation data and Nvidia's earnings aftermath.

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Walmart Settles FTC Driver Pay Case for $100M as Shares Defy Market Dip
Regulation James Calloway

Walmart Settles FTC Driver Pay Case for $100M as Shares Defy Market Dip

Walmart will pay $100 million to resolve FTC allegations it misled delivery drivers about earnings. Its stock rose 2.84% to $127.95 on Friday, outperforming the market.

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Bank Stocks Tumble Amid Private Credit Fears, BAC Leads Decline
Markets Daniel Marsh

Bank Stocks Tumble Amid Private Credit Fears, BAC Leads Decline

Bank of America stock plunged nearly 5% Friday, dragging major financials lower as the collapse of UK-based Market Financial Solutions ignited fears over private credit exposure. The S&P 500 bank index fell 4%.

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