18 days ago
The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office said a report was filed on Aug. 31.
A Democratic congressional candidate in Arizona says she was raped over the summer while trying to repair a campaign sign.
Bernadette Greene-Placentia, who is running in the state's 8th district to try to unseat GOP Rep. Abe Hamadeh, told the Phoenix New Times, a local news outlet, that she was attacked at around 2 a.m. as she was walking toward a campaign sign in a parking lot in Sun City, north of Phoenix.
Greene-Placentia said she was attacked, subdued and then woke up to find that she was being raped by an unknown ***** ailant.
Greene-Placentia told the news outlet she reported the ***** ault to the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office, and that she chose to tell her story because she had been talking about fighting for Arizona residents while campaigning "and I didn't feel like I could keep saying that if I weren't also fighting for women that are victims of ***** ual ***** ault."
#placentia #maricopa #office #arizona
A Democratic congressional candidate in Arizona says she was raped over the summer while trying to repair a campaign sign.
Bernadette Greene-Placentia, who is running in the state's 8th district to try to unseat GOP Rep. Abe Hamadeh, told the Phoenix New Times, a local news outlet, that she was attacked at around 2 a.m. as she was walking toward a campaign sign in a parking lot in Sun City, north of Phoenix.
Greene-Placentia said she was attacked, subdued and then woke up to find that she was being raped by an unknown ***** ailant.
Greene-Placentia told the news outlet she reported the ***** ault to the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office, and that she chose to tell her story because she had been talking about fighting for Arizona residents while campaigning "and I didn't feel like I could keep saying that if I weren't also fighting for women that are victims of ***** ual ***** ault."
#placentia #maricopa #office #arizona
21 days ago
Here is a look at the celebrities who attended Alessandro Michele's Valentino Antibiblioteca Spring 2027 show, with one notable absentee: Dakota Johnson, who was busy hosting Saturday Night Live this weekend.
Alexander Skarsgård and Zoey Deutch opted for the same Valentino animal print, but on very different coats.
Alexander loves looks that don't necessarily make sense, so his decision to pair his leopard-print coat with a pale-pink top, purple sweatpants and black loafers makes sense, ironically – but only on him. Zoey's version was far more cohesive, with the fur-trimmed coat and embellished bag making the print feel especially luxurious.
Hande Erçel and KUN approached Valentino plaid from opposite directions. We know Hande best for the glamorous gowns she wears at Cannes and Bvlgari events, so seeing this more relaxed side of her style is refreshing. KUN's plaid tweed jacket was considerably sharper, with the sculpted shape and gold **** ons giving his look a more dressed-up feel.
Jeff Satur and Joe Alwyn both made a case for Valentino bomber jackets. Jeff's red version naturally commanded more attention, while Joe kept things considerably more subdued, as we would expect from him.
#hande #plaid
Alexander Skarsgård and Zoey Deutch opted for the same Valentino animal print, but on very different coats.
Alexander loves looks that don't necessarily make sense, so his decision to pair his leopard-print coat with a pale-pink top, purple sweatpants and black loafers makes sense, ironically – but only on him. Zoey's version was far more cohesive, with the fur-trimmed coat and embellished bag making the print feel especially luxurious.
Hande Erçel and KUN approached Valentino plaid from opposite directions. We know Hande best for the glamorous gowns she wears at Cannes and Bvlgari events, so seeing this more relaxed side of her style is refreshing. KUN's plaid tweed jacket was considerably sharper, with the sculpted shape and gold **** ons giving his look a more dressed-up feel.
Jeff Satur and Joe Alwyn both made a case for Valentino bomber jackets. Jeff's red version naturally commanded more attention, while Joe kept things considerably more subdued, as we would expect from him.
#hande #plaid
23 days ago
Updated on: October 2, 2026 / 9:51 PM EDT / CBS News
Days after a FlyDubai co-pilot made a violent attempt to crash the passenger aircraft and was subdued by passengers and other crew members, questions about his motive continued to swirl.
The flight Wednesday from Dubai to Tel Aviv was approaching Israel when the co-pilot allegedly stabbed the flight captain and attempted to crash the aircraft, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said. The captain was able to fight off the co-pilot long enough to unlock the ***** pit door. Passengers then overpowered the co-pilot, and two off-duty pilots who were on the flight managed to gain control of the aircraft and make an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
There were 174 people on board the plane. No passengers were seriously injured in the incident. The pilot sustained stab wounds in the attack. Saudi authorities said two crew members were hospitalized with unspecified injuries, and the co-pilot remained in custody on Thursday.
The co-pilot of the flight has not yet been publicly identified, although multiple sources familiar with the investigation told CBS News on Friday that his name is Hamam al Hamami.
#aircraft
Days after a FlyDubai co-pilot made a violent attempt to crash the passenger aircraft and was subdued by passengers and other crew members, questions about his motive continued to swirl.
The flight Wednesday from Dubai to Tel Aviv was approaching Israel when the co-pilot allegedly stabbed the flight captain and attempted to crash the aircraft, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said. The captain was able to fight off the co-pilot long enough to unlock the ***** pit door. Passengers then overpowered the co-pilot, and two off-duty pilots who were on the flight managed to gain control of the aircraft and make an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
There were 174 people on board the plane. No passengers were seriously injured in the incident. The pilot sustained stab wounds in the attack. Saudi authorities said two crew members were hospitalized with unspecified injuries, and the co-pilot remained in custody on Thursday.
The co-pilot of the flight has not yet been publicly identified, although multiple sources familiar with the investigation told CBS News on Friday that his name is Hamam al Hamami.
#aircraft
1 month ago
On August 10, Ferguson Enterprises Inc. (NYSE:FERG) reported results for the quarter ended June 30, and the numbers show a company growing straight through a soft housing market. Sales rose 4.6% to $8.8 billion, and management lifted its outlook for the full year. But profit grew more slowly than sales, and that gap is what makes this report worth a closer look.
The strongest engine was non-residential work, where US revenue jumped 8% on share gains in what management called a mixed market. Large capital projects are part of the story, with open order volumes growing and bidding activity strong, so there is a pipeline behind the current numbers. Housing, roughly half of revenue, is the weak spot. Yet residential sales still rose 2% in the US even though new construction is weak and repair work is soft, which means Ferguson is beating its markets rather than riding them.
Capital deployment is the second pillar. Ferguson closed five acquisitions in the quarter, and on July 13, it announced a deal for FWI Holdings, known as FloWorks, an industrial distributor of valves and flow-control products that is expected to close in the third quarter. The eight deals announced this year carry about $1.4 billion in annualized revenue, a second growth path alongside organic sales. Net debt sits at 1.3 times adjusted EBITDA, a level management calls strong. The company also returned cash, buying back $202 million of stock in the quarter and declaring a $0.89 dividend payable October 7 to holders of record on August 21. Management raised its full-year sales outlook to mid-single-digit growth, before counting FloWorks.
Start with the gap between sales and profit. Adjusted operating profit rose 2.9%, behind the 4.6% sales gain, and gross margin slipped 20 basis points to 31.0%. Ferguson notes that last year's gross margin was temporarily lifted by the timing of supplier price increases, which is fair context, but the direction is still down. Reported earnings per share of $3.43 rose 6.9%, while the adjusted figure of $3.39 grew a slower 5.3%.
Then there are the soft spots. About half of revenue comes from residential markets that management describes as subdued, so a 2% gain there is modest. Canada's sales slipped 1.9%, with a business divestment outweighing organic growth, and management calls the market there challenging, especially in residential. Management also describes the economic environment as uncertain, and the margin part of the guidance raise is small. The low end of the adjusted operating margin range moved from 9.4% to 9.5%, while the top stayed at 9.8%. The guidance also leaves out FloWorks, and net debt to adjusted EBITDA is 1.3 times, against 1.2 times a year ago.
#management
The strongest engine was non-residential work, where US revenue jumped 8% on share gains in what management called a mixed market. Large capital projects are part of the story, with open order volumes growing and bidding activity strong, so there is a pipeline behind the current numbers. Housing, roughly half of revenue, is the weak spot. Yet residential sales still rose 2% in the US even though new construction is weak and repair work is soft, which means Ferguson is beating its markets rather than riding them.
Capital deployment is the second pillar. Ferguson closed five acquisitions in the quarter, and on July 13, it announced a deal for FWI Holdings, known as FloWorks, an industrial distributor of valves and flow-control products that is expected to close in the third quarter. The eight deals announced this year carry about $1.4 billion in annualized revenue, a second growth path alongside organic sales. Net debt sits at 1.3 times adjusted EBITDA, a level management calls strong. The company also returned cash, buying back $202 million of stock in the quarter and declaring a $0.89 dividend payable October 7 to holders of record on August 21. Management raised its full-year sales outlook to mid-single-digit growth, before counting FloWorks.
Start with the gap between sales and profit. Adjusted operating profit rose 2.9%, behind the 4.6% sales gain, and gross margin slipped 20 basis points to 31.0%. Ferguson notes that last year's gross margin was temporarily lifted by the timing of supplier price increases, which is fair context, but the direction is still down. Reported earnings per share of $3.43 rose 6.9%, while the adjusted figure of $3.39 grew a slower 5.3%.
Then there are the soft spots. About half of revenue comes from residential markets that management describes as subdued, so a 2% gain there is modest. Canada's sales slipped 1.9%, with a business divestment outweighing organic growth, and management calls the market there challenging, especially in residential. Management also describes the economic environment as uncertain, and the margin part of the guidance raise is small. The low end of the adjusted operating margin range moved from 9.4% to 9.5%, while the top stayed at 9.8%. The guidance also leaves out FloWorks, and net debt to adjusted EBITDA is 1.3 times, against 1.2 times a year ago.
#management
1 month ago
WASHINGTON, Sept 16 (Reuters) - U.S. homebuilder sentiment dropped to a one-year low in September as rising mortgage rates dampen demand for housing, a survey showed on Wednesday.
The National **** ociation of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market index fell three points to 32 this month, the lowest reading since September 2025, from 35 in August. The decline also reflected labor shortages amid an immigration crackdown as well as rising costs because of tariffs on imports.
Economists polled by Reuters had forecast the index easing to 34. Sentiment is likely to remain subdued in the months ahead as mortgage rates have been rising in tandem with the 10-year U.S. Treasury yield.
The 30-year fixed mortgage rate averaged 6.76% last week, the highest level in more than a year, up from 6.71% in the prior week, data from mortgage finance firm Freddie Mac showed.
The 10-year government bond yield on Tuesday hit 5.041%, the highest since July 2007, driven in part by expectations that the Federal Reserve would on Wednesday start raising interest rates to quell inflation that is being driven by the U.S.-Israel war with Iran. Longer-dated yields have also risen amid concerns over the nation's ballooning debt.
#housing
The National **** ociation of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market index fell three points to 32 this month, the lowest reading since September 2025, from 35 in August. The decline also reflected labor shortages amid an immigration crackdown as well as rising costs because of tariffs on imports.
Economists polled by Reuters had forecast the index easing to 34. Sentiment is likely to remain subdued in the months ahead as mortgage rates have been rising in tandem with the 10-year U.S. Treasury yield.
The 30-year fixed mortgage rate averaged 6.76% last week, the highest level in more than a year, up from 6.71% in the prior week, data from mortgage finance firm Freddie Mac showed.
The 10-year government bond yield on Tuesday hit 5.041%, the highest since July 2007, driven in part by expectations that the Federal Reserve would on Wednesday start raising interest rates to quell inflation that is being driven by the U.S.-Israel war with Iran. Longer-dated yields have also risen amid concerns over the nation's ballooning debt.
#housing
1 month ago
Jai Opetaia scored a brutal technical knockout win in the ninth round of his cruiserweight clash with Noel Mikaelian on Saturday night, then lined up a potentially massive showdown with pound-for-pound star David Benavidez for Cinco de Mayo next year.
It all went down at Las Vegas' T-Mobile Arena on the Ryan Garcia vs. Conor Benn undercard, and provided the sport with something it has lacked — continuity — in a 200-pound division often overlooked in favor of the traditionally more glamorous weight classes that surround it.
Opetaia walked to the ring sweating, as if he'd warmed up with intent to hurt, and he needed no second invitation to land the first punch of the night. He kept his forearms high to thwart Mikaelian's probing punches, throwing single shots in return, mostly to the head and to the body too. But a clash of heads, likely caused by their opposing stances, appeared to open a cut below Opetaia's eye, slowing The Ring champion's momentum.
IS THIS FINALLY GOING TO HAPPEN ⁉️
See y'all next Cinco de Mayo 👀#GarciaBenn pic.twitter.com/rzWlLyVCzN
Whether it was the bruising that had begun to grow, or the loss of his friend and former trainer Louis Meehan, who was shot dead Wednesday in a Sydney suburb, Opetaia seemed momentarily subdued.
#mayo #next
It all went down at Las Vegas' T-Mobile Arena on the Ryan Garcia vs. Conor Benn undercard, and provided the sport with something it has lacked — continuity — in a 200-pound division often overlooked in favor of the traditionally more glamorous weight classes that surround it.
Opetaia walked to the ring sweating, as if he'd warmed up with intent to hurt, and he needed no second invitation to land the first punch of the night. He kept his forearms high to thwart Mikaelian's probing punches, throwing single shots in return, mostly to the head and to the body too. But a clash of heads, likely caused by their opposing stances, appeared to open a cut below Opetaia's eye, slowing The Ring champion's momentum.
IS THIS FINALLY GOING TO HAPPEN ⁉️
See y'all next Cinco de Mayo 👀#GarciaBenn pic.twitter.com/rzWlLyVCzN
Whether it was the bruising that had begun to grow, or the loss of his friend and former trainer Louis Meehan, who was shot dead Wednesday in a Sydney suburb, Opetaia seemed momentarily subdued.
#mayo #next
1 month ago
There was a subdued atmosphere at the final whistle among Chelsea's players, staff and supporters.
They had watched the team's free-flowing attacking football come unstuck against a Hull City side who had not conceded a Premier League goal before kick-off.
Chelsea had previously beaten Fulham 3-2, won 4-3 at home to Brighton and lost 2-1 at ***** nal. They also overcame Leeds 6-3 in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.
Having conceded twice here, Chelsea have now gone 20 Premier League matches without a clean sheet, a run stretching back to January. They have also conceded two or more goals in every match against Premier League opposition under new manager Xabi Alonso.
Although Chelsea are the division's top scorers with 10 goals this season, they have also conceded nine, more than all but two other Premier League sides.
#premier #brighton
They had watched the team's free-flowing attacking football come unstuck against a Hull City side who had not conceded a Premier League goal before kick-off.
Chelsea had previously beaten Fulham 3-2, won 4-3 at home to Brighton and lost 2-1 at ***** nal. They also overcame Leeds 6-3 in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.
Having conceded twice here, Chelsea have now gone 20 Premier League matches without a clean sheet, a run stretching back to January. They have also conceded two or more goals in every match against Premier League opposition under new manager Xabi Alonso.
Although Chelsea are the division's top scorers with 10 goals this season, they have also conceded nine, more than all but two other Premier League sides.
#premier #brighton
1 month ago
MILWAUKEE (AP) — The Milwaukee Brewers are heading to the playoffs, and baseball's best team left no doubt.
Garrett Mitchell hit the Brewers' first grand slam of the season, one of four homers for Milwaukee in a 20-0 rout of the Cincinnati Reds on Friday night that secured a playoff berth that had long been inevitable.
Manager Pat Murphy celebrated with a toast to his players and clubhouse staff. Afterward, the locker room was subdued, because these Brewers (92-56) hope to accomplish much more.
This will be Milwaukee's fourth straight trip to the playoffs and eighth in nine seasons.
"It's not something to take lightly because it's really hard to do," Murphy said. "We want to see how far we can go and how complete this can be. Remember that the message to the team is that we checked off one box, but we've got a lot more to go."
#milwaukee #brewers #garrett #cincinnati
Garrett Mitchell hit the Brewers' first grand slam of the season, one of four homers for Milwaukee in a 20-0 rout of the Cincinnati Reds on Friday night that secured a playoff berth that had long been inevitable.
Manager Pat Murphy celebrated with a toast to his players and clubhouse staff. Afterward, the locker room was subdued, because these Brewers (92-56) hope to accomplish much more.
This will be Milwaukee's fourth straight trip to the playoffs and eighth in nine seasons.
"It's not something to take lightly because it's really hard to do," Murphy said. "We want to see how far we can go and how complete this can be. Remember that the message to the team is that we checked off one box, but we've got a lot more to go."
#milwaukee #brewers #garrett #cincinnati
1 month ago
Saoirse Ronan brought subdued elegance and modern minimalism to the 2026 Venice Film Festival on Thursday in a custom Louis Vuitton gown.
The Oscar-nominated actress wore a navy, long-sleeve dress with a rounded neckline. The gown's restraint made its few design twists more **** ounced: an exposed zipper curved along one side of the bodice, while a thigh-high slit opened the skirt.
More from WWD
Nicole Kidman Gets Suited in Chanel
Kate Middleton Revisits Her Black-and-white Suzannah London Favorite in Green
#venice
The Oscar-nominated actress wore a navy, long-sleeve dress with a rounded neckline. The gown's restraint made its few design twists more **** ounced: an exposed zipper curved along one side of the bodice, while a thigh-high slit opened the skirt.
More from WWD
Nicole Kidman Gets Suited in Chanel
Kate Middleton Revisits Her Black-and-white Suzannah London Favorite in Green
#venice
1 month ago
The U.S. dollar remains flat amid higher treasury yields driven by soaring energy costs. With Brent crude topping $100, worries of inflation across the globe are coming back, with the U.S. 10-year yield climbing to a 2023 high. That said, the dollar has remained unchanged, demonstrating lack of interest from investors to add long positions before the release of the upcoming US inflation data and next week's FOMC meeting.
The U.S. data on tap to influence markets is the Producer Price Index (PPI) today and Consumer Price Index (CPI) on Friday. The market currently puts odds at around 60% that the Fed may hike at its next meeting on Wednesday, following strong labor market data and increased energy shock. The energy crisis may also bring inflation concerns to investors, while the data may be weaker and may even lead market ****** ysts to turn less hawkish.
The euro zone also remains front and center. The ECB is going to hike rates by 25 bps today and mail the deposit rate at 2.50%. The consensus in the market is that the ECB will not hike again this year. Euro zone inflation was at 3.3% in August, and pressure on energy prices is building, with Deutsche Bank calling for a December rate hike.
Sterling remains subdued. The Bank of England is more cautious than its peers. There is a high consensus in the market that the BoE will hold rates on September 17. 57 of the economists polled in the REUTERS survey expect the BoE to hold for the remainder of the year. Energy concerns are high, and wage and price inflation are still muted.
As indicated in the chart, tightening by the ECB contrasts with the Fed's data dependency and the BoE's wait-and-see approach.
#energy #inflation #hike #remains
The U.S. data on tap to influence markets is the Producer Price Index (PPI) today and Consumer Price Index (CPI) on Friday. The market currently puts odds at around 60% that the Fed may hike at its next meeting on Wednesday, following strong labor market data and increased energy shock. The energy crisis may also bring inflation concerns to investors, while the data may be weaker and may even lead market ****** ysts to turn less hawkish.
The euro zone also remains front and center. The ECB is going to hike rates by 25 bps today and mail the deposit rate at 2.50%. The consensus in the market is that the ECB will not hike again this year. Euro zone inflation was at 3.3% in August, and pressure on energy prices is building, with Deutsche Bank calling for a December rate hike.
Sterling remains subdued. The Bank of England is more cautious than its peers. There is a high consensus in the market that the BoE will hold rates on September 17. 57 of the economists polled in the REUTERS survey expect the BoE to hold for the remainder of the year. Energy concerns are high, and wage and price inflation are still muted.
As indicated in the chart, tightening by the ECB contrasts with the Fed's data dependency and the BoE's wait-and-see approach.
#energy #inflation #hike #remains
2 months ago
Moerus Capital Management LLC, an investment management firm, recently released its "Worldwide Fund " second-quarter 2026 investor letter. A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. The fund navigated a highly bifurcated investment environment in the second quarter of 2026, as investor enthusiasm for artificial intelligence and technology drove a sharp rally in growth stocks while capital moved away from more traditional, value-oriented areas. The Fund's Institutional Class returned 0.14% in Q2, compared with 14.49% for the MSCI ACWI ex USA and 14.93% for the MSCI ACWI, while its first-half return stood at 5.37%, versus 13.69% and 11.25%, respectively, for the two benchmarks. The relative underperformance was primarily driven by the Fund's limited exposure to Information Technology as semiconductor and AI-related stocks surged, while its Energy holdings also gave back some earlier gains as oil prices declined; however, the Fund benefited from several energy-related investments during the first half. Looking ahead, Moerus views the extreme gap between expensive AI-focused areas and neglected parts of the market as an opportunity, maintaining its long-term deep-value approach of investing in unpopular businesses and ****** ets at significant discounts to intrinsic value and using market volatility to identify potentially attractive investments. In addition, please check the Fund's top five holdings to know its best picks in 2026.
In its second-quarter 2026 investor letter, Moerus Worldwide Fund highlighted stocks like Valaris Limited (NYSE:VAL). Valaris Limited is a U.S.-based provider of offshore drilling services. Moerus described Valaris as its largest individual contributor to performance in the first half of 2026. The one-month return of Valaris Limited (NYSE:VAL) was 1.62% while its shares traded between $46.70 and $114.12 over the last 52 weeks. On September 7, 2026, Valaris Limited (NYSE:VAL) stock closed at approximately $86.74 per share, with a market capitalization of about $6.03 billion.
Moerus Worldwide Fund stated the following regarding Valaris Limited (NYSE:VAL) in its Q2 2026 investor letter:
"For example, consider Valaris Limited (NYSE:VAL), the largest individual contributor to performance in H1. Shares of this U.S.-based provider of offshore drilling services surged in response to the February 9th announcement that the company had agreed to be acquired by Transocean in an all-stock transaction, which was priced at a roughly 32% premium to Valaris' stock price (based on the previous day's closing price of each stock). Valaris was added to the Fund in early 2025 following a slide in its share price, amid then-subdued oil prices and what we believed to be a temporary lull in offshore drilling activity caused by support infrastructure constraints (among other factors)."
#worldwide #Stock
In its second-quarter 2026 investor letter, Moerus Worldwide Fund highlighted stocks like Valaris Limited (NYSE:VAL). Valaris Limited is a U.S.-based provider of offshore drilling services. Moerus described Valaris as its largest individual contributor to performance in the first half of 2026. The one-month return of Valaris Limited (NYSE:VAL) was 1.62% while its shares traded between $46.70 and $114.12 over the last 52 weeks. On September 7, 2026, Valaris Limited (NYSE:VAL) stock closed at approximately $86.74 per share, with a market capitalization of about $6.03 billion.
Moerus Worldwide Fund stated the following regarding Valaris Limited (NYSE:VAL) in its Q2 2026 investor letter:
"For example, consider Valaris Limited (NYSE:VAL), the largest individual contributor to performance in H1. Shares of this U.S.-based provider of offshore drilling services surged in response to the February 9th announcement that the company had agreed to be acquired by Transocean in an all-stock transaction, which was priced at a roughly 32% premium to Valaris' stock price (based on the previous day's closing price of each stock). Valaris was added to the Fund in early 2025 following a slide in its share price, amid then-subdued oil prices and what we believed to be a temporary lull in offshore drilling activity caused by support infrastructure constraints (among other factors)."
#worldwide #Stock
2 months ago
Irina Shayk is one of the many models bringing glamour to the Venice Film Festival, and so far, she has served up four looks spanning body-con Alaïa, two archival pulls and a more subdued turn on the red carpet.
Agostino Fabio/WireImage
Irina arrived in Venice wearing a fitted Alaïa dress styled with a Ferragamo Cara bag and Alaïa mesh shoes, proving that even her off-duty looks come with plenty of ****** appeal.
The slate-grey colour may be subdued, but there is nothing understated about the silhouette. This is classic Irina, and an easy introduction to her Venice wardrobe.
Jacopo Raule/FilmMagic
#looks #subdued #festival #wireimage
Agostino Fabio/WireImage
Irina arrived in Venice wearing a fitted Alaïa dress styled with a Ferragamo Cara bag and Alaïa mesh shoes, proving that even her off-duty looks come with plenty of ****** appeal.
The slate-grey colour may be subdued, but there is nothing understated about the silhouette. This is classic Irina, and an easy introduction to her Venice wardrobe.
Jacopo Raule/FilmMagic
#looks #subdued #festival #wireimage
2 months ago
Featured image by Jenna O'Malley/PitchBook News
European PE add-ons are stuck at decade highs for the obvious reason—sponsors playing it safe—but increasingly also because a consolidated platform is what enhances the chance to exit.
According to PitchBook's Q2 2026 European PE Breakdown, there were 2,121 add-on deals in H1 2026, reaching a decade high of 57.7% of the total European PE deal count. It's the third straight quarter the strategy has held near record levels.
Richard Damming, head of PE investments Europe at Schroders Capital, spoke with PitchBook News about why a consolidated platform may help secure an exit in the subdued market and how to create value in times of low financial leverage.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
#according
European PE add-ons are stuck at decade highs for the obvious reason—sponsors playing it safe—but increasingly also because a consolidated platform is what enhances the chance to exit.
According to PitchBook's Q2 2026 European PE Breakdown, there were 2,121 add-on deals in H1 2026, reaching a decade high of 57.7% of the total European PE deal count. It's the third straight quarter the strategy has held near record levels.
Richard Damming, head of PE investments Europe at Schroders Capital, spoke with PitchBook News about why a consolidated platform may help secure an exit in the subdued market and how to create value in times of low financial leverage.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
#according
2 months ago
Sandra Bullock was back for the Practical Magic 2 London photocall, held inside the Ballroom at Claridge's—a wise decision considering the rain in the capital this morning.
Kate Green/Getty Images
You weren't as sold as I was on her leopard-print Givenchy look. Sandra may have a mild-mannered demeanour, but she has never been afraid to make a bold and big statement. Are we forgetting The Lost City London premiere, its Los Angeles premiere, the 2019 MTV Movie & TV Awards or the Ocean's 8 world premiere?
Those who weren't convinced by the leopard print will probably prefer this Erdem Resort 2027 look. The black blazer, white asymmetric skirt and lace detailing offer a softer route into the film's witchy world, with the dark romanticism coming through the monochrome palette and black lace.
I love how the lace breaks up the monochrome layers, while the white neck scarf adds another point of interest. Smart but not overly formal, this is more subdued than her premiere look.
#look #sandra
Kate Green/Getty Images
You weren't as sold as I was on her leopard-print Givenchy look. Sandra may have a mild-mannered demeanour, but she has never been afraid to make a bold and big statement. Are we forgetting The Lost City London premiere, its Los Angeles premiere, the 2019 MTV Movie & TV Awards or the Ocean's 8 world premiere?
Those who weren't convinced by the leopard print will probably prefer this Erdem Resort 2027 look. The black blazer, white asymmetric skirt and lace detailing offer a softer route into the film's witchy world, with the dark romanticism coming through the monochrome palette and black lace.
I love how the lace breaks up the monochrome layers, while the white neck scarf adds another point of interest. Smart but not overly formal, this is more subdued than her premiere look.
#look #sandra
2 months ago
Lowe's Companies, Inc. (NYSE:LOW) delivered an earnings beat alongside weak organic growth and a reduced outlook. Second-quarter total sales increased approximately 8.3% to $25.96 billion, supported by acquisitions, but organic comparable sales rose just 0.2%, below the 0.8% expected. Diluted earnings were $4.27 per share. Company-defined adjusted diluted earnings, a non-GAAP measure, reached $4.40 per share and exceeded the $4.22 FactSet consensus estimate. Results also included a $0.11-per-share benefit from tariff refunds. Management reduced its full-year sales forecast to $92 billion and now expects comparable sales to be approximately flat. Still, the shares reversed a premarket decline and closed 2.0% higher at $220 on August 19. For Lowe's Companies, Inc. (NYSE:LOW), the question is whether contractor demand can cushion the combined pressure from weak DIY spending and subdued housing activity.
The operating split was clear. Pro, online, and home services growth helped Lowe's Companies, Inc. (NYSE:LOW) produce a fifth consecutive quarter of positive comparable sales. Online sales increased nearly 16%, while contractors and repair-and-maintenance projects supported demand. Acquisitions expanded the reported revenue base but are excluded from the comparable-sales calculation, making the 0.2% organic increase the better measure of underlying momentum.
The weaker side extends beyond the consumer. Lowe's Companies, Inc. (NYSE:LOW) said persistent pressure on discretionary DIY spending partly offset its stronger categories. The revised outlook also incorporated softer housing trends affecting Foundation Building Materials and Artisan Design Group, particularly their residential-construction exposure. Consumers continue prioritizing necessary repairs while postponing larger projects, and weak housing turnover is also limiting construction and renovation activity.
Lowe's Companies, Inc. (NYSE:LOW) is getting support from customers whose spending is less discretionary than a kitchen remodel or major outdoor project. Pro demand, home services, and online growth provide several ways to capture repair, maintenance, and contractor spending while DIY customers remain cautious. The adjusted earnings beat shows that profitability held up better than organic sales, even after accounting for the tariff-refund benefit. If lower mortgage rates eventually revive housing turnover, these businesses could provide a stronger base for renewed DIY and construction demand.
#Companies #NYSE #housing #online
The operating split was clear. Pro, online, and home services growth helped Lowe's Companies, Inc. (NYSE:LOW) produce a fifth consecutive quarter of positive comparable sales. Online sales increased nearly 16%, while contractors and repair-and-maintenance projects supported demand. Acquisitions expanded the reported revenue base but are excluded from the comparable-sales calculation, making the 0.2% organic increase the better measure of underlying momentum.
The weaker side extends beyond the consumer. Lowe's Companies, Inc. (NYSE:LOW) said persistent pressure on discretionary DIY spending partly offset its stronger categories. The revised outlook also incorporated softer housing trends affecting Foundation Building Materials and Artisan Design Group, particularly their residential-construction exposure. Consumers continue prioritizing necessary repairs while postponing larger projects, and weak housing turnover is also limiting construction and renovation activity.
Lowe's Companies, Inc. (NYSE:LOW) is getting support from customers whose spending is less discretionary than a kitchen remodel or major outdoor project. Pro demand, home services, and online growth provide several ways to capture repair, maintenance, and contractor spending while DIY customers remain cautious. The adjusted earnings beat shows that profitability held up better than organic sales, even after accounting for the tariff-refund benefit. If lower mortgage rates eventually revive housing turnover, these businesses could provide a stronger base for renewed DIY and construction demand.
#Companies #NYSE #housing #online
2 months ago
Aroundtown (ETR:AT1) reported stable first-half operating results for 2026, with rental growth offsetting the impact of ****** et sales, while higher financing costs reduced funds from operations. Management said the company remains on track to meet its full-year guidance and is continuing to recycle capital through disposals, property investments and share repurchases.
CEO Barak Bar-Hen said the macroeconomic and geopolitical backdrop remained mixed during the first half, but external volatility had not materially affected operations. He said the company's residential and hotel holdings, which together represent 53% of the portfolio, continued to benefit from favorable market conditions, while the office segment remained relatively stable despite subdued economic activity.
→ Rocket Lab's Sell-Off Is Fading—Is It Finally Safe to Buy?
Net rental income totaled €591 million in the first half, unchanged from the prior-year period. Like-for-like rental growth of 2.7% offset the reduction in rental income from net disposals. Adjusted EBITDA was also broadly stable at €500 million, compared with €501 million a year earlier.
FFO I, a key recurring earnings measure for property companies, declined 4% to €144 million from €150 million, primarily due to higher financing expenses. FFO I per share was €0.13, compared with €0.14 in the first half of 2025, with the share buyback supporting the per-share outcome.
#higher
CEO Barak Bar-Hen said the macroeconomic and geopolitical backdrop remained mixed during the first half, but external volatility had not materially affected operations. He said the company's residential and hotel holdings, which together represent 53% of the portfolio, continued to benefit from favorable market conditions, while the office segment remained relatively stable despite subdued economic activity.
→ Rocket Lab's Sell-Off Is Fading—Is It Finally Safe to Buy?
Net rental income totaled €591 million in the first half, unchanged from the prior-year period. Like-for-like rental growth of 2.7% offset the reduction in rental income from net disposals. Adjusted EBITDA was also broadly stable at €500 million, compared with €501 million a year earlier.
FFO I, a key recurring earnings measure for property companies, declined 4% to €144 million from €150 million, primarily due to higher financing expenses. FFO I per share was €0.13, compared with €0.14 in the first half of 2025, with the share buyback supporting the per-share outcome.
#higher
2 months ago
Sustainable Growth Advisers (SGA), an investment management company, released its second-quarter 2026 investor letter for its "Global Growth Strategy." The letter can be downloaded here. The SGA Global Growth Portfolio returned 7.4% gross and 7.2% net, compared with 14.9% for the MSCI ACWI and 19.8% for the MSCI ACWI Growth Index. Momentum leadership and enthusiasm around AI infrastructure drove markets, with semiconductor, memory, and hardware stocks accounting for much of the gain. Although the portfolio owned AI beneficiaries, broader holdings lagged despite fundamentals, as median revenue and EPS growth reached 12% and 14% and more than 60% of the holdings beat expectations. SGA believes valuation compression reflects sentiment rather than weaker business quality, leaving the portfolio near its widest discount to the market since inception. The firm continues to favor durable compounders and expects 16% revenue growth and 20% earnings growth over three years. Also, please check the Fund's top five holdings to see its best picks for 2026.
In its second-quarter 2026 investor letter, SGA Global Growth Strategy highlighted Alcon Inc. (NYSE:ALC). Alcon Inc. (NYSE:ALC) is a Swiss-based healthcare and medical technology company focused on eye care products. On August 21, 2026, Alcon Inc. (NYSE:ALC) closed at $73.63 per share. The one-month return of Alcon Inc. (NYSE:ALC) was 9.44% and its shares lost 8.83% over the past 52 weeks. Alcon Inc. (NYSE:ALC) has a market capitalization of $36.68 billion.
SGA Global Growth Strategy stated the following regarding Alcon Inc. (NYSE:ALC) in its Q2 2026 investor letter:
"During the quarter, we exited our position in Alcon Inc. (NYSE:ALC). Alcon remains a leader in eye care with exposure to increasing secular demand driven by aging and myopia, with market leadership across multiple categories. Strong launches in new equipment and eye drops drove topline growth of 6% constant currency and earnings per share growth of 16%+ in Q1. This was slightly below expectations of 7% growth, as the market for cataracts and contact lenses remains subdued. Additionally, the premium intraocular lens for cataracts is getting more competitive, with Alcon remaining the leader but expected to continue to cede share from the highs of 80%+ as competitors are catching up. Management continues to execute well on product launches to offset pressures in intraocular lens, which accounts for 17% of total sales. However, to account for the increased competition and subdued market conditions overall, we gradually reduced the position before ultimately redeploying the capital into a higher growth opportunity in Schneider Electric."
#strategy
In its second-quarter 2026 investor letter, SGA Global Growth Strategy highlighted Alcon Inc. (NYSE:ALC). Alcon Inc. (NYSE:ALC) is a Swiss-based healthcare and medical technology company focused on eye care products. On August 21, 2026, Alcon Inc. (NYSE:ALC) closed at $73.63 per share. The one-month return of Alcon Inc. (NYSE:ALC) was 9.44% and its shares lost 8.83% over the past 52 weeks. Alcon Inc. (NYSE:ALC) has a market capitalization of $36.68 billion.
SGA Global Growth Strategy stated the following regarding Alcon Inc. (NYSE:ALC) in its Q2 2026 investor letter:
"During the quarter, we exited our position in Alcon Inc. (NYSE:ALC). Alcon remains a leader in eye care with exposure to increasing secular demand driven by aging and myopia, with market leadership across multiple categories. Strong launches in new equipment and eye drops drove topline growth of 6% constant currency and earnings per share growth of 16%+ in Q1. This was slightly below expectations of 7% growth, as the market for cataracts and contact lenses remains subdued. Additionally, the premium intraocular lens for cataracts is getting more competitive, with Alcon remaining the leader but expected to continue to cede share from the highs of 80%+ as competitors are catching up. Management continues to execute well on product launches to offset pressures in intraocular lens, which accounts for 17% of total sales. However, to account for the increased competition and subdued market conditions overall, we gradually reduced the position before ultimately redeploying the capital into a higher growth opportunity in Schneider Electric."
#strategy
2 months ago
Lowe's Companies, Inc. (NYSE:LOW) delivered an earnings beat alongside weak organic growth and a reduced outlook. Second-quarter total sales increased approximately 8.3% to $25.96 billion, supported by acquisitions, but organic comparable sales rose just 0.2%, below the 0.8% expected. Diluted earnings were $4.27 per share. Company-defined adjusted diluted earnings, a non-GAAP measure, reached $4.40 per share and exceeded the $4.22 FactSet consensus estimate. Results also included a $0.11-per-share benefit from tariff refunds. Management reduced its full-year sales forecast to $92 billion and now expects comparable sales to be approximately flat. Still, the shares reversed a premarket decline and closed 2.0% higher at $220 on August 19. For Lowe's Companies, Inc. (NYSE:LOW), the question is whether contractor demand can cushion the combined pressure from weak DIY spending and subdued housing activity.
The operating split was clear. Pro, online, and home services growth helped Lowe's Companies, Inc. (NYSE:LOW) produce a fifth consecutive quarter of positive comparable sales. Online sales increased nearly 16%, while contractors and repair-and-maintenance projects supported demand. Acquisitions expanded the reported revenue base but are excluded from the comparable-sales calculation, making the 0.2% organic increase the better measure of underlying momentum.
The weaker side extends beyond the consumer. Lowe's Companies, Inc. (NYSE:LOW) said persistent pressure on discretionary DIY spending partly offset its stronger categories. The revised outlook also incorporated softer housing trends affecting Foundation Building Materials and Artisan Design Group, particularly their residential-construction exposure. Consumers continue prioritizing necessary repairs while postponing larger projects, and weak housing turnover is also limiting construction and renovation activity.
Lowe's Companies, Inc. (NYSE:LOW) is getting support from customers whose spending is less discretionary than a kitchen remodel or major outdoor project. Pro demand, home services, and online growth provide several ways to capture repair, maintenance, and contractor spending while DIY customers remain cautious. The adjusted earnings beat shows that profitability held up better than organic sales, even after accounting for the tariff-refund benefit. If lower mortgage rates eventually revive housing turnover, these businesses could provide a stronger base for renewed DIY and construction demand.
#sales #comparable
The operating split was clear. Pro, online, and home services growth helped Lowe's Companies, Inc. (NYSE:LOW) produce a fifth consecutive quarter of positive comparable sales. Online sales increased nearly 16%, while contractors and repair-and-maintenance projects supported demand. Acquisitions expanded the reported revenue base but are excluded from the comparable-sales calculation, making the 0.2% organic increase the better measure of underlying momentum.
The weaker side extends beyond the consumer. Lowe's Companies, Inc. (NYSE:LOW) said persistent pressure on discretionary DIY spending partly offset its stronger categories. The revised outlook also incorporated softer housing trends affecting Foundation Building Materials and Artisan Design Group, particularly their residential-construction exposure. Consumers continue prioritizing necessary repairs while postponing larger projects, and weak housing turnover is also limiting construction and renovation activity.
Lowe's Companies, Inc. (NYSE:LOW) is getting support from customers whose spending is less discretionary than a kitchen remodel or major outdoor project. Pro demand, home services, and online growth provide several ways to capture repair, maintenance, and contractor spending while DIY customers remain cautious. The adjusted earnings beat shows that profitability held up better than organic sales, even after accounting for the tariff-refund benefit. If lower mortgage rates eventually revive housing turnover, these businesses could provide a stronger base for renewed DIY and construction demand.
#sales #comparable
2 months ago
Sustainable Growth Advisers (SGA), an investment management company, released its second-quarter 2026 investor letter for its "Global Growth Strategy." The letter can be downloaded here. The SGA Global Growth Portfolio returned 7.4% gross and 7.2% net, compared with 14.9% for the MSCI ACWI and 19.8% for the MSCI ACWI Growth Index. Momentum leadership and enthusiasm around AI infrastructure drove markets, with semiconductor, memory, and hardware stocks accounting for much of the gain. Although the portfolio owned AI beneficiaries, broader holdings lagged despite fundamentals, as median revenue and EPS growth reached 12% and 14% and more than 60% of the holdings beat expectations. SGA believes valuation compression reflects sentiment rather than weaker business quality, leaving the portfolio near its widest discount to the market since inception. The firm continues to favor durable compounders and expects 16% revenue growth and 20% earnings growth over three years. Also, please check the Fund's top five holdings to see its best picks for 2026.
In its second-quarter 2026 investor letter, SGA Global Growth Strategy highlighted Alcon Inc. (NYSE:ALC). Alcon Inc. (NYSE:ALC) is a Swiss-based healthcare and medical technology company focused on eye care products. On August 21, 2026, Alcon Inc. (NYSE:ALC) closed at $73.63 per share. The one-month return of Alcon Inc. (NYSE:ALC) was 9.44% and its shares lost 8.83% over the past 52 weeks. Alcon Inc. (NYSE:ALC) has a market capitalization of $36.68 billion.
SGA Global Growth Strategy stated the following regarding Alcon Inc. (NYSE:ALC) in its Q2 2026 investor letter:
"During the quarter, we exited our position in Alcon Inc. (NYSE:ALC). Alcon remains a leader in eye care with exposure to increasing secular demand driven by aging and myopia, with market leadership across multiple categories. Strong launches in new equipment and eye drops drove topline growth of 6% constant currency and earnings per share growth of 16%+ in Q1. This was slightly below expectations of 7% growth, as the market for cataracts and contact lenses remains subdued. Additionally, the premium intraocular lens for cataracts is getting more competitive, with Alcon remaining the leader but expected to continue to cede share from the highs of 80%+ as competitors are catching up. Management continues to execute well on product launches to offset pressures in intraocular lens, which accounts for 17% of total sales. However, to account for the increased competition and subdued market conditions overall, we gradually reduced the position before ultimately redeploying the capital into a higher growth opportunity in Schneider Electric."
#market #strategy #Portfolio #quarter
In its second-quarter 2026 investor letter, SGA Global Growth Strategy highlighted Alcon Inc. (NYSE:ALC). Alcon Inc. (NYSE:ALC) is a Swiss-based healthcare and medical technology company focused on eye care products. On August 21, 2026, Alcon Inc. (NYSE:ALC) closed at $73.63 per share. The one-month return of Alcon Inc. (NYSE:ALC) was 9.44% and its shares lost 8.83% over the past 52 weeks. Alcon Inc. (NYSE:ALC) has a market capitalization of $36.68 billion.
SGA Global Growth Strategy stated the following regarding Alcon Inc. (NYSE:ALC) in its Q2 2026 investor letter:
"During the quarter, we exited our position in Alcon Inc. (NYSE:ALC). Alcon remains a leader in eye care with exposure to increasing secular demand driven by aging and myopia, with market leadership across multiple categories. Strong launches in new equipment and eye drops drove topline growth of 6% constant currency and earnings per share growth of 16%+ in Q1. This was slightly below expectations of 7% growth, as the market for cataracts and contact lenses remains subdued. Additionally, the premium intraocular lens for cataracts is getting more competitive, with Alcon remaining the leader but expected to continue to cede share from the highs of 80%+ as competitors are catching up. Management continues to execute well on product launches to offset pressures in intraocular lens, which accounts for 17% of total sales. However, to account for the increased competition and subdued market conditions overall, we gradually reduced the position before ultimately redeploying the capital into a higher growth opportunity in Schneider Electric."
#market #strategy #Portfolio #quarter
2 months ago
Liverpool begin a new Premier League chapter on Sunday afternoon when Andoni Iraola takes his side to face Newcastle United at St James' Park.
Kick-off is scheduled for 4.30pm UK time on Sunday, 23 August, with the contest providing an immediate test of Iraola's ability to revive a team that fell well short of expectations last season.
Liverpool finished fifth with 60 points in 2025-26, relinquishing their league ****** le in subdued fashion and leaving their supporters with uncomfortable questions about the strength and balance of the squad. Iraola has been appointed to restore energy, aggression and clarity, but the scale of that ****** ignment should not be underestimated.
Newcastle are also beginning again. Matthias Jaissle has replaced Eddie Howe following a summer of considerable upheaval on Tyneside. Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes have all departed, stripping the team of three players who previously supplied much of its personality and quality.
For both managers, this is more than an opening fixture. It is the first public measure of how successfully they have handled turbulent summers.
#andoni #united
Kick-off is scheduled for 4.30pm UK time on Sunday, 23 August, with the contest providing an immediate test of Iraola's ability to revive a team that fell well short of expectations last season.
Liverpool finished fifth with 60 points in 2025-26, relinquishing their league ****** le in subdued fashion and leaving their supporters with uncomfortable questions about the strength and balance of the squad. Iraola has been appointed to restore energy, aggression and clarity, but the scale of that ****** ignment should not be underestimated.
Newcastle are also beginning again. Matthias Jaissle has replaced Eddie Howe following a summer of considerable upheaval on Tyneside. Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes have all departed, stripping the team of three players who previously supplied much of its personality and quality.
For both managers, this is more than an opening fixture. It is the first public measure of how successfully they have handled turbulent summers.
#andoni #united
2 months ago
By Lucia Mutikani
WASHINGTON, Aug 14 (Reuters) - U.S. retail sales fell in July for the first time in nine months as the boost from big tax refunds faded, suggesting that consumer spending was slowing down and prompting economists to slash their economic growth estimates for the third quarter.
The unexpected decline in retail sales reported by the Commerce Department on Friday was also payback after Amazon pulled forward its Prime Day event to June from July, with other retailers offering competing promotions. A retreat in gasoline prices also weighed on receipts at service stations.
The report added to unexpected job losses last month and mild inflation readings in bolstering financial market expectations that the Federal Reserve would not raise interest rates in September, barring upward surprises to August price and employment data.
"This points to a material slowdown in real consumer spending growth in the third quarter," said Sal Guatieri, a senior economist at BMO Capital Markets. "This, together with a weaker jobs report and subdued core CPI inflation, raises the odds of the FOMC staying patient again in September."
#july #retail #Growth
WASHINGTON, Aug 14 (Reuters) - U.S. retail sales fell in July for the first time in nine months as the boost from big tax refunds faded, suggesting that consumer spending was slowing down and prompting economists to slash their economic growth estimates for the third quarter.
The unexpected decline in retail sales reported by the Commerce Department on Friday was also payback after Amazon pulled forward its Prime Day event to June from July, with other retailers offering competing promotions. A retreat in gasoline prices also weighed on receipts at service stations.
The report added to unexpected job losses last month and mild inflation readings in bolstering financial market expectations that the Federal Reserve would not raise interest rates in September, barring upward surprises to August price and employment data.
"This points to a material slowdown in real consumer spending growth in the third quarter," said Sal Guatieri, a senior economist at BMO Capital Markets. "This, together with a weaker jobs report and subdued core CPI inflation, raises the odds of the FOMC staying patient again in September."
#july #retail #Growth
3 months ago
Good morning. Stocks wavered on Tuesday. Reports of progress on Middle East peace talks remained top of mind, as investors watched for swings in oil prices, which remained subdued in the first hour of trading.
Here's a check of the markets in early trading, as of 11:00 a.m. ET, based on a heat map powered by Yahoo Finance AlphaSpace data.
Industrial (XLI) stocks climbed, leading the major S&P 500 sectors, while consumer staples (XLP) were on the back foot. Within tech, semiconductor hardware companies continued to rally.
Here are the top stocks Yahoo Finance readers viewed this morning: Oracle (ORCL), Broadcom (AVGO), Cerebras (CBRS), Blackstone (BX), and SolarEdge (SEDG).
Two newly public quantum computing companies are about to report earnings. Their results will test the appetite for the budding technology that has captivated some corners on Wall Street.
#stocks #remained #Companies
Here's a check of the markets in early trading, as of 11:00 a.m. ET, based on a heat map powered by Yahoo Finance AlphaSpace data.
Industrial (XLI) stocks climbed, leading the major S&P 500 sectors, while consumer staples (XLP) were on the back foot. Within tech, semiconductor hardware companies continued to rally.
Here are the top stocks Yahoo Finance readers viewed this morning: Oracle (ORCL), Broadcom (AVGO), Cerebras (CBRS), Blackstone (BX), and SolarEdge (SEDG).
Two newly public quantum computing companies are about to report earnings. Their results will test the appetite for the budding technology that has captivated some corners on Wall Street.
#stocks #remained #Companies
3 months ago
Our ****** ysts just identified a stock with the potential to be the next Nvidia. Tell us how you invest and we'll show you why it's our #1 pick. Tap here.
Achieved record quarterly sales of $528 million, a 16.4% increase driven by the Koch Filter acquisition and strong Power Solutions performance.
Successfully exited more than 95% of transition services agreements (TSAs) for Koch Filter, with full integration expected by the third quarter.
Observed a cyclical recovery in first-fit markets starting in late Q2, with Atmus seeing demand upticks 4 to 6 weeks ahead of vehicle OEM builds.
Maintained a flat outlook for the global aftermarket as stronger sentiment in the U.S. and Mexico is offset by subdued conditions in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia Pacific.
#filter #observed
Achieved record quarterly sales of $528 million, a 16.4% increase driven by the Koch Filter acquisition and strong Power Solutions performance.
Successfully exited more than 95% of transition services agreements (TSAs) for Koch Filter, with full integration expected by the third quarter.
Observed a cyclical recovery in first-fit markets starting in late Q2, with Atmus seeing demand upticks 4 to 6 weeks ahead of vehicle OEM builds.
Maintained a flat outlook for the global aftermarket as stronger sentiment in the U.S. and Mexico is offset by subdued conditions in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia Pacific.
#filter #observed
3 months ago
Option prices are surging for stocks but are relatively subdued for the SPY. In the chart below, I compare the implied volatility (IV) of individual stocks with the IV of the SPY (an ETF based on the S&P 500 Index) using weekly options that expire the following week. Specifically, I calculated the average IV of individual stocks at the end of each week and compared it to the SPY IV.
The chart below is color-coded, highlighting that over the past ten weeks, the average IV of individual stocks has been around 50% (blue), a historically high level. Meanwhile, the SPY average IV has remained relatively low at about 13.5% (orange). This has pushed the spread between the two close to 36% (black), the highest level in my data dating back to 2016.
This is an interesting situation, and this week I'll examine the historical data to see what this has typically meant for the short-term options trading environment.
We would normally expect IVs on individual stocks to correlate with IVs on the SPY, and that's typically the case. However, there are times when they diverge, as they have now.
It makes sense if traders expect big moves from individual stocks, but they expect the big moves in both directions. That could result in little movement from the broad index. In other words, the options market is pricing in large, but uncorrelated, moves in individual stocks.
#index
The chart below is color-coded, highlighting that over the past ten weeks, the average IV of individual stocks has been around 50% (blue), a historically high level. Meanwhile, the SPY average IV has remained relatively low at about 13.5% (orange). This has pushed the spread between the two close to 36% (black), the highest level in my data dating back to 2016.
This is an interesting situation, and this week I'll examine the historical data to see what this has typically meant for the short-term options trading environment.
We would normally expect IVs on individual stocks to correlate with IVs on the SPY, and that's typically the case. However, there are times when they diverge, as they have now.
It makes sense if traders expect big moves from individual stocks, but they expect the big moves in both directions. That could result in little movement from the broad index. In other words, the options market is pricing in large, but uncorrelated, moves in individual stocks.
#index
3 months ago
Speculation has been a little subdued recently over a move for the Real Oviedo man, but the winger who impressed at the recent World Cup in the United States, has turned his back on a the lucrative offer from an unknown Saudi club.
Spanish outlet La Nueva Espana have claimed that the skilful winger was offered a five-year contract worth £2million per year from the unknown club.
That equates to around £38,500 per week, but it isn't enough to convince Hassan to make the move
The outlet further suggests that the 24 year old isn't interested in a move to the Gulf State, and will only consider a move to another European club, leaving the door open ever so wider for Celtic to make their move before transfer window slams shut in a few weeks time.
Fares Ghedjemis of Algeria looks on during an international friendly match between Algeria and Guatemala at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on March 27, 2026 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
#year #algeria #make #speculation
Spanish outlet La Nueva Espana have claimed that the skilful winger was offered a five-year contract worth £2million per year from the unknown club.
That equates to around £38,500 per week, but it isn't enough to convince Hassan to make the move
The outlet further suggests that the 24 year old isn't interested in a move to the Gulf State, and will only consider a move to another European club, leaving the door open ever so wider for Celtic to make their move before transfer window slams shut in a few weeks time.
Fares Ghedjemis of Algeria looks on during an international friendly match between Algeria and Guatemala at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on March 27, 2026 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
#year #algeria #make #speculation
3 months ago
With the U.S. midterm elections now just three months away, Goldman Sachs believes political developments are likely to become a more influential driver of market sentiment, potentially leading to higher volatility in the S&P 500 over the coming months.
Strategists led by Ben Snider said historical trends support the expectation that uncertainty surrounding economic policy typically increases as election season approaches.
"In past cycles, economic policy uncertainty has usually risen in the August ahead of midterm elections and remained elevated in the subsequent few months," strategists led by Ben Snider said in a note.
According to Goldman Sachs, that historical pattern strengthens the argument for maintaining exposure to equity index volatility in the near term.
The bank noted that unusually low correlations between individual stocks have helped keep overall index volatility subdued, despite significantly higher volatility at both the stock and factor levels.
#midterm #historical
Strategists led by Ben Snider said historical trends support the expectation that uncertainty surrounding economic policy typically increases as election season approaches.
"In past cycles, economic policy uncertainty has usually risen in the August ahead of midterm elections and remained elevated in the subsequent few months," strategists led by Ben Snider said in a note.
According to Goldman Sachs, that historical pattern strengthens the argument for maintaining exposure to equity index volatility in the near term.
The bank noted that unusually low correlations between individual stocks have helped keep overall index volatility subdued, despite significantly higher volatility at both the stock and factor levels.
#midterm #historical
3 months ago
Following a subdued start to the year, sales of electric vehicles (EVs) jumped in the second quarter after the Middle East crisis slashed crude supply and hiked oil and fuel prices, the International Energy Agency (IEA) said in a report on Thursday.
Global sales of electric cars fell in the first quarter of 2026, largely reflecting lower sales in the United States and China, according to the agency's report 'Electric Car Markets in a Time of Uncertainty'.
However, EV sales rebounded sharply in the second quarter, rising by 35% compared with the first quarter "as the energy crisis sparked by the war in the Middle East brought fuel price volatility back into sharp focus," the IEA said.
EV sales in the second quarter reached record-high levels in 50 countries as drivers preferred electric vehicles amid soaring fuel prices.
In sizable car markets such as Brazil, India, Australia, and Vietnam, electric car sales roughly doubled between March and June compared with the same period in 2025, according to the IEA's ******* ysis in the report.
#quarter #middle #markets
Global sales of electric cars fell in the first quarter of 2026, largely reflecting lower sales in the United States and China, according to the agency's report 'Electric Car Markets in a Time of Uncertainty'.
However, EV sales rebounded sharply in the second quarter, rising by 35% compared with the first quarter "as the energy crisis sparked by the war in the Middle East brought fuel price volatility back into sharp focus," the IEA said.
EV sales in the second quarter reached record-high levels in 50 countries as drivers preferred electric vehicles amid soaring fuel prices.
In sizable car markets such as Brazil, India, Australia, and Vietnam, electric car sales roughly doubled between March and June compared with the same period in 2025, according to the IEA's ******* ysis in the report.
#quarter #middle #markets
3 months ago
The father of a 10-year-old rescued from pounding surf off the California coast in a dramatic scene captured on video says he is beyond grateful to the teenage lifeguard who saved his son.
"He ran into that water despite those conditions that are deadly. You have 10 foot waves; you have riptides and currents coming in," Sumit Rai told The ****** ociated Press on Wednesday. "It is not safe for him to go into that water. So he's risking his own safety."
Rai's son Nathaniel was standing in shallow water when he lost his footing and was pulled into the ocean Saturday by powerful swells that suddenly came ashore at Seabright Beach in Santa Cruz, about 60 miles (about 100 kilometers) down the coast from San Francisco. Rai, who was in his home city of Dallas, said he heard about what happened when he spoke to his kids on the phone that evening.
"My son told me that he drowned and my son told me that he went unconscious," he said. "He was very subdued, still in a state of shock."
By the next morning, Rai had watched the video of the rescue that has since caught the attention of President Donald Trump.
#wednesday #nathaniel
"He ran into that water despite those conditions that are deadly. You have 10 foot waves; you have riptides and currents coming in," Sumit Rai told The ****** ociated Press on Wednesday. "It is not safe for him to go into that water. So he's risking his own safety."
Rai's son Nathaniel was standing in shallow water when he lost his footing and was pulled into the ocean Saturday by powerful swells that suddenly came ashore at Seabright Beach in Santa Cruz, about 60 miles (about 100 kilometers) down the coast from San Francisco. Rai, who was in his home city of Dallas, said he heard about what happened when he spoke to his kids on the phone that evening.
"My son told me that he drowned and my son told me that he went unconscious," he said. "He was very subdued, still in a state of shock."
By the next morning, Rai had watched the video of the rescue that has since caught the attention of President Donald Trump.
#wednesday #nathaniel
3 months ago
The suspect subdued after allegedly stabbing three women in Paris on Monday uttered, "it is Allah who commanded me" to a crowd that appeared to be holding him down after the apparent terror attack.
The incident comes just days after another stabbing attack in England and a vehicular attack on a Pride parade in Berlin, Germany.
A 31-year-old man, whose name was not immediately released, was seen on the ground after allegedly stabbing three women, one of whom was reportedly pregnant.
Witnesses Recount 'Scary' Nyc Stabbing After Suspect Allegedly Yelled 'Allahu Akbar' During Attacks
French outlet "Le Figaro" reported his utterances translated to "it is Allah who commanded me" as police sources told the outlet the suspect has an "unbalanced" profile.
#women
The incident comes just days after another stabbing attack in England and a vehicular attack on a Pride parade in Berlin, Germany.
A 31-year-old man, whose name was not immediately released, was seen on the ground after allegedly stabbing three women, one of whom was reportedly pregnant.
Witnesses Recount 'Scary' Nyc Stabbing After Suspect Allegedly Yelled 'Allahu Akbar' During Attacks
French outlet "Le Figaro" reported his utterances translated to "it is Allah who commanded me" as police sources told the outlet the suspect has an "unbalanced" profile.
#women
3 months ago
The Bank of England is planning to loosen capital requirements for major UK lenders to inject additional liquidity, help banks sustain lending, and support financial markets during periods of stress, while bringing UK requirements more closely into line with international standards. These proposals come as regulators face growing pressure to do more to stimulate economic growth. However, the move also raises concerns about credit quality and financial stability, as relaxed requirements could encourage banks to lend to weaker borrowers and contribute to higher leverage and risk-taking in financial markets.
Capital requirements determine how much capital banks must hold against their **** ets to absorb potential losses and maintain resilience during periods of stress. Easing these requirements allows banks to deploy more capital towards lending, supporting credit availability and market functioning when financial conditions deteriorate. The proposal also follows a relaxation of US leverage requirements in November 2025, increasing competitive pressure on British lenders operating in global markets.
UK economic growth has remained subdued amid geopolitical uncertainty, which has pushed up commodity prices, added to inflationary pressures, and weakened consumer confidence. By improving banks' capacity to lend, the Bank of England aims to support economic activity and help restore confidence among households and businesses.
At the same time, the proposals heighten concerns about financial stability and market risk. Easier credit conditions could increase lending to highly leveraged investors, including hedge funds that use significant borrowing to purchase equities. A substantial share of this debt-fuelled activity has been concentrated in AI-related stocks, despite uncertainty over whether many AI investments will generate the expected returns. If AI projects fail to deliver, firms may struggle to service their debts, potentially increasing banks' non-performing **** ets and weakening overall credit quality.
The Financial Policy Committee has also flagged risks arising directly from rapid advances in frontier AI, which have progressed faster than many experts expected. While these systems could improve productivity, they may also materially increase cyber and operational risks by enabling malicious actors to cause disruption at lower cost and greater scale. Such shocks could affect banks and other systemically important financial institutions, with broader implications for the resilience of the financial system.
#financial #capital #lending #england
Capital requirements determine how much capital banks must hold against their **** ets to absorb potential losses and maintain resilience during periods of stress. Easing these requirements allows banks to deploy more capital towards lending, supporting credit availability and market functioning when financial conditions deteriorate. The proposal also follows a relaxation of US leverage requirements in November 2025, increasing competitive pressure on British lenders operating in global markets.
UK economic growth has remained subdued amid geopolitical uncertainty, which has pushed up commodity prices, added to inflationary pressures, and weakened consumer confidence. By improving banks' capacity to lend, the Bank of England aims to support economic activity and help restore confidence among households and businesses.
At the same time, the proposals heighten concerns about financial stability and market risk. Easier credit conditions could increase lending to highly leveraged investors, including hedge funds that use significant borrowing to purchase equities. A substantial share of this debt-fuelled activity has been concentrated in AI-related stocks, despite uncertainty over whether many AI investments will generate the expected returns. If AI projects fail to deliver, firms may struggle to service their debts, potentially increasing banks' non-performing **** ets and weakening overall credit quality.
The Financial Policy Committee has also flagged risks arising directly from rapid advances in frontier AI, which have progressed faster than many experts expected. While these systems could improve productivity, they may also materially increase cyber and operational risks by enabling malicious actors to cause disruption at lower cost and greater scale. Such shocks could affect banks and other systemically important financial institutions, with broader implications for the resilience of the financial system.
#financial #capital #lending #england
