US Stock Market: Bessent applauds Fed communication reset, questions dot plot’s relevance

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has backed Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh’s push to revamp the Fed’s communication strategy, including a review of its widely watched dot plot interest-rate forecasts and forward guidance. Bessent argued that markets have become overly reliant on these projections, which often fail to accurately predict future policy moves.

US Stock Market: Retail investor rush sends Wendy’s stock soaring on heavy trading volume

Wendy’s shares experienced a dramatic surge, climbing nearly 29% as retail investors flocked to the struggling fast-food chain. This rally, reminiscent of the 2021 meme stock craze, saw the stock trending on platforms like Stocktwits and Reddit. The significant buying interest from individual traders comes as the company faces sluggish sales and activist pressure, with…

US Stock Market: Barclays, Stifel lift S&P 500 year-end targets on stronger earnings outlook

Major financial firms Barclays and Stifel have boosted their S&P 500 year-end targets to 7,800, signaling strong confidence in corporate profits and the U.S. stock market’s resilience. This optimism, fueled by AI advancements and improved investor sentiment, suggests further upside potential. While inflation and interest rate concerns linger, strategists see earnings growth and capital spending…

Global Market: China’s ‘future industries’ investment boom sparks valuation bubble concerns

China is witnessing a massive surge in venture capital, pouring billions into futuristic sectors like space, quantum computing, and AI. This investment frenzy, driven by Beijing’s ambition to lead in technology and reduce reliance on foreign tech, sees even revenue-less startups attracting significant funding. Investor confidence is high, with new listing rules easing domestic market…