Business
Stock Market Today: Asian Shares Mostly Higher Amidst Holiday Closures And Economic Uncertainty
Stock Market Today: Asian markets experienced a mixed trading session on Monday, with several exchanges closed for holidays. Notably, China and South Korea were among the countries observing market closures.
Despite the limited trading activity, there were significant developments in global markets that captured investors’ attention.
Oil Prices and U.S. Futures
Oil prices registered gains, and U.S. futures pointed towards higher openings as concerns regarding a U.S. federal government shutdown receded.
Over the weekend, Congress approved a temporary funding bill, ensuring that federal agencies would remain operational until November 17. This development alleviated some of the uncertainty that had been looming over financial markets.
Japan’s Nikkei 225 Index
Japan’s Nikkei 225 index encountered a slight setback after the release of the Bank of Japan’s “tankan” quarterly survey.
This survey indicated a rise in business confidence among major manufacturers, climbing from plus 5 in June to plus 9. Major non-manufacturers also saw an increase of four points, reaching plus 27.
These positive figures marked the sixth consecutive quarter of improvement and the most optimistic sentiment in approximately three decades.
However, despite early gains, the Nikkei 225 index in Tokyo eventually slipped by 0.3% to close at 31,759.88. Likewise, Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 lost 0.2%, ending the day at 7,033.20.
On the other hand, Taiwan’s Taiex index gained 1.2%, and the SET index in Bangkok edged 0.1% higher.
U.S. Stock Market Performance
On Friday, Wall Street concluded its worst-performing month of the year with further losses. The S&P 500 declined by 0.3% to reach 4,288.05, while the Dow dropped 0.5% to 33,507.50. In contrast, the Nasdaq composite managed a modest 0.1% gain, closing at 13,219.32.
Treasury Yields and Market Volatility
Treasury yields, which had eased earlier in the day due to encouraging signals about inflation, reversed their trend as the trading session progressed. The 10-year Treasury yield returned to 4.58%, nearing its highest level since 2007.
Rising Treasury yields can influence investor behavior, making safer investments like Treasurys more attractive compared to riskier assets like stocks. Consequently, the S&P 500’s September decline of 4.9% underscored the impact of these higher yields on the stock market.
The Federal Reserve’s commitment to maintaining high interest rates in response to persistent inflation has contributed to the upward trajectory of Treasury yields.
The Fed’s main interest rate reached its highest level since 2001, and the central bank recently hinted that it may implement smaller interest rate cuts next year than initially expected.
Economic Data and Inflation Concerns
Recent economic data revealed that both inflation and U.S. consumer spending growth were slightly cooler than anticipated in August. While lower inflation is generally favorable, it may also affect the momentum of consumer spending, a key driver of the U.S. economy.
Additionally, the resumption of student-loan repayments is expected to divert funds away from consumer spending, potentially impacting economic stability.
Oil Prices and Their Economic Implications
Oil prices have surged to their highest levels in over a year, imposing pressure on the economy by increasing fuel costs for consumers and businesses alike.
Early on Monday, U.S. crude oil prices climbed by 34 cents to $91.13 per barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange. This marked a notable increase from $70 per barrel in June. Similarly, Brent crude, the international benchmark, rose by 32 cents to $92.52 per barrel.
Upcoming Economic Data and Fed Decisions
Investors will closely monitor upcoming economic reports, including the U.S. jobs market update, with reports on inflation scheduled for the following week.
Delays or disruptions in the release of such data could pose challenges for the Federal Reserve, which has emphasized its reliance on incoming economic data to inform interest rate decisions.
The next meeting of the Federal Reserve on interest rates is scheduled to conclude on November 1.
Currency Markets
In currency trading, the U.S. dollar strengthened against the Japanese yen, reaching 149.65 yen from 149.38 yen. Meanwhile, the euro weakened slightly, slipping to $1.0575 from $1.0589.
In conclusion, Asian markets faced a mixed landscape on Monday, marked by holiday closures, economic uncertainties, and shifting global dynamics.
Investors will continue to closely monitor developments in oil prices, inflation, and interest rates, which are likely to shape market sentiment in the weeks ahead.
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Business
PepsiCo Reduces Revenue Projections As North American Snacks And Key International Markets Underperform.
(VOR News) – In the third quarter of this year, Pepsi’s net income was $2.93 billion, which is equivalent to $2.13 per share. This was attributed to the company.
This is in stark contrast to net income of $3.09 billion, which is equivalent to $2.24 per share, during the same period in the previous year. The company’s earnings per share were $2.31 when expenses were excluded.
Net sales decreased by 0.6%, totaling $23.32 billion. Organic sales increased by 1.3% during the quarter when the effects of acquisitions, divestitures, and currency changes are excluded.
Pepsi’s beverage sales fell this quarter.
The most recent report indicates that the beverage and food sectors of the organization experienced a 2% decline in volume. Consumers of all income levels are demonstrating a change in their purchasing habits, as indicated by CEOs’ statements from the previous quarter.
Pepsi’s entire volume was adversely affected by the lackluster demand they encountered in North America. An increasing number of Americans are becoming more frugal, reducing the number of snacks they ingest, and reducing the number of times they purchase at convenience stores.
Furthermore, Laguarta observed that the increase in sales was partially attributed to the election that occurred in Mexico during the month of June.
The most significant decrease in volume was experienced by Quaker Foods North America, which was 13%. In December, the company announced its initial recall in response to a potential salmonella infection.
Due to the probability of an illness, the recall was extended in January. Pepsi officially closed a plant that was implicated in the recalls in June, despite the fact that manufacturing had already been halted.
Jamie Caulfield, the Chief Financial Officer of Pepsi and Laguarta, has indicated that the recalls are beginning to have a lessening effect.
Frito-Lay experienced a 1.5% decline in volume in North America. The company has been striving to improve the value it offers to consumers and the accessibility of its snack line, which includes SunChips, Cheetos, and Stacy’s pita chips, in the retail establishments where it is sold.
Despite the fact that the category as a whole has slowed down in comparison to the results of previous years, the level of activity within the division is progressively increasing.
Pepsi executives issued a statement in which they stated that “Salty and savory snacks have underperformed year-to-date after outperforming packaged food categories in previous years.”
Pepsi will spend more on Doritos and Tostitos in the fall and winter before football season.
The company is currently promoting incentive packets for Tostitos and Ruffles, which contain twenty percent more chips than the standard package.
Pepsi is expanding its product line in order to more effectively target individuals who are health-conscious. The business announced its intention to acquire Siete Foods for a total of $1.2 billion approximately one week ago. The restaurant serves Mexican-American cuisine, which is typically modified to meet the dietary needs of a diverse clientele.
The beverage segment of Pepsi in North America experienced a three percent decrease in volume. Despite the fact that the demand for energy drinks, such as Pepsi’s Rockstar, has decreased as a result of consumers visiting convenience stores, the sales of well-known brands such as Gatorade and Pepsi have seen an increase throughout the quarter.
Laguarta expressed his opinion to the analysts during the company’s conference call, asserting, “I am of the opinion that it is a component of the economic cycle that we are currently experiencing, and that it will reverse itself in the future, once consumers feel better.”
Additionally, it has been noted that the food and beverage markets of South Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, and Africa have experienced a decline in sales volume. The company cut its forecast for organic revenue for the entire year on Tuesday due to the business’s second consecutive quarter of lower-than-anticipated sales.
The company’s performance during the quarter was adversely affected by the Quaker Foods North America recalls, the decrease in demand in the United States, and the interruptions that occurred in specific international markets, as per the statements made by Chief Executive Officer Ramon Laguarta.
Pepsi has revised its forecast for organic sales in 2024, shifting from a 4% growth rate to a low single-digit growth rate. The company reiterated its expectation that the core constant currency profitability per share will increase by a minimum of 8% in comparison to the previous year.
The company’s shares declined by less than one percent during premarket trading. The following discrepancies between the company’s report and the projections of Wall Street were identified by LSEG in a survey of analysts:
SOURCE: CNBC
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Old National Bank And Infosys Broaden Their Strategic Partnership.
Business
Old National Bank And Infosys Broaden Their Strategic Partnership.
(VOR News) – Old National Bank, a commercial bank with its headquarters in the Midwest, and Infosys, a firm that specializes in information technology, have recently entered into a strategic expansion of their link, which has been in place for the past four years.
This expansion is more likely to take place sooner rather than later, with the likelihood being higher.
For the purpose of making it possible for Old National Bank to make use of the services, solutions, and platforms that are offered by Infosys, the objective of this expansion is to make it possible for the bank to transform its operations and processes through the application of automation and GenAI, as well as to change significant business areas.
This lets the bank leverage Infosys’ services, solutions, and platforms.
Old National Bank Chairman and CEO Jim Ryan said, “At Old National, we are committed to creating exceptional experiences for both our customers and our fellow employees.”
This statement is applicable to Old National Bank. Infosys is carefully managing the business process innovations that it is putting us through, putting a strong emphasis on efficiency and value growth throughout the process to ensure that it is carried out efficiently.
This is a routine occurrence throughout the entire operation. Because of Infosys’ dedication to our development and success, we are incredibly appreciative of the assistance they have provided.
Old National has been receiving assistance from Infosys in the process of updating its digital environment since the year 2020, according to the aforementioned company.
Ever since that time, the company has been providing assistance. The provision of this assistance has been accomplished through the utilization of a model that is not only powerful but also capable of functioning on its own power.
Infosys currently ranks Old National thirty-first out of the top thirty US banks.
This ranking is based on the fact that Old National is the nation’s largest banking corporation.
It is estimated that the total value of the company’s assets is approximately fifty-three billion dollars, while the assets that are currently being managed by the organization are valued at thirty billion dollars.
Dennis Gada, the Executive Vice President and Global Head of Banking and Financial Services, stated that “Old National Bank and Infosys possess a robust cultural and strategic alignment in the development, management, and enhancement of enterprise-scale solutions to transform the bank’s operations and facilitate growth.”
This remark referenced the exceptional cultural and strategic synergy between the two organizations. Dennis Gada is the one who asserted this claim. This was articulated explicitly concerning the exceptional cultural congruence and strategy alignment of the two organizations.
We are pleased to announce that the implementation of Infosys Topaz will substantially expedite the transformation of Old National Bank’s business processes and customer service protocols. We are exceedingly enthusiastic about this matter. We are quite thrilled about this specific component of the scenario.
Medium-sized banks operating regionally will continue to benefit from our substantial expertise in the sector, technology, and operations. This specific market segment of Infosys will persist in benefiting from our extensive experience. This phenomenon will enable this market sector to sustain substantial growth and efficiency benefits.
SOURCE: THBL
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American Water, The Largest Water Utility In US, Is Targeted By A Cyberattack
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Business
American Water, The Largest Water Utility In US, Is Targeted By A Cyberattack
The largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States stated Monday that it had been the target of a cyberattack, forcing the company to halt invoicing to consumers.
American Water, The Largest Water Utility In US, Is Targeted By A Cyberattack
American Water, based in New Jersey and serving over 14 million people in 14 states and 18 military facilities, said it learned of the unauthorized activity on Thursday and quickly took precautions, including shutting down certain systems. The business does not believe the attack had an impact on its facilities or operations and said employees were working “around the clock” to determine the origin and scale of the attack.
According to their website, American Water operates over 500 water and wastewater systems in around 1,700 communities across California, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.
SOURCE | AP
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