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Amid high inflation, consecutive rate hikes, and rising recession odds, market volatility is rife, as is evident from the CBOE Volatility Index’s 54% year-to-date gains. Moreover, consumer confidence has sunk below the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) levels. The Westpac-Melbourne Institute Consumer Sentiment Index dropped 6.9% in November. Westpac’s chief economist Bill Evans, said, “This point […]

Tech giant Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) is facing a European Union (EU) probe in its proposed $69 billion deal to acquire gaming company Activision Blizzard, Inc. (ATVI). On the other hand, MSFT has accused the U.K. Competition and Markets Authority of relying on “self-serving” input from rival Sony Group Corp. (SONY) in its deliberations. Moreover, the

The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent restrictions imposed on our outdoor existence was a massive windfall for businesses whose offerings were tailored to help their customers stay operational remotely and indoors. While the virus is still surviving at large, the severity of its effects has decreased significantly. Therefore, most of the global community has begun to

The Fed recently announced its fourth consecutive 75-bps rate hike and is expected to implement further hikes in the near term. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell believes, “It’s very premature, in my view, to think about or be talking about pausing (rate hikes).” Consequently, the interest rate-sensitive and tech-heavy Nasdaq composite has lost 4.7% over

Amid the Fed’s aggressive rate hikes, internet stocks have witnessed a substantial decline in investor attention, as evident from the First Trust D.J. Internet Index ETF’s (FDN) 7.8% loss over the past month and 47.5% decline year-to-date. E-commerce and tech-giant Amazon.com, Inc. (AMZN) has lost 22.9% over the past month and 46.4% year-to-date. Moreover, the

Amid uncertain economic conditions, investors looking for a steady income stream and long-term capital appreciation could consider buying Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ), as the company pays reliable dividends and possesses solid growth prospects. VZ provides communications, technology, information, and entertainment products and services worldwide to consumers, businesses, and governmental entities. The company operates through Consumer

Healthcare service provider McKesson Corporation (MCK) has returned $1.60 billion of cash to shareholders in the first six months of the fiscal year. This included $1.50 billion of common stock repurchases and $139 million in dividend payments. Moreover, on October 27, MCK declared a regular dividend of 54 cents per share of common stock, payable

Despite the ongoing chip shortage and other supply chain disruptions, the auto industry continues to witness sustained demand, driven by the growing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and supportive government policies. Given the favorable industry backdrop, shares of automotive chipmaker STMicroelectronics N.V. (STM) have seen considerable investor interest lately because of its fundamental strength and

The consumer staples sector comprises companies that enjoy steady demand for their products regardless of business cycles. Despite increased fears of an economic slowdown, investors consider this sector safe since consumers cannot cut back on necessities even in a recession. Within this resilient sector, Kroger Co. (KR) could be one of the best investment options

Floor & Decor Holdings, Inc. (FND), which operates as a multi-channel specialty retailer and commercial flooring distributor of hard surface flooring and related accessories, belongs to the veteran investor Warren Buffett’s portfolio. As of June 30, 2022, Buffett’s holding company Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (BRK.A), held a 4.5% stake in FND.           Despite securing a place in