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Permits were 1.9% more than the upwardly revised 1.47 million November number and at an annual level of 1.5 million. Housing starts fell 4.3% from the November annual rate of 1.53 million, a reading that was revised downward from the robust 1.56 million originally estimated. Both permits and starts were higher than a year ago, by 6.1% and 7.6%, respectively. The Best Cartoons on the Economy View All 178 Images“Falling mortgage rates should jump-start the demand for housing in the coming months,” said Jeffrey Roach, chief economist at LPL Financial. On Wednesday, the National Association of Home Builders said its January survey found builder confidence surged as mortgage rates for the benchmark 30-year fixed rate loan dipped to 6.75%.

Persons: ”, Jeffrey Roach, Alicia Huey, Kelly Mangold Organizations: Census Bureau, Department of Housing, Urban, Housing, LPL, National Association of Home Builders, ” Builders, Real Estate Consulting Locations: Birmingham , Alabama, U.S

☆ Here are Thursday's biggest analyst calls: Apple, Netflix, Nvidia, Meta, Rivian, Costco, Hertz, Microsoft & more
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-18 | by ( Michael Bloom | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +9 min

Bank of America upgrades Apple to buy from neutral Bank of America said AI and Vision Pro should drive upside for Apple. Bank of America reiterates Microsoft as buy Bank of America raised its price target on Microsoft to $450 per share from $430. Guggenheim reiterates Target as buy Guggenheim said Target is well positioned in 2024. Bank of America names Harley Davidson a top pick Bank of America said the motorcycle company is well positioned for 2024. " Bank of America reiterates ServiceNow as a top pick Bank of America said the stock remains a top idea for 2024.

Persons: KBW downgrades Charles Schwab, KBW, Mizuho, Robinhood, ., DA Davidson, Baird, Rivian, Wolfe, it's, Wells, it's bullish, Bernstein, Guggenheim, Piper Sandler, Tempur Sealy, TPX, CFRA, Harley Davidson, Oppenheimer, Morgan Stanley, Hertz, ServiceNow, Argus, Salesforce, Mike Blake Organizations: UBS, Netflix, Bank of America, Apple, of America, Nvidia, Semiconductors, Barclays, Red Rock Resorts, Vegas Locals, Microsoft, Guggenheim, Citi, JetBlue, Spirit, Costco, Piper, Palo Alto Networks, Paramount, Nasdaq, Hertz, Blackrock, Amazon, Deutsche Bank, Deutsche, JPMorgan Locations: repurchases, Palo, Palo Alto, Southeast China, 1H24, Los Angeles

☆ Stocks making the biggest moves midday: Apple, Humana, Taiwan Semiconductor, Birkenstock and more
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-18 | by ( Michelle Fox | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing — U.S.-listed shares of the semiconductor company popped 9.79% on the back of a fourth-quarter profit and revenue beat . Fastenal earned 46 cents per share on revenue of $1.76 billion, while analysts polled by StreetAccount forecast 45 cents per share on $1.75 billion in revenue. Adjusted earnings per share were 32 cents, versus the 27 cents expected from analysts polled by StreetAccount. KeyCorp — The Cleveland-based bank dropped 4.62% after reporting fourth-quarter adjusted earnings per share of 3 cents, down from 38 cents a year prior. Kinder Morgan — Kinder Morgan shares slid 1.42% after the natural gas pipeline operator reported fourth-quarter revenue of $4.04 billion, missing the LSEG consensus estimate of $4.41 billion.

Persons: Sekisui, Hertz, Morgan Stanley, Fastenal, Birkenstock, KeyCorp —, Kinder Morgan — Kinder Morgan, CNBC's Lisa Han, Samantha Subin, Alex Harring, Yun Li, Pia Singh, Sarah Min Organizations: Apple —, Nasdaq, Bank of America, Apple, CVS Health, MDC Holdings, MDC, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, Taiwan Semiconductor, Nvidia, Qualcomm, Devices, Spirit Airlines, JetBlue, Citi, StreetAccount, Horizon, Discover Financial, Wolfe Research, JPMorgan Locations: KeyCorp — The Cleveland, Singapore

☆ Jim Cramer names four tailwinds helping stocks rip higher
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-18 | by ( Julie Coleman | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

The major indexes busted out of a slump on Thursday and CNBC's Jim Cramer pinpointed several unexpected market tailwinds, telling investors to look for this kind of action instead of obsessing over news from the Federal Reserve. "I'd rather look for these unexpected tailwinds that affect individual companies. According to Cramer, the return of Japan as a notable player in mergers and acquisitions is another tailwind. Cramer said activist investor Nelson Peltz's proxy fight to get into Disney 's boardroom could lead to higher value for the company. Above all, Cramer reminded investors not to trade, but to research and identify stocks they believe in for the long term.

Persons: CNBC's Jim Cramer, Cramer, Apple, Nelson Organizations: Federal Reserve, of America, Apple, homebuilder MDC Holdings, Nippon, U.S . Steel, Disney Locations: Japan

☆ Semiconductor stocks surged in 2023. Why investors may want to brace for volatility in the new year
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-16 | by ( Samantha Subin | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

Prepare for volatility in the semiconductor industry after an exuberant 2023 that saw prices surge and left many companies with lofty valuations. "Higher valuations in my experience lead to higher investor expectations and those higher investor expectations typically lead to higher volatility," said Michael Brenner of FBB Capital Partners . Computer chip stocks surged in 2023, largely due to enthusiasm surrounding the use of artificial intelligence and the need for advanced semiconductors. Bracing for volatility Semiconductor companies have a lot to prove in 2024 after wowing investors last year. KeyBanc Capital Markets' John Vinh said in a recent note to clients that auto industry semiconductor demand in the new year will benefit Analog Devices , NXP Semiconductors and On Semiconductor .

Persons: Michael Brenner, Capital's Paul Schatz, Sylvia Jablonski, Robert Pavlik, Brenner, FBB, Jensen Huang, Nvidia aren't, Schatz, Jablonski, Intel's, Ross Seymore, Seymore, Brenner isn't, John Vinh, bode, Vinh, Mizuho's Vijay Rakesh, — CNBC's Michael Bloom Organizations: FBB Capital Partners, iShares Semiconductor, Dakota Wealth, Nvidia, Broadcom, Micron Technology, Devices, Deutsche, Marvell Technology, Taiwan Semiconductor, Infineon, EV, KeyBanc, NXP Semiconductors, Semiconductor, Qualcomm, Lam Research

☆ Japan markets are hitting multi-decade highs — will Nikkei scale its all-time peak?
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-15 | by ( Lim Hui Jie | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Employees work at the Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE), operated by Japan Exchange Group Inc. (JPX), in Tokyo, Japan, on Thursday, Jan. 4, 2024. Bloomberg | Bloomberg | Getty ImagesAfter a tumultuous start to the year, Japan's benchmark Nikkei 225 broke past the 35,000 mark for the first time since February 1990 and has been scaling new 33-year highs. The rally in Japan's equity market, which started on Jan. 5, has also seen the broad-based Topix hitting 33-year highs. Speaking to CNBC, Yeap Jun Rong, market strategist at IG Asia struck an optimistic tone, saying that "all stars seem to be aligned for Japan's stock market." In a note last week, the Bank of America called the Japan rally a "déjà vu," comparing it with the Nikkei's rise between April and June 2023.

Persons: Yeap Jun Rong, Yeap Organizations: Tokyo Stock Exchange, Japan Exchange Group Inc, Bloomberg, Getty, Nikkei, CNBC, IG Asia, Bank of Japan, TSX, Bank of America Locations: Tokyo, Japan

☆ Earnings playbook: Your guide to trading this week's biggest reports, including Goldman Sachs
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-15 | by ( Fred Imbert | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

Data compiled by The Earnings Scout shows the early reporters have had no trouble beating earnings expectations so far. Tuesday Goldman Sachs is set to report earnings before the bell, followed by a conference call at 9:30 a.m. What history shows: Goldman exceeds earnings expectations 85% of the time, data from Bespoke Investment Group shows. What history shows: Bespoke data shows PNC tops earnings expectations 75% of the time. What history shows: KeyCorp shares have fallen on four of the last five earnings days, Bespoke data shows.

Persons: Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, Hugh Son, Goldman, James Gorman, Ted Pick, it's, Jefferies, Schlumberger, SLB, Wells, Roger Read Organizations: JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Citigroup, Wall, PNC Financial, CNBC, Investment Group, Management, LSEG, PNC, Regional Banking, JPMorgan, UST, Schlumberger Locations: Wells Fargo, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, 3Q23, SLB

☆ Wall Street made bold calls on 4 of our stocks this week. Here's where we stand
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-13 | by ( Morgan Chittum | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

Wall Street analysts revealed bold predictions on four portfolio stocks this week, as investors digested the latest inflation data and December earnings season kicked off. Morgan Stanley Wall Street's take: HSBC cut Morgan Stanley's rating to hold from buy on Monday, citing weaker guidance for the firm's wealth management business. MS 1Y mountain Morgan Stanley 1 year The Club's take: We don't blame analysts for stepping to the sidelines. Still, Morgan Stanley has strong growth prospects from its investment banking segment, a business we see improving on a better macroeconomic outlook and a pickup in deal activity. Palo Alto Networks Wall Street's take: Morgan Stanley named Palo Alto Networks the bank's top cybersecurity pick on Wednesday.

Persons: Here's, Morgan Stanley Wall, Morgan Stanley, Apple's, FCF, We've, Baird, Price, Marc Benioff, shouldn't, Jim Cramer's, Jim Cramer, Jim, Brendan Mcdermid Organizations: HSBC, Morgan, Bank, Management, Apple, Palo, Palo Alto Networks, 22X, CNBC, Traders, New York Stock Exchange Locations: CY24, CQ4, Palo, New York City, U.S

☆ How to play the next stage of AI in 2024, according to Canaccord Genuity
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-12 | by ( Samantha Subin | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Canaccord Genuity is laying out some names poised to capitalize on the new stage of AI set to unfold in 2024. "As we enter 2024, we anticipate a marked shift from businesses creating AI strategies towards executing them, with a focus on measuring and delivering ROI." Here are some of the companies across sectors best situated to take advantage of the next stage of AI growth: Canccord Genuity sees a plethora of opportunities in the technology space beyond the pure play behemoths that prospered in 2024. "In the software security section of the report, we address how our coverage companies are implementing and/or enhancing AI strategies." But technology isn't the only industry poised to benefit from AI tailwinds this year and beyond.

Persons: Susan Anderson, Anderson, Genuity, — CNBC's Michael Bloom Organizations: Microsoft, Nvidia, Nasdaq, Deere

☆ This is not a soft landing, and reaccelerating growth will bring back a more hawkish Fed, economist says
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-11 | by ( Aruni Soni | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

download the appSign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. AdvertisementSo what's turning up the heat in the economy that could herald a hawkish return? "Non-cyclical components have continued to see strong growth in particular with strong post-Covid tailwinds to restaurants, hotels, and airlines," the economist explained. That pent-up demand that gushed over the economy after the pandemic wore off is still stoking consumer spending today, according to Sløk. Cyclical components of GDP growth rebounding Apollo ManagementMeanwhile, financial conditions have been easing since Silicon Valley Bank collapse in March last year.

Persons: —, Apollo, Torsten Sløk, Sløk Organizations: Service, Federal, Business, Fed

☆ Consumer spending growth will slow in 2024, economist predicts — it’s ‘not necessarily sustainable’
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-10 | by ( Jessica Dickler | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Consumer spending remained remarkably resilient throughout 2023, even in the face of prolonged inflation and high interest rates. "Nonetheless, those tailwinds are not necessarily sustainable," Kleinhenz said in the January issue of NRF's Monthly Economic Review, released Tuesday. Americans are racking up more 'phantom debt'56 million Americans have been in credit card debt for over a yearRecent reports already show signs of strain. In the last year, credit card debt spiked to a record high, surpassing $1.08 trillion, according to the latest quarterly report from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Now, more cardholders are carrying debt from month to month and fewer are able to pay off their balances in full.

Persons: Jack Kleinhenz, Kleinhenz, Mark Hamrick Organizations: National Retail Federation, Finance, Federal Reserve Bank of New Locations: Federal Reserve Bank of New York

☆ Will air fares remain high in 2024? Here's what experts say
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-08 | by ( Monica Pitrelli | Jonathan Delise | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

"After recent rises in fares, we should expect a modest price correction in some markets in 2024, although underlying pricing should generally remain strong," it said. However, Amex GBT's "Air Monitor 2024" is expecting only international airfares to drop in 2024 — notably for flights between North America and Asia. BCD Travel Travel Market Report 2024 OutlookTravelers in the U.S. may see some savings. The travel company Hopper expects fares in the U.S. to drop — at least for the first six months, according to its "2024 Travel Outlook" report. However, IATA also stated that the industry faces considerable challenges, from customer competition and high operating costs to government regulations.

Persons: Amex, —, Hopper, John Grant, Who's, Willie Walsh Organizations: International Air Transport Association, Global, GBT Consulting, FCM, Travel, GBT's Air Locations: Asia, North America, U.S, Europe, Ukraine, Gaza, Pacific, India, China, America, Mexico Africa

☆ Nvidia's stock tripled last year on AI excitement. What to expect as the next stage unfolds
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-08 | by ( Samantha Subin | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

The company's stunning progress garnered the love of Wall Street, with analysts upping their price targets on the stock to account for future growth and naming it among their top AI picks. Nvidia's 'iPhone moment' Few could have predicted the frenzy ChatGPT would create when it debuted in late 2022, but no company could have been better prepared for the excitement than Nvidia. What to expect in 2024 Many on Wall Street don't foresee Nvidia hype dying down in the new year. In fact, many investors expect shares to keep rising as long as the company can smash expectations and guide higher. That's a feat many on Wall Street expect the company to accomplish, with the consensus price target implying another 35% upside for shares, according to FactSet.

Persons: Paul Meeks, Karl Freund, Freund, They've, Kim Forrest, Meeks, there'll, Ken Mahoney, Forrest, they've Organizations: Nvidia, Devices, Research, Bokeh Capital Partners, Intel Locations: Nvidia's

☆ These 3 energy stocks offer the most upside in oil sector this year, Bank of America says
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-05 | by ( Spencer Kimball | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Leggate has selected Occidental , Chevron and Exxon Mobil as his top picks. Bank of America is broadly cutting stock price targets in the oil and gas sector on a declining oil curve. He has set Occidental's price target at $80, implying 35% upside. The analyst has a price target of $180 for Chevron, suggesting the company's stock could rise 19% from here. Exxon's target is $140, suggesting nearly 37% upside, while Chevron has 19% upside with a target of $180.

Persons: Doug Leggate, Leggate, Hess Organizations: Bank of America, Occidental, Chevron, Exxon Mobil, Exxon, Natural Resources Locations: Ukraine, Occidental

☆ These factors could lift dividend-paying stocks in the first half of 2024, Barclays says
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-04 | by ( Darla Mercado | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

The utilities sector suffered so much in 2023, that it's due for a snapback in the new year, according to Barclays. They also made the stocks' dividend payments less attractive compared to the risk-free yields on Treasurys. But now these stocks are priced to move, according to Barclays analyst Nicholas Campanella. "We still like the stock," Barclays said, pointing to upside to consensus earnings per share as one of the factors behind its call. Duke offers a dividend yield of 4.2%, but 12 out of the 20 analysts following the stock rate it a hold, per LSEG.

Persons: Nicholas Campanella, XLU, Campanella, Evergy, — CNBC's Michael Bloom Organizations: Barclays . Utilities, Barclays, SPDR, Fed, Electric Power, Dominion Energy, E Corporation, Duke Energy, Duke Locations: Kansas, Kansas City

☆ Walgreens stock plunges after drugstore chain slashes quarterly dividend nearly in half
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-04 | by ( Annika Kim Constantino | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

Walgreens' dividend yield is now 3.9%, based on Wednesday's closing price. That's down significantly from its prior yield of more than 7%, which made the company the highest-paying dividend stock in the Dow Jones Industrial Average . Walgreens booked sales of $36.71 billion in the quarter, a roughly 10% jump from the same period a year ago. Walgreens is making significant investments to transform from a major drugstore chain to a large health-care company. Despite the quarterly beats, Walgreens reiterated its fiscal 2024 adjusted earnings guidance of $3.20 to $3.50 per share.

Persons: Tim Wentworth, Wentworth, Walgreens, Mario Tama Organizations: Walgreens, Dow Jones, CNBC, LSEG, Pharmacy, Getty Locations: U.S, Los Angeles , California

☆ Tech stocks dominated 2023 investing. Here's where the sector finds growth in 2024
▼ + stars: | 2023-12-31 | by ( Samantha Subin | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +11 min

After 2023's blowout run, it's hard to recall the once gloomy investing setup for technology stocks last December. As the calendar year turns, don't expect technology stocks to match 2023's blowout gains, but the year's performance is no fluke. AI stocks may dominate tech-focused investing, but don't sleep on the other emerging themes. GOOGL YTD mountain Alphabet shares in 2023 Both companies have rolled out new initiatives in the months since. Arm Holdings made headlines this year as one of the first major companies to go public , reviving the IPO market after a roughly two-year drought.

Persons: behemoths, Jay Woods, Mark Zuckerberg, didn't, chipmakers, David Waddell, Everybody's, Copilot, Paul Meeks, Gene Munster, Alphabet's, Meeks, Morgan Stanley, Andrew Slimmon, They're, Slimmon, CNBC's, Wall, Nvidia's, He's, Mahoney, Ken Mahoney, it's, Brent Fredberg, Munster's, Management's Albert Tsuei, Tsuei, William Blair's Jonathan Vo, Keith Weiss Organizations: Federal Reserve, Treasury, Freedom, Microsoft, Waddell & Associates, Oracle, Arista Networks, Morgan, Morgan Stanley Investment, Meta, Nvidia, Devices, Dell, Hewlett Packard Enterprises, Broadcom, Holdings, Micron Technology, Brandes Investment Partners, Micron, Samsung, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, MGM Resorts, Johnson, Okta, UBS, Management's, Palo Alto Networks, Palo Alto Locations: British, Clorox

☆ S&P 500 rises to 20-month high with a soft landing in sight. Can investors finally relax?
▼ + stars: | 2023-12-09 | by ( Michael Santoli | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +9 min

The S & P 500 , which had consolidated with a low-volatility sideways slide for three weeks, nudged to a new 20-month high just above 4600, almost precisely a 20% year-to-date gain. Just because the S & P 500 is at 4600 and Federal-funds futures markets project high odds of several rate cuts next year, it doesn't mean the former is reliant on the latter. Yet — just relax — in seven of the past 12 years, the S & P 500 went on to surpass this year-ahead analyst composite target. It's pretty popular to cast doubt on the achievability of the consensus 11.8% forecast S & P 500 earnings growth for 2024. A broadening beyond 2023's growth leadership is necessary for further S & P 500 gains.

Persons: YTD, Jerome Powell, Powell, John Butters, Scott Chronert Organizations: Federal, Fed, Bank of America, Wall, Merck, Pfizer, Citi, Treasury

☆ Economy to face slowdown in early 2024 so stay in defensive stocks, Wells Fargo's CIO says
▼ + stars: | 2023-12-06 | by ( Brian Evans | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Investors should focus on defensive stocks ahead of an expected economic slowdown in 2024, according to the Wells Fargo Investment Institute. Against this forecast, Cronk added that investors may have to wait until the second half of 2024 before visibility improves and markets meaningfully recover. Wednesday saw stocks climb after two back to back losing sessions for both the Dow Jones Industrial Average and S & P 500 . "The lack of market breadth (along with our expectation for an economic slowdown) suggests late-cycle dynamics are at play, leading us to maintain our defensive positioning entering 2024," he said. Cronk highlighted health care, industrials and materials as three key market segments that fit his suggested defensive investor focus.

Persons: Darrell Cronk, Cronk, Michael Bloom Organizations: Wells, Investment Institute, Wells Fargo Investment Institute, Dow Jones Industrial Locations: Wells Fargo

☆ Here are Tuesday's biggest analyst calls: Netflix, Apple, IBM, Coinbase, Nike, Domino's, Meta, Charles Schwab and more
▼ + stars: | 2023-12-05 | by ( Michael Bloom | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +9 min

Goldman Sachs reiterates Nike as buy After a transfer of analyst coverage, Goldman Sachs said it sees improving growth for Nike shares. UBS downgrades United Rentals to neutral from buy UBS said in its downgrade of the equipment rental company that it sees a more balanced risk/reward. UBS reiterates Apple as neutral UBS said its analysis of Apple's App Store shows revenue increasing. UBS reiterates Netflix as buy UBS said it's standing by its buy rating on Netflix shares after hosting the company at a conference. William Blair reiterates Charles Schwab as outperform William Blair named Schwab a top pick for 2024, noting it's well-positioned.

Persons: Raymond James, Piper Sandler downgrades Albemarle, Piper Sandler, it's, Goldman Sachs, Roth, Roth MKM, TD Cowen, Bernstein, Mizuho downgrades Prologis, Wells, Wells Fargo, Oppenheimer, Domino's, Elliott, Morgan Stanley, Meta, Needham, Coinbase, JPMorgan, Raymond James downgrades Lululemon, LULU, Strong, William Blair, Charles Schwab, Schwab Organizations: Crescent Energy, Energy Company, Eagle Ford, UW, Nike, Bank of America, UBS, Credit Suisse, Yale, HY, United Rentals, Apple, Semiconductors, JPMorgan, IBM, Consulting, Mizuho, Marriott, of America, Netflix, Management, Integra, Financial, ISI, Disney, BR, Cargo Therapeutics, Citi, Travere Therapeutics Locations: Houston, Uinta, Eagle, LTHM, 2024E, 2025E, Argentina, Boston, China, Mexican

Bank of America raised its rating on Adecoargo to buy , with its price target pointing to more than 26% upside. The firm maintained its $450 price target on the pizza chain, which implies shares could jump 12.6%. Analyst Doug Anmuth upped his price target by $15 to $220, implying shares could still gain more than 13%. The firm's new $230 price target implies the overweight-rated stock could gain 18.5% over the next 12 months. The analyst increased his 2024 year-end price target to $30 per share, which suggests 32.2% potential upside from Monday's close.

Persons: Piper Sandler, Oppenheimer Oppenheimer, Brian Bittner, Bittner, — Pia Singh, Jessica Reif Ehrlich, Ehrlich, Doug Anmuth, Morgan Stanley, Benjamin Swinburne, Roth, Chip Moore, Moore, Nuvera, Yuri Fernandes, Fernandes, …, Piper Sandler downgrades Albemarle, Charles Neivert, Neivert, Isabella Simonato, Fred Imbert Organizations: CNBC, Bank of America, Spotify, Analysts, JPMorgan, Yale, Hyster, Argentine Locations: Argentina, Albemarle, 4Q23, China, Europe, 2024E, 2025E

☆ Morgan Stanley says this cybersecurity stock has further to go after becoming first in industry with $100 billion market value
▼ + stars: | 2023-12-04 | by ( Pia Singh | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Morgan Stanley thinks Palo Alto Networks will be the leader in artificial intelligence-driven security platforms, eventually propelling it far past its peers. Palo Alto Networks on Friday approached $300 a share, becoming the first cybersecurity company to surpass $100 billion in market capitalization, the investment bank said. Morgan Stanley rates Palo Also overweight and has a $304 price target on the stock, but the most bullish case says the stock is worth $350. Palo Alto Networks' growth is a significant milestone for the security industry, according to Fodderwala. Correction: Cortex XSIAM is a security platform from Palo Alto Networks.

Persons: Morgan Stanley, Hamza Fodderwala, Fodderwala, CNBC's Michael Bloom Organizations: Networks, Alto Networks, Palo Alto Networks Locations: Palo, billings

☆ Here are Monday's biggest analyst calls: Nvidia, Apple, Amazon, GM, Uber, Carvana, Nike, Palo Alto & more
▼ + stars: | 2023-12-04 | by ( Michael Bloom | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +10 min

Wells Fargo downgrades Lululemon to equal weight from overweight Wells said in its downgrade of the stock that it sees less balanced risk/reward. Morgan Stanley downgrades Sea Limited to equal weight from overweight Morgan Stanley downgraded the Singapore-based tech conglomerate until its business outlook is clearer. Morgan Stanley upgrades Insulet to overweight from equal weight Morgan Stanley initiated the insulin pump therapy company and said it sees room for further gains. Wells Fargo reiterates Nike as overweight Wells says Nike is a top defensive pick for 2024. Morgan Stanley reiterates Palo Alto as overweight Morgan Stanley said Palo Alto shares have the poten tial to rise further.

Persons: Morgan Stanley, Mizuho, Wells, LULU, Roth, Evercore, Piper Sandler, Piper, NVDA, Goldman Sachs, Goldman, it's bullish, KeyBanc, Worthington Enterprises –, TD Cowen, Coinbase, underperform TD Cowen, Oppenheimer, Uber, Truist, Herc, Palo Organizations: West Bancorp, Bank of America, Union Pacific, US Bancorp, Motors, Mizuho, GM, UAW, UBS, Apple, Deutsche Bank downgrades Anheuser Busch InBev, Deutsche, Deutsche Bank, Airlines, Alaska, " Bank of America, Google, Walmart, Nvidia, AMD, European Partners, Coke, JPMorgan, of America, Magellan, MMP, Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals, Arrowhead Pharma, Worthington Steel, Worthington Industries, Worthington Enterprises, Barclays, Resources, Herc Holdings, United Rentals, Nike, Palo Alto, Palo Locations: China, Singapore, Indonesia

Indeed, studies show that drinking alcohol is less in vogue with younger millennials and Gen Z. Mounting concern around weight loss drugs GLP-1 drugs, which mimic the action of the glucagon-like peptide-1 hormone and stimulate insulin secretion after a meal, lower blood sugar and send feeling of fullness to the brain. What's more, GLP-1 drugs are an overwhelmingly American topic, with most Europeans unaware of them or unwilling to pay high prices. In total, GLP-1 users are only a very small slice of total alcohol consumers, said Spiros Malandrakis, lead alcohol industry researcher at Euromonitor International. The most vulnerable purveyors are those that are trailing the shift in consumption, notably domestic, non-premium beer brands.

Persons: Katie Pell, Pell, wasn't, millennials, Eli Lilly's Mounjaro, Goldman Sachs, Jason English, Nadine Sarwat, Bernstein, Sarwat, Spiros Malandrakis, —, BUD YTD, who'd, Mickey Velado, Brian Sudano, Nell Healy, Healy, she's, Malandrakis, Ryan Brigden, Brigden, Sudano, Joseph Gabelli, Gabelli, Z, there's, it's, Garrett Nelson, They've, seltzer, Nelson, Molson Coors, Bud, he's Organizations: Gallup, Drugs, Nordisk's Ozempic, JPMorgan, CNBC, Euromonitor, Anheuser, Busch Inbev, Beverage Marketing, Constellation, Guinness, Corona, Heineken, Athletic Brewing Company, Heineken Holding, Carlsberg, Constellation Brands, Malandrakis, Beverage, Gabelli, Diageo, Molson Coors, Busch InBev, Molson, Anheuser Busch Locations: Brooklyn, U.S, GLP, imbibing, Angeles, Colorado, Washington, California, North Carolina, San Francisco Bay, Europe, British, Brazil, India

☆ December's 'best-in-class' stocks include this obesity beneficiary, Wall Street analysts say
▼ + stars: | 2023-12-02 | by ( Michael Bloom | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

An obesity beneficiary and a snack foods company are just a few of the top stocks to buy in December, analysts said this week. Wall Street research firms named a slew of companies that they believe have upside heading into the years end. Obin said the company has a "preponderance" of margin tailwinds for 2024, including "differentiated auto exposure, underappreciated margin expansion opportunities, and best-in-class execution." "We are including BUY-rated EL in our research team's Best-of-Breed Bison initiative, which focuses on long-term best-in-class companies with sustainable competitive moats," analyst Linda Bolton Weiser said earlier this week. Estee Lauder — DA Davidson, buy rating "We are including BUY-rated EL in our research team's Best-of-Breed Bison initiative, which focuses on long-term best-in-class companies with sustainable competitive moats.

Persons: Estee Lauder, Gracell Biotechnologies, Eli Lilly, Andrew Obin, Obin, it's, Nik Modi, Modi, MDLZ, Mondelez, LSEG, Estee Lauder DA Davidson, Linda Bolton Weiser, Bolton Weiser, Gracell, Eli Lilly — Morgan Stanley, Estee Lauder —, Davidson Organizations: CNBC, ITT, Gracell, Bank of America, RBC, ISI, pharma, ITT — Bank of America

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