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2 role vacant just as the central bank approaches a decision about when to stop raising interest rates. Brainard's arguments may not have been relevant to the decisions the Fed faces in the next few weeks. Heidi Shierholz, president of the labor-affiliated Economic Policy Institute, said it was "unbelievably important" that Biden find someone to fill Brainard's role. Administration officials gave no immediate sense of how soon Biden may name a new Fed vice chair, though outside analysts and commentators were already putting names in circulation from what's considered a deep bench of economists affiliated with Biden's Democratic party. The vice chair plays a particularly important role, typically reserved for somebody with a PhD in economics who can speak with technical authority about Fed policy and decisions.

☆ Stocks making the biggest moves premarket: Palantir, Coca-Cola, Marriott and more
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-14 | by ( Jesse Pound | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Here are the stocks making notable moves before the opening bell on Tuesday, Feb. 14. Palantir — Shares of the software company surged 18% in extended trading after Palantir reported it made a profit in the fourth quarter, the first GAAP profit in the company's history. Marriott — The hotel stock rose nearly 2% in premarket trading after Marriott beat estimates on the top and bottom lines for the fourth quarter. Cadence Design Systems — The electronics design stock rose 5% premarket after Cadence beat estimates on the top and bottom lines for the fourth quarter, according to StreetAccount. Amkor Technology — The semiconductor stock fell about 3% premarket after Amkor's fourth quarter earnings per share came in at 67 cents, three cents below estimates, according to StreetAccount.

☆ Evercore ISI downgrades First Solar, says stock's biggest tailwinds may already be fully priced in
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-14 | by ( Alex Harring | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

The near-term outlook for First Solar isn't looking too bright, Evercore ISI warned. Analyst Sean Morgan downgraded the solar stock to in line from outperform as he now sees recent tailwinds better reflected in the current price. He raised its price target by $7 to $157, but that new target still implies the stock could drop 6.1% from where it closed Monday. Morgan said First Solar has been a "major beneficiary" from the Inflation Reduction Act , outperforming the residential solar market since July 2022. FSLR 1Y mountain FSLR in past year More broadly, the solar residential market has lagged in the fourth quarter and into 2023 despite the tailwinds expected from the IRA, he said.

☆ Here are Monday's biggest analyst calls: Apple, Roblox, Disney, Meta, Zillow, Ralph Lauren & more
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-13 | by ( Michael Bloom | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

Here are Monday's biggest calls on Wall Street: Bank of America reiterates Meta as buy Bank of America said the "year of efficiency" for Meta is just starting. Bank of America upgrades Ralph Lauren to buy from neutral Bank of America said shares of Ralph Lauren should outperform in this environment. Bank of America upgrades Fastly to buy from underperform Bank of America said the cloud computing company is on the "road to recovery." Bank of America reiterates Roblox as buy Bank of America said it's bullish heading into Roblox earnings on Wednesday. Bank of America reiterates Starbucks as buy Bank of America said it sees a margin recovery for Starbucks shares.

☆ Stocks making the biggest moves midday: Zillow, Microsoft, Meta, Fidelity National and more
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-13 | by ( Michelle Fox | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Microsoft — The technology corporation's shares rose more than 3% on Monday, pushing its market cap over $2 trillion once again, after Morgan Stanley reiterated its overweight rating for the stock. Ralph Lauren — Shares of the apparel giant rose almost 4% after Bank of America upgraded the stock to buy from neutral. Meta — The Facebook parent's stock rose nearly 3% after the Financial Times reported it is planning another round of layoffs. Five Below — The discount retailer's stock rose 2.9% after Roth MKM upgraded it to buy from hold, noting it sees attractive growth ahead. Late last week, Reuters reported that Tesla must open its supercharging network to competitors in order to qualify for U.S. subsidies.

☆ Evercore ISI upgrades Zillow Group, says real estate stock could jump 40% on a 'rapid recovery' in the housing market
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-13 | by ( Sarah Min | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Zillow Group shares could jump more than 40% from here, according to Evercore ISI. ZG YTD mountain Zillow shares YTD Zillow shares surged 35% so far in 2023. The stock performed dismally for the better part of the pandemic following dramatic moves in the housing market. Shares of the online real estate marketplace advanced about 5% in Monday premarket trading. "As the consistently leading Online Real Estate information/marketing platform for both consumers and real estate agents, we believe Zillow should fully participate in the real estate market recovery," Manahey wrote.

☆ We're concerned about Alphabet’s ad-based business model due to AI competition and the DOJ's lawsuit
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-13 | by ( Paulina Likos | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

It's Alphabet (GOOGL) versus Microsoft (MSFT) in artificial intelligence — and after decades of owning search, Google finds itself looking over its shoulder. The back-to-back decline last Wednesday and Thursday in Alphabet stock was the biggest two-session losing streak since March 2020. "The quality of large AI models is highly dependent on quality of data," and Google search has a huge lead given usage of Search, Chrome and Android, Jefferies analysts argued. "It is tough when you have the Justice Department saying you have a monopoly and when you have the monopoly being destroyed at the same time by Microsoft," Jim said. Alphabet's business is largely run off ads and there's a growing possibility that the improved capabilities of Bing could attract at least some users away from Google search.

☆ Heavyweight tech battle: How Microsoft and Alphabet stack up against each other in the A.I. war
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-10 | by ( Samantha Subin | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +9 min

"It's a new day in search," Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said Tuesday during an AI event held at the company's headquarters, saying that the "race starts today." So far, Microsoft is making significant headway within AI and rising in popularity in the tech world. Alphabet, he added, "got beaten to market by Microsoft" despite its investments in the space. Alphabet Microsoft may be taking the lead on AI in the near term, but investors shouldn't sleep on Alphabet just yet. "We believe GOOGL has the AI tech and scale to maintain/grow its leading user base," said Morgan Stanley's Brian Nowak in a Thursday note.

☆ Here are Friday's biggest analyst calls: Tesla, Target, Micron, Walmart, Lyft, Affirm, Roku & more
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-10 | by ( Michael Bloom | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

Bank of America downgrades Deutsche Bank to underperform from neutral Bank of America said it sees waning profitability for the European banking giant. Jefferies reiterates Walmart as buy Jefferies said it's standing by its buy rating on the stock heading into earnings later this month. Guggenheim reiterates Target as buy Guggenheim says it's standing by shares of the e-commerce giant heading into earnings later this month. Oppenheimer reiterates Roku as outperform Oppenheimer said it's standing by its outperform rating on shares of Roku. Bank of America initiates Freyr Battery as buy Bank of America said it sees an attractive risk/reward for the battery company. "

☆ How Budweiser Tackled a Beer-Free World Cup
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-09 | by ( Katie Deighton | ) www.wsj.com time to read: +9 min

In the end, the brewer found a way to navigate the World Cup beer-free and roll with the media attention that the alcohol ban generated. Soccer’s 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar ran from Nov. 20 to Dec. 18. World Cup sponsors Kia and Adidas similarly maintained their reputational scores, according to the Morning Consult data. Budweiser doesn’t pay a reported $75 million for the official beer sponsorship of the World Cup just to serve beer at stadiums. But the ban on alcoholic Budweiser undermined the impetus for being at the World Cup, Mr. Marcondes said.

☆ Analysts praise Disney's cost-cutting plan, say focus on profitability is 'restoring the magic'
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-09 | by ( Samantha Subin | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

The cost-saving initiatives unveiled by Disney on Wednesday give analysts another reason to remain bullish on the media giant. The commentary from analysts comes after the company on Wednesday revealed plans to cut 7,000 jobs and slash $5.5 billion in costs . "Bob Iger laid out a plan for cost cuts, content and streaming rationalization and ultimately improved profitability," said Wells Fargo's Steven Cahall in a Wednesday note to clients. "An execution story is a cleaner catalyst path, and the shares should track higher on confidence + estimates." "Bob Iger has a long, strong track record which provides confidence he will manage this transition for DIS," she said.

☆ The walls are closing in on Google. Here's what it needs to do to survive.
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-09 | by ( Paayal Zaveri | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

Google needs to focus on building up its AI business while also keeping costs under control. Building up its AI business needs to be a top priorityThe events of the last few days show Microsoft and Google are clearly in an AI arms race — one that Google needs to win for its own sake. Google needs to double down on its own AI prowess right now, given the threat, Wall Street analysts said. However, they emphasize that Google needs to be thoughtful and show why its technology is better than OpenAI rather than being reactive. Maintaining efficiency while retaining an innovative cultureTo win in AI, however, Google needs to maintain its culture of innovation.

☆ These charts show just how much cloud spending has slowed at Microsoft, Amazon, and Google
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-09 | by ( Paayal Zaveri | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

The slew of big tech earnings confirmed that cloud growth is slowing and no one is immune. Microsoft, Amazon, and Google all say customers are looking for ways to lower their cloud bills. These charts show just how much cloud growth slowed at the big three cloud providers. These charts show just how much cloud growth slowed at the big three cloud providers:When Microsoft reported earnings results, Wall Street was shocked to see just how much cloud spending had slowed. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella acknowledged customers of Azure's cloud services were cutting spending, but said he's optimistic spending will bounce back.

☆ Buy these 26 cash-rich, high-momentum stocks instead of piling back into more speculative meme stocks, according to Wall Street firm Evercore
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-08 | by ( Marley Jay | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Somehow meme stocks have returned. That was definitely the case last month and in early February, when investors snapped up tech and growth stocks after dumping them throughout 2022. So, of course, meme stocks are back too. But the latest rally in growth, tech, and meme stocks isn't just about buying beaten-up equities for cheap. And just like last time, the investment cases in the loosely-defined meme stock field range from "very speculative" to "lolwut."

☆ Jim Cramer's Investing Club meeting Wednesday: Industrials, tech, energy
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-08 | by ( Krystal Hur | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Every weekday the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer holds a "Morning Meeting" livestream at 10:20 a.m. Giving Emerson Electric one last chance Monitoring Cisco Systems Buying more Coterra Energy 1. Monitoring Cisco Systems Evercore ISI on Wednesday added Cisco Systems (CSCO) to its tactical outperform (buy) list. As a subscriber to the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer, you will receive a trade alert before Jim makes a trade. THE ABOVE INVESTING CLUB INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY , TOGETHER WITH OUR DISCLAIMER .

☆ Despite Alphabet's AI event flop — remember, Google dominates search for now. That's what matters
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-08 | by ( Paulina Likos | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

While Microsoft's new AI capabilities could take some market share from Alphabet, Google is still the unshakable leader in search. Alphabet also showed AI-enabled capabilities to Google Maps and Google Lens, allowing users to search for images from their phone's camera. Looking at Alphabet's total revenue of $76.05 billion during the fourth quarter , about 57% came from Google Search & Other. But data from Statcounter shows Google accounts for 93% of search engine market share in all platforms including desktop, tablet and mobile, overshadowing Bing's 3% market share. But Google search, the preferred platform for users, still has the edge with advertisers over Microsoft's Bing.

☆ Evercore ISI's Mark Mahaney breaks down his buy rating on Alphabet
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-08 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailEvercore ISI's Mark Mahaney breaks down his buy rating on AlphabetMark Mahaney, Evercore ISI senior managing Director joins 'TechCheck' to discuss his thoughts on the battle over artificial intelligence between Microsoft and Alphabet.

☆ Some Goldman Sachs partners want to tell the board about their concerns over CEO David Solomon
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-08 | by ( Dakin Campbell | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +15 min

A decline in morale at the Wall Street firm concerns some Goldman partners. Here are their concerns about CEO David Solomon, who addressed the partners in Miami. CEO David Solomon addressed Goldman Sachs' partners today at the firm's annual partners meeting in Miami. There's little history for Goldman partners taking their concerns directly to the board. Since then, according to someone who has spoken to investors, more shareholders have questioned how long Solomon can last as Goldman's CEO.

☆ Here are Wednesday's biggest analyst calls: Tesla, Apple, Target, Walmart, Microsoft, Roku & more
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-08 | by ( Michael Bloom | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +7 min

Here are Wednesday's biggest calls on Wall Street: CFRA downgrades Roku to sell from hold CFRA said it sees "challenging fundamentals" for Roku . Piper Sandler reiterates Target as overweight Piper said Target is a key beneficiary of Bed Bath & Beyond struggles. Bank of America reiterates Chipotle as buy Bank of America said it sees more earnings per share upside after the company's earnings report on Tuesday. Bank of America reiterates Domino's as buy Bank of America said it's bullish on Domino's launch of loaded tater tots. Bank of America reiterates Microsoft as buy Bank of America said it's bullish long-term on Microsoft's venture into AI.

☆ 'Halftime Report' traders name stocks to play this resilient economy
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-08 | by ( Michelle Fox | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Companies that will benefit from a resilient economy are among the names that caught the eyes of Wall Street and the CNBC "Halftime Report" traders on Wednesday. While investors focused on the latest earning reports, which weighed on the market, there were several upgrades by Wall Street analysts of stocks the "Halftime Report" traders own . He called the Wall Street investment bank a high quality company at an attractive price. Wells Fargo analyst Mike Mayo is in agreement, boosting his price target to $420 a share from $390. Another name Lebenthal owns is Delta Air Lines , which was upgraded by Redburn to buy from neutral on Wednesday.

"If this tax encourages companies to raise their dividends instead of buying back shares, all in all, it's not a bad thing." Other topics will be watched by investors, particularly remarks on China, a key area of interest for investors. BUYBACKS & BILLIONAIRESCorporate stock buybacks, where public companies buy back their own shares, thereby juicing the price of the shares, as a way to return cash to shareholders, have grabbed headlines this year. S&P 500 companies' stock buybacks are expected to total $220 billion for the fourth quarter of 2022, with 2023 set to be the first fiscal year with over $1 trillion in buybacks, according to data from S&P Dow Jones Indices. Biden is also expected to call for another narrow tax increase: a "billionaire minimum tax" aimed at taxing the unrealized capital gains from assets such as stocks, bonds, or privately held companies of high-net-worth individuals.

☆ Inside Disney, 'nervous and anxious' execs brace for news of cost cuts and layoffs that could number in the thousands
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-07 | by ( Claire Atkinson | Lucia Moses | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Cost cutting reductions, including layoffs, are expected to hit Disney in the coming weeks and months. CEO Bob Iger has asked top execs to reorganize the former Disney Media Entertainment Distribution division. Disney employees are expecting wide layoffs as returning CEO Bob Iger moves to get costs in line. Internally, there's speculation that Disney will target people who work on nonpremium digital products for layoffs, one company insider said. Iger is expected to dismantle the division formerly known as DMED (Disney Media Entertainment Distribution) and shift P&L controls back to creative leaders and others.

☆ Powell's speech triggered record options bets, topping even the meme stock frenzy
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-07 | by ( Patti Domm | In | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +8 min

he asked in a note, adding that the previous record amount of call buying activity was in January 2021 just as the meme stock frenzy peaked. Those options were big market bets, like in the SPDR S & P 500 ETF and Invesco QQQ Trust, which represents the Nasdaq 100. SPY 5D line spy Much of the volume was in zero-day to expiration options, which expire on the same day. "The reality is if you bought the stock market in January 2021 and held onto it for any time period, you would be happy." Stock Chart Icon Stock chart icon spyMuch of the volume was in zero-day to expiration options, which expire on the same day.

☆ Disney CEO Bob Iger has 'very little room for maneuver' as he tackles layoffs, budget cuts, a company reorg, and questions over the future of Hulu and ESPN
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-07 | by ( Claire Atkinson | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +11 min

Disney chief Bob Iger will speak Wednesday on his first quarterly earnings call since returning as CEO. Wall Street wants to see how Disney plans to boost profitability this year and whether it will trade ESPN or Hulu. Aside from a quick visit to Disney World in January, Bob Iger has been lying very low. Media investor Ross Gerber told Insider that Iger would get back to focusing on content rather than on the distribution mechanism. Iger tweeted a photo of himself at Disney World, dressed in a relaxed green cardigan and gray slacks as he posed with cast members on January 19.

☆ Two top market watchers discuss tech's wild run so far this year
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-06 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailTwo top market watchers discuss tech's wild run so far this yearEvercore ISI's Head of Internet Research Mark Mahaney and Big Technology Founder Alex Kantrowitz discuss the tech rally in 2023.

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