Retail Giants Expand Amid Challenges for Smaller Stores
Large retailers like Costco, Walmart, and Amazon are increasing their market share in the U.S. retail sector. Their combined share has grown from 11% in 2014 to about 17% recently. In 2023, these companies invested around $47 billion in capital expenditures, significantly more than smaller competitors such as Target and Best Buy. This expansion is making it difficult for smaller retailers to compete, leading to a decline in their market presence.
Retail Closures Continue into 2025
The beginning of 2025 has seen several retail closures, including brands like Lidl and Ted Baker. Economic pressures have led to a rise in retail sector bankruptcies, with 76 closures reported in the last quarter of 2024. The hospitality sector is also facing challenges, with high insolvency rates and further difficulties anticipated for smaller businesses due to increasing operational costs.
Surge in Plastic Surgery Following Election Results
Following Donald Trump's election victory, New York City has experienced a rise in plastic surgery procedures, particularly breast implants and liposuction. This trend is linked to increased economic optimism under the new administration. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reported a 5% increase in surgeries and a 7% rise in minimally invasive procedures in 2023 compared to the previous year.
Wall Street Anticipates Active Hiring Market in 2025
Headhunters on Wall Street are preparing for a significant increase in hiring activity in 2025. Factors such as lower interest rates, pent-up demand, and higher IPO volumes under the new administration are contributing to this optimism. Sectors expected to see increased hiring include technology, media, telecommunications, healthcare, and restructuring. Major banks like JPMorgan and Goldman Sachs are expanding their junior ranks to manage the anticipated workload.
AustralianSuper Faces Losses Due to Cobalt Producer's Recapitalisation
AustralianSuper, Australia's largest superannuation fund, along with other shareholders, is set to lose its investment after cobalt producer Jervois Global announced a $233.5 million recapitalisation deal with its major U.S. lender. This agreement will result in Jervois becoming privately owned, leaving shareholders with no returns. The decline in cobalt prices in 2024, driven by an oversupply due to Chinese production, significantly impacted Jervois’s financial stability.
Tesla's Record Deliveries Fall Short of Expectations
Tesla reported record fourth-quarter deliveries of 495,570 units and produced 459,445 vehicles, but these figures fell short of analysts' expectations. The company aimed for slight vehicle delivery growth in 2024 but did not meet the annual target of 1.81 million set in 2023, delivering only 1.789 million units. A decline in U.S. and European demand, despite strong performance in China, impacted these results. Tesla's stock dropped 6%, closing at 379.28 on Thursday. However, upcoming models in 2025 could potentially boost future demand.
Netflix Achieves Significant Growth in 2024
In 2024, Netflix achieved an 84% gain, establishing itself as a top stock to watch. The company reported impressive viewership numbers for Christmas Day NFL broadcasts and a Beyoncé halftime show, with 65 million U.S. viewers. For the September quarter, Netflix exceeded earnings and sales expectations, reporting earnings of $5.40 a share and $9.83 billion in sales. Year-over-year, earnings rose by 45%, and sales increased by 15%. Analysts predict a 65% earnings growth for the full year and a 20% increase in 2025. Despite a recent stock dip, Netflix's relative strength line remains strong, indicating outperformance against the S&P 500.