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Latest reporting and analysis by Mrs. Georgianna Kulas Sr..
Fourth quarter earnings season unfolds with major banks and tech firms reporting results. Bank stocks face pressure from policy proposals while companies like TSMC and Morgan Stanley post strong profits.
The US and Taiwan reached a trade deal cutting tariffs in exchange for $250 billion in US tech investments. TSMC announced increased spending, while Beijing criticized the agreement.
A condo owner is being fined $500 monthly by his HOA for flooring installed before his purchase, with the board demanding removal for sound testing despite lack of records.
TD Cowen and Morgan Stanley lowered price targets for Bank OZK on January 7, citing sector earnings preview and lending exposure concerns, while maintaining ratings.
Wells Fargo's net income rose 5.5% to $5.4 billion in 2025, though severance costs impacted results. CEO Charlie Scharf said the bank can now compete on a level playing field after the Fed's asset cap was removed.
Johnson & Johnson and Procter & Gamble report recent quarterly results, highlighting sales growth, cash flow, and ongoing dividend payments. Both companies maintain their status as reliable dividend stocks.
Crude oil and gasoline prices rose sharply, hitting multi-month highs due to fears of escalating tensions in Iran and supply disruptions from drone attacks. Prices later retreated after a bearish EIA inventory report showed increased supplies.
Stifel and Wells Fargo adjusted ServiceNow's price targets in early January, maintaining positive ratings. The updates followed the company's announcement of its Q4 and full-year earnings release date.
TSMC's December revenue rose 20.4% year-over-year, exceeding analyst forecasts. The company's 2025 revenue grew 31.6%, outpacing the semiconductor market. TSMC is expanding capacity to meet demand, including for Nvidia's H200 chips, with quarterly results due Jan. 15.