Just when you thought you made your last trip out to the mall or the shopping center this year, it's time for returnuary. According to the National Retail Federation, retailers estimate about 17% of their holiday sales will be returned this year. So, how do all those returns impact a store's bottom line.And what does it say about the consumer. Let's ask Bill Simon. He's the former president and CEO of Walmart US.Uh, Bill, it's great to see you. And um I guess stores are trying to really take advantage of th ...

After a bruising year for the stock, a new institutional buyer is stepping in as Fluor’s cash flow, backlog quality, and capital returns quietly improve.Kentucky-based Aristides Capital initiated a new position in Fluor Corporation (FLR 0.46%) during the third quarter, acquiring 224,842 shares in an estimated $9.46 million stake as of September 30.What HappenedAccording to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission dated November 13, Aristides Capital LLC established a new position in Fluor Corpor ...

Joining me now is ProShares global investment strategist Simeon Heyman. Welcome. >> Thanks for having me. >> Um, you're absolutely right there. There's kind of two things going on here. And those who are worried that the market's only up because of an AI bubble should also be aware of the larger soft landing narrative here. There was never a recession. Now rates are coming down. So where what do you think is going on? >> It's it's actually almost that the soft landing is the nearer term thing. The AI thing ...

Joining us now with what that all means for the Fed next year, Thomas Simons is the chief US economist at Jeffre and of course our very own Steve Leeman. Welcome to you both. Thomas, kick things off for us.Um, you know, rain a little bit on our prey because it's it's been nice to see jobless claims are low and GDP is high. Um, but what do you think this quarter could bring. Yeah, you know, I mean, I think that that's been one of the hallmarks of 2025 so far is relationships that have typically held in the p ...

Among the eight companies in the Diversified Financial Services industry that are scored by Seeking Alpha’s Quant rating, Alerus Financial Corporation ( ALRS ) is currently ranked at the top. The North Dakota-based firm is also one of the smallest, as one ofI have been involved in the financial world for over 20 years with experience as an advisor, teacher, and writer. I am a full believer in the free-market system and that financial markets are efficient with most stocks reflecting their real current value ...

Is there a growing economic divide in America? And is it just income groups or businesses, too? Now, some think so, claiming big companies are raking it in. They're seeing a huge surge in profits and excitement over AI. But small companies, these folks say, are experiencing just the opposite. They say they haven't been able to weather economic storms the way big ones have. And years of inflation, nervous consumers and tariff uncertainty have dragged down on profits, hiring, and layoffs. So, I'm just going t ...

Since February, 2025, I have been bearish on Barings BDC Inc ( BBDC ), arguing that for the given discount and earnings power, there are better alternatives in the business development company aka BDC space - i.e., notRoberts Berzins has over a decade of experience in the financial management helping top-tier corporates shape their financial strategies and execute large-scale financings. He has also made significant efforts to institutionalize REIT framework in Latvia to boost the liquidity of pan-Baltic ca ...

So, with the new year just around the corner, should investors expect more record highs in 2026. Let's ask Steve Sausnik. He's the chief strategist at Interactive Brokers.First of all, welcome to you. >> Great to see you, Kelly. >> Well, I mean, you get kind of a front row seat into what's going on on your platform, all the retail interest, the stocks people are chasing, the market that they may or may not be chasing.What do you see, and what does that tell you about what next year may hold. Well, it seems ...

Since February, 2025, I have been bearish on Barings BDC Inc ( BBDC ), arguing that for the given discount and earnings power, there are better alternatives in the business development company aka BDC space - i.e., notRoberts Berzins has over a decade of experience in the financial management helping top-tier corporates shape their financial strategies and execute large-scale financings. He has also made significant efforts to institutionalize REIT framework in Latvia to boost the liquidity of pan-Baltic ca ...

There may be some progress on a Ukraine-Russia peace deal as Ukrainian President Zelensky said he expects to meet with President Trump on Sunday in Florida. Mr. Zelensky said a 20-point peace plan is 90% ready, but it depends on the meeting with Mr. Trump and can't be finalized without input from Russia and Europe. Russia reportedly said that the 20-point peace plan fails to answer many questions.The US Coast Guard forced the sanctioned oil tanker, Bella 1, to turn away from Venezuela and move out into the ...