Jeffrey Gundlach speaking at the 2019 SOHN Conference in New York on May 5, 2019.
Adam Jeffery | CNBC
DoubleLine Capital CEO Jeffrey Gundlach believes the Federal Reserve is missing the bigger picture again.
“The Fed looks like Mr. Magoo, driving around, bumping into things. Then became systematic, got inflation to come down,” Gundlach said in an investor webcast Tuesday evening. “But for the past five months we’ve had another rising trend. This has got the Fed back into short-termism, reacting too much to short-term data, not being strategic.”
Gundlach, a noted fixed income investor whose firm manages $95 billion, made the comments before the latest reading of the consumer price index on Wednesday. The CPI increased a seasonally adjusted 0.4% on the month, putting the 12-month inflation rate at 2.9%
Excluding food and energy, the core CPI rate came in slightly lighter than expected both on a monthly basis and an annual basis. While the numbers compared favorably to forecasts, they still show that the Fed has work to do to reach its 2% inflation target.
“CPI month-over-month change has got the Fed zigzagging,” Gundlach said. “The market has gone from an aggressive assumption of Fed cuts to just one cut in 2025.”
The Fed has cut benchmark rates by a full percentage point since September, a month during which it took the unusual step of lowering by a half point. In December, the central bank projected only two quarter-point rate cuts in 2025, fewer than the four reductions it previously forecast.
“The Fed is now in sync with the market, and the market is not given further signals for a change,” Gundlach said. “That is consistent with the Fed slowing down its change of monetary policy.”
Futures pricing continued to imply a near certainty that the Fed would stay on hold at its Jan. 28-29 meeting but leaned more toward two quarter-point rate cuts through the year, assuming quarter percentage point increments, according to CME Group.
The Freetrade application on a smartphone and desktop PC.
Freetrade
LONDON — Freetrade, a British rival to popular stock trading app Robinhood, said Thursday that it’s been acquired by online investing platform IG Group.
The deal values Freetrade at £160 million ($195 million) — a 29% discount to its last valuation. The startup said that it would continue to operate as a commercially standalone entity under its own brand.
Founded in 2016, Freetrade garnered popularity among mainly younger, more inexperienced traders in the U.K. with its zero-commission trading platform.
The app initially began by offering equities but later expanded to roll out trading in exchange-traded funds, savings products and government bonds.
In pandemic times, Freetrade was riding high on a retail trader frenzy. The app benefited heavily from GameStop “short squeeze” in early 2021, when traders on a Reddit forum for retail investors piled into the stock and caused it to rally in price.
Short-selling refers to the practice of an investor borrowing an asset and then selling it on the open market with the expectation of repurchasing it for less money in future for a profit.
However, worsening macroeconomic conditions in 2022 and 2023 hit Covid high-fliers like Freetrade hard — and in 2023, Freetrade completed a crowdfunding round at a valuation of £225 million down 65% from the £650 million it was worth previously.
The deal is a potential signal for further consolidation coming to the wealth technology industry. It comes after Hargreaves Lansdown was acquired for £5.4 billion by a consortium of investors including private equity giant CVC Group.
Viktor Nebehaj, CEO and co-founder of Freetrade, described the takeover as a “transformative deal that recognizes the significant value that Freetrade has created.”
“Together with IG Group’s significant resources and backing, this is an exciting opportunity to accelerate our growth and delivery of new products and features,” he added.
Freetrade said the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions including regulatory approvals, adding that it expects it will close the deal later this year.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau fined Equifax $15 million over errors tied to consumer credit reports, alleging the company failed to conduct proper investigations of disputed information, the federal watchdog announced Friday.
Equifax is one of three major credit reporting agencies in the U.S., a group that also includes Experian and TransUnion.
“Equifax ignored consumer documents and evidence submitted with disputes, allowed previously deleted inaccuracies to be reinserted into credit reports, provided confusing and conflicting letters to consumers about the results of its investigations, and used flawed software code which led to inaccurate consumer credit scores,” according to the CFPB’s order.
Why credit reports are important
Credit reports are a ledger of consumers’ borrowing records, such as loan payment history and bankruptcy filings.
The financial consequences of inaccurate information on those reports can be “severe,” said Adam Rust, director of financial services at the Consumer Federation of America, a consumer advocacy group.
“It can change your ability to qualify for a loan, to get a job, to rent an apartment, all kinds of things that are very fundamental to navigating your personal life,” Rust said.
Equifax had ‘flawed’ process, CFPB says
Equifax processes about 765,000 consumer disputes a month, CFPB said.
Its “flawed” dispute policies and technology failures occurred since at least October 2017, “to the detriment of millions of consumers,” according to the CFPB, which alleged Equifax violated the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
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Equifax settled the allegations to “[turn] the page on the CFPB’s long-running investigation,” a company spokesperson wrote in an e-mail.
The company has invested more than $1.5 billion into technology and infrastructure improvements over the last few years, including “significant changes” to its dispute process and consumer support, the spokesperson said.
“Our Purpose is to help people live their financial best and we know consumers and our customers depend on our data for important financial decisions,” they wrote. “Even one error affecting a consumer is one error too many,” they added.
The $15 million civil penalty follows a lawsuit CFPB filed against another credit bureau, Experian, on Jan. 7, alleging the company conducted “sham” investigations of credit report errors. In a statement on its site, Experian said the lawsuit was “completely without merit” and an “example of irresponsible overreach.”
“Credit bureaus have been sued repeatedly for this kind of conduct,” said Chi Chi Wu, senior attorney at the National Consumer Law Center. “They’re decades-old problems,” she said.
An Equifax data breach in 2017 also compromised the personal information of 147 million consumers, for which the company ultimately agreed to settle for $700 million.
How to have good ‘hygiene’ with credit reports
Consumers should check their credit reports at least once a year, Rust said. The Federal Trade Commission also recommends doing a check before applying for credit, a loan, insurance or a job.
Consumers should ensure they recognize identity information on their credit report like addresses and Social Security numbers, and verify that account information such as debt balances and delinquency status are correct.
“That’s just a good practice of financial hygiene,” Rust said.
Importantly, a credit report differs from a credit score. The latter is a numerical output compiled with information on a consumer’s credit report.
“If you see a sudden change in credit score, that’s a signal,” Rust said.
The three major credit bureaus allow consumers to request a free copy of their credit report once a week. Consumers can request a copy at AnnualCreditReport.com and by calling 1-877-322-8228. (Other sites may charge consumers or be fraudulent, according to the Federal Trade Commission.)
What to do about a credit report error
Smith Collection/gado | Archive Photos | Getty Images
Consumers who see an error on their credit report should lodge a dispute in writing, along with documentation. Send that by postal mail to the credit bureau and request a return receipt, Wu said. Consumers have better odds of resolution by mail than online, she said.
Consumers should also file a complaint with the CFPB and their state attorney general’s office, Wu said.
Consumers can ask that a statement of their dispute be included in their file and in future credit reports, and also ask the credit bureau to provide their statement to anyone who received a copy of their report in the recent past, Wu said.
Consumers who can’t get an error fixed after repeated attempts may wish to consult an attorney, she said.
“Not every error will be worth bringing a lawsuit,” she said. “But if your loan ends up being more expensive because of a credit reporting error, that’s the kind of real harm [for which] you may want to consider litigation.”
They may be able to find an attorney through organizations like the National Association of Consumer Advocates, Wu said.
I can remember playing outdoors for hours on end pretending I was someone else. Usually, it was acting out “Little House on the Prairie” episodes or simply playing house. Sometimes I was alone and sometimes I acted with my sister. The benefits of kids playing dress up are many and they go way beyond keeping them busy for an hour while you get things done! Not only is a costume box a great source of flexing the imagination muscles, it also teaches social skills and problem solving skills. Playing dress up games can help you improve your creativity and fashion sense. Check out our list of the top dress up games for kids, featuring everything from princesses to superheroes.
Dress Up And Pretend Play Is Good For Kids
From the time my kids were very young, I encouraged them to play with costumes and pretend they were anyone they wanted to be for the day. It is so great for them to develop their imagination. Sure it is entertaining and fun but imagination goes way beyond that. As About My Brain puts it, “The ability to imagine things pervades our entire existence. It influences everything we do, think about and create. It leads to elaborate theories, dreams and inventions in any profession from the realms of academia to engineering and the arts.”
Playing Dress Up Encourages Kids to Imagine
My son especially enjoyed this. He would dig around in our costume box and put together his own costumes from about the age of two. My favorite was Captain Jack Sparrow. He would wear one of my old dress jackets with a belt, his sword and pirate pistol in that belt, his cowboy boots, and a cowboy hat on top. He would come and point to his face and ask me to make him a beard (with eyeliner) and would spend hours playing with unseen enemies and friends all day. It was hard for me to get him out of that one! Now, he is 13 and he draws out comics of the adventures that go on inside his head. It makes me smile just thinking about it. I think he could have a great career as a movie writer or director someday!
My daughter also loved to dress up. Mostly as a princess which she never really needed a costume to persuade me of! She has become an excellent writer and I like to credit at least part of that to her imagination of very vivid characters. Her love of fancy dresses was rivaled by her love of playing outside and acting out survival scenarios. She was building waterproof tents and weaving her own rope even as a very small child. I think her imagination there could bring her very far as an environmental scientist!
Dress Up Encourages Good Social Skills
Naturally, when kids play dress up, they will act out scenes from their imagination and role play. If they are doing this will other children, this will build social skills as they negotiate the course of events and try to shape the storyline to their liking.
Even if they are acting out scenes alone or with an imaginary best friend, role play will provide them with the opportunity to think through various scenarios. What will happen if the princess says this? What will the pirate do if he gets caught by a stronger sea captain? According to Wired, “It is one of the key ways in which children learn.” It is a great way for them to test out different behaviors and scenarios they are curious about. It also offers adults some inside view of what kids may be thinking about.
Dress-Up Play Encourages Creativity
When children start digging through their costume box, they will find they don’t have all the things they want to dress up in all the characters they can think of. This will help them learn to be creative and use things in more than one way. Learning to create costumes is a lot of fun. My daughter is 15 and she still uses these skills to sew dresses for herself and to sketch out different fashion designs.
Problem Solving
Playing dress up helps develop empathy and problem solving skills. It encourages kids to create their own costumes. It also helps kids work through social struggles that may come up during the dress up role play games. In fact, many experts believe it is good for parents to engage in dress up and pretend play with their children. I know that I used to love to role play with my kids because it was so interesting to see what they were thinking and how they would act in certain situations!
Make A Costume Box To Hold Dress Up Play Clothes
A costume box is really easy to put together because children have the gift of sight that adults have lost as they grow older and lose their innocence to the world. Just as my son saw his cowboy boots as Jack’s and the cap as hair…so will your children find simple things that prove to be marvelous for them to create their favorite character. All it takes is for you to designate a place where they can put their treasures when play resumes the next time.
Simple items like belts, ties, scarves, and hats will start the collection off nicely. Throw in their Halloween costumes for use all year long. They are too expensive to just pack them away for the year. Let them wear your investment until it falls apart! Unique costumes from police officer to the Little Mermaid, help kids explore real world situations as well as imaginary games.
Top Dress Up Games For Kids
Do you often find yourself struggling to keep your kids entertained? It can be challenging to come up with unique and fun activities that keep children engaged. Luckily, dress up games are a wonderful way to spark your child’s imagination while providing hours of entertainment. From princesses to superheroes, there are numerous options available that cater to all interests. Join us as we dive into the world of dress up games and watch as your child’s creativity flourishes.
Princess Dress Up
One popular category of dress up games for little girls is the princess dress up. Every little girl wants to be a princess at some point, and these games allow them to live out their royal fantasies. Dressing up in fancy ball gown type dresses is so fun and there just isn’t much chance to do so without dress up games. With options that range from classic Disney princesses to more modern royalty, princess dress up games offer endless possibilities for imaginative play. Be rescued or save the world. That is up the princess!
Superhero Dress Up
If your child is more interested in super powers, superhero dress-up games are the perfect option. These games allow kids to transform into their favorite superhero and fight crime or save the day. With a variety of characters ranging from classic superheroes like Batman and Superman to newer heroes like Captain Marvel and Black Panther, there’s no shortage of options for imaginative play.
Superhero dress up games often include detailed costumes and accessories that will make your child feel like they truly have superpowers. Masks, capes, and gloves are all common accessories that add to the fun and excitement of the game. Your child can choose to dress up as their favorite hero or create their own superhero persona and save the world in their own unique way.
Animal Dress Up
If your child has a love for animals, then animal dress up games will be a perfect fit for them. They can explore the animal kingdom and create their own stories while dressing up as their favorite animals. From cute and cuddly bunnies to fierce lions, animal dress up games provide endless possibilities for imaginative play.
Animal dress up games can help your child learn about different animals and their unique features. They can develop their knowledge about different habitats, diets, and behaviors of the animals they dress up as. This type of play not only engages their creativity but also enhances their cognitive and social skills.
Animal dress up games can take place in different environments. They can go on a safari adventure or explore the ocean depths dressed up as dolphins or sharks. Kids can also pretend to be farm animals and take care of them and their environment.
Fantasy Dress Up
Next on the list is fantasy dress up games. These games allow children to escape reality and enter a world of magic and wonder. They can dress up as their favorite fairies, wizards, unicorns, or dragons and create their own stories in enchanted lands.
Fantasy dress up games provide an opportunity for children to invent their own characters and embark on magical adventures and epic quests. They can develop their own unique personalities, strengths, and abilities based on their imagination. The possibilities in the fantasy world are endless, which is why kids love it so much.
Fantasy dress up games encourage creativity, language development, and problem-solving skills. Kids can use their imagination to create their own kingdoms, magical spells, and quests. They can also learn about mythical creatures and incorporate different cultures and folklore from around the world.
Career Dress Up
Career dress up games can give children a glimpse into the working world. These games allow kids to try on different roles and professions and give them a chance to imagine what they want to be when they grow up. Whether they want to be a teacher, doctor, firefighter, or astronaut, career dress up games give kids the opportunity to explore their interests and potential career paths. Role-playing can also help kids develop important skills like communication, problem-solving, and empathy.
By donning different uniforms and props, children can get a hands-on experience of the world of work and learn about different duties and responsibilities. With the vast array of career dress up games available, children can explore various professions and get inspired to pursue their passions.
Conclusion
Overall, dress up games are a fantastic way for children to engage in imaginative play and explore their interests. Not only is a costume box a great source of flexing the imagination muscles, it also teaches them to be social and how they would solve problems. The effects of kids playing dress up will carry on into their lives as they grow up making them feel more confident to think for themselves and be individuals.
Dress up games are a fantastic way to spark your child’s creativity and imagination. Whether they prefer the elegance of a princess, the bravery of a superhero, or the imagination of a fantasy character, there is a dress up game out there for every kid. Not only do these games provide hours of entertainment, but they also encourage role-playing and social skills. So go ahead, give these fun dress up games a try and watch as your child’s imagination takes flight. And don’t forget to share your favorites with us in the comments below.
Is dress up play good for kids? Yes! After all, as Albert Einstein once said, “Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.”
Related Posts:
How To Encourage Imaginative Play
Easy Homemade Halloween Costumes
5 Magical Books That Can Stimulate Your Kid’s Imagination
This rug size guide will help simplify the process of finding the perfect rug for your space. Choosing the perfect rug doesn’t have to feel overwhelming—even though I know it often can. Rugs are a big investment, and with so many choices, it’s easy to feel stressed about picking the right one.
Should you prioritize size, material, or color? What about durability and maintenance? I’ve been there, trying to figure out the best choice for each room, and over time (and many rugs later), I’ve discovered what works and what doesn’t.
That’s why I’m here to guide you through the process and make it as simple and enjoyable as possible. With a few easy rules of thumb, tips to answer your most pressing questions, and helpful insights, you’ll be well on your way to finding a rug that fits your space perfectly.
Whether it’s a cozy accent for your bedroom, a durable option for high-traffic areas, or the ideal piece to tie your living room together, I’ve got you covered. Let’s take this one room at a time and transform the task of rug shopping into an easy and even exciting experience!
Rug Guide
Because I love our warm, beautiful hardwood floors so much, I’ve spent a lot of years learning about rugs. When we installed hardwoods in our colonial and then here in the tudor, I learned that rugs could transform a space just as much as the hardwoods. And with all my trials and tribulations, I knew I had to share everything I have learned with this updated rug size guide.
How to Choose a Rug
There’s something so inviting about the layered, cozy look of a rug—it highlights the warmth of hardwood while adding a soft, textured element to your space. A rug can be the finishing touch that completes a room or the inspiration that sets the tone for your entire design!
Over the years, I’ve shared plenty of advice on rugs, and now I’m bringing it all together. Explore all my tips in this rug size guide to help you find the perfect rug for your specific needs.
Here are some tips for specific rug needs:
When choosing a new rug for a room, I like to start by asking myself a few simple questions. With this easy process and a little inspiration, finding the perfect rug becomes effortless!
Tuileries Rug
Comes in six different sizes
Ayjah Geometric Rug
Six colors to choose from
Questions to Ask Before Buying a Rug
What is the room’s usage? Consider how the room is used—will the rug need to handle high traffic, be kid-friendly, or work in a low-traffic, more formal space?
What materials do you prefer? Explore your options, from natural fibers like sisal, jute, wool, and cotton to more durable materials like polypropylene.
What’s your color palette? Decide if you want the rug to make a bold statement with vibrant colors or provide a neutral backdrop for the rest of the room.
What about patterns? Consider whether you’d prefer a solid design or something with a pattern like floral, stripes, or geometric shapes—the options are endless!
What is the rug anchoring? Think about the furniture arrangement. For example, a rug under a round dining table or a square living room setup might influence the shape and size you choose.
What size do you need? This is one of the most important factors! Start by measuring your room, and I’ll share some helpful sizing guidelines in this post to make the process even easier.
Tybee Hand-Knotted Rug
Shades of sand and pale blue
Jurado Oriental Area Rug
Prices start at just $80
Rug Size Guide
Remember, design rules are meant to be broken—these tips are simply guidelines to help you make confident choices, not hard-and-fast rules!
That said, one rule I always keep in mind is to avoid rugs that are too small, as they can make a room feel visually cramped. When in doubt, it’s better to choose a rug that’s slightly too large than one that’s too small. A larger rug creates a seamless flow, allowing the eye to travel effortlessly through the space.
Living Room Rug Size Tips
Your rug does not need to fill the whole room but should appropriately anchor the seating arrangement.
Always remember the rule of the front two legs: Make sure your rug fits underneath the front two legs of your sofa and accent chairs.
As a general rule, try to leave at least a two-foot border between your rug and the walls. You don’t want the appearance of wall-to-wall carpet, so leave room to enjoy those gorgeous hardwoods.
In very large rooms, anchor your furniture arrangement entirely, ignoring the remainder of the surrounding space. You’ll want all tables, chairs, and sofas to be completely inside the rug.
Westside Hand-Knotted Rug
The artistry of trees
Gingham Rug
Comes in my favorite Coastal Blue
Dining Room Rug Size Tips
You’ll want your rug to extend at least 2’ on each side of your table, leaving room for your chairs when they are pulled out.
If you have a table that has extensions, make sure your rug is big enough to accommodate those as well.
A rug under a dining table can be so practical – read up on indoor outdoor rugs for more details on how I do this and maintain a clean house.
Round tables can be confusing… but in a good way! For a round table, you can certainly purchase a round rug (based on the same sizing guidelines with 2′ on each side for chairs). However, you can also do a square or rectangular rug if that works well within the room measurements.
Kohut Abstract Rug
On sale!
Lakewood Rug
Marled wool gives a great texture
Bedroom Rug Size Tips
A 9’x12’ rug fits best for most bedrooms under a king or queen-sized bed. You can do a 5’x8′ for a twin-sized bed.
While the place can depend on the size of the rug, bed, and room overall, consider placing the rug under the front two-thirds of your bed.
Try to allow 2’ to 3’ on each side of the bed. There’s nothing better than waking up in the morning and placing your feet on a soft and cozy rug!
Ebbtide Rug
Handwoven of weather-friendly fibers
Trellis Cream and Gray Rug
Purposefully distressed for a casual feel
Get more of my best tips for layering rug in this design guide for Layering Rugs on Carpet!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you put a rug over carpet?
Absolutely! I love the look of layered rugs, and that goes for carpet, hardwoods, tile and more. Layering a rug over carpet can cover a dated material, hide stains, or simply provide a charming anchor in any room.
Should rugs match wall color?
They can, but they certainly don’t have to! In fact, it’s great to mix things up. Rugs are an excellent place to bring in a pop of color, texture, and softness underfoot. Just make sure your rug works with any accent colors and wall colors in your space.
How to Layer Rugs
As I mentioned before, I love the look of layering rugs. This can be especially beneficial for a few reasons:
Covering up dated or ugly floors.
Hiding stains or flaws.
If you buy a vintage rug you love because of color or style, it might not be large enough scale. For example, layering a kilim rug over a sisal rug can be an incredible compromise!
To accomplish this layered rug look, take the following into consideration:
Start neutral for your base—like our cream sisal rug you can clean. Now you can layer a textural wool, hide, shag, or flat weave on top.
Your top rug will look best if it’s about 2/3 the size of your larger base rug.
Attending the NRF 2025 as a first timer was an enlightening experience. The National Retail Federation’s annual convention, known as Retail’s Big Show, is a pivotal event that focuses on the future of the retail industry. This year, the event was a showcase of innovation, sustainability, and the business value we bring to the industry.
It was cool to see so many booths with working, mini, retail shops showing innovative ways for retail businesses to connect with their customers as well as running their own businesses. This intersection of technology and operations demonstrated how the retail industry is transforming.
NRF was a flurry of activity, with numerous companies showing diverse retail experiences. In the Cisco booth, we focused on three overarching themes: the integration of AI, the power of data, and the continued importance of seamless customer experiences.
We had over 50 dynamic theater sessions which empowered retailers to tackle their most formidable challenges. These sessions covered a wide range of critical topics, including cybersecurity, digital merchandising, personalized customer engagement, behavioral analytics, and sophisticated queue management systems.
The first standout session for me was the focus on AI and data from Splunk and Meraki. The use of AI as an example in detecting and preventing organized retail crime was particularly impressive, showcasing how technology can uphold the customer promise while protecting the enterprise. Additionally, the Meraki dashboards provided real-time insights that are crucial for decision-making in today’s fast-paced retail environment.
But how does it work?
Splunk’s AI Assistants are designed to help users with Splunk’s query language (SPL) and assist in threat investigations and incident management. The AI solutions aim to enhance security and observability by providing rapid and comprehensive insights.
Splunk’s security products, such as Enterprise Security, SOAR, User Behavior Analytics, and Attack Analyzer, are integrated to offer a unified threat detection, investigation, and response workflow. These products utilize machine learning to detect advanced threats and provide contextual insights for security teams.
The integration of Cisco and Splunk aims to provide comprehensive security and observability solutions, while leveraging AI to deliver superior visibility and insights across an organization’s digital footprint. This combination is expected to enhance customer and employee experiences by providing seamless and secure operations.
Now, let’s talk about a refreshing experience: I am not personally a coffee drinker, but most are, which was certainly evident in the Cisco booth, where we were showcasing a new method for mobile ordering. Utilizing a new feature in CPaaS (Cisco’s Communications Platform as a Service), customers can now simply type in their personalized orders in plain text, a significant evolution from the previous multiple-choice format for each drink option. This innovation enhances the customer journey, making it more intuitive, efficient, and personal.
But how does that work?
Webex CPaaS solutions include capabilities for automating and orchestrating customer interactions across multiple channels. The platform offers tools like programmable communication APIs, visual flow builders, low-code capabilities, and integration with existing systems to enhance the customer experience. Once again, another Splunk integration was on display showing the trends of what customers were ordering, the wait times, and which drink was the most popular (it turns out, the latte was the winner!).
Another key technology that was on full display at NRF (and that is now available at Cisco!) is Wi-Fi 7, where we highlighted the potential for faster and more reliable connectivity in retail spaces. This advancement is set to revolutionize how retailers interact with their customers, providing a seamless and connected experience.
But what does this mean for customers in the retail space?
Wi-Fi 7 will enhance retail customer experiences by increasing speed and reliability, reducing latency, and improving client radio capability. These improvements can lead to more seamless access to product information, real-time promotions, and personalized recommendations for customers using their mobile devices in-store. Additionally, the advanced capabilities of Wi-Fi 7 can support sophisticated security systems for real-time video surveillance and threat detection, enhancing store security and reducing financial losses. Overall, Wi-Fi 7 can contribute to a more efficient and secure retail environment, ultimately improving customer satisfaction and loyalty.
NRF 2025 was a testament to the transformative power of technology in retail. As a newcomer, it was an invaluable opportunity to learn, connect, and envision the future of the industry.
I would like to thank the Executive team at the Javits Center for a tour that of the facility after the completion of the show. Javits & Cisco continue to partner to ensure Javits’ ability to provide a premium connectivity experience across all their events throughout the year – and after the showcase of excellence I experienced at NRF, I know the future for our partnership is bright!
I look forward to taking the lessons I learned into the US Commercial business and beyond!
Check out the companies making headlines in midday trading. Crypto stocks – Stocks tied to crypto prices jumped amid reports that President-elect Donald Trump could release an executive order making crypto a national priority as soon as the first day of his new term. Shares of crypto exchange operators Coinbase and Robinhood advanced 4.5% and 6%, respectively. Trading activity in small cap cryptocurrencies benefits trading platforms. Bitcoin proxies MicroStrategy and Mara Holdings gained 6% and 10%, respectively. Novo Nordisk — Shares slipped 5% after the company’s semaglutide, which is the active ingredient in the its diabetes drugs Ozempic and Rybelsus and its obesity treatment Wegovy, landed on a list of drugs that will be included in Medicare’s next round of price negotiations . Qorvo – Shares gained more than 12% after activist investor Starboard Value disclosed a 7.7% stake in Qorvo and is seeking changes to improve the company’s share price. Vistra — The energy company’s stock shed 1.9% after a major fire erupted at its battery-storage facility in Northern California and led to the evacuation of nearby residents. MoonLake Immunotherapeutics — The biopharma stock added 4% following an upgrade to buy from neutral at Goldman Sachs. Analyst Richard Law said that the company’s experimental treatment for a chronic skin condition, SLK, could “potentially deliver best-in-class results.” Lam Research , Applied Materials — The semiconductor equipment stocks rose 1.3% and 2.2%, respectively, after KeyBanc Capital Markets upgraded both companies to overweight from sector weight. Lam Research and Applied Materials have exposure to artificial intelligence-related devices that should lead their stocks higher, the firm said. J.B. Hunt — The transport stock fell 6% after a fourth-quarter earnings miss. J.B. Hunt generated $1.53 in earnings per share, while analysts surveyed by LSEG were looking for $1.61. The company reported that revenue declined year over year in each of its major business segments. Fastenal — Shares of the fastener distributor added 1% even though the company missed fourth-quarter expectations due to ongoing manufacturing-related challenges. Fastenal earned 46 cents per share on revenue of $1.82 billion, while analysts polled by FactSet were expecting 48 cents per share on $1.84 billion in revenue. The company did see higher unit sales during the quarter amid growth at locations opened in the past two years. Life360 — The location-sharing app’s stock rallied 8% after UBS upgraded it to buy from neutral , citing more confidence in the company’s midterm ad revenue opportunity. Intel — Shares of the chipmaker popped by 8% as the beaten-up chipmaker continues to be a part of takeover speculation following the departure of its CEO in December. The stock, which was booted from the Dow in November, is still down more than 50% in the last 12 months. — CNBC’s Alex Harring, Sean Conlon, Jesse Pound, Tanaya Macheel, Samantha Subin, Lisa Han and Michelle Fox contributed reporting.
Check out the companies making headlines before the bell: J.B. Hunt Transport Services — Shares fell more than 7% after the company’s fourth-quarter earnings came in weaker than expected. J.B. Hunt earned $1.53 per share, below the LSEG consensus estimate of $1.61 per share. Meanwhile, revenue for the period came in line with expectations at $3.15 billion. Qorvo — The stock rose more than 7% after The Wall Street Journal, citing people familiar with the matter, reported that activist investor Starboard Value has built a 7.7% stake in the company and is looking to make changes to boost the company’s share price. MoonLake Immunotherapeutics — The biotech stock jumped more than 4% after receiving an upgrade to buy from neutral at Goldman Sachs. The firm cited the anticipation of positive phase 3 trial data for its treatment of a chronic skin condition known as hidradenitis suppurativa. Fastenal — Shares dropped more than 4% after the company’s fourth-quarter earnings and revenue missed Wall Street’s expectations. Fastenal earned 46 cents per share on revenue of $1.82 billion, while analysts polled by FactSet were expecting 48 cents per share on $1.84 billion in revenue. Life360 — The location-sharing app’s stock moved more than 3% higher after UBS upgraded it to buy from neutral , citing more confidence in the company’s midterm ad revenue opportunity as a catalyst. Rivian Automotive — The electric vehicle maker’s stock rose 2.6% after the company finalized a loan agreement with the Department of Energy for up to $6.6 billion to help build a new manufacturing site in Georgia. Construction is set to begin in 2026 with the production of customer vehicles expected to happen in 2028, according to the Thursday press release. Apple — The iPhone maker gained nearly 1%, clawing back some of the losses seen in the previous session. On Thursday, Apple shares fell around 4%, experiencing its worst day since August, on the backs of reports of lackluster iPhone sales in China . Lam Research , Applied Materials — The semiconductor equipment stocks rose about 2% after KeyBanc Capital Markets upgraded both to overweight from sector weight. The investment firm said Lam Research and Applied Materials have exposure to artificial intelligence-related devices that should help push their shares higher. Salesforce — The stock advanced 2% after a TD Cowen upgraded shares to buy from hold. The firm said its recent pullback has created a “compelling entry point” for investors. Cloudflare — Shares popped 3.5% on the heels of Citi’s upgrade to buy. Citi said it has improved confidence on the cloud stock’s fundamentals and growth potential. — CNBC’s Alex Harring, Jesse Pound, Sarah Min and Pia Singh contributed reporting.
Capital One said an unspecified technical issue was hampering customer account access Thursday, as some users reported issues with direct deposits.
In response to complaints on social media platform X, a Capital One representative said the bank was experiencing a “tech outage” that was affecting “a variety of functions,” with no timetable for a restoration of services.
Just before noon Thursday, the company released an official statement about the problem.
“We are experiencing a technical issue with a third-party vendor that is temporarily impacting some account services, deposits, and payment processing for portions of our consumer, small business, and commercial bank,” it said.
Late Thursday, the vendor, Fidelity Information Services (FIS) released a statement saying it was working to restore applications affected by a local area power outage at one of its data centers. An FIS spokesperson did not respond to multiple follow-up questions.
According to Downdetector.com, which tracks reports of user complaints about digital services, the issues began around 6 a.m. ET, with some 2,000 reports observed.
The site indicated the frequency of reports had started leveling off around 9 a.m. ET, but by 4 p.m., there had still not been a significant reduction in complaints registered.
The issues at Capital One come a day after Citibank acknowledged a problem affecting customers’ ability to access their accounts from mobile devices, as well as an apparent issue related to fraud alerts. While the mobile access issue appeared to have been resolved, a Citi rep said on X on Thursday it was still working to fix the fraud-alert item.
Earlier this month, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau sued Capital One, alleging it misled customers about its savings-account offerings. Capital One has denied the allegations.
Check out the companies making headlines in premarket trading. UnitedHealth Group – Shares dropped more than 3% after the company’s fourth-quarter revenue came in below Wall Street’s expectations. UnitedHealth posted $100.81 billion for the top line, while analysts surveyed by LSEG were expecting $101.76 billion. Earnings, however, beat the Street’s estimates. Morgan Stanley — The bank gained 1% after its fourth-quarter results surpassed Wall Street estimates, aided by a 29% gain in investment banking throughout the quarter. Morgan Stanley reported earnings per share of $2.22 on revenue of $16.22 billion, while analysts polled by LSEG forecast $1.70 per share and $15.03 billion. Target — The retailer traded along the flatline after the company raised its fourth-quarter sales guidance. Target expects comparable store sales to increase by 1.5% in the fourth quarter, while a previous forecast called for the figure to remain roughly flat. Southwest — The airline’s stock dropped 2% in the wake of a downgrade to sell from neutral by Citi. The bank said Southwest has seen its earnings quality and free cash flow conversion worsen compared with before the pandemic. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing — The chipmaker gained 4% after issuing higher-than-expected revenue guidance for the current quarter. The firm now forecasts revenue in between $25 billion to $25.8 billion, while analysts polled by FactSet expected $24.6 billion. US Bancorp — The Minneapolis-based bank fell 2.9% after reporting mixed fourth-quarter results. US Bancorp’s $1.07 in adjusted earnings per share was 2 cents above analyst an LSEG consensus estimate. However, net interest margin of 2.71% was a tick below a FactSet forecast of 2.72%. Bank of America — The bank reported fourth-quarter results that topped expectations. Earnings came in at 82 cents per share on $25.5 billion in revenue. Analysts polled by LSEG were expecting earnings of 77 cents a share on $25.19 in revenue. Shares were flat. DuPont De Nemours — Shares were flat after the chemicals maker said it would no longer spin off its water division, but instead accelerate the separation of its electronic business. DuPont previously had plans to split into three publicly traded companies. Sezzle — The fintech stock surged 26% after the fintech company updated its guidance . Sezzle said it expects revenue for the full year to surpass its prior forecast that called for 55% growth. — CNBC’s Michelle Fox, Jesse Pound, Pia Singh, Alex Harring and Sean Conlon contributed reporting.
