Macy's rejects $5.8B takeover offer, uncertainties around Fed's monetary policy, cannabis industry's potential rebound in 2024, risks and lobbying efforts in the industry, challenges of creating an ETF strategy, and sponsor ads for CrowdStrike and Bloomberg.
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Quick takeaways
Tech companies like Microsoft, Palo Alto Networks, Amazon, Broadcom, and ServiceNow are considered defensive stocks due to their reliable earnings growth and strong balance sheets.
Proposed regulatory changes, such as the rescheduling of cannabis from schedule one to schedule three by the DEA, could be a game changer for the cannabis industry.
Investors should consider the relative price-to-sales ratio when investing in companies with no earnings or uncertain profitability.
Deep dives
Tech companies seen as new defensive stocks
Tech companies like Microsoft, Palo Alto Networks, Amazon, Broadcom, and ServiceNow are considered defensive stocks due to their reliable earnings growth and strong balance sheets. These companies have shown robust earnings and revenue growth, making them attractive investments in a slowing economic environment. Additionally, these companies can benefit from higher interest rates and have the potential for share buybacks. Investors may consider adding these stocks to their portfolio on market pullbacks.
Regulatory changes could benefit cannabis industry
Proposed regulatory changes, such as the rescheduling of cannabis from schedule one to schedule three by the DEA, could be a game changer for the cannabis industry. This recommendation by the Department of Health and Human Services indicates a growing recognition of the medical benefits of cannabis and a rethinking of previous negative perceptions. The potential rescheduling could have significant implications for the industry, including tax benefits, increased access to federal funding for R&D, and the potential for safer banking legislation. However, the timing and implementation of these changes remain uncertain.
Tech stocks as defensive plays
Tech stocks, such as Microsoft and Amazon, are seen as defensive investments due to their ability to deliver robust earnings in a slowing economic environment. These companies have reliable earnings growth, fortress balance sheets, and the potential for share buybacks. They also benefit from higher interest rates and have shown resilience during market downturns. Investors may consider adding tech stocks to their portfolio as a defensive play.
Importance of relative price-to-sales ratio
Investors should consider the relative price-to-sales ratio when investing in companies with no earnings or uncertain profitability. Buying companies with a low relative price-to-sales ratio can allow investors to pay as little as possible for future earnings potential while also gaining exposure to potential growth. This approach can help identify potentially undervalued companies and mitigate the risks associated with investing in companies without established earnings.
Political considerations for the cannabis industry
The regulatory landscape for the cannabis industry is heavily influenced by politics. Democratic parties have generally been more open to pushing through regulatory changes that benefit the cannabis industry, while Republican parties have shown less support. However, the industry's growth and regulatory changes will depend on political will and the outcome of upcoming elections. The potential for regulatory changes and rescheduling could offer significant opportunities for the cannabis industry, including tax benefits and increased access to federal funding for R&D.
Bloomberg Intelligence Senior Retail Analyst Mary Ross Gilbert discusses Macy’s saying that it isn't interested in a bid from Arkhouse Management Co. and Brigade Capital Management to take over the retailer. Bloomberg Opinion Columnist Bill Dudley, former President Federal Reserve Bank of New York, shares his thoughts on monetary policy ahead of the upcoming FOMC meeting and Bloomberg News International Economics & Policy Correspondent Michael McKee breaks news on the results of the Federal Reserve's inspector general's investigation into trading by former Fed officials at the height of the pandemic. Boris Jordan, Executive Chairman at Curaleaf, talks about looking for a rebound year for the cannabis industry in 2024. And we Drive to the Close with Nancy Tengler, Chief Investment Officer at Laffer Tengler Investments. Hosts: Carol Massar and Tim Stenovec. Producer: Paul Brennan.