Wall Street Breakfast

Netflix shines with record ratings for Christmas NFL games, showcasing its impact on viewer engagement. Quantum computing stock Rigetti is on the rise, reflecting a year-end surge. Meanwhile, mortgage rates climb for the second consecutive week. The podcast also highlights notable investment trends and the outlook for 2025, with insights on big stock movers and dividend picks.

Holiday shopping records are set to be overshadowed by a massive wave of returns, estimated at $900 billion. The trend of 'bracketing' shows changing consumer habits. Roaring Kitty makes a comeback, stirring interest among investors. As the market adjusts, experts warn of potential disillusionment post-inauguration. Insights into the luxury sector highlight Galaxy Entertainment's opulent upcoming hotel. Meanwhile, challenges for companies like Uber raise questions about regulatory impacts on growth.

Bain and KKR are making waves with their massive $7.6 billion bid for non-core assets of Seven & i. Japan Airlines faces chaos as a cyberattack disrupts flights. Meanwhile, DoubleU Games is expanding its portfolio by acquiring the Turkish gaming studio Paxie Games. The podcast also touches on the rise of bitcoin for international trade in Russia and China's housing market facing a significant slump. It's a whirlwind of crucial financial insights and market trends for savvy investors.

A record number of baristas at Starbucks are poised to strike on Christmas Eve, potentially shaking up holiday operations. Meanwhile, American Airlines faced a hiccup as it briefly grounded all flights, and Netflix prepares to debut NFL broadcasts, tackling past streaming hurdles. In the banking sector, major banks are suing the Federal Reserve over stress test guidelines. Additionally, rising labor costs at a London brokerage prompt uncertainty about future investments and market strategies.

A significant standoff looms as President Biden prepares to make a crucial decision on Nippon Steel's acquisition of U.S. Steel, raising national security concerns and union resistance. Meanwhile, Rocket Companies faces a stock plunge following a CFPB lawsuit, while Abbott’s recent settlement with Dexcom over glucose monitors sheds light on industry legal battles. The podcast also discusses notable stock movements, including a shift in the index weight for tech giants like Meta and Tesla.

Nordstrom's transition from a public company wraps up with a $6.25 billion buyout offer after 53 years in the market. The Container Store faces tough times, filing for Chapter 11. Meanwhile, the U.K. is considering facial recognition tech to regulate social media access. On a market note, materials and software stocks appear primed for strong performance in the first half of the year, while consumer confidence takes a hit. Lastly, innovative approaches are discussed for navigating age verification in social media.

Union workers at Starbucks are on strike across nine states as labor disputes escalate during the holiday season. Meanwhile, Honda and Nissan are in talks to potentially merge, aiming to become the third-largest car manufacturer in the world. Additionally, Stellantis has decided against laying off workers at its Ohio Jeep factories. The podcast also delves into the latest shifts and trends in the automotive industry, highlighting significant mergers and stock movements that could impact future investments.

The holiday season is here, hinting at potential stock gains. Discover how the infamous Santa Claus rally is expected to shape the market this year. Dive into the soaring costs linked to improving ChatGPT. Plus, find out the surprising price tag of the classic '12 Days of Christmas' in 2024. Recent legislative updates, like the Senate's move to prevent a government shutdown, are also in focus, shedding light on economic trends affecting investments during this festive period.

Christine Mastandrea dives deep into how real estate investment trusts are navigating a turbulent financial landscape influenced by rising interest rates. The discussion highlights adaptive strategies crucial for thriving in this environment, particularly focusing on the often-overlooked retail sector. Contrary to popular belief, retail isn't dead; instead, it shows resilience and potential for growth, especially in smaller spaces. Tune in to discover insights on managing investments in a changing economic climate.

The Federal Reserve's hawkish announcements stir fears of stagflation, evoking memories of the 1970s. Meanwhile, tech investments pivot towards AI, with notable mentions of Broadcom and NVIDIA. Adobe faces a downturn due to disappointing forecasts, while home improvement retailers struggle amid interest rate fluctuations. As the holiday season approaches, the market remains calm, but investors brace for potential volatility driven by upcoming economic data and year-end adjustments.