Morgan Stanley upgrades US equities to 'overweight'

May 21 (Reuters) - Morgan Stanley upgraded its stance on U.S. equities to "overweight", citing a slowing but still expanding global economy despite policy uncertainty.
"Despite unprecedented policy uncertainty, the global economy is still in expansion mode, albeit with slowing growth", Morgan Stanley analysts wrote in a note on Tuesday.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Daily Mail​

an hour ago

• Daily Mail​

Major grocery chain to shutter more than 60 locations by end of 2026

Kroger has announced plans to close more than 60 underperforming stores across the US by the end of 2026, marking one of the largest closure rounds in the company's recent history. The news came during Kroger's first-quarter earnings report, released on June 20, which states that the closures are expected to result in a 'modest financial benefit.' 'In the first quarter, Kroger recognized an impairment charge of $100 million related to the planned closing of approximately 60 stores over the next 18 months. As a result of these store closures, Kroger expects a modest financial benefit,' the report states. Kroger also emphasized its intention to reinvest savings from the closures into improving the customer experience. 'Kroger is committed to reinvesting these savings back into the customer experience, and as a result, this will not impact full-year guidance,' the report reads. Despite the scale of the closures, the company said no layoffs are expected. Employees at affected locations will be offered positions at nearby stores or in other areas of the business. 'Kroger will offer roles in other stores to all associates currently employed at affected stores,' the report states. The closings come after interim CEO Ron Sargent (pictured) took over after Rodney McMullen abruptly resigned on March 3 amid an internal ethics investigation Kroger, which operates nearly 2,800 stores nationwide under banners such as Ralphs, Fred Meyer, King Soopers, and Harris Teeter, has not yet released a list of affected locations. In the same report, Kroger disclosed that its Q1 2025 net income fell to $866 million, down from $962 million a year earlier. Total sales also declined slightly to $45.1 billion from $45.3 billion. Still, the company raised its full-year forecast for same-store sales (excluding fuel) to between 2.25 percent and 3.25 percent, citing strong demand for fresh foods, store brands and digital services. 'Our strong sales results and positive momentum give us confidence to raise our identical sales without fuel guidance, to a new range of 2.25 percent to 3.25 percent,' CFO David Kennerley commented in the report. 'While first quarter sales and profitability exceeded our expectations, the macroeconomic environment remains uncertain and as a result other elements of our guidance remain unchanged,' he added. Kroger also reaffirmed plans to spend between $3.6 billion and $3.8 billion this year on capital projects, including new store construction and renovations. The company aims to open around 30 new stores by the end of 2025, focusing on markets with stronger performance and growth potential. More details on the closures, including specific locations and timelines, are expected in the coming months. The closings come after interim CEO Ron Sargent took over after Rodney McMullen abruptly resigned on March 3 amid an internal ethics investigation. The grocer is currently undergoing a national search for a new CEO.

Auto Blog

2 hours ago

• Auto Blog

Honda Launches Killer Accord Hybrid Lease Offer for June

Honda Accord Hybrid lease deal for June The Honda Accord has been a solid competitor in the sedan segment for the past eleven generations, with the newest Hybrid model providing the same reliability and practicality with terrific mpg benefits. If you've been eyeing the Accord Hybrid for a while but needed another reason to sign on the dotted line, Honda's newest lease deal may be that reason. 0:00 / 0:09 Walmart is selling a 'heavy duty' $89 step ladder for $48, and shoppers say it's 'sturdy and secure' Watch More Honda seems to be holding a nationwide lease offer on the Accord Hybrid. We cross-checked Los Angeles, Denver, Miami, New York, and Michigan offers, and residents of all states can get behind the wheel of an Accord FWD Sport Hybrid for $389 per month for 36 months with $3,799 due at signing. All deals have a 10,000-mile annual limit. Owners of any 2010 or newer Honda, Buick, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Fisker, Ford, GMC, Hyundai, Jeep, Kia, Mazda, Mini, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Polestar, RAM, Rivian, Scion, Subaru, Tesla, Toyota, VinFast, and Volkswagen get the same Accord FWD Sport Hybrid for $359 per month for 36 months with $3,699 due at signing. 2025 Honda Accord Hybrid — Source: Honda What do you get in a 2025 Honda Accord Sport Hybrid? The Sport Hybrid is the base hybrid trim, featuring a 2.0 L I4 engine paired with two electric motors that send 204 hp through an e-CVT. The EPA rates the Sport Hybrid at 46 mpg city, 41 mpg highway, and 44 mpg combined, compared to the gas-powered base LX's 29 mpg city, 37 mpg highway, and 32 mpg combined. The hybrid also makes 12 extra hp over the LX. Snazzy touches on the Accord Sport Hybrid include 19-inch alloy wheels, a trunk spoiler, a power sunroof, an 8-speaker, 180-watt audio system, power driver seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility on its 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. Given that it's the same car size-wise, the same 16.7 cu ft of cargo space carries over. 2025 Honda Accord Hybrid Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Final thoughts Lease offers can vary based on location and specific vehicle configuration (trim level, options, etc.) and are subject to credit approval. Advertised payments typically exclude taxes, title, registration, and other potential fees. To take advantage of this offer or to get a precise quote based on your needs (including an official $0 down option), visit the official Honda website here. 2023 Honda Accord Hybrid — Source: Honda *Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. The information presented herein is based on manufacturer-provided lease offer information, which is subject to frequent change and may vary based on location, creditworthiness, and other factors. We are not a party to any lease agreements and assume no liability for the terms, conditions, availability, or accuracy of any lease offers mentioned. All terms, including but not limited to pricing, mileage allowances, and residual values, require direct verification with an authorized local OEM dealership. This article does not constitute financial advice or an endorsement of any particular lease or vehicle. About the Author Gabriel Ionica View Profile

Reuters

3 hours ago

• Reuters

South Korea's chief trade envoy plans US visit June 22-27

SEOUL, June 21 (Reuters) - South Korea's trade minister Yeo Han-koo will visit the United States from June 22 to 27, the trade ministry said on Saturday. The visit will include discussions with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and the third round of bilateral technical discussions, a ministry official told Reuters. Further details about the meetings were not disclosed. South Korea, which is currently facing a 10% blanket tariff and a 25% country-specific duty temporarily paused for 90 days, agreed with the U.S. during initial trade negotiations in late April to craft a trade deal reducing tariffs by July 8. Asia's fourth-largest economy unexpectedly contracted in the first quarter amid U.S. President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs and domestic political unrest following former President Yoon Suk Yeol's martial law decree in December.