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Market News: Dow Extends Winning Streak, Netflix and Tesla Report Earnings, and Russian Forces Assault Ukrainian Ports
Dow Extends Winning Streak as Earnings Season Begins
The Dow Jones Industrial Average extended its winning streak to eight sessions on Wednesday, marking its longest tear since 2019. This positive performance comes as companies' quarterly results continue to exceed expectations in the current earnings season. Thursday morning brings more earnings announcements, including Johnson & Johnson and American Airlines. In addition to earnings, investors will also be monitoring weekly jobless claims data and existing home sales.
Netflix Exceeds Expectations Despite Revenue Miss
Shares of Netflix fell in off-hours trading following their earnings report on Wednesday. While the streaming giant missed on revenue, their profit and subscriber additions exceeded expectations. This indicates that Netflix is benefiting from its recent crackdown on password-sharing. Given that Netflix's stock has already risen over 60% this year, some profit-taking should be expected. Unlike other big media companies struggling to make their streaming offerings profitable, Netflix is in a stronger position. With Hollywood facing shutdowns, Netflix can rely more on its international offerings as competitors struggle to produce content.
Tesla Reports Strong Earnings with Profit Margin Concerns
Tesla beat expectations on both revenue and earnings in their recent earnings report. However, the stock was weighed down by weak profit margin numbers and a warning about a production slowdown during off-hours trading. CEO Elon Musk noted that while the company still aims to deliver 1.8 million vehicles this year, Q3 production will be affected by factory upgrades and summer shutdowns. Tesla's recent surge in deliveries has been driven by price cuts, which have negatively impacted operating and gross margins.
Johnson & Johnson Raises Outlook as Medtech Sales Grow
Johnson & Johnson raised its outlook for the year as they posted higher-than-expected second quarter revenue. The company attributes the growth to increased sales in the medtech sector, which saw a rise in non-urgent surgeries delayed during the pandemic. Despite the positive report and increased guidance, J&J's stock has struggled this year, experiencing a 10% decline compared to broader market gains.
Russian Assault on Ukrainian Ports Raises Food Supply Concerns
Following the Kremlin's exit from the Black Sea grain deal, Russian forces continue to assault Ukrainian ports. These attacks have raised concerns about global food supplies. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the Russians targeted areas where approximately one million tons of food are stored. Russian officials have declared that any vessel sailing to Ukrainian ports will be considered carriers of military cargo. The situation remains volatile and should be closely monitored.
Conclusion
The recent market news, including the Dow's winning streak, Netflix and Tesla's earnings reports, and the Russian assault on Ukrainian ports, can have implications for new businesses entering the market.
Firstly, the positive performance of the Dow Jones Industrial Average during earnings season indicates a strong market sentiment, with companies exceeding expectations. This suggests that there may be favorable conditions for new businesses to enter and thrive. Investors' attention to weekly jobless claims and existing home sales data can provide insights into the overall economic landscape, helping new businesses understand market trends and consumer behavior.
Secondly, Netflix's ability to exceed expectations despite a revenue miss highlights the strength of its streaming platform. As Hollywood faces shutdowns and competitors struggle to produce content, new businesses in the streaming space may find opportunities to meet the increasing demand for entertainment. Capitalizing on international offerings, like Netflix, can help new businesses mitigate the challenges faced by their domestic counterparts.
On the other hand, Tesla's strong earnings report but concerns about profit margins and production slowdown remind new businesses of the importance of sustainable growth. Price cuts may drive initial demand, but they can negatively impact margins. New businesses should focus on maintaining a balance between growth and profitability to ensure long-term success.
Lastly, the Russian assault on Ukrainian ports raises food supply concerns, revealing the unpredictability of geopolitical events. New businesses operating in international markets or relying on global supply chains should consider potential risks and diversify their sourcing strategies to minimize the impact of such disruptions.
In conclusion, while the market news presents both opportunities and challenges for new businesses, staying informed and adapting to the ever-changing landscape is crucial for success. By understanding market trends, capitalizing on emerging demands, maintaining sustainable growth, and mitigating geopolitical risks, new businesses can navigate these dynamic market conditions and carve out their own path to success.
Article First Published at: https://www.cnbc.com/2023/07/20/5-things-to-know-before-the-stock-market-opens-thursday-july-20.html.svg)
