Michel Barnier is the new French PM – so, what now?

As of July 18, the S&P 500 index has risen 13.6% over the past year, though companies like Home Depot (NYSE: HD) and PepsiCo (NASDAQ: PEP) have seen declines of 1.8% and 15.9%, respectively. This market focus on short-term issues presents an opportunity for patient investors to benefit from dividends while awaiting a recovery in stock prices. Want More Context? 🔎

Global science and technology innovator Danaher (NYSE:DHR) reported Q2 2025 results on July 22, exceeding analysts' expectations with $5.94 billion in revenue and adjusted EPS of $1.80. Despite a decline in net earnings to $555 million, ongoing operational discipline led to an increased full-year adjusted EPS outlook, although challenges persist in Life Sciences and Diagnostics. Want More Context? 🔎

Despite longstanding rumors about Social Security's potential bankruptcy, the program is not at risk of running out of money, as it is primarily funded by payroll taxes. As long as individuals continue to work and contribute, Social Security can maintain benefit payments in some capacity. Want More Context? 🔎

CrowdStrike (NASDAQ: CRWD) faced significant challenges a year ago due to a faulty software update that caused a major IT outage, costing U.S. Fortune 500 companies over $5 billion. Despite this setback, the company has achieved double-digit revenue growth and maintained strong customer relationships, leading to a stock increase of over 50% since the incident. Want More Context? 🔎

Discover the dynamic market landscape of Veeva Systems (NYSE: VEEV) in the latest episode of the Motley Fool Scoreboard, featuring expert analysis and insights into investment opportunities. The video, published on July 10, 2025, discusses stock prices from June 4, 2025, providing valuable information for potential investors. Want More Context? 🔎

Nucor (NYSE: NUE) stands out as a leading North American steelmaker and a Dividend King, currently perceived unfavorably by Wall Street, which may present a buying opportunity for long-term investors. The company's use of electric arc mini-mills allows for flexible production adjustments based on demand, supporting profit margins throughout industry cycles. Want More Context? 🔎