Elon Musk to Taylor Swift – the four key figures who moved markets in 2024

Shares of Deckers Outdoor (NYSE: DECK), known for brands like Hoka and UGG, rose by 11.7% after the company reported better-than-expected first-quarter results, alleviating investor concerns following a significant stock decline earlier in the year due to tariff fears and weakening consumer sentiment. The positive results reaffirmed confidence in the company's growth trajectory. Want More Context? 🔎

Waterstone Financial (NASDAQ:WSBF), a Wisconsin-based bank holding company, reported a 38.7% year-over-year increase in earnings per share to $0.43 for Q2 2025, with net income rising 35.1% to $7.7 million. The bank focuses on community and mortgage banking, emphasizing margin improvement, deposit growth, and operational efficiency amid evolving economic conditions and a competitive real estate market. Want More Context? 🔎

Autonomous vehicles signify a pivotal advancement in artificial intelligence, integrating complex protocols like sensory processing and smart control systems into a unified platform. While Tesla and Waymo dominate headlines, Nvidia is positioned as the company with the greatest potential for growth in the autonomous vehicle sector. Want More Context? 🔎

The technology sector is experiencing significant growth due to innovations that enhance organizational efficiency and ease daily operations, driven by the increasing digitalization and adoption of cloud software. In light of this demand, investing in promising technology growth stocks for long-term accumulation can help individuals build substantial wealth for retirement. Want More Context? 🔎

Sonic Automotive (NYSE:SAH) reported Q2 2025 earnings on July 24, revealing adjusted earnings per share of $2.19 and revenue of $3.7 billion, exceeding analyst expectations. Despite strong performance in its EchoPark used car network and a higher dividend, the company faced a net loss due to a significant non-cash impairment charge, highlighting ongoing cost and asset challenges. Want More Context? 🔎

Nasdaq (NASDAQ:NDAQ) reported Q2 2025 results on July 24, achieving GAAP revenue of $1.31 billion and non-GAAP EPS of $0.85, exceeding estimates. The company experienced 9% growth in recurring revenue and strong operating income driven by client demand, although rising costs and longer sales cycles in regulatory technology are areas of concern. Want More Context? 🔎