Stifel’s Barry Bannister sticks to his bearish market stance

President-elect Donald Trump nominated Pam Bondi as attorney-general following Matt Gaetz's withdrawal from consideration. Trump stated that the Department of Justice has been weaponized against Republicans and that Bondi will refocus it on fighting crime. He described Bondi as smart, tough, and an advocate for America First, believing she will do an excellent job as Attorney General. Full Article

Job seekers facing tough market conditions can find hope in high-earning jobs that don't require a college degree, with median salaries ranging from $67,000 to $102,420 per year. While these roles may not need a four-year degree, they often entail apprenticeships, credentials, and training. Top-paying jobs without a degree include elevator and escalator installer, transportation manager, and electrical power-line installer, offering lucrative salaries and stable growth rates. Full Article

Wall Street's optimism following Donald Trump's reelection has benefited stocks that typically thrive in bullish sentiment, driven by expectations of looser regulations and lower corporate taxes. Piper Sandler's analysis shows that bullish sentiment is at an extreme, with investors anticipating market growth and improved economic data. Stocks like Uber and Garmin, which historically perform well in high sentiment environments, have seen notable gains in 2024, with Uber potentially benefiting from looser regulations under the new...

In 2015, facing regulatory threats to their consumer tech business, the company pivoted to enterprise, a risky move that paid off, highlighting the importance of adapting to market shifts. With the Trump administration looming in 2025, businesses must prepare for potential policy changes impacting sourcing and compliance. Lessons learned include the need for diverse revenue streams, leveraging AI for business outcomes, and building resilient supply chains to navigate uncertain times and thrive in the evolving...

Three water companies, including Thames Water, Yorkshire Water, and Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water, have been blocked from using billpayer money for executive bonuses deemed undeserved by Ofwat due to performance challenges, totaling £1.5 million. Ofwat used new powers to intervene, with six other companies voluntarily funding bonuses. 73% of bonus payments across nine companies will not be paid by customers, with potential legislation to further restrict performance-related pay. Despite rising water bills expected over the...

Bitcoin prices have surged, gaining 172% in the past year and 45% in the last month, potentially reaching $100,000 soon. The rise is attributed to Donald Trump's re-election, ETF launches, and the Bitcoin halving event increasing institutional interest. There is speculation on whether the US will start buying Bitcoin, but concerns remain about its volatility and downside risks. Full Article