Analysis-Markets see door wide open for more ECB rate cuts on tariff hit
  • April 17, 2025

Analysis-Markets see door wide open for more ECB rate cuts on tariff hit

Traders saw the all-clear on Thursday from the European Central Bank to bet on even steeper interest rate cuts ahead, confident the central bank will ease policy further if trade tensions dent a fragile economy. The ECB cut rates by 25 basis points (bps) for a seventh time this cycle to 2.25%, to bolster an already struggling euro zone economy facing a large hit from U.S. tariffs that have whipsawed markets since President Donald Trump's April 2 reciprocal tariffs. The euro weakened and government bond yields across the bloc fell sharply as traders reacted to the dovish ECB message.

Chinese tea chain Chagee valued at $6.2 billion in strong Nasdaq debut
  • April 17, 2025

Chinese tea chain Chagee valued at $6.2 billion in strong Nasdaq debut

Chagee sold 14.7 million ADS at the top of its marketed range of $26 to $28 per share to raise $411 million, in the biggest listing for a Chinese consumer company since vaping firm RLX Technology's $1.4 billion IPO in January 2021, according to Dealogic data. The market reaction signals sustained investor appetite for Chinese IPOs on U.S. exchanges at a time when two of the world's biggest economies are engaged in a full-on trade war.

Why Insteel (IIIN) Stock Is Trading Up Today
  • April 17, 2025

Why Insteel (IIIN) Stock Is Trading Up Today

Shares of steel wire manufacturer Insteel (NYSE:IIIN) jumped 11.9% in the morning session after the company reported impressive first-quarter 2025 (fiscal Q2) results, which significantly blew past analysts' sales, EPS and EBITDA estimates.

Why Badger Meter (BMI) Stock Is Up Today
  • April 17, 2025

Why Badger Meter (BMI) Stock Is Up Today

Shares of water control and measure company Badger Meter (NYSE:BMI) jumped 7% in the morning session after the company reported impressive first quarter 2025 results which exceeded analysts' revenue and EPS estimates. Sales rose 13% year-on-year, fueled primarily by a 16% gain in utility water sales. Margins also expanded meaningfully due to a more favorable product and customer mix. While the company did not issue formal guidance, management acknowledged that the second quarter would face tough