All posts by PARKERYL

Shares of Intel (INTC) surged Monday morning after the chipmaker said it agreed to sell 51% of its programmable chip business Altera to private equity firm Silver Lake.

The deal values Altera at $8.75 billion, and will leave Intel with the remaining 49% ownership stake, the companies said Monday. Intel said that Raghib Hussain will be CEO of Altera, effective May 5, joining the company from his role as president of Products and Technologies at Marvell (MRVL).

“Today’s announcement reflects our commitment to sharpening our focus, lowering our expense structure and strengthening our balance sheet,” Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan said.

The companies expect the deal to close in the second half of this year. Altera’s results will be removed from Intel’s quarterly consolidated financial statements once the deal is closed. The unit recorded revenue of $1.54 billion and adjusted operating income of $35 million in fiscal 2024.

The news follows speculation of a possible deal for a stake in Altera and other parts of Intel’s business earlier this year.

Intel shares were up about 6% in recent trading. The chipmaker is set to report first-quarter results after the market closes on April 24.

The cryptocurrency market has skyrocketed to $2.70 trillion, driven by surging institutional interest, groundbreaking blockchain innovation, and shifting global economic conditions. This isn’t just another speculative bubble—crypto is cementing its place in the financial mainstream. What was once dismissed as a niche, volatile asset class is now being embraced by some of the world’s largest financial institutions and tech giants. The adoption curve is accelerating, and digital assets are becoming an integral part of investment portfolios, global transactions, and financial infrastructure.

Next-gen blockchain tech is scaling fast

The crypto world is solving its biggest issue: scalability. Ethereum’s rollups (Optimism, Arbitrum) and Bitcoin’s Lightning Network are making transactions faster and cheaper. Solana, Avalanche, and Cardano are gaining traction with high-speed, low-cost alternatives. Businesses are seeing real utility now, and that’s fueling adoption. Privacy-focused solutions like anonymous crypto wallet providers are also gaining popularity, allowing users to secure their assets while maintaining financial confidentiality. These advancements are essential for bringing blockchain technology into mainstream finance, gaming, and decentralized applications (dApps).

Institutional money is pouring in

Big money is flooding the crypto space. Asset management giants like BlackRock and Fidelity are integrating Bitcoin into portfolios, while the approval of Bitcoin ETFs has unlocked billions in capital. Banks and hedge funds that once dismissed crypto are now backing it, legitimizing digital assets and drawing in even more investors. The involvement of financial heavyweights lends credibility to the industry, further reinforcing crypto’s position as a legitimate asset class.

Bitcoin’s supply shock approaches

Bitcoin’s halving in 2024 slashed mining rewards from 6.25 BTC to 3.125 BTC. Historically, supply cuts drive prices up as demand intensifies. Investors are already positioning for the inevitable price surge, accelerating market momentum. The predictable nature of halving events makes Bitcoin unique in financial markets, attracting long-term investors who see it as a scarce digital asset similar to gold.

DeFi and NFTs keep building

Decentralized finance (DeFi) is disrupting traditional banking, with billions locked into protocols like Uniswap, Aave, and MakerDAO. Investors can lend, borrow, and trade without intermediaries, providing financial inclusion for millions worldwide. At the same time, the NFT space, while volatile, remains a major force in digital ownership and gaming, keeping blockchain innovation alive and relevant. The rise of Web3 gaming, metaverse projects, and tokenized assets is reshaping how we perceive ownership and online economies.

Stablecoins and crypto payments are going mainstream

Stablecoins like USDT, USDC, and DAI are bridging the gap between traditional and crypto finance. Their stability makes them ideal for payments, remittances, and DeFi applications. Companies like PayPal, Tesla, and Visa are embracing crypto transactions, making digital assets part of everyday commerce. Cross-border payments are becoming faster and cheaper with stablecoin adoption, reducing dependency on expensive and slow traditional banking systems.

Inflation and economic uncertainty are driving adoption

As inflation devalues traditional currencies, Bitcoin is emerging as digital gold. Countries facing financial crises, like Argentina and Turkey, are witnessing a surge in crypto adoption. The decentralized nature of digital assets is attracting investors looking for safe havens beyond government-controlled financial systems. Additionally, developing nations with unstable banking infrastructures are turning to crypto as an alternative means of storing wealth and transacting across borders.

Regulations are providing clarity, not fear

The days of crypto being a regulatory gray area are fading. Governments worldwide are crafting policies that protect investors while encouraging innovation. Structured regulations in the U.S., UK, and UAE are reducing uncertainty, bringing confidence to institutional and retail investors alike. Countries that embrace clear regulations are seeing a surge in blockchain startups, job creation, and innovation hubs.

Social media and influencers are fueling momentum

Crypto is a movement as much as a market. Tweets from Elon Musk, insights from Michael Saylor, and discussions on Reddit and TikTok shape sentiment and drive investment. The viral nature of crypto ensures that trends spread quickly, amplifying both adoption and market cycles. Meme coins like Dogecoin and Shiba Inu continue to thrive due to strong community backing, proving that social media can turn speculative assets into major market players.

Retail investors are more engaged than ever

With user-friendly platforms like Binance, Coinbase, and Kraken, anyone can trade crypto. Mobile apps and automated investment strategies like dollar-cost averaging make market entry simple, fueling broader participation. The gamification of investing, along with the rise of decentralized exchanges (DEXs), is giving users greater control over their assets without relying on traditional financial institutions.

The road ahead

The crypto bull run is gaining steam, but risks remain. Regulation, technological evolution, and macroeconomic forces will shape the future. Yet, one fact is undeniable: crypto is no longer an experiment. It’s a global financial revolution, and the market’s relentless growth suggests the best is yet to come. As blockchain continues to disrupt industries ranging from finance to healthcare, supply chains, and entertainment, the long-term potential of digital assets is immense. The journey to mass adoption is still unfolding, and those who understand its transformative power stand to benefit the most.

Pfizer (PFE) said it will stop development of an oral daily weight-loss pill after a participant taking the drug in a clinical trial experienced a liver injury.

The GLP-1 receptor agonist, danuglipron, was seen as Pfizer’s potential answer to popular weight-loss treatments like Novo Nordisk’s (NVO) Ozempic and Wegovy and Eli Lilly’s (LLY) Zepbound and Mounjaro, which are injected weekly. U.S.-listed shares of Novo Nordisk rose 2.6% and Lilly stock gained about 1.6% in recent trading, while Pfizer shares were 0.7% higher. 

Danuglipron “met key pharmacokinetic objectives” in a Phase 3 trial but one patient “experienced potential drug-induced liver injury,” Pfizer said, adding that the injury “resolved” after treatment was discontinued.

Pfizer Chief Scientific Officer Chris Boshoff said the company would continue to develop an “oral GIPR antagonist candidate and other earlier obesity programs.”

Pfizer shares are down about 17% since the start of the year. The drugmaker plans to report its first-quarter earnings on April 29.

During these busy times, it pays to stay on top of the latest profit opportunities. And today’s blog post should be a great place to start. After taking a close look at the latest data on institutional buying pressure and each company’s fundamental health, I decided to revise my Stock Grader recommendations for 108 big blue chips. Chances are that you have at least one of these stocks in your portfolio, so you may want to give this list a skim and act accordingly.

Article printed from InvestorPlace Media, https://investorplace.com/market360/2025/04/20250414-blue-chip-upgrades-downgrades/.

©2025 InvestorPlace Media, LLC

Thinking of retiring means thinking about how much money you’ll need to retire comfortably, and a new study shows what Americans believe is the answer.

Americans think the “magic number” to retire is $1.26 million saved, according to new research from Northwestern Mutual. The majority of people said they don’t think they will feel financially prepared when the time comes. This year’s number is $200,000 less than the $1.46 million reported last year and about flat with estimates from 2022 and 2023.

However, about a quarter of Americans who have retirement savings said they have just one year or less of their current income saved for retirement. And more than half of Americans think it’s likely that they will outlive their savings, according to Northwestern Mutual.

With retirement depending on so many factors—how much your annual salary and living expenses are, what your assets add up to, when you’ll retire and inflation—it can be tricky to plan and save for the unknown. As a rule of thumb, Fidelity Investments suggests saving 10 times your annual salary by the time you are 67. If you plan to retire before or after then, the numbers fluctuate, but the financial services company suggests starting early and having one time your annual salary saved by age 30.

However, Northwestern Mutual’s data shows that about half of Gen X (currently 45-60 years old) say they have no more than three times their current annual income saved, and the majority also say they will need to work into retirement for additional income.

There is an upside, though, as Americans report they are saving sooner, planning to retire earlier, and expecting to live longer than the previous generation. More than 60% of Gen Z feel like they will be financially prepared when it comes time to retire, a higher portion than Gen X and millennials.

Apple (AAPL), Dell Technologies (DELL), and other tech stocks surged in premarket trading Monday, after President Donald Trump imposed a pause on import tariffs on many electronic goods.

Smartphones, computers, and semiconductors have been exempted from Trump’s “reciprocal” tariffs, according to updated guidance from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Friday, although Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on Sunday suggested the carve-out would be temporary.

JPMorgan analysts said the exemption would be “a big relief” for Apple, which makes most of its devices in China. They said they expect Apple “to significantly accelerate its diversification plans, including an initial focus on the assembly footprint.” India now makes up around 15% of iPhone production, with Vietnam representing “a significant manufacturing center for Airpods and Watch, while still ramping on iPads and Macs,” they said.

Apple shares were up over 6% in premarket trading Monday, after leading Magnificent Stocks higher in Friday’s session. They are, however, down by more than a fifth so far this year through Friday’s close.

Laptop maker Dell, which makes most of its products outside the U.S., saw its shares jump 7% in premarket trading Monday. JPMorgan analysts said in a separate note on retailer Best Buy (BBY), that they believe the pause in consumer electronics tariffs “is a clear indication of the importance of the products to the US consumer and the weight of large US companies” like Dell, Apple, and others.

Shares of chipmakers including Nvidia (NVDA), Intel (INTC), Qualcomm (QCOM), and Broadcom (AVGO), gained as well.

Written by the Market Insights Team

CAD soars in best 3-day run since 2020

Kevin Ford – FX & Macro Strategist

The USD/CAD has marked its best three-day streak since March 2020, a remarkable performance that comes without any shifts in Canadian fundamentals to explain the movement. Canada’s economy remains under pressure from tariffs, with the U.S. continuing to dominate imports—a situation that has yet to see significant change or relief. Compounding concerns are the results from recent Bank of Canada surveys, which highlight consumers’ growing recession fears and businesses hesitating on investment and hiring decisions. These challenges paint a grim picture, especially in light of March payroll data revealing a loss of 33,000 jobs, the largest decline in three years. Also, while the spread in the 2-year US-CAD rate differential has narrowed in recent weeks (down 35 bps from its 2025 peak), it doesn’t fully account for the recent CAD strength below the 1.39 mark.

The broader economic landscape adds further strain on the Canadian dollar. CAD, as a cyclical commodity currency, remains particularly vulnerable amid ongoing trade wars that weigh heavily on global growth and trade activity. Additionally, the negative effects of tariffs are unlikely to subside until the CUSMA/USMCA undergoes renegotiation. The Bank of Canada, facing limited capacity to address tariff-induced inflation pressures, is constrained in its ability to support CAD, leaving it susceptible to risks such as tariff escalation, weakening domestic economic indicators, or hints of a global slowdown.

Interestingly, last week’s appreciation of CAD against USD stems entirely from a shift in US dollar sentiment, driven by risk aversion. During risk-off periods, emerging markets often see higher yields paired with weaker currencies—a pattern reminiscent of the fiscal budget crisis under former UK Prime Minister Liz Truss, which sent gilt yields soaring while the pound sterling plunged. However, sentiment has shifted dramatically, with the US dollar’s status as a safe-haven asset experiencing a notable decline. Despite CAD erasing most losses incurred since the 2024 US elections, it remains one of the G10 currencies performing poorly against the US dollar this month, alongside the Aussie and the Kiwi.

This interconnected narrative underscores the challenges facing CAD and the broader Canadian economy. The combination of domestic vulnerabilities, global uncertainties, and shifting market sentiment creates a complex dynamic that leaves the Loonie benefitting momentarily from US dollar weakness, although struggling to find solid ground.

Confidence crisis could extend

George Vessey – Lead FX & Macro Strategist

The US dollar index fell below 100 for the first since time 2022, dropping a whopping 3% last week – as its flipped from a safe haven to more like a risk-sensitive currency. In fact, US stocks, bonds, and the dollar have all faced simultaneous declines, amplifying fears of a mass retreat by foreign investors from US assets. Trade was fears were fanned by China’s finance ministry announcing a 125% tariff on US goods, escalating retaliatory measures. Meanwhile, the US now imposes a combined 145% tariff on Chinese imports, including a 125% duty and an additional 20% levy tied to fentanyl-related trade.

Last week was a rollercoaster week for markets. Equities, slumped, pumped and slumped again on tariff-related headlines. Long-dated Treasury yields spiked, while the dollar has experienced its steepest drop against the euro and Swiss franc in a decade. Once considered the ultimate safe haven, US Treasury bonds are now under scrutiny as President Trump’s aggressive trade policies disrupt global markets. The introduction of reciprocal tariffs rapidly shifted the dollar’s status from a favoured currency to a gauge of risk aversion, reflecting growing uncertainty and diminishing confidence in US financial stability. Indeed, the inverse correlation between US yields and the dollar highlights this stark regime shift, but how long could it last?

At this point, trying to predict a bottom for the dollar is as uncertain as forecasting President Trump’s next tariff decision. The dollar, much like Treasuries, has shifted from its traditional role as a safe haven to behaving like a risk-sensitive asset. This dynamic means the USD can rally alongside struggling equities if there’s even a glimmer of positive trade news. However, it seems that only a significant rollback of protectionist policies—especially those targeting China—can truly repair the damage inflicted on the dollar over the past two weeks.

Euro has flipped from risk asset to safe haven

George Vessey – Lead FX & Macro Strategist

The euro continues to attract substantial USD outflows, allowing EUR/USD to hit a fresh 3-year high above $1.14 recently. Last week we saw the pair rally over 4% in two days – its best 2-day streak since 2009.

Its appeal as a liquid reserve currency, combined with market optimism that the EU will avoid escalating trade tensions with the US, has buoyed its performance alongside Europe’s current account surplus and German’s historic spending plans.

However, much of the recent surge is largely driven by weakening confidence in the dollar, with little justification from short-term rate dynamics. Notably, the EUR-USD two-year swap rate gap has widened further in favour of the dollar, suggesting a fair value closer to $1.05. That said, given the extreme volatility and unconventional trends, such calculations require caution. Markets are pricing in a 95% chance of a rate cut by the European Central Bank this week. A surprise hold could see the pair shoot above $1.15 especially amidst ongoing volatility and thin liquidity in the FX space.

Pound plagued by volatility

George Vessey – Lead FX & Macro Strategist

The British pound surged past $1.30 and peaked over $1.31 versus the US dollar last Friday, nearing a six-month high as the dollar confidence crisis gathered steam. However, with enhanced flows into the euro, GBP/EUR sunk below €1.15 for the first time since late 2023. This month alone, the pair has dropped 3.6% – on track for its largest monthly decline since 2016 and diverging (in a big way) from UK-German real rate differentials.

On the macro front, UK GDP surprised to the upside with 0.5% growth in February – five times the forecasted rate. This growth, supported by contributions from all major sectors, was bolstered by stronger factory output, likely driven by stockpiling ahead of President Trump’s new tariff measures.

The upbeat economic data slightly tempered expectations for aggressive Bank of England rate cuts, though markets still anticipate three quarter-point reductions in 2025.

This week, FX markets will be hoping for a breather after last week’s heightened volatility. Attention might divert towards macro data again, with the labour market and inflation reports from the UK top on the domestic docket.

DXY drops below the 100 level

Table: 7-day currency trends and trading ranges

Table: 7-day currency trends and trading ranges

Key global risk events

Calendar: April 14-17

All times are in ET

Have a question? [email protected]

*The FX rates published are provided by Convera’s Market Insights team for research purposes only. The rates have a unique source and may not align to any live exchange rates quoted on other sites. They are not an indication of actual buy/sell rates, or a financial offer.

U.S. stock futures are rising as investors parsed the latest developments on tariffs, which include exemptions on computers, smartphones, and semiconductors; Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick says the exemptions may be only temporary; Apple (AAPL), Dell (DELL), and Nvidia (NVDA) shares are surging on the tariffs exemption news; Goldman Sachs (GS) stock is rising after the bank reported first-quarter results that mostly topped estimates; and gold (XAUUSD) is in focus after hitting record highs amid tariff uncertainty. Here’s what investors need to know today.

1. US Stock Futures Jump as Investors Digest Tariff Exemptions

U.S. stock futures are rising as investors review the implications of a White House tariffs exemption on some electronics and prepare for earnings this week from big financial and tech firms.  Nasdaq futures are 1.5% higher after a week in which the tech-heavy index surged 7.3% for its best weekly gain since 2022. S&P 500 futures are up 1.3% and Dow Jones Industrial Average futures are about 1% higher after the indexes posted weekly gains of 5.7% and 5%, respectively. Bitcoin (BTCUSD) is trading higher at more than $84,500. Yields on the 10-year Treasury note are down at around 4.45%. Oil futures are up more than 1%.

2. US Exempts Smartphones, Computers, Chips From Tariffs

The U.S. laid out tariff exemptions on smartphones, computers, and semiconductors, though a top U.S. official said that they could be temporary. After President Donald Trump hinted at tariff exemptions in comments late Friday, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection followed up with guidance that laid out the specific electronic items exempt from Trump’s  “reciprocal” tariffs. On Sunday, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said on ABC News’ “This Week” that the exemptions could be temporary. “They’re exempt from the reciprocal tariffs but they’re included in the semiconductor tariffs, which are coming in probably a month or two. So, these are coming soon,” Lutnick said.

3. Apple, Dell, Nvidia Stocks Rise on Tech Tariff Exemptions

Shares of U.S. tech companies are moving higher in premarket trading on the news that several electronic devices and components would be exempt from tariffs on foreign trading partners. Shares of Apple (AAPL)—which makes roughly 90% of its products in China—are nearly 6% higher after surging last week, and those of computer maker Dell (DELL) are up by a similar percentage. Chipmaker Nvidia (NVDA) stock is moving higher by 3%. Stock markets in Europe and Asia also rose on news of the tariffs exemptions.

4. Goldman Sachs Stock Rises After Q1 Results Mostly Top Estimates

Goldman Sachs (GS) shares are rising 3% in premarket trading after the bank reported first-quarter results above expectations. The firm reported earnings per share (EPS) of $14.12 on revenue of $15.06 billion, while analysts surveyed by Visible Alpha expected $12.33 and $14.78 billion, respectively, although net interest income of $2.90 billion came up short of projections. “While we are entering the second quarter with a markedly different operating environment than earlier this year, we remain confident in our ability to continue to support our clients,” Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon said.

5. Gold in Focus After Hitting Record Highs as Investors Seek Safe Havens

Investors are watching prices of gold (XAUUSD) as the precious metal continues to hit record highs. Gold futures are down slightly early Monday but still trading above $3,200 an ounce after it gained 6% last week, helping push the yellow metal to gains of around 23% year-to-date. Investors have flocked to the safe-haven asset as concerns about an intensifying global trade war continue to place downward pressure on the dollar and Treasury bonds amid diminishing faith in the U.S. as a reliable trading partner.

As Americans juggle the rising cost of living, the decline of pensions, longer lifespans, and other complex factors, median retirement savings stand at only $82,000—far below the $1.5 million that Americans believe is enough to retire comfortably.

Taking the time to improve your longevity literacy can be worth the effort—it could help you get your retirement on track. Here’s what you need to know.

What Is Longevity Literacy?

Longevity literacy is knowing how long you’re likely to live, particularly in relation to retirement planning. It includes knowing not just life expectancy averages but also the likelihood of living past certain ages and the financial implications of an increased lifespan for your quality of life in retirement.

Some experts believe that those with low longevity literacy tend to be less financially secure than they might think. In fact, a 2023 TIAA Institute survey found that most American adults have poor longevity literacy—meaning they couldn’t tell you the life expectancy of a 60-year-old in the U.S.

The TIAA Institute says its mortality tables factor in a tendency toward longer life expectancy due to factors such as education level, type of work a person did, the amount they made, and their access to medical care. According to their data, they assume a 67-year-old will live, on average, another 23 years, with a 25% chance of living 28 years and a 10% chance of making it all the way to age 100. That means saving more for retirement than many people do.

Tips for Building Savings That Outlive You

To answer the question of how long you’re going to live, you can use a life expectancy calculator, like the one provided by the Social Security administration. Simply enter your sex and date of birth, and you’ll learn how many years, on average, you have left, and the age you’ll be when you die. This information, while a bit morbid, is crucial for retirement planning. But be aware it may underestimate your number based on all the same factors that TIAA takes into account.

Knowing your number will help you build financial resilience and cultivate a stronger quality of life. 

“The years you spend planning for and living in retirement are two fundamentally different seasons of your life—and can be equally long,” says Michael Kuplic, CRPC, a financial advisor at Ameriprise.

The following tips can help you build a healthy nest egg and be better prepared for the number of years you’ll be in retirement.

1. Increase Your Retirement Savings

While it’s easier said than done, contributing more to your savings account will help bridge the gap between your targeted amount and the actual outcome. To do so, it’s important to set up a plan based on how you would like to live in retirement. 

“While having enough money for retirement is important, it is also imperative to ask yourself, What am I retiring to?”, Kuplic says. “Knowing what you truly want and need out of retirement is the first step in designing a specific plan to turn those wishes into action.”

Auto-enrollment plans are another avenue for building your retirement savings. You can structure these so that contribution amounts auto-escalate over time. As a general rule of thumb, try to contribute at least 15% of your paycheck. At minimum, contribute enough to qualify for your employer’s matching contribution.

2. Consider Working Longer

Working for longer is a great way to build financial stability in retirement. You might expand your skillset, move into a consultant-type role, or take on part-time opportunities.

According to a study from the Pew Research Center, about one in five (nearly 20%) of American workers are 65 or older. That’s nearly double what it was three decades ago. And those age 65 and older report greater job satisfaction compared to younger generations.

3. Invest Based on Your Life Stage

Making the most out of your retirement savings involves adjusting your investment strategy based on your life stage. 

“These two phases have fundamentally different goals, risks, and complexities, often needing separate investing and financial planning strategies,” Kuplic says.

Equities historically offer higher returns than bonds. You can afford to place more of your diversified portfolio in stocks when you’re younger. As you age, you’ll need to shift the mix toward bonds. For example, short-term bonds can provide an income stream in retirement. 

It may be a good idea to consult a financial professional to guide you.

The Bottom Line

As lifespans grow longer, the average expected retirement age among people who haven’t retired yet is rising. In 2022, it was 66 years old (compared to 60 years old in 1995), according to a Gallup poll. By contributing more to your retirement account(s), working longer, and investing based on your life stage, you can improve your chances of success during your retirement years.

Global stocks are rallying Monday after President Donald Trump temporarily exempted smartphones, computers, and semiconductors from his “reciprocal” tariffs.

The reprieve for consumer electronics imports, many of which come from China, is driving shares higher. Dow Jones Industrial Average and S&P 500 futures are up roughly 1%, and Nasdaq futures are 1.3% higher. Magnificent Seven stocks are rising, with shares of Apple (AAPL) jumping 5% in premarket trading, extending Friday’s gains.

Overseas, the Stoxx Europe 600 index is rising 2%, the Nikkei closed up 1.2%, and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng finished 2.4% higher.

China called the tariff pause “a small step for the U.S. side to correct its wrong practice of unilateral ‘reciprocal tariffs,'” according to a statement from the state-owned Xinhua News Agency.

Following recent surges, the yield on 10-year Treasuries is pulling back at 4.44%. Still, analysts said investors remain worried about holding assets based on the U.S. dollar, which is down against major currencies Monday.  MUFG said in a note that “uncertainty over China’s appetite for (U.S. Treasury) bonds is likely also playing a role in worsening investor confidence in US assets.” China is one of the biggest holders of Treasurys.