• July was the worst month of the pandemic in the US
• Microsoft (MSFT.US) pursuing TikTok purchase by September 15th
• Marathon Petroleum (MPC.US) to sell its gas stations in $21 billion deal
• Marathon Petroleum (MPC.US) to sell its gas stations in $21 billion deal
US indices opened today’s session higher despite rising numbers of new COVID-19 infections and geopolitical tensions between the US and China. Yesterday Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that President Trump will take action "in the coming days" against Chinese-owned software that he believes pose a national security risk.
Covid-19 cases continued to spread across the US, with July being the worst month for new cases since the pandemic began. Meantime, White House coronavirus experts warned yesterday that the country is in a new phase of the pandemic. "We are in a new phase," said Dr. Deborah Birx. "What we are seeing today is different from March and April. It is extraordinarily widespread" in rural as well as urban areas. "To everybody who lives in a rural area: You are not immune or protected from this virus," Birx said. With this in mind, investors will continue to monitor negotiations for a new coronavirus relief package which will take place today.
On Friday, Fitch lowered US' rating to negative from stable, citing the ongoing deterioration in the US public finances and the absence of a credible fiscal consolidation plan.
Dow Jones (US30) bounced of the upward trendline and at the same time break below the 200 MA (redline). Should upbeat moods prevail, resistance at 27081 pts may come into play. On the other hand, once sellers regain control, the support 25806 pts may be at risk. Source: xStation5Marathon Petroleum (MPC.US) - stock jumped almost 10% in pre-market trading after company reported an adjusted quarterly loss of $ 1.33 per share, while analysts expected wider loss of $ 1.75 per share. The company is selling its Speedway gasoline station and convenience store chain to 7-11 parent Seven & I Holdings for $ 21 billion in cash.
Marathon Petroleum (MPC.US) – stock launched today’s session higher. Should upbeat moods prevail, resistance at $44.68 per share may come into play. This level is additionally strengthened by 200 MA (red line). However if sellers manage to break above below the upward trendline, then a downward impulse towards $34.07 per share could be launched. Source: xStation5Microsoft (MSFT.US) is planning to buy video-sharing app TikTok from Chinese owner ByteDance, and hopes to seal a deal by mid-September. The negotiations nearly ended in failure after President Trump said he favored an outright ban of TikTok in the U.S. Reuters reported today that Trump has now allowed Microsoft 45 days to negotiate a deal.
Alphabet Inc's (O:GOOGLC.US) will acquire 6.6% stake in home security firm ADT Inc for $450 million in a deal that will allow it to provide service to customers of its Nest home security devices.
Clorox (CLX.US) poste better than expected fourth-quarter results. The household products maker earned $2.41 per share, above analysts’ expectations of $1.99 a share. Revenue also beat market forecasts thanks to increase in sales of cleaning and disinfecting products. Meantime, Clorox Linda Rendle become company's new CEO, effective Sept. 14. Current CEO Benno Dorer will continue to serve as executive chairman.
Eli Lilly (LLY.US) - initiated a late-stage study to verify whether experimental Covid-19 antibody treatment can prevent the spread of the virus in nursing homes.
Marathon Petroleum (MPC.US) - reported an adjusted quarterly loss of $ 1.33 per share, while analysts expected wider loss of $ 1.75 per share. The company is selling its Speedway gasoline station and convenience store chain to 7-11 parent Seven & I Holdings for $ 21 billion in cash.
McKesson (MCK.US) – reported quarterly profit of $2.77 per share, above market estimates of $2.32 a share. Revenue was also above estimates as volumes across business rebounded sooner than expected. McKesson also raised its full-year outlook.
Tyson Foods (TSN.US) earned of $1.40 per share, while Wall Street expected earnings of 94 cents a share. Revenue came in below market expectations due to weaker beef and pork sales. Separately, Tyson named company president Dean Banks to succeed Noel White as CEO, effective October 3.
