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Shell Shifts Focus to Gas Production and Shareholder Returns, Scaling Back Green Initiatives
Shell announces strategic pivot to expand natural gas operations and boost shareholder value while limiting green energy investments. Under CEO Wael Sawan's leadership, the energy giant aims to grow LNG sales by 4-5% annually through 2030 while streamlining its chemicals division.
PepsiCo Expands Health Beverage Portfolio with $1.95B Poppi Acquisition
PepsiCo has acquired prebiotic soda maker Poppi for $1.95 billion, marking a strategic expansion into functional beverages. The deal comes as Poppi faces legal challenges over health claims, though investor confidence remains high with PepsiCo shares rising 2% following the announcement.
Consumer Confidence Hits 12-Year Low as Americans Brace for Economic Uncertainty
U.S. consumer confidence plunged to its lowest level since 2012, with the Conference Board's index dropping 7.2 points amid inflation concerns and trade policy shifts. Major retailers like Walmart and Target are already seeing impacts, while business leaders grow increasingly pessimistic about recession risks.
Federal Reserve Maintains Rates, Signals Economic Caution with Growth Forecast Cut
The Federal Reserve kept interest rates at 4.5% while lowering its 2025 GDP growth forecast to 1.7%, citing economic uncertainties and persistent inflation concerns. Chairman Powell emphasized steady progress but acknowledged tariff impacts are delaying the path to the 2% inflation target.
U.S. Private Sector Job Growth Hits 7-Month Low as Economy Shows Signs of Cooling
Private employers added just 77,000 jobs in February 2024, falling short of expectations and marking the smallest monthly gain since July. While leisure and hospitality showed strength, key sectors like transportation and education saw significant job losses amid growing economic uncertainty.
Trump's Mexico Tariff Delay Fails to Calm Nervous Markets
President Trump announces one-month postponement of 25% Mexican import tariffs despite progress on border security and drug trafficking. Markets continue downward trend as trade tensions escalate with Canada and economic experts warn of inflation risks.
Auto Loan Defaults Hit 30-Year High as Financial Pressures Mount
Car loan delinquencies have reached their highest level since 1994, with over 6.5% of subprime borrowers falling behind on payments. The crisis reflects broader economic challenges as Americans struggle with record-high car payments, depleted savings, and persistent inflation impacts.
Atlanta Fed's GDP Forecast Plunges as Trade Deficit and Consumer Spending Raise Red Flags
The Atlanta Federal Reserve's GDPNow model has drastically cut its Q1 2025 growth forecast from +2.3% to -1.5%, marking one of the steepest declines ever recorded. The dramatic revision stems from an expanding trade deficit and weakening consumer spending, though analysts note these early projections could shift as more data becomes available.
Intel Delays Ohio Chip Plant Opening by Half a Decade Amid Market Challenges
Intel's ambitious $28 billion semiconductor facility in Ohio faces a significant setback, with operations now postponed until 2030-2031. Despite maintaining its commitment and $3.7 billion local investment, the company cites financial challenges and market demand concerns while operating under interim leadership.