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Gingerbread Cookies

These cookies are warmly spiced, with crisp edges and soft centers—perfect for holiday decorating and eating. Ingredients 3 cups all-purpose flour ¾ teaspoon baking soda ¼ teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon ground ginger 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon ½ teaspoon ground cloves ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened ¾ cup packed dark brown sugar ¾ cup unsulfured molasses 1 large egg Instructions Mix dry ingredients : In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, salt, and spices. Cream butter & sugar : In a large bowl, beat butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add molasses and egg. Combine : Gradually add dry mixture until dough forms. Chill dough : Divide into two disks, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Roll & cut : Roll dough to ¼-inch thickness. Cut into shapes with cookie cutters. Bake : Place on parchment-lined sheets and bake at 350°F for 8–10 minutes, until edges are set. Cool & decorate : Let cool com...

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Wall Street Takes a Breather: Earnings Trickle In Amidst Global Rally

 

Wall Street, the bustling financial hub, is currently experiencing a moment of pause. As corporate earnings continue to trickle in, investors are treading cautiously. Let’s dive into the details:

Market Overview

  • Steady Start: Early Tuesday, Wall Street remained relatively unchanged. Futures for the S&P 500 inched up by 0.2%, while futures for the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose by a modest 0.1% before the opening bell.

  • Global Context: The recent New Year’s rally has swept through markets worldwide. However, traders are now exercising restraint, taking a well-deserved breather after the tech-driven buying spree.

Earnings Season Highlights

  • S&P 500 Companies: The earnings reporting season for major companies in the S&P 500 is winding down. Yet, this week promises updates from several big names. Keep an eye out for insights into U.S. household spending trends.

    • Macy’s: The department store giant announced plans to close 150 stores, with 50 closures slated for this year. This decision follows a fourth-quarter loss and declining sales. A proxy fight looms as Arkhouse Management challenges Macy’s rejection of a $5.8 billion takeover offer from hedge fund and investment manager Brigade Capital Management.

    • Lowe’s: The hardware and home goods retailer posted sales and profit figures that exceeded Wall Street expectations, nudging its stock price upward.

    • Upcoming Reports: This week, we await updates from Best Buy, Papa John’s, TJX (parent company of T.J. Maxx and Marshalls), and tech-related giants like Salesforce.com and HP.

Market Insights

  • Recent Rally: Wall Street’s recent surge began last October, fueled by hopes that inflation would cool sufficiently for the Federal Reserve to implement interest rate cuts. These cuts would ease economic and financial pressures while boosting investment prices.

  • High Expectations: While rate cuts are anticipated later this year, stronger-than-expected economic reports have delayed traders’ forecasts. The data also fuels optimism about companies’ profit growth, which bodes well for stock prices.

In summary, Wall Street’s cautious stance reflects both prudence and anticipation. As we navigate the financial landscape, keep an eye on the evolving market dynamics. 

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