Good morning investors! Tensions continue in The Middle East as earnings surprise investors.
Today we cover:
US-Iran renew attacks but the war is still on ‘pause’
Big names report
Cutting your bills
📊 Economy and News
US and Iran Renew Attacks
The United States and Iran exchanged fire in the Strait of Hormuz, with both sides accusing the other of initiating the confrontation.
U.S. Central Command stated that its forces “intercepted unprovoked Iranian attacks and responded with self-defense strikes” as three Navy destroyers passed through the strategic waterway late Thursday. However, the ceasefire is still in place.
Iran, however, had earlier claimed that the United States violated a fragile ceasefire by carrying out strikes on multiple targets in and around the strait, a critical chokepoint in the ongoing conflict. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump said a U.S. proposal to end the war was more substantial than a “one-page offer,” as Tehran continues to review messages from Washington delivered through Pakistani mediators.
Iranian media report that the government has not yet finalized its response.
Global hits:
Japan real wages climb for third month in March, backing case for BOJ rate hike.
Bank of Mexico cuts interest rate in split vote, ending easing cycle.
Mexico inflation slows to 4.45% in April, paving way for rate cut.
Reminder: World Cup prize pool nears $900 million as FIFA boosts payouts.
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📈 Stocks
S&P 500 7 337,11 (-0.38%)
DJIA 49 596,97 (-0.63%)
NASDAQ 25 806,20 (-0.13%)
BRENT CRUDE 100.43 (+0.88%)
* Prices as of May 8th, 12:20 AM UTC
Big Names Report
Some major names announced earnings yesterday:
Cloudflare reported first-quarter earnings that beat analysts’ expectations, but shares fell 18% in extended trading as the company announced a 20% reduction in its workforce. The company highlighted that its use of AI has increased over 600% in the last three months as it embraces “an agentic AI-first operating model.” The company’s Q2 guidance of 27 cents in earnings per share was in line with Wall Street’s expectations. Cloudflare posted a net loss of $22.93 million, a loss of 7 cents per share in Q1 2026. A year ago, the company had a net loss of $38.45 million, a loss of 11 cents per share.
CoreWeave exceeded analysts’ estimates for revenue in the first quarter, but the forecast for the second quarter came in light. Revenue more than doubled in the quarter, from $981.8 million a year earlier, according to a statement. Net loss widened to $740 million from $315 million, or $1.49 per share, in the same quarter a year ago. CoreWeave is targeting $2.45 billion to $2.6 billion in second-quarter revenue. The middle of the range, $2.53 billion, was trailed the $2.69 billion LSEG consensus. For 2026, CoreWeave maintained its revenue guidance. calling for $12 billion to $13 billion in sales. The company has been raising billions of dollars in debt to finance its data center buildout as it serves the leading AI model developers.
Coinbase reported a surprise first-quarter loss of $1.49 per share. Analysts had estimated a profit of 27 cents per share, according to LSEG. Revenue also missed expectations. The company, which operates the largest cryptocurrency marketplace in the U.S., posted transaction revenue of $755.8 million versus $805.2 million expected by analysts. Subscription revenue came in at $583.5 million versus $619.3 million estimated. Declines in cryptocurrency prices weighed on Coinbase’s major revenue driver: spot trading in digital assets. While top and bottom line results missed expectations, Coinbase saw promising growth in its diversified offerings, including event contracts and support for trading of crypto derivatives and tokenized real-world assets.
Airbnb topped Wall Street’s first-quarter revenue estimates but fell short of earnings expectations. The travel company said it experienced “slightly elevated” cancellations across the EMEA and Asia Pacific regions due to the Iran war. Airbnb lifted its full-year revenue growth guidance and said it plans to host its most guests on record for an event during this summer’s FIFA World Cup.
McDonald’s topped first-quarter earnings and revenue estimates. While McDonald’s has leaned into value to win over diners, same-store sales rose on the strength of customers spending more. CEO Chris Kempczinski said in a statement that McDonald’s delivered a strong quarter, despite “a challenging environment”, warning consumer spending could be ‘getting a little bit worse’.
Interesting: Airlines spent 56.4% more on jet fuel in month after Iran war started.
Warner Bros. Discovery books $2.9 billion net loss tied to Paramount deal, restructuring costs.
Surprising: Used car prices fall for the first time this year and EV interest rises as gas prices spike.
💵 Personal Finance
7 Smart Ways to Cut Bills With One Phone Call
As inflation has pushed everyday costs higher, one simple phone call can sometimes reduce recurring bills like internet, phone, cable, or even utilities. The key is to prepare before you dial, stay calm during the conversation, and use a few proven negotiation tactics to improve your chances of getting a lower rate or a discount.
First, pick the right time to call. Experts say you should avoid rushing, calling while distracted, or reaching out when you’re frustrated, because patience can help the conversation go better. It can also help to call during periods when companies are more likely to offer promotions, such as the end of the year or major sales seasons.
Second, try to reach a real person rather than staying stuck in an automated system. That gives you a better chance to explain your situation and ask about available savings options. Before the call, gather your account details, recent bills, and any information about competitor pricing so you can make a stronger case.
Politeness matters more than many people realize. Customer service agents may be more willing to help if you are respectful, calm, and direct about what you need. If you have been a loyal customer with a history of on-time payments, mention that as well, since companies often want to keep reliable customers.
It also helps to ask about every possible discount. Some companies offer promotional rates, paperless billing discounts, autopay savings, age-based discounts, or hardship programs for customers who need help paying. If the first answer is no, don’t stop there; ask to speak with a supervisor or try again with a clearer explanation of your financial situation.
Finally, be ready to walk away if the service is optional and the company still will not lower the price. Mentioning cancellation may prompt a better offer, especially for competitive services like cell phone or cable plans. Even if you do not switch providers, the call itself can still help you understand your options and decide what to do next
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