Good morning investors! The U.S. military launched new strikes against Iranian targets around the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday. Iran has promised to retaliate as the situation worsens.
Today we cover:
Job openings rise
Manufacturing activity slows
Dell & Palo Alto Networks report
📊 Economy and News
US Job Openings Rise in July as Manufacturing Vacancies Surge
U.S. job openings increased by 89,000 to 7.271 million in July, driven largely by a jump in manufacturing vacancies.
June figures were revised sharply lower to 7.182 million. While openings rose, hiring fell by 278,000 to 5.054 million and layoffs declined, pointing to a still-stable but cautious labor market.
Economists note the data supports the Federal Reserve keeping its focus on stubborn inflation, with markets pricing a roughly 66% chance of a 25-basis-point rate hike at the September meeting.
Global hits:
Brazil’s Q2 GDP tops forecasts but slowdown looms.
Japan’s benchmark bond yield rises to 3% for first time in 30 years.
Bank of Israel may cut rates further if inflation stays stable.
U.S. manufacturing activity slowed: The ISM PMI dropped to 54.6 from 55.6 in August, with weaker new orders and persistently high input prices amid ongoing supply-chain pressures, though the sector remains in expansion territory supported by AI-related demand and expected inventory rebuilding; markets are pricing a roughly 70% chance of a Fed rate hike later this month.
Reminder: US construction spending falls to lowest level since October 2023. In other news, government borrowing costs rise anew, adding to pressure on global policymakers.
Check this: Global bond yields soar to multi-decade highs as Middle East turmoil reignites inflation fears.
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📈 Stocks
S&P 500 7,631.47 (-0.71%)
DJIA 52,766.88 (-0.79%)
NASDAQ 26,099.77 (-1.03%)
BRENT CRUDE 95.17 (+4.62%)
* Prices as of Sep 2nd, 12:20 AM UTC
Dell and Palo Alto Networks Report
Some major names announced earnings yesterday:
Dell shares jumped 10% after the company beat quarterly estimates with $46.97 billion in revenue and $7.04 adjusted EPS, then sharply raised its full-year forecast to $192 billion in revenue and $25.50 adjusted EPS on the strength of AI server demand, which it now expects to triple to $74 billion.
Palo Alto Networks surpassed fiscal fourth-quarter estimates as mounting artificial intelligence risks boost demand for its cybersecurity tools.
Shares fell about 2% in extended trading, following a 5% drop during regular trading. Revenue jumped 34% during the quarter from $2.54 billion a year ago, the company said. Palo Alto reported a net loss of $282 million, a loss of 35 cents per share, down from net income of $254 million, or 36 cents per share, a year ago. The company has held over 2,000 customer briefings, up from the roughly 1,200 it disclosed last quarter. Palo Alto also said it plans to buy agentic AI startup Console as it deepens its AI security offerings. Palo Alto issued upbeat guidance, expecting $3.30 billion to $3.31 billion in revenue for the first quarter, topping an analyst estimate of $3.22 billion.
Interesting: Trump administration urges G20 to protect against Chinese imports.
OpenAI says Astra AI model is its first that crosses ‘Critical’ cybersecurity capability.
Surprising: Anthropic announced it will change a controversial data retention policy after “a lot of feedback” from its business customers.
GoPro goes big: GoPro announced a merger with private photonics firm Starman Optical to expand into AI data centers and defense markets, sending its shares soaring 40%; shareholders will receive a $285 million cash payment ($1.14 per share) while the stock remains listed on Nasdaq, the company’s $92 million debt will be repaid, and it will continue supporting its consumer camera products and subscription platform.
💵 Personal Finance
Used Cars Are in Demand — But There Are Other Trade-Offs
Affordable used cars under $20,000 are harder to find and come with more compromises than before. They made up just 32% of used-car sales in the second quarter of 2026, down from 55% in 2019, and the average used-car price now sits at about $27,000.
Lower-priced vehicles sell quickly but tend to be older and higher-mileage, raising the likelihood of costly repairs. Used-car loan rates also average around 11%, significantly higher than those for new cars, adding to long-term ownership costs.
Before buying, get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic, review the vehicle history report for accidents or title issues, and calculate total ownership costs including insurance, maintenance, and interest.
Compare loan offers from banks or credit unions rather than relying solely on dealer financing, and consider setting aside an emergency repair fund of at least $1,000–$2,000 to avoid being caught off-guard by unexpected expenses.
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