Financial & Business News

Eli Lilly (LLY 3.47%) has a strong pipeline of new medicines that could increase the stock price.

Crude oil prices have slumped this year. Brent, the global oil price benchmark, has fallen more than 10% on the year, pushing it into the low $60s.

I reiterate my buy rating on PAYC as the new sales strategy is driving improved execution, record bookings, and higher client satisfaction. PAYC's international expansion is gaining traction, highlighted by its new Payment Institution license in Ireland, opening doors for European growth. The company boasts a fortress balance sheet with over $500 million in cash and no debt, enabling aggressive investment and strong capital returns.

There are many trends shaping our economy. And while everyone seems to remain fixated on artificial intelligence (AI), it's important not to forgot about a trend that has been ongoing for several years.

Several large retailers highlight this week's slate of scheduled earnings reports. Investors will also be reviewing housing market data for April and paying attention to a lineup of Federal Reserve officials speaking after a week when the major U.S. indexes logged gains.

The tech-focused Nasdaq-100 is home to some of the most innovative and fastest-growing companies around. As of May 14, most of the stocks in the index are up year to date.

Crude oil ends higher this week, but rising OPEC+ output and Iran deal risks point to a bearish oil outlook with demand signals remaining weak.

Shares of SoFi Technologies (SOFI 2.62%) are on fire right now. As of May 14, they have surged 47% higher just in the past five or so weeks.

BellRing Brands' earnings disappointed due to high expectations, despite solid results and reaffirmed guidance in a tough economic environment. The stock's sharp decline created a margin of safety, making current valuation attractive for long-term investors like myself. Concerns over retailer inventory reductions are temporary and not indicative of weakening end-consumer demand, which remains robust.

Alibaba (BABA -0.43%) stock has had a good start to 2025, but it was giving back some of its gains after its fiscal fourth-quarter earnings report disappointed investors. The stock is still up about 45% on the year, as of this writing.