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Gold prices fell to a two-week low on Thursday as signs of easing trade tensions boosted risk appetite and reduced golds safe-haven appeal, while a stronger dollar also weighed on gold prices. "The market remains confident that the United States will soon sign a lower tariff agreement with other countries, and this optimism, coupled with a stronger dollar, is weighing on gold prices," said Giovanni Staunovo, an analyst at UBS. Investors are waiting for Fridays non-farm payrolls report to gain further insight into the Feds policy direction. "A weak jobs report should support the Feds calls for further rate cuts this year and push gold prices back to $3,500 an ounce in the coming months," said Giovanni Staunovo.On May 1, institutional analysis pointed out that gold futures plummeted due to easing trade tensions and declining safe-haven demand. The strengthening of the US dollar further dampened enthusiasm for gold as a safe-haven asset and made dollar-denominated commodities more expensive for international buyers. The United States is likely to reach a trade agreement, and market optimism and risk appetite are rising. However, further losses may be limited because expectations of interest rate cuts have also been raised after the United States released a series of weak economic data. The US economy contracted by 0.3% in the first quarter. Lower interest rates usually stimulate demand for non-interest-bearing gold.Ukraines Foreign Minister: The EUs top diplomat has been informed of the mineral agreement reached with the United States.According to the Wall Street Journal: Citigroup hired Trumps former trade chief Robert Lighthizer.According to the Wall Street Journal: The U.S. government has commissioned L3Harris to completely transform a Boeing 747 once used by the Qatari government.

Costco Margins Are Impacted by Growing Freight And Labor Expenses, And The Stock Price Falls

Charlie Brooks

May 27, 2022 09:50

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Costco Wholesale Corp (NASDAQ:COST) announced a decline in gross margins on Thursday, impacted by rising freight and labor expenses across the United States. The news sent shares of the membership-only retailer down 2% and overshadowed an otherwise positive quarterly report.


Fresh COVID-19 lockdowns in China and the Russia-Ukraine conflict have compounded the problem for U.S. businesses.


Costco announced that it would increase prices in certain food categories in order to battle inflation.


Retailers such as Walmart (NYSE:WMT) Inc and Target Corp (NYSE:TGT) have warned that decades-high inflation will have a negative impact on their earnings, as shoppers hesitate from purchasing non-essential and high-margin goods.


The average Costco buyer earns more than the average Walmart and Target shopper, allowing Costco to generate quarterly earnings and revenue that easily exceeds expectations.


Memberships and sales have been boosted by the company's efforts to keep gas prices several cents below the national average.


Costco, in contrast to Walmart, reported that there has not been a significant shift from branded products to its private label product, Kirkland Signature.


"We aren't really observing a decline in commerce. This year, more money is being spent on tickets, dining out, travel, tires, and gasoline "In a post-earnings conference call, Robert Nelson, senior vice president of finance and investor relations, said.


Costco's gross margins decreased by 99 basis points in the third quarter.


According to data from Refinitiv IBES, Costco's total sales for the quarter ending May 8 increased by 16 percent to $52.60 billion, surpassing analysts' projections of $51.71 billion.


Excluding adjustments, Costco's earnings per share were $3.17, exceeding analysts' expectations of $3.03.

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