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On May 9th, Hong Kong Stock Exchange data showed that the total market capitalization of the securities market reached HK$48 trillion at the end of April 2026, a year-on-year increase of 24%. The average daily turnover in April 2026 was HK$253.5 billion. The average daily turnover for the first four months of 2026 was HK$271.1 billion, a year-on-year increase of 8%. The average daily turnover of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) for the first four months of 2026 was HK$39.1 billion, a year-on-year increase of 5%. There were 49 new listed companies in the first four months of 2026, a 158% increase compared to 19 in the same period last year. The total funds raised through initial public offerings (IPOs) in the first four months of 2026 amounted to HK$151.4 billion, a year-on-year increase of 604%.On May 9th, the National Healthcare Security Administration released the "Work Plan for Adjusting the National Basic Medical Insurance, Maternity Insurance and Work Injury Insurance Drug Catalog and the Commercial Health Insurance Innovative Drug Catalog in 2026 (Draft for Public Comment)" for public comment.On May 9th, Japans Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) announced on social media that Japan may send government officials to Russia as early as the end of May to maintain communication channels and provide support to its companies still operating in Russia. METI stated that it is necessary to protect the assets of Japanese companies remaining in Russia, and to support these efforts, the Japanese government has been maintaining government-level communication with Russia and has made relevant requests.May 9th - As the war with Iran disrupts oil transport in the Persian Gulf, global oil inventories are being depleted at a record rate, eroding the buffers originally intended to withstand supply shocks. The rapid shrinking of inventories means the risk of more extreme price spikes and supply shortages is looming. With the Strait of Hormuz nearing closure for two months, governments and industries have fewer options to cope with a supply loss of over 1 billion barrels. The sharp depletion of inventories also means that even after the conflict ends, the market will remain vulnerable to future supply disruptions for a longer period. Morgan Stanley estimates that global oil inventories fell by an average of about 4.8 million barrels per day between March 1st and April 25th, far exceeding previous peaks in quarterly inventory declines compiled by the International Energy Agency. Crude oil accounted for nearly 60% of the decline, with the remainder being refined products. Crucially, the oil system also needs to set a minimum inventory level. Natasha Kaneva, global head of commodities research at JPMorgan Chase, stated that this means that the untouchable safety stock will be reached before inventories truly bottom out.On May 9th, the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM) clarified that rumors circulating online claiming "new energy vehicle companies were summoned for talks and placed under investigation for battery locking issues" are false. A CAAM representative stated that the claims circulating online regarding "eight new energy vehicle companies being summoned for talks due to battery locking issues" and "three companies being placed under investigation" lack official source and are seriously inconsistent with the facts. All industry regulatory updates and enforcement measures should be based on official information from the relevant authorities. Furthermore, CAAM hopes that new energy vehicle companies will optimize their battery management systems, maintain transparency, protect consumers right to know and choose, establish efficient after-sales communication channels, actively handle complaints and disputes related to battery locking, and safeguard their brand reputation through honest business practices.

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.