Global markets are navigating a mix of corporate earnings, economic data, and political influences, with key developments emerging from the aerospace, media, and chemical sectors, alongside significant economic indicators from New Zealand and the United States.
DuPont (DD) is projecting a strong financial outlook for its third quarter of 2025, with forecasts for revenue to reach approximately $3.32 billion, aligning closely with market expectations. The industrial materials giant also anticipates an operating EBITDA of around $875 million and an adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of roughly $1.15. This positive guidance is largely attributed to robust demand and organic growth, estimated at 3% year-over-year, particularly within its electronics and healthcare segments. However, the company notes that persistent weakness in the construction markets is partially offsetting these gains. DuPont has also raised its full-year operating EBITDA guidance to $3.36 billion on sales of $12.85 billion. The company is also moving forward with its plan to spin off its electronics business, to be named Qnity, by the end of 2025, a move expected to unlock further value.
News Corp (NWS, NWSA) reported a robust performance for its fiscal fourth quarter ended June 30, 2024, showcasing significant increases in both revenue and profit. The media conglomerate's revenues rose by 6% to $2.58 billion, up from $2.43 billion in the prior year. Net income saw a substantial improvement, reaching $71 million compared to a net loss of $(32) million in the same period last year. This growth was primarily fueled by strong contributions from its Dow Jones and Digital Real Estate Services divisions. Specifically, REA Group's revenue surged 37% to $305 million, while Dow Jones's revenue increased 4% to $566 million, driven by gains in circulation and subscription revenue.
In economic news, New Zealand's jobless rate has climbed to 5.1% in the first quarter of 2025, remaining unchanged from the previous quarter but marking its highest level since the fourth quarter of 2020. This figure is notably higher than the 3.4% recorded a year ago, underscoring a continued economic slowdown. Employment change saw only a modest gain of 0.1%, while wage inflation edged lower to 0.4%. This data reinforces expectations that the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) may continue its aggressive monetary easing, having already slashed the cash rate by 200 basis points since August 2024 to 3.5%.
Meanwhile, Boeing (BA) has commenced certification flight testing for its 777-9 airliner, a critical phase towards its eventual delivery. While the initial maiden flight of the 777-9 occurred on January 25, 2020, the current phase involves rigorous testing for certification. The 777-9, a 426-seat variant, is powered by GE Aviation's GE9X engines and is designed to deliver 10% lower fuel use, emissions, and operating costs compared to competing aircraft. The program has faced significant delays, with deliveries now anticipated to begin in 2026. Emirates remains Boeing's largest customer for the 777X family, with a backlog of 205 jets.
Finally, the U.S. dollar is facing headwinds, with a recent Reuters poll indicating that former President Trump's ongoing criticisms of the Federal Reserve's independence and the integrity of official economic data are weighing on its forecasts. Analysts predict a steady weakening of the dollar in the coming months, also citing concerns over ballooning fiscal debt and increasing bets on interest rate cuts. This sentiment is compounded by recent economic data, including the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) non-manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) unexpectedly flatlining at 50.1 in July, down from 50.8 in June, with a notable weakening in employment and rising input costs.
Ed Liston is a senior contributing editor at TheStockMarketWatch.com. An active market watcher and investor, Ed guides an independent team of experienced analysts and writes for multiple stock trader publications.