Microsoft's Cloud Surge Amid Challenges 🌥️

The
Daily Trade

Hey Daily Traders,

Microsoft's latest earnings report showcases a robust 18% profit increase, driven by its thriving cloud computing and AI segments, despite broader tech sector challenges. With revenue reaching $70.1 billion, the tech giant not only surpassed Wall Street expectations but also offered a beacon of stability in a turbulent economic landscape, even as its stock price remains volatile amidst political shifts and tariff concerns.

Meanwhile, CSX Corporation has successfully secured labor agreements with key unions, highlighting a commitment to workforce satisfaction and operational stability. In real estate, Toll Brothers introduces Marker Ridge, a luxury townhome community in Westchester County, catering to those seeking upscale living with convenient access to urban centers.


Here's what's happening today:

Question

With Microsoft's impressive cloud growth and stock volatility, do you think the tech giant can maintain its momentum, or will external factors like tariffs pose a significant threat?

Reply to this email with your answer

FROM OUR PARTNER

We had a chance to talk with Kenzan Boo, co-founder and CTO of Nook, a modern savings app, offering higher APY’s.

Kenzan spent years as an engineering manager at Coinbase, where he helped build and scale the secure infrastructure behind billions of dollars in assets. Now, with a team of former Coinbase colleagues and backing from Coinbase Ventures, he’s focused on building a savings platform that actually puts users first.

“Most banks keep over 80% of the profits they generate with your deposits and give you almost nothing back,” he said. “We built Nook to change that.”

With Nook, you can earn around 8% APY, earning interest in real-time and without any lockup periods or penalties. As a welcome, they even add a $20 bonus when you deposit $20 or more - something Kenzan said was important to them.

“It’s a way to say thanks for giving us a chance,” he said. “And if you want to withdraw everything tomorrow, you can - including the bonus. We think if people experience what we’ve built, they’ll want to stay.”

If you’ve been frustrated with your savings options lately, it’s worth taking a look at what they’re building.

Stock Market

Microsoft Thrives with Cloud Growth Despite Sector Challenges
Microsoft reported an 18% increase in profits for the January-March quarter, bolstered by its cloud computing and AI business. The company's revenue reached $70.1 billion, surpassing Wall Street expectations and providing a sense of relief for investors during a turbulent period for the tech sector and U.S. economy. Microsoft's cloud segment alone saw a 21% revenue growth, contributing to the positive financial results.

Despite the overall success, Microsoft's stock price has experienced volatility since President Trump's return to the White House. The tech giant's personal computing business also faced uncertainty due to tariff concerns, yet managed to achieve a 6% revenue increase. Investors responded positively to the earnings report, with Microsoft's stock rising over 6% in after-hours trading.

Key Takeaway
  • Microsoft's strong financial performance, driven by cloud and AI growth, highlights its resilience amid tech sector turbulence.
  • This success reassures investors and underscores the importance of cloud computing as a key revenue stream for tech companies facing broader economic challenges.
Stock Market

CSX Corporation announced the ratification of new five-year collective bargaining agreements with the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen and the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers. This achievement reflects the trust and collaboration between CSX and union leadership, aimed at improving safety, efficiency, and service for customers. The agreements include improved wages, health care, and paid time off benefits for the workforce.

CSX continues to work with the remaining national rail unions to reach similar agreements. The company plays a crucial role in the nation's transportation network, connecting major metropolitan areas and linking short-line railroads with ocean, river, and lake ports. The successful negotiation of labor agreements is a significant step in ensuring operational stability and workforce satisfaction.

Key Takeaway
  • CSX's successful labor agreements with key unions enhance workforce stability and operational efficiency.
  • This development is crucial for maintaining service quality and safety in the transportation sector, which is vital for economic growth and connectivity.
Real Estate

Toll Brothers has opened a new luxury townhome community, Marker Ridge, in Irvington, New York. Located near the Hudson River, the community offers high-end living with features like 3 bedrooms, home offices, and low-maintenance services. Homes are priced from $1.6 million, and the community provides convenient access to local amenities and transportation options.

Marker Ridge is designed for discerning buyers seeking sophistication and convenience. Its proximity to the Irvington Metro-North Train Station and major urban centers like Manhattan makes it a commuter-friendly choice. The development aligns with Toll Brothers' reputation for creating prestigious living spaces in desirable locations.

Key Takeaway
  • Toll Brothers' new luxury townhome community caters to high-end buyers seeking convenience and sophistication.
  • Its strategic location near NYC and premium features highlight the ongoing demand for upscale housing in desirable areas, reinforcing Toll Brothers' leadership in the luxury real estate market.
Stock Market

US-China Trade Tensions Escalate with Trump's Tariffs
The U.S. economy faces growing challenges as President Trump's tariffs lead to reduced shipments from China and increased economic uncertainty. American businesses are canceling orders and delaying expansion plans due to the unpredictability of trade policies. The Commerce Department reported a 0.3% GDP contraction in the first quarter, partly due to a surge in imports ahead of tariff implementation.

The trade war with China, marked by high tariffs from both sides, has disrupted global markets and supply chains. Companies are stockpiling goods, but shortages and higher prices loom as inventories deplete. The economic impact extends to consumer confidence, with recession risks rising amid tariff-induced disruptions.

Key Takeaway
  • Trump's tariffs on China are straining US-China trade relations, leading to economic uncertainty and potential recession risks.
  • The trade war disrupts supply chains and consumer confidence, highlighting the broader implications of protectionist trade policies on the global economy.
Partner

Meet Labrador Pro — a smarter way to hunt for high-cash-flow properties.

• Search nationwide across the MLS
• Set your own investment targets (Cap Rate, Cash-on-Cash Return, and more)
• Customize search filters like property type, year built, bedrooms, and more
• Adjust cash flow assumptions to match your real-world strategy

Built for serious investors. Priced for everyone: just $20/month.

Start finding deals that actually fit your goals.

Stock Market

Former Central Bankers Advocate Fed Policy Shift to Combat Inflation
A group of former top central bankers has recommended that the Federal Reserve refocus its policy framework on inflation rather than employment. The panel, chaired by former New York Fed President William Dudley, suggests abandoning the current approach that emphasizes broad-based employment goals. The recommendation comes as the Fed reviews its strategy amid ongoing inflation challenges.

The G30 report argues that the Fed's existing framework, developed during a period of low inflation and interest rates, may have hindered its response to rising inflation post-pandemic. The panel's suggestions aim to align the Fed's objectives with its 2% inflation target, emphasizing the need for a more proactive stance on inflation control.

Key Takeaway
  • Former central bankers urge the Fed to prioritize inflation control over employment goals.
  • This policy shift is crucial for addressing ongoing inflation challenges and ensuring monetary stability, as the current framework may have delayed the Fed's response to rising inflation pressures.

Today's Technical Analysis

Overvalued
SXT
Sensient Technology Corporation
Volume: 1.02M shares | Price: $93.95

Technical Indicator Score: 100% Sell
Out of the 8 technical indicators used to analyze this stock, 8 indicated sell signals.
RSI
Sell
MFI
Sell
WillR
Sell
AO
Sell
CCI
Sell
BBANDS
Sell
ULTOSC
Sell
STOCH
Sell

Overvalued
VRSN
VeriSign Inc
Volume: 1.25M shares | Price: $282.12

Technical Indicator Score: 88% Sell
Out of the 8 technical indicators used to analyze this stock, 7 indicated sell signals, 1 indicated a neutral signal.
RSI
Sell
MFI
Sell
WillR
Sell
AO
Sell
CCI
Sell
BBANDS
Sell
ULTOSC
Sell
STOCH
Hold

Overvalued
NFLX
NetFlix Inc
Volume: 4.25M shares | Price: $1,131.72

Technical Indicator Score: 75% Sell
Out of the 8 technical indicators used to analyze this stock, 6 indicated sell signals, 2 indicated neutral signals.
RSI
Sell
MFI
Sell
WillR
Sell
AO
Sell
CCI
Sell
BBANDS
Hold
ULTOSC
Sell
STOCH
Hold

Overvalued
XP
XP Inc. Class A Common Stock
Volume: 4.57M shares | Price: $16.10

Technical Indicator Score: 75% Sell
Out of the 8 technical indicators used to analyze this stock, 6 indicated sell signals, 2 indicated neutral signals.
RSI
Hold
MFI
Sell
WillR
Sell
AO
Sell
CCI
Sell
BBANDS
Hold
ULTOSC
Sell
STOCH
Sell

You might also like…

We’re always looking for opportunities to bring our readers more value so we’ve partnered with a handful of companies that we think you might enjoy.

If you have suggestions for companies we should partner with, let us know and we’ll reach out to them.

Thanks for Reading!

Have ideas to improve our newsletter?
Let us know 

Want to reach our readers?
Become a partner

Was this email forwarded to you?
Subscribe here

How can we improve our newsletter's content?

Your feedback is really important to us. We would really appreciate if you'd take a moment to let us know how we can bring you more value.

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

Let’s stay in touch!

Thank you for reading today’s edition of The Daily Trade.

Let’s connect on LinkedIn!

-Ryan Serkes

Subscribe here if this email was forwarded to you!

Technical Indicator Information

Relative Strength Index (RSI) | Period: 14 days | Overvalued threshold: 70 | Undervalued threshold: 30

Money Flow Index (MFI) | Period: 14 days | Overvalued threshold: 80 | Undervalued threshold: 20

Williams Percent Range (WillR) | Period: 14 days | Overvalued threshold: -20 | Undervalued threshold: -80

Aroon Oscillator (AO) | Period: 14 days | Overvalued threshold: 75 | Undervalued threshold: -75

Moving Average Convergence/Divergence (MACD) | Period: 26/12/9 days | Overvalued threshold: MACD crosses below MACD Signal | Undervalued threshold: MACD crosses above MACD Signal

Stochastic Oscillator (STOCH) | Period: 14/3/3 days | Overvalued threshold: %K crosses below %D above 80 | Undervalued threshold: %K crosses above %D below 20

Commodity Channel Index (CCI) | Period: 20 days | Overvalued threshold: 100 | Undervalued threshold: -100

Bollinger Bands (BBANDS) | Period: 20 days | Overvalued threshold: price >= upper band | Undervalued threshold: price <= lower band

Parabolic Stop and Reverse (SAR) | Period: variable 50 - 100 days | Overvalued threshold: SAR crosses above price | Undervalued threshold: SAR crosses below price

Triple Exponential Average (TRIX) | Period: 15 days | Overvalued threshold: TRIX crosses below 0 | Undervalued threshold: TRIX crosses above 0

Ultimate Oscillator (ULTOSC) | Period: 28/14/7 days | Overvalued threshold: 70 | Undervalued threshold: 30

Directional Movement Index (DMI) | Period: 14 days | Overvalued threshold: PlusDI crosses below MinusDI | Undervalued threshold: PlusDI crosses above MinusDI

Average Directional Index (ADX) | Period: variable 14 days | Requirement: >= 25

Analysis is only performed on securities with market caps in excess of $100 million and with daily trade volume in excess of $50 million.

Disclaimers

The information in our newsletter is not intended to constitute investment advice and is not designed to meet your personal financial situation. It is provided for information purposes only and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor or a group of investors. It should not be assumed that any investments in securities, companies, sectors or markets identified and described will be profitable. We strongly advise you to discuss your investment options with your financial advisor prior to making any investments, including whether any investment is suitable for your specific needs.

Although we obtain information contained in our newsletter from sources we believe to be reliable, we cannot guarantee its accuracy. The analysis provided in this newsletter is based on the prior trading day’s closing prices and may not reflect after-hours trading, earnings announcements, or other significant market events that occur outside regular trading hours. As such, any data or commentary may not fully capture the latest market movements or emerging factors. For the most current and comprehensive view, please consider additional sources or consult with a qualified financial professional.

The information provided in our newsletter is private, privileged, and confidential information, licensed for your sole individual use as a subscriber. We reserve all rights to the content of this newsletter. Forwarding, copying, disseminating, or distributing this newsletter in whole or in part, including substantial quotation of any portion the publication or any release of specific investment recommendations, is strictly prohibited.