The Squishy Number Behind the Rise and Fall of Oracle’s Stock

TikTok has formalized investment agreements with Oracle and two investment firms, a significant step towards maintaining its operations in the United States amid ongoing scrutiny and potential bans. This move aims to solidify TikTok's presence in the U.S. market, addressing years of uncertainty regarding its future in the country.

Oracle's shares have surged following positive developments in its partnership with TikTok and ongoing discussions regarding fundraising efforts with OpenAI. This progress indicates a strengthening of Oracle's position in the competitive tech market.

TikTok has approved the sale of its U.S. operations to Oracle and other American investors, a decision influenced by ongoing scrutiny from the U.S. government and previous threats of a ban by President Donald Trump if the company did not divest its American assets. This move comes as part of a broader effort to comply with regulatory demands and mitigate national security concerns.

FedEx reported a higher second-quarter revenue, driven by an increase in package volumes, prompting the company to raise the lower end of its profit outlook for the fiscal year. This adjustment reflects a positive trend in demand for shipping services despite ongoing challenges in global trade dynamics.

The recent inflation report revealed significant data problems, particularly in calculating housing costs, which are a major component of the price index. These issues are expected to persist for several months, complicating economic assessments and forecasts.

Economists have indicated that the significant drop in November inflation is largely attributed to data challenges stemming from the recent government shutdown, rather than genuine shifts in economic conditions. This situation has complicated the accurate assessment of inflation metrics, particularly in housing costs, which constitute a major part of the price index.

KB Home reported a quarterly profit of $101.5 million, reflecting a decline in home deliveries amid a stagnant housing market that continues to impact its financial performance negatively. The company's results indicate ongoing challenges as it navigates a competitive landscape with reduced demand for new homes.

Consumer prices in the U.S. rose by 2.7% in November compared to the previous year, a decrease from the 3% increase recorded in September, according to a delayed report from the government. This slowdown in inflation reflects changing economic conditions and consumer behavior.