📈 Insider Trading and Birkin Bags

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Good Morning!

Inflation and higher rates have got investors a little nervous - The Dow Jones Industrial Average managed to end on a high note, thanks to the impressive performances of Amgen and United Health stocks. Unfortunately, the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite didn't fare as well, with energy stocks leaving a sour taste.

But wait, there's more! French luxury brand Hermès (RMS) had an absolutely fabulous year despite Covid-19 cases in China, with a jaw-dropping 25% increase in sales with low marketing costs - those $10,000 Birkin bags literally do sell themselves! And finally, we're spilling the tea on some recent insider trading by bigwigs at Halliburton, Cimpress, and Seanergy Maritime, who are buying up millions of shares.

Grab a cup of coffee and read on!

Markets

Dow closes more than 100 points higher on Friday, but notches third straight week of losses (3 minute read)The stock market in the US had a bit of a mixed day on Friday. Inflation and higher rates were still causing some concern for investors. The Dow Jones Industrial Average managed to end on a positive note, with some help from Amgen and United Health stocks. However, the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite didn't fare quite as well, with energy stocks being the biggest drag. Devon Energy took a tumble, bringing the S&P 500 down with it.

Chinese stocks up 2% after central bank leaves rates unchanged; Asia markets rise (5 minute read)Today is shaping up pretty nicely for the Asia-Pacific markets. Investors are feeling optimistic and looking forward to some important economic data later in the week. The People's Bank of China didn't do anything unexpected - they left their prime loan rates unchanged. The CSI 300 is the real winner, with the biggest listed companies in Shanghai and Shenzhen all doing well and closing out the previous trading day 2.45% higher.

Investing

4 Hot Insider Trades (2 minute read)Let's talk about some recent insider trading by a few bigwigs in the business world. Some Halliburton (HAL) execs, including the CEO and CFO, have set up plans to do some trading. Over at Cimpress (CMPR), CEO Robert Keane is getting in on the action and bought a bunch of shares worth $1.2 million! At Seanergy Maritime (SHIP), the CEO Stamatis Tsantanis is planning to buy up to $1M in common shares on the open market, after a reverse stock split. This guy is serious about investing - he already bought 300,000 shares in the past six months.

Hermès enjoys ‘exceptional’ year after strong demand from China (5 minute read)French luxury brand Hermès (RMS) had a seriously good year, despite Covid-19 cases in China. Their sales went up by a whopping 25%! That's amazing, especially when you think about how other luxury brands weren't so lucky. People just couldn't get enough of Hermès' leather goods, watches, and jewellery - The company's profit rose 38% to €3.4Bn. And get this - they don't even have to do much marketing because their stuff is in such high demand. Have you heard of the Birkin bag? It's iconic and can cost over €10,000!

Buying These 3 Stocks Could Be the Smartest Investing Move You Ever Make (7 minute read)Are you looking for some hot stock picks? Check out Corteva (CTVA), Teledyne Technologies (TDY), and Raytheon Technologies (RTX). Why? Because they're all operating in growing markets and are working to increase their earnings potential. Want to know more? The Motley Fool has you covered.

Money

8 Places in California Where Home Prices Have Plummeted (5 minute read)California is the place where wishes come true, from breathtaking coastlines to delicious food and booming industries. But let's be real, living there can be a bit pricey. Don't give up on your dreams just yet, because GOBankingRates has got your back! They're breaking down eight California cities where home prices have taken a dip, so you can finally make your West Coast dream home a reality.

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