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Investors are optimistic about the stock market and expect to see more gains in the third quarter, according to a recent survey.

A survey from Morgan Stanley Wealth Management released Wednesday found that more than half of respondents, or 59%, anticipate that the equities market will rise in the third quarter. The online survey reflected the responses of nearly 900 self-directed investors collected since the start of the month.

Some 61% of respondents consider themselves bullish about the quarter, the survey reported, about in line with a quarter earlier.

The market has been strong in the past year, lifted in part by of enthusiasm about artificial intelligence (AI)-related shares and tech stocks broadly. Asked which sectors had the most potential in the third quarter, survey respondents remained bullish on tech, with with 57% of respondents citing it as one of those with the top potential—up from the second quarter. Energy was mentioned by nearly half.

The S&P 500 has generally risen to start the second half, though it's off recent highs.

Respondents to the Morgan Stanley survey remained uncertain about the economy and the political climate. Investors’ top concerns were inflation (54%), the 2024 election (34%), market volatility (22%), and a potential recession (20%). 

Although inflation has eased recently, it still remains above the Federal Reserve’s 2% target. The Fed has indicated it will reduce its benchmark rate as inflation cools, but it’s uncertain when that will happen. Just 13% of respondents said they think the Fed will start lowering rates this quarter, while 41% said they believe it will wait until the fourth quarter to ease rates. 

According to the CME Group’s FedWatch Tool, traders see a roughly 98% probability that the Fed will cut rates at its September meeting. The tool forecasts rate movements based on fed funds futures trading data.

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A lady has shared how her intentional boyfriend surprised her with a chef to prepare meals of her choice

She said she told this man she wanted to eat toast bread with scrambled eggs and hot chocolate, and he sent a whole chef to her house, and it’s been the most wholesome experience.

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Petco (WOOF) shares rose Thursday after the pet retailer named Joel Anderson its new chief executive officer.

The announcement landed hours after discount retailer Five Below (FIVE) yesterday said Anderson was departing. The news contributed to Five Below shares losing a quarter of their value Wednesday.

Petco shares were recently up more than 3% to a bit under $4. Five Below shares were down another 5%.

Petco said Anderson would start July 29. Wedbush analysts said Thursday that Anderson's "wealth of retail experience" makes the hire a " key step in the company’s revitalization," raising their price target to $5 from $4.

Anderson spent nearly a decade as CEO of Five Below, with several years of experience in a number of executive positions with Walmart (WMT) and other retailers.

"I am excited to join Petco at a pivotal time as we reposition the business for a stronger future," Anderson said in a statement.

Petco's shares are up more than 20% this year, well off spring lows below $1.50.

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A lady has releases the chat of a male admirer begging her for N8700 to buy burger.

The guy asked the lady money for burger and later asked her N11,000 to fuel his Car.

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Borno Governor Zulum’s son, Umar, has broke his silence after being accused of k+lling someone over a woman in India.

He said the allegation was f@lse as he has being with is father in Maiduguri for over two month now and the allegations were designed to tarnished his father image.

Click to watch

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Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSM) American depositary receipts (ADRs) are gaining in premarket trading after the chipmaker reported continued strong demand for artificial intelligence (AI) products; Netflix (NFLX) is expected to report another jump in quarterly revenue after the bell today; United Airlines' (UAL) guidance comes in lower than expected; Nokia (NOK) shares are diving as the telecom equipment maker continues to contend with weak sales; and Novartis (NVS) raises its full-year core operating income guidance on strong drug sales. Nasdaq futures are rising as TSMC's results are lifting chip shares after the sector sank yesterday. Here's what investors need to know today.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSM) shares are rising almost 2% in premarket trading after it reported better-than-expected profit and revenue in the second quarter, pointing to continued strong demand for artificial intelligence (AI) technology. The chipmaker’s quarterly net revenue of 673.51 billion New Taiwan dollars ($20.8 billion) was higher by 40% from a year ago, and earnings per share (EPS) of NT$9.56 ($1.48 per ADR) also beat estimates. TSMC’s premarket gains help it rebound from yesterday’s tech selloff, where fears of tightening restrictions on exports of semiconductor equipment to China helped sink chip stocks. 

Investors are watching Netflix (NFLX) ahead of its earnings report after the bell today, as the streamer is set to show if it can continue to grow its subscriber base while adding new programming. According to estimates compiled by Visible Alpha, Netflix is projected to report a 16% year-over-year rise in revenue to $9.51 billion, while its expected earnings of $4.74 per share would be well above the year-ago mark of $3.29. The streaming giant is looking to draw in new subscribers with sports programming, looking to improve on the 16% annual growth in subscribers that it reported in the prior quarter. Shares of Netflix are edging higher in premarket trading.

United Airlines (UAL) reported a 23% year-over-year jump in second-quarter profit as it capitalized on strong demand for international travel, though its third-quarter forecasts caused some concerns for investors. The air carrier reported adjusted earnings of $4.14 per share, better than expected, but its revenue of $14.99 billion came in just under analysts' estimates. The company said it expects to report adjusted EPS of between $2.75 and $3.25 a share in the current quarter, lower than analysts' projections. Shares of United Airlines are rising more than 1% in premarket trading.

Nokia (NOK) shares are falling more than 4% in premarket trading after the Finnish telecommunications firm reported a second-quarter loss of 142 million euros ($155 million), when analysts were looking for a profit of EUR264 million. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Pekka Lundmark said the industry was stabilizing and projected a “significant acceleration in net sales growth in the second half,” noting that an expected recovery in sales was coming later than expected, potentially impacting 2024 revenue projections. The company reported a big drop in first-quarter revenue three months ago.

Drugmaker Novartis (NVS) raised its full-year core operating income guidance, with expectations that its sales would grow by a mid- to high-teen-percentage rate, up from a low-double-digit to mid-teen rate. The company reported second-quarter core operating income of $4.95 billion, an increase of 17% year-over-year, better than estimates. Sales of heart failure drug Entresto, arthritis medication Cosentyx, and multiple sclerosis treatment Kesimpta all came in better than expected. ADRs of Novartis fell by more than 2% in premarket trading.

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