Bath & Body Works (NYSE:BBWI) Bolsa

BATH & BODY WORKS INC

Bath & Body Works

Bath & Body Works is a specialty home fragrance and fragrant body care retailer operating under the Bath & Body Works, C.O. Bigelow, and White Barn brands. The company generates most of its business in North America, with just 5% of sales from international markets in fiscal 2024. For fiscal 2024, 76% of sales stemmed from the brick-and-mortar network (which was composed of more than 1,800 retail stores), similar to 2023 levels, as consumer shopping patterns remained to normal. Future growth is expected from store reformatting, digital and international channels, as well as adjacent category expansions like hair and laundry.

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BBWI

Las acciones de Bath &amp; Body Works (BBWI) bajan un 9 % tras reportar una caída del 4,3 % en ventas del cuarto trimestre.

Bath &amp; Body Works (BBWI) cae un 9% tras sus resultados del 4T: ¿oportunidad de compra?

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ROST

SFIX

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WRBY

Sectores como Off-Price y Digital lideraron en el tercer trimestre. Descubre qué acciones destacan como grandes ganadoras.

Acciones con potencial en 2025 impulsadas por sectores digitales y tiendas de descuento

Bath & Body Works Inc

IonQ, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IONQ#NYSE">IONQ</a>) has formed a strategic partnership with the Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information, or KISTI, to advance<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/05/b45583955/ionq-signs-mou-with-kisti-to-accelerate-south-koreas-role-in-the-global-quantum-race" rel="noreferrer noopener"> South Korea&#8217;s quantum technology goals.</a>
The two parties signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly promote research, education, and the integration of quantum computing with KISTI&#8217;s existing high-performance computing systems.
This collaboration enhances IonQ&#8217;s growing presence in South Korea and strengthens its relationships with key public research institutions.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/sector-etfs/25/05/45503887/quantum-vs-ai-nvidias-next-big-bet-could-supercharge-these-2-etfs" rel="noreferrer noopener">Quantum Vs AI: Nvidia&#8217;s Next Big Bet Could Supercharge These 2 ETFs</a>
The agreement supports South Korea&#8217;s national quantum development strategy, which aims to position the country as a global leader in the field by 2035.
IonQ and KISTI will concentrate their efforts on four main areas: access to quantum and classical computing infrastructure, shared educational initiatives, talent development programs, and joint efforts to broaden commercial applications of quantum technology.
The collaboration aims to make quantum computing tools more widely available to Korean academia and industry.
As part of the agreement, the partners will explore hybrid computing systems that combine quantum and classical architectures.
They will also focus on nurturing local talent through internships, workshops, and training events such as hackathons and executive seminars.
Niccolo de Masi, CEO of IonQ, emphasized that the partnership aligns public and private sector innovation efforts to realize real-world applications of quantum computing.
Dr. Sik Lee, president of KISTI, highlighted the importance of accessible quantum infrastructure and called the collaboration a pivotal step in supporting South Korea&#8217;s tech ecosystem.
This initiative builds on IonQ&#8217;s previous partnerships in South Korea, which include agreements with SK Telecom, Busan Metropolitan City, Seoul National University, and Sungkyunkwan University.
The company continues to expand globally while supporting local educational and research ecosystems.
According to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://pro.benzinga.com/?gspk=YWRhbWVja2VydDUzMzY&amp;gsxid=zBMR4PKmcgBw" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Pro</a>, IONQ stock has gained over 438% in the past year. Investors can gain exposure to the stock via&nbsp;Spear Alpha ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPRX#NASDAQ">SPRX</a>) and Tidal Trust II YieldMax Ultra Option Income Strategy ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ULTY#NYSE">ULTY</a>).
Price Action: IONQ shares are trading lower by 2.3% to $44.80 at last check Friday.
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Photo: Shutterstock

Markets

IONQ

SPRX

ULTY

What's Going On With IonQ Stock Today?

HC Wainwright &amp; Co. analyst Yi Chen maintains Clearside Biomedical (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CLSD#NASDAQ">CLSD</a>) with a Buy and lowers the price target from $6 to $5.

Price Target

CLSD

HC Wainwright & Co. Maintains Buy on Clearside Biomedical, Lowers Price Target to $5

ASML Holding (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ASML#NASDAQ">ASML</a>) has outperformed the market over the past 15 years by 10.2% on an annualized basis producing an average annual return of 22.07%. Currently, ASML Holding has a market capitalization of $285.84 billion. 
Buying $1000 In ASML: If an investor had bought $1000 of ASML stock 15 years ago, it would be worth $19,807.75 today based on a price of $726.97 for ASML at the time of writing.
<h3>ASML Holding's Performance Over Last 15 Years</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1748015115_0.png" alt="comp_fig" />
Finally -- what's the point of all this? The key insight to take from this article is to note how much of a difference compounded returns can make in your cash growth over a period of time.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Trading Ideas

ASML

Here's How Much You Would Have Made Owning ASML Holding Stock In The Last 15 Years

UBS analyst Taylor McGinnis maintains Intuit (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTU#NASDAQ">INTU</a>) with a Neutral and raises the price target from $720 to $750.

INTU

UBS Maintains Neutral on Intuit, Raises Price Target to $750

Watching Sea Limited: Hearing Investors Business Daily Picks Sea Limited

UBS analyst Mauricio Serna maintains Victoria's Secret (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VSCO#NYSE">VSCO</a>) with a Neutral and raises the price target from $18 to $24.

VSCO

UBS Maintains Neutral on Victoria's Secret, Raises Price Target to $24

Top Wall Street analysts changed their outlook on these top names. For a complete view of all analyst rating changes, including upgrades, downgrades and initiations, please see our <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings">analyst ratings page</a>.
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Keybanc analyst Ashley Owens downgraded the rating for Deckers Outdoor Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DECK#NYSE">DECK</a>) from Overweight to Sector Weight. Deckers Outdoor shares closed at $126.09 on Thursday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/deck/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>Compass Point analyst Giuliano Bologna downgraded Radian Group Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RDN#NYSE">RDN</a>) from Buy to Neutral but raised the price target from $34 to $37. Radian Group shares closed at $33.66 on Thursday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/rdn/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>Maxim Group analyst Jason McCarthy downgraded the rating for Citius Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CTXR#NASDAQ">CTXR</a>) from Buy to Hold. Citius Pharmaceuticals shares closed at $0.7240 on Thursday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ctxr/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>Raymond James analyst Wilma Burdis downgraded Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RGA#NYSE">RGA</a>) from Strong Buy to Market Perform. Reinsurance Group shares closed at $202.89 on Thursday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/rga/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>Maxim Group analyst Michael Okunewitch downgraded Citius Oncology, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CTOR#NASDAQ">CTOR</a>) from Buy to Hold. Citius Oncology shares closed at $0.9090 on Thursday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ctor/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock.</a></li>
</ul>
Considering buying DECK stock? Here&#8217;s what analysts think: 
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="568" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/23113954/image-310-1024x568.png" alt="" class="wp-image-926310" style="width:606px;height:auto" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/23113954/image-310-1024x568.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/23113954/image-310-300x166.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/23113954/image-310-768x426.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/23113954/image-310.png 1113w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
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Photo via Shutterstock

Downgrades

CTOR

CTXR

DECK

This Deckers Outdoor Analyst Is No Longer Bullish; Here Are Top 5 Downgrades For Friday

UBS analyst Jay Sole maintains Deckers Outdoor (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DECK#NYSE">DECK</a>) with a Buy and raises the price target from $158 to $169.

UBS Maintains Buy on Deckers Outdoor, Raises Price Target to $169

Pepe (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/">PEPE</a>) is drawing serious attention from high-profile traders as its metrics <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/pepe-price-prediction">and momentum surge</a>.
<figure class="wp-block-table"> 
<table class="has-fixed-layout">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Cryptocurrency</td>
<td>Price&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
<td>Market Cap</td>
<td>24-Hour Trend</td>
<td>7-Day Trend</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Pepe (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/">PEPE</a>)</td>
<td>&nbsp;$0.00001497</td>
<td>$6.3 billion</td>
<td>+3%&nbsp;</td>
<td>+10%&nbsp;</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dogecoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/doge/usd">DOGE</a>)</td>
<td>&nbsp;$0.2374</td>
<td>$35.3 billion </td>
<td>-1.9%</td>
<td>+3.8%&nbsp;</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Shiba Inu (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/shib/usd">SHIB</a>)</td>
<td>&nbsp;$0.00001502</td>
<td>$8.8 billion</td>
<td>-2.7%&nbsp;</td>
<td>-0.5%&nbsp;</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
Trader Notes: Glauber Contessoto known as the &#8216;Dogecoin Millionaire&#8217;, <a href="https://x.com/prothedoge/status/1925783666770194558?s=46">revealed</a> that his Pepe position, entered just three months ago, is now up over $500,000. 
He called the move "possibly the best trade of my life," unless Dogecoin hits $5 in 2025, which remains his long-term moonshot. For now, he&#8217;s staying bullish, stating simply: "Up only."
Fellow trader Bluntz Capital sees PEPE in the early stages of a bullish Elliott Wave structure, with clean 1-2 waves forming at the bottom. He believes multiple major legs higher are still ahead, suggesting a full 5-wave impulse could push the meme coin much further. "PEPE looks like it's setting up for something big," Bluntz said, signaling a strong continuation of the current trend.
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24pepe&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$pepe</a> gearing up to extend quite a bit higher imo. nice series of 1-2&#39;s formed down the bottom and still has a few more major legs to go before this can be viewed as 5 up complete imo. <a href="https://t.co/CYYCAxdSfW">pic.twitter.com/CYYCAxdSfW</a>
&mdash; Bluntz (@Bluntz_Capital) <a href="https://twitter.com/Bluntz_Capital/status/1925695605629694353?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 22, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Statistics: Pepe-focussed trader Plazma <a href="https://x.com/Plazma0x/status/1925656400761417964">noted</a> that Pepe has added 448 new holders in a single day taking the total to 436,915. 
While Pepe's 24-hours trading volume ($3.1 billion) exceeds Shiba Inu (483.9 million) significantly, Plazma also highlighted that with another 40% jump Pepe will chase Shiba Inu to the second position in valuation.  
IntoTheBlock data shows Pepe's large transaction volume and daily active addresses are up by 26.3% and 16.5%, respectively. 
71% of Pepe holders are in profit, 7% are at breakeven.
Coinglass data shows Pepe liquidations in the past 24 hours stands at $6.9 million, dominated by long liquidations of $4.07 million. Open interest in Pepe positions spiked to $694.8 million.
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Image: Shutterstock

Coverage of Bitcoin, Etherum, Ripple and all the latest digital currencies.

Cryptocurrency

$DOGE

$PEPE

$SHIB

Pepe Up 3% As 'Dogecoin Millionaire' Says It May Become 'The Best Trade Of My Life'

UBS analyst William Appicelli maintains NextEra Energy (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NEE#NYSE">NEE</a>) with a Buy and lowers the price target from $94 to $84.

UBS Maintains Buy on NextEra Energy, Lowers Price Target to $84

On May 7, the Ninth Circuit <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/ftc" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">affirmed the decision</a> of the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, FTC versus Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>), denying the Commission&#8217;s application for a preliminary injunction to block Microsoft&#8217;s $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard, Inc.  
The Commission has now determined that the public interest is best served by dismissing the administrative litigation <a href="https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/cases-proceedings/2210077-microsoftactivision-blizzard-matter" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">in this case</a>.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/05/45541908/supermicro-eyes-texas-mississippi-for-ai-server-growth-as-microsoft-amazon-increase-spending" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Supermicro Eyes Texas, Mississippi For AI Server Growth As Microsoft, Amazon Increase Spending</a>
Microsoft sold the Xbox gaming console and offered a video game subscription service called Xbox Game Pass and a cloud-based video game streaming service. The agency alleged that the deal would enable Microsoft to suppress competitors to its Xbox gaming consoles and its rapidly growing subscription and cloud-gaming business. The Commission withdrew the matter from adjudication in July 2023 and returned it to adjudication on Sept. 26, 2023. 
Recently, the FTC also dropped a lawsuit against PepsiCo Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PEP#NASDAQ">PEP</a>) for allegedly <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/05/45582935/ftc-scraps-pepsico-price-discrimination-case-in-3-0-vote-marking-major-shift-as-trump-era-leadership-reverses-biden-crackdown" target="_blank" rel="noopener">offering preferential pricing</a> to major retailers like Walmart Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WMT#NYSE">WMT</a>). The case marked broader Biden administration efforts to target price discrimination.
The FTC also paused cases against CVS Health Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVS#NYSE">CVS</a>), Cigna Group (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CI#NYSE">CI</a>), and UnitedHealth Group Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>) over pharmacy benefit manager practices, citing commissioner shortages after President Donald Trump&#8216;s personnel changes.
President Trump named FTC Commissioner Andrew Ferguson <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/24/12/42428224/bitcoin-ethereum-dogecoin-mirror-stock-declines-ahead-of-crucial-inflation-data-release-top-analyst-says-buy-the-dip-predicts-275k-btc-target" target="_blank" rel="noopener">his choice</a> for FTC chair last December, replacing Lina Khan. This could potentially reshape the agency&#8217;s approach to tech regulation and antitrust enforcement.
Under Khan&#8217;s leadership, the federal firm has aggressively targeted tech giants, including&nbsp;Amazon.com Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>),&nbsp;Meta Platforms Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>), and&nbsp;Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>).
Price Action: MSFT stock is down 1.06% at $450.31 at last check Friday.
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</ul>
Photo: Shutterstock

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Tech

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Microsoft Clears Major Hurdle As FTC Ends Effort To Block Activision Merger

<a href="https://europeancapitalinsights.substack.com/p/uk-eu-leaders-hail-new-chapter-in?r=3nmatg">Leaders from the United Kingdom</a> and European Union (EU) declared a "new chapter" in relations during the first formal summit since Brexit.
Meeting <a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" href="http://consilium.europa.euconsilium.europa.eu">in London</a> on Monday, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer hosted European Council President António Costa and Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The meeting sealed a wide-ranging "strategic partnership," resetting ties.
"This summit marks a new chapter in the relationship between the UK and the EU," Costa <a href="https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/international-summit/2025/05/19/#:~:text=Ant%C3%B3nio%20Costa%2C%20President%20of%20the,UK%27s%20withdrawal%20from%20the%20EU" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">said</a>. Starmer <a href="http://theguardian.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hailed</a> the breakthrough as a "win-win" and evidence that "Britain is back on the world stage, working with our partners, doing deals that will grow our economy."
Von der Leyen <a href="http://bbc.com">praised</a> the "historic moment…opening a new chapter in our unique relationship." She credited Starmer's leadership for making it possible. All three leaders <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce9v28r7vlxo#:~:text=,Keir%20said%20at%20the%20summit" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stressed</a> moving beyond the "stale old debates" of Brexit toward pragmatic cooperation.
The UK voted to leave the EU in a referendum in June 2016. The reduction in trade has led to a 4% drop in the potential economic productivity, the Office for Budget Responsibility said. UK imports and exports will decline by 15% by leaving the EU, the office said.
Business leaders and pro-Europe lawmakers have lauded the reset as long overdue. The centrist Liberal Democrats called it a "positive first step" to rebuild ties.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Trade Breakthroughs and a Contentious Fishing Deal</h2>
The <a href="https://x.com/eurocapinsights/status/1925927997145534699">summit produced</a> tangible agreements aimed at boosting economic ties. Officials announced <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce9v28r7vlxo#:~:text=The%20government%20said%20the%20deal,by%20reducing%20paperwork%20and%20checks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plans</a> to ease post-Brexit red tape on food and agricultural trade.
UK exporters have faced onerous paperwork and border checks. The deal will remove &#8220;completely&#8221; some&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce9v28r7vlxo#:~:text=The%20government%20said%20the%20deal,by%20reducing%20paperwork%20and%20checks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">routine sanitary</a>&nbsp;and phytosanitary checks on animal and plant products, the British government said. 
In return, <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce9v28r7vlxo#:~:text=In%20return%2C%20the%20UK%20will,of%20arrangements%20already%20in%20place" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Britain granted</a> European fishing vessels an additional 12 years of access to UK waters, extending the current arrangements from 2026 to 2038.
The British National Federation of Fishermen's Organisations <a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.nffo.org.uk/nffo-comment-on-19th-may-uk-eu-reset-summit/">said</a> it was "very disappointed" with the deal. The extension "surrenders the best prospect that the fishing industry and coastal communities had for growth over the coming decade," it said.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">British Businesses Back Reduction in Trade Barriers</h2>
Other <a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2025/may/19/keir-starmer-uk-eu-reset-deal-win-win#:~:text=Keir%20Starmer%20has%20vowed%20his,on%20youth%20visas%20and%20fishing">business groups</a> welcomed the reduction of trade barriers, hoping it would lower costs and prices. Major supermarkets and food and drink companies hailed the agrifood deal as a game-changer.
<figure class="wp-block-image"><a href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe5bd58ad-5267-4c70-8d04-443432891756_496x518.png" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img decoding="async" src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe5bd58ad-5267-4c70-8d04-443432891756_496x518.png" alt="" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Source: <a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk/documents/CBP-7851/CBP-7851.pdf">UK Parliament</a></figcaption></figure>
"Anything that encourages closer trading ties between the UK and Europe is to be welcomed," Ryanair CEO, Michael O'Leary, <a href="https://news.sky.com/video/ryanairs-growth-strategies-and-brexit-impacts-13370997" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">told </a>Sky News. "It won&#8217;t make much difference to the European economy. It can really transform the UK economy. Brexit has been an economic disaster for the UK."
Starmer vowed the deal would deliver "cheaper food and energy" for consumers. He touted measures to end tedious passport queues for UK travelers in Europe by expanding e-gate access at <a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2025/may/19/keir-starmer-uk-eu-reset-deal-win-win#:~:text=Starmer%20emphasised%20the%20tangible%20benefits,be%20clinched%20within%20a%20year">EU airports</a>.
The two sides agreed to work toward mutual recognition of professional qualifications and easier short-term business travel, which would invigorate commerce.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">New Security and Defense Partnership</h2>
The officials reached a <a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/international-summit/2025/05/19/#:~:text=,proliferation%2C%20disarmament%20and%20conventional%20arms">Security and Defence Partnership</a>, the first formal defense pact between the EU and its former member.
Britain and the EU pledge to coordinate on foreign policy, military missions, and emerging security threats, from cyber attacks to hybrid warfare. The agreement allows the UK defense industry to collaborate in European initiatives.
Von der Leyen highlighted that it is "the first step towards the UK's participation in the European defense investment program, SAFE. The program provides €150 billion of loans for joint procurement.
British defense firms BAE Systems Pls (OTCPK: BAESF) and Rolls-Royce Holdings Plc (OTCPK: RYCEY) could start collaborating with the EU on developing and purchasing military capabilities. BAE Systems shares are up 60% year-to-date.
<figure class="wp-block-image"><a href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe633a1bd-5457-4d5e-8ae4-aeabc51828be_1600x743.png" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img decoding="async" src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe633a1bd-5457-4d5e-8ae4-aeabc51828be_1600x743.png" alt="" /></a></figure>
BAE Systems vs. FTSE 100 Index, 2024-Present, Source: TradingView
"Without question, signature of the pact at the summit is desirable," the Center for European Reform <a href="https://x.com/CER_EU/status/1924427393936019533" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">said</a> ahead of the summit. "In the near future it will not create the single European defense market that some member-states would like to see."
The leaders <a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/international-summit/2025/05/19/#:~:text=,and%20multilateral%20fora">emphasized </a>that NATO would remain "the cornerstone" of European collective defense. The EU-UK pact will complement NATO by enabling quicker, more economical defense cooperation and force interoperability.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Investors, Markets Gain on UK-EU Reset</h2>
Financial markets reacted positively to the landmark deal, viewing it as a path toward certainty and an improved business climate. In London, the FTSE 100 stock index climbed to its highest level in seven weeks on the day of the summit, closing up 0.2% after an early-session rally.
Investors shrugged off unrelated global jitters to focus on the UK-EU détente. The more domestically focused FTSE 250 held onto recent gains.
Across the Channel, European equities broadly ticked higher the next day, buoyed in part by the UK-EU breakthrough. The pan-European STOXX 600 index rose about 0.7% on Tuesday, and Germany's DAX index notched a record high. The Euro STOXX 50, representing blue-chip eurozone firms, advanced as markets digested the easing of trade frictions.
The agreement reassures "companies that the terms of EU market access from the UK will at worst be stable and could improve further," <a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/london-stocks-slip-after-us-credit-rating-cut-uk-eu-summit-focus-2025-05-19/#:~:text=,senior%20UK%20economist%20at%20Berenberg">Andrew Wishart</a> of Berenberg Bank said.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">British Pound Strengthens on UK Economic Optimism</h2>
The&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.fxstreet.com/news/gbp-the-strongest-story-in-g10-ing-202505121156#:~:text=,840%20now%20appearing%20increasingly%20likely">British pound&nbsp;</a>has been strengthening in currency markets, reflecting optimism about the UK's economic outlook post-deal.
<figure class="wp-block-image"><a href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F6402e272-7479-456e-995f-17369738c0bf_1600x943.png" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img decoding="async" src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F6402e272-7479-456e-995f-17369738c0bf_1600x943.png" alt="" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Pound performance vs US dollar and euro, 2023-Present, Source: TradingView</figcaption></figure>
Research from ING noted that an "improved trade picture" has supported sterling. Deals with the EU, US, and India have kept the <a href="https://www.fxstreet.com/news/gbp-the-strongest-story-in-g10-ing-202505121156#:~:text=,840%20now%20appearing%20increasingly%20likely" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">euro</a> under pressure.
With the Bank of England leaning hawkish on interest rates, some strategists see the pound as "<a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.fxstreet.com/news/gbp-the-strongest-story-in-g10-ing-202505121156#:~:text=,840%20now%20appearing%20increasingly%20likely">the strongest story in G10</a>" currencies. The summit's success, they argue, is one more factor bolstering investor confidence in the UK's direction.
For its part, the euro was steady as the pact removed a minor cloud over EU-UK economic relations. Government bonds and other assets saw activity from the summit, indicating that markets had partly anticipated a rapprochement.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Opposition, Conservatives Criticize UK-EU Reset</h2>
<a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce9v28r7vlxo#:~:text=The%20Conservatives%20and%20Reform%20UK,to%20rebuilding%20ties%20with%20Europe">Domestically</a>, the Conservative Party and the Eurosceptic Reform UK party, led by Nigel Farage, condemned the deal as a "surrender." They argued it could make Britain a "rule taker" beholden to Brussels&#8217; regulations.
Critics said the fishing extension and prospects of aligning with EU standards as proof of eroded UK sovereignty.
"Starmer always throws the working people of this country under the bus," Matt Goodwin, a British academic, writer, pollster, and campaigner, posted on <a target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://x.com/GoodwinMJ/status/1924394354442973685">X</a>. "Starmer is putting Nigel Farage and Reform on steroids. Labour's Brexit reset will bring about its own demise."
Starmer rejected the criticism.
"It's time to look forward… to common-sense solutions which get the best for the British people," he said. He urged that the UK must end "political fights" over Brexit ideology.
Disclaimer:
Any opinions expressed in this article are not to be considered investment advice and are solely those of the authors. European Capital Insights is not responsible for any financial decisions made based on the contents of this article. Readers may use this article for information and educational purposes only.&nbsp;
This article is from an unpaid external contributor. It does not represent Benzinga&#8217;s reporting and has not been edited for content or accuracy.

Eurozone

Politics

Econ #s

Opinion

UK, EU Leaders Hail 'New Chapter' In Economic Ties

<a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/live/us" title="https://www.bloomberg.com/live/us">https://www.bloomberg.com/live/us</a>

Macro Economic Events

Economics

Live On Bloomberg TV Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent Says: Over the Next Couple Weeks We're Going To Have Several Large Deals Announced; Expect We Will Be Negotiating With China In Person Again

<a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/us-iran-hold-nuclear-talks-amid-clashing-red-lines-2025-05-23/">https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/us-iran-hold-nuclear-talks-amid-clashing-red-lines-2025-05-23/</a>

'US and Iran try to bridge chasm on nuclear enrichment'- Reuters

Top Wall Street analysts changed their outlook on these top names. For a complete view of all analyst rating changes, including upgrades, downgrades and initiations, please see our <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings">analyst ratings page</a>.
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Citigroup analyst Karen Holthouse initiated coverage on US Foods Holding Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/USFD#NYSE">USFD</a>) with a Buy rating and announced a price target of $95. US Foods shares closed at $75.99 on Thursday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/USFD/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>Citigroup analyst Karen Holthouse initiated coverage on Sysco Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SYY#NYSE">SYY</a>) with a Neutral rating and announced a price target of $78. Sysco shares closed at $71.98 on Thursday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/SYY/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>Zuanic &amp; Associates analyst Pablo Zuanic initiated coverage on Chicago Atlantic BDC, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LIEN#NASDAQ">LIEN</a>) with an Overweight rating. Chicago Atlantic BDC shares closed at $10.33 on Thursday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/LIEN/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>Citigroup analyst Karen Holthouse initiated coverage on Performance Food Group Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PFGC#NYSE">PFGC</a>) with a Buy rating and announced a price target of $121. Performance Food shares closed at $83.70 on Thursday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/PFGC/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
</ul>
Considering buying USFD stock? Here&#8217;s what analysts think: 
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="585" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/23113235/image-309-1024x585.png" alt="" class="wp-image-926297" style="width:636px;height:auto" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/23113235/image-309-1024x585.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/23113235/image-309-300x171.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/23113235/image-309-768x439.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/23113235/image-309.png 1117w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
Read This Next:<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/25/05/45585296/jim-cramer-says-medical-properties-trust-has-too-much-risk-likes-this-industrial-stock"> </a>
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/25/05/45585296/jim-cramer-says-medical-properties-trust-has-too-much-risk-likes-this-industrial-stock">Jim Cramer Says Medical Properties Trust Has &#8216;Too Much Risk,&#8217; Likes This Industrial Stock</a> </li>
</ul>
Photo via Shutterstock

Initiation

LIEN

PFGC

USFD

This US Foods Analyst Begins Coverage On A Bullish Note; Here Are Top 4 Initiations For Friday

Austan Goolsbee, President of the Chicago Federal Reserve, says that recent tariff threats from President Donald Trump have complicated the Federal Reserve&#8217;s policy, potentially delaying <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/interest-rates">changes to interest rates.</a>
What Happened: In an <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/05/23/goolsbee-says-fed-now-has-to-wait-longer-before-moving-rates-because-of-trade-policy-uncertainty.html">interview</a> with CNBC on Friday, Goolsbee indicated that while he anticipates a downward trend in rates, the Federal Reserve will likely hold off on changes as it assesses the impact of fluctuating trade policy on inflation and employment.
Goolsbee&#8217;s comments come in the wake of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/25/05/45585283/trump-tariff-threat-hits-europe-stocks-sink-as-50-duties-loom">Trump&#8217;s call for a 50% tariff</a> on products from the European Union starting June 1, and a 25% tariff on iPhones not manufactured in the U.S. These tariffs have the potential to impact inflation and employment, two key factors in the Federal Reserve&#8217;s decision-making process. 
Goolsbee said that while all options are always considered, the bar for action is higher in the current climate of uncertainty. He expressed concern about the potential stagflationary impact of the tariffs, describing it as the &#8220;central bank&#8217;s worst situation,&#8221; CNBC reports.
Why It Matters: The Federal Reserve&#8217;s decisions on interest rates have wide-reaching effects on the economy, influencing everything from consumer spending to business investment. Any delay or uncertainty in these decisions can have significant implications for economic growth and stability.
See Also: <a href="https://benzinga.com/25/05/45558758/as-unitedhealth-group-lost-an-unthinkable-140-billion-in-market-cap-since-april-analysts-weigh-in-on-the-path-ahe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">As UnitedHealth Wipes Out &#8216;Unthinkable&#8217; $140 Billion In Market Value Since April, Analysts Weigh In On The Road Ahead</a>
Goolsbee, who is a voting member on the rate-setting Federal Open Market Committee, remains optimistic about solid economic growth in the long run, despite the recent market turbulence caused by Trump&#8217;s tariff announcement. He avoided committing to a specific course of action amid the current uncertainty, emphasizing the need for flexibility and adaptability in the face of changing economic conditions.
This perspective aligns with <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44916388/chicago-fed-chair-goolsbee-agrees-with-bessent-fed-independence-is-a-jewel-box-awaits-tariff-revisit-before-jumping-to-action">Goolsbee&#8217;s comments in April</a>, when he agreed with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on the importance of preserving the Federal Reserve&#8217;s independence and waiting for further policy action on tariffs before making any decisions.
Goolsbee&#8217;s cautious approach to interest rate changes in the face of trade policy uncertainty underscores the complex interplay between fiscal policy, trade policy, and monetary policy, and the challenges that central bankers face in navigating these interconnected areas.
The&nbsp;Federal Open Market Committee, which&nbsp;includes Goolsbee, will meet next on June 17-18, providing an opportunity for officials&nbsp;to update their economic and&nbsp;interest rate projections. The last&nbsp;update in March indicated two potential rate cuts this year.
Read Next: 
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<li><a href="https://benzinga.com/markets/25/05/45583103/trumps-chosen-air-force-one-contractor-l3harris-to-pay-62-million-as-settlement-for-misleading-us-militar" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump&#8217;s Chosen Air Force One Contractor L3Harris To Pay $62 Million As Settlement For Misleading US Military</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: RozenskiP / Shutterstock.com

Fed's Goolsbee Warns Tariff Shock May Delay Rate Cuts: 'Worst Situation' For Central Bank

Citigroup analyst Ryan Levine maintains DTE Energy (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DTE#NYSE">DTE</a>) with a Buy and raises the price target from $142 to $151.

Citigroup Maintains Buy on DTE Energy, Raises Price Target to $151

WIIM

LTBR

Nuveen Arizona Dividend Advantage Municipal Funds 3

OKLO

UUUU

Shares of nuclear stocks are trading higher on reports indicating Trump will sign executive orders to ease regulatory requirements for new reactors.

First BanCorp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FBP#NYSE">FBP</a>) has outperformed the market over the past 5 years by 14.72% on an annualized basis producing an average annual return of 28.78%. Currently, First BanCorp has a market capitalization of $3.21 billion. 
Buying $100 In FBP: If an investor had bought $100 of FBP stock 5 years ago, it would be worth $354.14 today based on a price of $19.85 for FBP at the time of writing.
<h3>First BanCorp's Performance Over Last 5 Years</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1748014213_0.png" alt="comp_fig" />
Finally -- what's the point of all this? The key insight to take from this article is to note how much of a difference compounded returns can make in your cash growth over a period of time.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Here's How Much $100 Invested In First BanCorp 5 Years Ago Would Be Worth Today

Citigroup analyst Steven Enders maintains Intuit (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTU#NASDAQ">INTU</a>) with a Buy and raises the price target from $726 to $789.

Citigroup Maintains Buy on Intuit, Raises Price Target to $789

Press Releases

Bath & Body Works Reports Third Quarter 2024 Results

Bath & Body Works to Present at the Morgan Stanley Global Consumer & Retail Conference

Dividends

Bath & Body Works Declares Cash Dividend

Bath & Body Works To Report Fourth Quarter and Fiscal 2024 Results on February 27, 2025

Bath & Body Works Reports 2024 Fourth Quarter and Full-Year Results and Provides 2025 Guidance

Bath & Body Works to Present at the Bank of America Consumer & Retail Conference

Mutual Funds

DoorDash, TKO Group Holdings, Williams-Sonoma and Expand Energy Set to Join S&P 500; Others to Join S&P 100, S&P MidCap 400 and S&P SmallCap 600

Bath & Body Works to Report First Quarter Results on May 29, 2025

Management

Bath & Body Works Appoints Daniel Heaf as Chief Executive Officer

AMBC

CLSK

DASH

FLGT

FRPT

GDOT

GPRE

HAIN

HIMS

ISRG

KTOS

MATV

NEOG

PLTR

SATS

SPGI

Academy Sports and Outdoors, Inc. - Common Stock

Academy Sports

BARK

Build-A-Bear Workshop

Barnes & Noble Education, Inc Common Stock

Barnes & Noble Education

Chewy

Dick's Sporting Goods

Envela

National Vision Holdings, Inc. - Common Stock

National Vision Holdings

Five Below

1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. - Class A Common Stock

1-800-Flowers.com

Grove Collaborative Holdings, Inc. Class A Common Stock

Grove Collaborative Hldgs

MarineMax

Leslies

PetMed Express

Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc. (Name to be changed from Sally Holdings, Inc.) Common Stock

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