Be in the know. 14 key reads for Saturday…

  1. NRF is forecasting U.S. retail sales to grow 4.4% in 2026 (nrf)
  2. Weight-loss drugs are changing the way people dress. These companies stand to benefit. (marketwatch)
  3. Banks Ready to Put Billions to Work After Regulatory Win (wsj)
  4. Don’t Count Out Rate Cuts in 2026. Fed Doves Still Exist. (barrons)
  5. Bowman Still Projecting Three Interest-Rate Cuts Before Year-End (bloomberg)
  6. U.S. Gas Exporters Stand to Be the Big Winners of the Energy Crisis (wsj)
  7. U.S. natural gas consumption set a monthly and yearly record in 2025 (eia)
  8. Trump says he doesn’t want Iran war ceasefire, but is considering ‘winding down’ military ops (cnbc)
  9. First US Oil Barrels From Emergency Release to Hit Market (bloomberg)
  10. EV Demand Surges Across Asia After Energy Shock Sends Consumers Into Panic Mode (zerohedge)
  11. Alibaba Earnings: Adjusted EBITA Misses on Investments, but Long-Term Outlook Remains Positive (morningstar)
  12. GXO and Hasbro Open Flagship U.S. Distribution Center (gxo)
  13. Global equity funds see $20 billion weekly outflows, biggest in three months (reuters)
  14. Flagship Blackstone credit fund posts first monthly loss since 2022 (ft)