Hello, friends and Coins2Day readers.
Stocks could sink today as the Ukraine-Russia crisis heats up again. The S&P 500 index closed at yet another record Wednesday, above the psychologically-significant 2,000 level. Today, there’s more on the dollar store love triangle and data on economic growth. Here’s what you need to know.
1. JPMorgan, other banks hacked
At least five banks have been hit by hackers, according to reports. The cyberattack took information on checking and savings accounts, but JPMorgan — the largest U.S. Bank by assets and one of the banks targeted — says it has not seen increased levels of fraud as a result. U.S. Authorities are investigating the attacks.
Watch the Coins2Day video below for more on how companies are dealing with the growing problem of cybersecurity.
2. Dollar General still wants Family Dollar
Dollar General could be seen as “the other woman” in the dollar store story, swooping in at the last minute with a better offer to try to take Family Dollar from Dollar Tree, only to be rejected. Despite the sting of rejection, Dollar General said Thursday it still wants to acquire rival Family Dollar and is “firmly committed” to getting a deal done. The company also said it saw a slight earnings bump last quarter.
3. GDP gathers momentum
A second estimate of second-quarter GDP, released this morning, was supposed to show the economy grew at an annual rate of 3.9%, slightly weaker than the first estimate of 4%. It was actually stronger, growing at a 4.2% annual rate.
4. Satya Nadella is going to China
Following antitrust investigations by the Chinese government, Microsoft’s CEO Satya Nadella is heading to China next month, according to Reuters. Microsoft did not confirm the trip, and it’s not known if Nadella will meet with any government officials.
5. How’s your Twittering?
Ever wondered just how many people are reading your Tweets? Now you can find out, as Twitter has opened its analytics services — previously only available to businesses — to everyone.