Market Update
Japan's Real Wages Turned Positive After Seven Months In July, Nikkei 225 Extended Weekly Gains
Akira Ito
05 Sep, 2025
Tokyo
Japan's market indexes advanced on Friday and extended weekly gains after real wages rose for the first time this year.
The Nikkei 225 Stock Average increased 0.6%, and the broader Topix advanced 0.4% as investors welcomed the lower U.S. tariffs on automobiles.
Japan's nominal wages in July rose 4.1% from a year ago, to 419,661 yen, or $2,800, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare said.
Nominal wages, or the average total cash earnings including base and overtime pay, rose for the 43rd month in a row.
The increase in nominal wages was driven by a 7.9% jump in special earnings, which largely reflects bonuses, to 128,618 yen.
Japan's Real Wages Turn Positive After Seven Months in July
Real wages, after adjusting for inflation, inched higher 0.5% and turned positive for the first time in seven months, according to the data released by the ministry on Friday.
Consumer price inflation, used for the calculation of wages, increased to 3.6%, limiting the purchasing power of the consumer, a key metric for the economic expansion.
A separate report from the ministry showed household spending in July increased a real 1.4% from a year ago, said the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications.
Average spending by households of two or more people in July was 305,694 yen.
Household spending, which accounts for more than half of Japan's gross domestic product, is closely watched by economists.
Japan Indexes and Markets
The Nikkei 225 Stock Average rose 0.6% to 42,848.91, and the broader Topix added 0.4% to 3,093.14.
Automobile stocks advanced after the U.S. president signed an executive order lowering tariffs to 15% from 27.5% and acknowledged $550 billion in Japanese investments in U.S. projects.
However, two separate courts have ruled that Donald Trump overstepped his executive authority in imposing sweeping tariffs, requiring the U.S. Supreme Court to weigh in.
Toyota Motor Corp. increased 1.5% to ¥2,949.50, Honda Motor Co. Ltd. gained 0.9% to ¥1,689.0, and Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. advanced 2% to ¥344.30.
China Indexes Trimmed Weekly Losses Amid Rising Risks of Regulatory Interventions
Li Chen
05 Sep, 2025
Hong Kong
Stock market indexes in China and Hong Kong advanced on Friday and trimmed weekly losses as investors reassessed the domestic economic growth outlook.
The Hang Seng index increased 0.6%, and the CSI 300 index advanced 0.9% as investors speculated that the U.S. Federal Reserve is more likely to raise rates after its next policy meeting on September 18.
Private businesses added a net of 55,000 jobs in August, sharply lower than 104,000 in the previous month, according to a survey released by ADP.
The ADP's data series is volatile and widely perceived as less reliable than the nonfarm payroll report released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The August month's nonfarm payroll data are scheduled to be released on Friday.
The U.S. labor market has been resilient, but payroll expansion has been rapidly cooling in the face of tariff uncertainty and trade policy flip-flops by the Trump administration.
China Indexes and Stocks
The Hang Seng Index rose 0.6% to 25,203.87, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 index advanced 0.9% to 4,402.75.
Alibaba Group Holding edged down 0.2% to HK$129.80, Tencent Holdings increased 1.1% to HK$599.0, and Meituan advanced 1% to HK$102.50.
Li Auto increased 1% to HK$93.75, BYD advanced 0.3% to HK$104.80, and Xpeng Inc. decreased 0.3% to HK$76.80.
China Indexes Trimmed Weekly Losses Rising Risks of Regulatory Interventions
Li Chen
05 Sep, 2025
Hong Kong
Stock market indexes in China and Hong Kong advanced on Friday and trimmed weekly losses as investors reassessed the domestic economic growth outlook.
The Hang Seng index increased 0.6%, and the CSI 300 index advanced 0.9% as investors speculated that the U.S. Federal Reserve is more likely to raise rates after its next policy meeting on September 18.
Private businesses added a net of 55,000 jobs in August, sharply lower than 104,000 in the previous month, according to a survey released by ADP.
The ADP's data series is volatile and widely perceived as less reliable than the nonfarm payroll report released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The August month's nonfarm payroll data are scheduled to be released on Friday.
The U.S. labor market has been resilient, but payroll expansion has been rapidly cooling in the face of tariff uncertainty and trade policy flip-flops by the Trump administration.
China Indexes and Stocks
The Hang Seng Index rose 0.6% to 25,203.87, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 index advanced 0.9% to 4,402.75.
Alibaba Group Holding edged down 0.2% to HK$129.80, Tencent Holdings increased 1.1% to HK$599.0, and Meituan advanced 1% to HK$102.50.
Li Auto increased 1% to HK$93.75, BYD advanced 0.3% to HK$104.80, and Xpeng Inc. decreased 0.3% to HK$76.80.
U.S. Private Sector Hiring Slowed Sharply In August, 10-Year Treasury Yield Dropped to 4-Month Low
Barry Adams
04 Sep, 2025
New York City
Wall Street indexes lacked direction as investors reviewed the release of jobs data amid heightened uncertainties about the U.S. trade policy.
The S&P 500 index edged up 0.1%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite inched lower 0.2%, as focus on Wall Street shifted to labor market data.
U.S. labor market expansion has slowed sharply over the last three months, and independent retailers and logistics businesses struggle amid erratic U.S. trade policy.
Moreover, farmers are struggling to sell corn, soybeans, and wheat after the Trump administration's sharp escalation in tariffs pushed Brazil to seek more agricultural goods from South America.
Farmers in Arkansas, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, and Nebraska are facing bankruptcy after China halted placing new orders for farm goods and the U.S. ended its USAID program.
Private businesses expanded payrolls by 54,000, sharply lower than 104,000 in July, according to a report released by ADP.
In the past, the ADP data has been volatile and has been less reliable than the broader nonfarm payroll report released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The U.S. economy added 73,000 net new jobs in August, and the net job additions were sharply revised lower for the months of May and June.
Investors are increasingly worried about the rapidly cooling jobs market, as businesses deal with constantly shifting U.S. trade policy and lack of clarity on the Trump administration's tariff.
Goods shipments from China are attracting import taxes of about 45%, and those from Brazil and India are now taxed at 50%.
In addition, goods from Mexico, Canada, and Japan face about 25% tariffs.
The Trump administration asked the U.S. Supreme Court for a quick decision after two courts deemed the sweeping tariffs on all imports imposed by the U.S. president as illegal.
U.S. Stock Movers
ConocoPhillips decreased 0.2% to $94.50, and the energy company announced its plans to cut 20% of its staff by the end of the year.
Salesforce Inc. dropped 7.2% to $238.06, and the cloud-based customer data management software company's second-quarter adjusted earnings surpassed expectations.
However, the company's third-quarter revenue outlook between $10.24 billion and $10.29 billion fell short of market expectations.
American Eagle Outfitters soared 23.5% to $16.86, and the apparel retailer reported better-than-expected fiscal second-quarter earnings per share of 45 cents on revenue of $1.28 billion.
U.S. Private Sector Hiring Slowed Sharply In August, 10-Year Treasury Yield Dropped to 4-Month Low
Barry Adams
04 Sep, 2025
New York City
Wall Street indexes lacked direction as investors reviewed the release of jobs data amid heightened uncertainties about the U.S. trade policy.
The S&P 500 index edged up 0.1%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite inched lower 0.2%, as focus on Wall Street shifted to labor market data.
U.S. labor market expansion has slowed sharply over the last three months, and independent retailers and logistics businesses struggle amid erratic U.S. trade policy.
Moreover, farmers are struggling to sell corn, soybeans, and wheat after the Trump administration's sharp escalation in tariffs pushed Brazil to seek more agricultural goods from South America.
Farmers in Arkansas, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, and Nebraska are facing bankruptcy after China halted placing new orders for farm goods and the U.S. ended its USAID program.
Private businesses expanded payrolls by 54,000, sharply lower than 104,000 in July, according to a report released by ADP.
In the past, the ADP data has been volatile and has been less reliable than the broader nonfarm payroll report released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The U.S. economy added 73,000 net new jobs in August, and the net job additions were sharply revised lower for the months of May and June.
Investors are increasingly worried about the rapidly cooling jobs market, as businesses deal with constantly shifting U.S. trade policy and lack of clarity on the Trump administration's tariff.
Goods shipments from China are attracting import taxes of about 45%, and those from Brazil and India are now taxed at 50%.
In addition, goods from Mexico, Canada, and Japan face about 25% tariffs.
The Trump administration asked the U.S. Supreme Court for a quick decision after two courts deemed the sweeping tariffs on all imports imposed by the U.S. president as illegal.
U.S. Stock Movers
ConocoPhillips decreased 0.2% to $94.50, and the energy company announced its plans to cut 20% of its staff by the end of the year.
Salesforce Inc. dropped 7.2% to $238.06, and the cloud-based customer data management software company's second-quarter adjusted earnings surpassed expectations.
However, the company's third-quarter revenue outlook between $10.24 billion and $10.29 billion fell short of market expectations.
American Eagle Outfitters soared 23.5% to $16.86, and the apparel retailer reported better-than-expected fiscal second-quarter earnings per share of 45 cents on revenue of $1.28 billion.
Japan's Indexes Rebounded 1% and Bond Yields Hovered at 17-Year Highs
Akira Ito
04 Sep, 2025
Tokyo
Japan's stock market indexes rebounded from losses in the previous session, following a tech-driven rally in overnight trading in New York.
The Nikkei 225 Stock Average gained 1.5%, and the broader Topix advanced 1% amid a rebound in artificial intelligence-linked stocks.
Stock market gains were limited, with the yield on 10-year Japanese government bonds hovering near a 17-year high at 1.61%.
Tech stocks rallied after the Google parent, Alphabet Inc., avoided a harsher sentence from a U.S. federal judge, which could have led to the breakup of the company.
The ruling allows Alphabet to keep its Chrome browser but prevents the company from striking exclusive search deals.
Moreover, the court's ruling permits the company to share search data with partners and customers and paves the way for licensing of AI products to mobile device makers.
In overnight trading, Alphabet Inc. soared 9% to $231.10, and Apple Inc. gained 3.8% to $238.47.
On the domestic economic front, investors are awaiting wage data on Friday.
The yen weakened to 148.17 against the U.S. dollar after Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda reiterated the central bank's stance to hike rates if economic growth and price inflation develop as expected.
Japan Indexes and Stocks
The Nikkei 225 Stock Average increased 1.5% to 42,580.0, and the broader Topix added 1% to 3,077.45.
Tokyo Electron added 0.7% to ¥20,075.0, Advantest Corp. increased 4.6% to ¥11,190.0, and Lasertec Corp. fell 0.3% to ¥14,950.0.
Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group gained 2.7% to ¥4,061.0, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group advanced 2% to ¥2,246.0, and Mizuho Financial Group increased 2.4% to ¥4,800.0.
Japan's Indexes Rebounded 1% and Bond Yields Hovered at 17-Year Highs
Akira Ito
04 Sep, 2025
Tokyo
Japan's stock market indexes rebounded from losses in the previous session, following a tech-driven rally in overnight trading in New York.
The Nikkei 225 Stock Average gained 1.5%, and the broader Topix advanced 1% amid a rebound in artificial intelligence-linked stocks.
Stock market gains were limited, with the yield on 10-year Japanese government bonds hovering near a 17-year high at 1.61%.
Tech stocks rallied after the Google parent, Alphabet Inc., avoided a harsher sentence from a U.S. federal judge, which could have led to the breakup of the company.
The ruling allows Alphabet to keep its Chrome browser but prevents the company from striking exclusive search deals.
Moreover, the court's ruling permits the company to share search data with partners and customers and paves the way for licensing of AI products to mobile device makers.
In overnight trading, Alphabet Inc. soared 9% to $231.10, and Apple Inc. gained 3.8% to $238.47.
On the domestic economic front, investors are awaiting wage data on Friday.
The yen weakened to 148.17 against the U.S. dollar after Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda reiterated the central bank's stance to hike rates if economic growth and price inflation develop as expected.
Japan Indexes and Stocks
The Nikkei 225 Stock Average increased 1.5% to 42,580.0, and the broader Topix added 1% to 3,077.45.
Tokyo Electron added 0.7% to ¥20,075.0, Advantest Corp. increased 4.6% to ¥11,190.0, and Lasertec Corp. fell 0.3% to ¥14,950.0.
Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group gained 2.7% to ¥4,061.0, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group advanced 2% to ¥2,246.0, and Mizuho Financial Group increased 2.4% to ¥4,800.0.
China Indexes Extend 3-Day Losses Amid Rising Risk of Regulatory Interventions
Li Chen
04 Sep, 2025
Hong Kong
China's stock market indexes turned lower for the third consecutive day amid worry that regulators may step in to stem the recent rapid rise over the last four months.
The Hang Seng index declined 1.2%, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 index dropped 2.5% amid growing speculation of market intervention by Chinese regulators.
Chinese stocks dropped about 10% in early April after the U.S. sharply escalated tariffs on all imported goods and targeted Chinese goods with the highest rates.
The Trump administration paused some of the threatened high tariffs on Chinese goods and entered into negotiations after China retaliated with its tariffs on the U.S. goods and restricted the sale of rare-earth minerals.
Market sentiment was further bolstered after domestic economic metrics showed little negative impact of the U.S. tariffs on China's exports, and first-half economic growth met target rates set by policymakers.
Over the last eighteen weeks, stock market indexes in China and Hong Kong rallied about 30% and pushed benchmark indexes to multi-year highs, as retail investors rotated out of fixed-income investments into riskier assets.
Weak retail sales and industrial production growth and persistent weakness in the residential market in July raised worries that a bubble may be forming in the stock market.
Since last week, the run-up in the market has faced headwinds amid worries about the stretched valuations, anemic earnings growth for mainland-focused Chinese companies, and rising risk of a regulatory intervention to curb excessive speculation.
China Indexes and Stocks
The Hang Seng Index decreased 1.2% to 25,032.23, and the CSI 300 index dropped 2.5% to 4,349.83.
Semiconductor Manufacturing International declined 6.2% to HK $56.15, Xiaomi Corp. decreased 2.2% to HK $53.50, and BYD Electronic International increased 1% to HK $41.50.
Nongfu Spring Co. inched up 0.4% to HK $49.60, Mixue Group decreased 0.4% to HK $400.0, and Haidilao International decreased 1.2% to HK $13.36.
China Indexes Extend 3-Day Losses Amid Rising Risk of Regulatory Interventions
Li Chen
04 Sep, 2025
Hong Kong
China's stock market indexes turned lower for the third consecutive day amid worry that regulators may step in to stem the recent rapid rise over the last four months.
The Hang Seng index declined 1.2%, and the mainland-focused CSI 300 index dropped 2.5% amid growing speculation of market intervention by Chinese regulators.
Chinese stocks dropped about 10% in early April after the U.S. sharply escalated tariffs on all imported goods and targeted Chinese goods with the highest rates.
The Trump administration paused some of the threatened high tariffs on Chinese goods and entered into negotiations after China retaliated with its tariffs on the U.S. goods and restricted the sale of rare-earth minerals.
Market sentiment was further bolstered after domestic economic metrics showed little negative impact of the U.S. tariffs on China's exports, and first-half economic growth met target rates set by policymakers.
Over the last eighteen weeks, stock market indexes in China and Hong Kong rallied about 30% and pushed benchmark indexes to multi-year highs, as retail investors rotated out of fixed-income investments into riskier assets.
Weak retail sales and industrial production growth and persistent weakness in the residential market in July raised worries that a bubble may be forming in the stock market.
Since last week, the run-up in the market has faced headwinds amid worries about the stretched valuations, anemic earnings growth for mainland-focused Chinese companies, and rising risk of a regulatory intervention to curb excessive speculation.
China Indexes and Stocks
The Hang Seng Index decreased 1.2% to 25,032.23, and the CSI 300 index dropped 2.5% to 4,349.83.
Semiconductor Manufacturing International declined 6.2% to HK $56.15, Xiaomi Corp. decreased 2.2% to HK $53.50, and BYD Electronic International increased 1% to HK $41.50.
Nongfu Spring Co. inched up 0.4% to HK $49.60, Mixue Group decreased 0.4% to HK $400.0, and Haidilao International decreased 1.2% to HK $13.36.
Debt and Budget Worries Lifts Bond Yields to Multi-Year Highs, Alphabet and Apple In Focus
Barry Adams
03 Sep, 2025
New York City
Broader market indexes struggled to rise above the flatline, following the rise in global bond yields and uncertainties linked to the U.S. trade policy.
The S&P 500 index decreased 0.2%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite advanced 0.7% after Alphabet, the parent of the Google search engine, avoided a harsher sentence from a federal judge.
A federal court ruled that Alphabet can keep the Chrome browser but must share data with its search partners.
Alphabet soared more than 5% after the ruling, because it removed a key legal issue looming over the last five years.
The U.S. Department of Justice alleged in a court case in 2020 that the search company kept its dominance by creating strong barriers to entry and exclusive access to customer behavior.
The 10-year yield on the U.S. Treasury bond increased to 4.28% amid growing worries about record-high federal government debt and uncertainty related to debt ceiling negotiations.
The yields on bonds of the UK, France, and Japan rose to multi-year highs as governments struggle with record debt levels and pursue higher defense spending.
U.S. Stock Movers
Alphabet Inc. jumped 5.4% to $223.38 after a federal judge ruled that the parent of the Google search engine operator can keep its Chrome browser.
The ruling also prevented the search company from striking exclusive search deals and required it to share key search data with its customers.
Apple Inc. jumped 3.7% to $238.26 following the federal court's decision regarding Google parent Alphabet Inc.
The court's ruling will allow the popular mobile phone maker to continue preloading Google Search onto its iPhones and other electronic devices for a fee.
“Google will not be barred from making payments or offering other consideration to distribution partners for preloading or placement of Google Search, Chrome, or its GenAI products,” the decision states.
The latest ruling allows Apple and other mobile device makers to strike additional deals with Google for AI-related products.
Macy's Inc. soared 12% to $15.12, and the apparel and accessories retailer reported better-than-expected second-quarter results and lifted its full-year outlook.
The retailer posted adjusted earnings of 41 cents per share on $4.81 billion in revenue in the fiscal second quarter.
The company revised its full-year adjusted earnings per share estimate to between $1.70 and $2.05 from $1.60 and $2.0 and sales between $21.15 billion and $21.45 billion from the previous range between $21.0 billion and $21.40 billion, respectively.
Zscaler Inc. jumped 1.8% to $278.90 after the cybersecurity company delivered better-than-expected fiscal fourth-quarter results and the company's guidance surpassed expectations.
Consolidated revenue increased to $719.2 million from $592.9 million, net loss advanced to $17.6 million from $14.9 million, and diluted losses per share expanded to 11 cents from 10 cents a year ago.
Zscaler guided fiscal first-quarter 2026 revenue to be between $772 million and $774 million, non-GAAP income from operations between $166 million and $168 million, and non-GAAP net income per share between 85 cents and 86 cents.
The cybersecurity company estimated fiscal full-year 2026 revenue to be between $3.265 billion and $3.284 billion, non-GAAP income from operations between $728 million and $736 million, and non-GAAP net income per share between $3.64 and $3.6.
Debt and Budget Worries Lifts Bond Yields to Multi-Year Highs, Alphabet and Apple In Focus
Barry Adams
03 Sep, 2025
New York City
Broader market indexes struggled to rise above the flatline, following the rise in global bond yields and uncertainties linked to the U.S. trade policy.
The S&P 500 index decreased 0.2%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite advanced 0.7% after Alphabet, the parent of the Google search engine, avoided a harsher sentence from a federal judge.
A federal court ruled that Alphabet can keep the Chrome browser but must share data with its search partners.
Alphabet soared more than 5% after the ruling, because it removed a key legal issue looming over the last five years.
The U.S. Department of Justice alleged in a court case in 2020 that the search company kept its dominance by creating strong barriers to entry and exclusive access to customer behavior.
The 10-year yield on the U.S. Treasury bond increased to 4.28% amid growing worries about record-high federal government debt and uncertainty related to debt ceiling negotiations.
The yields on bonds of the UK, France, and Japan rose to multi-year highs as governments struggle with record debt levels and pursue higher defense spending.
U.S. Stock Movers
Alphabet Inc. jumped 5.4% to $223.38 after a federal judge ruled that the parent of the Google search engine operator can keep its Chrome browser.
The ruling also prevented the search company from striking exclusive search deals and required it to share key search data with its customers.
Apple Inc. jumped 3.7% to $238.26 following the federal court's decision regarding Google parent Alphabet Inc.
The court's ruling will allow the popular mobile phone maker to continue preloading Google Search onto its iPhones and other electronic devices for a fee.
“Google will not be barred from making payments or offering other consideration to distribution partners for preloading or placement of Google Search, Chrome, or its GenAI products,” the decision states.
The latest ruling allows Apple and other mobile device makers to strike additional deals with Google for AI-related products.
Macy's Inc. soared 12% to $15.12, and the apparel and accessories retailer reported better-than-expected second-quarter results and lifted its full-year outlook.
The retailer posted adjusted earnings of 41 cents per share on $4.81 billion in revenue in the fiscal second quarter.
The company revised its full-year adjusted earnings per share estimate to between $1.70 and $2.05 from $1.60 and $2.0 and sales between $21.15 billion and $21.45 billion from the previous range between $21.0 billion and $21.40 billion, respectively.
Zscaler Inc. jumped 1.8% to $278.90 after the cybersecurity company delivered better-than-expected fiscal fourth-quarter results and the company's guidance surpassed expectations.
Consolidated revenue increased to $719.2 million from $592.9 million, net loss advanced to $17.6 million from $14.9 million, and diluted losses per share expanded to 11 cents from 10 cents a year ago.
Zscaler guided fiscal first-quarter 2026 revenue to be between $772 million and $774 million, non-GAAP income from operations between $166 million and $168 million, and non-GAAP net income per share between 85 cents and 86 cents.
The cybersecurity company estimated fiscal full-year 2026 revenue to be between $3.265 billion and $3.284 billion, non-GAAP income from operations between $728 million and $736 million, and non-GAAP net income per share between $3.64 and $3.6.
Stock Movers: Signet Jewelers, Zscaler
Scott Peters
03 Sep, 2025
New York City
Signet Jewelers Ltd. advanced 6.2% to $93.50 after the specialty retailer's quarterly results surpassed market expectations.
Revenue in the fiscal second quarter ending on August 2 increased 3% to $1.5 billion, driven by a same-store sales increase of 2%.
The price increases drove gross margin expansion by 60 basis points. 38.6%
Net loss in the quarter shrank to $9.1 million from $101.5 million, and diluted loss per share eased to 22 cents from $2.28 a year ago.
Signet declared a cash dividend of 32 cents per share on November 21 to shareholders on record on October 24.
The company revised the full-year fiscal 2026 sales estimate from the previous range between $6.57 billion and $6.80 billion to a new range between $6.67 billion and $6.82 billion.
The same-store sales growth estimate was revised to between a decrease of 0.75% and an increase of 1.75% from the previous estimate of between a decline of 2.0% and an increase of 1.50%.
The company's guidance adjusted annual diluted earnings per share to a new range between $8.04 and $9.57 from the previous range between $7.70 and $9.38.
Zscaler Inc. fell 0.9% to $274.57 after the cloud security provider reported an 18% increase in net loss in the fourth quarter ending on July 31.
Consolidated revenue increased 21% to $719.2 million from $592.9 million, net loss advanced to $17.6 million from $14.9 million, and diluted losses per share expanded to 11 cents from 10 cents a year ago.
Zscaler estimated fiscal first quarter revenue to be between $772 million and $774 million, adjusted income from operations between $166 million and $168 million, and adjusted net income per share between 85 cents and 86 cents.
Non-GAAP net income expanded to $146.7 million from $115.8 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024.
Zscaler guided full-year fiscal 2026 revenue to be between $3.265 billion and $3.284 billion, adjusted income from operations between $728 million and $736 million, and adjusted net income per share between $3.64 and $3.6.
Stock Movers: Signet Jewelers, Zscaler
Scott Peters
03 Sep, 2025
New York City
Signet Jewelers Ltd. advanced 6.2% to $93.50 after the specialty retailer's quarterly results surpassed market expectations.
Revenue in the fiscal second quarter ending on August 2 increased 3% to $1.5 billion, driven by a same-store sales increase of 2%.
The price increases drove gross margin expansion by 60 basis points. 38.6%
Net loss in the quarter shrank to $9.1 million from $101.5 million, and diluted loss per share eased to 22 cents from $2.28 a year ago.
Signet declared a cash dividend of 32 cents per share on November 21 to shareholders on record on October 24.
The company revised the full-year fiscal 2026 sales estimate from the previous range between $6.57 billion and $6.80 billion to a new range between $6.67 billion and $6.82 billion.
The same-store sales growth estimate was revised to between a decrease of 0.75% and an increase of 1.75% from the previous estimate of between a decline of 2.0% and an increase of 1.50%.
The company's guidance adjusted annual diluted earnings per share to a new range between $8.04 and $9.57 from the previous range between $7.70 and $9.38.
Zscaler Inc. fell 0.9% to $274.57 after the cloud security provider reported an 18% increase in net loss in the fourth quarter ending on July 31.
Consolidated revenue increased 21% to $719.2 million from $592.9 million, net loss advanced to $17.6 million from $14.9 million, and diluted losses per share expanded to 11 cents from 10 cents a year ago.
Zscaler estimated fiscal first quarter revenue to be between $772 million and $774 million, adjusted income from operations between $166 million and $168 million, and adjusted net income per share between 85 cents and 86 cents.
Non-GAAP net income expanded to $146.7 million from $115.8 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024.
Zscaler guided full-year fiscal 2026 revenue to be between $3.265 billion and $3.284 billion, adjusted income from operations between $728 million and $736 million, and adjusted net income per share between $3.64 and $3.6.