Stifel Bits

Summary

• Pope Leo XIV stated that while many will attend events in Spain to see Bad Bunny, some will also be there to see the pope.
• Lionel Messi scored 18 goals over six World Cups, breaking the record for most World Cup goals.
• Amazon reported that its data centers used 2.5 billion gallons of water in 2025.
• Lewis Hamilton, age 41, became the oldest Formula 1 driver to win a race since 1970 after winning the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix.
• Investors expect two 0.25% rate hikes from the Federal Reserve between now and March.
• The UK will require a minimum age of 16 to access major social media platforms starting early next year.
• The Federal Reserve held interest rates in the 3.50%-3.75% range for a fourth straight time under new Chair Kevin Warsh.
• The Federal Reserve released an updated dot plot showing policymakers' expectations for future interest rates.
• Inflation signals remain mixed due to rising energy costs from overseas tensions, while underlying trends excluding food \& energy appear calmer.
• Market expectations shifted from anticipated rate cuts in 2026 to potential rate hikes.
• Peptides are experiencing a surge in popularity for weight loss \& recovery, fueling a black market while regulators consider mainstream approval.
• Upscale frozen yogurt shops in Manhattan are driving a 26% increase in U.S. servings with premium ingredients \& higher prices.
• The Familiar, a home robot developed by a Roomba creator, is designed to emotionally bond with families \& learn habits.
• Waymo is launching an invite-only premium membership for top riders.
• Alo hosted a VIP wellness voyage at the Monaco Grand Prix.
• Palantir's AI sepsis detection system helped save 886 lives at a Florida hospital by cutting deaths in half.
• Apple plans to release camera-equipped AirPods capable of identifying objects, translating signs, \& suggesting recipes.
• Amazon's Prime Day will test nine new AI features for shoppers.
• Yum Brands may sell Pizza Hut for $2.7 billion.