Stifel Bits

Summary

• Dyson launched a new CameraJet toothbrush priced at $499.99 featuring a built-in camera and liquid jet.
• Dollar sales of nonalcoholic beer, spirits, and wine in the U.S. grew 14% for the 52 weeks ending July 18.
• The number of high school graduates in the U.S. is expected to decline by 13% by 2041.
• The U.S. livestream shopping industry is forecasted to reach $20 billion in 2026.
• Americans made 24 million trips to Europe in 2025, a record high, with projections for a 5% growth in 2026.
• Global shipping faces disruptions from tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea, prompting some vessels to use the Arctic Northern Sea Route.
• The Northern Sea Route can reduce voyage time between Asia and Europe by up to 10 days, with traffic reaching roughly 40 million tons this year.
• A seagull named Roger in Salcombe, Devon, England, is paid four prawns daily to deter rival birds from customers' food.
• The Minnesota State Fair is celebrating 100 years of the Tilt-A-Whirl ride, which dates back to 1926.
• Candy stores in New York City are thriving due to the "lipstick effect," a trend where consumers purchase affordable treats instead of big-ticket items.
• NASA launched the $4.3 billion Roman Space Telescope to explore planets, galaxies, and other cosmic mysteries.
• McDonald's loyalty program generated a 515-page dossier predicting one customer would never stop eating at the chain.
• Eli Lilly agreed to acquire Merida Biosciences for up to $2.875 billion, marking its 11th acquisition this year.
• Waymo and Zoox are expanding their robotaxi services into additional U.S. markets.
• TikTok announced the addition of voice comments, polls, and other features to its comment section.
• Lululemon reduced its full-year forecast citing slowing growth, increased competition, and a shrinking customer base.