Seana Smith

    Host

    Seana Smith hosts Morning Brief an Catalysts from 9-11 a.m. ET. Previously, she anchored ‘The Ticker’ and ‘Midday Movers’ on Yahoo Finance, and spent time reporting from the floor of the New York Stock Exchange. Before joining Yahoo Finance, Seana worked as a writer and producer at Fox Business. Seana holds a master’s degree in economics and a bachelor’s degree in journalism with a minor in business from Lehigh University.

  • Consumer sentiment, Russell reconstitution, billionaire investments in space: Catalysts

    In this episode of Catalysts, Seana Smith and Madison Mills guide investors through some of the morning's prominent market trends, from continued presidential debate coverage to consumer sentiment data. The June University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index reading was 68.2, exceeding estimates yet down from May's reading of 69.1. The Russell indexes are set for their annual reconstitution, scheduled to take place after Friday's closing bell. Indrani De, FTSE Russell's Head of Global Investment Research, joins the show to explain why the reconstitution will focus on the healthcare and tech sectors. In continued presidential debate coverage, Eurasia Group's Clayton Allen tells Catalysts hosts why it will take a call from within Biden's "family cellphone plan" to convince him to step out of the race. On the trending tickers front, Rosenblatt Securities has downgraded Alphabet (GOOGL, GOOG) stock to Neutral from Buy and trimmed its price target, citing transitional risks and increasing competition. Shares of UnitedHealth Group (UNH) are also moving after the company's subsidiary, OptumRx Inc., a prescription drug benefit provider, agreed to a $20 million settlement after the US government claimed the provider improperly filled certain opioid prescriptions. This article was written by Gabriel Roy

  • PCE data, Trump-Biden debate takeaways, Nike earnings: Morning Brief

    Today's episode of the Morning Brief, co-hosted by Seana Smith and Brad Smith, offers a deep dive into key economic data, trending stocks, and retail earnings reports. US Equities (^DJI, ^IXIC, ^GSPC) started out in the green on Friday morning as investors digested the latest inflation data in the form of the Personal Consumption Expenditure Price Index (PCE), which was in line with expectations. BMO Senior Economist and Managing Director Jennifer Lee joins the show to explain why the PCE data was "the best one can expect." She suggests it should bolster the Fed's confidence in easing monetary policy. President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump faced off at the first presidential debate, taking aim at each other on immigration and economic conditions. Noting Biden's struggling debate performance, AGF Investments chief US policy strategist Greg Valliere explains that moving Biden out of the race would be a "contentious" process. Switching gears to the morning's trending tickers, shares of Nike (NKE) slipped after the company reported earnings following yesterday's market close. The footwear and apparel company slashed its full-year guidance, expecting sales to drop 10% during its current quarter. S&P Global Ratings consumer products director Amanda O’Neill discusses how Nike can mount a turnaround by focusing on innovation. Apple's (AAPL) iPhone shipments in China are also growing, with a 40% year-over-year increase recorded in May, according to reports. For more expert insight and the latest market action, click here to watch this full episode of Morning Brief. This article was written by Gabriel Roy

  • Biden-Trump debate sparks Democratic party concerns

    The first presidential debate between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump has stirred significant controversy. In the aftermath, many viewers expressed disappointment with Biden's performance, igniting renewed concerns about his age and ability to continue in office. To unpack the debate's implications, Yahoo Finance Senior Columnist Rick Newman joins Catalysts to discuss the rumors about Biden potentially stepping down from the race, as well as the ongoing concerns surrounding Trump's legal challenges. For more expert insight and the latest market action, click here to watch this full episode of Catalysts. This post was written by Angel Smith

  • Why Russell reconstitution will focus on healthcare, tech sectors

    The Russell (^RUT) indexes are set for their annual reconstitution, scheduled to take place after Friday's closing bell. Indrani De, FTSE Russell's head of global investment research, joins Catalysts to provide insights into this event. De emphasizes that the reconstitution is "one of the biggest trading days of the year." She highlights the importance of indexes, describing them as "a representation of the market" and explaining that the reconstitution "captures the underlying changes in the economy." Highlighting current market trends, De points out that substantial technological and healthcare innovation is driving considerable growth. These areas will be a primary focus of the reconstitution process. "It's a very transparent process," De assures Yahoo Finance, adding, "It's simply going to reflect what's happening in the real economy." For more expert insight and the latest market action, click here to watch this full episode of Catalysts. This post was written by Angel Smith

  • Oil prices near two-month high over Middle East tensions

    Oil prices (BZ=F, CL=F) are nearing two-month highs as signals point to an expanded potential military conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, stoking fears of further disruption to the production of OPEC+ member Iran. Yahoo Finance reporter Ines Ferré joins Catalysts to break down the movement in oil prices and what it might mean for consumers moving forward. For more expert insight and the latest market action, click here to watch this full episode of Catalysts. This post was written by Nicholas Jacobino

  • A call from 'family cellphone plan' needed for Biden to bow out

    Last night's presidential debate between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump has sparked discussions about Biden's performance, which many deemed underwhelming. Clayton Allen, Eurasia Group Director for the United States, joins Catalysts to analyze the debate's aftermath. Allen acknowledges Biden's struggle during the debate, noting that expectations were higher for the incumbent. While Trump had his own missteps, Allen suggests these are less significant to the overall narrative. The key takeaway, according to Allen, is that "Biden looks old, and he looks weaker than he did going in." Addressing speculation about Biden being replaced as the Democratic candidate, Allen says: "The democratic establishment is the wrong place to look. It's the Biden family cellphone plan. Somebody on that cellphone plan is the only individual capable of convincing President Biden to step aside. If anyone else could've done it, they probably would've already tried." For more expert insight and the latest market action, click here to watch this full episode of Catalysts. This post was written by Angel Smith

  • UnitedHealth's OptumRx set to pay $20M in opioid settlement

    Shares of UnitedHealth Group (UNH) are moving after the company's subsidiary, OptumRx Inc., a prescription drug benefit provider, agreed to a $20 million settlement after the US government claimed the provider improperly filled certain opioid prescriptions. Yahoo Finance Anchors Madison Mills and Seana Smith break down the headwinds for UnitedHealth Group. For more expert insight and the latest market action, click here to watch this full episode of Catalysts. This post was written by Nicholas Jacobino

  • Alphabet stock hit with Rosenblatt downgrade

    Rosenblatt Securities has downgraded Alphabet's (GOOG, GOOGL) stock to Neutral from Buy and trimmed its price target. The firm cites transitional risks and increasing competition as key factors in its decision. Catalysts hosts Seana Smith and Madison Mills break down the details. For more expert insight and the latest market action, click here to watch this full episode of Catalysts. This post was written by Angel Smith

  • What a rate cut could do for the market's record highs

    The core Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) index rose 0.1% in May from April, which was in line with expectations and slower than April's 0.3% increase. The index is often referred to as the Federal Reserve's preferred measure of inflation. With numbers pointing toward cooler inflation, the possibility of a rate cut before the year's end may be back on the table. State Street managing director Marvin Loh joins Morning Brief to give insight into the latest inflation data and its implications for Federal Reserve policy moving forward. When asked if rate cuts could still support all-time highs in the stock market, Loh says, "I think it is supportive. I think keeping the Fed in the story from a rate-cutting perspective is powerful. You know, we're coming into earnings season. Those numbers look pretty solid, and really looking at growth expectations around earnings for 2024 as a full year and 2025. It still shows that there's strength within the corporate earnings space." For more expert insight and the latest market action, click here to watch this full episode of Morning Brief. This post was written by Nicholas Jacobino

  • How elections spur market volatility

    As the US is in an election year, financial markets are bracing for potential volatility. The recent presidential debate between Biden and Trump has heightened the focus on the political landscape and its impact on economic conditions. Yahoo Finance's Josh Schafer offers insights into historical market trends during election years. For more expert insight and the latest market action, click here to watch this full episode of Morning Brief. This post was written by Angel Smith

  • Apple iPhone shipments jump 40% in China: Rpt

    Apple's (AAPL) iPhone shipments in China are growing, with a 40% year-over-year increase recorded in May, according to reports. This growth comes as the tech giant intensifies its discounting efforts to capture a larger Chinese market share. Yahoo Finance's Seana Smith and Brad Smith break down the details, providing insights into other international markets where Apple is looking to grow. For more expert insight and the latest market action, click here to watch this full episode of Morning Brief. This post was written by Angel Smith

  • Consumer sentiment dips in June

    The June University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index reading was 68.2. It's down from the May reading of 69.1, but better than the 66 economists surveyed by Bloomberg were expecting. However, the Current Economic Conditions index fell to 65.9, down from 69.6 in the prior month. Catalysts anchors Seana Smith and Madison Mills report the breaking details. For more expert insight and the latest market action, click here to watch this full episode of Catalysts. This post was written by Stephanie Mikulich.

  • Moving Biden out of the race would be a 'contentious' process

    President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump participated in the first presidential debate on Thursday night. The two candidates took aim at each other for current economic conditions and immigration challenges. 22V Research senior managing director Kim Wallace and AGF Investments chief US policy strategist Greg Valliere join Morning Brief to give insight into the takeaways from the first presidential debate. "Well, it was a disaster. It was a debacle ... They did not accomplish what they were hoping to do with their bases or with crucial support. In terms of someone new coming in at this late point, it's a process. I don't think it'll be resolved in a day or 2 or 3. I think we've got to see how polls look. We've got to see how the party is. But I can tell you, and I'm sure Kim would agree, that during the night, there were an awful lot of emails and texts from Democrats who are now really worried about losing the House, the Senate, and the White House," Valliere told Yahoo Finance. For more expert insight and the latest market action, click here to watch this full episode of Morning Brief. This post was written by Nicholas Jacobino

  • Nike needs to focus on innovation to mount turnaround: Analyst

    Shares of Nike (NKE) are slipping after the company reported earnings following yesterday's market close. The footwear and apparel company slashed its full-year guidance, expecting sales to drop 10% during its current quarter and warning of soft sales in China. S&P Global Ratings consumer products director Amanda O’Neill discusses the results in more detail. O’Neill notes that Nike's revenue declines are surprising. She adds that the company encountered "many challenges," from a weaker macro picture to lost traction in digital strategy, forcing them "to shift and move more into the wholesale channel." From a credit perspective, the trend is concerning if it continues into 2026, O'Neill says. To mount a turnaround, O'Neill believes Nike will need to focus on innovation and hone in on key consumer trends, such as athleisure and sport.  For more expert insight and the latest market action, click here to watch this full episode of Morning Brief. This article was written by Gabriel Roy

  • PCE data was 'the best one can expect': Economist

    The latest Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) data for May came in line with analyst expectations, with a reading of 2.6%. To understand the implications for future Federal Reserve rate cuts, BMO senior economist and managing director Jennifer Lee joins Morning Brief to offer her insights. Lee describes the PCE data as "the best one can expect," suggesting it should bolster the Fed's confidence in easing monetary policy. She notes a "softness" in services spending, which she views positively as it may help cool the previously sticky services inflation. Despite this, Lee observes that consumers continue to spend on discretionary items. Based on this report, Lee anticipates a potential Fed rate cut in September. She explains, "Over the next couple of months, we'll accumulate more inflationary data. This PCE report is one of the more significant pieces we've seen since the May CPI. We need to see all inflation indicators aligning, which will give the Fed the comfort and confidence to start cutting rates in September." For more expert insight and the latest market action, click here to watch this full episode of Morning Brief. This post was written by Angel Smith

  • Trump Media stock jumps after presidential debate

    Shares of Trump Media & Technology Group (DJT) are jumping on Friday morning after the first presidential debate between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump. Biden showed signs of struggle in his performance, starkly contrasting Trump's energy. Yahoo Finance Anchors Brad Smith and Seana Smith break down the latest developments for Trump Media and what they could mean for the company moving forward. For more expert insight and the latest market action, click here to watch this full episode of Morning Brief. This post was written by Nicholas Jacobino

  • Stocks rise after cool inflation data feeds into rate cut hopes

    The three major indexes (^DJI,^GSPC, ^IXIC) rose slightly after Friday's market open. The core Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) index, the Federal Reserve's preferred inflation gauge, rose 0.1% in May from April, which was in line with expectations and slower than April's 0.3% increase. The cooler read is bolstering traders' hopes that the Fed will cut rates sooner rather than later. Brad Smith, Seana Smith, and Jared Blikre recap the market action at the open.  For more expert insight and the latest market action, click here to watch this full episode of Morning Brief. This post was written by Stephanie Mikulich.

  • Biden's candidacy in question after debate performance

    US President Joe Biden and Former President Donald Trump faced off at the first presidential debate on Thursday night, with Biden stumbling through much of his speech and Trump rattling off several inaccurate and/or false statements. Will this debate sway voters or was this expected by most? Yahoo Finance Senior Columnist Rick Newman joins Morning Brief to break down the aftermath of the first presidential debate, what it means for both candidates, and what it means for the country moving forward. For more expert insight and the latest market action, click here to watch this full episode of Morning Brief. This post was written by Nicholas Jacobino

  • Presidential debate, Levi Strauss CFO: Catalysts

    What's moving markets (^DJI, ^IXIC, ^GSPC) this morning? Are any companies making a splash today? In this episode of Catalysts, Seana Smith and Madison Mills guide investors through some the morning's prominent market trends, from May's pending home sales data to the hype around tonight's presidential debate. Levi Strauss & Co. (LEVI) CFO Harmit Singh joins the show to discuss what the denim apparel brand has planned to jumpstart its direct-to-consumer segments. Crossmark Global Investments Chief Market Strategist Victoria Fernandez weighs in on the latest jobless claims print and how the Federal Reserve should be approaching labor market data. Top trending stocks on the Yahoo Finance platform include Boeing (BA), Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA), and Goldman Sachs (GS). This post was written by Luke Carberry Mogan.

  • GDP data, Amazon hits $2T, retail earnings: Morning Brief

    Today's episode of the Morning Brief, co-hosted by Seana Smith and Brad Smith, offers a deep dive into key economic data, trending stocks, and retail earnings reports. The show opens with a focus on markets as investors react to the latest initial jobless claims data alongside GDP figures. This economic backdrop is further complicated by Micron Technology's (MU) softer-than-expected guidance, which triggered a sell-off in the semiconductor sector. The show then shifts to trending tickers, analyzing stock reactions for Walgreens (WBA) and GSK (GSK). Amazon (AMZN) is also highlighted for its milestone achievement as the fifth US company to surpass a $2 trillion market capitalization. The show concludes with a preview of Nike's (NKE) upcoming earnings report, set for release after the closing bell on Thursday. As a retail giant, Nike's performance could offer insights into consumer spending trends and the overall health of the retail sector. This post was written by Angel Smith