On today’s episode of the Zacks Friday Finish Line podcast, Content Writer Ryan McQueeney and Editor Maddy Johnson take on this week’s biggest story: OPEC’s decision to cut oil production for the first time since 2008.
It was a very special episode for Maddy, but the hosts started things out with a bit of sad news involving McDonald’s (MCD). The inventor of the burger chain’s iconic Big Mac sandwich, Michael “Jim” Delligatti, passed away this week at the age of 98. Maddy and Ryan discussed his legacy and the impact he made on one of America’s most famous companies.
Read more here: McDonald's Big Mac Inventor Jim Delligatti Has Died at 98
Next the hosts moved to the latest news from Samsung (SSNLF). After the disastrous recall of its exploding Galaxy Note 7 phone, Samsung is under heavy pressure from activist investors, and the company announced plans this week for possible corporate restructuring.
Check out all the details here: Future Uncertain For Samsung As Company Considers Split
After this, Maddy and Ryan touched on Ulta Beauty’s (ULTA) latest earnings report. Ulta has been one of this year’s most talked-about stocks, and the company continued its impressive run with a double-beat on the back of some solid growth figures.
Go here for all the details on the report: Ulta Gains on Strong Q3 Earnings, Holiday Forecast
Finally, the hosts discussed OPEC’s decision to cut oil production by 1 million barrels a day. The cut represents the end of a “pump-at-will” policy that sent global oil prices spiraling downward. Prices are back above $50 a barrel, but as Maddy and Ryan point out, the future is still unclear.
Find out more here: OPEC Has Finally Agreed to Cut Output, Sending Oil Up 7%
As always, thanks for checking out this week’s episode of the Zacks Friday Finish Line, and make sure to check back next week for even more news from the investment and financial world!
Stocks that Aren't in the News. Yet.
You are invited to download the full, up-to-the-minute list of 220 Zacks Rank #1 "Strong Buys" free of charge. Many of these companies are almost unheard of by the general public and just starting to get noticed by Wall Street. They have been pinpointed by the Zacks system that nearly tripled the market from 1988 through 2015 with a stellar average gain of +26% per year. See these high-potential stocks free >>