Restaurants benefit from improving economy
By Siyuan Du Restaurant sales are projected to rise nearly 4 percent to a record high in 2015, but gains continue to be subdued in the post-recession period. The National Restaurant Association projects 2015 restaurant industry sales will hit a record $709.2 billion, up from $683.1 billion in 2014. Adjusted for inflation, sales are projected […]
Ulta shares drop despite earnings surge and upbeat outlook
By Siyuan Du Ulta Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrance Inc. reported a 34 percent increase in quarterly net income, driven by strong growth in both retail and online traffic and sales.
Analysts see opportunity in Macy’s shares
By Siyuan Du Macy’s Inc. struggled with falling sales and slim profits in the first quarter, but analysts see opportunity in the shares. Since reporting quarterly earnings that fell short of Wall Street estimates and an unexpected 0.7 percent drop in sales last week, shares of the department store retailer have climbed 7 percent to […]
Farm slump hits profit at Deere & Co.
By Siyuan Du Deere & Company reported a 30 percent decrease in second-quarter net income because of a slowdown in the global farm economy, but its stock rose more than 4 percent as the company raised its profit forecast for the full year. The Moline, Illinois-based agricultural manufacturer earned $690.5 million, or $2.03 per diluted […]
Macy’s posts weak quarterly earnings
By Siyuan Du Macy’s Inc. reported quarterly earnings and revenue that were below Wall Street expectations as the retailer coped with bad winter weather, the West Coast port slowdown and weak tourist spending.
March rebound in retail sales driven by autos
By Siyuan Du Retail sales for March increased for the first time since November, driven by strong auto sales, but the results fell short of expectations.
Young musicians compose their dreams amid changing classical music scene
By Siyuan Du After practicing with his cello for almost six hours alone in the small rehearsal room, Michael van der Sloot picked up the bow to play music he composed himself. No matter what happens, he disciplines himself to spend at least four hours every day with his cello. “I mean it really is […]
Consumer spending likely picked up in March
By Siyuan Du Less money spent at the gas pump and bad weather depressed consumer spending at the beginning of the year, but economists say conditions have improved. Retail sales are expected to increase 1 percent in March, according to Economists surveyed by Bloomberg. If so that would be the first monthly increase since November.
VIDEO: Students with a music major facing challenges
By Siyuan Du The classical music industry is facing finance and marketing challenges. Chicago Symphony Orchestra, one of the top orchestras in the world, ran a small deficit in fiscal year 2014. The situation makes it more difficult for students who graduate with a music major to find a job.
CBOE announces fourth quarter earnings
By Bonnie Du CBOE Holdings Inc., the holding company for Chicago Board Options Exchange, the CBOE Futures Exchange and other subsidiaries, today reported an 8 percent increase in net income in the fourth quarter 2014, driven by an increase of transaction fees and regulatory fees. However, the stock closed at $62.46, down 4.12 percent with […]
