Overnight Key Developments on March 25

On October 9, shares of clothing retailer VF Corp (VFC.N) rose about 3% to $14.90 after JPMorgan upgraded its rating from "Underweight" to "Neutral" while maintaining a price target of $18. The brokerage stated that VF's sales and profit in fiscal 2027 are likely to meet or exceed market consensus, with growth expected to be mainly driven by outdoor brands—The North Face, Timberland, and Altra. JPMorgan also noted that the decline in the Vans brand has been brought under control and that wholesale orders for spring 2027 offer "high visibility" for improved performance in the second half of the year. The company is still expected to achieve an operating profit margin of about 10% in fiscal 2029, driven by more full-price sales, better inventory planning, and a shift towards high-margin brands and premium products. Out of 25 brokerages, 8 have a "buy" or more bullish rating, 15 rate it as "hold," and 2 as "sell;" the median price target is $16, according to data compiled by LSEG. As of the previous trading day's close, the stock had fallen about 20% year to date.

The University of Michigan’s Consumer Sentiment Index for October dropped to 46.3, below the market expectation of 47.6. The component reflecting current economic conditions decreased to 44.7, setting a new historical low, while the expectations component edged up to 47.3, marking its first rebound since July. Consumers’ one-year inflation expectations rose to 4.7%, and five-to-ten-year inflation expectations increased to 3.5%. According to the survey director, consumers from different political parties agree that the economic outlook has weakened compared to the beginning of the year.