S&P Global Stock Price, News & Analysis

S&P Global Mobility reports that March 2023 US auto sales are projected to reach 1.27 million units, marking an increase of over 11% from the previous month. However, the annualized sales pace is estimated at 13.8 million units, down from 15.9 million units in January. The first quarter average sales rate is 14.9 million units, the strongest since Q2 2021 but still below pre-pandemic levels. Analysts highlight rising vehicle prices and sustained demand despite economic uncertainties. S&P Global Mobility anticipates total 2023 vehicle sales of 14.9 million units, an 8% increase from 2022, aided by improved production and fleet demand.

S&P Dow Jones Indices reported Q4 2022 stock buybacks at $211.2 billion, a slight increase from $210.8 billion in Q3 2022 but down 21.8% from Q4 2021's $270.1 billion. Overall, 2022 set an annual record at $922.7 billion, up from $881.7 billion in 2021. Dividends also grew by 4.1% in Q4 2022 to a record $146.1 billion, contributing to a total shareholder return of $357.3 billion for the quarter. However, a 1% excise tax on buybacks starting in 2023 may impact future earnings, potentially reducing Q4 2022 operating earnings by 0.46%.

On March 15, 2023, CARFAX unveiled its fourth annual list of the nation's top-rated auto service centers, derived from verified customer reviews via CARFAX Car Care. The honored centers attained an impressive average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars. Over 30 million drivers utilize CARFAX Car Care for vehicle maintenance reminders and recall alerts. Award-winning centers will receive digital assets to promote their ratings online and custom materials for in-store display. CARFAX, a part of S&P Global Mobility, is recognized for its extensive vehicle history services and maintains the largest vehicle history database in the world.

Recent CARFAX data reveals that catalytic converter thefts in the U.S. far exceed previous estimates, with approximately 153,000 thefts reported in 2022. This figure was derived from an analysis of millions of service records. Thieves are increasingly targeting vehicles opportunistically, often in well-lit areas, including parking lots and dealerships. The stolen converters contain valuable metals like platinum, palladium, and rhodium, leading to costly replacements for car owners. CARFAX provided a list of the top targeted vehicles, including Ford F-Series and Toyota Prius, and offered prevention tips for consumers.

Bunge Limited (NYSE: BG) is set to replace Signature Bank (NASDAQ: SBNY) in the S&P 500 index before market open on March 15, 2023. This change comes after the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) placed Signature Bank into receivership, rendering it ineligible for the index. The addition of Bunge, a major player in the consumer staples sector, highlights a significant shift in the index's composition. This move may affect investor sentiment towards both companies, particularly in light of Signature Bank's recent challenges.

The GEP Global Supply Chain Volatility Index, released on March 13, 2023, indicates a continued recovery in global supply chains, with a February score of 0.48, a significant drop from 0.97 in January, the lowest since August 2020. Demand for raw materials remains weak but has improved in North America and Asia, where purchasing activity has risen for the first time since July 2022. Additionally, companies are reducing safety stock levels due to longer lead times and improved materials supply. Labor shortages are minimal in affecting supplier capacities, and transportation costs have stabilized. The latest trends suggest ongoing challenges, particularly in the U.K.