Morning Briefing: Fintech lender Affirm leans on investors to fund rapid growth

Market Snapshot
Stock futures were little changed in early morning trading on Friday after two straight days of gains pushed major averages into positive territory for the week.

Futures on the $Dow Jones Industrial Average(.DJI.US)$ were down 72 points. $S&P 500 Index(.SPX.US)$ futures and $NASDAQ 100 Index(.NDX.US)$ futures both traded in mildly negative territory.

Top News
Dow up more than 500 points as stock markets turn positive for the week
U.S. share benchmarks rose sharply as investors are digesting the Federal Reserve's decision to tee up a reversal of its stimulus measures.

Nike's revenue pinched by supply-chain disruptions
$Nike(NKE.US)$ reported a 16% rise in quarterly revenue but said production problems in Asia and trans-Pacific shipping delays are constraining sales.

Democratic leaders scramble to find areas of agreement on $3.5 trillion spending bill
Disagreements between the party's centrist and liberal factions on healthcare and climate-change bill could delay a separate $1 trillion infrastructure package.

Costco sales rose 17% in latest quarter
$Costco(COST.US)$'s profit totaled $1.67 billion as consumer spending increased in the U.S.

Merger mania is only part of the solution for asset managers
Getting bigger is a way for managers to cope with fee pressure, but mergers can be tough and product also matters a lot.

Fintech lender Affirm leans on investors to fund rapid growth
Fintech lender $Affirm Holdings(AFRM.US)$ is relying more on financing from investors instead of lenders to fund its growth as its "buy now, pay later" installment plans are becoming more popular.

America's cash might stay on the sidelines
Households are sitting on a lot of savings, and it isn't clear when they will feel comfortable spending it.

Disney isn't investigating handling of misconduct claims, after ABC News boss urged inquiry
ABC News President Kim Godwin had called for an external probe of the matter last month, but a top staffer said $Disney(DIS.US)$ executive Peter Rice won't pursue one.

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