Invesco is an independent investment management firm dedicated to delivering an investment experience that helps people get more out of life.Be the first to know! Sign up for Invesco US Blog and get expert investment views as they post.Disclosure for all Invesco US articles: Before investing, carefully read the prospectus and/or summary prospectus and carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses. The information provided is for educational purposes only and does not constitute a recommendation of the suitability of any investment strategy for a particular investor. Invesco does not provide tax advice. The tax information contained herein is general and is not exhaustive by nature. Federal and state tax laws are complex and constantly changing. Investors should always consult their own legal or tax professional for information concerning their individual situation. The opinions expressed are those of the authors, are based on current market conditions and are subject to change without notice. These opinions may differ from those of other Invesco investment professionals. NOT FDIC INSURED MAY LOSE VALUE NO BANK GUARANTEE All data provided by Invesco unless otherwise noted. Invesco Distributors, Inc. is the US distributor for Invesco Ltd.’s retail products and collective trust funds. Invesco Advisers, Inc. and other affiliated investment advisers mentioned provide investment advisory services and do not sell securities. Invesco Unit Investment Trusts are distributed by the sponsor, Invesco Capital Markets, Inc., and broker-dealers including Invesco Distributors, Inc. PowerShares® is a registered trademark of Invesco PowerShares Capital Management LLC (Invesco PowerShares). Each entity is an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Invesco Ltd. ©2015 Invesco Ltd. All rights reserved.

Invesco is an independent investment management firm dedicated to delivering an investment experience that helps people get more out of life.Be the first to know! Sign up for Invesco US Blog and get expert investment views as they post.Disclosure for all Invesco US articles: Before investing, carefully read the prospectus and/or summary prospectus and carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses. The information provided is for educational purposes only and does not constitute a recommendation of the suitability of any investment strategy for a particular investor. Invesco does not provide tax advice. The tax information contained herein is general and is not exhaustive by nature. Federal and state tax laws are complex and constantly changing. Investors should always consult their own legal or tax professional for information concerning their individual situation. The opinions expressed are those of the authors, are based on current market conditions and are subject to change without notice. These opinions may differ from those of other Invesco investment professionals. NOT FDIC INSURED MAY LOSE VALUE NO BANK GUARANTEE All data provided by Invesco unless otherwise noted. Invesco Distributors, Inc. is the US distributor for Invesco Ltd.’s retail products and collective trust funds. Invesco Advisers, Inc. and other affiliated investment advisers mentioned provide investment advisory services and do not sell securities. Invesco Unit Investment Trusts are distributed by the sponsor, Invesco Capital Markets, Inc., and broker-dealers including Invesco Distributors, Inc. PowerShares® is a registered trademark of Invesco PowerShares Capital Management LLC (Invesco PowerShares). Each entity is an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Invesco Ltd. ©2015 Invesco Ltd. All rights reserved.

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Five of the Magnificent 7 report in a packed week. (0:17) Powell probe dropped, Warsh now faces vote. (2:00) Berkshire meets without Buffett after steep underperformance. (3:26)

The earnings floodgate opens this week with 180 S&P 500 companies reporting, including 11 Dow components and — most importantly — five of the Magnificent 7.

Apple (AAPL) reports Thursday, with investors focused on what a leadership transition means for its AI strategy.

Microsoft (MSFT), Meta (META), Amazon (AMZN) and Alphabet (GOOG) (GOOGL) all report Wednesday. Here’s how the debate is shaping up:

Apple:

Bulls say the company may trail in AI today, but its hardware ecosystem and on-device processing could position it as the long-term edge-computing winner.

Bears argue Apple is already priced like an AI leader, and with execution lagging and a CEO transition underway, the stock risks multiple compression.

Microsoft:

The question is AI payback. Bulls see signs that AI investment is translating into revenue, with cost discipline protecting margins. Skeptics counter that spending still runs ahead of returns and that Azure growth and Copilot adoption must justify the capex.

Meta:

Bulls say Meta shows the clearest AI monetization so far, with strong ad-driven margin expansion. The risk is macro — higher-for-longer rates could pressure both ad budgets and valuation multiples.

Amazon:

It’s a timing debate. Bulls point to AWS and custom silicon as long-term AI winners. Bears warn heavy capex and slower revenue conversion could weigh on near-term free cash flow.

Alphabet:

The upside lies in its fully integrated AI stack across search and cloud. The risk is that AI disrupts the core search business before new revenue streams scale.

Also on the calendar:

• Verizon (VZ) reports Monday.
• Visa (V), Coca-Cola (KO) and Starbucks (SBUX) report Tuesday.
• AbbVie (ABBV), Qualcomm (QCOM) and Ford (F) are up Wednesday.
• Eli Lilly (LLY), Merck (MRK) and Mastercard (MA) report Thursday.
• And Exxon Mobil (XOM) and Chevron (CVX) close out the week Friday.

The only thing that could rival such an earnings deluge would be a big Fed week. And while this week’s decision is widely expected to result in no rate move, it’s still a consequential one.

Wednesday’s FOMC decision will be the last with Jerome Powell as chairman.

On Friday, the DOJ said it had closed its criminal investigation into Powell and handed oversight of the probe into the Fed building renovation to the Inspector General. That clears the path for Kevin Warsh, whose nomination had been held up during the investigation. A Senate Banking Committee vote is expected Wednesday and Chairman Thom Tillis posted Sunday he would vote to confirm Warsh.

Economist Joseph Brusuelas said Powell “stood tall. He stared down the president. The DOJ blinked.”

Markets now face a scenario in which the new chairman could be a dissenting vote, Brusuelas added, as Warsh may push for a rate cut in June but lack majority support.

At Wednesday’s press conference, investors will also be watching for any signal on whether Powell intends to remain on the Board of Governors. He had previously indicated he would stay at the Fed until the DOJ probe was completed.

Prediction market Kalshi currently shows an 84% chance Powell exits as a Fed governor before 2027, with 65% odds of departure before August and 55% before June — down from peaks seen immediately after Friday’s DOJ announcement.

Economist Claudia Sahm said both the Fed and Warsh could benefit from Powell remaining temporarily as a governor.

“That’s only true because of the White House’s pressure campaign on the Fed,” she said. “In normal times, it would be time to go. It is not normal now.”

Also this week, Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A) (BRK.B) will hold its first annual meeting Saturday without Warren Buffett at the helm.

Barron’s said the stock may offer an attractive entry point following one of its worst stretches of underperformance relative to the S&P 500 since Buffett took control in 1965.

In news this weekend, President Trump is safe after a gunman attempted to breach security at the Washington Hilton during Saturday night’s White House Correspondents’ Dinner.

The president was on the main dais when shots were fired on another floor of the hotel. Trump, the First Lady, Vice President JD Vance and Cabinet members were evacuated.

The New York Times reported that while some attendees sought shelter under tables, former Goldman Sachs chief Lloyd Blankfein, seated near the front of the ballroom, turned to a colleague and asked, “Are you going to finish that salad?”

In geopolitics, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner did not travel to Pakistan for previously planned talks aimed at ending the Iran war.

Trump said Iran “can call us anytime they want.”

Odds of a peace deal between the U.S. and Iran by the end of May slipped to around 30% on Polymarket.

And for income investors, Cal-Maine (CALM) goes ex-dividend on Wednesday, with a May 14 payout date.

Morgan Stanley (MS) goes ex-dividend Thursday, paying out May 15.

Costco (COST) goes ex-dividend Friday, also paying May 15.

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Seeking Alpha’s Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.

Have you ever had a brilliant idea for a phone application, only to stop because you do not know how to code? You are definitely not alone. Many great ideas never see the light of day because traditional development takes a lot of time, money, and highly specialized knowledge. But the rules have officially changed. Using an AI app builder, you can now turn your best ideas into fully functioning software.

You get to skip the frustrating learning curve and jump straight into creating something amazing. Artificial intelligence translates your plain English instructions into working features. This puts the power of software creation directly into the hands of entrepreneurs, creators, and small business owners everywhere.

This guide will walk you through exactly how artificial intelligence helps you build, launch, and grow your own application. You will learn how to design beautiful interfaces, connect with your audience, and manage your new project with total confidence.

TL;DR Summary:

• Artificial intelligence translates your everyday words into working software features.
• Smart platforms save you thousands of dollars in expensive development costs.
• Custom apps give you a direct line of communication with your audience via push notifications.
• You can build your project visually, tweaking designs with simple text prompts.
• Launching your own application opens up massive new opportunities for your brand.

From ideas to reality with an AI App Builder

Building software used to mean staring at confusing screens for hours. Now, an AI app builder does the heavy lifting for you. You simply describe what you want your application to do, and the system generates the structure. It is like having a professional developer sitting right next to you, ready to take your instructions and turn them into reality.

You can build features like user profiles, shopping carts, and booking systems just by typing a prompt. If you need a reliable place to start, Base44 is a fantastic option. It gives you intuitive tools to build custom applications without writing a single line of code. You get to focus entirely on how your software solves problems for your users.

This fast process encourages you to experiment. You can test out different features to see what works best. If you want to add a loyalty program for your top customers, you just ask the builder to include one. The system sets up the database, the point tracking, and the reward screens automatically.

You also save an incredible amount of money. Hiring a firm to build custom software can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Smart builders let you launch your project for a tiny fraction of that price. You can take those savings and invest them directly back into growing your brand.

Image source: Base44 – AI app builder

Getting your brand noticed everywhere

An application does much more than just sell products or book appointments. It provides massive business visibility because your logo sits directly on your customer’s phone screen. Every time they unlock their device to check a text message or read the news, they see your brand. This repeated exposure builds strong familiarity and deep trust over time.

You also get to send push notifications directly to their pockets. When you have a big sale or an exciting update, you bypass crowded email inboxes entirely. This direct communication line keeps your audience engaged and excited about what you offer. It turns casual shoppers into fiercely loyal fans who interact with your business daily.

Having your own application also proves you take your business seriously. It shows your customers that you invest in providing them with the absolute best experience possible. People naturally gravitate toward brands that make interacting easy and enjoyable.

Gathering valuable audience insights

When people use your application, you learn exactly what they want. You can see which products they view the most, what time of day they log in, and which features they ignore. This data helps you make much smarter business decisions.

If you notice that a specific video tutorial gets thousands of views, you know your audience wants more of that content. You can confidently adjust your business strategy to give them exactly what they crave.

Designing a great user experience

People expect applications to look beautiful and work flawlessly. If a screen takes too long to load or a button is hard to tap, they will simply delete it and move on. Artificial intelligence helps you design intuitive layouts that guide users naturally from one screen to the next.

The system analyzes thousands of successful designs to suggest the best placement for your buttons, images, and menus. You can easily customize the colors and fonts to match your existing branding perfectly. If a layout feels clunky, you can ask the artificial intelligence to rearrange the elements for better visual flow.

You want to keep your navigation as simple as possible. Make sure your users can find exactly what they need in three taps or less. When you remove friction from the user experience, people stay on your software much longer.

Making accessibility a priority

Great design means ensuring everyone can use your tools comfortably. You want high contrast between your text and background colors so words are easy to read. Make your buttons large enough for thumbs to tap easily on smaller phone screens.

Smart builders often include built-in checks to ensure your layout is legible and accessible. Following these simple design principles shows your audience that you care deeply about their comfort.

Launching and getting downloads

Building your software is only the first part of your journey. Once you finish testing your features, you need people to actually download it. The art of mobile app promotion involves sharing your story across the right channels to build genuine excitement.

Start by telling your existing email subscribers and social media followers about your upcoming launch. Offer them a special discount or exclusive early access if they download the software on the very first day. Giving your biggest fans a VIP experience encourages them to leave glowing reviews.

Artificial intelligence can even help you write catchy social media captions and email newsletters to spread the word faster. You can generate a week’s worth of promotional posts in just a few minutes, keeping your audience excited leading up to launch day.

Optimizing for the app stores

When you submit your project to the major app stores, you want people to find it easily when they search. Write a clear, descriptive title that tells people exactly what your software does. Include relevant terms in your description that your ideal customers might search for.

Include bright, clear screenshots showing off your best features. A short preview video works wonders, too. When people can see exactly how the software works before they download it, they feel much more confident clicking that install button.

Growing and maintaining your project

The best applications evolve based on real user feedback. When people start using your creation, pay close attention to what they love and what frustrates them. You can use your intelligent builder to add new features or fix bugs in just a few minutes.

You never have to wait weeks for an external team to make a simple update. You control the dashboard, so you control the timeline. Keeping your software fresh and updated tells your users that you are actively listening to their needs.

Encourage your users to submit ideas for new features right inside the application. When you launch a feature that a customer specifically requested, they feel incredibly valued. This builds a vibrant, active community around your brand.

Staying consistent with updates

Try to release updates regularly to keep your software running smoothly. You do not need to invent massive new features every week. Sometimes an update just makes the screens load faster or changes a button color for better visibility.

Consistent maintenance shows the app stores that your project is alive and well. This can actually help your software rank higher in search results, bringing you even more downloads over time.

Expanding your toolkit for the future

Once you see how easy it is to create your own software, you will naturally look for more ways to grow your brand. You might start wondering, what is an AI website builder and how can it complement my new application? These smart tools work together to create a cohesive, beautiful experience for your customers across all their devices.

You can build a stunning landing page that directs people straight to your app store links. You can write blog posts that explain how to get the most out of your new features. When your tools talk to each other, managing your business becomes incredibly simple.

You have everything you need to build something incredible. You no longer have to let technical barriers hold your best ideas back. Grab your notebook, write down your goals, and start exploring an intelligent builder today. You are completely ready to turn your vision into a reality that people absolutely love to use.

LONDON — Kenyan Sabastian Sawe etched his name into marathon history Sunday, becoming the first runner to break the two-hour barrier in an official race with a stunning 1:59:30 victory at the 2026 TCS London Marathon.

The 46th edition of the world’s most iconic mass-participation marathon delivered drama from the gun on a picture-perfect spring day in the British capital. More than 59,000 runners took to the streets, transforming London into a sea of color, cheers and determination as elites chased records and everyday heroes chased personal bests and charity fundraising goals.

Sawe, the defending champion, seized control in the final miles on a fast, flat course that starts in Greenwich and Blackheath before winding past Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf and the capital’s landmarks, finishing on The Mall in front of Buckingham Palace. His time shattered the previous world record of 2:00:35 set by the late Kelvin Kiptum in Chicago in 2023 and bettered the London course record he helped establish.

“This is unbelievable. I came here to win and to make history,” Sawe said moments after crossing the line, his face a mix of exhaustion and elation. “The pacemakers did a perfect job, and the crowd carried me through those tough last kilometers. Running under two hours in a real race — it’s something I dreamed about.”

Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha, making his marathon debut, pushed Sawe hard throughout, finishing second in 1:59:41 — just 11 seconds behind. Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo took third in 2:00:28, the third man under 2:01 on the day in one of the deepest fields in marathon history.

In the women’s race, Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa defended her title in commanding fashion, clocking 2:15:41 to break her own women-only world record set in London the previous year. The performance shaved seconds off that mark despite cooler conditions that favored fast times but tested athletes’ pacing strategies.

Kenya’s Hellen Obiri claimed silver in 2:15:53, with compatriot Joyciline Jepkosgei earning bronze in 2:15:55. The top three women all dipped under 2:16, highlighting the extraordinary depth in the elite women’s field that included Olympic and world champions.

Assefa, who has emerged as one of the sport’s most dominant distance runners, credited her training block and mental preparation. “London is special to me. The energy here is unmatched,” she said. “To win again and improve the record feels like a gift.”

The race unfolded under ideal conditions with temperatures in the low 50s Fahrenheit and light winds — prime for record attempts. Elite men started at 9:35 a.m. BST after the wheelchair races and elite women. Wheelchair winners included Switzerland’s Catherine Debrunner in the women’s division for her fourth London title in five years.

British interest centered on strong showings from home athletes. Mahamed Mahamed led the British men in 10th overall with 2:06:14, while Eilish McColgan was the top British woman in seventh at 2:24:51. The performances underscored growing depth in U.K. distance running.

Organizers reported record ballot entries exceeding 1.1 million for the 2026 race, reflecting its enduring appeal as both a competitive spectacle and a massive charity fundraiser. Past editions have raised tens of millions for good causes, with 2025’s haul topping £87 million.

The course, largely unchanged since 1981, offers a spectator-friendly layout with massive crowds lining the route. Celebrities and everyday runners in fancy dress mixed with elites, creating the carnival atmosphere London Marathon is famous for. Actors, musicians and athletes like Sir Mo Farah helped start the waves.

Sawe’s victory caps a remarkable rise. The 30-year-old Kenyan has rapidly climbed the marathon ranks, using his track speed — he was a standout 10,000-meter runner — to devastating effect over the longer distance. His sub-2 performance validates the progress in marathon training, nutrition and shoe technology while adhering to World Athletics rules for official records.

Kejelcha’s runner-up effort in his debut marathon signals another Ethiopian talent ready to dominate. The former world indoor mile record holder transitioned seamlessly, proving his pedigree translates to the roads.

For Assefa, the repeat win solidifies her status. After a breakthrough in Berlin and Olympic success, she has now conquered London twice with record runs. Her rivalry with Kenyan stars like Obiri and Jepkosgei promises thrilling battles ahead in the Abbott World Marathon Majors series.

Beyond the elites, the stories of perseverance defined the day. Runners with disabilities, charity teams and first-timers crossed the finish line well into the evening. The event’s inclusivity shone through, with staggered starts managing the massive field safely.

Weather played a supporting role. Clear skies and mild temperatures helped thousands achieve personal bests. Organizers praised the crowd support, which has become legendary for pushing athletes through “the wall” around miles 18-20 in Canary Wharf and beyond.

Post-race analysis highlighted pacing strategies. In the men’s race, a large pack stayed together through halfway in just over 59 minutes before accelerations whittled it down. Sawe’s surge after 35K proved decisive.

In the women’s contest, Assefa and her rivals pushed hard from the start, producing one of the fastest fields ever assembled.

The London Marathon continues to evolve while honoring its roots. As part of the World Marathon Majors, it attracts global talent and casual runners alike. Its flat, fast profile makes it a favorite for record attempts, as evidenced Sunday.

Sawe’s historic run will be debated for years: the first official sub-2:00 marathon. While exhibition events have seen faster times, this victory under competitive conditions with verified timing and doping controls cements its place in athletics lore.

Looking ahead, eyes turn to future Majors and the Olympics. Sawe, Assefa and their rivals have set a new standard. The sport’s depth suggests more barriers will fall.

For the tens of thousands who laced up Sunday, the memories will last a lifetime — the roar at Tower Bridge, the relief at the finish, the sense of community that makes the London Marathon unique.

Results reflect the day’s excellence. Men’s top 10 included multiple sub-2:06 performances. Women’s podium was separated by mere seconds, showcasing tactical racing at the highest level.

As the sun set on The Mall, finishers continued streaming in, medals around necks, faces beaming with accomplishment. The 2026 London Marathon will be remembered as the day the two-hour barrier fell in earnest and a champion defended her crown with record flair.

In a sport built on human limits, Sunday pushed those limits further. Sawe and Assefa delivered performances for the ages on one of running’s grandest stages.