NEW YORK — Visa Inc. (NYSE: V) remains one of the highest-conviction buys in the financial services sector in 2026, with Wall Street analysts issuing near-unanimous “Strong Buy” ratings as the payments giant continues to benefit from the unstoppable shift toward digital and contactless transactions worldwide. Despite elevated valuations, Visa’s durable business model, expanding network effects and consistent earnings growth make it an attractive long-term holding for both growth and income investors.

Shares have traded in the $310–$325 range in early May, reflecting solid year-to-date performance supported by steady revenue increases and share repurchases. Analysts covering the stock maintain an average 12-month price target near $355–$370, implying roughly 12–18% upside from current levels. Of more than 35 analysts, virtually all rate Visa a Buy or Strong Buy, with price targets as high as $410 from the most bullish firms.

Visa reported strong fiscal second-quarter 2026 results in April, with revenue rising 9% year-over-year to $9.1 billion and adjusted earnings per share increasing 11% to $2.71. Total processed volume grew 8%, with particularly robust growth in cross-border transactions and e-commerce. The company raised its full-year guidance, citing resilient consumer spending and accelerating adoption of Visa’s value-added services including fraud prevention, consulting and tokenization.

### Key Growth Drivers in 2026

The global shift to cashless payments continues to fuel Visa’s expansion. Digital wallet usage, contactless cards and e-commerce have reached new highs, especially in emerging markets across Asia, Latin America and Africa. Visa’s network processed more than $15 trillion in volume over the trailing 12 months, cementing its position as the dominant player in global payments infrastructure.

International markets remain a major tailwind. Visa has deepened partnerships with local banks and fintech companies in high-growth regions, while its recent acquisitions and investments in open banking and B2B payments expand its addressable market. The company’s push into stablecoins and blockchain-enabled settlement solutions positions it at the forefront of the next evolution in money movement.

Visa’s diversified revenue streams provide additional resilience. Beyond core transaction fees, the company generates high-margin income from data analytics, cybersecurity services and value-added offerings for merchants and financial institutions. These segments are growing faster than the core business and command premium pricing.

### Analyst Consensus and Valuation

Wall Street enthusiasm for Visa is broad and consistent. Recent reports from firms like JPMorgan, Goldman Sachs and Piper Sandler highlight the company’s pricing power, network moat and ability to compound earnings at mid-to-high single-digit rates for the foreseeable future. Forward price-to-earnings multiples in the mid-20s appear reasonable given Visa’s growth profile, high returns on capital and capital-light business model.

The stock offers a modest dividend yield around 0.6%, supported by aggressive share repurchases that have reduced outstanding shares by more than 20% over the past decade. This combination of growth and returning capital creates a compelling total return proposition.

### Risks and Considerations

No investment is without risks. Visa faces potential regulatory scrutiny over interchange fees in various jurisdictions, competition from emerging fintech players and the long-term possibility of disintermediation by central bank digital currencies. Geopolitical tensions or a significant global recession could temporarily slow transaction volume growth.

However, analysts generally view these risks as manageable. Visa’s indispensable network position, massive scale and history of adapting to technological changes provide a strong defensive moat. The company has successfully navigated previous disruptions, including the shift to mobile payments and the COVID-19 pandemic.

### Long-Term Outlook Remains Bright

Looking further into 2026 and beyond, Visa is well-positioned to benefit from several powerful secular trends: continued digitization of payments in developing economies, growth in cross-border commerce, and increasing demand for secure, instant settlement solutions. Management has expressed confidence in sustaining mid-single-digit volume growth with expanding operating margins.

For investors, Visa represents a high-quality compounder with global reach and durable competitive advantages. The stock suits growth-oriented portfolios seeking exposure to consumer spending and digital transformation, as well as conservative accounts looking for stability and modest dividend income.

Those already holding shares have strong reasons to maintain or add on pullbacks. New buyers may find current levels attractive given the company’s consistent execution and favorable long-term fundamentals. Diversification within financial services remains prudent, but Visa stands out for its predictable growth and capital return discipline.

As 2026 progresses, Visa’s quarterly results and updates on international expansion and new product initiatives will be closely watched. With robust consumer trends, technological leadership and analyst support, the case for buying Visa Inc stock remains highly compelling for patient, long-term investors seeking quality in an uncertain macroeconomic environment.

Visa’s transformation from a simple credit card network to a global payments and technology platform continues to reward shareholders. In a market filled with hype cycles and volatility, Visa offers something increasingly rare: reliable, high-quality growth backed by real economic activity and a nearly unassailable competitive position. For those with a multi-year horizon, the evidence strongly supports buying and holding Visa stock in 2026.

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — Cristiano Ronaldo reached a historic milestone Wednesday night, scoring his 100th goal in the Saudi Pro League as Al-Nassr defeated Al-Shabab 4-2 in a crucial match that strengthened their grip on the 2025-26 Roshn Saudi League title race. The Portuguese superstar’s clinical finish in the 75th minute not only sealed the victory but also pushed Al-Nassr five points clear at the top of the table with just a handful of matches remaining.

Ronaldo, who joined Al-Nassr in December 2022, achieved the century in just 105 league appearances — an astonishing rate of nearly one goal per game. The 41-year-old now sits on 971 official career goals, just 29 shy of the iconic 1,000-goal mark that has long been his ultimate target. His latest strike came from a low cross by Sadio Mané, which he dispatched with a trademark first-time finish past the Al-Shabab goalkeeper.

João Félix stole some of the spotlight with a hat-trick, but all eyes were on Ronaldo as he celebrated his milestone in front of the traveling Al-Nassr faithful. The win keeps Al-Nassr firmly in pole position, with rivals Al-Hilal trailing by five points after 32 matches played. A victory in the upcoming derby against Al-Hilal could virtually seal the title for Ronaldo and his teammates.

Historic Achievement in Record Time

Ronaldo’s 100 Saudi Pro League goals break down as follows: 14 in 2022-23, 35 in 2023-24, and a remarkable 51 so far in the current campaign. His overall record for Al-Nassr stands at 121 goals in 139 appearances across all competitions, making him one of the most prolific scorers in the club’s history in an incredibly short period.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has transformed Al-Nassr into genuine title contenders since his arrival. Before Ronaldo, the club had gone decades without consistent domestic dominance. His leadership, work rate and relentless goal-scoring have elevated the entire squad, with players like Mané, Félix and others thriving alongside the Portuguese icon.

Title Race Heats Up

Al-Nassr currently sits atop the Saudi Pro League with 82 points from 32 matches (27 wins, 1 draw, 4 losses). Al-Hilal remains the closest challenger with 77 points from 31 games. The upcoming derby clash between the two Riyadh giants on May 12 is expected to be a decisive moment in the season. A win for Al-Nassr would likely put the title beyond doubt.

Coach Luís Castro praised Ronaldo’s mentality after the match. “He is an example for everyone — the way he trains, the way he lives, the way he scores goals at this age. It is incredible,” Castro said. The Portuguese manager also highlighted the team’s collective performance, noting that Félix’s hat-trick showed the depth of attacking talent at the club.

Ronaldo’s Enduring Legacy

At 41, Ronaldo continues to defy expectations. His ability to maintain elite-level performance in a demanding league speaks to his legendary professionalism and physical conditioning. Reaching 100 league goals for Al-Nassr in such a short time cements his status as one of football’s greatest goalscorers, regardless of the competition level.

The milestone also brings him closer to 1,000 career goals. Ronaldo has repeatedly stated that this personal target motivates him daily. With several matches left in the season and potential appearances in cup competitions, he is well-positioned to achieve the landmark before the end of 2026.

Impact on Saudi Pro League

Ronaldo’s presence has significantly elevated the profile of the Saudi Pro League. His 100-goal milestone generates global headlines and brings increased attention to the competition. The league has attracted numerous world-class talents in recent years, partly due to Ronaldo’s pioneering move, and continues to grow in commercial and sporting stature.

Fans around the world celebrated the achievement on social media, with hashtags related to Ronaldo and Al-Nassr trending worldwide. Many hailed him as the greatest goalscorer of all time, while others marveled at his consistency at an age when most players have retired.

What Lies Ahead

Al-Nassr faces a tough remaining schedule, including the high-stakes derby against Al-Hilal. Ronaldo and his teammates will be motivated to secure the title in front of their home fans if possible. Beyond domestic success, the club also competes in Asian competitions, where Ronaldo’s experience could prove decisive.

For Ronaldo personally, the focus remains on winning silverware and reaching 1,000 career goals. His journey from Manchester United to Real Madrid, Juventus, and now Al-Nassr has been defined by relentless ambition and record-breaking performances. At a stage in his career when many expected decline, he continues to write new chapters in football history.

As the season enters its decisive phase, all eyes will be on Ronaldo and Al-Nassr. Whether they clinch the Saudi Pro League title or not, his 100-goal milestone stands as another remarkable achievement in an already legendary career. For a player who has never settled for anything less than excellence, the pursuit of more goals and more trophies continues unabated.

Speaking to the politicians and leaders who represent Greater Southern California, the state’s deep blue tint isn’t so obvious.

Behind what local leaders call a “blue curtain” of Sacramento’s making, there is a brewing rebellion among the more than 1.1 million registered Republicans — a GOP population larger than that of 40 other U.S. states — and independent voices on the front lines.

Some say they’re trapped in an “abusive relationship” with a one-party state that has traded the California Dream for radical mandates, leaving families to feel “mugged” every time they pull up to a gas pump.

“We have so much driving that we have to do, especially parents, working people, a lot of people commute because, as you can see, LA County is 4,600 square miles and the inner areas, the places with the most jobs, are the most expensive to live in,” LA GOP Chair Roxanne Hoge told Fox News Digital. Los Angeles County is actually about 4,751 square miles. “Kamala Harris, our former veep, stood in front of a gas station in North Carolina and said, ‘Can you believe this price, $3.97?’ We would love $3.97 here in LA, we’re not seeing that at all.”

‘I JUST PRAY TO GOD’: LOS ANGELES DRIVERS HIT WITH $100 FILL-UPS AS GAS NEARS $9

“This is a topic everyone is talking about because this affects not only the gas prices, but food prices and everything, the whole entire economy… I can feel it in my own pocketbook,” Los Angeles City Council member John Lee, the only elected non-Democrat in the city, said when asked what his constituents are telling him about the high costs of California. “I can see it in my family when we go to the grocery store that the prices are more expensive… Historically, California has always been either the [first]- or second-most expensive price of gas in this country, and that is because of the highest taxes and fees that we put on as a government.”

Under the leadership of Gov. Gavin Newsom, current Republican and Independent city leaders criticize the “one-size-fits-all” policies serving a gut punch to the middle class. (Getty Images)

For the average Californian, a trip to the pump isn’t just an errand, but also a financial hit critics say is driven by state legislators. California’s local and state gas taxes and environmental regulations add roughly $1.50 per gallon to the national average, and are reportedly linked directly to the state’s one-party dominance and the lack of political diversity in leadership.

“The real reason for the super high prices is really because of the taxes and the regulatory situation,” Chapman University professor of urban studies Joel Kotkin said. “We’ve done something absolutely astounding. We had a thriving oil industry in California. California was one of the big exporters of oil in the 30s and 40s. We have a lot of oil potential, but the problem is we have an administration that consistently has been trying to destroy the industry, particularly under [Gov. Gavin] Newsom.”

“I’m neither a Republican nor a Democrat – are there enough people to say, hey, this is what’s really happening? I mean, two things can be happening at the same time. You can have, on paper, a booming economy with lots of wealth being created, and you can still have the highest rate of poverty, highest rate youth unemployment, highest unemployment rate. You can have a whole cascade of terrible things going on, even though a small group of people are making money,” Kotkin continued.

The professor added that “the problem is we are a one-party state now… If you take a place like Orange County, where it’s basically 50-50, the parties have to be responsive to some extent. You can’t go crazy. You can’t be a far-left Democrat or a far-right Republican and do too well in Orange County. You have to moderate to some extent. In California, there’s no need to moderate.”

It’s the very struggle Lee and Hoge face in their positions, especially when pushing back on Newsom-backed laws like AB X2-1, which allows the California Energy Commission (CEC) to set minimum inventory levels for refiners, and SB X1-2, which implemented oversight on oil refinery profits — as well as the infamous clean electricity grid and electric vehicle mandates.

Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office declined an interview with Fox News Digital and directed questions to the CEC, which said AB X2-1 and SB X1-2 saved Californians $9.3 billion compared to 2022, and that the recent price hikes are “a direct result of global oil market disruption driven by the war in Iran and the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz.”

“They’re going to have to show me where we are saving money. I don’t care what any spreadsheet is telling them, but all you have to do is look up at the price of gas and ask any person in the city of Los Angeles, do they feel that the price is going down?” Lee, who recently filed a resolution asking state lawmakers to temporarily suspend the gas tax, said.

“People of the 12th District elected me to represent them in City Hall because I am that independent voice. I am that voice that does not have to look at any other person, other than to the people that I represent, to tell me what is best to serve them,” Lee said. “The easiest way is for Sacramento to reduce some of the fees and taxes that they put on energy costs. And if we could do that, that would provide the most immediate relief to our families, which is desperately needed by them right now.”

THE $1,600 LETTUCE: CALIFORNIA GROWERS WARN OF ‘MASTER PLAN’ STRANGLING FAMILY FARMS

Hoge agreed: “They could repeal the gas tax, just suspend it for a while. That would save us a lot of money… The sad truth is that California is sitting on unbelievable oil and gas energy reserves. And that we could pump and refine our own gas right here. We should be like Alaska, where citizens get checks because we are selling so much oil to the rest of the country and the world. And we’re not. And that lays squarely at the feet of the Democrats in Sacramento.”

“What happens in California does not stay in California. The crazy bills that are passed, whether it’s CAFE standards or nutty equity requirements for education or gas standards and electric car mandates, they’re all coming for you.”

– Roxanne Hoge

“Sacramento has a million and one ways to plug the holes that they have caused. By the way, they’re not just running behind on their budget and their revenues. They have an unfunded pension liability that is like a sword of Damocles that is well over a trillion dollars at this point. They are completely enumerate[d] and economically illiterate,” she said.

The disconnect with California’s high-profile politicians translates into other topline issues, like recovery efforts from the Palisades and Eaton fires. Douglas Elliman agent Cory Weiss helped relocate more than 30 families after losing their homes and, two weeks after the fires, saw Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass dining at the same steakhouse as him.

“I said, you know, ‘You let us down.’ I think she thought I was going to say hello and congratulate her. She didn’t know who I was. And I said, ‘Look, I just helped 30 families that have been displaced and you’re here having a steak dinner, you’ve let us down.’ And she just gave me a blank stare and… just kept shaking her head… I didn’t see any remorse,” Weiss recalled.

“I would say that I am critical of our current mayor,” Weiss said. “There’s been no accountability, no real path forward, no bringing the community together. I’m really surprised that there has not been more community events that weren’t politically driven, and, ‘we’re all in this together.’ And that is, to me, what’s really sad.”

Bass’ office did not respond to multiple requests for an interview with Fox News Digital.

“I think the demographic forces are pushing California’s basic politics towards a further left perspective,” Kotkin warned. “When you wipe out whole industries and people feel, ‘Well, building things isn’t going to get me anywhere,’ you’re going to have a politics that is more interested in giving money to the teachers union than creating blue collar jobs.”

“The Republicans have given up California. And, again, I’m not a Republican,” the professor reiterated, “but I would wish we had a two-party system, because if you have a one-party, it’s very hard to change anything, and nobody is accountable.”

“So many people around the country go, ‘Oh, California, you get what you deserve.’ No, we don’t. There are plenty of us fighting here behind the blue curtain who are doing our best and trying to vote and to speak up and to put our necks out to run for office,” Hoge said. “But more importantly, what happens in California does not stay in California. The crazy bills that are passed, whether it’s [Corporate Average Fuel Economy] standards or nutty equity requirements for education or gas standards and electric car mandates, they’re all coming for you. We’re such a big state by population that all those mandates are being taken up by producers. Whether you live in a ruby red state or not, you’re going to suffer if you don’t help us out.”

GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE

“We are the second-largest city in the greatest country in the world, and we are the big economic engine of the state of California, which is one of the largest economies in the world. You would think that Sacramento would pay attention to us a little bit more, and understand the differences between a city down here and maybe a city up there. Unfortunately, Sacramento loves to come up with these one-size-fit-all type of legislation that just don’t work,” Lee said. “And so, yes, it’s very frustrating. It’s very frustrating when they just take this approach without consulting with us, without talking to us, without getting our input. And so when we put in legislation like I did to request this [suspension], I’m hopeful that someone will take it up. At the same time, I don’t have control over that.”

“I think that we have the voice of being the city of Los Angeles, and I think these council members and our mayor and, including myself, we need to be putting more pressure,” the councilman said. “My colleagues, I know that they are feeling the same pinch, too, that they are understanding that their constituents are hurting as well. So I think that they need to express their voice, raise their voice and to make sure that they’re expressing their frustrations with what’s going on and how their constituents are feeling right now.”

“I think the American Dream is still alive, the California Dream is alive, but I think that we need to be able to be flexible and take a look at different ways… to provide these things to our city.”

This is Part 3 of Fox News Digital’s series, “Golden State strain: Inside California’s economic nightmare.” For Part 4, we travel to San Diego to speak to struggling small businesses and a multi-billion-dollar lending company to see how skyrocketing energy overhead is suffocating the local economy.

READ MORE FROM FOX BUSINESS

NEW YORK — The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 115.01 points, or 0.23%, to close at 49,711.98 on Thursday, extending its recent winning streak as robust corporate earnings and sustained enthusiasm for artificial intelligence continued to support investor sentiment on Wall Street. The blue-chip index has now advanced for four consecutive sessions, reclaiming ground lost during earlier volatility tied to geopolitical developments and interest rate uncertainty.

The modest gain pushed the Dow closer to the psychologically significant 50,000 level, a milestone it briefly flirted with earlier this month. Investors appeared encouraged by another round of mostly positive earnings reports from major companies, particularly in technology, industrials and financial services. The broader S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite also finished higher, with the tech-heavy Nasdaq leading gains on continued strength in AI-related names.

Earnings Season Delivers Positive Surprises

Several Dow components reported results that exceeded Wall Street expectations. Caterpillar, a key industrial bellwether, posted better-than-forecast earnings and raised guidance, citing resilient global infrastructure spending. Financial giants including Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan Chase also delivered solid numbers, reflecting steady loan demand and strong investment banking activity despite higher interest rates.

Technology and AI plays remained standout performers. Nvidia and other semiconductor names extended gains as demand for data center infrastructure showed no signs of slowing. Analysts noted that corporate America’s willingness to invest heavily in AI capabilities continues to underpin market optimism even as some economists warn of potential overheating risks.

Geopolitical and Economic Backdrop

Markets have benefited from signs of de-escalation in the Middle East, with oil prices stabilizing after earlier spikes. Brent crude traded near $78 per barrel, relieving inflationary concerns that had weighed on sentiment in previous weeks. The Federal Reserve’s recent signals of patience on rate cuts have also been interpreted as constructive, with investors pricing in a possible cut later this year if inflation continues moderating.

The 10-year Treasury yield held steady around 4.35%, providing a relatively benign backdrop for equities. Small-cap stocks lagged somewhat but still posted modest gains, reflecting hopes for broader economic participation beyond mega-cap technology leaders.

Sector Performance and Market Breadth

The day’s advance was relatively broad, with nine of 11 S&P 500 sectors finishing in positive territory. Industrials and financials led the Dow’s gain, while energy stocks provided modest support amid stable commodity prices. Defensive sectors such as consumer staples and utilities underperformed slightly as investors rotated toward cyclical names.

Market breadth was healthy, with advancing issues outnumbering decliners on the New York Stock Exchange by a comfortable margin. Volume was above average, suggesting genuine conviction behind the buying rather than low-volume window dressing.

Analyst and Investor Sentiment

Veteran strategists described the current environment as a “Goldilocks scenario” where economic growth remains solid enough to support corporate profits without triggering aggressive monetary tightening. “Earnings are coming through better than feared, and the AI theme still has plenty of runway,” said one chief investment strategist at a major bank. “The Dow’s push toward 50,000 feels increasingly inevitable in the coming weeks.”

Retail investors, tracked through platforms and ETF flows, have remained net buyers, drawn by the narrative of technological transformation and resilient consumer spending. Institutional money managers report continued rotation out of some mega-cap names into higher-quality cyclical and value stocks within the Dow.

Risks on the Horizon

Despite the upbeat session, not all signals are green. Some prominent investors continue to caution about elevated valuations in parts of the market and potential slowdowns in AI capital expenditure if returns disappoint. Upcoming economic data, including retail sales and inflation readings, will be closely watched for signs of softening consumer demand.

Geopolitical risks, particularly around energy supplies and trade negotiations, remain capable of introducing sudden volatility. Any renewed escalation in the Middle East could quickly reverse recent commodity price stability.

Historical Perspective

Thursday’s close marks another step in the Dow’s remarkable recovery from pandemic-era lows. The index has more than quadrupled since the 2020 crash, driven by corporate adaptability, technological innovation and accommodative policy. Reaching the 49,000–50,000 zone represents a new chapter in that long bull market, though analysts caution that future returns may be more modest than the explosive gains of the past decade.

Outlook for Friday and Beyond

Attention now turns to Friday’s economic calendar, which includes more earnings reports and consumer sentiment data. Any positive surprises could help sustain momentum as the Dow attempts to break decisively through 50,000. Longer term, analysts remain constructive, projecting further gains supported by earnings growth and potential monetary easing later in the year.

For individual investors, the message remains one of measured optimism. Diversification across sectors, focus on quality companies with strong balance sheets, and a long-term horizon continue to be sound strategies in the current environment. The Dow’s steady climb underscores the resilience of American enterprise even amid periodic challenges.

As trading concluded Thursday, the Dow’s advance reflected a market that continues to reward corporate execution and innovation. Whether the index claims the 50,000 level in coming sessions or consolidates first, the underlying momentum suggests investors retain confidence in the durability of the current economic expansion.