Welcome to our dedicated page for Mastercard Incorporated news (Ticker: MA), a resource for investors and traders seeking the latest updates and insights on Mastercard Incorporated stock.
Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE: MA), headquartered in Purchase, New York, is the second-largest payment-processing corporation in the world. Mastercard offers a broad range of financial services, processing close to $9 trillion in transaction volume in 2023. Operating in over 200 countries and handling transactions in more than 150 currencies, Mastercard connects consumers, financial institutions, merchants, governments, and businesses worldwide, enabling secure, seamless, and fast payments.
Mastercard's core business revolves around payment processing, providing innovative payment solutions and technologies that include credit, debit, prepaid, and commercial cards. The company is also invested in driving financial inclusion and digital economy growth, demonstrated by initiatives like the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth and the Mobilizing Access to the Digital Economy (MADE) Alliance: Africa, which aims to extend digital access to 100 million individuals and businesses in Africa over the next decade.
Recent news highlights the impact of Mastercard's social and economic initiatives. For instance, the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth supported the (Re)building Ukrainian Business program, helping Ukrainian women entrepreneurs who fled the war to start new ventures in Poland. This program provided legal, business, and financial support and free childcare, which was crucial for these women to focus on their businesses.
On the financial front, Mastercard also launched the Mastercard Foundation Asset Management (MFAM) Corporation to manage and diversify the investment portfolio of the Mastercard Foundation. This organization aims to support the foundation's mission of advancing education and financial inclusion for young people in Africa and Indigenous youth in Canada, ensuring long-term philanthropic success.
Key products and services offered by Mastercard include the Mastercard Network, which powers global payments, and various digital payment solutions like contactless payments, mobile payments, and digital wallets. Additionally, Mastercard collaborates with governments and other organizations to develop and implement policies that enhance access to financial services, driving economic growth and innovation.
Mastercard's commitment to creating a sustainable and inclusive digital economy is evident in its strategic partnerships and continuous investment in technology and infrastructure. By leveraging secure data, robust networks, and strong partnerships, Mastercard aims to deliver safe, simple, smart, and accessible transaction experiences for its users globally.
Mastercard and the City of Birmingham are launching Ascend Birmingham, a program aimed at helping local small businesses, particularly minority-owned ones, thrive in a digital-first economy. This initiative focuses on providing education, tools, and resources to enhance digital operations, including accepting digital payments. Key partners include Square and the Accion Opportunity Fund. The program will also recognize select businesses for their unique contributions. This initiative is part of a broader effort to support economic recovery and bridge the racial wealth gap.
Mastercard (NYSE: MA) announced its second quarter 2021 financial results, accessible on their Investor Relations page. The report includes key metrics that will impact shareholder value. A conference call is scheduled for today at 9:00 a.m. ET to delve into these results. Investors can access a replay of the call and all related materials on their website. Mastercard continues to position itself as a leader in the payments industry, focusing on secure transactions and innovative solutions that drive growth.
Mastercard has launched a global Start Path program, aimed at supporting innovative digital assets, blockchain, and cryptocurrency startups. The inaugural cohort includes seven companies such as GK8, Domain Money, and Uphold, focusing on enhancing security in crypto transactions and bridging traditional finance with digital assets. Mastercard aims to leverage its expertise to foster growth and innovation in the digital economy, continuing its engagement in this space since 2015.
JetBlue (NASDAQ: JBLU) has announced a multi-year extension of its co-branded credit card agreements with Barclays and Mastercard. This renewal will expand their consumer and small business credit card offerings, focusing on innovative, digital-centric solutions that enhance customer engagement. JetBlue has collaborated with Barclays since 2016, establishing a substantial credit card portfolio. The new agreement aims to provide improved rewards and benefits, along with options for underserved customers, reflecting JetBlue's commitment to enhancing customer loyalty and personalizing card offerings.
Mastercard is enhancing its Crypto Card Program to simplify cryptocurrency conversion to fiat currency. Collaborating with Evolve Bank & Trust, Paxos Trust Company, and Circle, Mastercard aims to help banks and crypto firms provide card options for digital asset spending globally. The program addresses operational challenges in currency conversion, allowing users to spend cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ether as fiat. This initiative supports the adoption of stablecoins and aims to expand the ecosystem for crypto payments.
On July 29, 2021, Mastercard (NYSE: MA) will announce its second-quarter 2021 financial results, followed by a conference call at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time. Financial data will be made available on the company's investor relations website. A replay of the call can be accessed for 30 days. Mastercard aims to drive an inclusive digital economy, emphasizing secure transactions and sustainable growth.
U.S. retail sales continued to rise in June, marking nine months of growth, with a year-over-year increase of 11.0% excluding automotive and gasoline. E-commerce grew 8.3% YOY, reflecting a shift to digital shopping. Notable increases in specific sectors included Restaurants (55.1% YOY), Department Stores (67.4% YOY), and Apparel (62.9% YOY). However, the Furniture & Furnishings sector saw its first negative growth of -5.3% YOY, despite remaining elevated 16.6% YO2Y. Mastercard SpendingPulse provides insights on national sales data and trends.
Mastercard encourages 60 million Americans to participate in the "Stand Up" to support its $60 million donation to Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C). The campaign aims to drive further donations and awareness for cancer research through three initiatives: Eat, where Mastercard donates US¢1 for each transaction at participating restaurants; Engage, allowing users to donate directly to SU2C; and Experience, where 100% of purchases from special experiences go to SU2C. Mastercard has contributed more than $55 million to SU2C over 11 years, supporting FDA approvals for nine cancer therapies.