Worst News for Stocks in 50 Years

Wall Street’s declared what could be the worst news for the U.S. stock market in 50 years.

If Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley are right... this won't be like the crashes we're used to. What's about to hit America next could keep your portfolio in the red for 10 years or longer - unless you make a big change now. 

To hear about this decade-long crisis now being predicted by multiple Wall Street banks... 

And to see what you can do to prepare your wealth before this hits... 

Click here to learn how to defend your portfolio. 

Regards, 

Keith Kaplan
CEO, TradeSmith 

P.S. You may have noticed we see "surprise" crashes every year now. Think about it: rate spikes in 2022... the bank crisis in 2023... $8 trillion wiped out in 2024... $11 trillion wiped out during the tariff crash in 2025... and, this year, $12 trillion was wiped out in 30 days during the Iran War. Something is off and Wall Street suggests this could continue (and worsen) well into the 2030s. Click here to learn the truth about this market and see what you must do now to prepare.

Wendy’s Deal Buzz May Give Fast-Food Investors a New Reason to Look

Reported by Nathan Reiff. First Published: 8/18/2026.

With rumors swirling that activist investor Nelson Peltz's Trian Fund Management is assembling the resources necessary to take Wendy's Co. (NASDAQ: WEN) private, investors are bracing for a fast-food shake-up that could rival any seen in recent years. As of mid-August, no formal offer had been submitted, but the possibility of a takeover has sent WEN shares surging about 15% in just five days, to a level just shy of July's year-to-date (YTD) high.

The positive price movement is welcome news for Wendy's shareholders after a troubled stretch marked by declining same-store sales, lowered guidance and a reduced dividend. However, the potential impact of Wendy's going private would extend beyond the company itself to competitors like Dine Brands Global Inc. (NYSE: DIN) and Jack in the Box (NASDAQ: JACK). These companies could benefit from a changing fast-food landscape or even become takeover targets themselves.

A Much-Needed Turnaround for Wendy's?

Wendy's has faced intense challenges in recent quarters, including the loss of market share in the coveted U.S. burger category, weaker consumer traffic due to inflation and more. The company delivered modest earnings per share (EPS) and revenue beats for Q2 2026, but only because expectations were already very low. In Q2, global systemwide sales declined 6.5% year over year (YOY), leading to a decline in adjusted EBITDA as well. Perhaps more concerning, Wendy's management withdrew its full-year financial guidance, suggesting that the restaurant chain is unlikely to turn things around on its own in the coming quarters.

This is why taking Wendy's private could be advantageous: It would allow the company to make major changes, such as restructuring operations or updating its menus, without the pressure of quarterly investor scrutiny or the risk of short-term earnings setbacks. Under private ownership, Wendy's might be more willing to close underperforming locations, improve its franchising model and rebuild the brand—and Trian previously sought to take Wendy's private.

There is still quite a lot standing between Wendy's as it currently exists and a version of the company privately held by a Trian-led investor group. For investors, WEN shares have already bounced back on expectations of a potential future deal. The more realistic this prospect becomes, the more likely WEN shares are to trade near the anticipated deal value, limiting both downside and upside potential.

Could Other Fast-Food Chains Be Next?

Like Wendy's, Dine Brands—the company behind Applebee's, International House of Pancakes and other brands—has struggled to contend with changes in consumer spending and their impact on its heavily franchised business model. Even IHOP, one of its strongest brands, saw nearly flat traffic YOY and just 1.5% comparable sales growth in the latest quarter.

Some value and premium offerings and promotions have gained momentum, while delivery sales remain strong and have continued to grow for multiple consecutive quarters. However, the company has struggled with declining adjusted EBITDA, adjusted free cash flow that has nearly fallen to zero and mounting costs across multiple areas.

DIN could also become a potential target if investors view restaurants generally as appealing acquisition opportunities. If Wendy's is taken private, it could prompt others to pursue opportunities in the same industry, making Dine Brands a natural company to watch.

Jack in the Box is in a slightly different position, having bought Del Taco earlier this decade before selling it just a few years later at a major loss. Shares of JACK are down about 11% YTD and more than 83% over the last five years, reflecting a significant decline as weaker industry traffic and franchise pressures have pummeled the company. With only minimal upside potential and limited enthusiasm across Wall Street, JACK shares are likely not particularly attractive to retail investors.

Still, the company's strong brand recognition may make it a viable takeover target. As with Dine Brands, there are no rumors suggesting that Jack in the Box is currently a potential acquisition target. If the Wendy's deal does materialize, though, investors might watch JACK shares for signs that others are preparing to follow suit. If that happens, existing shareholders may benefit most if the stock rises toward the anticipated deal value.