Investing

Is AMD Turning Into Nvidia’s Kryptonite? Here’s How High It Can Go

2025-12-03 09:00:46

-->-->Key PointsNvidia and AMD are entering into a period of intense competition.Nvidia went after AMD’s business with a partnership with Intel in September.AMD is hitting back with an OpenAI partnership to potentially break Nvidia’s monopoly.Are you ahead, or behind on retirement? SmartAsset’s free tool can match you with a financial advisor in minutes to help you answer that today. Each advisor has been carefully vetted, and must act in your best interests. Don’t waste another minute; learn more here.(Sponsor)-->-->AMD (NASDAQ:AMD)andNvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA)have been locked in a high-stakes AI chip race that has sent investors into a frenzy, especially around AMD.Recently, AMD announced a major AI infrastructure partnership with OpenAI. As part of the deal, OpenAI can acquire up to 10% of AMD. Wall Street sees this as a validation of AMD’s hardware accelerators.Analysts think that AMD accelerators can be at a “good enough” stage where companies are feeling comfortable using them at a very large scale.The OpenAI deal is expected to generate tens of billions in revenue over several years, as AMD will supply 6 GW of AI compute hardware. For context, that’s around 0.5% of total U.S. power capacity.For the past three years, there hasn’t been any serious head-to-head competition against Nvidia.Broadcom (NASDAQ:AVGO)is one name that springs to mind, but again, its custom chips don’t offer direct competition. Still, the fact that it was stealing some market share caused AVGO stock to surge in earlier months.Could a similar surge transpire for AMD? Let’s first look at what the deal is and what Nvidia is doing to counter AMD.Loading stock data...The OpenAI-AMD DealOpenAI is buying 6 GW of AMD Instinct-GPU compute capacity over five years. First 1 GW must be installed and accepted in H2-2026 using the MI450-series GPUs.AMD issued one warrant to OpenAI for up to 160 million shares of AMD common stock, or about 10% of current shares. These warrants expire around 5 years from now.This deal has a lifetime revenue worth “tens of billions.” And while it is dilutive, the one-day market cap gain AMD saw right after the announcement of the deal offset the cost of dilution for shareholders and then some.The aggressive push by Nvidia to sink AMDBefore the OpenAI deal with AMD, Nvidia made a deal withIntel (NASDAQ:INTC)to build custom x86 CPUs for Nvidia’s AI platforms, directly challenging AMD’s EPYC dominance. That deal included building x86 SOCs with Nvidia RTX GPU chiplets, a direct shot at AMD’s APU strategy. And by tying CUDA to x86, Nvidia is also walling off AMD from the AI software-hardware stack.This momentarily tanked AMD stock by ~9%, but the stock picked back up.Shortly after the OpenAI-AMD deal, Jensen Huang went on CNBC and said, “It’s imaginative, it’s unique and surprising, considering they were so excited about their next-generation product,” adding, “I’m surprised that they would give away 10% of the company before they even built it. And so anyhow, it’s clever, I guess.”MI450 chips haven’t even been manufactured or deployed, so it makes sense why Huang seems skeptical of the 10% equity offer from AMD.That said, he is downplaying the competitive threat from AMD. And significantly, Huang did not address why OpenAI felt compelled to diversify its chip suppliers or the broader market implications.How AMD can become Nvidia’s kryptoniteAMD’s bet with the 10% equity offer seems to have paid off, since the market has already rewarded it heavily. Plus, AMD gains a marquee reference customer to sell to hyperscalers and neo-clouds.Nvidia is facing a real threat for the first time, as this deal could seriously bring down margins in the long run. Nvidia may no longer have a chokehold on AI training hardware, and this will finally give AI training companies leverage over Nvidia. As a result, Nvidia may start losing pricing power, but to what extent is anyone’s guess.Should you buy AMD stock or NVDA stock now?Piper Sandler forecasts “well over $100 billion through October 2030” in revenue. AMD has posted $29.6 billion in revenue over the past year, so this could potentially lead to AMD posting explosive sales growth over the coming years as this deal materializes. If AMD’s operating cash flow estimates hold and Wall Street keeps the premium, AMD stock could touch $600 by the end of 2027.This may seem far-fetched today, but AMD’s market cap of $378 billion is a fraction of what it could be if it starts to truly challenge Nvidia.However, the nature of the deal means AMD will not have nearly as much pricing power as Nvidia does. The company will have to deal with margin volatility, even if revenue rises. Some other hyperscalers could join in and procure GPUs from AMD, but the company needs to prove its products first.Thus, I’d keep a plurality of an AI portfolio in NVDA stock. It gives you strong growth and AI exposure with defensive cash flows. Keeping a smaller stake in AMD stock is also worth it, but AMD is not eating Nvidia’s lunch anytime soon.If You’ve Been Thinking About Retirement, Pay Attention (sponsor)Retirement planning doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. The key is finding expert guidance, and SmartAsset’s simple quiz makes it easier than ever for you to connect with a vetted financial advisor. Here’s how:Answer a Few Simple Questions. Get Matched with Vetted Advisors Choose Your  Fit Why wait? Start building the retirement you’ve always dreamed of.Get started today! (sponsor)

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4 Ultra-High-Yield Stocks With 9% Dividends Everyone Forgot About

2025-12-05 14:48:54

Investors lovedividend stocks, especially those with ultra-high yields, because they provide a substantial passive income stream and offer significant total return potential. Total return includes interest, capital gains, dividends, and distributions realized over time. In other words, the total return on an investment or a portfolio consists of income and stock appreciation. At 24/7 Wall St., we consistently emphasize the potential of total return to our readers. It is one of the most effective ways to enhance the prospects of overall investing success. Once again, total return refers to the collective increase in a stock’s value, including dividends.-->-->24/7 Wall St. Key Points:Passive income combined with Social Security can make monthly expenses a lot easier to handle.The advantage of owning ultra-high-yield stocks is that any increase in share price can contribute to a higher total return percentage.Our “forgotten” stocks all yield a whopping 9% or more and have the advantage of not being terribly overbought, unlike the overall stock market.Are you ahead, or behind on retirement? SmartAsset’s free tool can match you with a financial advisor in minutes to help you answer that today. Each advisor has been carefully vetted, and must act in your best interests. Don’t waste another minute; learn more here.(Sponsor)-->-->We decided toscreen our 24/7 Wall St. blue-chip dividend stock database, looking for companies that yield 9% or more but are always forgotten by growth and income investors. Four stocks caught our attention, and once investors realize they have also overlooked them, it might be time to take a closer look. While these stocks may not be suitable for everyone, investors looking to build strong passive income streams could benefit from including some of these top companies in their portfolios. Paired with more conservative blue-chip dividend giants, investors can employ a barbell approach to generate substantial passive income streams.Why do we cover ultra-high-yield dividend stocks?Since 1926,dividends have contributed approximately 32% of the total return for the S&P 500, while capital appreciation has contributed 68%. Therefore, sustainable dividend income and capital appreciation potential are essential for total return expectations. A study by Hartford Funds, in collaboration with Ned Davis Research, found that dividend stocks delivered an annualized return of 9.18% over the 50 years from 1973 to 2023. Over the same timeline, this was more than double the annualized return for non-payers (3.95%).Ares CapitalLoading stock data...The companyspecializes in providing financing solutions for the middle market and appears poised to reach new highs, garnering a Buy rating from 12 analysts and yielding a 9.34% return. Ares Capital Corp. (NASDAQ: ARCC) is a high-yielding business development company (BDC). It specializes in acquisition, recapitalization, mezzanine debt, restructurings, rescue financing, and leveraged buyout transactions of middle-market companies.It also providesgrowth capital and general refinancing. It prefers to invest in companies engaged in basic and growth manufacturing, business services, consumer products, healthcare products and services, and information technology sectors.The fund willalso consider investments in industries such as:RestaurantsRetailOil and gasTechnologyIt focuses on investmentsin the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, and Southwest regions from its New York office, the Midwest region from the Chicago office, and the Western region from the Los Angeles office.The fund typicallyinvests between $20 million and $200 million, with a maximum investment of $400 million, in companies with an EBITDA between $10 million and $250 million per year. It makes debt investments between $10 million and $100 million.The fund investsthrough:RevolversFirst-lien loansWarrantsUnitranche structuresSecond-lien loansMezzanine debtPrivate high yieldJunior CapitalSubordinated debtNon-control preferred and common equityThe fund alsoselectively considers third-party-led senior and subordinated debt financings and opportunistically acquires stressed and discounted debt positions.Ares Capitalprefers to be an agent and lead the transactions in which it invests. The fund also seeks board representation in its portfolio companies.Wells Fargohas an Overweight rating, accompanied by a $23 target price.CTO Realty GrowthLoading stock data...CTO Realty GrowthInc. (NYSE: CTO) is a publicly traded real estate investment trust (REIT) that owns and operates a portfolio of high-quality, retail-based properties. With a rich 9.52% dividend and solid upside potential, this lesser-known REIT makes sense for passive income investors. CTO owns and operates a portfolio of high-quality, retail-based properties located primarily in higher-growth markets in the United States. With a 96% leased occupancy rate and a strategy targeting high-yield acquisitions, it offers strong income potential. It has paid dividends for 48 consecutive years, reflecting reliability. In addition, CTO’s smaller market cap and focus on retail REITs in specific growth markets make it less visible compared to larger, more diversified REITs.The company’ssegments include:Income propertiesManagement servicesCommercial loans and investmentsReal estate operationsThe CTO holds astake in Alpine Income Property Trust (NYSE: PINE), a publicly traded net lease REIT, adding to its diversification. With a 96% leased occupancy rate and a strategy targeting high-yield acquisitions, CTO offers strong income potential and has paid dividends for 48 consecutive years, reflecting its reliability.The commercialloans and investments segment includes a portfolio of five commercial loan investments and two preferred equity investments.Its incomeproperty operations consist of income-producing properties.CTO RealtyGrowth’s business includes its investment in Alpine Income Property Trust. The portfolio of properties includes:Carolina PavilionMillenia CrossingLake Brandon VillageCrabby’s OceansideFidelityLandShark Bar & GrillGranada PlazaThe Strand at St. Johns Town CenterThe Shops at LegacyPrice PlazaRaymond Jameshas a Strong Buy rating on the shares with a $22 target price.Delek Logistics PartnersLoading stock data...While way offthe radar of many investors, this midstream giant may be our top “Forgotten stocks” idea for investors. Delek Logistics Partners L.P. (NYSE: DKL) is a midstream energy master limited partnership with a substantial 9.80% dividend yield. The company provides gathering, pipeline, and other transportation services for crude oil and natural gas customers, as well as storage, wholesale marketing, and terminalling services.Its segmentsinclude gathering and processing:Wholesale marketing and terminallingStorage and transportationInvestment in pipeline joint venturesThe gatheringand processing segment consists of:Midland Gathering AssetsMidland Water Gathering AssetsDelaware Gathering AssetsThe marketingand terminalling segment provides wholesale marketing and terminalling services to Delek’s refining operations and to independent third parties.The storage andtransportation segment comprises tanks, offloading facilities, trucks, and ancillary assets that provide transportation and storage services for crude oil, intermediates, and refined products. Its operations also include integrated full-cycle water systems in the Permian Basin.Raymond Jameshas a Buy rating with a $46 target price.Starwood Property TrustLoading stock data...Starwood Capitalis a well-established global investor with international investments spanning over 30 countries and is an affiliate of this high-yielding company, which boasts a 9.61% dividend yield led by real estate legend Barry Sternlicht. Starwood Property Trust Inc. (NYSE: STWD) operates as a REIT in the United States, Europe, and Australia.It operatesthrough four segments:Commercial and Residential LendingInfrastructure LendingPropertyInvesting and ServicingThe Commercialand Residential Lending segment originates, acquires, finances, and manages:Commercial first mortgagesNon-agency residential mortgagesSubordinated mortgagesMezzanine loansPreferred EquityCommercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBS)Residential mortgage-backed securitiesThe Infrastructurelending segment originates, acquires, finances, and manages infrastructure debt investments.The Propertysegment primarily develops and manages equity interests in stabilized commercial real estate properties, including multifamily properties and commercial properties subject to net leases, which are held for investment purposes.The Investingand Servicing segment:Manages and works out problem assetsAcquires and contains unrated, investment-grade, and non-investment-grade rated CMBS comprising subordinated interests of securitization and re-securitization transactionsOriginates conduit loans to sell these loans into securitization transactions and acquire commercial real estate assets, including properties from CMBS trustsKeefe, Bruyette, and Woodshas an Outperform rating, accompanied by a $22 price target.As Warren Buffett Indicator Signals Danger, His Four Highest-Yielding Stocks Offer SafetyIf You’ve Been Thinking About Retirement, Pay Attention (sponsor)Retirement planning doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. The key is finding expert guidance, and SmartAsset’s simple quiz makes it easier than ever for you to connect with a vetted financial advisor. Here’s how:Answer a Few Simple Questions. Get Matched with Vetted Advisors Choose Your  Fit Why wait? Start building the retirement you’ve always dreamed of.Get started today! (sponsor)

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Stock Market Live October 13: S&P 500 (VOO) Rises On Hopes Trade War Can Be Avoided

2025-12-02 12:04:27

Live UpdatesLive Coverage Has EndedGet The Best Vanguard S&P 500 ETF Live Earnings Coverage Like This Every QuarterGet earnings reminders, our top analysis on Vanguard S&P 500 ETF, market updates, and brand-new stock recommendations delivered directly to your inbox.Click Here - It's Free Thank you for subscribing! Keep an eye on your email for updates. By providing your email address, you agree to receive communications from us regarding website updates and other offerings that may be of interest to you. You can unsubscribe at any time. For more information, please review our Disclaimer and Terms of Use.Palo Alto Climbs HigherOct 13, 2025 11:28 AMLiveBTIG analyst Gray Powell upgradedPalo Alto Networks (Nasdaq: PANW) stock to buy with a $248 price target this morning.“”We spoke with seven contacts on PANW,” says Powell, and “feedback was surprisingly positive and improved meaningfully from our work in prior quarters. As a result, we came away with greater confidence in PANW’s ability to achieve growth targets calling for 14% total revenue growth and 26% growth in NGS ARR in FY26 … we think PANW can maintain 12%+ growth over the next few years.”Palo Alto stock is up nearly 2% in response. The Voo is now up 1.4%.Fastenal UnbucklesOct 13, 2025 11:04 AMLiveS&P 500 component company Fastenal(Nasdaq: FAST) missed earnings by a penny this morning, reporting a Q3 profit of $0.29 per share. Revenue was on target at $2.1 billion, however.Fastenal stock is down 6.2%, but the Voo is still up 1%.JPMorgan: Strategic InvestorOct 13, 2025 9:48 AMLiveSpeaking of big banks, JPMorgan in particular is grabbing headlines ahead of its earnings news. CEO Jamie Dimon promised today his bank will invest $10 billion over the next 10 years in four areas JPM sees as “essential for our national security.”Over the next decade, investors can expect to see the investment banker increase loans to and direct investments in companies in the defense and aerospace, artificial intelligence and quantum computing, energy technology, and advanced manufacturing sectors.Basically, Jamie Dimon just unrolled a treasure map showing what his bank sees as the key investing opportunities for the next decade.As trading gets underway for the day, the Vanugard S&P 500 ETF is up 1.2%.This article will be updated throughout the day, so check back often for more daily updates.TheVanguard S&P 500 ETF(NYSEMKT: VOO) tumbled 2.7% on Friday, erasing earlier gains and ending with a 2.4% loss for the week, after (1) China announced severe restrictions on rare earth exports and (2) President Trump retaliated with a threat to impose a “massive increase of tariffs” on Chinese exports to the U.S. if the restrictions are not lifted.As Monday dawns, though, the ETF is bouncing right back, rising 1.3% premarket after President Trump reassured investors Sunday everything “will all be fine,” implying that he doesn’t really want to impose the tariffs — and that China may not be serious about the rare earth restrictions, either. “Highly respected President Xi just had a bad moment,” said Trump in a post on Truth Social. “He doesn’t want Depression for his country, and neither do I.”The President seems to be pointing China to an off-ramp before a new trade war starts. It remains to be seen whether China will take it however, and for the time being many investors are taking Mr. Xi at his word — and investing in U.S.-based rare earth startups as a hedge against trade restrictions.USA Rare Earth(Nasdaq: USAR) stock climbed 15% on Friday, and is up more than 17% premarket today.MP Materials(NYSE: MP) stock gained 2% Friday, and is up another 9% premarket today.Earnings season resumesEarnings season returns to the Street again this week, with multiple major big banks expected to report Q3 earnings on Tuesday and Wednesday.Tuesday, October 14:Citigroup(NYSE: C),JP Morgan Chase(NYSE: JPM), andWells Fargo(NYSE: WFC) will report before market-open.Wednesday, October 15:Bank of America(NYSE: BAC),Goldman Sachs(NYSE: GS), andMorgan Stanley(NYSE: MS) will all report — also premarket.Most Americans Overpay Without Realizing ItCar insurance is one of those monthly bills most Americans pay without a second thought. But the truth is, millions of drivers are overpaying simply because the haven’t bothered to get updated rates. But there are dozens of easy ways to lower your rates. If you’re a safe driver, have moved in the last few years, if you’re a safe driver, or forgot to check about bundling you’re leaving free money on the table. I was able to save $530 on my insurance, simply by applying to new providers with updated information. And it only took a few minutes!👇 Use the form at the bottom of this article to see if another provider can lower your bill without sacrificing coverage.👇Get Live Earning Updates on Vanguard S&P 500 ETFNever miss important earnings news. Get real-time updates delivered directly to your inbox. We'll also deliver our top stock recommendations and weekly market udpates. Signup -- It's Free Thank you for subscribing! Keep an eye on your email for updates. By providing your email address, you agree to receive communications from us regarding website updates and other offerings that may be of interest to you. You can unsubscribe at any time. For more information, please review our Disclaimer and Terms of Use.

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Can Intel Stock Realistically Reach $43—or is That A Pipe Dream?

2025-11-10 00:51:47

It’s been some number of years sinceIntel(NASDAQ:INTC) stock was this hot after spiking more than 45% in the past month alone. Since the July lows, the fallen semiconductor company has gained over 83%, and with recent investments from the likes of Nvidia(NASDAQ:NVDA) and the U.S. government, confidence is building as the firm looks to play catch-up.With Intel reportedly seeking an investment fromApple(NASDAQ:AAPL), which dropped use of its chips for its own many years ago, the red-hot INTC trade is starting to look interesting again. Of course, just because Intel has won over some investment dollars doesn’t mean that it’s in the clear.The foundry business has been losing significant sums of cash, and with pressure to keep spending more to restructure and turn things around, Intel is not going to be an overnight turnaround story. In fact, it may take five years or more to see investments really pay off and work their way into the stock.Of course, the recent wave of investments is a positive sign, but how much of the recent stock move is now overdone? It’s tough to tell. Even after the sudden surge, some analysts see higher highs in store for Intel stock over the year ahead.-->-->Key PointsIntel stock is gaining ground following the announcement of some big bets from Nvidia and the U.S. government.Some view the Nvidia bet as a game-changer, while others are a bit more skeptical. Either way, it’ll be interesting to see how the firm can execute amid its strategic turnaround.Are you ahead, or behind on retirement? SmartAsset’s free tool can match you with a financial advisor in minutes to help you answer that today. Each advisor has been carefully vetted, and must act in your best interests. Don’t waste another minute; learn more here.(Sponsor)-->-->Intel stock: Could $43 per share be in the cards?The current Street-high price target of $43 per share belongs to Benchmark, which believes a “watershed” moment is upon it after its deal with the great Nvidia. Indeed, Nvidia’s top boss Jensen Huang isn’t one to make investments or even strategic partnerships unless he sees real potential. Whether Nvidia’s vote of confidence is enough to justify backing up the truck on shares today (at around $35 per share), though, remains a big question on the minds of prospective buyers.Personally, I think the $43 price target, which entails around 28% in additional upside from Friday’s close, is entirely within reason, especially since Nvidia’s $5 billion stake is pretty much a blessing from one of the biggest forces in the world of AI chips.Jensen Huang and company know what they’re doing, and if they see potential in one of the foes they’ve bettered, I think investors should take notice. Of course, the x86 roadmap may seem like a thing of the past to some. Either way, I think it’s a mistake to rule out x86’s future entirely, especially now that Intel has some big backers behind it.Though I wouldn’t rush into INTC stock at these fresh 52-week highs (the stock has pretty much gone straight up when you look at the past-year chart), I would look to nibble on a few shares on a potential pullback between now and the end of the year. Who knows? If Apple and other influential tech titans step up with their own stake, I do think the latest spike could extend into October. Chasing Intel shares might not be the best move after the latest run-upFor every few bulls, there have been plenty of bears on Wall Street when it comes to Intel. The name was downgraded by Citi to sell just over a week ago. Perhaps the Nvidia investment headline is a bit overblown. Could it be more of a helping hand at rock-bottom prices rather than a big bet on “breakthrough?” It’s hard to tell.Either way, I view the risk of a correction as heightened, given the past-week run and the potential for shares to sag should no further big-name investment deals come flowing in. In any case, I wouldn’t hold my breath waiting for an Apple investment.If You’ve Been Thinking About Retirement, Pay Attention (sponsor)Retirement planning doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. The key is finding expert guidance, and SmartAsset’s simple quiz makes it easier than ever for you to connect with a vetted financial advisor. Here’s how:Answer a Few Simple Questions. Get Matched with Vetted Advisors Choose Your  Fit Why wait? Start building the retirement you’ve always dreamed of.Get started today! (sponsor)

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Jim Cramer Is All in on These 3 Growth Stocks

2025-12-03 08:36:58

-->-->Key PointsJim Cramer is bullish on these three growth stocks.He believes they have market-beating upside left.And if he’s right, these stocks can boost your portfolio significantly.Are you ahead, or behind on retirement? SmartAsset’s free tool can match you with a financial advisor in minutes to help you answer that today. Each advisor has been carefully vetted, and must act in your best interests. Don’t waste another minute; learn more here.(Sponsor)-->-->Jim Cramer has often been seen as a figure with a “hit or miss” track record. But in 2025, his picks turned out remarkably successful so far, especially when it comes to growth stocks. Of course, the broader market has played its part in that success, but Cramer rightfully pointed out some of the best performers over the past year.He hasn’t turned down his bullishness even with the market taking higher growth stocks. These stocks are trading at nosebleed multiples, but Cramer believes the special circumstances warrant a higher premium on specific stocks.The following are three that he is particularly upbeat about.Nvidia (NVDA)Loading stock data...Jim Cramer has been a long-timeNvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA)bull. His conviction in the company and its management has remained strong through the bull market, even as NVDA stock reached nosebleed levels during its rally.Nvidia has been continuously posting stellar numbers, and Cramer believes it is poised to go higher as financials catch up with the stock price.On Mad Money’s show this Wednesday, Cramer said, “I’ve been telling people to just buy Nvidia since I named my dog after the company when the stock was just under $4, and now it’s 189 bucks.”Cramer disagrees with the thesis that this is a circular investment scheme between AI companies where shareholders keep paying more until it collapses. Instead, he believes the “fundamental drivers in the market are enormous,” saying “you either believe in the fourth industrial revolution, as described by Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, or you don’t”. He concedes bears could be right, but states, “so far it’s paid much more to be a believer”.Later in the segment, he mentions that Huang said “we’re a couple hundred billion dollars into a multi-trillion-dollar infrastructure build-out”. Cramer said, “He [Huang] thinks we’re not even 10% through this transformation. I think he knows more than the bears.”All things considered, Cramer seems unfazed by the AI rally and believes far more gains are in the cards.The Trade Desk (TTD)Loading stock data...The Trade Desk (NASDAQ:TTD)has had a hectic 2025, and it is down almost 55% year-to-date as of this writing. The company missed earnings estimates for the first time in a while, and the stock market reacted very negatively. The stock price fell by nearly 70% from its peak to its trough in April.Cramer believes this is a recovery story worth chasing as The Trade Desk can realistically return to its original trajectory if revenue growth accelerates further.Just as TTD stock started bottoming out, Cramer said, “I kept thinking that Jeff Green [the CEO of The Trade Desk] is going to make a comeback. He’s got a new system and is pushing in.”He stated, “With [TTD stock at] $57, I’m going to go all in that Jeff Green has got this…” adding, “I am with Jeff Green.”This move worked out wonderfully as TTD stock recovered by over 57% from that segment’s date to August, where the company disappointed again.Today, the stock is at $53.3. This September, a caller asked Cramer about it, and he replied, saying he would still buy more.TTD stock does have plenty of room for a big move to the upside, like from April to August. The company’s CEO blamed tariffs for declining ad budgets. If consumer spending rebounds and tariffs ease, the stock can snap back fast.CoreWeave (CRWV)Loading stock data...CoreWeave (NASDAQ:CRWV)was discussed when a caller asked Cramer on July 24 aboutNebius (NASDAQ:NBIS). The caller asked, “Is Nebius Group, ticker NBIS, a buy?”Cramer replied, “I totally get Nebius Group, but I am through and through a CoreWeave person, and because I am a CoreWeave person… we went all-in [on] CoreWeave, and I’m not going to change my view.”CoreWeave has been buying mountains of GPUs and bolting them into data centers and renting them out to anyone who needs monster compute for AI training or inference. Hyperscalers are among its biggest customers, and so are many other AI companies.The growth has been impeccable, and CoreWeave has been showered with contracts. All of that growth does come at a cost, and that is debt. CoreWeave had $14.56 billion of debt on its balance sheet in Q2. Many analysts believe that’s very risky, as those graphics cards will depreciate. Plus, no one knows how long this AI boom will last.Cramer isn’t blind to the debt, but he likely thinks GPU scarcity + contracted backlog will lift CRWV first and ask questions later. If AI demand keeps roaring, the debt gets refinanced at lower rates. This scenario keep CRWV stock rallying higher. But if the AI hype fades, it will end in tears.Get Ready To Retire (Sponsored)Start by taking a quick retirement quiz from SmartAsset that will match you with up to 3 financial advisors that serve your area and beyond in 5 minutes, or less.Each advisor has been vetted by SmartAsset and is held to a fiduciary standard to act in your best interests.Here’s how it works:1. Answer SmartAsset advisor match quiz2. Review your pre-screened matches at your leisure. Check out the advisors’ profiles.3. Speak with advisors at no cost to you. Have an introductory call on the phone or introduction in person and choose whom to work with in the future.

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3 Dividend ETFs With Over 100% Upside Potential by 2027

2025-11-14 12:38:11

-->-->Key PointsThese exchange-traded funds can significantly amplify your gains in the coming years.They are benefiting from megatrends that can stretch on to 2027 and beyond.All three have reasonable expense ratio and plenty of room to run.Are you ahead, or behind on retirement? SmartAsset’s free tool can match you with a financial advisor in minutes to help you answer that today. Each advisor has been carefully vetted, and must act in your best interests. Don’t waste another minute; learn more here.(Sponsor)-->-->Not every dividend ETF you buy needs to be boring. The vast majority of dividend ETFs you hold should certainly be ones that compound reliably over decades, but it’s also worth buying up those that have significant upside potential while paying you to wait for those gains.The current environment is perfect for going shopping for such dividend ETFs. Interest rates are coming down again, and it’s likely that dividend ETFs that declined as interest rates went up will start covering ground again. It would be hard for the market to ignore dividend-payers as declining interest rates bring down Treasury yields and deposit rates along with them.However, if you scoop them up ahead of time, you’ll be able to lock in shares before the market gets hungry for more yield. Here are three that can deliver up to 100% upside:VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF (GDXJ)Loading stock data...VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF (NYSEARCA:GDXJ)is a gold mining ETF that replicates the price and yield performance of the MVIS Global Junior Gold Miners Index (MVGDXJTR), which in turn tracks small-cap companies mining gold and/or silver.Gold has been soaring and is up 49% year-to-date, and it is taking gold miners along for the ride. GDXJ is up a staggering 128.6%.However, once you zoom out, you’ll quickly notice that gold miners are simply making up lost ground. These companies fell sharply over a decade ago. And relative to the current surge, they essentially traded sideways until consensus started shifting in 2024.New-found confidence in gold and silver is being boosted by the dollar’s decline and a tendency by central banks worldwide to stockpile gold while reducing reliance on the USD. Gold miners are at the forefront of those benefiting from this trend, especially those that are smaller and can expand with more agility.A sustained multi-year gold rally is plausible. In this case, GDXJ can double or more from here.The dividend yield is 1.12%, with the expense ratio at 0.51%, or $51 per $10,000. The yield isn’t the main draw, as investing in gold miners is turning out to be very fruitful by itself.KraneShares CSI China Internet ETF (KWEB)Loading stock data...TheKraneShares CSI China Internet ETF (NYSEARCA:KWEB)is an ETF that buys the Chinese internet and internet-related companies listed outside mainland China. It tracks the CSI Overseas China Internet Index.China’s tech sector was battered for years, especially after headlines circulated about a crackdown in the sector. Worse, a broader slowdown in the Chinese economy and ripples from COVID made it difficult for any of these companies to truly bounce back. Big Chinese Tech companies’ sales growth barely crossed 2% annually, and investors saw no reason to slap on a premium for these slow-movers.Since then, things have turned around drastically. Investments are pouring into tech companies, and China is dramatically closing the gap in AI with the U.S.Yale faculty, former Chief Economist and Asia Chair at Morgan Stanley, Stephen Roach, pointed out that China accounted for 28% of Global R&D spending in 2023, only behind the U.S.’s 29%. He opined, “The winner will most likely be the country that provides greater support for basic research, in which case China is now much better positioned than the US for the long haul.“Indeed, the market seems to be warming up to China’s tech stocks as their AI models are moving into the top spots.KWEB is up 49.3% year-to-date and has significantly outperformed the S&P 500’s 14.88% year-to-date gain. Triple-digit returns are possible if KWEB recovers to its all-time high above $102.The dividend yield is 2.39%, with an expense ratio of 0.70%, or $70 per $10,000.Schwab Long-Term US Treasury ETF (SCHQ)Loading stock data...The Schwab Long-Term U.S. Treasury ETF (NYSE:SCHQ)gives you exposure to long-maturity U.S. Treasuries. It tracks the total return of the Bloomberg US Long Treasury Index. All Treasuries held by this ETF have maturities of over 10 years.The ETF itself hasn’t done so well due to higher interest rates being readily available. It is a well-known phenomenon that bond prices decline when the Fed raises interest rates, and vice versa.Given that interest rates have started to come down again, beginning in September, it is highly likely that SCHQ has marked a bottom. It is a good idea to buy and hold the ETF before declining yields push investors into SCHQ, as its long-term horizon will keep yields sticky even if we enter an ultra-low interest rate regime.SCHQ will pay you to wait. It comes with a 4.54% yield, with a monthly distribution. The expense ratio is also extremely low at 0.03%, or $3 per $10,000.Get Ready To Retire (Sponsored)Start by taking a quick retirement quiz from SmartAsset that will match you with up to 3 financial advisors that serve your area and beyond in 5 minutes, or less.Each advisor has been vetted by SmartAsset and is held to a fiduciary standard to act in your best interests.Here’s how it works:1. Answer SmartAsset advisor match quiz2. Review your pre-screened matches at your leisure. Check out the advisors’ profiles.3. Speak with advisors at no cost to you. Have an introductory call on the phone or introduction in person and choose whom to work with in the future.

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Build Income & Growth with 5 ETFs: SCHD, VIG, DGRO, VYM, SDY

2025-11-16 16:59:32

-->Key PointsIf it’s strong income and growth you’re after, you may want to consider dividend-paying exchange-traded funds.We can look at high-yield dividend funds, which target companies with above-average yields in hot sectors such as consumer staples and telecommunications.Are you ahead, or behind on retirement? SmartAsset’s free tool can match you with a financial advisor in minutes to help you answer that today. Each advisor has been carefully vetted, and must act in your best interests. Don’t waste another minute; learn more here.(Sponsor)-->-->If it’s strong income and growth you’re after, you may want to consider dividend-paying exchange-traded funds (ETFs), especially those that focus on paying consistent or growing dividend yields. All of which can help provide you with passive, regular income.We can consider high-yield dividend funds, which target companies with above-average yields in high-growth sectors such as consumer staples and telecommunications. We can also consider dividend growth funds, which focus on companies with a history of consistently increasing their dividends over time, such as Dividend Kings and Dividend Aristocrats.In fact, here are five of the top ETFs that fit the mold.Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF  There’s the Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (NYSEARCA: SCHD).With an expense ratio of 0.06%, the ETF tracks the total return of the Dow Jones U.S. Dividend Index. It also yields 3.93%, and has holdings in Amgen, AbbVie, Home Depot, Cisco Systems, Broadcom, Chevron, UPS, and Coca-Cola, to name just a few.The ETF includes a total of 103 dividend stocks.The SCHD ETF just paid a dividend of just over 26 cents on June 30. Before that, it paid a dividend of just over 24 cents on March 31. Also, since bottoming out at around $23.75 in April, the ETF is now up to $27.50. From here, we’d like to see it initially retest $28.75.Vanguard Dividend Appreciation Index Fund ETF With an expense ratio of 0.05% and a yield of 1.59%, the Vanguard Dividend Appreciation Index Fund ETF(NYSE: VIG) tracks the performance of the S&P U.S. Dividend Growers Index.Some of its 337 holdings include Broadcom, Microsoft, JPMorgan Chase, Apple, and Eli Lilly. Just over 26% of its portfolio is invested in information technology stocks. About 22.6% is invested in financials. And about 15% is invested in health care stocks.The ETF also just paid out a dividend of just over 86 cents on October 1. Before that, it paid out a dividend of just over 87 cents on July 2. Since bottoming out at around $170 in April, the ETF is now up to $217.27. From here, we’d like to see it rally to $230 initially.iShares Core Dividend Growth ETFWe can also take a look at theiShares Core Dividend Growth ETF(NYSEARCA: DGRO).With an expense ratio of 0.08% and a yield of about 2.2%, the DGRO ETF offers low-cost exposure to U.S. stocks focused on dividend growth.  Some of its top holdings are in Apple. Microsoft, Johnson & Johnson, Exxon Mobil, Broadcom, and AbbVie. About 20% of its holdings are in financial stocks. About 18% is invested in information technology. And just over 17.5% of its portfolio is invested in healthcare stocks.DRGO also just paid a dividend of just over 36 cents on September 19. Before that, it paid out a dividend of just over 32 cents on June 20.Also, since bottoming out at around $54 in April, the DGRO ETF is now up to $68.47. From here, we’d like to see it test $75 a share.Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF With an expense ratio of 0.06% and a yield of 2.45%, the Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (NYSE: VYM) tracks the performance of the FTSE High Dividend Yield Index.Some of its 579 holdings include Broadcom, JPMorgan Chase, Exxon Mobil, Johnson & Johnson, and Walmart. About 21.7% of its portfolio is invested in financials. About 13.2% is invested in industrials. The ETF also just paid out a dividend of just over 84 cents on September 23. Before that, it paid out a dividend of just over 86 cents on June 24.Since bottoming out at around $112 in April, the ETF is now up to $140.88. From here, we’d like to see the VYM ETF rally to $150 initially.SPDR S&P Dividend ETFThere’s also theSPDR S&P Dividend ETF(NYSEARCA: SDY).With an expense ratio of 0.35% and a yield of 2.54%, the SDY ETF seeks to provide results similar to the total return of the S&P High Yield Dividend Aristocrats – companies that have increased their dividends for at least 20 consecutive years.Some of its top holdings include Verizon, Realty Income, Chevron, AbbVie, Target, and Exxon Mobil, to name a few of its 149 holdings.About 19.3% of SDY’s portfolio is invested in industrials. About 16.55% is invested in consumer staples. And about 15.86% is invested in utility stocks. It also just paid a dividend of 87 cents per share on September 24. Before that, it paid out a dividend of 93 cents on June 25.Also, since bottoming out at around $110 in April, the SDY ETF rallied to a high of $140.19. From here, we’d like to see it challenge $150 near term.If You have $500,000 Saved, Retirement Could Be Closer Than You Think (sponsor)Retirement can be daunting, but it doesn’t need to be.Imagine having an expert in your corner to help you with your financial goals. Someone to help you determine if you’re ahead, behind, or right on track. With SmartAsset, that’s not just a dream—it’s reality. This free tool connects you with pre-screened financial advisors who work in your best interests. It’s quick, it’s easy, so take the leap today and start planning smarter!Don’t waste another minute; get started right here and help your retirement dreams become a retirement reality.(sponsor)

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VOO, VEA, VWO: Which Stellar Vanguard ETF is the Best Bet?

2025-11-12 15:41:40

In this piece, we’ll have a closer look at three of the most popular Vanguard ETFs out there. Undoubtedly, there’s quite a bit of overlap between many of these go-to ETFs. In any case, they remain a stellar option for passive investors looking for broad exposure and the absolute lowest expense ratios out there.Though choosing to stock-pick ones way to market-beating returns is a worthy pursuit for some of the more experienced investors out there, especially as concentration risks rises with funds that passively follow something like the S&P 500 or something broader, you really can’t go wrong with any one of the Vanguard ETFs if you’re out of ideas for individual names to buy (mixing single stocks and ETFs is a smart move, especially for beginning DIY investors) or if you’re looking to automate your investing with something quick, easy, and effective.In any case, let’s go over three of Vanguard’s most popular options nowadays and see which standout ETFs might be worth your hard-earned investment dollars in today’s frothy-looking, AI-driven stock market.-->-->Key PointsVOO, VEA, and VWO are some of the most popular Vanguard ETFs for a reason.The trio of ETFs seem best bought together, given what they add to a portfolio.Are you ahead, or behind on retirement? SmartAsset’s free tool can match you with a financial advisor in minutes to help you answer that today. Each advisor has been carefully vetted, and must act in your best interests. Don’t waste another minute; learn more here.(Sponsor)-->-->Vanguard S&P 500 ETFFirst, we have theVanguard S&P 500 ETF(NYSEARCA:VOO), which is pretty much the go-to if you’re looking to bet on the S&P 500 while keeping your expense ratio low and your liquidity high. As the name of the VOO suggests, it follows the S&P 500. In other words, it is the market, and by buying the VOO, you’re going to get market returns. Nothing more, nothing less. Some think that settling for the S&P is to leave excess risk-adjusted returns on the table.However, if you don’t have time or are simply fine with buying the broad market (even with its concentration in the big-tech stocks), there’s no problem with buying the VOO after every paycheck without having to think too much about it. In fact, it might be better to buy the VOO, regardless of what the price action is.If you bought six months ago, when everyone was running scared over the Liberation Day tariffs, you went on to enjoy a gain of more than 35% in the following six months. Indeed, sometimes “settling” can be richly rewarding. And while a multitude of S&P 500 ETFs are available, I think you can stop with the VOO, which has a 0.03% expense ratio, making it one of the most efficient ways to own the market.Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets Index Fund ETFTheVanguard FTSE Developed Markets Index Fund ETF(NYSEARCA:VEA) is an increasingly popular ETF among American investors and for good reason. The domestic stock market is certainly getting a bit lofty. And with the non-stop chatter about AI bubbles and how the powerful bull market will end, the case for diversifying outside of the U.S. seems as strong as it’s been in a while. Like the VOO, the VEA has a rock-bottom 0.03% expense ratio, making it an easy buy for international diversification.Furthermore, the developed markets have been a source of solid, S&P-beating gains this year, with the VEA up just shy of 28% year to date versus the VOO’s 15% gain. Can the relative outperformance continue? It’s tough to tell, but there’s still a striking valuation gap between the U.S. and the rest of the world.The big question investors should ask is whether America’s AI advantage is worth the relative premium. Personally, I think it is. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t diversify internationally if you’re already heavy, if not all-in, on U.S. stocks.Vanguard Emerging Markets Stock Index FundVanguard Emerging Markets Stock Index Fund(NYSEARCA:VWO) is a great complement to the developed markets-focused VEA. With emerging markets, there’s more growth, but a choppier ride might also be in the cards.With considerable exposure to Chinese stocks, there’s also added risk. However, if you’re looking for a way to bet on the number-two AI superpower out there alongside other intriguing high-growth companies from across the globe, I think the VWO is an incredibly low-cost way to go, with its 0.07% expense ratio.If you’re already in the VOO and VEA, I think the VWO is a solid addition that allows investors to score greater value and underappreciated growth prospects. For investors looking to buy one of the following Vanguard ETFs, I’d encourage you to ask yourself what your portfolio is lacking. Do you lack international exposure? Are youIf You have $500,000 Saved, Retirement Could Be Closer Than You Think (sponsor)Retirement can be daunting, but it doesn’t need to be. Imagine having an expert in your corner to help you with your financial goals. Someone to help you determine if you’re ahead, behind, or right on track. With SmartAsset, that’s not just a dream—it’s reality. This free tool connects you with pre-screened financial advisors who work in your best interests. It’s quick, it’s easy, so take the leap today and start planning smarter!Don’t waste another minute; get started right here and help your retirement dreams become a retirement reality.(sponsor)

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Don’t Buy SPY Until You Look at These 2 ETFs First

2025-11-24 17:40:07

-->-->Key PointsThe S&P 500 has delivered stellar gains, but the SPY isn’t the only choice.Many other exchange-traded funds are racing ahead, often ahead of the SPY.These two are worth looking into if you want to outperform the SPY.Are you ahead, or behind on retirement? SmartAsset’s free tool can match you with a financial advisor in minutes to help you answer that today. Each advisor has been carefully vetted, and must act in your best interests. Don’t waste another minute; learn more here.(Sponsor)-->-->There is a tendency among many investors to hold theSPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (NYSEARCA:SPY)and nothing else. That’s completely fine if you want to be vanilla, but by doing so, you may be putting massive gains off the table.Wall Street is coalescing into specific sectors more, and this is a long-term trend you can take advantage of. You can pick ETFs that will benefit from megatrends the most over the coming years to boost your gains. This doesn’t mean you must pick out a narrow AI-focused ETF with a dozen or so holdings. Thousands of ETFs are in the market today, and hundreds have outperformed the SPY for years while having solid diversification. And they are from reputable issuers.The following two have the firepower to continue outperforming the SPY and are worth looking into:Industrial Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLI)Loading stock data...Industrial Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSEARCA:XLI)is a passively managed exchange-traded fund. It tracks the performance of the Industrial Select Sector Index. It gives you exposure to industrial companies across various subsectors.XLI has trailed the S&P 500 historically, but the coming years will be pivotal for this ETF. The last two decades saw the U.S. being stripped of a major portion of its manufacturing capacity, with many industries moving offshore.China dominates manufacturing today, but the pendulum may swing the other way. Re-industrialization and onshoring were expedited during the Biden era, and could be supercharged further by tariffs in the Trump era. This is already having an impact on XLI’s gains.XLI has outperformed the SPY this year, up 16.75% year-to-date, against the SPY’s 14.8% gain. I see it outperforming the SPY in the coming years due to tariffs bringing more manufacturing and industry to the U.S.And even if that does not happen as expected, XLI can still match or slightly lag the SPY.XLI comes with a 1.37% dividend yield and a 0.08% expense ratio, or $8 per $10,000. SPY gets you a 1.08% yield and charges you $1 more per $10,000.iShares Russell 1000 Growth (IWF)Loading stock data...iShares Russell 1000 Growth (NYSEARCA:IWF)tracks the Russell 1000 Growth Index and gives you exposure to large- and mid-capitalization stocks in the U.S. that have growth characteristics.The Russell 1000 itself contains exposure to 93% of the total investable U.S. equity market by market cap. This ETF invests in the growth stocks from this index, and has been sturdy enough over the long run to outperform the S&P 500 greatly. Drawdowns here are milder than the QQQ but slightly worse than the S&P 500.IWF holdsNvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA)with a 12.9% weight, followed byMicrosoft (NASDAQ:MSFT)at 11.67%,Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL)at 11.16%,Broadcom (NASDAQ:AVGO)at 4.69%, andAmazon (NASDAQ:AMZN)at 4.16%.These top 5 holdings constitute 44.58% of its holdings, a positive if you believe that tech stocks are in a multi-year protracted bullish cycle due to the AI boom. If you look at their earnings, they are rising fast and even outpacing the stock in many cases.Tech-heavy indexes like the Nasdaq-100 are nowhere near Dot Com-esque valuations yet. The PE ratio has been stuck near 30-35 times earnings since August 2024. To truly reach the euphoric levels of the early 2000s, the Nasdaq-100 would have to trade at 50-60 times earnings, a multiple that was the “norm” two and a half decades ago.The market may or may not reach that level of exuberance, but more gains seem likely.IWF comes with an expense ratio of 0.18%, or $18 per $10,000.Get Ready To Retire (Sponsored)Start by taking a quick retirement quiz from SmartAsset that will match you with up to 3 financial advisors that serve your area and beyond in 5 minutes, or less.Each advisor has been vetted by SmartAsset and is held to a fiduciary standard to act in your best interests.Here’s how it works:1. Answer SmartAsset advisor match quiz2. Review your pre-screened matches at your leisure. Check out the advisors’ profiles.3. Speak with advisors at no cost to you. Have an introductory call on the phone or introduction in person and choose whom to work with in the future.

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Tesla, GM, and Volkswagen Are in Trouble Now

2025-12-07 15:51:17

-->-->Key PointsDoug McIntyre and Lee Jackson discuss how the U.S. EV market surged in the third quarter of the year but now faces a sharp decline, with forecasts suggesting sales could fall by half in the coming months.They note that while Tesla still dominates with 46% market share, its lead has fallen dramatically as traditional automakers like Ford and GM have spent billions trying to catch up — yet continue to lose money on every electric vehicle sold.Both hosts argue that with high EV prices, falling demand, and rising electricity costs, companies such as Rivian and Lucid are unlikely to survive unless acquired by larger automakers, signaling a rough future for the EV sector.Are you ahead, or behind on retirement? SmartAsset’s free tool can match you with a financial advisor in minutes to help you answer that today. Each advisor has been carefully vetted, and must act in your best interests. Don’t waste another minute; learn more here.(Sponsor)-->-->Video Playerhttps://videos.247wallst.com/247wallst.com/2025/10/EVs-In-Trouble.mp400:0000:0000:00Use Up/Down Arrow keys to increase or decrease volume.Now that the $7,500 EV tax credit has expired, many are wondering what this might mean in the world of electronic vehicles and EV stocks. There are specific concerns surrounding Tesla, whose market share has fallen dramatically, and consecutive bad quarters haven’t helped. In ar recent podcast, Doug McIntyre and Lee Jackson point out that as EV demand drops — from 8% of total car sales earlier in the year to a projected 4% — these companies will face even greater financial losses. The two also discuss Tesla, comparing its dominance on the EV market to that which General Motors once had in the 1960s. As was the case with GM, more competitors got into the market over time and continuously chipped away at what once seemed like an insurmountable lead. With EV prices still high and the demand for such vehicles dropping thanks in part to high electricity costs, it appears the only way for some companies to survive is to be acquired by larger automakers.Doug McIntyre:So Lee, what’s happened now is, is that the, the EV $7,500 tax credit disappeared a few days ago—Lee Jackson:Uh-oh.Doug McIntyre:And this is what the year looked like for EV manufacturers. Crummy first quarter, crummy second quarter, probably huge crummy July or something. Then all of a sudden a hockey stick. So the year was about a million EVs totally sold in the United States, but about 440,000 of those were in the third quarter. So this is, here’s, here’s where you end up. Tesla 46% and that used to be 80% for people who don’t remember. GM 13% Ford, little over 6% Hyundai. 6%. Now that tells me several things. The first one is, is that how badly Tesla’s been bloodied. They may still be the only guys making money in EVs, but when you’ve seen your market share over what is really only a few years, we’re not talking decades.Lee Jackson:No. You could use a decade as as maybe the benchmark. Yeah.Doug McIntyre:That still reminds me in the sixties, General Motors had a 50% market share in the United States. All cars sold. It’s now 17%. Over time competitors got into the market, they chipped away, chipped away, chipped away. And now you know, GM has less than a quarter of the market share. So, this is a Tesla story, but it’s also a story about the fact that some of these legacy car companies have started to buy their way into this car, this EV business. Now this is buying your way in. Ford’s lost. Say they invested $30 billion in EVs, lose another 5 billion this year, starting a new assembly line to build EVs. It’s gonna cost them $2 billion. So what did they get for this? They got a market share of about six and a half percent and still lose money on every EV they sell. Gee whiz. I spent 30, $40 billion and I got, now here’s the other great thing. You now have six and a half percent of an EV market that’s almost gonna drop in half. Now, because the estimate from IC cars is, is that 8% of the new cars bought in the United States and the first half of this year were EVs. Their forecast is is in the fourth quarter into next year, it’ll be 4%. You’re talking, you’re talking about EV sales basically dropping by half, so, if the ratio and proportion of the ownership of this market stays the same, uh, GM’s gonna have 13% of a market that’s half the size it was in the third quarter, and Ford’s gonna have 6.5%. You know what that means? It just means that they’re going back to losing so much money that there isn’t this much money in the world, you know?Lee Jackson:You where you wouldn’t think so. You wouldn’t think so. And it’s interesting because your favorite CEO Jim Farley said over the weekend that Americans don’t want $75,000 EVs. That’s quite, that’s quite obvious if, if you wanna state the obvious. But he’s right. You know? And the only buzz that you hear really coming from anybody like Tesla is that Oh, yeah, I mean the, the 25,000 car is on the way. It’s on the way. It’s like, okay, you’ve said that for three or four years, but you’ll still keep looking. But I thought what, what Farley said was good. ’cause that basically that says lucid, you’re dead. You know, anybody with the expensive cars is toast is absolutely toast. There’s nobody gonna pay it.Doug McIntyre:I don’t want to give Mr. Farley too hard a time, but you buy an F-150 Lightning, their, their full-size pickup EV. That thing starts out around 60 K, but you throw anything on it, you put in the less of leather seats. So, so anyway, now they do say that they will have themselves a sub 30,000 EV, but not until 2027.Lee Jackson:Right. And you know what the, the most bizarre dichotomy that’s that’s coming to face drivers and people in the future is that gasoline prices are going down because production, especially at OPEC Plus, is going up. But electricity processes are going up because, you know, AI and data center use and all that is driving things crazy. You’re gonna end up with the electricity being more expensive than owning, which was the whole pitch. Well, this is gonna be, I know, gas car, you know, and you’re saving the world.Doug McIntyre:Those lines may not cross, but December of last year, the United States produced more crude oil than any country in any month in history ever. So isn’t just OPEC plus the world is a wash in oil, and this idea that we’re looking at peak oil in like four or five years, forget it. Peak oil is no way, no way. 20, 30 years out.Lee Jackson:The production increases, but it’s still is, oil is everywhere.Doug McIntyre:Well. There, there are two parts to this, but the, to me, the most important thing of all is if you’re an investor in any car company that’s selling EVs in the United States, you’ve gotta ask yourself the question and that, and that is “What happens when the EV market share goes in half when it comes to the purchase of new car?” And I would say the answer to that is if you’re in that business, nothing good. And let’s just tag this on for people so that they have it. Rivian and Lucid are toast.Lee Jackson:They’re, they’re absolutely toast. They won’t make, if you can short ’em, I don’t even think they’ll make it two more years.Doug McIntyre:If you’ve got some guts, short ’em.Lee Jackson:Well, that would take guts, but I think unless, unless somebody, unless somebody like a Mercedes-Benz or a Volkswagen or somebody like that would want to buy them and incorporate them into their universe, maybe they survive. But other than that…Doug McIntyre:Their valuations are too high. They’re still in the billions of dollars.Lee Jackson:I know, I know, I know. Well, so I guess we’re gonna have to see what happens and we’ll return to this after the fourth quarter numbers come out and just see how they are in comparison to the blockbuster third quarter for everybody.Doug McIntyre:Yes, indeed.Get Ready To Retire (Sponsored)Start by taking a quick retirement quiz from SmartAsset that will match you with up to 3 financial advisors that serve your area and beyond in 5 minutes, or less.Each advisor has been vetted by SmartAsset and is held to a fiduciary standard to act in your best interests.Here’s how it works:1. Answer SmartAsset advisor match quiz2. Review your pre-screened matches at your leisure. Check out the advisors’ profiles.3. Speak with advisors at no cost to you. Have an introductory call on the phone or introduction in person and choose whom to work with in the future.

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Nebius Group (NBIS) Stock is Up 335% This Year. This Is How Much Upside Bulls See The Stock Going

2025-11-30 09:51:54

-->-->Key PointsNebius’ early leadership in AI infrastructure makes the name a worthy watch for hyper-growth investors.The price of admission is extremely steep, making the neocloud up-and-comer more of a watch than a buy at more than $130 per share.It sounds nuts, but SoFi is giving new active invest users up to $1k in stock, see for yourself (Sponsor)-->-->If you’ve never heard ofNebius Group(NASDAQ:NBIS) until recently, you’re definitely not alone. Shares of the up-and-coming AI infrastructure cloud play have gained a shocking 335% year to date and more than 560% in the past full year.Undoubtedly, the parabolic rise of Nebius has made the relatively unknown AI play a fairly sizable $33 billion company, making it large enough to get noticed, but still small enough to be capable of further upside as the AI revolution continues working in the firm’s favor. Indeed, Nebius’ high-profile partnership withMicrosoft(NASDAQ:MSFT) may have put the firm on the map for AI investors who typically don’t look to the mid-cap names for opportunities. Making a $19.4 billion deal with Microsoft is sure to gain the attention of most investors.And while I’d discourage chasing red-hot names like NBIS without putting in more than enough homework, given the risks of betting on a name that’s already been a multi-bagger in a year, I do think that some of the braver risk takers out there may wish to stash the name on their watchlists, given the company’s explosive potential as the AI trade works its way through the cloud infrastructure plays, which, I believe, might be more explosive places to be than the semiconductor names themselves.But the big question is just how much higher can the up-and-comer fly? If you do not buy into the “AI bubble” fears, Nebius stock might be worth a tiny nibble, especially as the firm looks to expand upon its partnerships and perhaps further its relationship with Microsoft.The rise of the AIaaS or neocloud plays makes it an exciting time to be in NebiusThe AI-as-a-service (AIaaS) model may very well be the new Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) for gain-seeking investors, especially as AI technologies look to eat up software’s lunch, so to speak. Either way, Nebius stock gained close to 9% on Thursday’s down day that saw most tech names fall into the red. As the AIaaS or the neocloud companies, as some like to refer to them, continue to gain traction, I think it could be difficult to tell when their accelerating growth rates will plateau.Indeed, we’ve seen this many times before with a wide range of firms that saw their sales growth rates hit an inflection point as the rising tide of the AI revolution came sweeping in. Indeed, Nebius was a small, unknown firm a year ago, but now, it’s a rising star that might even evolve to become one of the new AI giants in this market. While Nebius’ stock has caught many analysts off guard with its explosive growth, I still think investors are wise to be a bit cautious with the name. The stock isn’t just expensive, it’s obscenely expensive at close to 115 times price-to-sales (P/S). At the same time, though, the growth rate is obscenely high. It’s hard to tell where growth will settle, but I think Nebius shares could go either way from here.NBIS stock looks very pricey, but shares look unstopablePersonally, I think Nebius’ AI infrastructure leadership is worth getting behind, but preferably on a pullback. There’s a lot of hype surrounding the name, and if there is an “AI winter,” NBIS could get a 50% haircut really quickly. If you’ve got a long-term horizon and would cheer for a pullback, gladly buying into one, NBIS stock might be worth careful consideration.Personally, I’d be much more inclined to take analysts’ advice by waiting for more of a drawdown. After all, shares of NBIS have already soared above and beyond the price targets of many upbeat analysts on Wall Street. That has me quite concerned about the severity of the next inevitable drawdown with a neocloud name that I believe has already soared into the stratosphere.Of course, such a name can always climb into the mesosphere or even the exosphere. For instance, some of the bigger NBIS bulls think there’s room to run, with Northland Securities seeing shares gaining another 55% or so to $206 per share from here.Want Up To $1,000? SoFi Is Giving New Active Invest Users up to $1k in StockLooking to grow your money but unsure where to begin? SoFi Active Invest is offering a limited-time promotion—open an account, fund it with $50 or more, and you could receive up to $1,000 in complimentary stock for Active Invest accounts.From $0 commission trading to fractional shares and automated investing, this app is designed to simplify investing for everyone, whether you’re just starting or already experienced. Its easy to sign up and secure your bonus.(sponsor)DISCLOSURE:INVESTMENTS ARE NOT FDIC INSURED • ARE NOT BANK GUARANTEED • MAY LOSE VALUEBrokerage and Active investing products offered through SoFi Securities LLC, member FINRA(www.finra.org)/SIPC(www.sipc.org).Advisory services are offered by SoFi Wealth LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. Information about SoFi Wealth’s advisory operations, services, and fees is set forth in SoFi Wealth’s current Form ADV Part 2 (Brochure), a copy of which is available upon request and at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.Probability of Member receiving $1,000 is a probability of 0.026%; If you don’t make a selection in 30 days, you’ll no longer qualify for the promo. Customer must fund their account with a minimum of $50.00 to qualify.Other fees, such as exchange fees, may apply. Please view our fee disclosure to view a full listing of fees.Investing in alternative investments and/or strategies may not be suitable for all investors and involves unique risks, including the risk of loss. An investor should consider their individual circumstances and any investment information, such as a prospectus, prior to investing. Interval Funds are illiquid instruments, the ability to trade on your timeline may be restricted. Brokerage and Active investing products offered through SoFi Securities LLC, Member FINRA(www.finra.org) /SIPC(www.sipc.org).There are limitations with fractional shares to consider before investing. During market hours fractional share orders are transmitted immediately in the order received. There may be system delays from receipt of your order until execution and market conditions may adversely impact execution prices. Outside of market hours orders are received on a not held basis and will be aggregated for each security then executed in the morning trade window of the next business day at market open. Share will be delivered at an average price received for executing the securities through a single batched order. Fractional shares may not be transferred to another firm. Fractional shares will be sold when a transfer or closure request is initiated. Please consider that selling securities is a taxable event.Options involve risks, including substantial risk of loss and the possibility an investor may lose the entire investment Before trading options please review the Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options [HYPERLINK: https://www.theocc.com/getmedia/a151a9ae-d784-4a15-bdeb-23a029f50b70/riskstoc.pdfInvesting in an Initial Public Offering (IPO) involves substantial risk, including the risk of loss. Further, there are a variety of risk factors to consider when investing in an IPO, including but not limited to, unproven management, significant debt, and lack of operating history. For a comprehensive discussion of these risks please refer to SoFi Securities’ IPO Risk Disclosure Statement [HYPERLINK https://www.sofi.com/iporisk/]. This should not be considered a recommendation to participate in IPOs and investors should carefully read the offering prospectus to determine whether an offering is consistent with their investment objectives, risk tolerance, and financial situation. New offerings generally have high demand and there are a limited number of shares available for distribution to participants. Many customers may not be allocated shares and share allocations may be significantly smaller than the shares requested in the customer’s initial offer (Indication of Interest). For more information on the allocation process please visit IPO Allocation [HYPERLINK https://support.sofi.com/hc/en-us/articles/360058602892-How-does-SoFi-allocate-IPO-shares].

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After Massive OpenAI Deal, Is AMD Stock Still a Buy?

2025-12-03 11:01:42

-->-->Key PointsAdvanced Micro Devices(AMD) announced a 6-gigawatt GPU supply deal withOpenAIyesterday, sparking a 24% stock rally.The agreement includes a warrant for OpenAI to gain up to 10% ownership in AMD via milestone-based shares.This validates AMD’s AI tech and projects $100 billion in four-year revenue from OpenAI and partners.It sounds nuts, but SoFi is giving new active invest users up to $1k in stock, see for yourself (Sponsor)-->-->Advanced Micro Devices(NASDAQ:AMD) shocked investors yesterday with a landmark multi-year agreement to supplyOpenAIwith 6 gigawatts of its Instinct graphics processing units (GPUs), starting with 1 gigawatt in the second half of 2026. The deal, which could generate tens of billions in annual revenue for AMD, includes a warrant allowing OpenAI to acquire up to 160 million shares — roughly 10% of the company — for a nominal fee, tied to deployment milestones and stock price targets up to $600 per share. This positions AMD as a core compute partner for OpenAI’s AI infrastructure, building on prior collaborations like the MI300X and MI350X series. The news triggered a 24% surge in AMD stock, closing at $203.71 per share and adding over $63 billion to its market cap. For AMD, this validates its AI roadmap and opens doors to $100 billion in revenue over four years from OpenAI and other customers. It also signals growing demand for alternative AI chip solutions amid supply constraints. Yet with AMD’s stock now nearing its all-time high of $211 per share from March 2024, is the stock still a buy at these elevated levels?AMD Levels Up By Matching Nvidia’s AI PlaybookThe OpenAI pact catapults AMD into direct competition withNvidia(NASDAQ:NVDA), which inked a similar 10-gigawatt deal in September worth up to $100 billion in investments to fund OpenAI’s data centers. Both agreements highlight OpenAI’s strategy to diversify suppliers and build massive AI capacity — 23 gigawatts total across partners — while locking in chip volumes. For AMD, this means co-designing rack-scale solutions with OpenAI, boosting its software ecosystem like ROCm to rival Nvidia’s CUDA. Analysts see it as a “transformative” shift, proving AMD’s chips can handle frontier AI workloads at scale.Wall Street reacted swiftly.Jefferiesupgraded AMD to Buy from Hold, hiking its price target to $300 from $170 per share, calling it a “major validation” of AMD’s AI narrative.Melius Researchlifted its target to $300 from $200, whileStifelraised to $240 from $190 per share, emphasizing AMD’s elevated role in AI infrastructure. Truist Securitiesupped its own target to $273 from $213 per share, noting OpenAI views AMD as a primary partner, not just a Nvidia alternative. Consensus targets now average around $220 per share, implying 8% upside from current levels, with “Strong Buy” ratings dominating. These upgrades reflect expectations of 40% revenue growth in 2026, driven by data center sales jumping to over $10 billion annually.Advanced Micro Devices IncNASDAQ:AMD$238.60▲ $125.75(52.70%)1YPre-Market1D5D1M3M6M1Y5YMAXKEY DATA POINTS−Previous Close$218.09Market Cap348.75BDay's Range$220.76 - $239.2452wk Range$76.48 - $240.10Volume108.48MP/E Ratio127.92Gross Margin9.57%Dividend YieldN/AExchangeNASDAQHidden Trap of the Circular Economics of AI DealsDespite the hype, there are significant risks associated with these deals, which form a tangled web: Nvidia’s $100 billion infusion into OpenAI’s funds purchases of both Nvidia and AMD chips, effectively subsidizing a rival. If OpenAI’s $500 billion valuation falters — it’s burning $2.5 billion in cash on $4.3 billion first-half revenue — delays in deployments could slash AMD’s projected inflows. Antitrust scrutiny will intensify, too, as regulators eye these ties for potential collusion in the $200 billion AI chip market. Geopolitical tensions over Taiwan supply chains add volatility. AMD’s valuation is also getting stretched thin at 52 times forward earnings, versus Nvidia’s 32 and well above its five-year historical 38 average. A broader AI slowdown, like waning hyperscaler spending, could trigger a 20% to 30% pullback. Plus, Nvidia’s 80% GPU market share means AMD must execute flawlessly on MI450 production ramps. OpenAI’s chip diversification aids in pricing leverage, but it caps AMD’s share if cheaper options emerge.Key TakeawayAt $203 (with shares jumping another 5% higher pre-market), Advanced Micro Devices trades at a premium, but the OpenAI deal de-risks its AI pivot and sets up multi-year tailwinds. With analyst conviction at peak levels and revenue visibility unmatched since the PC boom, the stock merits a buy.Adding to positions now and targeting $250 per share by mid-2026 recognizes how much the OpenAI deal demonstrates AMD’s AI moment has arrived.Want Up To $1,000? SoFi Is Giving New Active Invest Users up to $1k in StockLooking to grow your money but unsure where to begin? SoFi Active Invest is offering a limited-time promotion—open an account, fund it with $50 or more, and you could receive up to $1,000 in complimentary stock for Active Invest accounts.From $0 commission trading to fractional shares and automated investing, this app is designed to simplify investing for everyone, whether you’re just starting or already experienced. Its easy to sign up and secure your bonus.(sponsor)DISCLOSURE:INVESTMENTS ARE NOT FDIC INSURED • ARE NOT BANK GUARANTEED • MAY LOSE VALUEBrokerage and Active investing products offered through SoFi Securities LLC, member FINRA(www.finra.org)/SIPC(www.sipc.org).Advisory services are offered by SoFi Wealth LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. Information about SoFi Wealth’s advisory operations, services, and fees is set forth in SoFi Wealth’s current Form ADV Part 2 (Brochure), a copy of which is available upon request and at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.Probability of Member receiving $1,000 is a probability of 0.026%; If you don’t make a selection in 30 days, you’ll no longer qualify for the promo. Customer must fund their account with a minimum of $50.00 to qualify.Other fees, such as exchange fees, may apply. Please view our fee disclosure to view a full listing of fees.Investing in alternative investments and/or strategies may not be suitable for all investors and involves unique risks, including the risk of loss. An investor should consider their individual circumstances and any investment information, such as a prospectus, prior to investing. Interval Funds are illiquid instruments, the ability to trade on your timeline may be restricted. Brokerage and Active investing products offered through SoFi Securities LLC, Member FINRA(www.finra.org) /SIPC(www.sipc.org).There are limitations with fractional shares to consider before investing. During market hours fractional share orders are transmitted immediately in the order received. There may be system delays from receipt of your order until execution and market conditions may adversely impact execution prices. Outside of market hours orders are received on a not held basis and will be aggregated for each security then executed in the morning trade window of the next business day at market open. Share will be delivered at an average price received for executing the securities through a single batched order. Fractional shares may not be transferred to another firm. Fractional shares will be sold when a transfer or closure request is initiated. Please consider that selling securities is a taxable event.Options involve risks, including substantial risk of loss and the possibility an investor may lose the entire investment Before trading options please review the Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options [HYPERLINK: https://www.theocc.com/getmedia/a151a9ae-d784-4a15-bdeb-23a029f50b70/riskstoc.pdfInvesting in an Initial Public Offering (IPO) involves substantial risk, including the risk of loss. Further, there are a variety of risk factors to consider when investing in an IPO, including but not limited to, unproven management, significant debt, and lack of operating history. For a comprehensive discussion of these risks please refer to SoFi Securities’ IPO Risk Disclosure Statement [HYPERLINK https://www.sofi.com/iporisk/]. This should not be considered a recommendation to participate in IPOs and investors should carefully read the offering prospectus to determine whether an offering is consistent with their investment objectives, risk tolerance, and financial situation. New offerings generally have high demand and there are a limited number of shares available for distribution to participants. Many customers may not be allocated shares and share allocations may be significantly smaller than the shares requested in the customer’s initial offer (Indication of Interest). For more information on the allocation process please visit IPO Allocation [HYPERLINK https://support.sofi.com/hc/en-us/articles/360058602892-How-does-SoFi-allocate-IPO-shares].

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Prediction: Walmart’s AI Arsenal Will Eclipse Costco’s Empire—And Dominate Retail by 2030

2025-12-06 16:23:13

Costco(NASDAQ:COST) is arguably one of the best mega-cap retail stocks that investors shouldn’t think twice about buying into dips. Shares are currently in the midst of a correction, and while valuation is a concern for many, I still view the latest pullback as more of a golden opportunity to load up the shopping cart than a sign that it’s time to exit before a more painful rollover and valuation reset.-->-->Key PointsCostco is a fantastic retailer to hang onto, given its incredible value proposition.However, if a K-shaped economy leads to weaker employment and a more challenged consumer, my money would be on Walmart.Walmart’s already larger than Costco, and I think it’ll stay that way in five years’ time, thanks to its AI advantage and relentless focus on rolling back prices.Are you ahead, or behind on retirement? SmartAsset’s free tool can match you with a financial advisor in minutes to help you answer that today. Each advisor has been carefully vetted, and must act in your best interests. Don’t waste another minute; learn more here.(Sponsor)-->-->Costco’s a must-own on weaknessIndeed, Costco is firing on all cylinders, with its amazing value proposition and the new addition of high-demand goods, which I outlined in prior pieces (most notably gold and now weight-loss drugs Ozempic and Wegovy). If the macro environment becomes more challenging in a potential K-shaped economy, whereby some corners of the market (those closely tied to the AI boom) are booming while others are experiencing pressure, I think Costco is poised to continue doing well.Arguably, it’s a stealth AI play, not only because it’s adopting next-generation AI technologies to improve its operations and give members an even better experience, but because it’s a source of competitively-priced products in a climate where the consumer could continue to gravitate towards value as the theme of tech layoffs and automation continues to play out.As long as Costco continues to provide more value for members than the annual cost of membership, I see the firm continuing to thrive, especially as we enter an era where the economy is either red-hot or ice-cold based on the sector you’re looking at.Either way, Costco stands out as one of those must-own consumer staple stocks to hang onto for extended periods of time. Of course, time will tell what’s to happen with Costco stock next. Either way, the $414 billion warehouse retail juggernaut seems like the retailer to beat. However, there are names in the space that I think can stand out as the battle to offer a better value continues in an era where employment could take an even larger hit.Prediction: Walmart will stay larger than Costco in five yearsIn terms of value propositions, it’s tough to match the one provided byWalmart(NYSE:WMT). It offers low costs without requiring one to purchase an annual membership. And if the employment situation gets really bad, I think we could see Walmart continue to take market share across the board, including from the likes of Costco.Now, there’s no denying that a Costco membership more than pays itself off for most customers. However, if the budget gets really tight, perhaps a membership will be less justifiable, especially if affordability becomes the most important factor.In any case, I think Walmart will grow its lead over the likes of Costco in the next five years, as the firm continues investing heavily in AI efforts and its e-commerce platform. The company’s AI chatbots and increased automation in the warehouse (as well as with delivery trucks) could allow Walmart to pass even more value back to its customers. Indeed, there’s a lot of margin gain to be had by automating a growing part of logistics and the supply chain.However, I think Walmart has a unique opportunity to get aggressive with price rollbacks (maybe it’ll help push for massive food price disinflation in the next three years), perhaps giving it an edge over rivals.The bottom lineThough Costco’s purchasing power is profound, I think Walmart’s AI edge could allow it to not only stay ahead in the retail race but to push further ahead over the next five years. At a more palatable 33.6 times forward price-to-earnings (P/E), I consider WMT shares to be a top pick in retail for investors with a five-year horizon or more. As we head into 2026, I expect Walmart to become a $1 trillion company as the firm harnesses the full power of AI.If You have $500,000 Saved, Retirement Could Be Closer Than You Think (sponsor)Retirement can be daunting, but it doesn’t need to be. Imagine having an expert in your corner to help you with your financial goals. Someone to help you determine if you’re ahead, behind, or right on track. With SmartAsset, that’s not just a dream—it’s reality. This free tool connects you with pre-screened financial advisors who work in your best interests. It’s quick, it’s easy, so take the leap today and start planning smarter!Don’t waste another minute; get started right here and help your retirement dreams become a retirement reality.(sponsor)

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4 Bank of America Strong Buy Growth 10 Stocks That All Pay Dividends

2025-11-29 06:57:43

BofA Securitiesis the investment banking and capital markets division of Bank of America, one of the largest financial institutions in the United States. The division provides a comprehensive range of services, including equity and debt underwriting, mergers and acquisitions advisory, sales and trading, research, and capital markets solutions to corporate, institutional, and government clients worldwide. As a major player on Wall Street, Bank of America Securities competes with other bulge-bracket investment banks and maintains a significant market share across various financial services sectors.-->-->24/7 Wall St. Key Points:With a highly overbought stock market, investors will demand strong earnings to justify the current high valuations.Bank of America’s Growth 10 stocks, which also pay solid dividends, are the ideal pick for growth and income investors now.Dividend-paying stocks are expected to perform well as interest rates continue to decline throughout the rest of the year and into 2026.Are you ahead, or behind on retirement? SmartAsset’s free tool can match you with a financial advisor in minutes to help you answer that today. Each advisor has been carefully vetted, and must act in your best interests. Don’t waste another minute; learn more here.(Sponsor)-->-->One of ourreaders’ favorite lists is the Growth 10 List, which is a quantitatively generated portfolio of 10 stocks with high expected earnings growth. BofA Global Research analysts select from the most attractive stocks in the S&P 500. Four of the top companies are now outstanding ideas, two of which are in the healthcare sector, which has underperformed this year, and all are rated Buy by Bank of America.Why do we cover Bank of America stocks?BofA Securitiesis one of the top firms on Wall Street, and we have covered the company’s curated stock lists for years. These are the absolute best ideas across several categories, and the firm’s top equity analysts have thoroughly vetted all the stock picks.AllstateLoading stock data...This insurancegiant increased its dividend by 8.7% earlier this year and currently pays a dividend yield of 1.82%. Allstate Corp. (NYSE: ALL) provides property, casualty, and other insurance products in the United States and Canada.It operatesin five segments:Allstate ProtectionRun-off Property-LiabilityProtection ServicesAllstate Health and BenefitsCorporate and otherThe companyoffers private passenger auto, homeowners, personal lines, and commercial insurance products through agents, contact centers, and online, as well as property and casualty insurance. It also provides consumer product protection plans, device and mobile data collection services, and analytic solutions using automotive telematics information, roadside assistance, protection, and insurance products, such as identity protection and restoration through:Allstate Protection PlansAllstate Dealer ServicesAllstate RoadsideArityAllstate Identity Protection brandsIn addition,the company offers life, accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, short-term disability, and other health insurance products; self-funded stop-loss and fully insured group health products to employers; Medicare supplement, ancillary products, and short-term medical insurance to individuals through independent agents, owned agencies, benefits brokers, and Allstate exclusive agents; and net investment income, net gains on investments, other revenue, debt service, holding company activities, and certain non-insurance operations.The companyalso offers automotive protection, vehicle service contracts, guaranteed asset protection, road hazard tires and wheels, and paintless dent repair protection, as well as roadside assistance, mobility data collection services, and analytical solutions utilizing automotive telematics information. Additionally, it provides identity theft protection and remediation services.BofA Securitieshas a huge $286 target price.Gilead SciencesLoading stock data...Gilead SciencesInc. (NASDAQ: GILD) is a biotech giant that pays a solid 2.77% dividend and offers outstanding total return potential in 2025 and 2026. This biopharmaceutical company discovers, develops, and commercializes medicines for unmet medical needs in the United States, Europe, and elsewhere.The companyprovides Biktarvy, Genvoya, Descovy, Odefsey, Truvada, Complera/Eviplera, Stribild, Sunlens, and Atripla products for the treatment of HIV/AIDS. Additionally, it offers Veklury, an intravenous injection for the treatment of COVID-19, as well as Epclusa, Harvoni, Vemlidy, and Viread for the treatment of viral hepatitis.It also offersYescarta, Tecartus, and Trodelvy products for oncology treatment; Letairis, an oral formulation for treating pulmonary arterial hypertension; and AmBisome, a liposomal formulation for treating serious invasive fungal infections.Gilead Scienceshas collaboration agreements with:Arcus BiosciencesMerck Sharp & DohmePionyr ImmunotherapeuticsTizona TherapeuticsGalapagosJanssen Sciences Ireland UnlimitedJapan TobaccoDragonfly TherapeuticsArcellxEverest MedicinesMerckTentarix BiotherapeuticsMarengo TherapeuticsAssembly BiosciencesIt also hasresearch collaboration, option, and license agreement with Merus to discover novel dual tumor-associated antigens targeting tri-specific antibodies.Bank of Americahas a $140 target price for the shares.MerckLoading stock data...This healthcaregiant is a no-brainer, down over 30% over the past year while paying a solid 3.97% dividend. Merck & Co. Inc. (NYSE: MRK) develops and produces medicines, vaccines, biological therapies, and animal health products. It is not just a healthcare company but a global force in the industry. The company operates through two segments.The Pharmaceuticalsegment offers human health pharmaceutical products in:OncologyHospital acute careImmunologyNeuroscienceVirologyCardiovascularDiabetesVaccine products, such as preventive pediatric, adolescent, and adult vaccinesThe Animal Healthsegment discovers, develops, manufactures, and markets veterinary pharmaceuticals, vaccines, health management solutions and services, as well as digitally connected identification, traceability, and monitoring products.Merckserves:Drug wholesalersRetailersHospitalsGovernment agenciesManaged healthcare providers, such as health maintenance organizationsPharmacy benefit managers and other institutionsPhysiciansPhysician distributorsVeterinariansAnimal producersMerck’s growthis a result of its efforts and strategic collaborations. The company works with AstraZeneca, Bayer, Eisai, Ridgeback Biotherapeutics, and Gilead Sciences to jointly develop and commercialize long-acting treatments for HIV, demonstrating a commitment to innovation and growth.Bank of Americahas a target price of $98.TKO GroupLoading stock data...While offthe radar, this sports and entertainment company could prove to be the top Growth 10 idea with a 0.37% dividend. TKO Group Holdings Inc. (NYSE: TKO) owns properties including Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), a mixed martial arts organization; World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), a sports entertainment outfit; and Professional Bull Riders (PBR), a bull riding organization.It alsoservices and partners with sports rights holders through IMG, a global sports marketing agency, and On Location, an experiential hospitality.Its segmentsinclude:UFCWWEIMGThe UFCsegment reflects the business operations of the UFC, which consist of media rights fees associated with the distribution of its programming content, ticket sales, and site fees related to the business’s global live events, as well as partnerships, marketing, and consumer product licensing agreements for UFC-branded products.The WWEsegment reflects the business operations of WWE.The IMG segmentincludes IMG business and On Location. IMG Business is an independent global distributor of sports programming.Bank of Americahas set a $210 target price.Four Stocks That Yield at Least 12% Are Passive Income KingsIf You have $500,000 Saved, Retirement Could Be Closer Than You Think (sponsor)Retirement can be daunting, but it doesn’t need to be. Imagine having an expert in your corner to help you with your financial goals. Someone to help you determine if you’re ahead, behind, or right on track. With SmartAsset, that’s not just a dream—it’s reality. This free tool connects you with pre-screened financial advisors who work in your best interests. It’s quick, it’s easy, so take the leap today and start planning smarter!Don’t waste another minute; get started right here and help your retirement dreams become a retirement reality.(sponsor)

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Tyneside property firm that featured on TV shuts as customers issued with advice

2025-11-24 05:19:54

A Tyneside property tech start-up that featured on Channel 4's Kirstie and Phil's Love it or List It show is being liquidated only four years after its launch. Peek Home had offered clients an entirely online architects service, providing designs and 3D models for homeowners looking to upgrade their properties. The Tynemouth-based business developed out of a hobby of co-founders Roland and Jaemi Glancy, who had initially helped friends draw up visions for their homes. Having launched two years earlier, the firm secured £370,000 investment in 2023 from renowned Angel investor Simon Murdoch, who has backed companies such as Zoopla, Shazam and Carwow, as well as funding from the North East Innovation Fund, supported by the European Regional Development Fund, and managed by Northstar Ventures. Peek Home set out to supply designs in a matter of days and was said to cost a fraction of a traditional architect's service. It also offered add-on products such as 3D walkthroughs, virtual reality tours and exterior visualisations. And at the time of its investment was said to have designed thousands of home renovations from across the UK, with a total project value approaching £100m. The business had featured on popular TV property show, Kirstie and Phil's Love it or List It - helping a couple in Cullercoats visualise what could be done to their Victorian townhouse. A statement on the company's website says:: "It is with great sadness that we need to announce that Peek Home has entered administration and will cease trading. We explored every possible option to keep going, but unfortunately, factors beyond our control left us with no other choice. This is not the outcome we had hoped for, and we are truly heartbroken. "If you are a previous customer please be advised that access to your portal account may be limited moving forward. Please download any designs / PDF files as soon as possible as continued access cannot be guaranteed. "If you have an outstanding order please contact your card provider as soon as possible to make a refund claim via the ‘charge back’ scheme. Please see below some useful links to help you with this. FRP Advisory Limited have been instructed to assist with the wind up of the company and will contact you in due course should you be unable to process a charge back claim.

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The WRU cost of acquiring Cardiff Rugby out of administration

2025-12-06 20:23:02

The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) incurred a cost of £780,000 in acquiring Cardiff Rugby out of administration as well as taking on the financing of £9m of debt it had provided the club. The governing body took over the business and assets of the club out of administration on Tuesday in a pre-pack deal. This has seen players, the coaching staff and the administrative team, transferring over to a new subsidiary business of the union. It has also taken on sponsorship deals and membership fees paid for next season. The business ceased to be a going concern after the failure of its majority owners in Helford Capital to adhere to a legal obligation, under the funding agreement between the WRU and the four regions, to plug any incurred trading losses. Helford took over the club in January last year and what had been the benefactor liability position of the club’s late president and former chairman Peter Thomas. However, despite assurances, their promised investment - apart from a relatively small amount - failed to materialise. It left the board with no alternative, with fiduciary and legal duties, but to put the business into administration. The deal with joint administrators of Cardiff Rugby, Rob Lewis and Ross Connock of PwC, saw the union acquiring the business and assets for £480,000 and £300,000 in debt linked to the plastic pitch at the Arms Park and the release of a charge over it. The £9m in loans it has provided the club, including around £5m it received as part of the £18m Covid loan the union had originally secured at the start of the pandemic from NatWest, which was roughly then equally split between the four regions. The union subsequently refinanced the Covid loan with the Welsh Government, with at one stage was incurring an eye-watering interest rate of more than 8%, with the four regions were liable as well as capital payments. The WRU has appointed PwC’s debt team to refinance its current debt liabilities with the aim of the capital being repaid or a much longer- time period- so reducing annual capital payments compared to current loan terms. The WRU, has assigned £1m over the next year for the cost of running Cardiff Rugby on top on an increase in player budgets as part of a new five year funding deal with the regions starting from next season. The union’s intention is for Cardiff Rugby to be sold at some future stage to new investors, so becoming privately-owned again. Subject to a more favourable debt refinancing deal, and in line with debt relief for the other three regions, that would take Cardiff’s current debt position of £9m with the WRU to around £6m. However, any investor (s) looking to take Cardiff private, would likely only pay a nominal fee due to debt liabilities that would come with it. WRU chair Richard Collier-Keywood said:“Despite being owned by the WRU, our intention is to treat Cardiff as an independent rugby club, similar to the other regional sides and the WRU will assume the role of “owner”. We wanted to provide a safe harbour whilst we draw breath and look at what’s right in the longer term. “The immediate cost of the acquisition amounted to around £780,000, which paid for the assets and funded the costs of the administration and includes the assumption of £300,000 debt. “Various key supplier contracts were transferred to the WRU subsidiary to enable the Cardiff Rugby business to continue to trade.” The WRU’s chief operating officer Leighton Davies and chief data and digital officer Steve King, have been appointed to the board as the two directors of new Cardiff Rugby company. The union is looking to appoint a new independent chair. Mr Collier-Keywood said: “At the time of the transaction, Cardiff Rugby Limited owed the WRU around £9.1m. “As part of its commitments in the new draft Professional Rugby Agreement (PRA25) the WRU has committed to reduce the debt generated during the Covid-19 pandemic by replacing it with longer term capital. “This amounts to around £3m for Cardiff and this transaction gave us the opportunity to do this at the same time by using £3m of the money we were owed and converting this into an investment into Cardiff. “Leaving our new subsidiary owing the remaining £6m to the WRU. As part of the new PRA25, it is our intention to provide the other three professional clubs with similar debt relief.” WRU chief executive Abi Tierney added:“Our team worked hard to minimise the disruption to the players, employees and stakeholders of Cardiff Rugby and we welcome our colleagues at Cardiff Rugby into the WRU family.” Helford Capital was established as a special purpose vehicle solely to acquire the club. It is based in Jersey with no assets. It will have to be determined whether the directors, Phil Kempe and Neal Griffith, had given personal guarantees to finance Cardiff losses, which were running at around £2m a year. If this legal obligation is a matter only for Helford Capital it would significantly hinder the prospect for any return to creditors. The first creditor in line would be HMRC, which has preferential status. The former board members of Cardiff are confident they acted in an appropriate manner on the timing of the voluntary liquidation and that no creditors would have any viable claim for them not taking action sooner, so reducing the total amount creditors are owed. However, even in the last days before it was put into administration, there was still a possibility of Helford delivering on its required financial commitment.

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Sprott Gold Miners ETF (SGDM) Up 115% This Year And Could Just Be Getting Started

2025-12-06 02:31:44

-->Key PointsThe SGDM ETF could provide leverage to any future advances in the gold price.Taking due precautions should enable investors to succeed with SGDM for the long run.Are you ahead, or behind on retirement? SmartAsset’s free tool can match you with a financial advisor in minutes to help you answer that today. Each advisor has been carefully vetted, and must act in your best interests. Don’t waste another minute; learn more here.(Sponsor)-->-->The 2025 gold rush is in effect as the price of bullion climbs to new heights and capital flows quickly into gold-focused exchange-traded funds (ETFs). One easy way to participate in gold fever is to own shares of theSprott Gold Miners ETF(NYSEARCA:SGDM).The spot gold price could hit $5,000 this year, and you’ll surely be disappointed if you missed out on the opportunity. However, you might not want to bother with shipping, storing, and insuring gold bars or coins. Furthermore, certain types of investment accounts don’t directly allow gold bullion investments.That’s fine since there’s a near-perfect workaround with the Sprott Gold Miners ETF. There’s no need to hold physical gold, and many investment accounts will allow you to buy and sell an ETF such as SGDM. As long as you understand the risks involved, you can use this fund to get immediate exposure to the powerful rally in gold.When Gold Gains, So Do the MinersLoading stock data...Gold is up 50% year to date, and the spot price of gold is approaching $4,000. The yellow metal has notched new all-time highs multiple times in 2025, and all of a sudden, financial traders on social media are buzzing about gold.It’s difficult to pinpoint just one reason why the gold price keeps rising. The most evident contributing factor is the comparative decline in the value of the U.S. dollar, against which we’re measuring the gold price.Another factor would be uncertainty about the American economy and about international conflicts. It’s not always a perfect one-to-one correlation, but the gold price tends to rise during non-recessionary times of uncertainty.To benefit financially from these gold-positive factors, you could simply own an ETF that tracks the spot gold price. That’s fine, but while gold gained 50% in 2025 so far, the Sprott Gold Miners ETF has more than doubled in price during that time.This makes sense because the mining companies’ bottom lines will certainly benefit from a rising gold price. Generally speaking, a gold-mining fund like the Sprott Gold Miners ETF can magnify the moves of the gold price; that’s good news if gold’s on the rise and you already bought shares of SGDM.Exposure to the Big NamesWith the Sprott Gold Miners ETF, you don’t need to conduct deep research and pick out the top gold miners. The fund’s managers will do the heavy lifting on your behalf so you can just buy SGDM shares and leave them in your portfolio.As of October 3, 2025, the Sprott Gold Miners ETF’s holdings list included 37 larger-sized companies that mine gold and possibly other minerals. These companies are known as gold majors, as opposed to the smaller businesses known as gold minors.A few of the top holdings in the Sprott Gold Miners ETF are the stocks ofAgnico Eagle Mines(NYSE:AEM),Newmont(NYSE:NEM),Kinross Gold(NYSE:KGC) andBarrick Mining(NYSE:B). The vast majority of miners in the SGDM holdings list are based in North America.Bad News, Good NewsBear in mind, there’s a price to be paid for allowing the fund’s management to do the research and stock picking. Specifically, the Sprott Gold Miners ETF automatically deducts 0.5% worth of operating expenses per year from the share price.That’s not extremely cheap but also not overly expensive in the universe of ETFs. Besides, the Sprott Gold Miners ETF pays out dividends/distributions and these could offset the fund’s operating expenses.This is good news for folks who like to collect dividend payments, which you wouldn’t get if you only owned physical gold bullion. Historically, the Sprott Gold Miners ETF has had a pattern of paying a cash distribution toward the end of each calendar year.This makes it difficult to estimate the forward annual distribution yield of the Sprott Gold Miners ETF, since we can’t easily predict the fund’s cash payout or its share price at the end of 2025. We can observe, however, that the SGDM ETF paid a $0.29-per-share distribution in December of 2024. It’s certainly possible, then, that the fund’s 2025 distribution could exceed the operating expenses on a percentage basis.Mitigating the Volatility RiskIf the U.S. dollar’s relative value continues to decline and/or the market’s sense of uncertainty persists, the gold price could reach $5,000 or even higher than that. This scenario, if it plays out, would very likely prompt a huge follow-through rally for the Sprott Gold Miners ETF.Still, there’s no guarantee that this will actually happen during 2025’s final three months. Mining companies’ revenues tend to fluctuate, and so do the share prices of their stocks.In other words, there’s volatility risk associated with the fast-moving Sprott Gold Miners ETF. Therefore, it’s wise to implement some de-risking measures.Rule number one would be to keep your share position size small. That way, your portfolio won’t suffer too much if the SGDM share price falls quickly.Also, you can have an exit strategy in case the price of the Sprott Gold Miners ETF declines too much for you to tolerate. You might choose to set a stop-loss in which you’ll agree to sell some or all of your SGDM shares if the price drops to a predetermined level.Additionally, it’s a good idea to keep track of the spot gold price as well as the share price of the Sprott Gold Miners ETF. You don’t have to be as gold-market-savvy as the fund’s managers, but a basic overall awareness will you a more informed, and possibly more profitable, investor in the SGDM ETF.Get Ready To Retire (Sponsored)Start by taking a quick retirement quiz from SmartAsset that will match you with up to 3 financial advisors that serve your area and beyond in 5 minutes, or less.Each advisor has been vetted by SmartAsset and is held to a fiduciary standard to act in your best interests.Here’s how it works:1. Answer SmartAsset advisor match quiz2. Review your pre-screened matches at your leisure. Check out the advisors’ profiles.3. Speak with advisors at no cost to you. Have an introductory call on the phone or introduction in person and choose whom to work with in the future.

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Will Rate Cuts Create a Housing Market Boom In 2026

2025-11-27 22:14:47

-->-->Key PointsRate cut outlook: The Fed is expected to gradually lower rates, with potential cuts in October and December 2025 and further reductions in 2026, which could ease debt refinancing pressures and benefit banks through cheaper capital.Economic impact: Lower rates may not return mortgage levels to pandemic lows, but even modest declines could significantly revive the housing market and provide broad economic stimulus.Are you ahead, or behind on retirement? SmartAsset’s free tool can match you with a financial advisor in minutes to help you answer that today. Each advisor has been carefully vetted, and must act in your best interests. Don’t waste another minute; learn more here.(Sponsor)-->-->Video Playerhttps://videos.247wallst.com/247wallst.com/2025/09/ARTICLE-Rate-Cuts.mp400:0000:0000:00Use Up/Down Arrow keys to increase or decrease volume.The recent rate cut has sparked debate over whether lowering rates further will help or harm the economy, especially with inflation steady around 2.7–2.8%. Analysts like Goldman Sachs expect gradual cuts through late 2025 and mid-2026, potentially bringing the Fed funds rate down to around 3.125%. This shift would ease the refinancing burden on trillions in national debt while also benefiting banks through reduced capital costs. Although mortgage rates are unlikely to return to pandemic-era lows, as Doug and Lee discuss, even a drop to around 4% could unlock the housing market and stimulate broader economic activity.Doug McIntyre:So, Lee, we’ve had a rate cut. Now there’s a debate. Should you cut ’em or shouldn’t you cut ’em? Mixed with the fact that the president may have de facto control over the Fed fairly soon, and he’s gonna add something to the mix if he gets in there. And that is “we’re gonna cut rates to help the economy and make everything boom.” Whether that’s makes sense or not, I don’t know, but if they get ahold of it, rates are going to drop rapidly fast.Lee Jackson:And most of the people on Wall Street, it’s the same hedge. It’s like, well, they have to be careful because of inflation. And that’s true. But like        we’ve discussed, inflation’s kinda locked in 2.7, 2.8, you know, in that range. And we still have the highest central bank rates of any, you know, G10 country. And I think you’re exactly right.  I think Goldman Sachs thinks two more this year, in October and December of 25 basis points each, and then they think another 50 basis points next year ending in June of 2026. And that would take the base fed funds rate down to three to three and a quarter. So the median rate at that level would be three and an eighth or 3.125. And that will have a substantial impact on the nation, the home building, but most importantly we have like 9 trillion of debt coming due or some huge number that they have to, they if, if they can redo that debt at lower interest rates, that’ll take the burden down. And that’s one of the big things the president’s thinking about.Doug McIntyre:Well, there’s another part to this, and that is, I understand it could have other effects on the economy, but if you look at the housing market, this is the one thing that could unlock it.Lee Jackson:Yeah. Yeah. Well, we’re not gonna see the 2.75 mortgage again.Doug McIntyre:No, no, no. But I’m saying people were like sticker shocked at 7%. I mean, you know, it’s not gonna go that low, but even if it went to four, I think it would unlock a huge amount of the housing market.Lee Jackson:Well, you know, if you chopped off, you know, remember it’s, it’s usually based on the 10 year yield anyway. It’s not really based on funds. I mean, fed funds, fed funds going down, helps banks more than anybody because then they can offer loans at a certain level and they’re getting their cost of capital down to, you know, three to three and an eighth. And so it benefits them the most. But, yeah, I think that, I think that they’ll probably go in October and then see, then that gives ’em another 60 days before the end of the year in the last meeting in December. So, you know, if they cut another 25 and you know, the, they were some on Wall Street, were going, “Oh, it’s gonna be 50 basis points. They could be bigger.” They’re not gonna do that, Powell’s not gonna do that. But I think they could stay on a course and if they do, it would be positive for the economy as a whole.If You have $500,000 Saved, Retirement Could Be Closer Than You Think (sponsor)Retirement can be daunting, but it doesn’t need to be. Imagine having an expert in your corner to help you with your financial goals. Someone to help you determine if you’re ahead, behind, or right on track. With SmartAsset, that’s not just a dream—it’s reality. This free tool connects you with pre-screened financial advisors who work in your best interests. It’s quick, it’s easy, so take the leap today and start planning smarter!Don’t waste another minute; get started right here and help your retirement dreams become a retirement reality.(sponsor)

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Discover the Elite Stocks Delivering 12%+ Yields for Ultimate Passive Income Domination

2025-12-07 12:42:29

-->-->Key PointsNLY, BGS, TXO, and ARR are worthy stock picks for ambitious investors seeking dividend yields of 12% or more.Still, it’s important to know that these mega-yield stocks involve some risk and are only suitable for small share position sizes.It sounds nuts, but SoFi is giving new active invest users up to $1k in stock, see for yourself (Sponsor)-->-->Are you ready to enjoy a high-dividend lifestyle? Today is a great day to bolster your passive income potential with four stocks featuring forward annual dividend yields that exceed 12% as of Oct. 3, 2025.We like to cover high-yield dividend stocks because, while they may involve higher risk, investors can pair them with more safety-oriented stocks for a “barbell approach.” The key is to stay diversified, maintain small position sizes and don’t overload your portfolio with too many mega-yield stocks at once.Furthermore, you can mitigate your risk by having an exit strategy in case the share price of a high-dividend stock falls too much and/or the dividend gets cut. It’s also important to research every company and be able to answer some basic factual questions.These questions can include: What does the company do to make money? Does the company’s recent history of dividend payments show consistency and even a dividend increase? In addition, does the company have a reasonable amount of cash and cash equivalents, preferably in the millions of dollars?The following four high-paying dividend stocks carry some risk but also have enough green flags to be worth considering. So, check out these big-yield standouts that could help you achieve passive income dominator status in 2025.1. Annaly Capital Management (NLY)Loading stock data...Annaly Capital Management(NYSE:NLY)describes itself as a “diversified capital manager with investment strategies across mortgage finance.” While some people might classify the company as a real estate investment trust or REIT, Annaly Capital Management mainly focuses on mortgage lending.Looking through the company’s recent history, we can see that Annaly Capital Management pays a dividend once every three months. Earlier this year, the company increased its quarterly per-share cash payments from $0.65 to $0.70.If we annualize those distributions and assume that there won’t be any imminent dividend cuts, we can estimate that Annaly Capital Management will at least pay out $2.80 ($0.70 x 4) in dividends per year. If the NLY share price is around $20.75, this would equate to a forward annual dividend yield of $2.80, or 13.5%.Finally, we should answer the question of whether Annaly Capital Management has sufficient capital reserves to continue paying those quarterly dividend distributions. As of June 30, 2025, the company had cash and cash equivalents (including certain pledged assets) exceeding $2 billion. Hence, passive income collectors probably don’t have to worry about the near-term sustainability of Annaly Capital Management’s dividend payments.2. B&G Foods (BGS)Loading stock data...The companies that offer 12% or greater dividend yields tend to be in the financial and/or real estate sectors. However,B&G Foods(NYSE:BGS)breaks the mold as it’s a mega-yielder that happens to be packaged foods distributor. Some of the company’s recognizable brands include Crisco, Green Giant, Ortega, and Cream of Wheat.A quarterly cash distribution payer, B&G Foods doesn’t appear to have hiked its dividend recently. Nevertheless, it’s a positive sign that B&G Foods has maintained steady dividend payments of $0.19 per share.If the BGS stock price is roughly $4.55, then the company’s forward annual dividend yield would be (($0.19 x 4) / $4.55). This comes out to a juicy 16.7% yield, assuming no dividend cuts in the next 12 months.Is this a sustainable dividend, though? Most likely the answer is yes, as B&G Foods held ample cash and cash equivalents totaling $54.084 million as of June 28, 2025.3. TXO Partners (TXO)Loading stock data...Now, here’s another supersized dividend distributor that’s not in the financial or real estate sector. It’sTXO Partners(NYSE:TXO), a a master limited partnership (MLP) that acquires and develops oil and gas properties.Over the past year, TXO Partners has paid quarterly per-share dividends of $0.58, $0.61, another $0.61, and $0.45. Investors should closely monitor the future trajectory of the company’s dividend distributions to ensure that they’re not getting cut too deeply.For the time being, however, TXO Partners offers a tempting yield. Specifically, if we assume a TXO share price of approximately $14 and no dividend cuts in the next 12 months, then the company’s forward annual yield would be (($0.45 x 4) / $14), or 12.9%.Regarding TXO Partners’ capital position, this will undoubtedly fluctuate since that’s the nature of energy property developers. It’s fairly encouraging to learn, though, that the company held cash and cash equivalents totaling $7.953 million as June 30, 2025, suggesting a respectable store of capital.4. ARMOUR Residential REIT (ARR)Loading stock data...Jumping back into the real estate market,ARMOUR Residential REIT(NYSE:ARR)primarily invests in residential mortgage-backed securities. Just to be clear, ARR stock would expose your portfolio to mortgage interest rates, so that’s a factor to keep tabs on.Here’s a switch-up for you: ARMOUR Residential REIT distributes its cash dividends every month instead of just every quarter. During the past year, the company has been impressively consistent in delivering per-share dividend payouts of $0.24 per month.If you can tolerate the ups and downs of the sometimes volatile real estate sector, you might be rewarded with outstanding yield from ARR stock. An assumed share price of around $15.50 would mean that ARMOUR Residential REIT offers a forward annual dividend yield of (($0.24 x 12) / $15.50), or 18.6%.Glancing at the company’s financials, ARMOUR Residential REIT reported a sizable cash and cash equivalents position of $141.166 million as of June 30, 2025. Consequently, barring any unexpected changes, ARR stock has the makings of a reliable dividend deliverer for aspiring passive income mavens.Want Up To $1,000? SoFi Is Giving New Active Invest Users up to $1k in StockLooking to grow your money but unsure where to begin? SoFi Active Invest is offering a limited-time promotion—open an account, fund it with $50 or more, and you could receive up to $1,000 in complimentary stock for Active Invest accounts.From $0 commission trading to fractional shares and automated investing, this app is designed to simplify investing for everyone, whether you’re just starting or already experienced. Its easy to sign up and secure your bonus.(sponsor)DISCLOSURE:INVESTMENTS ARE NOT FDIC INSURED • ARE NOT BANK GUARANTEED • MAY LOSE VALUEBrokerage and Active investing products offered through SoFi Securities LLC, member FINRA(www.finra.org)/SIPC(www.sipc.org).Advisory services are offered by SoFi Wealth LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. Information about SoFi Wealth’s advisory operations, services, and fees is set forth in SoFi Wealth’s current Form ADV Part 2 (Brochure), a copy of which is available upon request and at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.Probability of Member receiving $1,000 is a probability of 0.026%; If you don’t make a selection in 30 days, you’ll no longer qualify for the promo. Customer must fund their account with a minimum of $50.00 to qualify.Other fees, such as exchange fees, may apply. Please view our fee disclosure to view a full listing of fees.Investing in alternative investments and/or strategies may not be suitable for all investors and involves unique risks, including the risk of loss. An investor should consider their individual circumstances and any investment information, such as a prospectus, prior to investing. Interval Funds are illiquid instruments, the ability to trade on your timeline may be restricted. Brokerage and Active investing products offered through SoFi Securities LLC, Member FINRA(www.finra.org) /SIPC(www.sipc.org).There are limitations with fractional shares to consider before investing. During market hours fractional share orders are transmitted immediately in the order received. There may be system delays from receipt of your order until execution and market conditions may adversely impact execution prices. Outside of market hours orders are received on a not held basis and will be aggregated for each security then executed in the morning trade window of the next business day at market open. Share will be delivered at an average price received for executing the securities through a single batched order. Fractional shares may not be transferred to another firm. Fractional shares will be sold when a transfer or closure request is initiated. Please consider that selling securities is a taxable event.Options involve risks, including substantial risk of loss and the possibility an investor may lose the entire investment Before trading options please review the Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options [HYPERLINK: https://www.theocc.com/getmedia/a151a9ae-d784-4a15-bdeb-23a029f50b70/riskstoc.pdfInvesting in an Initial Public Offering (IPO) involves substantial risk, including the risk of loss. Further, there are a variety of risk factors to consider when investing in an IPO, including but not limited to, unproven management, significant debt, and lack of operating history. For a comprehensive discussion of these risks please refer to SoFi Securities’ IPO Risk Disclosure Statement [HYPERLINK https://www.sofi.com/iporisk/]. This should not be considered a recommendation to participate in IPOs and investors should carefully read the offering prospectus to determine whether an offering is consistent with their investment objectives, risk tolerance, and financial situation. New offerings generally have high demand and there are a limited number of shares available for distribution to participants. Many customers may not be allocated shares and share allocations may be significantly smaller than the shares requested in the customer’s initial offer (Indication of Interest). For more information on the allocation process please visit IPO Allocation [HYPERLINK https://support.sofi.com/hc/en-us/articles/360058602892-How-does-SoFi-allocate-IPO-shares].

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'Sharp rise' in insolvencies expected in South West as firms grapple with new tariffs and economic uncertainty

2025-11-10 08:58:36

South West company insolvencies are expected to rise this year as businesses grapple with economic uncertainty and new US tariffs, according to experts. During the first quarter of the year the number of West Country firms filing for administration was relatively flat when compared to figures from 2024, but advisory firm Interpath said there was a risk of a "sharp rise" in businesses collapsing. Analysis of Companies House data by Interpath found there were 34 administrations in the South West in the first three months of the year, showing almost no change on the same period 12 months ago, and only a marginal fall against the final quarter of 2024 (39 cases). But Gareth Slater, managing director and head of Interpath in the South West, warned that challenges arising from the Autumn budget and economic uncertainty following the ongoing tariff war could bring businesses to the brink. “The universal tariff imposed by the US has sent shockwaves round the globe and has knocked corporate confidence," he said. "Quite simply, businesses in the region are unnerved. We’ve already seen that come through in volatility in the markets nationally and internationally." Mr Slater said company expansion plans are being deferred and many were reducing in capital expenditure and technology investment. "Management teams are concerned by the effect these changes will have on their own trading and margins, but also the stability of supply chains and medium-to-longer term health and demand within economy," he said. "All this puts real emphasis on the basics of cash management, performance improvement and lender engagement to build resilience." Mr Slater also warned that unless the UK could ratify a bespoke deal quickly, there could be a "notable rise" in administration levels in sectors such as industrial manufacturing and automotive through the summer. "The timing couldn’t be tougher as so many businesses should be ramping up investment right now as we pass through a period of fundamental structural change in the economy which has been upended by the rapid emergence of AI.” Nationally, London accounted for nearly a third of cases (32.7%), followed by the North West with more than a fifth of cases (22.7%), the Midlands (12.7%) and Yorkshire & the North East (12.7%). Mr Slater added: “While there is a lot of uncertainty, such disruption does present opportunities. Corporate buyers with strong balance sheets can look to put capital to work and realise their growth ambitions. "We’re already seeing mandates in the market locally for businesses that are suffering and could present opportunities to take on market share, expand into new areas, or acquire certain expertise.”

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Admiral Money appoints new chief executive

2025-11-13 17:45:21

The loans and car finance business of Wales’ only FTSE 100 firm Admiral has appointed a new chief executive. Emma Powell takes up the role with Admiral Money, stepping up from her current position of chief risk officer (subject to regulatory approval). Departing chief executive Scott Cargill, is moving into Admiral Group’s UK insurance business as its household, pet and travel director. Ms Powell joined Admiral Money in 2016 and has been part of Admiral Money’s executive team for almost nine years, with a key role in driving its continued profitability and evolving its multi-product offering. Milena Mondini de Focatiis, chief executive of Admiral Group, said, “It’s fantastic to see Emma step into this role as chief executive of Admiral Money as Scott moves to oversee our UK insurance business’ household, pet and travel areas. It’s another great example of strong internal mobility that we have always embraced at Admiral Group, and I know both Emma and Scott’s vast experience and expertise will bring a positive impact to our customer offerings.” Ms Powell said: “I’m truly excited to take the reigns from Scott and continue to build on the success of Admiral Money. As a founding member, working closely with Scott for almost nine years, I look forward to working with the team as we further enhance our customer offerings in the future.”

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Four High Yield Stocks with Double-Digit Yields (LFT, LYB, SUNS, TWO)

2025-11-22 07:42:36

-->-->Key PointsThese four stocks are a great choice for double-digit yields that can generate monthly and or quarterly passive income.Many of these names are already present in the REIT space, where a combination of factors is driving the higher yields.It sounds nuts, but SoFi is giving new active invest users up to $1k in stock, see for yourself (Sponsor)-->-->I think it goes without saying that everyone loves to make money—especially passive income—and it’s for this reason that dividend stocks are having a moment right now. It doesn’t matter if this activity is driven by retail investors and Reddit or those who are simply familiar with this investment style and want to cut back on how much they are working. There is no question that the stock market has undergone bouts of volatility throughout 2025, which is especially true when you factor in global uncertainty around tariffs and trade. However, over the last few months, it appears that investors are shrugging off tariff concerns and focusing more on creating stable and steady income streams through dividend investments—especially with fixed income offering lower rates after the Federal Reserve enacted cut interest rates last month—its first time doing so since December 2024.It’s for this reason that24/7 Wall St.has compiled a list of four stocks that are offering double-digit yields. It doesn’t matter if you’re on track for retirement in the next year or two, or looking to create a passive income stream, or DRIP, and allow your dividend earnings to compound over the next few decades. 1. Two Harbors Investment Group Loading stock data...One of the largest hybrid mortgage REITs in the United States today,Two Harbors Investment Group(NYSE: TWO)specializes in mortgage-backed securities and mortgage servicing rights. This is basically an MSR business that serves as a stabilizer in the industry when rates rise and prepayments slow. MSRs are going to gain value, helping to balance out any losses from mortgage-backed securities. Two Harbors currently manages around $4 billion in assets and has been public since 2009. With its scale and liquidity, it’s one of the more stable names in what is convincingly a more volatile sector. The stock is currently trading around $9.80 a share as of October 3, 2025, and offers a dividend yield between 14% and 16%.Its last dividend date, set to be paid out on October 29, will pay 34 cents per share. Unfortunately, TWO is also down 4.21% on the year, so the investment here isn’t about growth, but about the high yield, and the cash payout has remained steady, making it a wise investment for those looking for passive income. You should consider TWO an investment for the future when the mortgage market stabilizes, and it’s likely to see more growth. 2. LyondellBasell Loading stock data...One of the world’s largest chemical manufacturers,LyondellBasell(NYSE:LYB), is best known for its work in chemical manufacturing, refining, and producing plastics. There is no question that this is a name with a global footprint, a $15 billion market cap, and the right kind of exposure to commodity cycles that makes it different from the mortgage/REIT plays also recommended here. As of October 3, 2025, LYB is trading right around $49.47, and while it’s down on the year, it also has an 11.11% yield right now, and that’s hard to ignore. Also hard to ignore is the company’s $1.37 dividend payout, which shareholders received on Sept. 2, 2025. The company is estimating the same amount for its next payout on December 9, 2025, so this is a quarterly opportunity for passive income. The high yield is arguably attributed to the fact that margins are swinging alongside energy costs, as well as the volatile cycles of chemicals and plastics. This is a great addition to have in a mixed-income portfolio. 3. Lument Finance Trust Loading stock data...Lument Finance Trust(NYSE:LFT)is a specialty REIT that focuses primarily on commercial real estate loans. The company’s portfolio heavily focuses on multifamily housing, senior living facilities, and preferred equity structures.The company’s success can also be attributed to its loans being offered at a floating rate, which has helped support its margins in a high-interest-rate environment. With a market cap of just over $100 million, there is no question that LFT is one of the smaller players in this space. However, at just $1.90 per share with a dividend of approximately $0.04 per quarter, it offers a yield of approximately 12.87%. There is also no question that Lument Finance Trust is a higher risk bet for most investors, and it’s tied to commercial property. Still, if you believe that multifamily is going to hold up, the yield and low share price could make for a strong bet on the future, all while receiving a small piece of passive income right now. 4. Sunrise Realty Trust IncWhileSunrise Realty Trust(NASDAQ:SUNS)might not be a market giant with a market cap of $135 million, there’s certainly an argument to be made that it’s a balanced REIT well worth adding to a portfolio. With its $10.12 share price and $1.00 in annual dividends per share, you’re looking at a 10% yield. Sunrise Realty has been public since 2011 and has already established a strong track record of payouts, even if its year-to-date performance is lagging so far in 2025. The other good news is that, as a business development REIT, Sunrise has some flexibility in being able to put together structured deals. So, if you don’t mind a little bit of stomach churning on the share price, SUNS is going to offer you solid annual and quarterly dividend income. The best thing is not to think of Sunrise as a growth stock, but a steady paycheck. Want Up To $1,000? SoFi Is Giving New Active Invest Users up to $1k in StockLooking to grow your money but unsure where to begin? SoFi Active Invest is offering a limited-time promotion—open an account, fund it with $50 or more, and you could receive up to $1,000 in complimentary stock for Active Invest accounts.From $0 commission trading to fractional shares and automated investing, this app is designed to simplify investing for everyone, whether you’re just starting or already experienced. Its easy to sign up and secure your bonus.(sponsor)DISCLOSURE:INVESTMENTS ARE NOT FDIC INSURED • ARE NOT BANK GUARANTEED • MAY LOSE VALUEBrokerage and Active investing products offered through SoFi Securities LLC, member FINRA(www.finra.org)/SIPC(www.sipc.org).Advisory services are offered by SoFi Wealth LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. Information about SoFi Wealth’s advisory operations, services, and fees is set forth in SoFi Wealth’s current Form ADV Part 2 (Brochure), a copy of which is available upon request and at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.Probability of Member receiving $1,000 is a probability of 0.026%; If you don’t make a selection in 30 days, you’ll no longer qualify for the promo. Customer must fund their account with a minimum of $50.00 to qualify.Other fees, such as exchange fees, may apply. Please view our fee disclosure to view a full listing of fees.Investing in alternative investments and/or strategies may not be suitable for all investors and involves unique risks, including the risk of loss. An investor should consider their individual circumstances and any investment information, such as a prospectus, prior to investing. Interval Funds are illiquid instruments, the ability to trade on your timeline may be restricted. Brokerage and Active investing products offered through SoFi Securities LLC, Member FINRA(www.finra.org) /SIPC(www.sipc.org).There are limitations with fractional shares to consider before investing. During market hours fractional share orders are transmitted immediately in the order received. There may be system delays from receipt of your order until execution and market conditions may adversely impact execution prices. Outside of market hours orders are received on a not held basis and will be aggregated for each security then executed in the morning trade window of the next business day at market open. Share will be delivered at an average price received for executing the securities through a single batched order. Fractional shares may not be transferred to another firm. Fractional shares will be sold when a transfer or closure request is initiated. Please consider that selling securities is a taxable event.Options involve risks, including substantial risk of loss and the possibility an investor may lose the entire investment Before trading options please review the Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options [HYPERLINK: https://www.theocc.com/getmedia/a151a9ae-d784-4a15-bdeb-23a029f50b70/riskstoc.pdfInvesting in an Initial Public Offering (IPO) involves substantial risk, including the risk of loss. Further, there are a variety of risk factors to consider when investing in an IPO, including but not limited to, unproven management, significant debt, and lack of operating history. For a comprehensive discussion of these risks please refer to SoFi Securities’ IPO Risk Disclosure Statement [HYPERLINK https://www.sofi.com/iporisk/]. This should not be considered a recommendation to participate in IPOs and investors should carefully read the offering prospectus to determine whether an offering is consistent with their investment objectives, risk tolerance, and financial situation. New offerings generally have high demand and there are a limited number of shares available for distribution to participants. Many customers may not be allocated shares and share allocations may be significantly smaller than the shares requested in the customer’s initial offer (Indication of Interest). For more information on the allocation process please visit IPO Allocation [HYPERLINK https://support.sofi.com/hc/en-us/articles/360058602892-How-does-SoFi-allocate-IPO-shares].

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If You Invested in SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY) 5 Years Ago, You Would Be Up 89.72% Today

2025-11-30 00:42:08

-->-->Key PointsSPY offers low-cost diversification in 500 top U.S. firms, averaging 10% historical annual returns.SPY’s low 0.0945% expense ratio and high liquidity make it ideal for long-term, hands-off investing.It sounds nuts, but SoFi is giving new active invest users up to $1k in stock, see for yourself (Sponsor)-->-->Five years ago today, a $10,000 investment in theSPDR S&P 500 ETF(NYSEARCA:SPY) would be worth $18,972—a 89.72% gain that underscores the rewards of broad-market investing. This performance comes without the need for stock-picking prowess or market-timing. SPY offers a low-cost way to ride the wave of America’s top companies, proving itself as a reliable and diversified position for every type of investor. What is SPY?SPY$665.17▲ $722.89(108.68%)5YPre-Market1D5D1M3M6M1Y5YMAXAt its core, SPDR S&P 500 ETF is one of the most popular exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in the world, launched in 1993 by State Street Global Advisors. It seeks to mirror the performance of the S&P 500 Index, a benchmark comprising 500 of the largest U.S. companies across diverse sectors like technology, healthcare, finance, and consumer goods. Unlike mutual funds, SPY trades like a stock on the NYSE Arca exchange, offering intraday liquidity and low trading costs. With an expense ratio of just 0.0945%, it’s incredibly cost-efficient—meaning more of your returns stay in your pocket. For beginners or seasoned investors alike, SPY provides instant diversification: owning a slice of America’s economic engine without the hassle of managing a portfolio stocks.Top Holdings Driving PerformanceWhat fuels SPY’s growth? Its holdings reflect the titans driving the U.S. economy. As of early October 2025, the top 10 holdings account for about 38.78% of the fund’s assets, showcasing concentration in innovative leaders.NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ:NVDA)tops the list at 7.96%, powering the AI revolution with its cutting-edge chips.Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT)follows at 6.73%, dominating cloud computing and software.Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL)holds 6.61%, thanks to its ecosystem of devices and services.Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN)clocks in at 3.73%, leading e-commerce and logistics, whileAlphabet (NASDAQ:GOOGL)andMeta Platforms (NASDAQ:META)round out key tech plays at around 2% each. Other notables includeBroadcom (NASDAQ:AVGO)at 2.05% for semiconductors andEli Lilly (NYSE:LLY)at 1.58% for pharmaceuticals. This mix isn’t static—holdings adjust quarterly to match the S&P 500—but it consistently captures growth sectors while balancing with stalwarts like Berkshire Hathaway and JPMorgan Chase.Why SPY is a Good, Safe ETF for InvestorsSo, why is SPY such a safe bet? Diversification is key: spreading risk across 500 companies means no single stock can sink the ship. The S&P 500 has historically delivered average annual returns of about 10% over decades, outpacing inflation and most asset classes. Its massive size (over $500 billion in assets) ensures high liquidity, tight bid-ask spreads, and minimal tracking error. Regulated as a trust, SPY holds physical shares of underlying stocks, reducing counterparty risk compared to derivatives-based funds. For conservative investors, it’s a “set it and forget it” option: no need to chase trends or panic-sell during volatility. Studies show that time in the market beats timing the market, and SPY embodies that wisdom.How the Past 5 Years Compare to HistoryThe recent 89.72% five-year total return equates to an annualized gain of about 13.7%, handily beating the historical average five-year annualized return of 10.4% since 1926. This strong performance aligns with the post-pandemic recovery and tech-driven boom, but it’s not the hottest on record—the S&P 500’s best five-year stretch came during the late-1990s dot-com era (1995-1999), delivering a blistering 28.6% annualized.On the flip side, tougher periods like the Great Depression (1928-1932) saw annualized losses of -12.5%, underscoring the market’s volatility. Over longer horizons, the S&P 500’s 150-year average annualized return stands at 9.4%, with dividends reinvested, proving that patience pays off even through downturns like the early 2000s (just 0.4% annualized from 2000-2004). SPY captures these cycles without the guesswork.Of course, past performance isn’t a guarantee, and SPY isn’t immune to downturns—market corrections happen. But for those building retirement nests or steady portfolios, its blend of growth, stability, and simplicity is unmatched. If you’re sidelined, starting with SPY today could position you for the next five-year windfall. Want Up To $1,000? SoFi Is Giving New Active Invest Users up to $1k in StockLooking to grow your money but unsure where to begin? SoFi Active Invest is offering a limited-time promotion—open an account, fund it with $50 or more, and you could receive up to $1,000 in complimentary stock for Active Invest accounts.From $0 commission trading to fractional shares and automated investing, this app is designed to simplify investing for everyone, whether you’re just starting or already experienced. Its easy to sign up and secure your bonus.(sponsor)DISCLOSURE:INVESTMENTS ARE NOT FDIC INSURED • ARE NOT BANK GUARANTEED • MAY LOSE VALUEBrokerage and Active investing products offered through SoFi Securities LLC, member FINRA(www.finra.org)/SIPC(www.sipc.org).Advisory services are offered by SoFi Wealth LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. Information about SoFi Wealth’s advisory operations, services, and fees is set forth in SoFi Wealth’s current Form ADV Part 2 (Brochure), a copy of which is available upon request and at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.Probability of Member receiving $1,000 is a probability of 0.026%; If you don’t make a selection in 30 days, you’ll no longer qualify for the promo. Customer must fund their account with a minimum of $50.00 to qualify.Other fees, such as exchange fees, may apply. Please view our fee disclosure to view a full listing of fees.Investing in alternative investments and/or strategies may not be suitable for all investors and involves unique risks, including the risk of loss. An investor should consider their individual circumstances and any investment information, such as a prospectus, prior to investing. Interval Funds are illiquid instruments, the ability to trade on your timeline may be restricted. Brokerage and Active investing products offered through SoFi Securities LLC, Member FINRA(www.finra.org) /SIPC(www.sipc.org).There are limitations with fractional shares to consider before investing. During market hours fractional share orders are transmitted immediately in the order received. There may be system delays from receipt of your order until execution and market conditions may adversely impact execution prices. Outside of market hours orders are received on a not held basis and will be aggregated for each security then executed in the morning trade window of the next business day at market open. Share will be delivered at an average price received for executing the securities through a single batched order. Fractional shares may not be transferred to another firm. Fractional shares will be sold when a transfer or closure request is initiated. Please consider that selling securities is a taxable event.Options involve risks, including substantial risk of loss and the possibility an investor may lose the entire investment Before trading options please review the Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options [HYPERLINK: https://www.theocc.com/getmedia/a151a9ae-d784-4a15-bdeb-23a029f50b70/riskstoc.pdfInvesting in an Initial Public Offering (IPO) involves substantial risk, including the risk of loss. Further, there are a variety of risk factors to consider when investing in an IPO, including but not limited to, unproven management, significant debt, and lack of operating history. For a comprehensive discussion of these risks please refer to SoFi Securities’ IPO Risk Disclosure Statement [HYPERLINK https://www.sofi.com/iporisk/]. This should not be considered a recommendation to participate in IPOs and investors should carefully read the offering prospectus to determine whether an offering is consistent with their investment objectives, risk tolerance, and financial situation. New offerings generally have high demand and there are a limited number of shares available for distribution to participants. Many customers may not be allocated shares and share allocations may be significantly smaller than the shares requested in the customer’s initial offer (Indication of Interest). For more information on the allocation process please visit IPO Allocation [HYPERLINK https://support.sofi.com/hc/en-us/articles/360058602892-How-does-SoFi-allocate-IPO-shares].

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UK house prices reach new peak in April, defying stamp duty changes and market predictions

2025-11-26 17:14:27

Despite concerns of a market slowdown following changes to stamp duty, the average UK house price increased by 1.4% in April. Rightmove reports that UK house prices have reached a new record high of £377,182. Analysts suggest that lower mortgage rates have counterbalanced the effects of stamp duty alterations and the typical seasonal slowdown, as reported by City AM. Jeremy Leaf, a north London estate agent and former RICS residential chairman, commented: "Attack is the best form of defence for some sellers." He added: "In our offices we have noticed many want to tough out the loss of the stamp duty concession last month, keep asking prices up and letting the market find a new 'normal'." Before April 1, no stamp duty was levied on purchases up to £250,000. However, from this month, a two per cent charge now applies to homes purchased between £125,001 and £250,000. Rightmove pointed out that while the seasonal increase in house prices is a "positive sign for the health of the market," the large number of properties on sale means competition will be intense. Estate agents Yopa report that nearly 54,000 home sellers have entered the market across England since the stamp duty deadline expired. Tomer Aboody, Director of property lender MT Finance, said: "All eyes are on the Bank of England to see whether there will be a further reduction in May, with any assistance here likely to boost activity now that the stamp duty concession has ended." "Indeed, buyers may await further reductions before making their move." Investors are predicting as many as four interest rate reductions this year, largely due to the global instability triggered by US President Donald Trump's tariffs. The UK's 10-year swap rate took a hit on April 7, and analysts anticipate it will continue to decline.

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Why JEPQ’s ~10% Yield Comes with Hidden Trade-Offs

2025-11-13 18:04:36

-->-->Key PointsThe JEPQ ETF offers a high annual yield, monthly payouts, and exposure to top technology-sector names.However, JEPQ involves higher fees and less diversification than popular index funds like SPY and VOO.Are you ahead, or behind on retirement? SmartAsset’s free tool can match you with a financial advisor in minutes to help you answer that today. Each advisor has been carefully vetted, and must act in your best interests. Don’t waste another minute; learn more here.(Sponsor)-->-->Within the universe of high-yield exchange traded funds (ETFs), theJPMorgan Nasdaq Equity Premium Income ETF(NASDAQ:JEPQ) is among the most popular picks. When you discover the benefits of the JEPQ ETF, you’ll surely understand why many investors turn to this fund for consistent passive income.Sure, you might call the JPMorgan Nasdaq Equity Premium Income ETF a passive income machine. On the other hand, there’s no free lunch in the financial markets and the JEPQ ETF has some drawbacks. Without a doubt, you’ll want to weigh the benefits and disadvantages before committing your hard-earned capital to this fund.JEPQ: Better Than SPY and VOO?Quite possibly, the most passive way to earn income is to simply buy and hold an index fund that tracks (follows) the S&P 500. That way, you’ll probably achieve long-term average share-price appreciation of 8% to 10% per year, plus slightly more than 1% in annual dividends.Those dividend distributions would probably show up in your account once every quarter (three months). You won’t build wealth super-fast that way, but at least you’ll earn some income and get exposure to the 500 large-cap stocks in the S&P 500.Two well-known ETFs that track the S&P 500 are theSPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust(NYSEARCA:SPY) and theVanguard S&P 500 ETF(NYSEARCA:VOO). If you’re interested in the JPMorgan Nasdaq Equity Premium Income ETF, then you probably want to outperform a simple buy-and-hold strategy with SPY or VOO.At first glance, it’s seems easy to beat S&P 500 funds with the JEPQ ETF. After all, the JPMorgan Nasdaq Equity Premium Income ETF features an annual dividend/distribution yield between 9% and 10% (it was around 9.5% recently).Not only that, but JEPQ pays out its cash distributions on a monthly basis, as opposed to the quarterly payouts offered by SPY and VOO. Consequently, you’d have many more opportunities to reinvest the distributions with the JPMorgan Nasdaq Equity Premium Income ETF.Watch Out for JEPQ’s Trade-OffsOn top of all that, you can participate in the growth of the technology sector with the JPMorgan Nasdaq Equity Premium Income ETF. That’s because the JEPQ ETF’s top holdings include established tech names likeApple(NASDAQ:AAPL),Microsoft(NASDAQ:MSFT),NVIDIA(NASDAQ:NVDA),Amazon(NASDAQ:AMZN),Meta Platforms(NASDAQ:META), andBroadcom(NASDAQ:AVGO).Here’s where some investors might be reluctant about the JEPQ ETF, though. While SPY and VOO provide some exposure to large-cap technology stocks, the JPMorgan Nasdaq Equity Premium Income ETF is more tech-heavy and less diversified.SPY and VOO hold around 500 stocks, but JEPQ only holds 106 stocks. Furthermore, the top seven holdings of the JPMorgan Nasdaq Equity Premium Income ETF, all of which are tech stocks, comprise roughly 40% of the fund’s portfolio by weighting.The JEPQ ETF uses options-trading strategies to extract more yield from these stocks, and that’s what makes the fund so appealing. However, you won’t get as much diversification as you would get with SPY or VOO, and not everyone wants to be so heavily invested in a handful of technology stocks.Higher Fees, Lower Share-Price PerformanceAlso, the JPMorgan Nasdaq Equity Premium Income ETF charges higher management fees than SPY or VOO. Specifically, JEPQ automatically deducts 0.35% worth of expenses from the share price on an annualized basis.In contrast, SPY only deducts 0.0945% worth of annual expenses and VOO only charges 0.03%. This might not sound like a big deal in the short term, but higher fees can eat into your total returns over time.In addition, the JPMorgan Nasdaq Equity Premium Income ETF’s share-price performance hasn’t always kept up with SPY and VOO. Over the past 12 months, JEPQ’s share price has increased by approximately 5%.Loading stock data...That’s not a terrible one-year price performance, but it pales in comparison to the 16% share-price gains of SPYand VOO.Loading stock data...Loading stock data...Between the higher fees and the less favorable share-price performance, prospective buyers might think twice before jumping headfirst into the JPMorgan Nasdaq Equity Premium Income ETF.Don’t Be a Yield ChaserThere are yield seekers, and there are yield chasers. The last thing you want to do is chase after ultra-high yield without considering the hidden trade-offs of a fund like the JPMorgan Nasdaq Equity Premium Income ETF.For an attractive annual distribution yield between 9% and 10%, you may end up with less-than-optimal share-price returns. Besides, you’d have to pay higher expenses and accept the risks of a very tech-heavy fund.Instead of being a yield chaser, you can think long and hard about the risks and potential rewards of the JPMorgan Nasdaq Equity Premium Income ETF. Then, you might purchase only a few JEPQ shares and balance out your portfolio with shares of SPY and/or VOO. That way, you’ll be a prudent yield seeker with good long-term prospects.Want Up To $1,000? SoFi Is Giving New Active Invest Users up to $1k in StockLooking to grow your money but unsure where to begin? SoFi Active Invest is offering a limited-time promotion—open an account, fund it with $50 or more, and you could receive up to $1,000 in complimentary stock for Active Invest accounts.From $0 commission trading to fractional shares and automated investing, this app is designed to simplify investing for everyone, whether you’re just starting or already experienced. Its easy to sign up and secure your bonus.(sponsor)DISCLOSURE:INVESTMENTS ARE NOT FDIC INSURED • ARE NOT BANK GUARANTEED • MAY LOSE VALUEBrokerage and Active investing products offered through SoFi Securities LLC, member FINRA(www.finra.org)/SIPC(www.sipc.org).Advisory services are offered by SoFi Wealth LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. Information about SoFi Wealth’s advisory operations, services, and fees is set forth in SoFi Wealth’s current Form ADV Part 2 (Brochure), a copy of which is available upon request and at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.Probability of Member receiving $1,000 is a probability of 0.026%; If you don’t make a selection in 30 days, you’ll no longer qualify for the promo. Customer must fund their account with a minimum of $50.00 to qualify.Other fees, such as exchange fees, may apply. Please view our fee disclosure to view a full listing of fees.Investing in alternative investments and/or strategies may not be suitable for all investors and involves unique risks, including the risk of loss. An investor should consider their individual circumstances and any investment information, such as a prospectus, prior to investing. Interval Funds are illiquid instruments, the ability to trade on your timeline may be restricted. Brokerage and Active investing products offered through SoFi Securities LLC, Member FINRA(www.finra.org) /SIPC(www.sipc.org).There are limitations with fractional shares to consider before investing. During market hours fractional share orders are transmitted immediately in the order received. There may be system delays from receipt of your order until execution and market conditions may adversely impact execution prices. Outside of market hours orders are received on a not held basis and will be aggregated for each security then executed in the morning trade window of the next business day at market open. Share will be delivered at an average price received for executing the securities through a single batched order. Fractional shares may not be transferred to another firm. Fractional shares will be sold when a transfer or closure request is initiated. Please consider that selling securities is a taxable event.Options involve risks, including substantial risk of loss and the possibility an investor may lose the entire investment Before trading options please review the Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options [HYPERLINK: https://www.theocc.com/getmedia/a151a9ae-d784-4a15-bdeb-23a029f50b70/riskstoc.pdfInvesting in an Initial Public Offering (IPO) involves substantial risk, including the risk of loss. Further, there are a variety of risk factors to consider when investing in an IPO, including but not limited to, unproven management, significant debt, and lack of operating history. For a comprehensive discussion of these risks please refer to SoFi Securities’ IPO Risk Disclosure Statement [HYPERLINK https://www.sofi.com/iporisk/]. This should not be considered a recommendation to participate in IPOs and investors should carefully read the offering prospectus to determine whether an offering is consistent with their investment objectives, risk tolerance, and financial situation. New offerings generally have high demand and there are a limited number of shares available for distribution to participants. Many customers may not be allocated shares and share allocations may be significantly smaller than the shares requested in the customer’s initial offer (Indication of Interest). For more information on the allocation process please visit IPO Allocation [HYPERLINK https://support.sofi.com/hc/en-us/articles/360058602892-How-does-SoFi-allocate-IPO-shares].

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AI Bubble/Crash Worries Are Gripping Wall Street: 4 Ultra-Safe Ideas for Worried Boomers

2025-12-02 13:49:48

The concernsaround an artificial intelligence bubble basically center on whether the massive investments flooding into AI can justify their enormous costs and deliver on their transformative promises. Critics worry that the sector is experiencing irrational exuberance reminiscent of the dot-com boom. Tech companies are spending hundreds of billions on AI infrastructure, startups are commanding sky-high valuations based on potential rather than profits, and enterprises are rushing to implement AI solutions without clear use cases or return on investment.The fundamentalworry is that current AI capabilities, while impressive, may not be revolutionary enough to justify the trillions in market capitalization tied to AI expectations. Many across Wall Street feel we could be overestimating the near-term impact while underestimating the time and resources needed for AI to transform industries truly. If the bubble pops, the high-energy Magnificent 7 stocks that have dominated the stock market for almost three years could tumble and take the rest of the market with them.-->-->24/7 Wall St. Key Points:The current S&P 500 price-to-earnings ratio is a stunning 30.03.Over the last 5 years, the average P/E range has been between 19.50 and 25.03. So clearly, stocks are way overbought.We had a 20% correction from February to April earlier this year; another one could be on the way.Are you ahead, or behind on retirement? SmartAsset’s free tool can match you with a financial advisor in minutes to help you answer that today. Each advisor has been carefully vetted, and must act in your best interests. Don’t waste another minute; learn more here.(Sponsor)-->-->Although devastating, a market crash or severe correction is manageable if you are in your 40s and earning your peak income. However, for Baby Boomers who have enjoyed unprecedented gains over the past 35 years, being overweight in the stock market now is like picking up nickels in front of a bulldozer, and it could be a fatal blow to their retirement savings. Examine the data we collected on the impact of major market crashes. The recovery time can be much longer than recessions or regular bear markets, sometimes taking decades:The 1929 Crash lasted until 1932, and the Dow did not fully recover until November 1954.The dot-com stock correction/crash in March 2000 took 13 years to recover fully.The Panic of 1907 took the stock market 20 years to return to its pre-crash level.The youngestBaby Boomers turned 60 last year, while the oldest are closing in on 80 in 2026. Moving most of your investments out of S&P 500 index funds and concentrating on ultra-safe investments where the principal is protected and guaranteed makes sense now, with the stock market resting at a vulnerable precipice.Exchange Traded Treasury Bill Funds (ETFs)Unlike open-endmutual funds, ETFs trade on major exchanges like stocks. They own financial assets such as stocks, bonds, currencies, debts, futures contracts, and commodities such as gold bars. One significant advantage ETFs have is that they can be bought or sold at any time the markets are trading. In addition, there is a large market and demand from investors for exchange-traded funds.One of thefunds we highly recommend at 24/7 Wall St. is the SPDR Bloomberg 1-3 Month T-Bill ETF (NYSE: BIL). The fund invests substantially all, but at least 80%, of its total assets in the securities comprising the index and in securities that the Adviser determines to have economic characteristics substantially identical to the financial characteristics of the securities comprising the index. The index measures the performance of public obligations of the U.S. Treasury that have a remaining maturity of 1 month or more and less than 3 months.The State Streetwebsite says this when describing the fund:The SPDR Bloomberg 1-3 Month T-Bill ETF seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the Bloomberg 1-3 Month U.S. Treasury Bill Index.Seeks to provide exposure to publicly issued U.S. Treasury Bills that have a remaining maturity between 1 and 3 months.Short-duration fixed income is less exposed to fluctuations in interest rates than longer-duration securities.Rebalanced on the last business day of the month.The fund currentlypays a 4.26% yield and a monthly dividend/interest payment of $0.3828. Investors need to know that the price of the ETF will drop by that amount when the dividend is paid. However, at $91.47 at the time of this writing, that is a tiny amount each month.With a tiny 0.14%expenseratio and daily liquidity, it is perfect for those who cannot afford a massive loss of principal.High-yield money market funds (HYSA)A high-yield moneymarket fund, or high-yield savings account (HYSA), is an investment that aims to generate income while keeping the principal relatively stable and liquid. It is considered a low-risk investment and can have higher interest rates than savings accounts. Money market funds invest in short-term securities, such as government securities, commercial paper, and corporate debt.They are intendedto be safe and not lose value. Best of all, you can withdraw cash from a money market fund without penalties. In addition, they pay interest monthly, and the FDIC insures them up to $250,000.Here arethe rates from some well-known companies that we recommend:American Express High Yield Savings: 3.50%PNC Bank High Yield Savings: 3.85%CIT Bank Platinum Savings: 3.85% on balances of $5,000 and moreU.S. Treasury bonds Treasury bondsinclude a range of debt securities issued and backed by the U.S. government. Sell high-volatility stocks and look at the short end of the Treasury market. The two-year note, like all Treasury debt, is guaranteed by the full faith and credit of the United States and yields 3.55%. Those with the ability to look farther down the road could buy the five-year bond, which yields 3.65%, or the seven-year bond, which yields 3.85%.Open-End Mutual FundsAn “open-endmutual fund” is a type of investment fund that allows investors to buy or sell shares at any time, based on the current net asset value (NAV) of the fund, essentially meaning new shares are created when investors want to buy in, and shares are redeemed when investors want to sell out, providing continuous liquidity compared to closed-end funds with fixed entry and exit points; this makes open-end funds highly accessible for investors to enter and exit as needed.Both closed-endand open-end funds provide efficient investment options. Closed-end funds trade on exchanges throughout the day, while open-end funds are typically redeemed or bought at net asset value once daily.We recommendthe BlackRock Liquidity Funds – FedFund (BFCXX), which currently yields 4.02%. The fund maintains a $1 net asset value and can be bought and sold daily.The BlackRockwebsite says this when describing the fund:FedFund invests at least 99.5% of its assets in cash, U.S. Treasury bills, notes, and other obligations issued or guaranteed as principal and interest by the U.S. Government, its agencies, or instrumentalities, and repurchase agreements secured by such obligations or cash. The yield of the Fund is not directly tied to the federal funds rate. The Fund invests in securities maturing in 397 days or less (with certain exceptions), and the portfolio will have a dollar-weighted average maturity of 60 days or less and a dollar-weighted average life of 120 days or less. The Fund may invest in variable and floating rate instruments and transact in securities on a when-issued, delayed delivery, or forward commitment basis.Four Stocks That Yield 12% and Higher Are Passive Income KingsGet Ready To Retire (Sponsored)Start by taking a quick retirement quiz from SmartAsset that will match you with up to 3 financial advisors that serve your area and beyond in 5 minutes, or less.Each advisor has been vetted by SmartAsset and is held to a fiduciary standard to act in your best interests.Here’s how it works:1. Answer SmartAsset advisor match quiz2. Review your pre-screened matches at your leisure. Check out the advisors’ profiles.3. Speak with advisors at no cost to you. Have an introductory call on the phone or introduction in person and choose whom to work with in the future.

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BP anticipates weak gas trading in Q1 2025, forecasts higher net debt amid strategic shifts

2025-11-30 10:35:14

BP has forecasted a "weak" performance in gas marketing and trading for the first quarter of 2025, according to its early indicators. The company also anticipates a decrease in upstream production compared to the previous quarter, with a slight increase in oil but a decline in gas and low carbon energy, as reported by City AM. Earnings from its oil production and operations segment are expected to remain largely unchanged due to price lags in the Gulf of America and the UAE. On Friday, BP also projected that its net debt would be approximately $4bn (£3.1bn) higher year-on-year. "This is driven primarily by a working capital build, which is largely expected to reverse, reflecting seasonal inventory effects, timing of payments including annual bonus payments and payments related to low carbon assets held for sale," the company stated in a market announcement. In its customers and products division, BP warned that results could be affected by lower seasonal volumes and stronger realised refining margins ranging from $0.1bn to $0.3bn. Brent averaged $75.73 per barrel in the first quarter, compared to $74.73 in the fourth quarter of 2024. BP's Refining Marker Margin (RMM) averaged $15.2 per barrel, compared to $13.1 per barrel in 2024. The company will announce its first quarter results on 29 April 2025. Shares have fallen just over 14 per cent this year to date.

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Ethereum vs. XRP: Which Cryptocurrency Has More Room to Run?

2025-12-07 03:00:50

For crypto investors looking to go above and beyondBitcoin(CRYPTO:BTC) for greater diversification or just more upside potential (at the cost of downside risk),Ethereum(CRYPTO:ETH) andXRP(CRYPTO:XRP) are more than worth looking into. Year to date, these two smaller cryptocurrencies have actually outperformed Bitcoin, with Ethereum and XRP both gaining around 20% versus Bitcoin’s modest 16% rise.With the recent correction in Bitcoin and the relative near-term outperformance by ETH and XRP, should investors consider spreading their bets more broadly across the crypto market? Or is it best to stick with the leader, even as shares begin to fluctuate around $100,000-120,000?Though I’m not against sticking with BTC, given that other cryptocurrencies tend to be highly correlated with its performance, I do think that those with the willingness to embrace more risk may wish to consider nibbling on the likes of an Ethereum or an XRP. But which up-and-comer has more room to run? Let’s find out.-->-->Key PointsEthereum and XRP stand out as worthy cryptos to consider diversifying beyond Bitcoin.ETH and XRP have been hotter so far this year, but which crypto has a higher ceiling for growth?Are you ahead, or behind on retirement? SmartAsset’s free tool can match you with a financial advisor in minutes to help you answer that today. Each advisor has been carefully vetted, and must act in your best interests. Don’t waste another minute; learn more here.(Sponsor)-->-->The case for EthereumEthereum may be outpacing Bitcoin modestly so far this year, but time will tell if the outperformance will last. Undoubtedly, ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds) have made crypto investing far more accessible to a broader range of investors. With the rise of Ethereum ETFs, it’s become just as convenient to bet on the number-two crypto as Bitcoin.Given how far Ethereum has come in recent years, with its network upgrades and the government’s embrace of the crypto asset class as a whole (it’s not just about Bitcoin anymore), I see a fairly strong case for owning a bit of Ethereum alongside Bitcoin. As decentralized finance picks up momentum, it’s tough to tell how much higher Ethereum can fly relative to the likes of Bitcoin.Fundstrat’s Tom Lee is a notable bull on Ethereum, going as far as to say the cryptocurrency can rise to a whopping $60,000 over the long term. That represents 1,500% upside from current levels. And while I wouldn’t be so quick to subscribe to Lee’s long-term price target, given how tricky it can be to predict the movement of a hyper-volatile asset whose price is determined by a profound number of variables, I do understand the bull case. Lee has high hopes for emerging technologies built on top of Ethereum.While Lee is a massive bull, there are also some pundits out there who are skeptical. Notably, Andrew Kang thinks Lee’s forecast is “deeply flawed,” going as far as to say it’s “financially illiterate.”I have no idea how things will pan out for Ethereum over the long haul. Its applications for next-gen use cases are intriguing, but that alone doesn’t make Ethereum worth buying up with both hands, expecting multi-bagger gains. Who knows? Perhaps it’s another crypto ecosystem that emerges as a big winner.Although I’m skeptical about sky-high long-term price targets, like Lee’s, I do see considerable room for growth.The case for XRPAt $2 and change per token, XRP stands out as more enticing for smaller retail investors out there. Add the explosive 372% past-year gain, which blew Ethereum out of the water, into the equation, and I think having a little bit of XRP sprinkled over a crypto portfolio can make a lot of sense.As always, though, check in with your financial adviser and ask them about cryptocurrencies and how they can benefit the risk/reward profile of your portfolio. With XRP ETFs likely on the horizon, we could witness considerable inflows, similar to those enjoyed by Ethereum and Bitcoin.Add the potential for central banks to start viewing cryptocurrencies beyond Bitcoin as a reserve asset, and I think there’s certainly an enticing bull-case scenario for crypto traders to get behind. Personally, I wouldn’t look to chase XRP after a hot past-year rally. Perhaps a pullback could be the time to give XRP a second look if you’re keen on adding it.Get Ready To Retire (Sponsored)Start by taking a quick retirement quiz from SmartAsset that will match you with up to 3 financial advisors that serve your area and beyond in 5 minutes, or less.Each advisor has been vetted by SmartAsset and is held to a fiduciary standard to act in your best interests.Here’s how it works:1. Answer SmartAsset advisor match quiz2. Review your pre-screened matches at your leisure. Check out the advisors’ profiles.3. Speak with advisors at no cost to you. Have an introductory call on the phone or introduction in person and choose whom to work with in the future.

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Hull hamper business which supplies Jaguar Land Rover secures £227k funding to grow

2025-11-25 14:57:25

Family-run Peach Hampers says it will double capacity as its Hull base having secured a £227,000 loan. The Boulevard business, which was launched 12 years ago by freelance graphic designer Brendan Pallant in his spare bedroom, produces hampers branded with clients' logos. Funding has come from NPIF II – Mercia Debt Finance, which is managed by Mercia Debt as part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II. The capital will help Peach Hampers, which is now run together with Mr Pallant's wife Letitia, to double capacity via new mezzanine floor in its warehouse and provide storage for an additional 7,500 extra hampers which could be ready to ship during peak times. And a new conveyor belt and pallet wrapping machine will double the number of hampers that can be packed each day. Brendan Pallant, founder and managing director, said: “Hampers are a great way for companies to provide a thoughtful gift to staff or customers that requires minimal time and effort. We spotted a gap in the market for a supplier that could offer branding free of charge. "Our business has gone from strength to strength but we have been missing out on valuable revenue during the peak Christmas period. The funding will enable us to overcome the constraints and move forward.” Peach Hampers boasts a number of high profile clients including Jaguar Land Rover, ITV and EE. Rebecca Pickering of Mercia Debt added: “Peach Hampers is a small, family-run firm that punches well above its weight and competes with big players in the market. The business has grown organically to this point. 2024 has been a transformational year and it is now ready to take on external funding to push it to the next stage. We are pleased to support Brendan and Letitia on their growth journey.” Lizzy Upton, senior investment manager at the British Business Bank, said: “The UK gifting market is robust and Peach Hampers are capitalising on the growth in this sector, using NPIF II funding to fuel its expansion and ultimately grow its capabilities, all from its base in Hull.”

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10-14% Yield from SPYI and QQQI: Worth the Trade-Offs or Too Good to Be True?

2025-11-24 02:53:01

There has been plenty of interest in the specialty (or premium) income ETF scene lately. And it’s not a mystery as to why, with the Federal Reserve starting a new rate-cutting cycle while yields become a bit harder to find as the broad stock market rallies to fresh, new all-time highs.Indeed, the window of opportunity to snag higher yields at lower valuations has mostly closed. And while there are still some great dividend deals out there, the appetite for even higher yielders (think more than 10%) has stayed elevated for some income-oriented investors who want a way to maximize their yield, even if it entails a greater deal of uncertainty.-->-->Key PointsThe SPYI and QQQI are great income ETFs, but investors should expect the yield to vary based on options market dynamics.Investors should ask their wealth planners how such investments can bolster their passive income stream.Are you ahead, or behind on retirement? SmartAsset’s free tool can match you with a financial advisor in minutes to help you answer that today. Each advisor has been carefully vetted, and must act in your best interests. Don’t waste another minute; learn more here.(Sponsor)-->-->The impressive yields of the SPYI and QQQI have to be enticing to passive income investors, especially as risk-free and risky yields fallOf course, premium income ETFs don’t offer passive income investors any sort of free lunch. At the end of the day, cranking up the potential on return (or yield) tends to also entail a trade-off, either in the form of more downside risk or less upside potential. When it comes to the SPYI, QQQI, and ETFs like it, there’s yield volatility and limited upside to be aware of relative to the S&P 500 or Nasdaq 100.When it comes to yield, more elevated yields, especially when the sale of covered calls or call spread strategies are considered (the active managers incorporate a “data-driven” call option strategy to achieve the ETF’s towering yield), tend to be on less stable footing, especially given the uncertainties regarding options premiums at any given point in time. That means a 14% yield could be several percentage points lower or higher in just a few weeks’ time.Understandably, some environments tend to entail much heftier option premiums, while others may offer premiums that are incredibly slim, perhaps too slim to justify writing a covered call. In any case, investors should understand the trade-offs that come with their favorite high-yield ETFs.What are the trade-offs to understand before punching a ticket to either the SPYI or QQQI at current levels?As to whether the yields are too good to be true is the giant question mark that nobody has the answer to. Indeed, it all depends on market dynamics, which, at the end of the day, is impossible to forecast unless you have a superpower that enables you to see the future. If 2026 is another upbeat year that rhymes with 2025, the SPYI and QQQI yields, in my view, will hold up. In any case, there’s some degree of uncertainty that investors will need to be comfortable with.When it comes to theNeos S&P 500 High Income ETF(SPYI) and its Nasdaq 100-focused peer, theNeos Nasdaq 100 High Income ETF(QQQI), which offer yields of 11.89% and 13.91%, respectively, at the time of this writing, there are trade-offs that investors should bring up with their personal financial planners.As a primary source of income, the SPYI and QQQI might have too much yield volatility to be viewed as core holdings in an income portfolio. However, as a supplement or “income booster,” I view the two ETFs as potentially invaluable tools when used correctly.Indeed, shares of both ETFs, though relatively young after going live on the public markets for just a few years, aren’t rallying like the S&P 500 or Nasdaq 100 have been doing in recent years. Much of the return has been pushed to the yield. That’s to be expected from ETFs that have an active covered call writing strategy, though.The big question is what happens when options premiums fall, perhaps due to a sell-off in the broad markets?If you’re comfortable settling for a lower yield in a bear-case environment and can utilize the tax advantages (the 60/40 Tax Treatment that investors should discuss with their advisers), the SPYI and QQQI look intriguing for seeking a more bountiful, tactical investment.Get Ready To Retire (Sponsored)Start by taking a quick retirement quiz from SmartAsset that will match you with up to 3 financial advisors that serve your area and beyond in 5 minutes, or less.Each advisor has been vetted by SmartAsset and is held to a fiduciary standard to act in your best interests.Here’s how it works:1. Answer SmartAsset advisor match quiz2. Review your pre-screened matches at your leisure. Check out the advisors’ profiles.3. Speak with advisors at no cost to you. Have an introductory call on the phone or introduction in person and choose whom to work with in the future.

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Dividend Powerhouses: Should You Grab These 3 Before Earnings Drop?

2025-12-01 07:48:58

-->-->Key PointsBull markets reward luck, but Dividend Aristocrats have proved their resilience through downturns, too.Focus on stocks with strong performances across multiple market cycles to achieve lasting gains.Dividends cushion volatility, minimizing downturns and anchoring portfolios.Are you ahead, or behind on retirement? SmartAsset’s free tool can match you with a financial advisor in minutes to help you answer that today. Each advisor has been carefully vetted, and must act in your best interests. Don’t waste another minute; learn more here.(Sponsor)-->-->In a bull market, average investors can feel like stock market wizards. Soaring indices make even impulsive picks look brilliant, as a rising tide lifts all boats, masking flaws in shaky stocks like overvaluation or weak fundamentals. This euphoria hides risks that surface when markets turn. Prudent investors, instead, seek stocks with proven resilience across cycles, offering stability through dividends that cushion price drops. Dividend Aristocrats — companies raising payouts for 25 or more consecutive years — stand out, signaling management’s confidence in future cash flows. This track record isn’t a buy signal alone but a foundation for deeper research, filtering out flash-in-the-pan performers. These stocks often balance growth with income, appealing to those prioritizing long-term wealth over short-term sizzle. Next week, three members of the dividend aristocracy report earnings, providing a chance to evaluate their investment case. Let’s dive into their performance, dividend history, risks, and see whether they’re worth buying now.Coca-Cola (KO)Coca-Cola(NYSE:KO) has posted modest gains in 2025, with shares up 7.7% year-to-date and trading near $67 per share. This lags theS&P 500’s 20% surge, reflecting a shift from defensive staples. Five-year total returns, including dividends, reach 52%, driven by steady income rather than price spikes. An intraday high of $74.38 per share in April cooled afterwards amid market rotations.Loading stock data...KO’s dividend record, however, is stellar, with 63 years of consecutive increases. The current quarterly payout of $0.51 yields 3%, backed by $9 billion in expected 2025 free cash flow. This reliability shone through crises like the pandemic, affirming KO’s cash-generating prowess.The beverage giant faces risks such as shifting tastes toward healthier drinks, pressuring soda sales and requiring costly innovation. Emerging markets — accounting for 65% of revenue– also face currency volatility, potentially cutting third-quarter earnings, while geopolitical disruptions and rising input costs challenge margins. Still, Coke remains one of the most valuable global brands and its pricing power ensures stability. With a forward P/E of 20 and a $77 per share consensus price target, KO stock is a buy for income and defense.Chubb (CB)Global insurerChubb(NYSE:CB) has seen uneven 2025 performance with shares up slightly in 2025, but trailing the S&P 500. hitting a high just under $307 per share in March before settling lower. Five-year returns exceed 148% — better than the benchmark index — buoyed by dividends and steady premiums.Loading stock data...Chubb’s 32-year dividend growth streak marks it as an Aristocrat, with a quarterly payout of $0.97 per share, yielding 1.4% annually ($3.88 per share). The 6.6% hike in May reflects robust cash flows, with a 15.97% payout ratio signaling plenty of room for future increases.However, insurance faces headwinds. Catastrophe losses from hurricanes could hit Q3 earnings, with estimates of $500 million in claims. Regulatory scrutiny on premium hikes and cyber risks, plus economic slowdowns affecting commercial lines (60% of revenue), pose threats. Large clients’ bargaining power may also squeeze margins. Despite this, Chubb’s $113 billion market cap and 12.5 P/E ratio suggest value. Its global reach and 15% ROE support growth too, making CB stock another buy for income and resilience.RTX (RTX)Aerospace and defense giantRTX(NYSE:RTX) has surged 37% in 2025, with the stock up 37.3% year-to-date to $157.70 after hitting a high of $170.85 per share. Five-year total returns exceed 193%, driven by robust defense and commercial aerospace demand.Loading stock data...Boasting 32 years of consecutive dividend increases, RTX is a leading Dividend Aristocrat. The quarterly payout of $0.63 yields 1.6%, backed by $5 billion in free cash flow and a 40% payout ratio, ensuring sustainability. A $236 billion backlog supports growth.Earlier this year, RTX’s Pratt & Whitney engine unit saw workers go on strike that was subsequently resolved, and there are supply chain bottlenecks that linger. A call for a $1 trillion Defense Dept. budget by President Trump minimizes budget cut risks in its Raytheon division, which represents almost 32% of revenue. With a forward P/E of 23 and a $174 per share price target, RTX remains an attractive buy for income investors.If You have $500,000 Saved, Retirement Could Be Closer Than You Think (sponsor)Retirement can be daunting, but it doesn’t need to be. Imagine having an expert in your corner to help you with your financial goals. Someone to help you determine if you’re ahead, behind, or right on track. With SmartAsset, that’s not just a dream—it’s reality. This free tool connects you with pre-screened financial advisors who work in your best interests. It’s quick, it’s easy, so take the leap today and start planning smarter!Don’t waste another minute; get started right here and help your retirement dreams become a retirement reality.(sponsor)

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3 Sizzling Ultra-High-Yield Stocks Under $50 With Upside Potential

2025-11-20 19:23:09

Investors can have their higher yields and capital appreciation potential, too. But, of course, there are always added risks to consider, and when it comes to the hard-hit higher-yielders out there, the fundamentals and growth narrative have taken a turn for the worse. As their share prices have slid, their yields have swelled, but with their managers hard at work on turnaround efforts, there is still the potential for upside.And in this piece, we’ll check in on four “sizzling” higher-yielding names going for less than $50 per share that still have potential for upside. Indeed, that checks a lot of boxes for yield-hungry investors who also desire capital gains and a bite-sized price of admission. In any case, many of the higher-yielding stocks have fallen so much that their share prices are well below the $50 mark. The big question is whether they can appreciate while keeping their dividends intact and perhaps in a position to grow further. Let’s quickly check on three names worthy of your radar.-->-->Key PointsDIN, WEN and PFE stand out as high-yielders with low share prices and considerable upside if things go right for a change.With rock-bottom valuations and expectations, lofty yields, and plans to turn things around, the following plays might be bountiful ways to score a different kind of upside.Are you ahead, or behind on retirement? SmartAsset’s free tool can match you with a financial advisor in minutes to help you answer that today. Each advisor has been carefully vetted, and must act in your best interests. Don’t waste another minute; learn more here.(Sponsor)-->-->Dine BrandsDine Brands(NYSE:DIN), currently going for $25 and change, is a mid-cap ($388 million market cap) dine-in restaurant play that’s seen more than its fair share of challenges over the years. The stock has imploded by more than 76% and now sports a yield of 8.1%. Indeed, the dividend may be a huge commitment, but it still looks quite well covered with a payout ratio that’s still under 70%.The firm behind Applebee’s and IHOP faces tremendous competition, and if the consumer is in for a hit if unemployment rises further from here, Dine Brands’ woes could continue for longer. Indeed, there are significant margin pressures, but the balance sheet remains in decent condition.Free cash flows are still in a good spot and can keep the dividend intact as management looks to pursue efforts to offset the scars dealt by inflation (higher labor and ingredient costs). For patient investors betting on consumer resilience, I like the name at 8.4 times trailing price-to-earnings (P/E) for the dividend and the potential for multiple expansion as IHOP looks to follow up on the relative strength in Applebee’s in the last quarter.Wendy’sSticking with the restaurant theme, we have the home of the sizzling Dave’s Double inWendy’s(NYSE:WEN), which, like Dine Brands, has been up against it of late. At $8 and change with a 6.4% yield, shares look tempting, just like the Wendy’s eats.And at 9.1 times trailing P/E, you’re certainly not paying a high price for a firm that seems to have only the negatives priced in. After sagging 64% from its high, WEN stock has hit new multi-year lows. And I think the $1.66 billion fast-food chain is worth buying now that there’s a turnaround plan in place.The “Project Fresh” strategic plan could pay big dividends for investors willing to step in here. While it’s a plan that takes time and effort, I do think income investors seeking upside ought to consider nibbling at these unprecedented depths. Wendy’s has taken a bit hit, but it’s still a cherished brand and one with comeback potential.PfizerFinally, we have troubled pharma stockPfizer(NYSE:PFE), which is right back below $25 per share after the TrumpRX deal luster wore off in the past two weeks. In a prior piece, I corrected predicted that the sudden bounce in PFE stock would be short-lived, likely due to the margin hit of lower drug prices and the potential for other pharma firms to make similar deals with the Trump administration, rendering Pfizer’s deal less meaningful.Now that most of the TrumpRX hype is out of the stock, should investors look to buy while the yield flirts with a 7% yield again? And is there still more than 33% upside in the stock as investors turn their back on the name? I think the latest dip is buyable, especially for those tempted by the 7% yield. The stock faces a slew of challenges as it hopes to get its growth engine humming again.Though I view significant uncertainty with the name (as is the case with most biopharma firms facing patent cliffs), even at today’s seemingly depressed valuations, risk-takers might wish to be a net buyer of the dip. If Pfizer can pull a blockbuster from its pipeline, the upside could have the potential to be gargantuan. Until then, I’d rather sit patiently on the sidelines.If You have $500,000 Saved, Retirement Could Be Closer Than You Think (sponsor)Retirement can be daunting, but it doesn’t need to be. Imagine having an expert in your corner to help you with your financial goals. Someone to help you determine if you’re ahead, behind, or right on track. With SmartAsset, that’s not just a dream—it’s reality. This free tool connects you with pre-screened financial advisors who work in your best interests. It’s quick, it’s easy, so take the leap today and start planning smarter!Don’t waste another minute; get started right here and help your retirement dreams become a retirement reality.(sponsor)

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Worried Investors Should Look at the 5 Safest Dividend Kings Right Now

2025-11-15 07:28:43

First, it wasDavid Solomon from Goldman Sachs, then Jamie Dimon from J.P. Morgan, in less than a week, warning of the possibility of a substantial stock market correction. Both cited the same reasons: skyrocketing national debt, tariffs, credit spreads, and a host of additional items. The most important reason, however, is that the stock market has been on a massive three-year run and likely needs a breather. It is trading at a gigantic 29 times trailing earnings, which compares with the five-year average of 25 and the 10-year average of 22.7. One thing is for sure: the question of a potential sell-off is not if it will occur but when. Given the precarious position investors find themselves in now, we decided to screen the Dividend Kings for the safest stocks in the group, all of which are rated Buy at top Wall Street firms that we cover.-->-->24/7 Wall St. Key Points:Friday’s sell-off was sparked by threats of massive tariffs being applied to China for rare earth issues.Even after the recent sell-off, the S&P 500 is up close to 30% from the April lows, and 16.5% for the year.The Dividend Kings are ideal stocks for investors seeking safety, passive income, and the potential for some total return as well.Are you ahead, or behind on retirement? SmartAsset’s free tool can match you with a financial advisor in minutes to help you answer that today. Each advisor has been carefully vetted, and must act in your best interests. Don’t waste another minute; learn more here.(Sponsor)-->-->The Dividend Kingsare the 55 companies that have raised their dividends for 50 years, a testament to their dependability and reliability. Those are two “must-have” items for investors who rely on passive income to boost their overall revenue. Unlike the Dividend Aristocrats, the Dividend Kings do not have to be members of the S&P 500. When we searched for the safest Dividend King companies, we found that they have demonstrated exceptional financial stability and consistent dividend growth for at least 50 consecutive years, representing diverse sectors including technology services, financial services, retail, healthcare, and consumer goods.Five top companieshit our screens, all making sense for worried growth and income investors looking to preserve capital while continuing to receive reliable passive income. All five are rated Buy at top Wall Street firms that we cover at 24/7 Wall St.Why do we cover the Dividend Kings?Companies thathave raised their dividends for shareholders for 50 years or longer are the kind of investments that passive income investors need to own. Dependability is crucial for individuals seeking to increase their annual income through dividend stock investments. In addition, the safest companies in the group will hold up much better in a market sell-off than high-flying tech/AI stocks with no earnings.Abbott LaboratoriesLoading stock data...This healthcaregiant presents an excellent investment opportunity for investors with a 1.74% dividend. Abbott Laboratories Inc. (NYSE: ABT) is engaged in the discovery, development, manufacture, and sale of a broad and diversified line of health care products.The companyoperates through four segments:Established Pharmaceutical ProductsDiagnostic ProductsNutritional ProductsMedical DevicesThe EstablishedPharmaceutical Products segment is engaged in the international sales of a broad line of branded generic pharmaceutical products.The DiagnosticProducts segment is engaged in the worldwide sales of diagnostic systems and tests for blood banks, hospitals, commercial laboratories, and alternate-care testing sites.The NutritionalProducts segment is involved in the worldwide sales of a broad line of adult and pediatric nutritional products.The MedicalDevices segment includes the worldwide sales of:Rhythm managementElectrophysiologyHeart failureVascularStructural heartNeuromodulationDiabetes care productsGoldman Sachs has a$157 target price with their Buy rating, which would be a solid 17% gain.Automatic Data ProcessingLoading stock data...This company,founded in 1949, is a global leader in payroll and HR services and provides cloud-based software trusted by over 80% of Fortune 100 companies. Automatic Data Processing Inc. (NYSE: ADP) is a global technology company engaged in providing cloud-based human capital management (HCM) solutions that unite HR, payroll, talent, time, tax, and benefits administration. The company pays a 2.11% dividend.Its segmentsinclude:Employer ServicesProfessional Employer Organization (PEO)The EmployerServices segment serves clients ranging from single-employee small businesses to large enterprises with tens of thousands of employees around the world, offering a range of technology-based HCM solutions, including its cloud-based platforms and human resource outsourcing solutions (other than PEO).The company’s offerings include:Payroll ServicesBenefits AdministrationTalent ManagementHR ManagementWorkforce ManagementCompliance ServicesInsurance ServicesRetirement ServicesIts PEO business,called ADP TotalSource, provides clients with employment administration outsourcing solutions. ADP serves over 1.1 million clients in 140 countries and territories.Mizuho hasan Outperform rating with a $332 target price.Procter & GambleLoading stock data...Procter & GambleCo. (NYSE: PG) was founded more than 185 years ago as a soap and candle company. It has paid dividends to shareholders since 1891, raised them for 70 straight years, and currently pays a 2.71% dividend. The company is focused on providing branded consumer packaged goods to consumers worldwide.The company’ssegments include:BeautyGroomingHealth CareFabric & Home CareBabyFeminine & Family CareThe company’sproducts are sold in approximately 180 countries and territories primarily through mass merchandisers, e-commerce, including social commerce channels, grocery stores, membership club stores, drug stores, department stores, distributors, wholesalers, specialty beauty stores, including airport duty-free stores, high-frequency stores, pharmacies, electronics stores, and professional channels.It also sellsdirectly to individual consumers. It has operations in approximately 70 countries.Procter & Gambleoffers products under these brands and others, such as:Head & ShouldersHerbal EssencesPanteneRejoiceOlay,Old SpiceSafeguardSecretSK-IIBraunGilletteVenusCrestOral-BArielDownyGainTideAlwaysAlways DiscreetTampaxBountyRaymond Jameshas an Outperform rating with a $185 price objective.S&P GlobalLoading stock data...Foundedin 1860, it offers critical insights and data for markets worldwide, providing credit ratings, analytics, and maintains indices like the Dow Jones while paying a 0.77% dividend. S&P Global Inc. (NYSE: SPGI) provides essential intelligence.Its operationsconsist of five businesses:S&P Global Market IntelligenceS&P Global RatingsS&P Global Commodity InsightsS&P Global MobilityS&P Dow Jones IndicesMarket Intelligenceis a global provider of multi-asset-class data and analytics integrated with purpose-built workflow solutions.Ratings isan independent provider of credit ratings, research, and analytics, offering investors and other market participants information, ratings, and benchmarks.Commodity Insightsis an independent provider of information and benchmark prices for the commodity and energy markets.Mobilityis a provider of solutions serving the whole automotive value chain, including vehicle manufacturers and retailers.Indices is aglobal index provider that maintains a variety of valuation and index benchmarks for investment advisors, wealth managers, and institutional investors.Morgan Stanleyhas an Overweight rating with a $620 target price.WalmartLoading stock data...This company,founded in 1945, is the world’s largest retailer, with over 10,000 stores offering groceries, health products, and general merchandise. It also has a strong e-commerce platform and a 0.86% dividend. Walmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT) is a technology-powered omnichannel retailer.Walmartoperates retail and wholesale stores and clubs, as well as eCommerce Websites and mobile applications, throughout the United States (U.S.), Africa, Canada, Central America, Chile, China, India, and Mexico.It operatesin three reportable segments:Walmart U.S.Walmart InternationalSam’s Club U.S.The WalmartU.S. segment includes the company’s mass merchandising concept in the U.S., as well as eCommerce, which provides omni-channel initiatives and other specific business offerings such as advertising services.The WalmartInternational segment consists of the company’s operations outside of the U.S. through its subsidiaries, as well as eCommerce and omni-channel initiatives.The Sam’s ClubU.S. segment includes the warehouse membership clubs in the U.S., as well as samsclub.com and omni-channel initiatives.Bank of Americahas a Buy rating with a $125 target price.Four Stocks That Yield 12% and Higher Are Passive Income KingsIf You’ve Been Thinking About Retirement, Pay Attention (sponsor)Retirement planning doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. The key is finding expert guidance, and SmartAsset’s simple quiz makes it easier than ever for you to connect with a vetted financial advisor. Here’s how:Answer a Few Simple Questions. Get Matched with Vetted Advisors Choose Your  Fit Why wait? Start building the retirement you’ve always dreamed of.Get started today! (sponsor)

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Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) Hits Depressing Milestone of 0% Returns As Markets Rip

2025-11-21 09:56:37

The Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is one of the most popular ETFs in the world today. With nearly $70b in AUM, it’s also one of the largest.The ETF has been a popular choice for income seekers, retirees, and conservative investors looking for yield. Currently, the ETF pays a hefty 3.9% yield. That’s meaningfully more than other ETFs and options, like the VOO, and SPY which track the S&P 500 which pay out 1.25%.But that conservatism has come at a price. The S&P 500 has just hit an all-time high and is up 14% YTD already, while the Nasdaq is doing even better, just hitting 18% YTD returns.And during this bull market the Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF has more or less returned 0.0% year-to-date. Exactly flat.Why such a horrible underperformance? It just comes down to the assets SCHD holds and how they structure the ETF. First, no single stock can exceed 4% of the index’s total weight. Take a look at the top four positions below:HoldingYTD ReturnYieldAbbVie+31%2.85%Lockheed Martin+5.2%2.57%ConocoPhillips-3.97%3.29%Cisco Systems+16.5%2.38%Most have had a pretty good year! But unfortunately, now all of them exceed the 4% threshold so in the upcoming rebalancing of the ETF will have to be trimmed out. Functionally, this can limit the ETF’s exposure to stocks or sectors performing well each year.The ETF also holds some total dogs as well, including shares in chronic under-performer Target, which is down 35% YTD, PepsiCo which is down 6.3% YTD, and United Parcel Services (UPS), which is down 31% YTD.And the disappointment doesn’t end there. Over the last 5 years the ETF is only up 39%. While that may sound great at first, the S&P 500 is up 93% over the same period. Add it all up and you have a high yielding, diversified disappointment for investors.All of that is to say, the Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF’s structural issue and chronic under-performance dramatically outweigh the value of the income it provides.

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Could This Be One of Jim Cramer’s New Favorite AI Stocks Right Now?

2025-11-24 04:59:24

Mad Money host Jim Cramer has made it pretty clear in the past thatNvidia(NASDAQ:NVDA) was his favorite AI stock. Indeed, he went as far as to name his dog Nvidia to get the point across. And while Cramer is still fond of the stock and its legendary founder, Jensen Huang, Cramer has really sounded upbeat about shares of iPhone makerApple(NASDAQ:AAPL), which has dragged its feet relative to the other six members of the Magnificent Seven.With shares of the name getting slammed on the iPhone 17 keynote, only to gain back the ground and then some in the following sessions in response to hot demand for the device (the lineups are back and the Apple Store is packed), perhaps Apple might be the AI stock that has the most ground to run as it looks to close the gap with its rivals in the new year.-->-->Key PointsJim Cramer is one of the few folks who recognize Apple’s AI strategy for what it is.Perhaps Apple can win the AI race without having to spend as much as its rivals.Are you ahead, or behind on retirement? SmartAsset’s free tool can match you with a financial advisor in minutes to help you answer that today. Each advisor has been carefully vetted, and must act in your best interests. Don’t waste another minute; learn more here.(Sponsor)-->-->Apple shares are gaining again. Perhaps the sellers during the iPhone 17 reveal were wrong to sell.Indeed, it’s not hard to imagine that many AI investors are getting impatient with shares of Apple, even after its latest September surge of around 10%. Year to date, AAPL stock is up just over 4%, falling well short of your average Magnificent Seven member. And with a lack of AI in the latest keynote, investors are likely feeling in the dark when it comes to the AI strategy. Still, Cramer astutely noted that Apple doesn’t really need to spend money hand over fist to catch up in AI. Indeed, with the favorable judge ruling for Google ofAlphabet(NASDAQ:GOOG), Apple may still be able to go ahead to let AI model makers compete for a spot on the mighty iPhone.If anything, Google may need to pay Apple to have Gemini as a default model on its devices in the future, pretty much mirroring the search deal that’s been in place for quite a while.“Turns out Apple always had an AI strategy: pay to play.” said Cramer. That sums up Apple’s plans in a nice nutshell.In any case, Cramer is right in that Apple does have “all of the cards.” It has a massive installed base, which clearly has not gone anywhere, even with no spruced-up Siri in the latest iOS 26. Indeed, Apple fans seem more than willing to wait for the juggernaut to catch up on AI. Otherwise, we wouldn’t be seeing the crowds over at the local Apple Store, trying to get their hands on the iPhone 17 as well as the new iPhone Air.Apple’s AI approach is likely highly underratedCould it be that Apple has all the leverage to walk away as one of the big winners from the AI race without having to spend as much to stockpile Nvidia GPUs while paying a fortune to train models? I think that may very well be the case. While Apple is still committing to spend a great deal on AI data centers, I do think that the odds are high that Apple will not only see a return on AI spend, but a high one that might be the envy of the industry.Though Cramer hasn’t explicitly referred to Apple as his new favorite AI stock, I am encouraged by his commentary at a time when most others are likely ready to throw in the towel on the Cupertino-based giant. If you sold the stock on the keynote, you’re probably in a tough spot, wondering if it’s worth buying back at around $255 per share.Given the sweet deals that only Apple can ink in AI and the recently rumored AI search product that could help Siri as soon as next year, I think it’s no longer fair to deem that Apple is behind on AI. When it comes to monetization potential, perhaps Apple might be ahead. And with growing calls for profitability on AI spend, perhaps Apple stock could be granted a free pass if the AI trade goes through its next big correction.The bottom lineI think Cramer is right to stand by Apple, especially with the growing number of skeptics and critics who don’t see that Apple is playing the long-term game with its AI strategy. Why rush ahead with a commoditized model when you can play the long game and potentially earn handsomely for doing so?Though I don’t always agree with Cramer, I think his bold, contrarian view of Apple and its AI plans could make his listeners a lot of money. It’s certainly the best take on Apple I’ve heard all year, as it really clears the air on the real opportunity for Tim Cook and company.As the iPhone 17 kicks off a nice upgrade cycle (maybe a super cycle?) while new AI efforts come to light, I think Apple stock is a great comeback play, even at 38.8 times trailing price-to-earnings (P/E).If You’ve Been Thinking About Retirement, Pay Attention (sponsor)Retirement planning doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. The key is finding expert guidance, and SmartAsset’s simple quiz makes it easier than ever for you to connect with a vetted financial advisor. Here’s how:Answer a Few Simple Questions. Get Matched with Vetted Advisors Choose Your  Fit Why wait? Start building the retirement you’ve always dreamed of.Get started today! (sponsor)

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5 Best High-Yielding ETFs to Own Right Now

2025-12-03 22:07:02

-->-->Key PointsNot only do ETFs offer a good deal of diversification, but they can also help lower your overall risk compared to investing in an average security.One of the best ways to generate a reliable income is by investing in dividend aristocrats because they’re among the most reliable dividend payers.Are you ahead, or behind on retirement? SmartAsset’s free tool can match you with a financial advisor in minutes to help you answer that today. Each advisor has been carefully vetted, and must act in your best interests. Don’t waste another minute; learn more here.(Sponsor)-->-->With a great deal of uncertainty in the markets – a potential government shutdown, jobs numbers, inflationary risks – some of the best investments you can make are in safe, high-yielding exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Not only do ETFs offer a good deal of diversification, but they can also help lower your overall risk compared to investing in an average security.Look at the Vanguard Real Estate ETF  With an expense ratio of 0.13%, a yield of about 3.7%, and 154 holdings, including a great deal of real estate investment trusts (REITs), the Vanguard Real Estate ETF (NYSEARCA: VNQ) is a safe, long-term real estate opportunity.Loading stock data...Making it even more attractive is the recovery in commercial real estate. According to analysts at Deloitte, the CRE market is showing signs of recovery in 2025, with some predicting a generational opportunity, as noted in Deloitte’s 2025 Commercial Real Estate Outlook.Some of the ETF’s top holdings include Welltower, Prologis, American Tower Corp., Equinix, Digital Realty Trust, and Simon Property Group. Plus, it just paid a dividend of just over 87 cents on September 26. Before that, it paid a dividend of just over 86 cents per share on June 30.Since bottoming out at around $76 in April, the ETF last traded at $90.81. From here, we’d like to see it retest $95, which it tested in early December 2024.ProShares S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats ETF One of the best ways to generate a reliable income is by investing in dividend aristocrats because they’re among the most reliable dividend payers.Not only have these stocks paid out dividends for more than 25 years, but they’re also some of the most reliable companies on the planet, even in the worst of times. According to ProShares.com, “NOBL invests in companies that typically exhibit stable earnings, solid fundamentals, and strong histories of profitability and growth.”While you could always buy a basket of aristocrats, you can instead pick up the ProShares S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats ETF (BATS: NOBL), which holds 69 of them and yields 2.54%. Its expense ratio is 0.35%.NOBL also paid out a dividend of just over 54 cents on September 30. Before that, it paid a dividend of just over 55 cents on July 1. Some of its top holdings include AbbVie, Lowe’s, Archer Daniels Midland, and Pentair.Since bottoming out at around $89 in April, the ETF hit a high of about $106. Now back to $102.56, we’d like to see it retest $106 again near term.Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF  There’s also the Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (NYSEARCA: SCHD).With an expense ratio of 0.06%, the ETF tracks the total return of the Dow Jones U.S. Dividend Index. It also yields 3.85%, and has holdings in Amgen, AbbVie, Home Depot, Cisco Systems, Broadcom, Chevron, UPS, and Coca-Cola, to name just a few. The ETF includes a total of 103 dividend stocks.The SCHD ETF just paid a dividend of just over 26 cents on September 29. Before that, it paid a dividend of just over 26 cents on June 30. Also, since bottoming out at around $23.75 in April, the ETF is now up to $27.11. From here, we’d like to see it initially retest $28.75.Invesco KBW Premium Yield Equity REIT ETF  With a yield of 8.82%, the Invesco KBW Premium Yield Equity REIT ETF (NASDAQ: KBWY) invests at least 90% of its total assets in the securities of small and mid-cap equity REITs that trade in the U.S. and carry respectable yields. Some of its top holdings include Global Net Lease (GNL), Service Properties Trust (SVC), Global Medical REIT (GMRE), Gladstone Commercial (GOOD), EPR Properties (EPR), and Omega Healthcare (OHI), to name a few.The ETF just paid out a dividend of just over 12 cents on September 26. Before that, it paid out a dividend of just over 12 cents on August 22. Also, technically, after a brief pullback to $13.50, the ETF is now up to $15.81. From here, we’d like to see it test $19 a share.Global X Super Dividend U.S. ETF  With a yield of 7.32%, the Global X Super Dividend U.S. ETF (NYSEARCA: DIV) invests in 50 of the highest dividend-yielding stocks in the U.S. Some of those top holdings include Spire (SR), Kinder Morgan. (KMI), Omega Healthcare (OHI), Philip Morris (PM), Duke Energy (DUK), AT&T (T), and Dominion Energy (D), to name just a few. The DIV ETF just paid out a dividend of just over 10 cents on September 11. Before that, it paid out a dividend of just over 10 cents per share on August 12. Its next dividend will be paid on October 10. Technically, since bottoming out at around $15.80 in April, the DIV ETF rallied to $17.96. From here, we’d like to see the ETF rally to $20 a share, near term.If You have $500,000 Saved, Retirement Could Be Closer Than You Think (sponsor)Retirement can be daunting, but it doesn’t need to be.Imagine having an expert in your corner to help you with your financial goals. Someone to help you determine if you’re ahead, behind, or right on track. With SmartAsset, that’s not just a dream—it’s reality. This free tool connects you with pre-screened financial advisors who work in your best interests. It’s quick, it’s easy, so take the leap today and start planning smarter!Don’t waste another minute; get started right here and help your retirement dreams become a retirement reality.(sponsor)

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Ignore Analyst Downgrade on AAPL, Says Jim Cramer—Why He’s 100% Spot On

2025-11-22 05:19:22

-->-->Key PointsApple stock got a surprising downgrade last week, courtesy of Jefferies.Jim Cramer urges investors “not to listen” to the downgrade. I couldn’t agree more.The iPhone 17 demand boost may not be a game-changer, but it’s drawing crowds. It’s also too early, in my opinion, to judge the foldable iPhone’s potential.Are you ahead, or behind on retirement? SmartAsset’s free tool can match you with a financial advisor in minutes to help you answer that today. Each advisor has been carefully vetted, and must act in your best interests. Don’t waste another minute; learn more here.(Sponsor)-->-->Jim Cramer has been making a lot of very smart calls of late. And while he might not hit the spot every single time, I do think that his comments onApple(NASDAQ:AAPL), in particular, could keep investors invested in a challenged name and Mag Seven laggard that may just be on the cusp of gaining its AI premium.Indeed, Apple Intelligence may have failed to deliver, and many analysts have been quite vocal about what the Cupertino-based giant should do to catch up. From acquiring AI search startup Perplexity AI to making an investment in OpenAI, there’s no shortage of things that Wall Street thinks Apple should do. And while I wouldn’t rule out a direct investment in an AI startup, I do think that Apple is fine innovating on AI without having to rely on a deal that may entail a hefty markup. Undoubtedly,Nvidia(NASDAQ:NVDA) recently announced its plans to invest a whopping $100 billion in OpenAI. For the most part, investors are excited about the move, but Nvidia is paying quite a lofty price for its ticket into the AI juggernaut. Of course, if OpenAI is destined to be worth more than a trillion dollars, perhaps Jensen Huang is still getting in at a decent time. Either way, I think Apple is content with its own plan and not following the rest of big tech into investments that might entail too rich a premium.With analysts over at Jefferies downgrading shares of AAPL to underperform while reducing its price target slightly, you can only imagine the reasons for doing so.Why the latest downgrade might not hold Apple stock backAccording to Jefferies, the demand surge in the iPhone 17 might have more to do with pricing than anything innovative. They also have lower expectations for future iPhone releases, including the highly anticipated foldable model that could arrive next year.Indeed, AAPL stock has had quite the run in recent months, but is it fair to say that the current price of admission (around $256 and change per share) bakes in an “overly bullish” outlook for iPhone? I don’t think so. And I think Cramer has it right when he encourages investors to ignore the Jefferies downgrade.First, AAPL stock hasn’t done anything since the last holiday season. As one of the lagging members of the Magnificent Seven, the iPhone maker has pretty much stood pat as its peers rose to the occasion, driven higher by the AI boom.Second, I don’t think there was much new material as a part of the Jefferies downgrade. Sure, you can shoot down the iPhone 17 demand surprise, if you like, but it was pretty clear when shares trended higher during and after the device’s reveal that there wasn’t a ton that was game-changing about the new device.It’s hard to come by anyone who was blown away by the iPhone 17 keynote. In any case, the vapor chamber (that’s some pretty functional innovation), competitive pricing, interesting new color, and new thermally-efficient aluminum design were enough to convince a lot of fans to line up on release day to upgrade their aging devices.Arguably, I’m even more impressed that demand exceeded expectations, given the iterative changes to the latest iPhone. It leads me to believe that a more profound innovation could be even more of a needle mover. Dare I say one with super-cycle potential? It’s too early to judge the foldable iPhoneWe’ll have to wait and see how the foldable fares. Until now, foldables have been quite a niche market. But if Apple is able to reinvent the foldable (iPhone Air innovations seem to point to a game-changing foldable), count me as unsurprised if the device encounters demand that’s, again, better than expected.Finally, Apple could be in for a profound change on the software front as Siri gets that big upgrade, while AI search project Veritas looks to attract more of an AI premium on the share price. Personally, I don’t think there’s much AI premium at all, given the innovations to come.The bottom lineIn short, I think Cramer is right. Ignoring the Jefferies downgrade and focusing on the long-term horizon sounds like it’d be the smartest way to go. As Jim pointed out, other products, like Vision Pro, are rich in innovation. And it’s these products that I think might be a source of a big surprise.After all, if Jefferies analysts are proven wrong about expectations for the foldable, they can always upgrade the stock later on. But investors will probably have to buy back at higher prices, perhaps much higher prices. Between Jefferies analysts and Cramer, I’m siding with Jim when it comes to Apple.Get Ready To Retire (Sponsored)Start by taking a quick retirement quiz from SmartAsset that will match you with up to 3 financial advisors that serve your area and beyond in 5 minutes, or less.Each advisor has been vetted by SmartAsset and is held to a fiduciary standard to act in your best interests.Here’s how it works:1. Answer SmartAsset advisor match quiz2. Review your pre-screened matches at your leisure. Check out the advisors’ profiles.3. Speak with advisors at no cost to you. Have an introductory call on the phone or introduction in person and choose whom to work with in the future.

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I have invested in dividends for 11 years—These income machines pay me every quarter without a hitch

2025-11-15 08:21:33

-->-->Key PointsI’ve built a dividend-focused portfolio over 11 years for consistent quarterly income amid market ups and downs.The three stocks below offer reliable payouts with yields from 2.4% to 2.8% and low-risk profiles.Long histories of increases — more than 50 years for each — ensure payments arrive without interruption.Are you ahead, or behind on retirement? SmartAsset’s free tool can match you with a financial advisor in minutes to help you answer that today. Each advisor has been carefully vetted, and must act in your best interests. Don’t waste another minute; learn more here.(Sponsor)-->-->Over the past 11 years, I’ve built a portfolio centered on steady dividend payers, stocks that deliver reliable income quarter after quarter. No drama, no surprises — just consistent checks hitting my account like they’re on autopilot. It’s a strategy that’s weathered market dips, inflation spikes, and everything in between, turning what could be a volatile ride into a smooth path to financial security. Below are three stocks that have proven themselves as a dependable income source, with histories of on-time payments and growing payouts. Let’s break down why these picks keep delivering without missing a beat.Sysco (SYY)Sysco(NYSE:SYY) stands out as a cornerstone in my dividend setup, handling the massive job of distributing food and supplies to restaurants, schools, and healthcare spots across North America. As the world’s largest foodservice distributor, it taps into an essential industry — people always need to eat, no matter the economy. I’ve held Sysco shares for years in my dividend growth portfolio, and it’s never once delayed a payout. The company has raised its payout for 55 straight years, a streak that underscores its reliability.In its last fiscal year, revenue climbed 3.2% to $81.4 billion, driven by improving volumes in its core U.S. operations. Adjusted earnings per share hit $4.46 per share, up from the prior year, supporting a free cash flow (FCF) payout ratio around 47% — plenty of room for future hikes without straining the books. Loading stock data...The current quarterly dividend sits at $0.525 per share, yielding about 2.7% at today’s prices. That’s not flashy, but it’s backed by solid FCF of $1.8 billion annually, ensuring those payments land every time.Sysco’s edge comes from its scale: a network of 330 distribution centers serving 730,000 customers. Even during the pandemic, when restaurants shut down, Sysco pivoted to grocery and institutional sales, keeping dividends intact. Today, with dining out growing but consumers remaining cautious, Sysco is positioned for steady gains.I reinvest those quarterly checks, compounding my position without lifting a finger. It’s the kind of stock that lets me sleep easy, knowing income flows regardless of headlines.ABM Industries (ABM)When I think of unsung heroes in the dividend world,ABM Industries(NYSE:ABM) tops the list. This company provides facility services — janitorial, maintenance, and engineering for offices, airports, and stadiums — essentials that businesses can’t skip. ABM is another stock I’ve owned for years, and its quarterly dividends have arrived like clockwork, even through economic slowdowns that hit commercial real estate. With 57 consecutive years of payment increases, it’s earned its spot as a low-key powerhouse in my portfolio.Loading stock data...ABM’s appeal lies in its diversified revenue streams and lean operations. Last year, it posted $8.4 billion in sales, a 3.2% jump, fueled by aviation and technical solutions segments that grew double digits. Adjusted net income rose to $227.3 million, keeping the FCF payout ratio at a comfortable 34% on earnings of $3.57 per share. The quarterly dividend is $0.265 per share, delivering a 2.3% yield — solid for an industrial stock with growth potential.Resilience is ABM’s middle name. During 2023’s office vacancy surge, it shifted focus to healthcare and education clients, where demand held firm. As hybrid work stabilized, airports are buzzing with U.S. passenger traffic above pre-pandemic levels. Management’s emphasis on margin expansion, via tech like AI-driven energy audits, means more cash for shareholders. Those reliable quarters add up, quietly building my income stream while I focus elsewhere.AbbVie (ABBV)AbbVie(NYSE:ABBV) rounds out my trio as the high-octane dividend engine, a biopharma leader churning out treatments for immunology, oncology, and neuroscience. Spun off fromAbbott Labs (NYSE:ABT) in 2013, it’s become a standalone beast, and I’ve held ABBV stock for over a decade, providing me with years of flawless quarterly dividends. With 52 years of increases under its belt (including time inherited through Abbott’s heritage), AbbVie pays $1.64 per share every three months, yielding 2.8% and making it one of my portfolio’s income anchors.The numbers back the hype: 2024 revenue hit $56.3 billion, up 3.7%, led by blockbusters like Skyrizi and Rinvoq, which offset Humira’s patent cliff. Adjusted earnings of $10.12 per share led the headline payout ratio to exceed 200% due to non-cash charges, but FCF growing at nearly 20% annually for the past decade more than covers dividends. AbbVie IncNYSE:ABBV$226.22▲ $54.76(24.21%)1YPre-Market1D5D1M3M6M1Y5YMAXKEY DATA POINTS−Previous Close$227.48Market Cap407.19BDay's Range$225.32 - $228.9552wk Range$159.42 - $244.81Volume5.46MP/E Ratio109.76Gross Margin6.45%Dividend Yield2.80%ExchangeNYSEThat’s the beauty of this dividend giant: AbbVie’s pipeline, with over 90 programs in development, funds growth without skimping on shareholder returns.What seals AbbVie’s reliability is its innovation track record. After Humira’s patent loss, new drugs captured 80% of that market share, driving 15% growth in non-Humira sales. In a sector prone to volatility, AbbVie’s diversified portfolio — spanning aesthetics to eye care — keeps cash steady. I’ve seen the stock rise fourfold since I bought in, but it’s the compounding dividends that thrill me most. Every quarter, without fail, it tops up my account, turning long-term patience into tangible wealth.If You’ve Been Thinking About Retirement, Pay Attention (sponsor)Retirement planning doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. The key is finding expert guidance, and SmartAsset’s simple quiz makes it easier than ever for you to connect with a vetted financial advisor. Here’s how:Answer a Few Simple Questions. Get Matched with Vetted Advisors Choose Your  Fit Why wait? Start building the retirement you’ve always dreamed of.Get started today! (sponsor)

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This This AI Stock Up Next For a Stock Split?

2025-11-19 06:31:05

Stock splits don’t create any value whatsoever, but when they are announced, they tend to attract considerable attention from retail investors. Indeed, more accessibility for everyday investors is a good thing, and while lower share prices may entice some to pick up a few shares, giving them a bit of a temporary jolt, it’s vital that investors don’t lose sight of what really matters: intrinsic value.Indeed, it doesn’t matter how many times you cut a share price; it’s the business itself that matters most. In any case, if you’re a retail investor who has always wished you could buy a stock likeMeta Platforms(NASDAQ:META) without having to put up just north of $700 for a single share, stock splits can be a huge piece of news, especially if a split happens at a good time.-->-->Key PointsMeta Platforms may have just corrected, but it’ll still cost you a great deal (over $700) for just one share.There’s no telling when a split will happen and how big it’ll be, but one has to think the odds will riseAre you ahead, or behind on retirement? SmartAsset’s free tool can match you with a financial advisor in minutes to help you answer that today. Each advisor has been carefully vetted, and must act in your best interests. Don’t waste another minute; learn more here.(Sponsor)-->-->Meta Platforms is a hot AI contender that’s getting a bit too out of reach for small investorsWith Meta tripling down on the AI race, with shares priced at a still very modest 25.5 times trailing price-to-earnings (P/E), perhaps the only thing pricey about the stock is the price of admission itself.For now, Meta and its top boss, Mark Zuckerberg, have not announced their intention to split. However, I view the Magnificent Seven darling as having a high probability of one over the next two years, especially if shares continue to appreciate at such a blistering pace (something I expect as we begin to get a better gauge of the payoff following its aggressive efforts to grab much of the very best AI talent that’s out there).In the meantime, it’s mostly rumors about a split, but if there’s anything that would be a win for young, new investors, it’s a more affordable price of admission into the AI fast-mover.Meta stock could surpass $1,000 per share in the not-so-distant future—what then?Having a look at the Wall Street-high price target, which is sitting just shy of the $1,100 per-share level, I think the odds of a split could rise significantly over the year ahead.Of course, time will tell if such a bullish target (currently held by a very well-respected Rosenblatt Securities analyst Barton Crockett), which implies close to 55% in upside from Friday’s close, will be hit in a timely manner. Either way, I wouldn’t be so surprised if shares of Meta were to get right back into rally mode after recently dipping just shy of 11% from its all-time highs, just shy of $800 per share.In the meantime, tech stocks could stay in a slump for a while as investors digest the latest Trump 100% tariff threats on China. Indeed, such a macro shock could weigh down the whole market for a while longer. And if Meta stock does get caught in a continued downdraft, a stock split could be pushed further into the future.Meta stock is a buy, but not because it’s overdue for a splitAt the end of the day, Meta is moving fast with AI, but it’s not just the pace of advancement that has me most excited. Rather, it’s how the firm can utilize the profound technology as it looks to enhance its social media family of apps while taking digital advertising to the next level. Whether we’re talking about AI-made ads or AI-driven targeting, Meta looks to have one of the soundest AI monetization narratives in all of big tech.Perhaps the big opportunity for Meta is how AI can turn WhatsApp into a cash cow. With earnings growth poised to rise by the high-teens over the foreseeable future, it’s tough to bet against the name as it aims for the four-figure milestone, and, perhaps shortly after, a big 10-for-1 split.Arguably, the high chance of a split is the last reason to consider picking up a share today, or more, for those investors with a more significant sum to put to work.If You have $500,000 Saved, Retirement Could Be Closer Than You Think (sponsor)Retirement can be daunting, but it doesn’t need to be.Imagine having an expert in your corner to help you with your financial goals. Someone to help you determine if you’re ahead, behind, or right on track. With SmartAsset, that’s not just a dream—it’s reality. This free tool connects you with pre-screened financial advisors who work in your best interests. It’s quick, it’s easy, so take the leap today and start planning smarter!Don’t waste another minute; get started right here and help your retirement dreams become a retirement reality.(sponsor)

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Trump’s Stock Picks Are Crushing the Market: Are These 4 Stocks a Buy?

2025-12-01 09:58:38

-->-->Key PointsPresident Trump’s stocks have averaged 100% gains since the government took a stake in them, but such involvement may distort corporate priorities.The potential for a new trade war with China might change the calculus on some of these stocks.These stocks are surging on their government deals, but euphoria alone won’t sustain gains.Are you ahead, or behind on retirement? SmartAsset’s free tool can match you with a financial advisor in minutes to help you answer that today. Each advisor has been carefully vetted, and must act in your best interests. Don’t waste another minute; learn more here.(Sponsor)-->-->President Trump has taken an unprecedented step by directing the federal government to acquire equity stakes in publicly traded companies. This move aims to strengthen domestic supply chains for semiconductors and critical minerals amid geopolitical tensions. While the intent to secure U.S. interests is clear, such interventions raise concerns. Government ownership may distort corporate decision-making, prioritize political goals over shareholder value, and invite regulatory scrutiny. It also blurs lines between public and private sectors, potentially undermining market efficiency. Yet, the “Trump portfolio” has delivered impressive results, averaging a 100% gain since the government acquired its respective stakes, driven largely by market euphoria over the vote of confidence. Much of this surge reflects speculative hype rather than fundamentals. As gains cool and risks like trade disputes grow, are these stocks still worth buying?MP Materials (MP)MP Materials(NYSE:MP) was the first company Trump bought, securing a 15% stake for the Pentagon on July 10 through $400 million in convertible preferred stock plus warrants. It made the federal government its largest shareholder. The deal funds rare earth magnet production at Mountain Pass, California, critical for EVs and defense technology.MP stock has surged 160.9% from $30 to over $78 per share today, boosted by the deal and Trump’s new 100% tariff threat on China, after Beijing tightened rare earth export controls. The announcement made via a Truth Social post, capped a near-10% weekly jump.Loading stock data...Is it a buy? Yes, it remains attractive. China’s 90% supply dominance and trade tensions create a moat for MP Materials. Analysts had a $78 per share price target, supported by EBITDA growth from new facilities, but the new tariff regime could boost those targets higher. Despite lithium volatility risks, government alignment strengthens its case, and MP remains a buy for tariff-driven upside.Intel (INTC)ChipmakerIntel(NASDAQ:INTC) was Trump’s second acquisition, finalized on August 22, with the government acquiring a 10% stake. It consisted of 433.3 million shares at $20.47 each — some $8.9 billion — that saw the conversion of CHIPS Act and Department of Defense grants into equity to fund U.S. chip fabrication. The goal is to reduce reliance on foreign semiconductors.Since the acquisition, Intel’s stock has risen 46.7%, trading near $36, up from the under-$25 purchase price. This gain reflects optimism for domestic foundries, though competition fromAdvanced Micro Devices(NASDAQ:AMD) andNvidia(NASDAQ:NVDA) remains fierce. Execution risks persist due to losses in Intel’s core business.Loading stock data...Is it a buy? With a forward P/E of 54, Intel is pricey, but still offers value as it has become the go-to stock for foundry partners. Nvidia invested $5 billion into Intel whileMicrosoft(NASDAQ:MSFT) will leverage Intel’s 18A process technology to have it manufacture custom AI chips. Previously,SoftBankinvested $2 billion for an equity position.Government backing provides stability, yet it may hinder market agility. Long-term investors should hold for upside, while short-term traders might wait for a dip.Lithium Americas (LAC)Trump kicked off October by taking a 5% stake inLithium Americas(NYSE:LAC) as well as a 5% position in the Thacker Pass joint venture via no-cost warrants tied to a $2.26 billion DOE loan. The deal supports Nevada’s lithium mine for electric vehicle batteries, targeting production by 2027.The stock has gained only 6.4% in the 10 days since the deal, as it still labors under an 80% drop in lithium prices since 2022, which has dampened enthusiasm despite government support.Loading stock data...Is it a buy? It’s a cautious yes. Thacker Pass holds 20% of U.S. reserves, and DOE funding ensures progress, but EV demand is waning, especially after the end of EV tax credits.Ford(NYSE:F) recently said it expects its EV sales to be cut in half as a result.At a price-to-book of 1.7, LAC looks undervalued, but investors should wait for lithium prices to recover before buying.Trilogy Metals (TMQ)Trilogy Metals(NYSEAMERICAN:TMQ) finalized a 10% Defense Dept. stake on October 6, through a $35.6 million private placement of 8.2 million units at $2.17 Canadian, including warrants for 7.5% more. The deal funds Alaska’s Ambler copper and zinc exploration for green technology.The stock has soared 183.7% from $2.09 to $5.93 per share, but had been as high as $7.98 on Oct. 7, after the deal was announced.Loading stock data...Is it a buy? Only the most risk-tolerant speculators should consider a position, and even then it’s doubtful. Trilogy not only is a loss-generating stock, it also has no revenue. Ambler’s potential is significant, but permitting and logistics delays limit near-term output.BMO Capital Marketsjust downgraded the stock to Market Perform with a $5.50 per share target, suggesting TMQ is a high-risk, high-reward opportunity best suited for aggressive investors.Get Ready To Retire (Sponsored)Start by taking a quick retirement quiz from SmartAsset that will match you with up to 3 financial advisors that serve your area and beyond in 5 minutes, or less.Each advisor has been vetted by SmartAsset and is held to a fiduciary standard to act in your best interests.Here’s how it works:1. Answer SmartAsset advisor match quiz2. Review your pre-screened matches at your leisure. Check out the advisors’ profiles.3. Speak with advisors at no cost to you. Have an introductory call on the phone or introduction in person and choose whom to work with in the future.

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Deloitte survey: UK finance bosses predict hiring plunge amid tariff turmoil

2025-11-08 18:55:41

Finance leaders are predicting the steepest drop in corporate recruitment since Q3 2020 due to escalating geopolitical threats. A new study by Deloitte indicates a weakening job market, with wage growth anticipated to decelerate from 3.6% to 3%, as reported by City AM. A net 14% of CFOs reported feeling more negative about their business outlook compared to three months ago. This sentiment follows a hit to business confidence in the wake of the Autumn Budget. Chancellor Rachel Reeves' series of tax increases has resulted in companies either scaling back on hiring or raising prices. Changes to employers' national insurance contributions and the minimum wage have put pressure on businesses' finances. A net 63% of those surveyed anticipate operating costs to rise over the next year. In contrast, only 35% forecast revenue growth, with most expecting shrinking margins. The report suggests that executives predict interest rates will drop to four per cent, with inflation projected at 3.1% for the coming year. Amid these conditions, finance chiefs are demonstrating increased caution towards the UK economy. Only 12% believe now is an opportune time to take on more risk, compared to the long-term average of 25%. Deloitte's report reveals that geopolitical risks are the top worry for business leaders, reaching the highest level since early 2022 – when Russia invaded Ukraine. Concerns about volatility in the US economy have reached their highest point in nearly five years. Since taking office in January, President Donald Trump's inconsistent approach to tariffs has caused significant fluctuations in global markets. These concerns were highlighted before Trump's announcement of new levies in his 'Liberation Day' speech, which were later partially retracted, leaving a hefty 145 per cent import tax on China still in place. The survey found that almost half of finance chiefs now view tariffs, sanctions, and market access restrictions as major worries, a sharp rise from just 15 per cent last year. This climate of uncertainty has prompted executives to postpone significant alterations to supply chains or production processes. Amanda Tickel, Deloitte UK's head of tax and trade policy, commented: "Given widespread speculation over the scale and scope of US tariff rises during the survey period, it is unsurprising that chief financial officers reported elevated levels of uncertainty." She further noted: "This is still a rapidly evolving environment, and businesses will need to be proactive in mitigating the effects of tariffs, however, they will be unlikely to actually reconfigure their global supply chains or production until they see the results of negotiations or responses by other nations." In response to these growing challenges, Deloitte's report indicates that UK chief financial officers are now employing their most cautious strategies since early 2020. This involved 63% of participants placing a greater emphasis on cost-cutting measures - the second-highest percentage recorded. There was a net expectation of 30% for decreases in capital expenditure, and 58% of respondents predicted reductions in discretionary spending. Ian Stewart, Deloitte UK's chief economist, commented: "Although large UK businesses are preparing for turbulence, levels of pessimism have not fallen to the low that was seen during the pandemic. "Finance leaders have a continued focus on costs and hiring, and the prioritisation of more defensive strategies is standard practice amongst business leaders during challenging times."

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