tsingha25/iStock via Getty Images Most investors are familiar with stocks and bonds. Fewer are familiar with managed futures, and yet, some of the world's largest institutional investors, including major pension funds, have been allocating to managed futures strategies for decades. Today, managed futures ETFs make this institutional-grade strategy accessible to a much broader range of investors. T...
tsingha25/iStock via Getty Images Most investors are familiar with stocks and bonds. Fewer are familiar with managed futures, and yet, some of the world's largest institutional investors, including major pension funds, have been allocating to managed futures strategies for decades. Today, managed futures ETFs make this institutional-grade strategy accessible to a much broader range of investors. The KraneShares Mount Lucas Managed Futures Index Strategy ETF ( KMLM ) is one such vehicle, offering systematic exposure to global macro trends across commodities, currencies, and fixed income futures. What Is a Managed Futures ETF? A managed futures ETF is an exchange-traded fund that provides exposure to a portfolio of futures contracts, standardized agreements to buy or sell an asset at a future date and price, across a range of global markets. Unlike traditional ETFs that largely hold stocks or bonds, a managed futures ETF gains exposure to price trends in commodities (such as oil, gold, and agricultural products), global currencies, and fixed-income instruments, such as government bond futures. The "managed" component refers to the systematic, rules-based methodology used to decide which futures to hold, and critically, whether to hold them long (benefiting from rising prices) or short (benefiting from falling prices). This two-directional flexibility is one of the most important features of managed futures strategies and something that traditional stock or bond ETFs often cannot offer. Price trends or volatility refer to fluctuations in market prices that may create both gains and losses. While some managed futures strategies seek to respond to sustained price movements, periods of heightened volatility may also result in increased losses, particularly when price movements are short-lived or inconsistent. How Does a Managed Futures ETF Work? Managed futures strategies are typically built on trend-following, a systematic approach that identifies and follows price momen...
There's an old saying in business: You can either buy or build. Each strategy offers pros and cons, but buying what you need can be faster and potentially less costly with the right acquisition and execution. In the crowded cybersecurity space, Palo Alto Networks (PANW 4.05%) is a builder, but it has also been on an aggressive buying spree over the last year. Today, we'll look at three specific ac...
There's an old saying in business: You can either buy or build. Each strategy offers pros and cons, but buying what you need can be faster and potentially less costly with the right acquisition and execution. In the crowded cybersecurity space, Palo Alto Networks (PANW 4.05%) is a builder, but it has also been on an aggressive buying spree over the last year. Today, we'll look at three specific acquisitions and how they'll be integrated into Palo Alto Networks. Why the acquisition strategy could pay off This isn't a surprise, but Palo Alto Networks' acquisitions over the last year have had an artificial intelligence (AI) flair. Expand NASDAQ : PANW Palo Alto Networks Today's Change ( -4.05 %) $ -6.88 Current Price $ 162.86 Key Data Points Market Cap $133B Day's Range $ 161.94 - $ 168.60 52wk Range $ 139.57 - $ 223.61 Volume 254K Avg Vol 9.9M Gross Margin 73.50 % 1. Protect AI Protect AI launched in 2022, and promoted itself as providing the "broadest and most comprehensive AI security solution," designed to offer protection throughout the life cycle of generative AI applications and machine learning models. It was a private company before Palo Alto Networks acquired it in July 2025, so there wasn't much publicly available financial information about it. However, what can still be valuable in such cases is to listen to what management says about how the buyer expects an acquisition to add value to its operations. "The promise of AI is immense, but so are the security risks," said Anand Oswal, now Palo Alto's executive vice president of network security, in the July 22 press release announcing the completion of the acquisition. "Our customers are moving quickly to adopt AI and are asking for a partner who can secure their entire AI ecosystem at scale. Protect AI's capabilities are a powerful complement to our innovative Prisma AIRS platform, and scales our ability to provide both depth and breadth in AI security to deliver protection across the entire AI lifecycle." 2...
Key Points Palo Alto Networks has bought a trio of start-ups and public companies over the last year, including two in 2026. The company reported $1.1 billion in net income in its fiscal 2025, but future acquisition costs could put pressure on its profitability. 10 stocks we like better than Palo Alto Networks › There's an old saying in business: You can either buy or build. Each strategy offers p...
Key Points Palo Alto Networks has bought a trio of start-ups and public companies over the last year, including two in 2026. The company reported $1.1 billion in net income in its fiscal 2025, but future acquisition costs could put pressure on its profitability. 10 stocks we like better than Palo Alto Networks › There's an old saying in business: You can either buy or build. Each strategy offers pros and cons, but buying what you need can be faster and potentially less costly with the right acquisition and execution. Will AI create the world's first trillionaire? Our team just released a report on the one little-known company, called an "Indispensable Monopoly" providing the critical technology Nvidia and Intel both need. Continue » In the crowded cybersecurity space, Palo Alto Networks (NASDAQ: PANW) is a builder, but it has also been on an aggressive buying spree over the last year. Today, we'll look at three specific acquisitions and how they'll be integrated into Palo Alto Networks. Why the acquisition strategy could pay off This isn't a surprise, but Palo Alto Networks' acquisitions over the last year have had an artificial intelligence (AI) flair. 1. Protect AI Protect AI launched in 2022, and promoted itself as providing the "broadest and most comprehensive AI security solution," designed to offer protection throughout the life cycle of generative AI applications and machine learning models. It was a private company before Palo Alto Networks acquired it in July 2025, so there wasn't much publicly available financial information about it. However, what can still be valuable in such cases is to listen to what management says about how the buyer expects an acquisition to add value to its operations. "The promise of AI is immense, but so are the security risks," said Anand Oswal, now Palo Alto's executive vice president of network security, in the July 22 press release announcing the completion of the acquisition. "Our customers are moving quickly to adopt AI and...
(RTTNews) - United Airlines Chief Executive Officer Scott Kirby has reassured employees that the company is well-prepared to navigate current industry challenges, including the war in Iran and a sharp spike in fuel prices. In a message to staff, Kirby emphasized that United's long-term strategy and financial strength will allow the airline to continue investing in growth while competitors face gre...
(RTTNews) - United Airlines Chief Executive Officer Scott Kirby has reassured employees that the company is well-prepared to navigate current industry challenges, including the war in Iran and a sharp spike in fuel prices. In a message to staff, Kirby emphasized that United's long-term strategy and financial strength will allow the airline to continue investing in growth while competitors face greater strain. Jet fuel prices have more than doubled in recent weeks, potentially adding $11 billion in annual expenses if sustained. Despite this, Kirby noted that demand remains at record levels, with the last ten weeks marking the strongest revenue period in United's history. United's plan includes assuming oil prices could remain elevated until 2027, tactically adjusting flight schedules to reduce unprofitable routes, and continuing with major investments in aircraft, technology, and infrastructure. The airline expects to take delivery of about 120 new aircraft in 2026, including 20 Boeing 787s, and another 130 by April 2028. Kirby stressed that United will not resort to cost-cutting or deferring investments, but instead will use this period to strengthen its competitive position. "We're ready, we have a plan and we're going to continue executing that plan," he wrote, urging employees to stay focused on customers and each other as the airline aims to build the most brand-loyal carrier in the world. The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
everydayplus/iStock via Getty Images VFMF - Finally Proving Its Worth The Vanguard U.S. Multifactor ETF Shares (BATS: VFMF ) is an actively managed exchange-traded fund (also known as an ETF) that invests in U.S. stocks using a rules-based quantitative model to evaluate U.S. common stocks and construct an equity portfolio that looks at multiple factors. The point of this ETF is to have an actively...
everydayplus/iStock via Getty Images VFMF - Finally Proving Its Worth The Vanguard U.S. Multifactor ETF Shares (BATS: VFMF ) is an actively managed exchange-traded fund (also known as an ETF) that invests in U.S. stocks using a rules-based quantitative model to evaluate U.S. common stocks and construct an equity portfolio that looks at multiple factors. The point of this ETF is to have an actively managed option to track value stocks within the U.S. market, using a factor-based approach, with the fund manager rebalancing and reviewing the fund often for investment opportunities. This fund is a multifactor ETF that specifically targets stocks that the advisor thinks have strong recent performance, strong fundamentals, and low prices relative to fundamentals. Unlike general value ETFs like the Vanguard Value Index Fund ETF Shares ( VTV ), which simply include all stocks classified as "value" within an index, VFMF employs a factor-based selection process to rank and weight stocks based on their value characteristics. The fund builds its portfolio using three main factors: value, momentum, and quality. The value is assessed using price-to-book, forward price-to-earnings, and operating price-to-cash flow ratios. Meanwhile, momentum is evaluated through three metrics: total returns from the last 12 months and 6 months and the intercept from a one-year regression of returns against their regional benchmark. The quality factor varies by sector: for financials, it includes return on equity and share issuance, while for non-financials, it incorporates return on equity, gross profitability, changes in net operating assets, and leverage. VFMF also removes 20% of the most volatile stocks within each market capitalization group for risk management. All that to say, there's a clear mandate of what the fund is trying to do from a broad index perspective. VFMF's benchmark target is the Russell 3000 Index, and this article will tell you whether it's worth investing with VFMF or anoth...
Andrii Yalanskyi Earnings this week painted a picture of a market balancing resilient corporate performance with rising macro uncertainty. 9 S&P 500 companies reported earnings results this week. Most of the earnings updates came from information technology and consumer discretionary companies. Of the 9 S&P 500 companies that reported earnings this week, 7 beat EPS expectations and 2 missed. On a ...
Andrii Yalanskyi Earnings this week painted a picture of a market balancing resilient corporate performance with rising macro uncertainty. 9 S&P 500 companies reported earnings results this week. Most of the earnings updates came from information technology and consumer discretionary companies. Of the 9 S&P 500 companies that reported earnings this week, 7 beat EPS expectations and 2 missed. On a year-over-year basis, 6 companies posted higher earnings. On the top line, 6 companies topped revenue estimates, while 3 fell short. Year over year, 7 companies reported revenue growth. Seeking Alpha Let’s take a look at some of the companies that reported earnings this week: Accenture ( ACN ) Q2 results topped analyst expectations, supported by robust demand for AI-related services. However, the consulting giant flagged softer bookings growth , reflecting continued caution among enterprise clients on discretionary spending. The company also raised the lower end of its full fiscal year 2026 revenue and adjusted EPS outlook. Micron Technology ( MU ) posted a sharp surge in earnings , driven by booming demand for memory chips used in artificial intelligence and data centers. The company signalled $33.5B Q3 revenue target and 81% gross margin guidance driven by AI demand surge. Micron Technology ( MU ) was in focus on Friday as Citi upped its price target to $510 from $430, citing better-than-expected margins. FedEx ( FDX ) emerged as one of the standout performers of the week, posting a strong earnings beat driven by cost-cutting initiatives and improved pricing . The logistics major also raised its full-year outlook and announced strategic steps, including a planned spin-off of its freight division, signaling confidence in demand recovery and margin expansion. FedEx ( FDX ) raised its FY '26 adjusted earnings outlook to $19.30 to $20.10 per diluted share, compared to the prior range of $17.80 to $19. Lululemon Athletica ( LULU ) reported a Q4 earnings beat, but the shares st...
Critical minerals are becoming a hot topic amid rising trade tensions between the U.S. and China. According to research from The Motley Fool, China accounts for 70% of extraction and an eye-popping 90% of processing of these key rare-earth elements, giving the country a dominant position in the rare-earth supply chain. As China tightens exports on some key rare-earth elements and magnets, U.S. pol...
Critical minerals are becoming a hot topic amid rising trade tensions between the U.S. and China. According to research from The Motley Fool, China accounts for 70% of extraction and an eye-popping 90% of processing of these key rare-earth elements, giving the country a dominant position in the rare-earth supply chain. As China tightens exports on some key rare-earth elements and magnets, U.S. policymakers are taking action. In the past year, the government has invested in two up-and-coming mining stocks, USA Rare Earth (USAR 8.96%) and MP Materials (MP 4.46%), to secure access to these crucial resources. If you're considering an investment in either of these two mining stocks, one stands out as a better buy in 2026. USA Rare Earth is ramping up production and mining abilities In January, USA Rare Earth secured $3.1 billion in much-needed capital, including a non-binding letter of intent for $1.6 billion from the U.S. Department of Commerce. As part of this funding, the government will provide $1.3 billion in senior-secured loans and another $277 million in direct funding. In return, the government gets a 10% equity stake in the up-and-coming mining company. The company also raised an additional $1.5 billion in private funding. USA Rare Earth will use this capital to expand its manufacturing facility in Stillwater, Oklahoma, where it will produce sintered neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) magnets. These magnets are crucial for defense and consumer technologies, including electric vehicles, wind turbines, defense systems, missiles, and fighter jets. Expand NASDAQ : USAR USA Rare Earth Today's Change ( -8.96 %) $ -1.59 Current Price $ 16.21 Key Data Points Market Cap $3.5B Day's Range $ 15.81 - $ 18.00 52wk Range $ 5.56 - $ 43.98 Volume 530K Avg Vol 19M To hit the ground running, the company acquired Less Common Metals, a United Kingdom-based company. The acquisition provides the company with the feedstock for strip-cast alloy required for its Stillwater facility, enabling...
Key Points China controls a majority of rare-earth extraction and processing, and the U.S. is looking to change that. The U.S. government has invested in USA Rare Earth and MP Materials to secure critical minerals and magnets. The government has taken stakes in both companies as they work to ramp up their processing capabilities. 10 stocks we like better than USA Rare Earth › Critical minerals are...
Key Points China controls a majority of rare-earth extraction and processing, and the U.S. is looking to change that. The U.S. government has invested in USA Rare Earth and MP Materials to secure critical minerals and magnets. The government has taken stakes in both companies as they work to ramp up their processing capabilities. 10 stocks we like better than USA Rare Earth › Critical minerals are becoming a hot topic amid rising trade tensions between the U.S. and China. According to research from The Motley Fool, China accounts for 70% of extraction and an eye-popping 90% of processing of these key rare-earth elements, giving the country a dominant position in the rare-earth supply chain. As China tightens exports on some key rare-earth elements and magnets, U.S. policymakers are taking action. In the past year, the government has invested in two up-and-coming mining stocks, USA Rare Earth (NASDAQ: USAR) and MP Materials (NYSE: MP), to secure access to these crucial resources. Will AI create the world's first trillionaire? Our team just released a report on the one little-known company, called an "Indispensable Monopoly" providing the critical technology Nvidia and Intel both need. Continue » If you're considering an investment in either of these two mining stocks, one stands out as a better buy in 2026. USA Rare Earth is ramping up production and mining abilities In January, USA Rare Earth secured $3.1 billion in much-needed capital, including a non-binding letter of intent for $1.6 billion from the U.S. Department of Commerce. As part of this funding, the government will provide $1.3 billion in senior-secured loans and another $277 million in direct funding. In return, the government gets a 10% equity stake in the up-and-coming mining company. The company also raised an additional $1.5 billion in private funding. USA Rare Earth will use this capital to expand its manufacturing facility in Stillwater, Oklahoma, where it will produce sintered neodymium-iron-boron ...
Новозыбковец Николай Сударев на первый взгляд — скромный, даже, можно сказать, неприметный человек. Не особо разговорчив, абсолютно «без короны» на голове. А меж тем этот человек незаменим в Городском доме культуры.
Новозыбковец Николай Сударев на первый взгляд — скромный, даже, можно сказать, неприметный человек. Не особо разговорчив, абсолютно «без короны» на голове. А меж тем этот человек незаменим в Городском доме культуры.
China's smartphone sales fell 4% year over year in the first nine weeks of 2026, according to Counterpoint Research's China Weekly Smartphone Sell-Out Tracker. The decline reflects soft consumer demand and underwhelming Lunar New Year promotions. Government subsidies introduced early in the year have had limited impact so far. While February promotions lifted sales from January levels, rising memo...
China's smartphone sales fell 4% year over year in the first nine weeks of 2026, according to Counterpoint Research's China Weekly Smartphone Sell-Out Tracker. The decline reflects soft consumer demand and underwhelming Lunar New Year promotions. Government subsidies introduced early in the year have had limited impact so far. While February promotions lifted sales from January levels, rising memory prices constrained discounts. As a result, sales during the holiday period and the preceding three weeks were still down 2% year over year. Don't Miss: Rising Memory Costs Drive Pricing Pressure Higher memory costs are increasingly being passed through the supply chain. In response, OPPO and vivo have announced price increases for select existing models, effective March. The move also serves as a test of market sensitivity ahead of upcoming launches and will help guide pricing for next-generation devices. If demand weakens further, adjustments are expected. Apple And Huawei Positioned To Gain Share Apple Inc. posted the strongest growth in the period, with sales rising 23% year over year, supported by e-commerce discounts and government subsidies for the base iPhone 17. With tighter supply chain control, Apple is better positioned to manage the current memory cost surge. Unlike Android peers, the company is unlikely to raise prices, opting instead to absorb some margin pressure to protect and potentially expand market share. Trending: This Startup Thinks It Can Reinvent the Wheel — Literally Huawei may also benefit. Its reliance on domestic suppliers offers a cost advantage, as local memory sourcing is typically cheaper than international alternatives. This positions Huawei to capture share, particularly in the low- to mid-end segment. Outlook: Pressure To Continue Through Midyear Looking ahead, China's smartphone market is expected to remain under pressure from March through May. A potential recovery could emerge in early June, driven by 618 shopping promotions. However...
In this article BEN Follow your favorite stocks CREATE FREE ACCOUNT Franklin Templeton CEO Jenny Johnson has two equally challenging jobs. She oversees a fund company with nearly $2 trillion in assets under management within an industry experienced accelerated change, from active ETFs to tokenization . And, as a third-generation leader from the Johnson family, she's in charge of the legacy of a bu...
In this article BEN Follow your favorite stocks CREATE FREE ACCOUNT Franklin Templeton CEO Jenny Johnson has two equally challenging jobs. She oversees a fund company with nearly $2 trillion in assets under management within an industry experienced accelerated change, from active ETFs to tokenization . And, as a third-generation leader from the Johnson family, she's in charge of the legacy of a business started by her grandfather 79 years ago that is now valued by the stock market at roughly $13 billion. For a family business like Franklin Templeton's to last into a third generation is notable. Johnson often refers to a saying that appears in different forms around the world to make this point. In the U.S., people say, "shirtsleeves to shirtsleeves in three generations." In Europe, it's "clogs to clogs." And in Asia, it's "rice paddies to rice paddies." There is also, "Rich father; noble son; poor grandson." Or in other words: the first generation builds the business, the second grows it, and the third may be the one to bring about its failure. The actual data to support this global narrative is debatable. A 2021 Harvard Business Review analysis during the peak of the HBO "Succession" family business drama found that statistics commonly cited on the "third-generation failure" thesis were predicated on a single study from the 1980s, and its data was prone to misinterpretation. Nevertheless, a family business has a unique set of risks that need to be handled in a unique way, and many families do not prepare properly. According to PwC's 2023 U.S. Family Business Success survey, only 34% of family businesses have a documented succession plan. Johnson says one challenge she sees is that each generation experiences the company differently. Founders start with little and strive to create something valuable. Their children see their hard work and want to help expand the company. And by the third generation, the environment is different because the business is already well-e...
a-poselenov/iStock via Getty Images Co-authored with Beyond Saving While some are born into a life of luxury where they never have to worry about paying a bill, most of us weren't. I remember when I was 20-something, looking out at the world with all sorts of dreams and not really knowing what those dreams meant. I thought I wanted to be a lawyer! Then I interned at a law firm and saw that what la...
a-poselenov/iStock via Getty Images Co-authored with Beyond Saving While some are born into a life of luxury where they never have to worry about paying a bill, most of us weren't. I remember when I was 20-something, looking out at the world with all sorts of dreams and not really knowing what those dreams meant. I thought I wanted to be a lawyer! Then I interned at a law firm and saw that what lawyers actually do is absolutely nothing like Perry Mason. That dream went to the wayside when I learned that the reality of the dream wasn't something that I was really passionate about. I didn't have a chance to find what I really loved to do. Life happened, bills had to be paid, and I didn't have the luxury of finding my "dream job.". Nobody was going to support me while I tested out a dozen fields to find what I liked. A job was just something that I was good at and brought in enough money to pay the bills. If I'm being honest, I was a bit jealous of those who went straight into a career that they absolutely loved. For me, a job was a cubicle, spreadsheets, and presentations because it's what I was good at, and the salary was good. I'm sure many of you are in the same situation. Waking up in the morning, driving through rush hour, to sit at a desk doing a job that you might not hate, but you don't love. Maybe you are like I was, dreaming about being able to get up every morning and doing something that you love doing so much you'd do it for free. Today, I'm blessed to be able to wake up every morning and do something that I truly love. I no longer dread the end of a vacation. I wake up, and I'm truly excited to dive into my work. I'm here to tell you two things. There's no replacement for loving the work you do every day. Sure, there are always things in any career that aren't fun, but when you truly have a passion for the work you do. The grass is, in fact, greener when you find that one thing that you truly love to do. It's possible to change your life and escape the r...
Getty Images In a major surprise, American Airlines Group Inc. ( AAL ) guided to far better than expected Q1'26 numbers. The airlines were expected to struggle this quarter due to the Iranian conflict and surging oil prices. My investment thesis remains ultra Bullish on the stock trading at the lows near $10 after dipping from $16. Source: Finviz Surprise Q1 Guide-Up American Airlines provided sol...
Getty Images In a major surprise, American Airlines Group Inc. ( AAL ) guided to far better than expected Q1'26 numbers. The airlines were expected to struggle this quarter due to the Iranian conflict and surging oil prices. My investment thesis remains ultra Bullish on the stock trading at the lows near $10 after dipping from $16. Source: Finviz Surprise Q1 Guide-Up American Airlines provided solid guidance for Q1'26 despite the conflict in Iran and much higher oil prices. The stock was beaten down heading into this updated guidance for the March quarter and the numbers couldn't have been much better than expected. The airline guided to the following March numbers: Source: American Airlines 8-K The key guidance is that revenues will rise by 10% and the adjusted loss per share will hit towards the lower end of guidance around ($0.10). The consensus analyst estimates was for a loss of ($0.42), yet the airline is absorbing $400 million in higher fuel costs and easily beating these estimates. American Airlines has seen fantastic travel demand continue into 2026. The airline was already in the midst of turning around the corporate business and the Q1 results are supportive of this turnaround being full speed ahead. At the J.P. Morgan Industrials conference , CEO Robert Isom made this comment about the strong prospects for this year as follows: In March, we're expecting greater than 10% unit revenue performance. And we see that strength continuing on into April and May as well. A few things about this growth. There continues to be very, very strong demand for our premium products, and we're seeing main cabin strength as well. And that's where we have a tremendous amount of our network, and it's over the long run, that domestic network is a strategic advantage. And our commercial initiatives are driving these results. We're seeing the full impact of restoration of our sales and distribution. The stock isn't priced for the solid Q1 results and again hasn't rallied despite ...
JuSun/iStock via Getty Images Investment Thesis I believe that the market is misunderstanding Credo ( CRDO ), especially after Nvidia's ( NVDA ) GTC 2026 event, leading to a 21% pullback since my last coverage which has likely reset the story more than the company itself. This is not a one-trick AEC company in trouble but a company that is becoming the connective tissue in the infrastructure of AI...
JuSun/iStock via Getty Images Investment Thesis I believe that the market is misunderstanding Credo ( CRDO ), especially after Nvidia's ( NVDA ) GTC 2026 event, leading to a 21% pullback since my last coverage which has likely reset the story more than the company itself. This is not a one-trick AEC company in trouble but a company that is becoming the connective tissue in the infrastructure of AI. Copper is not going away where reliability is needed and at the same time, Credo is expanding into optics, retimers, and chip-to-chip connectivity. Not only is the demand for hyperscaler products continuing to accelerate but the company is gaining more and more pricing power at higher speeds and has multiple product ramps into 2027. Data by YCharts The Illusion of Weakness: Growth Outpacing Narrative Comfort I see the biggest disconnect between the share price and the operating performance. Credo has reported one of the strongest quarters in the entire infrastructure stack in the AI space and the share price has acted as though the company has broken. This is a problem because it is not a fundamental issue. It is a narrative issue. Revenue has come in at $407 million , up over 200% year over year, with gross profits margins at 68.6% and operating margins near 50% and free cash flows accelerating significantly. What’s more, the company has pointed out the fact that the company has, in effect, scaled more than sixfold in the past two years, which is a rare feat in the semiconductor industry. Yet, here’s where it gets fascinating. The share price did not fall because the revenue and the demand were down. It fell because the margin expectations have come down, and the company has now guided gross margin down to the mid-60s. Suddenly, the narrative has shifted from a software-like semiconductor company to a cyclical hardware supplier. I think this is a simplistic narrative, and I’ll tell you why. Data by YCharts What is missing from the market is an understanding that this mar...
Vivek Vishwakarma/iStock via Getty Images It pays to have dry powder on hand for amazing buying opportunities as they come up. The current market downturn can be trying times for those who are in the market just for capital gains. But for income and value investors, now represents a great opportunity to layer in capital and lock in high yields. At the risk of sounding clichéd, I think it’s time be...
Vivek Vishwakarma/iStock via Getty Images It pays to have dry powder on hand for amazing buying opportunities as they come up. The current market downturn can be trying times for those who are in the market just for capital gains. But for income and value investors, now represents a great opportunity to layer in capital and lock in high yields. At the risk of sounding clichéd, I think it’s time be greedy when others are fearful. This brings me to the following 2 opportunities, one in the BDC and the other in the REIT space. Both are trading at far below their intrinsic value, which could lead to the best of both worlds – high income and capital appreciation. In this article, I explore what makes each a compelling ‘Buy’, so let’s dive in! #1: Blackstone Secured Lending Fund Blackstone Secured Lending Fund ( BXSL ) is a BDC that originates and invests primarily in first-lien, senior secured loans to U.S. middle-market companies. It’s managed by Blackstone’s ( BX ) global credit platform, and benefits from BX’s deep sourcing networks, scale, and underwriting expertise. Unlike private equity, BXSL’s investments sit higher on the capital stack, putting it first in to collect in the event of a borrower liquidation. This is supported by the fact that 97.6% of its investments are first-lien senior secured debt. Its investments also have a weighted average loan to value ratio of 50.5%. This means that there is 49.5% of equity buffer that takes losses first, before BXSL sees any potential losses. BXSL’s $14.2 billion portfolio is well-diversified with no single investment making up more than 2% of portfolio total. As shown below, software, professional services, healthcare, insurance, and commercial services make up the top 5 sectors, making up 57% of portfolio total. Investor Presentation While software has carried headline risks around ‘SaaS-pocalpyse’ from AI disruption, management was careful to point out that not all software is the same. This includes proprietary system...
Victor Hanson: What Is It With The Fickle Europeans? Via The Daily Signal , This is a lightly edited transcript of a segment of “Victor Davis Hanson: In His Own Words” podcast from Daily Signal . What is it with the fickle Europeans ? I know that they have different interests than ours, but we’re both Western entities. You’d think that we’d be more collaborative on the effort to disarm and denucle...
Victor Hanson: What Is It With The Fickle Europeans? Via The Daily Signal , This is a lightly edited transcript of a segment of “Victor Davis Hanson: In His Own Words” podcast from Daily Signal . What is it with the fickle Europeans ? I know that they have different interests than ours, but we’re both Western entities. You’d think that we’d be more collaborative on the effort to disarm and denuclearize Iran. But a lot of strange things are happening. The traditional use of the Diego Garcia critical airbase in the Indian Ocean, run by the British, but often leased to us and allowed us to have a very valuable base for our long-range bombers. The British initially refused to allow us to use it. And then, only under conditions that it would be used for defensive purposes. I don’t know what that means. But I think they forgot the 1982 Falklands War. They were in big trouble going all the way across the world to attack a country in the Western Hemisphere. We were trying to be on friendly relationships so that [Argentina] wouldn’t join the other communist nations. And of course, we offered them 2 million gallons of gasoline. We offered them the use of a carrier if they needed it. We gave them sophisticated intelligence. Without the United States’ help, they would’ve had a very hard time retaking it. So, what’s happened? And then Spain has said that we can’t use at all the NATO base there in Spain. [President Emmanuel] Macron in France and [Chancellor Friedrich] Merz in Germany have also said they’ve expressed reservations. President Donald Trump is now trying to say, you know, we’re using all of our assets to disarm this common threat to the West. Could you just send a few ships to help us, you know, patrol the Strait of Hormuz ? And they’re reluctant. This gets back to the United States, who pays an inordinate amount of the NATO budget. And it keeps having to, you know, to harangue and hammer. “Please, please defend yourself. We are here to help you, but we’re across the ...
Palantir (NASDAQ: PLTR) looks expensive for a reason, and this video explores why the market still rewards its execution, scale, and momentum. BigBear AI (NYSE: BBAI) may seem like the cheaper opportunity, but its weaker revenue and higher uncertainty create a very different risk profile. Stock prices used were the market prices of March 13, 2026. The video was published on March 20, 2026. Continu...
Palantir (NASDAQ: PLTR) looks expensive for a reason, and this video explores why the market still rewards its execution, scale, and momentum. BigBear AI (NYSE: BBAI) may seem like the cheaper opportunity, but its weaker revenue and higher uncertainty create a very different risk profile. Stock prices used were the market prices of March 13, 2026. The video was published on March 20, 2026. Continue reading
The Western U.S. features beaches, great weather, and plenty of amenities. While expensive big cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles can make the West seem unfeasible for retirees, there are plenty of options. Also, the West isn't just its beautiful coastline. There are plenty of Western states with scenic views and outdoor activities that don't touch the Pacific Ocean. These are some of the b...
The Western U.S. features beaches, great weather, and plenty of amenities. While expensive big cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles can make the West seem unfeasible for retirees, there are plenty of options. Also, the West isn't just its beautiful coastline. There are plenty of Western states with scenic views and outdoor activities that don't touch the Pacific Ocean. These are some of the best places to retire in the West. 1. Las Cruces, New Mexico Las Cruces has sunshine for more than 300 days per year, along with warm weather that makes it easy to get out and about. It has several parks, museums, and other attractions to keep retirees busy. The city also offers recreational programs for people who are 50 years or older, which makes it easier to meet new people and get acquainted with the city. Houses are also relatively affordable, with the median price at $350,625, according to Realtor.com. The median rent is $1,700 per month, which is enough for most Social Security payments to cover. Las Cruces is located less than one hour away from the El Paso International Airport. It's also near the Rio Grande River. 2. Tucson, Arizona Tucson is warm year-round and has a median home price of $275,000, according to Realtor.com. If you'd prefer to rent a home, it also has a median rent price of $1,025 per month. Affordability is a strong suit for this city, and that detail is pivotal for retirees based on research from the Motley Fool's Best States to Retire to in 2026. The same index found that healthcare is a top concern for retirees, and Tucson delivers in this area as well. The Banner- University Medical Center and TMC Health offer specialized care for patients. The former is listed as one of the best hospitals in the nation for geriatrics and nephrology. Tucson features many outdoor activities and cultural sites like the Saguaro National Park and the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. Pickleball is extremely popular in the area, with Udall Park acting as a major hub fo...
ArLawKa AungTun/iStock via Getty Images Introduction Fixed-rate preferred shares have come under pressure in recent weeks as Fed rate cut expectations shift from 2026 to 2027 amid energy price volatility. While this has resulted in some near-term losses for investors, it also presents a new buying opportunity as interest rates on both the short end and the long end of the yield curve arguably rema...
ArLawKa AungTun/iStock via Getty Images Introduction Fixed-rate preferred shares have come under pressure in recent weeks as Fed rate cut expectations shift from 2026 to 2027 amid energy price volatility. While this has resulted in some near-term losses for investors, it also presents a new buying opportunity as interest rates on both the short end and the long end of the yield curve arguably remain above levels that will likely prevail in the long term. Against this backdrop, I believe Invesco Mortgage Capital ( IVR )'s Series C 7.5% fixed-to-floating preferred shares ( IVR.PR.C ) offer a compelling double-digit total return outlook for investors with a horizon until the end of 2027, thus confirming my previous Buy rating . The bullish investment thesis can be summarized as: A well covered 8.12% current yield which is fixed until September 2027, with a potentially marginally higher yield starting in Q4 2027 even if the Fed lowers rates to 3.00%. The opportunity for incremental capital gains should long term interest rates decline over the next 21 months. Robust coverage of preferred equity by common equity market capitalization, further amplified by the discount the preferred shares trade at. Safety of Preferred Distributions IVR paid $13.1 million in 2025 preferred dividends , accounting for only 12.9% of 2025 GAAP net income before preferred distributions. Since IVR's reported earnings vary quite significantly dependent on mark-to-market gains/losses on investments and derivative hedges, the company also reports non-GAAP earnings called "earnings available for distribution". These non-GAAP earnings stood at $157.1 million in 2025 , or $170.2 million before preferred distributions. As such, we see that IVR preferred dividends accounted for only 7.7% of the company's non-GAAP earnings. Turning to preferred equity coverage by common equity, the company's $171 million in preferred equity is covered roughly 3.21x by common equity market capitalization, indicating that...
Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena SpA shareholder PLT Holding submitted a slate of candidates for the bank’s board renewal, proposing outgoing Chief Executive Officer Luigi Lovaglio for a new term in a move that could set up a showdown over leadership weeks before a pivotal shareholder vote. The Tortora family investment vehicle PLT, which holds more than 1.2% of Paschi’s ordinary shares, put forwar...
Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena SpA shareholder PLT Holding submitted a slate of candidates for the bank’s board renewal, proposing outgoing Chief Executive Officer Luigi Lovaglio for a new term in a move that could set up a showdown over leadership weeks before a pivotal shareholder vote. The Tortora family investment vehicle PLT, which holds more than 1.2% of Paschi’s ordinary shares, put forward a list of 12 candidates for the board of directors to ensure continuity of Paschi’s industrial plan and support execution of its ongoing transformation, it said in a statement on Saturday. The list also includes former UniCredit SpA chairman Cesare Bisoni as chairman. The move comes after the board excluded Lovaglio from its proposed slate of CEO candidates for the upcoming shareholder meeting, effectively laying the groundwork for his exit, months after completing the Mediobanca SpA takeover.
EyePoint ( EYPT ) has filed a lawsuit against Ocular Therapeutix ( OCUL ) in a Massachusetts federal court, alleging that its rival eye drug developer made false claims regarding its lead candidate, Duravyu. According to the lawsuit filed in Middlesex County Superior Court in Massachusetts on Friday, EyePoint ( EYPT ) accused Ocular ( OCUL ) of spreading false or misleading information regarding t...
EyePoint ( EYPT ) has filed a lawsuit against Ocular Therapeutix ( OCUL ) in a Massachusetts federal court, alleging that its rival eye drug developer made false claims regarding its lead candidate, Duravyu. According to the lawsuit filed in Middlesex County Superior Court in Massachusetts on Friday, EyePoint ( EYPT ) accused Ocular ( OCUL ) of spreading false or misleading information regarding the company and clinical findings of Duravyu. The intravitreal injection is currently undergoing late-stage development for ophthalmic conditions, including wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD), a condition targeted by Ocular’s ( OCUL ) lead asset, Axpaxli. Both treatments belong to a class of drugs known as tyrosine kinase inhibitors. The lawsuit seeks an injunction to block the defendant from continuing with the alleged dissemination of false claims, retraction of the statements, and recovery of financial damages. More on EyePoint Pharmaceuticals, Ocular Therapeutix EyePoint: The 'Pre-Readout' Surge Is Hiding A Commercial Reality Check EyePoint, Inc. (EYPT) Q4 2025 Earnings Call Transcript Ocular Therapeutix, Inc. (OCUL) Presents at 49th Annual Meeting of the Macula Society - Slideshow EyePoint outlines mid-2026 topline data target for DURAVYU in wet AMD and DME as Phase III trials advance Ocular drops after late-stage trial data for wet AMD therapy