This week, Kerim Karakaya joins Selcuk Gokoluk to talk about the resilience in emerging markets in the face of the Iran war and oil price shock, and why investors are betting on some of the riskiest assets despite the geopolitical uncertainty.
This week, Kerim Karakaya joins Selcuk Gokoluk to talk about the resilience in emerging markets in the face of the Iran war and oil price shock, and why investors are betting on some of the riskiest assets despite the geopolitical uncertainty.
J Studios/DigitalVision via Getty Images Cytokinetics, Incorporated ( CYTK ) is a specialty biopharma that commercializes Myqorzo (aficamten). Myqorzo is approved in the US, China, and the EU for the treatment of obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (oHCM), with additional applications studied in late-stage trials. CYTK intends to eventually support its use as a first-line monotherapy option wi...
J Studios/DigitalVision via Getty Images Cytokinetics, Incorporated ( CYTK ) is a specialty biopharma that commercializes Myqorzo (aficamten). Myqorzo is approved in the US, China, and the EU for the treatment of obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (oHCM), with additional applications studied in late-stage trials. CYTK intends to eventually support its use as a first-line monotherapy option with an sNDA submitted. CYTK also mentioned positive results from their Phase 3 trial in non-obstructive HCM (nHCM). The pediatric trial for oHCM is in Phase 2/3, currently enrolling patients. Overall, I think CYTK has made great progress since the last time I covered it. However, the stock now seems much more expensive, which is why I now think a more neutral rating makes sense this time around. Aficamten’s Growing Momentum Cytokinetics, Incorporated is a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company that develops medicines for cardiovascular and neuromuscular conditions involving impaired muscle function. CYTK was incorporated back in 1997 and is currently headquartered in South San Francisco, California. I initially covered CYTK back in August 2025, and since then, the stock has appreciated by 102.9%. And, while they also have other interesting drugs like ulacamten and omecamtiv mecarbil, I ultimately thought their potential with Aficamten was their most underappreciated value driver. Cytokinetics Corporate Presentation As a quick recap, CYTK’s lead commercial product is Myqorzo (aficamten). This is an oral cardiac myosin inhibitor FDA-approved for adults with symptomatic obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (oHCM) to improve functional capacity and symptoms. You see, oHCM is a condition where the heart muscle becomes abnormally thick, and blood flow out of the heart can be blocked. Its symptoms usually include shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, or exercise intolerance. As such, Myqorzo is designed to reduce excessive cardiac muscle contraction, which can improve ho...
Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA) stands at the center of the artificial intelligence (AI) revolution, and the company's upcoming earnings report on May 20 has investors buzzing. With the stock having delivered generational returns over the last few years, you might be wondering whether to add shares ahead of the print or wait for the results. The data we already have offers a compelling case for buying now -...
Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA) stands at the center of the artificial intelligence (AI) revolution, and the company's upcoming earnings report on May 20 has investors buzzing. With the stock having delivered generational returns over the last few years, you might be wondering whether to add shares ahead of the print or wait for the results. The data we already have offers a compelling case for buying now -- not because of short-term timing strategies, but rather because of durable secular tailwinds and a valuation that still offers a reasonable entry point for those seeking long-term upside. While Wall Street's consensus sets a high bar, based on Nvidia's various catalysts, the company looks poised to clear it. Meanwhile, history and valuation reinforce the case for action over hesitation. Continue reading
U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer's Labour party suffered major losses in local elections held across Britain last week. So far, Starmer has rejected calls for his resignation. (Image credit: Hannah McKay/AP)
U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer's Labour party suffered major losses in local elections held across Britain last week. So far, Starmer has rejected calls for his resignation. (Image credit: Hannah McKay/AP)
Key PointsSummit Partners sold 2,100,000 shares of Aveanna Healthcare in the first quarter; the estimated trade size was $16.23 million (based on quarterly average prices).
Key PointsSummit Partners sold 2,100,000 shares of Aveanna Healthcare in the first quarter; the estimated trade size was $16.23 million (based on quarterly average prices).
If this isn’t to be the last ever Labour government, the party is going to need to reconnect with the labour movement Andrea Egan is the general secretary of Unison If you’re hurtling at high speed towards the cliff-edge, basic common sense says you should at least try to apply the brakes. It’s that moment now: in the wake of Friday’s disastrous election results for Labour, few really doubt there ...
If this isn’t to be the last ever Labour government, the party is going to need to reconnect with the labour movement Andrea Egan is the general secretary of Unison If you’re hurtling at high speed towards the cliff-edge, basic common sense says you should at least try to apply the brakes. It’s that moment now: in the wake of Friday’s disastrous election results for Labour, few really doubt there will inevitably be a new party leader – and prime minister. Yet endless speculation over the how and when of Keir Starmer’s political demise, entertaining as it might be for pundits and Westminster-watchers, is a diversion from the real debate that needs to be had. Andrea Egan is the general secretary of Unison Continue reading...
Strong student-rental demand, competitive pricing and improving transport links are drawing investors to new residential projects in To Kwa Wan, as developers seek to reposition the ageing Kowloon district as part of a broader redevelopment corridor linked to Kai Tak and Hung Hom. The renewed interest helped push Hong Kong’s weekend primary home transactions to around 500 units, the strongest leve...
Strong student-rental demand, competitive pricing and improving transport links are drawing investors to new residential projects in To Kwa Wan, as developers seek to reposition the ageing Kowloon district as part of a broader redevelopment corridor linked to Kai Tak and Hung Hom. The renewed interest helped push Hong Kong’s weekend primary home transactions to around 500 units, the strongest level in 19 months, according to Midland Realty. Two of the four major project launches over the weekend...
GoodRx (NASDAQ:GDRX) primarily generates revenue by offering a price comparison tool that helps consumers find geographically relevant pricing and access negotiated discounts on prescription drugs across the United States. While expanding its offerings to include new weight-loss medications and navigating a rejected privacy settlement in federal court, it reported about 21% EBIT margin for the qua...
GoodRx (NASDAQ:GDRX) primarily generates revenue by offering a price comparison tool that helps consumers find geographically relevant pricing and access negotiated discounts on prescription drugs across the United States. While expanding its offerings to include new weight-loss medications and navigating a rejected privacy settlement in federal court, it reported about 21% EBIT margin for the quarter ended Dec. 31, 2025. Hims & Hers Health (NYSE:HIMS) earns its revenue by operating a telehealth network that connects consumers to licensed healthcare professionals, providing medical consultations and ongoing prescription medication subscriptions directly to customers. Continue reading
Alones Creative/iStock via Getty Images I started covering LyondellBasell ( LYB ) in 2023 here on Seeking Alpha, and I have been bullish on the stock ever since. In my most recent article , in 2025, I pointed out the attractive dividend and the firm's growth potential in the CLCS segment as the key reasons for my bullish thesis. Today, my aim is to highlight some of the key events and figures from...
Alones Creative/iStock via Getty Images I started covering LyondellBasell ( LYB ) in 2023 here on Seeking Alpha, and I have been bullish on the stock ever since. In my most recent article , in 2025, I pointed out the attractive dividend and the firm's growth potential in the CLCS segment as the key reasons for my bullish thesis. Today, my aim is to highlight some of the key events and figures from the first quarter and reassess the company's valuation using a dividend discount model. Result highlights In the most recent quarter, LYB managed to beat analysts' expectations significantly on the bottom-line , despite missing revenue estimates. The primary reasons for the beat were the ongoing Middle East tensions, though. There were two segments, which were the primary drivers of the significant EBITDA and EPS growth and these were the Olefins & Polyolefins - Americas and the Intermediates & Derivatives. The olefins & polyolefins segment experienced a very meaningful EBITDA growth, which was driven by the huge increase in the margins due to lower feedstock costs and higher pricing. This is clearly a result of the war in Iran and the uncertainty in the surrounding countries. While I do not believe that the conflict is going to be resolved quickly, I do expect that oil prices are going to be normalizing later this year and traffic through the Strait of Hormuz will also pick up. For this reason, I do not think that this growth in EBITDA is sustainable in the longer term and therefore I do not think that the firm has now become substantially more attractive from a fundamental point of view. Olefins and polyolefins ( LyondellBasell ) A similar story is happening in the intermediates and derivatives segment. High oil prices and lower gas crack spreads are significantly benefiting the firm. Intermediates and derivatives (LyondellBasell) Also important is that the firm's technology segment EBITDA fell from $58 million to $18 million YoY. This segment is normally the firm's high...
watch now VIDEO 3:42 03:42 ETF outlook: Prediction markets uncertainty and the long-term implications of high fertilizer prices ETF Edge Prediction markets ETFs may soon be coming to retail investors and even into retirement plans, but maybe just not as fast as anticipated. The Securities and Exchange Commission during the second Trump administration has sought to distinguish itself from Biden era...
watch now VIDEO 3:42 03:42 ETF outlook: Prediction markets uncertainty and the long-term implications of high fertilizer prices ETF Edge Prediction markets ETFs may soon be coming to retail investors and even into retirement plans, but maybe just not as fast as anticipated. The Securities and Exchange Commission during the second Trump administration has sought to distinguish itself from Biden era regulators with what it calls a move away from the "regulatory creep" that it says has held back markets and innovation. But it caught some in the financial industry off guard on Tuesday when it delayed the launch of 24 prediction markets ETFs, saying it needed more time to study the products before they were released to investors. Roundhill Investments, Bitwise, and GraniteShares had all filed with the SEC in February to launch funds tied to prediction markets covering elections, economic data, and other real-world events. Under SEC rules, ETFs are automatically effective 75 days after filing unless otherwise halted by the SEC. That 75-day window was due to expire last week. The SEC's intervention should not be surprising, according to ETF experts, even if the SEC under the Trump administration is focused on steps to ease market access , as well as less aggressive oversight of novel financial products, such as in the crypto space . Prediction markets ETFs do represent a new kind of regulatory challenge. Unlike traditional ETFs, these investments are tied to event contracts and essentially place bets on real-world events. Some of the most notable, but also controversial, contracts on predictions markets like Kalshi are the ones related to politics, such as election results, a focus for the ETFs. The prediction markets ETF delay does evoke memories of the years it took for spot bitcoin ETFs to be approved by the SEC. But ETF experts say the delay is most likely to be temporary as the agency looks for more information from the issuers about how the funds will work. "With any...
Key PointsiShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF provides concentrated exposure to developing economies with higher recent returns but also greater historical drawdowns than iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF.
Key PointsiShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets ETF provides concentrated exposure to developing economies with higher recent returns but also greater historical drawdowns than iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF.
Fidelity MSCI Information Technology Index ETF (NYSEMKT:FTEC) offers low-cost, broad tech exposure, while iShares Semiconductor ETF (NASDAQ:SOXX) targets a concentrated, high-volatility bet on the semiconductor industry. Investors seeking exposure to the technology sector often choose between broad market funds and specialized industry vehicles. The choice between a diversified information technol...
Fidelity MSCI Information Technology Index ETF (NYSEMKT:FTEC) offers low-cost, broad tech exposure, while iShares Semiconductor ETF (NASDAQ:SOXX) targets a concentrated, high-volatility bet on the semiconductor industry. Investors seeking exposure to the technology sector often choose between broad market funds and specialized industry vehicles. The choice between a diversified information technology fund and a concentrated semiconductor fund involves weighing lower costs and broader reach against the potential for higher volatility and significant industry-specific returns. The 1-yr return represents total return over the trailing 12 months. Dividend yield is the trailing-12-month distribution yield. Continue reading
mikdam/iStock via Getty Images I've been covering satellite operator BlackSky Technology ( BKSY ) for several years here at Seeking Alpha. I've generally had a skeptical view of the company, as it has missed prior guidance and profitability targets on various occasions. Meanwhile, traders have given the company a generous valuation despite these operational setbacks. I became somewhat more hopeful...
mikdam/iStock via Getty Images I've been covering satellite operator BlackSky Technology ( BKSY ) for several years here at Seeking Alpha. I've generally had a skeptical view of the company, as it has missed prior guidance and profitability targets on various occasions. Meanwhile, traders have given the company a generous valuation despite these operational setbacks. I became somewhat more hopeful following the firm's Q4 2025 earnings. In it, BlackSky delivered better-than-expected numbers . It seemed that perhaps the company's technological promise was going to start resulting in a more stable growth trajectory for the underlying business. Unfortunately, one quarter wasn't enough to decisively change the company's overall course. We saw that in stark relief on Thursday, as the company delivered a rough Q1 earnings report. While this downbeat set of results doesn't entirely undo the progress that the company had been making, it casts a harsh light on the firm's elevated valuation metrics. BlackSky Drops on Weak Q1 Earnings On Thursday, BlackSky released its Q1 earnings , and the stock fell 20% following the results, though, to be fair, the stock regained nearly all those losses on Friday: Data by YCharts It's not hard to see why the market initially reacted as it did. The firm's GAAP EPS came in at an 82-cent loss. This was roughly twice as large as the 40-cent loss that analysts had been expecting. Meanwhile, revenues of $20.8 million plunged 29.5% year-over-year and fell far short of the analyst consensus for $27.3 million during the quarter. The company noted that it had earned a $9.0 million milestone payment in Q1 of 2025 tied to a new mission solutions contract. In light of there being no recurring $9 million payment of a similar nature in Q1 of this year, it was going to be a tougher comp. That said, analysts were expecting a less than 10% decline in y-o-y Q1 revenues, as growth in other contracts along with increasing recurring revenues could largely offset ...
As a dividend investor, I know how hard it is to resist a double-digit yield. Indeed, AGNC Investment (NASDAQ: AGNC) and its 13% yield are very attractive. However, Ares Capital (NASDAQ: ARCC) and its still-impressive 10% yield are probably a better choice for more aggressive income-focused investors. Here's what you need to know if you are comparing these two ultra-high-yield stocks today. Since ...
As a dividend investor, I know how hard it is to resist a double-digit yield. Indeed, AGNC Investment (NASDAQ: AGNC) and its 13% yield are very attractive. However, Ares Capital (NASDAQ: ARCC) and its still-impressive 10% yield are probably a better choice for more aggressive income-focused investors. Here's what you need to know if you are comparing these two ultra-high-yield stocks today. Since holding its initial public offering, AGNC Investment's total return is basically right in line with that of the S&P 500 index (SNPINDEX: ^GSPC) over the same span. Given that AGNC is a real estate investment trust (REIT), that is actually a pretty impressive feat. And the huge yield is a key part of the total return equation. There's just one problem for dividend investors: total return assumes dividends are reinvested. Image source: Getty Images. Continue reading