Analyst’s Disclosure:I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of NNN, SHORT NNN PUTS either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.
Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.
2026-01-05 04:383mo ago
2026-01-04 23:243mo ago
'New year optimism' has investors looking beyond risk: Deutsche Bank
Jacky Tang of Deutsche Bank shares why Asian stocks, safe havens and oil markets are edging higher on the first trading week of 2026, despite heightened geopolitical risks.
2026-01-05 03:383mo ago
2026-01-04 20:263mo ago
Asian Markets Calm With Gold and Oil Higher After U.S. Ousts Venezuela's Maduro
Gold and oil prices rose after the U.S. ousted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in a surprise military operation this weekend, while Asian equities were helped higher by defense-related stocks on expectations of increased military spending.
2026-01-05 03:383mo ago
2026-01-04 21:083mo ago
JGBs Fall, Weighed by Gains in Japan's Equities Market
SummaryDYNF is an actively managed factor rotation ETF with a 0.26% expense ratio and $31B in assets under management. Factor emphasis is assigned based on the perceived economic regime.Currently, DYNF appears in the "expansion phase" of the economic cycle, where momentum and growth are favored. However, it's not an "all-or-nothing" system. DYNF also slightly emphasizes value right now.I like its current factor mix, and I anticipate solid returns moving forward. However, DYNF's track record is mixed, and through September 2022, it lagged SPY by 3.45% per year.This article walks readers through its strategy, performance, and current fundamentals compared to SPY, and explains my "hold" rating. Suphachai Panyacharoen/iStock via Getty Images
Investment Thesis The iShares U.S. Equity Factor Rotation ETF has easily beaten the SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY) over the last three years, but when considering its total returns since its March 2019 inception, it's
Analyst’s Disclosure:I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of SPY either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.
Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.
2026-01-05 03:383mo ago
2026-01-04 21:593mo ago
Piedmont Realty Trust: Leasing Momentum And Cash Flow Visibility Support A Dividend Return
Analyst’s Disclosure:I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of PDM either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.
Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.
2026-01-05 03:383mo ago
2026-01-04 22:033mo ago
Exclusive: Samsung to double mobile devices powered by Google's Gemini to 800 mln units this year
Samsung Electronics plans to double this year the number of its mobile devices with AI features powered by Google's Gemini, its co-CEO said, which would give the U.S. firm an edge over rivals as the global race in artificial intelligence hots up.
2026-01-05 03:383mo ago
2026-01-04 22:143mo ago
YMAX: The Magic Reinvestment Number For This Super Yielder
Analyst’s Disclosure:I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of YMAX either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.
Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.
Analyst’s Disclosure:I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of CMCSA, DIS either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.
Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.
2026-01-05 02:373mo ago
2026-01-04 20:243mo ago
Better Dividend ETF: Vanguard's VYM vs. ProShares' NOBL
Expense-conscious investors weighing sector breadth and portfolio focus will find key differences between these two dividend ETFs.
The Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM +0.86%) offers broader diversification, a higher recent return, and a lower expense ratio than ProShares - S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats ETF (NOBL +0.38%), which focuses on S&P 500 (^GSPC +0.19%) companies with long dividend growth histories and a more concentrated sector mix.
This comparison examines how VYM and NOBL stack up for investors seeking dividend income, risk management, and broad U.S. equity exposure. Both ETFs target companies with strong dividend characteristics, but their approaches and results differ in cost, yield, portfolio makeup, and performance.
Snapshot (cost & size)MetricNOBLVYMIssuerProSharesVanguardExpense ratio0.35%0.06%1-yr return (as of 2025-12-26)4.3%12.2%Dividend yield2.1%2.4%Beta0.770.76AUM$11.2 billion$84.5 billionBeta measures price volatility relative to the S&P 500; beta is calculated from five-year weekly returns. The 1-yr return represents total return over the trailing 12 months.
VYM is significantly more affordable, charging just 0.06% in annual fees compared to 0.35% for NOBL, and also delivers a modestly higher dividend yield, which may appeal to cost-conscious income investors.
Performance & risk comparisonMetricNOBLVYMMax drawdown (5 y)(17.92%)(15.83%)Growth of $1,000 over 5 years$1,327$1,601What's insideVYM holds 589 stocks as of December 29, 2025, with its largest sector exposures in financial services (21%), technology (18%), and healthcare (13%). Top positions include Broadcom Inc. (AVGO +0.41%), JPMorgan Chase & Co. (JPM +1.01%), and Exxon Mobil Corp. (XOM +1.92%). This broad approach gives VYM a wide industry reach and reduces single-stock risk, with no notable quirks or overlays.
NOBL, in contrast, comprises a portfolio of 70 stocks concentrated in consumer defensive (23%), industrials (21%), and financial services (13%). Top holdings include Albemarle Corp. (ALB +1.87%), Cardinal Health Inc. (CAH +0.25%), and C.H. Robinson Worldwide Inc. (CHRW +1.84%). NOBL's equal-weighted strategy and sector caps lead to a more focused but less diversified portfolio.
What this means for investorsBoth the Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) and ProShares - S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats ETF (NOBL) strive to deliver attractive dividends, but through very different approaches.
NOBL targets companies that have a history of increasing dividend payments over time. As a result, it holds a much smaller basket of 70 stocks. The focus on rising dividends means the fund invests in businesses with strong fundamentals that can afford to bump up payouts regularly.
NOBL's equal weighting approach also prevents a handful of stocks from affecting overall fund performance. However, its total returns lag VYM, and the higher expense ratio eats into the dividend income.
VYM's nearly 600 holdings give it a diverse portfolio, which helps it weather downturns in a particular sector. Its inclusion of tech stocks has been a boon with the advent of artificial intelligence, leading to better overall returns compared to NOBL. However, its largest holdings can affect fund performance.
In addition, VYM's much larger AUM provides it with greater liquidity, and its low expense ratio means more money in your pocket. These factors make it a better ETF compared to NOBL for investors seeking both dividend income as well as good overall fund performance.
GlossaryETF: Exchange-traded fund, a basket of securities that trades on an exchange like a stock.
Expense ratio: Annual fund operating costs expressed as a percentage of the fund’s average assets.
Dividend yield: Annual dividends per share divided by the current share price, shown as a percentage.
Dividend growth: A company’s pattern of increasing its dividend payments over time.
Dividend Aristocrats: S&P 500 companies that have increased their dividends for at least 25 consecutive years.
Sector exposure: The percentage of a fund’s assets invested in specific industries or sectors.
Equal-weighted strategy: Portfolio approach where each holding is kept at roughly the same weight.
Concentrated portfolio: Fund that holds relatively few securities or has large weights in certain sectors or stocks.
Diversification: Spreading investments across many securities or sectors to reduce the impact of any single holding.
Beta: Measure of an investment’s volatility relative to a benchmark, typically the S&P 500 index.
Max drawdown: The largest peak-to-trough decline in an investment’s value over a specified period.
Total return: Investment performance including price changes plus all dividends and distributions, assuming reinvestment.
For more guidance on ETF investing, check out the full guide at this link.
2026-01-05 02:373mo ago
2026-01-04 20:363mo ago
ROSEN, TOP-RANKED INVESTOR COUNSEL, Encourages DeFi Technologies, Inc. Investors to Secure Counsel Before Important Deadline in Securities Class Action – DEFT
WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of securities of DeFi Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: DEFT) between May 12, 2025 and November 14, 2025, both dates inclusive (the “Class Period”), of the important January 30, 2026 lead plaintiff deadline.
SO WHAT: If you purchased DeFi Technologies securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.
WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the DeFi Technologies class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=48771 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than January 30, 2026. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.
WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved, at that time, the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs’ Bar. Many of the firm’s attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.
DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, defendants throughout the Class Period made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) DeFi Technologies was facing delays in executing its DeFi arbitrage strategy, which at all relevant times was a key revenue driver for DeFi Technologies; (2) DeFi Technologies had understated the extent of competition it faced from other digital asset treasury (“DAT”) companies and the extent to which that competition would negatively impact its ability to execute its DeFi arbitrage strategy; (3) as a result of the foregoing issues, DeFi Technologies was unlikely to meet its previously issued revenue guidance for the fiscal year 2025; (4) accordingly, defendants had downplayed the true scope and severity of the negative impact that the foregoing issues were having on DeFi Technologies’ business and financial results; and (5) as a result, defendants’ public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.
To join the DeFi Technologies class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=48771 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action.
No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor’s ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.
Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.
Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Information:
Laurence Rosen, Esq.
Phillip Kim, Esq.
The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.
275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor
New York, NY 10016
Tel: (212) 686-1060
Toll Free: (866) 767-3653
Fax: (212) 202-3827 [email protected]
www.rosenlegal.com
SummaryMagnolia Oil & Gas delivered record 3Q25 production and reaffirmed 10% volume growth guidance for 2025, continuing its under-promise, over-deliver approach.MGY maintains a fortress balance sheet, with net debt/EBITDAX of 0.14x, an undrawn revolver, and robust capital returns via a 2.7% yield and ongoing buybacks.In 2026, MGY targets capex below 55% of EBITDAX, mid-single-digit growth, and further Giddings development, supporting inventory and upside potential.Valuation is modestly elevated but justified by disciplined capital allocation, strong returns, and a $31 2026 upside target on a $65 oil base case. Torsten Asmus/iStock via Getty Images
Magnolia Oil & Gas (MGY) has long been a core holding at Z4 Energy Research. In the wake of the 3Q25 report, we were asked by investors to provide updated thoughts for 2026. We'll give a
Analyst’s Disclosure:I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of MGY either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.
Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.
Analyst’s Disclosure:I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.
Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.
2026-01-05 02:373mo ago
2026-01-04 20:463mo ago
Imperial Brands: Great Value At 9x Forward Earnings, With 5% Yield Backed By Strong FCF
Analyst’s Disclosure:I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, but may initiate a beneficial Long position through a purchase of the stock, or the purchase of call options or similar derivatives in IMBBY over the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.
Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.
SummaryWisdomTree Cloud Computing Fund ETF is currently fairly valued around $34-$35, with negligible over- or undervaluation based on both absolute and relative metrics.WCLD's small- and mid-cap focus offers low overlap with broad tech benchmarks, mitigating concentration risk and aligning with growth-oriented strategies.A neutral Double Calendar options strategy is favored, targeting a profitability range between ~$32 and ~$43, with an estimated ROI of up to 98% if WCLD reaches $39.Risks include illiquid options and downside exposure; tactical adjustments and continuation strategies are planned if WCLD moves outside the targeted range. PM Images/DigitalVision via Getty Images
Article Thesis My last article about WisdomTree Cloud Computing Fund ETF (WCLD) was in April, when it was trading a little under $31. Based on about 15% estimated undervaluation and with an expected CAGR somewhere between
Analyst’s Disclosure:I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.
I have a neutral position through options on WCLD.
Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.
2026-01-05 02:373mo ago
2026-01-04 20:563mo ago
PRGO DEADLINE: ROSEN, A LONGSTANDING FIRM, Encourages Perrigo Company plc Investors to Secure Counsel Before Important Deadline in Securities Class Action – PRGO
WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of securities of Perrigo Company plc (NYSE: PRGO) between February 27, 2023 and November 4, 2025, both dates inclusive (the “Class Period”), of the important January 16, 2026 lead plaintiff deadline.
SO WHAT: If you purchased Perrigo securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.
WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Perrigo. class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=48085 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than January 16, 2026. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.
WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved, at that time, the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs’ Bar. Many of the firm’s attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.
DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, defendants made materially false and/or misleading statements and or failed to disclose that: (1) the infant formula business acquired from Nestlé suffered from significant underinvestment in maintenance; (2) Perrigo needed to make substantial capital and operational expenditures above Perrigo’s outwardly stated cost estimates to remediate the infant formula business; (3) there were significant manufacturing deficiencies in the facility for Perrigo’s infant formula business; (4) as a result of the foregoing, Perrigo’s financial results, including earnings and cash flow, were overstated; and (5) as a result of the foregoing, defendants’ positive statements about Perrigo’s business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.
To join the Perrigo class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=48085 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action.
No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor’s ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.
Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.
Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Information:
Laurence Rosen, Esq.
Phillip Kim, Esq.
The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.
275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor
New York, NY 10016
Tel: (212) 686-1060
Toll Free: (866) 767-3653
Fax: (212) 202-3827 [email protected]
www.rosenlegal.com
2026-01-05 02:373mo ago
2026-01-04 21:033mo ago
Blackstone: The 'Deal Dam' Is Breaking And The Fee Engine Is Scaling
Analyst’s Disclosure:I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.
Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.
Analyst’s Disclosure:I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.
Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.
2026-01-05 02:373mo ago
2026-01-04 21:233mo ago
Bankwell Financial Appears Well-Positioned For 2026
Analyst’s Disclosure:I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.
Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.
2026-01-05 02:373mo ago
2026-01-04 21:293mo ago
FDL: A 4% Yield, Low P/E, And Broadening Market Tailwinds
SummaryFirst Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index ETF (FDL) earns a buy rating, offering a compelling blend of value and yield for dividend-focused investors.FDL trades at a low 11.53x P/E with a 4.00% trailing yield, significantly outpacing the S&P 500 on income generation.Portfolio is heavily overweight Energy (27%), notably Exxon Mobil, creating sector concentration risk but also upside potential amid recent momentum.Technicals are constructive: rising 200-day moving average, bullish RSI, and a modest uptrend suggest further upside into 2026. Zerbor/iStock via Getty Images
Dividend investors have enjoyed a solid year of gains. The First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index ETF (FDL) has returned about 16% since early January 2025, which is about on par with the S&P 500 ETF’s (
Analyst’s Disclosure:I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.
Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.
2026-01-05 01:373mo ago
2026-01-04 17:083mo ago
Oakley Capital to acquire GLAS in $1.35 billion deal, Sky News reports
Oakley Capital has agreed to buy a majority stake in debt administration services firm Global Loan Agency Service (GLAS) in a 1 billion pound ($1.35 billion)deal, Sky News reported on Sunday.
2026-01-05 01:373mo ago
2026-01-04 17:123mo ago
Why a Maine Advisor Put $5. Million Into a Global Bond ETF Yielding Nearly 4%
When a traditionally diversified portfolio makes fixed income one of its biggest bets, it’s worth asking what risks it’s trying to hedge and what returns it still expects to earn.
The Dimensional Global Core Plus Fixed Income ETF (DFGP 0.07%) was the subject of a buy by Maine-based Penobscot Wealth Management, which added an estimated $5.22 million to its position as of September 30.
What HappenedAccording to a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filing dated November 19, Penobscot Wealth Management increased its stake in the Dimensional Global Core Plus Fixed Income ETF (DFGP 0.07%) by 79,779 shares in the third quarter. The position’s value rose to $44.87 million, representing 14.4% of the fund’s $311.58 million in reportable U.S. equity holdings across 103 positions.
What Else to KnowTop holdings after the filing:
NYSEMKT: SPYM: $59.68 million (19.2% of AUM)NASDAQ: DFGP: $44.87 million (14.4% of AUM)NYSEMKT: VEA: $34.74 million (11.2% of AUM)NYSEMKT: IAGG: $13.99 million (4.5% of AUM)NYSEMKT: VGT: $12.15 million (3.9% of AUM)As of Friday, DFGP shares were priced at $54.03, up about 2% over the past year, compared to a nearly 17% gain for the S&P 500.
ETF OverviewMetricValueAUM$2.06 billionYield3%Price (as of Friday)$54.031-Year Total Return5%ETF SnapshotDFGP's investment strategy focuses on a diversified portfolio of U.S. and foreign debt securities, targeting both investment-grade and select lower-rated fixed-income instruments to achieve total return objectives.The ETF is structured as an open-ended fund.It serves institutional and retail investors seeking core fixed income exposure with daily liquidity and a systematic approach to risk management.The Dimensional Global Core Plus Fixed Income ETF provides broad-based exposure to global fixed income markets, leveraging a systematic approach to security selection and risk management. The fund's strategy aims to enhance yield and total return by investing across a wide spectrum of credit qualities and geographies. Its disciplined methodology and diversified holdings position it as a core solution for investors seeking stable income and risk-adjusted returns in the fixed income space.
Foolish TakeAfter a couple of years in which cash and short-duration bonds dominated asset allocation conversations, global core fixed income is quietly working its way back into the center of diversified portfolios.
The Dimensional Global Core Plus Fixed Income ETF offers broad exposure across more than 1,300 holdings, blending U.S. and foreign government and corporate debt with a yield to maturity around 5.6% and a 30-day SEC yield near 4%. With an average duration just under seven years, it sits in a sweet spot for investors who want income today without betting aggressively on rate cuts tomorrow.
This portfolio already leans heavily into diversified equity ETFs, so making fixed income a top-three position looks less like a defensive panic and more like balance restoration. Compared with equity holdings that hinge on earnings growth or multiple expansion, this ETF is built to deliver steady income and modest capital appreciation across cycles.
GlossaryETF (Exchange-Traded Fund): An investment fund traded on stock exchanges, holding a basket of assets like stocks or bonds.
AUM (Assets Under Management): The total market value of assets a fund or investment manager oversees on behalf of clients.
13F reportable: Refers to holdings that must be disclosed by institutional investment managers in quarterly SEC Form 13F filings.
Dividend yield: Annual dividends paid by an investment, expressed as a percentage of its current price.
Fixed income: Investments that pay regular interest, such as bonds or debt securities, typically offering lower risk than stocks.
Investment grade: Bonds or debt securities rated as relatively low risk of default by credit rating agencies.
Lower-rated fixed income instruments: Bonds or debt securities with lower credit ratings, carrying higher risk and potentially higher yields.
Open-ended fund: An investment fund that issues and redeems shares at net asset value, allowing continuous investor entry and exit.
Systematic approach: An investment strategy using rules-based, repeatable processes rather than subjective judgment for security selection.
Risk-adjusted returns: Investment returns evaluated in relation to the amount of risk taken to achieve them.
Core solution: A primary investment intended to form the foundation of an investor’s portfolio.
2026-01-05 01:373mo ago
2026-01-04 17:153mo ago
Passive Income Gold Mine: Own This Many Oneok Shares for $1,000 in Yearly Dividends
Oneok (OKE +1.01%) is a high-octane income producer. The pipeline company currently has a 5.6% dividend yield. That's several times higher than the S&P 500, which only yields about 1.1% these days.
Here's a look at how many shares of this passive income gold mine you'd need to own to generate $1,000 of dividend income each year.
Image source: Getty Images.
A passive income machine
Oneok's extensive pipeline operations generate very stable cash flow backed primarily by long-term, fixed-fee contracts. That enables the energy company to pay a very predictable dividend. Oneok has delivered more than a quarter-century of dividend stability and growth.
The pipeline company currently pays a quarterly dividend of $1.03 per share ($4.12 annualized). At that rate, you'd need to own almost 243 shares to generate $1,000 of annual dividend income from Oneok. With its stock price recently around $73.50 apiece, you'd need to invest roughly $17,840 into Oneok to produce $1,000 of annual dividend income. That's considerably less than the more than $87,700 you'd need to invest in an S&P 500 index fund to produce the same amount of annual dividend income.
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Oneok's income stream should steadily rise each year. The pipeline company boosted its payout by 4% in early 2025. That aligns with its target of raising its dividend by 3% to 4% annually. Oneok has plenty of growth coming down the pipeline. The company is investing in several high-return expansion projects, including a new LPG export terminal and a natural gas pipeline that should enter commercial service in 2028. These and other growth drivers should provide Oneok with ample fuel to continue increasing its high-yielding dividend, making it an ideal investment for passive income.
Matt DiLallo has the following options: short January 2026 $65 puts on Oneok. The Motley Fool recommends Oneok. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
2026-01-05 01:373mo ago
2026-01-04 17:253mo ago
Down 72% From All-Time Highs, Is This Software Stock a Buy as It Aggressively Buys Back Its Stock?
This software-as-a-service stock has gone from one of Wall Street's favorite compounders to a beaten-down software name. But the business is still putting up solid growth and strong profitability.
Paycom Software (PAYC 4.37%) used to trade like the kind of software stock you could buy, forget about, and check again in five years.
But that stability was upended in recent years. The stock is down about 72% from its all-time high, set in November 2021. The brutal drawdown has likely rattled shareholders and caused some to move on.
But this begs the question: Is this just a broken story, or a high-quality business going through a valuation reset? Even more, is this a buying opportunity?
Image source: Getty Images.
A valuation reset
Paycom sells payroll and human resources (HR) software -- and its revenue base is overwhelmingly recurring. In other words, it is not the kind of business you typically expect to have its stock get cut in half, then cut in half again.
But the stock's pricey valuation in 2021 meant the bar had become extremely high.
When a software company is priced for years of smooth and robust growth, any hint of slowing can cause investors to go back to the drawing board and reassess whether shares truly deserve to trade at such a high valuation.
Paycom's decelerating growth has ultimately led to a valuation reset for the stock.
Sure, the business is growing nicely -- just not near the levels it was growing at in 2021. In the third quarter of 2025, revenue rose 9.1% year over year to $493.3 million. This is a far cry from the 30.4% growth the company posted in the third quarter of 2021.
It's no wonder that the stock has fallen since 2021. That's a dramatic deceleration.
Adding to the pressure on the stock recently, even Paycom's third-quarter 2025 results represented a sequential deceleration, as its 9.1% top-line growth was a slowdown from 10.5% growth in Q2.
Profitability remains impressive
Still, there's a lot to like.
First of all, Paycom's 9.1% third-quarter top-line growth is still good growth. And the company's recurring revenue growth rate is still in the double digits. Paycom's "recurring and other" revenue in Q3 rose 10.6% year over year. Representing about 95% of total revenue, it's encouraging to see this important revenue stream still growing at a double-digit rate.
Further, the company is doing very well when it comes to profitability trends. Starting with its adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) margin, it rose from 37.9% in the year-ago quarter to 39.4% in the third quarter of 2025. Further, Paycom's non-generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) earnings per share in Q3 rose an impressive 16.2% year over year to $1.94.
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152.40
The icing on the cake is that the company's impressive profitability pairs nicely with its more conservative valuation as of late, since Paycom now gets more bang for its buck when it repurchases its shares. In the third quarter of 2025 alone, the company repurchased $223.4 million of stock.
Highlighting how powerful these share repurchases are, if Paycom continued repurchasing this much stock every quarter for the next three quarters, the company would reduce its share count by about 10%. Of course, this assumes the company could keep buying back its stock at the current price.
Overall, I think this is a great buy-the-dip opportunity. With shares trading at just 15 times forward earnings, recurring revenue growing at a double-digit rate, its adjusted EBITDA margin expanding, and zero debt on the balance sheet, I think Paycom stock is a no-brainer today.
Sure, there are risks. If growth slows even more, for instance, investors could call into question the company's growth strategy, and the valuation could suffer even more. Additionally, the online payroll and human capital management space is intensely competitive; decelerating growth could suggest that Paycom is losing its competitive edge. Overall, however, I think the stock's conservative valuation already prices in these risks.
2026-01-05 01:373mo ago
2026-01-04 17:303mo ago
US pushes oil majors to invest big in Venezuela if they want to recover debts
White House and State Department officials have told U.S. oil executives in recent weeks that they would need to return to Venezuela quickly and invest significant capital in the country to revive the damaged oil industry if they wanted compensation for assets expropriated by Venezuela two decades ago, according to two people familiar with the outreach.
2026-01-05 01:373mo ago
2026-01-04 17:343mo ago
This $74 Million Fixed-Income Bet Shows How Advisors Are Building Portfolios
One advisor is quietly leaning into this global bonds ETF offering real income and lower drama.
On November 13, von Borstel & Associates, Inc. disclosed a $5.75 million increase in its Dimensional Global Core Plus Fixed Income ETF (DFGP 0.07%) stake.
What HappenedAccording to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission dated November 13, von Borstel & Associates, Inc. acquired an additional 97,269 shares of the Dimensional ETF Trust - Dimensional Global Core Plus Fixed Income ETF (DFGP 0.07%) during the third quarter, bringing its total position to 1.34 million shares valued at $74.09 million at quarter-end, representing roughly 11.36% of overall fund assets.
What Else to KnowThe buy increased DFGP’s share of 13F assets to 11.36% after the filing
Top holdings after the filing:
NYSEMKT: DFAC: $133.53 million (20.2% of AUM)NASDAQ: DFGP: $74.09 million (11.2% of AUM)NYSEMKT: DFIC: $45.49 million (6.9% of AUM)NYSEMKT: DUHP: $26.78 million (4.0% of AUM)NYSEMKT: DFSV: $25.95 million (3.9% of AUM)As of Friday, DFGP shares were priced at $54.03, up about 2% over the past year, compared to a nearly 17% gain for the S&P 500.
ETF OverviewMetricValueAUM$2.06 billionYield3.4%Price (as of Friday)$54.031-year total return6%ETF SnapshotDFGP's investment strategy focuses on a globally diversified portfolio of U.S. and foreign debt securities, including both investment grade and select lower-rated bonds to enhance yield potential.It's structured as an exchange-traded fund offering exposure to core plus fixed income securities.The fund serves institutional and individual investors seeking diversified fixed income exposure with daily liquidity.The Dimensional Global Core Plus Fixed Income ETF (DFGP) provides investors with access to a broad universe of global fixed income securities, managed with a disciplined approach to credit and interest rate risk.
Foolish TakeThis move looks less about chasing returns and more about restoring balance. After years where bonds were portfolio dead weight, investors are thinking fixed income is once again doing its job. The Dimensional Global Core Plus Fixed Income ETF offers something many diversified portfolios have been missing: income you can see, paired with risk that is easier to model.
At roughly $74 million, the position now makes up more than 11% of reported assets, placing it just behind the firm’s core equity exposure. In other words, this isn’t a speculative bond trade but a structural allocation alongside equity ETFs, not a replacement for them. With a yield to maturity north of 5.5% and a duration under seven years, the fund sits in a sweet spot for investors who want income without making an aggressive rate call.
Dimensional’s systematic approach also matters here. The ETF spreads exposure across more than 1,300 holdings, blends investment-grade with selective lower-rated credit, and keeps costs low with a net expense ratio around 0.22%. For investors staring down more volatile equity markets and uncertain rate paths, that combination offers diversification that actually diversifies.
GlossaryStake: The ownership interest or investment a party holds in a company or fund.
13F reportable assets: Securities and assets that institutional investment managers must disclose quarterly to the SEC on Form 13F.
Assets under management (AUM): The total market value of investments managed on behalf of clients by a fund or firm.
ETF (Exchange-Traded Fund): An investment fund traded on stock exchanges, holding a basket of assets like stocks or bonds.
Dividend yield: Annual dividends paid by an investment, expressed as a percentage of its current price.
Total return: The investment’s price change plus all dividends and distributions, assuming those payouts are reinvested.
Core plus fixed income: A bond investment strategy combining investment-grade core bonds with higher-yielding, riskier bonds for added return potential.
Investment grade: Bonds rated as having a relatively low risk of default by credit rating agencies.
Lower-rated bonds: Bonds with below investment-grade ratings, offering higher yields but greater risk.
Credit risk: The risk that a bond issuer may fail to make required payments to investors.
Interest rate risk: The risk that changes in interest rates will affect the value of fixed income investments.
Annualized: Expressed as a yearly rate, regardless of the actual time period measured.
2026-01-05 01:373mo ago
2026-01-04 17:583mo ago
Why One Fund Established a $30 Million Bet on This Bond ETF
With equities crowding the same trades, one advisor quietly leaned harder into income and flexibility, and the numbers explain why.
On November 14, Missouri-based Larson Financial Group disclosed a third-quarter purchase of 167,756 shares of JBND, contributing to an estimated $9.30 million position increase.
What HappenedLarson Financial Group disclosed a purchase of 167,756 shares of JPMorgan Active Bond ETF (JBND 0.13%) in its quarterly report to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, filed on November 14. The transaction brought the fund's total JBND position to 547,165 shares valued at $29.63 million as of September 30.
What Else to KnowThe purchase raised JBND to 1.0% of fund AUM, which places it outside the fund's top five holdings.
Top holdings after the filing:
NYSEMKT:SPYM: $162.85 million (6.1% of AUM)NASDAQ:AAPL: $109.19 million (4.1% of AUM)NASDAQ:DGRW: $79.59 million (3.0% of AUM)NYSEMKT:QGRO: $79.50 million (3.0% of AUM)NYSEMKT:VOO: $78.98 million (3.0% of AUM)As of Friday, JBND shares were priced at $54.00, up about 3% over the past year, compared to a 17% gain for the S&P 500.
ETF OverviewMetricValueAUM$4.26 billionPrice (as of market close Friday)$54.00Yield4.3%1-year total return7%ETF SnapshotJBND's investment strategy seeks to outperform the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index over a 3–5 year market cycle through active bond selection and portfolio management.As a matter of non-fundamental policy, under normal circumstances, the fund will invest at least 80% of its assets in bonds.The fund structure is an actively managed ETF with an annualized dividend yield of about 4%.JPMorgan Active Bond ETF (JBND) is a large-scale, actively managed fixed income fund. The ETF aims to deliver superior risk-adjusted returns versus its benchmark by leveraging JPMorgan’s research-driven bond selection and dynamic portfolio allocation strategies. With a focus on broad diversification and active risk management, JBND is positioned to serve institutional and income-oriented investors seeking exposure to U.S. investment-grade bonds while targeting outperformance over a full market cycle.
Foolish TakeWhile equity markets pushed higher and most portfolios leaned further into risk, this allocation signals a deliberate pivot toward income, volatility control, and active bond selection at a moment when rates still matter.JBND is an actively managed bond ETF designed to outperform the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Index over a full market cycle by leaning into security selection and sector rotation rather than duration bets.
As of late November, the fund offered a roughly 4.4% SEC yield, backed by a diversified portfolio of more than 1,300 investment-grade holdings and an average duration just over six years. That matters for investors who want yield without swinging for credit risk. The portfolio’s heavy weighting toward Treasuries and agency mortgage-backed securities adds a strong foundation, while corporate exposure provides incremental income without drifting into junk.
More broadly, this fund sits alongside broad equity ETFs like VTI and VEA and growth stocks like Apple, suggesting it plays a stabilizing role rather than a return-chasing one. For long-term investors, the takeaway isn’t that bonds are suddenly exciting. It’s that selective, actively managed income is becoming a strategic choice again, not a placeholder.
GlossaryActively managed ETF: An exchange-traded fund where managers select investments, aiming to outperform a benchmark index.
Assets under management (AUM): The total market value of assets a fund or investment firm manages on behalf of clients.
Dividend yield: Annual dividends paid by an investment, expressed as a percentage of its current price.
Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index: A widely used benchmark measuring the performance of U.S. investment-grade bonds.
Fixed income fund: A fund that primarily invests in bonds or other debt securities to provide regular income.
Reportable assets: Assets that must be disclosed in regulatory filings, typically above a certain threshold.
Market cycle: The recurring phases of growth and decline in financial markets, often spanning several years.
Risk-adjusted returns: Investment returns evaluated in relation to the amount of risk taken to achieve them.
Portfolio allocation: The process of dividing investments among different asset classes or securities.
Investment-grade bonds: Bonds rated as relatively low risk of default by credit rating agencies.
Annualized: Converted to a yearly rate based on a shorter period's results, for easier comparison.
Top holdings: The largest individual investments in a fund, ranked by their value or percentage of assets.
2026-01-05 01:373mo ago
2026-01-04 18:073mo ago
Crude prices edge lower as Maduro overthrow casts uncertainty over oil-rich Venezuela
Crude oil prices edged lower Sunday, as the overthrow of President Nicolas Maduro by the Trump administration has cast deep uncertainty over oil-rich Venezuela.
U.S. crude oil fell 31 cents, or 0.54%, to $57.01 per barrel. Global benchmark Brent fell 22 cents, or 0.36%, to $60.53 per barrel.
President Donald Trump made it clear Saturday that U.S. investment in Venezuela's oil sector is a key objective of the regime change operation that ousted Maduro.
"We're going to have our very large United States oil companies — the biggest anywhere in the world — go in, spend billions of dollars, fix the badly broken infrastructure, the oil infrastructure," Trump said in a press conference from his Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida.
The president said Saturday that the U.S. embargo of Venezuelan oil remains in place.
Venezuela, a founding member of OPEC, sits on the largest proven crude oil reserves in the world at 303 billion barrels or about 17% of the global total, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Caracas produced about 3.5 million barrels per day at its peak in the late 1990s, but output has declined significantly since then, according to energy consulting firm Kpler. The South American nation is currently producing about 800,000 bpd, Kpler data shows.
Chevron is the only U.S. oil major operating in Venezuela. It was exporting about 140,000 bpd at the end of the fourth quarter of 2025, according to Kpler.
The impact of Maduro's overthrow on oil prices is ambiguous in the short run, said Daan Struyven, head of oil research at Goldman Sachs. Production could edge higher if a U.S.-supported government is installed and the Trump administration lifts sanctions against Venezuela, Struveyn told clients in a Sunday note.
But Maduro's ouster could also lead to supply disruptions in the short term, the analyst said. Long term, U.S. investment that boosts Venezuelan production would put downward pressure on oil prices, Struvyven said. A recovery of production, however, will likely be gradual and partial, he said.
Oil executives operating in Venezuela say it will cost $10 billion annually to turn production around and a stable security environment is essential to grow production back to historic levels, said Helima Croft, head of global commodity strategy at RBC Capital Markets.
Full sanctions relief could bring several hundred thousand barrels of production back over a 12-month period if there is an orderly transition of power, Croft told clients in a Saturday note.
"However, all bets are off in a chaotic change of power scenario like what occurred in Libya or Iraq," she said.
2026-01-05 01:373mo ago
2026-01-04 18:233mo ago
Oil prices slip on ample supply despite political turmoil in Venezuela
Oil prices slipped in early Asian trade on Monday on ample supply despite concerns about political upheaval in OPEC member Venezuela disrupting shipments.
Robinhood's growth has been impressive, but its success may depend on a booming stock market.
Robinhood Markets' (HOOD +1.87%) app for buying and selling stocks surged in popularity a few years ago as investors became flush with cash from stimulus checks, and the market was on the cusp of beginning its current run.
The company's impressive product -- paired with investors' appetite for risk over the past few years -- has resulted in phenomenal growth for the company and its share price, which is up 1,300% over the past three years. But can Robinhood maintain its momentum over the next few years? Here are a few factors to consider.
Image source: Getty Images.
The bull case for Robinhood over the next three years
Research from Vanguard indicates that bull markets tend to last approximately seven years, which is good news for investors, as the current bull market began in 2022. This means that after three years of the S&P 500 marching higher, more good times could still be ahead.
If the current bull market -- fueled by artificial intelligence stocks -- persists for the average length, Robinhood would likely benefit. The company relies on investors buying and selling stocks (and cryptocurrencies), and the AI boom has been great for business.
The company's sales were up 65% in the first nine months of 2025 to $3.2 billion, and diluted earnings per share rose 153% to $1.39.
Robinhood has also successfully attracted an expanding base of customers, with the number of funded customers rising 10% to 26.8 million in the most recent quarter. And those investors are lucrative, generating average revenue per user (ARPU) of $191, an increase of 82% from the year-ago quarter.
What's more, Robinhood has benefited from a rising cryptocurrency market over the past few years and riskier investments through options trading. Robinhood's transaction-based revenue from options trades increased 50% to $304 million in the third quarter and revenue from crypto investing was up over 300% to $268 million.
If Robinhood can continue to keep its customers engaged on the platform, and the current bull market persists for several more years, the company has a good chance of seeing its share price rise further.
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What investors should keep an eye on over the next few years
Even if Robinhood has a good chance of continuing its growth trajectory, it's important to note that Robinhood's growth relies on investors having an optimistic view of the market.
If there's a shift in investor sentiment and we enter a bear market, Robinhood's sales and earnings would likely slow down. The company has attempted to diversify beyond being a trading platform, offering a range of services including savings accounts, credit cards, and estate planning.
But Robinhood hasn't yet experienced a prolonged downturn in the market, considering that it went public in 2021. Simply put, Robinhood hasn't weathered a prolonged period of pessimism in the market, and as a company that relies on people buying and selling stocks (and crypto), a bear market could cause some pain in a down market.
Good times could be ahead, but probably some volatility, too
Robinhood needs the good times to keep rolling, but there's lots of conflicting data regarding the current state of the economy. While layoffs in 2025 reached their highest levels in five years, unemployment remains at a relatively low 4.6%. For a while, investors were worried about rising tariffs and their potential impact on inflation, but the worst of those concerns hasn't yet panned out. Meanwhile, the housing market has stagnated, but consumer spending has remained relatively steady.
If economic data starts to point in a clearly negative direction, Robinhood's fortunes may change. A slowing economy would likely cause investors to back away from riskier investments, and could cause others to stop buying and selling stocks as frequently as they are right now. But with the economy mostly doing well right now, the broad shift in investor sentiment hasn't happened yet -- and no one knows when it will.
All of which means that Robinhood could be poised for more growth over the next few years. Just keep in mind that if the economic clouds darken further, Robinhood shareholders should expect some volatility.
2026-01-05 01:373mo ago
2026-01-04 18:503mo ago
BTDR Shareholder Reminder: Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP Reminds Bitdeer Technologies Group (BTDR) Shareholders of Deadline in Securities Fraud Class Action Lawsuit
, /PRNewswire/ -- The law firm of Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP (www.ktmc.com) informs investors that a securities class action lawsuit has been filed against Bitdeer Technologies Group ("Bitdeer") (NASDAQ: BTDR) on behalf of those who purchased or otherwise acquired Bitdeer securities between June 6, 2024, and November 10, 2025, inclusive (the "Class Period"). The lead plaintiff deadline is February 2, 2026.
CONTACT KESSLER TOPAZ MELTZER & CHECK, LLP (KTMC):
If you suffered losses related to Bitdeer, contact KTMC at:
https://www.ktmc.com/new-cases/bitdeer-technologies-group?utm_source=PR_Newswire&mktm=PR
You can also contact KTMC attorney Jonathan Naji, Esq. by calling (484) 270-1453 or by email at [email protected].
DEFENDANTS' ALLEGED MISCONDUCT:
The complaint alleges that, throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and/or misleading statements, as well as failed to disclose material facts about Bitdeer's business, operations, and prospects. Specifically, Defendants misrepresented and/or failed to disclose that: (1) issues with Bitdeer's SEAL04 chip design progress caused a delay in production; (2) Bitdeer decided to take a "dual-track approach" and create two independent designs in an attempt to make-up for its lost progress; (3) despite this, Bitdeer continued to reassure the public that the SEAL04 production and its operations timeline was still on track; and (4) as a result of the foregoing, Defendants' statements about the company's business, operations, and prospects were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times.
THE LEAD PLAINTIFF PROCESS:
Bitdeer investors may, no later than February 2, 2026, seek to be appointed as a lead plaintiff representative of the class through Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP or other counsel, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. A lead plaintiff is a representative party who acts on behalf of all class members in directing the litigation. The lead plaintiff is usually the investor or small group of investors who have the largest financial interest and who are also adequate and typical of the proposed class of investors. The lead plaintiff selects counsel to represent the lead plaintiff and the class and these attorneys, if approved by the court, are lead or class counsel. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision of whether or not to serve as a lead plaintiff.
Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP encourages Bitdeer investors who have suffered significant losses to contact the firm directly to acquire more information.
SIGN UP FOR THE BITDEER CASE AT: https://www.ktmc.com/new-cases/bitdeer-technologies-group?utm_source=PR_Newswire&mktm=PR
ABOUT KESSLER TOPAZ MELTZER & CHECK, LLP:
Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP (KTMC) is a leading U.S. plaintiff-side law firm focused on securities-fraud class actions and global investor protection. The firm represents individual investors as well as institutions, such as major pension funds, asset managers, and international investors. KTMC has led some of the largest recoveries in securities litigation and has been recognized by peers and the legal media with numerous accolades, including The National Law Journal's Plaintiff's Hot List and Trailblazers in Plaintiffs' Law, BTI Consulting Group's Honor Roll of Most Feared Law Firms, The Legal Intelligencer's Class Action Firm of the Year, Lawdragon's Leading Plaintiff Financial Lawyers, and Law360's Titans of the Plaintiffs Bar. The firm operates globally with offices in Pennsylvania and California. For more information about Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP, please visit www.ktmc.com.
CONTACT:
Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP
Jonathan Naji, Esq.
(484) 270-1453
280 King of Prussia Road
Radnor, PA 19087
[email protected]
May be considered attorney advertising in certain jurisdictions. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
SOURCE Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP
2026-01-05 01:373mo ago
2026-01-04 18:543mo ago
Why Oil Prices Are Barely Moving After the Venezuelan Incursion
Gold rose in early Asian trade amid increased geopolitical risks after the ouster of Venezuelan President Maduro, which could enhance the safe-haven appeal of the precious metal.
One of Berkshire Hathaway's worst performers could be in for better things in the year ahead.
Warren Buffett just retired as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A 1.42%) (BRK.B 1.15%), stepping away from his role as perhaps the greatest investor of all time.
Yet, one of Berkshire's longer-term stock holdings, Sirius XM (SIRI +2.58%), has been an underperformer. The stock was most likely purchased by one of Buffett's two investing lieutenants, likely Ted Wechsler.
Sirius XM is now Berkshire's 13th-largest stock holding. Although the stock has declined significantly since Berkshire initially purchased shares through the Liberty tracking stocks in 2016, Berkshire continues to hold shares and actually just added to its stake, with a 4.2% increase to the position in the third quarter.
Berkshire's continued faith in Sirius, combined with its bargain valuation, certainly makes Sirius an interesting stock. Here's why 2026 could bring better returns for Sirius XM shareholders, even with modest improvements, which appear to be underway.
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Two big reasons for the stock's decline
The decline in Sirius's stock has been closely correlated with a decrease in self-pay subscribers and a corresponding decline in overall revenue over the past couple of years. When combined with a substantial $10 billion in net debt on top of a $6.8 billion market cap, it's no wonder Sirius has seen its shares sell off. Today, the stock trades at just over $20 per share, down from a high of $70 during the pandemic's peak.
There have been two big factors accounting for Sirius's subscriber and revenue declines. The first is competition from streaming services. Although Sirius continues to invest in premium, proprietary content, many cash-strapped consumers now have a plethora of options across internet streaming services easily played in the car. Second, actual car sales have been sluggish after the pandemic boom, and new vehicle sales are a crucial customer acquisition tool for Sirius, which often comes as a pre-installed perk from auto dealers.
Although Sirius's monthly churn has been stable over the past two years, at around 1.5% to 1.7% each quarter since the pandemic, the problem has been new customer acquisition. Unsurprisingly, this occurred during a slow two years of below-trend car sales and, consequently, limited new customer acquisition opportunities for Sirius.
Yet, while Sirius is seeing declines, self-pay Sirius subscribers and revenue fell only 1% last quarter, which is relatively stable amid an auto sales downturn and could signal a slowing in the decline. If auto sales pick back up, so could Sirius' growth.
Green shoot: Advertising
Despite declining subscribers, Sirius' advertising revenue increased by 1% last quarter. Given advances in programmatic advertising and the preponderance of customers opting for lower-cost but ad-supported services, this isn't surprising. After all, even premium TV streaming services like Netflix have relented and introduced lower-priced ad-supported tiers for their services to expand their reach.
Sirius is slowly experimenting with lower-cost plans. In 2024, Sirius began offering a free ad-supported plan called Sirius Free Access in select auto models, which is a limited 41-channel offering completely supported by ads. After offering the service to Nissan and Polestar vehicles that have 360L hybrid radios installed, Sirius expanded access to the new free service earlier in 2025. Then, this past summer, Sirius began offering SiriusXM Play, a lower-cost plan under $7 per month that includes some advertising support across 130 channels.
Sirius is now looking to boost its advertising revenue per user through a new partnership with Amazon (AMZN 1.87%) and its programmatic demand-side platform (DSP). More programmatic advertising could increase the average revenue per ad, since the DSP should open up Sirius's inventory to a larger pool of advertisers.
Image source: Getty Images.
Management is cutting costs
Cognizant of growth headwinds, management has also been aggressively cutting costs. Sirius CFO Thomas Barry noted that the company achieved $200 million in cost savings target already in 2025, although it's also reinvesting those proceeds in new growth initiatives. But Barry also noted that Sirius "wasn't stopping" at that target, and is continuing to restructure the cost basis of the business.
Capital expenditures are also expected to decline over the next few years, as the company's satellite launch spending is projected to decrease by $85 million, from $200 million to $115 million, in 2026 and should continue falling to nearly zero by 2028.
So, even if Sirius maintains just flat revenue, profits and cash flow are expected to increase over the next three years. While there is a question as to what lies beyond that, in light of the company's cost control and lower capex needs, Sirius's free-cash-flow target of $1.50 billion by 2027, up from this year's guide of $1.23 billion, seems achievable.
Sirius XM won't look too different in 2026, but its stock price might
One year from now, it's quite likely that Sirius XM's slow-moving subscription business won't look that different, but its stock price might. Subscriber losses and revenue declines have kept buyers at bay and fueled the fear that Sirius may be a value trap.
However, if auto sales can get back to their pre-pandemic level and Sirius can succeed in advertising-based tiers, the company's top line could stabilize and return to growth.
Sirius trades at just 5.6 times this year's cash-flow estimates and, again, does carry significant debt of $10 billion. Yet, even on an enterprise value-to-free-cash-flow basis, Sirius is trading at only 13.8 times, which is still not expensive.
Sirius's high leverage means that small changes in the forecast can significantly impact what investors are willing to pay for the stock. So, if Sirius can shift from top-line declines back to growth, even modest growth, its valuation multiple could change significantly. That's the big question as management navigates the dynamic streaming and audio content market.
2026-01-05 01:373mo ago
2026-01-04 19:003mo ago
HUTCHMED Initiates Phase III Stage of the Ongoing Trial of the Combination of Surufatinib and Camrelizumab for Treatment-Naïve Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
HONG KONG and SHANGHAI and FLORHAM PARK, N.J., Jan. 05, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HUTCHMED (China) Limited (“HUTCHMED”) (Nasdaq/AIM:HCM; HKEX:13) today announces that it has initiated the Phase III part of the Phase II/III trial to evaluate the efficacy of the combination of surufatinib, camrelizumab, nab-paclitaxel and gemcitabine as a first-line treatment for patients with metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (“PDAC”) in China. The first patient received the first dose on December 30, 2025.
PDAC is a highly aggressive form of cancer, representing over 90% of pancreatic cancer cases. Globally, an estimated 511,000 people were diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, leading to approximately 467,000 deaths in 2022, with an average five-year survival rate of less than 10%. In China, an estimated 119,000 people were diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, causing approximately 106,000 deaths in 2022.1 Treatments such as chemotherapy, surgery and radiation are commonly employed, but have not shown significant improvement in patient outcomes. Under 20% of metastatic pancreatic cancer patients survive for more than a year. 2
The trial is a multicenter, randomized, open-label, active-controlled Phase II/III study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of surufatinib combined with camrelizumab, nab-paclitaxel and gemcitabine (“S+C+AG”) versus nab-paclitaxel plus gemcitabine (“AG”) in adults with metastatic pancreatic cancer who have not previously received systemic anti-tumor therapy. A total of 62 patients were enrolled in the Phase II part, with plans to enroll approximately 400 additional patients in the Phase III part. The primary endpoint for the Phase III part is overall survival (OS). Secondary endpoints include progression-free survival (“PFS”), objective response rate (“ORR”), duration of response (DoR), disease control rate (“DCR”), quality of life and safety. Professor Shukui Qin of China Pharmaceutical University Nanjing Tianyinshan Hospital and Professor Jihui Hao of Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital are the leading principal investigators of this study. Additional details may be found at clinicaltrials.gov, using identifier NCT06361888.
Results from the Phase II part were recently presented at the 2025 European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Asia Congress.3 As of the data cut-off of July 24, 2025, the median PFS follow-up duration was 8.15 months. The S+C+AG regimen demonstrated a median PFS of 7.20 months compared to 5.52 months for the AG arm (stratified hazard ratio [HR] 0.499, log-rank p=0.0407), representing a 50.1% reduction in the risk of progression or death. Consistent benefits were observed across other key efficacy endpoints, including ORR (67.7% vs 41.9%, p=0.0430) and DCR (93.5% vs 71.0%, p=0.0149). Although overall survival data were immature at the time of analysis, a favorable trend was observed (not reached vs 8.48 months, unstratified HR 0.555), with 9 events in the S+C+AG arm (N=31) and 15 events in the AG arm (N=31). The safety profile was manageable. Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) of grade 3 or above occurred in 80.6% of patients in the S+C+AG arm compared to 61.3% in the AG arm.
About Surufatinib
Surufatinib is a novel, oral angio-immuno kinase inhibitor that selectively inhibits the tyrosine kinase activity associated with vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFRs) and fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR), which both inhibit angiogenesis, and colony stimulating factor-1 receptor (CSF-1R), which regulates tumor-associated macrophages, promoting the body’s immune response against tumor cells. Surufatinib is marketed in China by HUTCHMED under the brand name SULANDA®. HUTCHMED currently retains all rights to surufatinib worldwide.
About Camrelizumab
Camrelizumab (SHR-1210) is a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting the programmed death-1 (PD-1) receptor. Camrelizumab has been approved in China for multiple indications in areas such as lung cancer, liver cancer, esophageal cancer, nasopharyngeal cancer and cervical cancer. Camrelizumab is marketed in China by Hengrui Pharma under the brand name AiRuiKa®.
About HUTCHMED
HUTCHMED (Nasdaq/AIM:HCM; HKEX:13) is an innovative, commercial-stage, biopharmaceutical company. It is committed to the discovery and global development and commercialization of targeted therapies and immunotherapies for the treatment of cancer and immunological diseases. Since inception it has focused on bringing drug candidates from in-house discovery to patients around the world, with its first three medicines marketed in China, the first of which is also approved around the world including in the US, Europe and Japan. For more information, please visit: www.hutch-med.com or follow us on LinkedIn.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the US Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements reflect HUTCHMED’s current expectations regarding future events, including its expectations regarding the therapeutic potential of surufatinib for the treatment of PDAC and the further development of surufatinib in this and other indications. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Such risks and uncertainties include, among other things, assumptions regarding the timing and outcome of clinical studies and the sufficiency of clinical data to support a new drug application submission of surufatinib for the treatment of PDAC or other indications in China or other jurisdictions, its potential to gain approvals from regulatory authorities on an expedited basis or at all, the efficacy and safety profile of surufatinib, HUTCHMED’s ability to fund, implement and complete its further clinical development and commercialization plans for surufatinib and the timing of these events. In addition, as certain studies rely on the use of other drug products such as camrelizumab, nab-paclitaxel and gemcitabine as combination therapeutics with surufatinib, such risks and uncertainties include assumptions regarding the safety, efficacy, supply and continued regulatory approval of these therapeutics. Existing and prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. For further discussion of these and other risks, see HUTCHMED’s filings with the US Securities and Exchange Commission, The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited and on AIM. HUTCHMED undertakes no obligation to update or revise the information contained in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or circumstances or otherwise.
Medical Information
This press release contains information about products that may not be available in all countries, or may be available under different trademarks, for different indications, in different dosages, or in different strengths. Nothing contained herein should be considered a solicitation, promotion or advertisement for any prescription drugs including the ones under development.
REFERENCES1 The Global Cancer Observatory, China fact sheet. https://gco.iarc.who.int/media/globocan/factsheets/populations/160-china-fact-sheet.pdf. Accessed December 3, 20252 Sarantis P et al. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: Treatment hurdles, tumor microenvironment and immunotherapy. World J Gastrointest Oncol. 2020;12(2):173-181. DOI:10.4251/wjgo.v12.i2.1733 Qin S et al. 375P - Surufatinib (S) in combination with camrelizumab (C), nab-paclitaxel and gemcitabine (AG) as the first-line treatment in metastatic pancreatic cancer: Results from phase II part of a randomized, open-label, active-controlled, phase II/III study. Annals of Oncology (2025) 36 (suppl_4): S1859-S1939. 10.1016/annonc/annonc1989
-The Phase II study for diabetes is a 13-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled and multi-center study to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of ASC30 in participants with diabetes. Enrollment is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2026.-ASC30 demonstrated placebo-adjusted weight loss of 7.7% in a recently completed 13-week U.S. Phase II study in participants with obesity or overweight, with better gastrointestinal tolerability. No hepatic safety signal was observed.
, /PRNewswire/ -- Ascletis Pharma Inc. (HKEX: 1672, "Ascletis") announces today that it recently received the Investigational New Drug (IND) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the Phase II study of its oral small molecule GLP-1, ASC30, in participants with diabetes. The Phase II study is a 13-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled and multi-center study to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of ASC30 in participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The primary endpoint of the Phase II study is the mean change from baseline in HbA1c up to 13 weeks in the treatment group compared with the placebo group. Secondary endpoints include the mean change from baseline in fasting blood glucose up to 13 weeks in the treatment group compared with the placebo group, the mean change from baseline in body weight up to 13 weeks in the treatment group compared with placebo group, and safety and tolerability. The Phase II study will enroll approximately 100 participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus at multiple sites across the U.S. Participants will be randomly assigned in a ratio of approximately 2:3:3:2 to 40 mg, 60 mg and 80 mg ASC30 tablets and matching placebo tablets, respectively. ASC30 will be titrated weekly from 1 mg to target doses of 40 mg, 60 mg and 80 mg. Enrollment is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2026.
Ascletis recently completed its 13-week Phase II study evaluating ASC30, an oral small molecule GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonist for the treatment of obesity (NCT07002905) in 125 participants with obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related comorbidity at multiple sites across the U.S. At the 13-week primary endpoint, ASC30 once-daily tablets showed statistically significant, clinically meaningful and dose-dependent placebo-adjusted mean body weight reductions of 5.4%, 7.0% and 7.7% for 20 mg, 40 mg and 60 mg, respectively. No plateau was observed for weight loss. The vomiting rate of ASC30 titrated weekly to target dose was approximately half of the published vomiting rate observed with orforglipron titrated weekly. The gastrointestinal tolerability of ASC30 titrated weekly was comparable to published results of orforglipron titrated every four weeks in the Phase III ATTAIN-1 study. The total treatment discontinuation rate due to adverse events for the ASC30 Phase II study for obesity or overweight was 4.8%.
ASC30 was discovered and developed in-house at Ascletis as a first and only investigational small molecule GLP-1R fully biased agonist designed to be dosed once daily orally and once monthly to once quarterly subcutaneously for the treatment of obesity, diabetes and other metabolic diseases.
"IND clearance for this Phase II study for diabetes is a significant milestone for Ascletis as we continue to build upon the data for ASC30," said Jinzi Jason Wu, Ph.D., Founder, Chairman and CEO of Ascletis, "Furthermore, the FDA's clearance of our IND expands entry for ASC30 into clinical development for the large diabetes treatment market."
About Ascletis Pharma Inc.Ascletis Pharma Inc. is a fully integrated biotechnology company focused on the development and commercialization of potential best-in-class and first-in-class therapeutics to treat metabolic diseases. Utilizing its proprietary Artificial Intelligence-Assisted Structure-Based Drug Discovery (AISBDD) and Ultra-Long-Acting Platform (ULAP) technologies as well as Peptide Oral Transport ENhancement Technology (POTENT), Ascletis has developed multiple drug candidates in-house, including both small molecules and peptides, such as its lead program, ASC30, a small molecule GLP-1R agonist designed to be administered once daily orally and once monthly to once quarterly subcutaneously as a treatment therapy and a maintenance therapy for chronic weight management; ASC36, a once-monthly subcutaneously administered amylin receptor peptide agonist, ASC35, a once-monthly subcutaneously administered GLP-1R/GIPR dual peptide agonist and ASC37, an oral GLP-1R/GIPR/GCGR triple peptide agonist for chronic weight management. Ascletis is listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (1672.HK).
For more information, please visit www.ascletis.com.
Contact:
Peter Vozzo
ICR Healthcare
443-231-0505 (U.S.)
[email protected]
Ascletis Pharma Inc. PR and IR teams
+86-181-0650-9129 (China)
[email protected]
[email protected]
SOURCE Ascletis Pharma Inc.
2026-01-05 01:373mo ago
2026-01-04 19:313mo ago
Coinbase Takes ‘Step Back' From Crypto Services in Argentina
Cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase is reportedly putting its operations in Argentina on hold.
“Today we notified users in Argentina that, following a review of our local operations, we have made the decision to temporarily take a step back from maintaining local services in the market,” the company told Forbes last week.
“This is a deliberate pause that allows us to reassess and strengthen our approach, so that we can return with a stronger and more sustainable product offering to the market.”
The report noted that the move came a little less than a year after Coinbase formally announced its launch in the South American country, notifying users on Dec. 31 that it was “continuously reevaluating” its products “to ensure the most efficient experience possible” for customers.
“Argentina remains a strategically important market for crypto innovation, and we fully intend to return with an improved customer experience,” Coinbase told Forbes. “Our mission to increase economic freedom by bringing the world on-chain remains intact, and Latin America continues to be a central region for that mission.”
The news comes at a time when the cryptocurrency sector’s “regulatory adolescence” is at an end, as PYMNTS wrote last week.
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“The crypto industry’s early growth depended in part on regulatory ambiguity,” that report said.
“Entrepreneurs could move quickly, investors could speculate freely, and users could experiment without many of the guardrails that define traditional finance. This environment produced extraordinary innovation, but also spectacular failures, from exchange collapses and stablecoin de-peggings to frauds that cost retail users billions of dollars.”
For crypto companies, PYMNTS wrote, the operational implications of the growing compliance-first pivot are substantial. Compliance teams need to scale, data systems must mature. Jurisdictional differences have to be carefully navigated.
“The cost of doing business will rise, particularly for smaller players. But so will the barriers to entry, which may ultimately reduce the prevalence of fly-by-night operators that have long plagued the industry’s reputation,” the report added.
In other crypto news, PYMNTS last week looked at what 2026 might bring in terms of regulation for the industry as well as the artificial intelligence (AI) sector.
In terms of digital assets, the House in July passed the Clarity Act, designed to provide shape and regulatory structure to the crypto market. However, a companion measure has been bogged down in the Senate due to partisan differences.
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2026-01-05 01:373mo ago
2026-01-04 19:363mo ago
This Industrial Stock Pays a 6.6% Dividend Yield (and It's Safe)
Delivery giant UPS has bounced back in recent months, but it's not too late to grab this high-yielding stock at a more-than-reasonable price.
High-yield stocks can be tempting for dividend and value investors alike. However, it's common for stocks with ultra-high dividend yields to ultimately become yield traps.
At first glance, you may suspect that's the situation at hand with United Parcel Service (UPS +1.65%), better known as UPS. Several factors have impacted the delivery giant's fiscal performance and share price. This has led to concerns about an eventual dividend cut or suspension.
However, when you take a closer look, it seems as if UPS' current rate of payout is secure. Already bouncing back, the stock could also experience a further recovery in the coming year.
Image source: Getty Images.
How UPS became an ultra-high yielder
A few years ago, during the early pandemic e-commerce boom, UPS was thriving, achieving record highs in sales and profitability. Since then, however, higher labor costs, softening demand, and, more recently, tariffs, have all put the squeeze on the company's financial performance.
Still, the company has increased its dividend, albeit modestly. Hence, with the share price falling as the payout rose, this stock currently has an ultra-high forward dividend yield of 6.6%.
Yes, alongside this high yield comes a high dividend payout ratio of 87%. However, given recent developments, much suggests that the dividend is safe.
Today's Change
(
1.65
%) $
1.64
Current Price
$
100.83
Buy for the dividend, stay for the turnaround
It's no secret that yield trap and value trap concerns about UPS are waning. Shares have been trending higher since October, when the company reported better-than-expected Q3 2025 results.
However, it may not be too late to profit from the turnaround. UPS continues to cut costs, as well as shift toward higher-margin customers in healthcare and other sectors. Wall Street analysts remain conservative, expecting just 4% earnings growth next year.
Still, based on competitor FedEx's (FDX +1.44%) recent reporting of stronger-than-expected results, who knows? If UPS keeps beating expectations, shares could keep rallying on improved results. The stock could also rerate as investors are willing to pay more for it, catching up to FedEx's forward P/E of 16. Considering UPS' high yield and valuation expansion potential, now may be a great time to buy.
Thomas Niel has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends United Parcel Service. The Motley Fool recommends FedEx. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
2026-01-05 01:373mo ago
2026-01-04 19:403mo ago
Oracle vs. Palantir: Wall Street Is Neutral on One of These AI Stocks but Expects the Other to Surge
Oracle and Palantir took center stage this year as the artificial intelligence sector continued to dominate the conversation.
The artificial intelligence (AI) decision-making company Palantir (PLTR 5.56%) and the large cloud provider Oracle (ORCL +0.40%) have been two of the more closely followed stocks in the artificial intelligence sector, easily the hottest sector of the market in 2025. Both have endured ups and downs as AI surged and then struggled when investors began to question valuations and AI capital expenditure (capex) plans.
Both will undoubtedly be watched closely in 2026, as the AI trade continues to unfold. As far as Wall Street analysts stand, the group is neutral on one of these stocks, but thinks the other will surge.
Image source: Getty Images.
Palantir: A spectacular company that may be fully valued
Palantir has delivered incredible returns for investors. At the time of this writing, the stock is up over 147% over the past year and more than 1,920% since it went public in October 2020. The company utilizes AI to gather and analyze data in ways never before possible.
Palantir's solutions can supposedly gather data from any source and leverage AI to identify trends that the human eye might not have been able to detect on its own. Palantir's technology can also recommend specific actions based on data and provide potential impact scenarios as well. Furthermore, the platform is very easy to use for people without experience working with large language models. The company's solutions have resonated greatly with governments and businesses of all kinds.
Today's Change
(
-5.56
%) $
-9.89
Current Price
$
167.86
While most investors and analysts are impressed by Palantir, every asset has a price. Palantir trades at 256 times forward earnings. This is one reason Wall Street analysts have pulled back, largely saying the stock is overvalued. Of the 16 analysts who have issued research reports on Palantir over the past three months, three have a buy rating on the company, 11 recommend holding, and two suggest selling, according to TipRanks. The average 12-month price target implies that the stock is fairly valued today.
Most analysts do not question Palantir's strong use case, resonance with customers, or execution; however, the valuation simply makes it difficult for most institutional investors to grasp. I largely agree with Wall Street on this one, but so far, the stock has proven all the naysayers wrong.
Oracle: From AI darling to overhyped back to darling?
Oracle was on a wild ride last year. In its first-quarter fiscal 2026 earnings results, Oracle reported an astonishing $455 billion in remaining performance obligations (RPOs), representing revenue under contract but not delivered or recognized. All of this came from AI data center demand from the hyperscalers. The blowout numbers and guidance left Wall Street floored. The stock shot up nearly 40% overnight, and Oracle suddenly found itself an AI darling.
However, the hype would not last long, as reports about the amount of debt Oracle would need to issue to finish building out its data centers along with thin margins in this business spooked investors. Additionally, investors eventually found out that $300 billion of the RPOs reportedly came from a multiyear contract with OpenAI.
The problem is that OpenAI has been signing AI infrastructure deals with everyone and now has $1.4 trillion of obligations, leading investors to wonder how the company will fund all of these commitments. Oracle's latest quarterly results showed negative free cash flow, and the company has also seen yields on credit default swaps tied to its debt surge, indicating investors are concerned about the company. The stock is now up close to 18% over the past year, which isn't bad but also a far cry from what it rose to in September 2025.
Today's Change
(
0.40
%) $
0.77
Current Price
$
195.68
Still, Wall Street analysts are optimistic about the company. Over the last three months, 34 Wall Street analysts have issued research reports on Oracle, with 24 assigning a buy rating and 10 recommending hold. The average 12-month price target implies 60% upside, according to TipRanks. Now, it is possible that some of these ratings date back to late September or early October and are therefore outdated.
However, recent reports have also been bullish. Mizuho analyst Siti Panigrahi recently named the company a top pick for enterprise software in 2026. While Panigrahi acknowledged investor concerns, Oracle's tech stack will still be a big beneficiary of AI, the analyst notes. Furthermore, Panigrahi still views AI capacity as constrained and notes that Oracle intends to maintain an investment-grade rating on its debt.
Panigrahi assigns an outperform rating and a $400 price target on the stock, implying over 100% upside. I'm not sure I would get quite that bullish yet, given broader concerns about OpenAI's outstanding commitments and some of the deteriorating financials at Oracle. However, the stock can certainly be a long-term winner, especially if it can overcome these challenges.
2026-01-05 01:373mo ago
2026-01-04 19:563mo ago
ROSEN, A LONGSTANDING FIRM, Encourages Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. Investors to Secure Counsel Before Important Deadline in Securities Class Action – ARE
WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of securities of Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (NYSE: ARE) between January 27, 2025 and October 27, 2025, both dates inclusive (the “Class Period”) of the important January 26, 2026 lead plaintiff deadline.
SO WHAT: If you purchased Alexandria Real Estate Equities securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.
WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Alexandria Real Estate Equities class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=48531 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than January 26, 2026. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.
WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually handle securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved, at that time, the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs’ Bar. Many of the firm’s attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.
DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, defendants provided investors with material information concerning Alexandria Real Estate’s expected revenue and funds from operations (“FFO”) growth for the 2025 fiscal year, particularly as it related to the growth of Alexandria Real Estate’s real estate operations. The defendants’ statements included, among other things, confidence in Alexandria Real Estate Equities’ lease activity, occupancy stability, and ability to develop its tenant pipeline.
According to the lawsuit, defendants provided these overwhelmingly positive statements to investors while, at the same time, disseminating materially false and misleading statements and/or concealing material adverse facts concerning the true state of its Long Island City (“LIC”) property. In particular, Alexandria Real Estate’s claims and confidence about the leasing value of the LIC property as a life-science destination. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.
To join the Alexandria Real Estate Equities class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=48531 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action.
No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor’s ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.
Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.
Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Information:
Laurence Rosen, Esq.
Phillip Kim, Esq.
The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.
275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor
New York, NY 10016
Tel: (212) 686-1060
Toll Free: (866) 767-3653
Fax: (212) 202-3827 [email protected]
www.rosenlegal.com
2026-01-05 01:373mo ago
2026-01-04 19:593mo ago
ROSEN, A RANKED AND LEADING LAW FIRM, Encourages Bitdeer Technologies Group Investors to Secure Counsel Before Important Deadline in Securities Class Action - BTDR
WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of securities of Bitdeer Technologies Group (NASDAQ: BTDR) between June 6, 2024 and November 10, 2025, both dates inclusive (the “Class Period”), of the important February 2, 2026 lead plaintiff deadline.
SO WHAT: If you purchased Bitdeer securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.
WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Bitdeer class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=49102 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than February 2, 2026. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.
WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually handle securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved, at that time, the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs’ Bar. Many of the firm’s attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.
DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, defendants provided investors with material information concerning Bitdeer’s research and technology roadmap for its SEALMINER Bitcoin mining machine. Defendants’ statements included, among other things, confidence in Bitdeer’s mass production of its fourth-generation SEALMINER (A4) rigs using its SEAL04 ASIC (“application-specific integrated circuit”) chip technology expected to have a chip energy efficiency of as low as 5J/TH. Defendants provided these positive statements to investors while, at the same time, disseminating false and materially misleading statements and/or concerning material adverse facts concerning the true state of Bitdeer’s SEALMINER A4 project. Specifically, defendants failed to disclose that the SEAL04 chip projected to have a chip-level energy efficiency of 5 J/TH would be ready for use in the A4 rigs with an expected mass production to begin in the second quarter 2025. Such statements absent these material facts caused investors to purchase Bitdeer securities at artificially inflated prices. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.
To join the Bitdeer class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=49102 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action.
No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor’s ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.
Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.
Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
-------------------------------
Contact Information:
Laurence Rosen, Esq.
Phillip Kim, Esq.
The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.
275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor
New York, NY 10016
Tel: (212) 686-1060
Toll Free: (866) 767-3653
Fax: (212) 202-3827 [email protected]
www.rosenlegal.com
2026-01-05 01:373mo ago
2026-01-04 20:003mo ago
FTI Consulting Adds Forensic Accounting and Investigations Expert Mavis Tan in Asia
HONG KONG, Jan. 04, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FTI Consulting, Inc. (NYSE: FCN) today announced further investment in its Forensic and Litigation Consulting segment in Asia with the appointment of Mavis Tan as a Senior Managing Director.
Ms. Tan specialises in forensic accounting, dispute support and investigations. She rejoins FTI Consulting in Hong Kong from Control Risks, where she led the firm’s forensic services practice for Greater China and North Asia. She will work closely with clients to address allegations involving accounting improprieties, conflicts of interest, misappropriation of assets and circumvention of regulations.
“We are thrilled to welcome Mavis back to FTI Consulting,” said Michael Cullen, Leader of Asia and Latin America for the Forensic and Litigation Consulting segment at FTI Consulting. “Her addition continues to enhance the leadership position we are building in the investigations market in Asia and the capabilities we have globally. That depth is unmatched, allowing us to help clients navigate crisis and opportunities in the region and around the world.”
Ms. Tan brings more than 20 years of experience as an accountant and has led high-profile and confidential internal and regulatory investigations in the Asia Pacific region. She has assisted high-net-worth individuals and listed multinational companies in responding to complex financial disputes and whistleblower allegations of fraud and corruption, including acting as an expert witness in civil and criminal proceedings.
Ms. Tan also has significant experience conducting forensic due diligence and risk assessments for substantial financial transactions and helping multinationals remediate internal control gaps after an investigation or acquisition.
“I am excited to rejoin FTI Consulting during this pivotal time of transformation and opportunity,” Ms. Tan said. “Renowned for its impact on high-stakes matters globally, FTI Consulting brings together exceptional experts, innovative technology and a culture of integrity to resolve complex financial disputes and uncover the truth. Working alongside industry leaders on headline investigations and disputes allows me to deliver precise, impartial and meaningful results for clients.”
The addition of Ms. Tan continues FTI Consulting’s investment in multidisciplinary expertise in forensic accounting, investigations, data analytics and regulatory compliance in Asia. Within the past six months, the firm has added Rosie Hawes, Andrew Macintosh and Martin Tupila in Singapore.
FTI Consulting’s Asia-based team of forensic accountants, financial experts, data analysts, technologists, statisticians, economists and business intelligence professionals analyse complex data and apply proven investigative and forensic accounting methods to support legal teams and act as independent investigators and experts.
About FTI Consulting
FTI Consulting, Inc. is a leading global expert firm for organisations facing crisis and transformation, with more than 8,100 employees located in 32 countries and territories as of September 30, 2025. In certain jurisdictions, FTI Consulting’s services are provided through distinct legal entities that are separately capitalised and independently managed. The Company generated $3.70 billion in revenues during fiscal year 2024. More information can be found at www.fticonsulting.com.
FTI Consulting, Inc.
555 12th Street NW
Washington, DC 20004
+1.202.312.9100
Executive Chair Chung emphasizes customer-focused transformation and ecosystem strengthening to navigate evolving market dynamics and lead new industry standards Presents strategic priorities, including agile decision-making, ecosystem competitiveness, and bold collaboration with diverse partners Executives discuss AI internalization, digital transformation strategies, and business growth initiatives during candid roundtable with global employees SEOUL, South Korea, Jan. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyundai Motor Group (The Group) today shared its 2026 strategic vision with global employees, with Executive Chair Euisun Chung presenting priorities focused on continuous customer-focused transformation, strengthened ecosystem competitiveness, and AI-driven innovation to navigate evolving market dynamics and lead new industry standards. During his new year remarks, Executive Chair Chung presented five key strategic priorities — customer-focused evolution, agile decision-making, ecosystem competitiveness, bold collaboration, and leading new industry standards — to navigate the evolving global landscape.
2026-01-05 01:373mo ago
2026-01-04 20:133mo ago
This Stock Is Up 127%, and a New $16 Million Position Suggests There's Room to Grow
Amid a massive run, this quiet infrastructure name is still attracting fresh capital, and the numbers explain why.
Hong Kong-based Alpine Investment Management initiated a new position in Argan (AGX +4.03%) worth approximately $16.20 million, according to a November 12 SEC filing.
What HappenedAccording to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission dated November 12, Alpine Investment Management opened a new position in Argan (AGX +4.03%), acquiring 60,000 shares valued at $16.20 million as of September 30.
What Else to KnowArgan now accounts for 13.62% of Alpine Investment Management Ltd’s reportable U.S. equity assets.
Top holdings after the filing include:
NYSE: YMM: $51.88 million (43.6% of AUM)NASDAQ: JOYY: $33.70 million (28.3% of AUM)NYSE: LU: $17.15 million (14.4% of AUM)NYSE: AGX: $16.20 million (13.6% of AUM)As of Friday, AGX shares were priced at $325.96, up 127% over the past year and well outperforming the S&P 500's 17% gain in the same period.
Company OverviewMetricValuePrice (as of market close Friday)$325.96Market capitalization$4.52 billionRevenue (TTM)$915.03 millionNet income (TTM)$119.93 millionCompany SnapshotArgan provides engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, operations management, maintenance, and consulting services for power generation and renewable energy markets, as well as industrial fabrication and telecommunications infrastructure solutions.The company generates revenue through large-scale project contracts in the power industry, industrial field services, and telecommunications infrastructure, leveraging expertise in design, construction, and project management for energy and utility sectors.It serves independent power producers, public utilities, energy plant construction companies, government agencies, and commercial customers across the United States.Argan is a diversified engineering and construction firm with a focus on the power generation, renewable energy, and infrastructure markets. The company leverages its technical capabilities and project management expertise to deliver complex projects for utility and industrial clients nationwide.
Foolish TakeArgan stock is on a huge tear, and its latest earnings help explain why. In December, the company reported a record project backlog of roughly $3.0 billion, more than double where it stood at the start of the fiscal year, driven largely by new gas-fired power projects in Texas. That backlog translates into years of revenue already spoken for, not projections on a slide.
Financially, the story is getting cleaner, not riskier. Third-quarter net income rose to $30.7 million, or $2.17 per share, while EBITDA climbed to $40.3 million with margins expanding to 16%. For the first nine months of the fiscal year, net income jumped more than 60% year over year, and Argan ended the quarter with over $726 million in cash and investments and no debt. That kind of balance sheet matters when capital intensity rises.
Contextually, this position fits alongside other concentrated bets in industrial and China-linked names, suggesting a preference for hard assets and cash generation rather than momentum tech. Ultimately, Argan’s stock has done very well recently, but its backlog, margins, and liquidity suggest the business has more room to run.
Glossary13F reportable assets: Assets that institutional investment managers must disclose in quarterly SEC Form 13F filings.
Assets under management (AUM): The total market value of investments managed on behalf of clients by a fund or firm.
Position: The amount of a particular security or asset held by an investor or fund.
Net position change: The difference in the number or value of shares held in a security after recent buying or selling.
Fund downsizing: A reduction in the total assets or holdings managed by an investment fund, often due to redemptions or sales.
Outperforming: Achieving a higher return compared to a benchmark index or peer group.
Market capitalization: The total value of a company's outstanding shares, calculated as share price times shares outstanding.
Engineering, procurement, construction (EPC): A contracting arrangement where a company designs, procures materials, and builds projects for clients.
Commissioning: The process of testing and verifying that a new facility or project operates as intended before it becomes fully operational.
Independent power producers: Companies that generate electricity for sale to utilities or end users, but are not regulated utilities themselves.
Project management: The discipline of planning, organizing, and overseeing resources to achieve specific project goals within constraints.
TTM: The 12-month period ending with the most recent quarterly report.
Jonathan Ponciano has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
2026-01-05 00:373mo ago
2026-01-04 19:003mo ago
dogwifhat [WIF] jumps 13% – Can break 7-month wedge ONLY IF
Memecoins regained some traction as the broader crypto market staged a modest recovery. As of writing, dogwifhat [WIF] rose about 13% over the past 24 hours.
Despite the bounce, underlying metrics showed the memecoin remained locked inside a prolonged consolidation range.
WIF tests wedge resistance
The price action charts for dogwifhat [WIF] in the daily timeframe indicated a clear picture. The memecoin has been trading inside a massive multi-month wedge pattern since May last year.
Despite WIF having momentum, as seen from the indicator readings, its price was struggling to break out of the 7-month correction.
The Stochastic Momentum Index (SMI) was at 41, suggesting overbought conditions. However, the signal was bullish, as the SMI was above the signal line, which was at 11.8.
Source: TradingView
Additionally, the Chaikin Money Flow (CMF) showed that traders were pumping capital into the memecoin. This was evident as two whales purchased more than $2.50 million in WIF tokens over the past 48 hours.
Such activity suggests that a breakout from the consolidation could be a matter of time. Still, that did not rule out continued price tightening inside the wedge pattern.
Funding rates turn green as OI spikes
Derivative data showed improving sentiment among leveraged traders. Funding Rates turned positive across most venues.
Hyperliquid, Binance, OKX, BitMEX, and WOO X recorded positive Funding Rates. Bybit and Kraken remained marginally negative.
Source: Coinalyze
Furthermore, Open Interest (OI) spiked from a low of $55 million to almost $100 million at the time of writing. Binance had the highest OI among all exchanges, which accounted for about $35 million, which was $3 million more than that on Bybit.
The result was positive for WIF, further increasing the chances of a breakout. However, the activity of spot holders challenged this potential breakout.
Holders selling their WIF tokens
That said, the WIF price was rising, but trading activity was alarming. The number of holders grew slightly to around 247,849, according to Solscan data.
What was worrying was the fact that these holders were selling their tokens.
As per Dune Analytics data, the reading of Buys vs. Sells from the transaction count was at negative 91. This meant there was more buying than selling, which challenged the looming breakout.
Source: Dune Analytics
Altogether, the sentiment was mixed, though there was more alignment toward bullishness than bearishness. Still, selling could derail price appreciation.
Final Thoughts
WIF’s setup reflected a familiar tension between improving derivative sentiment and hesitant spot participation.
If leverage continues building without spot confirmation, volatility may increase near resistance.
2026-01-05 00:373mo ago
2026-01-04 19:303mo ago
OSL Launches Ripple USD Stablecoin Trading With Zero-Fee Promotion
Ripple USD trading launches on OSL, marking a regulated push to expand stablecoin adoption with fee-free access, institutional-grade compliance, and new onramps for dollar-pegged digital payments and settlement activity.
2026-01-04 23:373mo ago
2026-01-04 16:053mo ago
Shiba Inu (SHIB) Sees 27% Surge, Reaches $600 Million Market Cap
Shiba Inu (SHIB) experienced a 27% increase in value, marking its strongest January since 2023, with its market capitalization approaching $600 million. This development has attracted attention from investors, who are considering whether further growth is imminent for the cryptocurrency in 2026.
The rise in SHIB’s value comes amid a broader interest in meme coins, which have been notable for their volatility and speculative appeal. The cryptocurrency market, known for its unpredictable nature, has seen various meme coins gain traction, often driven by social media buzz and community engagement rather than traditional financial metrics.
Shiba Inu, often referred to as a “meme coin,” gained initial popularity alongside other similar cryptocurrencies like Dogecoin. These types of digital assets typically do not have the same foundational technology or utility as more established cryptocurrencies, relying instead on their viral appeal and community support.
In market terms, the significant rise in SHIB’s price highlights the continued interest in speculative assets within the cryptocurrency sector. Investors and analysts are observing whether this trend will persist or if it will face volatility, a common characteristic of meme coins.
Critical voices have often pointed out the inherent risks in investing in assets primarily driven by hype. However, supporters argue that such investments allow for substantial short-term gains, albeit with high risk. The current market environment reflects these contrasting viewpoints, as some investors embrace the potential for quick profits while others caution against the potential for rapid fluctuations.
A limitation to consider is the regulatory scrutiny surrounding cryptocurrencies, which could impact the future performance and acceptance of meme coins like SHIB. Regulators globally are increasingly focusing on digital assets, considering their impact on financial systems and investor protection.
As the year progresses, market participants will closely monitor SHIB’s performance, evaluating whether the recent uptick is a temporary spike or part of a longer-term trend. The next steps will depend on market dynamics and potential regulatory developments affecting the broader cryptocurrency landscape.
Post Views: 13
Bruce Buterin
Bruce Buterin is an American crypto analyst passionate about the evolution of Web3, crypto ETFs, and Ethereum innovations. Based in Miami, he closely follows market movements and regularly publishes in-depth insights on DeFi trends, emerging altcoins, and asset tokenization. With a mix of technical expertise and accessible language, Bruce makes the blockchain ecosystem clear and engaging for both enthusiasts and investors.
Specialties: Ethereum, DeFi, NFTs, U.S. regulation, Layer 2 innovations.
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2026-01-04 23:373mo ago
2026-01-04 16:503mo ago
MicroStrategy Solves Private Equity's 2 Biggest Problems With Bitcoin
MicroStrategy continues to rewrite the rules of private equity and capital markets, leveraging Bitcoin to achieve what traditional funds have pursued, and largely failed to do, for over a decade.
According to Chaitanya Jain, MicroStrategy’s Bitcoin Strategy Manager, the company has successfully addressed two persistent challenges in private equity.
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MicroStrategy Turns Bitcoin into Perpetual Capital, Outpacing Traditional Private EquityJain explains that MicroStrategy (now Strategy) has raised capital directly from retail investors and established permanent, perpetual funding structures.
“Since the last decade, Private Equity has been trying to (i) raise directly from retail and (ii) build continuation or perpetual funds,” Jain said. “Strategy has achieved both. Permanent capital via publicly listed securities on Nasdaq. Digital Equity and Digital Credit backed by $BTC.”
By leveraging publicly listed securities instead of closed-end PE structures, MicroStrategy has effectively democratized access to alternative investment products. At the same time, it has created a funding model that does not rely on cyclical capital raises.
Central to this approach are what Jain calls “Digital Equity” and “Digital Credit.” Both products are backed by Bitcoin, repositioning the pioneer crypto as an institutional-grade collateral.
Digital Equity allows investors to gain leveraged exposure to Bitcoin through MicroStrategy’s capital structure. Meanwhile, Digital Credit provides BTC-backed credit facilities.
Sponsored
In essence, the company has converted its Bitcoin reserves into a perpetual capital engine that functions like a public-equity version of a private equity continuation fund.
Jain describes 2025 as “Year 0” for Digital Credit, a period focused on building, launching, and scaling BTC-backed credit products during a tepid Bitcoin market.
In 2025, Strategy raised approximately $21 billion through a combination of common equity issuances, preferred stock offerings (including a notable $2.5 billion perpetual preferred stock issuance described as the largest US IPO by gross proceeds that year), and convertible debt.
Sponsored
These funds supported aggressive Bitcoin acquisitions. As of this writing, Strategy holds 672,497 BTC, acquired at a total cost of approximately $50.4 billion (with an average price of around $75,000 per BTC), and has a market value of roughly $61.4 billion (based on Bitcoin prices near $91,000).
MicroStrategy BTC Holdings. Source: Bitcoin TreasuriesThe company employs significant leverage through debt and preferred stock (totaling approximately $15–16 billion across various sources), creating a highly leveraged exposure to Bitcoin. This explains why analysts say the firm could trigger the next black swan of crypto in 2026.
Nonetheless, the model has transformed Strategy from a traditional software company into what analysts widely describe as the world’s largest corporate Bitcoin treasury company or a leveraged Bitcoin investment vehicle. It uses perpetual capital raises to continuously accumulate BTC while offering investors varying degrees of exposure to its performance.
Sponsored
According to Jain, 2026 marks “Year 1” for MicroStrategy, signaling a transition from experimentation to full-scale deployment.
The shift reflects growing Bitcoin liquidity, a stronger market infrastructure, and increasing investor familiarity with crypto-backed financial instruments.
By bridging the gap between retail access and permanent funding, MicroStrategy is challenging the private equity orthodoxy and demonstrating how crypto can underpin sustainable, institutional-grade investment models.
Nevertheless, even as the firm enters this next phase, MicroStrategy’s potential MSCI exclusion remains an overhanging concern.
2026-01-04 23:373mo ago
2026-01-04 17:013mo ago
Cathie Wood Says Bitcoin 4-Year Cycle May Be Over as Institutional Demand Grows
Cathie Wood stated the Bitcoin 4-year cycle may no longer apply due to rising institutional participation.
Bitcoin volatility has declined, with prices down about 30% from recent highs, according to Wood.
Wood said institutional capital could limit deep drawdowns seen in earlier Bitcoin cycles.
Ark Invest views the current market as risk-on, supported by improving liquidity conditions.
Wood suggested Bitcoin may have formed a market low a few weeks before her comments.
Ark Invest CEO Cathie Wood stated during a live interview that the Bitcoin 4-year cycle may no longer apply. She spoke on Fox News, explaining that institutional adoption and declining volatility are changing the asset’s historical behavior. Her comments follow a period of renewed investor interest and stabilizing market conditions.
Bitcoin Volatility Drops as Institutions Enter the Market
Cathie Wood said Bitcoin’s past cycle drops of 75–90% may no longer occur due to structural market changes. “We think the four-year cycle is going to be disrupted,” she said during the broadcast. She emphasized that volatility has dropped, with Bitcoin down about 30% from its recent highs. Wood added, “We may have seen the low a couple of weeks ago,” referencing recent market movements.
The Bitcoin 4-year cycle has historically followed boom and bust patterns around halving events and liquidity shifts. Wood argued that institutional demand may now reduce the depth of each drawdown. She linked this to broader market conditions, calling the current environment “risk-on” for digital assets. Wood referenced previous crises, saying, “During the European sovereign debt crisis, it wasn’t risk-on, but right now it is.”
Institutionalization and Liquidity Trends Reshape Market Structure
Wood explained that institutional interest in Bitcoin is increasing due to maturing infrastructure and clearer regulation. She noted that the Bitcoin 4-year cycle depends on retail-driven flows, which are now complemented by long-term capital. Ark Invest believes this structural change will dampen large corrections previously seen after cycle peaks.
Wood said, “The move by institutions into this new asset class is going to prevent much more of a decline.”
Quantitative easing and returning liquidity may also support price stability across digital assets, including Bitcoin. Wood described this as “climbing another wall of worry,” in reference to the resilience of the current market. The Bitcoin 4-year cycle may still guide sentiment, but actual behavior appears increasingly detached from past volatility patterns.