5 days ago
On August 6, Aflac (NYSE:AFL) reported second-quarter numbers that point in opposite directions. Net earnings climbed to $825 million, helped along by investment losses that shrank to $153 million from $421 million a year ago. Adjusted earnings, though, fell 7.7% to $883 million. Both numbers are real, but they answer different questions. Which measure you trust changes the story, so here is what sits underneath.
Start with the yen, because it is muddying the picture. The average rate was 159.45 to the dollar, 9.3% weaker than a year earlier, and that cost adjusted earnings $0.05 a share. Take the currency out of the first half and adjusted earnings per share rose 4.1% to $3.57. ******* an is also running more profitably. Its pretax adjusted margin widened to 34.3% from 32.0% as claims took a smaller bite out of premiums, and yen-based pretax adjusted earnings rose 3.4%. So part of the decline in ******* an's dollar-reported profit is currency, not operations.
The US business is still growing at the top line. Net earned premiums rose 2.3% to $1.5 billion, and sales climbed 2.6% to $349 million, led by group voluntary benefits along with dental and vision plans. In ******* an, the refreshed Tsumitasu life policy and the new Anshin Palette medical product grew strongly in the quarter, and first-half sales rose 7.0% to ¥37.3 billion. Then there is the cash. Aflac returned $1.3 billion to shareholders in the quarter, $983 million of it through buybacks, and declared a $0.61 third-quarter dividend, payable September 1 to holders of record on August 19, 2026. Management notes 43 straight years of dividend increases through 2025 and says the board is on a path to extend that in 2026.
The catch is that ******* an's profit gains came from lower claims, not a bigger business. Net earned premiums in yen fell 3.7%, mainly because of a new external reinsurance deal and older limited-pay policies reaching paid-up status. Premium persistency, the share of policies customers keep, slipped to 92.7% from 93.7%. ******* an's pretax adjusted earnings still fell 2.1% once currency is stripped out, and new sales dipped 5.6% in the quarter against a tough comparison for the Miraito cancer product, which launched in March 2025.
The US segment has its own soft spot. Pretax adjusted earnings fell 4.6% to $370 million, and the margin narrowed to 20.9% from 22.5% as claims and benefits took a bigger share of premiums. Corporate and Other swung to a $10 million pretax adjusted loss from a $20 million gain a year earlier, with interest expense up 21.6% to $62 million. And adjusted book value per share, excluding foreign currency remeasurement, slid to $41.22 at June 30 from $42.97 a year earlier.
#earnings #fell
Start with the yen, because it is muddying the picture. The average rate was 159.45 to the dollar, 9.3% weaker than a year earlier, and that cost adjusted earnings $0.05 a share. Take the currency out of the first half and adjusted earnings per share rose 4.1% to $3.57. ******* an is also running more profitably. Its pretax adjusted margin widened to 34.3% from 32.0% as claims took a smaller bite out of premiums, and yen-based pretax adjusted earnings rose 3.4%. So part of the decline in ******* an's dollar-reported profit is currency, not operations.
The US business is still growing at the top line. Net earned premiums rose 2.3% to $1.5 billion, and sales climbed 2.6% to $349 million, led by group voluntary benefits along with dental and vision plans. In ******* an, the refreshed Tsumitasu life policy and the new Anshin Palette medical product grew strongly in the quarter, and first-half sales rose 7.0% to ¥37.3 billion. Then there is the cash. Aflac returned $1.3 billion to shareholders in the quarter, $983 million of it through buybacks, and declared a $0.61 third-quarter dividend, payable September 1 to holders of record on August 19, 2026. Management notes 43 straight years of dividend increases through 2025 and says the board is on a path to extend that in 2026.
The catch is that ******* an's profit gains came from lower claims, not a bigger business. Net earned premiums in yen fell 3.7%, mainly because of a new external reinsurance deal and older limited-pay policies reaching paid-up status. Premium persistency, the share of policies customers keep, slipped to 92.7% from 93.7%. ******* an's pretax adjusted earnings still fell 2.1% once currency is stripped out, and new sales dipped 5.6% in the quarter against a tough comparison for the Miraito cancer product, which launched in March 2025.
The US segment has its own soft spot. Pretax adjusted earnings fell 4.6% to $370 million, and the margin narrowed to 20.9% from 22.5% as claims and benefits took a bigger share of premiums. Corporate and Other swung to a $10 million pretax adjusted loss from a $20 million gain a year earlier, with interest expense up 21.6% to $62 million. And adjusted book value per share, excluding foreign currency remeasurement, slid to $41.22 at June 30 from $42.97 a year earlier.
#earnings #fell
7 days ago
Some offers on this page are from advertisers who pay us, which may affect which products we write about, but not our recommendations. See our Advertiser Disclosure.
The Federal Reserve influences consumer loan rates by setting the federal funds rate, which affects how much banks charge each other for overnight lending. That cost typically gets passed on to borrowers through higher or lower rates on personal, auto, and student loans.
By tracking the Fed's moves, you can get a better sense of whether taking out a loan will be more expensive or more affordable. It may even help you time your borrowing decisions so you can secure the best possible rate.
The Fed recently raised its rate by 25 basis points during its September 2026 meeting. See what impact that could have on your borrowing costs.
The Federal Reserve sets a target range for the federal funds rate, a benchmark rate that determines how much lenders charge one another for overnight lending. When the Fed increases this rate, lenders generally pass along the higher costs to consumers by raising interest rates on consumer loans and credit cards. When the Fed decreases this rate, lenders may lower the interest rates on their loans as well.
#Consumer
The Federal Reserve influences consumer loan rates by setting the federal funds rate, which affects how much banks charge each other for overnight lending. That cost typically gets passed on to borrowers through higher or lower rates on personal, auto, and student loans.
By tracking the Fed's moves, you can get a better sense of whether taking out a loan will be more expensive or more affordable. It may even help you time your borrowing decisions so you can secure the best possible rate.
The Fed recently raised its rate by 25 basis points during its September 2026 meeting. See what impact that could have on your borrowing costs.
The Federal Reserve sets a target range for the federal funds rate, a benchmark rate that determines how much lenders charge one another for overnight lending. When the Fed increases this rate, lenders generally pass along the higher costs to consumers by raising interest rates on consumer loans and credit cards. When the Fed decreases this rate, lenders may lower the interest rates on their loans as well.
#Consumer
8 days ago
Concerned about an AI bubble? Sign up for The Daily Upside for smart and actionable market news, built for investors.
Wealth management firms aren't the only ones trying to be one-stop shops.
Earlier this month, the cryptocurrency exchange Binance began offering direct access to options on more than 1,000 US stocks and ETFs. Although these **** ets are currently available only to international customers, it's the latest effort by a major crypto operation to make its mark on the world of traditional finance, and vice versa, as crypto ETFs' popularity continues to attract broker-dealers and banks. The move also signals the platform's goal of presenting itself to investors as more than just a crypto marketplace.
"Binance increasingly wants to be viewed as a full investment platform," said Hesom Parhizkar, cofounder of AdvizorPro. "Crypto remains a relatively small pool of **** ets compared with the enormous traditional wealth management and RIA markets, so offering stocks, ETFs and related products gives Binance access to a much larger opportunity."
Sign up for The Daily Upside at no cost for premium **** ysis on all your favorite stocks.
#daily #upside #wealth #investors
Wealth management firms aren't the only ones trying to be one-stop shops.
Earlier this month, the cryptocurrency exchange Binance began offering direct access to options on more than 1,000 US stocks and ETFs. Although these **** ets are currently available only to international customers, it's the latest effort by a major crypto operation to make its mark on the world of traditional finance, and vice versa, as crypto ETFs' popularity continues to attract broker-dealers and banks. The move also signals the platform's goal of presenting itself to investors as more than just a crypto marketplace.
"Binance increasingly wants to be viewed as a full investment platform," said Hesom Parhizkar, cofounder of AdvizorPro. "Crypto remains a relatively small pool of **** ets compared with the enormous traditional wealth management and RIA markets, so offering stocks, ETFs and related products gives Binance access to a much larger opportunity."
Sign up for The Daily Upside at no cost for premium **** ysis on all your favorite stocks.
#daily #upside #wealth #investors
14 days ago
Nyxoah SA (NASDAQ:NYXH) announced the first patient implantation in BREATHE on September 7. The prospective, single-arm U.S. post-approval study will evaluate Genio hypoglossal-nerve stimulation in adults aged 22 or older with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea for whom standard-care treatments have failed, cannot be tolerated, or are unsuitable. Plans call for up to 229 patients at up to 25 centers, with follow-up lasting up to five years.
For Nyxoah SA (NASDAQ:NYXH), the milestone begins a new phase of evidence collection following Genio's August 2025 FDA approval. The co-primary effectiveness endpoints are apnea-hypopnea-index and oxygen-desaturation-index responder rates at 12 months. Device- and procedure-related serious adverse events will be **** sed at 12 months and annually thereafter. The investment question is whether that evidence can help turn clinical credibility into sustained commercial adoption.
Nyxoah SA (NASDAQ:NYXH) has an opportunity to demonstrate how Genio performs across different physicians and treatment settings. Consistent outcomes across participating centers could give referring sleep physicians and implanting surgeons greater confidence in patient selection and treatment delivery.
The product offers a distinct approach. Genio stimulates hypoglossal nerves on both sides of the tongue, using a battery-free implant powered by an external wearable. For Nyxoah SA (NASDAQ:NYXH), documenting effectiveness and safety in routine practice could help physicians **** s how that design fits their patients' needs.
Longer follow-up could also strengthen the evidence available to payers. Nyxoah SA (NASDAQ:NYXH) could use sustained responses and safety findings to support coverage discussions, while participating centers gain practical experience with implantation and follow-up. That would make BREATHE valuable beyond a single headline response rate.
#nyxoah #NASDAQ #nyxh
For Nyxoah SA (NASDAQ:NYXH), the milestone begins a new phase of evidence collection following Genio's August 2025 FDA approval. The co-primary effectiveness endpoints are apnea-hypopnea-index and oxygen-desaturation-index responder rates at 12 months. Device- and procedure-related serious adverse events will be **** sed at 12 months and annually thereafter. The investment question is whether that evidence can help turn clinical credibility into sustained commercial adoption.
Nyxoah SA (NASDAQ:NYXH) has an opportunity to demonstrate how Genio performs across different physicians and treatment settings. Consistent outcomes across participating centers could give referring sleep physicians and implanting surgeons greater confidence in patient selection and treatment delivery.
The product offers a distinct approach. Genio stimulates hypoglossal nerves on both sides of the tongue, using a battery-free implant powered by an external wearable. For Nyxoah SA (NASDAQ:NYXH), documenting effectiveness and safety in routine practice could help physicians **** s how that design fits their patients' needs.
Longer follow-up could also strengthen the evidence available to payers. Nyxoah SA (NASDAQ:NYXH) could use sustained responses and safety findings to support coverage discussions, while participating centers gain practical experience with implantation and follow-up. That would make BREATHE valuable beyond a single headline response rate.
#nyxoah #NASDAQ #nyxh
14 days ago
The Campbell's Company (NASDAQ:CPB) is taking aggressive steps to turn around its fortunes, but the food company faces a difficult test. It's whether the $500 million cost-savings plan can rebuild margins and earnings as weak demand continues to pressure sales.
The company has already cut more than 550 jobs and closed two snack plants as part of the cost-cutting efforts. Moreover, it has reduced its quarterly dividend by 36% to conserve cash. Yet management expects another year of declining sales. That means the turnaround hinges on Campbell's ability to improve efficiency while stabilizing sales.
The need for restructuring became clear in the latest quarter. Sales fell 8% to $2.1 billion, and the company swung to a $69 million loss from a $145 million profit a year ago.
The Campbell's Company (NASDAQ:CPB) now plans to cut $500 million in costs by fiscal 2030. The savings are expected to support margin and allow greater investment in the brands. The cost-cutting program includes the closure of two snack plants and a workforce reduction affecting around 13% of Campbell's salaried employees.
Campbell's strategy has a clear financial logic. Lower costs should improve cash flow, help the company absorb inflationary pressures, and provide greater flexibility to invest in strengthening its brands. But the desired turnaround would only be possible if Campbell's can stabilize its underlying business at the same time.
#sales
The company has already cut more than 550 jobs and closed two snack plants as part of the cost-cutting efforts. Moreover, it has reduced its quarterly dividend by 36% to conserve cash. Yet management expects another year of declining sales. That means the turnaround hinges on Campbell's ability to improve efficiency while stabilizing sales.
The need for restructuring became clear in the latest quarter. Sales fell 8% to $2.1 billion, and the company swung to a $69 million loss from a $145 million profit a year ago.
The Campbell's Company (NASDAQ:CPB) now plans to cut $500 million in costs by fiscal 2030. The savings are expected to support margin and allow greater investment in the brands. The cost-cutting program includes the closure of two snack plants and a workforce reduction affecting around 13% of Campbell's salaried employees.
Campbell's strategy has a clear financial logic. Lower costs should improve cash flow, help the company absorb inflationary pressures, and provide greater flexibility to invest in strengthening its brands. But the desired turnaround would only be possible if Campbell's can stabilize its underlying business at the same time.
#sales
21 days ago
Sands Capital, an investment management company, released its "Sands Capital Select Growth Fund" Q2 2026 investor letter. The letter can be downloaded here. Select Growth Fund targets U.S. businesses driving significant structural change through disruptive innovation. The fund returned 23.2% in the quarter, outperforming the Russell 1000 Growth Index's 16.7% gain. U.S. large-cap growth equities rebounded sharply, driven by improving corporate fundamentals and renewed investor confidence in AI, despite geopolitical uncertainties. However, the market's gains were narrow, concentrated among AI beneficiaries. The portfolio's success stemmed from strength in AI infrastructure holdings, especially memory and storage, supported by better pricing and tightening supply. As AI development advances, continuous demand for compute capacity is expected, prompting investments in memory, CPUs, AI chips, and semiconductor manufacturing to address emerging bottlenecks essential for scaling AI. Also, check the fund's top five holdings to see its best picks in 2026.
In its second-quarter 2026 investor letter, Sands Capital Select Growth Fund highlighted Micron Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:MU). Micron Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:MU) is a leading semiconductor company manufacturing memory and storage products. On September 02, 2026, Micron Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:MU) closed at $956.08 per share. Over the past month, Micron Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:MU) returned 8.46%, but its shares are up 669.73% over the past year. Micron Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:MU) has a market capitalization of $1.08 trillion, and its stock has traded within a 52-week range of $118.52 to $1,255.00.
Sands Capital Select Growth Fund stated the following regarding Micron Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:MU) in its Q2 2026 investor letter:
"Micron Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:MU) and SanDisk increased the portfolio's exposure to memory, which has become a critical bottleneck in the AI infrastructure stack. Agentic AI systems require greater context, faster retrieval, and more persistent memory, increasing demand for DRAM, high-bandwidth memory, and NAND. At the same time, advanced memory remains difficult, capital intensive, and time consuming to manufacture. The industry has also become more consolidated and disciplined, which should limit the speed of supply response. We believe this combination of accelerating demand and constrained supply can support stronger pricing, better margins, and a more durable earnings cycle for leading memory providers."
#NASDAQ #fund #sands #investor
In its second-quarter 2026 investor letter, Sands Capital Select Growth Fund highlighted Micron Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:MU). Micron Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:MU) is a leading semiconductor company manufacturing memory and storage products. On September 02, 2026, Micron Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:MU) closed at $956.08 per share. Over the past month, Micron Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:MU) returned 8.46%, but its shares are up 669.73% over the past year. Micron Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:MU) has a market capitalization of $1.08 trillion, and its stock has traded within a 52-week range of $118.52 to $1,255.00.
Sands Capital Select Growth Fund stated the following regarding Micron Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:MU) in its Q2 2026 investor letter:
"Micron Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:MU) and SanDisk increased the portfolio's exposure to memory, which has become a critical bottleneck in the AI infrastructure stack. Agentic AI systems require greater context, faster retrieval, and more persistent memory, increasing demand for DRAM, high-bandwidth memory, and NAND. At the same time, advanced memory remains difficult, capital intensive, and time consuming to manufacture. The industry has also become more consolidated and disciplined, which should limit the speed of supply response. We believe this combination of accelerating demand and constrained supply can support stronger pricing, better margins, and a more durable earnings cycle for leading memory providers."
#NASDAQ #fund #sands #investor
21 days ago
Hitting $112,800 annually in dividends demands $3.22M at conservative yields but just $1.06M from high-yield BDCs and mortgage REITs.
A 3.5% dividend yield growing 8% annually doubles income in nine years without adding a single dollar of new capital.
After-tax spending needs of $75,000 to $85,000, not gross salary, should anchor your capital target, shrinking the required portfolio at every tier.
Read More: Learn 7 ways to generate income with a $1,000,000+ portfolio (sponsor)
A target of $9,400 a month in dividend income works out to $112,800 a year, all from distributions and without dipping into principal. That is roughly what a mid-career software engineer takes home, or what a two-earner household clears in a coastal metro. The math is straightforward division. Divide your income target by your portfolio yield, and that tells you how much capital you need. The interesting part is what shifts as the yield climbs.
#capital #target #Portfolio #without
A 3.5% dividend yield growing 8% annually doubles income in nine years without adding a single dollar of new capital.
After-tax spending needs of $75,000 to $85,000, not gross salary, should anchor your capital target, shrinking the required portfolio at every tier.
Read More: Learn 7 ways to generate income with a $1,000,000+ portfolio (sponsor)
A target of $9,400 a month in dividend income works out to $112,800 a year, all from distributions and without dipping into principal. That is roughly what a mid-career software engineer takes home, or what a two-earner household clears in a coastal metro. The math is straightforward division. Divide your income target by your portfolio yield, and that tells you how much capital you need. The interesting part is what shifts as the yield climbs.
#capital #target #Portfolio #without
22 days ago
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Retirement savings have become one of the most valued employee benefits, no longer viewed as an optional perk reserved for larger employers.
Several developments have made retirement plans significantly more accessible for small businesses.
Small businesses can support hiring, strengthen employee retention and build trust by extending retirement benefits.
For many small business owners, retirement benefits have long felt out of reach, something only larger organizations with more resources can offer. But that's changing quickly, and in today's hiring environment, it's becoming harder to compete without them.
#Retirement
Retirement savings have become one of the most valued employee benefits, no longer viewed as an optional perk reserved for larger employers.
Several developments have made retirement plans significantly more accessible for small businesses.
Small businesses can support hiring, strengthen employee retention and build trust by extending retirement benefits.
For many small business owners, retirement benefits have long felt out of reach, something only larger organizations with more resources can offer. But that's changing quickly, and in today's hiring environment, it's becoming harder to compete without them.
#Retirement
23 days ago
Some offers on this page are from advertisers who pay us, which may affect which products we write about, but not our recommendations. See our Advertiser Disclosure.
Automating your savings contributions is one way to ensure you save consistently and effortlessly. However, if you're going to put your savings on autopilot, it's important to do it the right way.
Automating your savings means setting up a system where a portion of your income is regularly transferred to a savings account or investment account without any manual effort on your part.
For example, you could have your employer direct a percentage of your paycheck to your retirement account. Or you could set up a monthly transfer from your checking account to your savings account.
And considering that some savings accounts still offer interest rates as high as 4% (or even more in some cases), you want to make sure you're making regular deposits to your account and taking advantage of that compound interest.
#account #you 're #advertiser #offers
Automating your savings contributions is one way to ensure you save consistently and effortlessly. However, if you're going to put your savings on autopilot, it's important to do it the right way.
Automating your savings means setting up a system where a portion of your income is regularly transferred to a savings account or investment account without any manual effort on your part.
For example, you could have your employer direct a percentage of your paycheck to your retirement account. Or you could set up a monthly transfer from your checking account to your savings account.
And considering that some savings accounts still offer interest rates as high as 4% (or even more in some cases), you want to make sure you're making regular deposits to your account and taking advantage of that compound interest.
#account #you 're #advertiser #offers
30 days ago
Intel (INTC) stock is finally getting the limelight it deserves. INTC has climbed 143% year-to-date (YTD), as investors increasingly bet that the chipmaker's long-awaited turnaround is finally showing up in its financials. The latest $20 billion stock offering adds another major piece to that story, giving Intel more capital to expand manufacturing just as demand for AI infrastructure is stretching semiconductor supply.
Let's dig into what is in store for investors.
IonQ vs. Rigetti: The Better Quantum Computing Stock for Long-Term Investors
QQQ is Still in a Negative Gamma Regime. Here's How a 'Put Wall' and Fibonacci Support Could Come Into Play.
IBM Just Hit a New Quantum Computing Milestone. How to Play IBM Stock Now.
#investors #long #finally
Let's dig into what is in store for investors.
IonQ vs. Rigetti: The Better Quantum Computing Stock for Long-Term Investors
QQQ is Still in a Negative Gamma Regime. Here's How a 'Put Wall' and Fibonacci Support Could Come Into Play.
IBM Just Hit a New Quantum Computing Milestone. How to Play IBM Stock Now.
#investors #long #finally
1 month ago
Some offers on this page are from advertisers who pay us, which may affect which products we write about, but not our recommendations. See our Advertiser Disclosure.
If you're looking to supercharge your savings, a high-yield savings account can provide a competitive interest rate to help your balance grow faster.
However, not all banks offer high savings account rates, which is why it's important to shop around and find the most competitive savings interest rates available.
Read on to learn more about where to find the best savings interest rates today.
The average interest rate on a traditional savings account is only 0.38%, according to the FDIC. However, today's best high-yield savings accounts pay around 3%-4%.
#account
If you're looking to supercharge your savings, a high-yield savings account can provide a competitive interest rate to help your balance grow faster.
However, not all banks offer high savings account rates, which is why it's important to shop around and find the most competitive savings interest rates available.
Read on to learn more about where to find the best savings interest rates today.
The average interest rate on a traditional savings account is only 0.38%, according to the FDIC. However, today's best high-yield savings accounts pay around 3%-4%.
#account
1 month ago
September S&P 500 E-Mini futures (ESU26) are down -0.19%, and September Nasdaq 100 E-Mini futures (NQU26) are down -0.59% this morning, pointing to a lower open on Wall Street as chipmakers came under pressure at the start of a pivotal week.
Chip and AI infrastructure stocks were among the biggest losers in pre-market trading, following a slump in major tech names across Asia. Samsung Electronics sank over -8% in Seoul after the chipmaker's record shareholder return plan disappointed investors. Also, Alibaba Group tumbled more than -8% in Hong Kong after the tech heavyweight raised HK$80 billion ($10.2 billion) in the city's largest secondary share offering. In addition, SoftBank Group slid over -5% in Tokyo after announcing plans for a record 1 trillion yen ($6.3 billion) retail bond sale to finance its AI investments.
Soros Fund Management Opened a New Position in Nebius During Q2. What This Means for NBIS Stock.
Ahead of Nvidia Earnings, Here's What Barchart Data Says Comes Next for NVDA Stock
Nvidia Earnings, Jackson Hole and Other Key Things to Watch this Week
#group
Chip and AI infrastructure stocks were among the biggest losers in pre-market trading, following a slump in major tech names across Asia. Samsung Electronics sank over -8% in Seoul after the chipmaker's record shareholder return plan disappointed investors. Also, Alibaba Group tumbled more than -8% in Hong Kong after the tech heavyweight raised HK$80 billion ($10.2 billion) in the city's largest secondary share offering. In addition, SoftBank Group slid over -5% in Tokyo after announcing plans for a record 1 trillion yen ($6.3 billion) retail bond sale to finance its AI investments.
Soros Fund Management Opened a New Position in Nebius During Q2. What This Means for NBIS Stock.
Ahead of Nvidia Earnings, Here's What Barchart Data Says Comes Next for NVDA Stock
Nvidia Earnings, Jackson Hole and Other Key Things to Watch this Week
#group
1 month ago
Interested in Eli Lilly and Company? Here are five stocks we like better.
Moderna's mRNA cancer vaccine, developed with Merck, succeeded in a late-stage melanoma trial, sending shares up 177% and boosting the broader biotech sector.
Eli Lilly, the world's largest pharmaceutical company, is nearing a 52-week high driven by its GLP-1 franchise and new oral-drug pipeline catalyst.
Natera has surged over 40% year to date on accelerating revenue growth and **** yst support, though its rich valuation reflects a momentum-driven growth profile.
The biotech sector just got the kind of catalyst that can define a cycle. On Wednesday, Moderna (NASDAQ: MRNA) stunned the market when its personalized mRNA cancer vaccine, developed with Merck (NYSE: MRK), became the first such therapy to succeed in a late-stage trial, reducing the risk of melanoma recurrence.
#lilly #company #cancer
Moderna's mRNA cancer vaccine, developed with Merck, succeeded in a late-stage melanoma trial, sending shares up 177% and boosting the broader biotech sector.
Eli Lilly, the world's largest pharmaceutical company, is nearing a 52-week high driven by its GLP-1 franchise and new oral-drug pipeline catalyst.
Natera has surged over 40% year to date on accelerating revenue growth and **** yst support, though its rich valuation reflects a momentum-driven growth profile.
The biotech sector just got the kind of catalyst that can define a cycle. On Wednesday, Moderna (NASDAQ: MRNA) stunned the market when its personalized mRNA cancer vaccine, developed with Merck (NYSE: MRK), became the first such therapy to succeed in a late-stage trial, reducing the risk of melanoma recurrence.
#lilly #company #cancer
1 month ago
Many stocks on the Nasdaq exchange are trading at extremely high valuations. That can make picking stocks to buy there a challenge, as many of them may be due for significant corrections due to their inflated price tags. Below, however, I'm going to look at three of the cheapest stocks on the Nasdaq-100 index, which, based on their expected future profits, appear to be bargain buys, and I'll look at why they appear to be so cheap and why they may be trading at discounts.
Micron Technology (NASDAQ:MU), PDD Holdings(NASDAQ:PDD) , and Adobe (NASDAQ:ADBE) all appear to be trading at dirt cheap valuations. Are they incredible buys right now, or is there more to the story with their seeming low prices?
Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again. In 2009, a "Double Down" signal flashed for a little-known chipmaker called Nvidia. For the first time in years, that same "Total Conviction" signal is flashing for a company 1/100th the size of Nvidia. Continue »
Image source: Getty Images.
What's intriguing about Micron Technology is that it has generated massive gains over the past year -- up around 660%. Normally, when that happens, a stock's valuation becomes rich, and it looks to run out of room to rise higher. But with Micron, that doesn't appear to be the case. Based on ******* yst projections, it's trading at a forward price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple of just 6.5. By comparison, the average stock on the S&P 500 trades at a forward earnings multiple of 21. Micron, it seems, may still be due to rise higher.
#appear
Micron Technology (NASDAQ:MU), PDD Holdings(NASDAQ:PDD) , and Adobe (NASDAQ:ADBE) all appear to be trading at dirt cheap valuations. Are they incredible buys right now, or is there more to the story with their seeming low prices?
Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again. In 2009, a "Double Down" signal flashed for a little-known chipmaker called Nvidia. For the first time in years, that same "Total Conviction" signal is flashing for a company 1/100th the size of Nvidia. Continue »
Image source: Getty Images.
What's intriguing about Micron Technology is that it has generated massive gains over the past year -- up around 660%. Normally, when that happens, a stock's valuation becomes rich, and it looks to run out of room to rise higher. But with Micron, that doesn't appear to be the case. Based on ******* yst projections, it's trading at a forward price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple of just 6.5. By comparison, the average stock on the S&P 500 trades at a forward earnings multiple of 21. Micron, it seems, may still be due to rise higher.
#appear
1 month ago
Interested in Eagle Point Credit Company Inc.? Here are five stocks we like better.
NAV and profitability rebounded: Eagle Point Credit's NAV rose 8% to $4.51 per share, while GAAP net income reached $70 million, or $0.53 per share, compared with a loss in the prior quarter. The company paid $0.18 per share in quarterly distributions and maintained its $0.06 monthly distribution through 2026.
Portfolio activity and credit metrics remained strong: Eagle Point deployed $111 million at a 24.6% weighted-average effective yield, completed 15 CLO resets or refinancings, and reported below-market CCC exposure and default levels. Non-CLO investments increased to 38% of the portfolio, reflecting greater diversification into infrastructure and other private-credit opportunities.
Leverage remains above target: Debt and preferred equity represented 47% of ***** ets less current liabilities, above the company's 27.5%-37.5% target range. Management plans to reduce leverage over time, while noting there are no financing maturities before January 2029.
Top Dividend Plays With Strong ***** yst Ratings
#point #million
NAV and profitability rebounded: Eagle Point Credit's NAV rose 8% to $4.51 per share, while GAAP net income reached $70 million, or $0.53 per share, compared with a loss in the prior quarter. The company paid $0.18 per share in quarterly distributions and maintained its $0.06 monthly distribution through 2026.
Portfolio activity and credit metrics remained strong: Eagle Point deployed $111 million at a 24.6% weighted-average effective yield, completed 15 CLO resets or refinancings, and reported below-market CCC exposure and default levels. Non-CLO investments increased to 38% of the portfolio, reflecting greater diversification into infrastructure and other private-credit opportunities.
Leverage remains above target: Debt and preferred equity represented 47% of ***** ets less current liabilities, above the company's 27.5%-37.5% target range. Management plans to reduce leverage over time, while noting there are no financing maturities before January 2029.
Top Dividend Plays With Strong ***** yst Ratings
#point #million
1 month ago
During the August 6 episode of Mad Money, Jim Cramer focused on the shifting trajectory of Akamai Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:AKAM), as he said:
Look at this incredible move in the stock of Akamai Technologies. Over the past few years, this company's evolved from a simple content delivery network- I used to call it the fast lane on the internet superhighway- into more of a cybersecurity and cloud infrastructure business, fast growing. Going into the close, Akamai was already up more than 35% for the year. Then they reported basically in-line revenue, slightly better-than-expected earnings, mixed outlook, current quarter trimmed, full-year forecast down just a tad. Initially, the stock got slammed, but then it caught fire, I think, because Akamai reported a big cloud infrastructure win in the robotic ***** e.
Akamai Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:AKAM) reported second-quarter revenue of $1.1 billion, marking a 5% year-over-year increase. Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share reached $1.59, beating consensus estimates, while GAAP diluted earnings per share landed at $0.52 due to rising investment expenses. Segment results showed security revenue climbing 10% to $604 million and cloud infrastructure services surging 39% to $99 million. Meanwhile, legacy delivery revenue contracted 6% to $396 million.
Investor attention quickly shifted to a multi-year customer commitment valued over $600 million for cloud infrastructure powering robotic workloads. During the earnings call, Chief Executive Officer Tom Leighton noted that graphics processing unit capacity remains entirely sold out, while Chief Financial Officer Ed McGowan highlighted that total multi-year cloud commitments signed year-to-date have surpassed $2.8 billion. Management guided full-year revenue between $4.445 billion and $4.530 billion, with capital expenditures remaining elevated at roughly 40% of revenue to support infrastructure scaling.
Despite artificial intelligence growth tailwinds, professional ***** ysts flagged heavy capital intensity and margin compression risks. Highlighting these structural cost pressures, on August 10, HSBC downgraded the stock to a Hold rating and cut its price target to $123, pointing to compressed operating margins and temporary pauses in share repurchases.
#technologies #billion
Look at this incredible move in the stock of Akamai Technologies. Over the past few years, this company's evolved from a simple content delivery network- I used to call it the fast lane on the internet superhighway- into more of a cybersecurity and cloud infrastructure business, fast growing. Going into the close, Akamai was already up more than 35% for the year. Then they reported basically in-line revenue, slightly better-than-expected earnings, mixed outlook, current quarter trimmed, full-year forecast down just a tad. Initially, the stock got slammed, but then it caught fire, I think, because Akamai reported a big cloud infrastructure win in the robotic ***** e.
Akamai Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:AKAM) reported second-quarter revenue of $1.1 billion, marking a 5% year-over-year increase. Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share reached $1.59, beating consensus estimates, while GAAP diluted earnings per share landed at $0.52 due to rising investment expenses. Segment results showed security revenue climbing 10% to $604 million and cloud infrastructure services surging 39% to $99 million. Meanwhile, legacy delivery revenue contracted 6% to $396 million.
Investor attention quickly shifted to a multi-year customer commitment valued over $600 million for cloud infrastructure powering robotic workloads. During the earnings call, Chief Executive Officer Tom Leighton noted that graphics processing unit capacity remains entirely sold out, while Chief Financial Officer Ed McGowan highlighted that total multi-year cloud commitments signed year-to-date have surpassed $2.8 billion. Management guided full-year revenue between $4.445 billion and $4.530 billion, with capital expenditures remaining elevated at roughly 40% of revenue to support infrastructure scaling.
Despite artificial intelligence growth tailwinds, professional ***** ysts flagged heavy capital intensity and margin compression risks. Highlighting these structural cost pressures, on August 10, HSBC downgraded the stock to a Hold rating and cut its price target to $123, pointing to compressed operating margins and temporary pauses in share repurchases.
#technologies #billion
2 months ago
Usana Health Sciences (NYSE: USNA) stock saw a huge valuation contraction this week in response to disappointing second-quarter results. The company's share price declined 30% across the stretch. Meanwhile, the S&P 500 rose 3.6%, and the Nasdaq Composite gained 5.2%.
Usana published its second quarter results on Aug. 4, and both sales and earnings for the period came in significantly worse than the average ******* yst estimates. In addition to the weak Q2 print, the company also issued new forward guidance that disappointed the market.
Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again. In 2009, a "Double Down" signal flashed for a little-known chipmaker called Nvidia. For the first time in years, that same "Total Conviction" signal is flashing for a company 1/100th the size of Nvidia. Continue »
In the second quarter, Usana recorded non-GAAP (adjusted) earnings of $0.07 per share on sales of roughly $223 million. The company's adjusted profit per share came in $0.50 below the level called for by the average ******* yst estimate, and revenue for the period was roughly $12 million lower than the average forecast. In addition to Q2 earnings that came in far below Wall Street's forecast and a meaningful sales miss, the company's Q2 report also arrived with disappointing forward guidance.
With its Q2 report, Usana announced that it would be taking a $29 million goodwill impairment charge on the value of its Hiya business. As a result, the company now expects to record a loss of roughly $11 million this year -- down from previous guidance for a profit between $20 million and $27 million. The company also lowered its full-year sales target.
#million #usana #company #signal
Usana published its second quarter results on Aug. 4, and both sales and earnings for the period came in significantly worse than the average ******* yst estimates. In addition to the weak Q2 print, the company also issued new forward guidance that disappointed the market.
Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again. In 2009, a "Double Down" signal flashed for a little-known chipmaker called Nvidia. For the first time in years, that same "Total Conviction" signal is flashing for a company 1/100th the size of Nvidia. Continue »
In the second quarter, Usana recorded non-GAAP (adjusted) earnings of $0.07 per share on sales of roughly $223 million. The company's adjusted profit per share came in $0.50 below the level called for by the average ******* yst estimate, and revenue for the period was roughly $12 million lower than the average forecast. In addition to Q2 earnings that came in far below Wall Street's forecast and a meaningful sales miss, the company's Q2 report also arrived with disappointing forward guidance.
With its Q2 report, Usana announced that it would be taking a $29 million goodwill impairment charge on the value of its Hiya business. As a result, the company now expects to record a loss of roughly $11 million this year -- down from previous guidance for a profit between $20 million and $27 million. The company also lowered its full-year sales target.
#million #usana #company #signal
2 months ago
Federal tax law gives laid-off workers with 401(k) loans until their tax return due date to roll over the offset amount, and that deadline could be as late as October.
Workers must fund the rollover with outside money like severance or savings, since the original loan proceeds were spent years earlier.
The extended deadline only applies to offsets from job separation, not missed-payment 'deemed distributions,' which are taxable and cannot be rolled over.
Are you ahead, or behind on retirement? SmartAsset's free tool can match you with a financial advisor in minutes to help you answer that today. Each advisor has been carefully vetted, and must act in your best interests. Don't waste another minute; learn more here.
A worker in her late 50s gets the layoff call and remembers the outstanding 401(k) loan she took two years ago. Somewhere in her memory sits a warning: repay it within 60 days or the IRS treats the balance as a taxable distribution, plus a possible 10% penalty. She is 58, so the penalty exposure feels real. The panic is understandable. It is also largely based on an outdated version of the rule.
#workers #deadline #federal
Workers must fund the rollover with outside money like severance or savings, since the original loan proceeds were spent years earlier.
The extended deadline only applies to offsets from job separation, not missed-payment 'deemed distributions,' which are taxable and cannot be rolled over.
Are you ahead, or behind on retirement? SmartAsset's free tool can match you with a financial advisor in minutes to help you answer that today. Each advisor has been carefully vetted, and must act in your best interests. Don't waste another minute; learn more here.
A worker in her late 50s gets the layoff call and remembers the outstanding 401(k) loan she took two years ago. Somewhere in her memory sits a warning: repay it within 60 days or the IRS treats the balance as a taxable distribution, plus a possible 10% penalty. She is 58, so the penalty exposure feels real. The panic is understandable. It is also largely based on an outdated version of the rule.
#workers #deadline #federal
2 months ago
Listen
(4 min)
The latest Market Talks covering Energy and Utilities. Published exclusively on Dow Jones Newswires at 4:20 ET, 12:20 ET and 16:50 ET.
1510 ET – Oil futures fall after the U.S. suspended plans for major attacks against Iran, while expectations of a negotiated solution to the conflict remain in question. “Previous negotiations have failed to produce a comprehensive agreement, and any diplomatic setback could reignite hostilities and the geopolitical risk premium,” says Nikos Tzabouras of Tradu. A deal to restore traffic through the strait could lead to deeper declines, while continued shipping disruptions and new risks in Red Sea leave the door open to further gains, he adds. WTI settles down 5.1% at $80.34 a barrel and Brent falls 4.7% to $83.77. (anthony.harrupwsj.com)
#energy
(4 min)
The latest Market Talks covering Energy and Utilities. Published exclusively on Dow Jones Newswires at 4:20 ET, 12:20 ET and 16:50 ET.
1510 ET – Oil futures fall after the U.S. suspended plans for major attacks against Iran, while expectations of a negotiated solution to the conflict remain in question. “Previous negotiations have failed to produce a comprehensive agreement, and any diplomatic setback could reignite hostilities and the geopolitical risk premium,” says Nikos Tzabouras of Tradu. A deal to restore traffic through the strait could lead to deeper declines, while continued shipping disruptions and new risks in Red Sea leave the door open to further gains, he adds. WTI settles down 5.1% at $80.34 a barrel and Brent falls 4.7% to $83.77. (anthony.harrupwsj.com)
#energy
2 months ago
Coinbase (NASDAQ: COIN) CEO Brian Armstrong recently claimed that the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) agents would boost cryptocurrency adoption. In a post on X, Armstrong said AI agents will need their own financial infrastructure and will eventually transact far more per day than all humans combined." Since AI agents can't open bank accounts or wait for wire transfers, Armstrong believes they will need to use cryptocurrencies as 'real-time programmable money'.
It might seem odd to think that AI agents will need their own money, but it actually makes sense if we expect those agents to work autonomously. Let's see how that could happen, and what that shift might mean for cryptocurrency investors over the long term.
Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again. In 2009, a "Double Down" signal flashed for a little-known chipmaker called Nvidia. For the first time in years, that same "Total Conviction" signal is flashing for a company 1/100th the size of Nvidia. Continue »
Coinbase's own Base network already supports the development of AI agents. Armstrong believes those agents will eventually "need to hold funds and pay for things on their own" and "raise or borrow money for new projects they are undertaking." By doing so, they can serve as financial advisors and automate tax planning, portfolio rebalancing, and bill-paying tasks. They can also pay for other on-demand cloud and AI services to complete their own workflows.
Therefore, AI agents could operate independently and pay one another using cryptocurrencies rather than going through conventional banks. If that happens, cryptocurrencies would become a foundational layer of the agentic AI market.
#armstrong #flashing #financial
It might seem odd to think that AI agents will need their own money, but it actually makes sense if we expect those agents to work autonomously. Let's see how that could happen, and what that shift might mean for cryptocurrency investors over the long term.
Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again. In 2009, a "Double Down" signal flashed for a little-known chipmaker called Nvidia. For the first time in years, that same "Total Conviction" signal is flashing for a company 1/100th the size of Nvidia. Continue »
Coinbase's own Base network already supports the development of AI agents. Armstrong believes those agents will eventually "need to hold funds and pay for things on their own" and "raise or borrow money for new projects they are undertaking." By doing so, they can serve as financial advisors and automate tax planning, portfolio rebalancing, and bill-paying tasks. They can also pay for other on-demand cloud and AI services to complete their own workflows.
Therefore, AI agents could operate independently and pay one another using cryptocurrencies rather than going through conventional banks. If that happens, cryptocurrencies would become a foundational layer of the agentic AI market.
#armstrong #flashing #financial
2 months ago
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Oil markets won't be able to absorb another blow to supplies if conflict with Iran resumes in the near future, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
In a recent blog post, the IMF said markets had depleted a trio of "shock absorbers" that kept crude prices from skyrocketing to record-setting levels (1).
Jeff Bezos backs a platform that lets anyone invest in rental homes for as little as $100 — 6 ways to build wealth like a landlord without actually being one
JPMorgan still sees gold hitting $5,000/oz by Q4 — and savvy investors are protecting their wealth with a tax-advantaged Gold IRA. Learn more with a free guide from Priority Gold
#finance #Iran #international #fund
Oil markets won't be able to absorb another blow to supplies if conflict with Iran resumes in the near future, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
In a recent blog post, the IMF said markets had depleted a trio of "shock absorbers" that kept crude prices from skyrocketing to record-setting levels (1).
Jeff Bezos backs a platform that lets anyone invest in rental homes for as little as $100 — 6 ways to build wealth like a landlord without actually being one
JPMorgan still sees gold hitting $5,000/oz by Q4 — and savvy investors are protecting their wealth with a tax-advantaged Gold IRA. Learn more with a free guide from Priority Gold
#finance #Iran #international #fund
2 months ago
Goldman Sachs Trust's $2.4 billion portfolio signals strong institutional conviction on NVIDIA and Microsoft, with **** yst targets 25-31% above current prices.
Alphabet posted 82% quarterly earnings growth while Amazon holds 62 buy ratings, reinforcing the AI infrastructure thesis across the entire mega-cap cohort.
NVIDIA's 7-day retail sentiment dropped 21 points while prediction markets price a $216 July close versus the $302 **** yst consensus target.
Act now: the **** yst who called NVIDIA in 2010 just named his top 10 AI stocks — and Microsoft didn't make the cut. Grab the names FREE today.
Wall Street's institutional consensus on the mega-cap tech complex housed in Goldman Sachs Trust's $2.4 billion, 724-position portfolio is unambiguously bullish, with **** yst price targets sitting 31.0% and 25%+ above current prices on the two names carrying the widest gaps. Buy-side conviction has not blinked despite a rough July for the group, and the smart money is positioned for a re-rating higher on AI infrastructure earnings power.
#analyst #institutional
Alphabet posted 82% quarterly earnings growth while Amazon holds 62 buy ratings, reinforcing the AI infrastructure thesis across the entire mega-cap cohort.
NVIDIA's 7-day retail sentiment dropped 21 points while prediction markets price a $216 July close versus the $302 **** yst consensus target.
Act now: the **** yst who called NVIDIA in 2010 just named his top 10 AI stocks — and Microsoft didn't make the cut. Grab the names FREE today.
Wall Street's institutional consensus on the mega-cap tech complex housed in Goldman Sachs Trust's $2.4 billion, 724-position portfolio is unambiguously bullish, with **** yst price targets sitting 31.0% and 25%+ above current prices on the two names carrying the widest gaps. Buy-side conviction has not blinked despite a rough July for the group, and the smart money is positioned for a re-rating higher on AI infrastructure earnings power.
#analyst #institutional
2 months ago
Some offers on this page are from advertisers who pay us, which may affect which products we write about, but not our recommendations. See our Advertiser Disclosure.
Silver (SI=F) September futures opened at $56.71 per ounce on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, down -0.6% from Monday's closing price. The silver price moved highe this morning, reaching $59.38 as of 8:53 a.m. ET.
Unlike gold, silver's price is driven by two primary forces, industrial demand and investor demand. Both have waned. High silver prices earlier in 2026 have contributed to double-digit declines in factory demand in some sectors. Many investors have moved away from silver also, amid expectations that inflation could keep interest rates high.
Adding complexity to silver's price dynamic is a multiyear silver shortage — 2026 will be the sixth year silver mining hasn't supported the usage. Silver is primarily produced as a byproduct of mining other metals, so production levels hinge on demand for gold, copper, lead, and zinc more so than silver's price.
Silver may be oversold, but many investors are likely awaiting definitive news on the U.S. interest rate outlook before driving the metal's price up again.
#demand #moved
Silver (SI=F) September futures opened at $56.71 per ounce on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, down -0.6% from Monday's closing price. The silver price moved highe this morning, reaching $59.38 as of 8:53 a.m. ET.
Unlike gold, silver's price is driven by two primary forces, industrial demand and investor demand. Both have waned. High silver prices earlier in 2026 have contributed to double-digit declines in factory demand in some sectors. Many investors have moved away from silver also, amid expectations that inflation could keep interest rates high.
Adding complexity to silver's price dynamic is a multiyear silver shortage — 2026 will be the sixth year silver mining hasn't supported the usage. Silver is primarily produced as a byproduct of mining other metals, so production levels hinge on demand for gold, copper, lead, and zinc more so than silver's price.
Silver may be oversold, but many investors are likely awaiting definitive news on the U.S. interest rate outlook before driving the metal's price up again.
#demand #moved
2 months ago
Investment firm William Blair recently cut its estimates for Coinbase (NASDAQ: COIN), the largest U.S. cryptocurrency exchange. Interestingly, it also reiterated an outperform rating for Coinbase, suggested that clients stay invested, and advised that the crypto market could be near its bottom.
Coinbase stock has plummeted over the last year, from an all-time high of $445 on July 17, 2025, to $157 as of July 17, 2026. Here are the details on William Blair's ***** ysis and whether this is a good buying opportunity for Coinbase.
Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again. In 2009, a "Double Down" signal flashed for a little-known chipmaker called Nvidia. For the first time in years, that same "Total Conviction" signal is flashing for a company 1/100th the size of Nvidia. Continue »
William Blair reduced annual revenue estimates for Coinbase by 12% in 2026 and 13% in 2027. It also cut its EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) estimates by 34% for both years, and it expects Coinbase's trading volume to fall 44% to $669 billion in 2026.
These predictions make sense when you consider Coinbase's dependence on the crypto market and how the bear market has already affected it. Coinbase reported revenue of $1.4 billion in Q1 2026, a 31% year-over-year decrease. The crypto exchange also had a net loss of $394 million that quarter, compared to net income of $66 million in Q1 2025.
#Crypto
Coinbase stock has plummeted over the last year, from an all-time high of $445 on July 17, 2025, to $157 as of July 17, 2026. Here are the details on William Blair's ***** ysis and whether this is a good buying opportunity for Coinbase.
Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again. In 2009, a "Double Down" signal flashed for a little-known chipmaker called Nvidia. For the first time in years, that same "Total Conviction" signal is flashing for a company 1/100th the size of Nvidia. Continue »
William Blair reduced annual revenue estimates for Coinbase by 12% in 2026 and 13% in 2027. It also cut its EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) estimates by 34% for both years, and it expects Coinbase's trading volume to fall 44% to $669 billion in 2026.
These predictions make sense when you consider Coinbase's dependence on the crypto market and how the bear market has already affected it. Coinbase reported revenue of $1.4 billion in Q1 2026, a 31% year-over-year decrease. The crypto exchange also had a net loss of $394 million that quarter, compared to net income of $66 million in Q1 2025.
#Crypto
2 months ago
Some offers on this page are from advertisers who pay us, which may affect which products we write about, but not our recommendations. See our Advertiser Disclosure.
Mortgage rates are lower than this time last year, but they're still nowhere near the 3% range we saw in 2020 and 2021. However, there is a way to lower your mortgage costs: a buydown interest rate.
With this method, you pay more at closing to lower your mortgage interest rate. While it costs more money up front, it can lead to greater savings over the life of the loan. But it's a more beneficial tactic if you plan to stay in the home for a while — the longer you keep the mortgage, the more you'll save by buying down the rate.
While there are perks to having a lower mortgage rate, there are also factors to consider before buying down your interest rate.
When you buy down your mortgage rate, you pay extra money at closing to purchase points that essentially lower your interest rate.
#mortgage #down #closing
Mortgage rates are lower than this time last year, but they're still nowhere near the 3% range we saw in 2020 and 2021. However, there is a way to lower your mortgage costs: a buydown interest rate.
With this method, you pay more at closing to lower your mortgage interest rate. While it costs more money up front, it can lead to greater savings over the life of the loan. But it's a more beneficial tactic if you plan to stay in the home for a while — the longer you keep the mortgage, the more you'll save by buying down the rate.
While there are perks to having a lower mortgage rate, there are also factors to consider before buying down your interest rate.
When you buy down your mortgage rate, you pay extra money at closing to purchase points that essentially lower your interest rate.
#mortgage #down #closing
2 months ago
Heartland Advisors, an investment management company, released its second-quarter 2026 investor letter for "Heartland Value Fund". A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. The AI trend continues to drive the market in the quarter. Small-cap stocks continue to outperform, with the Russell 2000® Index rising 21.49% in the quarter. The Heartland Value Fund gained 17.05% in the quarter, compared with the 17.19% return for the Russell 2000® Value Index. In addition, you can check the Fund's top 5 holdings to determine its best picks for 2026.
In its Q2 2026 investor letter, Heartland Value Fund highlighted Unitil Corporation (NYSE:UTL). Unitil Corporation (NYSE:UTL) is a public utility holding company that engages in the distribution of electricity and natural gas. On July 14, 2026, Unitil Corporation (NYSE:UTL) closed at $53.62 per share, reflecting a market capitalization of $964.67 million. Unitil Corporation (NYSE:UTL) posted a one-month return of 5.00%, while its shares gained 5.20% over the past 52 weeks.
Heartland Value Fund stated the following regarding Unitil Corporation (NYSE:UTL) in its Q2 2026 investor update:
"Another example of us splitting from the herd is in Utilities. The sector was one of our detractors when it came to security selection during the quarter. But many of these companies have been indirect beneficiaries of the AI infrastructure buildout and have seen their valuations climb. In our opinion, it does not make sense to take on AI related risks in this part of the market especially given current Utility valuations.
An example of a traditional Utility that we favor and that is not related to AI play is Unitil Corporation (NYSE:UTL), an interstate gas and electric company that serves the northern East Coast. Maine and New Hampshire are the two largest markets for homes heated by fuel oil in the U.S. In Maine, the high cost of powering homes is weighing on consumers, many of whom are considering switching to natural gas. If consumers switch, they could reduce their energy bills by around 45% or more..." (Click here to read the full text)
In its Q2 2026 investor letter, Heartland Value Fund highlighted Unitil Corporation (NYSE:UTL). Unitil Corporation (NYSE:UTL) is a public utility holding company that engages in the distribution of electricity and natural gas. On July 14, 2026, Unitil Corporation (NYSE:UTL) closed at $53.62 per share, reflecting a market capitalization of $964.67 million. Unitil Corporation (NYSE:UTL) posted a one-month return of 5.00%, while its shares gained 5.20% over the past 52 weeks.
Heartland Value Fund stated the following regarding Unitil Corporation (NYSE:UTL) in its Q2 2026 investor update:
"Another example of us splitting from the herd is in Utilities. The sector was one of our detractors when it came to security selection during the quarter. But many of these companies have been indirect beneficiaries of the AI infrastructure buildout and have seen their valuations climb. In our opinion, it does not make sense to take on AI related risks in this part of the market especially given current Utility valuations.
An example of a traditional Utility that we favor and that is not related to AI play is Unitil Corporation (NYSE:UTL), an interstate gas and electric company that serves the northern East Coast. Maine and New Hampshire are the two largest markets for homes heated by fuel oil in the U.S. In Maine, the high cost of powering homes is weighing on consumers, many of whom are considering switching to natural gas. If consumers switch, they could reduce their energy bills by around 45% or more..." (Click here to read the full text)
3 months ago
With PE dealmaking and exit values dropping significantly in Q2, the private credit market is eager for exit opportunities. One saving grace has been strategic, non-sponsored transactions, according to Morningstar DBRS.
Data compiled by DBRS on discontinued private credit ratings show that an increasing number of borrower sales are related to strategic buyers, a separate category from sponsor-to-sponsor exits, according to a July 8 report.
"While private equity exit activity remains generally suppressed across the middle market, we are encouraged to see growing involvement from non-private equity corporate buyers and the public markets in providing liquidity," said report author Michael Dimler, senior vice president of private corporate credit at DBRS.
For the twelve months through July 3, 2026, more than half of ratings discontinuations related to sponsor exits were attributable to strategic buyers or IPOs, according to DBRS.
Several companies in recent months have announced plans to use IPO proceeds to repay their private credit loans. Applied Aerospace & Defense Inc. announced on May 8 that it would partially repay its $1.02 billion in outstanding debt with proceeds from an IPO. Other companies paying down debt with IPO proceeds include the AI tech developer Syntiant and defense technology company Aevex Corporation.
Data compiled by DBRS on discontinued private credit ratings show that an increasing number of borrower sales are related to strategic buyers, a separate category from sponsor-to-sponsor exits, according to a July 8 report.
"While private equity exit activity remains generally suppressed across the middle market, we are encouraged to see growing involvement from non-private equity corporate buyers and the public markets in providing liquidity," said report author Michael Dimler, senior vice president of private corporate credit at DBRS.
For the twelve months through July 3, 2026, more than half of ratings discontinuations related to sponsor exits were attributable to strategic buyers or IPOs, according to DBRS.
Several companies in recent months have announced plans to use IPO proceeds to repay their private credit loans. Applied Aerospace & Defense Inc. announced on May 8 that it would partially repay its $1.02 billion in outstanding debt with proceeds from an IPO. Other companies paying down debt with IPO proceeds include the AI tech developer Syntiant and defense technology company Aevex Corporation.
3 months ago
Updated July 08, 2026, 9:17 am EDT / Original July 08, 2026, 5:22 am EDT
The world’s hottest index has been dragged into a technical bear market as the memory-chip selloff gathered pace Wednesday. But there’s reason to believe it can recover and trade higher over the next 18 months.
Copyright ©2026 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 87990cbe856818d5eddac44c7b1cdeb8
The world’s hottest index has been dragged into a technical bear market as the memory-chip selloff gathered pace Wednesday. But there’s reason to believe it can recover and trade higher over the next 18 months.
Copyright ©2026 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 87990cbe856818d5eddac44c7b1cdeb8
