While I buy most of my clothes from Amazon, when I needed a new wardrobe for a video shoot, my wife and I went on a tour of local retailers.
Since I needed shirts that would hold up well in hot weather, we went to Target and Bass Pro Shops, and as much as I don't like trying clothes on, I took advantage of the stores' dressing rooms.
I'm not alone in wanting to try things on before I buy.
"The opportunity to try on clothes and test products is a major driver of store traffic, with 52% of consumers surveyed saying they go to stores instead of shopping online because of this. References to trying on/testing products surged 32% YoY on average at retailers and were up 58% at beauty retailers," according to a Chatmeter report published last year.
People, me included, like seeing what they're buying before committing to a purchase.

#went #stores #amazon

Through three weeks of the 2026 high school football season, junior running back Mykheal Smith continuously showed that he was a worthy addition to Burke County after transferring from Richmond Academy in the offseason. He averaged over 100 total yards a night and scored two touchdowns during that span, while also being tasked with playing in the secondary for the Bears at safety.
Heading into a Week 4 matchup versus a Jones County squad that had allowed at least 40 points during the previous three weeks, it seemed like Smith and the Bears were in prime position to put up big numbers en route to a win.
That couldn't be further from what happened. The Greyhounds dominated the Bears in a 35-0 rout on Friday, Sept. 11. On offense they got whatever they wanted, particularly when it came to their rushing attack. Defensively, they forced four fumbles that were recovered and led to scores. The turnovers in particular will be a point of emphasis going forward for Burke County.
"It's one of those things where we just didn't get it done in terms of taking care of the football," Bears head coach Franklin Stephens said. "It's one of those things we've been stressing, especially after two weeks ago when we had a bunch of turnovers and fumbles."
Even beyond the turnover problems, Burke County didn't have much going when they did have the football. Outside of a near 30-yard punt return for Smith, he was relatively quiet on the night ― as was the rest of the offense.

#burke

Corn futures were busy squaring up ahead of the Friday USDA report, closing Thursday with gains of 5 to 7 cents across the board. The CmdtyView national average Cash Corn price was up 6 cents at $4.87.
The weekly EIA report showed ethanol production at 1.099 million barrels per day in the week of 9/4, down 11,000 bpd from the week prior. Stocks saw a 152,000 barrel increase to 25.187 million barrels, which is 10.29% above the same week last year.
Arabica Coffee Falls Sharply on ICO Projections for Record Coffee Production
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Can Soybeans Remain in the Teens?

#million #USDA

Soybeans were in rally mode on Thursday, with contracts 13 to 22 cents higher across most contracts. The cmdtyView national average Cash Bean price was up 22 1/2 cents at $12.74 ½. Soymeal futures saw gains of $2.30 to $5.50, as Soy Oil rallied 102 to 135 points.
USDA reported private export sale announcements of 272,000 MT of soybeans to China for 2026/27 and 206,500 MT of 2026/27 beans to unknown destinations this morning. Weekly Export Sales data will be out on Friday morning, with ****** ysts surveyed by Reuters looking for no sales to net cancellations of 500,000 MT for 2025/26 soybeans. New crop sales are seen in a range of 1 to 2.6 MMT in the week of September 3. Soybean meal sales are expected to be in a range of 150,000 to 950,000 MT, with 0 to 12,000 MT
Arabica Coffee Falls Sharply on ICO Projections for Record Coffee Production
Sugar Prices Climb as Crude Oil Soars
Can Soybeans Remain in the Teens?

#export #cash

Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ:PTEN) reported on September 7 that it averaged 101 revenue-earning drilling rigs in the United States during August and 100 over the two months ended August 31.
The count measures rigs earning revenue under drilling contracts. The announcement provided no day rates, contract duration, utilization by rig class, or margins. Management explicitly cautioned that rig-count trends alone may not indicate financial performance.
For investors, the update supplies evidence that customers are putting equipment to work. Whether that activity produces better returns depends on the revenue earned and costs incurred for each contracted rig.
The two-month average is consistent with management's earlier outlook for approximately 100 U.S. rigs in the third quarter, compared with 92 in the second quarter. That supports an activity recovery from the prior quarter, although September will determine the final quarterly average.
There is also pricing evidence outside the monthly release. In its July 29 results, Patterson-UTI Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ:PTEN) said recently awarded term contracts carried approximately 10% to 15% higher pricing than levels at the start of the year. Management attributed that improvement to higher demand and customer interest in structural rig upgrades. Those increases applied to recently awarded contracts, rather than the entire fleet.

#rigs #energy #pten

NBA ticket prices are turning live basketball into a luxury appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The NBA sells access to its biggest moments, but opening-week prices for the 2026-27 season suggest that access increasingly belongs to fans with deep pockets. SeatPick examined the 41 games on the schedule from Oct. 20 through Oct. 25 and calculated a $326 average ticket price across the league.
That figure already represents a serious commitment for one seat. The market becomes even more extreme around marquee teams and matchups. At the opposite end, several fanbases can enter the building for a fraction of that amount. The result resembles two different NBA experiences: one that invites broad participation and another that treats entry as a luxury purchase.
Demand will always separate a major event from an ordinary night on the schedule. Still, a league fueled by emotional investment should care when its most devoted supporters can follow the moment more easily than they can afford to witness it.
Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)

#schedule #preferred

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Mortgage rates are the highest they've been in well over a year, and the Federal Reserve is considering a rate hike, while the bond market is reaching multi-year yields. What will it take for mortgage rates to finally move down?
See today's best rates.
No. As of Sept. 10, Freddie Mac reported that the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage rate was 6.76%. This is five basis points higher than last week. At this time in September 2025, mortgage rates averaged 6.35%, 41 basis points lower.
The average 15-year fixed mortgage rate this week was 6.09%, up five basis points from last week, and 59 basis points higher than this time last year.

#points #week #average

The S&P 500 Index ($SPX) (SPY) closed down -0.58% on Thursday, the Dow Jones Industrial Average ($DOWI) (DIA) closed down -0.60%, and the Nasdaq 100 Index ($IUXX) (QQQ) closed down -1.08%. E-mini S&P futures (ESU26) fell -0.61%, and September E-mini Nasdaq futures (NQU26) fell -1.07%.
Stock indexes settled lower on Thursday, with the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrials dropping to 5-week lows. Soaring energy prices pushed global bond yields sharply higher on Thursday, weighing on stocks. WTI crude oil surged more than +6% on Thursday to a 3.5-month high amid fears that the US-Iran war will persist, increasing inflation risks and prompting the world's central banks to keep raising interest rates. The 10-year UK Gilt yield jumped to a 19-year high today of 5.38%, the 10-year German Bund yield surged to a 17-year high of 3.51%, and the 10-year T-note yield rose to a 2.75-year high of 4.96%.
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#thursday #Stock

Nvidia (NVDA) stock inched lower on Sept. 10 following reports that the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is intensifying its regulatory scrutiny of the ****** an's $17 billion deal with artificial intelligence (AI) startup Groq.
As investors reacted to the DOJ news, NVDA tanked below its 20-day moving average (MA) today, indicating the downward momentum may sustain in the near term.
Why It's Time to Load Up on Intel Stock
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang Just Called CrowdStrike Its Top Security Partner. How to Play CRWD Stock Here.
Google Plans to Build Mammoth Solar Farm on an Abandoned Coal Mine. This Penny Stock Just Won the Deal.

#NVIDIA #load

Biohaven (BHVN) stock plummeted Thursday after the company paused enrollment in a midstage study of its seizure treatment due to safety concerns.
The Food and Drug Administration is now requiring Biohaven to ***** s the potential for human toxicity from a metabolite in the drug, opakalim. Opakalim is in testing as a treatment for focal onset seizures. But, in rats, it proved toxic.
Dosing is still ongoing. But the rodent toxicity setback likely delays potential regulatory approval. That's a boon for Xenon Pharmaceuticals (XENE), which is in late-stage testing with its drug, azetukalner. Both drugs work by opening potassium channels in the nervous system to calm overactive brain cells.
On the stock market today, Biohaven stock dropped 14.7% to 12.79. Shares fell below their 21-day and 50-day moving averages on the news, MarketSurge shows. Xenon stock slid a fraction to 58.80.
To ask for FDA approval, Biohaven will need the results of studies called RISE-2 and RISE-3. The hold was placed on the former, but the latter is still ongoing. The company expects to have the results from RISE-3 later this year.

#toxicity

Investors hammered Cooper Companies (COO) on Thursday after the medtech's fiscal third-quarter sales lagged Wall Street's expectations, leading to a guidance cut.
Specifically, the CooperVision segment — which sells contact lenses — missed expectations by 4.5%, William Blair **** yst Steven Lichtman said in a report. The miss was due to destocking. Further, the company opted against selling its CooperSurgical business following a strategic review.
"The 'no sale' is a surprise after management highlighted prospective buyers on the last earnings call," he said. "With CVI (CooperVision) results also disappointing, the stock moves back into the penalty box."
On today's stock market, Cooper Companies shares toppled 14.7%, closing at 54.17. Shares are already trading well below their key moving averages, IBD MarketSurge charts show.
Cooper said it couldn't sell the surgical division due to competition for its implantable contraceptive, Paragard, an intrauterine device. In June, Organon (OGN) licensed Miudella, a rival to Cooper's non-hormonal IUD. Cooper is also facing fertility litigation, BofA Securities **** yst Travis Steed said in a note to clients.

#Companies #expectations #investors #wall

FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE:FE), through its Potomac Edison subsidiary, proposed a $52.8 million Maryland distribution-rate adjustment to support investment in aging infrastructure, grid modernization and electric-system reliability. If approved, the request would increase the average residential customer's monthly bill by approximately 5.3%.
Potomac Edison said its electric rates were 25% below the average of its in-state peers as of June 1. The utility expects its residential rates to remain the lowest among Maryland's investor-owned electric utilities even after the proposed adjustment.
The proposed reliability program includes Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition technology, replacement of substation reclosers, new circuit ties and automation, overhead-conductor upgrades, aging underground-cable replacement and removal of high-risk trees near power lines. The Maryland Public Service Commission must review and approve the request before any adjustment can take effect.
The proposal connects the requested revenue to specific reliability investments. SCADA technology can give operators greater visibility into system conditions, while reclosers, circuit ties, and automation can isolate problems and reroute electricity. These capabilities can reduce the number of customers affected by outages and shorten restoration times.
Reconductoring, underground-cable replacement and vegetation management address physical causes of service interruptions. The investments could also improve resilience during severe weather, potentially lowering emergency-response costs and reducing the disruption experienced by customers.

#proposed #maryland #aging

First Citizens BancShares, Inc. (NASDAQ:FCNCA), through its First-Citizens Bank & Trust Company subsidiary, completed the acquisition of 138 BMO Bank N.A. branches on September 4. The locations span 11 states across the Midwest, Great Plains and West.
The completion announcement did not disclose final transferred balances. At the announcement, First Citizens BancShares, Inc. (NASDAQ:FCNCA) expected to ****** ume approximately $5.7 billion of deposits and acquire $1.1 billion of loans. Its July 2026 update lowered those estimates to $5.3 billion and $700 million, respectively. Both estimates imply roughly $4.6 billion of net liquidity. That difference represents funding capacity, not transaction income, and remains subject to final balances and acquisition accounting.
The deposit franchise could be the transaction's most valuable ****** et. At announcement, the acquired deposits carried a weighted average rate of 1.43%, with 21% in noninterest-bearing demand accounts. First Citizens BancShares, Inc. (NASDAQ:FCNCA) reported a 2.07% average total deposit cost in the second quarter of 2026. Retaining the acquired accounts near their original pricing could lower the consolidated funding cost.
The 138 branches also establish or deepen a presence across 11 states. The original transaction presentation identified approximately $1.0 billion of wealth ****** ets under management, creating opportunities to cross-sell commercial lending, treasury services, and wealth products. Retaining branch personnel could help preserve local relationships.
First Citizens BancShares, Inc. (NASDAQ:FCNCA) can deploy the surplus funding in several ways. As of June 30, 2026, the company held $151.03 billion of loans and $32.19 billion of borrowings, including a $28.42 billion purchase money note owed to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. The acquired liquidity could support loan growth, replace more expensive funding, or be invested in securities. The original presentation projected immediate earnings-per-share accretion and an approximately 27-basis-point reduction in the Common Equity Tier 1 capital ratio.

#billion #first #citizens

XPO, Inc. (NYSE:XPO) reported that preliminary August 2026 North American less-than-truckload, or LTL, tonnage per day increased 3.7% from a year earlier. Shipments per day rose 5.7%, while average weight per shipment declined 1.8%. Final July figures showed tonnage per day increasing 5.8%, shipments per day rising 5.9%, and weight per shipment slipping 0.2%.
The two months indicate stronger shipment activity, but August's wider gap between shipment and tonnage growth points to lighter freight. The investment question is whether XPO, Inc. (NYSE:XPO) can convert additional shipments into better network density and fixed-cost absorption without allowing extra handling costs to dilute margins.
Higher shipment counts can improve the utilization of routes, service centers, dock doors, and equipment. XPO, Inc. (NYSE:XPO) operates an ****** et-based North American LTL network that moves approximately 16 billion pounds of freight annually. More shipments moving through that infrastructure can spread terminal, technology, and equipment costs across a larger revenue base.
The second quarter provides evidence that XPO, Inc. (NYSE:XPO) has recently translated volume and pricing growth into stronger economics. North American LTL revenue increased 15.2% to $1.43 billion. Fuel-surcharge revenue accounted for part of that increase, rising to $314 million from $183 million. Separately, yield excluding fuel increased 4.4%, shipments per day rose 2.8%, and tonnage per day increased 1.0%.
XPO, Inc. (NYSE:XPO) reported a company-defined non-GAAP adjusted operating ratio of 79.9%, an improvement of 300 basis points. XPO, Inc. (NYSE:XPO) calculates adjusted operating ratio as one minus adjusted operating income divided by segment revenue, using unrounded amounts. Adjusted operating income removes amortization and restructuring costs and adjusts for gains on real estate transactions. XPO, Inc. (NYSE:XPO) also reported a damage claims ratio below 0.2%.

#adjusted #north #operating

Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc., the regulated utility subsidiary of Consolidated Edison, Inc. (NYSE:ED), joined New York regulatory staff and other parties in filing a proposed three-year steam-rate plan covering November 2026 through October 2029. Approval from the New York State Public Service Commission remains required.
The proposal includes headline base-rate changes of $13 million, $42 million and $39 million over the three rate years. A bill-shaping mechanism would instead implement corresponding base-rate increases of $26.6 million, $27.5 million and $28.5 million, producing an approximately 3.5% total customer-bill effect each year. Any revenue shortfall caused by delayed billing after the proposed November 1 effective date would be collected through a surcharge.
For Consolidated Edison, Inc. (NYSE:ED), the attraction is a visible investment and recovery framework. The trade-off is a 9.5% authorized return on common equity and limited room before earnings sharing begins.
The settlement supports $396 million of steam capital spending over three years, comprising $143 million, $127 million, and $126 million annually. The average rate base is projected to increase from $2.118 billion in the first rate year to $2.234 billion in the second and $2.311 billion in the third. That represents approximately 9.1% ***** ulative growth from the first year to the third, providing a larger base on which Consolidated Edison, Inc. (NYSE:ED) can earn its authorized return.
The multiyear structure also improves planning. Consolidated Edison, Inc. (NYSE:ED) would know the principal revenue, capital, and financing ***** umptions through October 2029 rather than returning immediately to a full rate proceeding. The proposed after-tax weighted average cost of capital rises from 7.07% to 7.19% across the plan, reflecting higher ***** umed long-term debt costs.

#million #consolidated #year #three

USA Rare Earth, Inc. (NASDAQ:USAR) announced on September 4 that it completed the Serra Verde acquisition one day earlier, paying $300 million in cash and issuing approximately 126.8 million common shares. The transaction adds Brazil's Pela Ema mine to Less Common Metals in the United Kingdom, the Stillwater, Oklahoma, magnet facility, and the Round Top project in Texas.
Serra Verde began production in January 2024 but is still completing optimization and commissioning. Stage 1 is expected to reach an annual run rate of approximately 4,000 metric tons of total rare-earth oxide, or TREO, by year-end 2026. Stage 2 construction targets average annual production of 6,400 metric tons, with commissioning expected to begin within 12 months.
Serra Verde had $425 million of principal outstanding under its U.S. International Development Finance Corporation loan at June 30. At closing, a $100 million tranche was extinguished after related warrants were exercised, leaving approximately $325 million of principal. The unaudited pro forma combined balance sheet reported a $304.1 million debt carrying value after discounts and issuance costs.
Serra Verde gives USA Rare Earth, Inc. (NASDAQ:USAR) a producing source of dysprosium, terbium, and other rare earths used in permanent magnets. Combining mining, metals, alloys, and magnet manufacturing could capture more of the value chain outside Asia.
The Phase 1 offtake agreement supports revenue visibility. It covers 100% of Pela Ema's Phase 1 products, subject to limited carve-outs, and includes escalating price floors annually. The counterparty is a special-purpose vehicle capitalized by the U.S. government and private investors. The arrangement provides contractual price protection, subject to the counterparty's performance.

#earth #approximately #NASDAQ #usar

Backup center Ryan Hollins was the fourth player in Charlotte Hornets franchise history to wear the No. 1, doing so for a brief stretch as a member of the Charlotte Bobcats. A former No. 50 overall pick out of UCLA, Hollins played two and a half seasons in Charlotte before being traded along with Matt Carroll to the Dallas Mavericks for DeSagana Diop.
In 105 games for the Bobcats, Hollins averaged 2.6 points, 1.7 rebounds, 0.2 **** ists, 0.2 steals and 0.5 blocks. Following his time in Charlotte, Hollins would go on to play seven more seasons, giving himself an impressive 10-year NBA career. In 518 career appearances, Hollins averaged 3.7 points, 2.2 rebounds, 0.3 **** ists, 0.2 steals and 0.5 blocks. Since his playing days, Hollins has served as a basketball **** yst and pundit for a variety of different outlets.
Throughout the season, Rookie Wire is documenting the jersey number history of the Charlotte Hornets
Previous: Tony Delk, Robert Parish, Spencer Hawes, Theron Smith, Jeff McInnis, Larry Hughes, Bismack Biyombo, Briante Weber, Miles Bridges, Muggsy Bogues, Baron Davis, Jason Hart
For more NBA content, check out the BasketBaltes podcast:

#hollins #seasons

25-year-old Guardians LHP Parker Messick made his MLB debut last August, and so far the results have been pretty spectacular. Even if they're helped a little by a lucky batting average on **** in play (he's at .264 for the season, the MLB average is .289). That's not a crazy outlier though, I don't think. Messick relies heavily on a 94-ish fastball and slightly slower sinker; that combo has been dynamite for him this season. He'll frequently mix in a change, less frequently some breaking stuff.
75 years ago, Bill Veeck pulled one of his signature wacky baseball stunts. He signed 3'7" Eddie Gaedel to the Browns' roster and had him pinch-hit in a game. Gaedel drew a walk — obviously his strike zone was small — and Veeck replaced him with a pinch-runner. The pinch-runner didn't score
Now, Veeck owned the St. Louis Browns at that time, not the team in Cleveland. (So this is kinda the wrong week for this post. I thought this happened in Cleveland, until I started writing it.)
But Veeck had owned the Indians for four years, selling them in 1950 when he needed money for a divorce settlement. And had done some notable things with the team, like signing the first Negro League player to join the American League, Larry Doby. (When manager Lou Boudreau introduced Doby to the team, three players refused to shake his hand — and Veeck got rid of all three.) In 1949, Veeck signed Satchel Paige, the oldest rookie to ever play in MLB at the age of 41; he'd pitch 155.2 innings over two seasons for the team (and then became a two-time All-Star with the Browns).
Veeck claimed the idea of using a small person as a pinch-hitter was his own notion… however, there'd been a 1941 story in The Saturday Evening Post called "You Could Look it Up" by James Thurber, author of "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty." You can read the Thurber story here, if you like. It has paintings by Norman Rockwell which are very detailed and striking, as usual:

#pinch #cleveland

The S&P 500 Index ($SPX) (SPY) is down -0.54% today, the Dow Jones Industrial Average ($DOWI) (DIA) is down -0.32%, and the Nasdaq 100 Index ($IUXX) (QQQ) is down -0.96%. E-mini S&P futures (ESU26) are down -0.50%, and September E-mini Nasdaq futures (NQU26) are down -0.93%.
Stock indexes are falling today, with the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrials dropping to 5-week lows. Soaring energy prices are pushing global bond yields higher today, weighing on stocks. WTI crude oil is up more than +3% today at a 3.5-month high amid fears that the US-Iran war will persist, increasing inflation risks and prompting the world's central banks to keep raising interest rates. The 10-year UK Gilt yield rose to a 19-year high today of 5.34%, the 10-year German Bund yield climbed to a 15-year high of 3.49%, and the 10-year T-note yield rose to a 2.75-year high of 4.92%.
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RKLB Stock Jumps as Rocket Lab Debuts New Solar Cell for ****** e

#index

Prosper Stars & Stripes, a long/short equity fund, recently released its second-quarter 2026 investor letter. The letter can be downloaded here. In Q2 2026, the portfolio delivered a strong net return of +30.1% compared to the Russell 2000 Index's +21.5% return and the HFRX Equity Hedge Index's +10.3% return. The long book drove performance, generating a 43.2% gross contribution, while average net exposure remained relatively modest at 47%. U.S. economic growth remained resilient despite inflation concerns, elevated energy prices, and geopolitical uncertainty. Markets rallied sharply after easing U.S.-Iran tensions pushed oil prices lower, supporting renewed risk appetite. Small-cap equities benefited significantly, with Information Technology, Industrials, and Health Care leading gains, while Energy declined as crude prices fell. Year to date, the Composite returned +23.7%, slightly ahead of the Russell 2000's +22.6% and well above the HFRI Equity Hedge Index's +9.7%. Additionally, you can review the Portfolio's top 5 holdings to see its best picks for 2026.
In its second-quarter 2026 investor letter, Prosper Stars & Stripes highlighted TechTarget, Inc. (NASDAQ:TTGT) as the largest contributor to the portfolio's short book. TechTarget, Inc. (NASDAQ:TTGT) provides sales and support of purchase intent-driven advertising campaigns. On September 9, 2026, TechTarget, Inc. (NASDAQ:TTGT) closed at $3.89 per share. Over the past month, TechTarget, Inc. (NASDAQ:TTGT) returned 1.57% and its shares lost 35.17% over the past 52 weeks. TechTarget, Inc. (NASDAQ:TTGT) has a market capitalization of $281.37 million, and its stock has traded within a 52-week range of $3.37 to $7.15.
Prosper Stars & Stripes stated the following regarding TechTarget, Inc. (NASDAQ:TTGT) in its Q2 2026 investor letter:
"TechTarget, Inc. (NASDAQ:TTGT) was the largest contributor to our short book during the quarter. The company monetizes the purchase research behavior of enterprise IT buyers by operating a network of websites where buyers register to consume technical content, then selling those intent signals as leads to IT vendors. We first shorted the company after it completed a value-destroying acquisition in December 2024 that led to significant impairment charges in Q1 2025 and again in Q1 2026. We believe AI is likely to dismantle search-based discovery and commoditize content, the two pillars of TechTarget's value propositions. Results have validated our concerns, with management describing its market as mature, with 2% to 3% top-line growth, and EBITDA margins that peaked in 2022 falling to 7% in Q1 2026. Notably, revenue growth began deteriorating before ChatGPT launched in November 2022, suggesting that problems run deeper than AI alone. We continue to believe generative AI will weigh on TechTarget's prospects and remain short the company."

#techtarget #NASDAQ

Prosper Stars & Stripes, a long/short equity fund, recently released its second-quarter 2026 investor letter. The letter can be downloaded here. In Q2 2026, the portfolio delivered a strong net return of +30.1% compared to the Russell 2000 Index's +21.5% return and the HFRX Equity Hedge Index's +10.3% return. The long book drove performance, generating a 43.2% gross contribution, while average net exposure remained relatively modest at 47%. U.S. economic growth remained resilient despite inflation concerns, elevated energy prices, and geopolitical uncertainty. Markets rallied sharply after easing U.S.-Iran tensions pushed oil prices lower, supporting renewed risk appetite. Small-cap equities benefited significantly, with Information Technology, Industrials, and Health Care leading gains, while Energy declined as crude prices fell. Year to date, the Composite returned +23.7%, slightly ahead of the Russell 2000's +22.6% and well above the HFRI Equity Hedge Index's +9.7%. Additionally, you can review the Portfolio's top 5 holdings to see its best picks for 2026.
In its second-quarter 2026 investor letter, Prosper Stars & Stripes highlighted Ambiq Micro, Inc. (NYSE:AMBQ). Ambiq Micro, Inc. (NYSE:AMBQ), provides ultra-low-power semiconductor solutions, contributed to the portfolio's long book during the quarter. On September 09, 2026, Ambiq Micro, Inc. (NYSE:AMBQ) closed at $63.78 per share. Over the past quarter, Ambiq Micro, Inc. (NYSE:AMBQ) declined 0.89% and its shares gained 74.38% over the past 52 weeks. Ambiq Micro, Inc. (NYSE:AMBQ) has a market capitalization of $1.53 billion, and its stock has traded within a 52-week range of $22.12 to $91.61.
Prosper Stars & Stripes stated the following regarding Ambiq Micro, Inc. (NYSE:AMBQ) in its Q2 2026 investor letter:
"Ambiq Micro, Inc. (NYSE:AMBQ) was the second-best contributor to our long book during the quarter. Ambiq is a fabless semiconductor company that designs ultra-low power systems-on-chip (SoCs) for edge AI applications. The company's proprietary design approach delivers two to five times lower power consumption than competing solutions, a decisive advantage in battery-constrained devices like wearables, where customers include Garmin, Google, and Huawei. In semiconductors, we look for companies levered to two enduring themes: lower power consumption and miniaturization. In January, the company raised equity, signaling a step-change in revenue growth. After posting 2% year-over-year revenue growth in Q4 2025, the company reported 59% growth in Q1 2026 and guided for 75% growth for Q2. We ascribed a high single digit multiple of sales to the shares, but as the price met our bullish targets, like many stocks in this part of the market, we exited our position."

#micro

Prosper Stars & Stripes, a long/short equity fund, recently released its second-quarter 2026 investor letter. The letter can be downloaded here. In Q2 2026, the portfolio delivered a strong net return of +30.1% compared to the Russell 2000 Index's +21.5% return and the HFRX Equity Hedge Index's +10.3% return. The long book drove performance, generating a 43.2% gross contribution, while average net exposure remained relatively modest at 47%. U.S. economic growth remained resilient despite inflation concerns, elevated energy prices, and geopolitical uncertainty. Markets rallied sharply after easing U.S.-Iran tensions pushed oil prices lower, supporting renewed risk appetite. Small-cap equities benefited significantly, with Information Technology, Industrials, and Health Care leading gains, while Energy declined as crude prices fell. Year to date, the Composite returned +23.7%, slightly ahead of the Russell 2000's +22.6% and well above the HFRI Equity Hedge Index's +9.7%. Additionally, you can review the Portfolio's top 5 holdings to see its best picks for 2026.
In its second-quarter 2026 investor letter, Prosper Stars & Stripes highlighted The Elmet Group Co. (NASDAQ:ELMT). The Elmet Group Co. (NASDAQ:ELMT) manufactures and sells precision-engineered components and high-energy systems for the aerospace, defense and government, industrial, medical, semiconductor and electronics, and energy industries. On September 09, 2026, The Elmet Group Co. (NASDAQ:ELMT) closed at $16.46 per share. Over the past month The Elmet Group Co. (NASDAQ:ELMT) declined 4.02% and its shares lost 15.29% over the past 3 months. The Elmet Group Co. (NASDAQ:ELMT) has a market capitalization of $511.11 million and its stock has traded within a 52-week range of $12.49 to $22.51.
Prosper Stars & Stripes stated the following regarding The Elmet Group Co. (NASDAQ:ELMT) in its Q2 2026 investor letter:
"We are also invested in Applied Aerospace & Defense (AADX) and The Elmet Group Co. (NASDAQ:ELMT). Elmet's critical materials division supplies inputs for the U.S. military supply chain that are essential to production and increasingly must be sourced domestically, steering business towards the company. We believe the building of domestic supply chains can benefit Elmet and drive better-than-forecast earnings growth as they grow organically and deploy their underutilized balance sheet to broaden their businesses."
The Elmet Group Co. (NASDAQ:ELMT) is not on our list of the 40 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds. As per our database, 19 hedge fund portfolios held The Elmet Group Co. (NASDAQ:ELMT) at the end of the second quarter which was 0 in the previous quarter. While we acknowledge the potential of The Elmet Group Co. (NASDAQ:ELMT) as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring tr

Prosper Stars & Stripes, a long/short equity fund, recently released its second-quarter 2026 investor letter. The letter can be downloaded here. In Q2 2026, the portfolio delivered a strong net return of +30.1% compared to the Russell 2000 Index's +21.5% return and the HFRX Equity Hedge Index's +10.3% return. The long book drove performance, generating a 43.2% gross contribution, while average net exposure remained relatively modest at 47%. U.S. economic growth remained resilient despite inflation concerns, elevated energy prices, and geopolitical uncertainty. Markets rallied sharply after easing U.S.-Iran tensions pushed oil prices lower, supporting renewed risk appetite. Small-cap equities benefited significantly, with Information Technology, Industrials, and Health Care leading gains, while Energy declined as crude prices fell. Year to date, the Composite returned +23.7%, slightly ahead of the Russell 2000's +22.6% and well above the HFRI Equity Hedge Index's +9.7%. Additionally, you can review the Portfolio's top 5 holdings to see its best picks for 2026.
In its second-quarter 2026 investor letter, Prosper Stars & Stripes highlighted Applied Aerospace & Defense, Inc. (NYSE:AADX). Applied Aerospace & Defense, Inc. (NYSE:AADX) designs, engineers, and manufactures integrated aerospace and defense subsystems for **** e and defense applications. On September 09, 2026, Applied Aerospace & Defense, Inc. (NYSE:AADX) closed at $11.94 per share. Over the past month, Applied Aerospace & Defense, Inc. (NYSE:AADX) declined 36.49% and its shares lost 45.95% over the past three months. Applied Aerospace & Defense, Inc. (NYSE:AADX) has a market capitalization of $2.06 billion and its stock has traded within a 52-week range of $11.77 and $24.24.
Prosper Stars & Stripes stated the following regarding Applied Aerospace & Defense, Inc. (NYSE:AADX) in its Q2 2026 investor letter:
"We are also invested in Applied Aerospace & Defense, Inc. (NYSE:AADX) and Elmet Group (ELMT). Applied Aerospace participates in many of the fastest growing programs in defense as a sole sourced, IP-rich component supplier, enabling high (and rising) EBITDA margins. We believe bookings can accelerate and drive revenues, earnings, and the multiple higher."
rommma/Shutterstock.com

#Equity

Sophie Cunningham has become one of the most talked-about figures in women's basketball. Whether on or off the court, Cunningham's outspoken personality has built a large following for herself and has recently added a new platform to that reach.
The Indiana Fever guard launched a podcast called "No Hesitation" alongside trainer Drew Hanlen. Her debut episode was released on Thursday. During that episode, she addresses the storytelling path she believes the WNBA media should tread. Also, she highlights things she could do differently if she held certain governmental powers over the game.
Jul 15, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) before the game against the Golden State Valkyries at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
So far in the season, Cunningham has averaged 8.3 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.3 ***** ists per game, demonstrating her central role to her team's success all-year-long. During the show, Cunningham touched on players' remuneration, the WNBA media coverage, and even the outgoing commissioner's office. An NFL-themed X page, Franco Vision, shares snippets from the conversation.
"We're always as players going to want more money, and as owners they're always not going to want to give it to you…"When it comes to media coverage, I think that we have good coverage now. Yes, it can always be better. Yes, it can be bigger."

#fever

Katie Lou Samuelson missed all of last season in the WNBA due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
Now she'll miss the end of the 2026 season, also because of a knee issue.
The Seattle Storm announced Friday that the former UConn women's basketball star will miss the remainder of the 2026 WNBA season after undergoing an arthroscopic procedure on her left knee on Thursday. The team did not state the reason why Samuelson had the procedure or when she's expected back on the court.
Seattle has four more games remaining this season and resumes game action (the WNBA remains on its World Cup break) on Thursday, Sept. 17 against Las Vegas. The Storm are one of seven teams not to make the WNBA Playoffs this season.
Samuelson signed with the Storm ahead of the 2025 season but tore the ACL in her right knee during training camp that spring. She missed all of last season recovering before making her return to the court on May 30 (Seattle's ninth game of the 2026 season). The former Husky saw action in 32 games this season and averaged 4.4 points on 40.5% shooting from the field, along with 2.1 rebounds, 0.8 ***** ists, and 0.8 steals in 15.3 minutes per game. Samuelson started one game for the Storm this year and scored a season-best 11 points against Chicago on July 15.

#samuelson #WNBA

Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. has dealt with a lot of trade rumors and highest-paid cornerback speculation over the past few months, but the real issue in contract talks is becoming more clear by the day.
According to PennLive's Nick Farabaugh, as well as Porter's own admission that he doesn't care about becoming the highest-paid corner, the contract negotiations are all about guaranteed money.
"Repeat after me -- It's not the AAV, it's the guarantees! (and always has been)," Farabaugh wrote via X.
So far this year, we've seen cornerbacks like Christian Gonzalez, Devon Witherspoon, and Trent McDuffie completely reset the cornerback market with deals surpassing $30 million per year. Their guaranteed money has been around 75% to 80% of their total contract value.
Previously, we at Steelers Wire predicted that Porter could sign a four-year, $128 million extension that pays him an average of $32 million per season with $101 million in guaranteed money. But it's evident the holdup is more related to the latter.

#million #cornerback #contract #porter

EAST LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — The Michigan State University Board of Trustees officially approved Dan Bartholomae as the school's new athletic director during its meeting on Friday.
Bartholomae comes to MSU from Western Michigan University, where he was the athletic director since 2022.
"The future of college athletics will belong to institutions that embrace innovation while remaining grounded in their mission," MSU President Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D., said in a release "At Michigan State, that mission is clear: to provide our student-athletes with an experience that prepares them to compete at the highest levels, earn a world-class education and become leaders who make a difference long after their playing days are over. Dan shares that commitment and has the experience, vision and values to lead Spartan Athletics into its next era. We are excited to start this next chapter with him as our leader."
The terms of the contract are unclear. Bartholomae's August 2025 contract with Western Michigan includes a $5.1 million buyout, partly offset by a $3.95 million buyout Michigan State negotiated with Kentucky over J Batt's departure.
Western Michigan won 37 total conference championships and made 35 NCAA postseason appearances during Bartholomae's tenure, and its men's hockey team won the 2025 NCAA championship. He also had success as a fundraiser during his time in Kalamazoo, where he led record-breaking fundraising efforts. Michigan State in a previous news release highlighted that the average annual giving increased by 473% under his tenure, while the number of unique donors increased by 105%.

#university #director

Lily Reynolds enjoyed a tremendous first full season pitching on the varsity level as a sophomore for Colonie in 2026.
Before her final two high schools seasons, Reynolds has already provided longtime University at Albany softball coach Chris Cannata her verbal commitment to pitch for the Great Danes of the America East Conference.
"I just realized that I wanted to stay home and be around my family. That was really the big deciding factor for me - not necessarily the D-I label," Reynolds said of her decision.
"She called me (Wednesday) and I told her this is the best news ever," said Colonie coach Kelly Colvin, who played at Shenendehowa and UAlbany. "Lily has put in so much hard work with us at Colonie and with the (Capital District) Fusion. It is really cool to see it pay off for her. We're all very excited."
During her sophomore season, Reynolds compiled a 7-2 record with a 1.61 earned run average and 115 strikeouts over 91 1/3 innings for the Wolf Pack. She was named to the Times Union all-star team as a first-team selection.

#colonie #coach

The San Francisco 49ers' 27-7 win over the Los Angeles Rams looked dominant enough in the traditional box score. Brock Purdy threw three touchdown passes, the team rushed for 174 yards, and the defense added a pair of takeaways.
But the advanced numbers tell an even more complete story of just how thoroughly the 49ers controlled the game. The underlying metrics suggest this wasn't just a good night on the scoreboard. It was a genuinely elite performance across nearly every phase of the game.
Here are five advanced stats that go beyond the box score to explain how San Francisco pulled it off.
Brock Purdy's 39-yard touchdown to Demarcus Robinson traveled 44 air yards relative to the line of scrimmage, according to Next Gen Stats. That's the longest completion by air yards of his career. Yes, just 44 air yards. It was a notable outlier in a game where Purdy's average intended air yards per attempt (4.4) was actually his lowest of any season on record, a sign San Francisco mixed shot plays into an otherwise efficient, high-percentage passing attack.
Brock Purdy's 39-yard touchdown pass to Demarcus Robinson traveled 44 yards relative to the line of scrimmage, Purdy's longest completion by air yards of his career.#SFvsLAR | #FTTB pic.twitter.com/qLcN8wCCLm

#advanced

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Find out which banks are offering the best CD rates right now. If you're looking for a secure place to store your savings, a certificate of deposit (CD) may be a great choice. These accounts often provide higher interest rates than traditional checking and savings accounts. However, CD rates can vary widely.
Learn more about where CD rates stand today and how to find the best rates available.
CD rates are relatively high compared to historical averages. That said, CD rates have been on the decline since last year when the Federal Reserve began cutting its target rate. The good news is that several financial institutions offer competitive rates of 4% APY and up, particularly online banks.
Today, Thursday, September 10, the highest CD rate is 4.35%. Marcus by Goldman Sachs offers it on its 18-month CD.

#rates #offers #best