Harris Oakmark recently released its second-quarter 2026 investor letter for the "Oakmark U.S. Concentrated Strategy". A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. The strategy returned 9.21% (net) in the second quarter, lagging the Russell 1000 Value Index's 13.87%. U.S. equities finished higher during the quarter, with nine of eleven GICS sectors posting gains, led by technology and industrials, while energy and utilities detracted. The market showed concentrated leadership, with investors favoring companies that benefit from AI spending. However, the firm continues to focus on value discipline, avoiding AI-driven market fads, prioritizing companies trading below intrinsic value. In addition, please check the Strategy's top five holdings to know its best picks in 2026.
In its Q2 2026 investor letter, Oakmark U.S. Concentrated Strategy highlighted Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. (NYSE:MRSH) as a newly established position. Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. (NYSE:MRSH) is a leading insurance broker and professional services firm. On July 28, 2026, Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. (NYSE:MRSH) closed at $192.19 per share, reflecting a market capitalization of $91.72 billion. Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. (NYSE:MRSH) posted a one-month return of 11.65%, while its shares lost 4.17% over the past 52 weeks.
Oakmark U.S. Concentrated Strategy stated the following regarding Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. (NYSE:MRSH) in its Q2 2026 investor update:
"Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. (NYSE:MRSH) is the world's largest insurance broker and risk management firm. In our view, it is well-positioned as a leader in what we think is an oligopolistic market, benefiting from strong organic revenue growth and a long track record of consistent margin expansion. We think this strong performance is poised to be supplemented by management's unifying re branding efforts, which center on rolling out an expense program, leveraging AI to improve productivity, and centralizing its technology and operations to drive efficiencies and pro duce significant savings over time. Despite solid historical performance, dominant positioning, and continued operational improvements, the stock has fallen out of favor due to softening insurance rates and macroeconomic uncertainty, creating an opportunity to invest in an in dustry-leading company at an attractive price."
Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. (NYSE:MRSH) is not on our list of 40 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds Heading Into 2026. According to our database, 55 hedge fund portfolios held Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. (NYSE:MRSH) at the end of the first quarter, compared to 69 in the previous quarter. While we acknowledge the risk and potential of Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. (NYSE:MRSH) as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and doing so within a shorter time frame. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than Ma

Ace River Capital, an investment management company, released its second-quarter 2026 investor letter. A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. Ace River Capital Partners reported a +6.25% return in the first half of 2026, trailing the S&P 500's +9.55% and Russell 2000's +22.57% returns. Despite short‑term underperformance, the fund emphasizes long‑term compounding through concentrated investments in undervalued businesses with durable economics. The strategy remains patient and disciplined, avoiding software, finance, and insurance businesses in favor of **** et-backed businesses with scarcity value. In addition, please check the Fund's top five holdings to know its best picks in 2026.
In its Q2 2026 investor letter, Ace River Capital highlighted MarineMax, Inc. (NYSE:HZO). MarineMax, Inc. (NYSE:HZO) is a recreational boat and yacht retailer and superyacht services company. On July 28, 2026, MarineMax, Inc. (NYSE:HZO) closed at $35.48 per share, reflecting a market capitalization of $783.64 million. MarineMax, Inc. (NYSE:HZO) posted a one-month return of -0.76%, while its shares gained 56.85% over the past 52 weeks.
Ace River Capital stated the following regarding MarineMax, Inc. (NYSE:HZO) in its Q2 2026 investor update:
"I exited the MarineMax, Inc. (NYSE:HZO) position during the period. While I continue to respect management and believe the company owns attractive marina and waterfront **** ets, I concluded that capital could earn higher long-term returns in Vox Royalty and RCI Hospitality. The sale was driven by opportunity cost and increasing conviction in those investments rather than a deterioration in MarineMax's underlying business."
MarineMax, Inc. (NYSE:HZO) is not on our list of 40 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds Heading Into 2026. According to our database, 22 hedge fund portfolios held MarineMax, Inc. (NYSE:HZO) at the end of the first quarter, up from 20 in the previous quarter. While we acknowledge the potential of MarineMax, Inc. (NYSE:HZO) 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 trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

#marinemax #company #quarter #businesses

Ace River Capital, an investment management company, released its second-quarter 2026 investor letter. A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. Ace River Capital Partners reported a +6.25% return in the first half of 2026, trailing the S&P 500's +9.55% and Russell 2000's +22.57% returns. Despite short‑term underperformance, the fund emphasizes long‑term compounding through concentrated investments in undervalued businesses with durable economics. The strategy remains patient and disciplined, avoiding software, finance, and insurance businesses in favor of ****** et-backed businesses with scarcity value. In addition, please check the Fund's top five holdings to know its best picks in 2026.
In its Q2 2026 investor letter, Ace River Capital highlighted RCI Hospitality Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:RICK). Headquartered in Houston, Texas, RCI Hospitality Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:RICK) is a hospitality company that owns and operates clubs and restaurants. On July 28, 2026, RCI Hospitality Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:RICK) stock closed at $26.53 per share. One-month return of RCI Hospitality Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:RICK) was -4.36%, and its shares are down 27.14% over the past twelve months. RCI Hospitality Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:RICK) has a market capitalization of $202.81 million.
Ace River Capital stated the following regarding RCI Hospitality Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:RICK) in its Q2 2026 investor update:
"The investment thesis for RCI Hospitality Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:RICK) has strengthened. The market remains focused on the New York litigation overhang while overlooking the company's normalized free cash flow generation, valuable owned real estate, and long record of disciplined capital allocation. I believe the current valuation materially understates intrinsic value even under conservative ****** umptions. Continued share repurchases and intelligent capital allocation should enhance long term per-share value, while eventual resolution of the New York matter has the potential to remove a meaningful overhang. My conviction has increased during the period, and RCI remains one of the Fund's largest investments."
RCI Hospitality Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:RICK) is not on our list of 40 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds Heading Into 2026. According to our database, 13 hedge fund portfolios held RCI Hospitality Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:RICK) at the end of the first quarter, compared to 18 in the previous quarter. While we acknowledge the potential of RCI Hospitality Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:RICK) 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 trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

#Hospitality #river

Ace River Capital, an investment management company, released its second-quarter 2026 investor letter. A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. Ace River Capital Partners reported a +6.25% return in the first half of 2026, trailing the S&P 500's +9.55% and Russell 2000's +22.57% returns. Despite short‑term underperformance, the fund emphasizes long‑term compounding through concentrated investments in undervalued businesses with durable economics. The strategy remains patient and disciplined, avoiding software, finance, and insurance businesses in favor of ******* et-backed businesses with scarcity value. In addition, please check the Fund's top five holdings to know its best picks in 2026.
In its Q2 2026 investor letter, Ace River Capital highlighted Vox Royalty Corp. (NASDAQ:VOXR). Vox Royalty Corp. (NASDAQ:VOXR) is a mining royalty company based in Westminster, Colorado. On July 28, 2026, Vox Royalty Corp. (NASDAQ:VOXR) closed at $4.26 per share, reflecting a market capitalization of $293.52 million. Vox Royalty Corp. (NASDAQ:VOXR) posted a one-month return of -9.94%, while its shares gained 35.24% over the past 52 weeks.
Ace River Capital stated the following regarding Vox Royalty Corp. (NASDAQ:VOXR) in its Q2 2026 investor update:
"Since initiating a position in Vox Royalty Corp. (NASDAQ:VOXR) in Q4 2023, it has grown into the Fund's largest holding and my largest investment. Vox's royalty model provides diversified exposure to high-quality mining ******* ets without ******* uming the operating or capital requirements of mine ownership. Management has continued to expand the royalty portfolio while maintaining a conservative balance sheet. I believe the opportunity to repurchase shares at current prices offers an attractive avenue for per-share value creation, further enhancing long-term compounding. My conviction has increased materially during the year. I continue to believe the shares trade at a substantial discount to intrinsic value and view Vox as one of the most attractive long-term compounders in the public markets."
Vox Royalty Corp. (NASDAQ:VOXR) is not on our list of 40 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds Heading Into 2026. According to our database, 11 hedge fund portfolios held Vox Royalty Corp. (NASDAQ:VOXR) at the end of the first quarter, compared to 13 in the previous quarter. While we acknowledge the potential of Vox Royalty Corp. (NASDAQ:VOXR) 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 trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

#royalty #corp #NASDAQ #investor

Cascading risks linked to the highly volatile geopolitical landscape are driving demand for insurance products that safeguard day-to-day business operations, according to a GlobalData poll. Meanwhile, the availability of insurance products to protect against such impacts remains compromised as insurers struggle to adapt to the rapidly changing risk landscape.
According to a poll conducted by GlobalData on Verdict Media sites in Q2 2026 —which garnered 107 responses from industry insiders—supply chain insurance (41.1%) is the product set to see the highest demand due to geopolitical tensions. The second most sought-after product is cyber insurance, commanding 20.6% of responses.
Businesses overwhelmingly view the fallout of geopolitical tensions through the lens of indirect operational disruption, seeking products that safeguard daily commercial operations. In contrast, demand for specialist transport and direct **** et protection is lower. This highlights that organisations are deeply concerned about trade route blockages, state-sponsored cyberattacks, and collateral revenue losses that can have a cascading effect on operations, thus threatening day-to-day business continuity.
Ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Eastern Europe are creating specific trade bottlenecks such as in the Suez Canal and Strait of Hormuz, leading to widespread shipping reroutes, while alternative maritime corridors are emerging. Meanwhile, the US's shift toward economic nationalism—marked by sudden tariff hikes, export restrictions, and sanctions—is pressuring international trade supply networks.
Although demand exists, paradoxically, insurance capacity is compromised as many insurers pull products from the market fearing that the risks are unquantifiable. This highlights a key challenge for the industry, whereby only insurers with the most risk appetite are willing to adapt their underwriting strategies and product offerings. This requires providers to tighten policy wordings and exclusions around tariffs and sanctions, as well as stress-test products to avoid catastrophic losses from a single event. In addition, real-time geospatial tracking is gradually gaining traction for more accurately **** sing risks and improving underwriting.

#products #demand #risks #geopolitical

The biopharma sector is in the middle of a transformation in which macroeconomic pressures and policy developments actively dictate corporate dealmaking. As leading pharmaceutical companies prepare for a $300 billion patent cliff in the second half of the decade, capital allocation has switched sharply toward restocking commercial pipelines with low-risk, high-conviction clinical ******* ets. At the same time, implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act has changed the relative attractiveness of drug options. Since small-molecule drugs are subject to government price negotiations earlier in their lifecycle compared to large-molecule biologics, commercial buyers are shifting premium valuations to large-molecule immunology platforms.
Against this macro context, argenx SE (NASDAQ:ARGX) entered a definitive all-cash agreement on July 27 to acquire clinical-stage biotech Forte Biosciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:FBRX) for $77 per share, valuing the company at over $2.2 billion. At first glance, the $77 offer represents a 40% premium to Forte's closing price prior to the announcement. However, the underlying deal economics demonstrate argenx's readiness to pay a premium for clinical validation: when compared to Forte's volume-weighted average pricing following its successful Phase 1b vitiligo readout on July 9, the purchase price represents an 86% premium.
The target ******* et, Forte's FB102, is a first-in-class anti-CD122 antibody that has shown clinical efficacy in vitiligo and celiac disease. In a 24-week experiment, FB102 showed a significant 29.6% mean improvement on the Facial Vitiligo Area Scoring Index, separating from placebo by day 64.
Argenx's ability to carry out a $2.2 billion cash deal stems from its strong financial condition. The company's Q1 2026 financial report showed global product net sales of $1.3 billion, a 63% increase year-over-year, as well as a quarterly net profit of $366 million and a strong balance sheet with $4.9 billion in cash and financial ******* ets. This commercial momentum is almost exclusively driven by Vyvgart, the company's blockbuster FcRn-blocking medication, which is now seeing its 17th straight quarter of growth.
That said, the explosive top-line trajectory poses a major concentration risk. According to CEO Karen Massey's "Vision 2030" framework, which targets 50,000 patients and ten designated indications worldwide, argenx SE (NASDAQ:ARGX) needs a supplementary second leg in immunology. FB102 offers that diversification by delivering a unique CD122 mechanism into unserved autoimmune indications without jeopardizing its core FcRn business.

#premium #price

CEUTA, Spain (AP) — Thousands of migrants streamed into the tiny Spanish territory of Ceuta from Morocco on Thursday, prompting local officials to call on Spain to declare a national emergency and send the army to restore the frontier.
Spain's interior ministry said it would guarantee the safety of citizens and the integrity of the nation's border, but that the government could not declare a national emergency over migration concerns.
Video footage showed crowds of people, mainly Moroccans, walking around the breakwaters at Tarajal beach onto local roads. While the majority appeared to be young men, there were also families with women and children. "Viva España!" some shouted to a freelance photographer working for The ***** ociated Press.
Spain is a main point of arrival into Europe for migrants seeking better economic opportunities or an escape from violence in their home countries.
The escalation at the border between Spain and Morocco comes after a surge in migrants attempting to reach the small exclave, mainly by swimming.

#ceuta #local #mainly

As reported by AS, Fulham are closing in on the signing of Real Madrid youngster Cesar Palacios, with negotiations accelerating significantly over the past 24 hours.
An agreement is now believed to be close, with both clubs making rapid progress as they work to finalise the transfer.
Unlike the more complicated talks between the two clubs surrounding Gonzalo Garcia, Palacios' move is considered much simpler and could be completed first.
The structure of the deal is expected to mirror Real Madrid's increasingly common strategy with academy graduates.
Rather than sanctioning a full sale, the club's preferred option is to sell 50% of Palacios' economic rights while retaining significant control over his future.

#palacios #clubs #unlike

Our ***** ysts just identified a stock with the potential to be the next Nvidia. Tell us how you invest and we'll show you why it's our #1 pick. Tap here.
Achieved record adjusted EPS growth of 18%, tripling sales growth through disciplined pricing and SG&A productivity despite global macroeconomic uncertainty.
Accelerated the shift toward high-growth markets, specifically targeting critical minerals and data center infrastructure to diversify away from lower-growth residential cycles.
The company delivered growth through price realization, acquisitions, and higher volumes, while continuing to focus on operational consolidations and strategic supply chain initiatives to drive future productivity., with expectations for this velocity to scale over the next several years.
Strengthened the North American water treatment position by adding new dealers that contributed over $2 million in incremental revenue during the quarter.

#next #NVIDIA #strengthened

CMA CGM posted impressive Q2 earnings as it navigated volatile supply chain conditions to substantial increases in container volumes and profit.
The closely-held provider of diversified logistics services based in Marseille today said maritime volumes rose 6% to 6.3 million container units from 5.97 million in 2025. Revenue spiked 22% to $9.96 billion from $8.17 billion, while earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) were up 42.4%, to $2.26 billion from $1.59 billion. EBITDA margin improved from 19.4% to 22.7%
"Against a backdrop of continued geopolitical instability, the Group delivered solid results in the second quarter of 2026, driven by the performance of our shipping activities, the growth of our terminals and air cargo businesses, and the complementary strengths of our logistics operations," said Rodolphe Saade, chairman and chief executive, whose family controls CMA CGM. "This performance reflects our strategy of expanding in key markets and investing in strategic **** ets. They once again demonstrate the strength of our model, our agility and our resilience, all in support of delivering reliable, high-quality service to our customers."
The company said that the second quarter of 2026 was "a particularly volatile market environment for the shipping and logistics industry, marked by the multiplication of geopolitical conflicts, particularly in the Middle East, and a high level of macroeconomic uncertainty."
Overall revenue grew 19.2% to $15.69 billion from $13.17 billion as EBITDA improved 31% to $2.99 billion from $2.28 billion and EBITDA margin was up 1.7 points to 19% from 17.3%. Net income was better at $770 million from $520 million.

#billion #Logistics #container

By Lucia Mutikani
WASHINGTON, July 28 (Reuters) - The U.S. trade deficit in goods narrowed in June amid a broad decline in imports, but the improvement was probably insufficient to prevent trade from again subtracting from economic growth in the second quarter.
The report from the Commerce Department on Tuesday also showed exports dropping to a five-month low, pulled down by a sharp decline in ‌shipments of industrial supplies, which include petroleum. The decrease likely reflected a pullback in crude oil prices amid a fragile ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran.
With businesses ramping up investment in artificial ‌intelligence and consumer spending resilient, last month's drop in imports could be temporary. The AI build-out is reliant on imports. The government on Monday reported a strong increase in orders and shipments for non-defense capital goods in June.
"Our model mapping the trade data onto the national accounts now points to net trade subtracting around one percentage point from second-quarter GDP growth," said Oliver Allen, senior U.S. economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics.

#goods

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A housing market crash happens when home values plummet due to a lack of demand for or an oversupply of homes. The factors leading to a housing market crash are varied, ranging from economic recessions to high mortgage rates that make it less affordable to buy a home. A housing crash can have upsides (low home prices) and downsides (losing built-up equity and tighter finances).

So, what's ahead for the housing market in 2026?
➡ Read more: Want to buy a house in 2026? Here's what you need to know.
Generally, experts don't foresee a housing market crash in 2026. If anything, they see a greater sense of normalcy following multiple years of twists and turns.
"We're not heading toward a housing crash; we're in a market correction defined by stability, not volatility," Hoby Hanna, CEO of Howard Hanna Real Estate Services, said via email. "Today's housing environment is fundamentally different from 2008. Homeowners have record levels of equity, lending standards are sound, and inventory remains constrained. What we're seeing now is a normalization, not a collapse, as the market adjusts to new economic realities. For buyers and sellers, this is a market filled with opportunity and resilience, not instability or uncertainty."

#hanna #Equity

O'Keeffe Stevens Advisory, an investment advisory firm, released its second-quarter 2026 investor letter. A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. During Q2 2026, the market experienced notable dispersion between perceived AI losers and winners. The firm has made investments early in AI infrastructure companies, which yielded gains during market repricing. The second quarter experienced strong equity rallies, with the S&P 500 gaining 15.2% and the Nasdaq 21.4%, marking the best quarter since Q2 2020. While the software sector faced challenges, with the iShares Software ETF dropping ~27% before a rally, reflecting high volatility. This volatility is seen as an opportunity, despite the potential for 'dead money' in underperforming stocks. The firm remains cautious, focuses on owning durable businesses at reasonable prices, holding cash, and hedging risks to navigate unpredictability. In addition, please check the Strategy's top five holdings to know its best picks in 2026.
In its Q2 2026 investor letter, O'Keeffe Stevens Advisory highlighted Sphere Entertainment Co. (NYSE:SPHR). Sphere Entertainment Co. (NYSE:SPHR) is a US-based live entertainment and media company. On July 27, 2026, Sphere Entertainment Co. (NYSE:SPHR) closed at $139.95 per share, reflecting a market capitalization of $5.01 billion. Sphere Entertainment Co. (NYSE:SPHR) posted a one-month return of -19.12%, while its shares gained 227.98% over the past 52 weeks.
O'Keeffe Stevens Advisory stated the following regarding Sphere Entertainment Co. (NYSE:SPHR) in its Q2 2026 investor update:
"During the quarter, Sphere Entertainment Co. (NYSE:SPHR) continued its strong performance as the market realizes the strong underlying unit economics, in the face of weaker Las Vegas Strip attendance. Continued success in Vegas makes selling future Spheres easier. Sphere Abu Dhabi remains on track, which, given the ongoing war, was a concern. Finally, Sphere announced a new immersive experience, "Rocky Horror Picture," which should add incremental, high-margin shows to the slate, increasing utilization. While the Sphere story has largely played out (at least episode 1), we are inclined to let an N=1 ***** et the leeway to become a large position even though the valuation is much diXerent today. Great ***** ets and management teams oVen have longer right tails than one may initially underwrite. While most believe Vegas is forever in decline, visitation trends were positive y/y in May and represented the 3rd month of the year with positive y/y growth. Visitation and comps are substantially easier, concerts continue to perform well, and new Qlms should drive visitation and revisitation at strong rates, even with The Wizard of Oz coming up to its Qrst anniversary. While the Sphere show slate is nearing the optimal/maximum number of shows per year, the exosphere is an incremental high-margin opportunity that will become an important revenue driver."

#NYSE #sphr #stevens

Altria Group (NYSE:MO) sells cigarettes, oral nicotine pouches, and vapor products to adult tobacco users in the US. It's the parent of Marlboro, still the country's top-selling cigarette brand. The stock showed up in Donald Trump's disclosed portfolio, and it's easy to see the appeal: over 50 straight years of dividend increases and a business that doesn't move much with the economic cycle.
Altria stock is up around 25% year to date. Over the trailing 12 months, the stock is up about 24%, ahead of the market's 19% gain. Only Philip Morris, up 21% YTD, comes close among the major tobacco names. British American Tobacco and ***** an Tobacco are each up 10%.
Altria's Q1 2026 earnings beat expectations on both lines. Net revenue grew 3.2% year over year mostly from pricing, not volume. Adjusted diluted EPS grew 7.3%, up from 4.4% growth in 2025.
The volume story is also improving. Altria's smokeable segment declined just 4% in Q1 2026, down sharply from a 12% decline a year earlier. On the oral tobacco side, on! PLUS nicotine pouches rolled out nationwide in March and are now in roughly 100,000 stores, covering 85% of the nicotine pouch category by volume. On!'s own volume grew 17.6% year-over-year in Q1, after growing 11% for all of 2025. It's also the first product authorized under the FDA's streamlined pilot review program for oral nicotine pouches.
Valuation

#tobacco #oral #grew #group

Carillon Tower Advisers, an investment management company, released its second-quarter 2026 investor letter for the "Carillon Eagle Growth & Income Fund". A copy of the letter is available to download here. The second quarter of 2026 was driven by a sharp rally in AI-related stocks, although gains were concentrated in highly cyclical semiconductor, memory and optical companies. The S&P 500 gained 15.2%, while the semiconductor index surged 87.8%. Unlike earlier AI rallies led by megacaps and strong earnings growth, some smaller technology stocks rose 200% to 300%, making the advance more fragile. Software and services stocks declined as investors questioned the impact of AI disruption. Oil prices also rose during the Iran conflict before retreating, briefly increasing inflation and interest-rate concerns. Despite the volatility, economic data and corporate earnings remained strong. S&P 500 earnings are projected to rise 25% in 2026 and 15% in 2027, with the market trading near 20x earnings. The Fund continues to focus on financially strong companies with durable earnings growth that can perform across different economic conditions. In addition, please check the Fund's top five holdings to know its best picks in 2026.
In its second-quarter 2026 investor letter, Carillon Eagle Growth & Income Fund highlighted Lam Research Corporation (NASDAQ:LRCX). Lam Research Corporation (NASDAQ:LRCX) designs, manufactures, markets, refurbishes, and services semiconductor processing equipment used in the fabrication of integrated circuits. On July 27, 2026, Lam Research Corporation (NASDAQ:LRCX) closed at $291.61 per share. One-month return of Lam Research Corporation (NASDAQ:LRCX) was -32.70% and its shares gained 194.73% over the past 52 weeks. Lam Research Corporation (NASDAQ:LRCX) has a market capitalization of $364.68 billion with a 52-week trading range between $90.94 - $438.50.
Carillon Eagle Growth & Income Fund stated the following regarding Lam Research Corporation (NASDAQ:LRCX) in its Q2 2026 investor letter:
"Lam Research Corporation's (NASDAQ:LRCX) shares continued to benefit from increased capital expenditure spending by its semiconductor clients. With the demand for silicon and memory at record highs and a very tight supply/demand dynamic, this appetite for Lam Research's product appears unlikely to slow any time soon."
Lam Research Corporation (NASDAQ:LRCX) is not on our list of 40 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds Heading Into 2026. According to our database, 123 hedge fund portfolios held Lam Research Corporation (NASDAQ:LRCX) at the end of the first quarter, up from 104 in the previous quarter. Lam Research Corporation's (NASDAQ:LRCX) revenue for the March quarter of 2026 was $5.84 billion, representing a 9% sequential increase and a 24% increase compared to March quarter of 2025. While we acknowledge the potential of Lam Research Corporation (NASDAQ:LRCX) as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and

Carillon Tower Advisers, an investment management company, released its second-quarter 2026 investor letter for the "Carillon Eagle Growth & Income Fund". A copy of the letter is available to download here. The second quarter of 2026 was driven by a sharp rally in AI-related stocks, although gains were concentrated in highly cyclical semiconductor, memory and optical companies. The S&P 500 gained 15.2%, while the semiconductor index surged 87.8%. Unlike earlier AI rallies led by megacaps and strong earnings growth, some smaller technology stocks rose 200% to 300%, making the advance more fragile. Software and services stocks declined as investors questioned the impact of AI disruption. Oil prices also rose during the Iran conflict before retreating, briefly increasing inflation and interest-rate concerns. Despite the volatility, economic data and corporate earnings remained strong. S&P 500 earnings are projected to rise 25% in 2026 and 15% in 2027, with the market trading near 20x earnings. The Fund continues to focus on financially strong companies with durable earnings growth that can perform across different economic conditions. In addition, please check the Fund's top five holdings to know its best picks in 2026.
In its second-quarter 2026 investor letter, Carillon Eagle Growth & Income Fund highlighted AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T). AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is a global provider of telecommunications and technology services worldwide. On July 27, 2026, AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) closed at $24.42 per share. One-month return of AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) was 17.97%, and its shares lost -10.91% over the past 52 weeks. AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) has a market capitalization of about $165.35 billion with a 52-week trading range between $19.89 and $29.79.
Carillon Eagle Growth & Income Fund stated the following regarding AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) in its Q2 2026 investor letter:
"AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) lagged amid investor concerns about the emergence of a potential new competitor. Advances in low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite technology, alongside complementary terrestrial technologies, could enable lower-cost connectivity for mobile devices. AT&T's management reiterated confidence that its converged fiber and wireless offering remains well positioned competitively."
AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is not on our list of the 40 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds. As per our database, 72 hedge fund portfolios held AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) at the end of the first quarter which was 77 in the previous quarter. While we acknowledge the potential of AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) 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 trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

#NYSE #fund #carillon #letter

Carillon Tower Advisers, an investment management company, released its second-quarter 2026 investor letter for the "Carillon Eagle Growth & Income Fund". A copy of the letter is available to download here. The second quarter of 2026 was driven by a sharp rally in AI-related stocks, although gains were concentrated in highly cyclical semiconductor, memory and optical companies. The S&P 500 gained 15.2%, while the semiconductor index surged 87.8%. Unlike earlier AI rallies led by megacaps and strong earnings growth, some smaller technology stocks rose 200% to 300%, making the advance more fragile. Software and services stocks declined as investors questioned the impact of AI disruption. Oil prices also rose during the Iran conflict before retreating, briefly increasing inflation and interest-rate concerns. Despite the volatility, economic data and corporate earnings remained strong. S&P 500 earnings are projected to rise 25% in 2026 and 15% in 2027, with the market trading near 20x earnings. The Fund continues to focus on financially strong companies with durable earnings growth that can perform across different economic conditions. In addition, please check the Fund's top five holdings to know its best picks in 2026.
In its second-quarter 2026 investor letter, Carillon Eagle Growth & Income Fund highlighted McDonald's Corporation (NYSE:MCD). McDonald's Corporation (NYSE:MCD) owns, operates, and franchises restaurants under the McDonald's brand in the United States and internationally. On July 27, 2026, McDonald's Corporation (NYSE:MCD) closed at $270.67 per share. One-month return of McDonald's Corporation (NYSE:MCD) was 0.13% and its shares lost 10.57% over the past 52 weeks. McDonald's Corporation (NYSE:MCD) has a market capitalization of $192.31 billion with a 52-week trading range between $260.96 - $341.75.
Carillon Eagle Growth & Income Fund stated the following regarding McDonald's Corporation (NYSE:MCD) in its Q2 2026 investor letter:
"McDonald's Corporation's (NYSE:MCD) traded lower as rising beef prices, driven in part by concerns surrounding the spread of the New World screwworm parasite, weighed on investor sentiment. While the company faces more challenging year-over-year comparisons in the upcoming quarter, its value initiatives have helped recapture some traffic from value-oriented consumers, although that customer segment remains under pressure."
McDonald's Corporation (NYSE:MCD) is not on our list of the 40 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds. As per our database, 83 hedge fund portfolios held McDonald's Corporation (NYSE:MCD) at the end of the first quarter which was 91 in the previous quarter. While we acknowledge the potential of McDonald's Corporation (NYSE:MCD) 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 trend, see our f

Carillon Tower Advisers, an investment management company, released its second-quarter 2026 investor letter for the "Carillon Eagle Growth & Income Fund". A copy of the letter is available to download here. The second quarter of 2026 was driven by a sharp rally in AI-related stocks, although gains were concentrated in highly cyclical semiconductor, memory and optical companies. The S&P 500 gained 15.2%, while the semiconductor index surged 87.8%. Unlike earlier AI rallies led by megacaps and strong earnings growth, some smaller technology stocks rose 200% to 300%, making the advance more fragile. Software and services stocks declined as investors questioned the impact of AI disruption. Oil prices also rose during the Iran conflict before retreating, briefly increasing inflation and interest-rate concerns. Despite the volatility, economic data and corporate earnings remained strong. S&P 500 earnings are projected to rise 25% in 2026 and 15% in 2027, with the market trading near 20x earnings. The Fund continues to focus on financially strong companies with durable earnings growth that can perform across different economic conditions. In addition, please check the Fund's top five holdings to know its best picks in 2026.
In its second-quarter 2026 investor letter, Carillon Eagle Growth & Income Fund highlighted Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX). Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX) engages in the integrated energy and chemicals operations. On July 27, 2026, Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX) closed at $190.00 per share. One-month return of Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX) was 14.62% and its shares gained 21.00% over the past 52 weeks. Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX) has a market capitalization of $378.4 billion with a 52-week range between $146.49 - $214.71.
Carillon Eagle Growth & Income Fund stated the following regarding Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX) in its Q2 2026 investor letter:
"Chevron Corporation's (NYSE:CVX) weak share price performance in the second quarter, following very strong performance in the first quarter, closely aligns with crude oil prices throughout 2026. Crude prices mirror news flows out of the Middle East with particular attention to transit levels through the Strait of Hormuz. This will continue for the duration of the conflict. However, Chevron is well placed to benefit from generally high commodity price levels, a high-quality ***** et base, and continued discipline around cash flow generation and capital deployment."
Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX) is not on our list of the 40 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds. As per our database, 103 hedge fund portfolios held Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX) at the end of the first quarter which was 86 in the previous quarter. While we acknowledge the potential of Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX) 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 significantl

Carillon Tower Advisers, an investment management company, released its second-quarter 2026 investor letter for the "Carillon Eagle Growth & Income Fund". A copy of the letter is available to download here. The second quarter of 2026 was driven by a sharp rally in AI-related stocks, although gains were concentrated in highly cyclical semiconductor, memory and optical companies. The S&P 500 gained 15.2%, while the semiconductor index surged 87.8%. Unlike earlier AI rallies led by megacaps and strong earnings growth, some smaller technology stocks rose 200% to 300%, making the advance more fragile. Software and services stocks declined as investors questioned the impact of AI disruption. Oil prices also rose during the Iran conflict before retreating, briefly increasing inflation and interest-rate concerns. Despite the volatility, economic data and corporate earnings remained strong. S&P 500 earnings are projected to rise 25% in 2026 and 15% in 2027, with the market trading near 20x earnings. The Fund continues to focus on financially strong companies with durable earnings growth that can perform across different economic conditions. In addition, please check the Fund's top five holdings to know its best picks in 2026.
In its second-quarter 2026 investor letter, Carillon Eagle Growth & Income Fund highlighted T-Mobile US, Inc. (NASDAQ:TMUS). T-Mobile US, Inc. (NASDAQ:TMUS) provides wireless communications services in the United States and internationally. On July 27, 2026, T-Mobile US, Inc. (NASDAQ:TMUS) closed at $177.21 per share. One-month return of T-Mobile US, Inc. (NASDAQ:TMUS) was 5.65%, and its shares lost -24.39% over the past 52 weeks. T-Mobile US, Inc. (NASDAQ:TMUS) has a market capitalization of about $190.08 billion.
Carillon Eagle Growth & Income Fund stated the following regarding T-Mobile US, Inc. (NASDAQ:TMUS) in its Q2 2026 investor letter:
"T-Mobile US, Inc. (NASDAQ:TMUS) lagged due to concerns over a competitor building its own terrestrial US mobile network. Advances in low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite technology, alongside complementary terrestrial technologies, could enable lower-cost connectivity for mobile devices."
T-Mobile US, Inc. (NASDAQ:TMUS) is not on our list of the 40 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds. As per our database, 85 hedge fund portfolios held T-Mobile US, Inc. (NASDAQ:TMUS) at the end of the first quarter which was 76 in the previous quarter. While we acknowledge the potential of T-Mobile US, Inc. (NASDAQ:TMUS) 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 trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

#mobile #quarter #earnings

Carillon Tower Advisers, an investment management company, released its second-quarter 2026 investor letter for the "Carillon Eagle Growth & Income Fund". A copy of the letter is available to download here. The second quarter of 2026 was driven by a sharp rally in AI-related stocks, although gains were concentrated in highly cyclical semiconductor, memory and optical companies. The S&P 500 gained 15.2%, while the semiconductor index surged 87.8%. Unlike earlier AI rallies led by megacaps and strong earnings growth, some smaller technology stocks rose 200% to 300%, making the advance more fragile. Software and services stocks declined as investors questioned the impact of AI disruption. Oil prices also rose during the Iran conflict before retreating, briefly increasing inflation and interest-rate concerns. Despite the volatility, economic data and corporate earnings remained strong. S&P 500 earnings are projected to rise 25% in 2026 and 15% in 2027, with the market trading near 20x earnings. The Fund continues to focus on financially strong companies with durable earnings growth that can perform across different economic conditions. In addition, please check the Fund's top five holdings to know its best picks in 2026.
In its second-quarter 2026 investor letter, Carillon Eagle Growth & Income Fund highlighted Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN). Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN) provides strategy and consulting, industry X, song, and technology and operation services. On July 27, 2026, Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN) closed at $154.06 per share. One-month return of Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN) was 23.80% and its shares lost 44.76% over the past 52 weeks. Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN) has a market capitalization of $94.28 billion with a 52-week trading range between $118.15 - $291.09.
Carillon Eagle Growth & Income Fund stated the following regarding Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN) in its Q2 2026 investor letter:
"Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN) delivered weaker performance during the quarter. Investor concerns rose with decelerating revenue growth due to government contract cancellations and softening demand for discretionary information technology spending. The uncertain net effect of artificial intelligence fueled these fears. While fiscal fourth-quarter financials demonstrated that these fears were inflated, we believe the company needs to execute on its 2026 guidance before sentiment fully recovers."
Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN) is not on our list of the 40 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds. As per our database, 64 hedge fund portfolios held Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN) at the end of the first quarter which was 71 in the previous quarter. While we acknowledge the potential of Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN) 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 trend, see our free report on the best short-term A

Our **** ysts just identified a stock with the potential to be the next Nvidia. Tell us how you invest and we'll show you why it's our #1 pick. Tap here.
Management attributes strong performance to the 'historic shift' in global workforce redesign, where AI is reshaping tasks rather than eliminating jobs at scale.
The company is embedding AI into the core of HCM through 'ADP **** ist' and 'The Zone' to drive operational efficiency and real-time compliance insights.
Strategic positioning is anchored in 'structural advantages,' specifically a massive data foundation of 42 million wage earners that allows for granular task-level economic **** ysis.
Lyric HCM is gaining significant traction in the enterprise market, with live clients increasing 94% year-over-year and a pipeline heavily weighted toward new logos.

#year #NVIDIA #management

The Federal Reserve's two-day policy meeting concludes on Wednesday with an interest rate decision at 2:00 p.m. ET. The Fed's next move — to hold or hike — remains a close call.
Markets expect the central bank to keep interest rates unchanged, but inflationary pressures arising from the war in Iran and AI bottlenecks could prompt officials to opt for a surprise hike. Bond traders placed 64.2% odds that the Fed will hold rates steady and 35.8% odds that it will hike, according to the CME Group's FedWatch on Tuesday morning.
The Fed's decision is opaque not only due to the balance of economic forces; it's also by design. As new Fed Chairman Kevin Warsh reforms the institution, he's looking to bring the Fed back to an era of less communication with markets on the path of policy.
Warsh has repeatedly said he wants a "good family fight" at Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meetings. He's likely to get that, as officials remain divided on whether to hike interest rates this year.
If the Fed opts to raise interest rates today, it will likely be for two reasons: energy inflation stemming from the war in Iran coupled with the fact that inflation has remained stubbornly above the Fed's 2% goal for over five years.

#warsh

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When Treasury yields reach multiyear highs, some investors get nervous. Higher bond yields are triggered by lower bond prices, and the effects are felt across the financial spectrum: from investing in stocks and bonds to borrowing costs and savings returns.
The 30-year Treasury yield ended above 5% for the 14th consecutive trading session on July 24, its longest such streak since July 2007, according to Yahoo Finance's Chart of the Day. So far this year, it has closed above 5% 29 times, more than any other year since 2007.
Global bond yields across several major economies have climbed in tandem as higher oil prices, resilient economic data, and heavy government borrowing continue to add pressure.
Here is how rising Treasury yields could impact your finances.

#yields

A record-high 73% of US adults say that President Donald Trump hasn't paid enough attention to the country's most important problems, a new CNN poll conducted by SSRS finds, with just 27% saying he's had the right priorities.
That comes amid increasingly bleak views of the Iran war, stagnating economic unhappiness, and broad discontent about Trump's approach to these challenges.
Roughly two-thirds of Americans think that Trump's policies have worsened economic conditions and that his military decisions in Iran have hurt the US. Around three-quarters say the president is not in touch with the problems ordinary Americans face in their daily lives.
Trump's overall approval rating, 34%, matches the career low he last saw at the close of his first term, following the January 6, 2021, insurrection. Half of Americans now strongly disapprove of him, a high across his terms, with a record-low 15% strongly approving.
Within his own party, his approval rating has hit a new low at 78% among Republicans, and just 19% of Republicans say they're enthusiastic about the rest of his second term, down from 38% last spring.

#republicans #problems

Dogecoin (DOGE) is among the worst losers in the top 10 so far this year, booking a 39% retreat in 2026 as the price action continues to break key supports.
Interest for meme coins has waned recently, as the public's attention has turned to other corners of the tech ****** e like artificial intelligence (AI) and ****** e exploration.
Meanwhile, although market sentiment has improved recently, the macroeconomic backdrop remains unfavorable for the crypto market as a whole, and that is even more real for meme coins as a niche segment.
Persistent geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and a hawkish outlook when it comes to the Federal Reserve's monetary policy decisions continue to keep a lid on crypto prices and have pushed investors out of the sector as higher rates favor low-risk ****** ets.
Dogecoin has failed to stay above key levels despite its status as the king of this niche. Not even the launch of an exchange-traded fund (ETF) in the United States has prevented it from falling off a cliff, and now the price action appears to be eyeing a sustained decline toward the ****** et's October 2023 lows.

#dogecoin #recently #market #even

Days after the ever-reliable Fabrizio Romano gave his 'here we go' for Yan Diomande's move to Real Madrid, the transfer has not been announced yet and there is a growing sense of impatience.
Los Blancos, after all, have been close to completing the deal for days now but have not managed to deliver the final blow, raising questions on what the limiting factor currently is.
Earlier this week, it was reported that Leipzig and Real Madrid are yet to finalise the specifics of the economics of the operation with the German side demanding easier-to-achieve variables and a larger fixed sum.
Now, Fabrizio Romano himself has come out to address the reason for the delay in announcement of the signing.
Indeed, as relayed by the Italian journalist, there is a growing sense from the Leipzig sources that the Bundesliga side are looking to sign a replacement for Diomande immediately.

#madrid #leipzig #sense #side

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration is preparing to ramp up funding by hundreds of millions of dollars for programs designed to counter China's growing influence around the world, after it had put a halt to many of those initiatives last year during a flurry of budget and personnel cuts.
The administration notified Congress late last week that it intends to spend $175.8 million to replace outdated and aging undersea telecommunications cables in the Caribbean and Central America to prevent China from moving in. The ******* ociated Press obtained a copy of the notification on Monday.
The administration has expressed deep concern about China's activities in the Americas, pushing back on Chinese ownership of ports at either end of the Panama Canal, infrastructure projects funded by China's Belt and Road initiative in the region, and Chinese investment in the telecommunications sector.
A State Department official said China's economic activities in the Western Hemisphere pose risks to U.S. national security and prosperity. The official, who was not authorized to speak publicly to the subject and spoke on condition of anonymity, said China's offerings may seem cheaper but in the end wind up being more expensive due to cost overruns, hidden maintenance fees and poor performance.
The underseas cable funding appears to be part of a broader push to restore support for initiatives aimed at blunting Chinese influence globally that would cost many hundreds of millions of dollars more. That is even as President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping put on a show of cooperation and Xi prepares to visit the U.S. this fall.

#administration #millions

For three consecutive presidential campaigns, President Donald Trump regularly told the same lie when he spoke in the swing state of Michigan. Before he even entered politics, he claimed, he was named "Man of the Year" in the state.
The problem: CNN and other media outlets repeatedly noted that this award did not exist. But Trump revived the tale once more near the end of a falsehood-filled economic speech in Michigan on Monday — and added an additional lie claiming that an initially skeptical media had eventually discovered the award story was correct.
"I was here 25 years ago, I got Man of the Year. They — oh, by the way, the press questioned that, and then they found out it was true, actually," Trump said with a chuckle. "And I made a speech, and all I talked about was why are you letting them steal your auto industry?"
Nope. This is yet another example of the fake history that has littered various Trump addresses this month.
Approaching 10 full years after Trump debuted the "Man of the Year" lie, ***** ody has ever been able to find any evidence for it. The state of Michigan does not give out a "Man of the Year" award, Trump has never lived in the state, and he and his team have never specified who or what entity supposedly gave him this award and when.

#michigan #award #years

The AI memory supercycle has emerged as one of 2026's most defining stories, and also one of its most contested. Hyperscaler capital expenditure is expected to reach $750 billion this year, with Goldman Sachs forecasting $7.6 trillion in total AI infrastructure spending through 2031, resulting in a supply shortage of NAND and DRAM memory as data center demand for high-performance storage clashes against the chipmakers' capacity limitations.
That scarcity has been aggravated by reports that TSMC may boost contract chip manufacturing prices by up to 10% in 2027, with some products facing increases of up to 20%, owing to increased materials, equipment, and overseas facility development expenses.
Sandisk Corporation (NASDAQ:SNDK) is one of the names that have benefited the most from the supercycle. Since its February 2025 spinoff from Western Digital at $35.06 per share, Sandisk Corporation (NASDAQ:SNDK) has become the single best-performing stock in the S&P 500, climbing up to 858% at its late-June peak on the back of explosive fundamentals: fiscal Q3 2026 revenue reached $5.95 billion, up 97% sequentially and 251% year-over-year, with datacenter revenue specifically up 645% year-over-year.
Management anticipates continued sequential acceleration in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026, with total revenue expected to range between $7.75 billion and $8.25 billion and non-GAAP earnings per share between $30 and $33, as gross margins increase to near 80%. More crucially, Sandisk Corporation (NASDAQ:SNDK) reported that its remaining performance obligations and contracted backlog came in between $41.6 billion and $42 billion. Sandisk's entire 2026 enterprise AI storage capacity is sold out under long-term agreements, thus locking in multibillion-dollar cash flows for the rest of the calendar year.
Despite its strong operational reports, Sandisk Corporation (NASDAQ:SNDK) has not been immune to macroeconomic turbulence. In mid-July, shares fell 8% to 15% across a number of sessions, contributing to a 39% slide from late-June record highs, as the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index fell more than 20%. According to market ****** ysts, this pullback is the result of an industry-wide valuation adjustment rather than a structural decline in memory demand or corporate earnings power.

#sandisk #corporation #june

Alphabet (GOOGL) beat Q2 EPS estimates by 199% while Tesla (TSLA) missed by 39%, yet both stocks sold off on the same day.
Both companies burned free cash flow, but Alphabet's drain funds a growing cash machine while Tesla's signals compressed automotive unit economics.
Sundar Pichai noted nearly 90% of Fortune 100 companies now use Gemini Enterprise, powering Google Cloud to 82% year-over-year growth.
Act now: the ***** yst who called NVIDIA in 2010 just named his top 10 AI stocks — and Google didn't make the cut. Grab the names FREE today.
Alphabet (NASDAQ: GOOGL) and Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA) both reported Q2 results on July 22, 2026, and both got sold. Only one earned it. Google crushed estimates with Cloud accelerating to 82% growth. Tesla missed EPS by nearly 38.51% as operating margin collapsed. Same market reaction, opposite fundamentals.

#free