6 hours ago
Taylor Swift brought chic retro energy to Arrowhead Stadium to cheer on the Kansas City Chiefs. Sitting in her VIP luxury box, the music superstar commanded total attention with her preppy game-day style. She effortlessly elevated classic stadium fashion into a high-fashion moment.
For the exciting matchup against the Denver Broncos, Swift chose a sporty yet high-end knit ensemble. She wore the "Gingham Polo Dress" in Scarlet and Mist from Gigi Hadid's luxury knitwear brand, Guest in Residence. The $236 piece features a vibrant red and cream checkered pattern, a soft ribbed collar, and three small ***** ons at the neck. The short-sleeved cashmere dress fits snugly around her upper body before ending high on her legs in a flirty micro length.
Swift cheered enthusiastically throughout the game alongside friends and family. As highlighted in a popular Instagram post, the pop icon opted for effortless, preppy game-day styling. The bold scarlet checks perfectly matched the Kansas City Chiefs' iconic team colors. She leaned forward near the suite's glass partition, watching every play on the field while high-fiving her companions and celebrating every big play.
The pop star complemented the retro polo minidress with sleek accessories and her signature beauty choices. She wore her warm blonde hair down in soft, touchable waves with her iconic blunt bangs framing her face. Minimal eye makeup, glowing skin, and a classic bright red lipstick completed her game-day look. The vibrant lip color mirrored the bold red checks on her cashmere dress. She kept her jewelry simple, wearing delicate gold rings and small hoop earrings.
By pairing cozy luxury knitwear with a leg-baring micro length, Taylor Swift proved that stadium fashion can feel comfortable, flirty, and thoroughly modern. She continues to set fashion trends from the football stands, seamlessly blending elevated designer pieces with casual sports fandom.
#taylor
For the exciting matchup against the Denver Broncos, Swift chose a sporty yet high-end knit ensemble. She wore the "Gingham Polo Dress" in Scarlet and Mist from Gigi Hadid's luxury knitwear brand, Guest in Residence. The $236 piece features a vibrant red and cream checkered pattern, a soft ribbed collar, and three small ***** ons at the neck. The short-sleeved cashmere dress fits snugly around her upper body before ending high on her legs in a flirty micro length.
Swift cheered enthusiastically throughout the game alongside friends and family. As highlighted in a popular Instagram post, the pop icon opted for effortless, preppy game-day styling. The bold scarlet checks perfectly matched the Kansas City Chiefs' iconic team colors. She leaned forward near the suite's glass partition, watching every play on the field while high-fiving her companions and celebrating every big play.
The pop star complemented the retro polo minidress with sleek accessories and her signature beauty choices. She wore her warm blonde hair down in soft, touchable waves with her iconic blunt bangs framing her face. Minimal eye makeup, glowing skin, and a classic bright red lipstick completed her game-day look. The vibrant lip color mirrored the bold red checks on her cashmere dress. She kept her jewelry simple, wearing delicate gold rings and small hoop earrings.
By pairing cozy luxury knitwear with a leg-baring micro length, Taylor Swift proved that stadium fashion can feel comfortable, flirty, and thoroughly modern. She continues to set fashion trends from the football stands, seamlessly blending elevated designer pieces with casual sports fandom.
#taylor
12 hours ago
Three and a half years of freight recession did two things to the truck financing market at once. It shredded the credit profiles of the carriers who most needed to borrow. It also pushed a large share of the lenders who would have lent to them out of the sector. Both are now rationing the equipment replacement cycle the industry has spent two years waiting on.
Kirk Mann stayed in. As executive vice president and general manager of the transportation vendor solutions business at Mitsubishi HC Capital America, he financed trucks through the entire downturn and watched a great many of them come back.
"There are a lot of lenders, banks that left, and so we've had the benefit of being one of the lenders actually lending money in this ****** e," Mann said in an interview with FreightWaves. What competition remains is mostly OEM captive finance arms, a couple of large independents and a few bank-led groups, he said.
The carriers that did not survive were overwhelmingly the newest. On average, 85% of motor carriers with fewer than two years of operating experience and their own operating authority failed over a three-year stretch of the downturn, Mann said.
Back in January 2023, Mann sat in Mitsubishi HC Capital's Chicago offices with Wayne Pass, the company's chief credit officer for vendor solutions, since retired. He asked what a Freightliner Cascadia 13-speed with a tall sleeper and fewer than 500,000 miles was worth. Both men wrote down $45,000. Mann then asked what the company was financing those trucks at. About $110,000.
#mitsubishi #back #financing #large
Kirk Mann stayed in. As executive vice president and general manager of the transportation vendor solutions business at Mitsubishi HC Capital America, he financed trucks through the entire downturn and watched a great many of them come back.
"There are a lot of lenders, banks that left, and so we've had the benefit of being one of the lenders actually lending money in this ****** e," Mann said in an interview with FreightWaves. What competition remains is mostly OEM captive finance arms, a couple of large independents and a few bank-led groups, he said.
The carriers that did not survive were overwhelmingly the newest. On average, 85% of motor carriers with fewer than two years of operating experience and their own operating authority failed over a three-year stretch of the downturn, Mann said.
Back in January 2023, Mann sat in Mitsubishi HC Capital's Chicago offices with Wayne Pass, the company's chief credit officer for vendor solutions, since retired. He asked what a Freightliner Cascadia 13-speed with a tall sleeper and fewer than 500,000 miles was worth. Both men wrote down $45,000. Mann then asked what the company was financing those trucks at. About $110,000.
#mitsubishi #back #financing #large
17 hours ago
Jalen Hurts is lending his voice to Ryan Clark's next chapter in sports media.
The Eagles quarterback joined Odell Beckham Jr. in helping narrate Clark's announcement for The Pivot Sports, a new extension of the media brand Clark has built alongside former NFL players Fred Taylor and Channing Crowder. The Pivot Sports was scheduled to premiere Monday at 2 p.m. EDT on the podcast's YouTube channel. Clark announced the launch through social media, thanking supporters who encouraged him following his departure from ESPN and describing the project as something created for those who continued backing him.
#clark #hurts #Eagles #odell
The Eagles quarterback joined Odell Beckham Jr. in helping narrate Clark's announcement for The Pivot Sports, a new extension of the media brand Clark has built alongside former NFL players Fred Taylor and Channing Crowder. The Pivot Sports was scheduled to premiere Monday at 2 p.m. EDT on the podcast's YouTube channel. Clark announced the launch through social media, thanking supporters who encouraged him following his departure from ESPN and describing the project as something created for those who continued backing him.
#clark #hurts #Eagles #odell
2 days ago
Coinbase (NASDAQ: COIN), one of the world's largest cryptocurrency exchanges, recently partnered with Moov, a payments infrastructure provider, to bring stablecoin payments and settlements to more than 1,000 U.S. community banks and credit unions. By integrating Coinbase's digital ******* et infrastructure into Moov's payments platform, the two companies will enable those financial institutions to accept stablecoins without building their own blockchains.
Let's see how this partnership could help Coinbase, why everyone is talking about stablecoins right now, and how the upcoming vote on the CLARITY Act could impact those plans.
Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again. In 2009, a "Double Down" signal flashed for a little-known chipmaker called Nvidia. For the first time in years, that same "Total Conviction" signal is flashing for a company 1/100th the size of Nvidia. Continue »
Stablecoins are cryptocurrencies pegged to a stable fiat currency, such as the U.S. dollar or the euro, and can be held without a bank account. Their payments can be settled 24/7, enabling faster, cheaper money transfers than fiat currencies. They can be deposited in third-party lending platforms and liquidity pools to earn higher yields than traditional bank accounts.
Stablecoins can also allow people in countries with hyperinflation to preserve their savings without buying the underlying fiat currencies. They can also be used to accelerate cross-border transfers by acting as a "bridge currency" between the two fiat currencies.
#signal #Coinbase
Let's see how this partnership could help Coinbase, why everyone is talking about stablecoins right now, and how the upcoming vote on the CLARITY Act could impact those plans.
Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again. In 2009, a "Double Down" signal flashed for a little-known chipmaker called Nvidia. For the first time in years, that same "Total Conviction" signal is flashing for a company 1/100th the size of Nvidia. Continue »
Stablecoins are cryptocurrencies pegged to a stable fiat currency, such as the U.S. dollar or the euro, and can be held without a bank account. Their payments can be settled 24/7, enabling faster, cheaper money transfers than fiat currencies. They can be deposited in third-party lending platforms and liquidity pools to earn higher yields than traditional bank accounts.
Stablecoins can also allow people in countries with hyperinflation to preserve their savings without buying the underlying fiat currencies. They can also be used to accelerate cross-border transfers by acting as a "bridge currency" between the two fiat currencies.
#signal #Coinbase
3 days ago
U.S. Bancorp (NYSE:USB) has raised its quarterly dividend by 3.8% to $0.54 per share. That brings the annualized payout at $2.16 and the yield at 3.5%.
For income-focused investors, the increase adds to the bank's appeal. But the more important point is what supports the higher payout.
U.S. Bancorp enters the second half of 2026 on firm footing. The bank's latest results show accelerating earnings, strong loan growth, and a solid capital position.
U.S. Bancorp (NYSE:USB)'s revenue increased 10% YoY in Q2 to a record $7.7 billion. Net interest margin jumped to 2.79%, up from 2.66% a year ago. That helped push the net income attributable to the bank up 20% to $2.18 billion. Diluted EPS rose 21.6% to $1.35.
The bank's balance sheet also continued to expand. Average loans increased 7.1% to $405.5 billion, supported by strong commercial, commercial real estate and credit card lending activity. Average deposits increased 2.4% to $515.1 billion, providing low-cost funding for the loan growth.
#Growth
For income-focused investors, the increase adds to the bank's appeal. But the more important point is what supports the higher payout.
U.S. Bancorp enters the second half of 2026 on firm footing. The bank's latest results show accelerating earnings, strong loan growth, and a solid capital position.
U.S. Bancorp (NYSE:USB)'s revenue increased 10% YoY in Q2 to a record $7.7 billion. Net interest margin jumped to 2.79%, up from 2.66% a year ago. That helped push the net income attributable to the bank up 20% to $2.18 billion. Diluted EPS rose 21.6% to $1.35.
The bank's balance sheet also continued to expand. Average loans increased 7.1% to $405.5 billion, supported by strong commercial, commercial real estate and credit card lending activity. Average deposits increased 2.4% to $515.1 billion, providing low-cost funding for the loan growth.
#Growth
3 days ago
In 2024, Catalent tapped direct lenders for a $4.2 billion term loan to fund its acquisition by Novo Holdings. Last month, the drug manufacturer refinanced with a $4.1 billion syndicated loan that it says will cut its annual interest expense by about $100 million.
Catalent's move captures a shift under way in the leveraged finance market, according to a new report from DC Advisory. Redemptions from retail investors are contributing to the erosion of private credit's pricing advantage, creating an opening for banks to win refinancing business.
The problems in the retail private credit market show few signs of abating.
All the largest direct lenders, such as Ares, Apollo and KKR, also run business development companies, the most common form of credit fund aimed at individual investors, all under varying degrees of pressure to redeem investors.
PitchBook LCD reported on Wednesday that investors in Cliffwater's direct lending interval fund sought to redeem 16% of shares outstanding in the third quarter, down from 17% in the prior quarter.
#billion #private
Catalent's move captures a shift under way in the leveraged finance market, according to a new report from DC Advisory. Redemptions from retail investors are contributing to the erosion of private credit's pricing advantage, creating an opening for banks to win refinancing business.
The problems in the retail private credit market show few signs of abating.
All the largest direct lenders, such as Ares, Apollo and KKR, also run business development companies, the most common form of credit fund aimed at individual investors, all under varying degrees of pressure to redeem investors.
PitchBook LCD reported on Wednesday that investors in Cliffwater's direct lending interval fund sought to redeem 16% of shares outstanding in the third quarter, down from 17% in the prior quarter.
#billion #private
3 days ago
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
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
3 days ago
Horizon Technology Finance Corp., an affiliate of Monroe Capital, on September 10 said that the RoHo Capital Opportunity Fund LLC, a joint venture formed by Horizon and CR Financial Holdings, Inc., the holding company for Roth Capital Partners, LLC, has provided a $20-million senior credit facility to NeoVolta, Inc., with the ability to increase the facility to $30 million upon mutual agreement. An initial $20 million was funded at closing to support NeoVolta's continued growth.NeoVolta is an energy technology company focused on developing and manufacturing domestic battery energy storage systems (BESS). Together with its joint venture partner LONGi, NeoVolta is developing a 210,600-square-foot manufacturing facility in Pendergrass, Georgia, to produce BESS systems designed to meet U.S. domestic content and supply-chain requirements. The facility is expected to have an initial annual production capacity of up to 2 GWh, with the potential to scale to 8 GWh over time."Providing growth capital to innovative companies operating in attractive, high-growth markets is a core focus of RoHo's investment strategy," said Paul Seitz, chief investment officer of Horizon. "Formed by Horizon and Roth Capital, RoHo pairs Horizon's venture lending and structuring expertise with Roth's deep public markets relationships to deliver flexible growth capital to small- and micro-cap public companies. We are pleased to support NeoVolta's growth plans with a tailored financing solution and look forward to continuing to deploy capital through RoHo in support of innovative public companies pursuing significant market opportunities.""Horizon and Roth Capital bring valuable experience and a collaborative approach as we advance NeoVolta's domestic battery energy storage systems manufacturing platform," said Ardes Johnson, CEO of NeoVolta. "As we ramp our Georgia facility and pursue larger commercial and utility-scale opportunities, this relationship supports our ability to execute on our long-term growth strategy."Horizon Technology Finance Corp. is a specialty finance company that provides capital in the form of secured loans to venture capital and private equity-backed companies and publicly traded companies in the technology, life science, healthcare information and services, and sustainability industries. The investment objective of Horizon is to maximize its investment portfolio's return by generating current income from the debt investments it makes and capital appreciation from the warrants it receives when making such debt investments. Horizon is headquartered in Farmington, Connecticut, with a regional office in Pleasanton, California, and investment professionals located throughout the U.S.Monroe Capital is a premier ****** et management firm specializing in private credit markets across various strategies, including direct lending, technology finance, venture debt, opportunistic, structured credit, real estate and equity.CR Financial Holdings, Inc., is a private hol
4 days ago
The European Central Bank (ECB) on Thursday raised its three key interest rates by 25 basis points, lifting the deposit facility rate to 2.50%, the main refinancing rate to 2.65%, and the marginal lending facility rate to 2.90%, effective September 16.
The unanimous decision, which ECB President Christine Lagarde called a "no brainer," marks the ECB's second rate hike of 2026 following its June increase. The move comes directly in response to persistent inflation pressures generated by the ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict, which has disrupted energy shipments through the Strait of Hormuz and sent oil prices (CLV26) back above $100 per barrel.
Crude Oil Prices Soar on Escalation of Middle East Hostilities
Nat-Gas Prices Sink on the Outlook for Weaker US Demand
Crude Oil Prices Soar on Fears US-Iran War to Persist
#Iran #soar #european #central
The unanimous decision, which ECB President Christine Lagarde called a "no brainer," marks the ECB's second rate hike of 2026 following its June increase. The move comes directly in response to persistent inflation pressures generated by the ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict, which has disrupted energy shipments through the Strait of Hormuz and sent oil prices (CLV26) back above $100 per barrel.
Crude Oil Prices Soar on Escalation of Middle East Hostilities
Nat-Gas Prices Sink on the Outlook for Weaker US Demand
Crude Oil Prices Soar on Fears US-Iran War to Persist
#Iran #soar #european #central
4 days ago
Michael Burry is no stranger to controversial market calls. The hedge fund manager and founder of Scion Capital cemented his place in Wall Street history by predicting the subprime lending market crash in 2008. His high-stakes bet earned him $100 million, while his investors banked $725 million. The events were immortalized in the movie The Big Short, and Burry still turns heads with his headline-making calls.
Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again. In 2009, a "Double Down" signal flashed for a little-known chipmaker called Nvidia. For the first time in years, that same "Total Conviction" signal is flashing for a company 1/100th the size of Nvidia. Continue »
The legendary investor's most recent target has been artificial intelligence (AI) and, more specifically, Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA). Burry takes issue with the industry's estimates of the useful life of semiconductors used in AI, believing they are too long.
However, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang just put a nail in Burry's bear case.
Image source: Nvidia.
#market #calls
Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again. In 2009, a "Double Down" signal flashed for a little-known chipmaker called Nvidia. For the first time in years, that same "Total Conviction" signal is flashing for a company 1/100th the size of Nvidia. Continue »
The legendary investor's most recent target has been artificial intelligence (AI) and, more specifically, Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA). Burry takes issue with the industry's estimates of the useful life of semiconductors used in AI, believing they are too long.
However, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang just put a nail in Burry's bear case.
Image source: Nvidia.
#market #calls
4 days ago
Sponsor-backed direct lending volume and deal count ticked up in the three months ended Aug. 31, recovering from the lows seen in Q2 but remaining below Q1 levels, according to new LCD data.
Direct lenders provided an estimated $28 billion across 124 sponsor-backed deals over the past three months, up from $23 billion across 101 deals in Q2, though still short of Q1's $45 billion across 133 deals, according to the latest US LCD Private Credit Monitor.
On a year-to-date basis, sponsor-backed direct lending volume of $87 billion across 322 deals through August runs 27% behind last year's $120 billion (from 356 deals) over the same period, signaling that sponsors remain cautious even as quarterly activity firms up.
Buyout financing has followed a similar path. Direct lenders backed 50 LBOs for roughly $14 billion over the three months through August, an improvement on Q2's 47 deals and $13 billion but still well below Q1's 56 deals and $23 billion. Year-to-date, direct lending buyout volume of $44 billion across 135 deals trails the $57 billion and 154 deals at the same time last year, suggesting sponsors are still hesitant to launch new platform deals amid the higher-for-longer rate backdrop.
Healthcare sector deals accounted for 20% of new-issue direct lending deals in 2026 year-to-date, versus 18% in full-year 2025. Technology's share of new direct lending deals has fallen to 16% YTD, from 18% for FY 2025, representing the largest drop of any sector over the period. Utilities and building materials both saw large increases, though both sectors sit on small relative bases.
#billion #lending #three
Direct lenders provided an estimated $28 billion across 124 sponsor-backed deals over the past three months, up from $23 billion across 101 deals in Q2, though still short of Q1's $45 billion across 133 deals, according to the latest US LCD Private Credit Monitor.
On a year-to-date basis, sponsor-backed direct lending volume of $87 billion across 322 deals through August runs 27% behind last year's $120 billion (from 356 deals) over the same period, signaling that sponsors remain cautious even as quarterly activity firms up.
Buyout financing has followed a similar path. Direct lenders backed 50 LBOs for roughly $14 billion over the three months through August, an improvement on Q2's 47 deals and $13 billion but still well below Q1's 56 deals and $23 billion. Year-to-date, direct lending buyout volume of $44 billion across 135 deals trails the $57 billion and 154 deals at the same time last year, suggesting sponsors are still hesitant to launch new platform deals amid the higher-for-longer rate backdrop.
Healthcare sector deals accounted for 20% of new-issue direct lending deals in 2026 year-to-date, versus 18% in full-year 2025. Technology's share of new direct lending deals has fallen to 16% YTD, from 18% for FY 2025, representing the largest drop of any sector over the period. Utilities and building materials both saw large increases, though both sectors sit on small relative bases.
#billion #lending #three
5 days ago
French AI developer Mistral raised one of Europe's largest venture debt deals this year
STEPHANE DE SAKUTIN/Getty Images
Venture debt lending in Europe is on track to reach a new record by the end of this year, but capital is flowing into a dwindling pool of recipients.
Europe's venture ecosystem has become increasingly concentrated, and the same trend is taking place in the debt market. More than €21 billion (about $24 billion) has been invested over the course of the year, according to PitchBook data, and 2026 is on track for its best annual total on record.
At the current pace, total debt value is projected to reach around 60% higher than last year.
#french
STEPHANE DE SAKUTIN/Getty Images
Venture debt lending in Europe is on track to reach a new record by the end of this year, but capital is flowing into a dwindling pool of recipients.
Europe's venture ecosystem has become increasingly concentrated, and the same trend is taking place in the debt market. More than €21 billion (about $24 billion) has been invested over the course of the year, according to PitchBook data, and 2026 is on track for its best annual total on record.
At the current pace, total debt value is projected to reach around 60% higher than last year.
#french
0.00$ raised of 0.00$ goal
0 donations
0.00$
to go
7 days ago
Cash App segment is becoming a major driver of the growth story for Block Inc. (NYSE:XYZ) in 2026, as the underlying lending operations within the segment standout as key determinants of management's outlook for the remainder of the year. Recent initiatives around the company's proprietary credit signal support the narrative and broaden the company's lending reach. For the first time, Block will open its Cash App Score for external lenders by collaborating with Nova Credit's Cash Flow Intelligence Platform.
Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash
Cash App Score was previously limited to internal use by the company for its consumer lending offerings such as the Cash App Borrow. This latest development could pave way for the monetization of company's data infrastructure, resulting in an additional revenue source.
During the second quarter, Block exceeded its prior guidance, reporting $3.17 billion in gross profit and $864 million in adjusted operating income. Revenue reached $6.62 billion, up 9.3% year over year. Gross profit expanded by 25% relative to the same period last year, and the company posted record 27% adjusted operating margins. Adjusted EPS clocked in at $1.02, exhibiting year-over-year growth of 65%.
Block's impressive second quarter print was driven by strong consumer spending, along with Cash App gross profit expansion of 31% year-over-year increase. This can be attributed to significant expansion in consumer lending, driven by Cash App Borrow. Block said Financial Solutions gross profit growth was driven primarily by Cash App Borrow. It reflects favorably on broader user engagement, who are utilizing Cash App for short-term credit financing instead of just a savings or payment mechanism. Despite a nominal 3% growth in monthly transacting actives, volumetric growth within Cash App was impressive. There was a 59% year-over-year jump in Cash App Consumer Lending origination volume, and 17% increase in Cash App Commerce Enablement volume.
#cash #Consumer
Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash
Cash App Score was previously limited to internal use by the company for its consumer lending offerings such as the Cash App Borrow. This latest development could pave way for the monetization of company's data infrastructure, resulting in an additional revenue source.
During the second quarter, Block exceeded its prior guidance, reporting $3.17 billion in gross profit and $864 million in adjusted operating income. Revenue reached $6.62 billion, up 9.3% year over year. Gross profit expanded by 25% relative to the same period last year, and the company posted record 27% adjusted operating margins. Adjusted EPS clocked in at $1.02, exhibiting year-over-year growth of 65%.
Block's impressive second quarter print was driven by strong consumer spending, along with Cash App gross profit expansion of 31% year-over-year increase. This can be attributed to significant expansion in consumer lending, driven by Cash App Borrow. Block said Financial Solutions gross profit growth was driven primarily by Cash App Borrow. It reflects favorably on broader user engagement, who are utilizing Cash App for short-term credit financing instead of just a savings or payment mechanism. Despite a nominal 3% growth in monthly transacting actives, volumetric growth within Cash App was impressive. There was a 59% year-over-year jump in Cash App Consumer Lending origination volume, and 17% increase in Cash App Commerce Enablement volume.
#cash #Consumer
7 days ago
DBS has introduced two new payment cards, Chromo and TravelLah!, aimed at spending habits and preferences among Gen Z customers in Singapore.
The Singapore-headquartered lender stated that both products are designed to help young adults "maximise rewards" on daily spending and "get more value" when they spend overseas.
DBS launched Chromo on 5 September. It described Chromo as the first credit card in Singapore designed to "automatically adapt" to the spending habits of Gen Z customers.
The card provides bonus cashback on a customer's top two eligible local spending categories each month, removing the need for cardholders to pre-select categories.
DBS Singapore Payments and Unsecured Lending head Chan Sow Han said: "Young adults in their 20s are navigating one of the most dynamic stages of their lives, often marked by shifts in income, interests and financial priorities.
#young #adults
The Singapore-headquartered lender stated that both products are designed to help young adults "maximise rewards" on daily spending and "get more value" when they spend overseas.
DBS launched Chromo on 5 September. It described Chromo as the first credit card in Singapore designed to "automatically adapt" to the spending habits of Gen Z customers.
The card provides bonus cashback on a customer's top two eligible local spending categories each month, removing the need for cardholders to pre-select categories.
DBS Singapore Payments and Unsecured Lending head Chan Sow Han said: "Young adults in their 20s are navigating one of the most dynamic stages of their lives, often marked by shifts in income, interests and financial priorities.
#young #adults
8 days ago
Cash App segment is becoming a major driver of the growth story for Block Inc. (NYSE:XYZ) in 2026, as the underlying lending operations within the segment standout as key determinants of management's outlook for the remainder of the year. Recent initiatives around the company's proprietary credit signal support the narrative and broaden the company's lending reach. For the first time, Block will open its Cash App Score for external lenders by collaborating with Nova Credit's Cash Flow Intelligence Platform.
Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash
Cash App Score was previously limited to internal use by the company for its consumer lending offerings such as the Cash App Borrow. This latest development could pave way for the monetization of company's data infrastructure, resulting in an additional revenue source.
During the second quarter, Block exceeded its prior guidance, reporting $3.17 billion in gross profit and $864 million in adjusted operating income. Revenue reached $6.62 billion, up 9.3% year over year. Gross profit expanded by 25% relative to the same period last year, and the company posted record 27% adjusted operating margins. Adjusted EPS clocked in at $1.02, exhibiting year-over-year growth of 65%.
Block's impressive second quarter print was driven by strong consumer spending, along with Cash App gross profit expansion of 31% year-over-year increase. This can be attributed to significant expansion in consumer lending, driven by Cash App Borrow. Block said Financial Solutions gross profit growth was driven primarily by Cash App Borrow. It reflects favorably on broader user engagement, who are utilizing Cash App for short-term credit financing instead of just a savings or payment mechanism. Despite a nominal 3% growth in monthly transacting actives, volumetric growth within Cash App was impressive. There was a 59% year-over-year jump in Cash App Consumer Lending origination volume, and 17% increase in Cash App Commerce Enablement volume.
#year #Growth #gross #profit
Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash
Cash App Score was previously limited to internal use by the company for its consumer lending offerings such as the Cash App Borrow. This latest development could pave way for the monetization of company's data infrastructure, resulting in an additional revenue source.
During the second quarter, Block exceeded its prior guidance, reporting $3.17 billion in gross profit and $864 million in adjusted operating income. Revenue reached $6.62 billion, up 9.3% year over year. Gross profit expanded by 25% relative to the same period last year, and the company posted record 27% adjusted operating margins. Adjusted EPS clocked in at $1.02, exhibiting year-over-year growth of 65%.
Block's impressive second quarter print was driven by strong consumer spending, along with Cash App gross profit expansion of 31% year-over-year increase. This can be attributed to significant expansion in consumer lending, driven by Cash App Borrow. Block said Financial Solutions gross profit growth was driven primarily by Cash App Borrow. It reflects favorably on broader user engagement, who are utilizing Cash App for short-term credit financing instead of just a savings or payment mechanism. Despite a nominal 3% growth in monthly transacting actives, volumetric growth within Cash App was impressive. There was a 59% year-over-year jump in Cash App Consumer Lending origination volume, and 17% increase in Cash App Commerce Enablement volume.
#year #Growth #gross #profit
9 days ago
The national average price for a gallon of gasoline hit $4.14 heading into Labor Day weekend, according to AAA, the highest ever recorded for the holiday and the first time the average has been above $4 on Labor Day. The price broke a record set 14 years ago, when the average was $3.82 on Sept. 3, 2012. A year ago, Americans were paying just $3.19.
On CNN's "State of the Union" on Sunday, host Dana Bash pointed out to Energy Secretary Chris Wright that he had said on the same show in April that gas prices had peaked and might not fall below $3 per gallon until 2027. She asked whether — with the war in Iran, the Russia-Ukraine war and dwindling U.S. reserves — prices could go higher.
"I don't want to have an opinion on that," Wright said.
He then pointed to the gasoline futures market, which he said was pricing the fuel about 30 cents a gallon lower two months out. He said the Trump administration had changed blending requirements to allow American refiners to produce more gasoline, and named several Democratic-led states that have declined to adopt the new standards.
"New York, Connecticut, California and several other Democrat-governed states have decided not to adopt those standards," Wright said. "They apparently want to keep driving up prices on their residents."
#wright #labor #pointed
On CNN's "State of the Union" on Sunday, host Dana Bash pointed out to Energy Secretary Chris Wright that he had said on the same show in April that gas prices had peaked and might not fall below $3 per gallon until 2027. She asked whether — with the war in Iran, the Russia-Ukraine war and dwindling U.S. reserves — prices could go higher.
"I don't want to have an opinion on that," Wright said.
He then pointed to the gasoline futures market, which he said was pricing the fuel about 30 cents a gallon lower two months out. He said the Trump administration had changed blending requirements to allow American refiners to produce more gasoline, and named several Democratic-led states that have declined to adopt the new standards.
"New York, Connecticut, California and several other Democrat-governed states have decided not to adopt those standards," Wright said. "They apparently want to keep driving up prices on their residents."
#wright #labor #pointed
9 days ago
SoFi Technologies (SOFI) continues to post robust quarterly results, yet its share price remains down 43.5% from its 52-week peak, trailing the broader market.
SoFi's underperformance stems largely from the market's anxiety over the company's evolving revenue mix. In recent quarters, the company has become more reliant on its lending business, which requires substantial capital and exposes the company to greater credit risk. That concern intensified in the second quarter as lending once again expanded faster than SoFi's non-lending businesses, putting additional pressure on the stock.
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#technologies #reason #gamestop #time
SoFi's underperformance stems largely from the market's anxiety over the company's evolving revenue mix. In recent quarters, the company has become more reliant on its lending business, which requires substantial capital and exposes the company to greater credit risk. That concern intensified in the second quarter as lending once again expanded faster than SoFi's non-lending businesses, putting additional pressure on the stock.
A $1.4 Billion Reason to Buy GameStop Stock Now
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#technologies #reason #gamestop #time
10 days ago
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The flagship private credit fund of Cliffwater LLC capped redemptions at 5% in Q3 after investors asked to redeem approximately 16% of shares.
Cliffwater Corporate Lending Fund told shareholders in a letter Thursday that it would fulfill approximately one-third of redemption requests, according to a shareholder letter seen by Bloomberg.
Cliffwater's Chief Executive Officer Stephen Nesbitt said in the letter the firm "remains committed to acting in the best interests," of its shareholders. Nesbitt added that investors who have requested cash since Q1 have received approximately 78% of capital.
Read Also:Brookfield Could Pull $600 Million From HomeServe in Debt Deal
#investors #benzinga
The flagship private credit fund of Cliffwater LLC capped redemptions at 5% in Q3 after investors asked to redeem approximately 16% of shares.
Cliffwater Corporate Lending Fund told shareholders in a letter Thursday that it would fulfill approximately one-third of redemption requests, according to a shareholder letter seen by Bloomberg.
Cliffwater's Chief Executive Officer Stephen Nesbitt said in the letter the firm "remains committed to acting in the best interests," of its shareholders. Nesbitt added that investors who have requested cash since Q1 have received approximately 78% of capital.
Read Also:Brookfield Could Pull $600 Million From HomeServe in Debt Deal
#investors #benzinga
11 days ago
WestEnd Capital Management, an investment advisor, released its Q2 2026 investor letter. The letter can be downloaded here. WestEnd Capital Management's Core Strategy achieved a 16.3% net return in the quarter, surpassing the S&P 500's 15.0%. This performance stemmed from strong earnings generators and upward earnings revisions, showcasing U.S. companies' efficiency in converting sales into profits. S&P 500 net profit margins reached a decade-high of 14.8% in Q1 and are expected to remain above 14% in Q2 despite challenges like higher interest rates and geopolitical uncertainty. Technology remains a key focus in WestEnd's portfolio, along with investments in infrastructure, demographic shifts, financial innovation, and selective consumer opportunities. Also, check the fund's top five holdings to see its best picks in 2026.
In its second-quarter 2026 investor letter, WestEnd Capital Management highlighted Robinhood Markets, Inc. (NASDAQ:HOOD). Robinhood Markets, Inc. (NASDAQ:HOOD) is a US-based financial services company that provides a trading platform for stocks, exchange-traded funds, American depository receipts, options, gold, and cryptocurrencies. On September 02, 2026, Robinhood Markets, Inc. closed at $106.99 per share. Robinhood Markets, Inc. returned 34.83% over the past month, and its shares have gained 18.84% over the past 52 weeks. Robinhood Markets, Inc. has a market capitalization of $96.19 billion.
WestEnd Capital Management stated the following regarding Robinhood Markets, Inc. (NASDAQ:HOOD) in its Q2 2026 investor letter:
Robinhood Markets, Inc. (NASDAQ:HOOD) has evolved well beyond the online brokerage platform many investors still ****** ociate with its early years. The company is building a broader financial services ecosystem that includes brokerage and retirement accounts, cash management, securities lending, advisory services, credit products, prediction markets, and international operations.
But its primary advantage is the strength of its customer relationship. Robinhood has built a large, highly engaged user base and can introduce new products through a single digital platform with relatively low incremental distribution costs. As customers consolidate more of their financial activity with the company, Robinhood can generate higher revenue per account and develop recurring revenue streams that extend beyond transaction-based trading..." (Click here to read the full text)
#robinhood #hood #financial
In its second-quarter 2026 investor letter, WestEnd Capital Management highlighted Robinhood Markets, Inc. (NASDAQ:HOOD). Robinhood Markets, Inc. (NASDAQ:HOOD) is a US-based financial services company that provides a trading platform for stocks, exchange-traded funds, American depository receipts, options, gold, and cryptocurrencies. On September 02, 2026, Robinhood Markets, Inc. closed at $106.99 per share. Robinhood Markets, Inc. returned 34.83% over the past month, and its shares have gained 18.84% over the past 52 weeks. Robinhood Markets, Inc. has a market capitalization of $96.19 billion.
WestEnd Capital Management stated the following regarding Robinhood Markets, Inc. (NASDAQ:HOOD) in its Q2 2026 investor letter:
Robinhood Markets, Inc. (NASDAQ:HOOD) has evolved well beyond the online brokerage platform many investors still ****** ociate with its early years. The company is building a broader financial services ecosystem that includes brokerage and retirement accounts, cash management, securities lending, advisory services, credit products, prediction markets, and international operations.
But its primary advantage is the strength of its customer relationship. Robinhood has built a large, highly engaged user base and can introduce new products through a single digital platform with relatively low incremental distribution costs. As customers consolidate more of their financial activity with the company, Robinhood can generate higher revenue per account and develop recurring revenue streams that extend beyond transaction-based trading..." (Click here to read the full text)
#robinhood #hood #financial
11 days ago
On August 25, Qfin Holdings (NASDAQ:QFIN) reported second-quarter results that tell two very different stories at once. Total loan volume fell 25.1% year over year to RMB63,377 million, and non-GAAP net income dropped to RMB454.9 million from RMB946 million just one quarter earlier. Non-GAAP earnings per diluted ADS sank to RMB3.72 from RMB7.70. But buried in the same release, revenue from the company's technology solutions business jumped more than sixfold, and management laid out plans to turn Qfin into what it calls an AI-native lender. Investors have to weigh both halves of that picture.
The clearest growth story sits inside Qfin's tech solutions arm. Loan volume tied to that unit hit RMB10.5 billion for the quarter, up 515% from a year earlier, while the outstanding balance climbed to roughly RMB16.1 billion, up 313%. Through its FocusPRO platform, Qfin now helps banks serve borrowers priced between 3% and 12%, a segment its own consumer lending rarely touches. During the quarter, the company signed two new AI agent projects with banking partners, one built to support loan officers from lead identification through conversion, the other aimed at SME credit review and approval. CEO Wu Haisheng framed the effort as an organizational shift, saying it is "about turning individual and team experience into shared reusable organizational capabilities."
Risk metrics also moved in the right direction during the quarter itself. The 30-day collection rate rose to 88.1%, up 2.3 percentage points sequentially, while the C-M2 delinquency ratio fell 17% sequentially to 0.66%, nearing year-ago levels. The 90-day delinquency rate dropped to 2.83% from 3.5%. On the funding side, ABS issuance jumped 90% sequentially to RMB5.5 billion while issuance costs fell roughly 20 basis points, and overall funding costs eased about 10 basis points as the company leaned on a track record of stable ******* et performance. Qfin also paid a semiannual dividend of $0.46 per ADS, a payout ratio near 30%, and had repurchased $7 million of stock before pausing the buyback program.
Every one of those quarterly improvements sits next to a much rougher backdrop. Sales and marketing spending fell 13% sequentially as Qfin pulled back on growth, and new credit line users fell to 830,000, down from 1.19 million a quarter earlier. New loan provisions hit RMB1.72 billion, a booking ratio of 5.36%, the highest on record. A one-off RMB500 million tax expense tied to a change in tax treatment pushed the effective tax rate to 60.3%, though management expects it to settle near 20% going forward.
#earlier
The clearest growth story sits inside Qfin's tech solutions arm. Loan volume tied to that unit hit RMB10.5 billion for the quarter, up 515% from a year earlier, while the outstanding balance climbed to roughly RMB16.1 billion, up 313%. Through its FocusPRO platform, Qfin now helps banks serve borrowers priced between 3% and 12%, a segment its own consumer lending rarely touches. During the quarter, the company signed two new AI agent projects with banking partners, one built to support loan officers from lead identification through conversion, the other aimed at SME credit review and approval. CEO Wu Haisheng framed the effort as an organizational shift, saying it is "about turning individual and team experience into shared reusable organizational capabilities."
Risk metrics also moved in the right direction during the quarter itself. The 30-day collection rate rose to 88.1%, up 2.3 percentage points sequentially, while the C-M2 delinquency ratio fell 17% sequentially to 0.66%, nearing year-ago levels. The 90-day delinquency rate dropped to 2.83% from 3.5%. On the funding side, ABS issuance jumped 90% sequentially to RMB5.5 billion while issuance costs fell roughly 20 basis points, and overall funding costs eased about 10 basis points as the company leaned on a track record of stable ******* et performance. Qfin also paid a semiannual dividend of $0.46 per ADS, a payout ratio near 30%, and had repurchased $7 million of stock before pausing the buyback program.
Every one of those quarterly improvements sits next to a much rougher backdrop. Sales and marketing spending fell 13% sequentially as Qfin pulled back on growth, and new credit line users fell to 830,000, down from 1.19 million a quarter earlier. New loan provisions hit RMB1.72 billion, a booking ratio of 5.36%, the highest on record. A one-off RMB500 million tax expense tied to a change in tax treatment pushed the effective tax rate to 60.3%, though management expects it to settle near 20% going forward.
#earlier
11 days ago
On August 25, nCino (NASDAQ:NCNO) posted second-quarter fiscal 2027 results that outran the company's own guidance on every line item that matters. Total revenue rose 8% year over year to $161 million, subscription revenue climbed 10% to $143.5 million, and free cash flow jumped 170% to $34 million. Behind those headline numbers sits a company pushing its banking customers toward an AI-heavy pricing model while one legacy piece of the business, mortgage lending, keeps losing ground to a stubbornly high interest rate environment.
The clearest signal in nCino's quarter came from its largest customers. Four of the company's top 20 US enterprise accounts, representing institutions holding more than $900 billion in ******* ets, renewed their contracts ahead of schedule and increased their annual contract value by more than 10% on average. Those customers made the move specifically to gain access to nCino's expanding AI toolset, and 48% of total annual contract value now sits on the new platform pricing model, up from 40% just one quarter earlier.
That AI push is already producing measurable results. One enterprise customer told nCino it expects to save 160,000 hours a year, worth more than $5.5 million, just from using the company's Locate and File banking adviser tool. More than 230 customers have now purchased AI intelligence units, and management said it has begun charging some of them for additional units after they burned through their initial bundles. International expansion added to the momentum, with non-US subscription revenue up 13% to $30.9 million on new customer wins in ******* an and Germany.
The company's capital moves backed up that confidence. Non-GAAP operating income grew 36% to $40.8 million, professional services margin improved 600 basis points to 3%, and nCino repurchased 10.2 million shares for $165 million during the quarter, including the completion of a $100 million accelerated buyback program. The board then authorized another $100 million in repurchases, and full-year guidance moved higher across the board.
Not every part of the business is moving in the same direction. US mortgage subscription revenue fell 1% year over year to $20.6 million, and management cut its forecast further, now expecting about $20 million in the third quarter and $18.5 million in the fourth, reductions of $700,000 and $1.2 million from prior guidance. The culprit is the same one that has dogged the mortgage industry for two years: rates that have stayed higher for longer than expected, which is pushing independent mortgage banks toward consolidation and away from nCino's platform.
#million #customers #ncino #subscription
The clearest signal in nCino's quarter came from its largest customers. Four of the company's top 20 US enterprise accounts, representing institutions holding more than $900 billion in ******* ets, renewed their contracts ahead of schedule and increased their annual contract value by more than 10% on average. Those customers made the move specifically to gain access to nCino's expanding AI toolset, and 48% of total annual contract value now sits on the new platform pricing model, up from 40% just one quarter earlier.
That AI push is already producing measurable results. One enterprise customer told nCino it expects to save 160,000 hours a year, worth more than $5.5 million, just from using the company's Locate and File banking adviser tool. More than 230 customers have now purchased AI intelligence units, and management said it has begun charging some of them for additional units after they burned through their initial bundles. International expansion added to the momentum, with non-US subscription revenue up 13% to $30.9 million on new customer wins in ******* an and Germany.
The company's capital moves backed up that confidence. Non-GAAP operating income grew 36% to $40.8 million, professional services margin improved 600 basis points to 3%, and nCino repurchased 10.2 million shares for $165 million during the quarter, including the completion of a $100 million accelerated buyback program. The board then authorized another $100 million in repurchases, and full-year guidance moved higher across the board.
Not every part of the business is moving in the same direction. US mortgage subscription revenue fell 1% year over year to $20.6 million, and management cut its forecast further, now expecting about $20 million in the third quarter and $18.5 million in the fourth, reductions of $700,000 and $1.2 million from prior guidance. The culprit is the same one that has dogged the mortgage industry for two years: rates that have stayed higher for longer than expected, which is pushing independent mortgage banks toward consolidation and away from nCino's platform.
#million #customers #ncino #subscription
11 days ago
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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.
Despite 58% of Gen Z wanting a housing market crash, according to Clever, experts don't foresee one 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."
#we 're #hanna #Equity #disclosure
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.
Despite 58% of Gen Z wanting a housing market crash, according to Clever, experts don't foresee one 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."
#we 're #hanna #Equity #disclosure
11 days ago
Although Bitcoin (BTCUSD) rallied in August and Strategy (MSTR) recently resumed buying Bitcoin after a two-month hiatus, Strategy's strategy has mostly been a failure. As of Sept. 1, the average price at which the company acquired Bitcoin stood at about $75,412. Even after President Donald Trump boosted Bitcoin prices with positive remarks about crypto last month and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent pitched in with his bond buyback plan, the cryptocurrency was changing hands overnight on Sept. 2 at about $77,275. In other words, after a big rally by Bitcoin, its prices are still only slightly below Strategy's average purchase price. And after all the company's compensation, interest, and dividend costs, it certainly appears to be losing a great deal of money, not only on paper, but also in terms of its overall investment approach.
Reflecting this situation, MSTR stock, despite its recent rally, has still slumped 19% so far in 2026 and 63% in the year that ended on Sept. 1. Further, Strategy Executive Chairman Michael Saylor, by repeatedly selling Bitcoin earlier this year and indicating that the company will start lending on a massive scale, has implicitly admitted that the firm's current business model, which is basically entirely dependent on buying Bitcoin and hoping it goes up, is broken.
Dear GameStop Stock Fans, Mark Your Calendars for September 8
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#Bitcoin #buying #month #company
Reflecting this situation, MSTR stock, despite its recent rally, has still slumped 19% so far in 2026 and 63% in the year that ended on Sept. 1. Further, Strategy Executive Chairman Michael Saylor, by repeatedly selling Bitcoin earlier this year and indicating that the company will start lending on a massive scale, has implicitly admitted that the firm's current business model, which is basically entirely dependent on buying Bitcoin and hoping it goes up, is broken.
Dear GameStop Stock Fans, Mark Your Calendars for September 8
Why ******* ysts Think Sellas Life Sciences Stock Can Gain 150% From Here
Jensen Huang: Nvidia's Vera Rubin Platform Turns Electricity Into a $40 Billion Cash Machine
#Bitcoin #buying #month #company
11 days ago
Artisan Partners, an investment management company, released its second-quarter 2026 investor commentary for the "Artisan Global Opportunities Strategy". The letter can be downloaded here. Global equities rebounded sharply during the quarter, with the MSCI ACWI Index returning 15.3% as resilient economic growth, strong corporate earnings, and continued enthusiasm around artificial intelligence supported markets despite persistent inflation, higher bond yields, and geopolitical uncertainty. The portfolio reported strong absolute returns of 12.65% (net) but underperformed the benchmark, mainly because of its underweight exposure to information technology and overweight position in health care. Strong stock selection in technology and energy partially offset these headwinds. The fund continues to see attractive long-term opportunities across AI infrastructure, health care and consumer internet, while remaining disciplined on valuation as several AI-related stocks have appreciated sharply. Management remains focused on durable franchises with identifiable profit cycles and attractive long-term earnings potential. Also, check the Strategy's top five holdings to see its best picks in 2026.
In its second-quarter 2026 investor letter, Artisan Global Opportunities Strategy highlighted Robinhood Markets, Inc. (NASDAQ:HOOD) as a new holding. Robinhood Markets, Inc. (NASDAQ:HOOD) is a US-based financial services company that provides a trading platform for stocks, exchange-traded funds, American depository receipts, options, gold, and cryptocurrencies. On September 01, 2026, Robinhood Markets, Inc. (NASDAQ:HOOD) closed at $103.51 per share. Robinhood Markets, Inc. (NASDAQ:HOOD) returned 14.18% over the past month and its shares have gained 5.10% over the past 52 weeks. Robinhood Markets, Inc. (NASDAQ:HOOD) has a market capitalization of $93.06 billion.
Artisan Global Opportunities Strategy stated the following regarding Robinhood Markets, Inc. (NASDAQ:HOOD) in its Q2 2026 investor letter:
"During the quarter, we initiated positions in Robinhood Markets, Inc. (NASDAQ:HOOD). Robinhood Markets operates a financial services platform offering brokerage, cash management and other investing products. We initiated a GardenSM position following share price weakness driven in part by lower crypto prices, which we viewed as an attractive entry point into a business with a long runway for growth. Despite the crypto headwind, Robinhood has continued to grow deposits at a strong rate, reflecting the platform's ability to attract and retain customer ***** ets. We believe Robinhood can continue gaining market share in the retail wealth market through its leadership in active trading and by expanding its suite of retirement, banking, lending and credit products. As the company has gained market share and increased its base of long-term customer ***** ets, we see a multiyear opportunity for potential revenue growth and margin expansion."
#opportunities #strong #strategy
In its second-quarter 2026 investor letter, Artisan Global Opportunities Strategy highlighted Robinhood Markets, Inc. (NASDAQ:HOOD) as a new holding. Robinhood Markets, Inc. (NASDAQ:HOOD) is a US-based financial services company that provides a trading platform for stocks, exchange-traded funds, American depository receipts, options, gold, and cryptocurrencies. On September 01, 2026, Robinhood Markets, Inc. (NASDAQ:HOOD) closed at $103.51 per share. Robinhood Markets, Inc. (NASDAQ:HOOD) returned 14.18% over the past month and its shares have gained 5.10% over the past 52 weeks. Robinhood Markets, Inc. (NASDAQ:HOOD) has a market capitalization of $93.06 billion.
Artisan Global Opportunities Strategy stated the following regarding Robinhood Markets, Inc. (NASDAQ:HOOD) in its Q2 2026 investor letter:
"During the quarter, we initiated positions in Robinhood Markets, Inc. (NASDAQ:HOOD). Robinhood Markets operates a financial services platform offering brokerage, cash management and other investing products. We initiated a GardenSM position following share price weakness driven in part by lower crypto prices, which we viewed as an attractive entry point into a business with a long runway for growth. Despite the crypto headwind, Robinhood has continued to grow deposits at a strong rate, reflecting the platform's ability to attract and retain customer ***** ets. We believe Robinhood can continue gaining market share in the retail wealth market through its leadership in active trading and by expanding its suite of retirement, banking, lending and credit products. As the company has gained market share and increased its base of long-term customer ***** ets, we see a multiyear opportunity for potential revenue growth and margin expansion."
#opportunities #strong #strategy
11 days ago
The Ripple dollar-pegged stablecoin RLUSD has surpassed a $2Bn market capitalization, with more than $1Bn of that supply issued on the XRP Ledger, according to Jack McDonald, Ripple's senior vice president responsible for stablecoins.
The milestone arrived less than two years after RLUSD's launch, McDonald said in a post on X, formerly Twitter, first reported by blockchain outlet The Crypto Basic.
This is not simply a supply-growth headline. It is Ripple's clearest signal yet that RLUSD is meant to function as dollar-based settlement infrastructure across tokenized finance, payments, and lending, rather than as a token confined to exchange order books.
McDonald's disclosure stated that RLUSD issued on the XRP Ledger alone has exceeded $1Bn, a figure distinct from the token's total market capitalization across all networks.
The primary reporting places this announcement in early September, with The Crypto Basic's account crediting the milestone to McDonald's own attestation post rather than to a third-party data aggregator.
#ledger #dollar #market
The milestone arrived less than two years after RLUSD's launch, McDonald said in a post on X, formerly Twitter, first reported by blockchain outlet The Crypto Basic.
This is not simply a supply-growth headline. It is Ripple's clearest signal yet that RLUSD is meant to function as dollar-based settlement infrastructure across tokenized finance, payments, and lending, rather than as a token confined to exchange order books.
McDonald's disclosure stated that RLUSD issued on the XRP Ledger alone has exceeded $1Bn, a figure distinct from the token's total market capitalization across all networks.
The primary reporting places this announcement in early September, with The Crypto Basic's account crediting the milestone to McDonald's own attestation post rather than to a third-party data aggregator.
#ledger #dollar #market
11 days ago
US-based money-transfer platform Felix Pago has raised $200m in a funding round to support its expansion beyond remittances.
According to a Bloomberg report, the company intends to move into financial services such as lending and savings for Latin American immigrants living in the US.
The funding round was led by venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz, Felix Pago said in a LinkedIn post. QED Investors, Castle Island Ventures, Switch Ventures, Contour Venture Partners and Endeavor also participated in the round.
"This funding will accelerate our evolution into a multi-product financial company built around our Cognitive Financial Companion, a conversational experience on WhatsApp designed to understand what our customers need, in their own words, and connect them with the right financial solution," the company said in the post.
Founded in 2020, Felix operates a WhatsApp-based platform that enables Latino immigrants in the US to send international remittances to Latin America. The company recently added a mobile top-up feature, allowing users in the US to purchase phone plans for family members in their home countries.
#financial #funding #round #venture
According to a Bloomberg report, the company intends to move into financial services such as lending and savings for Latin American immigrants living in the US.
The funding round was led by venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz, Felix Pago said in a LinkedIn post. QED Investors, Castle Island Ventures, Switch Ventures, Contour Venture Partners and Endeavor also participated in the round.
"This funding will accelerate our evolution into a multi-product financial company built around our Cognitive Financial Companion, a conversational experience on WhatsApp designed to understand what our customers need, in their own words, and connect them with the right financial solution," the company said in the post.
Founded in 2020, Felix operates a WhatsApp-based platform that enables Latino immigrants in the US to send international remittances to Latin America. The company recently added a mobile top-up feature, allowing users in the US to purchase phone plans for family members in their home countries.
#financial #funding #round #venture
12 days ago
WestEnd Capital Management, an investment advisor, released its Q2 2026 investor letter. The letter can be downloaded here. WestEnd Capital Management's Core Strategy achieved a 16.3% net return in the quarter, surpassing the S&P 500's 15.0%. This performance stemmed from strong earnings generators and upward earnings revisions, showcasing U.S. companies' efficiency in converting sales into profits. S&P 500 net profit margins reached a decade-high of 14.8% in Q1 and are expected to remain above 14% in Q2 despite challenges like higher interest rates and geopolitical uncertainty. Technology remains a key focus in WestEnd's portfolio, along with investments in infrastructure, demographic shifts, financial innovation, and selective consumer opportunities. Also, check the fund's top five holdings to see its best picks in 2026.
In its second-quarter 2026 investor letter, WestEnd Capital Management highlighted Robinhood Markets, Inc. (NASDAQ:HOOD). Robinhood Markets, Inc. (NASDAQ:HOOD) is a US-based financial services company that provides a trading platform for stocks, exchange-traded funds, American depository receipts, options, gold, and cryptocurrencies. On September 02, 2026, Robinhood Markets, Inc. closed at $106.99 per share. Robinhood Markets, Inc. returned 34.83% over the past month, and its shares have gained 18.84% over the past 52 weeks. Robinhood Markets, Inc. has a market capitalization of $96.19 billion.
WestEnd Capital Management stated the following regarding Robinhood Markets, Inc. (NASDAQ:HOOD) in its Q2 2026 investor letter:
Robinhood Markets, Inc. (NASDAQ:HOOD) has evolved well beyond the online brokerage platform many investors still ****** ociate with its early years. The company is building a broader financial services ecosystem that includes brokerage and retirement accounts, cash management, securities lending, advisory services, credit products, prediction markets, and international operations.
But its primary advantage is the strength of its customer relationship. Robinhood has built a large, highly engaged user base and can introduce new products through a single digital platform with relatively low incremental distribution costs. As customers consolidate more of their financial activity with the company, Robinhood can generate higher revenue per account and develop recurring revenue streams that extend beyond transaction-based trading..." (Click here to read the full text)
#westend
In its second-quarter 2026 investor letter, WestEnd Capital Management highlighted Robinhood Markets, Inc. (NASDAQ:HOOD). Robinhood Markets, Inc. (NASDAQ:HOOD) is a US-based financial services company that provides a trading platform for stocks, exchange-traded funds, American depository receipts, options, gold, and cryptocurrencies. On September 02, 2026, Robinhood Markets, Inc. closed at $106.99 per share. Robinhood Markets, Inc. returned 34.83% over the past month, and its shares have gained 18.84% over the past 52 weeks. Robinhood Markets, Inc. has a market capitalization of $96.19 billion.
WestEnd Capital Management stated the following regarding Robinhood Markets, Inc. (NASDAQ:HOOD) in its Q2 2026 investor letter:
Robinhood Markets, Inc. (NASDAQ:HOOD) has evolved well beyond the online brokerage platform many investors still ****** ociate with its early years. The company is building a broader financial services ecosystem that includes brokerage and retirement accounts, cash management, securities lending, advisory services, credit products, prediction markets, and international operations.
But its primary advantage is the strength of its customer relationship. Robinhood has built a large, highly engaged user base and can introduce new products through a single digital platform with relatively low incremental distribution costs. As customers consolidate more of their financial activity with the company, Robinhood can generate higher revenue per account and develop recurring revenue streams that extend beyond transaction-based trading..." (Click here to read the full text)
#westend
12 days ago
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For many years, franchising rewarded momentum. A compelling concept, solid unit growth, and a polished sales presentation were often enough to attract development interest.
Not anymore.
As inflation, higher labor costs, tighter lending standards, and shifting regulations reshaped the operating environment over the past year, prospective franchisees have become far more selective about where they invest. Excitement still matters, but it no longer closes the deal on its own.
"The past year has really acted as a stress test, and not everyone passed," says Liane Caruso, owner of ****** oCMO and cofounder of Franchise ****** embly. "The brands that held up were the ones with lean, simple operations and realistic unit economics built for normal conditions."
#jolt #liane #franchise #assembly
For many years, franchising rewarded momentum. A compelling concept, solid unit growth, and a polished sales presentation were often enough to attract development interest.
Not anymore.
As inflation, higher labor costs, tighter lending standards, and shifting regulations reshaped the operating environment over the past year, prospective franchisees have become far more selective about where they invest. Excitement still matters, but it no longer closes the deal on its own.
"The past year has really acted as a stress test, and not everyone passed," says Liane Caruso, owner of ****** oCMO and cofounder of Franchise ****** embly. "The brands that held up were the ones with lean, simple operations and realistic unit economics built for normal conditions."
#jolt #liane #franchise #assembly
12 days ago
Lewis Hamilton just brought the Monza paddock to an absolute standstill by arriving for Thursday's media day behind the wheel of his freshly restored Ferrari F40. Ahead of the 2026 Italian Grand Prix, the seven-time world champion proved exactly why he is F1's ultimate style icon, blending a rare piece of automotive history with a perfectly tailored vintage aesthetic.
The viral video captures the sheer aura of the moment as Hamilton pulls the iconic wedge-shaped supercar into the paddock, sporting a custom "44" license plate on the front ****** per.
While the screaming twin-turbo V8 engine was enough to draw a massive crowd of photographers and paddock personnel, Hamilton's exit from the car was pure cinematic perfection.
Stepping out of the low-slung bucket seats, Hamilton delivered a masterclass in vintage styling. The Scuderia driver emerged wearing a crisp black suit and tie, a black Kangol beret, and vintage shades, all layered under a heavy, tan overcoat draped over his shoulders. Clutching a leather briefcase, he paused to secure the F40's lightweight door before effortlessly striding through the sea of flashing cameras.
But this wasn't just a PR stunt using a random museum piece; this F40 is a deeply personal project for the Formula 1 legend.
#hamilton #lewis #Ferrari #ahead
The viral video captures the sheer aura of the moment as Hamilton pulls the iconic wedge-shaped supercar into the paddock, sporting a custom "44" license plate on the front ****** per.
While the screaming twin-turbo V8 engine was enough to draw a massive crowd of photographers and paddock personnel, Hamilton's exit from the car was pure cinematic perfection.
Stepping out of the low-slung bucket seats, Hamilton delivered a masterclass in vintage styling. The Scuderia driver emerged wearing a crisp black suit and tie, a black Kangol beret, and vintage shades, all layered under a heavy, tan overcoat draped over his shoulders. Clutching a leather briefcase, he paused to secure the F40's lightweight door before effortlessly striding through the sea of flashing cameras.
But this wasn't just a PR stunt using a random museum piece; this F40 is a deeply personal project for the Formula 1 legend.
#hamilton #lewis #Ferrari #ahead
12 days ago
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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.
Global bond yields are gripping markets, jumping back to their highest level in almost two decades as higher oil prices, inflation fears, and heavy government borrowing continue to add pressure.
Here is how rising Treasury yields could impact your finances, including mortgages, credit cards, and car loans.
The Treasury yield is the return an investor receives for lending money to the government — for example, 4.5% on a 10-year Treasury note.
#prices #disclosure
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.
Global bond yields are gripping markets, jumping back to their highest level in almost two decades as higher oil prices, inflation fears, and heavy government borrowing continue to add pressure.
Here is how rising Treasury yields could impact your finances, including mortgages, credit cards, and car loans.
The Treasury yield is the return an investor receives for lending money to the government — for example, 4.5% on a 10-year Treasury note.
#prices #disclosure
