1 hr. ago
The Boston Beer Company, Inc. (NYSE:SAM) reported its second-quarter financial results on July 23, delivering a modest upside on earnings per share despite ongoing top-line volume pressures. The company reported GAAP diluted EPS of $4.96, topping Wall Street consensus estimates of $4.83, while non-GAAP diluted EPS came in at $3.65. The EPS beat was primarily driven by gross margin expansion, reaching 50.4%, up 60 basis points year-over-year, and a $1.31 per-share after-tax benefit from a favorable adjustment in supplier litigation.
The company's net revenue for the quarter was roughly in line with expectations at $568.3 million, down 3.3% year-over-year. Depletions fell 6%, which, while negative, came in better than the Street's fear of a 9% decline. Shipment volume was approximately 2.0 million barrels, down 4.5%. Crucially, management maintained its full-year non-GAAP EPS guidance of $8.50 to $10.50.
Following the report, Wall Street ******* ysts adjusted their outlooks. On July 24, Roth Capital lowered its price target on Boston Beer to $295 from $315 while keeping a Buy rating on the shares. The firm noted that while major components of guidance were unchanged, commentary on the earnings call suggested that if current trends persist, full-year results would land toward the lower end of the guided range. On the same day, Deutsche Bank lowered its price target to $176 from $187 and maintained a Hold rating on the shares.
This mix of resilient operational execution and volume headwinds brings up a key question: Is The Boston Beer Company, Inc. (NYSE:SAM)'s margin recovery and balance sheet strength enough to navigate persistent category challenges?
Optimistic investors emphasize Boston Beer's low leverage and durable financial flexibility as foundational strengths. With minimal debt, $265.5 million in cash, and a sizable equity base, the company maintains the financial headroom to fund working capital, capital expenditures, and share repurchases. This strong balance sheet allows Boston Beer to absorb macroeconomic shocks, tariffs, or litigation without forced deleveraging, preserving strategic optionality over both short- and long-term horizons.
#boston #capital #volume #million
The company's net revenue for the quarter was roughly in line with expectations at $568.3 million, down 3.3% year-over-year. Depletions fell 6%, which, while negative, came in better than the Street's fear of a 9% decline. Shipment volume was approximately 2.0 million barrels, down 4.5%. Crucially, management maintained its full-year non-GAAP EPS guidance of $8.50 to $10.50.
Following the report, Wall Street ******* ysts adjusted their outlooks. On July 24, Roth Capital lowered its price target on Boston Beer to $295 from $315 while keeping a Buy rating on the shares. The firm noted that while major components of guidance were unchanged, commentary on the earnings call suggested that if current trends persist, full-year results would land toward the lower end of the guided range. On the same day, Deutsche Bank lowered its price target to $176 from $187 and maintained a Hold rating on the shares.
This mix of resilient operational execution and volume headwinds brings up a key question: Is The Boston Beer Company, Inc. (NYSE:SAM)'s margin recovery and balance sheet strength enough to navigate persistent category challenges?
Optimistic investors emphasize Boston Beer's low leverage and durable financial flexibility as foundational strengths. With minimal debt, $265.5 million in cash, and a sizable equity base, the company maintains the financial headroom to fund working capital, capital expenditures, and share repurchases. This strong balance sheet allows Boston Beer to absorb macroeconomic shocks, tariffs, or litigation without forced deleveraging, preserving strategic optionality over both short- and long-term horizons.
#boston #capital #volume #million
2 hours ago
The physical infrastructure enabling artificial intelligence requires considerably more than just high-performance accelerators and primary grid connections. It also relies on millions of high-density connectors, backplane interconnects, and power-filtering devices to connect rack-level structures, areas where TE Connectivity plc (NYSE:TEL) holds a significant bottleneck position. As hyperscalers and enterprise data center operators ramp up capital expenditure deployment around the world, demand for critical electrical connector systems has transformed from a passive secondary tailwind to a direct beneficiary of the AI growth cycle.
The company's fiscal third-quarter 2026 report showed this demand in real time, with record top-line performance, order velocity, and profitability. Despite exceeding Wall Street expectations in every fundamental indicator, shares fell roughly 7% following the release, indicating the market's focus on sequential forecast trends over historical trailing figures.
Operational execution in the third quarter set new highs across numerous business areas. Net revenue increased 14% year-over-year to $5.16 billion, above Wall Street expectations by more than 3%. Adjusted earnings per share rose 22% year-over-year to $2.94, exceeding the average estimate of $2.85. The report's defining metric was order flow, which increased 27% year-over-year to a record $5.7 billion, reflecting over $1 billion in incremental booking expansion vs. the prior year period. Meanwhile, profitability increased significantly, with adjusted operating margins improving 90 basis points to 22% and quarterly free cash flow totaling $883 million.
The underlying sector distribution highlights where AI momentum is growing the fastest. Industrial Solutions revenue increased 22% year-over-year to $2.58 billion, driven mainly by data center rack deployments and energy infrastructure growth. Chief Executive Officer Terrence Curtin stated that AI cloud momentum is far above initial multi-year predictions, with data center connection and power distribution orders rising more than 70% year-to-date.
Moreover, to back up its power-handling portfolio, TE Connectivity plc (NYSE:TEL) signed a $1.4 billion formal agreement to acquire Astrodyne TDI. The acquisition includes specialized power management and electromagnetic filtering solutions for critical industrial, semiconductor, and defense applications, providing approximately $250 million in annual revenue to the Industrial Solutions segment once completed.
#year #solutions #revenue
The company's fiscal third-quarter 2026 report showed this demand in real time, with record top-line performance, order velocity, and profitability. Despite exceeding Wall Street expectations in every fundamental indicator, shares fell roughly 7% following the release, indicating the market's focus on sequential forecast trends over historical trailing figures.
Operational execution in the third quarter set new highs across numerous business areas. Net revenue increased 14% year-over-year to $5.16 billion, above Wall Street expectations by more than 3%. Adjusted earnings per share rose 22% year-over-year to $2.94, exceeding the average estimate of $2.85. The report's defining metric was order flow, which increased 27% year-over-year to a record $5.7 billion, reflecting over $1 billion in incremental booking expansion vs. the prior year period. Meanwhile, profitability increased significantly, with adjusted operating margins improving 90 basis points to 22% and quarterly free cash flow totaling $883 million.
The underlying sector distribution highlights where AI momentum is growing the fastest. Industrial Solutions revenue increased 22% year-over-year to $2.58 billion, driven mainly by data center rack deployments and energy infrastructure growth. Chief Executive Officer Terrence Curtin stated that AI cloud momentum is far above initial multi-year predictions, with data center connection and power distribution orders rising more than 70% year-to-date.
Moreover, to back up its power-handling portfolio, TE Connectivity plc (NYSE:TEL) signed a $1.4 billion formal agreement to acquire Astrodyne TDI. The acquisition includes specialized power management and electromagnetic filtering solutions for critical industrial, semiconductor, and defense applications, providing approximately $250 million in annual revenue to the Industrial Solutions segment once completed.
#year #solutions #revenue
2 hours ago
Those beginning to worry about the renewed chip stock rout may find comfort in the fact that the broader markets are holding up very well.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average (^DJI) is still trading near record highs and above all key moving averages, per Yahoo Finance AlphaSpace data. The S&P 500 (^GSPC) is holding above its 100-day and 200-day moving averages, but late last week it slipped below the 50-day.
A few factors are preventing the chip stock pullback from harming the broader market, according to Charles Schwab strategist Kevin Gordon. However, investors should be on the lookout for whether these trends reverse.
'You've got essentially two-thirds of S&P 500 companies that are trading above their 200-day moving average. That's relatively healthy and still consistent with the market that is more rotational in nature and not necessarily one that is correctional," Gordon said on Yahoo Finance's Opening Bid.
The equal-weighted index and cyclical stocks have all signaled a strong economy, he explained. "And when you do look at the reaction of the market to some of these earnings beats, most of the pressure and most of the underperformance has been concentrated in the tech sector. Outside of that, when you look at financials or industrials or consumer discretionary, the reaction in the market has actually been positive."
#gordon
The Dow Jones Industrial Average (^DJI) is still trading near record highs and above all key moving averages, per Yahoo Finance AlphaSpace data. The S&P 500 (^GSPC) is holding above its 100-day and 200-day moving averages, but late last week it slipped below the 50-day.
A few factors are preventing the chip stock pullback from harming the broader market, according to Charles Schwab strategist Kevin Gordon. However, investors should be on the lookout for whether these trends reverse.
'You've got essentially two-thirds of S&P 500 companies that are trading above their 200-day moving average. That's relatively healthy and still consistent with the market that is more rotational in nature and not necessarily one that is correctional," Gordon said on Yahoo Finance's Opening Bid.
The equal-weighted index and cyclical stocks have all signaled a strong economy, he explained. "And when you do look at the reaction of the market to some of these earnings beats, most of the pressure and most of the underperformance has been concentrated in the tech sector. Outside of that, when you look at financials or industrials or consumer discretionary, the reaction in the market has actually been positive."
#gordon
17 hours ago
Interested in Capital One Financial Corporation? Here are five stocks we like better.
Northrop Grumman beat Q2 earnings estimates and raised its 2026 guidance, citing a record $104.7 billion backlog amid ongoing defense demand tied to the war in Iran.
D.R. Horton topped earnings expectations but cut its full-year delivery outlook as rising cancellations and price cuts signal a cooling housing market.
Capital One and Charles Schwab both posted double beats in Q2, signaling improving momentum for the financial sector after a weak start to the year.
As the second week of earnings season draws to a close, companies across several sectors are providing clues about what investors can expect for the remainder of the year. Of course, quarterly earnings and revenues are rear-facing metrics. But when combined with recent financial performances and full-year guidance, notable trends begin to emerge.
#financial
Northrop Grumman beat Q2 earnings estimates and raised its 2026 guidance, citing a record $104.7 billion backlog amid ongoing defense demand tied to the war in Iran.
D.R. Horton topped earnings expectations but cut its full-year delivery outlook as rising cancellations and price cuts signal a cooling housing market.
Capital One and Charles Schwab both posted double beats in Q2, signaling improving momentum for the financial sector after a weak start to the year.
As the second week of earnings season draws to a close, companies across several sectors are providing clues about what investors can expect for the remainder of the year. Of course, quarterly earnings and revenues are rear-facing metrics. But when combined with recent financial performances and full-year guidance, notable trends begin to emerge.
#financial
17 hours ago
While markets data shows that the global market for dining out is projected to grow from $1.9 trillion now to more than $3 trillion by 2030, many individual chains that were popular in another era are struggling to survive amid changing consumer trends.
U.S. chains like Smokey Bones, Peet's Coffee, and Joe's Crab Shack have collectively closed dozens of locations this year. Meanwhile, over in the United Kingdom, Leon and The Real Greek both nearly halved their store locations in 2026 despite once going through a period of rapid expansion that made them well-recognized chains in the country's major cities.
With the first location opening in the Greater London borough of Enfield in 1974, the restaurant chain Beefeater has, over several generations, earned a reputation for being a family-friendly steakhouse chain serving grilled steak cuts, burgers, and fish and chips at more accessible prices.
At its peak, the chain had approximately 140 standalone and Brewers Fayre brewery-attached locations in the United Kingdom and Ireland. But amid soaring operating costs the hotel and dining company Whitbread confirmed plans to shutter all remaining 106 restaurants by September.
Earlier in the year, Whitbread announced a restructuring plan that aims to bring down annual costs down costs by £250 million ($333 million USD).
#kingdom
U.S. chains like Smokey Bones, Peet's Coffee, and Joe's Crab Shack have collectively closed dozens of locations this year. Meanwhile, over in the United Kingdom, Leon and The Real Greek both nearly halved their store locations in 2026 despite once going through a period of rapid expansion that made them well-recognized chains in the country's major cities.
With the first location opening in the Greater London borough of Enfield in 1974, the restaurant chain Beefeater has, over several generations, earned a reputation for being a family-friendly steakhouse chain serving grilled steak cuts, burgers, and fish and chips at more accessible prices.
At its peak, the chain had approximately 140 standalone and Brewers Fayre brewery-attached locations in the United Kingdom and Ireland. But amid soaring operating costs the hotel and dining company Whitbread confirmed plans to shutter all remaining 106 restaurants by September.
Earlier in the year, Whitbread announced a restructuring plan that aims to bring down annual costs down costs by £250 million ($333 million USD).
#kingdom
3 days ago
As many Americans struggle to make ends meet, Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh has pledged to bring inflation back to its 2% target, but it remains unclear exactly how he plans to get there as the central bank heads into its July meeting.
The Fed often finds itself at a crossroads, balancing its dual mandate of maximum employment and stable prices. It has two main tools it uses to address both – its balance sheet and the federal funds rate, a benchmark for interest rates. The Fed typically raises its target range for the rate to tame inflation and lowers it to stimulate the job market.
After three months of accelerating inflation, it slowed in June, though some forecasters expect it may tick back up amid renewed U.S.-Iran hostilities. And after three months of positive job growth, U.S. employer hiring fell in June — leaving the Fed to sort out whether these recent swings are just noise or the start of new trends.
The Fed may also be at a crossroads when it comes to delivering on Warsh's promise of price stability for U.S. consumers. Many Americans don't want higher interest rates on their credit cards and personal loans, but they also don't want prices to keep rising. Raising the Fed's benchmark interest rate could help cool inflation, but it would also make borrowing more expensive.
Dean Lyulkin, CEO of Cardiff, a small-business loan company, said Warsh's refusal to provide forward guidance has made the outcome of the July meeting difficult to predict.
#rate
The Fed often finds itself at a crossroads, balancing its dual mandate of maximum employment and stable prices. It has two main tools it uses to address both – its balance sheet and the federal funds rate, a benchmark for interest rates. The Fed typically raises its target range for the rate to tame inflation and lowers it to stimulate the job market.
After three months of accelerating inflation, it slowed in June, though some forecasters expect it may tick back up amid renewed U.S.-Iran hostilities. And after three months of positive job growth, U.S. employer hiring fell in June — leaving the Fed to sort out whether these recent swings are just noise or the start of new trends.
The Fed may also be at a crossroads when it comes to delivering on Warsh's promise of price stability for U.S. consumers. Many Americans don't want higher interest rates on their credit cards and personal loans, but they also don't want prices to keep rising. Raising the Fed's benchmark interest rate could help cool inflation, but it would also make borrowing more expensive.
Dean Lyulkin, CEO of Cardiff, a small-business loan company, said Warsh's refusal to provide forward guidance has made the outcome of the July meeting difficult to predict.
#rate
4 days ago
Barcelona's signing of Karim Adeyemi has not only strengthened Hansi Flick's attack but also brought an end to one of Borussia Dortmund's most consistent transfer trends.
The German winger arrived at Barcelona in a deal worth a fixed €22 million, with a further €7 million in performance-related add-ons.
While the agreement certainly represents a sensible piece of business for Borussia Dortmund given that Adeyemi had entered the final year of his contract, it falls well short of the enormous profits the Bundesliga side has become famous for generating in the transfer market.
According to the figures involved, Barcelona's Karim Adeyemi transfer is one of the few major Dortmund departures in recent years that has not resulted in a substantial financial windfall for the German club.
Borussia Dortmund signed Adeyemi from RB Salzburg in 2022 for €30 million, viewing the German international as another exciting young talent capable of developing into a world-class player.
#german #transfer #million #hansi
The German winger arrived at Barcelona in a deal worth a fixed €22 million, with a further €7 million in performance-related add-ons.
While the agreement certainly represents a sensible piece of business for Borussia Dortmund given that Adeyemi had entered the final year of his contract, it falls well short of the enormous profits the Bundesliga side has become famous for generating in the transfer market.
According to the figures involved, Barcelona's Karim Adeyemi transfer is one of the few major Dortmund departures in recent years that has not resulted in a substantial financial windfall for the German club.
Borussia Dortmund signed Adeyemi from RB Salzburg in 2022 for €30 million, viewing the German international as another exciting young talent capable of developing into a world-class player.
#german #transfer #million #hansi
4 days ago
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.
Gross margin expanded 530 basis points to 35.7%, driven by a shift toward high-margin, less cyclical revenue streams including brokerage, finance, insurance, and marina operations.
Management attributed the 7% decline in same-store sales to broader industry softness and lower unit volumes, though the company claims to be outperforming general industry trends.
Boat margins improved for the second consecutive quarter as industry inventory levels began to normalize, reducing the need for aggressive promotional activity.
The premium end of the marine market remains more resilient than value segments, aligning with the company's core product portfolio and customer base.
#NVIDIA #identified
Gross margin expanded 530 basis points to 35.7%, driven by a shift toward high-margin, less cyclical revenue streams including brokerage, finance, insurance, and marina operations.
Management attributed the 7% decline in same-store sales to broader industry softness and lower unit volumes, though the company claims to be outperforming general industry trends.
Boat margins improved for the second consecutive quarter as industry inventory levels began to normalize, reducing the need for aggressive promotional activity.
The premium end of the marine market remains more resilient than value segments, aligning with the company's core product portfolio and customer base.
#NVIDIA #identified
4 days ago
This article was originally published on ETFTrends.com.
International stocks are performing admirably this year. As of July 22, the MSCI ACWI ex-US Investable Market Index, which combines developed and emerging market equities, is higher by 11.51%. Sounds good and it is, but investors should dig deeper.
Artificial intelligence (AI)-adjacent and technology stocks, many hailing from emerging markets, have been key contributors to international equity upside this year. As a result, markets such as South Korea and Taiwan loom large in some supposedly diverse international ETFs. Plus, some of those funds now devote significant percentages of their portfolios to growth stocks.
For investors looking to defray some of those risks while adding more value exposure to their portfolios, the ALPS O'Shares International Developed Quality Dividend ETF (OEFA) is an idea to consider. With its emphasis on quality traits and dividend growth, OEFA could be an ideal complement to growth-heavy portfolios and for investors looking for a more prudent way to gain international exposure.
With the S&P 500 heavily allocated to AI-related stocks and with the same becoming true of some developing markets, developed market exposure – attainable via OEFA – becomes all the more compelling because the sector-level profiles in many developed markets don't resemble those found here in the U.S.
#international #stocks #market
International stocks are performing admirably this year. As of July 22, the MSCI ACWI ex-US Investable Market Index, which combines developed and emerging market equities, is higher by 11.51%. Sounds good and it is, but investors should dig deeper.
Artificial intelligence (AI)-adjacent and technology stocks, many hailing from emerging markets, have been key contributors to international equity upside this year. As a result, markets such as South Korea and Taiwan loom large in some supposedly diverse international ETFs. Plus, some of those funds now devote significant percentages of their portfolios to growth stocks.
For investors looking to defray some of those risks while adding more value exposure to their portfolios, the ALPS O'Shares International Developed Quality Dividend ETF (OEFA) is an idea to consider. With its emphasis on quality traits and dividend growth, OEFA could be an ideal complement to growth-heavy portfolios and for investors looking for a more prudent way to gain international exposure.
With the S&P 500 heavily allocated to AI-related stocks and with the same becoming true of some developing markets, developed market exposure – attainable via OEFA – becomes all the more compelling because the sector-level profiles in many developed markets don't resemble those found here in the U.S.
#international #stocks #market
4 days ago
This article was originally published on ETFTrends.com.
To the dismay of advisors and fixed income investors, the words "clear" and "overt" seem to have left the Federal Reserve's lexicon. However, there are avenues for investors looking for the combination of elevated income and reduced rate risk.
The WisdomTree Interest Rate Hedged High Yield Bond Fund (HYZD) is one of the ETF's that accomplishes those objectives. The $260.2 million HYZD, tracks the WisdomTree U.S. High Yield Corporate Bond, Zero Duration Index. It could be a valuable tool as new Fed Chairman Kevin Warsh scrutinizes the central bank's data inputs, balance sheet, and commentary on rates.
"In terms of forward guidance, investors have already witnessed the Chairman's plans where the goal is to essentially remove this form of communication to the markets," observed WisdomTree. "Some clear-cut examples were the scaled back, just the facts, Greenspan-esque, June FOMC policy statement as well as Warsh's non-participation in the dot plot. The balance sheet question will take longer to resolve, but the examination of the data the Fed uses to set policy deserves some attention."
HYZD turns 13 years old in December. It carries a 30-day SEC yield of 6% and an effective duration of 0.30 years. For many investors, that high yield and low duration would be enough. No further examination required. However, it is worth digging deeper into HYZD.
#duration #income
To the dismay of advisors and fixed income investors, the words "clear" and "overt" seem to have left the Federal Reserve's lexicon. However, there are avenues for investors looking for the combination of elevated income and reduced rate risk.
The WisdomTree Interest Rate Hedged High Yield Bond Fund (HYZD) is one of the ETF's that accomplishes those objectives. The $260.2 million HYZD, tracks the WisdomTree U.S. High Yield Corporate Bond, Zero Duration Index. It could be a valuable tool as new Fed Chairman Kevin Warsh scrutinizes the central bank's data inputs, balance sheet, and commentary on rates.
"In terms of forward guidance, investors have already witnessed the Chairman's plans where the goal is to essentially remove this form of communication to the markets," observed WisdomTree. "Some clear-cut examples were the scaled back, just the facts, Greenspan-esque, June FOMC policy statement as well as Warsh's non-participation in the dot plot. The balance sheet question will take longer to resolve, but the examination of the data the Fed uses to set policy deserves some attention."
HYZD turns 13 years old in December. It carries a 30-day SEC yield of 6% and an effective duration of 0.30 years. For many investors, that high yield and low duration would be enough. No further examination required. However, it is worth digging deeper into HYZD.
#duration #income
4 days ago
Interested in Dime Community Bancshares, Inc.? Here are five stocks we like better.
Record Q2 results: Dime Community Bancshares posted record second-quarter revenue of $126 million, with core EPS up 23% year over year to $0.79. Net interest margin expanded to 3.28%, marking the bank's ninth straight quarter of margin growth.
Business lending is driving growth: Business loans grew 26% year over year, and management said the pipeline remains strong at about $1.4 billion. The bank expects low- to mid-single-digit loan growth in the second half while continuing to diversify away from multifamily exposure.
Credit, capital and buybacks: Credit trends were mixed but manageable, with nonperforming **** ets down 28% sequentially and the allowance to loans rising to 98 basis points. Capital levels improved, and management said it expects to resume share repurchases in the third quarter.
Time To Buy Regional Banks? Insider Buying Says Yes
#credit
Record Q2 results: Dime Community Bancshares posted record second-quarter revenue of $126 million, with core EPS up 23% year over year to $0.79. Net interest margin expanded to 3.28%, marking the bank's ninth straight quarter of margin growth.
Business lending is driving growth: Business loans grew 26% year over year, and management said the pipeline remains strong at about $1.4 billion. The bank expects low- to mid-single-digit loan growth in the second half while continuing to diversify away from multifamily exposure.
Credit, capital and buybacks: Credit trends were mixed but manageable, with nonperforming **** ets down 28% sequentially and the allowance to loans rising to 98 basis points. Capital levels improved, and management said it expects to resume share repurchases in the third quarter.
Time To Buy Regional Banks? Insider Buying Says Yes
#credit
4 days ago
This article was originally published on ETFTrends.com.
Bitcoin remains dominant, but that ETF demand has become more selective toward the lowest-cost products.
Hyperliquid ETFs show that investors still reward differentiated use cases, flexibility, and credible growth narratives.
Active multi-token ETFs can provide a nimble solution to combat the dynamic nature of the crypto market.
The crypto market has entered a more selective phase. Financial institutions continue to explore practical concepts like tokenization, stablecoins, and incorporating crypto trading alongside equities on their platforms. This momentum persists even as broader enthusiasm for cryptocurrencies has cooled. And in the background, regulatory progress continues to evolve as the CLARITY Act nears the finish line, providing tailwinds for the long term.
#financial
Bitcoin remains dominant, but that ETF demand has become more selective toward the lowest-cost products.
Hyperliquid ETFs show that investors still reward differentiated use cases, flexibility, and credible growth narratives.
Active multi-token ETFs can provide a nimble solution to combat the dynamic nature of the crypto market.
The crypto market has entered a more selective phase. Financial institutions continue to explore practical concepts like tokenization, stablecoins, and incorporating crypto trading alongside equities on their platforms. This momentum persists even as broader enthusiasm for cryptocurrencies has cooled. And in the background, regulatory progress continues to evolve as the CLARITY Act nears the finish line, providing tailwinds for the long term.
#financial
5 days ago
This story was originally published on Payments Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Payments Dive newsletter.
With no sign of innovation in payments slowing down, five podcasts below might help listeners keep up on the latest trends in payments and provide insights to fine tune plans for 2027.
Already in the first half of this year, stablecoins took a big step toward becoming a mainstream payment option, payments providers advanced their artificial intelligence strategies and cybersecurity firms pursued stronger data security tools to thwart criminals.
While most of the podcasts reviewed below avoid sponsored content, some of those commercials do show up, usually with disclosures.
For the rest of the summer, maybe you want to ditch a book and take one of these five payments industry podcasts to the beach instead.
#payments
With no sign of innovation in payments slowing down, five podcasts below might help listeners keep up on the latest trends in payments and provide insights to fine tune plans for 2027.
Already in the first half of this year, stablecoins took a big step toward becoming a mainstream payment option, payments providers advanced their artificial intelligence strategies and cybersecurity firms pursued stronger data security tools to thwart criminals.
While most of the podcasts reviewed below avoid sponsored content, some of those commercials do show up, usually with disclosures.
For the rest of the summer, maybe you want to ditch a book and take one of these five payments industry podcasts to the beach instead.
#payments
5 days ago
This article was originally published on ETFTrends.com.
Bitcoin, the largest digital currency by market capitalization, is showing signs. It surpassed the psychologically important $65,000 level and is higher by nearly 3% for the week ending July 21.
It remains to be seen if months of cryptocurrency frustration are nearing an end. The same is true regarding a bitcoin bottom. However, with the CLARITY Act close to passing and bullish price action of late, crypto investors may have credible reasons to get back in the game. Thanks to the NEOS Bitcoin High Income ETF (BTCI), market participants can earn compensation while waiting for the bitcoin dust to settle.
The $1.12 billion BTCI turns two years old in October and has rapidly become royalty in the bitcoin income ETF ***** e. The actively managed BTCI writes or sells options on a pair of well-known spot bitcoin ETFs, ensuring a solid liquidity profile. It's a smart income move, as highlighted by a 30-day SEC yield 2.13% — a percentage previously unthinkable with crypto ETFs.
BTCI's status as an income-generating bitcoin avenue is potentially attractive at a time when some market participants are apprehensive about what comes next for the dominant digital currency.
#Bitcoin #btci #Crypto
Bitcoin, the largest digital currency by market capitalization, is showing signs. It surpassed the psychologically important $65,000 level and is higher by nearly 3% for the week ending July 21.
It remains to be seen if months of cryptocurrency frustration are nearing an end. The same is true regarding a bitcoin bottom. However, with the CLARITY Act close to passing and bullish price action of late, crypto investors may have credible reasons to get back in the game. Thanks to the NEOS Bitcoin High Income ETF (BTCI), market participants can earn compensation while waiting for the bitcoin dust to settle.
The $1.12 billion BTCI turns two years old in October and has rapidly become royalty in the bitcoin income ETF ***** e. The actively managed BTCI writes or sells options on a pair of well-known spot bitcoin ETFs, ensuring a solid liquidity profile. It's a smart income move, as highlighted by a 30-day SEC yield 2.13% — a percentage previously unthinkable with crypto ETFs.
BTCI's status as an income-generating bitcoin avenue is potentially attractive at a time when some market participants are apprehensive about what comes next for the dominant digital currency.
#Bitcoin #btci #Crypto
5 days ago
City Different Investments, an investment management firm, released Q2 2026 investor update for its global equity strategies. A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. City Different global equity strategies delivered strong results in the second quarter, but trailed the global market driven by AI enthusiasm. Its Focused Global returned +7.08%, and Global Equity returned +5.36% during the quarter. This compared to the MSCI All Country World Index return of +14.93%. YTD, the strategies returned +11.28% and +5.29%, vs +11.25% for the index. The global strategies involve focused portfolios of long-only equities selected on a global basis, aimed at long-term investment potential. The firm remains optimistic about these portfolios, which are constructed based on long-term fundamental ******* sments. In addition, please check the Fund's top five holdings to know its best picks in 2026.
In its Q2 2026 investor letter, City Different Investments highlighted Talen Energy Corporation (NASDAQ:TLN). Talen Energy Corporation (NASDAQ:TLN) is an independent power producer and infrastructure company that generates and sales electricity, capacity, and ancillary services. On July 21, 2026, Talen Energy Corporation (NASDAQ:TLN) closed at $366.14 per share, reflecting a market capitalization of $16.62 billion. Talen Energy Corporation (NASDAQ:TLN) posted a one-month return of -9.79%, while its shares gained 7.93% over the past 52 weeks.
City Different Investments stated the following regarding Talen Energy Corporation (NASDAQ:TLN) in its Q2 2026 investor update:
"Talen Energy Corporation (NASDAQ:TLN), an independent power producer, was notable as the shares recovered from Q1 weakness. We remain confident that electrification trends (driven by EVs, AI data centers, and manufacturing reshoring) will continue to benefit Talen in the years to come. Please see our initial 2023 profile of Talen Energy here."
Talen Energy Corporation (NASDAQ:TLN) is not on our list of 40 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds Heading Into 2026. According to our database, 85 hedge fund portfolios held Talen Energy Corporation (NASDAQ:TLN) at the end of the first quarter, compared to 88 in the previous quarter. While we acknowledge the potential of Talen Energy Corporation (NASDAQ:TLN) 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.
#strategies
In its Q2 2026 investor letter, City Different Investments highlighted Talen Energy Corporation (NASDAQ:TLN). Talen Energy Corporation (NASDAQ:TLN) is an independent power producer and infrastructure company that generates and sales electricity, capacity, and ancillary services. On July 21, 2026, Talen Energy Corporation (NASDAQ:TLN) closed at $366.14 per share, reflecting a market capitalization of $16.62 billion. Talen Energy Corporation (NASDAQ:TLN) posted a one-month return of -9.79%, while its shares gained 7.93% over the past 52 weeks.
City Different Investments stated the following regarding Talen Energy Corporation (NASDAQ:TLN) in its Q2 2026 investor update:
"Talen Energy Corporation (NASDAQ:TLN), an independent power producer, was notable as the shares recovered from Q1 weakness. We remain confident that electrification trends (driven by EVs, AI data centers, and manufacturing reshoring) will continue to benefit Talen in the years to come. Please see our initial 2023 profile of Talen Energy here."
Talen Energy Corporation (NASDAQ:TLN) is not on our list of 40 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds Heading Into 2026. According to our database, 85 hedge fund portfolios held Talen Energy Corporation (NASDAQ:TLN) at the end of the first quarter, compared to 88 in the previous quarter. While we acknowledge the potential of Talen Energy Corporation (NASDAQ:TLN) 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.
#strategies
5 days ago
December soybean meal (ZMZ26) futures a buying opportunity on more price strength.
See on the daily bar chart for December soybean meal futures that prices are in an uptrend and have just hit a nine-week high. See, too, at the bottom of the chart that the moving average convergence divergence (MACD) indicator is also in a bullish posture, as the blue MACD line is above the red trigger line and both lines are trending up. The meal bulls have the near-term technical advantage.
Coffee Prices Erase Early Gains on Forecasts for Dry Weather in Brazil
Grain Bulls Are Showing Resilience: What's Keeping Uptrends in Corn, Soybean, and Wheat Prices Alive
Short Covering Lifts Cocoa Prices
#Bulls #futures
See on the daily bar chart for December soybean meal futures that prices are in an uptrend and have just hit a nine-week high. See, too, at the bottom of the chart that the moving average convergence divergence (MACD) indicator is also in a bullish posture, as the blue MACD line is above the red trigger line and both lines are trending up. The meal bulls have the near-term technical advantage.
Coffee Prices Erase Early Gains on Forecasts for Dry Weather in Brazil
Grain Bulls Are Showing Resilience: What's Keeping Uptrends in Corn, Soybean, and Wheat Prices Alive
Short Covering Lifts Cocoa Prices
#Bulls #futures
5 days ago
This article was originally published on ETFTrends.com.
Robinhood Markets (HOOD) reports second-quarter results on Wednesday, July 29. That could be an ideal time for active traders to consider single-stock ETFs such as the Direxion Daily HOOD Bull 2X ETF (HODU).
Ahead of the report, traders considering this leveraged ETF should examine some of the catalysts that could move Robinhood shares. It should also be noted that HODU attempts to deliver 200% of the daily returns of the financial services stock. That is to say, this is a short-term ETF, not one that should be treated as a buy-and-hold fund.
Heading into Robinhood earnings, Wall Street is bullish on the financial services stock. On Monday, Needham reiterated a "buy" rating on the stock, while boosting its price target to $123 from $97. Citing strength across various business lines, including cryptocurrency, equities, options and prediction markets, Needham boosted its 2026 and 2027 revenue estimates on Robinhood. It noted that the brokerage firm's core retail customer remains heavily engaged with the platform.
In recent months, prediction markets have increasingly become a focal point in the Robinhood investment thesis. It's an issue for traders considering HODU to stay abreast of as well.
#hodu
Robinhood Markets (HOOD) reports second-quarter results on Wednesday, July 29. That could be an ideal time for active traders to consider single-stock ETFs such as the Direxion Daily HOOD Bull 2X ETF (HODU).
Ahead of the report, traders considering this leveraged ETF should examine some of the catalysts that could move Robinhood shares. It should also be noted that HODU attempts to deliver 200% of the daily returns of the financial services stock. That is to say, this is a short-term ETF, not one that should be treated as a buy-and-hold fund.
Heading into Robinhood earnings, Wall Street is bullish on the financial services stock. On Monday, Needham reiterated a "buy" rating on the stock, while boosting its price target to $123 from $97. Citing strength across various business lines, including cryptocurrency, equities, options and prediction markets, Needham boosted its 2026 and 2027 revenue estimates on Robinhood. It noted that the brokerage firm's core retail customer remains heavily engaged with the platform.
In recent months, prediction markets have increasingly become a focal point in the Robinhood investment thesis. It's an issue for traders considering HODU to stay abreast of as well.
#hodu
5 days ago
Corn is trading with early gains of 6 to 7 cents on Wednesday morning. Spillover from double-digit gains in wheat is supportive. Futures found strength late in the session, with contracts up 2 to 3 ¼ cents across the front months. Modest new buying interest was noted, with open interest rising 3,833 contracts. The CmdtyView national average Cash Corn price was up 3 ¼ cents at $4.21.
The weekly Crop Progress report showed condition ratings back down 1% at 67% in good to excellent condition, as the Brugler500 index slipped 1 to at 372. Ratings in ND (-18), SD (-14), CO (-23), WI (-8), KS (-7), MO (-7) and MN (-5) all took a dip in that week. The I-States were improving, with IL up 3 and IN/IA rising 5 points, as NE improved 4 and OH up 1.
Coffee Prices Erase Early Gains on Forecasts for Dry Weather in Brazil
Grain Bulls Are Showing Resilience: What's Keeping Uptrends in Corn, Soybean, and Wheat Prices Alive
Short Covering Lifts Cocoa Prices
#gains #wheat #rising
The weekly Crop Progress report showed condition ratings back down 1% at 67% in good to excellent condition, as the Brugler500 index slipped 1 to at 372. Ratings in ND (-18), SD (-14), CO (-23), WI (-8), KS (-7), MO (-7) and MN (-5) all took a dip in that week. The I-States were improving, with IL up 3 and IN/IA rising 5 points, as NE improved 4 and OH up 1.
Coffee Prices Erase Early Gains on Forecasts for Dry Weather in Brazil
Grain Bulls Are Showing Resilience: What's Keeping Uptrends in Corn, Soybean, and Wheat Prices Alive
Short Covering Lifts Cocoa Prices
#gains #wheat #rising
5 days ago
Soybeans are 7 to 9 ¼ cents higher so far on Wednesday morning. Futures posted Turnaround Tuesday losses of 3 to 6 1/2 cents on the session pulling off early lows. Open interest was up just 1,907 contracts on Tuesday. The cmdtyView national average Cash Bean price was down a nickel at $11.84. Soymeal futures were $2.80 to $3.00 higher, with Soy Oil futures down 45 to 50 points.
Crop Progress data from NASS showed condition improving 1% to 66% gd/ex, with the Brugler500 index up 2 to 369. Deterioration was noted in MO (-1), ND (-4) and SD (-7). Ratings improved in IL (+6), IA (+9), MN (+2), NE (+5), and OH (+4).
Coffee Prices Erase Early Gains on Forecasts for Dry Weather in Brazil
Grain Bulls Are Showing Resilience: What's Keeping Uptrends in Corn, Soybean, and Wheat Prices Alive
Short Covering Lifts Cocoa Prices
#cents #higher #soybeans #wednesday
Crop Progress data from NASS showed condition improving 1% to 66% gd/ex, with the Brugler500 index up 2 to 369. Deterioration was noted in MO (-1), ND (-4) and SD (-7). Ratings improved in IL (+6), IA (+9), MN (+2), NE (+5), and OH (+4).
Coffee Prices Erase Early Gains on Forecasts for Dry Weather in Brazil
Grain Bulls Are Showing Resilience: What's Keeping Uptrends in Corn, Soybean, and Wheat Prices Alive
Short Covering Lifts Cocoa Prices
#cents #higher #soybeans #wednesday
5 days ago
This article was originally published on ETFTrends.com.
According to Bankrate's Mortgage Rates, the national average for a 30-year fixed mortgage is 6.61%. That's uncomfortably high and a major headwind to many prospective homebuyers, particularly those in the first-time category. But it's not all bad news in the mortgage market. Confirming opportunity abounds for fixed income investors with ETFs such as the WisdomTree Mortgage Plus Bond Fund (MTGP), some experts view mortgage-backed securities (MBS) as one of the more fundamentally sturdy corners of the bond market.
The actively managed MTGP, which turns seven years old in November, sports a 30-day SEC yield of 4.31%. That's impressive when considering the scant credit risk typically ***** ociated with MBS. The case for the WisdomTree ETF is fortified by a robust fundamental outlook.
"Agency mortgage-backed securities fundamentals remain supported by a combination of elevated mortgage rates, limited refinancing incentives, constrained housing turnover, and low net supply," noted BNP Paribas.
As noted above, high mortgage rates are drags on residential real estate activity. Those rates are barriers to entry for many buyers, which morphs into a problem for sellers. However, that situation can be a boon for MBS.
#market
According to Bankrate's Mortgage Rates, the national average for a 30-year fixed mortgage is 6.61%. That's uncomfortably high and a major headwind to many prospective homebuyers, particularly those in the first-time category. But it's not all bad news in the mortgage market. Confirming opportunity abounds for fixed income investors with ETFs such as the WisdomTree Mortgage Plus Bond Fund (MTGP), some experts view mortgage-backed securities (MBS) as one of the more fundamentally sturdy corners of the bond market.
The actively managed MTGP, which turns seven years old in November, sports a 30-day SEC yield of 4.31%. That's impressive when considering the scant credit risk typically ***** ociated with MBS. The case for the WisdomTree ETF is fortified by a robust fundamental outlook.
"Agency mortgage-backed securities fundamentals remain supported by a combination of elevated mortgage rates, limited refinancing incentives, constrained housing turnover, and low net supply," noted BNP Paribas.
As noted above, high mortgage rates are drags on residential real estate activity. Those rates are barriers to entry for many buyers, which morphs into a problem for sellers. However, that situation can be a boon for MBS.
#market
5 days ago
This article was originally published on ETFTrends.com.
Each year, as headlines tout inflation or red hot returns, investors revisit their favorite value stocks. Value is rarely as flashy as growth, and in a moment defined by AI, value has trailed lots of tech and growth strategies. In response, many investors want to wait for the right moment for value. That may be a mistake, when an active value ETF like the T. Rowe Price Value ETF (TVAL) is already delivering in the value stocks ******* e.
The S&P 500 is overvalued almost 200% based on recent data from June 2026.
Even while investors want to wait for an AI bubble burst, an active value ETF can deliver right now.
TVAL has outperformed its benchmark, the Russell 1000 Value index.
#Growth
Each year, as headlines tout inflation or red hot returns, investors revisit their favorite value stocks. Value is rarely as flashy as growth, and in a moment defined by AI, value has trailed lots of tech and growth strategies. In response, many investors want to wait for the right moment for value. That may be a mistake, when an active value ETF like the T. Rowe Price Value ETF (TVAL) is already delivering in the value stocks ******* e.
The S&P 500 is overvalued almost 200% based on recent data from June 2026.
Even while investors want to wait for an AI bubble burst, an active value ETF can deliver right now.
TVAL has outperformed its benchmark, the Russell 1000 Value index.
#Growth
5 days ago
This article was originally published on ETFTrends.com.
The Q2 earnings season is still in its early days, but it's already handing us a reality check: growth is broadening out. These conditions are putting one tried-and-tested segment of smart beta ETFs, the equal-weighted strategies, into sharp focus. And investors are taking notice.
Earnings growth is broadening, with S&P 500 on track for a strong 24% YoY earning expansion in Q2.
The "S&P 493" catch-up is gaining momentum with ******* ysts expecting these stocks to outpace the Mag 7 in Q2.
Equal-weighted ETFs are standing out as a way to mitigate tech/AI concentration risk and capture gains across broader market leaders.
#etfs #Growth #weighted #originally
The Q2 earnings season is still in its early days, but it's already handing us a reality check: growth is broadening out. These conditions are putting one tried-and-tested segment of smart beta ETFs, the equal-weighted strategies, into sharp focus. And investors are taking notice.
Earnings growth is broadening, with S&P 500 on track for a strong 24% YoY earning expansion in Q2.
The "S&P 493" catch-up is gaining momentum with ******* ysts expecting these stocks to outpace the Mag 7 in Q2.
Equal-weighted ETFs are standing out as a way to mitigate tech/AI concentration risk and capture gains across broader market leaders.
#etfs #Growth #weighted #originally
5 days ago
UiPath (NYSE:PATH), an artificial intelligence (AI) robotic and automation software provider, closed at $12.04, down 0.99%. Recent investment reports that put the spotlight on UiPath's customer demand could have put it in focus, while investors will be watching the next earnings call for guidance and Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) trends.
Trading volume reached 175.3 million shares, coming in about 235% above its three-month average of 52.3 million shares. UiPath IPO'd in 2021 and has fallen 832 since going public.
S&P 500 (SNPINDEX:^GSPC) rose 0.89% to 7,509, and the Nasdaq Composite (NASDAQINDEX:^IXIC) gained 1.29% to 25,837. Among application software peers focused on enterprise automation, Appian closed at $25.35, down 2.61%, and Pegasystems closed at $30.94, down 2.27%.
UiPath slipped slightly today, but the increased trading volume suggests the stock is on investor radars. It has gained 17% in the past month as investors begin to re-enter the software-as-a-service sector, thinking this year's dramatic sell-off could have been overblown. While there was no direct UiPath news, a Zacks report yesterday highlighted continued demand for its services and rising ARR.
UiPath uses AI to automate repetitive tasks, but the risk is that clients will eventually be able to integrate AI-driven automation without needing an intermediary like UiPath to help them. Last week it announced a deal with UK-based online retailer, The Very Group, to provide agentic AI pricing, demonstrating commercial demand. However, it is a competitive and rapidly evolving **** e, and **** ysts are concerned that UiPath isn't growing fast enough.
#trading
Trading volume reached 175.3 million shares, coming in about 235% above its three-month average of 52.3 million shares. UiPath IPO'd in 2021 and has fallen 832 since going public.
S&P 500 (SNPINDEX:^GSPC) rose 0.89% to 7,509, and the Nasdaq Composite (NASDAQINDEX:^IXIC) gained 1.29% to 25,837. Among application software peers focused on enterprise automation, Appian closed at $25.35, down 2.61%, and Pegasystems closed at $30.94, down 2.27%.
UiPath slipped slightly today, but the increased trading volume suggests the stock is on investor radars. It has gained 17% in the past month as investors begin to re-enter the software-as-a-service sector, thinking this year's dramatic sell-off could have been overblown. While there was no direct UiPath news, a Zacks report yesterday highlighted continued demand for its services and rising ARR.
UiPath uses AI to automate repetitive tasks, but the risk is that clients will eventually be able to integrate AI-driven automation without needing an intermediary like UiPath to help them. Last week it announced a deal with UK-based online retailer, The Very Group, to provide agentic AI pricing, demonstrating commercial demand. However, it is a competitive and rapidly evolving **** e, and **** ysts are concerned that UiPath isn't growing fast enough.
#trading
5 days ago
UnitedHealth's stock is flying high after it raised guidance, but on its latest earnings call, ***** ysts zeroed in on an underlying margin divergence running right through the business.
After a +50% run over the past year, UnitedHealth (UNH) stock trades near its 52-week high, and on the surface, its latest earnings report was a clean beat. The company raised its full-year outlook, and the headline numbers looked strong. But the Q&A session with ***** ysts kept circling one critical tension: is the impressive turnaround in the large Medicare business strong enough to offset a new, worsening problem in the company's commercial insurance segment?
The core worry for investors is that stubbornly high medical costs in the commercial business are getting worse. On the call, management confirmed that cost trends are running "modestly above 11%," a deterioration from prior expectations. This is not a small corner of the business; if its margins cannot recover, it puts a real ceiling on the company's growth.
When pressed for the cause, management gave a surprisingly specific answer. The answer went beyond general inflation, pinpointing a federal arbitration process under the No Surprises Act that management ***** erts is being leveraged aggressively by select provider groups. This is now adding "at least 100 basis points of total cost" to the commercial business. The issue is highly concentrated, and according to data cited by management, roughly 60% of their arbitration disputes are brought by one of just five entities. The response quantified the problem, but the admission that came with it was stark: the timeline for a full margin recovery in this segment has been pushed out "past 2027." That is a concrete delay to a key part of the investment case.
While the commercial segment is a growing headache, the equally large Medicare Advantage business is performing better than planned. The key question here was whether this was just good luck from a mild flu season or the result of management's own actions. The answer was more confident than vague.
#management
After a +50% run over the past year, UnitedHealth (UNH) stock trades near its 52-week high, and on the surface, its latest earnings report was a clean beat. The company raised its full-year outlook, and the headline numbers looked strong. But the Q&A session with ***** ysts kept circling one critical tension: is the impressive turnaround in the large Medicare business strong enough to offset a new, worsening problem in the company's commercial insurance segment?
The core worry for investors is that stubbornly high medical costs in the commercial business are getting worse. On the call, management confirmed that cost trends are running "modestly above 11%," a deterioration from prior expectations. This is not a small corner of the business; if its margins cannot recover, it puts a real ceiling on the company's growth.
When pressed for the cause, management gave a surprisingly specific answer. The answer went beyond general inflation, pinpointing a federal arbitration process under the No Surprises Act that management ***** erts is being leveraged aggressively by select provider groups. This is now adding "at least 100 basis points of total cost" to the commercial business. The issue is highly concentrated, and according to data cited by management, roughly 60% of their arbitration disputes are brought by one of just five entities. The response quantified the problem, but the admission that came with it was stark: the timeline for a full margin recovery in this segment has been pushed out "past 2027." That is a concrete delay to a key part of the investment case.
While the commercial segment is a growing headache, the equally large Medicare Advantage business is performing better than planned. The key question here was whether this was just good luck from a mild flu season or the result of management's own actions. The answer was more confident than vague.
#management
5 days ago
This article was originally published on ETFTrends.com.
The threads of the markets continue to weave a complicated story. The landscape has moved from a backdrop characterized by a hawkish Fed, a bulletproof AI investment cycle, and a willingness to look through Iran/U.S. tensions, to one defined by a respite from Fed tightening, doubts about the return on investment of AI spending, and a renewed Iran/U.S. conflict with no end in sight.
Inflation prints have surprised to the downside recently, which takes the risk of an immediate rate hike at the July FOMC off the table. Last week's CPI and PPI readings printed below most expectations, providing a reprieve from the worrying inflation dynamics that emerged following the March energy shock. CPI fell month-over-month in June, the largest monthly decline since April 2020, and is now tracking at 3.5%, down from 4.2% in May. PPI also declined by 0.3% in June and slowed to 5.5% on a year-over-year basis from 6.0% in May.
The decline in headline CPI and PPI was expected given lower energy prices in June. More encouragingly, shelter inflation, a major contributor to core inflation that has little to do with energy prices in the near-term, rose by only 0.1% in June, the smallest monthly increase in six years.
Markets continue to price a benign inflation outlook, even if recent geopolitical developments have increased uncertainty at the margin. One-year inflation swaps imply inflation of just 2.02% over the next year, suggesting investors expect the Iran-related energy shock to remain contained and elevated current prices to fade through base effects. A July FOMC hike appears unlikely, as markets are implying only a 14% probability.
#inflation #fomc #continue
The threads of the markets continue to weave a complicated story. The landscape has moved from a backdrop characterized by a hawkish Fed, a bulletproof AI investment cycle, and a willingness to look through Iran/U.S. tensions, to one defined by a respite from Fed tightening, doubts about the return on investment of AI spending, and a renewed Iran/U.S. conflict with no end in sight.
Inflation prints have surprised to the downside recently, which takes the risk of an immediate rate hike at the July FOMC off the table. Last week's CPI and PPI readings printed below most expectations, providing a reprieve from the worrying inflation dynamics that emerged following the March energy shock. CPI fell month-over-month in June, the largest monthly decline since April 2020, and is now tracking at 3.5%, down from 4.2% in May. PPI also declined by 0.3% in June and slowed to 5.5% on a year-over-year basis from 6.0% in May.
The decline in headline CPI and PPI was expected given lower energy prices in June. More encouragingly, shelter inflation, a major contributor to core inflation that has little to do with energy prices in the near-term, rose by only 0.1% in June, the smallest monthly increase in six years.
Markets continue to price a benign inflation outlook, even if recent geopolitical developments have increased uncertainty at the margin. One-year inflation swaps imply inflation of just 2.02% over the next year, suggesting investors expect the Iran-related energy shock to remain contained and elevated current prices to fade through base effects. A July FOMC hike appears unlikely, as markets are implying only a 14% probability.
#inflation #fomc #continue
6 days ago
This article was originally published on ETFTrends.com.
The municipal bond landscape continues to receive significant interest in both flows and supply. That, and investors looking to get muni bonds exposure for tax purposes in portfolios, positions them for serious ETF interest. American Century Investments Vice President and senior portfolio manager, Joe Gotelli recently spoke with VettaFi on his views on the muni bonds market right now.
Gotelli identified the belly of the muni bond curve as a place for real opportunities.
He ****** erted that front end richness and rising Treasury yields as risk areas to watch.
American Century Investments provides muni exposure via ETFs like TAXF and CATF.
#muni #century
The municipal bond landscape continues to receive significant interest in both flows and supply. That, and investors looking to get muni bonds exposure for tax purposes in portfolios, positions them for serious ETF interest. American Century Investments Vice President and senior portfolio manager, Joe Gotelli recently spoke with VettaFi on his views on the muni bonds market right now.
Gotelli identified the belly of the muni bond curve as a place for real opportunities.
He ****** erted that front end richness and rising Treasury yields as risk areas to watch.
American Century Investments provides muni exposure via ETFs like TAXF and CATF.
#muni #century
6 days ago
This article was originally published on ETFTrends.com.
Crypto has spent more than a decade on the edge of mainstream investing, cast either as a technological revolution or a speculative distraction. According to a new T. Rowe Price research report ******* led "Crypto edges into the mainstream," that debate has shifted.
T. Rowe Price research favors sizing diverse crypto exposure deliberately over chasing single tokens.
A 2.5% bitcoin allocation added 7% of a 60/40 portfolio's five-year risk.
Active management, not passive indexes, can better track crypto's fast-moving networks.
#rowe #mainstream #etftrends
Crypto has spent more than a decade on the edge of mainstream investing, cast either as a technological revolution or a speculative distraction. According to a new T. Rowe Price research report ******* led "Crypto edges into the mainstream," that debate has shifted.
T. Rowe Price research favors sizing diverse crypto exposure deliberately over chasing single tokens.
A 2.5% bitcoin allocation added 7% of a 60/40 portfolio's five-year risk.
Active management, not passive indexes, can better track crypto's fast-moving networks.
#rowe #mainstream #etftrends
6 days ago
This article was originally published on ETFTrends.com.
In another one of this week's tests of investor sentiment around artificial intelligence (AI) – and a tentpole one at that -- Google's parent company, Alphabet (NASDAQ: GOOGL), reports second-quarter results after the close of U.S. markets on Wednesday, July 22.
This report could be an opportune time for short-term traders to consider Alphabet single-stock ETFs, such as the Direxion Daily GOOGL Bull 2X Shares (GGLL) and the Direxion Daily GOOGL Bear 1X Shares (GGLS). When preparing for Alphabet's earnings with these funds, traders should note that GGLL attempts to deliver 200% of the daily returns of the internet stock, while the bearish GGLS seeks intraday performances corresponding with the inverse returns of Alphabet.
Although shares of Alphabet are up 12% year to date, they have slipped 3% over the past month — perhaps signaling a near-term burden of proof for the company as it heads into its earnings report. If that's accurate, either GGLL or GGLS could be worth considering.
"Look for Google Cloud growth in both quarterly numbers and contracted future revenue (or backlog)," noted Malik Khan of Morningstar. "We think investors want certainty that the $460 billion backlog will convert to sales over the next two years, and also want to know what that trajectory will look like. Non-backlog factors, such as consumption-based spending and new commitments, will be important for understanding the health of the cloud business."
#daily #cloud
In another one of this week's tests of investor sentiment around artificial intelligence (AI) – and a tentpole one at that -- Google's parent company, Alphabet (NASDAQ: GOOGL), reports second-quarter results after the close of U.S. markets on Wednesday, July 22.
This report could be an opportune time for short-term traders to consider Alphabet single-stock ETFs, such as the Direxion Daily GOOGL Bull 2X Shares (GGLL) and the Direxion Daily GOOGL Bear 1X Shares (GGLS). When preparing for Alphabet's earnings with these funds, traders should note that GGLL attempts to deliver 200% of the daily returns of the internet stock, while the bearish GGLS seeks intraday performances corresponding with the inverse returns of Alphabet.
Although shares of Alphabet are up 12% year to date, they have slipped 3% over the past month — perhaps signaling a near-term burden of proof for the company as it heads into its earnings report. If that's accurate, either GGLL or GGLS could be worth considering.
"Look for Google Cloud growth in both quarterly numbers and contracted future revenue (or backlog)," noted Malik Khan of Morningstar. "We think investors want certainty that the $460 billion backlog will convert to sales over the next two years, and also want to know what that trajectory will look like. Non-backlog factors, such as consumption-based spending and new commitments, will be important for understanding the health of the cloud business."
#daily #cloud
6 days ago
This article was originally published on ETFTrends.com.
As we cross the halfway mark of 2026, the energy ******* e has already experienced a dramatic shift in the macro landscape. Supply disruptions in the Middle East turned a looming oil supply glut into a severe shortage with depleted global inventories, benefiting U.S. energy companies across the value chain. Amid significant swings in oil and equities broadly, MLPs and midstream managed to outperform the S&P 500 and kept pace with the energy benchmark in 1H26. Midstream names also largely beat 1Q26 earnings estimates, with select companies raising EBITDA guidance for the full year. Learn more below about the key topics impacting MLPs and midstream in 1H26.
Midstream had a strong first quarter and showcased its defensiveness in the second quarter. The sector held onto early gains as oil prices pulled back.
Surging liquefied natural gas (LNG) export demand and power needs are driving record midstream backlogs and benefiting natural gas infrastructure companies.
Midstream operators are rapidly building new pipeline takeaway capacity, which is starting to resolve Permian natural gas bottlenecks this year.
#midstream #energy #benefiting
As we cross the halfway mark of 2026, the energy ******* e has already experienced a dramatic shift in the macro landscape. Supply disruptions in the Middle East turned a looming oil supply glut into a severe shortage with depleted global inventories, benefiting U.S. energy companies across the value chain. Amid significant swings in oil and equities broadly, MLPs and midstream managed to outperform the S&P 500 and kept pace with the energy benchmark in 1H26. Midstream names also largely beat 1Q26 earnings estimates, with select companies raising EBITDA guidance for the full year. Learn more below about the key topics impacting MLPs and midstream in 1H26.
Midstream had a strong first quarter and showcased its defensiveness in the second quarter. The sector held onto early gains as oil prices pulled back.
Surging liquefied natural gas (LNG) export demand and power needs are driving record midstream backlogs and benefiting natural gas infrastructure companies.
Midstream operators are rapidly building new pipeline takeaway capacity, which is starting to resolve Permian natural gas bottlenecks this year.
#midstream #energy #benefiting
6 days ago
Every new offensive coordinator wants to leave his own imprint on the unit he inherits. Sean Mannion almost certainly will for the Philadelphia Eagles. This team is expected to feature new wrinkles, different concepts, and a fresh perspective in 2026. That's part of the natural evolution of any offense after a coaching change.
Still, successful coordinators don't rebuild from scratch. They identify what already works, preserve it, and then find ways to make it even better. Philadelphia's 2025 offense, despite its inconsistencies, established several trends that deserve to remain part of the Eagles' identity moving forward.
Consistency has quietly become one of Jalen Hurts' greatest strengths. Over the past three seasons, he's completed approximately a combined 66 percent of his passes while continuing to protect the football and make sound decisions.
There is still room for growth. Anticipation, timing, and attacking the middle of the field more consistently remain areas the Eagles hope to improve.
Even so, Mannion inherits a quarterback who has already established an efficient baseline. The goal shouldn't be changing Hurts. It should be helping him become even more explosive.
#mannion #still #inherits #already
Still, successful coordinators don't rebuild from scratch. They identify what already works, preserve it, and then find ways to make it even better. Philadelphia's 2025 offense, despite its inconsistencies, established several trends that deserve to remain part of the Eagles' identity moving forward.
Consistency has quietly become one of Jalen Hurts' greatest strengths. Over the past three seasons, he's completed approximately a combined 66 percent of his passes while continuing to protect the football and make sound decisions.
There is still room for growth. Anticipation, timing, and attacking the middle of the field more consistently remain areas the Eagles hope to improve.
Even so, Mannion inherits a quarterback who has already established an efficient baseline. The goal shouldn't be changing Hurts. It should be helping him become even more explosive.
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