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1 No-Brainer Stock-Split Stock to Buy With $2000

2025-11-11 09:51:48 By John Smith

Key Points

  • This stock-split stock is up 52% in 2025 and 81% in 12 months.
  • The stock has the potential to hit new highs and it has a dividend yield of 0.46%.
  • Are you ahead, or behind on retirement? SmartAsset’s free tool can match you with a financial advisor in minutes to help you answer that today. Each advisor has been carefully vetted, and must act in your best interests. Don’t waste another minute; learn more here.(Sponsor)

We are less than three months from 2026, and it can be safe to say that if you haven’t met your investment goals this year, there’s no need to panic. There are still plenty of stocks worth buying now that could take you closer to your annual investment goals. The market is rife with tariff fears and their impact on the economy. 2025 has been different; there’s been a lot of uncertainty in the market, and enough companies didn’t announce a stock split this year.

While stock splits do not change anything about the company, it becomes easier and more affordable for investors to own stocks. Whenever the demand is high, stock splits can become a way to build wealth. This is how stocks make you a millionaire.

Here’s one no-brainer stock-split stock to buy with $2,000 this month.

Interactive Brokers Group

Interactive Brokers Group, Inc.(NASDAQ: IBKR)is based in Connecticut and has offices across the world. It has been around for five decades and offers trading services for stocks, bonds, options, futures, crypto, currencies, gold, and more. The company has a strong global presence and is well positioned for international expansion.

It has a reach across 36 countries and operates in 28 currencies. About 80% of its customers reside outside of the U.S., giving it a solid position in the global market. Interactive Brokers completed a 4-for-1 stock split this June, after a massive multiyear run. It was the first split since going public in 2007.

Since it operates electronically, it manages to keep the costs down and generate a solid profit margin. It is a pure-play brokerage business that runs on automation. As a result of the business structure, IBKR enjoys the best in-class profit margins. Strong fundamentals have boosted the stock’s valuation, and it could continue soaring in the near term.

Impressive fundamentals 

Exchanging hands for $69, the stock is up 52% year-to-date and 87% in a year. If you missed out on the stock during the split, now is the time to load up on the top performer.

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It reported an impressive second quarter, with a commission revenue of $516 million, a 27% year-over-year jump, and the net interest income hit a quarterly record of $860 million.

The brokerage added 250,000 net new accounts in the quarter. The daily active revenue trades jumped 49%, and the customer accounts in the quarter jumped 32%. It has incredible momentum in customer account growth. Notably, the company saw a 170% year-over-year jump in overnight trading volumes. The increased customer activity is also helping the business.

Its total daily average revenue trades saw a 47% jump in September to 3.86 million while the total number of client accounts reached 4.12 million in September. As the stock market continues to soar higher, IBKR is set to keep growing. Besides the impressive rally, Interactive Brokers is a dividend stock with a yield of 0.46%.

Growth stock with tremendous upside potential

The growth stock has an explosive upside potential and has reported an impressive 22.7% annual revenue growth in the last five years. It is set to continue winning market share in the near term.

Analysts are bullish on the stock. BMO Capital has an outperform rating with a price target of $82. The company has no long-term debt and is sitting on plenty of cash on hand.

While there is a risk of competition, Interactive Brokers has nailed the recipe for success through automation. It will be tough for any other brokerage to hit the same level of automation. IBKR is a profitable stock to own for the long term. 

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Investing2025-11-11 09:51:48

Stock Market Live October 9: Delta Earnings Beat Helps Lift S&P 500 (VOO)

-->-->Key PointsThe U.S. government remains shutdown for a ninth straight day on Thursday.Delta Air Lines says the shutdown isn’t affecting its operations — yet — and Q3 earnings beat expectations.Are you ahead, or behind on retirement? SmartAsset’s free tool can match you with a financial advisor in minutes to help you answer that today. Each advisor has been carefully vetted, and must act in your best interests. Don’t waste another minute; get started by clicking here.(Sponsor)-->-->Live UpdatesLive Coverage Has EndedGet The Best Vanguard S&P 500 ETF Live Earnings Coverage Like This Every QuarterGet earnings reminders, our top analysis on Vanguard S&P 500 ETF, market updates, and brand-new stock recommendations delivered directly to your inbox.Click Here - It's Free Thank you for subscribing! Keep an eye on your email for updates. By providing your email address, you agree to receive communications from us regarding website updates and other offerings that may be of interest to you. You can unsubscribe at any time. For more information, please review our Disclaimer and Terms of Use.Thursday Wrap-upOct 9, 2025 4:05 PMLive The Vanguard S&P 500 ETF closed Thursday at 617.10, down 0.3%.Inititating on OracleOct 9, 2025 11:24 AMLivePhillip Securities initiated coverage on S&P 500 componentOracle(NYSE: ORCL) stock with a buy rating and a $350 price target this morning.Oracle is a “niche Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) and full-stack AI provider,” notes the analyst. Its backlog of future work surged 359% in fiscal Q1 2026, and could reach $144 billion by fiscal 2030 — a 68% compound annual growth rate over four years — powered by “partnerships with major clouds providers and chipmakers [to] support AI training, inference, and database integration, driving 55% YoY infrastructure growth and positioning Oracle for long-term recurring revenue.”Oracle stock is up 3.5% on the new buy rating. The Voo is down 0.3%.United Loves to Fly to Europe (and it Shows)Oct 9, 2025 10:08 AMLiveCircling back to airlines news, Delta rival and fellow S&P 500 componentUnited Airlines(Nasdaq: UAL) announced today it’s opening up nonstop flights from its East Coast hub at Newark Liberty International Airport to a handful of smaller European cities — Bari, Italy; Split, Croatia; and Santiago de Compostela, Spain.Air industry analysts interpret United’s move as a response to Delta’s opening nonstop flights to Malta and Sardinia last month. Whatever the reason, it’s already paying off for United, whose stock is up more than 4% today.Conversely, the Voo has turned around and nosedived to a 0.1% loss. Win some, lose some…Tilray Surprisingly Loses No MoneyOct 9, 2025 9:42 AMLiveBeyond the big S&P 500 companies, Tilray(Nasdaq: TLRY) also reported earnings this morning. Analysts were expecting the marijuana company to lose $0.04 per share, but Tilray says it instead broke even with $0 earned, $0 lost in its fiscal Q1 2026.Revenue for the quarter also exceeded estimates at $209.5 million, and Tilray reaffirmed its non-GAAP guidance for “Adjusted EBITDA” of $62 million to $72 million in fiscal 2026.Tilray stock is up more than 14% on the news. The Voo is now up 0.6%.This article will be updated throughout the day, so check back often for more daily updates.TheVanguard S&P 500 ETF(NYSEMKT: VOO) set a new all-time high on Wednesday, rising 0.6% to close at 618.77. Even as the U.S. government remains stubbornly shut down for an ninth straight day, the market continues to inch higher Thursday, up 0.5% premarket.Helping the market today is a positive earnings forecast fromDelta Air Lines(NYSE: DAL), which forecast today that it will earn between $1.60 and $1.90 per share in Q4, better than the $1.65 per share that analysts were predicting.CEO Ed Bastian warned that if the government shutdown drags on too long, it’s likely to affect his company, and the airline industry in general — and the economy. For the time being, however, Delta’s boss confirms that he hasn’t seen “any impacts at all” on Delta’s business.Commenting on reports yesterday that a handful of airports are starting to see an uptick in flight delays, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy agreed that he’s seen a “slight uptick” in air traffic controllers, who are currently working without pay, calling in sick rather than coming to work, and that this could affect flight operations, causing delays.EarningsBut getting back to earnings at Delta, which is an S&P 500 component company, Delta reported its Q3 numbers this morning, which were $0.18 better than expected at $1.71 per share. Revenue was $15.2 billion, also better than expected.Taken in conjunction with the Q4 guidance, and the full-year guidance for a better than expected $6 per share for fiscal 2025, Delta’s report was positive on all fronts, and the stock is up more than 7% premarket.A second big S&P 500 component,PepsiCo(Nasdaq: PEP), also reported good profits this morning. Q3 earnings at Pepsi “beat” by three cents at $2.29 per share, with revenue also ahead of forecasts at $23.9 billion.Pepsi stock us up less than 1% premarket.Get Ready To Retire (Sponsored)Start by taking a quick retirement quiz from SmartAsset that will match you with up to 3 financial advisors that serve your area and beyond in 5 minutes, or less. Each advisor has been vetted by SmartAsset and is held to a fiduciary standard to act in your best interests. Here’s how it works: 1. Answer SmartAsset advisor match quiz 2. Review your pre-screened matches at your leisure. Check out the advisors’ profiles. 3. Speak with advisors at no cost to you. Have an introductory call on the phone or introduction in person and choose whom to work with in the future.Get Live Earning Updates on Vanguard S&P 500 ETFNever miss important earnings news. Get real-time updates delivered directly to your inbox. We'll also deliver our top stock recommendations and weekly market udpates. Signup -- It's Free Thank you for subscribing! Keep an eye on your email for updates. By providing your email address, you agree to receive communications from us regarding website updates and other offerings that may be of interest to you. You can unsubscribe at any time. For more information, please review our Disclaimer and Terms of Use.

Investing2025-11-11 09:51:48

Top Dividend Stocks Poised for Explosive Growth in 2026 (ABBV, GD, RGR)

-->Key PointsNew laws, policy initiatives, and geopolitical events are reshaping society, and certain companies are already on track to capitalize on these changes.Both S&P 500 and small cap companies that also pay dividends may be seeing substantial growth over the next few years as a result of these events and the strategic market demand timing for their products.Investors seeking to diversify away from the tech sector might wish to look more closely at the sectors represented by the stocks included here.It sounds nuts, but SoFi is giving new active invest users up to $1k in stock, see for yourself (Sponsor)-->-->Geopolitical events, judicial rulings, new law legislation, and policy changes are all circumstances occurring on domestic and international stages that are triggering big stock moves in various industrial sectors. The impact is being demonstrated on both large-cap and small-cap companies. While investing in companies that are exhibiting potential large growth prospects for the coming 12-months is always finding companies with the addition of a dividend is always a welcome bonus. Abbvie Inc.Abbvie is establishing workarounds to comply with President Trump’s US MFN status for drug pricing while minimizing the impact to its bottom line.In August 20224, Morgan Stanley predicted a price target of $250.00, whenAbbvie Inc. (NYSE: ABBV)was trading at $189.00 At the time of this writing, it is trading between $235 and its 52-week high of $244.81. Perhaps a few weeks off, but certainly on track. Its 2.79% yield is also a nice cherry on top of a lucrative stock. Chicago headquartered Abbvie Inc. is one of the top 5 largest biotech and pharma companies, with treatments for various forms of blood, skin, prostate, and organ cancers, as well as autoimmune diseases, skin ailments, and gastrointestinal disorders.Other Abbvie prescription drugs deal with such afflictions as:Parkinson’s diseaseOcular diseaseHepatitisEndometriosisAnemiaIBSHypothyroidismPancreatitisUterine FibroidsChronic MigrainesAdditionally, Abbvie markets Botox, facial injectables, plastic surgery adjuncts, body and skin care products, both therapeutic and cosmetic. Abbvie’s newly approved Emrelis differs uniquely in a number of ways from its competitors in the solid tumor oncology space and is causing a buzz in the cancer treatment industry. Emrelis has an approach towards targeting, strategic positioning, and methodology of action that has no similarity to any other oncology drugs, making it stand apart. Focusing on C-MET biomarkers, versus HER2 or TROP2, it can more precisely target small-cell lung cancer tumors without the potential DNA damage risk that is inherent with current treatments from some of Abbie’s rivals.As the solid tumor category has long been one in which Abbvie lagged, Emrelis could be a big boost for the company’s fortunes. Morgan Stanley cited it as one of the reasons for its $250 target price for Abbvie. Abbvie has addressed President Trump’s “Most Favorite Nation” drug pricing executive order by lowering domestic US prices for products like ovarian cancer treatment Elahere, which now matches its UK price. Other strategies to be deployed to avoid adverse revenue impact includes direct-to-consumer sales and increased domestic lab facilities, including a new, $70 million Bioresearch Center in Massachusetts. General Dynamics Corp.General Dynamics recently announced a new $641 million contract from the US Navy for additional Virginia class submarines.By renaming The Department of Defense the Department of War, the Administration has declared that the US will no longer turn a blind eye to deadly threats from abroad. Most recently, the news has carried several video clips of US naval forces intercepting and destroying US-bound Venezuelan drug smuggling vessels before they can reach our borders.  US maritime military strength is derived from its logistical and tactical ability to handle threats, which is a result of the vessels built by contractors likeGeneral Dynamics Corp. (NYSE: GD).Secretary of War Hegseth is heading an initiative to revamp the lethality of US armed forces, and command of state-of-the art weaponry and logistics from General Dynamics and its rivals are a big part of this project. General Dynamics Corp. is the 5th largest US military contractor by total sales. It designs, produces, and supplies tactical sea, land, and air transport along with corresponding weaponry. Currently paying a 1.76% dividend, the stock is already up 32.52% year-to-date, and new international threats and deployments appear to indicate that this will not only continue, but escalate. Sea:Founded in 1899 and based out of Reston, VA, General Dynamics’ predecessor was The Electric Boat Company, which developed the first modern naval submarine, which was purchased by the US Navy in 1900. The relationship with the maritime branch of the US armed services continues to this day. General Dynamics supplies the nuclear-powered, missile equipped Virginia and Columbia class submarines. It also makes the Arleigh Burke class guided missile destroyers. A new $642 million contract for additional Virginia class submarines was recently announced. Land:For surface operations, General Dynamics’ M1 Abrams tanks, Light Armored Vehicles (LAV), Howitzers, Strykers, Wolverine Assault Bridges, and Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle (EFV) amphibious assault vehicles have all contributed heavily to US defense platforms. Other land based tactical transport vehicles for weaponry and personnel, mobile launchers for missiles, etc. would also fall into this category.Air:Involvement in Aerospace is what prompted a name change from “The Electric Boat Company” to “General Dynamics”. Aviation projects initiated in Canada, when underperforming Canadair was acquired by Electric Boat. This led to a number of Cold War-era sales to the Royal Canadian Air Force transport, fighter, and patrol aircraft prior to that division being sold in the 1970s to Bombardier. During that same period, Convair, which made bombers for the US Air Force during WWII, was also acquired for US aviation projects. General Dynamics would proceed to collaborate with Grumman (before its merger with Northrop) to develop the F-111 tactical fighter, which served as the prototype for Grumman’s subsequent F-14 Tomcat success, which was showcased in the first Tom CruiseTop Gunmovie.  General Dynamics would go on to its own success with the F-16 Fighting Falcon. The F-16 has become the world’s most common fixed-wing military aircraft, with roughly 3,000 F-16s in operation around the globe at present. Missile systems and weaponry:  General Dynamics’s subsidiaries created the SM-65 Atlas, which was the first US Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM). It would be followed by Stinger Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAM), Rolling Airframe Missiles (RAM), Tomahawk, and other missiles. The Phalanx CIWS maritime ship gun, GAU-17 and GAU-19 guns, avionics for drone systems, electronics, big data analytics and communications systems would also fall into this category.IT:General Dynamic’s military Information Technology unit is highly regarded. It recently secured a $1.5 billion US Strategic Command IT modernization contract, primarily for cybersecurity protection over US nuclear weapons. Non military subsidiaries: In addition to its military projects. General Dynamics is involved with commercial shipbuilding or tankers and cargo vessels, and owns private jet manufacturer Gulfstream. The primary factors responsible for these double digit gains are global instability. General Dynamics equipment comprises a significant portion of arms deals to Israel for its war against Hamas terrorists in Gaza and to the war in Ukraine. US naval submarine deployments are increasing in the Indo-Pacific region due to new assessments of Chinese naval threats. The Pentagon also needs to replenish its missile supplies due to the Biden administration’s debacle in Afghanistan and its voluminous shipments in support of Ukraine.Sturm, Ruger & Co.The Ruger Blackhawk is still a popular revolver for handgun enthusiasts looking a .357 or .44 Magnum alternative to Smith and Wesson.Since the Supreme Court ruled to support the Second Amendment in the D.C. vs. Heller decision, personal gun ownership rights began to once again assert themselves against the anti-gun lobbies. Blue State policies favoring gun confiscation have lost support as a result of horrific murders, rapes, and assalts by repeat offenders set free through ineffective enforcement and lax local laws. This October, the Supreme Court is deliberating on another case that may extend concealed carry rights even further. 24/7 Wall Street recently published an updated article on open carry rights in each state. US firearms manufacturerSturm, Ruger, & Co. (NYSE: RGR)is currently sporting a 1.56% yield, is trading within 75 cents of its 52-week high, and currently has a “Strong Buy” rating from 57% of the analysts covering the stock. Announcements such as Florida’s confirmation on the legality of open carry in the state is expected to spread even further across the nation.Ruger’s Mini-14 is still a top selling alternative to the AR-15 due to its wood stock and less “assault rifle” looking appearance, while its .22, Blackhawk, and Redhawk revolvers are still popular sellers.Recent disclosures of the venerable 500-year old gun manufacturing legend Beretta owning a sizable minority stake in Ruger has led to speculation of some joint future projects. Ruger stock is up 28.02% year-to-date. The enthusiasm behind the current support for the stock is a welcome bounce back from the doldrums over the past five years, where crime proliferated and gun control laws suppressed legal ownership in many blue states, in direct contradiction to the Second Amendment. Thankfully, this trend has reversed, and Ruger appears to be a primary beneficiary. Want Up To $1,000? SoFi Is Giving New Active Invest Users up to $1k in StockLooking to grow your money but unsure where to begin? SoFi Active Invest is offering a limited-time promotion—open an account, fund it with $50 or more, and you could receive up to $1,000 in complimentary stock for Active Invest accounts.From $0 commission trading to fractional shares and automated investing, this app is designed to simplify investing for everyone, whether you’re just starting or already experienced. Its easy to sign up and secure your bonus.(sponsor)DISCLOSURE:INVESTMENTS ARE NOT FDIC INSURED • ARE NOT BANK GUARANTEED • MAY LOSE VALUEBrokerage and Active investing products offered through SoFi Securities LLC, member FINRA(www.finra.org)/SIPC(www.sipc.org).Advisory services are offered by SoFi Wealth LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. Information about SoFi Wealth’s advisory operations, services, and fees is set forth in SoFi Wealth’s current Form ADV Part 2 (Brochure), a copy of which is available upon request and at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.Probability of Member receiving $1,000 is a probability of 0.026%; If you don’t make a selection in 30 days, you’ll no longer qualify for the promo. Customer must fund their account with a minimum of $50.00 to qualify.Other fees, such as exchange fees, may apply. Please view our fee disclosure to view a full listing of fees.Investing in alternative investments and/or strategies may not be suitable for all investors and involves unique risks, including the risk of loss. An investor should consider their individual circumstances and any investment information, such as a prospectus, prior to investing. Interval Funds are illiquid instruments, the ability to trade on your timeline may be restricted. Brokerage and Active investing products offered through SoFi Securities LLC, Member FINRA(www.finra.org) /SIPC(www.sipc.org).There are limitations with fractional shares to consider before investing. During market hours fractional share orders are transmitted immediately in the order received. There may be system delays from receipt of your order until execution and market conditions may adversely impact execution prices. Outside of market hours orders are received on a not held basis and will be aggregated for each security then executed in the morning trade window of the next business day at market open. Share will be delivered at an average price received for executing the securities through a single batched order. Fractional shares may not be transferred to another firm. Fractional shares will be sold when a transfer or closure request is initiated. Please consider that selling securities is a taxable event.Options involve risks, including substantial risk of loss and the possibility an investor may lose the entire investment Before trading options please review the Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options [HYPERLINK: https://www.theocc.com/getmedia/a151a9ae-d784-4a15-bdeb-23a029f50b70/riskstoc.pdfInvesting in an Initial Public Offering (IPO) involves substantial risk, including the risk of loss. Further, there are a variety of risk factors to consider when investing in an IPO, including but not limited to, unproven management, significant debt, and lack of operating history. For a comprehensive discussion of these risks please refer to SoFi Securities’ IPO Risk Disclosure Statement [HYPERLINK https://www.sofi.com/iporisk/]. This should not be considered a recommendation to participate in IPOs and investors should carefully read the offering prospectus to determine whether an offering is consistent with their investment objectives, risk tolerance, and financial situation. New offerings generally have high demand and there are a limited number of shares available for distribution to participants. Many customers may not be allocated shares and share allocations may be significantly smaller than the shares requested in the customer’s initial offer (Indication of Interest). For more information on the allocation process please visit IPO Allocation [HYPERLINK https://support.sofi.com/hc/en-us/articles/360058602892-How-does-SoFi-allocate-IPO-shares].

Investing2025-11-11 09:51:48

3 Low-Risk ETFs That Smoke the S&P 500’s Long-Term Gains

-->-->Key PointsTheS&P 500‘s 2.7% drop on Friday expose its tech-heavy tilt. Top 10 stocks represent 37% of the index’s weight, while the Magnificent 7 account for about 35% of YTD gains. The overrepresentation amplifies losses, eroding the index’s broad-market status.Are you ahead, or behind on retirement? SmartAsset’s free tool can match you with a financial advisor in minutes to help you answer that today. Each advisor has been carefully vetted, and must act in your best interests. Don’t waste another minute; learn more here.(Sponsor)-->-->Friday’s market meltdown laid bare the vulnerabilities of theS&P 500. The index plunged 2.7%, erasing weekly gains amid President Trump’s threat of massive new tariffs on Chinese imports. This sharp drop — its worst single-day loss since April — stemmed directly from the index’s heavy reliance on a handful of tech giants. The top 10 stocks now command nearly 37% of the S&P 500’s market capitalization, up from 27% during the 2000 dot-com peak. Among them, the Magnificent 7 hold an outsized sway, accounting for about 35% of the index’s weight.This concentration has fueled impressive returns, but also amplified risks. Year-to-date, the S&P 500 gained 12.5%, yet the Mag 7 contributed 42% of those gains. Their influence was even starker last year when the group drove nearly 70% of the index’s 23% advance. This highlights how the S&P has morphed from the broad-based benchmark it was decades ago into a proxy for a few high-flying names.This shift makes the classic set-and-forget strategy of buying the S&P far riskier than before. Volatility spikes, like Friday’s, can wipe out months of progress if those top holdings falter. Yet investors seeking steady, long-term compounding need not abandon passive approaches. By layering in quality controls — filters for profitability, low debt, and earnings stability — the three exchange-traded funds (ETFs) below deliver superior risk-adjusted returns. They outperform the S&P 500 over a decade while dialing down volatility, offering a smarter path to durable gains.iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF (QUAL)TheiShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF(CBOE:QUAL) targets U.S. large- and mid-cap stocks exhibiting strong fundamentals. It tracks theMSCI USA Sector Neutral Quality Index, which scores companies on return on equity, stable year-over-year earnings growth, and low financial leverage. These metrics weed out speculative plays, favoring resilient firms like those in healthcare and industrials alongside select tech leaders. The result: a portfolio of about 125 holdings, sector-neutral to avoid overexposure to any one area, and weighted by quality score multiplied by market cap.Loading stock data...This approach has delivered robust long-term performance with tempered risk. QUAL’s 10-year annualized total return stands at 14.2%, topping the S&P 500’s 12.1% over the same stretch. Its edge comes from consistent outperformance during downturns while allowing for quicker recoveries. On the risk front, the ETF’s three-year standard deviation clocks in at 13.2%, below the S&P 500’s 17.8%. This lower volatility stems from avoiding debt-laden or erratic earners, yielding a superior Sharpe ratio of 1.30 compared to the benchmark’s 1.27. For buy-and-hold investors, QUAL proves quality screens enhance returns without the wild swings of cap-weighted indexes.JPMorgan U.S. Quality Factor ETF (JQUA)TheJPMorgan U.S. Quality Factor ETF(NYSEARCA:JQUA) emphasizes profitability and earnings consistency across roughly 250 U.S. stocks. Drawing from the Russell 1000, it selects holdings via a composite score blending return on assets, gross margins, and earnings variability — prioritizing companies that generate cash efficiently without excessive debt. To promote diversification, JQUA caps sector weights at 30% and integrates a stability buffer, ensuring no single stock exceeds 5% of assets. This setup balances blue-chip stability with growth potential, including names likeEli Lilly(NYSE:LLY) in pharma andVisa(NYSE:V) in financials.Loading stock data...Over the long haul, JQUA has beaten the benchmark index while keeping drawdowns in check. Since its November 2017 inception, annualized return hits 14.2%, surpassing the index by 150 basis points annually. This stems from its focus on high-margin leaders that weathered 2022’s bear market with a mere 13.5% decline, versus the S&P’s deeper 19.4% hit. Risk metrics underscore the appeal: the three-year standard deviation measures 12.4%, a good notch below the benchmark’s 15.9%, reflecting smoother paths through volatility spikes like Friday’s tariff-fueled rout. With a Sharpe ratio of 1.30 — higher than the S&P’s — JQUA suits those chasing compounded growth minus the gut-wrenching dips.Invesco S&P 500 Quality ETF (SPHQ)TheInvesco S&P 500 Quality ETF(NYSEARCA:SPHQ) hones in on the S&P 500’s top tier, selecting the 100 highest-quality constituents based on return on equity, accrual ratios (to spot earnings manipulation), and leverage. Weighted by a blend of quality score and market cap, it amplifies proven performers while muting laggards — thinkMastercard(NYSE:MA) for steady financials orAccenture(NYSE:ACN) for consulting prowess. This intra-index filter keeps broad S&P exposure but elevates it, with semi-annual rebalances to refresh the roster.Loading stock data...SPHQ’s track record highlights quality’s compounding power at reduced risk. The ETF boasts a 10-year annualized return of 14.6%, outpacing the S&P 500’s 12.1% by more than two percentage points. It shone in choppy periods, limiting 2022 losses to 15.8% against the index’s 19.4%, thanks to its aversion to overleveraged firms. Volatility remains contained, with a three-year standard deviation of 15% — under the S&P’s 15.9% — delivering a Sharpe ratio of 1.39. For S&P loyalists wary of concentration, SPHQ refines the formula, capturing upside while buffering against the mega-cap maelstrom.If You have $500,000 Saved, Retirement Could Be Closer Than You Think (sponsor)Retirement can be daunting, but it doesn’t need to be. Imagine having an expert in your corner to help you with your financial goals. Someone to help you determine if you’re ahead, behind, or right on track. With SmartAsset, that’s not just a dream—it’s reality. This free tool connects you with pre-screened financial advisors who work in your best interests. It’s quick, it’s easy, so take the leap today and start planning smarter!Don’t waste another minute; get started right here and help your retirement dreams become a retirement reality.(sponsor)

Investing2025-11-11 09:51:48

3 Stocks Under $20 That Wall Street Shouts “Buy!”

-->-->Key PointsWall Street upgrades fuel excitement but demand scrutiny beyond just headlines.Due diligence can uncover mismatches between ratings and real-world hurdles.Buy tags don’t erase sector risks such as speculation or economic drag.Are you ahead, or behind on retirement? SmartAsset’s free tool can match you with a financial advisor in minutes to help you answer that today. Each advisor has been carefully vetted, and must act in your best interests. Don’t waste another minute; learn more here.(Sponsor)-->-->Wall Street upgrades often ignite investor buzz, sending share prices higher as analysts spotlight growth potential or undervaluation. These endorsements can signal momentum, drawing in retail traders eager for quick gains. Yet, relying solely on analyst sentiment risks overlooking red flags like execution hurdles or market shifts. Thorough due diligence — scrutinizing financials, competitive edges, and recent news — remains essential to separate hype from substance. The three stocks highlighted here all sport buy ratings from major firms, reflecting optimism in their sectors. Still, that doesn’t guarantee they’re slam-dunk additions to your portfolio: volatility and external factors can quickly erode enthusiasm.Archer Aviation (ACHR)Electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft pioneerArcher Aviation(NYSE:ACHR) has captured Wall Street’s attention with its push toward urban air mobility. Analysts at firms likeNeedhamandCantor Fitzgeraldmaintain buy ratings, citing Archer’s robust $1.7 billion cash position and progress on FAA certification for its Midnight eVTOL. The average price target sits around $12.44 per share, implying about 7% upside from recent levels near $11.60. Supporters point to partnerships withUnited Airlines(NASDAQ:UAL) andStellantis(NYSE:STLA) for manufacturing, plus defense contracts that could diversify revenue beyond commercial air taxis. With commercialization eyed for 2026, bulls argue Archer leads the eVTOL pack in a market projected to hit $1 trillion by 2040.Loading stock data...But does this align with recent performance? Not entirely. Shares have rallied 18% year-to-date, fueled by testing milestones like a record 10,000-foot flight. Yet, ACHR stock is tumbling 7.5% in morning trading today afterTesla‘s (NASDAQ:TSLA) announcement of cheaper EV models dashed hopes for a broader eVTOL tie-up. Rumors had swirled from a viral video pairing Archer’s aircraft with Tesla’s Optimus robot, sparking a 20% spike the prior week. The letdown highlights the stock’s sensitivity to unconfirmed speculation, underscoring risks in a pre-revenue sector where delays could burn through cash. While the buy thesis holds long-term appeal, near-term dips like this test investor patience.American Airlines (AAL)American Airlines Group(NASDAQ:AAL) is one of the world’s largest carriers by fleet size, earning buy nods from analysts likeJPMorganandEvercore ISI, who see value in its network dominance and capacity discipline. With an average target of about $14 per share  — nearly 20% above the current $11.90 price — Wall Street bets on rebounding travel demand and premium cabin growth. Key drivers include a $12 billion liquidity buffer and alliances likeoneworld, which bolster international routes. Wall Street firms highlight its second quarter’s 5.4% revenue bump to $14.4 billion, driven by loyal customer perks via AAdvantage. As fuel costs stabilize, analysts forecast earnings climbing to $2.65 per share in 2026, making AAL stock a defensive play in a consolidating industry.Loading stock data...Recent performance offers mixed validation, though. Shares are down 32% year-to-date amid macroeconomic headwinds like softening leisure bookings and fare pressures from low-cost rivals. A 4% weekly rebound in early October followed restored 2025 guidance, but it lagged peers likeDelta Air Lines(NYSE:DAL), which gained on stronger corporate travel. Labor costs rose 7% last quarter, squeezing margins to 4.2%, and capacity growth outpaced demand slightly. While buy ratings reflect faith in operational tweaks — such as modernizing its 998-plane fleet — the stock’s YTD slide suggests broader airline woes, including geopolitical risks, tempering the optimism. Investors eyeing a recovery must weigh if AAL’s scale translates into outsized gains.SoundHound AI (SOUN)SoundHound AI(NASDAQ:SOUN), a voice-enabled AI platform, draws strong buy calls fromH.C. WainwrightandD.A. Davidson, with targets averaging $15.50 from current levels above $19 per share. The bullish enthusiasm stems from explosive adoption in autos, restaurants, and healthcare, where its Houndify tech powers natural language interactions. Q2 revenue tripled to $42.7 million, prompting SOUN to raise 2025 guidance to $160 million to $178 million. Acquisitions like Amelia bolster its agentic AI for complex queries, positioning SoundHound against giants like Google. Analysts project 100% or more growth through 2027, valuing its edge in low-latency voice processing for embedded devices.Loading stock data...Performance tells a growth story — with caveats. Shares have surged over 300% over the past year and were up 23% in September 2025 alone on IDC deeming SoundHound the leader for conversational AI. It’s up another 17% in October so far amid partnerships like Red Lobster’s ordering system. Yet, losses widened to $0.19 per share last quarter, with a $351 million annual deficit reflecting R&D spend. At 59 times sales, the valuation assumes flawless scaling, but competition fromOpenAIintegrations could cap upside. Buy ratings align with momentum, but the stock’s volatility — down 3% when it reported insider sales — signals risks for those chasing AI fever with a company that has never turned a profit and none is in sight.Get Ready To Retire (Sponsored)Start by taking a quick retirement quiz from SmartAsset that will match you with up to 3 financial advisors that serve your area and beyond in 5 minutes, or less.Each advisor has been vetted by SmartAsset and is held to a fiduciary standard to act in your best interests.Here’s how it works:1. Answer SmartAsset advisor match quiz2. Review your pre-screened matches at your leisure. Check out the advisors’ profiles.3. Speak with advisors at no cost to you. Have an introductory call on the phone or introduction in person and choose whom to work with in the future.

Investing2025-11-11 09:51:48

Prediction: These 2 Stocks Will Split in 2026

It can be pretty tough to predict when the next share split will be for any given name. Undoubtedly, some stocks can continue flying into the high hundreds and even settle into the thousands for many years at a time. And while stock splits are great for accessibility, I do think that with the rise of partial share purchases that stock splits are becoming less of a critical factor for managers.Arguably, letting a stock run its course into the three- or four-figures may be a trait that separates a stock from the pack. Either way, in this piece, we’ll look at some stock-split candidates that have a relatively decent chance of making an announcement. Of course, only time will tell when the following names, which trade in the four figures, will finally make an announcement that’d be sure to get the smaller retail crowd more interested in stepping in as a buyer.While I wouldn’t get my hopes up for a split in the following names, I do think that they’re long overdue for a big announcement, if not next year, perhaps within the next three years, especially if they continue to appreciate further into the four figures.-->-->Key PointsIf there are stocks that are in need of a split, it’s NFLX and MELI, in my opinion.Both NFLX and MELI look poised to soar further, making them worthy stock-split candidates going into 2026.Are you ahead, or behind on retirement? SmartAsset’s free tool can match you with a financial advisor in minutes to help you answer that today. Each advisor has been carefully vetted, and must act in your best interests. Don’t waste another minute; learn more here.(Sponsor)-->-->NetflixNetflix(NASDAQ:NFLX) stock hasn’t been in the four-figure zone for very long. And it might dip below $1,000 per share in the coming weeks and months if Elon Musk’s calls for Netflix subscription cancellations pave the way for a rough quarter. I think the selling pressure is now a bit overdone, and I think investors are underestimating the company’s ability to enhance its content library and margins with a bit of help from generative AI. Indeed, Sora 2 is here, and it’s taken the world by storm. While Netflix hasn’t quite made a massive splash in generative AI content quite yet, I do think that it’s worth thinking about the possibilities today, especially as models like Sora get better by the year. Looking ahead to 2026, Netflix is poised to use AI to help generate ads. If effective, the ad-based tier might be in for a massive boost.Of course, there will always be a place for human stories, but in a decade or so, I wouldn’t be surprised if AI were to augment and automate more aspects of content production. In any case, I also envision a scenario where the rise of AI could lower the barriers to producing original content. As such, Netflix will need to stay on its toes to retain the streaming crown.Either way, I think the name is long overdue for a split. Perhaps a 10-to-1 split would make the name more of a household name among beginning investors who might be a bit off-put if they don’t have the proceeds to pick up a single share.MercadoLibreMercadoLibre(NASDAQ:MELI) stock has been gaining traction, now up 74% in two years. The Latin American e-commerce firm is continuing to grow at a comfortable double-digit pace. And with the financial technology segment pulling more than its fair share of weight, it doesn’t look like the growth is about to slow anytime soon, even amid macro pressures.As the stock continues its ascent, shares look to be getting further out of the reach of everyday retail investors. Today, shares go for over $2,100 per share, making a single share quite a hefty investment for a lot of people. Though time will tell, I do think the firm could attract a lot of young market newcomers if it were to move ahead with a 20-to-1 stock split.Will a big split happen in 2026? I hope it does. However, I also wouldn’t be too surprised if management would rather keep things as they are, so that the name can reach the $3,000 mark, a milestone that not many stocks reach these days!If You have $500,000 Saved, Retirement Could Be Closer Than You Think (sponsor)Retirement can be daunting, but it doesn’t need to be.Imagine having an expert in your corner to help you with your financial goals. Someone to help you determine if you’re ahead, behind, or right on track. With SmartAsset, that’s not just a dream—it’s reality. This free tool connects you with pre-screened financial advisors who work in your best interests. It’s quick, it’s easy, so take the leap today and start planning smarter!Don’t waste another minute; get started right here and help your retirement dreams become a retirement reality.(sponsor)

Investing2025-11-11 09:51:48

A 2001 Meltdown Would Drop Nasdaq 19,000 Points

On March 10, 2000, the Nasdaq-100 traded at 5,048.62. On October 9, 2002, it had dropped to 1,114, down 78% from its peak. If a decline occurs anywhere near that level, it will be due to several factors combined. The most likely outcome is a huge disappointment in the future of artificial intelligence (AI). Another would be raging inflation caused by tariffs. (This leaves a major war out of the equation.) A drop of the same magnitude would take the Nasdaq down over 19,000 points.-->-->24/7 Wall St. Key Points:Overvaluation of startup tech companies appears to have come around again.A meltdown like the one in 2001 would take the Nasdaq down over 19,000 points this time.Are you ahead, or behind on retirement? SmartAsset’s free tool can match you with a financial advisor in minutes to help you answer that today. Each advisor has been carefully vetted, and must act in your best interests. Don’t waste another minute; learn more here.(Sponsor)-->-->Most of the drop in the market from 2000 to 2002 was due to major overvaluation of stocks, which were part of the new internet wave. Those that dragged the market down for the most part had almost no revenue. They often raised money by going public. They ran out of money. A falling market made it impossible for most to raise any more money. Investors in those stocks were wiped out.The panic was so severe that it even dragged down stocks with excellent business prospects, which are among the most valuable tech stocks today. Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN) shares fell as much as 90%. Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ: MSFT) was a more well-established company. Its stock fell nearly 60%. Good earnings at strong tech companies did not save their investors.Can It Happen Again?The valuation of some of the hardest hit companies in 2000 to 2002 bears a resemblance to the valuation of AI-related companies today. OpenAI was valued at $29 billion as of May 2023. It is worth $500 billion today. Anthropic was worth $18 billion in early 2024. Its recent valuation was $183 billion. Nvidia Corp. (NASDAQ: NVDA) traded for $21 in March 2023. Today, it trades at $188 per share.There are theories about AI valuations that are not in its favor. Among them is the fact that advances in technology will start to slow down. Another concern is that a shortage of electricity for AI data centers will hinder its growth. The most likely scenario is that AI products, which are mostly given away for free today, eventually become something that people will pay for. Revenue forecasts could be entirely wrong. Alternatively, AI could become so effective that it puts millions of Americans out of work.Leaving aside direct stock valuation, people often overlook the fact that other factors also hurt the economy during this period. Japan went into recession, and some economists feared that it would spread. The Federal Reserve raised rates several times starting in 2002 due to concerns about inflation. Today, following President Trump’s aggressive moves, it is more likely that rates will fall, unless inflation arises.Tariffs will be the inflation trigger. It depends on their levels, duration, the countries involved, and the goods and services they affect. It also has to do with retaliation. The largest risk today is likely from China, Canada, and Mexico, America’s three largest trading partners. U.S. negotiations with China have made no significant progress. However, the central government in China can prop up its economy during a trade war in a way the United States cannot. Canada’s retaliation could center around timber and autos. Mexico’s might center on cars and agriculture.Most investors believe there is no chance for a market reset. What they forget is that it has happened in the past.Is a Big-Time Fall Sell-Off Coming? Play Defense With These 7 Proven MovesIf You have $500,000 Saved, Retirement Could Be Closer Than You Think (sponsor)Retirement can be daunting, but it doesn’t need to be.Imagine having an expert in your corner to help you with your financial goals. Someone to help you determine if you’re ahead, behind, or right on track. With SmartAsset, that’s not just a dream—it’s reality. This free tool connects you with pre-screened financial advisors who work in your best interests. It’s quick, it’s easy, so take the leap today and start planning smarter!Don’t waste another minute; get started right here and help your retirement dreams become a retirement reality.(sponsor)

Investing2025-11-11 09:51:48

This 1 ETF Outperformed the VOO 7-to-1 This Year

-->-->Key PointsThis exchange-traded fund is trouncing VOO’s gains.The ETF is in the industrials sector and is supported by long-term megatrends.Buying it can boost your portfolio ahead of the benchmark.It sounds nuts, but SoFi is giving new active invest users up to $1k in stock, see for yourself (Sponsor)-->-->The Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (NYSEARCA:VOO)is the most popular in terms of size, with over $775 billion in total assets under management. It has the same weightings and holdings as the S&P 500 index and an exceptionally low expense ratio of just 0.03%.You pay just $3 annually per $10,000 for an ETF issued by Vanguard that tracks the benchmark. And when an ETF is this big, you’ll have no issues with liquidity and slippage. It’s a great deal, and you’d be making a mistake by not taking it.At the same time, you’d also be making a mistake by not having any satellite holdings to boost your overall returns. Certain megatrends in the market can go on for far longer than you’d think. This has allowed ETFs to outperform the VOO massively at times, with the potential to keep outperforming next year and potentially the year after.Here’s one.The ETF that trounced VOO’s returns this yearLoading stock data...Select STOXX Europe Aerospace & Defense ETF (BATS:EUAD)tracks the Europe Total Market Aerospace & Defense Index before fees and expenses. It specifically targets exchange-listed common stocks or American Depository Receipts (ADRs) of European companies that derive at least 50% of their revenue from aerospace and defense.The EUAD ETF is up 84.34% year-to-date against the VOO’s 11.73%. That’s a 7.19x outperformance.You may have heard of the “make them pay” phrase if you’re a political person. President Donald Trump used the phrase to refer to him pressing European countries and other allies to bump their spending to meet the 2% GDP spending target. This year, the spending target was increased to 5%.Even before the new spending commitment, European countries began rearming in early 2022. As America’s support for European security started waning from their perspective, they’ve accelerated it even more. European companies engaged in defense have been the biggest beneficiaries.The companies driving the gainsThe EUAD ETF holds 13 stocks. It’s not the most diverse ETF, but all 13 are strong European companies and are unlikely to disappoint you long-term.The biggest holding is the Dutch companyAirbus (OTCMKTS:EADSY)at 23.95%. The returns have been stellar as the company has overtaken Boeing, with many airlines preferring its jets.German companyRheinmetall (OTCMKTS:RMNBY)comes second with a 15.85% weight. You could call this stock Europe’s Palantir, as it has delivered monumental returns in a very short amount of time. RMNBY stock is up over 2,274% in the past five years.Those gains are substantiated by the company’s Weapons backlog surging 156% year-over-year in the first half of this year.By mid-2026, the EUR 65 billion backlog can double. Rheinmetall’s CEO said the company “currently has an order volume of EUR65 billion and will quickly rise to EUR70, EUR80 billion, and then EUR120, EUR130 billion in order backlog.”British aerospace and arms companyBAE Systems (OTCMKTS:BAESY)has a 12.42% weighting and is also on a stellar rally.French companiesThales SA (OTCMKTS:THLLY)andSafran (OTCMKTS:SAFRY)constitute 11.47% and 10.1% of the fund, respectively.All of its holdings have been standout performers in 2025.Can EUAD keep going?I’d expect EUAD to keep outperforming due to the nature of this megatrend. NATO is unlikely to reset its target back below 5%, even if tensions in Eastern Europe were to calm down tomorrow. The U.S. is shifting its bandwidth to the Asia-Pacific region, but has been unable to fully do so due to conflicts breaking out in Europe and the Middle East.However, most analysts believe it is long overdue for that to happen.In turn, Europe is looking at a long-term military build-up and self-sufficiency. European defence names are riding a multi-year capital-expenditure wave, not a speculative blip. Expect double-digit top-line growth and margin expansion to continue through 2026 and well beyond, with pull-backs more likely to be bought than sold.And if that wasn’t enough, there is a slight structural bias towards a firmer Euro as the U.S. finally restarts interest rate cuts and the currency re-adjusts. At the start of the year, the USD and EUR were almost at parity, but today, 1 EUR can buy 1.16 USD. As a result, European companies are valued more in your dollar-denominated portfolio.All things considered, EUAD is a solid satellite holding. The expense ratio is 0.50%, or just $50 per $10,000.Want Up To $1,000? SoFi Is Giving New Active Invest Users up to $1k in StockLooking to grow your money but unsure where to begin? SoFi Active Invest is offering a limited-time promotion—open an account, fund it with $50 or more, and you could receive up to $1,000 in complimentary stock for Active Invest accounts.From $0 commission trading to fractional shares and automated investing, this app is designed to simplify investing for everyone, whether you’re just starting or already experienced. Its easy to sign up and secure your bonus.(sponsor)DISCLOSURE:INVESTMENTS ARE NOT FDIC INSURED • ARE NOT BANK GUARANTEED • MAY LOSE VALUEBrokerage and Active investing products offered through SoFi Securities LLC, member FINRA(www.finra.org)/SIPC(www.sipc.org).Advisory services are offered by SoFi Wealth LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. Information about SoFi Wealth’s advisory operations, services, and fees is set forth in SoFi Wealth’s current Form ADV Part 2 (Brochure), a copy of which is available upon request and at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.Probability of Member receiving $1,000 is a probability of 0.026%; If you don’t make a selection in 30 days, you’ll no longer qualify for the promo. Customer must fund their account with a minimum of $50.00 to qualify.Other fees, such as exchange fees, may apply. Please view our fee disclosure to view a full listing of fees.Investing in alternative investments and/or strategies may not be suitable for all investors and involves unique risks, including the risk of loss. An investor should consider their individual circumstances and any investment information, such as a prospectus, prior to investing. Interval Funds are illiquid instruments, the ability to trade on your timeline may be restricted. Brokerage and Active investing products offered through SoFi Securities LLC, Member FINRA(www.finra.org) /SIPC(www.sipc.org).There are limitations with fractional shares to consider before investing. During market hours fractional share orders are transmitted immediately in the order received. There may be system delays from receipt of your order until execution and market conditions may adversely impact execution prices. Outside of market hours orders are received on a not held basis and will be aggregated for each security then executed in the morning trade window of the next business day at market open. Share will be delivered at an average price received for executing the securities through a single batched order. Fractional shares may not be transferred to another firm. Fractional shares will be sold when a transfer or closure request is initiated. Please consider that selling securities is a taxable event.Options involve risks, including substantial risk of loss and the possibility an investor may lose the entire investment Before trading options please review the Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options [HYPERLINK: https://www.theocc.com/getmedia/a151a9ae-d784-4a15-bdeb-23a029f50b70/riskstoc.pdfInvesting in an Initial Public Offering (IPO) involves substantial risk, including the risk of loss. Further, there are a variety of risk factors to consider when investing in an IPO, including but not limited to, unproven management, significant debt, and lack of operating history. For a comprehensive discussion of these risks please refer to SoFi Securities’ IPO Risk Disclosure Statement [HYPERLINK https://www.sofi.com/iporisk/]. This should not be considered a recommendation to participate in IPOs and investors should carefully read the offering prospectus to determine whether an offering is consistent with their investment objectives, risk tolerance, and financial situation. New offerings generally have high demand and there are a limited number of shares available for distribution to participants. Many customers may not be allocated shares and share allocations may be significantly smaller than the shares requested in the customer’s initial offer (Indication of Interest). For more information on the allocation process please visit IPO Allocation [HYPERLINK https://support.sofi.com/hc/en-us/articles/360058602892-How-does-SoFi-allocate-IPO-shares].

Investing2025-11-11 09:51:48

Wall Street Insiders Are Loading Up on These 3 Stocks

-->-->Key PointsInsiders have been buying these three stocks recently.The volume and the number of buys are unusually high.The management of these companies likely see more upside ahead.Are you ahead, or behind on retirement? SmartAsset’s free tool can match you with a financial advisor in minutes to help you answer that today. Each advisor has been carefully vetted, and must act in your best interests. Don’t waste another minute; learn more here.(Sponsor)-->-->People don’t like to throw money into a sinking ship, and by that logic, insider buys in Wall Street can be an easy way to gauge how well a company might do in the coming quarters. An “insider buy” is the legal purchase of a company’s stock by its own executives, directors, or major shareholders.These buys are considered legal if they areproperly disclosed to the Securities and Exchange Commission. The public can freely view these insider trades. Research shows that insider purchase patterns are often good signals for buying and selling, with stocks that have insider buying outperforming the overall market by 6% to 10.2% per year.As such, it pays to look into stocks with a high number of insider buys. Here are three such stocks:Scholar Rock Holding (SRRK)Loading stock data...Scholar Rock (NASDAQ:SRRK)is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company for diseases where protein growth factors play a central role. It does not yet have commercial products. It generates revenue primarily through collaboration and licensing agreements with larger pharmaceutical partners.The company’s Director Srinivas Akkaraju made three buys of the stock in early October, all filed this Tuesday. His first buy was worth $14.44 million, followed by two more worth $697.71k and $3.67 million, respectively. He is a non-employee director but has deep biotech credentials.This is a very strong vote of confidence, as previous insider trades have been planned and pre-announced sales from other officers and directors.The likely rationale comes from Phase 3 SAPPHIRE data showing apitegromab improved motor milestones in a statistically significant way. Approval is possible in both Europe and the U.S. next year.This could push the stock up even higher.CarMax (KMX)Loading stock data...CarMax (NYSE:KMX)is America’s largest used-car retailer.It operates CarMax Sales Operations and CarMax Auto Finance (CAF). The company also wholesales trade-ins via on-site auctions, sells extended-service plans, and performs reconditioning and repair work.KMX stock has been in a rather sorry state since 2021. It went through a significant decline from late 2021 to late 2022 that more than halved KMX’s value. It was on a sustained recovery from then to early 2025.This year, it has again entered into a second phase of selloffs, with the stock down 45% year-to-date.Insiders are betting against the trend. Director Oneil Mark F bought $499.81k worth of shares on the 2nd of October. The same day, Director Steenrod Mitchell D bought $91.14k worth of shares.Earlier this year, CarMax withdrew its long-term unit-growth algorithm, “citing a lack of clarity,” which the Street read as “we don’t know how low this cycle goes.”But these insider buys show that management sees light at the end of the tunnelInventories have come down from $3.94 billion at the start of the year to $3.15 billion in the most recent quarter. Plus, the Federal Reserve’s rate cut in September and two more planned rate cuts this year can give the company a surprisingly fast snap-back in 2026-27.If you can tolerate 6 to 12 months of choppy numbers, the risk is worth the eventual payoff.Sportsman’s Warehouse (SPWH)Loading stock data...Sportsman’s Warehouse Holdings (NASDAQ:SPWH)is a specialty retailer focused on outdoor recreation gear. The company operates a chain of stores across the United States offering a one-stop shopping experience for hunting, fishing, camping, and shooting enthusiasts.There has been a flurry of insider buying activity in the past week. Director Mcbee Richard D bought $61.75k of the stock on October 2, along with CEO Stone Paul buying $20.42k of the stock. The next day, Paul bought $167.94k more, with Director Tucci Michael D joining in by buying $140.5k worth of SPWH.The insiders seem to be betting that the worst of the margin squeeze and liquidity scare is behind SPWH, the new merchandising strategy is taking hold, and the shares discount an outcome far worse than they now expect.The stock seems to have bottomed and is up 219% from its trough. It is a penny stock, so multibagger returns are possible if management can keep executing.If You’ve Been Thinking About Retirement, Pay Attention (sponsor)Retirement planning doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. The key is finding expert guidance, and SmartAsset’s simple quiz makes it easier than ever for you to connect with a vetted financial advisor. Here’s how:Answer a Few Simple Questions. Get Matched with Vetted Advisors Choose Your  Fit Why wait? Start building the retirement you’ve always dreamed of.Get started today! (sponsor)

Investing2025-11-11 09:51:48

BSTZ vs QQQX For Income Seeking Retirees

-->Key PointsRetirees are the biggest income focused individual investor demographic, with Baby Boomer aged retirees cumulatively totalling over 73 million.CEFs and ETFs focused on cutting edge sectors of technology, medicine, and others are often structured to appeal to younger investors more familiar with those sectors’ latest breakthroughs.Provided that an investment product can satisfy concerns about risk and provides the income a retiree is seeking, there’s no reason for them not to add it to their portfolio.Are you ahead or behind on retirement? SmartAsset’s free tool can match you with a financial advisor in minutes to help you answer that today. Each advisor has been carefully vetted, and must act in your best interests. Don’t waste another minute – learn more here.(Sponsor)-->-->The Baby Boomer generation has an unusual relationship with technology. Due to the huge strides made with digital technology, computers, smart phones, A.I., and all other associated telecommunications and information processing they entail, there is a somewhat unfair stereotype that a majority of seniors are Luddites and still living exclusively in the analog realm. Besides the fact that most of the people who built the current architecture, i.e., Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Larry Ellison, et al. are all Boomers themselves, a silent but sizable percentage of seniors are actually quite comfortable with digital technology. For example, according such sources asTech TimesandHerosmyth:68% of Boomers owned smart phones, with nearly the same number also owning laptop or desktop computers.90% of Boomers have shopped online, with 79% of them in their 60s and 72% of them in their 70s. 68% of Boomers use social media,30% of Boomers are comfortable using A.I.Comfort Levels are All SubjectiveRisk tolerance and intellectual comfort levels with different investment vehicles are totally subjective criteria and defy easy categorization by age, race, or occupation.As much as marketers love to use statistics and demographics to categorize different targeted groups with select marketing criteria, these are only gross generalizations. The attraction of big data marketing has been to get granular with each user’s individual preferences, lies, and dislikes – and investment products are no exception.Conventional wisdom usually holds that younger people are much more prone to invest in riskier products – perhaps due to the folly of youth – yet, when April’s market plunge in the wake of President Trump’s reciprocal tariff policies gave Gen-Z a taste of the bear market, a surprising percentage of them have become more conservative investors. As a result, although it may hold for a plurality, it’s not fair to assume that a tech fund would not appeal to a majority of retirees due to their complexity and unfamiliar company portfolio, vs. a more conventional index fund.  TheBlackRock Science and Technology Term Trust (NYSE: BSTZ)and theNuveen NASDAQ 100 Dynamic Overwrite Fund (QQQX)are two such examples.As a Closed End Fund (CEF) from multi trillion asset management behemoth BlackRock, BSTZ is a one of a kind fund: Unlike most closed end funds that invest in other public companies, BSTZ carries a roughly 60/40 ratio mix of private companies to public ones. All the stocks are in the technology sector, and some of the portfolio’s largest positions are in privately held companies, such as AI firm Databricks, China’s Bytedance (owner of TikTok), and fintech Klarna, which is expecting its IPO in 2026. In addition, BSTZ deploys a covered call strategy that delivers over $12 per year in dividends.Perhaps due to its experimental structure and design, BSZT has an expiration date scheduled in 2031, albeit subject to extension with an option towards perpetuity. QQQX was one of the first covered call CEFs. Designed to track the Nasdaq 100 Index, QQQX has an 18-year track record of consistent growth and dividend yields. Its conservative call option strategy helps to mitigate inherent volatility in the technology overweighted Nasdaq 100 Index without over reduction of upside gains from the index’s bullish trajectory. A side-by-side comparison of the two appears as thus, based on market price at the time of this writing:CategoryBSTZQQQXYield11.61%8.18%Average Option Coverage30-40%56%Mkt. Price/NAV$22.19/$24.19$27.37/$29.77Premium NAV discount-8.27%-8.18%Average Daily Volume245,630 shares115,371 sharesNumber of Securities82206Net Assets$1.663 billion$1.423 billionExpense Ratio1.48%0.89%1-Year Return29.45%19.66%3-Year Return14.85%18.44%5-Year Return6.15%11.03%A CEF For Retirees Depends On The Profile Of the Retiree In QuestionAn individual retiree’s investment criteria and comfort levels are a much greater determinant of his or her investment choices than demographic categories.When viewed objectively, income seeking retirees may find either or both CEFs attractive for their portfolios. The primary criteria in individual comfort level and risk tolerance, a totally subjective criteria that can’t be easily quantified by age, race, background, or other categories. With that in mind, here are some potential choice scenarios:Investors solely looking for the higher yield, regardless of risk, will prefer BSTZ, which still offers a roughly 3 points higher yield after factoring in expense ratio differentials.If the investor in question wants consistent growth along with solid yields, QQQX will be preferable, since BSTZ’s returns have a 23 point differential between 1 and 5 years, vs. an 8 point differential for QQQX in the same period. Investors who like the idea of pre-IPO exposure to companies with high growth potential will prefer BSTZ, which offers private equity fund type exposure with public stock market liquidity and a chunky dividend. Some investors may wish to take a small amount of both BSTZ and QQQX for diversification purposes, given that they are so different from one another.If You have $500,000 Saved, Retirement Could Be Closer Than You Think (sponsor)Retirement can be daunting, but it doesn’t need to be. 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Investing2025-11-11 09:51:48

Coinbase CEO Sees Bitcoin at $1 Million by 2030—Is This a Realistic Target?

We’ve heard some pretty outrageous longer-term price targets onBitcoin(CRYPTO:BTC) and other cryptocurrencies (think Ethereum) in recent years. And while it seems absurd to envision a single Bitcoin going for $1 million one day, let’s just say anything is possible in the wild world of crypto. In any case, Bitcoin goes for just north of $114,000 today, so a run to the million-dollar mark would entail just shy of a 900% rise from current levels. That’s quite obscene, but then again, I was wrong about Bitcoin passing the $100,000 mark when they were going for closer to $20,000.In any case,Coinbase(NASDAQ:COIN) CEO Brian Armstrong is nothing short of upbeat about Bitcoin and its potential over the next five years. While I wouldn’t rule out Bitcoin at $1 million in 30 years from now, I do think that the five-year target is a tad aggressive, to say the least. Indeed, I’d imagine that such bullish comments might inspire some to bet the farm on the cryptocurrency, especially on the latest dip.-->-->Key PointsCoinbase CEO Brian Armstrong has a lofty price target for Bitcoin in the next five years.I’m not nearly as bullish on Bitcoin and would encourage investors to buy steep dips and manage downside risks.Are you ahead, or behind on retirement? SmartAsset’s free tool can match you with a financial advisor in minutes to help you answer that today. Each advisor has been carefully vetted, and must act in your best interests. Don’t waste another minute; learn more here.(Sponsor)-->-->Coinbase CEO is incredibly bullish on Bitcoin’s trajectory from hereAs a part of Armstrong’s prediction, he thinks that macro tailwinds and increased adoption of Bitcoin as some sort of “digital gold” could help power further gains from here. In any case, Bitcoin would need to really gain momentum if it’s to have a chance of reaching the $1 million mark by 2030. And while the target could pan out in a bull-case scenario (it’s certainly not outside the realm of possibility, especially if the stock market boom continues without a bear market moment over the next five years), I’d be more inclined to view Bitcoin as correlated to tech stocks (think the Nasdaq 100) than a risk-off asset like gold.Though there are plenty of other crypto bulls with lofty price targets and expectations for the coming years (notably, Cathie Wood and Jack Dorsey are major bulls on Bitcoin), I do think that there’s as much downside risk as upside risk, especially given the potential for Bitcoin to plunge if a so-called “AI bubble” were to burst at some point. In any case, I don’t think overvaluation concentrated in AI stocks has to end in a spectacular bursting of a bubble.Indeed, not all paths lead to a repeat of the 2000-01 dot-com bust, at least in my humble opinion. In any case, as a prospective crypto investor, I’d look more into a base-case scenario while being mindful of a potential bear-case to pan out (think a tech-focused sell-off that spreads through the crypto markets).Bitcoin could continue to be a choppy ride. Buying up the dips incrementally could be a way to counter volatilityEven if Bitcoin is destined for another meteoric rise, there are sure to be bumps in the road. And I’d much rather be a net buyer on such dips than when most others are upbeat and pound-the-table bullish. So, is Bitcoin at $1 million by 2030 realistic? I don’t think it is. Such a move would entail a lot of things going right, and while, in theory, such a scenario could play out, I’d be more focused on riding out the bumps and bear markets along the way and buying incrementally than backing up the truck with a specific target in mind.Even if Bitcoin were to blast off in the coming years, shares of Coinbase might be a better way to play the move. The shares are up more than 104% in the past year, beating the price of Bitcoin, which has gained just north of 87%. Additionally, I’d also be inclined to give some of the other cryptocurrencies out there some more love. Ethereum, XRP, and others might have more runway over the next five years, and increased interest in the entire crypto asset class, I believe, could be a boon for shares of the major crypto exchange platform.So, Bitcoin at $1 million by 2030? I wouldn’t count on it. But that doesn’t mean crypto and crypto-related stocks can’t continue to do well from here.If You’ve Been Thinking About Retirement, Pay Attention (sponsor)Retirement planning doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. The key is finding expert guidance, and SmartAsset’s simple quiz makes it easier than ever for you to connect with a vetted financial advisor. Here’s how:Answer a Few Simple Questions. Get Matched with Vetted Advisors Choose Your  Fit Why wait? Start building the retirement you’ve always dreamed of.Get started today! (sponsor)