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investmentBlackRock Strategic Income Opportunities Fund Q4 2025 Commentary
BlackRock5.14K FollowersFollow5ShareSavePlay(4min)CommentsSummaryThe fund posted returns of 1.47% (Institutional shares) and 1.51% (Investor A shares, without sales charge) for the fourth quarter of 2025.Structured products, European credit, and agency mortgages were the main contributors to performance, while duration positioning detracted.We meaningfully added to the front end of the curve and trimmed some long-end exposure on expectations that the Fed will cut interest rates.Outside the United States, we continue to favor European and U.K. duration given our continued confidence in slowing growth and disinflationary trends.We tactically rotated across sectors as we looked for attractive, high-quality sources of income while remaining cautious about lower-quality credit. BlackJack3D/E+ via Getty Images The fund posted returns of 1.47% (Institutional shares) and 1.51% (Investor A shares, without sales charge) for the fourth quarter of 2025. Structured products, European credit, and agency mortgages were the main contributors to performance, while duration positioning (management This article was written byBlackRock5.14K FollowersFollowBlackRock’s purpose is to help more and more people experience financial well-being. As a fiduciary to investors and a leading provider of financial technology, we help millions of people build savings that serve them throughout their lives by making investing easier and more affordable.
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researchWhat if ASML Becomes the Next Trillion-Dollar Stock?
By Daniel Foelber – Mar 20, 2026 at 2:15AM ESTKey PointsGrowing AI chip demand benefits semiconductor equipment manufacturers like ASML.ASML is the most valuable company in Europe but has a ways to go to join the global $1 trillion club. ASML’s valuation is elevated, putting pressure on earnings growth to drive a market cap increase. In his keynote from GTC 2026 on March 16, Nvidia (NVDA 0.87%) CEO Jensen Huang reflected on his prior guidance for $500 billion in Blackwell and Rubin purchase orders through 2026. Now he sees at least $1 trillion in artificial intelligence (AI) chip orders through 2027, and said he was certain computing demand would be much higher than that. Note that these are orders that would be realized over a multiyear period. Earlier this month, Broadcom (AVGO +1.43%) CEO Hock Tan forecast $100 billion in fiscal 2027 revenue from AI chips alone. As recent research by The Motley Fool shows, Amazon, Microsoft, Alphabet's Google, and Meta Platforms are expected to approach $600 billion in combined 2026 capital expenditures, with a lot of that going toward AI. This AI spending spree wouldn't be possible without ASML (ASML +0.86%). Here's why ASML could become the first European company to reach $1 trillion in market capitalization, and if it's a buy now. Image source: Getty Images. ASML's invaluable role in semiconductor manufacturing AI chips are becoming more efficient through innovations from companies like Nvidia and Broadcom, improvements in networking and codesign, and new techniques such as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing's (TSM 0.33%) (TSMC) advanced 2-nanometer (N2) process technology. N2 entered high-volume manufacturing in the fourth quarter of 2025. Technologies like Nvidia's Rubin architecture will likely use N2 to improve energy efficiency and power for high-performance computing AI workloads. Pushing the bounds of semiconductor manufacturing is a boon for ASML. Semiconductor foundries like those operated by TSMC, Samsung Electronics
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investment2 Altcoins to Buy With $100 Right Now
By Leo Sun – Mar 20, 2026 at 2:12AM ESTKey PointsSolana’s high speeds and expanding ecosystem could lock in more developers.Cardano’s upcoming catalysts could attract a lot more attention.Altcoins, or any cryptocurrency other than Bitcoin (BTC 0.43%), are often considered speculative investments. Whereas Bitcoin can be actively mined, valued by its scarcity, and considered a hedge against inflation, many altcoins have fewer visible strengths. Instead, they often trade on headlines, market hype, and a "fear of missing out". That said, investors shouldn't simply gloss over all these altcoins. Some of them can still be valued for their scarcity and utility, attracting more attention from developers and investors as the crypto market heats up again. Two such coins are Solana (SOL 1.00%) and Cardano (ADA +0.06%). While I wouldn't bet the farm on either of these altcoins in this wobbly market, I believe they could turn a modest $100 investment into a lot more money over the next few decades as more catalysts kick in. Image source: Getty Images. Solana Solana, like Ethereum (ETH 1.95%), is a proof-of-stake (PoS) blockchain that supports staking (locking up tokens to earn interest-like rewards) and smart contracts, which are used to develop decentralized apps and other crypto assets. However, it accelerates those transactions with its own proof-of-history (PoH) mechanism, which timestamps them before they're validated. ExpandCRYPTO: SOLSolanaToday's Change(-1.00%) $-0.90Current Price$89.08Key Data PointsMarket Cap$51BDay's Range$87.28 - $90.2752wk Range$70.61 - $252.78Volume3.5B That upgrade enables Solana's native Layer 1 (L1) blockchain to achieve real-world speeds of 2,000 to 5,000 transactions per second (TPS). Ethereum's L1 blockchain can only achieve real-world speeds of about 15-30 TPS, but it's keeping up with Solana with Layer 2 (L2) "rollups" that bundle together transactions and process them off-chain at much higher speeds. Solana hosted 17,708 active developers
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investmentGeely: Positive On Profit Surge And Favorable Prospects
The Value PendulumInvesting Group LeaderFollow5ShareSavePlay(7min)CommentsSummaryI retain a "Buy" rating for Geely after evaluating its performance and outlook.GELYF posted a 35.8% increase in normalized net profit for FY2025, driven by 39% higher unit sales and a pivot towards higher-margin models.The company is expected to outperform the Chinese automotive market in 2026 with a +14% volume growth guidance; key drivers include overseas expansion and new launches.Looking for more investing ideas like this one? Get them exclusively at Asia Value & Moat Stocks. Learn More » Dmitry Presnyakov/iStock Editorial via Getty Images I'm still bullish on Geely Automobile Holdings Limited (GELYF) (0175.HK). GELYF's earnings grew strongly for the recent fiscal period. I think it will do better than China's overall auto industry in 2026. Its shares are trading at less than halfThis article was written byThe Value Pendulum13.35K FollowersFollowThe Value Pendulum is an Asian equity market specialist with over a decade of experience on both the buy and sell sides.He is the author of the investing group Asia Value & Moat Stocks, providing ideas for value investors seeking investment opportunities listed in Asia, with a particular focus on the Hong Kong market. He hunts for deep value balance sheet bargains and wide moat stocks and provides a range of watch lists with monthly updates within his investing group.Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article. Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable fo
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investmentNorthern Small Cap Value Fund Q4 2025 Commentary
Northern Fundamentals33 FollowersFollow5ShareSavePlay(4min)CommentsSummaryThe Russell 2000 Value Index finished the fourth quarter higher, outpacing the larger cap S&P 500 index and the Russell 2000 growth index.Health Care was the best performing sector in the index, led by Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology companies.The Northern Small Cap Value Fund underperformed its benchmark, the Russell 2000 Value Index.The outperformance of highly volatile names with low profitability was a headwind to relative returns as the Fund is typically underweight those segments of the market.Going forward, we will continue to seek out more reasonably priced, but profitable, small-company stocks and avoid lower quality companies. Bussarin Rinchumrus/iStock via Getty Images Fund Commentary The Russell 2000 Value Index finished the fourth quarter higher, outpacing the larger cap S&P 500 index and the Russell 2000 growth index. Better than expected GDP data and continued strength in corporate earningsThis article was written byNorthern Fundamentals33 FollowersFollowOur investment philosophy primarily resides in buying equities for long term investments. However, we do enter trading positions primarily in the options and futures market to take advantage of situations as they arise (VIX and energy trades). Our background includes: -Applied science perspective with an Engineering background -Health science perspective with a Registered Nurse background -Finance perspective with an MBA background
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investmentShould You Buy Lockheed Martin Stock Right Now?
By Rich Smith – Mar 20, 2026 at 2:05AM ESTKey PointsGreece is preparing to spend $1.2 billion upgrading older Lockheed Martin F-16s. Greece also has orders in for 20 to 40 of Lockheed's newer F-35 stealth fighter jet.The F-16 is the world's most popular fighter jet, and the F-35 might soon be second.With $75 billion in annual revenue, defense contractor Lockheed Martin (LMT 0.94%) is literally the world's largest pure-play defense stock. And now it's time to watch Lockheed Martin get even bigger. This week, Reuters reported that the government of Greece is preparing to spend massively to upgrade its military after watching neighboring Cyprus suffer multiple attacks from Iranian drones and ballistic missiles. Total spending on the defense program could exceed 4 billion euros (about $4.6 billion). At least 1 billion of that -- $1.15 billion -- would go directly to Lockheed Martin to pay for upgrading 38 F-16C fighter jets into the modern F-16 Vipers. The F-16 Viper (aka F-16V) boasts improved bomb load, better radar, better computers, and -- importantly -- the ability to integrate its data feeds with fifth-generation fighters such as Lockheed's own F-35 Lightning II. To date, Greece has ordered 20 F-35s from Lockheed, with options to buy 20 more. Image source: Getty Images. You get an F-16! And you get an F-16! Lockheed Martin's F-16 is hands down the most popular fighter jet in the world. According to aviation news site FlightGlobal, fully 15% of all fighter jets on Earth (2,102 planes in active service) are Lockheed Martin F-16s. Greece alone owns 152 of them, but has upgraded only about 40 to F-16Vs -- meaning this week's $1.15 billion deal could expand to as much as $3.5 billion as Greece continues to upgrade the fleet. Nor is Greece the only country upgrading its air force with F-16s. Aerospace Global News reports that Greek neighbor Bulgaria and nearby Slovakia are buying F-16Vs. Ukraine, Romania, and Argentina are all buying used F-16s that might be
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investmentTripadvisor: Activist Pressure Supports Our Upside Outlook
Mare Evidence Lab6K FollowersFollow5ShareSavePlay(9min)CommentsSummaryTripadvisor remains a Buy supported by activist involvement and strategic restructuring despite recent share price weakness.Q4 results showed stable top-line sales, margin pressure from higher marketing, and strong growth in Experiences and TheFork segments.Starboard Value is driving operational improvements and exploring strategic alternatives, which could unlock significant shareholder value.TRIP trades at a low 3.45x EV/EBITDA and >16% FCF yield, with a sum-of-the-parts analysis indicating 48% upside from current levels.Wachiwit/iStock Editorial via Getty Images We were not very lucky with the initiation of our coverage of Tripadvisor (TRIP). The ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, with travel disruptions and negative sentiment on the SaaS sector, have weighed on the overallThis article was written byMare Evidence Lab6K FollowersFollowBuy-side hedge professionals conducting fundamental, income oriented, long term analysis across sectors globally in developed markets. Please shoot us a message or leave a comment to discuss ideas.DISCLOSURE: All of our articles are a matter of opinion, informed as they might be, and must be treated as such. We take no responsibility for your investments but wish you best of luck.Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of TRIP either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article. Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities
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investment1 Dividend ETF That Could Turn $500 Monthly Into a $725,000 Portfolio That Pays $21,750 Annually
By Stefon Walters – Mar 20, 2026 at 1:45AM ESTKey PointsThe Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF consists of companies with a history of paying above-average dividends.VYM has averaged around 11.4% annual total returns and a 3% dividend yield over the past decade.VYM is more diversified than many other popular dividend ETFs.How does this sound: an investment valued at $725,000 and providing $21,750 annually in passive income? Pretty good, I'd say. How about accomplishing that with as little as $500 invested per month? Even better, I'd assume. Well, there's a dividend exchange-traded fund (ETF) that has shown it can make it happen if it continues on its recent trajectory: Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM +0.00%). Nothing is guaranteed in the stock market, but VYM is led by high-quality companies that have stood the test of time and have shown to be reliable dividend payers. With a little patience, VYM could be a productive piece of your portfolio. Image source: Getty Images. A dividend ETF that covers a lot of ground VYM's name says it all: a dividend ETF focused on high-yield stocks. To be included in VYM, a company must have a history of paying above-average dividends. Because of its rather loose criteria, VYM is more well-rounded sector-wise compared to other popular dividend ETFs. Financials: 19.4% Industrials: 13.8% Healthcare: 12.9% Technology: 12.3% Consumer Discretionary: 10.1% Energy: 9.6% Consumer Staples: 9.4% Utilities: 6.5% Telecommunications: 3.7% Basic Materials: 2.3% In these sectors, there are plenty of industry leaders that have been paying and growing their dividends for a while, too. VYM's top five holdings are Broadcom, JPMorgan Chase, ExxonMobil, Johnson & Johnson, and Walmart. All of them being from different sectors is another testament to VYM's diversification. With 559 stocks under its belt, VYM covers a lot of ground, ensuring you get exposure to a wide variety of industries and growth opportunities. ExpandNYSEMKT: VYMVanguard High Div
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investmentCalamos Long/Short Equity & Dynamic Income Trust Commentary Q4 2025 Commentary
Calamos Investments568 FollowersFollow5ShareSavePlay(47min)CommentsSummaryFor the quarter ending December 31, 2025, the fund's total return was -2.05% on NAV and -5.67% on market price versus 1.71% for the blended comparator index.Fund positioning reflected a growing conviction that AI infrastructure narratives were approaching their apex, prompting a reduction in momentum-driven mega caps while increasing exposure to pro-growth cyclicals.After 15 years of ahistoric US equity returns, valuations are elevated, and the opportunity for alpha generation appears rich as alternative strategies should be favored over passive beta exposure.AI spending is increasingly financed with debt rather than cash flows, and credit markets are signaling concern through rising CDS spreads and warnings about circular vendor financing.US 10-year Treasury yields will struggle to sustain any move below 4% as the risk of a bond market revolt rises when investors judge reflation as irresponsible. narvo vexar/iStock via Getty Images Q4 2025 Fund Performance Summary For the quarter ending December 31, 2025, the fund's total return was -2.05% on NAV and -5.67% on market price versus a 1.71% return for the blended comparator index (30% MSCI ACWI Index, 20% ICE BofA All US Convertibles Index, andThis article was written byCalamos Investments568 FollowersFollowCalamos Investments is a diversified global investment firm offering innovative investment strategies including U.S. growth equity, global equity, convertible, multi-asset and alternatives. The firm offers strategies through separately managed portfolios, mutual funds, closed-end funds, private funds, an exchange traded fund and UCITS funds. Clients include major corporations, pension funds, endowments, foundations and individuals, as well as the financial advisors and consultants who serve them. Headquartered in the Chicago metropolitan area, the firm also has offices in London, New York and San Francisco. For more information, please
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investmentInvesco Convertible Securities Fund Q4 2025 Commentary
Invesco US3.32K FollowersFollow5ShareSavePlay(6min)CommentsSummaryConvertibles returned 1.97% for the fourth quarter, compared to the S&P 500 Index, which returned 2.66%.The fund underperformed its benchmark, primarily due to weaker performance in industrial-related holdings and an underweight in technology.We continue to focus on balanced convertibles that offer both upside participation should their underlying stocks rise, along with downside support via the securities' fixed income attributes.New issuance of US convertibles was robust in the fourth quarter, totaling approximately $36.2 billion as issuers sought less costly financing alternatives.We believe convertibles can provide investors with diversification, offering lower interest rate sensitivity than traditional fixed income and potentially lower volatility than equities. Tippapatt/iStock via Getty Images Key takeaways 1 Convertible securities posted a positive return in a strong equity market Convertibles (as measured by the ICE BofA US Convertible Index) returned 1.97% for the fourth quarter, compared to the S&P 500 Index, which returned 2.66%.This article was written byInvesco US3.32K FollowersFollowInvesco is an independent investment management firm dedicated to delivering an investment experience that helps people get more out of life.Be the first to know! Sign up for Invesco US Blog and get expert investment views as they post.Disclosure for all Invesco US articles: Before investing, carefully read the prospectus and/or summary prospectus and carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses. The information provided is for educational purposes only and does not constitute a recommendation of the suitability of any investment strategy for a particular investor. Invesco does not provide tax advice. The tax information contained herein is general and is not exhaustive by nature. Federal and state tax laws are complex and constantly changing. Investors should a
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investmentThe 2026 Social Security COLA Gave Retirees $56 a Month, and Medicare Took Most of It Back
By Stefon Walters – Mar 20, 2026 at 1:15AM ESTKey PointsSocial Security recipients received a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) to their benefits this year.Medicare premiums increased for its plans.Medicare premium increases won't exceed the dollar increase you receive from Social Security's COLA.Social Security is a much-needed source of income for millions, but its purchasing power erodes if benefits remain the same while prices keep rising. That's why, in most years, Social Security applies a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) that kicks in on Jan. 1. The amount of the COLA is determined by changes in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W), a metric that tracks the price changes of common goods and services. This year, the COLA was 2.8%. At an average benefit of $2,000, the 2.8% boost would mean $56 more monthly. While retirees surely appreciate any increase in their monthly benefits, many will find that changes in Medicare costs offset much of that increase. Image source: Getty Images. What Medicare changes happened in 2026? Although Medicare is a helpful medical program, it doesn't come free. It has deductibles and premiums like any standard health insurance plan. Unfortunately, those have gone up this year. The deductible for Part A (hospital insurance) is increasing by $60 to $1,736; the deductible for Part B (medical insurance) is increasing by $26 to $283. Premium-wise, Part B is increasing by $17.90 to $202.90. Part A is premium-free for people who worked at least 10 years (40 quarters) or whose spouse did. People with 30 to 39 quarters of work will have a $311 premium, up $26 from 2025. People with fewer than 30 quarters of work will have a $565 premium, up $47. A note on Part B's and Part D's premiums: If you're single and earn over $109,000, or married and filing jointly and earn over $218,000, you could be subjected to the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) surcharge. It could be up to $487 for Part
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