Core Viewpoint - Momentum investing focuses on following a stock's recent price trends, aiming to buy high and sell higher, with the expectation that established trends will continue [1] Company Overview: CBOE Global - CBOE Global currently holds a Momentum Style Score of A, indicating strong momentum potential [3] - The company has a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), suggesting it is positioned for outperformance in the market [4] Performance Metrics - CBOE shares have increased by 2.21% over the past week, matching the performance of the Zacks Securities and Exchanges industry [6] - Over the past quarter, CBOE shares have risen by 8.92%, and over the last year, they have gained 20.47%, significantly outperforming the S&P 500, which increased by 5.76% and 14.27% respectively [7] Trading Volume - The average 20-day trading volume for CBOE is 717,597 shares, which serves as a bullish indicator when combined with rising stock prices [8] Earnings Outlook - In the last two months, 10 earnings estimates for CBOE have been revised upwards, raising the consensus estimate from $9.66 to $10.15 [10] - For the next fiscal year, 9 estimates have also moved higher, with no downward revisions noted [10] Conclusion - Considering the strong performance metrics and positive earnings outlook, CBOE Global is identified as a promising investment opportunity with a Momentum Score of A and a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) [12]

Core Insights - Cboe Global Markets is set to launch Cboe Bitcoin Continuous Futures (PBT) and Cboe Ether Continuous Futures (PET) on December 15, 2025, pending regulatory review [1] - The Continuous Futures aim to provide long-term exposure to bitcoin and ether, featuring a 10-year expiration at listing and daily cash adjustments to create perpetual-style exposure [1] - The introduction of these futures is designed to enhance portfolio and risk management for investors while offering leveraged exposure to digital assets [1] Product Features - Continuous Futures will offer benefits similar to traditional futures, including capital efficiency, volatility management, tactical trading, and the ability to enter short positions [1] - The PBT and PET futures will utilize the Cboe Kaiko Real-Time Rate to track the underlying digital assets, with a daily Funding Amount applied to open positions for price alignment [1] - These futures will be cash-settled and centrally cleared through Cboe Clear U.S., which helps mitigate counterparty risk [1] Market Demand and Education - The structure of Continuous Futures addresses the needs of institutional investors seeking efficient, long-term crypto exposure while eliminating the operational friction of rolling positions [1] - Cboe is focused on expanding educational efforts to help market participants understand the utility of these new futures, with courses scheduled for December 17, 2025, and January 13, 2026 [1] - Trading for PBT and PET futures will be available on a 23×5 basis, from Sunday to Friday, 6 p.m. ET to 5 p.m. ET [1] Company Overview - Cboe Global Markets provides trading, clearing, and investment solutions across various asset classes, including equities, derivatives, and FX, in North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific [2]

Core Insights - Cboe Global Markets, Inc. (CBOE) is a prominent global exchange operator with a market cap of $27 billion, known for its VIX volatility index [1] Performance Summary - CBOE shares have increased by 28.5% over the past 52 weeks, outperforming the S&P 500 Index, which gained 13.7% during the same period [2] - Year-to-date, CBOE's stock is up 32%, compared to the S&P 500's return of 13.4% [2] - CBOE has also outperformed the iShares U.S. Broker-Dealers & Securities Exchanges ETF (IAI), which rose 13.7% over the past 52 weeks and 17.3% year-to-date [3] Earnings Performance - On October 31, CBOE's shares surged 3.7% following its Q3 earnings release, with total revenue reaching a record $1.1 billion, an 8.1% year-over-year increase [4] - Adjusted EPS for the quarter was $2.67, marking a 20.3% increase from the previous year and exceeding analyst estimates by 5.5% [4] Future Earnings Expectations - Analysts project CBOE's EPS to grow by 17.2% year-over-year to $10.09 for the current fiscal year ending in December [5] - CBOE has a mixed earnings surprise history, exceeding consensus estimates in three of the last four quarters [5] Analyst Ratings - Among 18 analysts covering CBOE, the consensus rating is a "Hold," consisting of four "Strong Buy," 11 "Hold," and three "Strong Sell" ratings [5] - Recent changes in analyst recommendations include three suggesting a "Strong Buy" and two recommending "Strong Sell" [6] - RBC Capital's Ashish Sabadra maintained a "Hold" rating with a price target of $254, while the mean price target is $256.93, and the highest target suggests a 12.5% potential upside from current levels [6]

Core Insights - Cboe Futures Exchange is set to launch Bitcoin (PBT) and Ether (PET) Continuous Futures on December 15, 2025, pending regulatory approval, marking a significant development in US crypto derivatives [1][2] - The new products aim to provide professional investors with long-term, capital-efficient exposure to Bitcoin and Ether, eliminating the operational friction associated with rolling expiring futures [2][4] Group 1: Product Features - Continuous Futures will have a 10-year expiration and feature daily cash adjustments, mirroring perpetual swaps while complying with US derivatives regulations [2][5] - The contracts will be cash-settled, centrally cleared, and governed by CFTC-regulated standards, ensuring adherence to US margin requirements [5] - A daily "Funding Amount" will be applied to open positions, aligning futures pricing with spot markets [6] Group 2: Market Context - Perpetual futures have historically been traded offshore due to regulatory constraints in the US, and Cboe's introduction of these products aims to bring a regulated version to institutional investors [3][4] - The move is expected to enhance transparency, provide clear protections, and align with regulatory standards, addressing the needs of institutional investors seeking efficient crypto exposure [3][7] Group 3: Industry Implications - The introduction of perpetual-style futures in a US-regulated environment is anticipated to expand access to these products, facilitating better portfolio and risk management for investors [4][7] - The structure of the new futures contracts is designed to remove rolling risks while maintaining transparency and oversight, aligning with industry calls for integrated risk management in financial innovations [8]

Market Overview - U.S. stock markets are experiencing a successful year, with major indexes like the Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq Composite up 11.2%, 14.8%, and 18.8% respectively [2] - The technology sector, particularly driven by advancements in generative and agentic artificial intelligence (AI), is the primary force behind this rally, although the finance sector has also contributed with the Financial Select Sector SPDR (XLF) up 8.5% year to date [3] Recommended Stocks for 2026 - Five finance stocks are recommended for investment in 2026, having risen over 30% this year: Morgan Stanley (MS), Interactive Brokers Group Inc. (IBKR), Robinhood Markets Inc. (HOOD), Cboe Global Markets Inc. (CBOE), and Invesco Ltd. (IVZ) [4][9] - All five stocks currently hold a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy), indicating potential for further upside [4] Morgan Stanley (MS) - Morgan Stanley's focus on wealth and asset management, along with strategic acquisitions like EquityZen, is expected to enhance revenue growth, with projected increases of 11.7% in total revenues and 12.8% in investment banking fees for 2025 [7] - The firm has an expected revenue growth rate of 3.9% and earnings growth rate of 5.8% for next year, with a recent 3.7% improvement in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings [10] Interactive Brokers Group Inc. (IBKR) - IBKR's revenue growth is supported by proprietary software development, lower compensation expenses, and expansion into emerging markets, with an expected revenue growth rate of 5.5% and earnings growth rate of 8.1% for next year [11][13] - Recent results showed solid revenue growth and lower expenses, indicating a positive outlook for the company [12] Robinhood Markets Inc. (HOOD) - Robinhood operates a financial services platform that allows trading in various assets, including cryptocurrencies, and is expected to benefit from increased retail market participation [14][15] - The company has an expected revenue growth rate of 20.3% and earnings growth rate of 16.2% for next year, with a notable 9.7% improvement in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings [16] Cboe Global Markets Inc. (CBOE) - CBOE anticipates growth in trading volume, which will drive transaction fees and organic growth, with an increased revenue growth target for 2025 set to low double digits to mid-teens [17][18] - The company has an expected revenue growth rate of 2.7% and earnings growth rate of 4.7% for next year, with a 3% improvement in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings [19] Invesco Ltd. (IVZ) - Invesco's financial performance is bolstered by higher assets under management (AUM) and strategic expansion plans, with an expected revenue growth rate of 14.4% and earnings growth rate of 28.6% for next year [20][22] - Recent initiatives, including converting QQQ into an open-end ETF and establishing a joint venture in India, are expected to support revenue growth [21]

Core Insights - Cboe Global Markets has made significant progress in developing its Securities Financing Transactions (SFT) clearing service, with BNY acting as the first Agent Lender, targeting UCITS clients [1][2] - The new title transfer model with a pledge-back feature allows UCITS and other beneficial owner lenders to access centrally cleared SFTs without posting margin or contributing to the CCP's default fund, enhancing market liquidity and efficiency [1][2] - The collaboration aims to drive market innovation, transparency, and resilience, while also optimizing collateral efficiency and empowering UCITS participants [2] Group 1 - Cboe Clear Europe has launched a centrally cleared triparty model for UCITS-compliant clearing, transforming the traditional bilateral process for SFTs in European equities and ETFs [2] - The introduction of central clearing to SFTs offers substantial capital optimization opportunities, including reductions in Risk-Weighted Assets (RWA) for certain clearing participants [2] - Cboe Clear Europe plans to expand its SFT clearing service to cover other lendable securities and new jurisdictions within the next year [2][3] Group 2 - The integration of BNY as a Tri-Party Collateral Agent enhances collateral efficiency and liquidity through Cboe's Global Collateral Platform [2] - The scalable technology platform of Cboe Clear Europe is designed to empower participants and strengthen the securities lending market infrastructure [3] - Cboe Global Markets provides trading, clearing, and investment solutions across various asset classes, including equities, derivatives, and FX in multiple regions [4]

Core Insights - A compelling and diversified product portfolio is driving revenues for players in the Zacks Securities and Exchanges industry, with expected benefits from rising trading volumes, product expansion, and increased adoption of crypto assets [1] - The industry is experiencing a shift towards non-trading revenue sources, which enhances business dynamism and stability [4] - Mergers and acquisitions are accelerating as companies seek growth and innovation [5] - Continuous investment in technology, particularly AI and blockchain, is crucial for enhancing competitiveness and operational efficiency [6][7] Industry Overview - The Zacks Securities and Exchanges industry includes companies that operate electronic marketplaces for trading stocks, options, bonds, and commodities, generating revenue from fees and data services [2] - The industry is witnessing increased adoption of crypto assets, but faces challenges due to regulatory compliance [2] Trends Impacting the Industry - Volatility is driving trading volume, with a projected market size of $49.6 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 12.1% [3] - Companies are diversifying into recurring revenue sources to reduce reliance on trading income, focusing on data services and technology platforms [4] - M&A activity is on the rise, with firms pursuing strategic deals to enhance competitiveness [5] Technology Investments - Industry players are increasing technology investments to improve market models and operational efficiency, leveraging AI and blockchain [6][7] Industry Performance - The Zacks Securities and Exchanges industry ranks 28, placing it in the top 11% of 244 Zacks industries, indicating positive near-term prospects [8] - The industry has underperformed compared to the broader Zacks Finance sector and the S&P 500, with a year-to-date gain of 5.4% versus 13.3% and 16.1% respectively [12] Valuation Metrics - The industry is currently trading at a trailing P/E of 23.57X, compared to the S&P 500's 23.2X and the sector's 17.5X [15] Company Highlights - Cboe Global Markets is positioned for growth with an expanding product line and recurring revenues [19] - S&P Global is well-positioned to benefit from the demand for business information services, with a focus on innovation through acquisitions [28] - Nasdaq is enhancing its non-trading revenue base and focusing on technology and analytics [26] - CME Group is the largest futures exchange, with growth driven by product expansion and global presence [31]

Core Insights - The U.S. is set to launch regulated leveraged spot cryptocurrency trading as the CFTC engages with major exchanges like CME Group, Cboe, and Nasdaq to introduce this new trading option [2][7] - The proposed framework aims to bring investor protections and federal oversight to the crypto market, potentially redirecting trillions in trading volume from offshore exchanges to U.S. platforms [4][7] - The recent end of the U.S. government shutdown has cleared the way for regulatory measures and approvals, including the CFTC's crypto framework, which could be implemented as soon as next month [5][6] Group 1 - The CFTC is in discussions with regulated exchanges to allow margin trading for Bitcoin and Ethereum under its supervision [2][3] - The new trading framework will operate under the Commodity Exchange Act, ensuring that leveraged transactions occur on designated markets [3] - Analysts predict that this move could significantly shift trading volume from unregulated offshore exchanges to U.S. markets [4][7] Group 2 - The conclusion of the government shutdown has enabled agencies like the SEC and CFTC to resume normal operations and advance pending measures [5][6] - The bipartisan agreement in Congress facilitates the progression of crypto rulemaking and ETF approvals that had been stalled [5] - The CFTC's crypto framework is anticipated to be finalized and potentially launched next month [6]

Core Viewpoint - The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) is in discussions with licensed exchanges to launch leveraged cryptocurrency spot trading products, potentially available as soon as next month [1] Group 1 - The CFTC's acting chair, Caroline Pham, confirmed the discussions regarding the introduction of leveraged cryptocurrency products [1] - The exchanges involved in these discussions include CME, Cboe, ICE, and Coinbase Derivatives [1] - This initiative is based on existing provisions of the Commodity Exchange Act, which mandates that retail commodity trading involving leverage, margin, or financing arrangements must occur on regulated exchanges [1]

Core Insights - Investors should consider adding stocks with strong liquidity to their portfolios, as liquidity indicates a company's ability to meet short-term obligations and supports business expansion [1][2] - Four top-ranked stocks recommended for investment include EverQuote, Inc. (EVER), Amicus Therapeutics, Inc. (FOLD), Lam Research Corporation (LRCX), and Cboe Global Markets, Inc. (CBOE) [2][9] Liquidity Measures - Current Ratio: Measures current assets against current liabilities; a ratio below 1 indicates more liabilities than assets, while a range of 1-3 is ideal [4] - Quick Ratio: Indicates a company's ability to pay short-term obligations, with a desirable ratio of more than 1 [5] - Cash Ratio: The most conservative measure, focusing on cash and equivalents relative to current liabilities; a ratio greater than 1 is desirable but may indicate inefficiency [6] Screening Parameters - Asset Utilization: A measure of efficiency, calculated as total sales over the last 12 months divided by the average total assets; companies with a ratio higher than their industry average are considered efficient [7][8] - Growth Score: A proprietary score added to ensure that liquid and efficient stocks also have solid growth potential [8] Company-Specific Insights - **EverQuote, Inc. (EVER)**: Reported revenues of $173.9 million, a 20% year-over-year increase; projected fourth-quarter revenues between $174-$180 million [12][13] - **Amicus Therapeutics, Inc. (FOLD)**: Revenues of $169.1 million, a 19% year-over-year increase; expects total revenues to grow by 15-22% in 2025 [14][15] - **Lam Research Corporation (LRCX)**: Reported revenues of $5.32 billion, a 28% increase year-over-year; projects second-quarter revenues of $5.2 billion [16][17] - **Cboe Global Markets, Inc. (CBOE)**: Achieved record revenues of $605.5 million, a 14% year-over-year increase; raised 2025 organic revenue growth target to low double-digit to mid-teens [18][19]