Core Insights - SuperCircle has raised $24 million in funding to expand its AI-powered textile waste recovery platform [1][10] - The company aims to address the growing issue of retail waste, with over $163 billion of unsold inventory discarded annually [3] - SuperCircle's platform provides retailers with tools to comply with environmental regulations and improve recovery rates [2][5] Company Overview - SuperCircle builds a full-stack platform for end-of-life textiles, transforming waste into assets for retailers [2] - The company has already diverted over 6 million textiles from landfills and aims to divert over one billion by 2030 [9] - SuperCircle collaborates with over 75 partners, including notable brands like J.Crew and GUESS [5] Technology and Operations - The platform utilizes a digital operating layer that analyzes textiles at the item level, creating a digital twin for optimal reuse or recycling [4] - SuperCircle's AI model identifies the best channel for each returning item, reducing losses and increasing recovered value [5][6] - Future developments will focus on predictive sorting and enhancing digital twins for more complex decision-making [12] Market Context - Retailers are facing tighter margins and operational pressures, necessitating a unified system for textile recovery [7] - Investors believe SuperCircle sets a new standard for waste infrastructure, providing visibility in a traditionally opaque sector [8] - The shift towards circular operations aligns with broader industry trends, as brands seek reliable and measurable sustainability outcomes [13] Funding and Growth Plans - The $24 million Series A funding will support technology upgrades, expand the reverse logistics network, and strengthen data architecture [10] - The company plans to deepen supply chain integrations and support rapid onboarding for larger enterprise clients [10][11] - SuperCircle's leadership anticipates a new phase in the industry where retailers must demonstrate the value of every product throughout its lifecycle [11]

Core Viewpoint - Figs (FIGS) has received a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) upgrade, indicating a positive earnings outlook that may lead to increased stock price [1][3]. Earnings Estimates and Stock Price Impact - The Zacks rating system reflects changes in earnings estimates, which are strongly correlated with stock price movements, particularly influenced by institutional investors [4][6]. - An increase in earnings estimates typically results in higher fair value for a stock, prompting institutional investors to buy or sell, thus affecting stock prices [4]. Company Performance and Outlook - Figs is expected to earn $0.11 per share for the fiscal year ending December 2025, with no year-over-year change anticipated [8]. - Over the past three months, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for Figs has increased by 83.3%, indicating a positive trend in earnings estimates [8]. Zacks Rank System - The Zacks Rank system classifies stocks into five groups based on earnings estimates, with Zacks Rank 1 stocks historically generating an average annual return of +25% since 1988 [7]. - The upgrade of Figs to Zacks Rank 1 places it in the top 5% of Zacks-covered stocks, suggesting a strong potential for market-beating returns in the near term [10].

Core Insights - Five stocks have been added to the Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) List, indicating strong potential for investment Group 1: Company Performance - FIGS (FIGS) has seen a significant increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings, rising by 83.3% over the last 60 days [1] - MongoDB (MDB) has experienced a 27% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings over the past 60 days [1] - Kennametal (KMT) has had a 25% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings in the last 60 days [2] - EverQuote (EVER) has seen a 12.2% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings over the last 60 days [2] - OppFi (OPFI) has experienced a 10.6% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings in the past 60 days [3]

Core Insights - New Delhi is strategically improving ties with the Taliban, which is expected to benefit Afghan traders in India, despite many Afghans' disdain for the Taliban regime [2][5][24] - The diplomatic engagement has been marked by the establishment of an air-freight corridor and the upgrading of India's mission in Kabul to a full-fledged embassy [6][14] - Trade between India and Afghanistan remains resilient, with a significant increase in imports from Afghanistan, particularly in dried fruits and spices [14][26] Trade Dynamics - India's exports to Afghanistan decreased from $554 million in FY22 to $319 million in FY25, while imports surged by 35% from $511 million to $690 million [14][26] - The import basket is led by figs, hing, raisins, and apples, reflecting a deep culinary connection between the two nations [15][26] - Afghan traders in India continue to thrive, utilizing air transport for goods, with Ariana Afghan Airlines recently reducing freight charges to $1 per kg for exports [22][26] Diplomatic Landscape - The relationship between India and the Taliban is evolving, with India cautiously building ties since the Taliban's takeover in 2021 [10][11] - Former Indian officials emphasize the importance of maintaining operational ties with the Taliban while nurturing people-to-people connections [8][11] - Regional developments, including Pakistan's deteriorating relationship with Kabul, have influenced India's diplomatic strategy [9][17] Market Challenges - The closure of land routes between Afghanistan and India has forced trade to reroute through Iran's Chabahar port, complicating logistics for Afghan traders [18][26] - Despite these challenges, Afghan apples and other goods continue to reach Indian markets, albeit at higher prices due to transportation costs [19][26] - Afghan traders in India, known as Kabuliwallahs, prioritize business opportunities over political affiliations, focusing on trade and maintaining connections [23][24]

Core Insights - The article presents a list of desserts that are beneficial for blood sugar management and gut health, supported by research findings Group 1: Health Benefits of Desserts - Berries paired with dark chocolate may help lower the risk of type 2 diabetes, with berries being rich in nutrients and phytochemicals that reduce chronic disease risk [1][10] - Chia seed pudding is beneficial due to its high fiber content, which can reduce insulin resistance and stabilize blood sugar levels [2][10] - Dates with nut butter are suitable for diabetics as they have a low glycemic index and manageable glycemic load [3][10] - Stewed apples with cinnamon support heart health, stabilize blood sugar, lower cholesterol, and reduce inflammation [4][10] - Roasted figs provide fiber that aids digestion, improves heart health, and lowers blood pressure and cholesterol [6][10] - Baked pear with walnuts is rich in vitamins and linked to lower risk of type 2 diabetes when consumed whole [7][10] - Greek yogurt with honey contains probiotics that improve gut health and may lower glucose levels and insulin resistance [8][10] - Kiwi has a low glycemic index and low glycemic impact, making it a good choice for diabetes-friendly eating [9][10] Group 2: Research Support - The article references studies from reputable sources such as Healthline, WebMD, and the Cleveland Clinic to validate the health benefits of the listed desserts [1][2][4][8][10]

Core Insights - 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] - FIGS currently holds a Momentum Style Score of A, indicating strong momentum characteristics, supported by price changes and earnings estimate revisions [2][3] - The Zacks Rank for FIGS is 1 (Strong Buy), suggesting that stocks with this rating and a Style Score of A or B tend to outperform the market in the following month [3] Price Performance - Over the past week, FIGS shares increased by 4.76%, while the Zacks Retail - Apparel and Shoes industry declined by 2.48% [5] - In a longer timeframe, FIGS shares have risen by 31.23% over the past month, compared to the industry's 2.67% [5] - Over the last quarter, FIGS shares increased by 42.09%, and over the past year, they gained 88.63%, significantly outperforming the S&P 500, which moved 5.63% and 15.42% respectively [6] Trading Volume - The average 20-day trading volume for FIGS is 2,717,072 shares, indicating a bullish sign as rising stocks with above-average volume are generally viewed positively [7] Earnings Outlook - In the past two months, five earnings estimates for FIGS have been revised upwards, with no downward revisions, leading to an increase in the consensus estimate from $0.06 to $0.10 [9] - For the next fiscal year, five estimates have also moved higher without any downward revisions [9] Conclusion - Given the strong momentum indicators and positive earnings outlook, FIGS is positioned as a 1 (Strong Buy) stock with a Momentum Score of A, making it a compelling investment opportunity [10]

Core Insights - Vitamin K2 is gaining attention for its role in bone health and cardiovascular protection, distinct from its counterpart K1, which primarily supports blood clotting [2][3][9] Group 1: Vitamin K2 Functions - Vitamin K2 plays a complex role in directing calcium to bones and teeth while preventing its accumulation in blood vessels, which may safeguard heart health [4][9] - Insufficient intake of K2 is linked to dental stability issues, bone loss, enamel problems, and slower healing [4][9] Group 2: Research Findings - A long-term study indicated that higher K2 intake is associated with a reduced risk of peripheral arterial disease, particularly in individuals with diabetes or hypertension, while K1 did not show similar benefits [5][9] Group 3: Dietary Sources and Recommendations - Increasing K2 consumption can be achieved through dietary additions such as fermented foods (sauerkraut, natto, miso), liver, egg yolks, cheese, butter, and chicken [6][9] - Experts recommend discussing K2 supplementation with healthcare providers, especially for those on blood thinners, and emphasize the importance of adequate vitamin D intake alongside K2 for optimal health [6][9] Group 4: General Health Advice - Dietitians suggest that meaningful health improvements can start with familiar foods, advocating for increased consumption of green vegetables and fermented foods to naturally boost vitamin K2 levels [8][9]

Core Insights - The cryptocurrency market is experiencing significant declines, with Bitcoin on track for its worst month since 2022, following a massive rally after President Trump's election [1][2] - Retail traders are facing challenging conversations about the future of crypto during Thanksgiving gatherings, reminiscent of past downturns [2][3] Market Performance - Bitcoin's price has dropped sharply from a peak of over $126,000 in early October to around $88,000, while Ether has fallen approximately 40% from its August high [3][4] - Investors have withdrawn over $3.5 billion from US-listed Bitcoin exchange-traded funds, indicating a loss of confidence in the market [4] Investor Sentiment - Many investors are skeptical about the future of cryptocurrencies, particularly regarding anticipated Federal Reserve interest-rate cuts and institutional adoption [4] - Retail traders are preparing to defend their investments in crypto during family gatherings, with some expressing optimism despite recent declines [5][6] Historical Context - The period around Thanksgiving has historically marked peaks for Bitcoin, with previous years seeing retail investors enter the market only to face subsequent declines [8] - Conversations about Bitcoin and crypto investments are becoming more common among family members, indicating growing interest but also skepticism [10][11]

Core Insights - Security Benefit Life Insurance Co. exited its position in FIGS, Inc., selling 565,560 shares for an estimated $3.19 million [1][2] - The sale eliminated a position that accounted for 1.51% of assets under management as of the end of the previous quarter [2] - As of November 24, 2025, FIGS shares were priced at $9.59, reflecting a 103% increase over the past year, significantly outperforming the S&P 500 by 87 percentage points [3] Company Overview - FIGS, Inc. is a healthcare apparel company focused on the direct-to-consumer segment, utilizing a digital-first approach to reach medical professionals [5] - The company offers a range of products including scrubs, lab coats, and accessories, primarily generating revenue through online sales [7] - FIGS aims to maintain its leadership in the premium medical apparel market with a scalable platform and strong presence in the U.S. healthcare sector [5] Financial Performance - For the trailing twelve months (TTM), FIGS reported revenue of $581.03 million and a net income of $17.63 million [4] - The company's stock price has seen a one-year change of 103%, indicating strong market performance [4] Market Position and Growth Potential - FIGS has a repeat sales model due to the nature of its products, which need to be continually replaced [9] - The company experienced an 8% sales growth in its last quarter, marking its highest growth in two years, although this is considered modest for a young company [10] - Currently, FIGS has a net income margin of 6%, with potential to improve towards a 15% margin, similar to peers like Lululemon [11] - Approximately 14% of FIGS' sales come from international markets, where it holds a market share of less than 1%, indicating room for growth in these regions [12]

Core Insights - The ongoing trade tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan have escalated since the Taliban's takeover in 2021, with Afghanistan seeking to diversify its trade routes away from Pakistan due to accusations of harboring militants [1][10] Trade Dynamics - Pakistan is Afghanistan's primary trading partner, accounting for 45% of Afghan exports in 2024, with over 70% of these exports, valued at $1.4 billion, consisting of perishable goods like figs, pistachios, grapes, and pomegranates [2][5] - The closure of the border on October 12 due to cross-border violence has resulted in significant losses exceeding $100 million for both countries, affecting around 25,000 border workers [5][10] Shifts in Trade Partnerships - In response to the border closure, Afghanistan is increasing trade with Iran and Central Asia, with trade volumes reportedly rising by 60-70% since mid-October [6][7] - Afghanistan has begun exporting apples and pomegranates to Russia, which is the only country to officially recognize the Taliban government [7] Export Challenges - Afghanistan faces challenges in exporting its agricultural products due to a lack of refrigerated storage, prompting calls for urgent exports to prevent spoilage [8] - The Taliban government is promoting Iran's Chabahar port as an alternative to Pakistan's ports, although it is noted to be more expensive and further away, compounded by US sanctions on Iran [9] Economic Impact - The trade war is impacting both economies, with Afghan produce nearly disappearing from markets in Pakistan, leading to significant price increases for items like grapes and tomatoes [10][11] - The Pakistan Afghanistan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PAJCCI) has warned of escalating costs due to shipping containers being stuck in Pakistan, incurring daily charges of $150-$200 [12]