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early October to around $88,000, while Ether has fallen approximately 40% from its August high [3][4] - Investors have withdrawn over $3.5 billion from US-listed Bitcoin exchange-traded funds, indicating a loss of confidence in the market [4] Investor Sentiment - Many investors are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]

Artisan ham producer and Royal Warrant holder DukesHill has launched an exclusive Christmas range of gammon and roasting joints on Ocado.The new collection, which has three gammon and two pork joints, sees the two retailers continue their partnership and support of British artisan craftsmanship. The exclusive range of high welfare British outdoor-bred pork products for the festive season are all hand prepared by DukesHill’s skilled butchers, and follows the success of DukesHill’s popular bacon and sausages ...

Core Insights - A White House Executive Order on November 12 exempted several agricultural products from reciprocal tariffs, reducing them to standard MFN duties effective November 13 [2][5] - India's immediate export gains from this exemption are expected to be limited due to its small share in the U.S. import market for these products, amounting to only $548 million out of a $50.6 billion import basket [2][4] Group 1: Tariff Exemption Details - The exempted products include coffee, tea, tropical fruits, fruit juices, cocoa, spices, bananas, tomatoes, beef, and some fertilizers [2][5] - The U.S. imports of these products are substantial, with coffee at $9 billion, tropical fruits and avocados at $6.1 billion, and fresh fruits at $6.3 billion [5][6] Group 2: India's Export Position - India's exports in the newly liberalized tariff lines are dominated by high-value spices and tea, with specific figures including $181 million in pepper and capsicum preparations, $84 million in ginger-turmeric-curry spices, and $68 million in tea [2][4] - India has negligible exports in larger tariff-exempt categories such as tomatoes, citrus fruits, melons, and bananas, with zero exports in tomatoes and less than $0.5 million in bananas [3][4] Group 3: Competitive Landscape - The exemption reflects the U.S. need to maintain low duties on items not produced domestically in sufficient quantities or reliant on climate conditions that cannot be replicated in the U.S. [3][4] - While the policy shift may provide India with a marginal competitive advantage in spices and niche horticulture, the majority of benefits are likely to accrue to Latin American, African, and ASEAN exporters who already dominate U.S. imports in these categories [3][4]

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] - The Zacks Momentum Style Score helps investors identify stocks with strong momentum, addressing the challenges of defining momentum [2] Company Analysis: FIGS (FIGS) - FIGS currently holds a Momentum Style Score of A, indicating strong momentum characteristics [3] - The company has a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy), suggesting it is expected to outperform the market [4] - Over the past week, FIGS shares increased by 14.61%, while the Zacks Retail - Apparel and Shoes industry declined by 2.32% [6] - In a longer timeframe, FIGS shares rose by 30.64% over the past month, compared to the industry's 0.17% [6] - Over the last three months, FIGS shares increased by 40.34%, and by 98.02% over the past year, significantly outperforming the S&P 500's gains of 6.64% and 15.78%, respectively [7] - The average 20-day trading volume for FIGS is 2,248,856 shares, indicating strong interest in the stock [8] Earnings Outlook - Recent earnings estimate revisions for FIGS show positive momentum, with 4 estimates moving higher and none lower over the past two months [10] - The consensus earnings estimate for FIGS increased from $0.06 to $0.10 in the last 60 days, reflecting positive sentiment [10] - For the next fiscal year, 4 estimates have also moved upwards, with no downward revisions [10] Conclusion - Given the strong performance metrics and positive earnings outlook, FIGS is positioned as a promising investment opportunity with a Momentum Score of A and a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) [11][12]

Company Overview - FIGS, Inc. produces and sells scrubs and scrubwear for healthcare professionals in the United States and globally [1] - The company sells its items online and through select retail stores, referred to as community hubs [1] Investment Approach - A holistic investment approach is taken that considers both top-down and bottom-up valuation techniques [1] - Detailed analysis of companies, including capital structure and debt covenants, is emphasized as playing a significant role in equity valuation [1]

Company Overview - FIGS, Inc. produces and sells scrubs and scrubwear for healthcare professionals in the United States and globally [1] - The company sells its items online and through select retail stores, referred to as community hubs [1] Investment Approach - A holistic investment approach is taken that considers both top-down and bottom-up valuation techniques [1] - Detailed analysis of companies, including capital structure and debt covenants, is emphasized as playing a significant role in equity valuation [1]

Long-only investment, evaluating companies from an operational, buy-and-hold perspective.Quipus Capital does not focus on market-driven dynamics and future price action. Instead, our articles focus on operational aspects, understanding the long-term earnings power of companies, the competitive dynamics of the industries where they participate, and buying companies that we would like to hold independently of how the price moves in the future. Most QC calls will be holds, and that is by design. Only a very sm ...