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 - Allworth Financial LP significantly increased its holdings in Interactive Brokers Group by 336.2% in Q2, acquiring an additional 5,534 shares, bringing its total to 7,180 shares valued at $398,000 [2] - Other institutional investors also raised their stakes, with notable increases from Fidelis Capital Partners LLC (274.5%), ProShare Advisors LLC (392.9%), and Prescott Group Capital Management L.L.C. (300.0%) [3] - Analysts have a generally positive outlook on Interactive Brokers Group, with price targets ranging from $72.08 to $91.00 and a consensus rating of "Moderate Buy" [4] Institutional Holdings - 23.80% of Interactive Brokers Group's stock is owned by institutional investors, indicating strong institutional interest [3] - Notable increases in holdings include ProShare Advisors LLC owning 22,864 shares valued at $1,267,000 after a 392.9% increase [3] Stock Performance - Interactive Brokers Group's shares opened at $66.03, with a market capitalization of $112 billion, a PE ratio of 31.71, and a 52-week range of $32.82 to $73.35 [5] - The company reported a revenue of $1.61 billion for the last quarter, exceeding analyst estimates of $1.47 billion, marking a year-over-year revenue increase of 21.2% [6] Earnings and Dividends - The company reported earnings per share of $0.57, surpassing the consensus estimate of $0.49 by $0.08 [6] - A quarterly dividend of $0.08 will be paid on December 12, representing an annualized dividend of $0.32 and a yield of 0.5% [7] Insider Transactions - Director Lawrence E. Harris sold 10,645 shares at an average price of $69.00, resulting in a 5.08% decrease in ownership [8][9] - CFO Paul Jonathan Brody sold 17,058 shares at an average price of $65.78, reflecting a 37.62% decrease in his position [9] Company Overview - Interactive Brokers Group operates as an automated electronic broker, engaging in the execution, clearance, and settlement of various financial instruments including stocks, options, futures, and cryptocurrencies [10]

Core Insights - Interactive Brokers Group Inc. (NASDAQ:IBKR) stock price is currently at $65.50, reflecting a 2.30% decrease in the current market session, but has increased by 1.27% over the past month and 46.91% over the past year [1] Group 1: Stock Performance - The stock has experienced a recent decline, but shows positive growth over both the monthly and yearly periods [1] - Shareholders may question whether the stock is overvalued despite the recent performance [1] Group 2: P/E Ratio Analysis - The P/E ratio is a critical metric for assessing market performance against historical earnings and industry standards [5] - Interactive Brokers Group has a P/E ratio of 32.36, which is lower than the Capital Markets industry average of 100.07, suggesting potential undervaluation or lower future performance expectations [6] - A lower P/E ratio can indicate that shareholders do not anticipate future growth, but it should be analyzed alongside other financial metrics and qualitative factors [11]

Core Insights - Interactive Brokers Group, Inc. (IBKR) has experienced significant growth due to increased market volatility and retail investor participation, reflected in its Daily Average Revenue Trades (DARTs) [1][3] DART Performance - In 2025, IBKR reported year-over-year increases in total customer DARTs of 50%, 49%, and 34% for the first three quarters, respectively [2] - In October 2025, total customer DARTs reached 4,472,000, marking a 58.4% increase from October 2024 and a 15.7% increase from September 2025 [2] - Cleared average DARTs per customer account were 229 in October, up 14.5% year-over-year and 12.8% from September 2025 [2] Revenue Growth - IBKR's net revenues increased by 20.1% year-over-year in the first nine months of 2025, supported by strong DART numbers [3][8] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for IBKR's revenues in 2025 and 2026 is $5.92 billion and $6.24 billion, indicating year-over-year growth of 13.4% and 5.3%, respectively [4] Stock Performance - IBKR shares have gained 51.8% year-to-date, outperforming the S&P 500 Index's 18.3% rise and the industry's 33.9% growth [6] - Compared to peers, Robinhood has surged 226.2%, while Charles Schwab has increased by 28.8% in the same period [6] Product Diversification - IBKR has launched several new products and features, including the Karta Visa card, Connections for trading opportunities, and zero-commission U.S. stock trading in Singapore [10][12] - The company has also introduced NISA accounts for Japanese investors and extended trading hours for Forecast Contracts [11] Technological Excellence - IBKR's technological capabilities allow it to process trades across more than 160 exchanges globally, enhancing its competitive edge [14] - The company has maintained low compensation expenses relative to net revenues, which supports solid growth [16] Capital Management - IBKR has consistently increased its quarterly dividend, with a 150% hike in April 2024 and a 28% increase in April 2025 [17] - The company has a strong liquidity position and uses minimal debt, which supports its ability to sustain dividend payments [18] Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for IBKR's 2025 earnings has been revised 5.1% higher to $2.06, with 2026 estimates revised 6.7% upward to $2.22 per share [19] - These estimates indicate year-over-year growth rates of 17.1% for 2025 and 7.8% for 2026 [19] Valuation Analysis - IBKR's stock is trading at a forward 12-month price/sales (P/S) ratio of 18.36X, significantly above the industry average of 4.52X [20] - Compared to peers, Robinhood has a P/S ratio of 21.50X, while Schwab's is at 6.77X, indicating IBKR trades at a premium to Schwab but is relatively inexpensive compared to Robinhood [22] Investment Outlook - Despite a premium valuation, IBKR is well-positioned for growth due to its technological capabilities and diversified product offerings [23] - For conservative investors, caution is advised, while long-term investors may find IBKR an attractive option [24] - IBKR currently holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy) [25]

Core Insights - U.S. stock markets have experienced a significant rally in 2023, with the S&P 500 Index up 16.7% year to date, primarily driven by advancements in artificial intelligence technology [1][8] - Several non-tech companies have also shown strong performance, indicating potential investment opportunities in diverse sectors [1][8] Company Summaries General Motors Co. (GM) - GM holds a 17% market share as the top-selling U.S. automaker, with strong demand across its brands [5] - The company reported a 10% year-over-year sales increase in China and has generated $2 billion in revenue from its software and services division [6] - GM's expected revenue and earnings growth rates for next year are -0.7% and 7.9%, respectively, with a 10.8% improvement in earnings estimates over the last 30 days [7] Morgan Stanley (MS) - MS is focusing on wealth and asset management, with strategic acquisitions like EquityZen to enhance its market position [8] - The investment banking segment is projected to see revenue and fee increases of 11.7% and 12.8% in 2025, respectively [9] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for next year are 4.1% and 5.8%, with a 3.7% improvement in earnings estimates over the last 30 days [10] Interactive Brokers Group Inc. (IBKR) - IBKR is enhancing its proprietary software and expanding its global footprint, which is expected to support revenue growth [11][12] - The company reported solid revenue growth and lower expenses in its third-quarter results for 2025 [12] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for next year are 5.3% and 7.8%, with a 1.4% improvement in earnings estimates over the last seven days [13] Las Vegas Sands Corp. (LVS) - LVS reported a 77.3% increase in earnings and a 24.2% increase in revenues year-over-year for the third quarter of 2025, driven by strong travel demand [14] - The company is focusing on growth in Macao and Singapore, with significant capital investments and new offerings at Marina Bay Sands [15] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for next year are 5.1% and 7.3%, with a 10.1% improvement in earnings estimates over the last 30 days [16] Universal Health Services Inc. (UHS) - UHS is expanding its Acute Care and Behavioral Health segments, resulting in a 9.9% increase in net revenues year-over-year for the first nine months of 2025 [17] - The Acute Care unit's revenues rose 11.5% year-over-year, and the company is committed to shareholder returns through share repurchases and dividends [18] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for next year are 5% and 7.7%, with a 0.1% improvement in earnings estimates over the last seven days [19]

Market Overview - The cryptocurrency market is currently facing challenges, with Bitcoin experiencing significant selloffs and uncertainties affecting investor sentiment [1][5] - Bitcoin fell below $100,000 for the first time since June, marking a decline of over 20% from its all-time high of $126,300 [4][5] - Despite recent declines, Bitcoin has shown signs of recovery, trading above $104,400, and remains significantly higher than its yearly low of $66,000 [7][11] Economic Factors - The Federal Reserve's recent interest rate cut did not positively impact the markets due to hawkish comments from Fed Chair Jerome Powell regarding future rate cuts [6] - A government shutdown has hindered the release of key economic data, contributing to investor uncertainty [6] Historical Performance - November has historically been a strong month for Bitcoin, with an average gain of 42.5% since 2013 [7] Investment Opportunities - A buy-the-dip strategy is suggested for investing in crypto-focused stocks, with three companies highlighted: NVIDIA Corporation, Robinhood Markets, and Interactive Brokers Group [3][11] NVIDIA Corporation - NVIDIA is a leading designer of GPUs, crucial for data centers and cryptocurrency mining, with an expected earnings growth rate of 49.2% for the current year [8][9] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for NVIDIA's earnings has improved by 0.5% over the past 60 days, and it currently holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy) [9] Robinhood Markets, Inc. - Robinhood operates a financial services platform allowing users to trade various assets, including cryptocurrencies, with an expected earnings growth rate of 74.3% for the current year [12] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Robinhood's earnings has improved by 22.6% over the past 60 days, and it currently holds a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) [12] Interactive Brokers Group, Inc. - Interactive Brokers is a global electronic broker that facilitates cryptocurrency trading, with an expected earnings growth rate of 17.1% for the current year [13] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Interactive Brokers' earnings has improved by 5.1% over the last 60 days, and it currently holds a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) [13]

Core Insights - Three stocks are highlighted with strong momentum characteristics and a buy rank, including Interactive Brokers Group, NatWest Group, and StoneCo Ltd [1][2][3] Group 1: Interactive Brokers Group, Inc. (IBKR) - The company has a Zacks Rank of 1 and a 5.1% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for current year earnings over the last 60 days [1] - Shares gained 40.1% over the last six months, contrasting with the S&P 500's decline of 16.9% [1] - The company possesses a Momentum Score of A [1] Group 2: NatWest Group plc (NWG) - The company has a Zacks Rank of 1 and a 13.8% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for current year earnings over the last 60 days [2] - Shares gained 9.7% over the past three months, while the S&P 500 declined by 6.0% [2] - The company possesses a Momentum Score of B [2] Group 3: StoneCo Ltd. (STNE) - The company has a Zacks Rank of 1 and a 10.4% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for current year earnings over the last 60 days [3] - Shares gained 12.6% over the last three months, compared to the S&P 500's decline of 6.0% [3] - The company possesses a Momentum Score of A [3]

Core Insights - The financial services sector is the second-largest in the S&P 500 and is performing decently this year, providing diversification for portfolios heavily invested in mega-cap growth stocks [1] - The Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Financials ETF (RSPF), valued at $308.54 million, includes top bank stocks such as U.S. Bancorp, M&T Bank, and PNC Financial Services Group [1][2] Company Insights - U.S. Bancorp is recognized as the largest non-global systemically important bank in the U.S. and has shown strong profitability and operational efficiency over the past 15 years [2] - RSPF's largest holding is Robinhood Markets, which is significantly contributing to event contracts volume and may pursue acquisitions in prediction markets [4] - Interactive Brokers, the second-largest component of RSPF, focuses on event contracts related to economic data, avoiding sports contracts to mitigate regulatory scrutiny [5] Market Trends - RSPF is gaining exposure in the prediction markets space, which is considered an underappreciated factor in the current investment environment [3] - CME Group, a member firm of RSPF, is collaborating with FanDuel on event contracts, while Intercontinental Exchange has invested $2 billion in Polymarket, valuing it between $9 billion and $10 billion [6] - Coinbase Global, another holding in RSPF, is also exploring opportunities in prediction markets [7]

Core Viewpoint - Investors in the Financial - Investment Bank sector should consider Interactive Brokers Group, Inc. (IBKR) and Robinhood Markets, Inc. (HOOD) for potential value investment opportunities [1] Group 1: Zacks Rank and Earnings Estimates - Interactive Brokers Group, Inc. has a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating a positive earnings outlook, while Robinhood Markets, Inc. has a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [3] - The Zacks Rank system emphasizes companies with positive earnings estimate revisions, suggesting that IBKR is likely experiencing a more favorable earnings outlook compared to HOOD [3] Group 2: Valuation Metrics - IBKR has a forward P/E ratio of 34.24, significantly lower than HOOD's forward P/E of 69.10, indicating that IBKR may be undervalued relative to HOOD [5] - The PEG ratio for IBKR is 2.15, while HOOD's PEG ratio is 3.05, further suggesting that IBKR has a more attractive valuation considering expected earnings growth [5] - IBKR's P/B ratio is 6.14, compared to HOOD's P/B of 14.35, reinforcing the notion that IBKR is more favorably valued [6] Group 3: Value Grades - IBKR has a Value grade of B, while HOOD has a Value grade of F, indicating that IBKR is perceived as a better value investment [6] - The metrics analyzed suggest that IBKR stands out as a more attractive option for value investors compared to HOOD [6]

Investment Rating - The report suggests a focus on cloud vendors and companies with exceeding expectations in the current market environment [3]. Core Insights - The report highlights a divergence in market performance, with consumer companies facing pressure while AI technology companies continue to show mixed results. Concerns about AI valuation bubbles persist, but leading tech companies like Microsoft, Google, and Meta maintain strong cash flows, suggesting a stable outlook for cloud vendors [3]. - The gaming demand remains robust, although there is a short-term lack of new game releases. Attention is drawn to the progress of key game tests and launches, which could drive revenue growth for related companies [3]. - The report emphasizes the importance of monitoring quarterly reports from major Chinese companies like Tencent, JD, Baidu, and Alibaba, as well as the ongoing value in sectors like PDD and the gaming industry [3]. Summary by Sections 1.1 Consumer & Internet - **Education**: The education index fell by 3.59%, with notable performance differences among companies. The implementation of a spring and autumn break system in Sichuan is expected to impact the sector positively [11][18]. - **Luxury & Gaming**: The luxury goods and gaming sectors are closely tied to macroeconomic conditions. Recent Q3 earnings from major gaming companies exceeded expectations, benefiting from a longer holiday schedule in 2026 [19][24]. - **Coffee & Tea**: The coffee sector remains vibrant, while the tea sector faces challenges due to reduced delivery platform subsidies and seasonal competition [3][27]. - **E-commerce**: The e-commerce sector is under pressure, with a lackluster performance during the Double Eleven shopping festival [3][35]. 1.2 Platform & Technology - **Streaming Platforms**: The streaming sector is driven by domestic demand, with platforms like Spotify reporting better-than-expected earnings [3][42]. - **Virtual Assets & Internet Brokers**: The cryptocurrency market is experiencing volatility, with a significant drop in global market value. However, there are potential buying opportunities following recent corrections [3][43]. - **Automotive Services**: The automotive aftermarket is projected to decline, with a year-over-year decrease of 4% expected by October 2025 [3][61]. 1.3 Media - The media sector is experiencing mixed performance, with streaming services facing challenges but also opportunities for growth through strategic partnerships and content offerings [3][41].