Record Retail Options and Geopolitical Shocks Threaten Markets This Week
Yahoo Finance· 2026-01-18 18:29
Crypto markets are bracing for an unusually turbulent week, with record retail options activity colliding with escalating geopolitical risks. While the Bitcoin price steadied near $95,100 on Sunday, suggesting a market devoid of volatility as the pioneer crypto consolidates at thin levels, eyes remain peeled to the US-EU trade tensions, a looming Supreme Court ruling, and surging retail speculation converge. High-Risk Week Ahead: Crypto, Stocks, and Metals in the Crosshairs Retail traders are exerting u ...
Billionaire who paid $4.6M for dinner with Buffett, says he’d spend $30M for an hour with Elon Musk
Yahoo Finance· 2026-01-18 18:07
Core Insights - Justin Sun, a prominent figure in the cryptocurrency space and founder of TRON, has expressed willingness to pay $30 million for a one-hour conversation with Elon Musk, highlighting his interest in high-profile interactions within the tech and finance sectors [1][2]. Company Overview - Justin Sun is the founder of TRON, a high-throughput blockchain network that serves as a significant settlement layer for stablecoins, decentralized finance, and on-chain payments [3]. - TRON is recognized for its active transaction volume, positioning it among the leading blockchains in the industry [4]. Financial Background - As of recent estimates, Justin Sun's net worth is approximately $8.5 billion, making him the 409th richest person of all time [5]. - Sun is known for extravagant purchases that often carry symbolic significance, such as paying $6.2 million for a banana taped to a wall, which he described as a representation of value and absurdity in modern markets [5]. Notable Purchases - In 2019, Sun gained attention for spending $4.6 million on a charity auction to have lunch with Warren Buffett, a notable figure who has been critical of Bitcoin [6]. - During the lunch, Sun gifted Buffett a smartphone loaded with various cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin and TRON tokens, and demonstrated a live blockchain transaction, which impressed Buffett [7].
Popular pet retailer files Chapter 11 bankruptcy
Yahoo Finance· 2026-01-18 18:07
Company Overview - J.L.E.T. Enterprises, LLC, a pet specialty retailer and grooming service provider based in North Port, Florida, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on January 15, 2026 [4] - The company operated as a franchisee of the Three Dog Bakery brand and has a history of 10 years [4] - Founded in 2016, J.L.E.T. Enterprises offered fresh-baked dog treats, celebration cakes, and professional grooming services, primarily located in Sarasota, Florida [5] Legal and Operational Challenges - The bankruptcy filing follows a prolonged legal dispute with the franchisor, Three Dog Bakery, LLC, which terminated the franchise agreement in May 2025 [6] Industry Insights - American pet households are projected to spend about $1,733 per year on pets in 2024, covering food, products, and care [8] - In 2025, average U.S. dog owners are expected to spend approximately $2,524 per year, while cat owners will spend around $1,499 per year [8] - The U.S. pet industry is projected to grow, with spending expected to reach around $157 billion by 2025 [8]
Is Redwire Stock Yesterday's News?
The Motley Fool· 2026-01-18 18:05
Core Viewpoint - Redwire's stock has experienced significant volatility, but the potential for growth exists, particularly in light of the upcoming SpaceX IPO and increasing defense spending globally [1][7]. Company Overview - Redwire is a space-tech company specializing in advanced hardware such as docking systems, UAS technologies, solar-power systems, and sensors, with a strong focus on the defense sector while also catering to research and commercial needs [2]. Financial Performance - In Q3 of the previous year, Redwire's revenue rose approximately 51% year over year to $103.4 million, although this growth fell short of market expectations, leading to a valuation decline post-report [3]. - The company's non-GAAP gross margin improved to 27.1%, up 9.6 percentage points from 17.5% in the same quarter the previous year, but the company still reported a wider-than-expected loss due to rising operating expenses [4]. Market Position - Redwire has a market capitalization of about $1.9 billion and trades at approximately 3.5 times the expected revenue for 2026, suggesting it may be undervalued based on recent sales momentum [5]. - The stock has surged roughly 40% over the last month, influenced by SpaceX's IPO news and increasing global defense spending [7]. Future Prospects - Redwire has secured significant contracts, including a $44 million deal with DARPA and a contract for docking systems for a new spacecraft, indicating promising growth opportunities [6]. - The growth cycle for space-based defense technology is still in its early stages, suggesting potential for further expansion in the sector [7].
Elon Musk says saving for retirement ‘won’t matter’ in 10 or 20 years. Here’s why that’s dangerous advice
Yahoo Finance· 2026-01-18 18:00
Core Viewpoint - Elon Musk suggests that traditional retirement savings may become "irrelevant" in the next decade or two due to advancements in AI, robotics, and energy technologies, leading to a new era of abundance [1][2]. Group 1: Vision of the Future - Musk envisions a future where machines perform most work, goods and services are abundant and affordable, healthcare and education are freely accessible, and a "universal high income" meets everyone's basic needs [2][3]. - In this scenario, the necessity of saving for retirement diminishes as the economic forces of scarcity are eliminated [3]. Group 2: Speculative Nature - Musk's perspective is highly speculative, relying on a significant transformation in technology that dramatically increases productivity [3][4]. - He acknowledges that the transition to this future could be challenging, potentially leading to social unrest and a crisis of meaning as traditional work becomes less relevant [4]. Group 3: Current Reality - The majority of Americans do not possess the financial safety nets that Musk has, making retirement savings critically important for them [5][6]. - Current retirement savings for many individuals are insufficient, contrasting sharply with Musk's optimistic outlook [6].
Jim Cramer Says: “J&J Deserves to Be Going Higher, But Not at This Speed, Not at This Pace”
Yahoo Finance· 2026-01-18 17:48
Group 1 - Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) is viewed positively by money managers as a resilient stock during economic slowdowns, with essential products like toothpaste and medicine that consumers will purchase regardless of economic conditions [1] - The recent stock performance of JNJ suggests strong investor interest, although the pace of its rally may be influenced by a broader market sentiment favoring defensive stocks amid economic uncertainty [1] - JNJ is being favored over other pharmaceutical stocks like Eli Lilly, which has a higher price-to-earnings multiple, making it appear riskier to investors in the current climate [1] Group 2 - Johnson & Johnson develops and sells a wide range of healthcare products, including pharmaceuticals and medical technologies, with a focus on areas such as immunology, oncology, neuroscience, cardiovascular care, and infectious diseases [2] - The company also provides various medical devices and solutions, including surgical systems, orthopedic solutions, cardiovascular devices, and vision care products [2]
Jim Cramer Calls Exxon Mobil One of the “Real Leaders in This Market”
Yahoo Finance· 2026-01-18 17:48
Group 1 - Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) is recognized as a leading integrated energy and chemical manufacturer with a strong history of operational excellence and technological innovation [2] - The company's business model is characterized by a vertically integrated structure that encompasses the entire value chain, from exploration and production to the manufacturing of fuels and petrochemicals, providing significant operational synergies [2] - Recent market dynamics indicate that oil prices are expected to rise due to geopolitical uncertainties in Iran and Venezuela, positioning Exxon and Chevron as key players in the market [1] Group 2 - The financial profile of Exxon Mobil is described as resilient, capable of navigating the cyclicality of commodity markets, which is crucial for maintaining operational stability [2] - Despite the potential of Exxon as an investment, there are suggestions that certain AI stocks may offer greater upside potential with less downside risk [3]
Jim Cramer Says He Doesn’t “Mind Southern Copper, But Copper Has Run a Great Deal”
Yahoo Finance· 2026-01-18 17:48
Company Overview - Southern Copper Corporation (NYSE:SCCO) is engaged in mining, smelting, and refining copper, and also processes other materials such as molybdenum, zinc, silver, gold, and sulfuric acid [2]. Stock Performance - The stock has experienced a significant increase, being up 25% this year and showing a parabolic move with a recent increase of $5 in a single day [1]. - The current yield of the stock is 1.98%, which is considered low given its recent performance [1]. Analyst Insights - Wells Fargo has raised the price target for Southern Copper's stock from $144 to $182 while maintaining an Equal-Weight rating, indicating a cautious outlook on the stock's future performance [2]. - The firm anticipates strong performance in copper and aluminum in 2026 due to limited new supply in the first half of the year, alongside expectations that tariffs on steel and aluminum imports will remain in place, keeping US prices elevated [3]. Investment Considerations - While Southern Copper is recognized for its potential, there are suggestions that certain AI stocks may offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk, indicating a competitive investment landscape [4].
Jim Cramer on NVIDIA: “It’s Meant to Be Owned, Not Traded”
Yahoo Finance· 2026-01-18 17:48
Group 1 - NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ:NVDA) is recommended to be owned rather than traded, emphasizing a long-term investment approach due to its strong growth potential [1] - The company specializes in accelerated computing and AI platforms, including GPUs for gaming and professional use, cloud services, robotics, embedded systems, and automotive technologies [2] - There are other AI stocks that may offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk compared to NVIDIA, suggesting a competitive landscape in the AI sector [3]
Jim Cramer on MNTN: “They Have to Make Money, or Else It Won’t Turn Around”
Yahoo Finance· 2026-01-18 17:48
Company Overview - MNTN, Inc. (NYSE:MNTN) provides a technology platform that simplifies performance marketing on Connected TV, enabling brands to run TV ads efficiently and drive measurable conversions, revenue, and engagement [1] Market Performance - Jim Cramer expressed skepticism about MNTN's stock performance, stating that it is "just awful" and that the company needs to generate earnings per share for a turnaround [1] - Cramer initially viewed MNTN positively but later retracted that opinion, indicating disappointment in the company's performance [1] Investment Potential - Despite the current challenges, Cramer believes MNTN has potential as a company, suggesting it is undervalued compared to its trading price [1] - The company has not met expectations, which Cramer finds unacceptable, indicating a need for improvement in performance [1] Comparative Analysis - The article suggests that while MNTN has potential, certain AI stocks may offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk, indicating a competitive landscape for investment opportunities [1]