Market Overview - The S&P 500 experienced a decline of approximately 0.6%, primarily driven by a drop in big tech stocks, which fell about 0.7% [1][2] - The VIX index is trading with a 20 handle, indicating increased market volatility [1] - The 10-year Treasury yield is currently at 4.07% [2] Geopolitical and Economic Factors - U.S. military buildup in the Middle East has raised speculation about a potential attack on Iran, dampening market sentiment [2][3] - The trade deficit in the U.S. has reached its widest level in modern history, with tariffs failing to narrow it or boost domestic manufacturing [4][36] Company-Specific Insights - Blue Owl, an asset manager, has faced investor withdrawals from one of its private credit funds, negatively impacting its stock and those of peers like Apollo, Blackstone, and KKR [3] - CRH, a building materials giant, reported adjusted revenue in line with estimates and is actively involved in over 100 data center projects across the U.S., indicating strong demand in this sector [19][21] Investment Strategies and Trends - There is a focus on diversifying within the AI theme, with an emphasis on AI infrastructure as a key area for growth [10][11] - Emerging markets (E.M.) are being considered as a source of diversification and earnings growth, with significant inflows noted [11][12] - Companies are advised to invest in defensive AI sectors, such as semiconductors and hardware, to mitigate risks in the current market environment [15][16] Economic Outlook - The upcoming GDP report is expected to show strong growth, with significant investment in the economy contributing to this outlook [36][40] - Wage growth has been broad-based, particularly in manufacturing, indicating a positive economic trajectory [44][50] Corporate Actions and Market Reactions - Bank of America plans to commit $25 billion to private credit deals, reflecting a strategic shift in its investment approach [34] - Walmart's shares have seen a decline despite strong performance, attributed to cautious earnings forecasts amid a challenging economic backdrop [67][70]

Apollo Reassures Clients Over CEO’s Epstein Files Appearances: ‘Nothing New’https://t.co/q3ROdibjas https://t.co/OLG1uArO9o ...

Apollo sought to reassure clients that its top executives didn’t have a relationship with Jeffrey Epstein after some employees — including CEO Marc Rowan — were named in newly released files by the Justice Department https://t.co/wITg5QNSQ2 ...

Core Viewpoint - US stocks are experiencing their worst start to the year since 1995, while global markets are performing significantly better, with the rest of the world up approximately 8% since the beginning of the year compared to the US being flat or slightly down [1][2]. Market Performance - The US market is up 11% over the past year, while the rest of the world has seen a rise of roughly 30% [3]. - US stocks are trading at a price-to-earnings premium of about 40% over global counterparts, making them more expensive to hold while performance lags [3]. Sector Concentration - The US market is heavily weighted towards technology, which is causing investors to seek diversification in international equities that are less concentrated in this sector [4]. Geopolitical Factors - Geopolitical risks, including issues related to Greenland, Venezuela, and the Trump administration's tariff regime, are contributing to a significant performance gap between the US and global markets [5]. Investor Sentiment - Investors are beginning to consider reallocating assets abroad, particularly towards regions like Europe, which may offer more upside potential due to their recent underperformance [6][8]. Japan's Investment - Japan is emerging as a favored investment destination, with a recent announcement of a $36 billion investment in the US, primarily in the energy sector, as part of a larger $550 billion trade agreement [9][11]. - This investment includes a significant natural gas plant in Ohio, aligning with Japan's need for energy imports and reducing reliance on China [10][12]. Earnings Growth - The majority of outperformance for non-US markets in 2025 was attributed to multiple expansion rather than earnings growth, highlighting a need for fundamental improvements to sustain this trend [15][16]. - US earnings growth is significantly outpacing that of other regions, indicating that returns from outside the US are largely driven by valuation adjustments rather than earnings [16]. Sector Analysis - There are pockets of strength in sectors such as data center expansion and power in Europe, but overall performance may not be as broad as indicated by multiple expansions [17]. - High-quality companies in sectors like semiconductors and industrials are trading at multiples comparable to their US peers, challenging the narrative of Europe being undervalued [18]. Emerging Markets - Emerging markets, particularly in Asia, such as Korea and Taiwan, are showing exceptional earnings growth and total return potential, leading to a significant overweight in these regions within investment portfolios [20][21].

How do you do this. Something like this. How do you take on a trove like this and then find the find the stories and tease him out.I mean, this is kind of unlike anything that journalists have had to do. That's such a that's such a generous question. Thank you for asking that.Well, I'll tell you, I'll give you the real answer. And the real answer, first of all, is teamwork. I think of this I've seen work, at least for for me personally, it's kind of bifurcated into two different eras.Last year, I worked wit ...

Key Takeaways Older workers were the most likely to max out their 401(k)s, according to a recent report. Those who feel behind on saving can improve their outlook by increasing contributions, delaying Social Security, or working longer. If you're approaching retirement but aren't on track to have enough money saved, now might be a good time to try upping your 401(k) contributions. Of all age groups, those aged 55 to 64 were the most likely to have maxed out their 401(k)s in 2024, according to Vangu ...

RT Enterprise Onchain (@enteronchain)DeFi's biggest week so far?→ $14T BlackRock x Uniswap→ $990B Apollo x Morpho→ UK tokenizes sovereign bonds→ Stocks Now Usable as DeFi Collateraland much more in the latest @enteronchain weekly 👇 https://t.co/VPgi4fAPHv ...

Teachers unions are asking the SEC to consider whether a 2021 statement from Apollo about the extent of its contact with late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein could be considered materially false or misleading https://t.co/FRDcXRdooh ...

Pearl Diver Credit Company Inc. (NYSE: PDCC, PDPA) 2025 Q4 Earnings Presentation February 17, 2026 1 Disclaimer This presentation and the information and views included herein do not constitute investment advice, or a recommendation or an offer to enter into any transaction with Pearl Diver Credit Company Inc. ("PDCC" or the "Company") or any of its affiliates. This presentation is provided for informational purposes only, does not constitute an offer to sell securities of the Company or a solicitation of a ...

The Morning Minute (2.17)Powered by @yeet⏰Top News:-Crypto majors slightly red ahead of weekly open; BTC at $67k-Harvard rotates a portion of BTC holdings into ETH-Steak ‘n’ Shake says Bitcoin adoption dramatically increased sales-Kraken to sponsor Trump Accounts in Wyoming-Andre Cronje opens Flying Tulip sale to the public at $1B valuation🌎 Macro Crypto and Markets-Crypto majors are slightly red down 1%; BTC -1% at $68K; ETH even at $1,970; SOL even at $85; XRP -2% at $1.45-Stable (+12%), NEXO (+7%) and PI ...