Core Insights - The S&P 500 has reached a new all-time high, but not all ETFs are performing similarly, with some down by 10% or more from recent peaks [1] - The Vanguard Real Estate ETF (VNQ) has underperformed compared to the S&P 500 over the past decade, with a total return of 73% versus 264% for the S&P 500 [3] - The Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF (VYMI) has reached a new high but is considered inexpensive compared to U.S. high dividend stocks [7][9] ETF Performance - The Vanguard Real Estate ETF is highly sensitive to interest rates, with higher rates increasing borrowing costs and negatively impacting commercial property values [5] - Experts predict a downward trend in interest rates over the next couple of years, which could benefit the Vanguard Real Estate ETF [6] - The Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF holds about 1,550 companies outside the U.S. with a 4.1% dividend yield, including well-known companies like Toyota and Nestle [8] Valuation and Growth - The average stock in the Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF's index has seen earnings growth of 13.7% annually over the past five years and trades at a low valuation of 12 times earnings [9] - In contrast, the U.S. counterpart Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) has an average P/E of over 19 and slower earnings growth [9] - Despite risks associated with international stocks, the significant valuation gap presents a potential buying opportunity [10] Investment Strategy - All three mentioned ETFs are viewed as attractive long-term investments, with expectations of strong performance over the coming years rather than short-term gains [11]

Company Overview - Joby Aviation is a developer of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, with its first model, the S4, capable of carrying a pilot and four passengers, traveling 100 miles on a single charge, and reaching speeds of 200 mph [4] - The company is also developing a hydrogen-powered version of its aircraft, which charges faster and has a range five times greater than the S4 [4] - Joby is backed by significant investors, including Toyota and Delta Air Lines, and aims to provide a greener alternative to traditional helicopters [5] Financial Performance - Joby Aviation's stock has not performed well since its public debut, trading at approximately $11, up from an opening price of $10.62 [1] - The company generated only $136,000 in revenue from its USAF contract in 2024, with a net loss of $608 million, significantly missing its projected revenue targets [9] - Analysts expect Joby to generate $2 million in revenue in 2025, with a narrowed net loss of $543 million, primarily from its USAF contract [10] Future Prospects - If Joby gains full FAA approval for commercial flights and expands its air taxi services, revenue could increase to $60 million in 2026 and more than triple to $213 million in 2027 [11] - The company holds a $131 million contract with the U.S. Department of Defense to deliver up to nine eVTOL aircraft, with two already delivered [7] - Joby secured over $1 billion in funding in 2024, ending the latest quarter with $813 million in cash and a low debt-to-equity ratio of 0.26, providing room for further fundraising [13] Market Position - Joby Aviation has a market cap of $9.59 billion, trading at 45 times its projected revenue for 2027, while its competitor Archer Aviation trades at 15 times its projected revenue [14] - The company is seen as potentially too expensive relative to its growth potential and industry peers, raising concerns about its valuation [15]

Let's get back to tariffs where our next guest says the latest moves, the new letters, the new rates signal some concerns about where the trade war is heading. Tobin Marcus is head of US policy and politics at Wolf Research. Tobin, what are you gleaning from this.Because markets are now I think we can say shrugging this off, right. Absolutely. I think the fact that nothing is actually happening for several more weeks is all the explanation that you need for markets continuing to ignore this for now.We've ha ...

I want to start with a story. As mentioned before, I started my career in broadcast journalism. My very first job was in this tiny town in way upstate New York, like 35 miles south of the Canadian border. And it was my first job. And the station was new, so everybody was green. and we really wanted to make an impact right out of the gate in the community. So, the news director thought we should do a series for the upcoming rating period where we show people how to get out of a burning house. Now, the fire d ...

Core Insights - VCI Global Limited has appointed Jane Teh as Chief AI Security Officer, emphasizing its commitment to secure AI infrastructure and long-term shareholder value [1][6] - Jane Teh brings over 20 years of cybersecurity experience, enhancing VCI Global's capabilities in AI security and encrypted data monetization [2][5] - The appointment aligns with the growing demand for secure AI environments amid regulatory changes and rapid AI adoption [5][6] Company Overview - VCI Global is a diversified global holding company focused on AI & Robotics, Fintech, Cybersecurity, Renewable Energy, and Capital Market Consultancy [9] - The company operates across Asia, Europe, and the United States, aiming to drive technological innovation and sustainable growth [9] Leadership and Expertise - Jane Teh has held senior roles in cybersecurity, including Director of Cyber Risk Advisory at Deloitte Southeast Asia and interim CISO at AmBank Group [3][4] - Her expertise includes offensive security, AI-powered threat detection, and sovereign digital defense, making her a valuable asset for VCI Global [2][5] Strategic Initiatives - As CAISO, Jane will lead the development of AI security architecture, focusing on military-grade encryption and enterprise security frameworks [5][6] - The company aims to commercialize encrypted data platforms across regulated markets, addressing the realities of AI risk [6] Product Focus - VCI Global's QuantGold platform is designed for secure, compliant, and privacy-preserving data monetization, leveraging over 120 encryption patents [7][8] - The platform supports a pay-per-compute model, targeting markets in Malaysia, Singapore, and Hong Kong, with applications in healthcare, financial services, and AI research [8]

Core Points - Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) and its partners are donating over $600,000 for flood relief efforts in Kerr County and the Texas Hill Country following the July 4th flash floods [1][2] - The relief efforts include contributions to the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country's Kerr County Flood Relief Fund, matching contributions, in-kind donations, and volunteerism [1][4] Group 1: Donation and Relief Efforts - The donation will support vetted organizations providing rescue, relief, and recovery efforts in affected communities such as Hunt, Ingram, Kerrville, Center Point, and Comfort [4] - TMNA is implementing a Dealer Match Program, matching contributions from eligible Toyota and Lexus dealers up to $10,000 [6] - Toyota Financial Services (TFS) is offering payment relief options to affected customers, including extensions and deferred payments [5] Group 2: Community Commitment - Gulf States Toyota emphasizes its commitment to supporting local communities during hardships, reflecting the company's roots in Texas [3] - Team members at the San Antonio manufacturing plant are collecting essential supplies and donations to aid ongoing relief efforts [7] - Toyota's ongoing sustainable development commitments include partnerships with organizations like the American Red Cross for disaster response [8] Group 3: Company Overview - Toyota has been a significant presence in the U.S. for nearly 70 years, focusing on sustainable mobility through its brands and dealerships [9] - As of 2025, Toyota employs nearly 48,000 people in the U.S. and has produced over 35 million vehicles at its manufacturing plants [10] - Toyota Financial Services, with approximately 3,800 employees and over $150 billion in assets, provides finance and related products for Toyota in the U.S. [12][13]

Core Viewpoint - Toyota Motor Company is facing significant challenges due to escalating trade tensions and tariffs imposed by the US, which threaten its profit margins and overall financial performance [2][3][7]. Group 1: Company Overview - Toyota Motor Company is a leading global automaker, founded in 1973, with a diverse product portfolio that includes cars, minivans, and trucks [1]. - Approximately 50% of Toyota's revenue comes from internal combustion vehicles, while hybrid cars account for nearly 48% of sales [1]. - The company has a strong international presence, particularly in Japan, North America, Europe, and Asia [1]. Group 2: Trade and Tariff Impact - The US has imposed a 10% tariff on Japanese goods during a 90-day pause, with potential for further increases if trade agreements are not reached [2]. - President Trump's dissatisfaction with the automotive trade imbalance between the US and Japan places Toyota in a precarious position amid the trade war [2]. - Toyota is experiencing a 20.8% year-over-year contraction in profit margins due to rising material prices and US-imposed tariffs [3]. Group 3: Stock Performance - Toyota's stock is currently underperforming, trading below the 200-day moving average and down 15% over the past year [5]. - The stock is described as "dead money" for the moment, indicating a lack of upward momentum [5]. Group 4: Future Outlook - The looming July 9 tariff deadline presents significant uncertainty for Toyota, with potential tariff-induced price hikes threatening its profit margins [4][7].

I am a journalist based in Detroit, having spent almost my entire career writing about business and economic subjects for The Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Detroit Free Press and Bloomberg. I'm the author of two books and am an acknowledged expert on the world automotive industry.Analyst’s Disclosure:I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of TSLA either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving ...

Core Insights - Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) reported a strong performance in June 2025, with total U.S. sales of 193,248 vehicles, reflecting a 0.1% increase in volume and an 8.4% increase in daily selling rate (DSR) compared to June 2024 [1][2] - Electrified vehicle sales for June reached 90,426 units, up 6.7% in volume and 15.5% in DSR, accounting for 46.8% of total sales volume [1][8] - For the second quarter of 2025, TMNA's total sales were 666,469 vehicles, marking a 7.2% increase in both volume and DSR compared to the same quarter in 2024 [2][5] Sales Performance - The Toyota division sold 165,174 vehicles in June, up 0.2% in volume and 8.6% in DSR [3][8] - Lexus division reported June sales of 28,074 vehicles, down 0.9% in volume but up 7.3% in DSR [4][8] - For the second quarter, Toyota division sales totaled 570,546 vehicles, up 7.1% in both volume and DSR, while Lexus division sales reached 95,923 vehicles, up 8.1% in both metrics [3][4] Electrified Vehicle Highlights - TMNA offers 32 electrified vehicle options, the highest among automakers, contributing significantly to sales [5][8] - Second quarter electrified vehicle sales totaled 320,817 units, up 29.7% in both volume and DSR, representing 48.1% of total sales volume [2][8] - Notable increases in specific models include the Sienna (up 73.9%), Tacoma (up 48.4%), and Grand Highlander (up 31.3%) for the second quarter [8] Market Position - TMNA maintains the lowest incentives among full-line manufacturers, indicating strong demand for its vehicles [8] - The company is committed to advancing sustainable mobility through its Toyota and Lexus brands, with plans to manufacture automotive batteries in North Carolina starting in 2025 [10]

Core Viewpoint - Nvidia is identified as the best stock for investing in the driverless vehicle market, despite not being a pure play in autonomous vehicles, unlike competitors such as Alphabet's Waymo and Tesla [1][8]. Market Potential - The driverless vehicle market is expected to experience significant growth, with projections estimating it could reach $4.45 trillion by 2034, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 36% over the next decade [4]. - Growth projections for the autonomous vehicle market are robust across various sources, with most estimates indicating CAGRs in the low to high 30% range [5]. Nvidia's Position - Nvidia provides a comprehensive AI-powered driverless technology platform, allowing companies to select specific technologies for their development programs [7]. - Nvidia is already profiting from the driverless vehicle space, with expectations for profits to increase as more companies utilize its technology [8]. - The company has a significant lead in the autonomous vehicle tech space, with every automaker developing autonomous technology reportedly using Nvidia's tech for AI training [13][14]. Partnerships and Collaborations - Major automakers, including Toyota, General Motors, Mercedes-Benz, and Volvo Cars, are known to use Nvidia's autonomous vehicle technology for both AI training and AI inferencing [17]. - Numerous Chinese electric vehicle makers, such as BYD and Nio, have partnered with Nvidia, enhancing their vehicle offerings with Nvidia's driverless technology [18]. Technology Offerings - Nvidia's technology includes a data center AI supercomputer for training self-driving AI models, a simulation platform for scenario modeling, and an in-vehicle AI supercomputer that processes data from vehicle sensors [9]. - The DRIVE AGX systems serve as the "brains" of vehicles, enabling advanced decision-making capabilities [9].