Core Viewpoint - The comparison between iShares Core High Dividend ETF (HDV) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) highlights their differing approaches to dividend investing, with HDV focusing on defensive sectors and higher yields, while VYM offers broader diversification and lower costs [5][6]. Group 1: Fund Characteristics - HDV consists of 74 stocks with a sector focus on consumer defensive (28%), energy (24%), and healthcare (17%), featuring major positions in Exxon Mobil Corp., Johnson & Johnson, and Chevron Corp. [1] - VYM tracks a high-dividend index with 589 holdings, emphasizing financial services (21%), technology (18%), and healthcare (13%), with significant investments in Broadcom, JPMorgan Chase, and Exxon Mobil Corp. [2] - HDV has a higher dividend yield compared to VYM, but its higher expense ratio may reduce net income for investors [3][7]. Group 2: Performance and Risk - HDV is characterized by lower volatility and a lower maximum drawdown, making it suitable for risk-averse investors [7]. - VYM's larger number of holdings provides greater diversification, which can mitigate risks associated with downturns in specific sectors [8]. - VYM has a larger asset under management (AUM) of $84.5 billion, enhancing its liquidity compared to HDV [8]. Group 3: Investor Preferences - VYM is recommended for investors prioritizing diversification, lower costs, and stronger total returns over high dividend yields [9]. - HDV is more appealing to those who prioritize receiving the highest dividend yield with reduced volatility [9].

分组1 - The individual has over 10 years of experience in Financial Services, starting their investment journey in 2008 and working in New York before relocating to North Carolina [1] - The investment strategy focuses on quality, diversification, and long-term growth, avoiding high-risk pursuits and uncomprehended advice [1] - The portfolio includes a variety of assets such as broad market ETFs (DIA, VOO, QQQM), sector funds (XLE, IXC), alternatives like Bitcoin and Gold, and stocks including JPM, MCD, and WMT [1] 分组2 - The individual contributes to the CEF/ETF Income Laboratory, which specializes in macro analysis and managed income portfolios targeting approximately 8% yields [1] - The CEF/ETF Income Laboratory features include high-yield opportunities, monthly-paying holdings for steady income, and resources for both active and passive investors [1]

Core Insights - The article compares iShares Select U.S. REIT ETF (ICF) and Vanguard Real Estate ETF (VNQ), highlighting VNQ's lower cost, broader portfolio, and higher yield, while ICF has a more concentrated focus and has slightly outperformed VNQ in five-year growth [2][10]. Cost and Size Comparison - ICF has an expense ratio of 0.32% and assets under management (AUM) of $1.9 billion, while VNQ has a lower expense ratio of 0.13% and AUM of $65.4 billion [4]. - VNQ offers a higher dividend yield of 3.86% compared to ICF's 2.49% [5][12]. Performance Comparison - Over five years, a $1,000 investment in ICF grew to $1,261, while the same investment in VNQ grew to $1,254 [6]. - Since 2004, VNQ has delivered annualized total returns of 7.2%, compared to ICF's 6.9% [11]. Portfolio Composition - VNQ holds 158 positions with top holdings in Welltower Inc., Prologis Inc., and American Tower Corp., providing diversified sector exposure [7]. - ICF is more concentrated with only 30 holdings, where its top ten stocks account for nearly 60% of its portfolio, increasing single-stock risk [8][12]. Investor Implications - VNQ's lower expense ratio and higher dividend yield make it more appealing for income-focused investors [10]. - Both funds have similar volatility levels, but VNQ's better returns and diversification may offer more potential for long-term growth [11][12].

Core Insights - Uber Technologies (UBER) is reportedly in discussions to acquire parking startup SpotHero, which would enable Uber to offer reserved parking for drivers [1][10] - SpotHero, valued at approximately $290 million, operates in over 400 North American cities, allowing users to reserve parking spaces [2] - The acquisition would diversify Uber's revenue streams beyond its core ride-hailing business [2] Group 1: Business Expansion and Diversification - Uber has diversified its operations over time, expanding into food delivery and freight services, which is crucial for mitigating risks [3] - Recent partnerships, such as with ALDI, enhance Uber Eats by providing a selection of fresh groceries for delivery, further broadening its service offerings [4][10] - The acquisition of Dantaxi last year has positioned Uber as a leading mobility platform in Denmark, showcasing its commitment to growth through strategic acquisitions [4] Group 2: Financial Performance and Valuation - Uber's shares have increased by 26.5% over the past year, underperforming compared to the Zacks Internet-Services industry's growth of 58.9% [5] - The company trades at a 12-month forward price-to-sales ratio of 2.82X, which is considered inexpensive relative to its industry and competitor DoorDash [8] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Uber's earnings has shown positive revisions over the past 60 days, indicating an upward trend in earnings expectations [11]

Core Insights - The iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF (IWO) focuses on over 1,000 small-cap growth stocks, while the Vanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF (MGK) concentrates on just 69 mega-cap stocks, primarily in the technology sector [1][2][4][5] Fund Characteristics - IWO has sector weights of 25% in technology, 22% in healthcare, and 21% in industrials, with top holdings like Credo Technology Group, Bloom Energy, and Fabrinet each accounting for just over 1% of assets [1] - MGK has a striking 71% allocation to technology, with top holdings including Apple, NVIDIA, and Microsoft, which collectively make up over a third of the fund [2][5] Performance and Risk - MGK has delivered stronger five-year returns and shallower drawdowns compared to IWO, but its heavy tilt towards technology makes it vulnerable to sector downturns [5][7][8] - IWO offers greater diversification, which can cushion against downturns in specific sectors, but it carries higher risk due to its focus on small-cap stocks [8] Cost and Fees - MGK is more affordable than IWO, with an expense ratio that is 0.17 percentage points lower, although IWO offers a slightly higher dividend yield [3][5] Investment Strategy - The choice between IWO and MGK depends on investor preferences for diversification versus concentration, with IWO appealing to those seeking broader exposure and MGK to those favoring established tech giants [4][8]

monsitj / iStock via Getty Images Quick Read BTAL gained 19% in 2022 when the S&P 500 fell 18%. The fund lost 22.8% in 2025 while the S&P 500 gained 17.2%. Over the past decade BTAL declined 23% while the S&P 500 surged 241%. A recent study identified one single habit that doubled Americans’ retirement savings and moved retirement from dream, to reality. Read more here. When high-beta stocks stumble and markets turn volatile, AGFiQ U.S. Market Neutral Anti-Beta Fund (NYSEARCA:BTAL) is designed ...

Core Insights - The Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) and the Vanguard Value ETF (VTV) represent two distinct investment strategies, with VTV focusing on large-cap value companies and VTI providing comprehensive market exposure across all capitalizations [2] Cost & Size Comparison - VTV has an expense ratio of 0.04% and VTI has a slightly lower expense ratio of 0.03% - As of December 31, 2025, VTV's one-year return was 13.32% while VTI's was 15.53% - VTV offers a dividend yield of 2.05%, nearly double that of VTI at 1.11% - VTV has a beta of 0.76, indicating lower volatility compared to VTI's beta of 1.04 - VTV's assets under management (AUM) stand at $216 billion, while VTI's AUM is significantly larger at $2 trillion [3][4] Performance & Risk Analysis - Over the past five years, VTV experienced a maximum drawdown of -17.03%, compared to VTI's -25.37% - An investment of $1,000 in VTV would have grown to $1,624, while the same investment in VTI would have grown to $1,734 [5] Portfolio Composition - VTI includes over 3,500 stocks, reflecting the entire CRSP US Total Market Index, with technology comprising 35% of its assets, followed by financial services and consumer cyclicals; major holdings include Apple, Nvidia, and Microsoft [6] - VTV is concentrated with only 315 holdings, primarily in financials, healthcare, and industrials, featuring top positions in JPMorgan Chase, Berkshire Hathaway, and Johnson & Johnson; it excludes most growth stocks and smaller companies, contributing to its lower beta and higher dividend yield [7] Investment Implications - VTI offers maximum diversification across the entire U.S. stock market, while VTV focuses solely on large-cap value stocks, which are perceived as undervalued [9]

Core Viewpoint - The global geopolitical and economic order is undergoing significant changes, with the U.S. no longer being the sole dominant power, leading to a more self-interested approach and potential disruptions in capital markets and the economy [1][3]. Group 1: Geopolitical and Economic Changes - Dalio asserts that the international geopolitical order is breaking down, transitioning from a U.S.-led framework to a "unilateral, power-rules" approach [1]. - The political order of democracies is deteriorating due to significant disparities in education, income, and opportunities, which may lead to the rise of autocratic leaders amid economic turmoil [2]. - The global economic order is destabilizing due to unsustainable debt levels and imbalances between debtor nations like the U.S. and creditor nations like China, necessitating a change in the current monetary order [3]. Group 2: Market Implications - The ongoing tariff disputes are symptomatic of deeper structural issues within the economy, with potential for significant market disruptions [4]. - The U.S. experienced its largest tax increase since 1993, with an average of $1,100 per household in 2025, projected to rise to $1,400 in 2026, indicating heightened economic strain [5]. - Dalio predicts that the AI bubble is likely to burst, advising investors to hold on a bit longer before making any selling decisions [2]. Group 3: Forces Reshaping the Landscape - Dalio identifies five forces reshaping the global landscape, including economic imbalances, political instability, and the impact of technology and natural disasters [3][6]. - The rapid advancement of technology, particularly artificial intelligence, is influencing various aspects of life, including economic and political orders [6]. Group 4: Investment Strategies - Dalio emphasizes the importance of diversification in investment portfolios, particularly highlighting gold as a safe haven asset that has surged by approximately 55% over the past year [8]. - The article suggests that real estate can serve as a hedge against inflation, with property values and rents typically rising during inflationary periods [14][15].

Core Viewpoint - The upcoming year is expected to focus on diversification in investment strategies, with three specific stock recommendations provided by a fund manager [1]. Group 1: Gilead Sciences - Gilead Sciences is highlighted as a strong investment opportunity, having increased by 30% over the year despite recent underperformance [2]. - The company is recognized for its innovative approach in the pharmaceutical sector, particularly in its HIV pipeline, with 50 drugs in development, including 11 in oncology [3]. - Gilead offers a stable growth profile with a 2.8% dividend yield and trades at 15 times earnings, supported by a 35% free cash flow margin [4]. Group 2: Mueller Industries - Mueller Industries, with a market capitalization of $13 billion, is a leader in manufacturing copper pipes and fittings, benefiting from its vertical integration [6]. - The company has a strong correlation with construction activity and housing starts, with recent growth driven by demand from data centers [7]. - The tight copper market and the ability to manage input costs allow Mueller to pass on price increases, benefiting from higher copper prices [8]. Group 3: NRG Energy - NRG Energy is one of the largest independent power producers in the U.S., with a generation capacity of 25 gigawatts, primarily from natural gas [12]. - The company has seen a stock increase of 70% this year, with expectations for continued growth due to rising electricity prices and robust demand [9][10]. - NRG is well-positioned to support the increasing power consumption of data centers, with double-digit revenue and EBITDA growth, trading around 19 times earnings [13].

Bubble or no bubble: No, but don't go all inThe VanEck Biotech ETF ( BBH ) and the Vanguard Industrials ETF ( VIS ) are examples of funds that offer exposure to these areas of the market."The picks and shovel guys that have to build out AI infrastructure, build out the data centers, mix the cement," Quinlan said.Then, he said he would barbell that with industrial stocks."I think that biotech is just ripe for continued upside," he said.Given his bullish outlook, he said he'd put the money into biotech stocks ...