Group 1: Gold Market Overview - Gold has outperformed the S&P 500 over the past 1-year, 3-year, and year-to-date periods, driven by geopolitical shifts and concerns over fiat currency stability [1] - Central bank demand, particularly from BRICS nations, is contributing to record levels of gold accumulation as these countries diversify away from US dollar-denominated assets [6] - Geopolitical tensions, including the Russia–Ukraine war and US-China relations, are increasing macro uncertainty, further supporting gold as a hedge against systemic risk [7][8] Group 2: Technical Analysis of Gold - Gold is forming a tightening bull flag pattern, with a potential breakout above $317.50 on GLD (or $3,475 in gold futures) signaling a major upward move [10] - The current price action indicates strong buying interest, suggesting that gold is on the verge of a significant breakout [2][10] Group 3: Top Gold Mining Stocks - Aris Mining Corporation is highlighted as a compelling opportunity, trading at 5.8x forward earnings with projected sales growth of 56% this year and earnings growth of 265% [12][13][14] - Agnico Eagle Mines, with a Zacks Rank 1, is noted for its operational consistency and projected annual EPS growth of 20.8% over the next three to five years, currently testing a breakout level [15][16][17] - Kinross Gold, also holding a Zacks Rank 1, is trading at 12.7x forward earnings with expected EPS growth of 21.2% over the next three to five years, presenting a GARP opportunity [18][22] - AngloGold Ashanti PLC has surged over 120% year-to-date, reflecting strong investor confidence and operational performance, also holding a Zacks Rank 1 [24][25][26] Group 4: Investment Outlook - The outlook for gold remains constructive, with prices nearing a technical breakout and strong global demand driven by macro trends [27][29] - Gold stocks are positioned as an attractive entry point for investors seeking diversification and exposure to rising commodity trends [29]

Investment Strategy - The focus is on constructing investment portfolios that generate additional income through dividends by identifying companies with significant competitive advantages and strong financials [1] - The strategy combines high Dividend Yield and Dividend Growth companies to reduce dependence on broader stock market fluctuations [1] - A well-diversified portfolio across various sectors and industries is emphasized to minimize volatility and mitigate risk [1] Risk Management - Incorporating companies with a low Beta Factor is suggested to further reduce the overall risk level of the investment portfolio [1] - The selection process for high dividend yield and dividend growth companies is meticulously curated, prioritizing total return, which includes both capital gains and dividends [1] Portfolio Composition - Suggested investment portfolios typically consist of a blend of ETFs and individual companies, emphasizing broad diversification and risk reduction [1] - The approach aims to maximize returns while considering the full spectrum of potential income sources [1]

Investment Rating - The report provides a forecast for various asset classes, indicating a bearish outlook for equities and a mixed outlook for fixed income and commodities [2]. Core Insights - The report highlights significant expected returns and volatility across different asset classes for Q2 2026, with equities showing a range of potential returns from -20.7% to 24.4% depending on market conditions [2]. - The report notes that the S&P 500 is forecasted to have a base case return of 4.7% with a volatility of 19% [2]. - Commodities, particularly Brent and Copper, are expected to have substantial volatility, with Brent showing a potential return range from -23.6% to 83.4% [2]. Summary by Sections Equities - S&P 500: Bear case -20.7%, Base case 4.7%, Bull case 15.9% [2] - MSCI Europe: Bear case -22.3%, Base case 7.3%, Bull case 24.4% [2] - Topix: Bear case -23.3%, Base case 5.0%, Bull case 17.3% [2] - MSCI EM: Bear case -26.7%, Base case 0.1%, Bull case 13.1% [2] Fixed Income - UST 10yr: Bear case 7.6%, Base case 12.1%, Bull case 17.2% [2] - US IG: Bear case -2.9%, Base case -0.1%, Bull case 1.2% [2] - US HY: Bear case -4.3%, Base case 0.1%, Bull case 2.1% [2] Commodities - Brent: Bear case -23.6%, Base case -8.3%, Bull case 83.4% [2] - Copper: Bear case -21.6%, Base case -4.3%, Bull case 14.8% [2] - Gold: Bear case -20.6%, Base case -6.5%, Bull case 12.3% [2] Currency - JPY/USD: Bear case 14.9%, Base case 7.6%, Bull case -2.5% [2] - EUR/USD: Bear case -5.4%, Base case 3.9%, Bull case 8.2% [2] - GBP/USD: Bear case -1.3%, Base case 6.0%, Bull case 10.4% [2]

Core Insights - Runway Growth Finance Corp. completed three investments totaling $37.8 million in funded loans during the second quarter of 2025, focusing on portfolio optimization and diversification [1][2][3] Investment Activities - The company funded two new portfolio companies and one existing portfolio company, including a $10 million investment in Federal Hearings and Appeals Services (FHAS) [3][7] - Additional investments included $40 million in Autobooks, $20 million in Swing Education, and $2.8 million in Marley Spoon SE [7] Liquidity Events - Runway Growth received a full principal repayment of $21.1 million from Nalu Medical Inc. and a repayment of $25 million from SetPoint Medical Corporation during the second quarter [4][8] Portfolio Management - As of June 30, 2025, the portfolio consisted of 48 debt investments across 31 companies and 89 equity investments in 49 companies, with a focus on technology, healthcare, and select consumer sectors [6][5] - The company emphasizes a credit-first approach, maintaining rigorous underwriting standards and frequent communication with portfolio companies [5][6] Company Overview - Runway Growth is a specialty finance company providing flexible capital solutions to late- and growth-stage companies, regulated as a business development company under the Investment Company Act of 1940 [9]

Core Viewpoint - The Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) has slightly underperformed compared to the S&P 500 in 2025 but remains a strong investment option due to its attractive dividend yield and potential for dividend growth [1] Investment Strategy - The focus is on constructing investment portfolios that generate additional income through dividends by identifying companies with competitive advantages and strong financials [1] - A combination of high Dividend Yield and Dividend Growth companies is emphasized to reduce dependence on broader stock market fluctuations [1] - The strategy includes diversification across various sectors and industries to minimize portfolio volatility and mitigate risk [1] - Incorporating companies with a low Beta Factor is suggested to further reduce overall investment risk [1] Portfolio Composition - Suggested investment portfolios typically consist of a blend of ETFs and individual companies, emphasizing broad diversification and risk reduction [1] - The selection process for high dividend yield and dividend growth companies is meticulously curated, focusing on total return, which includes both capital gains and dividends [1] - This approach aims to maximize returns while considering a full spectrum of potential income sources [1]

Analyst's Disclosure:I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, but may initiate a beneficial Long position through a purchase of the stock, or the purchase of call options or similar derivatives in NE over the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article. Seeking Al ...

Group 1 - The article discusses the importance of strategizing to counter external risks and price volatility in the oil and gas market when considering potential portfolio additions [1] - The author has nearly two decades of experience in the logistics sector and focuses on stock investing and macroeconomic analysis, particularly in ASEAN and NYSE/NASDAQ stocks [1] - The author emphasizes the diversification of investments across various industries and market cap sizes, including banking, telecommunications, logistics, and hotels [1] Group 2 - The author began trading in the Philippine stock market in 2014, initially investing in blue-chip companies and later expanding to different sectors [1] - The entry into the US market occurred in 2020, with the author gaining insights through a relative's trading account before opening their own [1] - The author has been utilizing analyses from Seeking Alpha to compare with their own research in the Philippine market since discovering the platform in 2018 [1]

Group 1 - The logistics sector has seen significant engagement from investors, particularly in the ASEAN and US markets, highlighting its growth potential [1] - Investment diversification strategies have shifted towards stock markets, with a notable increase in interest in insurance companies in the Philippines since 2014 [1] - The trend of investing in blue-chip companies has evolved, leading to a broader portfolio across various industries and market capitalizations [1] Group 2 - The US market has become a focus for investors, with a notable entry in 2020, indicating a growing interest in international investment opportunities [1] - The use of analytical platforms like Seeking Alpha has facilitated knowledge sharing and comparative analysis between different markets, enhancing investment strategies [1] - Holdings in sectors such as banking, hotels, shipping, and logistics are prevalent, reflecting a diversified investment approach [1]

Group 1 - The logistics sector has seen significant engagement from investors, particularly in the ASEAN and US markets, with a focus on banks, telecommunications, logistics, and hotels [1] - The popularity of insurance companies in the Philippines has influenced investment strategies, leading to diversification beyond traditional savings in banks and properties [1] - The trend of investing in blue-chip companies has evolved, with a broader portfolio now including various industries and market capitalizations [1] Group 2 - The entry into the US market has been a strategic move, with insights gained from using a relative's trading account before establishing an independent account [1] - The analysis of US market stocks, particularly in banking, hotels, shipping, and logistics, has been compared to the Philippine market, indicating a cross-market investment strategy [1] - The engagement with platforms like Seeking Alpha has facilitated knowledge sharing and enhanced market analysis capabilities for investors [1]

Core Insights - The iShares Core High Dividend ETF (HDV) and Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) have slightly underperformed compared to the S&P 500 over the past five years [1] - The focus is on constructing investment portfolios that generate additional income through dividends by identifying companies with competitive advantages and strong financials [1] - A well-diversified portfolio across various sectors and industries is emphasized to minimize volatility and mitigate risk [1] Investment Strategy - The investment strategy combines high Dividend Yield and Dividend Growth companies to reduce dependence on broader stock market fluctuations [1] - Companies with a low Beta Factor are suggested to further reduce overall investment risk [1] - The selection process for high dividend yield and growth companies is meticulously curated, prioritizing total return, which includes both capital gains and dividends [1] Portfolio Composition - Suggested investment portfolios consist of a blend of ETFs and individual companies, emphasizing broad diversification and risk reduction [1] - The approach aims to maximize returns while considering the full spectrum of potential income sources [1] - The goal is to generate extra income through dividends while reducing risk through diversification [1]