Core Viewpoint - Tesla Inc. is experiencing a downturn in stock performance, with a decline of over 12% since reaching all-time highs just before Christmas, leading to a challenging outlook ahead of its upcoming earnings report [2][7]. Stock Performance - The stock has logged its longest run of red days in months, indicating a significant shift in momentum [2]. - Technical indicators show a bearish crossover in the MACD and an oversold relative strength index, suggesting short-term weakness [3]. Market Context - Tesla's shipments from its China factory have fallen for the second consecutive year, raising concerns about a broader slowdown in global electric vehicle (EV) demand [4]. - BYD Company Limited has been confirmed as the world's largest seller of fully electric vehicles in 2025, adding competitive pressure on Tesla [5]. Investment Strategies - One potential strategy is to view the recent selloff as a buying opportunity, as such pullbacks are rare for Tesla after reaching new highs [5][6]. - The stock's price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio has adjusted downward, potentially easing concerns for long-term investors who see this dip as a chance to build or add to their positions [6].

Core Viewpoint - Retail investors have demonstrated significant growth and sophistication in their trading strategies, achieving strong returns in 2025 by effectively buying the dip during market downturns, challenging previous perceptions of their investing capabilities [2][3][12]. Retail Investor Performance - Retail investors capitalized on market dips, with 2025 being the second-best year for dip-buying since the early 1990s, according to Bespoke Investment Group [3]. - Individual traders purchased over $3 billion in equities on April 3, 2025, during a market decline, showcasing their willingness to invest amid volatility [7]. - Retail investors' portfolios outperformed institutional baskets tied to artificial intelligence and software, indicating a higher profit-to-loss ratio [5]. Shift in Investment Focus - From May 2025 onward, retail investors shifted their focus from single stocks to exchange-traded funds (ETFs), particularly the SPDR Gold Shares (GLD), which saw inflows surpassing the last five years combined [4]. - The gold-focused ETF experienced a record surge of over 65% in 2025, reflecting the growing interest in commodities amid market fluctuations [4]. Market Sentiment and Strategy - Retail investors have been more accurate in their market reactions compared to institutional investors, particularly during emotionally driven trades [9]. - The "TACO trade" strategy, which encourages buying stocks during market downturns caused by policy decisions, has gained traction among retail investors [10]. Evolution of Retail Investors - The participation of retail investors surged in 2025, with flows increasing over 50% from the previous year, reaching levels not seen since the meme stock craze of early 2021 [13]. - More than one-third of 25-year-olds moved significant sums to investment accounts since turning 22, indicating a growing trend of younger investors entering the market [12]. Changing Perceptions - The narrative surrounding retail investors has shifted from being viewed as "dumb money" to being recognized for their increasing sophistication and ability to make informed investment decisions [14][15]. - Retail investors are now seen as central to market dynamics, with their strategies aligning more closely with those of institutional investors [18].

Core Viewpoint - UPS has seen a significant decline in its stock price, down over 50% from its peak, leading to a high dividend yield of 6.5%. The company faces challenges such as high labor costs, tariffs, and a strategic shift away from reliance on Amazon [1][2]. Group 1: Strategic Decisions - UPS has decided to cut the volumes it ships for Amazon by over 50% by the end of next year, despite Amazon contributing 20% to 25% of its volume, as these shipments have low profit margins [4]. - The company is undergoing a major restructuring to cut $3.5 billion in costs by the end of this year, which includes reducing headcount and closing locations. Additionally, UPS is investing in more profitable business lines, such as healthcare logistics, highlighted by its $1.6 billion acquisition of Andlauer Healthcare Group [5]. Group 2: Financial Performance - In the third quarter, UPS experienced a revenue decline of 3.7% and a 1.1% drop in adjusted earnings per share. However, there are signs of improvement, with U.S. revenue per piece growing by 9.8% and a slight increase in domestic operating margin [6]. - UPS has provided a better-than-expected outlook for the fourth quarter, indicating potential recovery as some headwinds begin to fade [7].

Core Viewpoint - Costco has experienced a disappointing year in 2025, with its stock price down 6% despite strong operational performance [1] Group 1: Same-Store Sales Performance - Costco's same-store sales (SSS) have shown impressive growth, indicating strong productivity at existing locations [4] - In fiscal 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Costco reported positive SSS of 7.7%, followed by 16% in fiscal 2021 and 14.4% in fiscal 2022, with the positive trend continuing [5] - The company is expected to maintain its SSS growth in 2026, driven by increased foot traffic and higher average ticket sizes [6] Group 2: Growth Strategy - Costco currently operates 921 warehouses, with approximately two-thirds located in the U.S., and plans to open 28 net new warehouses in fiscal 2026 [6] - There are significant opportunities for expansion in the U.S. and international markets, particularly in China, which is promising for revenue growth in 2026 and beyond [7] Group 3: Valuation Considerations - Despite a strong operational performance in 2025, with net sales and net income increasing by 8% and 10% year over year, the stock has faced valuation concerns [8] - The current price-to-earnings ratio stands at 46, down from 63 earlier in 2025, indicating a potentially better valuation setup for investors [9]

Group 1 - The BT share price has experienced a pullback in recent months, reversing some of the earlier gains made this year [1] - The current trading price of BT shares is 182.40p, which represents a 16% decline from the highest point reached in August this year [1]

Core Viewpoint - Sterling Infrastructure (STRL) has been a top performer in the market, with gains of nearly +1000% over the last three years and +90% year-to-date, presenting a strong buy opportunity as it trades 25% below its 52-week high [1][2]. Performance Overview - STRL's stock performance is attributed to its focus on high-demand markets such as data centers, semiconductor facilities, and transportation projects, leading to robust revenue growth and analyst confidence in its long-term prospects [3]. - The stock has shown a rare dip, having previously broken above its 50-day and 200-day simple moving averages, with technical traders monitoring its ability to retake the 50-day SMA currently at $350 [4]. Operational Efficiency - Sterling Infrastructure exhibits superior operational efficiency, with a return on invested capital (ROIC) of 21.8%, indicating effective profit generation per dollar invested [8]. - The company's invested capital has surged to over $1.6 billion, reflecting strong cash flow retention for reinvestment and growth [9]. - The free cash flow (FCF) conversion rate stands at 135%, significantly above the optimal level of 80%, demonstrating efficiency in converting accounting profits into cash for reinvestment or shareholder returns [10][11]. Earnings Growth and Projections - Sterling Infrastructure's annual earnings are projected to increase over 70% this year to $10.43 per share, up from $6.10 in 2024, with FY26 EPS expected to rise by another 14% to $11.95 [15]. - The stock is currently trading at a forward earnings multiple of 30X, down from a recent peak of 45X, indicating a more reasonable valuation [15]. Investment Outlook - Sterling Infrastructure holds a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy), suggesting that its operational efficiency and growth trajectory will continue to make STRL an attractive buy-the-dip target as it approaches 2026 [19].

Investment Opportunity - Buying the dip can potentially earn up to 4% back in Bitcoin [1]

Core Insights - ARK Invest increased its investment in crypto-related stocks by approximately $59 million on December 15, despite a decline in the digital asset sector [1] - The firm purchased shares in Coinbase, Circle Internet Group, and Bullish, with investments of about $16.3 million, $10.8 million, and $5.2 million respectively [1] - ARK's strategy involves buying during market downturns, continuing its trend of accumulating positions in crypto stocks [4] Investment Details - ARK also invested around $17 million in Bitmine Immersion Technologies and approximately $9.9 million in CoreWeave, both of which experienced significant intraday losses [2] - The firm holds substantial positions in various crypto-related companies, with total holdings exceeding $1.5 billion [4] - Current valuations include approximately $609 million in Coinbase, $323 million in Circle, $275 million in Bitmine, $194 million in Bullish, and $140 million in CoreWeave [5] Market Context - The crypto stocks were under pressure, with Bitmine down over 11%, Circle down nearly 10%, CoreWeave down close to 8%, and Coinbase down over 6% on the day of ARK's purchases [2] - Despite stable Bitcoin prices, sentiment for crypto-exposed equities appears to be waning [3] Broader Strategy - ARK has also increased its stake in Robinhood, purchasing more than $11 million worth of shares after a significant drop in the stock price [6] - The firm continues to grow its investment in its own Bitcoin ETF, the ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF, reflecting a strong belief in Bitcoin's long-term potential [7]

Market Sentiment - HTX's new intern is considering market strategies: "buy the dip" or "sell the bounce" [1] Social Media Engagement - The intern's first action was to take a selfie, indicating a focus on social media presence [1]

Investment Strategy - Suggests a "buy the dip" strategy, implying a belief in a temporary price decline followed by a rebound [1]