Welcome back to Squawkbox. A recent report card on the nation's infrastructure gave barely passing marks for us and highlighted a glaring and growing vulnerability in everything from bridges to ports to energy to communications and beyond. Dianic explains in her continuing series on the rising risks from climate change [Music] at Fort Lauderdale International Airport.Historic rainfall turned runways into rivers, shutting it down and stranding passengers. And in New York City, extreme heat caused metal on th ...

Risk Disclosure - Options trading involves significant risk and may not be suitable for all investors [1] - Certain complex options strategies carry additional risk [1] - Investors should read "Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options" before trading options [1] Regulatory Information - Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC is a member of NYSE and SIPC [1] - Supporting documentation for any claims will be furnished upon request [1]

RT Bloomberg Live (@BloombergLive)ICYMI: “We have the 1.5c target…it’s an approximation of where we would see a major escalation in the risk that is created in the earth’s system…it’s a rule of thumb for limiting risk,” Strategic Climate Risks Initiatives’ @LaurieLaybourn #SustainableBizSummit.⏯️https://t.co/73fIxkMyYP ...

Financial Performance & Key Metrics - FY24 net income was $698 million, with earnings per share at $5.02 [11] - Adjusted earnings per share for FY24 were $5.39 [11] - The CET1 ratio was 11.89% [8, 11], well above the company's strategic target - The efficiency ratio for FY24 was 70.68% [11] - Net interest income for FY24 was $2.19 billion [11] Balance Sheet & Loan Portfolio - Average loans for FY24 were $50.979 billion [11], a decrease of $2.924 billion year-over-year [11] - Average deposits for FY24 were $63.901 billion [11], a decrease of $2.117 billion year-over-year [11] - Brokered time deposits were reduced to $4.8 billion at the end of 2024 [8] from $10.4 billion in 2023 [8] Credit Quality & Risk Management - Net charge-offs for FY24 were historically low at 0.10% of average total loans [8] - Allowance for credit losses as a percentage of total loans was 1.44% in 4Q24 [15] - Criticized loans in the Commercial Real Estate business line were 4.4% of loans as of 4Q24 [72] Strategic Initiatives & Market Presence - The company has a diversified geographic footprint with significant presence in Texas (25% of loans, 17% of deposits), California (36% of loans, 27% of deposits), and Michigan (22% of loans, 15% of deposits) [5] - The company resumed share repurchases in 4Q24 [9] - Wealth Management represents approximately 27% of Comerica's Noninterest Income and has >$200B Assets Under Administration (AUA) [100]

It always feels safest, right before it gets dangerous. When you see the VIX at its lowest, when your account is up and the headlines are quiet, that's when most investors let their guard down. But the truth is, in today's market, peace is only an illusion.One unexpected Trump tweet can instantly send stocks into a tail spin, even if nothing really in the world has changed. Why. Because so much of the market is now run by computers that react in seconds to every headline.If you're newer to the game, here's ...

Core Insights - The stock is facing challenges on the NYSE due to several factors, including the Federal Reserve's delay in cutting interest rates and weak financial performance [1] Group 1: Company Profile - Mr. Mavroudis is a professional portfolio manager with expertise in institutional and private portfolios, focusing on risk management and in-depth financial market analysis [1] - He has successfully navigated major crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the PSI, and is the CEO of FAST FINANCE Investment Services, a registered Greek company [1] - Mr. Mavroudis holds multiple degrees and certifications, including an MSc in Financial and Banking Management and is a certified portfolio manager by the Hellenic Capital Market Commission [1] Group 2: Market Engagement - Mr. Mavroudis writes daily articles for reputable financial media and participates as a guest commentator on television and online programs [1] - He aims to engage with a community of investors and market enthusiasts through his writings on Seeking Alpha, contributing meaningful perspectives while fostering mutual growth and knowledge sharing [1]

Group 1 - The article discusses the importance of risk management and total return investing for better portfolio decisions [1] - The author is a contributing analyst for the Sungarden Investors Club, focusing on teaching investors [1] - The article is co-authored with Rob Isbitts, the founder of the club, indicating a collaborative effort in investment education [1] Group 2 - The author has a beneficial long position in the shares of NBIS and PLTR, indicating a personal investment interest [2] - The article expresses the author's own opinions without compensation from the companies mentioned [2] - There is no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned, ensuring independence in analysis [2]

Core Insights - The individual has extensive experience in risk management and financial analysis, with a strong educational background in applied risk management and relevant certifications [1] - The focus is on translating complex financial data into actionable insights for investors, emphasizing data-driven analysis and long-term value creation [1] Group 1: Professional Background - The individual has worked in various roles across leading firms, including EY, PwC, Alpha Bank, and the National Bank of Greece, showcasing a diverse experience in finance and risk analysis [1] - Expertise includes financial analysis, risk management, data analysis using SQL, Python, and machine learning tools, indicating a strong technical foundation [1] Group 2: Areas of Interest - Primary areas of interest include risk management, financial analysis, data science, and the impact of economic factors on financial markets, highlighting a comprehensive understanding of the industry [1] - The aim is to provide informed analysis on market trends, risk management practices, and investment strategies to support informed decision-making [1]

Investment Strategy for Late Starters - Starting to invest late in life is not a lost cause, discipline and strategy are crucial [1] - The biggest mistake is gambling to make up for lost time, prioritize stability and cash flow [2] - Focus on capital preservation and calculated risks [4] - Get a financial plan, including budgeting and automating investments [5] Asset Allocation - Consider high-quality dividend stocks, blue-chip companies, and diversified ETFs [3] - Defensive sectors like healthcare, utilities, and consumer staples are recommended [3] - Bonds or fixed income add stability, especially approaching retirement [4] Specific Investment Examples - Examples include Johnson & Johnson and Proctor & Gamble [3] - XLP or VO ETFs should be core holdings [3] Risk Management - Avoid chasing risky stocks or speculating on the next big thing [2] - Do not go all-in on the riskiest ideas, especially near retirement [3]

Market Risk & Investment Strategy - Markets are showing very little risk priced in, with investors chasing riskier assets like unprofitable mid-cap growth stocks and European equities [3] - High yield bond spreads are below 3%, suggesting markets are calling an "all clear," but the firm believes risk management is crucial [4] - The firm favors high-quality stocks with strong earnings potential, good ROE, and ample cash, finding opportunities in both growth sectors and defensive sectors like health care and utilities [5] - The firm suggests trimming risk and finds elevated yields in bonds attractive, viewing stocks as priced for perfection and bonds as mispriced for a disinflationary, slower growth environment [7] - The firm recommends "legging into duration" in fixed income, focusing on the intermediate part of the curve (around 6 years) with investment-grade corporate bonds and treasuries [17][18] - The firm advises fading the momentum-driven rally in growth stocks and European equities, redeploying capital into high-quality US stocks at reasonable prices [20] Economic Outlook & Fed Policy - US economic growth is not terrible but data has been disappointing, with cracks appearing in the labor market and consumer pressure evident in retail sales [6][7] - The firm believes the Fed may consider cutting rates more aggressively than markets expect later in the year, especially if disinflation continues [16] - Housing and shelter disinflation is slowing, potentially offsetting inflationary impacts of tariffs [12][13] - Elevated mortgage rates (around 7%) and high levels of credit card debt and auto loans are creating a self-limiting mechanism that could push growth lower [14] - The firm anticipates bond yields falling across the curve as growth decelerates and disinflation sets in [23]