Key Takeaways Market volatility rises as the U.S. Supreme Court reviews the legality of major Trump-era tariffs.Scorpio Tankers, Kanzhun and Tencent Music qualify as low-beta stocks under 0.6 in screening.STNG shows strong liquidity, BZ boasts RMB 16B cash, while TME gains users via new app features.According to a CNBC report, the U.S. Supreme Court is set to review the legality of President Trump’s major import tariffs in hearings scheduled for Nov. 5. As a result, uncertainty persists, and the market is l ...

Market Overview - The U.S. stock market is expected to remain volatile due to uncertainty following a federal appeals court ruling that a significant portion of President Trump's worldwide tariffs is unlawful [1][7] Investment Strategy - To mitigate risks in the uncertain market, investors are advised to consider low-beta stocks such as Post Holdings, Inc. (POST), Tencent Music Entertainment Group (TME), and Kiniksa Pharmaceuticals International, plc (KNSA) [1][7] Company Insights Post Holdings - Post Holdings is restructuring its portfolio, recently announcing the divestment of its 8th Avenue pasta business for $375 million in cash, while retaining its nut butter, granola, and fruit & nut businesses for better alignment with operations and potential cost synergies [6][7] Tencent Music Entertainment - Tencent Music is poised for growth through its expanding music subscription service, boasting over 124 million paying subscribers and 15 million Super VIP members, alongside a booming advertising business supported by new ad formats and key shopping events [7][8] Kiniksa Pharmaceuticals - Kiniksa Pharmaceuticals is a leading player in treating recurrent pericarditis with its drug ARCALYST, which is currently the only treatment option available for this condition [9][7]

Core Insights - The U.S. stock market is anticipated to remain volatile due to stalled trade talks with China and uncertainty surrounding the Federal Reserve's interest rate decision, prompting a focus on low-beta stocks as a strategic investment approach [1][2] Group 1: Market Conditions - The U.S. stock market is expected to experience volatility as trade discussions with China have stalled, leading to investor uncertainty [1] - Investors are apprehensive ahead of the Federal Reserve's interest rate decision, which may negatively affect borrowing costs and business growth [1] Group 2: Investment Strategy - Creating a curated portfolio of low-beta stocks is recommended as a prudent strategy to navigate market volatility [1][2] - Stocks such as Vipshop Holdings Limited (VIPS), GDS Holdings Limited (GDS), Futu Holdings Limited (FUTU), and Verona Pharma plc (VRNA) are highlighted as potential investment opportunities [2][9] Group 3: Stock Characteristics - Beta measures the volatility of a stock relative to the market, with a beta of less than 1 indicating lower volatility compared to the market [3][4] - A screening criterion for low-beta stocks includes a beta between 0 and 0.6, ensuring less volatility [5][6] Group 4: Company Highlights - **Vipshop Holdings**: Utilizes a strategy called "Made for Vipshop," offering exclusive products from over 200 brands, which are in high demand [7] - **GDS Holdings**: Recently secured a 152 MW AI data center order and plans to expand its 900 MW capacity in key markets, indicating strong demand [9][10] - **Futu Holdings**: A tech-driven company enhancing its platform with Futubull AI, a smart assistant for investment-related queries [11] - **Verona Pharma**: Its drug Ohtuvayre is a novel COPD treatment, combining bronchodilation and anti-inflammatory effects, marking a significant advancement in therapy [12]

Core Insights - The U.S. stock market is anticipated to remain volatile due to rising inflation pressures from new tariffs and uncertainty surrounding corporate earnings [2] - A curated portfolio of low-beta stocks is recommended as a strategy to navigate this volatility [2][3] Stock Analysis - **Vipshop Holdings Limited (VIPS)**: The company utilizes the "Made for Vipshop" program, offering exclusive products from over 200 brands, which drives customer loyalty and demand [8][10] - **Alkami Technology Inc (ALKT)**: The firm is experiencing increased demand from banks and credit unions, particularly due to its acquisition of MANTL, which simplifies account opening processes [11][10] - **Futu Holdings Limited (FUTU)**: As a tech-driven company, Futu is enhancing its online investment platform, recently introducing Futubull AI, a smart assistant for investment inquiries [12][10] - **Verona Pharma plc (VRNA)**: The company's drug Ohtuvayre is a significant advancement in COPD treatment, being the first inhaled therapy with a new mechanism in over two decades, providing dual benefits of bronchodilation and anti-inflammatory effects [13][10] Screening Criteria - Stocks with a beta between 0 and 0.6 are prioritized for lower volatility compared to the market [6] - Additional criteria include positive price movement over the last month, average trading volume greater than 50,000, a minimum price of $5, and a Zacks Rank of 1 indicating strong buy potential [7]

Market Overview - A recent ruling by the U.S. trade court declared President Trump's global tariffs illegal, contributing to a new wave of market uncertainty [1] - The Federal Reserve's current wait-and-see approach adds to the uncertainty regarding future interest rate directions [1] Investment Strategy - Creating a curated portfolio of low-beta stocks is recommended as a strategy to navigate market volatility [1] - Low-beta stocks are less volatile than the market, providing a safeguard against uncertainty [1] Stock Recommendations - Suggested stocks include Natural Gas Services Group Inc (NGS), Stride Inc. (LRN), AptarGroup Inc. (ATR), and Philip Morris International Inc. (PM) [2] Stock Characteristics - Beta measures the volatility of a stock relative to the market, with a beta of 1 indicating movement in line with the market [3][4] - Stocks with a beta between 0 and 0.6 are screened for lower volatility [5] Screening Criteria - Stocks must have a positive price change over the last four weeks [5] - Average 20-day trading volume should exceed 50,000 to ensure liquidity [6] - Stocks must be priced at $5 or higher [6] - Zacks Rank of 1 indicates strong buy potential, suggesting significant outperformance over the next one to three months [6] Company Insights - **Natural Gas Services (NGS)**: Increased demand for liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports is driving the need for compression equipment, benefiting NGS as more pipelines are built [7] - **AptarGroup (ATR)**: Positioned for growth due to trends in healthcare moving towards home settings and rising demand for drug delivery systems [8] - **Stride Inc. (LRN)**: Focuses on innovative educational solutions, benefiting from the growing demand for school choice and tutoring services [10] - **Philip Morris International (PM)**: Transitioning from traditional cigarettes to smoke-free products, with a focus on shareholder rewards and cost-cutting initiatives [11]

Market Overview - Wall Street experienced a strong bull run in 2023 and 2024, but 2025 has shown mixed results due to concerns over persistent inflation and the Federal Reserve's uncertain stance on interest rates after a 1% cut in the benchmark lending rate last year [1] - Severe volatility has affected Wall Street since early April, primarily due to the implementation of reciprocal tariff policies by the Trump administration, with baseline tariffs at 10% but actual rates exceeding 70% for several major trading partners [2] - Retaliatory tariffs from other countries have raised fears of a global trade war, although some trade negotiations have been settled and others are ongoing [3] Company Highlights Philip Morris International Inc. (PM) - Philip Morris has shown strong pricing power and is expanding its smoke-free product portfolio, aiming to become substantially smoke-free by 2030 [7] - The company anticipates robust growth in 2025, with a projected 2% increase in volume and smoke-free products expected to grow by 12-14% [8] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current year are 8.1% and 13.7%, respectively, with a stock price increase of 44.7% year to date [9] Sprouts Farmers Market Inc. (SFM) - Sprouts Farmers is focusing on product innovation, e-commerce, and private label offerings, which have contributed to better-than-expected fourth-quarter 2024 results [10] - The company expects net sales to rise between 10.5% and 12.5% in 2025, with comparable sales anticipated to increase by 4.5-6.5% [11] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current year are 13.7% and 35.5%, respectively, with a stock price surge of 32.2% year to date [12] Newmont Corp. (NEM) - Newmont is progressing with growth projects, including the Tanami expansion and the acquisition of Newcrest, which enhances its portfolio and synergies [13] - The Ahafo North project has received full funding approval, with commercial production expected to start in the second half of 2025, involving an investment of $950 million to $1,050 million [14] - Expected revenue and earnings growth rates for the current year are 2% and 12.6%, respectively, with a stock price increase of 40.5% year to date [15]

Market Overview - Wall Street is anticipating a challenging start to the week, with fears of a repeat of the 1987 Black Monday, which saw a 22.6% market plunge [5][6] - Major indexes, including Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq, are expected to open 6% lower, potentially making last week's $6.6 trillion losses appear minor [6] Economic Impact - President Trump's recent tariffs have caused global market turmoil, leading to uncertainty among investors regarding future market reactions [6][7] - Trump stated he would not engage in trade deals until trade deficits are addressed, which may prolong market distress until clarity on the tariffs' economic impact is achieved [7] Investment Recommendations - In light of the current market conditions, investing in safe-haven stocks, particularly in the utilities sector, is advised [3][4] - Recommended utility stocks include: - **Avista Corporation (AVA)**: Expected earnings growth rate of 14%, Zacks Rank 1, beta of 0.38, and a dividend yield of 4.81% [9] - **CMS Energy Corporation (CMS)**: Expected earnings growth rate of 7.8%, Zacks Rank 2, beta of 0.34, and a dividend yield of 2.99% [11] - **Exelon Corporation (EXC)**: Expected earnings growth rate of 6.4%, Zacks Rank 2, beta of 0.39, and a dividend yield of 3.53% [13] - **Southwest Gas Holdings, Inc. (SWX)**: Expected earnings growth rate of 17.1%, Zacks Rank 2, beta of 0.50, and a dividend yield of 3.60% [15]

Market Overview - The U.S. stock market is expected to remain volatile due to uncertainty surrounding trade policies, economic concerns, and shifts in investor sentiment, particularly influenced by President Trump's tariffs on major trading partners [1] - Retaliatory measures from trading partners have heightened market anxiety, despite temporary rebounds from hopes for tariff concessions [1] - Key economic indicators such as jobless claims, payroll reports, and corporate earnings are likely to further influence market movements [1] Investment Strategy - Creating a curated portfolio of low-beta stocks is recommended as a strategy to safeguard against market fluctuations [2] - Low-beta stocks such as The Progressive Corporation (PGR), Pearson plc (PSO), TXO Partners LP (TXO), and Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc (JAZZ) are highlighted as potential investment opportunities [2] Company Highlights The Progressive Corporation (PGR) - In 2024, PGR reported a 21% year-over-year increase in net premiums written, totaling $74.4 billion, with active policies growing by over 5 million [7] - The company achieved an 88.8 combined ratio, outperforming its 96 target, driven by strong claims management and operational efficiencies [7] - PGR's competitive advantages in pricing and customer service position it well for continued growth in the insurance sector [7] Pearson plc (PSO) - Pearson experienced a 3% sales growth in 2024, with profits rising by 10% and an EBIT margin of 16.9% [9] - Strategic partnerships with AWS and Microsoft are enhancing Pearson's AI capabilities and expanding enterprise learning opportunities [9] - The company's leadership in assessments and innovative digital offerings support its long-term growth outlook [9] Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc (JAZZ) - Jazz Pharmaceuticals reported annual revenues exceeding $4 billion in 2024, with fourth-quarter revenues reaching a record $1.09 billion [10] - The company's diversified portfolio in sleep, epilepsy, and oncology continues to drive growth, with key products showing strong performance [10] - Robust cash flow and a strong pipeline position JAZZ for continued growth and value creation [10] TXO Partners LP (TXO) - TXO Partners has a strong presence in the oil-rich Permian Basin, benefiting from exploration and production activities [11] - The Mancos Shale project, covering 58,500 contiguous acres, holds nearly 3 trillion cubic feet of natural gas potential, which could significantly increase reserves [11] - Phase I of the project targets a 3,520-acre block estimated to hold 200-300 billion cubic feet of natural gas, potentially doubling existing reserves [11]