wondering about your view of fintech for lack of a better term because I think it's an imperfect term. Uh but it is uh kind of over represented in a lot of these companies that have been poised to come in have already come public and is it something that actually seems like you know these companies have a genuine edge uh they're solving a problem that's really out there or is it just kind of you know uh the same kind of product with a new software and interface. You know, I I actually, you know, I think tha ...

Well, Evercore ISI out with two new market calls. A firm upping its year-end target for the S&P 500 from 5600 to 6250. That is lower than today's close.But he's also expecting a big 2026 run, setting a price target for the end of next year of 7750. That implies a 21% gain from here. The firm's senior managing director, Julian Emanuel, is behind this forecast.Julian, great to have you with us. Great to be with you. Why are you so bullish about 26.There seems like there's so many unknowns out there right now. ...

Let's turn now to the markets as investors continue processing what all of these earnings reports mean for the broader economy. Joining us now is City Research US equity strategist Drew Pettit. Drew, um, what's your takeaway, especially as it pertains to the types of companies that are in this AI growth phase versus the rest of the market.>> Yeah. Hi, Leslie. So, the key here is having a secular or thematic tailwind in the market.When we think of the S&P 500 broadly, 50% of index market cap is really tied t ...

Core Viewpoint - AngloGold Ashanti PLC is expected to report a significant year-over-year improvement in earnings for Q2 2025, driven by rising gold prices and increased production levels [1][11]. Earnings Expectations - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Q2 2025 earnings is $1.31 per share, reflecting a 118% increase from the same quarter last year [1][2]. - The earnings estimate has increased by 2% over the past 30 days [1]. Production Performance - In Q1 2025, AngloGold Ashanti produced 720,000 ounces of gold, a 22% increase year-over-year, aided by contributions from the newly acquired Sukari mine [5][7]. - The Sukari mine added 117,000 ounces to Q1 output and is expected to continue boosting production in Q2 [7][11]. - Other operations, such as Siguiri, Tropicana, and Cerro Vanguardia, also reported significant production increases, contributing to overall strong performance [6][8]. Gold Price Trends - Average gold prices in the April-June 2025 period were approximately $3,301.42 per ounce, marking a 41% year-over-year increase [8]. - Factors contributing to the rise in gold prices include tariff threats, financial uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, and strong demand from central banks [8]. Cost Management - AngloGold Ashanti has maintained effective cost control, with only a 1% rise in average real cash costs over four years, outperforming major peers who have seen over a 20% increase [10][11]. - The company is focused on enhancing operational efficiency through its Full Asset Potential program [9][10]. Stock Performance and Valuation - AngloGold Ashanti shares have increased by 25.5% over the past three months, outperforming the Zacks Mining - Gold industry, which grew by 9.9% [12]. - The stock is currently trading at a forward 12-month earnings multiple of 10.11X, which is below the industry average of 12.40X [14][17]. Strategic Growth Initiatives - The company is pursuing both organic and inorganic growth strategies, including the acquisition of Centamin, which adds significant production capacity [18]. - The Obuasi project is expected to deliver 400,000 ounces of annual production by 2028, further strengthening the company's long-term strategy [18].

AI Adoption - Many companies anticipate productivity gains from increased AI adoption [1] - Potential downsides or challenges associated with AI adoption exist [1]