Key Points Many investors are divided on where the market is headed in 2026, making it a daunting time to buy. In some cases, buying now could be risky. In others, it could be lucrative. Focusing on quality stocks is key to surviving potential volatility. These 10 stocks could mint the next wave of millionaires › Warren Buffett officially retired from his long-standing role as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway at the end of 2025, but his investing advice is more relevant than ever. As we head into the ...

Interest Rate & Market Expectation - The market anticipates approximately one to two interest rate cuts before the end of the year, although recent strong economic data could alter this expectation [4][5] - The market's upward trajectory may not necessarily depend on lower interest rates, particularly for stocks with strong fundamentals [3] - The Federal Reserve aims to normalize rates to a level that neither restricts nor excessively stimulates the economy, but the ideal rate remains uncertain [2] Growth Stock Opportunities - The industry favors growth stocks, especially those with solid fundamentals and EPS growth exceeding 50% [6] - While value stocks are attractive, finding value stocks with growth is becoming increasingly difficult due to overvaluation in some areas [7] Private Credit & Aries Analysis - The market is shifting towards private financing and private credit, with Aries at the forefront of this trend [8] - Aries operates on a fee-based, asset-light model, generating revenue by raising and investing capital and charging fees [9] - Aries demonstrates over 20% growth quarter-over-quarter in EPS, driven by the increasing demand for financing in areas like AI development [9][10]

Industry Overview - The weight loss drug market is currently valued at $28 billion and is projected to reach nearly $100 billion by 2030, indicating significant growth potential for companies in this sector [2]. Company Analysis: Eli Lilly - Eli Lilly is a leader in the weight loss drug market, sharing its position with Novo Nordisk, and has generated billions in annual revenue from its two blockbuster drugs [5]. - The company's drugs, Mounjaro and Zepbound, utilize the same compound, tirzepatide, which stimulates hormonal pathways to control blood sugar and appetite, leading to high demand that has outstripped supply [6]. - Eli Lilly is also developing orforglipron, an oral weight loss candidate that has shown positive phase 3 trial results and could be the only oral drug in its class without strict dietary restrictions, with regulatory review expected by the end of the year [7][8]. Company Analysis: Viking Therapeutics - Viking Therapeutics is a biotech firm focused on metabolic conditions, making strides with its obesity drug candidate VK2735, which is currently in phase 3 trials for subcutaneous administration and phase 2 for oral form [9]. - The stock of Viking Therapeutics surged over 120% in a single trading session following positive phase 2 data, indicating strong investor interest in its program [10]. - Despite competition from established players like Eli Lilly, there is speculation about potential acquisition interest from larger pharmaceutical companies, given the high demand in the weight loss market [11]. Investment Considerations - Eli Lilly has a first-to-market advantage, is closer to launching an oral candidate, and is already generating significant revenue, making it a safer investment choice for cautious investors [12][14]. - Viking Therapeutics, while riskier due to its lack of current product revenue, could represent a higher growth potential if successful in clinical trials, with stock price being highly reactive to news [12][13].