Markets powering higher today. Record closes for the Dow, the S&P 500, and the Russell 2000, 52- week high for the Dow Transports. Let's talk more about these record-breaking markets as we head into 2026.Joining us now, right here on set, is Stephanie Gild. She is chief investment officer at Robin Hood. It's great to have you.Welcome. >> Thanks for having me. >> All right.Stocks at record highs. What do you think. >> Uh, well, I'm a little worried about the S&P 500 from here.I I do see it going up a little, ...

Core Insights - The State Street SPDR S&P Regional Banking ETF (KRE) is designed to provide broad exposure to the Financials - Regional Banks segment, launched on June 19, 2006 [1] - KRE has gained popularity among retail and institutional investors due to its low costs, transparency, flexibility, and tax efficiency [1][2] Fund Overview - KRE has amassed over $3.79 billion in assets, making it one of the larger ETFs in the Financials - Regional Banks segment [3] - The ETF aims to match the performance of the S&P Regional Banks Select Industry Index [3] Cost Structure - KRE has annual operating expenses of 0.35%, positioning it as one of the least expensive options in its category [4] - The ETF offers a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 2.36% [4] Sector Exposure and Holdings - The ETF is fully allocated to the Financials sector, with about 100% of its portfolio in this area [5] - Cadence Bank (CADE) constitutes approximately 2.16% of total assets, with the top 10 holdings making up about 20.25% of total assets [6] Performance Metrics - KRE has increased by about 13.04% and is up approximately 4.83% year-to-date as of December 11, 2025 [7] - The ETF has traded between $48.81 and $67.05 over the past 52 weeks, with a beta of 0.91 and a standard deviation of 31.55% for the trailing three-year period [7] Alternatives - KRE carries a Zacks ETF Rank of 3 (Hold), indicating it is a viable option for investors seeking exposure to Financials ETFs [8] - Other alternatives include Invesco KBW Regional Banking ETF (KBWR) and iShares U.S. Regional Banks ETF (IAT), with respective assets of $53.48 million and $584.57 million [9]

Joining me right now, Jim Thorne, chief market strategist, Wellington Altus Private Wealth is with me. Um, I know we're going to get to an array of stories, including even Bitcoin and and a play that you have there, but first, let's just talk big picture and how you think the markets are behaving. >> Well, we're really close to 7,000, which is my year end target. Um, you know, uh, we're in a bullish phase, 8,000 to 8,400 by the end of next year.I think the big trade for next year is when do you put the earl ...

Core Viewpoint - The State Street SPDR S&P Regional Banking ETF (KRE) is a smart beta ETF that provides broad exposure to the financial sector, specifically regional banks, and has amassed significant assets since its inception [1][5]. Fund Overview - KRE debuted on June 19, 2006, and is managed by State Street Investment Management [1][5]. - The ETF has accumulated over $3.44 billion in assets, making it one of the larger ETFs in the Financials category [5]. - KRE aims to match the performance of the S&P Regional Banks Select Industry Index, which represents the regional banks segment of the S&P Total Market Index [5]. Cost and Performance - The annual operating expense ratio for KRE is 0.35%, positioning it as one of the least expensive options in its category [6]. - The fund has a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 2.48% [6]. - Year-to-date, KRE has increased by approximately 7.46%, but it has decreased by about -3.64% over the past year [10]. - The ETF has traded between $48.81 and $66.71 in the last 52 weeks [10]. Holdings and Sector Exposure - KRE's portfolio is entirely allocated to the Financials sector, providing diversified exposure and minimizing single stock risk [7]. - Cadence Bank (CADE) constitutes about 2.16% of the fund's total assets, with the top 10 holdings accounting for approximately 20.25% of total assets under management [8]. Risk Profile - KRE has a beta of 0.96 and a standard deviation of 31.63% over the trailing three-year period, indicating a high-risk profile within its sector [10]. - The fund includes around 150 holdings, which helps to effectively diversify company-specific risk [10]. Alternatives - Other ETFs in the regional banking space include Invesco KBW Regional Banking ETF (KBWR) and iShares U.S. Regional Banks ETF (IAT), with KBWR having $51.44 million in assets and IAT having $543.71 million [12]. - Both alternatives have similar expense ratios, with KBWR at 0.35% and IAT at 0.38% [12].

Core Insights - The earnings growth in 2026 is expected to be driven primarily by technology and communication services, with artificial intelligence playing a significant role [2][3] - There is a shift towards quality factors in the market, with healthcare and financial sectors showing strong performance, alongside technology [4][5] - The market dynamics in 2026 are anticipated to be more challenging, with a potential for elevated volatility and a need for different positioning compared to previous years [3][5] Earnings Growth - The majority of earnings growth in recent quarters has been attributed to artificial intelligence, particularly in technology and communication services [2] - A cyclical reacceleration is expected in 2026, with productivity and stable GDP growth contributing to this trend [6][7] Sector Performance - Financials and healthcare are expected to perform well in a reacceleration phase, with a potential focus on value-centric names and cyclical sectors [8] - Consumer staples may also become attractive as a defensive play in the face of market volatility, especially during the midterm election year [9] Market Outlook - Bank of America projects a 4% increase in the S&P 500, targeting a price of 7100 for 2026, indicating a positive outlook despite potential challenges [10][11] - The leadership in the market is expected to change, with a focus on sectors that can withstand volatility and provide stability [9]

Core Insights - The market has shown resilience despite a 15% decline in Nvidia's stock, indicating a broader market strength and rotation into real economy stocks [2][4][9] - Nvidia's prominence in the market is likened to a celebrity, influencing market narratives and investor sentiment [6][7] - The current market environment suggests a potential shift from a narrow focus on AI stocks to a more diversified investment approach, particularly in consumer discretionary and regional banks [12][13] Company Insights - Nvidia's stock price rose from $80 in April to $200, creating significant wealth for investors, but has since seen a 15% drop from its highs [4] - Nvidia is a major player in the S&P 500, comprising approximately 8% of the index, which amplifies its market impact [7] - The stock's recent performance reflects crowded positions and heightened emotions among investors, contributing to its volatility [3][7] Industry Insights - The broader market is beginning to show signs of recovery in sectors beyond technology, with consumer discretionary stocks gaining traction despite historically low consumer sentiment [11][12] - The performance of regional banks and homebuilders is noteworthy, indicating a potential rebound in interest rate-sensitive sectors [12][13] - Market sentiment is shifting, with Fed rate cuts becoming a more significant concern for investors compared to AI spending, as indicated by a recent Twitter poll [14][15]

Core Points - The article discusses the financial sector and highlights the author's extensive experience in journalism and reporting, particularly in the context of Canadian politics and economics [3]. Group 1 - The author has over a decade of reporting experience, focusing on financial news since 2007 [3]. - The author holds a diploma in journalism from Lethbridge College [3]. - The article emphasizes the importance of accuracy in financial reporting, although it acknowledges that complete accuracy cannot be guaranteed [4].

Market Overview - A-shares experienced a slight decline influenced by weak performance in U.S. tech stocks, with the Shanghai Composite Index closing at 3954.79 points, down 0.81% [1] - The market saw a total of 3759 stocks rise and 1548 stocks fall, with trading volume around 2.35 trillion, indicating a gradual recovery in market activity [1] - The market initially surged past the 4000-point mark but faced selling pressure, leading to a retreat [2] Sector Performance - Innovative drugs, software, and media sectors led the gains, while previously strong sectors like telecommunications, semiconductor equipment, and AI-related concepts faced corrections [1] - The biotech sector showed strong performance, with the Kweichow Moutai Innovation Drug ETF rising over 7% [9] Investment Strategy - Investors are advised to adopt a "rational offensive" strategy, focusing on low-position stocks with high elasticity for potential gains [2][4] - The current market environment suggests that while short-term pressure at the 4000-point level remains, long-term bullish sentiment is building due to the accumulation of wealth effects [4] Industry Insights - The innovative drug sector is entering a critical phase of performance realization, with significant funding expected to accelerate commercialization processes [11] - AI technology is increasingly being integrated into drug development, enhancing efficiency and reducing costs in the early stages of research [12] Economic Context - The U.S. economic outlook remains uncertain, with concerns over "stagflation" and regional banking risks impacting market sentiment [13] - Geopolitical tensions in regions like the Middle East and Ukraine are contributing to heightened market volatility and investor caution [14] Long-term Outlook - The long-term bullish outlook for A-shares is supported by the relative strength of China's comprehensive national power compared to the U.S. [4] - The potential for further valuation increases in the innovative drug sector is anticipated as industry policies evolve and AI capabilities expand [13]

Core Insights - F.N.B. Corporation's CEO, Vincent J. Delie, Jr., has been awarded CEO of the Year – USA by The Digital Banker for his leadership and innovation in the U.S. banking industry [1][2] - Delie's leadership has significantly impacted FNB's growth, digital transformation, and customer experience, positioning the bank as a technology-driven institution [3][4] Company Overview - F.N.B. Corporation is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and operates in seven states and Washington, D.C., with total assets of $50 billion and approximately 350 banking offices [6] - The company provides a comprehensive range of financial services, including commercial banking, consumer banking, and wealth management solutions [7] Digital Innovation - Under Delie's leadership, FNB has implemented a Clicks-to-Bricks strategy and developed the award-winning eStore® digital platform, enhancing customer access to financial services [3][4] - The eStore Common application allows clients to apply for multiple banking products through a single digital application, improving onboarding and personalizing customer interactions [3] Recognition and Awards - Delie has received multiple accolades, including being named CEO of the Year by The CEO Magazine and one of the top 50 CEOs in the U.S. by Brand Finance, reflecting his influence in the banking sector [4] - FNB has been recognized for its strong financial performance and innovative technology use, earning titles such as one of the World's Best Companies by TIME and one of America's Best and Most Trusted Companies by Forbes [4]

Core Insights - The prolonged government shutdown in Washington is beginning to impact Wall Street, as federal spending constitutes nearly 25% of U.S. GDP, leading to significant economic ripple effects [1][2] Economic Impact - Employees and contractors are not receiving payments, and essential permits and approvals are halted, causing a decline in business sentiment and affecting companies reliant on government spending [2] Market Performance - The S&P 500 has only decreased by 0.3% since October 1, but there is a growing disparity between sectors, with some outperforming while others lag behind [3][4] - Four sectors—utilities, healthcare, consumer staples, and technology—are outperforming the S&P 500 due to their defensive nature, providing steady dividends and stable revenues [4] Sector Analysis - Six out of eleven large-cap sectors are underperforming compared to the S&P 500 since the shutdown began [5] - The energy sector has seen the most significant decline, with a 3.8% drop overall, and a 6.5% decrease in Exploration and Production sub-industries [6] - Gold prices have risen by 12.6%, while oil prices have fallen by approximately 9% during the shutdown [6] - Occidental Petroleum has experienced a 13.4% decline, losing about $6 billion in market value [7] - The financial sector has also struggled, down 3.1% in October, primarily due to a 6.7% drop in regional banks, driven by rising loan delinquencies among mid- to lower-end borrowers [10]