Core Insights - Trump's executive order allows employers to invest 401(k) contributions into high-risk assets, including cryptocurrencies, reversing a previous Biden-era policy [2][5][6] - The change is expected to significantly impact the crypto market, with a notable increase in Bitcoin prices following the announcement [3][5] - Approximately $8.7 trillion of the $43 trillion retirement market is held in defined contribution 401(k) funds, indicating a substantial potential for capital inflow into crypto [5] Group 1: Executive Order and Market Impact - Trump's executive order is part of a broader push to legitimize cryptocurrencies and expand investment options for retirement plans [1][7] - The order opens the door for traditional alternative assets like private equity and real estate, alongside cryptocurrencies [2][5] - Following the announcement, Bitcoin surged to around $124,000 before dropping to approximately $117,000, highlighting the volatility associated with crypto investments [3] Group 2: Industry Reactions and Future Implications - Industry leaders, such as Michael Novogratz of Galaxy Digital Holdings, view the order as a significant win for the crypto industry, expanding access to a larger pool of capital [5] - The shift in policy is expected to attract more investors into the crypto ecosystem, particularly as major financial institutions begin to offer these investment options [4][5] - Employers will implement changes to their 401(k) plans at their own pace, suggesting a gradual transition rather than an immediate influx of investments [6]

Core Insights - Realty Income Corporation has appointed Kim Hourihan to its Board of Directors, enhancing its leadership team with her extensive experience in global real estate and investment management [1][2]. Company Overview - Realty Income, known as "The Monthly Dividend Company," is an S&P 500 company founded in 1969, focusing on providing real estate capital and managing a portfolio of over 15,600 properties across the U.S., U.K., and seven other European countries [3]. - The company has a strong track record of delivering dependable monthly dividends, having declared 664 consecutive monthly dividends and being a member of the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats index for over 30 years of dividend increases [3]. Leadership and Expertise - Kim Hourihan serves as Managing Director and Global Head of Strategy at Invesco Real Estate, managing $90.1 billion in assets globally. She has previously held Chief Investment Officer roles at CBRE Investment Management, which has $155.3 billion in assets under management [2]. - Hourihan's leadership experience and expertise in private fund management are expected to be valuable as Realty Income diversifies its sources of capital [3].

Group 1: Kingdom Capital Advisors Performance - Kingdom Capital Advisors reported a portfolio recovery in Q3 2025, achieving a composite return of 20.78% (net of fees), outperforming the Russell 2000 TR (12.39%), S&P 500 TR (8.12%), and NASDAQ 100 TR (9.01%) [1] - Since inception, the portfolio compounded at 21.06% (net of fees), significantly higher than the Russell 2000 TR (4.60%), S&P 500 TR (11.46%), and NASDAQ 100 TR (13.48%) [1] Group 2: Apartment Investment and Management Company (AIV) Overview - Apartment Investment and Management Company (NYSE:AIV) is a diversified real estate company with a one-month return of -1.91% and a 52-week loss of 10.98%, closing at $7.70 per share on October 13, 2025, with a market capitalization of $1.096 billion [2] - Kingdom Capital Advisors initiated a position in AIV during Q3 2025, viewing the sale of Boston multi-family apartment assets as a signal for the company to liquidate remaining properties [3] Group 3: Future Expectations for AIV - Kingdom Capital Advisors expects to recover most invested cash within a few months due to incoming dividends from the Boston sale, proceeds from the Brickell sale, and the anticipated sale of remaining apartment complexes [3] - AIV still owns multi-family units generating approximately $90 million in operating income and has development sites estimated to be worth an additional $6-7 per share [3] Group 4: Hedge Fund Interest in AIV - AIV is not among the 30 most popular stocks among hedge funds, with 26 hedge fund portfolios holding AIV at the end of Q2 2025, an increase from 25 in the previous quarter [4] - While AIV has potential as an investment, certain AI stocks are considered to offer greater upside potential and less downside risk [4]

Core Insights - Mark Cuban advocates for companies to distribute stock options to all employees, not just CEOs, to address the growing wealth gap between executives and average workers [2][3][14] - Cuban highlights that the increase in billionaire wealth is significantly driven by stock market growth, which is largely funded by retail investors and 401(k) accounts [1][2] Group 1: Employee Wealth Sharing - Cuban emphasizes the importance of sharing financial rewards with employees, suggesting that stock options should be available to all workers who contribute to a company's success [3][14] - He cites examples from his past businesses where employees were rewarded significantly, such as at Broadcast.com where 300 out of 330 employees became millionaires [4][14] Group 2: Retail Investor Influence - The article notes that retail investors and 401(k) accounts have played a crucial role in funding the stock market, which in turn has contributed to the increase in billionaire wealth [1][2] - A June survey indicated that a significant percentage of Nvidia employees became millionaires due to the company's stock performance and employee stock purchase program [5][6]

Core Insights - The real estate investment landscape has shifted significantly since the pandemic, with higher mortgage rates, elevated home prices, and limited inventory affecting potential buyers and investors [1][2][3] Market Conditions - Mortgage rates are unlikely to return to the ultra-low levels seen in 2021, with current rates still significantly lower than historical highs [2] - Home prices continue to rise, but at a slower pace compared to 2021, leading to a reduced pool of buyers and making it harder for investors to find deals [3][4] Investment Strategy - Investors are advised to conduct thorough financial analyses, considering all costs associated with rental properties, including borrowing, insurance, repairs, and local market rent prices [5][19] - Positive cash flow is essential for a wise investment, even if margins are slim, as rising rents and potential refinancing opportunities may enhance profitability in the future [7][24] Risks and Challenges - Tenant-related issues pose significant risks for landlords, including late rent payments and property damage, which can severely impact returns [8][9] - Unexpected costs, such as higher insurance premiums or major repairs, can turn a seemingly profitable deal into a loss [10] Guidance for First-Time Investors - New investors should prepare for the responsibilities of being a landlord, including tenant screening and understanding local rental laws [11][12] - Stress-testing financial projections is crucial to ensure that properties remain viable under less-than-ideal conditions [12] Considerations for Repeat Investors - Experienced investors should seek off-market deals and consider regions with lower purchase prices and steady rental demand for better returns [14][15] - Diversifying property types within a portfolio can provide stability against market fluctuations [16] Pre-Purchase Recommendations - Comprehensive cost analysis should include all potential expenses beyond just mortgage payments [19] - Strategic market selection is vital, with a focus on finding favorable conditions outside of high-cost coastal cities [20] - Investors should decide early on their management approach, whether to self-manage or hire a property manager [21] - Building a cash reserve for unexpected expenses is recommended to maintain financial stability [22] - Long-term planning is essential, as real estate typically requires patience for significant returns [23]

Core Insights - Real estate may no longer be a reliable wealth-building tool, with the stock market potentially offering better returns in the current economic climate [1][2] Group 1: Real Estate Investment Viability - The success of real estate investments is highly variable and depends on timing and location, leading to unpredictable outcomes for investors [3] - Historical returns from real estate investments have diminished, with significant gains seen in the past (e.g., 280% return from 2012 to 2016) becoming increasingly rare [4] - Current appreciation rates in high-demand areas like Los Angeles County have slowed, with increases of only 33%, 16%, and 20% since pre-pandemic levels [5] Group 2: Rising Costs of Property Ownership - The costs associated with owning property have surged, including home insurance rates increasing by 35% to 40%, property taxes by 15%, and maintenance costs by 50% to 100% [6] - The profitability of past investments is attributed to favorable conditions such as low mortgage rates and down payments, which are less accessible for new buyers in 2025 [6] Group 3: Comparative Performance of Stocks - Since the pandemic, the stock market has outperformed real estate in terms of returns, despite its volatility [7]

Group 1 - The article promotes a real estate investment community called 'High Yield Landlord' which offers a 2-week free trial for new members [1][2] - The community claims to be the largest and best-rated among real estate investors on Seeking Alpha, boasting over 2,500 members and a rating of 4.9 out of 5 from more than 500 reviews [1]

Investment Options Overview - The article discusses various investment options outside of the stock market, emphasizing the importance of diversification to mitigate risks associated with market volatility [6] - It highlights that investments can range from very safe to highly volatile, suggesting that investors should conduct thorough research before committing funds [6] Savings Bonds - Savings bonds, such as Series EE and Series I bonds, are low-risk investments backed by the government, with Series I bonds offering interest rates linked to inflation [1] - These bonds provide stable interest payments over a specified period, making them suitable for conservative investors [1] Peer-to-Peer Lending - Peer-to-peer lending platforms like Prosper and Lending Club allow investors to fund loans with small amounts, starting as low as $25, and earn interest as borrowers repay their loans [3] Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) - REITs enable investors to gain exposure to real estate without needing significant capital or extensive research, as they invest in various properties and distribute rental income to shareholders [4][5] Gold Investments - Investors can diversify their portfolios by investing in gold through various means, including bullion, coins, mining companies, and mutual funds [7] - It is crucial to ensure the reputation of companies involved in gold transactions, especially if they offer storage services [8] Certificates of Deposit (CDs) - CDs are bank accounts that provide fixed interest rates for a set term, insured by the FDIC, offering a safe investment option with predictable returns [9] Corporate Bonds - Corporate bonds are issued by companies to raise capital, paying interest over time and returning the principal at maturity, with interest rates reflecting the borrower's risk level [11][12] Commodities Futures - Investing in commodities futures involves contracts for future delivery of goods, which can be profitable but also carries significant risk due to market volatility [13] Vacation Rentals - Purchasing vacation homes for rental purposes can provide both personal enjoyment and investment returns, although liquidity may be a concern in urgent financial situations [14] Cryptocurrencies - Cryptocurrencies are highly volatile digital currencies, with Bitcoin being the most recognized, appealing primarily to risk-tolerant investors [15] Municipal Bonds - Municipal bonds, issued by state and local governments, offer tax-exempt interest, making them attractive despite typically lower rates compared to corporate bonds [16] Private Equity and Venture Capital - Private equity funds invest in privately held companies, often requiring high net worth for participation, while venture capital focuses on funding startups, typically available to accredited investors [17][19] Annuities - Annuities are contracts with insurance companies that provide a series of payments in exchange for an upfront investment, offering tax-deferred growth but potentially high fees [20][21]

Benzinga and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below. In a market where polished listings command attention and inflated prices, one Utah investor built a multimillion-dollar real-estate portfolio by chasing the opposite. Jeremy Barker doesn't look for trophy buildings or trendy developments. He looks for what he calls "pigs." "I like to look for pigs," Barker recently told Business Insider. "We could put lipstick on it and make it look really pretty." Don't ...

Core Insights - Concerns are rising about a potential AI bubble, drawing parallels to the dot-com bubble of 2000, with significant market reactions observed recently [1][4][5] - Despite fears, investment in AI continues, highlighted by OpenAI's multibillion-dollar deal with AMD, which significantly boosted AMD's stock [1][3] - Reports indicate a troubling trend in the AI sector, including high failure rates of generative AI projects and restructuring efforts at major companies like Meta [2][3] Investment Trends - OpenAI's recent release of ChatGPT-5 received negative feedback, prompting the reinstatement of the previous model for paying customers, indicating challenges in maintaining user satisfaction [3] - The Nasdaq index fell over 3%, and the S&P 500 lost $1 trillion in value amid market fears, reflecting the volatility in tech stocks [1][3] - AI stocks, such as C3.ai, experienced significant declines, with a drop of 28.2% in August, showcasing the market's sensitivity to negative news [1][2] Market Sentiment - Industry leaders, including OpenAI's CEO Sam Altman, acknowledge the existence of a bubble in AI investments, suggesting that investor enthusiasm may be excessive [2][8] - Analysts express that while the AI theme remains strong, there is a saturation point, and the market is vulnerable to rapid shifts in sentiment [7][8] - The current state of the market is described as fragile, with volatility expected as investors navigate the uncertain landscape of AI [10][9]