Core Insights - Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund ETF Shares (VXUS) delivered a 29% return through mid-December 2025, outperforming the S&P 500's 15% gain, highlighting the potential of international equities [2][6] - The macro environment favored international equities, with significant earnings growth outside the U.S., particularly in sectors like Canadian financials and Asian technology [3] - Currency fluctuations had mixed effects, with the Japanese yen weakening and the British pound strengthening, yet VXUS's performance was driven by business fundamentals rather than exchange rates [4] Performance Metrics - VXUS achieved a 21% return compared to 17.7% for the S&P 500 through mid-December 2025 [6] - The largest holding, Royal Bank of Canada, reported a 29% year-over-year earnings growth [6] - Forward price-to-earnings ratios for MSCI EAFE markets increased from approximately 12x to 14x during 2025, contributing to returns [5][6] Market Dynamics - Valuation compression played a role, as international stocks were trading at significant discounts to U.S. equities at the start of 2025, leading to multiple expansion throughout the year [5] - The macroeconomic environment included synchronized global growth and easing monetary policies outside the U.S., benefiting various sectors [3] Future Considerations - Interest rate policy divergence is expected to influence international returns, with potential dollar weakening if the Federal Reserve maintains higher rates while other central banks ease [8]

AI & Business Strategy - AI can raise the floor, but not the ceiling, indicating limitations in its capabilities [1] - Unlocking AI's full potential requires combining it with creativity, critical thinking, systems thinking, and deep domain expertise [1] - Context matters significantly for elevating outcomes in the age of AI [1] Microsoft Initiatives - Microsoft encourages users to subscribe to their YouTube channel [1] - Microsoft promotes engagement through various social media platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram [1] - Microsoft provides a link for more information about their technology and mission [1]

Kraken exchange announced that xStocks, the gold standard for tokenized equities, has launched on TON , the open network linked to Telegram. This means that users of the social media platform will have access to tokenized versions of US stocks and Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) through the app’s wallet. No Broker Account, No Complex Onboarding With xStocks With xStocks now live on the TON network, users have exposure to permissionless, onchain U.S. equity. As a result of this integration, users can buy, ...

LATEST: 📈 Hut 8 announced it would partner with Anthropic to develop and deliver AI data center infrastructure for the AI startup, sending its shares soaring on Wednesday. https://t.co/E0IpHuv87m ...

(Bloomberg) — US stocks are heading into 2026 with positive momentum and a host of bullish forecasts at their backs. For the fourth year of strong gains that many predict to play out, they must still overcome plenty of potential threats. For a start, valuations are already rich and the group of stocks leading the gains is relatively narrow, a risky setup in itself. A lot is riding on artificial intelligence winners proving that, rather than forming a bubble, they have further to climb. Most Read from Bl ...

Core Viewpoint - AlphaTON Capital Corp clarifies its investment program related to Anduril Industries, stating that it will not proceed with the tokenized investment program due to transfer restrictions on the underlying common stock [2][3]. Investment Program Clarification - AlphaTON has signed a contract to gain economic exposure to Anduril Industries' common stock through a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) structure, rather than a direct equity investment [2]. - The intention was to create a derivative tokenized product to meet the growing demand for exposure to innovative technology companies [2]. Cancellation of Anduril Program - The company has identified that the Anduril Industries common stock is subject to transfer restrictions, and Anduril will not consent to any transfer [3]. - Due to these limitations, AlphaTON has decided to cancel the Anduril tokenized investment program [3]. Commitment to Strategic Investments - AlphaTON remains committed to strategic investments and the tokenization of assets that provide clear ownership rights and align with shareholder value creation objectives [4]. Company Overview - AlphaTON Capital Corp is a leading technology public company focused on scaling the Telegram super app, targeting an addressable market of 1 billion monthly active users [5]. - The company employs a comprehensive M&A and treasury strategy, including direct token acquisition and strategic ecosystem investments to generate sustainable returns for shareholders [5]. - AlphaTON is also involved in drug development, focusing on therapies targeting checkpoint resistance pathways [6].

Core Viewpoint - Oil prices have reached their lowest levels in nearly five years, with Brent Crude falling below $60 per barrel and WTI dropping into the mid-$50s, primarily due to overwhelming supply despite robust demand [1][2][3]. Oil Market Dynamics - Over the past six months, Brent and WTI prices have decreased by 23% and 25%, respectively, driven by record U.S. crude output, sustained production from OPEC+ members, and softer demand signals, particularly from China's slowing economy [2][3]. - JPMorgan forecasts Brent to fall to $58 and WTI to $54 next year, with a continued downward trend expected through 2027, indicating a prolonged period of depressed prices [4]. Electricity Demand and AI - In 2023, U.S. data centers consumed approximately 176 terawatt-hours of electricity, accounting for about 4.4% of total U.S. electricity use, with projections suggesting this could double or triple by the end of the decade due to AI workloads [5]. - The majority of U.S. electricity is generated from natural gas, renewables, nuclear power, and coal, with oil playing a minor role in grid power generation, indicating a lack of correlation between data center power consumption and crude oil demand [6][7]. Investment Implications - Investors should recognize the distinct markets for electricity and oil, as the demand for electricity driven by AI does not translate to increased oil demand [8]. - Investment opportunities in the electricity sector include utilities and independent power producers, nuclear and uranium investments, and energy storage solutions [8][9][10]. - The financial risks associated with AI expansion are growing, with major tech companies extending depreciation schedules and utilizing creative financing structures to mask long-term liabilities [21][22][23][25].

US stocks pulled back sharply at midday on Wednesday as investors dumped high-flying technology names and reassessed the AI trade's underlying economics. The S&P 500 fell roughly 0.8%, the Nasdaq slumped about 1.3%, and the Dow dipped 0.3%. ...

Market Overview - Discusses hot takes on top tech names including Apple, Amazon, Meta, OpenAI, NVIDIA, Microsoft, Tesla, and Coreweave [1] Investment Strategy - Encourages looking at individual stocks vs index funds [1] Companies Analysis - Considers whether NVIDIA can reach a $10 trillion valuation [1] - Examines whether Tesla needs self-driving technology to succeed [1] - Questions whether OpenAI can achieve long-term viability [1]

Company Performance - Jabil Inc (NYSE:JBL) reported adjusted earnings of $2.85 per share, exceeding market expectations of $2.70 per share, with quarterly sales of $8.305 billion compared to forecasts of $8.086 billion [3] - Vyne Therapeutics Inc (NASDAQ:VYNE) shares surged 66% to $0.67 following the announcement of a definitive merger agreement with Yarrow Bioscience [10] - Agape ATP Corp (NASDAQ:ATPC) shares increased by 55% to $0.14, with management stating they are unaware of any undisclosed corporate developments explaining recent stock volatility [10] - Aditxt Inc (NASDAQ:ADTX) shares rose 51% to $2.14 after filing a definitive proxy statement for a special stockholder virtual meeting scheduled for January 30, 2026 [10] - Vistagen Therapeutics Inc (NASDAQ:VTGN) shares fell 79% to $0.90 after the PALISADE-3 Phase 3 study did not meet its primary endpoint [10] - Children's Place Inc (NASDAQ:PLCE) shares dropped 34% to $4.83 following disappointing third-quarter financial results [10] - Kyverna Therapeutics Inc (NASDAQ:KYTX) shares declined 31% to $7.08 after announcing a $100 million public offering of common stock [10] Market Trends - Information technology stocks experienced a slight decline of 0.1% on Wednesday [2] - Energy shares increased by 1% on the same day [1] - Asian markets closed mostly higher, with Japan's Nikkei up 0.26%, Hong Kong's Hang Seng up 0.92%, and China's Shanghai Composite rising 1.19% [8] - European shares showed mixed results, with the eurozone's STOXX 600 gaining 0.3% while Germany's DAX 40 fell 0.2% [7]