Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of understanding investment strategies, asset allocation, and market conditions globally, particularly in the USA [1] Investment Strategy - The investment philosophy focuses on finding Growth at a Reasonable Price (GARP), inspired by investor Peter Lynch, which seeks businesses with strong earnings growth at reasonable valuations [1] - The analysis includes sectors such as Financials, Aerospace/Defense, and Software, as well as growth sectors like Technology (AI, Cybersecurity, Cloud, Fintech), Healthcare (Biotech, Digital Health), Energy Transition (Renewables, EVs, Green Manufacturing), and Advanced Industries (Robotics, Space, Advanced Manufacturing, Future Mobility) [1] Market Trends - The article highlights the impact of digital disruption, sustainability, and evolving demographics on investment opportunities [1] - Insights are drawn from global interactions across various trading desks in major financial hubs, indicating a comprehensive understanding of worldwide market trends [1]

Core Viewpoint - Johnson Fistel, PLLP is investigating potential claims on behalf of investors of Great Elm Capital Corp. regarding possible recovery of investor losses under federal securities laws due to the company's statements about its exposure to First Brands Capital Group LLC following First Brands' bankruptcy [1][3]. Group 1: Investigation Details - The investigation focuses on whether Great Elm Capital's executive officers made misleading statements about the company's financial exposure related to First Brands Capital Group LLC [3]. - Investors who purchased Great Elm Capital securities and suffered losses are encouraged to join the investigation [2]. Group 2: About Johnson Fistel, PLLP - Johnson Fistel, PLLP is a nationally recognized law firm specializing in shareholder rights and securities fraud, with offices across multiple states [4]. - The firm has a strong track record, having recovered approximately $90.725 million for clients in securities class action lawsuits, and has been recognized as a top plaintiffs' securities law firm multiple times [5].

Group 1 - The traditional 60/40 stock-bond portfolio is losing its effectiveness as stocks and bonds increasingly move together during market stress, eroding decades of diversification strategies [1][2][4] - The International Monetary Fund (IMF) highlights that the breakdown of traditional hedging strategies is reshaping financial markets, making diversification more challenging [2][5] - Historically, bonds provided a buffer against falling equity prices, but this relationship has deteriorated since late 2019, particularly during the pandemic [3][4] Group 2 - The simultaneous decline of stocks and bonds during market selloffs is compounding losses and increasing volatility, affecting hedge funds and risk parity strategies that depend on historical correlations [4][5] - Conservative institutions like pension funds and insurance companies are now facing unexpected market swings, raising systemic risks [5] - As conventional hedges falter, investors are turning to non-sovereign assets such as gold and silver, which have seen significant price increases, with gold more than doubling since early 2024 [7][8] Group 3 - Economic pressures, including expanding bond supply and inflation above target levels, have diminished the protective qualities of sovereign debt [8][9]

Geopolitical Context - U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that the global order is shifting, indicating a fundamentally different geopolitical era that requires allies to reassess their roles and priorities [5] - Rubio's speech at the Munich Security Conference highlighted the importance of deeper collaboration between the U.S. and Europe, framing them as part of "one civilization — Western civilization" [3][2] - He stated that the U.S. does not intend to simply preserve the current geopolitical status quo, advocating for an alliance that is proactive rather than paralyzed by fear [2] Investment Implications - The changing geopolitical landscape may serve as a wake-up call for investors, suggesting that when global power shifts, it is crucial to have solid investments [5] - Prominent investors, including hedge fund manager Ray Dalio, have pointed to gold as a safe haven asset during turbulent times, with prices having increased over 70% in the past year [7] - Real estate remains a powerful tool for building and preserving wealth, especially during inflationary periods, as property values and rental income tend to rise with the cost of living [10] Alternative Investment Opportunities - The article discusses alternative assets like art, which have shown low correlation with traditional markets and can serve as a store of value during inflation [18] - Platforms like Masterworks allow investors to buy shares in blue-chip artwork, making high-end art investments more accessible [21] - The importance of diversification is underscored, as many traditional assets tend to move in tandem during market stress, highlighting the need for alternative investments [17]

Group 1 - South Korean company Hanwha Investment & Securities invested approximately 18 billion KRW (about 13 million USD) in US wallet infrastructure company Kresus Labs [1] - The funding will be utilized for enterprise-level wallet infrastructure, RWA tokenization platform, and on-chain financial workflow development [1] - The technology includes a "seedless" wallet recovery solution and an MPC-based security system [1] Group 2 - This investment is reportedly related to a previously signed memorandum of understanding in Abu Dhabi [1]

Core Viewpoint - Rosen Law Firm is reminding investors who purchased securities of BlackRock TCP Capital Corp. during the specified class period of the upcoming lead plaintiff deadline for a class action lawsuit [1]. Group 1: Class Action Details - Investors who bought BlackRock TCP securities between November 6, 2024, and January 23, 2026, may be eligible for compensation without any out-of-pocket fees through a contingency fee arrangement [2]. - A class action lawsuit has already been filed, and interested parties must move the Court to serve as lead plaintiff by April 6, 2026 [3]. Group 2: Law Firm Credentials - Rosen Law Firm emphasizes the importance of selecting qualified counsel with a successful track record in securities class actions, highlighting their own achievements, including the largest securities class action settlement against a Chinese company [4]. - The firm has consistently ranked highly in securities class action settlements, recovering hundreds of millions of dollars for investors, including over $438 million in 2019 alone [4]. Group 3: Case Allegations - The lawsuit alleges that defendants made materially false and misleading statements and failed to disclose adverse facts about BlackRock TCP's business, including issues with investment valuations and portfolio restructuring [5]. - It is claimed that these omissions led to understated unrealized losses and overstated net asset value, resulting in misleading positive statements about the company's prospects [5].

Core Insights - Research indicates that working with a financial advisor can enhance net returns by approximately 3% over time, potentially leading to significant growth in retirement portfolios [1][4][5] - Many Americans are falling short in their retirement savings, highlighting the importance of seeking professional financial advice to maximize contributions [2][3] Retirement Preparedness - The average retirement account balance for Americans is $333,940, which is significantly below the $1.26 million that many believe is necessary for a comfortable retirement [3][4] - Only 40% of baby boomers aged 61 to 65 are projected to retire successfully, meaning over half may struggle to maintain their standard of living [5] Financial Strategies - Delaying retirement and Social Security can provide financial advantages, allowing investments to grow and delaying withdrawals [10][11] - Micro-investing apps like Acorns can help individuals start saving for retirement by rounding up everyday purchases and investing the spare change [12][13][14] Diversification and Wealth Preservation - Diversifying retirement savings through options like gold IRAs can protect against inflation and economic downturns [15][16][18] - Priority Gold offers services for converting existing IRAs into gold IRAs, including free rollovers and storage [17] Family Financial Security - Life insurance is a crucial component of retirement planning, providing financial security for loved ones after death [19][20][21] - Ethos offers term life insurance options that can be obtained quickly and without medical exams, ensuring families are not burdened with unexpected costs [22][23]

Company Overview - Fidus Investment Corporation provides customized debt and equity financing solutions to lower middle-market companies, defined as U.S. based companies with revenues between $10 million and $150 million [4] - The company's investment objective is to generate attractive risk-adjusted returns through current income from debt investments and capital appreciation from equity-related investments [4] - Fidus seeks to partner with business owners, management teams, and financial sponsors for financing related to ownership changes, recapitalizations, strategic acquisitions, and business expansions [4] Financial Reporting - Fidus Investment Corporation will report its fourth quarter 2024 financial results on February 26, 2026, after the close of financial markets [1] - A conference call to discuss the operating and financial results will be held on February 27, 2026, at 9:00 AM ET [2] - A live webcast of the conference call will be available, and a replay will be accessible two hours after the call [3] Company Structure - Fidus is an externally managed, closed-end, non-diversified management investment company that has elected to be treated as a business development company under the Investment Company Act of 1940 [5] - For tax purposes, Fidus has also elected to be treated as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 [5] - The company was formed in February 2011 to expand the business of Fidus Mezzanine Capital, L.P., which began operations in May 2007 [5]

Core Viewpoint - Fidus Investment Corporation has declared a base dividend of $0.43 per share and a supplemental dividend of $0.09 per share for Q1 2026, payable on March 30, 2026, to stockholders of record as of March 20, 2026 [1] Group 1: Dividend Declaration - The Board of Directors reviews estimates of taxable income available for distribution, which differs from consolidated income under U.S. GAAP due to various factors including unrealized appreciation and depreciation [2] - The final determination of 2026 taxable income and tax attributes for dividends will be made after the close of the 2026 tax year, generally including ordinary taxable income, capital gains, qualified dividends, and return of capital [2] Group 2: Dividend Reinvestment Plan - Fidus has a dividend reinvestment plan (DRIP) allowing stockholders to reinvest dividends unless they opt to receive cash [3] - Stockholders who do not opt out of the DRIP at least two days prior to the dividend payment date will have their cash dividends automatically reinvested in additional shares [3] Group 3: Company Overview - Fidus Investment Corporation provides customized debt and equity financing solutions to lower middle-market companies, defined as U.S. companies with revenues between $10 million and $150 million [4] - The company's investment objective is to provide attractive risk-adjusted returns through current income from debt investments and capital appreciation from equity-related investments [4] - Fidus is an externally managed, closed-end, non-diversified management investment company treated as a business development company under the Investment Company Act of 1940 [5]

Core Insights - Blue Owl Capital Corporation (OBDC) is scheduled to report its fourth-quarter 2025 results on February 18, with earnings estimated at 35 cents per share and revenues at $446.15 million [1] Financial Performance - The fourth-quarter earnings estimate has remained stable over the past 60 days, indicating a 25.5% year-over-year decrease in earnings, while revenues are projected to grow by 13.1% year-over-year [2] - For the full year 2025, the revenue estimate stands at $1.85 billion, reflecting a year-over-year growth of 15.8%, whereas the earnings per share estimate is $1.52, suggesting a decline of 20% from the previous year [3] Earnings Prediction - The model indicates that OBDC has an Earnings ESP of 0.00% and a Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell), suggesting no clear odds for an earnings beat [4][7] - The consensus estimate for non-controlled, non-affiliated interest income suggests a 16.3% year-over-year growth, while the model projects a 19.8% increase [6] - The total operating expenses for the fourth quarter are estimated to be $260.7 million, reflecting a 24.3% year-over-year growth due to higher management fees and interest expenses [9] Industry Context - Major peers such as SLR Investment Corp. (SLRC), Blackstone Secured Lending Fund (BXSL), and FS KKR Capital Corp. (FSK) are also set to report earnings, providing insights into industry trends [10] - Blackstone Secured is predicted to have an earnings beat with an Earnings ESP of +0.76% and a Zacks Rank of 3, while SLR Investment and FS KKR Capital have uncertain earnings beat prospects with Earnings ESP of 0.00% [12][13]