Individual debt levels are climbing in the U.S. Just under half (46%) of the population owes money on their credit cards, 42.7 million have student loans and a further 61.2% of Americans have mortgages, with average balances across all three standing in the region of $300,000. (1) With so much debt hanging over us, it can seem like an impossible task to pay down all the money we owe and save enough for retirement. This is the issue that’s facing Jerome and Alex. The couple still owes $250,000 on their $ ...

Core Viewpoint - The article suggests that investing in specific stocks can lead to positive returns in 2026, highlighting three companies as top picks for investors. Group 1: Alphabet - Alphabet is well-positioned to benefit from the growing demand for artificial intelligence (AI) products and services, with expectations of significant profits in 2026 [3][4] - Google Cloud is experiencing faster growth compared to competitors like Amazon's AWS and Microsoft's Azure, aided by the launch of the Google Gemini 3.0 large language model [3][4] - The integration of generative AI into Google Search is enhancing search traffic and advertising revenue, contrary to predictions of it being a "Google killer" [4] - The company has a market capitalization of $3.8 trillion, with a current stock price of $313.34 and a gross margin of 59.18% [4][5] Group 2: Vertex Pharmaceuticals - Vertex Pharmaceuticals is expected to see increased momentum for its new cystic fibrosis therapy, Alyftrek, which may cannibalize sales of existing products but is anticipated to boost overall profits [7][10] - The company’s non-opioid pain drug, Journavx, is projected to expand its market access in 2026, leading to higher sales [8] - Vertex is pursuing accelerated approval for Povetacicept as a treatment for IgA nephropathy, a chronic kidney disease affecting a larger patient population than cystic fibrosis [10] - Vertex has a market capitalization of $115 billion, with a current stock price of $453.36 and a gross margin of 86.29% [9][10] Group 3: Enbridge - Enbridge is characterized as a stable investment with a high forward dividend yield of 5.8%, having increased its dividend for 30 consecutive years [12][13] - The company has significant long-term growth prospects, estimating around $50 billion in growth opportunities, particularly in its gas transmission business [14] - Enbridge's operations provide steady cash flow, making it a reliable choice for investors, especially in uncertain economic conditions [15][16] - The company has a market capitalization of $104 billion, with a current stock price of $47.83 and a gross margin of 32.82% [13][14]

Core Viewpoint - The article suggests that 2026 could be dubbed the "Year of Making Reliable Passive Income," with an investment of $122,100 in three high-yield dividend stocks potentially generating $10,000 in passive income [1]. Group 1: Ares Capital - Ares Capital (ARCC) is highlighted as a strong investment option, with an investment of $40,700 expected to yield approximately $3,875 in dividend income in 2026, based on a forward dividend yield of slightly above 9.5% [3][4]. - Ares Capital is the largest publicly traded business development company (BDC), required to return at least 90% of its income to shareholders as dividends to maintain tax exemptions [4]. - The company has a strong track record, having either grown or maintained its dividend for 65 consecutive quarters, equating to 16 years [6]. Group 2: Energy Transfer LP - Energy Transfer LP (ET) is another recommended investment, with a potential passive income of $3,325 from a $40,700 investment, based on a distribution yield of nearly 8.2% [7]. - The company has consistently increased its distributions since Q3 2021 and targets annual distribution growth of 3% to 5% [8]. - Energy Transfer's financial position is reported as the strongest in its history, with a manageable debt load and a comfortable distribution coverage ratio [10]. Group 3: Pfizer - Investing $40,700 in Pfizer (PFE) could yield an additional $2,800 in passive income in 2026, based on a forward dividend yield of around 6.9% [12]. - Pfizer has a long history of dividend payments, having increased its dividend for 16 consecutive years and paid dividends for 345 consecutive quarters [12]. - Despite projected revenue stagnation and challenges such as a patent cliff and lower-than-expected COVID-19 product revenue, Pfizer is expected to maintain its dividend due to solid free cash flow and management's commitment to dividend growth [14][15].

Core Insights - Merck & Co. has reported Q3 2025 results that exceeded market expectations in terms of revenue and earnings [1] Financial Performance - The company achieved better-than-expected top-line results, indicating strong operational performance [1] Market Position - As 2026 approaches, Merck & Co. is in a unique position within the pharmaceutical industry, suggesting potential for future growth and investment opportunities [1]

Core Insights - Merck & Co. is recognized as a significant and influential entity in the global pharmaceutical industry, known for its research-intensive biopharmaceutical operations [1] Group 1: Company Overview - Merck & Co. engages in the discovery, development, manufacturing, and marketing of a diverse range of prescription medicines, vaccines, and biologics [1]

Core Insights - Merck & Co. is recognized as a significant and influential entity in the global pharmaceutical industry, known for its research-intensive biopharmaceutical operations [1] Group 1: Company Overview - Merck & Co. engages in the discovery, development, manufacturing, and marketing of a diverse range of prescription medicines, vaccines, and biologics [1]

We recently published 10 Stocks on Jim Cramer’s Radar.  Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO) is one of the stocks on Jim Cramer's radar. Danish pharmaceutical firm Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO) scored a major win earlier this month after it secured the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) approval for its weight loss pill. The approval made the Wegovy pill the first of its kind, and it led to the firm’s shares closing 7.30% higher. The approval marked a key win for Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO) as the firm has reporte ...

Core Viewpoint - Novo Nordisk is transitioning from a market leader to an underperformer, particularly in its weight loss business, and is striving to regain investor confidence as it approaches 2026 [1][2]. Company Performance - Novo's stock has faced its worst year since its inception on the Copenhagen stock exchange, attributed to guidance cuts, competition from Eli Lilly, leadership changes, and the influx of cheaper generic drugs in the U.S. market [2]. - The approval of Wegovy, an oral weight loss pill, has provided a temporary boost, increasing shares by nearly 10% as investors hope it will help Novo compete against rivals [3][4]. Product Development - Wegovy's approval as the first oral GLP-1 treatment for weight loss is seen as a significant milestone, with analysts acknowledging its potential to recover lost market share [4]. - Wegovy in pill form has demonstrated an average weight loss of 16.6% over 64 weeks, compared to Eli Lilly's orforglipron, which averages 12.4% over 72 weeks [8]. Competitive Landscape - Eli Lilly is expected to receive FDA approval for its own weight loss pill, orforglipron, by the second quarter of 2026, intensifying competition in the market [5]. - Eli Lilly's Zepbound has gained significant market share, positioning it as a leading treatment for weight loss injections, surpassing Novo's Wegovy [10]. Market Strategy - Novo's strategy emphasizes treating obesity as a disease rather than just focusing on weight loss, which may not resonate with the U.S. market's preferences for immediate weight loss results [11][13]. - The company is also focusing on the direct-to-consumer market, which is crucial for future sales growth, especially as it faces pressure from U.S. drug pricing policies [15][18]. Regulatory and Pricing Challenges - The Trump administration's deal with Novo and Lilly aims to lower prices for GLP-1 medications, which could enhance Novo's competitiveness against cheaper alternatives [17][18]. - Novo's leadership changes and strategic decisions are under scrutiny, with investors looking for signs of improvement in U.S. operations [20][21]. Future Outlook - The approval of a higher dose of Wegovy could align with market demands for greater weight loss efficacy, potentially enhancing Novo's competitive position [14]. - Long-term competition is expected to increase as other pharmaceutical companies advance their weight loss drug candidates, indicating a need for Novo to innovate and diversify its treatment options [24].

周三，Corcep医疗(CORT.US)股价暴跌超50.42%，收于34.80美元。 Corcept Therapeutics 表示已收到美国食品药品监督管理局(FDA)发出的完整回应函，其新药申请未获批准。该申请旨在寻求批准口服药物 Relacorilant用于治疗因皮质醇增多症(高皮质醇血症)引发的继发性高血压。 Corcept Therapeutics围绕库欣综合征开展了多项临床试验。 公司称，FDA在回应函中确认，Corcept的关键性GRACE临床试验达成主要终点，且GRADIENT试验数据具有验证性意义；但监管机构认为， 现有资料仍不足以支持对该疗法作出有利的收益—风险评估，因而要求补充更多有效性证据。 Relacorilant为一种选择性的糖皮质激素受体拮抗剂，关键临床GRACE中达到降血压主要终点，63%的患者达到响应标准。 患者血糖控制获得改善。 患者生活质量、认知评估获得显著改善。 对此，Corcept首席执行官Joseph K. Belanoff表示，公司"对这一结果感到意外和失望"，并称将"尽快与FDA会面，讨论并确定最佳的后续推 进路径"。 资料显示，relacorilant为一种口 ...

Core Viewpoint - Rosen Law Firm is reminding investors who purchased Perrigo Company plc securities between February 27, 2023, and November 4, 2025, of the January 16, 2026, deadline to become lead plaintiffs in a class action lawsuit [1]. Group 1: Class Action Details - Investors who bought Perrigo securities during the specified class period may be entitled to compensation without any out-of-pocket fees through a contingency fee arrangement [1]. - A class action lawsuit has already been filed, and interested parties must move the Court to serve as lead plaintiff by January 16, 2026 [2]. - The lawsuit alleges that Perrigo made materially false and misleading statements regarding its infant formula business, which suffered from underinvestment and significant manufacturing deficiencies [4]. Group 2: Rosen Law Firm's Credentials - Rosen Law Firm emphasizes the importance of selecting qualified legal counsel with a successful track record in securities class actions [3]. - The firm has achieved significant settlements, including the largest securities class action settlement against a Chinese company, and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors [3]. - In 2019, the firm secured over $438 million for investors, and its founding partner was recognized as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar by Law360 in 2020 [3].