Core Viewpoint - Fidelity Total Bond ETF (FBND) offers a higher yield and broader sector exposure compared to iShares 3-7 Year Treasury Bond ETF (IEI), but comes with a higher annual cost and greater historical risk [1][2]. Cost and Size Comparison - FBND has an expense ratio of 0.36%, while IEI has a lower expense ratio of 0.15% [3][4]. - As of January 9, 2026, FBND's one-year return is 2.5%, compared to IEI's 3.0% [3]. - FBND provides a dividend yield of 4.6%, whereas IEI offers a yield of 3.5% [3][4]. - The assets under management (AUM) for FBND is $23.4 billion, while IEI has an AUM of $17.7 billion [3]. Performance and Risk Comparison - Over the past five years, FBND has a maximum drawdown of -17.23%, compared to IEI's -14.05% [5]. - An investment of $1,000 in FBND would have grown to $862 over five years, while the same investment in IEI would have grown to $903 [5]. Investment Strategy and Holdings - FBND includes over 4,400 holdings, primarily consisting of U.S. Treasuries, investment-grade corporate bonds, and mortgage-backed securities, with up to 20% allocated to high-yield corporate bonds and emerging market debt [7][10]. - IEI exclusively invests in U.S. Treasury bonds with maturities between three and seven years, avoiding corporate and sector risks [8][10]. Investor Guidance - Conservative investors seeking government-backed safety should consider IEI, while income-focused investors willing to accept moderate corporate credit risk for higher yields may prefer FBND [12].

Core Viewpoint - Ally Financial Inc. is demonstrating strong performance in the financial services sector, highlighted by strategic leadership moves and positive financial results, despite broader industry challenges [1][3]. Financial Performance - Ally Financial reported impressive fourth-quarter earnings for 2025, with an adjusted EPS of $1.09, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.01, representing a 39.7% increase from the previous year [4]. - The company's GAAP net income rose to $300 million, a significant improvement from $81 million in the prior-year quarter, driven by increased net finance revenues and reduced expenses [4]. - Ally reported $2.12 billion in revenue for the quarter, up from $2.03 billion the previous year, despite a slight revenue shortfall [5]. Strategic Moves - CEO Michael George Rhodes made a notable insider purchase of 23,800 shares at $41.68 each, increasing his total holdings to 49,434 shares, which has boosted investor confidence [2][7]. - Ally Financial announced a $2 billion share buyback program, contributing to positive investor sentiment [3][7]. Financial Health - The company maintains a net interest margin of 3.51% and has shown growth in loan and deposit balances, indicating effective cost management and strong core financial metrics [5]. - Ally's financial ratios include a P/E ratio of approximately 15 and a price-to-sales ratio of about 1.04, reflecting favorable market valuation of its earnings and sales [6]. - The debt-to-equity ratio of 1.40 indicates a balanced approach to financing its assets [6].

Core Viewpoint - NewtekOne, Inc. has completed its Exchange Offer for its 5.50% Notes due 2026, exchanging them for newly issued 8.50% Fixed Rate Senior Notes due 2031, with a total of $7,877,200 validly tendered, representing approximately 8.29% of the outstanding principal amount [1][2] Group 1: Exchange Offer Details - The Exchange Offer expired on January 23, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern time [1] - A total of $7,877,200 in principal amount of the Old Notes was validly tendered, which is about 8.29% of the $95.0 million outstanding [1] - NewtekOne waived the condition requiring at least 10% of the Old Notes to be tendered and accepted all validly tendered Old Notes [1] - The settlement of the Exchange Offer is expected to occur on January 28, 2026, with holders receiving an equal principal amount of New Notes [2] Group 2: Remaining Notes and Repayment - After the Exchange Offer, the remaining aggregate principal amount of Old Notes is expected to be $87,122,800 [2] - NewtekOne plans to repay the remaining Old Notes on the maturity date of February 1, 2026 [2] Group 3: Agents Involved - U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association is the Exchange Agent for the Exchange Offer [3] - Alliance Advisors is serving as the Information Agent, while Lucid Capital Markets, LLC is the Dealer Manager [3] Group 4: Company Overview - NewtekOne, Inc. is a financial holding company providing a range of business and financial solutions to independent business owners since 1999 [5][6] - Its services include banking, business lending, electronic payment processing, and technology solutions among others [6]

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Core Insights - The article discusses the expertise of Sensor Unlimited, who has a PhD in financial economics and has been covering the mortgage market, commercial market, and banking industry for the past decade [2] Group 1: Company Overview - Sensor Unlimited focuses on asset allocation and ETFs related to the overall market, bonds, banking, financial sectors, and housing markets [2] - The company offers two model portfolios: one for short-term survival/withdrawal and another for aggressive long-term growth [2] Group 2: Services Offered - Features include direct access via chat for discussing ideas, monthly updates on all holdings, tax discussions, and ticker critiques by request [2] - The investing group Envision Early Retirement, led by Sensor Unlimited, provides proven solutions for generating high income and growth with isolated risks through dynamic asset allocation [2]

Core Viewpoint - The dollar is experiencing significant weakness due to various factors including Federal Reserve policies, geopolitical tensions, and economic indicators, which are influencing currency valuations and precious metals demand. Currency Market - The dollar is under pressure as the Fed increases liquidity by purchasing $40 billion a month in T-bills, leading to concerns about a dovish Fed Chair appointment by President Trump [1] - The dollar index fell to a 3.5-month low, down by -0.82%, influenced by stronger yen and positive UK economic news [5] - The yen strengthened significantly, rising from a 1-week low to a 4-week high amid speculation of Japanese government intervention in the forex market [7] Economic Indicators - The University of Michigan's January 1-year inflation expectations were revised lower to 4.0% from 4.2%, while the 5-10 year expectations were also revised down to 3.3% from 3.4% [4] - The Japan January S&P manufacturing PMI rose to 51.5, marking the strongest expansion in nearly 3.5 years, while the national CPI rose by +2.1% year-on-year, slightly below expectations [9] Precious Metals Market - Precious metals are gaining support due to safe-haven demand amid geopolitical risks and expectations of easier monetary policy from the Fed [13] - Strong central bank demand for gold is evident, with China's PBOC increasing its reserves by +30,000 ounces to 74.15 million troy ounces in December [14] - Fund demand for precious metals remains robust, with gold and silver ETF holdings reaching multi-year highs [15]

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Core Insights - The acquisition represents the largest bank fintech deal in history, highlighting a unique synergy between Brex and Capital One that is expected to create significant value [2][3] Valuation and Market Context - Brex's previous valuation in 2022 was $12 billion, but the current acquisition is at a steep discount of $5.15 billion, which is a 57.1% decrease [1] - The acquisition is priced at a 13 times multiple, which is a premium compared to public market comps that are trading between 8 to 11 times [4] Growth Opportunities - Capital One sees a massive growth opportunity in building a leading financial platform for businesses in the U.S., combining Brex's technology with Capital One's scale and distribution [5][9] - The collaboration is expected to enhance product development and accelerate market entry, creating a more robust offering for businesses [3][11] Strategic Decisions - The decision to pursue this acquisition rather than remaining private is based on the belief that aligning with public market realities is crucial for long-term success [6][8] - Brex has transitioned to a cash flow positive company and has made strategic decisions to accelerate growth, which positions it well for this partnership [7] Resource Synergy - Capital One's substantial marketing budget of $6 billion, compared to Brex's less than 1%, will significantly enhance distribution capabilities [10] - The combined R&D budgets of both companies will allow for accelerated product development and a more ambitious roadmap, benefiting customers with improved offerings [11]

Economic Outlook - U.S. consumer sentiment has surged to a five-month high, indicating strong short-term economic performance [1][2] - Economic growth in the U.S. remains positive, with expectations for continued growth despite potential inflation risks in 2026 [2] Treasury Yields - The yield on the benchmark 10-year note has broken out of its trading range, rising above 4.3%, the highest since 1999 [3][4] - A significant factor for the yield increase was the historic selloff in Japanese government bonds, which affected global bond markets [4][6] Market Dynamics - There is a concern that if U.S. Treasuries are perceived as risky, it could lead to higher demanded yields in the marketplace [6][10] - The demand for U.S. Treasuries may decrease as global investors seek diversification, with India's holdings at a five-year low [8][9] Credit Market Insights - Investment-grade credit spreads are at their tightest in three decades, indicating a strong demand for U.S. credit despite market volatility [32][34] - The fundamentals for corporate credit remain supportive, with expectations that corporate credit can withstand market volatility [34][35] Japanese Bond Market Impact - The selloff in Japanese bonds may lead to a gradual shift in investment patterns, with potential implications for U.S. credit demand [43][46] - Japanese investors may prefer local assets due to better yields, which could slow demand for U.S. fixed income [46][47] Future Expectations - The upcoming Federal Reserve rate decision is anticipated to maintain current policy, with no significant changes expected [26][48] - The market is preparing for potential rate cuts later in the year, although inflation risks may limit the Fed's ability to act [21][22]

Core Insights - The conflict over Greenland has eased, yet investors continue to favor haven assets, with spot gold prices nearing $5,000 and silver surpassing $100 for the first time [1][6] - Strategists predict further increases in gold prices, with some forecasting levels beyond $5,000 [2][3] Gold and Silver Market Trends - Gold is projected to be the best-performing major asset class if its rally continues through the year, with predictions of prices reaching $6,000 [3] - Citi commodities research strategist Kenny Hu has raised near-term price targets for gold to $5,000 and silver to $100, indicating that bullish drivers will likely persist into Q1 2026 [4] - Goldman Sachs has set a year-end gold target of $5,400, attributing this to momentum from private sector diversification buyers hedging against global policy risks [5] Investor Behavior - Investors are hedging against potential risks that could diminish the attractiveness of U.S. assets, despite the absence of a clear crisis [2] - The "sell America" trade remains prevalent, although it may not be sustainable in the long term as moderating geopolitical risks are expected to impact safe haven assets later in the year [5]