Economic Overview - Global equity markets experienced a strong third quarter, with the US economy benefiting from a pause in punitive tariffs and a capital investment boom in Artificial Intelligence (AI) [2] - The US GDP grew by 3.8%, with tech capital spending contributing up to half of this growth [2] - The aerospace and defense industry saw a boost from increased global defense spending, with military expenditures projected to rise from $2.7 trillion in 2024 to $6.6 trillion by 2035 [5] Market Performance - Major US indexes ended the quarter higher: Nasdaq Composite up 11.24%, S&P 500 up 8.12%, and Dow up 5.67% [2] - The S&P 500 is projected to report third-quarter earnings growth of over 10% year-over-year, down from 12.7% in the second quarter [2] - The S&P Aerospace & Defense Select Industry Index outperformed major benchmarks, gaining 11.92% in the third quarter [5] Sector Analysis - The technology sector continues to thrive, with companies like Alphabet, Microsoft, and Meta Platforms showing exceptional growth in cloud computing, AI, and digital advertising [9] - Aerospace and defense companies such as RTX, Boeing, and Lockheed Martin have raised their financial guidance for 2025 due to increased military spending [5] - Consumer-facing businesses are struggling due to tariffs and high inflation, impacting sectors like food and beverage [10] Investment Insights - The Auxier Focus Fund gained 5.35% in the third quarter, with a year-to-date return of 14.31% [6] - The fund's portfolio is heavily weighted in domestic equities (86.10%), with a focus on sectors benefiting from AI and industrial growth [6] - Companies like Corning and Caterpillar are experiencing strong demand due to infrastructure buildouts related to AI [8] Central Bank Actions - Global central banks have cut rates significantly, with 312 cuts reported by Bank of America, boosting foreign equities [4] - Central banks are also aggressively buying gold, with purchases exceeding 1000 tons annually in recent years, compared to a previous average of 400-500 tons [4]

Refineries owned by HF Sinclair and Phillips 66 won exemptions from biofuel blending mandates from the Trump administration Friday, while requests by Chevron were denied https://t.co/zjHePpjCAl ...

Group 1: AI Stocks and Market Sentiment - Investors are cautious about AI stocks due to concerns over a potential bubble and market correction, particularly following major AI deals by companies like Nvidia and OpenAI [2] - Michael Wolf, co-founder and CEO of Activate, emphasized that the AI industry's deals are driven by real demand rather than "vendor financing," indicating significant investments in infrastructure by various companies [2] Group 2: Meritage Homes Corp (NYSE:MTH) - Meritage Homes Corp is favored by hedge funds, with 43 investors backing it, and is considered a top pick in the homebuilder sector by UBS analyst John Lovallo [4] - Lovallo predicts a positive outlook for the housing industry in 2026, contingent on decreasing interest rates, which could stabilize the market and enhance profitability for builders [5] - ClearBridge Small Cap Strategy highlighted a systematic housing shortage in the U.S. and believes that declining interest rates will benefit homebuilders like Meritage [7] Group 3: Phillips 66 (NYSE:PSX) - Phillips 66 has 47 hedge fund investors and is seen as having breakout potential, with insider buying and activist hedge fund involvement noted as positive indicators [8] - Analysts believe that Phillips 66 has transformed into a more diversified energy business, reducing its cyclicality and enhancing free cash flow generation [9] Group 4: Credo Technology Group Holding Ltd (NASDAQ:CRDO) - Credo Technology has 48 hedge fund investors and is viewed positively for its role in the AI data center market, with significant revenue growth reported [10][11] - The company expects to continue benefiting from AI data center buildouts by major clients like Amazon and Microsoft, projecting revenue growth exceeding 200% in the current quarter [11] Group 5: KB Home (NYSE:KBH) - KB Home is backed by 51 hedge fund investors and reported strong quarterly performance, beating all key performance indicators [12][13] - Analysts believe that stabilization in the housing market, particularly in key regions like Florida and Texas, signals a potential bottom for the sector [13] Group 6: Costco Wholesale Corp (NASDAQ:COST) - Costco has 91 hedge fund investors, but analysts express concerns about its specific challenges despite reporting good same-store sales growth [14][15] - Elevated operating expenses and a deceleration in sales growth are highlighted as issues that may impact Costco's profitability moving forward [15][16] Group 7: Alibaba Group (NYSE:BABA) - Alibaba is supported by 101 hedge fund investors, with analysts predicting the stock could double in the next 18 months due to improving performance in the Chinese tech sector [17][18] - Despite a recent decline, Alibaba's strong full-year results and share buybacks are viewed positively, with the company seen as a cost-effective way to benefit from AI and cloud growth [19]

Suncor is tapping Pedro Lagos to trade fuels from the company’s four refineries as Veronica Veliz retires, according to people with knowledge of the situation https://t.co/SqTanIHTLE ...