Group 1 - Steven Cress is the Head of Quantitative Strategies at Seeking Alpha, managing quant ratings and factor grades on stocks and ETFs [1] - Cress leads Alpha Picks, selecting two attractive stocks to buy each month and determining when to sell them [1] - The quantitative stock rating system created by Cress is designed to interpret data for investors, offering insights and saving time [2] Group 2 - Cress has over 30 years of experience in equity research, quantitative strategies, and portfolio management, positioning him well to discuss various investment topics [2] - He previously founded CressCap Investment Research, which was acquired by Seeking Alpha in 2018, enhancing its quant analysis and market data capabilities [2] - Cress has a background in running a proprietary trading desk at Morgan Stanley and leading international business development at Northern Trust [2]

Company Overview - Seeking Alpha is a platform that provides quantitative stock ratings and analytical tools designed to assist investors in making informed decisions [2] - The company emphasizes a data-driven approach to investment research, aiming to eliminate emotional biases from investment decisions [2] Key Personnel - Steven Cress serves as the Head of Quantitative Strategies at Seeking Alpha, managing quant ratings and factor grades on stocks and ETFs [1] - Cress is also the founder and co-manager of Alpha Picks, a systematic stock recommendation tool aimed at helping long-term investors build a high-quality portfolio [2] - With over 30 years of experience in equity research and quantitative strategies, Cress has a strong background in investment management, having previously founded CressCap Investment Research and Cress Capital Management [2] Product Offerings - The Seeking Alpha Quant Rating system interprets data for investors, providing insights on investment directions and saving time for users [2] - Alpha Picks selects two attractive stocks to buy each month and determines optimal selling times, enhancing investment decision-making for users [2] Historical Context - CressCap Investment Research was acquired by Seeking Alpha in 2018, which enhanced Seeking Alpha's capabilities in quantitative analysis and market data [2] - Prior to his role at Seeking Alpha, Cress led a proprietary trading desk at Morgan Stanley and was involved in international business development at Northern Trust [2]

Core Insights - Steven Cress is the Head of Quantitative Strategies at Seeking Alpha, managing quant ratings and factor grades for stocks and ETFs [1][2] - He leads Alpha Picks, a monthly selection of two attractive stocks to buy and determines optimal selling times [1][2] - Cress emphasizes a data-driven approach to investment, aiming to eliminate emotional biases and simplify complex research [2] Company Overview - Seeking Alpha has developed a quantitative stock rating system that interprets data for investors, providing insights and saving time [2] - The platform offers a systematic stock recommendation tool, Alpha Picks, designed for long-term investors to build a high-quality portfolio [2] - Cress previously founded CressCap Investment Research, which was acquired by Seeking Alpha in 2018, enhancing its quant analysis capabilities [2] Professional Background - Steven Cress has over 30 years of experience in equity research, quantitative strategies, and portfolio management [2] - His career includes roles at Morgan Stanley and Northern Trust, focusing on proprietary trading and international business development [2] - Cress's expertise positions him well to discuss a wide range of investment topics [2]

Core Insights - The discussion focuses on the performance of the Top 10 stocks for 2025, highlighting the effectiveness of a quantitative (Quant) investment strategy that combines fundamental analysis with algorithmic processing to identify strong investment opportunities. Group 1: Quantitative Investment Strategy - The Quant system utilizes mathematical algorithms to identify investment opportunities, reflecting the work of traditional fundamental analysts while covering a broader range of stocks [10][12]. - The GARP (Growth At a Reasonable Price) strategy is emphasized, focusing on companies that exhibit strong value, profitability, growth, momentum, and analyst EPS revisions [10][11]. - The Quant system has shown significant performance, with a five-year return of 228% compared to Wall Street Strong Buys at 32% and the S&P 500 at 65% [14]. Group 2: Market Recap and Sentiment Analysis - The year 2025 has been characterized by volatility, with the CNN Fear & Greed Index showing sharp movements between extreme greed and fear, influenced by trade policy changes, labor data, and economic uncertainties [16][18]. - Key catalysts affecting market sentiment include U.S.-China trade disputes, conflicting labor data, a credit downgrade, and concerns over tech valuations and the AI bubble [17][18]. - The market has seen a rotation towards safe-haven assets like gold and consumer staples during periods of fear, while technology and cryptocurrency sectors have experienced risk-on sentiment [20][21]. Group 3: Performance of Top Stocks - The Top 10 stocks for 2025 have collectively outperformed the S&P 500, with an average return of 45.68% since January 9, compared to the S&P's 17.6% [43]. - Notable performers include Credo Technology, up 116%, and Celestica, up 240%, both benefiting from strong demand in AI-related sectors [55][60]. - The performance of stocks can fluctuate significantly due to market sentiment, with strong fundamentals often overlooked during periods of fear, leading to substantial upside potential when sentiment shifts back to fundamentals [44][46]. Group 4: Economic Indicators and Future Outlook - Economic data has been mixed, with the Federal Reserve cutting rates three times in the latter half of the year due to labor market concerns and inflation remaining sticky [31][32]. - Major brokerage firms have reduced recession odds following a truce in trade disputes, indicating a potential stabilization in market conditions [32]. - The upcoming Top 10 stocks for 2026 will be announced on January 6, with expectations that the market may present buying opportunities during any pullbacks [30].

Core Insights - Steven Cress is the Head of Quantitative Strategies at Seeking Alpha, managing quant ratings and factor grades for stocks and ETFs [1][2] - He leads Alpha Picks, a monthly selection of two attractive stocks to buy and determines optimal selling times [1][2] - Cress emphasizes a data-driven approach to investment, aiming to eliminate emotional biases and simplify complex research [2] Company Overview - Seeking Alpha has developed a quantitative stock rating system that interprets data for investors, providing insights and saving time [2] - The platform offers a systematic stock recommendation tool, Alpha Picks, designed for long-term investors to build a high-quality portfolio [2] - Cress previously founded CressCap Investment Research, which was acquired by Seeking Alpha in 2018, enhancing its quant analysis capabilities [2] Leadership Background - Steven Cress has over 30 years of experience in equity research, quantitative strategies, and portfolio management [2] - His prior roles include running a proprietary trading desk at Morgan Stanley and leading international business development at Northern Trust [2] - Cress's expertise positions him well to discuss a wide range of investment topics [2]

Core Insights - Steven Cress is the Head of Quantitative Strategies at Seeking Alpha, managing quant ratings and factor grades for stocks and ETFs [1][2] - Cress leads Alpha Picks, a monthly selection of two attractive stocks to buy, and determines optimal selling times [1][2] - The Seeking Alpha Quant Rating system, created by Cress, interprets data for investors, providing insights and saving time [2] Company Overview - Seeking Alpha offers a quantitative stock rating system and analytical tools aimed at simplifying investment research [2] - The platform is designed to help long-term investors build a high-quality portfolio through systematic stock recommendations [2] - Cress previously founded CressCap Investment Research, which was acquired by Seeking Alpha in 2018, enhancing its quant analysis capabilities [2] Leadership Background - Steven Cress has over 30 years of experience in equity research, quantitative strategies, and portfolio management [2] - His prior roles include running a proprietary trading desk at Morgan Stanley and leading international business development at Northern Trust [2] - Cress is dedicated to removing emotional biases from investment decisions through a data-driven approach [2]

Core Insights - Steven Cress is the Head of Quantitative Strategies at Seeking Alpha, managing quant ratings and factor grades for stocks and ETFs [1][2] - Cress leads Alpha Picks, a monthly selection of two attractive stocks to buy and determines optimal sell times [1][2] - The Seeking Alpha Quant Rating system, created by Cress, interprets data for investors, providing insights and saving time [2] Company Overview - Seeking Alpha is focused on providing a quantitative stock rating system and analytical tools to assist investors [2] - The platform aims to remove emotional biases from investment decisions through a data-driven approach [2] - Cress previously founded CressCap Investment Research, which was acquired by Seeking Alpha in 2018, enhancing its quant analysis capabilities [2] Experience and Background - Steven Cress has over 30 years of experience in equity research, quantitative strategies, and portfolio management [2] - Prior to his current role, he ran a proprietary trading desk at Morgan Stanley and led international business development at Northern Trust [2] - Cress also founded the quant hedge fund Cress Capital Management, showcasing his extensive background in investment [2]

Group 1 - Steven Cress is the Head of Quantitative Strategies at Seeking Alpha, managing quant ratings and factor grades on stocks and ETFs [1][2] - Cress leads Alpha Picks, selecting two attractive stocks to buy each month and determining when to sell them [1][2] - The Seeking Alpha Quant Rating system, created by Cress, interprets data for investors and offers insights on investment directions [2] Group 2 - Cress has over 30 years of experience in equity research, quantitative strategies, and portfolio management [2] - He previously founded CressCap Investment Research, which was acquired by Seeking Alpha in 2018 [2] - Cress has a background in running a proprietary trading desk at Morgan Stanley and leading international business development at Northern Trust [2]

Core Insights - Steven Cress is the Head of Quantitative Strategies at Seeking Alpha, managing quant ratings and factor grades for stocks and ETFs [1][2] - Cress leads Alpha Picks, a monthly selection of two attractive stocks to buy and determines optimal selling times [1][2] - The quantitative stock rating system created by Cress aims to interpret data for investors, providing insights and saving time [2] Company Overview - Seeking Alpha offers a quantitative stock rating system that simplifies investment research through data-driven approaches [2] - The platform features a daily updated grading system for stock trading recommendations, designed to remove emotional biases from investment decisions [2] - Cress previously founded CressCap Investment Research, which was acquired by Seeking Alpha in 2018, enhancing its quant analysis capabilities [2] Leadership Background - Steven Cress has over 30 years of experience in equity research, quantitative strategies, and portfolio management [2] - Prior to his current role, Cress ran a proprietary trading desk at Morgan Stanley and led international business development at Northern Trust [2] - His background includes founding a quant hedge fund, Cress Capital Management, showcasing his extensive expertise in the investment field [2]

Group 1 - The article emphasizes the importance of investors reassessing their strategies and holdings following a recent market pullback, suggesting that it serves as a reminder for deeper analysis [1] - Steven Cress, as the Head of Quantitative Strategies at Seeking Alpha, manages quant ratings and factor grades for stocks and ETFs, indicating a focus on data-driven investment strategies [1] - The Alpha Picks initiative, led by Cress, selects two attractive stocks each month, highlighting a systematic approach to stock recommendations for long-term investors [1] Group 2 - Cress's background includes founding CressCap Investment Research and Cress Capital Management, showcasing extensive experience in quantitative analysis and investment research [1] - The Seeking Alpha Quant Rating system, developed by Cress, aims to simplify complex investment research through a daily updated grading system, which is beneficial for investors [1] - The article notes that Cress's approach is dedicated to removing emotional biases from investment decisions, reinforcing the importance of a data-driven methodology in investment strategies [1]