Harbor Funds, an investment management company, released its Q3 2025 investor letter for “Harbor Mid Cap Fund”. A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. The Harbor Mid Cap Fund primarily focuses on investing in equity securities, targeting common and preferred stocks of mid-sized U.S. companies. Global equities rebounded strongly in the third quarter, fueled by inflation easing, resilient economic data, and some of the most disruptive trade measures were eased or postponed. The fund returned 4.19% in t ...

The economy is looking shakier, but investors can protect their portfolios with defensive stocks.As 2025 comes to a close, it will cap off a year of deep economic uncertainty. While new technologies like generative artificial intelligence (AI) have boosted GDP growth from data center spending, regular consumers are still struggling with rising prices and a softening job market. UBS projects that over the near term, there is a 93% chance of a recession.Generally, economic downturns are bad news for stocks be ...

Core Viewpoint - Realty Income Corporation, known as "The Monthly Dividend Company®," is currently attracting attention due to its favorable dividend yield and strong fundamentals in a volatile market environment [1][2]. Company Overview - Realty Income operates as a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) with a portfolio of over 15,600 commercial properties, utilizing a triple-net lease model that provides predictable cash flow [4][5]. - The company has a strong focus on tenants with solid financial health, with approximately 40% of its annualized rent coming from clients with investment-grade credit ratings [6]. Dividend Performance - Realty Income boasts a dividend yield of 5.57%, which is higher than the industry average of around 4% [2]. - The company has a robust dividend increase track record, being a member of the Dividend Aristocrats, having increased its dividend for at least 25 consecutive years [7]. - The annual dividend is $3.22, with a high dividend payout ratio of 292.73%, indicating a commitment to returning value to shareholders [3][7]. Market Position and Economic Factors - Realty Income's stock price is currently trading below its highs, presenting an opportunity for income-seeking investors [2]. - The company maintains a high occupancy rate above 98%, reflecting strong demand for its properties [10]. - The stock's price-to-AFFO multiple is reasonable compared to historical averages, suggesting limited downside risk in the current higher-rate environment [12]. Interest Rate Impact - Realty Income's performance is inversely related to interest rates; lower rates would enhance the attractiveness of its dividend yield, potentially increasing stock value [9][18]. - The company has a fortress balance sheet with a strong A-level credit rating, and over 90% of its debt is at a fixed rate, providing protection against rising interest rates [10][11]. Future Outlook - Analysts have set a 12-month price target of $61.15 for Realty Income, indicating a potential upside of 5.77% from the current price of $57.82 [9][13]. - The combination of a strong dividend yield and potential capital appreciation suggests a total return in the double-digit range over the next year [14].

Market Overview - Following a two-year bull market, major indexes such as the Dow Jones, S&P 500, and Nasdaq Composite have experienced significant declines, with losses of 14.2%, 17.4%, and 22.3% respectively from February 19 to April 4, placing them in correction territory [2][3] - The market crash was exacerbated by substantial point declines in consecutive trading sessions, marking some of the largest single-session point drops in history for these indexes [4] Tariff Impact - President Trump's introduction of a sweeping global tariff of 10% on April 2 has raised concerns among investors regarding inflation, trade relations, and potential recession [5][6] - The tariff strategy aims to strengthen the American economy and support domestic jobs, but the immediate market reaction has been negative [6] Investment Opportunities - The current market conditions present a buying opportunity for long-term investors to acquire stakes in quality companies at discounted prices [7] NextEra Energy - NextEra Energy, the largest electric utility in the U.S. by market cap, is highlighted as a strong buy due to its consistent demand for electricity and lack of competition in its service areas [8][9] - The company has a focus on clean energy, generating more capacity from wind and solar than any other utility, leading to lower generation costs and faster growth [11] - Shares are currently valued at less than 17 times forward-year earnings, representing a 32% discount to its five-year average [13] Realty Income - Realty Income, a leading retail real estate investment trust (REIT), is noted for its monthly dividends and resilience against economic downturns, with a portfolio of properties that are largely resistant to e-commerce pressures [14][15] - The REIT has a weighted average lease term of 9.3 years, ensuring predictable cash flows, and its stock is trading at 12 times forecast cash flow for 2026, a 26% discount to its historical average [17] Airbnb - Airbnb is positioned as a growth opportunity, with a 10% increase in bookings year-over-year, indicating strong demand despite potential short-term economic challenges [20] - The company is enhancing its platform and expanding its Experiences segment, which could significantly increase its market share in the travel industry [21] - With a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 21 and double-digit sales growth, Airbnb's stock is considered a smart buy [21]