Core Viewpoint - U.S. investors may be overlooking better investment opportunities in international stocks due to the fear of missing out on U.S. market gains, particularly as the S&P 500 reaches record highs [1][2] Group 1: International Exposure - Increasing international exposure is suggested as a safer and smarter alternative to investing more in the U.S. economy, as foreign stocks are currently trading at cheaper valuations and performing better [2][10] - The iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF (IEFA) is highlighted as a suitable vehicle for gaining international exposure [4] Group 2: Historical Performance - Historical data shows that foreign stocks outperformed the S&P 500 between 2002 and 2009, primarily due to a weaker U.S. dollar [5][6] - Analysts predict a potential reversal of the recent U.S. stock performance dominance, leading to a recovery in non-U.S. stocks [8][9] Group 3: Valuation Comparison - The S&P 500 is currently priced at 24.5 times trailing earnings and 23.6 times forward-looking earnings, which is high compared to the MSCI EAFE's 10-year average P/E of 14.2 and trailing-12-month P/E of 16.7 [12][14] - Analysts emphasize that international stocks are closer to their historical averages, suggesting greater price appreciation potential compared to overvalued U.S. stocks [14] Group 4: Diversification Strategy - Adding international exposure is recommended to shield portfolios from economic and political uncertainties in the U.S. [16] - The iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF includes quality foreign companies such as SAP, ASML, Nestlé, and Novartis, providing a diversified investment option [17]

Core Viewpoint - The AI industry is expected to be the primary driver of technology growth in the upcoming years, with the First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence and Robotics ETF (ROBT) positioned to capitalize on this trend [1]. Group 1: Industry Insights - The AI sector is anticipated to lead technological advancements and growth, indicating a significant investment opportunity for stakeholders [1]. Group 2: Company Positioning - The First Trust Nasdaq Artificial Intelligence and Robotics ETF (ROBT) is strategically positioned to benefit from the growth of the AI industry, suggesting a focus on investments in this area [1].

Core Insights - The ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF closely mirrors the performance of Bitcoin, providing a simpler management option for investors compared to direct Bitcoin ownership [1][2] - Financial experts have varying predictions for Bitcoin's future, with some anticipating significant price increases by 2030, while others remain skeptical about its long-term value [4][6] Group 1: ETF Characteristics - The ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF is designed to follow Bitcoin's price trends closely, with expectations of value appreciation over the next five years [10][11] - The ETF offers easier management compared to direct Bitcoin investments, allowing for integration into traditional investment accounts and facilitating tax-loss harvesting [12] - The ARK 21Shares ETF has a lower share price due to its structure, providing investors with more granular control over their investment amounts [13] Group 2: Market Predictions - Michael Saylor, chairman of Strategy, predicts Bitcoin will appreciate faster than any other asset in the long run, while Cathie Wood's ARK Invest has raised its 2030 Bitcoin price target from $1.5 million to $2.4 million [4][5] - Conversely, Warren Buffett expresses skepticism about Bitcoin's value, viewing it as a temporary fad without intrinsic worth [6][7]

Bitcoin has soared to a new all-time high, surpassing $118,000 for the first time in its history, reaching a milestone in its meteoric rise. The explosive rally was driven by renewed institutional demand, robust spot Bitcoin ETF inflows and growing optimism surrounding global crypto adoption. The rally also reflects broader investor appetite for alternative assets amid a shifting macroeconomic landscape.The surge comes amid persistent global economic and geopolitical uncertainty, signaling a growing percept ...

Market Overview - Today's economic calendar lacks significant data releases, leading to a quieter market backdrop and potentially lower volatility unless external factors intervene [19] - Participants are advised to monitor emerging headlines concerning geopolitical developments or tariff discussions between Canada and the US, as these could impact sentiment in sectors like manufacturing and trade-sensitive industries [19] SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) - SPY is trading near the important level of 622.50, with bullish targets set at 623.75 and 625.29, and an ultimate target of 626.99 [2] - If SPY fails to hold above 622.50, sellers will target 621.44, with further downside potential reaching 618.41 and a lowest target of 616.86 [3] Invesco QQQ Trust Series 1 (QQQ) - QQQ is currently at a pivotal level of 552.63, with bullish targets at 554.56 and 557.04, and a top target of 563.72 [4] - A failure to maintain 552.63 could lead to a decline towards 550.88, with further support at 549.74 and a lowest target of 547.01 [5] Apple Inc. (AAPL) - AAPL is trading near the crucial level of 210.47, with initial bullish targets at 211.78 and 213.10, and a high-end target of 214.73 [6] - If the support at 210.47 is compromised, sellers will target 209.47, with further downside potential reaching 207.21 [7] Microsoft Corp. (MSFT) - MSFT is near the highlighted level of 499.10, with bullish targets at 500.90 and 502.77, and a daily target of 505.21 [8] - A breakdown below 499.10 could lead to targets at 497.93, 496.38, and a lowest target of 493.49 [9] NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA) - NVDA is trading around the critical level of 162.79, with bullish targets at 163.83 and 165.20, and a top target of 168.20 [11] - If unable to hold above 162.79, bearish targets include 160.59, 159.08, and a lowest target of 156.78 [12] Alphabet Inc Class A (GOOGL) - GOOGL is close to the significant level of 176.56, with bullish targets at 177.61 and 179.48 [13] - A failure to protect 176.56 could lead to bearish targets at 175.45, 174.34, and a lowest target of 172.61 [14] Meta Platforms Inc (META) - META is trading near the key level of 722.14, with bullish targets at 724.85 and 726.80, and a target of 732.09 [15] - If support at 722.14 fails, sellers will target 718.23, with further downside potential reaching 715.77 and a lowest target of 713.77 [16] Tesla Inc. (TSLA) - TSLA is around the significant price level of 308.20, with bullish targets at 310.48 and 314.16, and a maximum target of 322.34 [17] - If the support at 308.20 is compromised, sellers will target 306.36, with further downside potential reaching 303.13 [18]

Group 1: Bitcoin Market Performance - Bitcoin reached a new all-time high of over $117,000 on July 11, 2025, driven by bullish momentum in risk assets and its correlation with tech stocks like NVIDIA, which recently achieved a $4 trillion valuation [1] - The iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT) has increased by 15% this year, with a 4.3% gain in the past month, benefiting from favorable policy signals and tightening supply [2] - Bitcoin's recent performance is seen as a pressure release rather than a full-scale bull run, maintaining a tight $10,000 range over the past two months before the breakout [3] Group 2: Regulatory Environment and Institutional Adoption - Bitcoin's breakout coincides with Congress's "Crypto Week," where key regulations, including the GENIUS Act for a federal stablecoin framework, will be debated [4] - Positive outcomes from regulatory discussions may enhance institutional inflows into Bitcoin, with shares of Circle CRCL rising over 500% since their IPO [5] - Corporate adoption of Bitcoin is expanding, with companies like GameStop and Goldman Sachs increasing their Bitcoin ETF holdings, enhancing institutional credibility [8] Group 3: Bitcoin as an Inflation Hedge - Bitcoin is viewed as a hedge against inflation due to its fixed supply cap of 21 million coins, which may help it retain value amid increasing fiat issuance and potential global inflation from tariffs [7] - Bitcoin has gained 26.4% this year, outperforming the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY), which gained 7%, showcasing its strength amid market uncertainties [6] Group 4: Interest Rate Outlook - Potential rate cuts later this year could favor risk-on assets like Bitcoin, as lower rates reduce the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding assets [9][10] Group 5: Bitcoin Miners and AI Infrastructure - Bitcoin miners are pivoting to AI infrastructure, leveraging their data centers for more profitable ventures compared to traditional Bitcoin mining [12] - Companies like Bitfarms are well-positioned to meet the rising energy and space demands of AI computing, given their experience in building large facilities [13] Group 6: Investment Products for Risk-Averse Investors - New Bitcoin buffer ETFs have been launched to make Bitcoin more accessible to risk-averse investors, providing downside protection amid volatility [14][15]

HILLSDALE, Mich., July 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- CNB Community Bancorp, Inc. (OTCQX: CNBB), the parent company of County National Bank, today announced earnings for the three and six months ended June 30, 2025. Earnings during the second quarter of 2025 totaled $3.0 million, an increase of $82,000 or 2.8% compared to the $2.9 million earned during the three months ended June 30, 2024. The increase in net income was the result of an increase in net interest income as well as noninterest income, specifically d ...

Core Insights - The current economic environment favors well-capitalized and growth-oriented companies, which are outperforming their counterparts in the U.S. market [1] - A structural shift in the U.S. market is indicated by the sustained outperformance of large-cap and growth securities over small-cap and value stocks [2] - The S&P 500 Growth Index has returned 15.46% over the past year, significantly outperforming the S&P 500 Value Index, which gained 8.85% [3] - Barclays maintains a positive outlook on U.S. growth stocks due to strong earnings momentum and lower leverage risk associated with large-cap securities [4] Market Sentiment - Bank of America and Goldman Sachs have raised their year-end forecasts for the S&P 500, with BofA increasing its target to 6,300 and Goldman to 6,600, reflecting a bullish sentiment [5] - Citigroup, Barclays, and Deutsche Bank have also raised their year-end targets for the S&P 500, indicating growing optimism in the U.S. equity market [6] - The S&P 500 has gained approximately 6.7% year-to-date, with a significant rally following a pause on tariffs announced by President Trump [6] Investment Opportunities - Large-cap ETFs are recommended for investors seeking exposure to the improving market outlook, particularly in the tech sector driven by the AI boom [7] - Notable large-cap ETFs include Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO), SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY), and iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV), with VOO having the largest asset base of $689.85 billion [8] - Growth-focused ETFs such as Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) and iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF (IWF) are highlighted for investors looking to capitalize on the shift in market sentiment [11][12] - VUG has an asset base of $175.61 billion, making it the largest among growth-focused options, with annual fees of 0.04% for SPYG, VUG, and IUSG, suitable for long-term investing [13]

Financial Results Announcement - Midland States Bancorp, Inc. will issue its second quarter 2025 financial results after market close on July 24, 2025 [1] - An investor presentation will accompany the financial results and will be available on the company's investor relations website [1] Company Overview - Midland States Bancorp, Inc. is a community-based financial holding company headquartered in Effingham, Illinois [2] - The company is the sole shareholder of Midland States Bank and had total assets of approximately $7.28 billion as of March 31, 2025 [2] - The Wealth Management Group of the company had assets under administration of approximately $4.10 billion [2] - The company offers a full range of commercial and consumer banking products and services, including business equipment financing, merchant credit card services, trust and investment management, insurance, and financial planning services [2]

NEW YORK,, July 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Amalgamated Financial Corp. (“Amalgamated” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: AMAL) today announced that its second quarter 2025 financial results will be released before market open on Thursday, July 24, 2025. The Company will host a conference call at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time on the same day to discuss the financial results. Investors and analysts interested in participating in the call are invited to dial 1-877-407-9716 (international callers please dial 1-201-493-6779 ...