As trillion-dollar AI infrastructure spending fuels concerns of a market bubble, long-term investors are questioning whether broad index funds like the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF still offer a safe harbor.
Gold prices have surged past $5,500, driven by geopolitical tensions and fiscal fears. Yet, analysts caution that its reputation as a stable store of value may be overstated, pointing to inherent volatility and shifting market dynamics.
Annaly Capital Management capped off a robust 2025 with a fourth-quarter economic return of 8.6%, driven by a constructive fixed-income environment and growth across its core strategies. The mortgage REIT highlighted conservative leverage, a secure dividend, and strategic capital deployment as it navigates evolving market conditions.
Despite a weaker-than-expected volume environment, Norfolk Southern reported in-line cost performance for Q4 and highlighted significant strides in operational safety and efficiency. Executives pointed to a pivotal year of structural change while outlining cost and capital expenditure guidance for 2026.
Meritage Homes concluded a challenging 2025, citing affordability pressures and waning buyer confidence. While maintaining a cautious stance on incentives, the homebuilder is expanding its community footprint and boosting shareholder returns, betting on long-term demographic demand.
As volatility returns to European markets, investors are turning to dividend-paying stocks for income and stability. We examine three companies with compelling, yet distinct, dividend profiles for income-focused portfolios.
Vera Therapeutics (VERA) is drawing bullish attention from Wall Street, with multiple analysts significantly raising price targets following a key competitor's FDA approval and revised revenue forecasts for its lead drug candidate.
Jefferies raises price target on CS Disco following strong Q3 results fueled by its Cecilia AI platform, yet maintains a cautious 'Hold' rating as the company balances growth investments against profitability.
Keefe Bruyette trimmed its price target on Pagaya Technologies (PGY) to $35, while maintaining an Outperform rating. The adjustment comes despite the AI-driven lending platform reporting robust Q3 growth and a record partner pipeline.
Truist Securities has increased its price target for Nuvation Bio, highlighting the promising early commercial traction of its oncology drug Ibtrozi, which is outpacing competitors in the ROS1 inhibitor space.
Keefe Bruyette & Woods raises its price target on Riot Platforms (RIOT) to $23, citing a new long-term agreement with AMD that provides revenue visibility and supports the company's high-performance computing strategy.
Mizuho Securities dramatically raised its price target on SanDisk, forecasting a severe NAND flash memory shortage driven by explosive AI server demand and constrained production capacity through 2027.
NextPower Inc. sees its price target raised by TD Cowen following a robust third-quarter earnings beat and a landmark joint venture in Saudi Arabia, signaling growing confidence in the solar technology firm's trajectory.
Wall Street firms Keefe Bruyette and BTIG have raised price targets on Core Scientific, citing the company's strategic shift from Bitcoin mining to high-performance computing infrastructure for AI as a key driver for future growth.
Barclays raises Astera Labs' price target to $165, naming it a top pick for AI integration plays in its 2026 semiconductor outlook, while contrasting analyst views highlight the evolving debate on AI's infrastructure demands.
The Singapore-listed port operator has significantly improved its capital efficiency over five years, rewarding shareholders. Analysts are now weighing whether this trend is sustainable for long-term growth.
Australia reaffirms its commitment to building resilient critical mineral supply chains and a strategic reserve, undeterred by the U.S. stepping back from plans to guarantee minimum prices for such projects.
Fueled by exceptional demand for its HOKA and UGG brands, Deckers Outdoor Corp. posted a robust third-quarter performance, prompting the company to raise its fiscal 2026 guidance. Executives pointed to strategic product launches, direct-to-consumer strength, and clean marketplace inventories as key drivers.
PennyMac Mortgage Investment Trust (PMT) reported a robust fourth quarter, highlighted by a 13% return on equity and strategic advancements in its securitization business. Executives outlined a confident outlook for 2026, emphasizing disciplined risk management and growth in targeted lending segments.
The medical technology giant reports double-digit organic sales growth for the fourth consecutive year, driven by its Mako robotic system and strategic leadership shifts, while navigating tariffs and a shifting competitive landscape.
