While no indicator can guarantee future market results, the Zweig Breadth Thrust's historical consistency and extreme VIX spikes above 50 offer compelling data for savvy investors to consider.
REITs have been in the doghouse for years. However, that could all be changing soon—don't miss the window. I also discuss one near-zero net debt REIT offers inflation protection, recession resistance, and deep value.
It's less than four months into the year, and many investors are already exhausted. The wild stock market swings fueled by the Trump administration's tariffs are to blame.
Estée Lauder shares have plummeted 85% from their 2022 high due to management missteps, growth challenges in China and tariff-related fears. Despite Estée Lauder's current challenges, I have opened a position in EL stock, as I believe that the market is currently underestimating the company's potential. The company's solid gross profitability and manageable debt levels suggest a turnaround is possible, making EL shares an attractive long-term investment at their current valuation.
Across the board, AI stocks had a difficult 2025. Some companies have lost hundreds of billions of dollars in value over the first three months of the year.
Predicting market outcomes is challenging; my recommendations are based on historical data and probabilities rather than certainties. I reviewed my 2025 picks: 67% of Buy ratings and 78% of Hold ratings delivered positive alpha, outperforming many experts. Midstream energy and covered call income funds have shown strong performance, while recent market corrections impacted some picks.
With economic uncertainty and market volatility, income-oriented investors should consider fixed-income investments like ETFs to generate steady income and preserve capital. President Trump's tariff moves have increased market volatility. But this fear creates opportunities for attractive income investments in companies with strong business models and economic moats. The AB Ultra Short Income ETF offers stability and reliability, investing in investment-grade government and corporate bonds, yielding 5.07% with monthly distributions.
Investors and now Wall Street love dividend stocks, especially the high-yield variety, because they offer a significant income stream and have massive total return potential.
Energy Transfer LP showed strong growth potential with record EBITDA and DCF in FY2024, driven by high volumes and strategic investments in the Permian Basin and NGL exports. Despite missing Q4 expectations, ET's extensive natural gas pipeline network and rising natural gas power demand position it well for future growth and stable DCF. ET's valuation is attractive, trading at a discount with a high dividend yield, declining debt-to-equity ratio, and significant upside potential based on EV/EBITDA.
Archer Aviation is starting production of its Midnight air taxi, targeting 10 aircraft in FY25, with Abu Dhabi Aviation as its first customer. ACHR is poised to capitalize on key aviation trends: accessibility, autonomy, and electric technology, focusing on civilian, defense, and AI-driven flight control systems. Strategic partnership with Anduril aims to develop cost-effective hybrid-propulsion VTOL aircraft for defense, targeting the US Department of Defense, and leveraging AI and existing supply chains.
Perfect Corp.'s main value proposition is its AI and AR/VR technology to power consumer beauty apps and a SaaS platform serving over 700 global businesses. The company has over 1 million active subscribers, growing 14.3% YoY in key global markets. PERF is shifting to a subscription-based SaaS model via APIs and virtual try-on solutions for brands.
Perfect Corp.'s Q4 and FY 2024 results were solid, aligning with guidance despite a negative market reaction and ongoing B2B challenges. The acquisition of Wannaby enhances Perfect Corp.'s AI capabilities and market reach, positioning it as a leader in Beauty and Fashion AI. Strong B2C performance, with 1 million paid subscribers and growing engagement, provides resilience against B2B spending softness and supports long-term growth.