Latest news with #Mag7
CNBC
5 days ago
- Business
- CNBC
Investors are buying Amazon and low-volatility ETFs as uncertainty reigns supreme
(This is a wrap-up of the key money moving discussions on CNBC's "Worldwide Exchange" exclusive for PRO subscribers. Worldwide Exchange airs at 5 a.m. ET each day.) Investors are looking for opportunities in the Magnificent Seven and for ways to play the potential for more volatility in the market with Middle East tensions continuing. Worldwide Exchange pick: Amazon (AMZN) Jeff Kilburg of KKM Financial said Amazon is a smart buy even in a volatile market and credits its year to date decline to profit taking. "The way they are doing custom chips, the way they are approaching AWS (Amazon Web Services) … I'm excited," said Kilburg. "Going back to Q4, Q1 of this year I was pounding the table concerned about Mag 7 being overconcentrated. What have we seen? A massive repricing, reevaluation of Mag-Seven. Right here, right now it makes sense." According to FactSet, Amazon trades just below 32 time forward earnings. On Jan. 28, it traded at nearly 38 time forward earnings. The Fed and the bond market Philip Straehl of Morningstar sees opportunity in intermediate bonds in the current market environment. "The fiscal backdrop has been a source of some volatility on the long end, we like Treasurys as an investment we, we do favor the intermediate part of the curve," said Straehl. "We continue to think the news cycle around the budget bill that is going to make its way through Congress in the weeks to come is going to provide an impetus for a bit more volatility." Straehl added the short end of the curve could become more attractive if the Federal Reserve has a more hawkish outlook than expected. Lauren Goodwin of New York Life Investments sees continued volatility in the bond market, especially at the long end of the curve due in part to foreign investors reducing their purchases. "The dynamic … is real, it is happening. We are seeing it not only among retail but the most sophisticated institutional investors even if it's just on the margin questioning their geographic allocation," she said. Goodwin added she doesn't expect the Fed to respond to this trend in the near term, but they could take action in the future. "The role that the Fed could play in the long term is a buyer of last resort. Engage in some financial repression with respect to maintaining some Treasury market volatility. We don't think we are anywhere near that stage in policy management of the issue. We anticipate that dollar depreciation will continue on the margin … Treasury market volatility especially on the long end is a reality for investors." Investing in Low Volatility ETFs Steve Sosnick of Interactive Brokers believes investors need to consider investing in low-volatility stocks and ETFs due to the geopolitical uncertainty. "Lower Beta, high divided stocks are definitely a way to stay invested while insulating yourself," Sosnick said. "High Beta is great when the market is going up, but not when the market is floundering. If you want to stay invested dividends provide a lot of ballast." Sosnick highlighted the Vanguard Russell 1000 Value ETF (VONV) along with the Vanguard U.S. Minimum Volatility ETF (VFMV) as two ways to the play the current market environment. Both have outperformed the S & P 500 year to date.
CNBC
12-06-2025
- Business
- CNBC
Best Stocks: A cybersecurity giant with a red hot AI business and shares poised for a breakout
(This is The Best Stocks in the Market , brought to you by Josh Brown and Sean Russo of Ritholtz Wealth Management.) Josh — We've written about two cybersecurity giants in our Best Stocks column in recent weeks, CrowdStrike and Zscaler, both of which remain on the list and represent solid leadership within the software industry group. If you've been making money on those names, you'll be delighted to hear that we've got another write-up in the group. When Palo Alto Networks (PANW) hit the list last week, Sean was pumped to get the opportunity to talk about it. Palo Alto is a 20-year old company that was added to the S & P 500 in 2023. It is currently the largest cybersecurity stock in America with a $130 billion market cap, just ahead of CrowdStrike. With Palo Alto, investors get three businesses in one: Strata is their network security platform while Prisma secures the cloud. And then there is Cortex, the AI and automation business, which is currently on fire. Last week CEO Nikesh Arora, one of the most respected executives in Silicon Valley, announced a consolidation of Prisma under the Cortex brand in order to underscore the importance of AI within the company. Speaking at the Bank of America Global Technology Conference on June 3rd, Arora reaffirmed Palo Alto's target to double the business over the next five years. This is a strong stock in a strong sector. Sean's going to lay out the backdrop for you and then share some stuff about why this name is acting so well. Best stock spotlight: Palo Alto Networks Inc (PANW) On the list since: 6/6/2025 Sean — Tech is increasingly becoming the engine of this market. Tariffs may be dominating the headlines, but tech has held its ground, continuing its relative strength that we've seen over the past decade. Via Factset, first-quarter earnings reported by the Mag 7 exceeded estimates by 14.9%, compared to 8.2% for all S & P 500 companies. The Mag 7's actual earnings grew 27.7% from the same period a year ago. Alphabet, Amazon, and Nvidia were among the top 5 contributors to earnings growth for the S & P 500 in Q1. Within the Mag 7, the software-oriented names have outperformed the hardware/discretionary names: The top 2 performers YTD are Meta up 20% and Microsoft up 13%, while the bottom 2 performers are Apple down 19% and Tesla down 18%. Within tech, software is one of the best-performing industries. The iShares Expanded Tech-Software Sector ETF (IGV) , a popular Software ETF, is up 7% YTD and up 33% over the past year, compared to the Invesco QQQ Trust (QQQ) up 4% YTD and up 12% over the past year. Looking at all software-classified stocks within the S & P 500, 90% are currently trading above their 50-day moving average, and 68% are above their 200-day moving average. These stocks sit a median of 9% below their 52-week highs and have a median Relative Strength Index of 58. In comparison, the QQQs show slightly weaker breadth: 85% of its constituents are above their 50-day moving average and 63% are above their 200-day. The Qs are a median 13% below 52-week highs, with a median RSI of 59. This indicates that while both groups are exhibiting strength, Software stocks within the S & P 500 are showing slightly better technical positioning relative to the broader tech-heavy index. Software is the best-in-breed of an already high-performing tech sector. On our list, software makes up the most populous industry with 9 companies: ANSS , CDNS , CRWD , INTU , MSFT , PANW , PLTR , ROP , and ZS . Major breakout? PANW was added to the list late last week. Palo Alto Networks is a platform-based cybersecurity firm focused on network security, cloud security, and general security operations with over 80k enterprise customers. This is PANW's quarterly gross profit since inception, up and to the right: As of PANW's latest earnings report, the company reported $5 billion in annualized recurring revenue (ARR) from its next-generation security (NGS) offerings — a 34% YoY increase. The company expects this momentum to continue, projecting $5.52 billion to $5.57 billion in ARR for Q4, representing 31–32% growth. This strong performance is being driven by demand for AI-powered security solutions, SASE, and software firewalls. The company is also seeing deep traction with large enterprises: 130 customers now generate over $5 million in ARR, and 44 bring in over $10 million. Management's strategy is to have 60–70% of ARR come from these "platformized" clients, supporting long-term scalability and revenue durability. According to management, with this growth trajectory and customer engagement, Palo Alto remains confident in its path toward a $15 billion ARR target by fiscal 2030. (data via Quartr) The stock just recently bounced off its 50- and 200-day moving average. If it can get to the $200 range, we could be in for a major breakout, joining an elite software industry thus far in 2025. Risk management Josh — That bounce Sean is referring to happened exactly where the bulls needed it to. After PANW reported earnings on May 20th, it gapped lower but the buyers stepped up at the $182-$185 level. They bought it at the 200-day and it never closed below. I'd keep it simple and watch for a close below to tell me something's changed. As far as an entry is concerned, a true technician would wait for the breakout above $200 and watch for convincing volume before starting a position. The risk of anticipating the breakout is more chop below that level and potentially being stopped out. DISCLOSURES: (None) All opinions expressed by the CNBC Pro contributors are solely their opinions and do not reflect the opinions of CNBC, NBC UNIVERSAL, their parent company or affiliates, and may have been previously disseminated by them on television, radio, internet or another medium. THE ABOVE CONTENT IS SUBJECT TO OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY . THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT CONSITUTE FINANCIAL, INVESTMENT, TAX OR LEGAL ADVICE OR A RECOMMENDATION TO BUY ANY SECURITY OR OTHER FINANCIAL ASSET. THE CONTENT IS GENERAL IN NATURE AND DOES NOT REFLECT ANY INDIVIDUAL'S UNIQUE PERSONAL CIRCUMSTANCES. THE ABOVE CONTENT MIGHT NOT BE SUITABLE FOR YOUR PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES. BEFORE MAKING ANY FINANCIAL DECISIONS, YOU SHOULD STRONGLY CONSIDER SEEKING ADVICE FROM YOUR OWN FINANCIAL OR INVESTMENT ADVISOR. INVESTING INVOLVES RISK. EXAMPLES OF ANALYSIS CONTAINED IN THIS ARTICLE ARE ONLY EXAMPLES. THE VIEWS AND OPINIONS EXPRESSED ARE THOSE OF THE CONTRIBUTORS AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE OFFICIAL POLICY OR POSITION OF RITHOLTZ WEALTH MANAGEMENT, LLC. JOSH BROWN IS THE CEO OF RITHOLTZ WEALTH MANAGEMENT AND MAY MAINTAIN A SECURITY POSITION IN THE SECURITIES DISCUSSED. ASSUMPTIONS MADE WITHIN THE ANALYSIS ARE NOT REFLECTIVE OF THE POSITION OF RITHOLTZ WEALTH MANAGEMENT, LLC" TO THE END OF OR OUR DISCLOSURE. Click here for the full disclaimer.
Business Insider
08-06-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
The Week That Was, The Week Ahead: Macro & Markets, June 8, 2025
Everything to Know about Macro and Markets Stocks clocked in large weekly gains, returning to positive territory year-to-date. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) rose by 1.17%, the S&P 500 (SPX) increased by 1.50%, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq-100 (NDX) gained 1.97% for the week. The S&P 500 finished more than 20% above April's low, reclaiming the 6,000 mark first reached in February, although it remained about 2% shy of its record high. Confident Investing Starts Here: Macro Steers the Markets The week began on a positive note, losing some steam in the second half. The weakness in PMI reports – with the manufacturing activity contracting for a third month in a row and services activity shrinking for the first time in 11 months – infused some gloom. However, Friday saw stocks find their footing again on solid job gains, which allayed fears about an imminent economic downturn. U.S. jobs growth stayed strong in May, climbing 139,000 with unemployment unchanged at 4.2%. Although the March and April reports were revised downward, May's report reassured investors, as it reflected a very gradual cooling of the labor market. Still, diving into the job report's details, a stronger-than-expected wage growth continues to put a floor under inflation. This supports the Federal Reserve's 'wait and see' stance, despite President Trump's demands for a cut. According to the CME FedWatch Tool, the chances of a June cut are nil, and July's rate decrease looks increasingly improbable. Prices in interest rate futures markets imply that investors expect two quarter-point rate cuts by year-end, with the first cut not expected until September. Wrapping Up the Season Despite tariff headwinds and macro volatility, S&P 500 companies delivered solid results last quarter. Index members reported 12.9% year-over-year earnings growth – the second straight double-digit increase. 78% of firms – above the five-year average – exceeded EPS estimates. However, the number of companies issuing negative EPS guidance (68) was also above the average. In Q1, the Healthcare sector reported the highest earnings growth, 43%, leaving the Magnificent Seven cohort's 27.7% increase in the dust. In fact, Mag 7's earnings growth rate was below the average (32.1%) of the previous three quarters. Still, three members of the Magnificent bunch – Alphabet (GOOGL), Amazon (AMZN), and Nvidia (NVDA) – are among the top five contributors to earnings growth for the S&P 500 for the first quarter. Interestingly, Bristol Myers Squibb (BMY) and Gilead Sciences (GILD) were the other top contributors. Stocks That Made the News ▣ Tesla (TSLA) lost nearly 15% over the week following the ugly social media spat between Elon Musk and President Donald Trump. The feud flared up over the impending budget bill, with Musk calling it 'disgusting', and followed by Trump's threat to take away billions of dollars in government subsidies and contracts awarded to Musk's businesses. Although shares rebounded on Friday as Musk and Trump moved to cool tensions, the spat cost Tesla over $150 billion loss in market cap. ▣ Broadcom (AVGO) fell on Friday, wiping out its weekly gain, after the chip giant only narrowly surpassed analyst revenue and expectations. In addition, its current quarter revenue guidance was also just above consensus. Solid, but not a blowout quarter and outlook, weighed on shares that recently hit all-time highs. Still, the company delivered on the AI narrative, reporting surging demand and upping AI networking revenue guidance. ▣ Microsoft (MSFT) continued its climb, hitting a fresh record on Friday as analysts raised price targets on acceleration in Azure and AI-related revenue growth. According to Goldman Sachs, Microsoft's cloud revenue could more than double by 2029. The tech leader's market cap has reached $3.5 trillion, surpassing that of Nvidia (NVDA) and making MSFT the largest company in the world. ▣ Lululemon (LULU) shares dove by 20% on Friday, capping large weekly losses, despite earnings beat. The apparel retailer cut guidance on macroeconomic uncertainty and the impact of tariffs that might force LULU to increase prices. ▣ DocuSign (DOCU) was another notable decliner, sinking nearly 19% post earnings. The company reported a strong financial performance, but a miss on billings raised investor fears about future growth. The Q1 2025 earnings season is practically over, but several notable earnings releases are still scheduled for the next few days. These include Casey's General (CASY), Oracle (ORCL), Chewy (CHWY), and Adobe (ADBE).
Business Insider
08-06-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
Goldman Sachs Says the Magnificent 7 Are Set to Rebound This Summer
After leading the market for two straight years, the Magnificent 7 – Apple (AAPL), Microsoft (MSFT), Amazon (AMZN), Alphabet (GOOGL), Meta Platforms (META), Nvidia (NVDA), and Tesla (TSLA) – are underperforming in 2025. Some investors are even wondering if these tech giants are in bubble territory, despite the recent month-long rally. Confident Investing Starts Here: John Flood of Goldman Sachs sees it differently. In a June 3 commentary titled Revenge of the Magnificent 7, he argues that the recent sell-off might be a buying opportunity. The group just beat earnings expectations by 13%, yet stock prices are down. This disconnect means their valuations are now more reasonable compared to past years. Flood Points to Key Catalysts Flood points out that the valuation premium these companies enjoyed has dropped sharply. Despite their size, these firms are showing strong profit growth, with forward profit margins at record levels. They also tend to be less dependent on economic cycles, giving them a more defensive profile when the outlook turns uncertain. Positioning is another factor. Many mutual and hedge funds are still underweight these names. If sentiment improves, there's plenty of room for institutional buying. Flood sees this 'dry powder' as a potential tailwind. He also brings in seasonality. July is historically strong for corporate buybacks, and many of the Magnificent 7 are known for their large repurchase programs. That should provide additional support for stock prices in the weeks ahead. All these signals point to better earnings, lower valuations, defensive business models, underweight institutional exposure, and seasonal buyback strength, leading Flood to expect the Mag 7 to outperform the broader market this summer. In short, if Flood is right, this summer could mark a return to form for the market's most-watched stocks. Using Tipranks' Comparison Tool, we've assembled the Magnificent 7 and compared notable performance factors to gain a broader perspective on each of the stocks.
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Wedbush and Dan Ives Launch AI Revolution ETF
Tech analyst Dan Ives believes he has identified the most important companies driving artificial intelligence innovation today. He and Wedbush Fund Advisors launched the firm's inaugural ETF Wednesday — the Dan Ives Wedbush AI Revolution ETF (IVES). The fund, based on Ives' proprietary research, targets companies leading the charge in robotics, semiconductor chips, retail products, and of course, AI. It's the old California gold rush 'picks and shovels' strategy. 'AI isn't just about the Mag 7,' Ives told Advisor Upside. 'It's the software, the consumer, the infrastructure, the cybersecurity players.' The fund had net assets of more than $26 million as of Wednesday, an expense ratio of 0.75%, and a net asset value of $25.35. AI is likely going to be as monumental as the printing press or the internet, but do advisors have much enthusiasm for products that specifically target the sector? READ ALSO: There's Almost 600K More Millionaires. That's Not Necessarily a Good Thing and Goldman, Morgan Stanley, JPMorgan Layoffs to Hit Northeast There are plenty of AI-focused ETFs already, including Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF (AIQ), Defiance Quantum ETF (QTUM), and iShares Future AI & Tech ETF (ARTY) which collectively hold more than $5.5 billion in assets, according to data compiled by Morningstar Direct. As of the end of May, AI and robotics ETFs in the US alone have taken in nearly $1.3 billion. However, many of those funds also include holdings that aren't AI-specific. For example, ARTY has plenty of exposure to multiple foreign currencies. IVES, on the other hand, is more limited: It's made up of just 30 holdings, including all of the Mag 7. It also has a few names clients may not be aware of, like cybersecurity firm Zscaler, software-maker Pegasystems, and nuclear power company Oklo. 'Investors miss a core part of the theme by not playing the second and third derivatives,' Ives said. Wedbush Funds CIO Cullen Rogers added that the fund allows large-cap leaders like Nvidia and Microsoft to carry influence without overpowering the portfolio, and it gives smaller names 'a seat at the table.' Making Waves? Though AI is being viewed as the fourth industrial revolution and has been responsible for major investor returns of late, AI ETFs — and thematics in general — are a tough sell for advisors, said Bryan Armour, director of ETF & passive strategies research at Morningstar. 'Investors, and advisors alike, got burned by thematic ETFs in 2022, so they've failed to generate as much interest since then,' he told Advisor Upside. Plus, clients already have significant exposure to AI companies when they invest in the S&P 500 or Nasdaq. 'We have definitely seen how advisors have been putting some of the legacy AI thematic ETFs to work in client portfolios, but we've also seen advisors start to realize that most 'AI' ETFs are little more than the MAG 7 with high fees,' said Adam Patti, CEO of VistaShares. This post first appeared on The Daily Upside. To receive financial advisor news, market insights, and practice management essentials, subscribe to our free Advisor Upside newsletter. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
