⚡ Market Shocks and 🧨 Top New Year Stock Picks!

Investing Intel brings you a curated selection of stock picks, investment news, and this week's trending topics.

Jan 09, 2024

Market Snapshot (Past Week)

S&P500: $4,736.53 (+0.24%)
Dow Jones Industrial Average: $37,449.71 (-0.48%)
Nasdaq Composite: $14,740.06 (+0.69%)
Russell 2000: $1,989.01 (-0.26%)
S&P/TSX Composite Index: $21,074.91 (+1.30%)
PHLX Gold and Silver Sector: $119.33 (-1.48%)

The Biggest Investing Stories From the Last 7 Days

This week, we've got insights into Sony rethinking its merger with Zee, the SEC's upcoming decision on Bitcoin ETFs, Merck's acquisition of Harpoon Therapeutics in oncology, and Nvidia's launch of new AI-enhanced graphics chips.

⚔️ Merger Halt: Sony, Zee Clash

Sony Group Corp. SONY 0.00%↑ is reassessing its merger with Zee Entertainment due to leadership disagreements and regulatory concerns. This reevaluation could impact Sony's strategy to strengthen its media presence in India, amid rising competition in the sector.

Sony Rethinks Zee Merger Amid Leadership Dispute —>

⏳ Bitcoin ETF Decision Day

The SEC is approaching a crucial deadline this Wednesday to decide whether to approve or reject the first spot Bitcoin ETFs, marking a significant moment for cryptocurrency in the financial markets.

Click here to delve into the potential launch of these groundbreaking funds in the U.S.

US Braces for Landmark Bitcoin ETF Decisions —>

🔬 Merck-Harpoon Deal: Oncology Leap

Uncover the details behind Merck's MRK 0.00%↑ latest strategic acquisition of Harpoon Therapeutics. This move not only strengthens Merck's foothold in the oncology market but introduces groundbreaking therapies into its arsenal.

Merck to Strengthen Cancer Drug Portfolio with Harpoon Buy —>

🦾 Nvidia’s AI-Enhanced Chips

Nvidia Corp. NVDA 0.00%↑ unveils new AI-focused graphics chips, like the GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER, to enhance personal computing, boosting gaming and AI performance while elevating its market position in the semiconductor industry.

Nvidia Unveils AI-Enhanced Graphics Chips for PC —>

PRESENTED BY QYOU MEDIA

India's Youth Surge Fuels Digital Explosion

QYOU Media Inc. (TSXV: QYOU) (OTC: QYOUF) is THE future of youth entertainment in India. Presenting the ultimate millennial and Gen Z content powerhouse, QYOU is expanding its dynamic presence in this rapidly growing economy. The media company is building a brand that resonates as the epitome of cool for young Indian consumers. Led by entertainment industry professionals, QYOU generates content that captivates over one billion consumers globally each month.

Explore this growth investing opportunity —>

Hot Topics

S&P Earnings: Goldman Sachs predicts that the aggregate S&P 500 earnings forecast could see further increases. Factors contributing to this potential rise include US economic growth, a policy shift by the Federal Reserve, and a weakening dollar, all of which may bolster corporate profits. Notably, Goldman's current earnings per share (EPS) forecast is already above the median estimate of strategists.

Shipping Costs: Shipping costs are rising as a Middle East crisis in the Red Sea escalates. However, Paul Donovan at UBS doesn’t think it’s much of an inflation concern. “These higher shipping costs should not be visible to most consumers.” - Do shipping costs matter to consumers?

Bond Market Optimism: Traders are optimistic about a bond rally in 2024, seeing recent pullbacks as buying opportunities before expected Federal Reserve rate cuts, signaling a rebound from the bond market's historic downturn.

Uranium: 2023 was a pivotal year for uranium, reaching critical replacement rate levels and ending utilities' reliance on dwindling inventories. The focus now shifts to long-term supply security and geopolitical challenges, alongside the difficulties in ramping up primary production.

Investing Signals - VTM Stock Picks

VTM's stock screeners have uncovered several promising stocks this week, focusing on value, growth, and dividend potential.

💎 Value Stock Picks 💎

AGNC Investment Corp (NASDAQ: AGNC)

P/E Ratio: 3.8
PEG Ratio: 0.5

AGNC's AGNC 0.00%↑ significant dividend yield, combined with low P/E and PEG ratios, make it an attractive value pick. Recent analyst buy ratings signal an optimistic view, positioning it as an attractive option within the finance sector.

MVB Financial Corp (NYSE: MVBF)

P/E Ratio: 14.1
PEG Ratio: 0.5

MVB Financial Corp. MVBF 0.00%↑ stands out as a value stock with a favorable dividend yield of 3.0%, a reasonable PE ratio of 14.1, and a positive investor outlook reflected in its recent analyst recommendations.

SSR Mining Inc (NASDAQ: SSRM)

P/E Ratio: 9.9
PEG Ratio: 0.5

SSR Mining Inc. SSRM 0.00%↑ stands out with a moderate P/E ratio and a PEG ratio below 1, suggesting growth at a reasonable price. A 2.7% dividend yield, though not the highest, adds to its appeal. The company's position in the non-energy materials sector offers a diversification opportunity, and it has been attracting positive analyst sentiment.

🚀 Growth Stock Picks 🚀

Core & Main, Inc. (NYSE: CNM)

ROE: 20.7%
EPS Growth: 3.3%

Core & Main, Inc. CNM 0.00%↑ is showing signs of growth with a strong 20.7% return on equity, which suggests it's using its investments effectively to generate profits. Its earnings per share have also grown by 3.3% over the past year, pointing to increasing profitability.

Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (NYSE: ANF)

ROE: 29.9%
EPS Growth: 2,213.5%

Abercrombie & Fitch Co. ANF 0.00%↑ stands out as a potential growth stock on the NYSE, with a strong Return on Equity (ROE) of 29.9% and a history of earnings growth. Recent analyst Buy ratings and EPS increase make ANF an attractive option for growth-focused investors in the consumer sector.

Viad Corp. (NYSE: VVI)

ROE: 105.1%
EPS Growth: 209.4%

Viad Corp VVI 0.00%↑ stands out as a growth stock with its exceptional 105.1% Return on Equity and a significant 209.4% EPS growth. The stock sports strong sales growth and positive analyst ratings, making it an appealing option for growth-focused investors in the business services sector.

🏦 Dividend Stock Picks 🏦

Rithm Capital Corp. (NYSE: RITM)

Dividend Yield: 9.4%
Dividend Payout Ratio: 55.7%

Rithm Capital Corp. RITM 0.00%↑ is a Mortgage Real Estate Investment Trust (mREIT). Rithm offers a strong dividend yield of 9.4% and a prudent payout ratio of 55.7%, showcasing its investor-friendly approach. Its solid financials, indicated by an 11.4% return on equity, make it an appealing choice for dividend-focused investors.

Federated Hermes, Inc. (NYSE: FHI)

Dividend Yield: 3.3%
Dividend Payout Ratio: 40.7%

Federated FHI 0.00%↑ provides asset management services for institutional and individual investors. FHI looks to be a solid dividend stock, with a current dividend yield of 3.3%, offering investors a steady income stream. The company's dividend payout ratio, at 40.7%, reflects a responsible approach to returning profits to shareholders while maintaining reinvestment in the business. The firm's substantial managed assets, totaling a record $715 billion, underscore its robust financial position. This financial strength is mirrored in its solid earnings performance.

PNM Resources, Inc. (NYSE: PNM)

Dividend Yield: 4.0%
Dividend Payout Ratio: 71.7%

PNM Resources PNM 0.00%↑ is an energy holding company based in New Mexico, in the United States. It was a recent acquisition target of Iberdrola’s subsidiary Avangrid but the deal fell through. PNM offers a reliable dividend yield of 4.0% with a manageable payout ratio of 71.7%. With a strong cash dividend coverage ratio, PNM stands as a dependable choice for investors seeking steady income in the utility sector.

Stocks Trending on Google Search

Google Search trends are a good indicator of investor trends and interests and a good indicator of stocks you should research to see why they are popular and whether this is a good investment for you.

LBPH Stock

LBPH 0.00%↑

Google Search Interest: +3,250%

Longboard Pharmaceuticals, Inc. LBPH 0.00%↑ is trending due to its successful public offering, raising about $241.5 million by selling 11.5 million shares at $21.00 each. The increased interest is likely because of the substantial funds raised and the involvement of major financial firms in managing the offering.

Walgreens Stock Dividend

WBA 0.00%↑

Google Search Interest: +1,200%

Walgreens stock dividend WBA 0.00%↑ is trending because the company, under its new CEO, announced a significant 48% cut in its upcoming dividend, reducing it to 25 cents a share. This move comes as part of an effort to improve financial results following earnings that exceeded forecasts.

Boeing Stock

BA 0.00%↑

Google Search Interest: +400%

Boeing stock BA 0.00%↑ is trending because of a safety incident with a Boeing 737 Max 9 plane, where an emergency exit door came off after takeoff, leading to rapid cabin pressure loss. This has raised fresh safety concerns for the 737 Max series, already scrutinized for past software issues linked to fatal crashes. Following this incident, 171 aircraft have been grounded for inspections, putting Boeing under renewed scrutiny and potentially affecting confidence in its 737 Max fleet.

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