Live Nasdaq Composite: Markets Clinch Record Highs on China Tariff Closure
Live Updates Live Coverage Updates appear automatically as they are published. UBS Touts Preferred Securities 11:22 am by Gerelyn Terzo UBS senior fixed income strategist Frank Sileo is bullish on preferred securities, which blend features of both stocks and bonds. Sileo wrote: “For long-term investors, preferreds can provide high-quality, diverse, and durable portfolio income.” According to S&P Global, the majority of preferred securities are issued by banks. The Nasdaq Composite is holding onto gains, up 0.46%. Bearish on Banks 10:07 am by Gerelyn Terzo Wall Street firm Baird is bearish on a couple of banks. The analyst firm warned that recent gains in financial stocks JPMorgan (NYSE: JPM) and Bank of America (NYSE: BAC) might soon be erased, owing to a questionable risk-reward future for both stocks. Baird handed both stocks downgrades, including JPM to an “underperform” and BAC to “neutral” with price targets of $235 and $52, respectively, attached. The Nasdaq Composite is now up 0.34%. This article will be updated throughout the day, so check back often for more daily updates. The broader markets have crossed over into record territory on Friday even in the face of economic uncertainty. The S&P 500 has pushed beyond the 6,147 level to 6,159 in early trading, a fresh all-time high. In fact, all three of the major stock market averages are advancing, including a 0.34% gain in the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite and a fractional gain in the Dow Jones Industrial Average. Big Tech stocks are trading mixed, with notable gains in Apple (Nasdaq: AAPL) and Amazon (Nasdaq: AMZN) of 1% and 1.8%, respectively. President Trump has announced an agreement between the U.S. and China on trade. According to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, the U.S. tariffs on China are 30% compared with Beijing’s 10% on the U.S. On the economic data front, the May personal consumption expenditures price index rose by 0.1% last month, resulting in an annual inflation rate of 2.3%. Core inflation, which excludes food and energy costs, increased to 2.7%, higher than the Federal Reserve had anticipated. Here’s a look at the performance as of morning trading: Dow Jones Industrial Average: Up 314.99 (+0.73%) Nasdaq Composite: Up 108.50 (+0.56%) S&P 500: Up 33.86 (+0.56%) Market Movers Nike (NYSE: NKE) is tacking on 15.4% today after its quarterly results beat estimates on both the top and bottom lines. Nike expects a tariff impact of a hefty $1 billion in the current fiscal year, but Wall Street is seeing the glass half full. MP Materials (NYSE: MP) is falling 6.3% today on profit taking after a recent rally. Meta Platforms (Nasdaq: META) is up 0.89% today despite some regulatory headwinds originating from the EU. Meta paid its latest quarterly dividend yesterday, bringing Mark Zuckerberg’s total META dividend tally to a reported $1 billion-plus. The post Live Nasdaq Composite: Markets Clinch Record Highs on China Tariff Closure appeared first on 24/7 Wall St..
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Live Nasdaq Composite: Markets Clinch Record Highs on China Tariff Closure
Live Updates Live Coverage Updates appear automatically as they are published. UBS Touts Preferred Securities 11:22 am by Gerelyn Terzo UBS senior fixed income strategist Frank Sileo is bullish on preferred securities, which blend features of both stocks and bonds. Sileo wrote: “For long-term investors, preferreds can provide high-quality, diverse, and durable portfolio income.” According to S&P Global, the majority of preferred securities are issued by banks. The Nasdaq Composite is holding onto gains, up 0.46%. Bearish on Banks 10:07 am by Gerelyn Terzo Wall Street firm Baird is bearish on a couple of banks. The analyst firm warned that recent gains in financial stocks JPMorgan (NYSE: JPM) and Bank of America (NYSE: BAC) might soon be erased, owing to a questionable risk-reward future for both stocks. Baird handed both stocks downgrades, including JPM to an “underperform” and BAC to “neutral” with price targets of $235 and $52, respectively, attached. The Nasdaq Composite is now up 0.34%. This article will be updated throughout the day, so check back often for more daily updates. The broader markets have crossed over into record territory on Friday even in the face of economic uncertainty. The S&P 500 has pushed beyond the 6,147 level to 6,159 in early trading, a fresh all-time high. In fact, all three of the major stock market averages are advancing, including a 0.34% gain in the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite and a fractional gain in the Dow Jones Industrial Average. Big Tech stocks are trading mixed, with notable gains in Apple (Nasdaq: AAPL) and Amazon (Nasdaq: AMZN) of 1% and 1.8%, respectively. President Trump has announced an agreement between the U.S. and China on trade. According to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, the U.S. tariffs on China are 30% compared with Beijing’s 10% on the U.S. On the economic data front, the May personal consumption expenditures price index rose by 0.1% last month, resulting in an annual inflation rate of 2.3%. Core inflation, which excludes food and energy costs, increased to 2.7%, higher than the Federal Reserve had anticipated. Here’s a look at the performance as of morning trading: Dow Jones Industrial Average: Up 314.99 (+0.73%) Nasdaq Composite: Up 108.50 (+0.56%) S&P 500: Up 33.86 (+0.56%) Market Movers Nike (NYSE: NKE) is tacking on 15.4% today after its quarterly results beat estimates on both the top and bottom lines. Nike expects a tariff impact of a hefty $1 billion in the current fiscal year, but Wall Street is seeing the glass half full. MP Materials (NYSE: MP) is falling 6.3% today on profit taking after a recent rally. Meta Platforms (Nasdaq: META) is up 0.89% today despite some regulatory headwinds originating from the EU. Meta paid its latest quarterly dividend yesterday, bringing Mark Zuckerberg’s total META dividend tally to a reported $1 billion-plus. The post Live Nasdaq Composite: Markets Clinch Record Highs on China Tariff Closure appeared first on 24/7 Wall St..
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I have invested in dividends for 10 years—These monthly payers keep my cash flow consistent in July
Key Points in This Article: Dividend-paying stocks provide consistent income and historically outperform non-dividend peers, averaging 10.2% annual returns over the past 50 years with lower volatility.</div> Selecting sustainable dividend stocks requires evaluating payout ratios, financial health, and growth potential to ensure reliable cash flow and resilience against market fluctuations. Sit back and let dividends do the heavy lifting for a simple, steady path to serious wealth creation over time. Grab a free copy of “2 Legendary High-Yield Dividend Stocks” now. Dividend-paying stocks are a cornerstone for investors seeking consistent income and sustained wealth creation. By distributing a share of their earnings, these companies provide a dependable cash flow, appealing to retirees, income-focused portfolios, or those leveraging reinvestment for exponential growth. Data from Ned Davis Research shows dividend growers and initiators averaged 10.2% annual returns from 1972 to 2022, outpacing non-dividend stocks at 4.3%, with less volatility. These stocks often counter inflation through rising payouts and offer stability in turbulent markets. However, choosing wisely is critical — investors must assess dividend sustainability, financial health, and sector resilience to sidestep unsustainable yields. I’ve invested in dividend stocks for over 10 years because they are compelling long-term investment options. Income-generating stocks balance reliability with growth potential, and choosing those that pay dividends monthly provides a steady income stream that can be reinvested or used to pay bills. The three monthly dividend stocks below are among the best choices to build wealth beginning in July. Main Street Capital (MAIN): A Resilient BDC for Steady Income Main Street Capital (NYSE:MAIN), a business development company (BDC), stands out for its monthly dividend payments and robust investment strategy. With a market cap of $5.2 billion, MAIN provides debt and equity financing to lower-middle-market companies, diversifying across sectors like manufacturing and healthcare. Its 2024 dividend totaled $4.11 per share, yielding approximately 5.23%, with occasional (though regular) supplemental payouts reflecting strong cash flows. MAIN’s disciplined underwriting and focus on stable, privately held businesses ensure resilience even in economic downturns. The company’s payout ratio of around 50%, supports dividend sustainability, while its 15 years of consistent payments signal reliability. For long-term investors, MAIN’s blend of high yield, diversification, and growth in underserved markets makes it a compelling choice, though BDC-specific risks like interest rate sensitivity warrant monitoring. STAG Industrial (STAG): Riding the E-Commerce Wave STAG Industrial (NYSE:STAG), an industrial REIT, offers a strong case for long-term investment through its monthly dividends and exposure to the booming logistics sector. With a yield of about 4%, STAG owns over 600 warehouse and distribution properties leased to diverse tenants, including Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN) and FedEx (NYSE:FDX), ensuring stable cash flows. Its occupancy rate of 96% and long-term, net-leased contracts minimize vacancy risks. STAG has raised dividends annually for 13 years, supported by e-commerce-driven demand for industrial space. The REIT’s conservative payout ratio of around 70% and its strategic acquisitions in high-growth markets enhance its appeal. For investors, STAG provides a balance of income and capital appreciation potential, though rising interest rates could pressure REIT valuations. Its alignment with secular trends like online retail makes it a solid, long-term pick. LTC Properties (LTC): Capitalizing on Aging Demographics LTC Properties (NYSE:LTC), a healthcare REIT, delivers reliable monthly dividends with a yield of approximately 6.6%, anchored by its focus on senior housing and skilled nursing facilities. With a $1.6 billion market cap, LTC’s portfolio of over 200 properties benefits from triple-net leases, shifting operational costs to tenants and ensuring predictable income. The aging U.S. population — projected to include 83 million seniors by 2050 — drives demand for LTC’s assets, supporting long-term growth. Its payout ratio, near 85%, is sustainable, backed by steady cash flows and strategic property investments. LTC’s more than 20 years of consistent dividends underscore its reliability. While healthcare REITs face risks from regulatory changes or tenant financial health, LTC’s diversified tenant base and demographic tailwinds make it an attractive long-term investment for income-focused portfolios seeking stability and growth. Key Takeaways MAIN, STAG, and LTC offer distinct advantages for long-term investors seeking monthly dividends. MAIN’s diversified BDC model provides high yield and stability, ideal for income seekers. STAG capitalizes on e-commerce growth, balancing income with capital appreciation. LTC leverages demographic trends in healthcare, ensuring reliable cash flows. Each stock carries risks. MAIN and STAG have interest rate sensitivity while LTC faces regulatory shifts. However, their sustainable payouts and strong fundamentals make them compelling for long-term wealth building. The post I have invested in dividends for 10 years—These monthly payers keep my cash flow consistent in July appeared first on 24/7 Wall St..
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Alphabet: Still A Buy
Alphabet is undervalued at a 17–18x forward P/E despite strong earnings and a dominant market position, mainly due to regulatory overhang. The DOJ's push for a Chrome divestment is an extreme measure that could harm Google's integrated ecosystem and billions of users worldwide. While a worst-case scenario could trigger a 20% stock drop, such an outcome is unlikely and any divestment process would be lengthy.
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Alphabet's AI strength, ad resilience undervalued – BofA
Bank of America has labeled Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) as one of the best-positioned consumer AI companies despite concerns over AI disruption to its core ad business. “We think fears of AI disruption to GOOGL's core ad business are overblown,” Bank of America analysts wrote in a note, adding valuation of 11 times EV/EBITDA “provides an attractive entry point.
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Jim Cramer Is Fixated On An International Rotation
One of the world’s most prolific talking heads around the stock market, Jim Cramer needs little introduction in the financial world. The host of MAD MONEY on CNBC, Cramer, has been in the investing and media game for years, and for the most part, he’s got his pulse on the market better than most. Key Points Jim Cramer is taking a long, hard look at some European names that have been overlooked. His take is that Europe has been overlooked for too long, and some major brands are experiencing financial growth in the region. Camer wholeheartedly believes that ignoring Europe would mean ignoring financial gains. Are you ahead, or behind on retirement? SmartAsset’s free tool can match you with a financial advisor in minutes to help you answer that today. Each advisor has been carefully vetted, and must act in your best interests. Don’t waste another minute; get started by clicking here.(Sponsor) A continent with nearly 750 million people, Cramer believes this region of the world has been overlooked for far too long. Indicating that this region is on the rise, his take is that the state of Europe is very strong, something heavyweight giants like the CEO of Cisco support wholeheartedly. Europe Is Coming Back There is no question that Cramer, who believes Wall Street has overlooked Europe unnecessarily, is fixated on the region’s sudden rise and the belief that a host of companies are experiencing significant success. Cramer notes that there has been an increase in spending, particularly in the technology sector, across Europe. He highlights that even the telecom companies, which have generally been adverse to big spending in the region, are now opening up their wallets in a meaningful and impactful way. His concern is that Wall Street has ignored Europe for far too long. Still, Portugal, Italy, Spain, and numerous other countries in the European region are now directly on Cramer’s radar. Amazon (AMZN) When it comes to Amazon, Cramer specifically highlights that the company has been losing money in Europe for as long as he can remember. Now, the company has turned the corner, showing at least one billion in profit in the last quarter alone, just from European sales. He also thinks that the stock is on the rise, specifically because investors are seeing the growth potential in Europe. According to online research, Amazon has a market penetration of at least 64% in Germany and approximately 50% of the online market in Spain. This is before you turn your attention to France, where 35% of the spending shoppers do online goes to Amazon. In Italy, nearly 70% of all online spending is directed to Amazon, which further supports Jim’s point that Amazon is a must-watch stock in Europe. Apple (AAPL) When you consider that Apple saw a 10% increase in iPhone shipments in Europe in the first quarter of 2025, despite a worldwide decline, it’s another reason in favor of Cramer’s outlook on the company. This led to almost a billion dollars in profit for the first quarter, similar to Amazon’s, just in Europe. Cramer indicates that nobody saw this coming, and yet, it’s a telling sign that Apple is seeing these kinds of numbers in the market. Burberry (BURBY) Burberry, headquartered in London, recently announced that it was laying off 20% of its global workforce, but this didn’t stop its stock from jumping in response. On June 25, 2025, the company highlighted that Q1 sales were proof that its resilience in the market was no fluke. It also expects the first quarter of its 2026 financial year to outperform the fourth quarter of 2025, which boosts Cramer’s argument about these specific companies. Deutsche Telekom (DTEGY) European telecom giant Deutsche Telekom is also back on the rise, especially in light of its recent signing a deal with NVIDIA to establish an AI cloud for European manufacturers in Germany. NVIDIA said it will supply at least 10,000 chips to be used in Deutsche Telekom’s data centers, which is a win for both companies and demonstrates that DT is no longer hesitant to invest significantly. Cramer specifically highlights this willingness to open its wallet as a reason to keep an eye on this stock. ASML (ASML) Another company on Cramer’s radar is ASML, a Dutch multinational corporation specializing in the semiconductor industry, which is poised for significant financial growth. The company is standing by its reduced forecast from a month ago, but Cramer doesn’t think anyone is properly paying attention to the stock. He says this is one to watch. The post Jim Cramer Is Fixated On An International Rotation appeared first on 24/7 Wall St..
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