Summary B. Riley's stock has fallen by 71% since I wrote a bearish opinion in 2021, as its income has declined while its balance sheet risks have grown. The company's future seems uncertain as short interest reaches 30%, making it among the most short-sold stocks today. Fundamentally, the company is operating too many segments, failing to develop a competitive edge in most, leading to low margins. B. Riley's securities lending business stands out compared to peers but could result in notable risks due to the potential undercollateralization of these loans in the event of a large market decline. Although B. Riley's risk exposure appears high, its performance may recover depending on macroeconomic circumstances. Further, its short interest is high enough that it has high short-squeeze potent

SummaryMining stocks, including Rio Tinto, BHP Group, and Glencore, have significantly increased recently as China's iron ore demand rebounded.Rio Tinto's three-year performance has been lackluster overall, unable to break into new highs despite seasonal rallies.China's economy and its demand for iron ore are the primary drivers of RIO's profitability, making it dependent on China's construction market.Tremendous efforts to support China's economy in 2023 are being proven unsuccessful, pointing toward a potential property bubble pop this year.Despite its positive qualities, the Company is too dependent on commodities that China's economy drives, giving it tremendous downside risk associated with China's potential economic depression.TexBrWhile mining stocks have not been solid in recent ye

Summary Rio Tinto has lost ~14% of its value since January, while the S&P 500 has risen by 20%, stemming from a sharp decline in iron prices. I expect China's iron ore demand to continue to plummet along with its property sector, potentially leading to a permanent 15-25% decline in global iron demand. Rio Tinto's exposure to China is exacerbated by its significant Australian iron ore mining, which has supported China's property development bubble. The coming glut in iron ore may push the commodity down into the $60 range, dramatically reducing Rio Tinto's overall EBITDA. Copper and aluminum are also negatively exposed to this trend, but they have closer ties to manufacturing demand, which may face a more transitory decline due to a global economic slowdown. Abstract Aerial Art/DigitalV

Summary BND's short-term outlook is positive due to lower inflation expectations and a potential end to or reduction in QT activity. Key bond risks include potential oil price spikes from geopolitical tensions and rising corporate credit risk during stock market crashes. In the long term, BND is not ideal due to concerns about US government debt, which makes its debt unpayable without chronically elevated inflation. I expect a repeat of 2020-2022 when inflation declined in the short term but was eventually pushed to a new high as the Federal Reserve overstimulated. Speculators may take advantage of BND's current rally, but may not want to hold the ETF for too long. NoDerog/E+ via Getty Images The medium and long-term bond markets have reacted well to economic data indicating a slowdown. I'

Sprouts Farmers Market has surged 470% since I became bullish in 2021, driven by superior management and a bifurcating grocery industry. Despite its high valuation, SFM's strong growth potential and market shift away from middle-market grocers like Kroger and Albertson's continued double-digit sales growth. Projecting its growth into the 2030s, Sprouts may be reasonably valued today, given that its sales are currently far below its expanding total addressable market. Sprouts is far more expensive than Kroger and Albertsons, but is likely undervalued to Costco. Compared to Costco, Sprouts has more recession risk but far superior long-term growth potential. SFM's current valuation appears risky due to potential demand fluctuations and fickle short-term momentum traders. Kobus Louw In 2021, S

Summary B. Riley faces immense risks due to significant debt maturities, weak consumer brands, and a tarnished reputation that may harm its advisory business. Despite a 67% stock plummet, short interest remains high, indicating market skepticism about its survival and potential for a short squeeze. The company's future hinges on asset sales, creditor leniency, and potential take-private offers, making its equity value highly speculative. Given its seemingly binary prospects and the potential for significant upside, if liquidity risks are mitigated, I now have a neutral outlook on RILY. Reputation matters in investment banking, meaning B. Riley may struggle with keeping its key clients and employees. J Studios In July, I published "

Summary Gasoline prices are down again due to global demand concerns. The average US retail gas price is $3.3, down from nearly $3.8 in May. This year, energy is the worst-performing sector, as investors view oil as cyclical after 2008 and 2020 despite its historically non-cyclical pattern. The Federal Reserve's surprisingly quick dovish shift and geopolitical should encourage investors to look toward supply side inflation hedges. Chevron's strong balance sheet, low debt-to-equity ratio, and strategic acquisitions position it well for future growth despite its slightly higher valuation. In a recession, Chevron's diversified operations and consistent dividend make it a safer bet, particularly given US drilling activity has already declined due to concerns of a slowdown that may not occur. N

Whirlpool faces potential short-term strains but possible long-term benefits from the Trump administration's efforts to improve US manufacturing activity. Despite recent financial struggles, including high debt and low margins, WHR's valuation reflects its risks, with analysts predicting a margin recovery after 2025. US manufacturing's post-pandemic recession and low home sales are significant challenges, but a supportive regulatory environment could aid Whirlpool's future growth. I cautiously upgrade my view on WHR to mildly bullish. I expect pressures in the short term but see it as a reasonable long-term value investment. simonkr/E+ via Getty Images From 2018 to 2023, the US had a tariff policy on washing machines. The tariff was initially set at 20% for the first 1.2M units and 50% abo

Cameco Corporation reported a non-GAAP EPS of -$0.01 and substantial revenue of $721M, up ~25% YoY, with a positive financial outlook and increased dividend. Operational improvements and the reopening of the McArthur River/Key Lake mine boosted the 2024 production outlook despite supply issues in Kazakhstan. The uranium market is supply side-driven; Cameco's long-term contracts and potential supply disruptions in Kazakhstan could keep uranium prices high, improving CCJ's income years from now. If supply conditions in Kazakhstan normalize, as expected, the market seems to be headed back into a glut, pushing uranium back below $60-$70 per pound. Cristian Martin/iStock via Getty Images The uranium (UXA:COM) mining giant Cameco Corporation