Summary Cboe Global Markets thrives in volatile times, benefiting from increased trading volumes, particularly in SPX options and VIX futures. Their business model capitalizes on market turbulence. The company's focus has shifted from M&A to organic growth, expanding its global reach and digital asset offerings. This strategic shift strengthens their position in key markets. CBOE continues to deliver strong shareholder returns through dividends and buybacks. Despite a slightly high valuation, its growth prospects make it a promising investment. sarmoho/iStock via Getty Images Introduction While I am writing this, markets are panicking. Volatility, as measured by the CBOE Volatility Index, has spiked to more than 40, the highest number since 2020, when the world was hit by bad news

Summary Concerns about a U.S. recession persist despite mixed economic signals. Leading indicators suggest a downturn, but some market metrics remain strong, adding uncertainty. Rate cuts are anticipated, providing a potential buffer against economic weakness. The dollar’s trajectory is crucial for investors, particularly those with international exposure. Despite high valuations, certain sectors offer attractive opportunities. Strategic investments can capitalize on resilient trends and the potential for future growth. Dmytro Synelnychenko/iStock via Getty Images Introduction Is the U.S. about to enter a recession? Going into this month, that seemed to be the consensus, as poor nonfarm payroll numbers caused investors to believe the Fed may have gone too far by keeping rates too high

Summary Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc. is a standout in the trucking industry with unique strengths in the less-than-truckload segment. Impressive growth, efficient operations, and strong financials have positioned Old Dominion Freight Line for continued success despite the recent stock price dip. Potential demand recovery could lead to strong returns and dividend growth, making Old Dominion Freight Line stock a promising investment opportunity. ablokhin Introduction It's time to talk about Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc. (NASDAQ:ODFL), a company that has become one of my favorite dividend growth stocks on the market. After covering the company for many years, this is my first article on the stock I'm writing as a shareholder, as I

Summary Danaher's high valuation and flat 2024 EPS growth might raise eyebrows, but its track record, strategic acquisitions, and long-term growth potential make it a solid buy for those who can. Despite trading at a premium, Danaher's strong history, efficient operations, and potential for double-digit EPS growth in 2025 make it one of the few stocks I’m buying at a lofty price. Danaher's blend of strategic acquisitions and operational efficiency makes it a long-term winner. I’m adding to my position despite the high P/E, expecting strong returns as growth picks up. PM Images Introduction A blended P/E ratio of 36x. 0% EPS growth in 2024. I think it's fair to say that this does not look like a winning combination. Especially in light of what I wrote in a recent

Summary The "cash trap" is caused by investors flocking to high-yield, risk-free assets due to Fed rate hikes. This influx into money market funds could reverse if rates drop. When rates fall, investors may shift from money market funds to high-yield dividend stocks to maintain income. The need for quality picks will grow in this scenario. High-yield, high-quality dividend stocks with strong business models and solid balance sheets could benefit most, offering both income and stability as the market evolves. Antonistock Introduction A few months ago, I started discussing the "cash trap" and promised to keep bringing up new ideas to be prepared. In case you're

Vivek Vishwakarma/iStock via Getty Images Introduction It's time to talk about Enbridge Inc. (NYSE:ENB). On August 4, I wrote an article titled Enbridge's 7% Yield: It Doesn't Get Much Better Than This. Now, the company yields 7.8%, as it has fallen more than 5% since early August. This was triggered by the acquisition of Dominion Energy's (D) natural gas assets, which makes Enbridge the largest natural gas distributor in North America - in addition to being the largest pipeline operator. After many discussions with readers who own ENB shares and diving into the

Sundry Photography Introduction Some stocks have it all. One of these stocks is Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ). Despite the baby powder controversy, the company is not only attractively valued but also well-positioned to accelerate long-term growth, provide increasing shareholder returns, including distributing a 3.0% yield, and protect investors from market turmoil with its AAA-rated balance sheet. Just two companies in the S&P 500 have AAA-rated balance sheets: Microsoft (MSFT) and Johnson & Johnson. The company offers the perfect mix of growth and value with a stock price that is capable of beating the market with highly favorable volatility. I'm considering buying this stock

Summary Hedge funds have turned bearish on commodities, similar to 2016. Concerns about China’s growth and supply issues are affecting the market. Despite the bearish outlook, there's potential in Canadian energy stocks like Cenovus, which boasts strong assets and a commitment to returning cash to shareholders. Cenovus, with low costs and long reserves, is undervalued. Its focus on debt reduction and generous dividends makes it an attractive investment opportunity. ImagineGolf All financial numbers in this article are in Canadian dollars unless noted otherwise. Please note that oil and gas prices are always in U.S. dollars. Introduction "Nobody" is bullish on commodities anymore. As

Summary Happy 4th of July to all of you. I'm celebrating in Sarasota, Florida with relaxation, friends, and some reading. I'd also like to highlight top REIT picks including Rexford Industrial Realty, Agree Realty, VICI Properties, and Federal Realty. tampatra Happy 4th of July to all of you! Here’s wishing liberty, justice, and a profitable portfolio to all my readers, no matter where you are. Where I am, exactly, is Sarasota, Fla. Now that my kids are either fully grown and out of state or almost grown and far too cool to hang out with their dad, I decided to hit the beach on my own. I do have some friends down here I’m catching up with. And, as usual, I’m mixing some business with pleasure, having scheduled a high-profile meeting or two before I head back home. But again, today is

Scott Olson/Getty Images News Introduction Depending on when you're reading this, it's exactly 15 years after Lehman Brothers went bankrupt, triggering a recession that is still shaping the current investment landscape. The Guardian As Bloomberg's John Authers wrote: As for the global fallout, it’s also not been that surprising. In democracies, governments in power when Lehman fell were generally kicked out of office at the first opportunity. Growth has been sluggish. The eurozone sovereign debt crisis, and the trouble for China’s growth model after it resorted to extreme measures to re-stimulate its economy, are exactly what mig

Summary Lockheed Martin Corporation has shown remarkable performance, outperforming the S&P 500 by 60 points over the past decade. The company's recent 2Q24 earnings report revealed strong revenue growth, an impressive backlog, and progress in the F-35 program. Lockheed Martin's raised guidance, stock buybacks, and commitment to R&D indicate renewed momentum and potential for sustainable long-term gains. inhauscreative Introduction It's time to talk about Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE:LMT), a company that was my biggest holding until I bought the Texas Pacific Land Corporation (TPL) this year. During the pandemic, I started accumulating LMT stock for a number of reasons, inc

Summary With potential rate cuts looming, trillions may shift from money markets to dividend stocks, creating new opportunities for investors seeking higher returns. Three standout investments offer strong yields, resilient business models, and solid growth potential, making them appealing for income and capital gains. Positioning now in these investments could be beneficial as market dynamics shift, offering a chance to capitalize on a changing economic landscape. Dmitri Kalvan Introduction In June, I wrote an article titled "Here Are 4 Fantastic Dividends Yielding 6% To Avoid The 'Cash Trap.'" In that article, I explained that dividend stocks could benefit

Lemon_tm Introduction It's time to talk about one of the most iconic companies in the world, The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO). Founded in 1892, the company has grown into a giant with a market cap of $250 billion. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, the company has been a cornerstone of millions of dividend portfolios, thanks to its reliable stream of steadily rising dividends. One of them is Mr. Buffett, who owns more than 9% of this company. Coca-Cola has hiked its dividend for 60 consecutive years, and after dropping 9% year-to-date, it now yields 3.2%. In this article, I will provide you with one key reason to consider buying the KO ticker and one reason to avoid investing in it. Depending on your preferences for a solid dividend stock, Co

Summary ResMed's shares have fallen 37% due to struggles with profitability and investor fears of weight loss drugs, but I believe in its long-term potential. The company reported a 16% increase in revenue and strong demand for its products, but margins were a concern. ResMed's three-pillar strategy and market outlook remain robust, and it has a solid balance sheet and healthy cash flow. onurdongel/iStock via Getty Images Introduction This is a very challenging year. A lot of dividend (growth) investments are under tremendous pressure from weakening economic growth, elevated rates, and sticky inflation. Data by YCharts Nonetheless, I'm quite happy with the way things are going, as I was able to add to some of my favorite investors and

Summary Hemingway’s quote on bankruptcy reflects stock market risk: it builds gradually, then hits suddenly. Recent market volatility caught many by surprise, highlighting this pattern. Corrections are normal, occurring regularly. They offer opportunities to buy quality stocks at better prices. My "win-win" strategy benefits from both market rises and dips. I recommend careful stock selection, focusing on strong fundamentals. Avoid high-risk stocks and invest in companies with proven performance for a resilient portfolio. Olena Yefremkina/iStock via Getty Images (A Very Lengthy) Introduction How did you go bankrupt?” Bill asked. Two ways,” Mike said. “Gradually and then suddenly.” The quot

Summary The tech rally is losing steam as economic indicators, including rising unemployment and weak manufacturing data, suggest increasing recession risks. Investors are shifting focus from high-growth tech to value stocks, driven by concerns over valuation and a slowing economic outlook. In this uncertain environment, finding quality investments with solid balance sheets and growth potential is key to navigating potential market turbulence. GeorgePeters Introduction Things aren't going so well anymore. The AI-fueled tech rally has stalled, and all eyes are now on the "real" economy, which is showing some serious cracks. The just-released unemployment numbers, for example, came in much lower than expected, with nonfarm payrolls indicating just 114 thousand new jobs in July. The pr

Summary RTX is soaring as it reports impressive earnings and strong demand in both defense and commercial sectors, outpacing broader market declines. Recent performance highlights include a 61% return since last October, driven by a robust backlog and significant R&D investments. Despite market volatility, RTX's solid fundamentals and increasing guidance justify a Strong Buy rating. I’m actively expanding my position in the stock. skodonnell Introduction The markets are in turmoil. As reported by Bloomberg, big tech lost roughly $3 trillion in market value in less than a month, as the Nasdaq 100 has declined for fou

Summary Dividend stocks are staging a comeback amid a broader market shift, offering promising opportunities for investors. Despite a top-heavy S&P 500, undervalued sectors are gaining momentum with strong fundamentals. Investors can capitalize on growth potential in defense, precious metals, and energy sectors poised for long-term gains. GeorgePeters Introduction Guess what? Dividend stocks are back! After roughly 1.5 years of non-stop underperformance, dividend stocks are making a comeback, as displayed by the ratio between the Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) and the S&P 500 below. Data by YCharts Although we're still dealing with green shoots, current momentum is promising and in

Summary Utilities offer income and stability, but face challenges like limited pricing power and rising debt costs, making them less attractive despite strong demand. Brookfield Infrastructure provides a better alternative, offering a diversified portfolio with stable, inflation-protected income and exposure to growth sectors. With consistent dividend growth, a strong balance sheet, and strategic acquisitions, Brookfield is well-positioned for long-term gains, especially as rates stabilize. Eoneren Introduction I like utilities and have written a number of bullish articles on some of them this year. In general, utilities have two major benefits. Stock dividends from utility companies often prove to outyield other fixed-income investments and have less volatility than other equit