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SaaS website builder platform Wix.com (NASDAQ:WIX) on Tuesday announced a partnership with ActiveCampaign, a marketing automation platform.
This collaboration introduces an integrated solution for businesses of all sizes, franchises, and multi-location businesses to streamline their website and marketing technology stack, simplify operations, and enhance customer engagement.
Combining Wix's website management capabilities with ActiveCampaign's marketing automation platform allows businesses to oversee customer journeys from front-end website interactions to back-office operations.
Also Read: Wix Q4 Earnings: EPS Beat, Issues Strong 2025 Outlook With Two Products Launch
The integration enables effortless data syncing between Wix websites and ActiveCampaign accounts, allowing for streamlined customer interactions, marketing campaigns, automation, and analytics.
Wix VP David Schwartz said that with this partnership, businesses can qualify leads, personalize sales and marketing efforts using engagement metrics, enhance operational efficiency by automating repetitive tasks, and drive growth, profitability, and customer loyalty.
ActiveCampaign Chief Strategy Officer Shay Howe said that by combining Wix's website platform with ActiveCampaign's marketing automation, they offered businesses of all sizes the tools they need to personalize customer experiences, automate engagement, and drive measurable growth.
Price Action: WIX stock is up by 0.77% at $166.05 at the last check on Tuesday.
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Photo via Wix
Editor’s Note: The story has been updated to mention acquisition of ‘net assets‘
Nuvve Holding Corp. (NASDAQ:NVVE) on Tuesday announced the acquisition of substantially all of the net assets of Fermata Energy LLC, a V2G platform provider in the U.S.
The acquisition was completed through Nuvve’s newly formed subsidiary, Fermata II LLC (Fermata 2.0), which focused on scaling intelligent, bidirectional energy solutions.
Fermata 2.0 acquired substantially all of the assets of Fermata and assumed certain specified liabilities. It issued 4,900,000 shares of convertible preferred stock to former Fermata debt holders as part of the transaction. The total purchase price is approximately $659,000, consisting of $340,000 in cash and the remainder in assumed liabilities.
Nuvve intends to raise additional capital to support future operational funding needs by offering up to 25% equity in Fermata 2.0.
On Monday, Nuvve launched a new wholly owned subsidiary that is investing in digital assets and blockchain ventures.
The move signals a broader shift for the company as it seeks to tap into emerging technologies beyond its focus on grid modernization and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) services.
Fermata 2.0 will be jointly led by Gregory Poilasne as CEO and Hamza Lemsaddek as Chief Operating Officer.
Immediate operational efficiencies include consolidating software platform teams and AWS infrastructure within Fermata 2.0, significantly reducing annual expenses by approximately $2 million. Sales synergies are emerging as Nuvve expands its hardware offerings into markets previously served by Fermata.
Joint engineering and R&D initiatives will pursue innovation and collaborative grant-funded projects, further supported by the combined Nuvve and Fermata IP and engineering resources.
Fermata 2.0 will deliver a new generation of white-label software solutions, combining Fermata’s optimization and forecasting capabilities with Nuvve’s advanced AI-driven grid intelligence.
The assets acquisition strengthens Nuvve’s comprehensive intellectual property portfolio, diversifies market risk, and enhances its range of U.S.-built certified hardware through Fermata’s established domestic manufacturer relationships, adding resilience amid evolving tariff policies.
This assets acquisition also positions Nuvve to capitalize on accelerating regulatory tailwinds such as the Inflation Reduction Act and state-level grid modernization incentives, further expanding the total addressable market for V2G applications.
Fermata 2.0 is positioned to play a critical role in Nuvve’s growth strategy as the company expands its presence in behind-the-meter markets and strengthens its VPP services across regulated and deregulated markets alike, with the potential to drive incremental revenue from new white-label licensing opportunities, expanded DER optimization contracts, and fleet electrification partnerships.
It also provides a focused investment vehicle within Nuvve for scaling software-first energy services.
In February, Nuvve was awarded a $400 million contract from the State of New Mexico.
Under the contract, Nuvve will provide a comprehensive, turnkey electrification solution over the next four years to support New Mexico’s adoption of zero-emission vehicles and renewable energy goals.
Price Action: At the last check on Tuesday, NVVE stock was trading 3% higher to $0.89 during the premarket session.
SolarBank Corp (NASDAQ:SUUN) on Tuesday announced its plans to develop a 7.2 MW DC ground-mount solar power project known as the Glor Rd project in upstate New York. With a secured site lease and interconnection study underway, the project is another key addition to SolarBank’s expanding development pipeline, which exceeds one gigawatt.
The project will be eligible for the VDER rate compensation mechanism under NY Public Utility Commission case 15-E-0751.
Also Read: SolarBank CEO Comments On Tariffs Impact, Unveils 4.584 MW Solar Project In New York
The year-one average compensation is currently projected at $0.0971/kWh.
The VDER (Value of Distributed Energy Resources) rate for solar projects in New York is the rate payable to the project owner in return for the energy supplied to the grid.
Assuming the project’s interconnection study is successful, the company will continue to work to complete the permitting process and secure the necessary financing for the project’s construction.
The project will likely be eligible for incentives under the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (“NYSERDA”) NY-Sun Program.
The company targets incentives of up to $0.245/W DC for the project. These incentives are one-time payments that help support the financing required for the project.
Once completed, the project will be operated as a community solar project. Community solar is a group of solar panels with access to the local electricity grid.
Price Action: SUUN stock traded higher by 5.43% at $2.36 premarket at the last check on Tuesday.
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On Tuesday, fintech mortgage lender Beeline Holdings (NASDAQ:BLNE), the parent company of Beeline Loans, Inc., announced that it had surpassed $1 billion in closed loan originations since inception.
Commenting on the milestone, Nick Liuzza, Co-founder and CEO of Beeline, stated, "We are certainly moving in a strong direction. Reaching the $1 billion mark is a major milestone for our company. While the broader market has yet to fully normalize, Beeline's momentum highlights the strength of our platform and the value we are delivering to customers, even in challenging conditions."
Beeline has recently achieved several notable milestones: Beeline expects April 2025 to be its best month since the market downturn, with 38% year-over-year growth, outpacing the industry average of 9%.
Also Read: Beeline Clocks About $200 Million Mortgage Origination Volume In 2024
The company secured a continued Nasdaq listing and formed key partnerships with Rabbu and Red Awning to expand its reach and offerings.
Beeline Loans formed a strategic partnership with Rabbu, integrating short-term rental analytics and financing to streamline the STR investment process. The collaboration complements Beeline's alliance with Red Awning, fueling strong growth in investment lending and contributing to record April revenue expectations.
In March, Beeline Holdings launched Bob 2.0, an enhanced AI-powered mortgage sales agent. Bob delivers six times more qualified leads and eight times more mortgage applications than human agents. Operating 24/7, it personalizes sales journeys and will soon support real-time approvals and voice interaction, marking a significant step toward fully AI-driven mortgage origination.
Price Action: At the last check on Tuesday, BLNE shares were trading lower by 4.58% at $1.46 premarket.
Photo via Shutterstock
There's little doubt the tariff wars have taken a toll on Americans' investment portfolios. And with the markets still in disrepair, nobody knows when stocks will stabilize.
"The situation is volatile, to say the least," said Doug Carey, a financial advisor at WealthTrace, a retirement planning consumer software company. "President Trump has the final word on how much tariffs will cost because he is using emergency powers, citing the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), passed in 1977. These moves may be struck down in court, but for now, he can use them."
To peg a reasonable timeframe, Benzinga reached out to select market experts for their views on a permanent "ceasefire" in the tariff wars, which could help calm anxious investors and encourage them to return to the market.
Here's what they had to say on when the markets will come back to sanity.
Doug Carey: There will likely be several signs that the market is set to rebound after the tariff issue is settled – or at least stabilized. "Look for the stock market to rise substantially and for the dollar to strengthen," Carey said. "Gold, which has increased over 25% this year due to the fear of a larger trade war, will do poorly if the tariff drama ends."
Carey said technology stocks were hurt the most by the fear of a trade war. "For those who believe that there will be an end to this drama soon, the tech sector is a good place to invest," he added.
Javier Palomarez, founder & CEO of the United States Hispanic Business Council: "The clearest signal would be a statement from the Trump Administration that the tariffs are being walked away from, as a result of negotiations or whatever the case may be," Palomarez said. "However, it's worth noting that declining stocks also represent robust opportunities. Ideally, one would purchase their investments just before such a statement."
Palomarez advises investors to be vigilant about watching tariff trends – you don't want to miss the market rebound.
"If investors sold their stock at the low, it's critical to purchase it back before the market fully reacts to the signal that everything is clear, especially if you plan on investing in stocks that are vulnerable to future tariffs and regulations," Palomarez added. "Some investors may want to consider index funds or stocks in industries that are insulated from such rapid changes and regulatory uncertainty."
Chuck Zhang, CFO of PolyFlow, a decentralized payments company in Fair Lawn, N.J.: Last week, President Trump hinted at a possible shift in his trade stance with China, suggesting that the steep tariffs on Chinese imports will be substantially reduced. "His comments signal a softening in tone following weeks of escalating rhetoric and retaliatory measures that had driven tariffs on Chinese goods to over 145%," Zhang said. "While this would be a positive development in terms of de-escalation, the overarching trade policy remains assertive, contributing to the recent market volatility."
Zhang said he would advise investors to monitor several variables. "We're looking at a definitive resolution or rollback of tariffs; sustained rallies in equity markets, drops in the VIX volatility index, especially in sectors previously affected by tariffs; and overall improvements in global trade volumes, manufacturing indices, and corporate earnings," he said.
Investors should simultaneously evaluate asset allocations to achieve alignment with their long-term financial goals, considering a diversified mix of equities, bonds and other assets. "Then, as a general rule, prioritize investments in companies with strong balance sheets and consistent earnings," Zhen advised.
Jeff Weniger, head of equity strategy at the asset management firm Wisdom Tree: Weniger suspects the tariff issue is at the stage where the most aggressive bargaining chips are being methodically pulled off the table. "For example, India and Japan are priced at 84% and 77% probabilities, respectively, of coming to a trade deal with the Trump administration by July," he said. "Though other countries' probabilities are priced lower (China is 42%), this is a far cry from some of the intense pessimism that was being priced in earlier this summer."
For now, though, the worst of the drama is likely over. "The peak risk in markets was the 145% tariff on China, with similar reciprocity," Weniger added. "Those figures have been coming down for a few weeks, as has the tone of commentary from both the White House and Beijing."
Wenger also advised investors to keep an eye on volatility gauges such as the VIX index. "That index headed north of 60 on April 7th, a level of fear akin to readings that registered right after 9/11 and amid the bank and insurance company failures of late 2008," he added. "Fear levels on that order often precipitate heady gains in stocks."
Other market experts say there is no clear sign that indicates the end of the tariff drama.
"This situation is not like a typical economic cycle with predictable patterns," said Julia Khandoshko, CEO at Mind Money, an international brokerage firm. "Instead, it resembles a new phase in global economics — what might one day be known as the ‘Tariff Wars of the 21st Century.'”
Khandoshko believes investors shouldn't wait for an obvious turning point, because one may never come. "Rather than looking for a specific event or announcement, they should integrate tariff risks into their long-term strategy," she said. "This means evaluating how particular companies might be impacted if tariffs are imposed on their goods or services."
Others agree, adding that tampering with the nation's Treasury market is a bad idea going forward.
"There may not be an ‘all clear’ signal on tariffs because of politics," said David Russell, global head of market strategy at TradeStation Group in Chicago. "Officials may quietly backpedal on them without a lot of publicity. This crisis started with a bang, but it might end with a whimper."
Russell also offers a "lessons learned" factor for investors to absorb when the tariff-related carnage is over.
"Investors have learned that the bond market matters," he noted. "Our system relies on a functioning Treasury market, which requires a degree of foreign participation. Undermining that system threatens the foundation of the stock market and the entire economy."
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Editorial content from our Expert contributors is intended to be information for the general public and not individualized investment advice. Editors/contributors are presenting their individual opinions and strategies, which are neither expressly nor impliedly approved or endorsed by Benzinga.
Photo: Shutterstock
Artelo Biosciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:ARTL) on Monday announced new research published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Investigative Dermatology describing the positive effects of ART26.12 in both in vitro and in vivo psoriasis models.
The research shows results comparable to immunomodulatory drugs with known serious adverse events.
The research highlights ART26.12, Artelo’s orally active, small-molecule inhibitor of Fatty Acid Binding Protein 5 (FABP5), and its potential ability to treat psoriasis.
Also Read: Why Is Hoth Therapeutics Stock Flying Higher On Tuesday?
George Warren, PhD, Lead Author and Principal Scientist at Artelo, said, “We are excited to share the results on this novel target in psoriasis. Our findings demonstrate that ART26.12 has effects comparable to powerful immunomodulators, while its unique pharmacology leads to a significantly distinct expression of proteins and lipids in the skin.”
Dr. Warren added, “Pre-clinical IND-enabling studies with ART26.12, supported by a literature review of greater than 300 studies examining FABP inhibition, imply a low toxicological risk for ART26.12, which, if borne out in clinical studies, suggest FABP5 inhibition with an orally delivered small molecule may be an attractive, less costly, and safer approach for treating this debilitating chronic disease.”
A Phase 1 Single Ascending Dose study in healthy volunteers with ART26.12 has completed enrollment, and data announcements are expected in the second quarter of 2025.
The initial clinical development planned is for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN).
In addition to ART26.12 in CIPN, Artelo’s extensive library of small molecule inhibitors of FABPs has shown therapeutic promise for certain cancers, neuropathic and nociceptive pain, psoriasis, and anxiety disorders.
In January, Artelo Biosciences completed a safety review of the first cohort of eight healthy volunteers in the company’s Phase 1 study of ART26.12.
In December, Artelo Biosciences announced the presentation of preliminary data on ART27.13, a benzimidazole derivative being studied for cancer-related anorexia.
Artelo is evaluating ART27.13 in the Phase 1/2 trial in cancer-related anorexia, which is currently enrolling Phase 2 of the study.
In Phase 1, ART27.13 was orally administered at 150 to 650 microgram doses.
The investigational drug was well tolerated, with only mild to moderate adverse events observed in a minority of participants.
At one month of treatment, two-thirds of participants showed evidence that the drug was impacting their weight loss, with either stabilization or reversal of weight loss associated with their cancer.
Phase 2 is accruing participants at a 650 microgram dosage with planned escalation at 4-week intervals up to a dose of 1300 micrograms per day. Initial data from the Phase 2 CAReS trial is anticipated by the end of Q2 2025.
Price Action: ARTL stock closed at $1.04 on Friday.
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Each week, Benzinga's Stock Whisper Index uses a combination of proprietary data and pattern recognition to showcase five stocks that are just under the surface and deserve attention.
Investors are constantly on the hunt for undervalued, under-followed and emerging stocks. With countless methods available to retail traders, the challenge often lies in sifting through the abundance of information to uncover new opportunities and understand why certain stocks should be of interest.
Here’s a look at the Benzinga Stock Whisper Index for the week ending April 25:
Construction Partners (NASDQ:ROAD): The civil infrastructure company you may never have heard of saw strong interest from Benzinga readers during the week. The increased interest comes ahead of second-quarter financial results scheduled for May 9. Analysts expect the company to report a loss of nine cents per share, down from a loss of 2 cents per share in last year's second quarter. Analysts expect the company to report quarterly revenue of $559.6 million, up from $371.4 million in last year's second quarter. The company has beaten analyst estimates for earnings per share in eight of the last 10 quarters and revenue in nine of the last 10 quarters, including six straight. In January, the stock was the target of a short report from Spruce Point alleging the company has a weak backlog, revenue growth failures. The report said the stock could fall by up to 50%. In February, the company reported first-quarter revenue growth of 42% year-over-year and said it had a record backlog of $2.66 billion. The company's recent acquisitions grow the company's presence in Oklahoma, Texas and Alabama, which could defend off part of the short report that said the company was reliant on Florida and seeing declining revenue in the state.
The stock was up around 5% over the last week, as seen on the Benzinga Pro chart below, with shares up 55% over the last year.
Williams Companies (NYSE:WMB): The midstream energy company saw increased interest from readers ahead of first-quarter financial results on May 5. Analysts expect the company to report first-quarter earnings per share of 56 cents, down from 59 cents per share in last year's first quarter. The company has beaten analyst estimates for earnings per share in more than 10 straight quarters. Analysts expect the company to report first-quarter revenue of $2.90 billion, up from $2.77 billion in last year's first quarter. The company has beaten analyst estimates for revenue in six of the last 10 quarters. The company received at least five price target increases from analysts in the month of March ahead of quarterly results.
RBC Bearings (NYSE:RBC): The precision bearings company makes products for the industrial, defense and aerospace industries and investors are increasingly looking at the stock with fourth-quarter financial results likely to come in May. Analysts expect the company to report earnings per share of $2.70, up from $2.47 in last year's fourth quarter. The company has beaten analyst estimates in six of the last eight quarters. Analysts expect the company to report quarterly revenue of $440.3 million, up from $413.7 million in last year's fourth quarter. RBC has beaten analyst estimates for revenue in two of the last four quarters, but missed estimates in six of the last 10 quarters. Truist maintained a Buy rating on the stock recently, while lowering the price target from $410 to $375. The company saw third-quarter net sales up 5.5% year-over-year with Aerospace/Defense up 10.7% year-over-year. Investors and analysts will likely be looking for more growth in the fourth quarter and positive comments on the company's industries. RBC executives said they were preparing for volume recovery from customers throughout 2025.
Casella Waste Systems (NASDAQ:CWST): The waste removal company saw strong interest from readers ahead of first-quarter financial results coming on May 1. Analysts expect the company to report earnings per share of 10 cents, up from a loss of one cent per share in last year's first quarter. The company has beaten analyst estimates for earnings in five of the last 10 quarters. Estimates for revenue call for a quarterly total of $404.3 million, up from $341.0 million in last year's first quarter. The company has beaten analyst estimates in three of the last four quarters and five of the last 10 for revenue. Investors and analysts could be turning to a company like Casella with waste services a mostly recession proof and industry that could avoid tariffs. Casella has also been aggressive with acquisitions, adding eight businesses in the last fiscal year that will add over $200 million in annualized revenue. The company has also acquired three businesses already in fiscal 2025, set to add $40 million in annualized revenue. Along with quarterly results, Casella will report at a Stifel analyst event on May 5.
Applovin Corporation (NASDAQ:APP): The advertising tech company returns to the Stock Whisper Index and could see increased interest thanks to upcoming quarterly earnings. The stock has been one of the top performers in the last year, but saw several short reports send shares lower. Analysts expect the company to report first-quarter earnings per share of $1.44, up from 67 cents per share in last year's first quarter. The company has beaten analyst estimates for earnings per share in seven straight quarters. Analysts expect the company to report quarterly revenue of $1.38 billion, up from $1.06 billion in last year's first quarter. The company has beaten analyst estimates for revenue in two straight quarters and eight of the last 10 quarters overall. Analysts have been keeping their neutral or buy ratings with most lowering the price target. The stock remains up 300% over the last year, but shares are well off the 52-week high of $525.04.
Stay tuned for next week's report, and follow Benzinga Pro for all the latest headlines and top market-moving stories here.
Read the latest Stock Whisper Index reports here:
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Benimarfull. Hard to pronounce, fewer than 450 inhabitants and nearly invisible on the map of the Valencian Community. Yet here, in this quiet corner of Spain, a factory fuses centuries-old paper machinery with cutting-edge technology to produce some of the world's most famous rolling papers. The real-life Willy Wonka behind it, Josh Kesselman, likes to say he didn't choose this spot: "The location chose us." His passion for preserving an ancient craft has transformed what could have remained a sleepy backwater into a global phenomenon.
We arrived buzzing with curiosity, having signed confidentiality agreements after whispers of "indescribable things." Stepping inside, we felt as if we were entering a clandestine lab.
We weren't far off. Behind the secrecy lies the heartbeat of an industry older than many nations—an industry that refuses to fade. Ironically, from this tiny hamlet in rural Valencia, the world finds its perfect rolling sheet. And no one who crosses these gates leaves unmoved by the magic.
To understand why this rolling paper hub landed in Benimarfull, you have to look at the deep history of rolling paper in the Valencian Community. While Alcoi was often hailed as Spain's cradle of papermaking—home to 40 mills and booklet factories in the early 19th century—several surrounding towns also played pivotal roles:
Today, Iberpapel S.L. in Benimarfull continues that proud tradition, partnering with the one and only "Willy Wonka of Weed" to transform these time-honored techniques into a product that amazes consumers far beyond Spain's borders.
Stepping into Benimarfull, you immediately sense a clash of scales: on the one hand, a tranquil village from 1574 dotted with narrow one-lane streets and friendly greetings at every turn. On the other, a surprisingly expansive industrial site at the edge of town. Locals talk about how it started small and kept growing, adding new wings, specialized sections, and high-tech equipment. Rumors abound that they're constructing the "most advanced booklet-making machine in the world."
Wandering around, we realized that two realities converge under these roofs. In one corner, you find machines so old (thought to be from the late 1800s) they've gained a near-mythical status, lovingly maintained by skilled hands that have mastered them over decades. Then, just steps away, sleek robotic arms slice, fold and stack fresh-off-the-line sheets with micro-millimeter precision. Only after these high-tech wonders finish their tasks does a pair of human eyes inspect each piece, ensuring not a single imperfection slips by. It's a mesmerizing dance between heritage and innovation, a testament to how the past and future can share the same space—and thrive.
A large sign overhead says, "Little Surprises Around Every Corner," and the factory lives up to it. Every step reveals something new: a nook full of vintage posters, a machine covered with a blanket that reads "Top Secret," or a corridor echoing with the hum of hardware that could be a century old or built last year. The place is a kingdom of contrasts, and that's part of its charm.
Josh Kesselman strolls these halls like he's at home. Well, because he is. His fascination with rolling papers goes back to childhood in New York, watching his father, a sweater maker by trade, perform a single yet mesmerizing magic trick.
"He would light a rolling paper on fire, toss it in the air, and poof, it disappeared. That was the only trick my father knew, but it blew my mind. When you're a kid, you see magic and think there's a whole universe out there you don't understand."
The kicker? Those rolling papers his dad used originally came from this very region. Actually, from the lineage of this very factory.
"I can't believe this now belongs to my family," Josh remarks with wonder. "It's like you're walking through a dream. I don't know how else to describe it."
Inside this "Wonka factory," most machines bear the names of their operators. Take Inmaculada, for instance: her contraption is affectionately called "Macu," reflecting her longtime nickname. She's spent half a century perfecting each sheet, standing beside a hulking mass of metal that whirs away, bridging the gap between two vastly different eras.
No less intriguing is the bicycle-like apparatus run by "The Twins" (or "Las Mellis"). With swift, synchronized moves, they churn out reams of paper destined for booklets that might be sold in Amsterdam, L.A. or Bangkok—anywhere someone's seeking that ideal roll. It's mesmerizing to watch two sisters coax a piece of antique machinery into the 21st century.
Josh's global vision and inimitable flair drive the project, but he's quick to pay tribute to the region's tenacious spirit.
"Rolling paper production in this area refuses to die… It was crushed and reborn many times,” he tells us. “Many people tried to bring it to an end, to finish it, but every time, it was reborn like a phoenix from the ashes. Even after losing much of its water resources, the area began working with French and other mills to continue to produce rolling papers against all odds."
Take a stroll down one corridor lined with old photographs and clippings and you'll see relics of a once-dominant era. Some brands thrived for generations before fading away, leaving behind precious know-how. Others—like this one—adapted and persisted, carrying the torch into the modern age.
As the tour comes to a close, we gather in a small courtyard overlooking the rolling hills of the valley. Josh, beaming, lights up a freshly made paper. He looks our way and drops his signature line like a secret. "I didn't choose this place; this place chose us."
Surrounded by birdsong, the purr of antique machines and the hum of robotic arms, the magic is undeniable. Behind every RAW, Elements or Juicy Jay's pack lies centuries of craftsmanship—and the vision of a man who turned childhood wonder into an empire. This so-called "Willy Wonka factory of weed" isn't just a metaphor. It's a living, breathing testament to tradition, innovation and the passion that keeps it all rolling forward.
Lead photo by Richard Oliver, courtesy of RAW. All other images, GIFs and videos by Javier Hasse.
As the Federal Reserve signals a one-and-done approach to rate cuts in 2025, investors are being forced to rethink what "safe" really means.
According to Violeta Todorova, Senior Research Analyst at Leverage Shares, market participants face a complicated mix of "slowing growth, rising inflationary pressures, geopolitical tensions, and structural changes in the global demand for U.S. Treasuries."
"Historically viewed as a volatility hedge, Treasuries are facing a credibility test," Todorova told Benzinga. She also noted that recent tariff-induced volatility has triggered a selloff in U.S. government bonds, clouding their reliability.
Read Also: Bitcoin Reclaims Spotlight While Gold Loses Luster: The Safe Haven Standoff Continues
Investors worried about long-term U.S. debt and diminishing foreign demand might consider international bond ETFs: iShares International Treasury Bond ETF (NYSE:IGOV) or the SPDR Bloomberg International Treasury Bond ETF (NYSE:BWX) for broader fixed income exposure.
On the equity side, Todorova sees sector fundamentals taking the lead. "Sectors with pricing power or those benefiting from structural tailwinds (e.g., AI, defense, energy infrastructure) may be better positioned," she said.
For exposure, investors might look at the Global X Robotics & Artificial Intelligence ETF (NYSE:BOTZ), the iShares U.S. Aerospace & Defense ETF (NYSE:ITA) or the Alerian MLP ETF (NYSE:AMLP).
When it comes to staying defensive but not missing upside, Todorova suggests a diversified approach: "The best way to stay defensive while still participating in potential upside is to maintain broad diversification, focusing on quality and resilience."
Think dividend-paying large caps via the Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (NYSE:VIG) or defensive plays like the Utilities Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:XLU) and the Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:XLV).
One final piece of advice: "Resist the urge to time the market or make aggressive moves in response to headlines." Sound familiar?
That's because seasoned investors already know — cool heads often prevail.
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Image: Shutterstock
The market may be moody, but bargain hunters are treating Big Tech like it is Black Friday in July.
Nvidia Corp (NASDAQ:NVDA), Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:GOOGL) (NASDAQ:GOOG), Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ:MSFT), Amazon.com Inc (NASDAQ:AMZN) and Meta Platforms Inc (NASDAQ:META) – the untouchables of the last bull run – have been hit by a cocktail of inflation worries, trade tension tantrums and AI-spending skepticism.
But as Violeta Todorova, senior research analyst at Leverage Shares, notes, "Big technology companies with strong balance sheets and substantial cash reserves, such as Nvidia, Alphabet, Microsoft, Amazon, and Meta Platforms, have been heavily sold off, making them particularly attractive for those viewing the selloff as temporary and sentiment driven." Todorova shared her insights exclusively with Benzinga via email.
Read Also: Alphabet’s $75 Billion Bet: ‘Too Significant For Google To Pull Back’ Now, Says JPMorgan
The culprits? Mounting "concerns around AI-related capital expenditure and escalating geopolitical tensions." But according to Todorova, that pain may be the price of opportunity. "The current price weakness presents an opportunity to start accumulating."
Benzinga Pro data reveals Nvidia stock is down over 25% YTD, Alphabet about 18%, Microsoft over 10%, Amazon 18% and Meta is down over 13% YTD. Broad tech sector tracking ETFs such as the Invesco QQQ Trust (NASDAQ:QQQ) is down about 11% and the Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:XLK) is down almost 15% YTD.
President Donald Trump's latest pivot on China is also turning heads. "The Trump administration’s softened stance on China and the temporary pause on sweeping tariffs have helped fuel a short-term rally in Big Tech stocks," Todorova told Benzinga.
With Trump calling the 145% tariff "too high" and likely to come down "substantially," hopes of a de-escalation are reviving bullish spirits. "A substantial easing on tariffs toward China could restore confidence in these companies’ growth trajectories."
Still, Todorova notes the picture isn't all rosy. "Despite temporary exemptions on electronics, the threat of broader tariffs, including those targeting semiconductors still looms." Nvidia, in particular, faces headwinds: "Export bans on Nvidia and AMD (NASDAQ:AMD) chips have already triggered sharp declines."
The bottom line?
"Often some of the market's strongest rebounds occur after sharp declines," notes Todorova, and for investors with "a longer time horizon and a steady hand," these oversold names may be a rare tech clearance sale.
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Photo: Shutterstock
La Rosa Holdings (NASDAQ: LRHC) announced Thursday that its Board of Directors has a stock buyback program to repurchase up to $500,000 of its outstanding shares of common stock.
The buyback will be on the open market by all applicable securities laws and regulations.
The company’s decision to repurchase its shares and the timing of such repurchases will depend on various factors, including ongoing assessments of the company’s capital needs, market conditions, the price of the company’s common stock, and other corporate considerations, as determined by management.
Also Read: La Rosa Snaps La Rosa Realty Beaches Franchisee
CEO Joe La Rosa said the past few months have been transformative, highlighted by a 119% increase in revenue to $69.4 million for fiscal 2024 and a 55% increase to $17.7 million in the fourth quarter alone.
The company also expanded its agent network to over 2,700, positioning it stronger than ever before. It looks forward to sharing updates on several key initiatives.
As of December 31, 2024, the company held cash and equivalents (including restricted cash) of $3.58 million.
Price Action: LRHC stock is up 0.33% to $0.122 premarket at last check Thursday.
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