The Invesco QQQ Trust and Invesco NASDAQ 100 ETF continue to serve as efficient vehicles for tapping into the performance of leading large-cap growth stocks through their tracking of the Nasdaq-100 Index. While passively managed, these funds remain highly relevant for active investors, especially as many portfolio managers increase exposure to familiar tech giants. 

During the first quarter of 2025, a temporary pullback in mega-cap names prompted several high-performing active managers to increase holdings in companies like Alphabet, Amazon, Microsoft, and Nvidia. 

These four names, which collectively represent over a quarter of the QQQ and QQQM portfolios, have shown resilience and strong earnings momentum, particularly in areas like cloud computing and artificial intelligence. Microsoft’s Azure business, for instance, exceeded expectations with robust demand for AI services, while Amazon rebounded following earlier weakness tied to trade concerns. 

Finsum: As fundamentals remain intact and investor interest stays elevated, these ETFs continue to offer a compelling entry point into the most influential names in the growth space.

As interest rate hikes pause, short-term bond funds remain a compelling option for investors seeking steady income with limited rate sensitivity. These funds, which invest in government and corporate debt maturing within five years, can provide attractive yields while minimizing the downside of rate volatility. 

Ideal for short-term goals, they offer better returns than savings accounts without the higher risk of longer-duration bonds or equities. Top picks in this category include SPDR Portfolio Short-Term Corporate Bond ETF (SPSB), iShares 1-5 Year Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF (IGSB), Schwab 1-5 Year Corporate Bond ETF (SCHJ), Vanguard Short-Term Bond ETF (BSV), and Fidelity Short-Term Bond Fund (FSHBX)—all offering yields north of 4%, with low expenses. 

While short-term bonds aren’t risk-free, they’re a smart choice for investors looking to park cash with a time horizon of three to five years.

Finsum:  As always, cost matters—opt for funds with lower fees to maximize net returns.

Value investing pays off long term, but only a few funds consistently get it right—seven top performers just made the cut. Standouts like ClearBridge Dividend Strategy (LCBEX) and Dodge & Cox Stock (DODGX) delivered strong one-, three-, and five-year returns, outpacing peers with disciplined, research-driven approaches. 

Fidelity Equity-Income (FEKFX) and Fidelity High Dividend ETF (FDVV) combine yield with quality, offering income without overloading on risk. 

Oakmark Select (OANLX) and Natixis Oakmark (NOANX) take concentrated bets on undervalued giants, while WisdomTree U.S. LargeCap Dividend (DLN) adds a smart dividend tilt with broad exposure. On average, large-value funds gained 8.58% over the past year, but these funds beat that benchmark while sticking to sound fundamentals.  

For parents seeking toddler-friendly destinations closer to home, several standout U.S. getaways offer fun for both kids and adults. 

1. San Antonio, Texas, features an accessible zoo with interactive nature spaces, a one-of-a-kind ultra-inclusive theme park, immersive art installations, and standout local cuisine. 
2. In Wisconsin, Manitowoc and Sheboygan provide scenic beaches, children’s literature-inspired gardens, and the rare opportunity to sleep aboard a WWII submarine at the SubBNB. 
3. St. Louis, Missouri, delivers big-city variety with small-town ease, offering attractions like the Gateway Arch, creative spray parks, the toddler-friendly City Museum, and a lively food scene. 

Each destination blends hands-on activities for little ones with cultural and culinary experiences that appeal to grown-ups. From feeding giraffes to climbing through submarines, these locations offer memorable adventures tailored to families. 

Finsum: The key takeaway for parents: traveling with toddlers is possible—and incredibly rewarding—with the right destination.

Bitwise CIO Matt Hougan believes the long-observed four-year cryptocurrency cycle may be breaking down, suggesting this cycle could be “bigger and last longer” than expected. Traditionally, crypto markets follow a rhythm of three bullish years followed by a correction, often tied to Bitcoin halving events or macroeconomic shifts. 

Hougan argues that despite recent regulatory headwinds, the foundational infrastructure—like stablecoins, DeFi, and tokenization—has quietly strengthened and is now poised to accelerate. He likens the industry to a “coiled spring,” ready to expand rapidly as regulatory barriers are lifted, especially under more crypto-friendly political leadership. 

While he acknowledges the potential for a correction driven by speculative excess, Hougan believes any downturns will be more muted and short-lived than in past cycles. 

Finsum: With maturing markets and a broader, more value-focused investor base, could 2026 bring another crypto winter—or simply the next phase of a longer growth era.