Wealth Management
As 2025 approaches, municipal bonds and related ETFs present intriguing opportunities for fixed-income investors. Actively managed options, like the ALPS Intermediate Municipal Bond ETF (MNBD), are outperforming some passive counterparts, showcasing the value of active management in this space.
Experts predict declining muni bond issuance in early 2025, creating a favorable supply backdrop for the asset class. Attractive after-tax yields, such as 6.1% for high tax brackets, are expected to sustain strong demand across mutual funds, ETFs, and managed accounts.
Goldman Sachs Asset Management anticipates robust technical support for munis, highlighting net supply reductions and compelling credit opportunities.
Finsum: For investors seeking accessible exposure, ETFs like MNBD simplify participation in the municipal bond market.
BlackRock has announced a $12 billion acquisition of HPS Investment Partners, a private credit firm led by former Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan executives. The deal highlights BlackRock’s push into private credit, a rapidly expanding $1.6 trillion market that has grown as banks retreat from leveraged lending.
CEO Larry Fink emphasized the blending of public and private markets as a core feature of modern investing. The move aligns with BlackRock’s broader strategy to deepen its presence in alternative assets, following acquisitions of Preqin and Global Infrastructure Partners earlier this year.
While some industry leaders, including JPMorgan’s Jamie Dimon, have raised concerns about risks in private credit, BlackRock sees significant opportunities for growth.
Finsum: This acquisition could boost BlackRock’s effort to position itself as a leader in alternative asset management.
Preparing for winter’s harshest days requires more than layering up; it demands the right outerwear tailored to the season’s challenges. Here are the key jacket styles, each combining practicality and warmth.
From the parkas used by Arctic communities to bomber jackets born out of aviation needs, each coat carries a legacy of functionality.
Overcoats, waxed canvas jackets, and trench coats offer durability and protection, with features designed for varied conditions.
Meanwhile, puffer and down jackets prioritize insulation, leveraging modern and traditional materials to lock in heat. Finally, the classic peacoat, steeped in maritime history, balances timeless style with winter utility.
Finsum: Wythe in New York City is making one of the most durable heavyweight topcoats that can be perfect for frigid office attire that maintains style.
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For value investors looking for opportunities, two large-cap stocks stand out this quarter due to their strong economic moats and undervaluation. PayPal (PYPL) is recognized as a leader in the electronic payments space, with a narrow economic moat that should help it remain competitive for years to come.
Despite recent challenges, including increased competition and the reversal of pandemic-driven growth, PayPal’s focus on top-line growth and product innovation could restore its momentum over time, making its stock price attractive at $104 per share.
Nike (NKE), the world’s largest athletic brand, also enjoys a wide economic moat but has faced difficulties like soft demand and a leadership change. Despite these setbacks, Nike’s competitive strengths and its new Triple Double strategy could revitalize growth.
Finsum: Technology is also a place to consider large cap exposure, and the small cap run could mean it’s a great buy for larger cap stocks currently.
Technology stocks have had an excellent 2024, driven by the growing demand for AI services and digital transformation. Generative AI has spurred substantial investments from major tech companies like Alphabet, Meta, and Microsoft.
This surge in demand is also benefiting the semiconductor industry, with global sales expected to grow by 16% in 2024, reaching $611.2 billion. As the tech sector continues to thrive, the Nasdaq Composite has gained over 26% year-to-date, with the momentum expected to continue into 2025.
Stocks such as American Superconductor, Vertiv, Toast, and Impinj have seen impressive gains and are well-positioned to capitalize on the ongoing growth in AI and technology. These companies, with strong growth prospects, have become attractive investment opportunities amid the sector's favorable outlook.
Finsum: There still seems to be positive momentum for AI technology now but its medium-term outlook to be profitable still is suspect.
Bitcoin has had a rough stretch since Donald Trump's election victory, following a failed attempt to surpass the $100,000 mark. This four-day decline has reduced its value by roughly 8%, with Bitcoin trading at $91,615 on Tuesday morning in New York.
Meanwhile, the broader cryptocurrency market saw a dip in its $1 trillion gain since the November 5 election. The struggle to break through the $100,000 threshold might prompt traders to lock in profits, according to crypto analyst Noelle Acheson, though she believes this setback will be short-lived.
Despite the current dip, experts like Adrian Przelozny remain optimistic about the market’s future, expecting the bullish trend to persist in 2025. Trump's recent commitment to supporting crypto regulations and building a Bitcoin reserve has further fueled optimism.
Finsum: We remain cautious regarding bitcoin in the near term because the priority of these policy changes is still up in the air.