17430

Don’t Count Out Industrial Plays Amid Today’s Tech Boom

The market still loves tech plays, whether AI or not. However, the rest of the economy still continues to show signs of booming. That means that other sectors can also perform well. And they may even be better performers this year. Recent data shows that inflation is moderate, and the jobs market remains strong. That bodes well for areas such as construction and other signs of a physical booming economy. That includes industrial goods. And that could mean a good year for ...
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17431

Insider Activity Report: United Fire Group (UFCS)

Micah Woolstenhulme, a SVP at United Fire Group (USFC), recently bought 2,500 shares. The buy came to a total cost of $48,003, and increased his stake by 7%. Woolstenhulme was a buyer last year for 1,000 shares. Two company directors were also buyers last year, as well as the company CFO. Two other directors and a major holder were sellers of shares last year, with insider sales slightly exceeding insider buys. Overall, United Fire Group insiders own 18.2% of shares. The property ...
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17432

Unusual Options Activity: Taiwan Semiconductor (TSM)

Semiconductor manufacturer Taiwan Semiconductor (TSM) is up 88% over the past year, and just provided strong guidance in the quarters ahead. One trader is betting on a further rally. That’s based on the May $200 calls. With 113 days until expiration, 20,265 contracts traded compared to a prior open interest of 553, for a 37-fold rise in volume on the trade. The buyer of the calls paid $25.65 to make the bullish bet. Taiwan shares recently traded for about $212, meaning the ...
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17426

Beaten-Down Consumer Food Brands Could Rebound This Year

It’s been a challenging year for packaged food companies. Consumers have cut back on favorite name brands following years of above-average inflation. And the rise of new weight loss drugs have curbed appetites for many packaged foods. However, markets tend to not just react to events, but overreact. And now, investors may have a chance to pick up leading consumer brands at a reasonable price. Such stocks could even be market leaders this year. For instance, chocolate maker Hershey (HSY) has dropped ...
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17428

Insider Activity Report: Lamb Weston Holdings (LW)

Robert Niblock, a director at Lamb Weston Holdings (LW), recently bought 3,000 shares. The buy increased his stake by 13%, and came to a total cost of $182,819. This marks the first buy of 2025. In 2024, Niblock and two other directors were also buyers of shares, with purchases ranging from over $75,000 to $554,000. There were no insider sales in 2024, but there were in 2023, when prices traded more than 40% higher. Overall, Lamb Weston Holdings insiders own about ...
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17429

Unusual Options Activity: Peabody Energy (BTU)

Coal miner Peabody Energy (BTU) shed over 25% last year amid a weak energy market and a continued shift away from the use of coal. One trader sees shares rebounding a bit over the coming weeks. That’s based on the February $18 calls. With 31 days until expiration, 7,262 contracts traded compared to a prior open interest of 186, for a 39-fold rise in volume on the trade. The buyer of the calls paid $1.52 to make the bullish bet. Peabody shares ...
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17421

The Robot Revolution Hasn’t Been Derailed by the Rise of AI

AI has been the market’s hottest trend for over two years. It’s still in its early stages, with more room to run. More importantly, it hasn’t derailed other parts of the tech trend either. That includes robotics, which, combined with AI software, can allow for a revolution in reducing human physical labor. Robots can perform the same routine tasks for hours on end without a break. Or do more complicated work. That’s where a company like Intuitive Surgical (ISRG) comes into play. The ...
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17423

Insider Activity Report: Upbound Group (UPBD)

Jeffrey Brown, a director at Upbound Group (UPBD), recently bought 1,146 shares. The buy increased his stake by 1%, and came to a total cost of $33,245. Brown was the last buyer of shares with a 1,065 share pickup back in October, at a cost of just over $31,000. Three company EVPs were sellers of shares over the past year. Going further back, there was a similar mix of insider buys and sales. Overall, Upbound Group insiders own 11.4% of shares. The ...
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