Expect Markets to Get Skeptical on AI Plays this Year

After leading the market for most of last year, big-cap tech plays investing heavily in artificial intelligence (AI) may take a backseat. That could lead some to think that there was a mini-bubble in AI that is now deflating. However, that’s not how bubbles work. AI is still in its early stages. And it will take years for the trend to play out. That’s why the potential for a bubble exists down the line. For 2024, however, AI stocks may slow. That ...
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Insider Activity Report: ASA Gold & Precious Metals (ASA)

Alexander Merk, COO at ASA Gold & Precious Metals (ASA), recently bought 25,549 shares. The buy increased his stake by 26 percent, and came to a total cost of $388,161. Two company directors bought shares at the same time, with purchases totaling about $40,000. Going further back, company insiders have been regular and steady buyers of shares over the last year, with no insider sales. An asset manager with a major stake has also been buying more. In total, ASA ...
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Unusual Option Activity: Archer Daniels Midland (ADM)

Agricultural producer Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) is out of favor with the market. Shares are down 16 percent over the past year, and one trader sees more downside in the months ahead. That’s based on the March $65 puts. With 65 days until expiration, 6,037 contracts traded compared to a prior open interest of 158, for a 38-fold rise in volume on the trade. The buyer of the puts paid $1.10 to make the bearish bet. ADM shares recently traded just under ...
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Resilient Consumers May Keep this Sector Trending Higher

Consumer spending shifted last year, with customers opening up their wallets to buy more services like travel and tourism. As a result, less money was available for goods. That trend looks likely to continue. And until it shifts back, spending on dining out at restaurants looks like a trend that will push even higher, even amid concerns of an overall consumer spending slowdown. Restaurant stocks fared well last year. And those that offer reasonable prices can likely continue to improve this year ...
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Insider Activity Report: Kimbell Royalty Partners (KRP)

Scott Martin, a director at Kimbell Royalty Partners (KRP), recently bought 30,000 shares. The buy increased his stake by 49 percent, and came to a total cost of $460,885. This is the first insider buy since December 2022, when another company director bought 100,000 in shares. Otherwise, there have been a few insider sales, one from a third company director, and one from the company’s Controller. Overall, Kimbell insiders own 5.4 percent of shares. The oil and gas royalty company is ...
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Unusual Option Activity: Fluor (FLR)

Construction giant Fluor (FLR) is up 16 percent over the past year, slightly lagging the overall stock market. One trader sees shares rallying in the coming weeks. That’s based on the February 16, 2024 $40 calls. With 39 days until expiration, 10,429 contracts traded compared to a prior open interest of 170, for a 61-fold rise in volume on the trade. The buyer of the calls paid $0.54 to make the bullish bet. Fluor recently traded for about $36.50, so the stock ...
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Right-Sizing Companies May Prove Market Leaders This Year

The job market held up well last year, with unemployment near historic lows. That’s even after rising interest rates weighed on potential economic expansion. And it’s even after many big-cap tech companies announced tens of thousands of layoffs. That trend will likely continue this year. Companies are finding ways to do the same – or more – with fewer employees. Advances in technology such as AI can make that happen. The latest company to announce layoffs is Xerox (XRX). The imaging technology ...
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Insider Activity Report: Simon Property Group (SPG)

Six directors at Simon Property Group (SPG) recently added to their positions. The buys ranged from $26,756 to $52,793. Each director increased their holdings by about 1 percent. This is similar to other buys made by Simon directors on a quarterly basis going back over the past few years. Aside from these buys, the company’s Chief Administrative Officer bought nearly $1 million in shares in mid-2021. There have been no insider sales over the last two years. Overall, Simon insiders own Read More
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