FastSwings.com

   Stocks, Stock Swings, Options, and Option Trades

   Disclaimer: Consult a Financial Advisor prior to taking the advice offered. By reading this blog site you agree to not hold any authors or FastSwings.com responsible for market loses that you may incur.

 Subscribe in a reader

Subscribe to FastSwings by Email

All Posts Blog: FastSwings.com

Record Inflows into Nvidia ETF Funds Amid AI Frenzy

Record Inflows into Nvidia ETF Funds Amid AI Frenzy

Investors have flocked to Nvidia-focused exchange-traded funds (ETFs) amid an AI frenzy, with a bullish fund tracking shares of the chip designer achieving an all-time high in Thursday's GraniteShares 2x Long NVDA Daily ETF seeing notable growth, which has attracted significant capital from investors eager to ride the wave of artificial intelligence.

NvidiaETF

Inflow Numbers and Growth

- Net daily inflows into the GraniteShares 2x Long NVDA Daily ETF reached a staggering $197 million, according to LSEG Lipper data. This record inflow reflects the growing interest in Nvidia as a key player in the AI and high-performance computing space.
- The assets managed by the ETF have surged from $213.75 million at the start of the year to an impressive $1.41 billion. This substantial increase underscores the confidence investors have in Nvidia’s future prospects.

Why It Matters

Risk-averse investors have traditionally shied away from single-currency tracking ETFs, especially those that target short-term returns. But the arrival of these ETFs in the United States. The 2022 market has attracted interest from investors. Leveraged single-stock ETFs seek to maximize returns on the underlying stock in one day, and often use financial derivatives and debt as leverage.

Nvidia's Dominance and Euphoria Around AI

- Nvidia, which controls nearly 80% of the high-end AI chip market, has been on a tear since the start of the year. Buoyed by stellar forecasts and a new boom for AI technology, the stock is up nearly 82%.
- Leveraged ETFs focused on Nvidia have become a favored choice for investors seeking higher returns in exchange for added risk. As a new wave of must-own companies emerges, these ETFs offer exposure to the tech giant’s growth potential.

Impressive Performance

- The GraniteShares 2x Long NVDA ETF, along with other Nvidia-linked ETFs, has witnessed explosive growth. Assets of these funds have multiplied between five and 11 times since the start of 2024.
- Year-to-date, their prices have soared between 143% and 218%, outperforming many other ETFs in the market.

Berkshire Hathaway: Crushing It Lately

Berkshire Hathaway: Crushing It Lately

Berkshire Hathaway the company with Warren Buffett making the financial decisions has just reported its quarterly earnings. The news was very positive for the conglomerate. Let's discuss what the company told us about their on-going operations.

BirkshireHathaway

Earnings? On Point

Berkshire Hathaway cleaned up in their latest earnings report. We're talking $8.5 billion in operating earnings – that's a serious 28% jump from last year! Turns out, their insurance business is crushing it.

And get this - their revenue for Q4 2023 hit $169.9 billion. Crazy, right? That's a massive 83% year-over-year increase. Why the boost? Well, they brought in Alleghany (an insurance company) and results from Pilot Travel Centers are now part of the mix.

Financial Fortress:

Financially, Berkshire's looking pretty buff right now. Their market value is flirting with that crazy $1 trillion mark. And their shares? They've been on a wild ride, up about 17% in the first two months of 2024 alone.

One striking feature is the company's record cash pile. As of Q4 2023, Berkshire Hathaway held a massive $167.6 billion in cash, exceeding the previous record. This massive reserve provides them with ample ammunition for future investments.

Looking Ahead: Steady Growth Expected

While the recent earnings and financial health are positive indicators, Warren Buffett has cautioned investors in his annual shareholder letter. He expressed that finding truly impactful investment opportunities for Berkshire's massive size is becoming increasingly difficult.

Despite this challenge, Berkshire Hathaway is expected to continue performing well due to its diverse portfolio across various industries. Although "eye-popping performance" might be scarce, as Buffett himself mentions, we can expect continued and stable growth from this financial powerhouse.

NVIDIA's Big Bang: A Krugman-esque Analysis

NVIDIA's Big Bang: A Krugman-esque Analysis

When it comes to tech darlings, NVIDIA (NVDA) has shown over the part year that it is one of the top companies. So, when their earnings dropped on February 21st, it wasn't exactly a shocker. More like a victory lap with fireworks.

EarningsSeason2024

Nvidia Revenue

Numbers that would make a quant blush: $22.1 billion in revenue? They clearly beat expectations surprising most analysts and causing the whole market to move higher. And the company came out with new guidance for next quarter that is also very strong.

Wall Street's out there with their measly projections, and NVIDIA's saying, "Amateurs."

Now, the market, bless its collective heart, went bonkers.

The move higher in the market was not entirely based on Nvidia performance. It's a bellwether, people. See, NVIDIA isn't just pushing bits, they're pushing the boundaries of AI. And in a world obsessed with artificial intelligence, their performance is like reading the entrails of the tech industry.

More Earnings

And guess what? The entrails look good. AMD, Super Micro, even Palantir – they all hitched a ride on NVIDIA's rocket ship. It's like a rising tide lifting all the AI boats (though some, admittedly, leakier than others).

But there's a fly in the ointment, or should I say, a chip shortage in the fab. Demand for NVIDIA's latest goodies is through the roof, hotter than a blockchain in Miami. Supply, on the other hand? Not so forthcoming. It's a classic case of too many gamers and not enough graphics cards.

And let's not forget the data center bonanza. Revenue there went supernova, exploding 409% year-over-year. That's like finding a Bitcoin mine in your basement (not that I'd know anything about that).

So, what's the takeaway? Continue to watch NVIDIA stock over the next quarter. They're a chipmaker but they are also a harbinger of the future, shaping the digital landscape. And as for the market tremors?

Let's say they're feeling the aftershocks of a tech giant in overdrive. The AI revolution is just getting started. P.S. Don't expect me to quote myself. I leave the theatrics to the analysts.

Buckle Up, Buttercup, Inflation's Back and It Ain't Pretty!

Remember that dream of a rate cut this year? Yeah, that's looking about as likely as a snowball fight in July. The Fed ain't budging until they see inflation cooling down for real, and the reports this week aren't exactly giving them the chills. Surprisingly, the market continues to trend higher.

InflationReport

Mortgage Rates

And speaking of chills, how about those mortgage rates? They're shooting up faster than a rocket on Red Bull, hitting their highest level in two months. So much for that hot spring housing market, folks. Let's hope for a trend downward soon.

Keep Your Head Up

Bottom line? Buckle up, buttercup! This inflation ride is gonna be bumpy, but us savvy investors know how to navigate these choppy waters. Just remember, stay informed, stay focused, and don't let the fear mongers get you down! Some stocks are still producing good earnings and it's a election year.

Can Netflix's ad-tier crack the code and unlock a blockbuster Q4?

Can Netflix's ad-tier crack the code and unlock a blockbuster Q4?

Alright, let's spice up this earnings preview with some Wall Street flair! Buckle up, folks, because the streaming giant Netflix is about to hit the earnings runway tomorrow, and analysts are betting it'll stick the landing in style.

NetflixEarnings

First things first: new subscribers. Analysts are chomping at the bit to see if Netflix can snag another 9 million viewers, but whispers on the wind hint at a possible double-digit touchdown. Could this be the quarter that cracks the 10 million mark? And if so, will it be fueled by the buzz around their new ad tier or those not-so-secret password crackdown plans?

Speaking of the ad tier, eyes are peeled to see how this baby shakes out. Can it inject a fresh boost of revenue without alienating the core subscriber base? It's a delicate dance, folks, but Netflix has a history of fancy footwork. Plus, with more money in their pants pockets, the company has some fire to create more content.

Of course, Wall Street wouldn't be what it is without some numbers to look at. Analysts are predicting earnings per share of $2.21, and Netflix themselves are eyeing an 11% revenue bump to $8.7 billion. They've even cranked up the profit margin dial, aiming for a full-year 20% operating margin – a sweet upgrade from the previous 18%-20% estimate.

Now, let's talk Netflix stock. This bad boy has been on a tear lately, leading the charge among the FAANG family. But hold your horses, cowboys and cowgirls – tomorrow's report could send it bucking higher, or leave it flat on its hooves. So, buckle up tight, keep your trading charts handy, and prepare for a wild ride after the closing bell.

Apple Watch Faces Feature Sacrifice to Avoid Ban, What's Next?

Apple Watch Faces Feature Sacrifice to Avoid Ban, What's Next?

Hey folks, here with a big update on the Apple Watch import drama. Remember that whole Masimo patent tiff that put the brakes on the Series 9 and Ultra 2? Well, good news, bad news situation brewing.

pexels-pixabay-267394

US Customs Decision

First, the good news: U.S. Customs just ruled that Apple's proposed redesign of the Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 sidesteps that nasty import ban. Seems they found a way to tweak the tech without infringing on Masimo's patents. This means we could see those shiny new watches on shelves again soon, folks. This redesign probably means we won't see those fancy new blood oxygen features – at least not in their current form. And that's where things get juicy.

Masimo Settlement

Settling with Masimo and admitting tech pilfering isn't exactly Apple's style. They've always prided themselves on clean-room engineering, and this whole kerfuffle could tarnish their shiny image. Plus, there's the risk of legal dominoes – other companies might come sniffing around for their pound of patent flesh.

So, what's next? Apple could roll out their redesigned Watches sans blood oxygen, which wouldn't exactly set the tech world on fire. Or, they could fight Masimo tooth and nail in court, a process that could drag on for years. My money's on the latter – Apple ain't one to back down from a good scrap.

Nvidia Bets Big on AI PCs, Flexes Muscle at CES with New Chips

Nvidia Bets Big on AI PCs, Flexes Muscle at CES with New Chips

Fresh off its dominance in the data center AI scene, Nvidia is turning its sights to conquering the living room (or home office) with a new lineup of chips designed to power the next generation of AI-powered PCs. Forget clunky towers and whirring fans – Nvidia's vision for the future involves sleek laptops and desktops humming with the power of "local" AI, run right on your own machine.

NvidiaCES2024

CES 2024

Taking center stage at CES 2024, the star of the show was the GeForce RTX SUPER, a souped-up GPU that Nvidia claims will unleash "supercharged generative AI workloads" on your trusty laptop. Think smoother video editing powered by AI, real-time photo manipulation that goes beyond basic filters, and maybe even a shot at creating your own personalized deepfake (ethics permitting, of course).

So, what does this mean the average tech enthusiast like yourself? Well, buckle up, because the AI revolution is about to hit your home office (or, you know, your couch). With the GeForce RTX SUPER under the hood, your PC will be able to handle even the most demanding AI tasks, from crafting photorealistic portraits of your cat to whipping up personalized movie recommendations that actually understand your taste (unlike that algorithm that keeps suggesting rom-coms, shudder).

Chinese Chips

But Nvidia isn't just playing to the AI-curious crowd. The company also announced it'll be mass-producing a custom AI chip designed specifically for China, complying with those pesky U.S. export rules. This move signals Nvidia's commitment to the world's largest tech market, and could heat up the competition in the booming Chinese AI scene.

Intel's Bold Moves: A Mad Money Analysis

Intel's Bold Moves: A Mad Money Analysis

Hey folks we've got a real heavyweight on our hands today - Intel Corporation. Strap in because we're about to break down their recent moves, and let me tell you, it's a wild ride!

Intel Stock Forecast

I. The Intel Powerhouse

Intel, the Silicon Valley stalwart, has been shaking things up in the tech world since '68. They're not just any tech company; they're the muscle behind the brains of your PC, with chips that have fueled countless breakthroughs. But that's not all, they're charging ahead in AI, 5G, and the edge computing game. This isn't just tech, it's the future of tech!

II. Big Bucks in Israel

Hold on tight because Intel just threw down a $25 billion deal with the Israeli government. That's not pocket change; that's serious moolah, the biggest investment ever by a global player in Israel. It's like Intel just said, "Hey, Israel, we're in it for the long haul, let's make some history together!"

And check this out - partnerships galore! Mobileye for self-driving cars, IMS Nanofabrication for top-notch semiconductor gear, Codeplay Software for that extra software oomph, and Granulate Cloud Solutions for cloud dominance. Intel's playing the field, and it's looking like a slam dunk for their stock.

III. Ohio: The Buckeye State is Buzzing

But wait, there's more! Intel's dropping over $20 billion on not one but two chip factories in Ohio. That's like going all-in on a winning hand! Jobs, jobs, jobs - that's what this means for the good people of Ohio. And let me tell you, when Intel puts down that kind of cash, it's like a vote of confidence in the U.S. chip game.

IV. Ohio Factory: Big Dreams, Bigger Chips

Intel's CEO, Pat Gelsinger, isn't playing small ball. He's calling Ohio the future epicenter of silicon manufacturing. Two thousand acres, eight fabs - that's not a factory; that's a tech kingdom! This ain't just a factory; it's a statement, a statement that says, "Intel's back, and we're taking over."

V. Intel's Impact in the Holy Land

Now, Israel's no stranger to Intel. They've been in the game since '74, and they're dropping another $25 billion bomb on semiconductor facilities. Kiryat Gat is about to become the hottest spot on the tech map. Intel's not just investing; they're making a statement, saying, "We believe in Israel, and we're putting our money where our chips are."

Goldman Sachs Sees Sunshine for Stocks in 2024: Upgraded S&P 500 Forecast Raises Eyebrows on Wall Street

Goldman Sachs Sees Sunshine for Stocks in 2024: Upgraded S&P 500 Forecast Raises Eyebrows on Wall Street

Wall Street heavyweight Goldman Sachs is turning bullish on the US stock market, significantly boosting its S&P 500 forecast for 2024. The investment bank, known for its cautious pronouncements, now predicts the index to reach 5,100 by year-end, a whopping 8% increase from its previous estimate of 4,700.

S&P5002024

This dramatic shift reflects a newfound optimism about the market's resilience facing economic headwinds. Goldman Sachs cites several factors driving their sunny outlook:

Falling inflation: With recent data suggesting a peak in inflation, Goldman anticipates a gradual decline throughout 2024. This easing pressure would remove a major drag on corporate earnings and sentiment.
Interest rate retreat: The Federal Reserve's aggressive rate hikes are expected to slow down next year, potentially even culminating in cuts later in the year. This loosening of monetary policy would provide breathing room for equities.
Above-consensus economic growth: While Goldman predicts a modest 2.1% GDP growth for 2024, they believe this could surprise on the upside, further buoying corporate profits and stock prices.

Goldman

However, not everyone shares Goldman Sachs' exuberance. Some analysts remain cautious, highlighting lingering risks like geopolitical uncertainties and potential earnings disappointments in a slowing economy. They also point to comparatively high equity valuations, suggesting potentially limited upside unless earnings growth unexpectedly surges.

Regardless of skepticism, Goldman Sachs' revised forecast injects a dose of optimism into the market.

Nvidia: A Top Pick for 2024 Despite Monster 2023

Nvidia: A Top Pick for 2024 Despite Monster 2023

Nvidia (NASDAQ: $NVDA) has had a remarkable year, with its stock price soaring 220% fueled by the booming artificial intelligence (AI) market. This performance has caught the attention of TD Cowen analyst Matthew Ramsay, who has named NVDA his top overall stock pick for 2024.

Nvidia

AI Chip Dominance

"No need to overthink this," Ramsay declared in a note to clients, emphasizing the company's strong position in the nascent but rapidly growing AI space. He sees the companies dominance in AI computer chips as a driver of its future growth and profit.

The optimism is supported by Nvidia's recent financial results. Nvidia's business is booming! Their sales more than doubled last quarter, reaching a whopping $18 billion. This is thanks to their powerful graphics chips, which are essential for artificial intelligence (AI). And things are only getting better, with Nvidia expecting to sell even more in the next quarter.

Ramsay thinks Nvidia's strong position in AI, combined with their innovative technologies and big investments, will keep their growth going strong for years to come. He anticipates "an accelerated product-introduction schedule, and innovation across hardware and all aspects of the AI product line - training, inference, and data processing."

2024 Stock Run

Despite its impressive stock run, Ramsay sees further upside potential for Nvidia. Ramsey believes Nvidia's future is bright! The potent combination of positions Nvidia has not only capitalizes on the burgeoning AI market but also pushes the boundaries of innovation further in other chip areas.

While some may hesitate due to the company's impressive growth and current valuation, Ramsay believes there's still significant room for Nvidia to move. He views the "enormous" and "early-stage" AI market as an opportunity for Nvidia to strengthen its leadership position and earn substantial rewards.

Our FaceBook Page

Market Summary