usdaed

Those venerable companies, the components of the Dow, enjoyed a modest recovery from yesterday’s disquiet. One observes, however, that a certain skepticism persists regarding the long-term prospects of established firms. The recent performance of 3M Company and International Business Machines, though improved, remains a cautionary tale. The former declined slightly, while the latter experienced a more pronounced, though perhaps unsustainable, advance. It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single day’s good fortune does not necessarily indicate a sound foundation.

The S&P 500 gained 1.16%, finishing at 6,875. The Nasdaq Composite, not to be outdone, added 1.18%, closing at 23,225. Within the biotechnology sector, Nkarta closed at $2.2 (+7.84%) and Allogene Therapeutics ended at $1.6 (+1.91%). These are, of course, companies pursuing equally grand, and equally uncertain, objectives. It seems a great many people are willing to gamble on the improbable.

There’s interest from banks, of course, though that’s about as excitin’ as watchin’ paint dry. Rentin’ out property? Lord, that’s a whole heap of trouble with leaky roofs and tenants who think a broken window is a matter of philosophical debate. No, sir, my preference lies with dividends – little slices of profit handed over to you simply for bein’ a shareholder. It’s a civilized arrangement, if you ask me.

The S&P 500, in a display of uncharacteristic optimism, gained 1.16%, settling near 6,875. The Nasdaq Composite, not to be outdone, added 1.18%, closing around 23,225. Among its peers, BHP Group rose 1.89% to $65.61, while Rio Tinto Group enjoyed a more substantial gain of 3.69%, finishing at $88.84. It is always amusing to observe how quickly the herd mentality takes hold, particularly when faced with the illusion of prosperity.

There are certain names, whispered among those who understand the rhythm of capital, that represent not merely companies, but enduring landscapes. Coca-Cola, Realty Income, and Walmart – each a testament to the power of consistency, each a slow, deliberate growth mirroring the ancient unfolding of seasons. These are not fleeting blossoms, but the deep roots that sustain a forest.

Revenue climbed 18% to $253 million. Eighteen percent! That’s almost… significant. Like, enough to buy a slightly nicer sandwich at lunch. Operating income surged 78% to $38.4 million. They’re practically swimming in cash. Or at least, they’re sitting in a slightly larger pool of it. The operating margin went up 5 percentage points to 15%. Fifteen percent! That’s enough to make a bean counter weep with joy. And operating cash flow? Rocketed 220% to $62.8 million. I suspect a rogue accountant may have accidentally added an extra zero. It happens, you know. We’ve all been there.

The stock itself, having already appreciated by some 18% in the early weeks of 2026, sits at a curious juncture. Is it, one wonders, a peak already scaled, or merely a stepping stone to further heights? The gain, substantial as it is, follows a prior ascent of 46% in 2025, and, viewed over the longer arc of five years, reveals a staggering increase of 340%. Such relentless upward momentum invariably invites skepticism, a cautious assessment of the foundations upon which this edifice is built.

The stock dipped 5.8% today, which, okay, it could be worse. It actually recovered a bit yesterday after the initial drop. But still. It’s exhausting. It’s like, will anything ever just…go up steadily? Is that too much to ask? I’ve been trying to be a rational investor, you know? Diversify, long-term thinking… but then something like this happens and I just want to sell everything and buy gold bullion and hide it under the mattress.

The big question now, of course, is whether we’re looking at another year of gains, or if we’ve reached peak AI euphoria. Because let’s face it, everything is a bubble until it pops. I’m not saying it will pop, just that I’ve already started mentally preparing my resignation speech.

Nvidia, of course, has already done rather well out of all this. A truly impressive performance, and one that’s left a good many people feeling rather clever. But the AI story is far from over, and there are other players poised to benefit. Two in particular, if you’re inclined to be optimistic, look particularly interesting. They’re not necessarily household names – yet – but they’re worth a closer look, especially if you’re hoping to outperform the S&P 500 in the coming years.