Retail crowd’s favorite REITs: disappointment likely to continue

REITs, or real estate investment trusts, are an asset class that is typically followed and bought by investors with a focus on cash flows in the form of dividends. One of the main arguments is that this way they don’t have to bother about stock price fluctuations, as their dividend income is safe. Sounds logical, but the long-term performance of three highly celebrated such REITs is simply weak. The worst thing, I am expecting this trend to continue or even to worsen.

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Warm-up for 2025 – better expect the unexpected

Despite having done a combined review-and-outlook Weekly already, I decided to write another one with the focus solely on the outlook for 2025. Over the last weeks, I have gathered new ideas, but also brought my thoughts in order during the days that I took off. There are a few other things I wanted to share. What could the next investing year have in store for us?

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Post the Volatility crash – next leg up? + new stock idea to benefit

Isn’t it amazing how forgetful market participants can be? Not even a full month ago, sentiment was as if the (financial) world were about to implode. Just a week later the panic-induced market losses were already gained back and three weeks later the crowd is smelling new all-time highs again. What I’m concerned about is expectations seem to be that nothing unfortunate will happen again. I have become a bit concerned, as complacency seems to be EXTRAORDINARILY high. In such an environment, small shifts are enough to cause a market panic – there are a few signs to be aware of. And a new stock idea for my members to capitalize on that, too.

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Estée Lauder – after –75% still not pretty + dividend in danger

A common misconception is that lower stock prices are akin to cheaper shares. Without much explanation, it is logical that this can only apply when the underlying business has at least been stable. Otherwise it is possible that a stock even becomes more expensive! While this is not the case at Estée Lauder, despite a 75% drop from its all-time high, the stock is still looking ugly valuation-wise. A decent downside risk remains. On top, the likelihood for a dividend cut or even entire suspension is significant.

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Three consumer discretionary darlings I’m not buying (yet?)

Browsing through Twitter / X, I often see people posting about “buy-the-dip” candidates. While this is not necessarily the case for energy stocks (where as my readers and especially members know, I have a positive opinion about), in the recent past more and more consumer discretionary stocks have been presented. The main arguments are always the same – they are cheap(er) now! I have some doubts that it’s time to rush in.

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Investing in oligopolies isn’t always a winning strategy

Everyone knows that market concentration leads to less competition and in turn to more powerful entities within this group. Such oligopolies by definition should allow the respective companies to achieving strong results and high margins due to pricing power, but also where applicable economies of scale. In reality, however, not every sector or company offers automatically a good stock investment, even when factually operating in an oligopoly.

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Burberry – closed at a loss + what to take home

As is with investing, from time to time, there will be losing positions in a portfolio in company to big winners. This is what happened among my ideas for my Premium PLUS members. Last week, I threw out Burberry after I lost patience due to deteriorating fundamentals. Today, I am looking back at how I formed my thesis, what happened in the meantime and I explain why I finally pulled the brake as well as why this decision was necessary.

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What most investors get wrong about gold stocks + new research report

There are three things the majority of investors fail to understand with regards to gold stocks. The first is gold is NOT THE hedge against inflation and thus gold stocks not even better hedges. The second is with higher gold prices, NOT ALL gold stocks go up exponentially. The third is the evergreen that all gold stocks are heavily undervalued by the stupid market and great buying opportunities. I am going to take these beliefs apart. My Premium PLUS members receive on top my best gold stock idea after I have already had a golden hand with my silver pick (for all my members). If you read until the end, I have a small gift for you.

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Namibia – the new and better Guyana? + new research report

Although ever since the predictions and paroles have been that the world is running out of oil soon, from time to time big new discoveries have been made. Brazil has vast known reserves that could last for 50 years. Offshore the coast of neighboring Guyana, a reservoir of an estimated double digit billion barrels of oil equivalent is being already extracted. There’s a good chance, Namibia, a country in Southwest-Africa, could become the “next Guyana” – maybe even a better one!

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The untold risks of average returns

This headline might sound confusing at first sight, but behind it is a topic worth thinking about. As one understands what’s behind “average returns”, a portfolio check-up could be appropriate, especially if one is overweight in stocks with past above average performances paired with high valuations. A few thoughts on risk-adjusted investing.

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