Cboe Global Markets to Launch Extended Hours for Single-Stock Options. Here's Why It Wins When Volatility Spikes.

Cboe Global Markets is launching extended trading hours (7:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. ET) for single-stock options on approximately 20 mega-cap stocks including the Magnificent Seven. The move is expected to boost revenue through increased trading volume and fees, particularly when market volatility is high. Cboe had a record Q1 with 29% revenue growth and 54% earnings growth, though the stock has since pulled back from its May peak. With the VIXEQ (single-stock volatility index) at historically high levels, Cboe is positioned to benefit if volatility persists.

07/13/2026, 5:05 PM • The Motley Fool

Goldman Sachs vs. Interactive Brokers: Which Financial Stock Is a Better Buy in 2026?

Goldman Sachs and Interactive Brokers represent two different approaches to financial services. Goldman Sachs dominates institutional finance with $3.6 trillion in assets under supervision and a 29.5% net margin, but carries significant debt (4.9x debt-to-equity) and negative free cash flow. Interactive Brokers operates a highly automated platform serving 5 million accounts with 70% net margin, zero debt, and $15.7 billion in free cash flow. The choice depends on investment goals: Goldman Sachs offers stability and capital preservation, while Interactive Brokers provides growth potential through technology-driven innovation.

07/08/2026, 8:07 AM • The Motley Fool

S&P 500 Earnings Strength Puts Valuations to the Test

S&P 500 earnings are growing significantly faster than the index itself, with Q1 and Q2 2026 EPS growth at 24.4% year-over-year while the S&P 500 was up only 10% YTD through Q2 2026. The forward 4-quarter earnings estimate increased 5% sequentially to $371.04, pushing the earnings yield to 4.97%. The author notes this earnings strength is unusual and unsustainable, comparing it to the late 1990s bull market. However, the author's 2026 forecast has underperformed due to incorrect predictions on S&P 500 returns and Fed policy, particularly impacting bank holdings.

07/06/2026, 2:38 AM • Investing

The Retail Trading Boom Is Back. Charles Schwab Is Quietly Cashing In.

Charles Schwab is benefiting significantly from the retail trading boom despite being an established player in the discount brokerage industry. The company reported $13.1 trillion in customer assets in May 2026, with 27% year-over-year growth, 461,000 new accounts (up 37%), and record daily trading volumes of 11.8 million trades. With a P/E ratio of 19x compared to Robinhood's 54x, Schwab offers attractive valuation while capturing growth from increased trading activity and margin loans.

07/05/2026, 11:15 PM • The Motley Fool

Which Financial Stocks Actually Benefit When Interest Rates Stay High?

As the Federal Reserve appears likely to raise interest rates, certain financial stocks stand to benefit. Banks like JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, and Bank of America will see wider net interest margins. Brokerages such as Charles Schwab and LPL Financial will earn more on client cash holdings. Insurance companies including Berkshire Hathaway and Allstate can purchase bonds at higher yields, improving portfolio returns.

07/01/2026, 4:30 AM • The Motley Fool

The Case for Staying Invested Even When the Market Feels Uncertain

Despite recent market weakness and concerns about a potential correction or bear market, long-term investors should remain invested rather than attempt to time the market. Historical data shows that market corrections typically recover within 3-8 months, and investors who add capital during dips significantly outperform those who don't. Over 40% of the S&P 500's best single-day performances occurred during bear markets, making it risky to be out of the market during recoveries.

06/28/2026, 2:15 PM • The Motley Fool

All Banks Crushed the Fed's Stress Tests This Year, and Some Truly Excelled

All 32 banks tested in the Federal Reserve's annual stress tests passed with flying colors, demonstrating resilience against severe economic scenarios including 39% commercial property collapse, 30% home price decline, and 10% unemployment. Charles Schwab led with a 32% stressed capital ratio, while JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Citigroup, and Wells Fargo all maintained healthy capital levels. Banks are expected to announce dividend increases and share buyback programs following the results.

06/25/2026, 6:06 AM • The Motley Fool

Robinhood Is Becoming a Full-Service Financial Platform. Is the Stock a Buy?

Robinhood has impressively grown its platform assets from $102B to $307B since going public in 2021, expanding beyond stocks into cryptocurrencies and prediction markets. However, the stock carries a premium 45x P/E valuation and faces significant risk due to its inexperienced customer base and lack of stress-testing through a major market downturn. The article suggests only aggressive growth investors should consider buying, while value and risk-averse investors should wait.

06/20/2026, 4:15 PM • The Motley Fool

Here’s What a $1,000 Investment in SpaceX’s IPO Would Be Worth Today — and What Could Come Next

SpaceX went public on June 12, 2026, at $135 per share and opened at $150, now trading around $170. A $1,000 investment would have purchased 6-7 shares. However, analyst Leo Sun warns the stock is overvalued at 95x 2025 sales, unprofitable due to losses in space and AI divisions offsetting Starlink profits, and controlled by Elon Musk with an 82% voting stake. He predicts the initial rally will fade and the investment could shrink to a few hundred dollars within a year.

06/12/2026, 3:24 PM • The Motley Fool

SpaceX IPO: Here's How to Buy SPCX Stock Right Now

SpaceX went public on June 12, 2026, at $135 per share in the largest IPO in history, valuing the company at $1.77 trillion. The stock opened at $150, up 11% from the IPO price. However, the author argues the stock is wildly overpriced at nearly 100 times sales, with Morningstar estimating fair value at only $780 billion—less than half the IPO valuation.

06/12/2026, 3:05 PM • The Motley Fool

Should You Sell Bitcoin Now or Hold for 5 More Years?

Bitcoin is trading 51% below its October record high, testing investor confidence during a bear market. However, the article argues that Bitcoin's history shows it always recovers from major dips, and major financial institutions continue to support the asset. The author recommends holding Bitcoin for another five years rather than selling, citing institutional adoption and the need for discipline during volatile periods.

06/12/2026, 1:02 PM • The Motley Fool

Here's How Much a $10,000 Investment Could Get You When SpaceX Goes Public on June 12

SpaceX is set to go public on June 12, 2026 at $135 per share. While a $10,000 investment would theoretically buy 74 shares, retail investors face significant challenges: limited share allocations from brokerages, competition from institutional investors, and likely partial or no fills. The article cautions that most retail investors should avoid chasing the stock on day one, as IPO pops often lead to corrections.

06/10/2026, 1:15 PM • The Motley Fool

The Contrarian Case for Buying Crypto in 2026

Despite current market weakness in Bitcoin and Ethereum, the article argues crypto presents a long-term buying opportunity. The author points to crypto's historical four-year boom-bust cycle, noting similar downturns in 2014, 2018, and 2022 were followed by strong recoveries. Rising institutional adoption, government support for crypto infrastructure, and Bitcoin's exponential growth trajectory since 2009 are cited as reasons for optimism, with some analysts predicting Bitcoin could reach $1 million by 2030.

06/10/2026, 10:15 AM • The Motley Fool

SpaceX's Historic IPO May Be Oversubscribed. Here's What That Means for You.

SpaceX is planning what may be the world's largest IPO with a fixed price of $135 per share and a projected valuation of $1.77 trillion, expected around June 12. The company is allocating 30% of shares to retail investors, significantly more than typical IPOs. However, the IPO is reportedly oversubscribed at 2x with $150 billion in orders against a $75 billion fundraising target, meaning not all investors may receive shares. The article advises that missing out on the IPO isn't necessarily a missed opportunity, as historical data shows major IPOs don't always produce significant first-year gains and better entry points may emerge later.

06/09/2026, 7:10 AM • The Motley Fool

Account Minimums Are Being Lowered to Participate in the SpaceX IPO. Is This a Win or a Trap for Retail Investors?

Fidelity has lowered the minimum account balance requirement for SpaceX IPO participation to $2,000, down from traditional six-figure minimums. While this appears to democratize IPO access for retail investors, the article raises concerns that this expansion may primarily benefit pre-IPO shareholders seeking exit liquidity and could expose less experienced investors to FOMO-driven losses, similar to patterns seen in previous tech IPOs.

06/08/2026, 5:30 PM • The Motley Fool