May the Stocks Be Ever in Your Favor: A Post-Apocalyptic Market Report

The Reaping...of Profits (or Losses)

Alright listen up because unlike President Snow’s pronouncements this actually matters. The market’s been a bit of a Hunger Games lately everyone scrambling for survival. Stocks @ Night says Nike’s earnings are about to drop like a parachute with no chute – down 8.6% in three months and 38% from last June. Maybe they need to sponsor a rebellion instead of overpriced shoes. Just a thought. It seems like the odds are never in anyone's favor except maybe those guys at the Capital.

McCormick: Taste the Revolution (Spiced of Course)

Moving on from sweatshops... I mean athletic wear we’ve got McCormick. Down 8.2% over three months but they make Old Bay. Put that on fries and suddenly the world seems a little less bleak. Maybe we should replace the Capitol’s feasts with Old Bay fries. Revolution one spice at a time. This is almost as useful as Rue's knowledge of medicine.

Cybersecurity: The Real Arena

Now this is where things get interesting. With the U.S. bombing Iran's nuclear sites (yikes talk about escalating things) the Amplify Cybersecurity ETF (HACK) is UP 3%! Apparently investors think Iranian hackers are about to make our lives a digital hell. CrowdStrike CEO is seeing an increase in denial of service attacks. It's like the Capitol rigging the arena with tracker jackers – only instead of stinging you they steal your identity. I am not a huge fan of this it's worse than a Mockingjay.

Israel: A 'Victors' Village' Rises?

The iShares MSCI Israel ETF (EIS) is up 12.5% since Israel attacked Iran. The thinking is that a weakened Iran means more peace deals and investment in the region. Like the Victors getting preferential treatment? I have mixed feelings about this. This situation is as complicated as Peeta's feelings for me.

New York City: A Rebellion of Rent Regulation?

Oh and in New York City a mayoral primary victory by Zohran Mamdani is causing stocks tied to the city to plummet. Flagstar SL Green and Vornado are all taking a nosedive. Investors are apparently terrified of rent control. It’s like the Capitol is tightening its grip only this time it's on real estate. Great just what we need more reasons for people to hate the government.

Future's Market: Place Your Bets!

Finally the Nasdaq 100 is expected to change drastically in five years. The Invesco Nasdaq Next Gen 100 ETF (QQQJ) is trying to get ahead of the curve but it's lagging behind the current Nasdaq. Top components include Israeli defense company Elbit Systems Seagate Technology and Super Micro Computer. So if you’re looking to gamble maybe throw some bread to the underdog? Just remember in the stock market just like in the arena there’s only one victor. “And may the odds be ever in your favor.” Though let's be honest they probably won't be.