Finance

Why Analysts Are Bullish on This Consumer Finance Stock: Should You Be Too?

As consumers face mounting credit card debt and high interest rates, recent Federal Reserve rate cuts offer a glimmer of hope for more affordable borrowing.  

At the forefront of this shift is Affirm (AFRM -2.94%), a leader in the buy now, pay later (BNPL) sector. Despite economic uncertainty over the past few years, Affirm has expanded its partnerships, solidified its market position, and maintained a strong consumer credit portfolio, showcasing its resilience.  

The growing popularity of BNPL, coupled with lower interest rates, could drive further demand for these lending options—and analysts are taking note. Affirm has recently received a series of upgrades and price target increases from major banks:  

- Wedbush: Upgraded to neutral with a price target of $45.  

- Wells Fargo: Upgraded to overweight with a price target of $52.  

- Morgan Stanley: Upgraded to equal-weight with a price target of $37.  

- BTIG Research: Upgraded to buy with a price target of $68.  

- Susquehanna: Maintained a positive rating and raised its price target to $57.  

- JPMorgan: Maintained a buy rating and raised its price target to $56.  

TECH

Tech Cold War Heats Up: Trump’s Next Move Against China

During his first presidency, Donald Trump initiated a technological confrontation with China. If he returns to office, his next administration will face an even greater challenge: bringing it to a decisive conclusion.  

Former officials suggest that the new administration would likely intensify efforts to stifle China's technological advancements, employing tariffs as a protective barrier and export controls as a powerful weapon. Republican officials expected to take senior roles are anticipated to adopt a more aggressive and less patient approach than their Biden administration counterparts, aiming for swift action—even if it means sacrificing prolonged negotiations with China.  

CRYPTO

Dogecoin Surges as Trump Appoints Elon Musk to Lead Government Efficiency Initiative

Dogecoin is back in the spotlight after President-elect Donald Trump announced the formation of the Department of Government Efficiency on X last Wednesday.  

The meme coin, which was valued at 16 cents on Election Day, has since skyrocketed to nearly 39 cents as of Nov. 14—a significant jump but still far from its all-time high of nearly 69 cents in May 2021, according to CoinMarketCap.  

Interestingly, this unofficial department shares the same acronym as the cryptocurrency: DOGE. Trump revealed that the advisory department would be led by Elon Musk and former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy. The stated mission of the department is to identify ways to cut government spending and "drive large-scale structural reform."  

However, the department has yet to be formally established and is unlikely to become an official government entity without Congressional approval, as creating a new government department requires legislative action.