CME Group Inc., together with its subsidiaries, operates contract markets for the trading of futures and options on futures contracts worldwide. It offers futures and options products based on interest rates, equity indexes, foreign exchange, agricultural commodities, energy, and metals, as well as fixed income and foreign currency trading services. The company also provides clearing house services, including clearing, settling, and guaranteeing futures and options contracts, and cleared swaps products traded through its exchanges; and trade processing and risk mitigation services. In addition, the company offers a range of market data services, including real-time and historical data services. It serves professional traders, financial institutions, institutional and individual investors, corporations, manufacturers, producers, governments, and central banks. The company was formerly known as Chicago Mercantile Exchange Holdings Inc. and changed its name to CME Group Inc. in July 2007. The company was founded in 1898 and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.

CME Group Inc. демонстрирует высокие показатели по сравнению с медиа́ной отрасли по множеству ключевых метрик, таких как P/E, P/S и P/FCF, однако они значительно выше медианных значений, что указывает на потенциальную переоцененность акций. Тем не менее, эффективность компании также высока, что подтверждается ростом ROE и ROA, а также стабильными маржами. Долговая нагрузка остается низкой, что является позитивным фактором. Однако отсутствие дивидендов может снизить привлекательность акций для инвесторов, ищущих доходность. Устойчивый рост выручки и прибыли поддерживает положительный взгляд на компанию. Несмотря на некоторые негативные аспекты, такие как высокая оценка по мультипликаторам, общая фундаментальная картина остается положительной, что позволяет делать вывод о том, что компания может продолжить привлекать интерес инвесторов.

CME Group Inc.

The Finance group has plenty of great stocks, but investors should always be looking for companies that are outperforming their peers. Has Broadstone Net Lease, Inc. (BNL) been one of those stocks this year? A quick glance at the company's year-to-date performance in comparison to the rest of the Finance sector should help us answer this question.
Broadstone Net Lease, Inc. is one of 848 companies in the Finance group. The Finance group currently sits at #3 within the Zacks Sector Rank. The Zacks Sector Rank considers 16 different groups, measuring the average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks within the sector to gauge the strength of each group.
The Zacks Rank emphasizes earnings estimates and estimate revisions to find stocks with improving earnings outlooks. This system has a long record of success, and these stocks tend to be on track to beat the market over the next one to three months. Broadstone Net Lease, Inc. is currently sporting a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy).
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for BNL's full-year earnings has moved 0.3% higher within the past quarter. This means that analyst sentiment is stronger and the stock's earnings outlook is improving.
Based on the latest available data, BNL has gained about 9.2% so far this year. Meanwhile, the Finance sector has returned an average of -4% on a year-to-date basis. As we can see, Broadstone Net Lease, Inc. is performing better than its sector in the calendar year.
Another Finance stock, which has outperformed the sector so far this year, is CME Group (CME). The stock has returned 11.1% year-to-date.
For CME Group, the consensus EPS estimate for the current year has increased 2.2% over the past three months. The stock currently has a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).
Looking more specifically, Broadstone Net Lease, Inc. belongs to the REIT and Equity Trust - Residential industry, which includes 24 individual stocks and currently sits at #164 in the Zacks Industry Rank. On average, this group has lost an average of 1.4% so far this year, meaning that BNL is performing better in terms of year-to-date returns.
On the other hand, CME Group belongs to the Securities and Exchanges industry. This 9-stock industry is currently ranked #23. The industry has moved -6.6% year to date.
Investors interested in the Finance sector may want to keep a close eye on Broadstone Net Lease, Inc. and CME Group as they attempt to continue their solid performance.
Zacks Names #1 Semiconductor Stock
This under-the-radar company specializes in semiconductor products that titans like NVIDIA don't build. It's uniquely positioned to take advantage of the next growth stage of this market. And it's just beginning to enter the spotlight, which is exactly where you want to be.
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Are Finance Stocks Lagging Broadstone Net Lease (BNL) This Year?

Looking at the universe of stocks we cover at Dividend Channel, on 3/10/26, CME Group (Symbol: CME), UMB Financial Corp (Symbol: UMBF), and CNO Financial Group Inc (Symbol: CNO) will all trade ex-dividend for their respective upcoming dividends. CME Group will pay its annual dividend of $1.30 on 3/26/26, UMB Financial Corp will pay its quarterly dividend of $0.43 on 4/1/26, and CNO Financial Group Inc will pay its quarterly dividend of $0.17 on 3/24/26. As a percentage of CME's recent stock price of $316.81, this dividend works out to approximately 0.41%, so look for shares of CME Group to trade 0.41% lower — all else being equal — when CME shares open for trading on 3/10/26. Similarly, investors should look for UMBF to open 0.37% lower in price and for CNO to open 0.40% lower, all else being equal.
Below are dividend history charts for CME, UMBF, and CNO, showing historical dividends prior to the most recent ones declared.
CME Group (Symbol: CME):
UMB Financial Corp (Symbol: UMBF):
CNO Financial Group Inc (Symbol: CNO):
In general, dividends are not always predictable, following the ups and downs of company profits over time. Therefore, a good first due diligence step in forming an expectation of annual yield going forward, is looking at the history above, for a sense of stability over time. This can help in judging whether the most recent dividends from these companies are likely to continue. If they do continue, the current estimated yields on annualized basis would be 0.41% for CME Group, 1.46% for UMB Financial Corp, and 1.61% for CNO Financial Group Inc.
In Friday trading, CME Group shares are currently down about 1%, UMB Financial Corp shares are off about 1.4%, and CNO Financial Group Inc shares are down about 1% on the day.
Click here to learn which 25 S.A.F.E. dividend stocks should be on your radar screen »
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Ex-Dividend Reminder: CME Group, UMB Financial and CNO Financial Group

Wednesday, March 4, 2026
The Zacks Research Daily presents the best research output of our analyst team. Today's Research Daily features new research reports on 16 major stocks, including Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (BRK.B), KLA Corp. (KLAC) and CME Group Inc. (CME), as well as two micro-cap stocks Natural Health Trends Corp. (NHTC) and Good Times Restaurants Inc. (GTIM). The Zacks microcap research is unique as our research content on these small and under-the-radar companies is the only research of its type in the country.
These research reports have been hand-picked from the roughly 70 reports published by our analyst team today.
You can see all of today’s research reports here >>>
Ahead of Wall Street
The daily 'Ahead of Wall Street' article is a must-read for all investors who would like to be ready for that day's trading action. The article comes out before the market opens, attempting to make sense of that morning's economic releases and how they will affect that day's market action. You can read this article for free on our home page and can actually sign up there to get an email notification as this article comes out each morning.
You can read today's AWS here >>> Pre-Markets Boosted by Benign ADP Jobs Report
Today's Featured Research Reports
Shares of Berkshire Hathaway have underperformed the Zacks Insurance - Property and Casualty industry over the past six months (-3.7% vs. -2.5%). The company’s exposure to cat loss affects underwriting results. Shares of Berkshire have underperformed the industry year to date. Huge capital expenditures remain a headwind. Also, it remains to be seen how the behemoth fares when Greg Abel succeeds Warren Buffett as CEO of Berkshire and thus warrants a cautious stance.
Nevertheless, Berkshire is one of the largest property and casualty insurance companies, with numerous diverse business activities. A strong cash position supports earnings-accretive bolt-on buyouts and is indicative of its financial flexibility.
Continued insurance business growth fuels an increase in float, drives earnings and generates maximum return on equity. The non-insurance businesses have also been doing well in the last few years. The insurer has also started increasing its investment in Japan. A sturdy capital level provides further impetus.
(You can read the full research report on Berkshire Hathaway here >>>)
KLA’s shares have outperformed the Zacks Electronics - Miscellaneous Products industry over the past six months (+59.7% vs. +30.5%). The company is benefiting from strong demand for leading-edge logic, high-bandwidth memory (HBM) and advanced packaging, which is driving market share growth in the semiconductor industry. Accelerating investment in AI infrastructure bodes well for KLA’s prospects. Advanced packaging exceeded $950 million in 2025, reflecting 70% year-over-year growth.
KLA now expects mid-to-high teens in calendar 2026. Its robust portfolio and its leadership in process control systems are enabling customers to manage increasing design complexity. The services business is performing well.
KLA is well-positioned to capitalize on AI advancements, with AI driving demand for higher-value wafer processing and more complex designs. However, extended U.S. export controls on China and tariff-related uncertainties are concerns.
(You can read the full research report on KLA here >>>)
Shares of CME have outperformed the Zacks Securities and Exchanges industry over the past six months (+25.3% vs. -3.2%). The company’s strong market position, driven by varied derivative product lines, bodes well. Efforts to expand and cross-sell through strategic alliances, acquisitions, new product initiatives and a stable global presence are encouraging.
While higher electronic trading volume adds scalability, product innovation and a growing proportion of volume from customers outside the United States have been driving results. Solid liquidity supports wealth distribution to shareholders.
However, escalating expenses due to higher technology costs are likely to put pressure on its margins. Also, its diversified product portfolio is significantly exposed to volatile interest rates, stricter government regulations and limited credit availability in unstable capital and credit markets.
(You can read the full research report on CME here >>>)
Natural Health Trends’ shares have underperformed the Zacks Consumer Products - Discretionary industry over the past six months (-24.3% vs. +4.5%). This microcap company with market capitalization of $26.08 million operates a high-margin, distributor-driven model, primarily concentrated in Greater China, which accounts for 82.1% of revenues. Full-year 2025 sales declined 7.4%, with fourth-quarter 2025 sales down 10.1% year over year.
Decline in active members limits volume scalability. Despite this pressure, gross margin remained strong, generating $29.3 million in gross profit. Restructuring initiatives are expected to deliver $1.5 million in annualized savings. With $28.9 million in cash and no debt, its liquidity provides flexibility amid modest cash burn.
Supply chain realignment aims to mitigate tariffs and protect long-term margins, though transition and inventory write-offs pose near-term risk. Current valuation levels imply investors expect continued top-line stagnation and member erosion, offering limited recognition of margin resilience.
(You can read the full research report on Natural Health Trends here >>>)
Shares of Good Times Restaurants have underperformed the Zacks Retail - Restaurants industry over the past six months (-26.7% vs. +5.2%). This microcap company with market capitalization of $12.46 million, is facing risks like sustained traffic softness, competitive encroachment, input cost inflation and reliance on discounting. The valuation reflects these concerns but offers re-rating potential if execution remains consistent.
Nevertheless, GTIM’s investment case hinges on its ability to defend and expand margins despite ongoing comparable sales pressure. Both brands have improved restaurant-level profitability via disciplined food cost management, labor efficiency and waste reduction, underscoring operating control in a challenging traffic environment.
Operating cash flow has inflected positively, enhancing liquidity, lowering financial risk and enabling a capital allocation strategy focused on debt reduction and balance sheet strength before growth or buybacks. Near-term initiatives provide potential catalysts for traffic stabilization and improved guest engagement.
(You can read the full research report on Good Times Restaurants here >>>)
Other noteworthy reports we are featuring today include Johnson Controls International plc (JCI), Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. (WBD) and Truist Financial Corp. (TFC).
Mark Vickery
Senior Editor
Note: Sheraz Mian heads the Zacks Equity Research department and is a well-regarded expert of aggregate earnings. He is frequently quoted in the print and electronic media and publishes the weekly Earnings Trends and Earnings Preview reports. If you want an email notification each time Sheraz publishes a new article, please click here>>>
Today's Must Read
Featured Reports
HVAC and Controls Aids Johnson Controls (JCI) Amid Forex Woes
Per the Zacks analyst, continued demand for HVAC and Controls within the Americas segment is likely to drive Johnson Controls' revenues. However, forex woes remain a concern for the company.
Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) Rides on Strong Advertising Revenues
Per the Zacks analyst, Warner Bros. Discovery is benefiting from a strong advertising revenue growth in its streaming services. Lower debt balance is noteworthy for investors.
Loans, Low Deposit Costs, Fee Income Aid Truist (TFC), High Costs Ail
Per the Zacks analyst, loan demand, declining deposit costs and Truist's efforts to strengthen fee income sources will aid financials. Yet, rising costs and a tough operating backdrop are headwinds.
Planned Investments, Permian Basin Focus Aid Occidental (OXY)
Per the Zacks analyst Occidental's investments to strengthen infrastructure and strong contribution from Permian Basin operation will drive its performance over the long run.
Sturdy Comparable Sales Growth Drives Dollar General's (DG) Top Line
Per the Zacks analyst, steady comps growth, driven by higher customer traffic and strength across consumable and non-consumable categories, continues to support top-line momentum at Dollar General.
New Product Launches, Strong Solvency Aid Globus Medical (GMED)
The Zacks Analyst is impressed with Globus Medical's strong R and D efforts, with product launches surging post-NuVasive integration. Also, the company's debt-free balance sheet is encouraging.
Uptake of Grid Edge Intelligence Platform Buoys Itron (ITRI)
Per the Zacks analyst, solid uptake of Itron's advanced grid edge intelligence solution, stemming from rising modernization initiatives, is a plus. Product mix and cost efficiency boost margins.
New Upgrades
Firdapse and Agamree Revenues to Aid CPRX's Growth in Quarters Ahead
Per the Zacks Analyst, Firdapse's strong uptake and U.S. exclusivity, along with Agamree's rapid launch growth, should drive Catalyst's revenues and support its growth outlook in the coming quarters.
Robust Enrollment and Tech Initiatives Aid Strategic Education (STRA)
Per the Zacks analyst, Strategic Education is gaining from increased focus on employers and AI-enabled productivity initiatives, resulting in increased enrollments and margin growth.
Allegiant Travel's (ALGT) Prospects Aided by Fleet Upgrade Efforts
The Zacks analyst is pleased with the company's efforts to modernize its fleet. Initiatives to reward its shareholders are also praiseworthy.
New Downgrades
High Debt and Tariff Risks to Weigh on Sunoco's (SUN) Growth Prospects
Per the Zacks analyst, Sunoco's high debt level reduces its financial flexibility, while tariff risks may hurt returns on expansion projects, thereby hindering future growth.
Expected Decline in Demand and High Debt to Ail Sonic (SAH)
Per the Zacks analyst, Sonic is likely to face demand pressure amid tariff-related OEM price increases. The high debt level is also a concern.
Elevated Costs and Attrition Hurt Planet Fitness (PLNT) Prospects
Per the Zacks analyst, elevated attrition and higher capital expenditures are likely to hurt Planet Fitness. Also, weather-related disruptions are a concern.
Free Report: Profiting from the 2nd Wave of AI Explosion
The next phase of the AI explosion is poised to create significant wealth for investors, especially those who get in early. It will add literally trillion of dollars to the economy and revolutionize nearly every part of our lives.
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But the rocket ride in the "first wave" of AI stocks may soon come to an end. The sharp upward trajectory of these stocks will begin to level off, leaving exponential growth to a new wave of cutting-edge companies.
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This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Top Stock Reports for Berkshire Hathaway, KLA & CME

Key Points
President Trump has regularly pushed policymakers to cut interest rates, but the Federal Reserve has held rates above those in many other developed economies.
Since 1990, the S&P 500 has returned a median of 11% (excluding dividends) during the year following interest rate cuts not made during a recession.
The prevailing opinion says the Federal Reserve is unlikely to cut interest rates in March because inflation is still running hotter than the 2% target.
The S&P 500 (SNPINDEX: ^GSPC) has traded sideways this year because investors are concerned about elevated valuations, aggressive spending on artificial intelligence, and President Trump's trade policies. But history says an interest rate cut could give the stock market a boost.
President Trump has regularly pressured the Federal Reserve to lower interest rates since returning to the White House. Policymakers will discuss the issue during a two-day meeting that ends on March 18. Here's what investors should know.
Will AI create the world's first trillionaire? Our team just released a report on the one little-known company, called an "Indispensable Monopoly" providing the critical technology Nvidia and Intel both need. Continue »
The Federal Reserve has held U.S. interest rates above those in many other developed economies
The Federal Reserve primarily sets monetary policy by changing the target range on the federal funds rate, a benchmark that influences other interest rates across the economy. Here's how that works:
Increasing the federal funds rate makes it more expensive to borrow money; that results in slower economic growth, which leads to lower inflation and higher unemployment.
Decreasing the federal funds rate makes it less expensive to borrow money; that results in faster economic growth, which leads to higher inflation and lower unemployment.
In January, the Federal Reserve held the target range on the federal funds rate steady at 3.5% to 3.75%. That is higher than the analogous rate set by central banks in Canada, China, the European Union, Japan, and South Korea. The current target range of the federal funds rate is also about 1 percentage point above the 30-year average.
President Trump says the U.S. should have lowest interest rates in the world. When asked by The Wall Street Journal where interest rates should be in a year, Trump replied, "1% and maybe lower than that." He made similar demands of policymakers throughout the past year, and he repeatedly lambasted Fed Chair Jerome Powell in an effort to get his way.
On one hand, lower interest rates would stimulate the economy and jobs markets, and reduce the cost of debt for the U.S. government. On the other hand, lower interest rates would make inflation worse at a time when prices are already rising faster than the Fed's 2% target. In December, CPI inflation was 2.4% and PCE price index inflation (the Fed's preferred measure) was 2.9%.
The S&P 500 has achieved a median one-year return of 10% following interest rate cuts
The Federal Reserve has lowered interest rates 58 times since 1990. Following those cuts, the S&P 500 returned a median of 10% during the next year. However, the index returned a median of 11% during the next year if rate cuts made during recessions are excluded.
What does that mean? We are not currently in a recession. So, if the Fed cuts rates in March, history says the S&P 500 has a 50-50 chance of returning at least 11% in the next year. That's slightly better than its average one-year return of 10% since 1990.
Logically, that makes sense. Lower interest rates mean businesses and consumers pay less to borrow money, which encourages spending and promotes economic growth. In turn, the S&P 500 should perform well as companies report strong financial results.
However, with inflation above the Federal Reserve's target, policymakers are unlikely to cut rates in March. The market currently puts the probability of a rate cut at less than 5%, according to CME Group's FedWatch tool. In fact, the market does not anticipate a rate cut until the June meeting, but even that is far from certain.
Here's the big picture: President Trump desperately wants lower interest rates, but the Fed is unlikely to cut rates at the March meeting. That could leave the stock market in a holding pattern until economic data paints a clearer picture of exactly when policymakers will make the next cut.
Should you buy stock in S&P 500 Index right now?
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Trevor Jennewine has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends CME Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

President Trump Wants Lower Interest Rates. History Says the Stock Market Could Soar If the Fed Cuts in March.

Key Points
CME Group operates four major U.S. exchanges, handling a vast amount of derivatives, futures, and options trades.
Interactive Brokers Group provides a platform for trading a host of assets, from stocks and bonds to futures and cryptocurrencies.
When investors and traders feel uncertain about macroeconomic and geopolitical conditions, they tend to make more trades, which is benefiting both CME and Interactive Brokers.
When uncertainty rises in the economy and volatility in the markets escalates, it's not the traders who hedged their investments or found profitable speculative angles who make the most money. It's the global financial operators that get a piece of the action each time someone makes a trade.
As investors continue to navigate the ongoing maze of geopolitical tensions, mixed data signals, and concerns of a tech bubble, those financial system operators will continue to profit from the higher trading activity that results from all the uncertainty.
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That makes these two companies strong candidates for the best stocks to own in February and beyond, depending on your investing style and goals.
No. 1: CME Group
CME Group (NASDAQ: CME) calls itself the world's largest derivatives marketplace. It handles contract execution on its four major exchanges -- the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT), the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME), the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX), and the Commodity Exchange (COMEX) -- and the clearing and settlement of those contracts.
Going back to the idea that uncertainty is good for business, CME just reported a fifth consecutive record year in average daily volume (ADV) of contracts traded. Its metals segment was a particularly bright spot in the fourth quarter, with a 114% year-over-year increase in ADV, and it should be able to continue capitalizing on that momentum in 2026.
Going hand in hand with that increased volume was a growing retail customer base. These customers aren't signing up to trade on the CME's exchanges directly. Instead, they're using intermediary platforms like Robinhood to access CME's infrastructure.
In 2025, CME set a record for retail account openings, with its retail customer base growing by 23% and finishing the year above 600,000.
Value seekers will want to consider its forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 25.7. That's slightly above its levels from the last four quarters, indicating that investors expect stronger earnings growth ahead, and are willing to pay a modest premium for that anticipated performance.
For the more risk-averse investor, CME Group pairs potential stock price upside with a dividend that yields 1.7% at the current share price. Management is targeting a dividend payout equal to between 50% and 60% of the prior year's cash earnings.
No. 2: Interactive Broker
From a single Interactive Brokers Group (NASDAQ: IBKR) account, you can place trades on more than 170 exchanges and other execution venues across 40 countries and 29 currencies. That's pretty impressive already. But in a Feb. 10 presentation at the BofA Securities 2026 Financial Services Conference, Interactive discussed the ways that it's making its platform even more robust.
For eligible clients, it recently expanded trading to Brazilian equities, and now allows access to the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange and Dubai Financial Market. Clients can also now fund their accounts with stablecoins.
The tendency of its customers to make more trades during times of greater uncertainty has been benefiting Interactive, as higher overall activity translates to higher revenues. From Q4 2020 to Q4 2025, the company's adjusted net revenues grew at a compound annual rate of 23%.
As an investment, Interactive Brokers may be a better fit for those more accustomed to owning tech stocks. Its forward P/E of 33.1 indicates that investors view it as a higher-growth business, positioning it closer to the tech sector in valuation terms than to traditional brokerages. Its beta of 1.2 also suggests that shareholders should expect more volatility from its performance than the broader market.
While Interactive Brokers does pay a dividend, its $0.08 per share quarterly payout gives it a yield of about 0.4% at the current share price, so it will primarily appeal to investors who are more focused on stock price appreciation than on dividend income.
Should you buy stock in CME Group right now?
Before you buy stock in CME Group, consider this:
The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now… and CME Group wasn’t one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.
Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $420,595!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $1,152,356!*
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Jack Delaney has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Interactive Brokers Group. The Motley Fool recommends CME Group and recommends the following options: long January 2027 $43.75 calls on Interactive Brokers Group and short January 2027 $46.25 calls on Interactive Brokers Group. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

2 Best Stocks to Buy Right Now for February

Investors in CME Group (Symbol: CME) saw new options begin trading today, for the May 15th expiration. One of the key data points that goes into the price an option buyer is willing to pay, is the time value, so with 91 days until expiration the newly trading contracts represent a possible opportunity for sellers of puts or calls to achieve a higher premium than would be available for the contracts with a closer expiration. At Stock Options Channel, our YieldBoost formula has looked up and down the CME options chain for the new May 15th contracts and identified one put and one call contract of particular interest.
The put contract at the $290.00 strike price has a current bid of $8.60. If an investor was to sell-to-open that put contract, they are committing to purchase the stock at $290.00, but will also collect the premium, putting the cost basis of the shares at $281.40 (before broker commissions). To an investor already interested in purchasing shares of CME, that could represent an attractive alternative to paying $303.61/share today.
Because the $290.00 strike represents an approximate 4% discount to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the put contract would expire worthless. The current analytical data (including greeks and implied greeks) suggest the current odds of that happening are 66%. Stock Options Channel will track those odds over time to see how they change, publishing a chart of those numbers on our website under the contract detail page for this contract. Should the contract expire worthless, the premium would represent a 2.97% return on the cash commitment, or 11.90% annualized — at Stock Options Channel we call this the YieldBoost.
Below is a chart showing the trailing twelve month trading history for CME Group, and highlighting in green where the $290.00 strike is located relative to that history:
Turning to the calls side of the option chain, the call contract at the $360.00 strike price has a current bid of 75 cents. If an investor was to purchase shares of CME stock at the current price level of $303.61/share, and then sell-to-open that call contract as a "covered call," they are committing to sell the stock at $360.00. Considering the call seller will also collect the premium, that would drive a total return (excluding dividends, if any) of 18.82% if the stock gets called away at the May 15th expiration (before broker commissions). Of course, a lot of upside could potentially be left on the table if CME shares really soar, which is why looking at the trailing twelve month trading history for CME Group, as well as studying the business fundamentals becomes important. Below is a chart showing CME's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $360.00 strike highlighted in red:
Considering the fact that the $360.00 strike represents an approximate 19% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. The current analytical data (including greeks and implied greeks) suggest the current odds of that happening are 91%. On our website under the contract detail page for this contract, Stock Options Channel will track those odds over time to see how they change and publish a chart of those numbers (the trading history of the option contract will also be charted). Should the covered call contract expire worthless, the premium would represent a 0.25% boost of extra return to the investor, or 0.99% annualized, which we refer to as the YieldBoost.
The implied volatility in the put contract example is 29%, while the implied volatility in the call contract example is 21%.
Meanwhile, we calculate the actual trailing twelve month volatility (considering the last 251 trading day closing values as well as today's price of $303.61) to be 19%. For more put and call options contract ideas worth looking at, visit StockOptionsChannel.com.
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

CME May 15th Options Begin Trading

Quarterly financial reports play a vital role on Wall Street, as they help investors see how a company has performed and what might be coming down the road in the near-term. And out of all of the metrics and results to consider, earnings is one of the most important.
The earnings figure itself is key, of course, but a beat or miss on the bottom line can sometimes be just as, if not more, important. Therefore, investors should consider paying close attention to these earnings surprises, as a big beat can help a stock climb and vice versa.
The ability to identify stocks that are likely to top quarterly earnings expectations can be profitable, but it's no simple task. Here at Zacks, our Earnings ESP filter helps make things easier.
The Zacks Earnings ESP, Explained
The Zacks Earnings ESP is more formally known as the Expected Surprise Prediction, and it aims to grab the inside track on the latest analyst estimate revisions ahead of a company's report. The idea is relatively intuitive as a newer projection might be based on more complete information.
With this in mind, the Expected Surprise Prediction compares the Most Accurate Estimate (being the most recent) against the overall Zacks Consensus Estimate. The percentage difference provides the ESP figure. The system also utilizes our core Zacks Rank to provide a stronger system for identifying stocks that might beat their next quarterly earnings estimate and possibly see the stock price climb.
Bringing together a positive earnings ESP alongside a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) or better has helped stocks report a positive earnings surprise 70% of the time. Furthermore, by using these parameters, investors have seen 28.3% annual returns on average, according to our 10 year backtest.
Stocks with a #3 (Hold) ranking, which is most stocks covered at 60%, are expected to perform in-line with the broader market. But stocks that fall into the #2 (Buy) and #1 (Strong Buy) ranking, or the top 15% and top 5% of stocks, respectively, should outperform the market. Strong Buy stocks should outperform more than any other rank.
Should You Consider Ares Management?
The final step today is to look at a stock that meets our ESP qualifications. Ares Management (ARES) earns a #3 (Hold) three days from its next quarterly earnings release on November 1, 2024, and its Most Accurate Estimate comes in at $0.95 a share.
Ares Management's Earnings ESP sits at +0.64%, which, as explained above, is calculated by taking the percentage difference between the $0.95 Most Accurate Estimate and the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.94. ARES is also part of a large group of stocks that boast a positive ESP. Make sure to utilize our Earnings ESP Filter to uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they've reported.
ARES is just one of a large group of Finance stocks with a positive ESP figure. Virtu Financial (VIRT) is another qualifying stock you may want to consider.
Virtu Financial is a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) stock, and is getting ready to report earnings on January 23, 2025. VIRT's Most Accurate Estimate sits at $0.77 a share 86 days from its next earnings release.
For Virtu Financial, the percentage difference between its Most Accurate Estimate and its Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.70 is +10%.
Because both stocks hold a positive Earnings ESP, ARES and VIRT could potentially post earnings beats in their next reports.
Find Stocks to Buy or Sell Before They're Reported
Use the Zacks Earnings ESP Filter to turn up stocks with the highest probability of positively, or negatively, surprising to buy or sell before they're reported for profitable earnings season trading. Check it out here >>
Research Chief Names "Single Best Pick to Double"
From thousands of stocks, 5 Zacks experts each have chosen their favorite to skyrocket +100% or more in months to come. From those 5, Director of Research Sheraz Mian hand-picks one to have the most explosive upside of all.
This company targets millennial and Gen Z audiences, generating nearly $1 billion in revenue last quarter alone. A recent pullback makes now an ideal time to jump aboard. Of course, all our elite picks aren’t winners but this one could far surpass earlier Zacks’ Stocks Set to Double like Nano-X Imaging which shot up +129.6% in little more than 9 months.
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To read this article on Zacks.com click here.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

How to Boost Your Portfolio with Top Finance Stocks Set to Beat Earnings

Looking today at week-over-week shares outstanding changes among the universe of ETFs covered at ETF Channel, one standout is the Invesco S&P 500 Momentum ETF (Symbol: SPMO) where we have detected an approximate $216.2 million dollar outflow -- that's a 1.6% decrease week over week (from 113,540,000 to 111,750,000). Among the largest underlying components of SPMO, in trading today The Charles Schwab Corporation (Symbol: SCHW) is off about 2.5%, CME Group (Symbol: CME) is down about 0.5%, and DoorDash Inc (Symbol: DASH) is lower by about 4%. For a complete list of holdings, visit the SPMO Holdings page » The chart below shows the one year price performance of SPMO, versus its 200 day moving average:
Looking at the chart above, SPMO's low point in its 52 week range is $78.25 per share, with $124.555 as the 52 week high point — that compares with a last trade of $120.08. Comparing the most recent share price to the 200 day moving average can also be a useful technical analysis technique -- learn more about the 200 day moving average ».
Exchange traded funds (ETFs) trade just like stocks, but instead of ''shares'' investors are actually buying and selling ''units''. These ''units'' can be traded back and forth just like stocks, but can also be created or destroyed to accommodate investor demand. Each week we monitor the week-over-week change in shares outstanding data, to keep a lookout for those ETFs experiencing notable inflows (many new units created) or outflows (many old units destroyed). Creation of new units will mean the underlying holdings of the ETF need to be purchased, while destruction of units involves selling underlying holdings, so large flows can also impact the individual components held within ETFs.
Also see:
Cheap Undervalued Stocks
Institutional Holders of WBS
GSP Historical Stock Prices
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

SPMO, SCHW, CME, DASH: Large Outflows Detected at ETF

Monday, February 9, 2026
The Zacks Research Daily presents the best research output of our analyst team. Today's Research Daily features new research reports on 16 major stocks, including Bank of America Corp. (BAC), Toyota Motor Corp. (TM) and Shell plc (SHEL), as well as a micro-cap stock Universal Safety Products, Inc (UUU). The Zacks microcap research is unique as our research content on these small and under-the-radar companies is the only research of its type in the country.
These research reports have been hand-picked from the roughly 70 reports published by our analyst team today.
You can see all of today’s research reports here >>>
Ahead of Wall Street
The daily 'Ahead of Wall Street' article is a must-read for all investors who would like to be ready for that day's trading action. The article comes out before the market opens, attempting to make sense of that morning's economic releases and how they will affect that day's market action. You can read this article for free on our home page and can actually sign up there to get an email notification as this article comes out each morning.
You can read today's AWS here >>> Big Week for Economic News, Q4 Earnings Reports
Today's Featured Research Reports
Bank of America’s shares have outperformed the Zacks Financial - Investment Bank industry over the past six months (+23.7% vs. +17.2%). The company’s earnings outpaced the Zacks Consensus Estimate in each of the trailing four quarters. Its fourth-quarter 2025 results were aided by higher revenues, partly offset by a rise in costs.
Despite the rate cuts, the company's net interest income (NII) is expected to be aided by loan growth and lower funding costs. The company’s plans to open financial centers in new and existing markets, and improve digital capabilities will likely support the top line.
Yet, the volatile nature of the capital markets makes growth in trading revenues uncertain. Despite a robust trading performance since 2022, growth may normalize going forward. Elevated expenses due to steady investments in franchise will likely hurt bottom-line growth. Weak asset quality is another concern.
(You can read the full research report on Bank of America here >>>)
Shares of Toyota Motor have outperformed the Zacks Automotive - Foreign industry over the past six months (+27.9% vs. +14.9%). The company is witnessing a surge in hybrid adoption which is boosting its sales. Toyota Motor plans to significantly expand hybrid and plug-in hybrid production by 2028. Upbeat outlook for fiscal 2026 sales sparks optimism.
Higher expected year-over-year sales are likely to boost the company’s top-line growth in fiscal 2026. Toyota is taking initiatives to improve profits by lowering the level of sales needed to break even.
However, material prices, forex rate and tariffs imposed by the U.S. government on vehicle and vehicle parts imports are expected to be a big hit on the operating profits in fiscal 2026. High R&D expenses on advanced technologies and alternative fuels for the development of electric and autonomous vehicles are likely to limit the near-term margins. As such, the stock warrants a neutral stance.
(You can read the full research report on Toyota Motor here >>>)
Shell’s shares have gained +9.8% over the past six months against the Zacks Oil and Gas - Integrated - International industry’s gain of +30%. The company being a London based oil supermajor, looks fairly balanced at the moment. Shell demonstrated resilient cash generation in 2025, delivering robust operating and free cash flows, supporting shareholder returns.
Shell’s LNG franchise remains a long-term strength, with solid sales growth and clear demand visibility. Structural cost reductions achieved ahead of schedule and portfolio simplification have improved efficiency and balance-sheet flexibility.
However, earnings and revenue declined year over year, highlighting exposure to commodity price cycles. Net debt increased, while Chemicals and Renewables continue to weigh on returns amid weak margins. Potential LNG oversupply and geopolitical volatility add uncertainty. Overall, strengths are offset by cyclical and segment-specific risks, justifying a neutral stance.
(You can read the full research report on Shell here >>>)
Shares of Universal Safety Products have outperformed the Zacks Building Products - Miscellaneous industry over the past six months (+77.5% vs. +11.3%). This microcap company with a market capitalization of $10.18 million has materially strengthened its balance sheet following the May 2025 divestiture of its core operating assets. Cash increased to $5.2 million, and factoring debt was fully eliminated, reducing near-term financial risk and improving flexibility during its transition.
Management demonstrated disciplined capital allocation by returning $2.3 million to shareholders via a $1.00 special dividend. Liquidity was extended through $2.5 million of convertible financing, supporting operations into late 2026.
Yet, the divestiture drove a sharp revenue contraction, leaving the company without a stable operating base as it explores a new direction. Elevated SG&A, customer concentration, tariff sensitivity, potential dilution and internal control weaknesses weigh on earnings quality and valuation. The valuation reflects both balance-sheet improvement and execution risk.
(You can read the full research report on Universal Safety Products here >>>)
Other noteworthy reports we are featuring today include Boston Scientific Corp. (BSX), CME Group Inc. (CME) and General Dynamics Corp. (GD).
Mark Vickery
Senior Editor
Note: Sheraz Mian heads the Zacks Equity Research department and is a well-regarded expert of aggregate earnings. He is frequently quoted in the print and electronic media and publishes the weekly Earnings Trends and Earnings Preview reports. If you want an email notification each time Sheraz publishes a new article, please click here>>>
Today's Must Read
Featured Reports
Boston Scientific (BSX) Rides EP Surge Amid Tariff Headwinds
Per the Zacks analyst, Boston Scientific's strong EP and WATCHMAN momentum support growth prospects, though tariff annualization and FX headwinds could limit margin expansion in 2026.
Improving Clearing and Transaction Fees Aid CME Group (CME)
Per the Zacks analyst, CME is set to grow on higher clearing and transaction fees as market position, diverse derivative product lines and global reach drive volumes. However, escalating expense ails.
Increasing Orders Drive General Dynamics (GD) Amid Labor Shortage
Per the Zacks analyst, General Dynamics is likely to benefit from increasing orders from the Pentagon and US allies. Yet labor shortage result in delays and likely impact operating results.
Wabtec (WAB) Strengthens Market Position Despite Elevated Cost
Per the Zacks analyst, Wabtec Corporation is benefiting from rail market recovery and strong order momentum, yet rising operating expenses and macroeconomic headwinds continue to pressure margins.
Ionis' (IONS) Progress With Wholly-Owned Drugs Encouraging
The Zacks Analyst is encouraged by Ionis' progress with its wholly owned assets, especially Tryngolza. The company's partnerships with Big Pharma provides it with funds to invest in their development.
Align (ALGN) Rides on Growing Invisalign Volume Amid Fierce Rivalry
The Zacks analyst is optimistic about Align's strong market rollout of several Invisalign products globally. The ongoing entry of new players may dent the company's strong Invisalign sales globally.
American Eagle (AEO) Brands and Other Strategies Aid Performance
Per the Zacks analyst, American Eagle is executing its strategic priorities, aimed at long-term growth, operational efficiency and improving agility. Its brand-expansion efforts also bode well.
New Upgrades
Strong Demand And Bookings Boost Carnival's (CCL) Prospects
Per the Zacks analyst, Carnival benefits from strong demand, increased booking volumes, and the destination strategy. Also, focus on fleet optimization bodes well.
DRAM and HBM Growth Continues to Aid Formfactor's (FORM) Prospects
Per the Zacks analysis, DRAM and HBM demand growth, rising test intensity, and HBM4 transition strength are expected to support FormFactor's margins and long-term prospects.
Silicon Motion (SIMO) Rides on Solid Demand for SSD Controllers
Per the Zacks analyst, strong SSD controller demand, led by enterprise and data-center SSDs, is expected to drive Silicon Motion's top line. Growing traction in the automotive market is a tailwind.
New Downgrades
Soft Print Advertising Revenue a Worry for News Corp (NWSA)
News Corporation is grappling with soft print advertising demand. Per the Zacks analyst, the company needs to ramp up businesses in digital space to offset the same.
A High Cost Level Hurts Margins at Molina Healthcare (MOH)
Per the Zacks analyst, the company's elevated costs due to higher medical expenses can strain margins. It faces rising regulatory uncertainty tied to ACA subsidies, which weakens visibility.
Chipotle (CMG) Navigates Softer Demand and Rising Cost Pressures
Per the Zacks Analyst, Chipotle is navigating softer demand and persistent inflation in food, labor and marketing costs, which are likely to pressure traffic trends and margins in the near term.
Zacks Names #1 Semiconductor Stock
This under-the-radar company specializes in semiconductor products that titans like NVIDIA don't build. It's uniquely positioned to take advantage of the next growth stage of this market. And it's just beginning to enter the spotlight, which is exactly where you want to be.
With strong earnings growth and an expanding customer base, it's positioned to feed the rampant demand for Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Internet of Things. Global semiconductor manufacturing is projected to explode from $452 billion in 2021 to $971 billion by 2028.
See This Stock Now for Free >>
Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Top Research Reports for Bank of America, Toyota Motor & Shell

For Immediate Release
Chicago, IL – February 9, 2026 – Today, Zacks Equity Research discusses S&P Global SPGI, Intercontinental Exchange ICE, CME Group CME, Nasdaq Inc. NDAQ and Cboe Global Markets CBOE.
Industry: Securities & Exchanges
Link: https://www.zacks.com/commentary/2835878/5-securities-exchanges-stocks-to-watch-amid-increased-volatility
A compelling and diversified product portfolio helps drive the revenues of Zacks Securities and Exchanges industry players. A rise in trading volumes, product expansion through prudent acquisitions and the increased adoption of a greater number of crypto assets are expected to benefit S&P Global, Intercontinental Exchange, CME Group, Nasdaq Inc. and Cboe Global Markets.
Increased focus on accelerating their non-trading revenue base, which comprises market technology, listing and information revenues, infuses dynamism in the business profile of the industry players. The industry is expected to get an impetus under the Trump administration, given his crypto favoritism. The sector is also witnessing increased retail trading.
However, alterations in investment patterns and priorities and compliance with regulations pose challenges. With the increasing digitization of financial markets, cyber threats and data breaches continue to pose serious risks.
Mergers and acquisitions are gaining momentum across the industry, with companies leveraging strategic partnerships and acquisitions to fuel growth and innovation. These initiatives help unlock new markets, protect domestic market share, diversify product offerings and reinforce trading platforms. Deloitte observes that exchanges are increasingly embracing consolidation to adapt to rapidly changing technological, regulatory and competitive environments.
About the Industry
The Zacks Securities and Exchanges industry comprises companies that operate electronic marketplaces, which facilitate the buying and selling of stocks, stock options and bonds or commodity contracts. They facilitate trading across a diverse range of products in multiple asset classes and geographies.
The companies generate revenues from fees received from the listed companies on their exchanges. They also provide a range of data and listing services to global financial and commodity markets, including pricing and reference data, exchange data, analytics, feeds, index services, investments, risk management, desktops, and connectivity solutions, as well as corporate and ETF listing services, on the cash equity exchanges.
The industry is witnessing increased adoption of crypto assets. Yet industry players have to comply with a number of regulations, resulting in challenges.
4 Trends Shaping the Future of the Securities and Exchanges Industry
Volatility Fueling Trading Volume: Industry revenues are primarily driven by product and service offerings, including trade execution, clearing and settlement of securities and commodities, listing services, and trading and clearing systems. Growth in trading volumes—often fueled by market volatility—boosts transaction and clearing fees, a key revenue driver.
A supportive crypto environment, with lighter regulation and broader adoption of digital assets, is expected to further lift trading activity and fees. Profitability hinges on maximizing transaction revenues while controlling costs. Technavio estimates the global securities exchanges market will reach $49.6 billion by 2028, growing at a 12.1% CAGR, supported by rising investment demand and cryptocurrency adoption.
Diversification Into Other Recurring Revenue Sources: Securities exchanges are increasingly focusing on recurring revenues to lower reliance on unpredictable trading-driven income. With market volumes often fluctuating, stable revenue streams from data services, listings, clearing, and technology platforms offer consistent cash flows and stronger earnings stability.
These revenues also support growth by addressing rising demand for market data, compliance, ESG offerings and digital asset infrastructure. The players are strengthening their presence in the evolving landscape and thereby enhancing scalability and margins. Increasing focus on accelerating the non-trading revenue base also infuses dynamism in the business profiles of the industry participants. In fact, exchanges are focusing on market data monetization and earning more from data feeds and analytics.
Mergers and Acquisitions: Mergers and acquisitions are gaining momentum across the industry, with companies leveraging strategic partnerships and acquisitions to fuel growth and innovation. These initiatives help unlock new markets, protect domestic market share, diversify product offerings and reinforce trading platforms. Deloitte observes that exchanges are increasingly embracing consolidation to adapt to rapidly changing technological, regulatory and competitive environments.
Continuous Investment in Technology: Industry players are intensifying technology investments to enhance competitiveness and adaptability. There is growing emphasis on creating strategic market models through advanced tools, especially AI, while continually upgrading products and services.
Exchanges are increasingly leveraging AI and blockchain to strengthen efficiency and resilience. Recent advancements use machine learning, automation, and algorithms to improve trading accuracy, reduce cyber threats and limit human errors, thereby accelerating trading speed. Moreover, industry players are focusing on automating non-trading operations, which significantly contribute to revenue generation and support sustainable long-term growth.
Zacks Industry Rank Indicates Bright Prospects
The Zacks Securities and Exchanges industry is housed within the broader Zacks Finance sector. It carries a Zacks Industry Rank #48, which places it in the top 20% of the 243 Zacks industries.
The group’s Zacks Industry Rank, which is basically the average of the Zacks Rank of all the member stocks, reflects encouraging near-term prospects. Our research shows that the top 50% of the Zacks-ranked industries outperforms the bottom 50% by a factor of more than 2 to 1.
The industry’s positioning in the top 50% of the Zacks-ranked industries is a result of a positive earnings outlook for the constituent companies in aggregate. Looking at the aggregate earnings estimate revisions, it appears that analysts have been gaining confidence in this group’s earnings growth potential. Estimates for 2026 have increased 8.8% in a year.
Before we present a few securities and exchanges stocks worth considering for your portfolio, let’s take a look at the industry’s recent stock-market performance and valuation picture.
Industry Underperforms Sector and S&P 500
The Zacks Securities and Exchanges industry has underperformed the broader Zacks Finance sector as well as the Zacks S&P 500 composite year to date.
The industry has gained 0.6% compared with the broader sector’s increase of 13% and the Zacks S&P 500 composite’s rise of 17% in the said time frame.
Industry's Current Valuation
On the basis of trailing 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E), which is commonly used for valuing exchange stocks, the industry is currently trading at 23.31X compared with the S&P 500’s 22.6X and the sector’s 17.5X.
Over the last five years, the industry has traded as high as 29.62X, as low as 20.4X and at the median of 24.94X.
5 Securities and Exchanges Stocks to Keep An Eye On
We are presenting two Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) stocks and three Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) stocks from the Securities and Exchanges industry. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Cboe Global Markets: Based in Chicago, IL, Cboe Global is one of the largest stock exchange operators by volume in the United States and globally for ETP trading. This Zacks Rank #2 stock is poised for growth, given its expanding product line across asset classes, broadening geographic reach and a diversifying business mix with recurring revenues and technology.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the company’s 2026 EPS indicates a year-over-year increase of 6.1%. The expected long-term earnings growth rate is pegged at 16.5%, better than the industry average of 11.6%. The consensus mark for 2026 earnings has moved 3.8% north in the past 30 days. It came up with a four-quarter average earnings surprise of nearly 2.93%.
S&P Global: Headquartered in New York, this Zacks Rank #2 company is a leading provider of transparent and independent ratings, benchmarks, analytics and data to the capital and commodity markets worldwide. It remains well-positioned to gain from the growing demand for business information services. While buyouts help it innovate, increase differentiated content and develop products, continued service launches have been aiding the company's growth and enhancing its market reach.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2026 earnings per share indicates an increase of 11.4% year over year. SPGI came up with a four-quarter average earnings surprise of 6.22%. The expected long-term earnings growth rate is pegged at 11.8%, better than the industry average. The consensus mark for 2026 earnings has moved 0.8% north in the past 30 days.
Nasdaq: Headquartered in New York, Nasdaq is a leading provider of trading, clearing, marketplace technology, regulatory, securities listing, information, and public and private company services. Its strategy of accelerating its non-trading revenue base, successfully maximizing opportunities as a technology and analytics provider, growing core marketplace businesses and intensifying its focus on Market Technology and Information Services businesses should continue to drive this Zacks Rank #3 stock.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2026 and 2027 earnings per share indicates an increase of 8.9% and 12.3%, respectively, year over year. NDAQ came up with a four-quarter average earnings surprise of 4.78%. The expected long-term earnings growth rate is pegged at 16%, better than the industry average.
CME Group: Headquartered in Chicago, IL, CME Group is the largest futures exchange in the world in terms of trading volume as well as notional value traded. Its efforts to expand future products in emerging markets, non-transaction-related opportunities, OTC offerings, cross-selling through alliances, global presence and liquidity should drive growth.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for this Zacks Rank #3 company’s 2026 and 2027 EPS indicates a year-over-year increase of 4.5% and 5.3%, respectively. It came up with a four-quarter average earnings surprise of 1.18%. The expected long-term earnings growth rate is pegged at 7.6%. The consensus mark for 2026 earnings has moved north but that for 2027 has moved south in the past 30 days.
Intercontinental Exchange: This Atlanta, GA-based company is a leading global operator of regulated exchanges, clearing houses and listings venues and a provider of data services for commodity, financial, fixed-income and equity markets. Its compelling portfolio, expansive risk-management services, strategic buyouts and a solid balance sheet bode well. It is the second-largest global fixed-income provider. This Zacks Rank #3 company, with the largest mortgage network across the United States, remains well-positioned to benefit from accelerated digitization in the U.S. residential mortgage industry.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for this Zacks Rank #3 company’s 2026 EPS indicates a year-over-year increase of 9.3%. It came up with a four-quarter average earnings surprise of 2.75%. The expected long-term earnings growth rate is pegged at 7.6%. The consensus mark for 2026 earnings has moved 1 cent north in the past 30 days.
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Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Inherent in any investment is the potential for loss. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. It should not be assumed that any investments in securities, companies, sectors or markets identified and described were or will be profitable. All information is current as of the date of herein and is subject to change without notice. Any views or opinions expressed may not reflect those of the firm as a whole. Zacks Investment Research does not engage in investment banking, market making or asset management activities of any securities. These returns are from hypothetical portfolios consisting of stocks with Zacks Rank = 1 that were rebalanced monthly with zero transaction costs. These are not the returns of actual portfolios of stocks. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index. Visit https://www.zacks.com/performance for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.
Zacks Names #1 Semiconductor Stock
This under-the-radar company specializes in semiconductor products that titans like NVIDIA don't build. It's uniquely positioned to take advantage of the next growth stage of this market. And it's just beginning to enter the spotlight, which is exactly where you want to be.
With strong earnings growth and an expanding customer base, it's positioned to feed the rampant demand for Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Internet of Things. Global semiconductor manufacturing is projected to explode from $452 billion in 2021 to $971 billion by 2028.
See This Stock Now for Free >>
Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report
Nasdaq, Inc. (NDAQ) : Free Stock Analysis Report
S&P Global Inc. (SPGI) : Free Stock Analysis Report
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

CME Group Inc.

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