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Cathie Wood's ARKK ETF Turns Red Hot in June: Here's Why

Cathie Wood's ARKK ETF Turns Red Hot in June: Here's Why

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ARK Innovation ETF ARKK, which provides thematic multi-cap exposure to 'disruptive innovation', has been on a hot streak in June. It has gained about 23%, becoming the best-performing ETF of the month.
Most of the rally came from the explosive moves in a few stock holdings of ARKK. Circle CRCL soared nearly 750% from its June 5 IPO, powered by U.S. Senate passage of the GENIUS Act, which formalizes stablecoin regulation. The stock accounts for a 5.2% share in the ARKK portfolio.Coinbase COIN jumped nearly 30% mid-June after announcing plans to launch its own stablecoin, boosting crypto optimism. The stock occupies the second position in the ETF portfolio, accounting for 9.6% of the assets. Meanwhile, Roblox RBLX, which makes up for 7% share in the ARKK basket, rallied 8.8% on strong first-quarter results. Tesla TSLA, ARKK's largest holding with a 9.9% share, has been riding high in June, fueled by excitement around autonomous driving and robotaxi development. The electric carmaker launched its long-anticipated driverless robotaxi service in Austin on June 22, sending its shares up as much as 10% on June 23. Despite some recent profit-taking, ARK maintained conviction in Tesla's position (read: Capitalize on Tesla's Robotaxi Momentum With These ETFs).Enthusiasm for generative artificial intelligence also pushed Palantir Technologies PLTR shares to new records last week. The stock has risen 8.4% so far this month. PLTR has a 4.4% share in the ARKK basket.
Cathie Wood, the high-profile CEO of Ark Investment Management, remains especially bullish on the transformative power of emerging technologies. "During the current turbulent transition in the United States, she believes consumers and businesses will accelerate the shift toward innovation platforms, including artificial intelligence, robotics, energy storage, blockchain, and multiomics sequencing.'ARKK added shares in NVIDIA NVDA and BWX Technologies BWXT to ride AI and nuclear tailwinds. The purchase of more than 128,000 shares of NVDA, worth roughly $18.5 million, came on the heels of bullish guidance from its CEO, Jensen Huang, particularly around quantum computing and a pivot away from China in response to escalating export restrictions. The move reflects ARKK's commitment to next-generation computing, even amid rising geopolitical uncertainty.ARKK purchased more than $30 million worth of BWXT, reflecting Wood's deepening bet on nuclear energy. The timing coincides with favorable legislative tailwinds in the United States, as nuclear energy emerges as one of the few politically viable clean energy options (read: ARK ETFs Surged Last Week: Here's Why). Known for backing high-growth tech stocks even in volatile times, Wood expanded its stake in Advanced Micro Devices AMD last week, acquiring 247,753 shares valued at approximately $31.4 million across three ETFs. The purchase was distributed among ARKK, ARK Next Generation Internet ARKW and ARK Fintech Innovation ARKF ETFs, underscoring ARK's ongoing conviction in AI and semiconductor stocks. AMD is ARKK's 12th biggest holding, accounting for 2.6% of the portfolio.Let's take a closer look at the fundamentals of ARKK.
ARK Innovation ETF is an actively managed fund investing in companies that benefit from the development of new products or services, technological improvements and advancements in scientific research related to the areas of DNA technologies and genomic revolution, automation, robotics, energy storage, artificial intelligence, next generation Internet and Fintech innovation. In total, the fund holds 40 securities in its basket (read: ARK Innovation ETF Hits New 52-Week High). ARK Innovation ETF has gathered $6.4 billion in its asset base and charges 75 bps in fees per year from investors. It trades in an average daily volume of 12 million shares.
ARKK has shown a remarkable comeback after plunging 82% from its 2021 peak. It is up 23.8% so far this year, approaching a three-year high. It has handily outperformed the broad market fund's SPY 4.1% gains. The latest rotations reflect a refined focus on scalable disruption and the latest rally marks the beginning of a more disciplined growth phase. If macro conditions continue to favor its core themes, ARKK is well-positioned to remain a key player in the next era of tech-driven investing.
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Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (AMD) : Free Stock Analysis Report
NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA) : Free Stock Analysis Report
Tesla, Inc. (TSLA) : Free Stock Analysis Report
SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY): ETF Research Reports
BWX Technologies, Inc. (BWXT) : Free Stock Analysis Report
ARK Next Generation Internet ETF (ARKW): ETF Research Reports
ARK Innovation ETF (ARKK): ETF Research Reports
ARK Fintech Innovation ETF (ARKF): ETF Research Reports
Palantir Technologies Inc. (PLTR) : Free Stock Analysis Report
Roblox Corporation (RBLX) : Free Stock Analysis Report
Coinbase Global, Inc. (COIN) : Free Stock Analysis Report
This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).
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What role will geopolitics play in automotive security?
What role will geopolitics play in automotive security?

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What role will geopolitics play in automotive security?

The automotive industry is changing fast, thanks to advancements in AI, connectivity and autonomous technology. Modern vehicles not only include software and AI models from many different players, but they increasingly collect significant amounts of sensitive user data, and leverage cloud-based systems, to help enhance the driving experience and service delivery. As geopolitical tensions increase, security concerns are now influencing how vehicles are designed and manufactured. There are concerns over back-doors, kill switches and potential monitoring of vehicles – and by extension individuals. Equally important, standards around the globe differ, raising questions about the relative security of different players in the supply chain. Geopolitical dynamics are constantly evolving and, while the developments outlined in this piece reflect the state of play at the time of writing, circumstances can shift rapidly. For automotive leaders, the key is to stay agile and prepared, as global policy and security priorities continue to move. China: The world's largest EV market and producer China has solidified its position as the global leader in electric vehicle [EV] production and sales. As of 2023, more than half of the world's EVs were in China, making it the largest EV market and producer. This rapid expansion has largely been driven by strong, and long-term, government support, including subsidies, infrastructure investment and favourable regulations. Beyond domestic sales, China's EV exports have skyrocketed. Between 2019 and 2023, exports, including foreign brands like Tesla manufactured in China, have surged 160-fold. This rapid growth has sparked concerns over 'overcapacity', with Western markets fearing an influx of low-cost Chinese EVs. The EU, US, and Canada have responded by announcing tariffs on EVs made in China, and some analysts are calling the situation the start of a potential 'trade war'. As geopolitical tensions rise, China's dominance in the EV industry continues to reshape global trade dynamics. Despite the ever complex and growing US tariffs, Chinese innovators are continuing to push forward with their global ambitions, undeterred by the ongoing geopolitical challenges US tariffs and security concerns US tariffs on Chinese EVs have been framed as a way to combat unfair trade practices and protect domestic manufacturers, but security considerations weigh heavily on such a move. Connectivity of modern EVs, many of which rely on AI-driven software and data collection, has raised fears of potential cybersecurity threats and data privacy risks. US officials have become concerned that Chinese-made EVs, with advanced sensors and internet connectivity, might be used to collect sensitive data on American infrastructure, road networks, and even consumers. Some policymakers are concerned the Chinese government could access this data, posing a national security risk. Similar concerns have been raised in the past about Chinese telecommunications companies and surveillance technology. Apart from the potential cyber risks, the US is also wary of its growing dependence on Chinese battery supply chains. Given China's monopoly on lithium-ion batteries and key raw materials, policymakers are calling for greater investment in domestic manufacturing to reduce reliance on imports from China. As a result, tariffs on Chinese EVs are not just about protecting American automakers, they also serve, to some extent, as a wider strategy to limit China's influence in the high-tech automotive sector under the guise of national security concerns. US-UK trade agreement: Implications for the automotive sector On 8th May 2025, US President Donald Trump and UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced a comprehensive trade agreement. This deal significantly reduces tariffs on key UK exports to the US, including slashing car tariffs from 27.5 per cent to 10 per cent for up to 100,000 vehicles. This agreement provides a reprieve for UK automakers, particularly Jaguar Land Rover, which had paused shipments to the US due to the previously imposed tariffs. However, the broader implications for global trade dynamics and automotive security remain complex, as the deal doesn't fully restore pre-tariff conditions and maintains certain baseline tariffs. EVs and evolving security requirements Although political alliances and tariff regimes may change, cybersecurity threats remain a constant, and the risk of cyberattacks, system vulnerabilities and data breaches is ever present — and growing. By nature of having more electronics and software, EVs are exposed to a wider range of cyber security threats and attacks and, as the vehicles become more popular, cybercriminals eagerly await exploitation of digital connectivity these cars rely on. EVs today are exposed to many different types of cyber risks. For example, hackers can intercept wireless key fob signals to launch replay attacks and gain unauthorised access. Compromised charging stations may also serve as entry points for malicious software, jeopardizing vehicle safety – as demonstrated at Pwn2Own Automotive 2024, which identified multiple Zero Day vulnerabilities in a range of EV charging points. Such security vulnerabilities in charging equipment can expose sensitive user data, including credentials, and public charging infrastructure is also at risk of malware attacks, potentially disrupting essential operations. Additionally, grid-connected EV charging systems are prime targets for cyberattacks. This could lead to widespread disruptions in the electric distribution network, affecting many users and potentially causing disruption far beyond just EV owners. Ultimately, these risks clearly highlight the urgent need for robust cybersecurity measures to protect both lives and safety. Although concerns are often raised about Chinese EV imports, it's worth noting that many Chinese manufacturers are leading the way in cybersecurity implementation. In contrast, some U.S. and European vendors have been slower to adopt strong cybersecurity standards, which could introduce vulnerabilities into the EV ecosystem. To mitigate these risks, policymakers might impose stricter regulations, conduct security audits, and require compliance with cybersecurity frameworks before allowing widespread deployment of foreign-made EVs and charging systems. Final thoughts The automotive industry is navigating a complex array of regulations, trade restrictions, and security challenges. As cybersecurity threats in the EV sector escalate, alongside growing supply chain vulnerabilities, it's clear that a new, software-centric approach is essential. EVs are increasingly reliant on software, and geopolitical actors are targeting everything from infotainment systems to network gateways and operating systems. The risks of espionage, intellectual property theft and cyber sabotage are no longer just potential dangers - they are active threats. And while global politics may shift from month to month, cybersecurity risk does not wait for policy. The digital attack surface in EVs is expanding, and attackers remain constantly active. As global tensions reshape the EV market, security must be proactive, not reactive, and OEMs must now build next-generation automotive platforms with security and geopolitical resilience in mind. Only then can the industry confidently drive into the future. Claire Maslen is senior vice president of commercial and operations for Secure Platforms at "What role will geopolitics play in automotive security?" was originally created and published by Just Auto, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.

2 Tech Stocks I'd Buy and Never Sell
2 Tech Stocks I'd Buy and Never Sell

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2 Tech Stocks I'd Buy and Never Sell

Meta's $14.3 billion Scale AI deal signals a dramatic shift from social media to superintelligence development. Tesla's robotaxi launch and Optimus production represent the company's transformation from automaker to AI robotics powerhouse. Both companies are making massive investments that could redefine their entire business models over the next decade. These 10 stocks could mint the next wave of millionaires › Everyone thinks they know what Meta Platforms (NASDAQ: META) and Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA) are -- a social media company and an electric vehicle (EV) maker. But what if I told you that's like calling Amazon a bookstore? The real story is far more intriguing, and it's unfolding right now. Here's why these two tech giants deserve a permanent spot in your portfolio. Mark Zuckerberg is spending money like a man possessed. The Facebook founder just dropped $14.3 billion to acquire 49% of Scale AI, bringing its CEO Alexandr Wang aboard to lead a new superintelligence lab. He's offering $100 million signing bonuses to poach OpenAI engineers. When Sam Altman says your rival CEO is personally emailing his team with "crazy" offers, you know something extraordinary is happening. This isn't desperation -- it's calculation. Meta has quietly built one of the most impressive artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructures on the planet. The company's Llama models pioneered the open-source approach to large language models, fundamentally different from the closed systems at OpenAI and Anthropic. While critics fixate on Meta's recent AI stumbles, they're missing the forest for the trees. Consider the talent acquisition alone. Beyond the Scale AI deal, Meta has recruited former GitHub CEO Nat Friedman and AI entrepreneur Daniel Gross. The company approached Perplexity AI, Runway, and Safe Superintelligence for potential acquisitions. Zuckerberg himself is making job offers that one AI researcher described as "at least $10,000,000 a year." This isn't hiring -- it's building an AI Manhattan Project. The strategy makes perfect sense when you understand Meta's endgame. The company forecasts its generative AI products will generate between $460 billion and $1.4 trillion in total revenue by 2035. That's not a typo. Meta sees AI agents transforming everything from WhatsApp customer service to Instagram content creation. With 3.3 billion daily active users across its apps, Meta has the distribution advantage that pure play AI companies can only dream about. Wall Street remains skeptical, with Meta's 64% AI talent retention rate trailing competitors. But that misses the point. Meta isn't trying to win the current AI race -- it's changing the track entirely. By combining massive capital deployment, open-source development, and unmatched distribution, Zuckerberg is positioning Meta to own the AI infrastructure layer of the internet. Tesla finally launched its robotaxi service in Austin on June 22, 2025. 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The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Alphabet, Amazon, Meta Platforms, and Tesla. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. 2 Tech Stocks I'd Buy and Never Sell was originally published by The Motley Fool

5 Ways To Invest in the Tesla Ecosystem and Maximize Your Returns
5 Ways To Invest in the Tesla Ecosystem and Maximize Your Returns

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time19 minutes ago

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5 Ways To Invest in the Tesla Ecosystem and Maximize Your Returns

Tesla has become one of the most recognized names in the electric vehicle (EV) industry, but its reach goes far beyond just cars. The company relies on a vast network of suppliers and partners to build its vehicles, energy products, and battery systems. Investing in Tesla stock is one option, but there are other ways to benefit from the company's rapid growth and innovation. Discover More: Read Next: Looking into the companies that supply Tesla with key components and raw materials, there are opportunities for investors to diversify their portfolios, tapping into the broader EV ecosystem. These suppliers often offer unique opportunities for growth, sometimes with less volatility than Tesla's own stock. Here are five ways to invest in the Tesla ecosystem and maximize your returns, focusing on companies that play a crucial role in Tesla's supply chain. Lithium is a critical component in the batteries that power Tesla's electric vehicles and energy storage products. Several major lithium producers have signed supply contracts with Tesla, making them attractive options for investors. According to Nasdaq, Ganfeng Lithium powers Tesla's vehicles and energy storage products, making lithium producers central to the company's success. Arcadium Lithium, which is set to be acquired by Rio Tinto, also has supply deals with Tesla, offering another route for exposure to the lithium market. Liontown Resources started shipping lithium spodumene concentrate to Tesla in 2024, and Piedmont Lithium supplies spodumene concentrate from its North American operation. These companies are directly tied to Tesla's battery production, and as demand for electric vehicles increases, their growth prospects look strong. Check Out: Tesla's battery technology is central to its success. According to Investing News Network, the company still relies on several major battery manufacturers to meet its needs. Panasonic has been a longtime partner, co-owning and operating the Nevada Gigafactory with Tesla, and continues to supply battery cells for Tesla's vehicles. LG Energy Solutions, the world's second-largest battery supplier, also provides cells containing nickel and cobalt for Tesla's cars. Since 2020, CATL has supplied lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries for Tesla's Shanghai facility, covering 80% of China's battery energy storage system manufacturing. BYD, another Chinese battery giant, is supplying Tesla with its Blade battery for some models in Europe and is also involved in energy storage projects. Investing in these battery makers allows investors to benefit from the global shift toward electric vehicles and renewable energy. Tesla's supply chain includes companies that provide essential industrial products, machinery and specialty materials. Emerson Electric and Danaher Corporation are two large-cap companies that supply industrial products and automation solutions used in Tesla's manufacturing process. Nucor Corp, a major steel producer, supplies steel for Tesla's vehicles and Gigafactories, making it a key partner in Tesla's expansion plans. These companies benefit from Tesla's growth but also serve a wide range of industries, which can help reduce risk for investors. As Tesla continues to scale up production and build new factories, demand for industrial automation, steel and specialty materials is likely to increase, supporting the growth of these suppliers. Beyond lithium, Tesla's batteries require other important raw materials like nickel and cobalt. BHP, an Australian mining company, supplies nickel to Tesla, which is essential for high-energy-density battery cells. According to SME Mining Engineering, an Anglo-Swiss mining company known as Glencore, also provides cobalt to Tesla. These companies are not only significant suppliers to Tesla but also have diversified operations in other metals and minerals, offering stability and growth potential. As the electric vehicle market expands, demand for nickel and cobalt is expected to rise, potentially boosting the fortunes of these mining giants. Investors interested in commodities can gain exposure to the EV revolution by considering these suppliers. While established suppliers offer stability, some smaller or emerging companies in Tesla's ecosystem present higher risk but also higher potential rewards. Modine Manufacturing supplies battery chillers for Tesla's vehicles, a niche but important component in electric vehicle performance. Rohm and Haas Company provides specialty materials used in Tesla's battery and vehicle manufacturing. Sichuan Yahua Industrial Group, a Chinese chemical company, has a long-term agreement to supply battery-grade lithium hydroxide and carbonate to Tesla through 2030. These companies may not have the same scale as the giants, but they are closely tied to Tesla's innovation and expansion. Investors seeking growth opportunities might consider these riskier suppliers, keeping in mind the potential for both higher returns and increased volatility. More From GOBankingRates These Cars May Seem Expensive, but They Rarely Need Repairs This article originally appeared on 5 Ways To Invest in the Tesla Ecosystem and Maximize Your Returns Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data

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