Latest news with #Tracey
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Bitcoin Versus Gold: Should You Buy Now?
Welcome to Episode #446 of the Zacks Market Edge Podcast. Every week, host and Zacks stock strategist, Tracey Ryniec, will be joined by guests to discuss the hottest investing topics in stocks, bonds, and ETFs and how it impacts your life. This week, Tracey is going solo to look at two alternatives to stocks that are both hitting new all-time highs in 2025: Bitcoin and Gold. For those who follow Tracey on X, you know that she is not a fan of Bitcoin or cryptocurrencies but even she can respect a strong bull market when she sees one. And, no, she still doesn't own Bitcoin. Tracey has owned gold before and currently owns two gold miners in the Zacks Value Investor portfolio and in her own personal portfolio. Should stock investors be looking at Bitcoin or gold even though they are near their highs? Or should they stay clear of one, or both, of them? iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF IBIT Forget about buying the actual cryptocurrency coins. Thankfully investors can now buy Bitcoin through a basic ETF: the iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF. And investors have been gobbling up shares of IBIT since its launch on Jan 5, 2024. In that short period of time, it has already brought in $70 billion through May 29, 2025. That's a tremendous launch. As of May 29, 2025, IBIT was up 12.8% year-to-date. However, since its launch in January 2024, it's up 139%. That is easily outperforming the S&P 500, which is up 24% in that same time. Investors will pay a sponsor fee of 0.25% to own IBIT. Should investors look at an alternative like Bitcoin? SPDR Gold Shares ETF GLD SPDR Gold Shares ETF is the leading Gold ETF. Listed on Nov 18, 2004, it is the largest physically backed gold exchange in the world. You don't have to buy gold bars from Costco; you can buy the ETF. GLD has a gross expense ratio of 0.4%, which is higher than the Bitcoin ETF (IBIT) at 0.25%. Because investors want lower fees, SPDR Gold Shares launched the Gold MiniShares Trust (GLDM). It launched on June 25, 2018. It has a gross expense ratio of just 0.1%. GLD leads the industry with $97 billion in assets while GLDM already has $14.8 billion in just 7 years. GLD is up 60% over the last year, easily beating the S&P 500 which is up about 24% in the same period. Year-to-date GLD is up 23.8%, outperforming Bitcoin. GLD hit a new all-time high earlier this year. Should investors diversify with GLD or GLDM right now? What Else Should You Know About Bitcoin Versus Gold? Tune into this week's podcast to find out. 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 SPDR Gold Shares (GLD): ETF Research Reports SPDR Gold MiniShares Trust (GLDM): ETF Research Reports This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research
Leader Live
2 days ago
- Health
- Leader Live
'Weight loss drugs can't replace power of group support', expert says
That is the opinion of a Slimming World manager who has been running classes in Flintshire for a number of years. Tracey Evans says such clubs are needed more than ever amid the growing popularity of weight loss medication. While the arrival of weight loss injections like Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro have changed the weight management landscape, Tracey Evans, who manages groups in Flintshire and runs groups in Buckley, says the drugs will never replace weight-loss methods based on lifestyle changes, like Slimming World can. Tracey became a Slimming World member 16 years ago. After having two children, she gained weight and was struggling to lose it alone. Slimming World expert Tracey Evans. (Image: UGC) She says: 'While, of course, we know and our members are living proof that lasting weight loss can be achieved without drugs, we also understand that when you're desperate to lose weight, it can be tempting to try something new that promises instant results. "The truth is though there's no magic bullet – losing weight and maintaining that weight loss requires change. Weight loss drugs need to go hand-in-hand with making changes to your diet, activity and mindset. They're not a replacement for those changes." Tracey says Slimming World's approach is focused on helping its members to make lasting changes, rather than achieving a quick fix. She said: 'Our healthy eating plan encourages members to eat nutritious, everyday food so they lose weight without deprivation, and we have an activity programme that helps members increase how much and how often they move, at their personal pace. "In our groups, members get behaviour change support which helps them to understand themselves more deeply as a slimmer and change the way they think about food, activity and their weight. TOP STORIES TODAY Wrexham man loses incredible seven stone in Slimming World journey "With over 55 years' expertise in helping people lose weight and transform their lives, we believe Slimming World offers the very best package there is when it comes to helping people to adopt healthy habits for life. "That's why we're committed to offering support to everyone, including providing wraparound care for members who are taking weight loss drugs alongside attending Slimming World.' Currently 64 million people in the UK are living with overweight and obesity. Tracey says: 'Many people join our groups after trying to lose weight beforehand, often alone and unsuccessfully. They understand they need support because it isn't easy – and it's even harder on your own. "Whether you're using weight loss medication or have had surgery, lasting change needs real support. My members form strong friendships in group, and there's nothing quite like the motivation and accountability that comes from losing weight with others who understand the challenges. "Being part of a group helps you to stay on track and committed until the changes you're making become everyday habits. 'While I wouldn't ever judge someone for going down the route of weight loss injections. I didn't choose that option because I feel confident that I've learned how to make changes I can keep up forever – so I'll never go back to the old me. 'I've changed the way I think about food and the expertise shared at group has helped me to see where and why my previous attempts at losing weight didn't work. "Now I know my triggers, I can spot when something might have the potential to send me off track and put a plan in place to protect my weight loss. I'm so grateful to Slimming World.'
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Retail Stocks: Values or Traps?
(0:30) - Finding Strong Investments Within The Retail Sector For Your Portfolio (6:30) - Tracey's Top Stock Picks (34:45) - Episode Roundup: LEVI, LE, ULTA, TGT, DECK Podcast@ Welcome to Episode #397 of the Value Investor Podcast. Every week, Tracey Ryniec, the editor of Zacks Value Investor portfolio, shares some of her top value investing tips and stock picks. The most uncertain industry in 2025 appears to be retail. It has a lot of exposure to the tariffs and the changes in the supply chain. Additionally, when the consumer pulls back on spending, retail will be impacted as well. Many retail stocks have sold off in 2025. Are they cheap? Or are they traps? Definition of a Value Trap Reminder, a stock can have a low price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio and still not be a true value. The key is to look at the earnings consensus for this year. Are earnings expected to grow or decline? If they are declining, while the stock also has a low P/E, that could indicate the stock is a trap. If they are on the upward swing, while the stock is cheap, it could be a true value. Are these 5 retail stocks values or traps? Retail Stocks: Values or Traps? 1. Levi Strauss & Co. (LEVI) Levi Strauss is the famous San Francisco denim manufacturer. Shares of Levi Strauss have fallen 22% over the last year. It's cheap. Levi Strauss trades with a forward P/E of just 14.6. It pays a dividend yielding 2.9%. Is Levi Strauss a true value, or is it a trap? 2. Lands' End, Inc. (LE) Lands' End is a specialty apparel and accessories retailer. Shares of Lands' End have been hammered over the last year, falling 37.2%. Even in the last month, as most stocks rallied, Lands' End fell 0.7%. But Lands' End is cheap. It has a forward P/E of just 13.7. Is Lands' End a value or a trap? 3. Ulta Beauty (ULTA) Ulta Beauty sells beauty products online and in its stores in the United States. Ulta shares are higher over the last year, gaining 11.5%. They are also up over the last month, adding 10.5% before their earnings report. Ulta has a forward P/E above 15, which is the level used to determine value. But with a P/E of 18, it's not that pricey. Is Ulta Beauty a value or a trap? 4. Target Corp. (TGT) Target is one of the largest big box retailers in America. Shares of Target have struggled the last few years and are near 5-year lows. Over the last year, Target shares fell 35.8%. And over the last month, they remain low. They're still down 1.3% during that time. Target trades with a forward P/E of 12.6. It also has a dividend now yielding 4.7%. But Target is also a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell). Only 5% of all stocks that have the Zacks Rank are Strong Sells. Is Target a trap here? 5. Deckers Outdoor Corp. (DECK) Deckers Outdoor owns the popular shoe brands UGG, Hoka and Teva. Shares are off their all-time highs, falling 39.6% over the last year. After plunging after the recent earnings report, shares have bounced back, but remains down 2.7% over the last month. Deckers is trading at an attractive and low P/E for the company of just 17.1. But earnings estimates are being cut for this fiscal year and next. Is Deckers a value or a trap? What Else Should You Know About the Retail Stocks? Tune into this week's podcast to find out. [In full disclosure, Tracey owns shares of ULTA in her personal portfolio.] 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 Target Corporation (TGT) : Free Stock Analysis Report Deckers Outdoor Corporation (DECK) : Free Stock Analysis Report Ulta Beauty Inc. (ULTA) : Free Stock Analysis Report Lands' End, Inc. (LE) : Free Stock Analysis Report Levi Strauss & Co. (LEVI) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
‘Viral' co-ords, supermarket steals and prices from just £2.50: the fashion team reveal what to pack for your holiday
Check out this brilliant supermarket swimwear for just £20 The Fash Pack 'Viral' co-ords, supermarket steals and prices from just £2.50: the fashion team reveal what to pack for your holiday Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) PACKING for a holiday isn't always the easiest of tasks. Finding your passport, checking the weather and remembering the travel adapter - let alone deciding what to wear for a whole week - takes a lot of planning. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up Luckily, the high street is full of stylish summer pieces to oomph up your holiday wardrobe. Whether you're going on a UK staycation or a far-flung getaway, the fashion team has you covered, as they reveal what's in their suitcases this summer. Tracey Lea Sayer, 53, Fashion Director 4 Tracey's vibrant holiday picks are all about light layers and fun accessories - perfect for Morocco Credit: For my long weekend away in Marrakesh with only hand-luggage, I'm going for warm, rustic colours and long, loose layers, topped off with a big, bold sunhat to hit the medina. My go-to in the heat is always linen. These striped trousers from Next, teamed with the tie-back top, are perfect for keeping cool when the temperature soars. I also love adding texture to my summer looks: viral cornelli detailing on an evening co-ord, a mother-of pearl embellished clutch and resin multicoloured earrings can be mixed and matched, and will take your daytime looks through to evening. Oh, and don't forget a neck scarf - wear it with everything from your bikini to your floaty summer frock. Abby McHale, 30, Deputy Fashion Editor 4 Abby is safari-ready with her top-holiday picks Credit: I love matching my wardrobe to my surroundings, so planning my holiday outfits always brings me great joy. Jetting off to the sandy beaches and jungles of Sri Lanka means I'm going for tropical swimwear, graphic T-shirts, and earthy tones to match my exotic surroundings. Loose trousers with elasticated waistbands are a must to be comfortable and flowy, as well as flat sandals to explore in. Practical items can still be stylish, too - I adore this check bucket hat from John Lewis and super-cool sunglasses from Le Specs. Clemmie Fieldsend, 34, Fashion Editor 4 Clemmie is packing smart for the unpredictable British weather in Norfolk Credit: As we all know, the British seaside can mean rain or sunshine - or even both at the same time - so for my staycation, I'll be covering all bases with light fabrics and layering pieces. A wind-resistant jacket, a sweatshirt for warmth and of course sandals and shorts are all must-packs. I try to add pieces that I know I can dress up or dress down and will work for every occasion - be it a blustery beach day or a promenade stroll with ice cream in hand - and this lovely lot just does that. Emily Regan, 25, Fashion Assistant 4 Emily is ready to hit the city of love in true 'Emily in Paris' style! Credit: I'm hoping to get away on a city break to Paris this summer. I've visited the city a few times before, and one thing's for sure, the French have great style, so my outfit game needs to be strong. For my trip to the French capital, I'll be channeling the Emily in Paris aesthetic (of course!) with colourful stripes and luxe bouclé - though I draw the line at a beret... Since I'll likely be travelling with just hand luggage, I've picked a selection of versatile pieces that can be easily mixed and matched.
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
‘Viral' co-ords, supermarket steals and prices from just £2.50: the fashion team reveal what to pack for your holiday
PACKING for a holiday isn't always the easiest of tasks. Finding your passport, checking the weather and remembering the travel adapter - let alone deciding what to wear for a whole week - takes a lot of planning. Luckily, the high street is full of stylish summer pieces to oomph up your holiday wardrobe. Whether you're going on a UK staycation or a far-flung getaway, the fashion team has you covered, as they reveal what's in their suitcases this summer. Tracey Lea Sayer, 53, Fashion Director 4 Tracey's vibrant holiday picks are all about light layers and fun accessories - perfect for Morocco Credit: Top, £56, Next - Trousers, £54, Next - Bag, £49.99, Zara - Hat, £65, COS - Swimsuit, £80, Hush - Sandals, £35.99, Mango - Scarf, £14, Marks & Spencer - Earrings, £17.99, Zara - Dress, £79.99, ZW Collection at Zara - Sunglasses, £55, Le Specs - Waistcoat, £125, Jaeger at Marks & Spencer - Trousers, £150, Jaeger at Marks & Spencer - Bag, £99, Mint Velvet - For my long weekend away in Marrakesh with only hand-luggage, I'm going for warm, rustic colours and long, loose layers, topped off with a big, bold sunhat to hit the medina. read more in shopping My go-to in the heat is always linen. These striped trousers from Next, teamed with the tie-back top, are perfect for keeping cool when the temperature soars. I also love adding texture to my summer looks: viral cornelli detailing on an evening co-ord, a mother-of pearl embellished clutch and resin multicoloured earrings can be mixed and matched, and will take your daytime looks through to evening. Oh, and don't forget a neck scarf - wear it with everything from your bikini to your floaty summer frock. Most read in Fabulous Abby McHale, 30, Deputy Fashion Editor 4 Abby is safari-ready with her top-holiday picks Credit: Shirt, £29.99, Zara - Trousers, £27.99, Zara - Sandals, £55, M&S Collection at Marks and Spencer - T-shirt, £12, Primark - Shorts, £36, River Island - Sunglasses, £55, Le Specs - Skirt, £18, Tu at Sainsbury's - Swimsuit, £42, Next - Hat, £25, John Lewis - Dress, £80, Michelle Keegan at Very - I love matching my wardrobe to my surroundings, so planning my holiday outfits always brings me great joy. Jetting off to the sandy beaches and jungles of Sri Lanka means I'm going for tropical swimwear, graphic T-shirts, and earthy tones to match my exotic surroundings. Loose trousers with elasticated waistbands are a must to be comfortable and flowy, as well as flat sandals to explore in. Practical items can still be stylish, too - I adore this check bucket hat from John Lewis and super-cool sunglasses from Le Specs. Clemmie Fieldsend, 34, Fashion Editor 4 Clemmie is packing smart for the unpredictable British weather in Norfolk Credit: Hat, £22, Next - Blouse, £98, Boden - Sandals, £29, Next - Bag, £79.99, Mango - Swimsuit, £20, George at Asda - Jacket, £44.99, H&M - Sweatshirt, £45, GAP - Sunglasses, £85, Messy Weekend - Shorts, £60, Levi - T-shirt, £18, Next - Dress, £16, Primark - As we all know, the British seaside can mean rain or sunshine - or even both at the same time - so for my staycation, I'll be covering all bases with light fabrics and layering pieces. A wind-resistant jacket, a sweatshirt for warmth and of course sandals and shorts are all must-packs. I try to add pieces that I know I can dress up or dress down and will work for every occasion - be it a blustery beach day or a promenade stroll with ice cream in hand - and this lovely lot just does that. Emily Regan, 25, Fashion Assistant 4 Emily is ready to hit the city of love in true 'Emily in Paris' style! Credit: Skirt, £97, & Other Stories - Belt, £19.50, M&S Collection at Marks & Spencer - Ballet pumps, £45.99, Mango - Jacket, £89.99, Mango - Bag, £45, Monty - Jeans, £35.99, Pull & Bear - Sunglasses, £2.50, Primark - Shorts, £12, Primark - Tshirt, £12.99, Reserved - Scarf, £45, The Tartan Blanket Co - Dress, £89, M&S Collection at Marks & Spencer - Bag, £19.99, H&M - I'm hoping to get away on a city break to Paris this summer. I've visited the city a few times before, and one thing's for sure, the French have great style, so my outfit game needs to be strong. For my trip to the French capital, I'll be channeling the Emily in Paris aesthetic (of course!) with colourful stripes and luxe bouclé - though I draw the line at a beret... Since I'll likely be travelling with just hand luggage, I've picked a selection of versatile pieces that can be easily mixed and matched. Why the high street still rules! Fabulous' Fashion Director, Tracey Lea Sayer shares her thoughts. I WAS 10 when I first discovered the utter joy of high-street shopping for clothes with my mum and nan. Going into town on Saturday became a family tradition – a girls' day out we would look forward to all week. My mum's favourite shop was M&S, where she would gaze at jackets with big shoulder pads and floral sundresses, while my nan would make a beeline for John Lewis and their classic coats and elegant court shoes. I was all over Tammy Girl – Etam's little sister – and Chelsea Girl, which was later rebranded to high-street fave River Island. I would spend hours in the changing rooms, watched keenly by my two cheerleaders, who gave the thumbs up – or thumbs down – on what I was trying on. Frilly ra-ra skirts, duster coats, polka dot leggings, puff balls, boob tubes… I tried them all, often making my nan howl with laughter. Fashion wasn't so fast back in the 1980s and every item was cherished and worn until it fell apart – literally – at the seams. At 18, I went to art college and my tastes became more refined. Extra cash from a part-time job in a bar meant I could move on to slightly more expensive stores, like Warehouse, Miss Selfridge and the mecca that was Topshop. I knew at this point I wanted to work in fashion because the high street had totally seduced me. One day, I wrote an article for a competition in a glossy mag about my love of retail therapy and my favourite LBD – and I won! That led me to where I am today – Fashion Director of Fabulous . It's not just me that loves the high street – big-name designers are fans, too. When Cool Britannia hit in the '90s, they all turned up in one big store. Designers at Debenhams was a stroke of genius by Debenhams CEO Belinda Earl, designer Ben de Lisi and fashion director Spencer Hawken, who introduced diffusion ranges from John Rocha, Matthew Williamson and Betty Jackson, to name a few. This meant we could all afford a bit of luxury and wear a well-known designer's signature style. Years later, I hosted a night with Debenhams and Fabulous for 250 readers, who were in awe meeting all the designers. It was a real career highlight for me. In 2004, H&M started rolling out their international designer collabs. Karl Lagerfeld was first, followed by Roberto Cavalli, Marni, Stella McCartney, Maison Martin Margiela, Sonia Rykiel, Comme des Garçons, Balmain, Versace and many, many more. I could barely contain myself! Then in 2007, Kate Moss launched her first collection with Topshop, with thousands queuing along London's Oxford Street. I remember sitting behind Ms Moss and Topshop boss Philip Green at a London Fashion Week Topshop Unique catwalk show. I had my three-year-old daughter, Frankie, in tow and we both made the news the next day after we were papped behind Kate, my supermodel girl crush. At the time, the high street was on fire. Who needed designer buys when Mango stocked tin foil trousers just like the designer Isabel Marant ones and you could buy a bit of Barbara Hulanicki's legendary brand Biba from Topshop? High street stores even started to storm London Fashion week. Although Topshop Unique had shown collections since 2001, in 2013 River Island showed its first collection in collaboration with global superstar Rihanna, who was flown in by a friend of mine on a private jet. KER-CHING! A whole new generation of high profile high street collabs followed. Beyoncé created Ivy Park with Topshop's Philip Green and I even flew to LA for Fabulous to shoot the Kardashian sisters in their bodycon 'Kollection' for Dorothy Perkins. I am pleased to say they were the absolute dream cover stars. Fast forward to 2024 and while the high street doesn't look exactly like it did pre-Covid, it has made a gallant comeback. Stores like M&S, Reserved and Zara, and designer collabs like Victoria Beckham X Mango and Rochelle Humes for Next are giving me all the feels. The supermarkets have really come into their own, too, smashing it with gorgeous collections that look expensive, but at prices that still allow us to afford the weekly shop. The last 30 years of high street fashion have been one big adventure for me. Bring on the next 30!
