Category: 3. Business

We came across a bullish thesis on Verve Therapeutics, Inc. on Stock Region Research’s Substack by Stock Region. In this article, we will summarize the bulls’ thesis on VERV. Verve Therapeutics, Inc.’s share was trading at $11.26 as of June 26^th.

A scientist in a laboratory working on a gene editing tool, to create treatments for rare genetic diseases.

Verve Therapeutics’ stock surged an astounding 75% following Eli Lilly’s $1.3 billion acquisition announcement, signaling a pivotal moment for the biotech space. At the heart of this excitement is VERVE-102, Verve’s lead drug candidate targeting cardiovascular disease. The therapy, which aims to eliminate chronic disease management through gene editing, could mark a paradigm shift in how heart disease is treated.

The FDA’s Fast Track designation for VERVE-102 further underscores the drug’s breakthrough potential and validates Verve’s scientific approach. Eli Lilly’s substantial bid is a clear vote of confidence, suggesting the pharma giant sees transformational value in Verve’s pipeline. The acquisition not only provides financial validation but also shines a light on the evolving landscape of biotech, where high-impact innovation meets large-scale pharmaceutical backing. From a technical perspective, bullish momentum remains strong above $11.27, with caution advised if the stock dips below $10.95.

Beyond the numbers, this deal exemplifies how cutting-edge therapies are attracting serious capital and reshaping the future of medicine. The excitement surrounding Verve’s breakthrough technology and Eli Lilly’s aggressive investment underscores the growing belief in gene editing as a frontier in healthcare. For investors, this move by Lilly isn’t just about Verve—it reflects a broader confidence in biotech’s ability to redefine chronic disease care.

With VERVE-102 leading the charge and now bolstered by big pharma support, Verve appears well-positioned at the intersection of innovation and real-world impact, making this a landmark moment for the company and the sector at large.

Previously we covered a bullish thesis on CRISPR Therapeutics AG (CRSP) by Two Natural Cap in June 2025, which highlighted the company’s role in a groundbreaking base-editing therapy for a rare liver disorder. The company’s stock price has appreciated approximately by 12.4% since our coverage. The thesis still stands as CRSP advances gene-editing leadership. Stock Region shares a similar outlook but emphasizes Verve’s cardiovascular focus.

VERV isn’t on our list of the 30 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds. While we acknowledge the risk and potential of VERV as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an extremely cheap AI stock that is also a major beneficiary of Trump tariffs and onshoring, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

NEW YORK — When Claire Paré was a classroom teacher, working in a setting where every minute, down to the bathroom breaks, was scheduled, she brought granola bars, fruit and protein shakes to school so she’d be prepared when hunger hits.

Then she transitioned to a job at education publisher McGraw Hill. Working remotely at home in New Hampshire, her children’s cheddar bunny crackers and Fruit Roll-Ups lured her to the pantry, confounding her commitment to healthy snacking.

“I have the opportunity to be judicious, but I choose not to most of the time,” Paré said. “I really do enjoy being able to put the time into making something, but oftentimes convenience just has to win out.”

Eating healthy snacks during the workday can be challenging. Many people find themselves facing down a mid-afternoon slump and accompanying sugar, caffeine or carbohydrate cravings after lunch. Busy adults racing from back-to-back meetings to family commitments often reach for what’s easy, whether it’s a candy bar from the office vending machine or potato chips from a kitchen cupboard.

The problem with eating packaged sugary or salty snacks to get through the afternoon is they may spike blood sugar levels but don’t give a sustained second wind, according to Beth Czerwony, a registered dietitian at Cleveland Clinic.

“It’s going to burn off really fast, so you’re going to get that boost of energy and then all of a sudden you’re going to get another crash,” Czerwony said. “Some people just chase that for a while, and they’re drinking coffee or their energy drinks and they’re eating their candy, and it just sets you up for these spikes and these drops.”

Here are some ideas for maintaining healthy snacking habits at work.

Foods that are high in protein, such as Greek yogurt, hard-boiled eggs, cottage cheese and beef or turkey jerky, can help people feel full for longer periods of time than snacks without protein, said Caroline Susie, a Dallas-based registered dietitian and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Eating a snack consisting of refined carbohydrates such as a bagel causes blood sugar to rise rapidly and then drop, so teaming it up with another source of nutrition is preferable, Susie said.

“When you pair that carbohydrate with lean protein or have a protein-forward choice, it contributes to satiety. So you’re just going to stay fuller longer,” she added.

Czerwony recommends snacks that combine lean proteins with complex carbohydrates such as crackers, rice cakes or fruit. The combination works because carbohydrates raise blood sugar, giving you a boost, while the protein takes longer to digest, helping to sustain you for longer, she said.

“The carbohydrates are like the kindling on the fire, and then the proteins are the logs,” Czerwony said. “You’re going to get the slow burn from the protein, but you need that sudden start, so you have the carbohydrates to get you going.”

Many people find it hard to resist crunchy foods. For a satisfying munch, the American Heart Association recommends sliced apples with a tablespoon of low-sodium peanut butter, pears dipped in reduced-fat cottage cheese, vegetables such as carrots, celery, bell peppers, cucumber or zucchini paired with hummus or tzatziki sauce, popcorn, rice cakes or unsalted nuts and seeds. You can also roast chickpeas, which provide both protein and carbohydrates.

For a packaged snack, read the nutrition label to check how much added sugar and sodium it contains, the association suggests.

The Cleveland Clinic recommends whole fruit, edamame, seeds, a handful of nuts or a single-serving package of tuna that you can eat with a fork.

Bringing your own snacks to work can help you control the quality and quantity of what you eat, Czerwony said. Try slicing vegetables, cheese or low-fat meats on weekends to last through the week, she said.

“If you have all that stuff already made, then it’s easy in the morning to just grab it and go,” she said.

Take along a small, soft-sided cooler to help keep snacks like yogurt, sliced veggies or hummus fresh. “Get cute little bento boxes, get little containers, make it fun if that’s something that you want to do, because we’ll eat things that are more attractive instead of just being in a Ziploc,” Czerwony said.

Petra Durnin, a Los Angeles-based senior director at commercial real estate firm JLL, blends greens, nuts, berries, avocado, banana and chia or flax seeds into homemade smoothies, which she makes in large batches. At night, she moves one jar to the fridge to thaw for the next day. An afternoon smoothie keeps her full until dinnertime and less likely to reach for chips, chocolate and sugar, she said.

“I feel like I have better brain clarity,” Durnin said. “I’m able to push through the afternoon and work more efficiently. I don’t feel bloated, bogged down. It just feels better.”’

Adopting healthy snacking habits doesn’t mean you have to deprive yourself entirely of treats. If a coworker is celebrating a birthday, an occasional slice of cake won’t completely derail healthy habits.

“Let’s not demonize food,” Susie said.

Before dipping into a bag of chips, eat a meal that includes lean protein, complex carbohydrates and healthy fat, and then add something healthy to the snack while keeping an eye on portion size, Susie said.

“There’s not going to be a perfect substitute for chips. You can eat carrots all you want, but you can’t trick your body with thinking that they’re chips,” Czerwony said. “If you want a chip, have the stinking chip and just be done with it.”

However, a constant hankering for chips could be a sign of a dietary deficiency, and it’s worth figuring that out so “those types of things are more treats than something that’s in the routine mix of what you’re eating throughout the day,” Czerwony said.

Gisela Marx, 53, rarely gets a chance to sit or eat while working as deputy front of house manager at the Auditorium Theater in Chicago. On event days, she works from 3 p.m. until 11 p.m. or later. She packs healthy snacks such as watermelon and nuts.

She also keeps an emergency stash of Reese’s Pieces, which her boss has to replenish if he eats the last one.

“Just having it there is a comfort. I can always have it if I want it,” Marx said.

___

Share your stories and questions about workplace wellness at cbussewitz@ap.org. Follow AP’s Be Well coverage, focusing on wellness, fitness, diet and mental health at https://apnews.com/hub/be-well

Tesla has scheduled an annual shareholders meeting for November, one day after the electric vehicle company came under pressure from major shareholders to do so.

Billionaire Elon Musk’s company said in a regulatory filing on Thursday that the meeting will be held on Nov. 6. A group of more than 20 Tesla shareholders said in a letter to the company a day earlier that it needed to provide public notice of the annual meeting.

Texas law states businesses must hold annual meetings within 13 months of their last one, if shareholders request it. But the law also allows for “written consent instead of the annual meeting” to be executed within the 13-month timeframe. Tesla is incorporated in Texas.

The annual meeting, given Tesla’s fortunes this year, has the potential to be a raucous event and it is unclear how investors will react to the delay, which is rare for any major U.S. corporation.

Tesla shares have plunged 27% this year, largely due to blowback over Musk’s affiliation with President Donald Trump, as well as rising competition.

Many shareholders have been miffed by Musk’s participation in the Trump administration this year, saying he needs to focus on his EV company which is facing extraordinary pressures.

“An annual meeting provides shareholders with the opportunity to hear directly from the board about these concerns, and to vote for or against directors, the board’s approach to executive compensation, and other matters of material importance,” the group said in the letter.

Tesla’s last shareholders meeting was on June 13 of last year, where investors voted to restore Musk’s record $44.9 billion pay package that was thrown out by a Delaware judge earlier that year.

Tesla also said in its regulatory filing on Thursday that July 31 is the new deadline for the submission of proposals to be included in the proxy statement. In a January filing, Tesla said it would file its proxy statement for this year’s annual meeting by the end of April.

However, the company filed an amended report on April 30, saying that it didn’t have a date for the meeting yet. Tesla also said in that filing that it was creating a special committee to look at Musk’s compensation as CEO.

Also on Thursday, Musk said that the Grok chatbot will be heading to Tesla vehicles.

“Grok is coming to Tesla vehicles very soon. Next week at the latest,” Musk said on social media platform X, in response to a post stating that Grok implementation on Teslas wasn’t announced on a Grok livestream Wednesday.

Grok was developed by Musk’s artificial intelligence company xAI and pitched as an alternative to “woke AI” interactions from rival chatbots like Google’s Gemini, or OpenAI’s ChatGPT.

Yet Grok has had a bumpy ride during its rollout.

On Wednesday xAI announced that it was taking down “inappropriate posts” made by its Grok chatbot, which appeared to include antisemitic comments that praised Adolf Hitler.

Shares of Tesla rose more than 3% in Thursday morning trading after tumbling this week as the feud between Trump and Musk heated up again.

By Steve Gelsi

America’s only fully integrated rare-earth producer will receive a ‘multibillion-dollar’ package of investments to build a magnet-manufacturing plant

MP Materials Corp.’s stock skyrocketed in early trading Thursday, after the rare-earth producer said it inked a public-private partnership with the U.S. Defense Department to boost domestic magnet production and to reduce dependence on foreign sources.

MP Materials (MP) said the U.S. government will emerge as its largest shareholder with 15% of its stock as it works to build its new 10X Facility at a yet-to-be-announced location. The company, which bills itself as “America’s only fully integrated rare earth producer,” plans to open the magnet manufacturing plant in about three years and update its existing mine in Mountain Pass, Calif.

The stock soared 46.3% to $43.90 a share in afternoon trading as it headed toward a three-year high. The gains are putting the stock on track to smash its current one-day record rally of 21.7% on April 14, 2025.

D.A. Davidson analyst Matt J. Summerville reiterated a buy rating on MP Materials’ stock and praised the deal.

“We view this partnership as clearly transformative, although not entirely surprising given the [Trump] administration’s priorities with respect to critical minerals/materials,” Summerville said in a research note.

James Litinsky, founder and chief executive of MP Materials, said, “This initiative marks a decisive action by the Trump administration to accelerate American supply chain independence.”

The Pentagon and MP Materials inked a 10-year price floor agreement of $110 per kilogram for the company’s neodymium and praseodymium rare-earth products for use in batteries and other electronic components.

The U.S. government has also committed to buy $400 million of newly issued preferred stock, which will be convertible into common stock, and a warrant to purchase additional common shares.

JPMorgan Chase & Co. (JPM) and Goldman Sachs Group Inc. (GS) have pledged $1 billion in financing for building the 10X Facility. MP Materials also received a $150 million loan from the U.S. government.

The company will use the money to expand its existing rare earths separation and processing capabilities, as well as its existing location in Mountain Pass, Calif., it said. It’s also commissioning its Texas-based magnetics facility called Independence.

Baird analyst Ben Kallo said last month that a big deal was coming.

“We see a partnership announcement with a large [original equipment manufacturer] and/or support from the U.S. government as potential catalysts to monitor,” he said at the time. “MP is in the driver’s seat at the negotiating table given their status as the only scaled U.S. producer.”

MP Materials extracts, refines, and separates rare-earth materials at what is currently the world’s second-largest rare-earth mine in Mountain Pass, Calif. The largest mine in the world is located in China.

MP went public in 2022 in a merger with a special purpose acquisition company, as one of the many blank-check deals put together by Chamath Palihapitiya, a venture capitalist known as the SPAC King and who co-hosts of the popular podcast “All-In.”

Ahead of Thursday’s moves, MP Materials’ stock had rallied 92.5% in 2025 through Wednesday, while the Nasdaq Composite Index COMP has gained 6.7% and the S&P 500 index SPX has tacked on 6.5%.

Also read: Why it’s nearly impossible for America to meet its rare-earth needs after China’s export restrictions.

-Steve Gelsi

This content was created by MarketWatch, which is operated by Dow Jones & Co. MarketWatch is published independently from Dow Jones Newswires and The Wall Street Journal.

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Virtu Financial has come out against rival Citadel Securities’ attempts to block the opening of a new US options exchange, as the high-speed trading giant wades into a dispute over market structure that has sucked in some of Wall Street’s biggest names.

The disagreement hinges on the implementation of a 350-microsecond so-called “speed bump” that US exchange operator IEX — made famous by the Michael Lewis’s bestseller Flash Boys — hopes will protect traders on its proposed exchange from buying and selling options at stale prices.

This mechanism will allow IEX to cancel and reprice a small proportion of orders, but critics of the plan, including billionaire Ken Griffin’s Citadel Securities, say it would end up harming ordinary investors while enriching IEX’s shareholders and market makers.

New York-headquartered Virtu on Wednesday wrote to the Securities and Exchange Commission in support of IEX, which says it wants to shield investors from the cost of latency arbitrage — the exploitation by high-frequency traders of the microseconds it takes prices to reflect broader market moves.

Virtu’s intervention comes three weeks after Citadel Securities criticised what it described as IEX’s “nefarious” and “unlawful” plan “to introduce an unprecedented quote cancelling scheme” into the ballooning US options market, in a letter to the SEC.

Retail broker Charles Schwab, the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq have also said that IEX’s plan to launch a new equity options exchange should not be approved. 

But in its letter, Virtu said IEX’s proposal “represents a well-intentioned effort to advance” market transparency and improve “the investor experience”. 

It added: “The introduction of new trading venues has the potential to promote competition, foster innovation and possibly deliver better trading outcomes for all market participants.” Virtu was co-founded by Doug Cifu and Vincent Viola, former chair of the New York Mercantile Exchange and the owner of ice hockey team the Florida Panthers.

Citadel Securities and IEX have clashed before. In 2015, Citadel Securities sought to block IEX’s application for registration as a national securities exchange, writing at the time that a new entrant would “create confusion for the marketplace, and for retail investors in particular”. 

Citadel’s attempt was ultimately unsuccessful, although 11 years later IEX remains a small player in US equities, with a market share of roughly 2.6 per cent, according to the firm.

Citadel’s latest attempt to shut down IEX’s planned move into the options market has drawn the ire of pressure group We The Investors, which wrote to the SEC on the subject earlier this month.

“Almost 10 years since the first comment letters were filed against the IEX Equities exchange application, and all we have are the same tired, recycled arguments,” said WTI chief technology office Dave Lauer in the letter.

“It has become clear that despite critics’ attempts to rewrite history and pretend that there is no such thing as latency arbitrage, such arbitrage does exist, and exploits both geographical and technological latencies in order to earn profits for the fastest traders to the detriment of slower traders,” he added.

John Ramsay, chief market policy officer at IEX, said: “For the people who complain that the quotes will be inaccessible, it’s worth asking inaccessible to whom and for what purpose. If the answer is they’ll be inaccessible to people who are using latency arbitrage, that is exactly the point.”

Additional reporting by Jennifer Hughes

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JPMorgan Chase chief executive Jamie Dimon warned European leaders they have a competitiveness problem and that they are currently “losing” the battle to rival the US and China. 

“Europe has gone from 90 per cent US GDP to 65 per cent over 10 or 15 years. That’s not good,” Dimon said at an event in Dublin organised by the Irish foreign ministry. “You’re losing.” 

The comments from Dimon, one of the most influential voices in global finance, underscores the challenges facing the EU as it battles to invigorate its economy.

Mario Draghi, the continent’s former top central banker, last year demanded a new industrial strategy for Europe with annual investment of €800bn to maintain competitiveness with the US and China.

“We’ve got this huge strong market and our companies are big and successful, have huge kinds of scale that are global. You have that, but less and less,” Dimon said.

It is an even blunter message from Dimon than he made in his most recent annual shareholder meeting in April, where he said “Europe has some serious issues to fix”, and urged European nations to “significantly reform their economies so they can grow”. 

Dimon, who has run JPMorgan since 2006, also warned that financial markets had become too relaxed about Donald Trump’s repeated threat of tariffs.

Investors on Thursday brushed off the US president’s latest threat of a 50 per cent tariff on copper, 200 per cent tariffs on the pharmaceutical sector and levies on countries including Japan and South Korea.

“Unfortunately, I think there is complacency in the market,” Dimon said. 

He said Trump had so far been correct in backing down from his biggest threats on tariffs, invoking the so-called Taco trade based on the premise that “Trump always chickens out”. 

“I hate to use the word ‘Taco trade” because I think he did the right thing to chicken out,” Dimon said.

Dimon saw trouble ahead for Trump if the economy struggled. “I think if the [US] economy weakens at all, he’s going to have a tough time.”

But he also blasted the opposition Democrats, saying: “What were they thinking in their wokeness?” He also called Zohran Mamdani — who won the Democratic primary for mayor of New York, where JPMorgan has its headquarters — a “Marxist”.

Dimon said worrying about whether Trump would seek a third term would be “premature”. US presidents are limited to two terms.

However, the JPMorgan boss said he thought the vice-president, JD Vance, would not agree to any deal in which he headlined the ticket alongside Trump: “He’ll say, ‘Hey buddy, get in the basement. You’ve had your day in the sun!’”

But Dimon said Trump may eventually prefer his son Eric as a candidate. Despite saying he harboured no political aspirations, Dimon said: “If he did [that], I might consider it too.”