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Los Angeles County is poised to pay out an additional $828 million to victims who say they were sexually abused in county facilities as children, months after agreeing to the largest sex abuse settlement in U.S. history.

The award, posted on the county claims board agenda Friday, would resolve an additional 414 cases that were not included in the $4-billion sex abuse settlement approved this spring. Both the supervisors and the county claims board will need to vote on the payout before it is finalized.

The record $4-billion settlement covered more than 11,000 people, who say they were abused inside county-run juvenile facilities and foster homes as children. The individual payouts will range from $100,000 to $3 million.

The newest payout would break down to an average of roughly $2 million per person. It involves cases from three prominent law firms: Manly, Stewart & Finaldi, Arias Sanguinetti Wang & Team, and Panish Shea Ravipudi.

The firms declined to comment on the potential settlement until the vote by the Board of Supervisors.

The announcement follows reporting by The Times that found nine plaintiffs who say they were paid by recruiters to sue the county over sex abuse. Four of them have said they were explicitly told to make up claims. All had lawsuits filed by Downtown LA Law Group, or DTLA.

The firm has denied any involvement with recruiters who allegedly paid plaintiffs to sue. DTLA said previously it would never “encourage or tolerate anyone lying about being abused” and is conducting new screenings to remove “false or exaggerated claims” from its caseload.

The county said any claims brought by DTLA will undergo an additional level of review before payments are made, citing reporting by The Times. The extra screening “may require plaintiff interviews and additional proof of allegations,” the county said.

DTLA did not immediately respond to a request for comment Friday.

The exterior of Downtown LA Law Group’s offices in Los Angeles.

(Carlin Stiehl / Los Angeles Times)

Supervisor Kathryn Barger, who recently launched an investigation into the $4-billion settlement following The Times’ reporting, said the vetting will ensure “money goes only to the true victims of abuse.”

“Our settlements balance our obligation to compensate victims and treat their experiences with compassion with the need to put strong protections in place to protect taxpayers from fraud,” she said.

County Counsel Dawyn Harrison says she wants to see the law changed so “unscrupulous lawyers don’t get windfalls at the expense of survivors of abuse.”

“The conduct alleged to have occurred by the DTLA firm is absolutely outrageous and must be investigated by the appropriate authorities,” said Harrison. “Not only does it undermine our justice system, it also deprives legitimate claimants of just compensation.”

All cases will be reviewed by retired judges before the money is allocated, the county said.

If a judge believes a claim is fraudulent, the plaintiff will not get any money, the county said Friday. The county’s original plan stated that if the county found a fraudulent claim, the plaintiff could be offered $50,000 to resolve it or remove the case from the settlement so that it could be litigated separately.

The flood of claims was unleashed with the passage of Assembly Bill 218 in 2020, which changed the statute of limitations and gave survivors a new window to sue their abusers. Since then, school districts and governments have faced many decades-old claims, for which they say there are no longer records kept on file to allow for vetting.

Dominique Anderson, pictured above around age 11, is among the plaintiffs who sued the county for alleged sexual abuse and would stand to receive payouts as part of a new settlement announced Friday.

(Courtesy of Dominique Anderson)

County supervisors have been increasingly critical of the law, which they argue has left them defenseless against claims dating back to the 1950s. If the supervisors approve the new settlement, the county will have paid out nearly $5 billion in child sex abuse lawsuits this year — with more to come.

The county is still facing an additional 2,500 cases, which they say will further strain the region’s social safety net. The county recently required most departments trim their budgets to pay for the $4-billion settlement.

“L.A. County and other local governments must balance their obligations to past victims with the need to avoid ruinous financial impacts,” said acting Chief Executive Joe Nicchitta.

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On October 09, 2025, Voya Financial Advisors, Inc. disclosed the purchase of 126,532 shares of BND, estimated at $9.32 million based on the quarterly average price.

What happened

According to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission dated October 09, 2025, Voya Financial Advisors, Inc. bought 126,532 additional shares of Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF (BND -0.07%) during the quarter. The transaction was valued at $9,316,966. The fund now holds 1,935,848 shares in BND.

What else to know

The increased stake in BND brings the position to 13.89% of 13F AUM.

Top holdings after the filing:

• VV (Vanguard Large-Cap ETF): $212,202,112 (20.5% of AUM)
• BND (Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF): $144.03 million (13.9% of AUM)
• VEU (Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US ETF): $101.80 million (9.8% of AUM)
• USIG (iShares Broad USD Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF): $45,560,981 (4.4% of AUM)
• SPTL (SPDR Portfolio Long term Treasury ETF): $45.52 million (4.4% of AUM)

As of October 8, 2025, shares were priced at $74.28, up 0.32% for the year; the one-year alpha versus the S&P 500 was -14.13 percentage points BND’s annualized dividend yield was 3.79% as of October 9, 2025

Company overview

Company snapshot

Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF (BND) is one of the largest fixed income ETFs, offering investors comprehensive access to the U.S. investment-grade bond market. The fund tracks a broad, investment-grade, taxable U.S. bond index and invests at least 80% of its assets in bonds included in the index.

Its portfolio is composed primarily of U.S. dollar-denominated bonds with maturities over one year, selected through a sampling process to closely match the index’s risk and return characteristics.

BND serves institutional and retail investors seeking broad, cost-efficient access to the U.S. fixed income market.

Foolish take

Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF (BND) continues to attract institutional interest as investors seek stability and income in an uncertain rate environment. The bond fund‘s broad reach across the U.S investment-grade bond market gives it unique appeal in times where equities are choppy amidst U.S China trade tensions and yields remains elevated.

BND’s offering spans over 11,000 securities, blending U.S Treasuries, corporates and mortgage backed bonds into one of the most diversified fixed income portfolios available. Its current yield near 3.8 offers steady income while maintaining credit quality and moderate duration risk. For Voya advisors, building exposure through a low-cost and transparent vehicle such as BND shows a deliberate focus on resilience and disciplined asset allocation. 

While short-term rate movements can influence bond prices, BND’s scale and efficient structure marks a dependable core holdings for both institutional and retail portfolios. As markets shift toward a lower-rate outlook, BND stands out as a practice way to capture broad bond exposure and steady total returns over time. 

Glossary

Assets Under Management (AUM): The total market value of assets a fund or investment manager oversees on behalf of clients.

13F: A quarterly report filed by institutional investment managers to disclose their equity holdings to the SEC.

Dividend Yield: The annual dividend income an investment pays, expressed as a percentage of its current price.

Alpha: A measure of an investment’s performance relative to a benchmark, indicating value added or subtracted by active management.

ETF (Exchange-Traded Fund): An investment fund traded on stock exchanges, holding a basket of assets like stocks or bonds.

Investment-Grade: Bonds rated as relatively low risk of default by credit rating agencies, typically BBB/Baa or higher.

Sampling Process: A portfolio construction method where a subset of securities is selected to closely match an index’s characteristics.

Mortgage-Backed Securities: Bonds secured by a pool of home mortgages, with payments passed to investors.

Asset-Backed Securities: Bonds backed by pools of financial assets, such as loans or receivables, other than mortgages.

TTM: The 12-month period ending with the most recent quarterly report.

Reportable Assets: Assets that must be disclosed in regulatory filings, such as those reported in a 13F filing.

Stake: The amount or percentage of ownership an investor holds in a particular security or fund.

Pacer Advisors, Inc. disclosed a significant reduction in its United Parcel Service (UPS 0.05%) holdings, selling 3,884,101 shares for an estimated $351.8 million, according to an SEC filing dated October 15, 2025.

What Happened

According to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission dated October 15, 2025, Pacer Advisors, Inc. sold 3,884,101 shares of United Parcel Service during the quarter. The estimated transaction value, based on the average share price for the quarter, was ~$351.8 million. Following the sale, the fund held 533,764 shares, worth $44.59 million.

What Else to Know

This sale reduced the United Parcel Service stake to 0.11% of Pacer Advisors’ total reportable U.S. equity assets under management as of September 30, 2025.

Top holdings after the filing:

• NASDAQ:NVDA: $569.61 million (1.65% of AUM as of September 30, 2025)
• NASDAQ:AMAT: $499.48 million (1.44% of AUM as of September 30, 2025)
• NYSE:XOM: $489.87 million (1.42% of AUM as of September 30, 2025)
• NYSE:NEM: $483.92 million (1.40% of AUM as of September 30, 2025)
• NYSE:MO: $467.63 million (1.35% of AUM as of September 30, 2025)

As of October 14, 2025, United Parcel Service shares were priced at $84.05, down 37.5% over the past year; shares have underperformed the S&P 500 by 47.9 percentage points on a price-change basis (ex-dividends) over the same period.

Company Overview

Company Snapshot

United Parcel Service, Inc. is a global leader in integrated freight and logistics, operating in over 200 countries and territories. The company leverages a vast transportation network and advanced technology to provide reliable, time-definite delivery services. UPS’s scale, diversified service offering, and operational efficiency underpin its competitive position in the logistics sector.

The company offers letter and package delivery, transportation, logistics, and supply chain solutions across U.S. domestic and international markets. It generates revenue through time-definite air and ground shipping, freight forwarding, customs brokerage, and ancillary logistics services.

United Parcel Service serves a diverse client base including businesses of all sizes, healthcare and life sciences organizations, and individual consumers globally.

Foolish Take

Pacer advisors, a private investment manager based out of Pennsylvania, recently disclosed the sale of nearly 3.9 million shares of United Parcel Service (UPS), worth more than $351 million. It’s another blow for a company whose stock has chronically underperformed key benchmarks recently.

For example, UPS shares have slipped nearly 48% over the last three years, while the S&P 500 has gained about 86% over the same period. That means UPS shares have underperformed the benchmark index by 134% dating back to late 2022.

Therefore, it’s no wonder that institutional support is drying up. Fund managers like Pacer are clearly retreating from the logistics giant. But why?

As is often the case, it comes down to fundamentals. Key metrics for UPS, like revenue, net income, and free cash flow have fallen steadily in recent years. Dating back to 2022, UPS’ revenue has fallen 10%; net income has dropped 50%; and free cash flow has slumped by an eye-popping 62%.

Clearly, a turnaround is needed for this iconic company. However, until the company can improve its overall fundamentals, retail investors may want to exercise caution with UPS stock.

Glossary

Assets Under Management (AUM): The total market value of all investments managed by a fund or investment firm.
Reportable U.S. Equity Assets: U.S. stock holdings that an investment manager must disclose in regulatory filings.
Stake: The ownership interest or position held in a company by an investor or fund.
Top Holdings: The largest investments in a fund’s portfolio, usually ranked by market value.
Dividend Yield: Annual dividends per share divided by the share price, expressed as a percentage.
Time-Definite Delivery: Shipping services that guarantee delivery by a specific date or time.
Freight Forwarding: The coordination and shipment of goods on behalf of shippers, often internationally.
Customs Brokerage: Service that helps importers and exporters comply with customs regulations and clear goods through customs.
Ancillary Logistics Services: Additional support services in logistics, such as warehousing, packaging, or inventory management.
TTM: The 12-month period ending with the most recent quarterly report.

On October 15, 2025, Davenport & Co LLC disclosed a purchase of 155,551 shares of UnitedHealth Group (UNH) for the period ended Q3 2025, an estimated $47.04 million trade.

What happened

An SEC filing dated October 15, 2025 shows Davenport increased its position in UnitedHealth Group (UNH 0.38%) by 155,551 shares during Q3 2025.

The estimated transaction value, based on the average closing price during the quarter, was approximately $47.04 million.

The post-trade position reached 739,525 shares, with a market value of $255.34 million.

What else to know

Following this buy, UnitedHealth Group accounts for 1.36% of Davenport $18.76 billion in 13F reportable assets

The firm’s top holdings after the filing:

1. Brookfield Corp: $583.81 million (3.13% of AUM)
2. Microsoft: $478.54 million (2.56% of AUM) as of 2025-09-30
3. Amazon: $451.10 million (2.42% of AUM) as of 2025-09-30
4. Markel: $391.43 million (2.1% of AUM) as of 2025-09-30
5. Nvidia: $375.98 million (2.01% of AUM) as of 2025-09-30

As of October 14, 2025, shares of UnitedHealth Group were priced at $359.93, down 40.6% over the prior year and underperforming the S&P 500 by 53 percentage points over the same period.

Company Overview

Company Snapshot

UnitedHealth Group:

• Offers health benefit plans, pharmacy care services, healthcare management, and data analytics solutions through segments including UnitedHealthcare and Optum.
• Generates revenue primarily from insurance premiums, healthcare services, and pharmacy benefit management, leveraging scale and integrated platforms.
• Serves national and public sector employers, government programs (Medicare, Medicaid), individuals, and healthcare providers across the United States.

UnitedHealth Group is a leading diversified healthcare company with a broad national footprint and an integrated business model spanning insurance, pharmacy benefits, and healthcare services. The company maintains a competitive edge through its extensive provider networks, data-driven solutions, and ability to serve a wide range of customer segments.

Foolish take

Davenport & Company continued to add to their UnitedHealth position, which now accounts for 1.4% of the firm’s portfolio and is its 9th-largest position.

What makes Davenport’s purchases over the last two quarters noteworthy is that they are essentially doubling down on the company right after its stock sold off heavily.

Hampered by ballooning medical costs, changes in leadership, reduced guidance, and mounting regulatory pressure, UnitedHealth’s stock dropped 39% from its highs in just the last six months.

While UnitedHealth has become a battleground stock of sorts lately, it received a major lift after Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway disclosed it took a $1.6 billion stake in the stock in the second quarter of 2025.

That is great company for Davenport to join, as it also adds to its stake in UnitedHealth.

Regardless of the headwinds facing UnitedHealth, the company remains one of the most dominant health insurers in the United States.

Currently trading at just 16 times earnings and 13 times free cash flow, the risk-reward ratio on UnitedHealth Group is very appealing.

Glossary

13F reportable AUM: Assets under management that must be disclosed in quarterly SEC Form 13F filings by institutional investment managers.
Quarterly average price: The average price of a security over a specific quarter, used for estimating transaction values.
Post-trade holdings: The total number of shares or value held in a security after a trade is completed.
Top holdings: The largest investments in a fund or portfolio, ranked by market value.
Pharmacy benefit management: Services that manage prescription drug programs for health plans, employers, and government programs.
Integrated platforms: Systems that combine multiple services or business functions into a unified offering.
Provider networks: Groups of healthcare professionals and facilities contracted to deliver services to insurance plan members.
Medicare: A U.S. federal health insurance program for people aged 65 and older, and certain younger individuals with disabilities.
Medicaid: A joint federal and state program in the U.S. providing health coverage to eligible low-income individuals.
TTM: The 12-month period ending with the most recent quarterly report.

Argent Capital Management LLC pared its holding in Copart (CPRT 1.70%) by 1,262,984 shares during Q3 2025, an estimated $59.52 million trade based on the average price for the quarter, according to an SEC filing dated October 14, 2025.

What happened

According to its Form 13-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 14, 2025 (see filing), the firm reduced its Copart position by 1,262,984 shares during Q3 2025.

The estimated value of the shares sold, calculated using the period’s average closing price, was $59.52 million. The fund reported a remaining position of 162,339 shares at quarter-end.

What else to know

This was a reduction in the Copart stake, which now represents 0.2% of the firm’s 13F reportable assets under management as of Q3 2025.

Argent’s top holdings after the filing:

• Microsoft: $251.95 million (6.9% of AUM as of 2025-09-30)
• Nvidia: $237.98 million (6.5% of AUM as of 2025-09-30)
• Amazon: $213.08 million (5.8% of AUM as of 2025-09-30)
• Alphabet: $194.75 million (5.3% of AUM as of 2025-09-30)
• Mastercard: $126.28 million (3.5% of AUM as of 2025-09-30)

As of October 13, 2025, Copart shares were priced at $44.07, down 20% over the one-year period ending October 13, 2025, underperforming the S&P 500 by 36 percentage points over the same time.

Company Overview

Company Snapshot

Copart provides online auctions and vehicle remarketing services, including virtual bidding, salvage estimation, and end-of-life vehicle processing across North America, Europe, and select international markets.

It operates a digital marketplace facilitating the sale and purchase of vehicles, generating revenue through transaction fees, service charges, and value-added offerings such as vehicle transportation and title processing.

The company serves insurance companies, banks, fleet operators, dealerships, vehicle dismantlers, exporters, and individual buyers seeking to acquire or dispose of vehicles efficiently.

Copart, Inc. provides online auctions and vehicle remarketing services internationally, leveraging advanced virtual auction technology to connect sellers and buyers of vehicles across multiple continents. With a scalable digital platform and a comprehensive suite of remarketing and logistics services, Copart enables efficient disposition of vehicles for institutional and individual clients alike.

Foolish take

While Argent Capital Management still holds a few shares of Copart, the firm all but sold out of its position, reducing its portfolio allocation in the stock from 2% to 0.2%.

Since the stock seemed to be a longer-term holding for Argent, this seems mildly worrisome to Copart shareholders — myself included.

Though it’s impossible to know what exactly prompted the firm to nearly liquidate its holdings in the company, Copart’s results have been underwhelming this year, causing its slightly expensive stock to slide 30% from its high.

After growing sales by 15% annually over the last decade, Copart’s revenue growth slid to 13%, 7%, and finally 5% over the previous three quarters.

Ultimately, I’ll have to disagree with Argent on Copart as I believe the company has a wide moat around its operations that will make it hard to disrupt.

That said, Copart still trades at 28 times earnings, even after this year’s drop, so Argent may have simply thought it had grown beyond its valuation as a more mature company.

Glossary

13F reportable AUM: Assets under management that must be disclosed by institutional investment managers in quarterly SEC Form 13F filings.
Form 13-F: A quarterly SEC filing by institutional investment managers listing their U.S. equity holdings.
Quarter (Q3 2025): The third three-month period of a company’s fiscal year, here referring to July–September 2025.
Transaction value: The total dollar amount generated by a specific buy or sell trade.
Stake: The ownership interest or investment a fund or individual holds in a particular company.
Assets under management (AUM): The total market value of investments managed on behalf of clients by a fund or firm.
Digital marketplace: An online platform where buyers and sellers conduct transactions for goods or services, such as vehicles.
Vehicle remarketing: The process of reselling used or end-of-lease vehicles, often through auctions or specialized platforms.
Salvage estimation: The process of assessing the value of damaged or end-of-life vehicles for resale or parts.
End-of-life vehicle processing: Handling and disposing of vehicles that are no longer operational, often for recycling or parts.
Value-added offerings: Additional services provided beyond basic transactions, such as transportation or title processing, to enhance customer value.
TTM: The 12-month period ending with the most recent quarterly report.

Fesia Davenport, L.A. County’s chief executive officer, received a $2 million settlement this summer due to professional fallout from Measure G, a voter-approved ballot measure that will soon make her job obsolete, according to a letter she wrote to the county’s top lawyer.

Davenport wrote in the July 8 letter, which was released through a public record request Tuesday, that she had been seeking $2 million for “reputational harm, embarrassment, and physical, emotional and mental distress caused by the Measure G.”

“Measure G is an unprecedented event, and has had, and will continue to have, an unprecedented impact on my professional reputation, health, career, income, and retirement,” Davenport wrote to County Counsel Dawyn Harrison. “My hope is that after setting aside the amount of my ask, that there can be a true focus on what the real issues are here – measure G has irrevocably changed my life, my professional career, economic outlook, and plans for the future.”

The existence of the $2 million settlement, finalized in mid-August, was first reported Tuesday by the LAist. It was unclear what the settlement was for.

Davenport began a medical leave last week. She told staff she expects to be back early next year.

Supervisors Lindsey Horvath and Janice Hahn first announced Measure G in July 2024, branding it as a long overdue overhaul to the county’s sluggish bureaucracy. Under the charter amendment, which voters approved this November, the number of supervisors increased to nine and the county chief executive, who manages the county government and oversees its budget, will be now be elected by voters instead of appointed by the board starting in 2028.

In August 2024, a few weeks after the announcement, Davenport wrote a letter to Horvath saying the measure had impugned her “professional reputation” and would end her career at least two years earlier than she expected, according to another letter released through a public records request.

“This has been a tough six weeks for me,” Davenport wrote in her letter. “It has created uncomfortable, awkward interactions between me and my CEO team (they are concerned), me and other departments heads (they are apologetic), and even County outsiders (they think I am being fired).”

This story will be updated.

On Tuesday, Oriental Harbor Investment Master Fund disclosed selling 59,274 shares of ProShares UltraPro QQQ (TQQQ -1.88%) in an estimated $5.4 million trade, according to a recent SEC filing.

What Happened

According to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Oriental Harbor Investment Master Fund sold 59,274 shares of ProShares UltraPro QQQ during the quarter. The estimated transaction value was $5.4 million. The fund’s TQQQ position now stands at about 1.2 million shares, valued at $124.2 million.

What Else to Know

Following the sale, TQQQ represents 9.6% of the fund’s reportable assets under management.

Top holdings after the filing:

• NASDAQ:NVDA: $236.2 million (18.3% of AUM)
• NASDAQ:GOOGL: $224.1 million (17.4% of AUM)
• NYSEMKT:FNGU: $144.6 million (11.2% of AUM)
• NASDAQ:TQQQ: $124.2 million (9.6% of AUM)
• NASDAQ:META: $99.5 million (7.7% of AUM)

As of Tuesday’s market close, shares of TQQQ were priced at $101.13, up 33% over the past year, outperforming the S&P 500 by 20 percentage points.

ETF Overview

Company Snapshot

• TQQQ’s investment strategy seeks to deliver daily performance consistent with the fund’s objective through the use of financial instruments.
• Underlying holdings are composed of the 100 largest non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market.
• The fund structure is non-diversified.

ProShares UltraPro QQQ is an ETF that seeks daily returns consistent with its investment objective by tracking the Nasdaq-100 Index. By employing financial instruments, the fund aims to achieve its daily return objective.

Foolish Take

Hong Kong–based Oriental Harbor Investment Master Fund pared back its position in ProShares UltraPro QQQ last quarter, selling roughly $5.4 million worth of shares. Despite the reduction, TQQQ remains a core holding, accounting for nearly 10% of the fund’s reported assets. The ETF continues to rank just behind Nvidia, Alphabet, and FNGU, reflecting the fund’s deep concentration in leveraged and technology-driven strategies.

TQQQ, which seeks three times the daily performance of the Nasdaq-100 Index, has soared 33% in the past year, outpacing the S&P 500 by about 20 percentage points. Its top underlying exposures—Nvidia, Microsoft, Apple, and Amazon—mirror Oriental Harbor’s own equity bets, creating both alignment and amplification across the portfolio.

While leveraged ETFs like TQQQ can magnify gains, they also heighten risk when markets turn volatile. For Oriental Harbor, trimming the position may be a prudent rebalancing move after strong returns, especially given its already substantial exposure to the same megacap tech names through direct holdings and other leveraged funds like FNGU. The strategy suggests discipline, not retreat, as the fund locks in profits while maintaining a high-conviction tilt toward tech-fueled growth.

Glossary

ETF: Exchange-traded fund; a pooled investment fund traded on stock exchanges, similar to stocks.

UltraPro: Indicates an ETF aiming for leveraged returns, typically providing a multiple of the daily performance of an index.

Assets under management (AUM): The total market value of assets a fund manages on behalf of investors.

Non-diversified: A fund that invests a large portion of assets in a small number of holdings, increasing concentration risk.

Leveraged ETF: An ETF using financial instruments to amplify returns, often targeting a multiple of an index’s daily performance.

Dividend yield: Annual dividends paid by an investment, expressed as a percentage of its current price.

Underlying holdings: The individual securities or assets that make up a fund’s portfolio.

Nasdaq-100 Index: An index of the 100 largest non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market.

Daily return objective: The fund’s goal to match or multiply the performance of its benchmark index each trading day.

Financial instruments: Contracts such as derivatives or swaps used to achieve specific investment outcomes.

Outperforming: Achieving a higher return than a specific benchmark or index over a given period.

Reportable assets: Assets that must be disclosed in regulatory filings, such as those reported to the SEC.

Ohio-based Hixon Zuercher disclosed in an SEC filing on Friday that it sold 10,631 shares of Caterpillar (CAT 2.07%)for an estimated $4.5 million in the third quarter.

What Happened

According to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission released on Friday, Hixon Zuercher reduced its Caterpillar position by 10,631 shares during the third quarter. The estimated transaction value, based on the average closing price in the period, was approximately $4.5 million. The fund reported holding 10,776 Caterpillar shares worth $5.1 million at the end of the third quarter.

What Else to Know

This sale reduced the Caterpillar stake to 1.6% of Hixon Zuercher’s reportable U.S. equity portfolio.

Top five holdings after the filing:

• GSIE: $23.4 million (7.1% of AUM)
• GSLC: $12.1 million (3.7% of AUM)
• MSFT: $9.9 million (3% of AUM)
• NVDA: $20 million (2.9% of AUM)
• JPM: $9.6 million (2.9% of AUM)

As of Tuesday morning, Caterpillar shares were priced at $507.73, up nearly 29% over the year and outperforming the S&P 500’s nearly 13% gain.

Company Overview

Company Snapshot

• Caterpillar offers construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines, and related financial products and services.
• It generates revenue through equipment sales, parts and service contracts, and financial solutions such as leases and loans.
• The company serves construction, mining, energy, transportation, and industrial customers globally, with a diversified client base spanning multiple sectors.

Caterpillar is a global leader in the manufacturing of heavy equipment and engines, operating at scale with over $63 billion in TTM revenue. The company’s integrated business model combines equipment sales with aftermarket services and financial solutions, supporting customer needs across the full equipment lifecycle.

Foolish Take

Hixon Zuercher trimmed its Caterpillar (NYSE: CAT) stake in the third quarter, selling shares worth roughly $4.5 million just as the heavy equipment giant continues to navigate a soft patch in its construction and resource segments. The move follows Caterpillar’s latest earnings, released in August, which showed sales dipping 1% year-over-year to $16.6 billion and operating profit margin falling to 17.3% from 20.9% amid weaker price realization and higher manufacturing costs tied to tariffs.

Still, Caterpillar’s energy and transformation unit remained a bright spot, with sales rising 7% to $7.8 billion on robust demand from the power generation and oil and gas markets. The company also generated $3.1 billion in operating cash flow during the quarter and returned $1.5 billion to shareholders through buybacks and dividends.

This week, Caterpillar announced plans to acquire Australian mining software firm RPMGlobal for $728 million, expanding its footprint in digital mining solutions and automation. Caterpillar shares have climbed about 4% since the announcement.

Glossary

AUM (Assets Under Management): The total market value of assets a fund or investment manager oversees on behalf of clients.
Reportable AUM: The portion of a fund’s assets required to be disclosed in regulatory filings, often U.S. equities only.
Filing: An official document submitted to a regulatory authority, such as the SEC, detailing financial or operational information.
Position: The amount of a particular security or asset held by an investor or fund.
Top five holdings: The five largest investments in a portfolio, ranked by market value.
Outperforming: Achieving a higher return than a specified benchmark or index over a given period.
Aftermarket services: Support and products provided after the initial equipment sale, such as maintenance, repairs, and parts.
Leases: Contracts allowing use of an asset for a set period in exchange for regular payments.
Financial solutions: Services like loans, leases, or other financing options offered to customers to support purchases.
Diversified client base: A wide range of customers from different industries or sectors, reducing reliance on any single group.
Integrated business model: A strategy combining multiple related business activities—such as sales, services, and financing—within one company.
TTM: The 12-month period ending with the most recent quarterly report.

When Diane Keaton was 11, her father told her she was growing into a pretty young woman and someday, a boy would make her happy. She was horrified. One boy? Keaton — then going by her birth name of Diane Hall — needed to be loved by everyone. It was an early sign that she was meant to be an actor.

“Intimacy meant only one person loved you, not thousands, not millions,” Keaton wrote decades later in her 2011 memoir “Then Again.” Like drinking and smoking, she added, intimacy should be handled with caution.

“I wanted to be Warren Beatty, not date him,” Keaton confessed, romancing fellow artists as long as their relationship was mutually stimulating and then after that, remaining friends. “I collect men,” she jokingly told me when I interviewed her a decade ago, referring to a photo wall in her Los Angeles home of fellows she admired, including Morgan Freeman, Abraham Lincoln, Gary Cooper and John Wayne. She wanted an excuse to add Ryan Gosling and Channing Tatum, so I suggested a love-triangle comedy as a twofer. “No! Not one movie!” Keaton exclaimed. “I want to keep my career going.”

Just as she hoped, millions of us did fall in love with Keaton, who died Saturday at age 79. She captivated us for over 50 years, from awards heavy-hitters to a late-career string of hangout comedies that weren’t about anything more than the joy of spending time with Diane Keaton, or in the case of her 2022 body swap movie “Mack & Rita,” the thrill of becoming Diane Keaton.

In her final films, including “Summer Camp” and the “Book Club” franchise, Keaton pretty much only played variations of herself, providing reason enough to watch. I looked forward to the moment her character fully embraced looking like Diane Keaton, writing in my otherwise middling review of “Mack & Rita” that the sequence in which she “picks up a kooky blazer and wide belt is presented with the anticipation of Bruce Wayne reaching for his cowl.”

I wanted to be Diane Keaton, even if she wanted to be Warren Beatty.

The contradiction of her career is that the things we in the audience loved about her — the breezy humor, the self-deprecating charm, the iconic threads — were Keaton’s attempts to mask her own insecurities. She struggled to love herself. Even after success, Keaton remained iffy about her looks, her talent and her achievements. In interviews, she openly admitted to feeling inadequate in her signature halting, circular stammers. That is, when she’d consent to be interviewed at all, which in the first decade of her career was so rare that Keaton, loping across Central Park in baggy pants to the white-on-white apartment where she lived alone, was essentially a movie star Sasquatch.

Journalists described her as a modern Garbo. “Her habit is to clutch privacy about her like a shawl,” Time Magazine wrote in 1977, the year that “Annie Hall” and “Looking for Mr. Goodbar” established Keaton as a kooky sweetheart with serious range. I love that simile because she did refer to her wardrobe as an “impenetrable fortress.” The more bizarre the ensemble — jackets over skirts over pants over boots — the less anyone would notice the person wearing it.

Odd ducks like myself adored the whole package, including her relatable candor. She showed us how to charge through the world with aplomb, even when you’re nervous as heck.

Once young Keaton decided she wanted to perform, she set about auditioning for everything from the church choir and the cheerleading squad to the class play. But her school had a traditionally beautiful ingenue who landed the leads. This was Orange County, after all. Keaton would go home, stare at the mirror and feel disappointed by her reflection. She dreamed of looking like perky, platinum blond Doris Day. Instead, she saw a miniature Amelia Earhart. (She’d eventually get a Golden Globe nomination for playing Earhart on television in 1994.)

Keaton stuck a clothespin on the tip of her nose to make it smaller, and acted the part of an extrovert: big laugh, big hair and, when she stopped liking her hair, big hats. By age 15, she was assembling the bold, black and white wardrobe she’d wear forever and her taste for monochrome clothes was already so entrenched that she wrote Judy Garland a fan letter wondering why Dorothy had to leave Kansas for garish Oz. She might have been the only person to ever ask that question.

Not too long after that, Keaton flew across the country to New York where several things happened in short succession that would have puffed up anyone else’s ego. The drama coach Sanford Meisner gave her his blessing. The Broadway hit “Hair” gave her the main part (and agreed she could stay fully clothed). And “The Godfather,” the No. 1 box office hit of 1972, plucked Keaton from stage obscurity to give the fledgling screen actor its crucial final shot, a close-up.

Keaton made $6,000 for “The Godfather,” less than a quarter of her salary for the national deodorant commercial she’d shot a year earlier. Her memories from the set of the first film were uncharacteristically terse. Her wig was heavy, her part was “background music” and the one time Marlon Brando spoke to her, he said, “Nice tits.”

Nevertheless, Keaton’s Kay is so soft, friendly and assured when she first meets the Corleone clan at a wedding, sweetly refusing to let her boyfriend Michael dodge how the family knows the pop singer Johnny Fontane, that it’s heartbreaking (and impressive) to watch her become smaller and harder across her few scenes. But Keaton says she never saw the finished movie. “I couldn’t stand looking at myself,” she wrote in “Then Again.”

Woody Allen put the Keaton he adored front and center when he wrote “Annie Hall.” He wanted audiences to fall in love with the singular daffiness of his former girlfriend and it worked like gangbusters. It’s my favorite of his movies and my favorite of hers, and there’s just no use in pretending otherwise, as obvious of a pick as it is. Even now that I know the Annie Hall I worship is a shy woman putting on a show of being herself, the “la-di-dah” confidence she projects makes her the most precious of screen presences: the icon who feels like friend.

But I wonder if Allen also made “Annie Hall” so that Diane Keaton could fall in love with Diane Keaton just as he had. Maybe if she saw herself through his eyes, it could convince her that she really was sexy, sparkling and hilarious. But Keaton only watched “Annie Hall” once, in an ordinary theater well after it opened, and she found the experience of staring at herself miserable. She never absorbed her lead actress Oscar win. “I knew I didn’t deserve it,” she said. “I’d won an Academy Award for playing an affable version of myself.”

Nearly herself, that is. The onscreen version of Keaton is stumped when Alvy Singer brings her a copy of the philosophical tome “Death and Western Thought.” But a decade later, Keaton directed “Heaven,” an entire documentary about the subject, in which she asked street preachers and Don King and her 94-year-old grandmother how they imagined the afterlife. (As in Allen’s movie, her grandmother actually was named Grammy Hall.)

“Heaven” is an experimental film that’s heavy on dramatic shadows and surreal old movie footage, the sort of thing that would play best on an art gallery wall. It flopped, as test screenings warned it would, cautioning Keaton that her directorial debut only appealed to female weirdos — people like her. Keaton isn’t a voice in the film. Yet, that she made it at all makes every frame feel personal, and you hear her affection for the cadence of her occasionally tongue-tied subjects. Her first interviewee stutters, “Uh, heaven, heaven is, uh, um, let me see.” Exactly how Annie Hall would have put it.

Today more than ever, I’m wishing Keaton had been comfortable turning her camera on herself. I’d have liked to watch her explain where she thinks she’s gone, however adorably flustered the answer. But in her four memoirs, she safely bared all in print, openly confronting her harsh inner critic, her battle with bulimia, and — yes, Alvy — her musings on death.

“I don’t know if I have the courage to stare into the spectacle of the great unknown,” Keaton wrote in 2014’s “Let’s Just Say It Wasn’t Pretty,” sounding as apprehensive as ever. “I don’t know if I will make bold mistakes, go out on a blaze of glory unbroken by my losses, defy complacency, and refuse to face the unknown like the coward I know myself to be.”

At last, a sliver of confidence peeks out. “But I hope so.”

On behalf of her millions of fans, I hope so too.

On Thursday, Bartlett & Co. Wealth Management LLC disclosed that it reduced its position in TJX Companies (TJX 0.67%), selling shares for an estimated $2.5 million based on the average price for the quarter ended September 30.

What Happened

Bartlett & Co. Wealth Management reported in a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filing released on Thursday, that it reduced its holdings in TJX Companies (TJX 0.67%) by 19,095 shares. The estimated value of the shares sold was approximately $2.5 million based on the average price for the quarter ended September 30.

What Else to Know

This was a sell, leaving Bartlett’s TJX stake at 2% of the fund’s 13F reportable assets under management.

Top holdings after the filing:

• NASDAQ:MSFT: $508.1 million (6.4% of AUM)
• NASDAQ:GOOGL: $442.8 million (5.6% of AUM)
• NASDAQ:AAPL: $434.3 million (5.5% of AUM)
• NYSE:BRK-B: $399.9 million (5.1% of AUM)
• NYSE:PG: $332.4 million (4.2% of AUM)

As of Monday afternoon, shares were priced at $141.77, up 23% over the past year and well outperforming the S&P 500’s nearly 14% gain.

Company Overview

Company Snapshot

• TJX Companies offers off-price apparel, footwear, accessories, and home fashions through brands including T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods, Sierra, and Homesense.
• It operates a high-volume, value-driven retail model focused on sourcing branded merchandise at significant discounts and selling through a broad store network and e-commerce platforms.
• The company serves value-conscious consumers in North America, Europe, and Australia, with a diversified portfolio and substantial e-commerce presence.

TJX Companies is a leading global off-price retailer with a broad geographic reach and a focus on delivering branded merchandise at value prices, supporting consistent revenue growth and profitability.

Foolish Take

Bartlett & Co. Wealth Management’s $2.5 million trim of its TJX Companies position might reflect a modest rebalancing rather than a loss of conviction in one of retail’s most resilient players. Even after the sale, TJX remains one of Bartlett’s top consumer holdings, backed by a track record of consistent growth and a loyal value-oriented customer base.

TJX has outperformed much of the retail sector this year, with shares up more than 20% year-over-year following strong fiscal second-quarter results. The off-price retailer reported 7% revenue growth to $14.4 billion and earnings per share up 15% to $1.10. Comparable store sales rose 4%, led by strength at HomeGoods and international banners. The company also raised full-year guidance for profit margin and EPS, projecting continued growth through the holiday season.

With a global footprint exceeding 5,100 stores, TJX’s mix of flexibility, scale, and customer loyalty continues to drive performance. For Bartlett, the reduction likely reflects profit-taking after a sustained run rather than a bearish view on the retailer’s fundamentals.

Glossary

13F reportable assets under management (AUM): The total value of securities a fund must report quarterly to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on Form 13F.

Position: The amount of a particular security or asset held by an investor or fund.

Top holdings: The largest investments in a fund’s portfolio, usually by market value or percentage of assets.

Outperformed: Delivered a higher return compared to a specific benchmark or index over a given period.

Off-price retailer: A retailer selling branded goods at prices lower than traditional retail stores, often through discount sourcing.

Stake: The ownership interest or investment a person or entity holds in a company.

Value-driven retail model: A business approach focused on offering products at lower prices to attract cost-conscious consumers.

TTM: The 12-month period ending with the most recent quarterly report.

Fund: A pooled investment vehicle managed by professionals, investing in various assets on behalf of clients.

Trade: The act of buying or selling a security or asset in the financial markets.

Louisbourg Investments increased its stake in ATS Corporation (ATS 2.97%), buying 113,773 shares in the third quarter for an estimated $3.3 million.

What Happened

According to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission released on Thursday, Louisbourg Investments added 113,773 shares of ATS Corporation (ATS 2.97%)in the third quarter. The estimated transaction value was $3.3 million based on the average price during the period. The fund held 215,295 shares, with a position value of $5.6 million, at the end of the quarter.

What Else to Know

The ATS Corporation stake is now 1.2% of Louisbourg Investments’ 13F reportable AUM.

Top holdings after the filing:

• NYSE:CNI: $28.5 million (6.2% of AUM)
• NASDAQ:SHOP: $15.1 million (3.3% of AUM)
• NASDAQ:MSFT: $13.3 million (2.9% of AUM)
• NYSE:WPM: $12.7 million (2.8% of AUM)
• NYSEMKT:IVV: $12.3 million (2.7% of AUM)

As of Monday afternoon, ATS Corporation shares were priced at $26.09, down 13% over the past year and well underperforming the S&P 500’s 13% gain in the same period.

Company Overview

Company Snapshot

• ATS provides automation solutions, including planning, design, build, commissioning, and servicing of automated manufacturing and assembly systems, as well as software and digital factory management tools.
• It generates revenue through turnkey automation projects, pre- and post-automation services, contract manufacturing, and value-added engineering and integration services across multiple industries.
• The company serves clients in life sciences, transportation, consumer products, food and beverage, electronics, nuclear, packaging, warehousing, distribution, and energy sectors worldwide.

ATS Corporation provides automation solutions to a broad range of industries worldwide. The company leverages advanced engineering and digital solutions to deliver end-to-end automation systems for complex manufacturing environments. Its focus on innovation, service, and integration enables customers to drive operational efficiency and sustainable production improvements.

Foolish Take

Louisbourg Investments’ $3.3 million purchase of 113,773 shares of ATS Corporation signals growing confidence in the Canadian automation company despite a rocky year for the stock. The new stake lifted ATS to about 1.2% of Louisbourg’s portfolio—a smaller weight than core holdings like Canadian National Railway and Shopify but one that adds industrial diversification to an otherwise tech-heavy mix.

ATS shares have fallen roughly 13% over the past year as margin pressures and leadership changes weighed on sentiment. In its latest quarter, the company reported 6% revenue growth to $736.7 million, driven by acquisitions and a strong backlog in life sciences and food automation. However, net income slipped to $24 million from $35 million a year ago, and adjusted EBITDA margin narrowed to 13.8% from 15.3%. Still, a $2.1 billion order backlog suggests solid demand and visibility ahead.

For Louisbourg, the position may represent a long-term bet on automation as manufacturers invest in efficiency and reshoring capacity. Compared to its larger tech holdings like Microsoft and Shopify, ATS adds a cyclical but strategic growth complement with exposure to high-value industrial innovation.

Glossary

13F reportable AUM: The portion of a fund’s assets under management disclosed in quarterly SEC Form 13F filings.
AUM (Assets Under Management): The total market value of investments managed by a fund or investment firm.
Turnkey automation projects: Complete automation solutions delivered ready for immediate use by the client.
Contract manufacturing: Outsourcing production to a third-party company that manufactures products on behalf of another firm.
Value-added engineering: Engineering services that enhance a product’s functionality, efficiency, or performance beyond basic requirements.
Integration services: Services that combine different systems or components into a unified, functioning whole.
Commissioning: The process of testing and verifying that a new system or equipment operates as intended before full operation.
Digital factory management tools: Software solutions designed to monitor, control, and optimize manufacturing operations digitally.
TTM: The 12-month period ending with the most recent quarterly report.

As you think about and plan for retirement, you may be wondering how to get to a nest egg of $1 million. (Note, though, that the precise amount you will need for retirement might be more or less than that.) Let’s see how you can grow your wealth — whether you start with $100,000 or $0 or some other sum.

There are multiple ways you can achieve your financial goals. I’ll review a few here. Even if you’re very late to retirement planning, you may be able to significantly improve your financial condition.

Image source: Getty Images.

I mentioned $100,000 because lots of people feel that they’re behind in saving for retirement, but many might have saved that much by now. If you have less than that, take heart — you’re not alone. Check out these numbers from the 2024 EBRI/Greenwald Research Retirement Confidence Survey.

Source: 2024 EBRI/Greenwald Research Retirement Confidence Survey. *Excluding the value of a primary home.

See? Fully 47% of workers had less than $100,000 socked away, and 29% had less than $25,000.

1. Index funds for the win!

For most of us, simple low-fee index funds that own shares in a variety of stocks can be all we need to amass significant wealth. An index fund tracks a particular index of securities, aiming to deliver roughly the same return (less fees) by owning roughly the same securities. So an S&P 500 index fund would aim to deliver roughly the same results as the index — which has averaged annual gains of close to 10% over many decades, though that includes up years and down years and isn’t guaranteed to be up when you need the money.

To do some math, here’s how your money would grow over time at 8%. The table below assumes you start with $0:

Calculations by author.

As long as you’re not retiring soon, you may be able to get to that $1 million goal. Remember, too, that you can speed up the process if you can sock away more money regularly, especially in your early years, giving those dollars more time to grow. And if you’re starting with $100,000, you’ve got a great head start!

Here are three index funds to consider:

• Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (NYSEMKT: VOO): This fund has a very low annual fee and includes the shares of 500 of the biggest companies in America, which together make up around 80% of the entire U.S. market.
• Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (NYSEMKT: VTI): This ETF has a wider scope, aiming to own shares of all U.S. stocks, including the small and medium-sized ones that don’t make it into the S&P 500.
• Vanguard Total World Stock ETF (NYSEMKT: VT): This ETF aims to encompass just about all the stocks in the world.

2. Dividend stocks

While index funds can be all you need, you may want to consider dividend-paying stocks for your portfolio, too, as they have beaten other types of stocks.

Data source: Ned Davis Research and Hartford Funds.

If you have, say, $300,000 invested in dividend payers with an overall dividend yield of 4%, that would generate $12,000 annually — about $1,000 per month. That’s very handy income in retirement, and it doesn’t require you to sell any shares, either. Better still, healthy and growing dividend payers tend to increase their payouts over time, which can help you keep up with inflation.

3. Growth stocks

If you want to aim for much higher average annual growth rates for your portfolio, you might add some growth stocks to it. Just know that this introduces more risk — because while many growth stocks will deliver phenomenal returns, others will flame out. Growth stocks tend to grow faster than other stocks, but when circumstances change, they can fall harder.

You might try to manage the risk by spreading your dollars across a bunch of them. The Motley Fool investing philosophy suggests buying into around 25 or more companies and aiming to hang on to your shares for at least five years. Investing is best used as a long-term money-making effort. 

Those are three approaches to building your wealth as you aim for a million dollars or more. You don’t have to choose just one of them, either. You might engage in them all, to some degree.

In the late 1990s and early aughts, the conservative Parents Television Council struck fear in the hearts of network TV executives for its high-profile campaigns against shows it deemed too raunchy.

The watchdog group, founded by conservative commentator L. Brent Bozell III, railed against Fox’s “Melrose Place” and “Family Guy”; NBC’s “Just Shoot Me”; and the CW’s “Gossip Girl.” It also singled out CBS following the infamous Janet Jackson-Justin Timberlake “nipplegate” controversy during the 2004 Super Bowl halftime show when the singer’s breast was briefly exposed.

But the Parents Television Council Inc. — whose members lodged thousands of indecency complaints with the Federal Communications Commission — has folded. Earlier this month, the Burbank-based nonprofit filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Delaware court, saying it had $284,823 in liabilities, which include staff member salaries, insurance payments and credit card debt. The filing lists $91,874 in assets.

The group’s demise reflects broad cultural changes, including a fractured media environment and consumers’ shift to streaming and social media apps such as TikTok for entertainment. Parents also have tools, including the ability to configure settings on streaming accounts to try to shield children from inappropriate content.

The PTC’s power came, in large part, from its ability to flood the FCC with indecency complaints. But the FCC, which licenses broadcasters, does not regulate streaming services, YouTube or TikTok.

The council had clout with advertisers, which put pressure on network programmers to minimize shows that would raise the group’s ire and threats of boycotts.

“I’m disappointed but I’m still very proud of what we did and what we achieved,” Tim Winter, former president of the group, said Friday. “We were able to raise awareness about so many important issues — issues that are still out there.”

“Like most businesses, it came down to money,” said Winter, who retired three years ago. “It’s just a slog out there to fundraise.”

Decades ago, the group hauled in millions of dollars in donations. The PTC boasted more than 653,000 members and supporters by 2000. However, in 2023, the most recent year of available tax reports, the Parents Television Council raised just $1.6 million, down from $4.7 million in 2007.

The group, which also went by Parents Television and Media Council, was formed in 1995 by Bozell as the Hollywood arm of his Virginia-based Media Research Center.

Bozell, long a booster of President Trump, now serves in his administration as ambassador to South Africa.

One of the PTC’s early efforts was to urge broadcasters to reserve the 8 p.m. hour for family-friendly fare. That was the custom of the networks in the 1970s; but two decades later, there was a rise in sexually suggestive content.

Over the years, the group hired analysts to monitor TV programming, published detailed reports and TV show rankings. Winter testified before a U.S. Senate committee hearing in 2007 on the impact of media violence on children.

Advertisers were sensitive to the PTC’s warnings.

“We were able to redirect tens of millions of dollars away from more explicit programming and into more family-friendly shows,” Winter said.

The PTC also spoke out against media consolidation, which accelerated in the 1990s, “the problem of having too few voices hold the microphone,” Winter said.

While it initially focused on broadcast shows, the group went after others, including Netflix when it offered the show “13 Reasons Why,” based on a book about a 17-year-old girl who died by suicide. The PTC, and other organizations, decried the series, fearing it would encourage more deaths.

Netflix responded by deleting a graphic suicide scene, and the show was later canceled.

“The media culture is no less toxic than it was years ago. And in some ways, it is more toxic,” Winter said, adding that other organizations will have to carry the mantle. “The mission is more important than ever.”

The campaign aims to protect the children from the drug-resistant disease spreading across South Asia.

Bangladesh has begun a nationwide vaccination campaign to protect millions of children from typhoid, a life-threatening disease that is becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics.

The monthlong drive, launched on Sunday, aims to immunise about 50 million children aged between nine months and 15 years with a single dose of the typhoid conjugate vaccine (TCV).

The vaccine, approved by the World Health Organization (WHO), offers protection for up to five years and is being distributed free under the government’s Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI).

The campaign follows mounting concerns over drug-resistant typhoid strains spreading across South Asia. Pakistan has been battling a strain since 2016 that is resistant to nearly all antibiotics except one.

Health workers in Bangladesh are administering the vaccine through schools, clinics, and door-to-door visits, prioritising urban slums and remote villages. The campaign will run until November 13, after which TCV will be included in the country’s regular immunisation schedule.

Typhoid, caused by Salmonella Typhi bacteria, spreads through contaminated food and water. It triggers fever, abdominal pain, and nausea, and can cause fatal complications if untreated.

Researchers in Bangladesh have recently identified ceftriaxone-resistant strains – a worrying development, as ceftriaxone remains one of the last effective treatments.

Experts warn that without preventive action, resistant strains could make typhoid far harder to manage. Supported by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the campaign aims to lower infection rates and limit the spread of resistance.

Inaugurating the drive, the government’s health adviser, Nurjahan Begum, said it was “shameful” that children still die from typhoid in Bangladesh. She expressed hope that the country would defeat the disease as it did diarrhoea and night blindness.

Officials highlighted the vaccine’s strong safety record in neighbouring countries such as Pakistan, Nepal, and in India’s Mumbai, where no major side effects were reported.

Trust Co disclosed the purchase of 209,679 additional shares of Vanguard Bond Index Funds – Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF, estimated at $15.44 million (rounded from $15,439,353), in its SEC filing for the period ended September 30, 2025, submitted on October 6, 2025.

What happened

According to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission dated October 06, 2025, Trust Co increased its stake in Vanguard Bond Index Funds – Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF(BND 0.40%) by 209,679 shares during the quarter. The estimated value of shares acquired is $15.44 million, based on the average price for the period.

What else to know

The fund added to its BND position, which now represents 7.0660% of reportable assets under management.

Top holdings following the filing:

• SHV: $84,464,498 (8.6% of AUM)
• BND: $69.08 million (7.1% of AUM)
• AGG: $66.39 million (6.8% of AUM)
• VUG: $62,950,365 (6.4% of AUM)
• VTV: $59,005,900 (6.0% of AUM)

BND’s trailing twelve-month dividend yield was 3.79% as of October 6, 2025.

Company overview

Company snapshot

Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF (BND) tracks the performance of the broad U.S. investment-grade taxable bond market through a passively managed, index-sampling strategy.

Its portfolio includes U.S. government, corporate, mortgage-backed, and asset-backed securities with maturities over one year, providing diversified fixed income exposure.

The fund serves institutional and retail investors seeking broad, low-cost exposure to the U.S. bond market.

Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF (BND) is one of the largest fixed income ETFs, offering investors comprehensive access to the U.S. investment-grade bond universe.

Foolish take

Trust Co added $15.4 million worth of Vanguard Bond Index Funds – Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF. This addition increased it position to roughly 7% of total AUM, showing meaningful exposure.

As one of the largest bond ETFS, BND gives investors a one-stop exposure to the U.S bond market, spanning Treasuries, corporate bonds and mortgage backed securities. It is often used as a foundation for income-oriented portfolios that value stability and diversification.

The renewed demand for broad funds like BND reflects a shift from several years of stock-heavy market leadership. With interest rates still elevated, investors are finding value in locking in higher bond yields while they last. That makes funds like BND appealing again to both institutional and individual investors looking for steady returns.

For long term investors, adding BND can steady a portfolio while still collecting a reliable income stream. Its stability and diversification make it a solid foundation for any balanced portfolio.

Glossary

13F reportable assets:Assets that institutional investment managers must disclose quarterly to the SEC if they exceed $100 million.

AUM (Assets Under Management):The total market value of assets an investment manager handles on behalf of clients.

ETF (Exchange-Traded Fund):A fund that trades on stock exchanges and holds a diversified portfolio of securities.

Dividend yield:Annual dividends paid by an investment, expressed as a percentage of its current price.

Trailing twelve-month (TTM) dividend yield:Dividend yield calculated using dividends paid over the last twelve months.

Index-sampling strategy:A method where a fund holds a representative sample of securities from an index, not every component.

Investment-grade:Bonds rated as relatively low risk of default by credit rating agencies.

Fixed income:Investment securities that pay regular interest, such as bonds, providing predictable income streams.

Mortgage-backed securities:Bonds secured by a pool of mortgages, with payments passed through to investors.

Asset-backed securities:Bonds backed by pools of assets like loans, leases, or receivables, rather than mortgages.

Passively managed:An investment approach aiming to replicate the performance of a market index, with minimal trading.

Stake:The total ownership or holding an investor has in a particular security or fund.

Ausbil Investment Management Ltd disclosed a purchase of approximately $4.31 million in NextEra Energy (NEE -0.50%) shares, according to an SEC filing for the period ended September 30, 2025.

What Happened

According to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission dated October 08, 2025, Ausbil increased its position in NextEra Energy by 58,977 shares during the quarter. The fund held 140,270 shares, worth $11.04 million as of quarter-end.

What Else to Know

Fund bought shares, bringing its NextEra Energy stake to 5.9% of reportable AUM

Top holdings after the filing:

• NEE: $11.04 million (5.9% of AUM) as of September 30, 2025
• NSC: $10.08 million (5.4% of AUM) as of September 30, 2025
• CSX: $10.06 million (5.4% of AUM) as of September 30, 2025
• LNG: $7.71 million (4.1% of AUM) as of September 30, 2025
• ES: $7.32 million (3.9% of AUM) as of September 30, 2025

As of October 8, 2025, shares were priced at $84.04, up 4.4% in the past year, underperforming the S&P 500 by 10.65 percentage points over the same period.

Company Overview

Company Snapshot

NextEra Energy generates, transmits, and distributes electric power through wind, solar, nuclear, coal, and natural gas facilities, with a growing portfolio in renewable energy and battery storage projects.

The company operates a regulated utility business and develops long-term contracted clean energy assets, earning revenue primarily from electricity sales and energy infrastructure services.

It serves about 11 million people through roughly 5.7 million customer accounts on the east and lower west coasts of Florida as of December 31, 2021.

NextEra Energy, Inc. is a leading North American utility and renewable energy provider with significant scale and a diversified generation portfolio. Its strategic focus on renewables and grid modernization positions it as a key player in the transition to sustainable energy.

Foolish Take

Ausbil Investment Management’s decision to acquire more than $4.3 million worth of NextEra Energy stock looks like a big bet on a stock that has underperformed the benchmark S&P 500 over the last year. Bear in mind, following this purchase, NextEra Energy is now Ausbil’s largest single position. The stock now represents nearly 6% of its total AUM, meaning the portfolio managers have strong conviction in NextEra’s potential.

Nevertheless, NextEra’s three-year performance isn’t anything to write home about. Shares have generated a three-year total return of only 18%, which equates to a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.8%. Meanwhile, the S&P 500 has generated a total return of 90% over that same period and a CAGR of 23.8%.

In other words, this is a notable buy, as it shows at least one large institutional money manager is making a significant bet on NextEra stock. Given the company’s key role within the North American utility industry and its focus on renewables and sustainable energy, investors who are seeking exposure to the utility sector may be well served by giving NextEra stock a closer look.

That said, NextEra’s chronic underperformance versus the S&P 500 should also be taken into account. No institutional move should ever be the sole reason for buying or selling a stock, and while this move is significant, NextEra stock still has much to prove.

Glossary

13F reportable AUM: Assets under management reported by institutional investment managers on SEC Form 13F, covering certain U.S. securities.
Dividend Yield: Annual dividends per share divided by the share price, expressed as a percentage.
Regulated utility: A utility company whose rates and operations are overseen by government agencies to protect consumers.
Long-term contracted clean energy assets: Renewable energy projects with multi-year agreements to sell electricity at set prices.
Grid modernization: Upgrading electric power infrastructure to improve reliability, efficiency, and support for renewable energy.
Battery storage projects: Facilities that store electricity for later use, helping balance supply and demand on the grid.
Stake: The ownership interest or shareholding an investor holds in a company.
Trailing the S&P 500: Underperforming the S&P 500 index over a specified period.
TTM: The 12-month period ending with the most recent quarterly report.
Quarter-end: The last day of a fiscal quarter, used for financial reporting and valuation.
Contracted revenue: Income guaranteed by signed agreements, often over multiple years.

Half of the population is projected to experience critical food shortages by mid-2026 as armed groups block aid.

More than half of Haiti’s population is experiencing critical levels of hunger as armed groups tighten their grip across the Caribbean nation and the ravaged economy continues its downward spiral.

A report released on Friday by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) found that some 5.7 million Haitians – of a population of roughly 11 million – are facing severe food shortages. The crisis threatens to worsen as gang violence displaces families, destroys agricultural production, and prevents aid from reaching those desperately in need.

The assessment shows 1.9 million people are already at emergency hunger levels, marked by severe food gaps and dangerous rates of malnutrition. Another 3.8 million face crisis-level food insecurity.

The situation is expected to deteriorate further, with nearly six million people projected to face acute hunger by mid-2026 as Haiti enters its lean agricultural season.

Haiti’s government announced plans on Friday to establish a Food and Nutrition Security Office to coordinate relief efforts. Louis Gerald Gilles, a member of the transitional presidential council, said authorities would mobilise resources quickly to reach those most affected.

But the response faces enormous obstacles. Armed groups now control an estimated 90 percent of Port-au-Prince, the capital, and have expanded into agricultural regions in recent months.

Violence has forced 1.3 million people from their homes – a 24 percent increase since December – with many sheltering in overcrowded temporary sites lacking basic services.

Farmers who remain on their land must negotiate with gangs for access and surrender portions of their harvests. Small businesses have shuttered, eliminating income sources for countless families. Even when crops reach normal yields, produce cannot reach Port-au-Prince because gangs block the main roads.

The economic devastation compounds the crisis. Haiti has recorded six consecutive years of recession, while food prices jumped 33 percent last July compared with the previous year.

The deepening emergency affects children with particular severity. A separate report this week found 680,000 children displaced by violence – nearly double previous figures – with more than 1,000 schools forced to close and hundreds of minors recruited by armed groups.

The international community authorised a new 5,550-member “gang suppression force” at the United Nations earlier this month, replacing a smaller mission that struggled with funding shortages.

But the security situation remains volatile. On Thursday, heavy gunfire erupted when government officials attempted to meet at the National Palace in downtown Port-au-Prince, forcing a hasty evacuation from an area long controlled by gangs.

Martine Villeneuve, Haiti director at Action Against Hunger, warned that while some improvements have been made, progress remains fragile without long-term investment to address the crisis’s root causes.

On October 10, 2025, DKM Wealth Management, Inc. disclosed a new position in Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1, acquiring 7,935 shares for an estimated $4.76 million in Q3 2025.

What happened

According to a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission dated October 10, 2025, DKM Wealth Management, Inc. initiated a position in Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ -3.46%), purchasing approximately 7,935 shares in Q3 2025. The estimated transaction value is $4,763,936 in Q3 2025. This brings the fund’s total QQQ position to $4.76 million, with no prior holding reported last quarter.

What else to know

This is a new position for the fund, now accounting for 3.8% of DKM Wealth Management, Inc.’s $124.58 million in reportable U.S. equity assets in Q3 2025.

Top holdings after the filing:

• (NASDAQ:TBLD): $18.72 million (15.0% of AUM) in Q3 2025
• (NYSEMKT:TCAF): $14,341,015 (11.5113% of AUM) as of September 30, 2025
• (NYSE:SOR): $12.86 million (10.3% of AUM) in Q3 2025
• (NYSEMKT:GRNY): $9.22 million (7.4% of AUM) in Q3 2025
• (NYSEMKT:ITOT): $7,186,455 (5.7685% of AUM) as of September 30, 2025

As of October 9, 2025, shares of Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 were priced at $610.70, up 23.84% for the year through October 9, 2025, outperforming the S&P 500 by 8.38 percentage points

Company overview

Company snapshot

The investment strategy seeks to track the performance of the NASDAQ-100 Index®.

The portfolio is periodically rebalanced to maintain alignment with the index.

The fund is structured as a trust.

Invesco QQQ Trust offers investors targeted exposure to the NASDAQ-100 Index. The fund’s strategy uses periodic rebalancing to closely mirror index composition and weights.

Foolish take

DKM Wealth Management opened a new position in Invesco’s popular QQQ Trust in Q3 2025, to the tune of $4.8 million and over 7,900 shares. Because QQQ tracks the NASDAQ-100, it gives DKM Wealth Management and other investors a more balanced exposure to tech stocks without nearly as much risk as would be present in investing in individual technology companies.

This has pros and cons, since any individual tech holding can suddenly become a hot commodity and its value balloon dramatically in the current market environment. However, by selecting a basket of tech giants, investors can largely avoid the dramatic ups and downs involved with this sector, and are protected from the more serious losses that can also be present here.

QQQ is an ETF that’s frequently and sometimes aggressively traded, more preferred by active traders than its very similar cousin, QQQM.  QQQ also has higher liquidity, which may be preferred by DKM if the fund feels that this is a shorter term investment, rather than a permanent portfolio balancing move. It can certainly be held long term like QQQM typically is, but it has a higher expense ratio and a higher per share price. Don’t expect this to be a long-term move.

Glossary

13F reportable assets: Assets that U.S. institutional investment managers must disclose quarterly to the SEC on Form 13F.
Assets under management (AUM): The total market value of investments managed on behalf of clients by a fund or firm.
Position: The amount of a particular security or investment held by an investor or fund.
Trust (fund structure): An investment fund organized as a legal trust, often holding assets on behalf of investors.
Periodic rebalancing: Adjusting a portfolio’s holdings at set intervals to maintain target asset allocations or index alignment.
Dividend yield: The annual dividend income from an investment, expressed as a percentage of its current price.
Total return: The investment’s price change plus all dividends and distributions, assuming those payouts are reinvested.
NASDAQ-100 Index®: A stock market index comprising 100 of the largest non-financial companies listed on the NASDAQ exchange.
Outperforming: Achieving a higher return than a benchmark index or comparable investment over a given period.
Market value: The current total value of a holding, calculated as the share price multiplied by the number of shares owned.

A SINGLE UK ticket-holder has won the £25million EuroMillions jackpot, The National Lottery has announced.

The winning numbers for the Friday night draw were 06, 07, 17, 20 and 21 with the Lucky Star numbers 01 and 10.

1

It marks the second Friday in a row that a UK ticket-holder has won the top prize, and the fourth time this year.

Andy Carter, senior winners’ adviser at Allwyn, operator of The National Lottery, said: “Wow, it’s been an exciting night for EuroMillions players, as a single UK ticket-holder has landed the amazing £25m jackpot.

“That’s two UK EuroMillions jackpot wins in the space of a week, after another lucky player scooped the incredible £26M jackpot in last Friday’s draw (3 October).

“Players are now urged to check their tickets and to give us a call if they think they are tonight’s lucky winner.”

Every EuroMillions ticket also bags you an automatic entry into the UK Millionaire Maker, which guarantees at least one player will pocket £1million in every draw.

The UK Millionaire Maker Selection winner is: TGXG94724.

The first EuroMillions draw took place on February 7, 2004, by three organisations: France’s Française des Jeux, Loterías y Apuestas del Estado in Spain and the Camelot in the UK.

One of the UK’s biggest prizes was up for grabs on December, 4, 2020 with a whopping £175million EuroMillions jackpot, which would make a winner richer than Adele.

Another previous UK winner who’s whole life was altered with their jackpot was a player who wanted to remain anonymous on October 8, 2019. They walked off with a cool £170,221,000.

Colin and Chris Weir, from Largs in Scotland, netted a huge £161,653,000 in the July 12, 2011.

Adrian and Gillian Bayford, from Haverhill, Suffolk, picked up £148,656,000 after they played the draw on August, 10, 2012, while Jane Park became Britain’s youngest lottery winner when she scooped up £1 million in 2013.

The odds of winning any EuroMillions prize are 1 in 13.

Everything you need to know about Lottery and EuroMillions

On October 8, 2025, Osprey Private Wealth LLC disclosed a buy of 13,580 shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co.(JPM -0.63%), an estimated $4.04 million trade.

What happened

According to its SEC filing dated October 8, 2025, Osprey Private Wealth LLC acquired an additional 13,580 shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. in the third quarter of 2025. The estimated value of the shares purchased is approximately $4.04 million, based on the average closing price for the quarter. The post-trade position stands at 48,910 shares, worth $15.43 million at quarter-end.

What else to know

The fund increased its JPMorgan Chase & Co. stake, now representing 5.6% of reportable assets.

Osprey’s top holdings after the filing:

• Alphabet: $22.44 million (8.2% of AUM) as of September 30, 2025
• Nvidia: $21.11 million (7.7% of AUM) as of September 30, 2025
• JPMorgan Chase: $15.43 million (5.6% of AUM) as of September 30, 2025
• Meta Platforms: $14.74 million (5.4% of AUM) as of September 30, 2025
• Visa: $12.47 million (4.5% of AUM) as of September 30, 2025

As of October 7, 2025, shares were priced at $307.69, up 45.9% over the past year, outperforming the S&P 500 by 32.0 percentage points over the past year

Company overview

Company snapshot

JPMorgan Chase:

• offers a comprehensive suite of financial products and services, including consumer banking, investment banking, commercial banking, asset and wealth management, and payment solutions.
• serves a broad client base comprising individual consumers, small businesses, corporations, institutional investors, and government entities worldwide.
• operates globally with significant scale across multiple banking segments.

JPMorgan Chase & Co. is one of the world’s largest and most diversified financial institutions, with significant scale across consumer, commercial, and investment banking segments. The company’s integrated business model and global reach enable it to capture a wide range of revenue streams and maintain a strong competitive position.

Foolish take

While Osprey’s addition of $4 million to its JPMorgan Chase position purchase may seem encouraging to investors, it may not be as big a deal as it looks.

Despite this hefty purchase, Osprey’s portfolio allocation to JPMorgan Chase actually dipped from 5.7% to 5.6%. This decline stems from the fact that the firm added to almost all of the investments it holds.

Ultimately, Osprey mostly holds niche-leading stocks that may prove hard to disrupt, so its 5.6% in JP Morgan Chase — making it the largest bank in the United States — fits this billing nicely.

Despite being the largest bank here in the states, JPMorgan Chase has grown its net income and dividend payments by 13% and 9% annually over the last decade.

This growth, paired with the company’s solid return on equity of 16%, reasonable price-to-earnings ratio of 16, and top-quality leadership, makes JPMorgan Chase a great steady-Eddie investment to consider — and why it looks like an excellent stock for Osprey to add to.

Glossary

AUM: Assets under management – The total market value of investments managed by a fund or firm.

Reportable AUM: The portion of a fund’s assets required to be disclosed in regulatory filings.

Stake: The ownership interest or amount of shares held in a particular company or asset.

Holding: A specific security or asset owned within an investment portfolio.

Outperforming: Achieving a higher return than a relevant benchmark or index over a given period.

Dividend yield: Annual dividends per share divided by the share price, expressed as a percentage.

Quarter-end: The last day of a fiscal quarter, used as a reference point for financial data.

Integrated business model: A company structure combining multiple business lines or services to create operational efficiencies.

Institutional investors: Organizations such as pension funds, insurance companies, or endowments that invest large sums of money.

TTM: The 12-month period ending with the most recent quarterly report.