Kent Thune

Hilton Head

Finance Writer at etf.com

Kent Thune, CFP®, is a wealth manager, philosopher and writer with decades of experience helping others navigate their investments and find meaning in life.

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Articles

PPH, Big Pharma Stocks Volatile on Trump Drug Pricing

2 days ago | etf.com | Kent Thune

Big pharma stocks, as measured by the VanEck Pharmaceutical ETF (PPH), plunged Monday morning then recovered in afternoon trading as investors reacted to mixed messages about President Donald Trump’s sweeping plan to cut prescription drug prices by as much as 80%. PPH top holdings like Eli Lilly & Co. (LLY) and Johnson & Johnson Inc. (JNJ) fell as much as 4% in early trading.
JEPI vs. JEPQ: Comparing JPMorgan’s Popular Covered Call ETFs

6 days ago | etf.com | Kent Thune

- High income combined with a volatility buffer have attracted over $60 billion to these covered call funds. - While both ETFs use similar option-based income strategies, their equity exposures and outcomes differ. Covered call ETFs like the JPMorgan Equity Premium Income ETF (JEPI) and the JPMorgan Nasdaq Equity Premium Income ETF (JEPQ) have soared in popularity as investors search for income strategies in a persistently low-yield environment.
Fed Holds Rates Steady as Expected, Bond ETFs Rise

1 week ago | etf.com | Kent Thune

The Federal Reserve maintained its key interest rate within the 4.25%-4.5% range for the third consecutive meeting on Wednesday, a decision widely anticipated by market observers. This holding pattern comes even as the central bank acknowledged a heightened level of concern regarding the dual risks of escalating inflation and rising unemployment within the current economic environment.
Navigating the Tax Minefield of Gold ETFs

1 week ago | etf.com | Kent Thune

- Capital gains on gold are generally taxed at higher rates than traditional investments. - Understanding the tax implications of your gold ETF investments is just as crucial as understanding the underlying asset. Amidst fears of an escalating global trade war and a slowing global economy, gold ETFs have become an increasingly popular way for investors to gain exposure to this precious metal without the complexities of physical ownership.
XBI, Biotech Stocks Retreat: Buy, Hold or Sell?

1 week ago | etf.com | Kent Thune

This week has presented a challenging landscape for biotech ETF investors and advisors, as exchange-traded funds like the SPDR S&P Biotech ETF (XBI) faced headwinds from a confluence of political and economic factors.
Oil, Gold ETFs Rise on Commodity Resurgence

1 week ago | etf.com | Kent Thune

After an impressive relief rally from U.S. equities, opportunistic investors are shifting their attention back to commodity ETFs, particularly those focused on oil and gold. With crude oil prices hovering near four-year lows and precious metals recently pulling back from 2025 highs, value seekers and risk-conscious investors are once again looking to commodities for portfolio protection and potential upside.
Historic Winning Streak Over for S&P 500 ETFs

1 week ago | etf.com | Kent Thune

- The stock market benchmark notched its longest consecutive daily win streak in 20 years on Friday. - That streak came to an end on Monday as the S&P 500 fell 0.6%. S&P 500 ETFs, like the $622 billion Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO), reached a historic milestone Friday, recording a nine-day winning streak. However, that streak ended Monday with the index closing mildly lower. This marks its longest consecutive daily gain since November 2004, a span of over two decades.
GLD Joins $100 Billion Club as Gold Soars on Tariff Fears

1 week ago | etf.com | Kent Thune

The SPDR Gold Shares ETF (GLD) achieved a historic milestone by surpassing $100 billion in assets under management (AUM), propelled by gold prices reaching record highs amid escalating market volatility. This surge, most recently peaking April 22, reflects investor concerns over the Trump administration's aggressive tariff policies, a weakening U.S. dollar and persistent inflation coupled with an increasing probability of recession—factors contributing to fears of stagflation.
BlackRock Report: Diversification Is Key in 2025

1 week ago | etf.com | Kent Thune

In its Spring Investment Directions seasonal report, BlackRock Inc. (BLK) recommended exchange-traded funds that can fare better than the broader market in the coming quarter, which the world’s largest asset manager expects to be a continuation of volatility amid shifting trade policy. On the macroeconomic front, BlackRock expects slower growth and higher inflation for the remainder of 2025, which may force the Federal Reserve to hold its key rate on pause at least through its June meeting.
Is 2025 a Year to 'Sell in May and Go Away'?

2 weeks ago | etf.com | Kent Thune

The old Wall Street adage, “Sell in May and go away,” has long been viewed with skepticism—but, in 2025, the strategy may deserve a closer look. With the S&P 500 up 10% from its April 8 low and concerns rising over the lagging impact of the Trump administration’s aggressive tariff regime, financial advisors may view early May as a tactical window to rebalance client portfolios.