With the S&P 500 index touching a new all-time high Wednesday, U.S. stocks remaining pricey and valuations appearing stretched, investors should make sure to keep a diversified portfolio. The S&P 500 index’s valuation is too high, expectations for earnings growth are too ambitious and that it’s unclear what President Donald Trump’s policies will mean for Wall Street.

as have minimum monthly payments. The share of active credit card holders just making minimum payments rose to 10.75% in the third quarter of 2024, the highest ever in data going back to 2012. The share of cardholders more than 30 days past due rose to 3.52%, an increase from 3.21%, for a gain of more than 10%. Even with the rising delinquency rate, it is still well below the 6.8% peak during the 2008-09 financial crisis and not yet indicative of serious strains.

reporting strong fourth-quarter earnings and revenue, and better-than-expected first-quarter forecasts, surpassing analysts’ expectations. The Chicago-based carrier reported fourth-quarter adjusted earnings of $3.26 per share, above the $3.03 a share analysts expected. Net income of $1 billion surpassed the $986 million projected. Revenue of $14.7 billion beat the $14.4 billion expected.

literally. The utility stock gained 8.8% to $185.83 in afternoon trading, on track for an all-time high, after announcing an all clear on a fire at one of its plants. (VST) is the largest nuclear power operator in the US. Buy (VST) on dips as a play on the coming grid build out.

after multiple downgrades, taking the stock down $40, or 15% in a month. Apple has lost some market share in China and has had limited traction with its AI offerings. Even a strong dollar is hurting. Apple sells a lot of things overseas. That’s the fundamental backdrop. The technical picture shows investors what can happen if investors continue to see a deterioration in the company’s business. Avoid (AAPL) for now.