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Bitcoin hits $100,000 milestone level as Trump-fueled rally reaches new heights

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Bitcoin hits 0,000 milestone level as Trump-fueled rally reaches new heights

Bitcoin (BTC-USD) hit $100,000 late Wednesday, as a stunning rally driven by investor belief that the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump will create a crypto-friendly regulatory environment.

The token’s latest surge came in the hours after Trump picked Paul Atkins to chair the Securities and Exchange Commission. Atkins was seen as a crypto-friendly pick for the position.

Bitcoin has rallied more than 40% since Trump’s presidential win last month, repeatedly coming just shy of the $100,000. At last check, it hovered just below $101,000 per token.

Trump said Atkins, CEO of Founder of Patomak Global Partners and also a former SEC commissioner, “is a proven leader for common sense regulations.”

“He also recognizes that digital assets & other innovations are crucial to Making America Greater than Ever Before,” wrote Trump on the social media platform Truth Social on Wednesday.

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New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, a Democrat, told Yahoo Finance on Wednesday that Atkins has the “right experience” to create federal crypto legislation.

“Atkins could very well be a good SEC head,” Gillibrand said (video above).

Investor optimism over crypto-friendly policies grew last month after the SEC announced Chair Gary Gensler will step down on Jan. 20, the president-elect’s inauguration day.

Gensler led a crackdown on the industry during his time at the SEC. Wall Street had anticipated his replacement would pursue less regulation around crypto.

“The expectation is the new SEC chair is more likely to embrace crypto,” Owen Lau, executive director and senior analyst at Oppenheimer, told Yahoo Finance in a recent interview.

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“It is huge because it represents a dramatic regime shift from violation of security laws to crypto capital,” he added.

Read more: Bitcoin clears another record: Is now the time to invest?

Bitcoin has been a key component of the Trump trade based on Trump’s campaign promises, which include prioritizing the creation of a bitcoin national stockpile.

Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump speaks at the Bitcoin 2024 Conference on July 27, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey, File) · ASSOCIATED PRESS

Reports that Trump’s transition team is discussing the possibility of a first-ever White House role or “crypto czar” to oversee bitcoin policy has also sent the token higher.

Meanwhile, last month the Financial Times reported that Trump Media & Technology Group (DJT) is in advanced talks to acquire crypto trading company Bakkt (BKKT), a tie-up that could further encourage initiatives within the sector.

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Bitcoin spot exchange-traded funds have also seen massive inflows recently, helping drive prices higher. Options tied to BlackRock’s spot bitcoin ETF (IBIT) also began trading on the Nasdaq in November, pushing additional trading activity into the crypto space.

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BofA revises Harley-Davidson stock price after latest announcement

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BofA revises Harley-Davidson stock price after latest announcement

Harley-Davidson’s new CEO wants to transform how people think about the iconic motorcycle brand, so the company is trying something different.

This week, Harley announced a new strategy that focuses on lower-priced bikes, rather than relying on older, more affluent customers to buy its higher-margin touring models.

“Back to the Bricks builds on our core strengths and competitive advantages, harnessing the passion of our riders to deliver profitable growth for the Company and both our dealers and shareholders,” Harley CEO Artie Starrs said this week. “As we drive towards this new phase of growth, we remain committed to the craftsmanship and dedication that define our brand.”

Entry-level Harley-Davidsons cost about $13,000, while the higher-end Adventure Touring models average about $23,250, and the Premium Range &CVO models cost about $38,500, according to Reuters.

Harley’s new strategy targets a core profit of over $350 million from its motorcycle business by 2027 and over $150 million in cost reductions.

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To kick off the new strategy, Harley is introducing Sprint, a new entry-level model powered by a smaller 440cc engine, later in the year.

Harley-Davidson is going after a younger demographic with its new strategy. Photo by Raivo Sarelainens on Getty Images

What is Harley-Davidson’s “Back to the Bricks” strategy?

Harley’s new strategy relies on more than just pushing buyers toward cheaper vehicles to increase volume. The 123-year-old company has a set of five pillars on which it is building its future.

Harley-Davidson “Back to the Bricks” 5-point plan

  • Deep appreciation of Harley-Davidson’s competitive advantages and legacy: The Company’s iconic brand, diversified and powerful revenue channels, and best-in-class dealer network provide a powerful foundation for growth.

  • Renewed commitment to exclusive dealer network to drive enterprise profitability: Harley-Davidson’s dealers are a competitive advantage. The Company is planning actions to enable dealers to double profitability in 2026 and then double it again by 2029.

  • Immediate actions to recapture share in areas where Harley-Davidson has right to win: Harley-Davidson has strong legacy equity in existing markets including new motorcycles, used motorcycles, Parts & Accessories, and Apparel & Licensing. The Company’s new strategy is focused on positioning the Company to regain share and drive meaningful volume growth in categories where it benefits from credibility, scale, and deep rider connection.

  • Strong financial position with a path to stronger free cash flow and EBITDA margin: Cost and restructuring actions already underway support a path to stronger free cash flow and EBITDA margin over time.

  • Bolstered management team with balance of fresh perspectives and institutional knowledge: Harley-Davidson has made a number of leadership appointments that support the Company as it leverages its innate strengths.

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What is Considered a Good Dividend Stock? 2 Financial Stocks That Fit the Bill

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What is Considered a Good Dividend Stock? 2 Financial Stocks That Fit the Bill
Source: Getty Images

Written by Jitendra Parashar at The Motley Fool Canada

Dividend investing can be one of the simplest ways to build long-term wealth while creating a steady stream of passive income. But in my opinion, a good dividend stock is about much more than just a high yield. Beyond dividend yield, investors should also look for companies with durable businesses, reliable cash flows, and a history of rewarding shareholders consistently over time.

That’s exactly why many investors turn to financial stocks. Banks and asset managers often generate recurring earnings through lending, investing, and wealth management activities, allowing them to support stable dividend payments even during uncertain market conditions.

Two Canadian financial stocks that stand out right now are AGF Management (TSX:AGF.B) and Toronto-Dominion Bank (TSX:TD). Both companies offer attractive dividends backed by solid financial performance and long-term growth strategies. In this article, I’ll explain why these two financial stocks could be worth considering for income-focused investors right now.

AGF Management stock continues to reward shareholders

AGF Management is a Toronto-based asset manager with businesses across investments, private markets, and wealth management. Through these divisions, the company offers equity, fixed income, alternative, and multi-asset investment strategies to retail, institutional, and private wealth clients.

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Following a 59% rally over the last 12 months, AGF stock currently trades at $16.67 per share with a market cap of roughly $1.1 billion. At current levels, the stock offers a quarterly dividend yield of 3.3%.

One reason behind AGF’s strong recent performance is its increasingly diversified business model. The company has expanded its investment capabilities and broadened its geographic reach, helping it perform well across varying market environments.

In the first quarter of its fiscal 2026 (ended in February), AGF posted free cash flow of $36 million, up 14% year over year (YoY), driven mainly by higher management, advisory, and administration fees. These fees climbed to $92.5 million as demand for the company’s investment offerings strengthened.

AGF has also been focusing on expanding its alternative investment business and introducing new investment products. With strong cash generation and growing demand for alternative investments, AGF Management looks well-positioned to continue rewarding investors over the long term.

TD Bank stock remains a dependable dividend giant

Toronto-Dominion Bank, or TD Bank, is one of North America’s largest banks, serving millions of customers through its Canadian banking, U.S. retail banking, wealth management and insurance, and wholesale banking operations.

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Following a 70% jump over the last year, TD stock currently trades at $148.14 per share and carries a massive market cap of $247 billion. It’s also continuing to provide investors with a quarterly dividend yield of 3%.

TD’s latest results show why it remains a dependable dividend stock. In the February 2026 quarter, the bank’s reported net income jumped 45% YoY to $4 billion, while adjusted earnings rose 16% to a record $4.2 billion.

Similarly, the bank’s Canadian personal and commercial banking segment delivered record revenue and earnings with the help of higher loan and deposit volumes. Meanwhile, its wealth management and insurance business also posted record earnings, while wholesale banking benefited from strong trading and fee income growth.

Notably, TD ended the quarter with a strong Common Equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 14.5%, giving it a solid capital cushion. While the bank continues to spend on U.S. anti-money-laundering remediation and control improvements, its strong earnings base, large customer network, and diversified operations continue to support its dividends.

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The post What is Considered a Good Dividend Stock? 2 Financial Stocks That Fit the Bill appeared first on The Motley Fool Canada.

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Fool contributor Jitendra Parashar has positions in Toronto-Dominion Bank. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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UK watchdog says car finance legal challenge hearing unlikely before October

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UK watchdog says car finance legal challenge hearing unlikely before October
Britain’s financial watchdog said on Friday a tribunal hearing on ‌legal challenges to its compensation scheme for mis-sold car loans was unlikely before October, and told lenders to prepare for a possibility that the scheme could be scrapped entirely.
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