Two weeks into the second half of the year, we put together a quick look at the top three performers and the bottom three in Jim Cramer’s Charitable Trust, the stock portfolio we use for the Investing Club. The first full trading week of July saw Wall Street under some pressure Friday after a multisession winning streak. Gains month-to-date of roughly 2.4% for the Nasdaq add to the tech-heavy index’s best first half (up nearly 32%) in four decades. There are some new names on both the July leaders and July laggards list since we did this exercise looking at our January to June portfolio performance. July leaders HAL mountain 2023-06-30 Halliburton stock performance since June 30 close Oilfield services giant Halliburton (HAL) flips from a first-half loser (down 16%) to top our second-half winner. Month-to-date, HAL gained nearly 12%, a recent rally that we took advantage of Friday morning by booking in some profits. During our Monthly Meeting on Wednesday, we told members we were thinking about a HAL trim. We downgraded the stock in anticipation to a 2 rating . The recent HAL rally can be attributed to a feeling that oil and natural gas producers, like Club names, Pioneer Natural Resources (PXD) and Coterra Energy (CTRA), might need to boost production and that means they’d need the help of a Halliburton. We’ll look for more color around production trends in North America when the company reports its second-quarter earnings this coming Wednesday before the opening bell. CRM 1M mountain Salesforce stock performance month-to-date. Salesforce (CRM) advanced 8.6% in July after a 59% first-half advance. The enterprise software giant announced it will be increasing list prices for some of its top-selling products for new and existing customers by an average of 9%. This is the first time the company has raised prices in seven years. The changes will go into effect next month. The company’s latest move should help top-line growth, expand margins, and boost cash flow. So far this year, CRM stock has also benefitted from getting costs down through personnel cuts and reducing office space. It also bought back stock. It looks like CRM’s quarter will come in the latter part of August. META 1M mountain Meta stock performance month-to-date. Meta Platforms (META) remains a top performer in the portfolio to start the second half, rising 7.6% for the first two weeks of July after more than doubling in the first half. The Facebook and Instagram parent made another 52-week high intraday high of $316.24 on Thursday following the launch of its Twitter rival. Meta’s Threads platform surpassed 100 million signups since last week’s debut. However, there are recent signs suggesting activity has cooled off a bit. More broadly, investors have been sticking with Meta for its leadership in generative AI to attract and keep users on its platforms while offering advertisers AI-powered tools to improve monetization. Jim predicts Meta will deliver a strong second quarter on Jul 26. NVDA mountain 2023-06-30 Nvidia stock performance since June 30 close Nvidia (NVDA), one of our leading tech holdings in the portfolio, has continued its momentum to start the second half of the year. Shares of the semi-king are up 7.5% over the last two weeks of July. (Nvidia and Apple (AAPL) are our only own-it, don’t-trade-it stocks.) To start out the first half of 2023, Nvidia was our top-performing stock in the portfolio with nearly a triple. Nvidia, whose market cap now surpasses $1 trillion, has led the tech sector and the broader market rally, convincing investors like us that its infrastructure and technology needed to fuel the market’s artificial intelligence demand is and will be essential to bring the nascent technology to the mainstream. Nvidia is set to release earnings on Aug. 23. July laggards FL mountain 2023-06-30 Foot Locker stock performance since June 30 close Foot Locker (FL) dropped about 6.5% to start the month, and it was our worst first-half loser (down more than 28%). This week, Baird cut its price target on the footwear and athletic apparel retail to $24 per share from $32 and kept its neutral rating. The analysts warned that FL’s high exposure to lower-income consumers could pressure the second half of the year. A tough macro backdrop is an overhang for CEO Mary Dillon as she tries to resurrect poor financials. She did it with Ulta Beauty (ULTA) back in 2013, and we believe she can do it a second time with Foot Locker. When initiating our position in the shoe retailer in March, we knew about the obstacles. However, the turnaround may take longer than initially expected. The difficulties surrounding Foot Locker are why we have not added to our position since its disappointing first quarter, but we still have faith in Dillon’s leadership and want to be in the stock to catch the potential wave when the tide turns. Second quarter results are due mid-August. PANW mountain 2023-06-30 Palo Alto Networks stock performance since June 30 close Palo Alto Networks (PANW) dropped more than 5.5% month-to-date, moving it to the July laggards list after its 83% first-half advance that had landed the leaders list. Earlier this week, Microsoft (MSFT) announced an expansion of its cybersecurity offerings. It’s a space dominated by PANW, so it’s no wonder why the stock sank 7% on Wednesday. It did, however, claw back some of those losses. Palo Alto CEO Nikesh Arora told Jim in a “Mad Money” interview that he wasn’t concerned about Microsoft products because they’re for an area of the cybersecurity market that his company has been in for years. Jim said he was not worried about Wednesday’s sell-off and still sees PANW as the best way to play cybersecurity. PANW is expected to issue earnings late next month. LLY mountain 2023-06-30 Eli Lilly stock performance since June 30 close Eli Lilly (LLY) shares fell 4% in the first two weeks of July. Shares of the pharmaceutical company have recently been pressured after a Reuters report that cited a study that found most patients using weight loss drugs like Novo Nordisk ‘s (NOVO) Ozempic, stop within a year. Another article last week reported that several patients using Ozempic had thoughts of suicide or self-harm. These headlines were negative read-throughs to Club holding Lilly, which makes the diabetes drug Mounjaro that’s being reviewed for obesity by regulators. Although we cannot fault anyone who wants to take profits in Eli Lilly after another stretch of significant outperformance (up 28% in the first half of 2023), we think the selloffs from both stories will prove to be overreactions. Lilly started to claw back some of its recent losses in a good session Friday. Jim maintains that Lilly’s Mounjaro will be the best-selling drug in history and that investors should not sell LLY stock. He also likes the company’s pipeline which includes a potential Alzheimer’s treatment, which would be a huge win for the company long term. Lilly is due to report its quarter Aug. 8. JNJ mountain 2023-06-30 Johnson & Johnson stock performance since June 30 close Johnson & Johnson was under pressure to kick off the second half, falling nearly 3.5% month to date and there are a couple of reasons for that. Health care is an out-of-favor defensive sector in a market attracting high-growth tech names. The other headwind : The company is awaiting the outcome of a pivotal talc trial. The verdict, which is expected any day now, could determine whether the many plaintiffs suing the company elsewhere will accept or reject J & J’s settlement offer of $8.9 billion. The ongoing legal disputes have been an overhang on J & J all year as the stock fell more than 6% in the first half. Given the uncertainty, we have held off on buying more of the drug maker. The talc trials have someone dimmed the light on the separation of its consumer products division from its pharmaceutical and medical technology units, which we viewed as a positive for shareholders. J & J reports earnings this coming Thursday. (Jim Cramer’s Charitable Trust is long HAL, META, CRM, LLY, PANW, FL, PXD, CTRA, MSFT, NVDA, JNJ, AAPL. See here for a full list of the stocks.) As a subscriber to the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer, you will receive a trade alert before Jim makes a trade. Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust’s portfolio. If Jim has talked about a stock on CNBC TV, he waits 72 hours after issuing the trade alert before executing the trade. THE ABOVE INVESTING CLUB INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY , TOGETHER WITH OUR DISCLAIMER . NO FIDUCIARY OBLIGATION OR DUTY EXISTS, OR IS CREATED, BY VIRTUE OF YOUR RECEIPT OF ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED IN CONNECTION WITH THE INVESTING CLUB. NO SPECIFIC OUTCOME OR PROFIT IS GUARANTEED.
Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in New York City, U.S., July 12, 2023.
Brendan McDermid | Reuters
Two weeks into the second half of the year, we put together a quick look at the top three performers and the bottom three in Jim Cramer’s Charitable Trust, the stock portfolio we use for the Investing Club.
The redesigned 2026 Genesis GV70 EV is arriving with significant discounts of up to $14,000. Genesis upgraded the luxury electric SUV with a longer driving range and a refined design, both inside and out. Here’s how you can score some savings.
Genesis introduces 2026 GV70 EV discounts
After launching the updated model in Korea earlier this year, the new GV70 EV is now arriving in the US. The new 2026 Genesis Electrified GV70 is an improvement in nearly every way compared to the outgoing model.
Like the gas-powered model, the EV version features a revamped design with a new Crest grille, a revised bumper, and MLA technology added to the Two-Tone headlights.
Inside, the GV70 EV has been “reborn” with more space and luxury. A new 27″ screen combines the infotainment and driver display, while the climate control now has a separate screen. Other premium features like the crystal electronic shift dial remain.
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Powered by a larger 84 kWh battery, the new GV70 EV offers a driving range of up to 423 km (263 miles) in Korea, an increase from 400 km (249 miles) in the outgoing model with a 77.4 kWh battery.
Although US specs have yet to be announced, the 2026 model is expected to feature slightly more driving range than the current 236-mile EPA rating for the 2025 GV70. It’s expected to provide closer to 250 miles of range. It will also include an NACS port for charging at Tesla Superchargers.
According to a recent note sent to dealers viewed by CarsDirect, the 2026 Genesis GV70 EV is already available with discounts of up to $14,000 for a 24-month lease.
The savings vary by trim, with up to $3,500 in lease cash available on the Standard trim and up to $ 5,250 on the Advanced trim. Meanwhile, the range-topping Prestige trim features up to $14,000 in lease cash discounts.
Although the discount is significantly higher, the Prestige model also has a higher lease rate of 5.4% compared to 0.1% for the Advanced trim.
If you choose the 36-month loan, lease cash drops to just $500 for the Advanced and $3,250 for the Prestige. The base Standard trim offers no lease cash, but has a lease rate close to 0%. Other special finance rates include 5.99% APR for 60 months and 6.49% for 72-month loans.
Genesis Electrified GV70 updated model (Source: Hyundai Motor)
The national lease offer is $679 for 36 months based on the Standard trim with an MSRP of $65,830. With $5,999 due at signing, the effective monthly cost is $845. The offer ends on April 30.
If you’re looking for a cheaper lease option, the upgraded 2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 is one of the most affordable EV lease deals right now. It starts at just $199 for 24 months with $3,999 due at signing.
Ready to score some savings while they are still here? We can help you get started. You can use our links below to find deals on the Genesis GV70 EV and Hyundai IONIQ 5 in your area.
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The 2025 edition of the ACT Expo hasn’t even started yet, but there’s already at least one big takeaway wort talking about: the Tesla-fighting Windrose electric semi truck from China Belgium is not coming to America … it’s already here. And it’s already in customers’ hands.
The trucks are deployed by JoyRide Logistics, a Phoenix-based carrier and the first US regional trucking company to operate fully electric sleeper trucks on long (-ish) distance routes that include overnight drives. The initial rollout is happening in Arizona, California, and Nevada, with nationwide expansion already “in sight,” according to both companies.
“This isn’t just a prototype or promise-this is a fully operational, long-range electric truck that’s ready to haul freight today,” says Wen Han, founder and CEO of Windrose. “We’ve validated our technology globally and are proud to bring it to the US – one of the most important logistics markets in the world.”
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Meeting the needs
JoyRide Logistics deploys their first Windrose sleepers; via Windrose.
JoyRide Logistics LLC partners with a number of its Fortune 500 customers, many of whom have public ESG goals and are actively working to reduce Scope 3 emissions. The integration of the Windrose R700 electric semis into their fleets is a targeted effort to help achieve their stated sustainability goals.
“Partnering with Windrose allows us to stay ahead-not just on sustainability, but on total operational performance,” said Adis Danan, President at JoyRide Logistics. “We’re talking fuel savings, reduced maintenance, and a future-ready fleet that our customers can get behind. We want to make electric logistics efficient, scalable-and cool.”
Windrose brought one of its all-electric R700 Class 8 trucks to this year’s ACT Expo, giving journalists and fleet buyers a chance to see the truck first hand. At last year’s show, Windrose impressed with a preproduction truck featuring what appeared to be a slick UI, well-finished interior, and solid construction.
The R700 packs a 729 kWh battery is reportedly good for about 420 miles of range on a single charge with a full, 49 ton GVW. The company has shown concepts (some renderings, some mules) in long-haul, severe duty, and dump body configurations.
Windrose is backed by HSBC, Citi, Fountainvest, GSR Ventures, HITE Hedge, Goodman Group, and other world-renowned investors, and has now worked with Decathlon, Remy Cointreau, Nestle Wyeth Nutrition, and many other top brands. Watch this space for more.
Electrek’s Take
In a bid to shake the “Chinese truck” stigmas in the west, Windrose has moved its corporate offices and is now based in Antwerp, Belgium – but it doesn’t matter if they say they’re based on Venus. The fact remains they have a capable, competent battery electric sleeper truck in the US and in customers’ hands right now … and they are absolutely full speed ahead.
Toyota is preparing to launch two new electric vehicles in China by mid-2026. The flagship Toyota bZ7 and Lexus ES are part of Toyota’s effort to regain market share from domestic electric vehicle (EV) leaders like BYD. Here’s our first look at the sleek new electric cars.
Meet the new Toyota bZ7 and Lexus ES EVs
At Auto Shanghai 2025 last week, Toyota announced plans to expand its electric vehicle (EV) lineup in China. According to Toyota, China is a “highly advanced market that leads the way in electrification.”
To keep pace, Toyota unveiled its new flagship electric sedan, the bZ7. The new bZ7 was developed locally with Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC), Guangzhou Toyota Motor Co, and Intelligent ElectroMobility R&D Center by TOYOTA.
The bZ7 is over 5 meters long and will compete with the BYD Han L, Tesla Model S, BMW i5, and other premium EV models in China.
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Toyota said the electric sedan will feature its “safe, reliable, and high-quality manufacturing” while infusing “China’s advanced tech.”
Although no other details were offered, Toyota said its new flagship EV will be equipped with the latest intelligent tech and is expected to launch within a year. The bZ7 will join the bZ4X, bZ3, bZ3X, and bZ5 in Toyota’s expanding EV lineup for China.
Toyota also unveiled the new Lexus ES at the event. The new model will be the first next-gen Lexus with EV and HEV powertrain options.
The eighth-gen ES is based on the LF-ZC concept, marking the beginning of the next generation of Lexus. The EV version will be available with FWD and AWD powertrain options, offering driving ranges of up to 685 km (425 miles) and 610 km (379 miles) on the CLTC cycle, respectively.
Inside, Lexus said the ES will debut with the world’s first Responsive Hidden Switches, which “seamlessly blends physical controls into the interior” for added convenience. It will also include a Lexus-first, Sensory Concierge, for a personalized in-car experience.
Lexus’ new electric sedan is 5,140 mm long, 1,920 mm wide, and 1,560 mm tall, approximately the same size as BYD’s Han L model (5,050 mm long, 1,960 mm wide, and 1,505 mm tall).
The ES is the second of three new Lexus electric vehicles set to debut by March 2026. It will follow the RZ and UX in the luxury brand’s EV lineup for China.
What are your thoughts on the new Toyota bZ7 and Lexus ES? Can they compete in China’s intensifying EV market? Let us know in the comments below.
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