You may love weed, alcohol, and tobacco, but would you also like to invest in those things? AdvisorShares thinks you will. The actively managed exchange-traded funds company recently launched AdvisorShares VICE ETF, the only ETF solely concentrating on companies associated with alcohol, cannabis, and tobacco.
Dan Ahrens is a Managing Director and Portfolio Manager at AdvisorShares, and he joins Cheddar to explain why investing in the VICE ETF is a good idea. Ahrens explains that those three industries tend to be stable despite the general market volatility. Ahrens is also bullish on the future of cannabis. He believes the legalization and federal recognition of the substance will only expand.
As for alcohol, there has also been growth in that field. The alcohol industry had supplier revenue increase by 4.5% to $25.2 billion last year. Ahrens anticipates the field to continue improving.
Starbucks’ decision to restrict its restrooms to paying customers has flushed out a wider problem: a patchwork of restroom use policies that varies by state and city. Starbucks announced last week a new code of conduct that says people need to make a purchase if they want to hang out or use the restroom. The coffee chain's policy change for bathroom privileges has left Americans confused and divided over who gets to go and when. The American Restroom Association, a public toilet advocacy group, was among the critics. Rules about restroom access in restaurants vary by state, city and county. The National Retail Federation says private businesses have a right to limit restroom use.
President Donald Trump is talking up a joint venture investing up to $500 billion for infrastructure tied to artificial intelligence by a new partnership formed by OpenAI, Oracle and SoftBank. The new entity, Stargate, will start building out data centers and the electricity generation needed for the further development of the fast-evolving AI in Texas, according to the White House. The initial investment is expected to be $100 billion and could reach five times that sum. While Trump has seized on similar announcements to show that his presidency is boosting the economy, there were already expectations of a massive buildout of data centers and electricity plants needed for the development of AI.
Chris Ruder, Spikeball Founder and CEO, explains how he and his friends put roundnet on the global map, plus, how Spikeball helps people "find their circle."
J.W. Roth, CEO of Venu Holding Corporation, discusses the company's IPO and plans to redefine live music entertainment with their fan founded, fan-owned model.
Variety's Clayton Davis discusses why more than just the 1% are struggling after the LA fires. Plus, how awards shows will pivot to help victims. Watch!
Emily Hosie, CEO of Rebelstork, explains the concept of Returns Recommerce, plus how her company raised $18M to address the industry-wide issue of returns.