This AI Stock Has Soared 1034%: Is It Still a Buy?
Lumentum (LITE +4.25%) has become one of the market’s most dramatic artificial intelligence infrastructure stories. The stock has soared, revenue growth is accelerating, and Wall Street still sees upside. But with expectations already sky-high, investors now face a critical question: can the company grow fast enough to justify the rally?
Stock prices used were the market prices of June 1, 2026. The video was published on June 11, 2026.
Rick Orford has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Lumentum. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Rick Orford is an affiliate of The Motley Fool and may be compensated for promoting its services. If you choose to subscribe through their link, they will earn some extra money that supports their channel. Their opinions remain their own and are unaffected by The Motley Fool.
Newegg: $500 Starbucks eGift Card for $450 (Stack with Paze)
Newegg: $500 Starbucks eGift Card for $450
Newegg is offering a $500 Starbucks eGift Card for $450 when using promo code SSF69581 at checkout, saving you $50 instantly. The deal is available via email delivery. You can see the deal here.
Even better, Chase cardholders may be able to stack this with the 10X Ultimate Rewards on Paze purchases by checking out with Paze, potentially earning a significant number of additional points on top of the discount.
A $500 Starbucks gift card is obviously a lot of coffee, but it could make sense for frequent Starbucks customers or those who regularly reload Starbucks balances.
Guru’s Wrap-up
10% off Starbucks is already a solid discount. If you can stack it with 10X through Paze, it gets much better.
HT: DoC
REPUBLIC Collective strikes joint venture with ZIZA Inc. focused on breaking South Asian artists globally
REPUBLIC Collective has partnered with media and entertainment company ZIZA Inc. to launch ZIZA Records, a new label focused on developing and scaling South Asian artists on a global level.
The multi-year worldwide joint venture was announced on Thursday (June 11).
ZIZA Inc. is a New York-based company founded by entrepreneur Shivam Malhotra, who also serves as CEO of Malsons.
ZIZA Records will operate at the intersection of South Asia and key international markets, with a focus on diaspora-driven talent, catalog development, and global audience growth.
“This partnership reflects the continued global expansion of South Asian music.”
Jeffrey Remedios, REPUBLIC Collective
“This partnership reflects the continued global expansion of South Asian music,” said Jeffrey Remedios, President and CEO of REPUBLIC Collective.
“Shivam and the ZIZA team have built a strong foundation in the space, and we see an opportunity to grow that internationally together.”
Malhotra enters the partnership following the growth of Malsons Ventures, claimed to be “one of the most influential independent forces in the South Asian music ecosystem,” which the company says has contributed to over 10 billion streams globally.
Malhotra and his companies have worked alongside artists including Shubh and Dhanda Nyoliwala, among others.
“REPUBLIC Collective represents the gold standard of modern music culture and global artist development,” said Malhotra.
“For us, this partnership is the beginning of a long-term movement to position South Asian music at the center of the global mainstream.
“Jeffrey, Avery, and the entire Republic team understand both the cultural value and the commercial scale of what’s coming next.
“Their belief in our vision, combined with their unmatched global infrastructure, makes Republic the ideal partner to build ZIZA Records into a defining force for this generation of artists.
“Together, we’re creating a platform that will not only break talent globally but reshape how the world experiences South Asian music.”
“Jeffrey, Avery, and the entire Republic team understand both the cultural value and the commercial scale of what’s coming next.”
Shivam Malhotra, ZIZA Inc
The joint venture will prioritize signing and developing artists from the South Asian diaspora, particularly those with traction in North America, the UK, Europe, Australia, and the Middle East.
It will also focus on unlocking catalog opportunities through global distribution, sync, and marketing, with additional plans spanning brand partnerships, live experiences, and cross-market collaborations, according to REPUBLIC.
The deal is the latest in a wave of major label joint ventures targeting South Asian music and the South Asian diaspora.
Warner Music Group launched its 5 Junction JV with entrepreneur Anjula Acharia in April 2025, aimed at breaking US-based artists of South Asian heritage in partnership with Warner Records.
Sony Music Entertainment struck its own JV with D36 in 2024, targeting South Asian artists and diaspora audiences.
Elsewhere within Universal Music Group, the company has made a series of moves in the space, including the acquisition of UK-based South Asian music label Oriental Star Agencies in January 2024 and the launch of Desi Trill Music, a JV with Roc Nation co-founder Ty Ty Smith, in 2023.
REPUBLIC itself has also been expanding its roster of international JVs, forming a partnership with Savan Kotecha‘s Visva Records in July 2025, which also carries an India-facing component on its roster.
Remedios was appointed to the REPUBLIC Collective in February 2025 after a decade leading Universal Music Canada.Music Business Worldwide
Reuters Poll Says 30-Year Fixed Mortgage to Remain Above 6% Through 2028
A new Reuters poll conducted between June 1st and June 11th revealed that housing experts expect elevated mortgage rates through at least 2028.
The survey found that the median forecast for the popular loan type is 6.4% for the third quarter of this year and 6.3% for the fourth quarter.
So those looking for any sort of interest rate relief this year might need to be a little more patient.
And the same apparently goes for 2027 and 2028 too, meaning this might be as good as it gets for some time.
When (and how) things could actually improve is another story.
Stubbornly High Mortgage Rates Aren’t Going Anywhere?
The Reuters poll painted a somewhat bleak picture for mortgage rates, which had hit 3.5-year lows in the beginning of March.
But after an unexpected conflict broke out in the Middle East, oil prices shot higher and so did bond yields (and mortgage rates).
They’ve pretty much been stuck there ever since, with a little ebb and flow depending on expectations for a resolution.
Now all we hear is that a deal is right around the corner, only to be told there is no deal, followed by a ratcheting up of threats. Rinse and repeat.
In the meantime, the Strait of Hormuz, a key energy thoroughfare, remains shuttered, keeping costs elevated.
That has ushered in renewed inflation concerns, though many also think it’s transitory as well.
However, the longer it persists, the more it affects the prices of everything we buy, whether it’s gas prices or groceries, which rely on energy inputs to produce or transport.
That’s partially why the housing experts polled by Reuters are seemingly pessimistic about mortgage rates going forward.
The higher risk of inflation being more than just transitory could lead to an eventual Fed rate hike (as opposed to a cut), which would put pressure on bond yields and long-term mortgage rates as well.
The Poll Is Merely a Moment in Time Based on Current Conditions
But it’s important to remember that this is just a snapshot in time and subject to change. It can also be plain wrong.
Things can transpire between now and the next poll, at which point these housing experts might change their tune.
For example, if there is a peace deal at some point and the Strait is reopened and oil prices drop, all of a sudden Fed rate hikes are off the table.
With hikes gone, mortgage rates could ease back to the low 6s or even below 6 again depending on other economic conditions.
And these pundits would simply adjust their outlook as such. That’s kind of the flaw with polls.
They are a moment in time based on conditions at the time of the survey. So using the data in front of them, they make a one-time prediction.
Give them new data in three or six months and they could have an entirely different prediction.
For me, the trajectory of mortgage rates continues to be mostly driven by what happens in Iran.
After all, that’s what pushed mortgage rates back up from those 2022-lows a few months ago…and that’s pretty much what will bring them down again.
So instead of worrying about what the experts say or think, keep an eye on the situation in the Middle East.
If they sort things out, get bullish on mortgage rates. If it drags on, watch out for a 30-year fixed that could rise above 7% or even higher!
Read on: Give my mortgage rate calculator a whirl to see how different rates affect your monthly payment.
Peak Bank Review: Online Bank With A High Savings APY
Quick Summary
- Online banking arm of Idaho First Bank
- Offers high-yield savings and CD accounts
- No monthly maintenance fees
- No ATM access
Pros
Cons
Peak Bank is an online bank offering two products: a high-yield savings account and certificates of deposit (CDs). It doesn’t charge any monthly fees, and you only need to deposit $100 to open an account. But while you can deposit checks via mobile app, you can’t make ATM withdrawals. But its savings rate is one of the better ones on the market. So, is Peak Bank worth considering? In this full review, I cover the key features, pros and cons, and share a couple of alternatives to help you decide.
What Is Peak Bank?
Peak Bank is an online banking division of Idaho First Bank, an FDIC-insured institution with physical branches in two states — Idaho and Oregon. According to Peak Bank, its mission is to “empower customers to reach their financial summit”, and offers tools and resources to help them “manage their money more effectively.”
What Does It Offer?
Peak Bank has a limited product offering, with a high-yield savings account and three high-yield CDs. Here’s a closer look at each:
Envision High-Yield Savings Account
Peak Bank’s Envision Savings account offers up to 4.01% APY for new accounts and has no monthly maintenance fees. A minimum balance of $100 is required to open an account. It’s a tiered interest account, but you can currently earn 4.01% on balances up to $499,999. On any balance over $500,000, the rate drops to 3.14%, which is still attractive. These rates are variable and are subject to change at any time.
Note: The account is available only to personal customers — Peak Bank does not offer business or commercial accounts.
High-Yield CDs
Peak Bank offers high-yield CDs with three different terms: 12, 24, and 36 months. All terms have a minimum balance requirement of $500, with penalties imposed if you withdraw early.
|
CD Term |
Rate (% APY) |
|---|---|
|
12 Months |
3.69% |
|
24 Months |
3.34% |
|
36 Months |
3.14% |
While the current rates offered are lower than what you can get in the high-yield savings account, if you have the flexibility to lock-in your money, the CDs allow you to secure a competitive rate for a specific period.
Are There Any Fees?
Peak Bank does not charge any monthly maintenance or transaction fees on its savings or CD accounts. However, you will incur penalties if you withdraw from your CD prior to maturity.
How Does Peak Bank Compare?
If you’re looking for a simple online savings account with a high APY and you don’t need other products, such as a checking account, credit card, or investments, then Peak Bank might be a good fit. Alternatives like CIT Bank and Live Oak Bank have slightly lower savings APYs at the time of writing, but they offer a broader range of products. CIT Bank offers a checking account, home loans, self-directed investing, and financial planning services. Live Oak Bank offers business and commercial accounts, in addition to its personal savings and CD products.
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Header
|
|
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Rating |
|||
|
Monthly Fee |
$0 |
$0 |
$0 |
|
Savings APY |
Up to 4.01% |
3.65% (Savings Connect) |
3.80% |
|
Min. Deposit |
$100 |
$100 |
$0 |
|
ATM Access |
|||
|
Cell
|
How Do I Open An Account?
You can open an account with Peak Bank by clicking the “Open Account” button on its website homepage. If you are an existing Peak Bank customer, you can log in with your email address and password to begin the account-opening process.
You have two options for funding your Peak Bank account. You can connect an external bank account using Plaid or make an ACH transfer. Plaid is a secure, third-party money transfer service used by thousands of banks and fintechs worldwide. Keep in mind that the maximum amount for ACH transfers is $5,000, and transfers can take up to 5 days for the funds to become available in your Peak Bank account.
Because Peak Bank is an online-only bank, checks can only be deposited through its mobile app. You cannot make deposits at Idaho First Bank branch locations.
Is It Safe And Secure?
Yes, Peak Bank should be considered safe to use. It’s backed by Idaho First Bank, which is a small, but established bank doing business in Idaho and Oregon. It’s an FDIC-member institution, which means that your Peak Bank deposits are insured up to the prescribed limits. Peak Bank uses the highest levels of encryption to protect your personal information, and transfers into your account are made via ACH and Plaid, which is a secure, third-party money transfer system used by thousands of financial entities.
How Do I Contact Peak Bank?
If you have require assistance, you can contact Peak Bank’s customer service team by calling 866-484-5705, or by email at customerservice@peak.bank. There is also a secure messaging feature available on both the desktop portal and mobile app.
Is It Worth It?
With only two products, Peak Bank seems geared toward Idaho First Bank customers seeking higher yields on their savings without fees. That said, as long as you don’t need access to ATMs for cash withdrawals, Peak Bank’s savings APY is one of the highest among online banks. If you want better rates on CDs or an online bank that can manage more of your day-to-day financial needs, you’ll want to look elsewhere.
Check out Peak Bank here >>
Reviewed by: Robert Farrington
The post Peak Bank Review: Online Bank With A High Savings APY appeared first on The College Investor.
Frazil: Free Small Slushie Every Friday In June
The Offer
Direct link to offer
- Frazil is offering a free small slushie every Friday in June
Our Verdict
Free is free.
Trump turned environmentalist to slap new tariffs on Brazil, so why are deforestation rates down?
Brazilian officials on Thursday announced a sharp drop in deforestation rates, pushing back on one of the arguments that the Trump administration used last week to justify additional tariffs on the South American country.
In May, Amazon deforestation was 61.4% lower than in the same month in 2025, according to officials from the National Institute for Space Research, or INPE, and the Ministry of Environment.
Still, 370 square kilometers (nearly 143 square miles) of the rainforest were cleared. Deforestation over the same period fell 12% in the Cerrado, a savanna in central Brazil that has long been under pressure from the powerful agribusiness sector.
Environment Minister João Paulo Capobianco said that the figure is the lowest ever recorded for May, and that Brazil is on track to reach its lowest annual levels once the data is consolidated next semester.
He said that the month typically sees higher deforestation, because it marks the start of the Amazon’s dry season. In the 10 months from August 2025 to May 2026, deforestation in the Amazon already fell by 37.5%, compared with the same previous period.
On June 2, the Trump administration proposed 25% tariffs on imports from Brazil, saying that the world’s 10th-biggest economy engages in trade practices that are “unreasonable” and that “burden or restrict U.S. commerce.” The announcement came after an investigation by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative that accused Brazil of illegal deforestation and unfair tariffs of its own, among other things.
Capobianco said that the deforestation figures “debunk the unfair and unfounded accusation by the United States, which cited deforestation to justify imposing tariffs.” President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva nodded as he listened to the remarks.
Lula said that the Trump administration lied when they first imposed additional tariffs on Brazil last year, saying that the U.S. had a trade deficit.
“And now they raised questions about deforestation. They don’t understand the work we are doing to bring deforestation down to zero by 2030. This is not a decision by any COP or by the United Nations. It is a decision of our government,” the Brazilian president said, using the acronym for U.N. climate conferences.
“It’s a matter of justice, of Brazil’s contribution to the planet, fulfilling our obligation to avoid deforestation as much as possible. Preventing deforestation benefits Brazil, benefits the Amazon and benefits the world,” he said.
Deforestation is the leading driver of Brazil’s greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to global warming.
The Amazon, the world’s largest rainforest, also plays a critical role in regulating the climate far beyond South America. Scientists warn that forest loss could accelerate global warming and disrupt agriculture as far away as the U.S. Midwest and parts of Europe.
After reaching record levels in the 1990s and 2000s, deforestation declined until the 2019-2022 term of then President Jair Bolsonaro, whose government was widely criticized for weakening environmental protections. Under Lula’s administration, deforestation has fallen again, reaching its lowest level in a decade last year.
Despite gains in keeping forest standing, however, many other threats, ranging from climate change to potential legislation on the horizon, are putting the forest at risk.
Forest degradation, driven by wildfires, logging and drought, affects about 40% of the Amazon and has outpaced clear-cutting in recent years. All of this could be exacerbated this year with a strong El Niño, a cyclic warming of the equatorial Pacific, which causes higher temperatures and drier weather in the rainforest, conditions that worsen wildfires.
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The Associated Press’ climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.