To The Moon

The first half of 2025 was anything but boring.

The first half of 2025 has been a rollercoaster for investors worldwide—AI euphoria clashed with geopolitical tensions, inflation fears battled against rate cut hopes, and market sentiment oscillated between greed and caution.

Against this ever-shifting backdrop, the Tiger Community stood out once again as a hub for sharp insights and diverse perspectives. Whether you're into deep-dive stock analysis, strategic trading breakdowns, or macroeconomic observations, our top contributors brought clarity, creativity, and conviction to the table.

From dissecting Tesla’s valuation risks amid Elon Musk’s political controversies, to tactical options strategies that delivered double-digit returns, from uncovering potential in cybersecurity stocks to questioning which S&P 500 ETF truly deserves your money—these ten standout articles represent the very best of what the community has to offer.

If you’re catching up or revisiting key themes from H1, this curated list is your essential reading guide—packed with ideas, warnings, and strategies that defined the market conversation over the past six months.

Ready to dive in?

@ToNi : A Once-in-a-Millennium Opportunity: Tesla’s Value Amid Musk’s Political Risks on the Ukraine Issue

Key Points:

For long-term investors, the current stock price dip represents an attractive entry point. Tesla’s EV business, autonomous driving technology, and energy initiatives are all in a phase of accelerated development, and the global shift toward clean energy will continue to support its growth. Musk’s political risks may cause short-term volatility, but they do not alter Tesla’s fundamental position as an industry leader. The market’s reaction to his controversies may be amplified, but Tesla’s value is being undervalued in the process.

The slight dip in Tesla’s stock price during post-market trading on March 17, 2025, may signal a “once-in-a-millennium opportunity.” While Musk’s political stance on the Ukraine issue has sparked widespread debate and short-term risks, Tesla’s actual value—rooted in its technological innovation, market leadership, and financial performance—remains intact. For visionary investors, now may be the ideal time to invest in Tesla. Political controversies may come and go, but Tesla’s long-term potential is waiting for those bold enough to see beyond the storm.

@JC888: AVGO vs NVDA: Tale of 2 Competing AI Stocks?

Key Points:

Discrepancy Reasons.

• Competition narrative: Broadcom's strong performance may be seen as increased competition for Nvidia, potentially eroding its market dominance.

• Expectations and surprises: Broadcom's results may have exceeded expectations, while Nvidia's recent performance, although strong, may not have surprised investors given its consistent growth.

• Diversification advantage: Broadcom's broader product portfolio may be viewed as a hedge against AI-specific market fluctuations.

In summary, while both companies are benefiting from the AI boom, Broadcom's earnings report has been interpreted as a positive surprise, showcasing its growing presence in the AI chip market.

Meanwhile, Nvidia's stock decline reflects a combination of (1) profit-taking, (2) valuation concerns, and (3) increasing competition in the AI chip space.

This situation underscores the volatile, competitive and cyclical nature of the AI technology sector.

@AyKing: Achieved ROI of 96% in 21 Days on UNH Using Debit & Credit Vertical Spreads.

Key Points:

1. I excluded cash secured put because I don’t have enough capital to own 100 shares of UNH.

2. I excluded bull put spread because I cannot find a good support levels with reasonable credits. Furthermore, price may continue the down trend which may increase my risk.

3. Bear call spread seems to have higher probability of winning. This is because, for the price to reach the short call of bear call spread of $560, it has to pass through a few resistance, namely, 21 EMA of $524.48, 200 moving average of $541.16 and support level of about $555.

4. If I opened bear call spread and price goes down, I am risking $660, which is approx. 1.5% of my total capital. This is within my risk appetite.

5. If price falls between $525 to $560 on expiry date of 17 Jan, my max reward is $1,340. This is approx. 2X my risk. Pretty wide range of winning correct?

@Mickey082024: Palo Alto Netowork, A Buy or Wait For Historical Pullback Trend?

Key Points:

Moving to valuation, my intrinsic value calculation for Palo Alto Networks puts the stock’s intrinsic value at $155, compared to the current market price of $180. This is within my margin of safety range, but it could be considered slightly overvalued based on the discounted cash flow valuation model I used. However, when considering the company’s strong position in a highly attractive industry, I’m willing to pay a premium for stocks in this sector. The stock also appears fairly valued when measured by its forward price-to-earnings ratio of 49 and price-to-free cash flow ratio of 44, which is more in line with its market position.

Taking all of this into account, my recommendation for Palo Alto Networks stock is a borderline buy. What does that mean? A borderline buy is a stock that falls between a buy and a hold, but is closer to a buy. So, in this case, I would consider Palo Alto Networks to be a borderline buy, given its strong business performance and promising industry outlook.

@koolgal: Koolgal's ETF Compass - Which Is The Best S&P500 ETF to Invest?

Key Points:

Which are the best S&P 500 ETFs to invest in among the 4 choices we have today?

Let's check out the expense ratio.  SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09%.  This is low by most standards but no longer among the lowest we can find.  Its competitors VOO and IVV charge investors just 0.03%.

State Street Global Advisors acknowledge the difference and that is why it offers SPLG which charges just 0.02%!  That is the lowest Expense ratio among all S&P500 ETFs.  State Street Global Advisors want to be a one-stop shop giving investors the best of both worlds with SPY and SPLG on their offering.

Expense ratio is an important part of investing.  The lower the expense ratio, the more money in our pockets.   For the last 10 years, SPY posted an average annual return of 13.01% compared to 13.06% for VOO and IVV.  On a USD 100,000 investment, that translates to a difference of USD 1,900.

Apart from expense ratio, let's check out the dividends these 4 ETFs pay.  All 4 ETFs pay quarterly dividends.  SPY's current dividend yield is 1.3% which is the same for VOO and IVV.  SPLG is slightly better at 1.35%.

In deciding which is a better S&P500 ETF to invest, it comes down to each individual's goals and risk appetite.

@Shernice軒嬣 2000: How to Stay Calm When Markets Panic?

Key Points:

Assess the nature of the crisis: Is this the start of a broad, prolonged trade war, or a situation that may ease with partial compromises? It’s more a matter of game theory than textbook economics.

Track market risk metrics: I monitor changes in equity risk premiums, bond yields, and expected returns—these indicators help gauge overall market sentiment.

Reevaluate my portfolio: I take a closer look at companies likely to be affected by tariffs. If there are high-quality names that were previously overpriced, I may now place limit buy orders—companies like BYD or MercadoLibre come to mind.

Match investments to near-term cash needs: If I have major expenses coming up—such as housing, tuition, or medical bills—short-term financial needs take priority over long-term investing.

Stick to my investment philosophy: In times of panic, markets often sell off across the board. I try to understand how markets misprice risk, how they eventually correct, and whether my approach fits my risk tolerance and personality.

Use the “sleep test”: If I can’t sleep at night because I’m worried about my investments, then my portfolio is probably too risky.

@TigerOptions: Why PLTR’s Drop Might Not Be Unstoppable

Key Points:

Despite the near-term headwinds, I remain cautiously optimistic about Palantir’s long-term prospects. The company’s AI-driven platforms, like Gotham and Foundry, are industry-leading and have a wide moat. Additionally, its growing commercial segment provides diversification away from government contracts.

Moreover, the AI boom is still in its early stages, and Palantir is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend. While competition from companies like $Microsoft(MSFT)$ is a concern, Palantir’s specialized expertise in defense and intelligence gives it a unique edge.

While the possibility of PLTR dropping below $100 can’t be ruled out, I don’t believe it’s inevitable. The stock’s recent decline is largely driven by short-term factors, and its long-term growth potential remains intact.

@yourcelesttyy: Overrated Stocks to Watch in 2025: High-Flyers at Risk

Key Points:

1. Vistra ( $Vistra Energy Corp.(VST)$ ) - Utilities

• Why It’s Overrated: Vistra, a power producer, trades at an enterprise value of 11x its expected 2025 EBITDA, a premium for a company projecting only single-digit growth in 2026. Comparable utilities trade at lower multiples, around 8x, highlighting Vistra’s stretched valuation. Despite a strong 2024, its limited growth prospects make it vulnerable to a correction.

• Key Risks: Regulatory changes in the energy sector and a potential slowdown in demand could pressure earnings. If growth disappoints, the stock’s premium could unwind quickly.

• Watch For: A pullback to $60-$65 from its current $75 could signal a buying opportunity, but a break below $60 might indicate deeper trouble. Monitor Q2 2025 earnings for growth updates.

2. United Airlines ( $United Continental(UAL)$ ) - Industrials

• Why It’s Overrated: United Airlines soared in 2024 on robust travel demand, with a focus on efficient planes and long-haul flights boosting margins. However, its forward P/E of 12x is above the airline industry average of 10x, reflecting optimism that may not hold. A potential recession could slash earnings by 35%, and rising fuel costs amid Middle East tensions add pressure.

• Key Risks: Increased competition and stable flight prices could squeeze margins. A downturn in leisure travel would hit hard, given United’s below-pre-COVID operating margins.

• Watch For: Resistance at $65 could cap gains; support at $55 is key. Watch for economic data or fuel price spikes that could trigger a sell-off.

3. Tesla ( $Tesla Motors(TSLA)$ ) - Consumer Cyclical

• Why It’s Overrated: Tesla’s stock, despite a 20% year-to-date drop in 2025, trades at a forward P/E of 60x, far above the consumer cyclical average of 25x. Its 340% surge since 2023 is tied to speculative bets like the Robotaxi launch, but declining sales in China and Europe (down 20% in Q1 2025) and subsidy risks raise red flags.

• Key Risks: Competition from Chinese EV makers like BYD, regulatory hurdles for Robotaxi, and brand damage from Elon Musk’s political stances could derail growth. Insider sales, like Musk’s $50 million cash-out, add to the caution.

• Watch For: The Robotaxi reveal on June 22 is critical. A strong debut could push the stock to $320; a flop might test $280 or lower.

@nerdbull1669: Will 02 April Tariffs Directly Affect Many Consumer Goods Like In 2019?

Key Points:

What Are Some Stocks That Have Potential Amidst Volatility For Long Term

$Advanced Micro Devices(AMD)$

Short-term moving average is what I like about AMD, we might see a weekly upswing with some good motion, as I would think it will be a weekly downtrend for a long term. I would think AMD is still very cheap and forward price to earnings very cheap and its PEG ratio is fantastic.

We also need to consider the revenue and EPS growth rates with overall improving net margins free cash flow then revenue and EPS should be having some fantastic run rates in the next few years.

$SoFi Technologies Inc.(SOFI)$

If it could give around 50% bounce, then the bulls might have a good chance of saving and going into a new weekly uptrend. I am looking at 13 level while SOFI valuation is quite manageable if you take a long-term approach.

I am holding onto my SOFI position which I have it around 7.60.

$Amazon.com(AMZN)$ Building Daily Uptrend

Amazon have build a nice shelf which was its previous resistance and now become support, that is around 196 to 198 area. We can see that Amazon bulls are playing defense and trying to get the daily uptrend back.

This might just be a very short blasted weekly bounce which we could see a lower high than a reset of its lows, on the weekly, the bears are definitely be in control, which we only see a 30% bounce as long as the bulls does not lose too much, we could see a recovery.

Watch the oversold region as there might be some movements during 02 Apri and this might saw Amazon having a further downswing, that might give another opportunity to get more shares.

I am holding AMZN for long term as their AWS and ecommerce should be leading the way post the tariffs era.

@HMH: NVDA Earnings Bombshell: Can $138.85 Spark a Massive Post-Release Rally or Crash?

Key Points:

Three Trading Ideas for NVDA Earnings

Given the current price of $138.85 and the earnings event on February 26, here are three trading ideas tailored to different market views, taking into consideration the current IV environment:

1. Bullish Trade – Call Spread: If you’re bullish that NVIDIA will beat guidance—thanks to strong data centre performance, the positive implications of the Stargate initiative, and HPE’s AI solution—consider a call spread. Structure: Buy NVIDIA March 21, 2025 $145 calls and sell March 21, 2025 $150 calls. Rationale: This spread limits risk while offering substantial upside if the stock rallies above the $145-$150 range post-earnings. Given the IV environment (around 57-58%), the premiums are attractive, and the defined risk minimizes the impact of IV decay after the earnings event.

2. Bearish Trade – Put Spread: For those who believe that challenges like DeepSeek’s disruption and geopolitical pressures might force NVIDIA to miss expectations, a bearish put spread is an effective way to capitalize on a downside move. Structure: Buy NVIDIA March 21, 2025 $135 puts and sell March 21, 2025 $130 puts. Rationale: This strategy provides a defined risk/reward profile and stands to benefit if the stock declines below $135. The current IV levels justify the premium costs for this spread, and the trade limits exposure to potential volatility decay.

3. Neutral Trade – Long Straddle: Earnings events often lead to significant price swings regardless of direction. For a neutral approach that capitalizes on the anticipated post-earnings volatility spike, a long straddle is appealing. Structure: Buy both NVIDIA March 21, 2025 $140 calls and $140 puts. Rationale: This position is designed to profit from a substantial move in either direction. While the IV is moderately high, meaning the straddle might be a bit costly, the historical tendency for earnings to drive large moves can still provide a favourable risk/reward scenario if the move exceeds the IV-induced decay.

Big congrats to our featured writers—your insights lit up the first half of 2025!

Got a fresh take or a killer strategy? Don’t keep it to yourself. The next must-read might just have your name on it. 🚀