Welcome to another mildly useful post from the kindalame.com trenches — where the analysis is real, the insights are decent, and the portfolio swings like a Dollar Tree screen door in a tornado. Here’s what I’m holding, why I’m holding it, and why you should probably not take this as financial advice.

1. 🛡️ SHLD – Global X Defense Tech ETF – $58.71 (+0.51%)

  • Why I hold it: With global defense budgets ballooning and everyone from NATO to Netflix talking about AI-driven drone swarms, SHLD gives me exposure to defense tech without betting on just one war machine.
  • Market pulse: SHLD just cracked above its long-term moving average — a bullish sign if you’re into that sort of thing.
  • Extra reading: Read this update on SHLD sector moves for the latest.

2. 💻 XLK – Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund – $244.40 (+1.77%)

  • Diversified tech exposure: This ETF is basically a buffet of Big Tech — Microsoft, Apple, NVIDIA, you name it.
  • Recent payout: It just dropped a quarterly dividend of $0.3975, which is like getting a shiny penny for being patient.
  • More info: Catch the full sector breakdown here.

3. 🏪 KR – Kroger – $74.03 (+2.86%)

  • Why it’s up: Kroger’s Q1 earnings were surprisingly strong — 3.2% same-store sales growth and 15% e-comm bump.
  • Reality check: They’re closing 60 underperforming stores and spending big on buybacks and fresh food logistics.
  • Proof in the produce: NY Post covered the store closures and CEO drama.

4. 🌾 ADM – Archer-Daniels-Midland – $52.80 (–1.51%)

  • Trouble brewing: A combination of falling grain profits, global tariffs, and internal accounting messes has ADM stumbling this quarter.
  • Behind the scenes: They’re cutting 700 jobs and bracing for rough crop cycles.
  • More gloom, some bloom: Trade war news and FT’s deep dive on ADM’s layoffs.

5. 🌍 VEU – Vanguard FTSE All‑World ex‑US ETF – $65.61 (+1.17%)

  • What it is: A one-stop-shop for non-U.S. equities. If it’s global and not based in the U.S., it’s probably in here.
  • Recent dividend: $0.47/share dropped on June 24.
  • Why I like it: Cheap, broad, and lets me sleep at night knowing I’m not totally at the mercy of Jerome Powell.
  • Look it up: Details on VEU from Vanguard

🔍 Strategy Summary

  • Diversified across sectors: Tech, groceries, ammo, soybeans, and the rest of the world.
  • Dividend drip and chill: Most of these picks kick back a little cash.
  • Tactical take: I’m not trying to beat the market. I’m just trying to not get beaten too badly by it.

🔮 What’s Next?

I’ll probably update this again after another coffee and mild panic attack from ADM’s next earnings call. Until then, let me know if you’re holding any of these or if there’s something else I should have my eye on.

Stay curious, stay skeptical, and remember: it’s not bad advice if you don’t take it.

— ImaLamer
kindalame.com