LendingTree vs Virtus Artificial Intelligence and Technology Opportunities Fund

This page compares LendingTree and Virtus Artificial Intelligence and Technology Opportunities Fund, examining business models, financial performance, and market context in a neutral, accessible way. Educational content, not financial advice.

This page compares LendingTree and Virtus Artificial Intelligence and Technology Opportunities Fund, examining business models, financial performance, and market context in a neutral, accessible way. ...

About The Companies

LendingTree (TREE)

LendingTree, Inc. (TREE) operates an online marketplace connecting borrowers with multiple lenders for mortgages, personal loans, credit cards and other consumer credit products. The company earns revenue mainly from referral fees and advertising by matching consumer leads to financial institutions. With a market capitalisation around $804.4m, LendingTree sits in the small-cap area and can exhibit greater volatility than larger incumbents. Investors should note its performance is linked to consumer credit demand, competition from banks and fintech platforms, and interest-rate cycles that influence loan volumes and margins. Regulatory scrutiny of lending and data practices is also a material consideration. On the positive side, a scalable digital model and data-driven marketing can support customer acquisition and margin expansion if execution is strong. This summary is for educational purposes only — values can fall as well as rise, and this is not personalised advice. Consider diversification and your risk tolerance before investing.

Virtus Artificial Intelligence and Technology Opportunities Fund (AIO)

Virtus Artificial Intelligence & Technology Opportunities Fund (ticker: AIO) is an exchange‑listed investment fund that seeks exposure to companies positioned to benefit from artificial intelligence, data analytics, cloud computing and related technology trends. Managed actively, the fund typically holds a focused portfolio of technology and software firms, semiconductor manufacturers, cloud and systems providers, and other businesses enabling AI applications. Its market capitalisation is approximately $804.64 million, reflecting investor demand and its tradability on public markets. Investors should note the fund’s thematic concentration can lead to higher volatility versus broad market indices, and performance will depend on the managers’ stock selection and sector cycles. Fees, trading spreads and possible discounts or premiums to net asset value can affect returns. It may suit investors seeking targeted growth‑oriented exposure within a single tradable security, but may not be appropriate for those seeking broad diversification or low volatility. This is educational information only and not personal financial advice; values can fall as well as rise.

Comparison Snapshot

Key Financial Metrics

TREE

Metric

AIO

$764.74M

Market Cap

$790.87M

45.39%

Potential Profit

N/A

Buy

Analyst Rating

N/A

Which Baskets Do They Appear In?

Fed Pivot Play: Financial Sector's Risk-Reward Trade

An unexpected drop in wholesale prices has increased the likelihood that the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates to support the economy. This potential shift in monetary policy creates opportunities for companies in sectors that are sensitive to lower borrowing costs, such as banking and financial services.

Published: September 11, 2025

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Fed Pivot Stocks: Rate Cut Risks & Opportunities

A weaker-than-expected jobs report has increased the likelihood of a Federal Reserve interest rate cut. This theme focuses on companies poised to benefit from lower borrowing costs, which can stimulate lending and consumer spending.

Published: September 8, 2025

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The Next Fed Chair: A Monetary Policy Pivot

President Trump's search for a new Federal Reserve Chair, including private-sector candidates, signals a potential shift in monetary policy. This could create opportunities in interest-rate-sensitive industries, such as banking and housing, if the new leadership prioritizes lower borrowing costs.

Published: August 14, 2025

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Which Baskets Do They Appear In?

Fed Pivot Play: Financial Sector's Risk-Reward Trade

An unexpected drop in wholesale prices has increased the likelihood that the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates to support the economy. This potential shift in monetary policy creates opportunities for companies in sectors that are sensitive to lower borrowing costs, such as banking and financial services.

Published: September 11, 2025

Explore Basket

Fed Pivot Stocks: Rate Cut Risks & Opportunities

A weaker-than-expected jobs report has increased the likelihood of a Federal Reserve interest rate cut. This theme focuses on companies poised to benefit from lower borrowing costs, which can stimulate lending and consumer spending.

Published: September 8, 2025

Explore Basket

The Next Fed Chair: A Monetary Policy Pivot

President Trump's search for a new Federal Reserve Chair, including private-sector candidates, signals a potential shift in monetary policy. This could create opportunities in interest-rate-sensitive industries, such as banking and housing, if the new leadership prioritizes lower borrowing costs.

Published: August 14, 2025

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The Great Mortgage Privatization

The planned IPOs for mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac signal a historic shift toward privatization in the U.S. housing market. This move stands to benefit not only the investment banks managing the deal but also a wider ecosystem of mortgage lenders and insurers.

Published: August 11, 2025

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Embedded-Finance Infrastructure

These innovative companies provide the essential API infrastructure that enables any business to seamlessly integrate financial services into their products. Carefully selected by our analysts, these stocks represent the invisible technology powering the next generation of banking, lending, and insurance experiences.

Published: June 17, 2025

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Information Asymmetry Arbitrageurs

These companies build their success on knowing more than their customers. Our analysts have selected businesses that create lasting value from proprietary data and analytical advantages in complex markets like credit scoring, auto sales, and insurance.

Published: June 17, 2025

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Investment Analysis

LendingTree

TREE

Pros

LendingTree’s insurance segment has consistently grown with a four-year CAGR of 13.4%, contributing significantly to revenue diversification.
The company has expanded beyond mortgage products into consumer credit cards, auto loans, personal loans, student loans, and small business financing.
LendingTree stock surged 70.1% over the past year, outperforming industry peers and demonstrating strong market momentum.

Considerations

Short-term price forecasts suggest LendingTree stock may face downward pressure with an expected fall of approximately 5% over the next three months.
The stock price is predicted to decrease slightly in 2025, with some analysts forecasting a potential decline from current levels.
LendingTree has a relatively weak liquidity profile which could pose challenges under adverse market conditions.

Virtus Artificial Intelligence and Technology Opportunities Fund

AIO

Pros

Virtus Artificial Intelligence & Technology Opportunities Fund focuses on the significant long-term secular growth opportunity presented by AI and disruptive technologies.
The Fund uses a multi-asset, dynamic allocation strategy across equity and convertible securities to manage risk and seek attractive returns.
Offers a relatively high dividend yield around 7.7%, providing a stable income stream alongside capital growth potential.

Considerations

As a closed-ended fund with a termination date around October 2031, the investment horizon is limited and subject to potential earlier closure.
The Fund’s beta of 1.15 indicates moderately higher volatility compared to the broader market, increasing risk for shareholders.
Lack of detailed earnings data and absence of well-established analyst price targets may increase uncertainty about short-term performance.

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About The Companies

Comparison Snapshot

Which Baskets Do They Appear In?

Fed Pivot Play: Financial Sector's Risk-Reward Trade

Fed Pivot Stocks: Rate Cut Risks & Opportunities

The Next Fed Chair: A Monetary Policy Pivot

Which Baskets Do They Appear In?

Fed Pivot Play: Financial Sector's Risk-Reward Trade

Fed Pivot Stocks: Rate Cut Risks & Opportunities