In finance, “alpha” measures a portfolio’s ability to outperform its benchmark index. As of Q1 2024, U.S. large-cap growth funds show an average alpha of +1.2%, reflecting strong gains from AI-related stocks like NVDA and MSFT. Investors watch alpha closely as inflation slows to 3.4%, hinting at potential Fed rate cuts that could boost equity markets further. Unofficial results from the NASCAR Xfinity Series race on October 4, 2025 at the Charlotte Motor Speedway Roval. Gaming and online retail dominate their spending. Gaming accounts for 32.6% of spending, while online shopping via platforms such as Amazon Marketplace accounts for 27.2%. This generation is growing up in a world where digital transactions are the norm, influencing the development of financial products and services. This week’s Nasdaq performance illustrates alpha’s role — cloud computing ETFs posted +1.3% alpha compared to the composite index, fueled by consistent EPS beats. High-beta tech remains attractive given the Fed’s dovish tilt in recent minutes.