#finance Tech News.

SpaceX's IPO now allows retail investors to buy shares directly, bypassing traditional bank syndicates. This change gives more people access to the offering. Retail buyers can purchase shares before the stock starts trading, potentially at a lower price. The shift aims to make the IPO process more inclusive.

Horizon Technology Finance is upgraded to Hold as its portfolio structure shows potential for improvement and management demonstrates commitment through share repurchases. The company trades at a 33% discount to NAV, reflecting persistent portfolio and earnings weakness. Q1 results were disappointing, but new investments and merger-driven equity injection offer cautious optimism.

The iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF (IWN) provides higher recent returns and liquidity, while the iShares Morningstar Small-Cap Value ETF (ISCV) offers a cheaper cost structure and higher trailing yield. IWN follows the Russell 2000 Value Index, while ISCV uses Morningstar's indexing methodology. ISCV has a lower expense ratio of 0.06% compared to IWN's 0.24%. The Morningstar-indexed fund also offers a higher distribution yield of 1.90% over the last year.