business 3 - The Latremie Post

Schwab: Majority of Retail Investors Plan to Up ETF Allocations

**Retail Investors’ Appetite for ETFs Continues to Grow, Says Charles Schwab Report**

Retail investors are showing increasing enthusiasm for exchange-traded funds (ETFs), both among experienced investors and those considering their first ETF investments. This trend is highlighted in the 14th annual “ETFs and Beyond” report from Charles Schwab Asset Management.

**Momentum Building Toward ETF-Only Portfolios**

“It’s a continuation of the momentum we have been seeing,” noted David Botset, Head of Strategy, Innovation and Stewardship at Schwab Asset Management. “Investors continue to indicate they anticipate more of their investment portfolios going into ETFs in the future, such that they are actually thinking about a future where, in some cases, within five years, they may have an ETF-only portfolio.”

**Survey Overview**

The study surveyed 2,000 retail investors, evenly split between those who currently hold ETFs in their portfolios and those who have yet to invest in them. Notably, most respondents with ETF holdings began investing in these products within the past five years (66%), while 32% started before 2019.

The survey results were unveiled at the Schwab Impact conference held this week in Denver.

**Key Findings Among ETF Holders**

– An overwhelming 93% of investors with ETFs consider them a necessary part of their portfolio.
– 82% identified ETFs as their preferred investment vehicle.
– 61% reported increasing their ETF allocations in 2025.
– 75% indicated they were likely to invest in another ETF within the next two years.
– Currently, ETFs represent about 27% of these investors’ portfolios, with expectations to rise to 34% within five years.
– 62% said they would reallocate money from individual stock investments into ETFs.
– 51% planned to pull funds from mutual funds to increase ETF holdings.
– 38% would invest new, previously uninvested money into ETFs.

**Newer Investors Show Greater Enthusiasm**

Investors who adopted ETFs in the past five years are more inclined to significantly increase their ETF allocations compared to those who began investing earlier.

– About half of both newer and experienced investors plan to increase their ETF investments modestly within the next year.
– However, 30% of newer investors aim to significantly boost their ETF holdings, versus only 12% of seasoned investors.
– When it comes to maintaining current investment levels, 15% of newer and 29% of experienced investors preferred to keep their allocations steady.
– Notably, 70% of newer investors are open to the idea of an ETF-only portfolio, compared to 49% of experienced investors.

**Generational Differences in ETF Adoption**

Generation also plays a significant role in ETF investment intentions:

– 32% of millennials plan to significantly increase their ETF holdings in the next year, compared to 20% of Gen X investors and 6% of baby boomers.
– A majority of millennials (66%) would consider allocating their entire portfolio to ETFs.
– Only 42% of Gen X investors and 15% of baby boomers shared this consideration.

**Interest Among Non-ETF Investors**

Among respondents not currently holding ETFs, 48% expressed likelihood to invest in ETFs within the next two years.

—

### Preferred Strategies and Asset Classes

For most ETF investors (53%), portfolios rely mainly on core strategies complemented by some tactical or niche holdings. Another 18% allocate their entire ETF portfolio to core strategies.

**Top Asset Classes for ETF Investment:**

– **U.S. Equities:** 52% plan to invest
– **Bonds/Fixed Income:** 45%
– **Cryptocurrency:** 45%
– **Emerging Markets Equities:** 41%
– **Real Assets:** 40%
– **International Developed Markets:** 29%
– **Alternatives:** 26%

David Botset commented, “The majority of ETF investors are either using ETFs to establish a core investment portfolio, or they are doing a core investment portfolio with a small portion that is a little bit more tactical… ETF investors are seemingly using ETFs more and more in lieu of mutual funds.”

Dividend ETFs are especially popular, with 54% of surveyed investors planning to invest in them. Single-stock ETFs follow at 36%.

**Active vs. Passive Management Preferences**

– Passive ETFs are preferred for U.S. equities, bonds/fixed income, international developed markets, and cryptocurrency.
– For emerging market equities, 39% of investors prefer actively managed ETFs, slightly more than the 35% who favor passive funds.
– Alternatives also see a tilt toward active management, with 35% opting for it compared to 32% choosing passive ETFs.

Top reasons for choosing actively managed ETFs include:

– Potential to outperform index ETFs (63%)
– Access to alternative strategies (51%)
– Potential downside protection (45%)
– Access to specific funds or asset managers (41%)

—

### Factors Influencing ETF Selection

Cost remains the most critical factor when choosing an ETF, cited by 59% of respondents—a notable increase of 200 basis points from 2024’s survey.

Other influential factors include:

– **Reputation of the ETF Provider:** 55%
– **ETF Brand Name:** 40%
– **Investment Stewardship Approach:** 39%

Both investors with and without current ETF holdings demonstrated strong interest in optimizing tax strategies through ETFs, at 60% and 49% respectively.

Additionally, 55% of current ETF investors and 39% of non-investors expressed interest in investing in long-term trends and macro themes via ETFs.

—

### About the Survey

Conducted between July 25 and August 14, 2025, the annual study targeted investors aged 25 to 75 with at least $25,000 in investable assets. Non-ETF investors were required to have at least some familiarity with ETFs.

The survey was carried out by independent research firm Logica Research.

—

*As interest and adoption of ETFs continue to rise, Schwab Asset Management’s latest report underscores the growing role ETFs play in retail investors’ portfolios across generations and experience levels.*
https://www.wealthmanagement.com/etfs/schwab-majority-of-retail-investors-plan-to-up-their-etf-allocations

Toyota, Honda turn India into car production hub in pivot away from China – News India Times

TOKYO (Reuters) – Toyota, Honda, and Suzuki are investing billions of dollars to build new cars and factories in India, signaling the country’s growing importance as a manufacturing hub. This shift reflects Japanese automakers’ efforts to redraw global supply chains and reduce dependence on China.

Toyota, the world’s largest carmaker, and Suzuki, the leader in the Indian market with almost a 40% share, have separately announced investments totaling $11 billion to enhance manufacturing and export capabilities in the world’s third-largest auto market. Meanwhile, Honda recently revealed plans to make India a production and export base for one of its upcoming electric cars.

India’s low costs and vast labor pool have long attracted manufacturers. Now, Japanese automakers are stepping up operations as they pivot away from China, both as a market and manufacturing base, according to multiple industry executives.

Another advantage is that India remains almost entirely closed to Chinese electric vehicles (EVs). This means Japanese carmakers, at least for now, won’t face intense competition from Chinese firms like BYD. Chinese EV makers have engaged in brutal price wars that have made it difficult to turn profits at home. Adding to the challenge, these Chinese carmakers are expanding overseas, snatching market share from Japanese rivals in Southeast Asia.

“India is a good choice as a replacement market for China,” said Julie Boote, an autos analyst at Pelham Smithers Associates in London, citing low profit margins in China. “For the time being, the Japanese think it’s a much better market because they don’t have to deal with the Chinese competitors.”

Additional draws include improved quality of India’s manufactured goods and incentives from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, executives said. Toyota and Suzuki each hold majority ownership of their Indian units, while Honda owns 100% of its business in the country.

### Toyota Goes Local in India

Japan’s annual direct investment in India’s transport sector, which includes automakers, surged more than sevenfold between 2021 and 2024, reaching 294 billion yen ($2 billion) last year. In contrast, Japanese direct investment in China’s transport sector dropped 83% over the same period to 46 billion yen.

Toyota is collaborating with Japanese and Indian vendors to reduce costs and expand the production of hybrid components. Due to a surge in demand this year, India experienced a tight supply of hybrid parts. “It is no longer about global specifications but about local ones,” said an executive at a major Toyota supplier.

The automaker plans to launch 15 new and refreshed models in India by the end of the decade and expand its network in rural areas. Toyota aims to capture 10% of the passenger car market in India by 2030, up from 8% currently.

“The Indian market is extremely important and is set to grow in the future,” Toyota President Koji Sato said at last week’s Japan Mobility Show, noting that many other automakers are also focusing on the market.

Last year, Toyota announced more than $3 billion in investments to increase production capacity at its existing factory in southern India by approximately 100,000 vehicles annually. It is also building a new plant in western Maharashtra state, expected to begin production before 2030. These expansions will raise Toyota’s production capacity in India to over 1 million vehicles.

At its quarterly earnings call, Toyota highlighted India’s growing significance to its profits, especially as its North American business has been affected by tariffs.

### Support from the Modi Government

India’s economy has averaged 8% growth over the past three fiscal years, a pace the Modi government aims to sustain by attracting more foreign manufacturers. The government is rolling out incentives to encourage production for both domestic consumption and exports.

Last financial year, India manufactured around 5 million passenger cars, with nearly 800,000 exported and the remainder sold domestically. Domestic sales grew about 2% year-on-year, while exports rose by 15%.

Government restrictions on Chinese investments act as an additional form of support for Japanese automakers, making it difficult for new Chinese carmakers to enter and for existing players like SAIC’s MG Motor and BYD to expand.

“India’s protectionist stance toward neighbouring countries is a blessing in disguise for Japanese carmakers,” said Gaurav Vangaal of S&P Global Mobility. “Because of this, they see an opportunity to expand investment in India, enhancing their cost competitiveness against domestic players.”

Local companies such as Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra are expanding their SUV offerings, taking market share from Suzuki. Before the pandemic, Suzuki held about 50% of India’s passenger car market. However, India remains a challenging market—foreign automakers like Ford and General Motors previously struggled and eventually exited.

### Honda Eyes Expansion in India

India is Honda’s largest market for its highly profitable two-wheel business. Now, the company intends to ramp up its four-wheel operations, Honda CEO Toshihiro Mibe told the mobility show.

Honda’s top three focus markets for its car business are the United States, followed by India and Japan. It plans to make India the production and export hub for one of its “Zero series” electric cars, with a model scheduled for export to Japan and other Asian markets from 2027.

### Suzuki’s Big Bet on India

Suzuki’s $8 billion investment in India aims primarily to expand local production capacity to 4 million cars per year, up from approximately 2.5 million currently. Its Indian subsidiary, Maruti Suzuki, is the country’s top-selling carmaker and largest car exporter.

“We would like to grow India as Suzuki’s global production hub,” President Toshihiro Suzuki said on the sidelines of the mobility show. “We would like to enhance exports from India.”

—

As Japanese automakers deepen their commitment to India, the country is poised to become a critical center in the global auto industry — serving not just its booming domestic market but also as a strategic manufacturing and export base.
https://newsindiatimes.com/toyota-honda-turn-india-into-car-production-hub-in-pivot-away-from-china/

Peak explores The Roots update today

**Peak’s Latest Free Update: The Roots Brings a Thrilling New Biome and Exciting Challenges**

Indie studios Aggro Crab and Landfall have seen surprising success with their game, Peak. As more groups of friends dive in to tackle its harrowing climbs, the developers have released the game’s latest free update, **The Roots**.

This update introduces a brand-new biome inspired by the dense forests of the Pacific Northwest. While Peak’s core gameplay still revolves around climbing, players now find themselves scaling towering trees within this lush, sprawling forest. Climbing these trees presents a unique challenge regardless of party size.

Adding to the tension are giant insects roaming the forest, including massive spiders that can cocoon players in webs and drop them from great heights, leading to potentially perilous falls. Players will need to stay alert and work together to survive these new threats.

The update also adds native mushrooms scattered throughout The Roots biome. Players can choose to consume these mushrooms, but beware—doing so carries risks, including the possibility of turning into a zombie-like state.

In addition to the new biome and creatures, **The Roots** update brings tweaks to Peak’s cooking system. It’s now possible to place non-food items over the fire and observe mysterious effects. The developers haven’t revealed what these effects are, encouraging players to experiment and discover secrets on their own.

Moreover, players can now cook berries to remove their poison, making them safe to eat. However, this cooking method does not work on mushrooms—so handle those fungi with caution while exploring the forest.

For the complete list of changes and updates, be sure to check out the full patch notes available on Steam.

Get ready to climb, survive, and discover all-new dangers in Peak’s thrilling Roots update!
https://www.shacknews.com/article/146689/peak-the-roots-update-release-date

BlizzCon 2026 tickets go on sale Friday for September 2026 event

Blizzard is gearing up for a triumphant return to its iconic BlizzCon convention after taking a short break. The publisher recently announced exciting plans for BlizzCon 2026, promising a bigger and better experience for fans. If you’re planning to attend the event at the Anaheim Convention Center—or considering your first visit—now is the time to mark your calendar.

Passes for BlizzCon 2026 will go on sale this Friday, November 7, at an early bird rate of $249.99 USD. This price includes two-day admission to the event, a variety of commemorative items, and a collection of yet-to-be-revealed in-game bonuses. Blizzard emphasizes that this is an all-in price, which means there are no additional taxes or fees to worry about.

In addition, Blizzard has increased the ticket purchase limit—fans can now buy up to four passes per Battle.net account, doubling the previous limit of two.

The early bird rate will be available only until Sunday, November 9, at 11:59 p.m. PT. Those who miss out on this window will have to wait for the next ticket sale on Tuesday, November 18. At that time, standard passes will be available for $289.99 USD.

For those interested in enhanced experiences, Blizzard is also offering additional pass options. Buyers can add a Charity Night pass for $499.99 or a Darkmoon Faire After Hours pass for $89.99.

Blizzard first announced its intention to move forward with BlizzCon 2026 back in March. The last BlizzCon was held in 2023 and featured a range of exciting announcements, including the ambitious World of Warcraft: Worldsoul Saga.

Looking ahead to 2026, Blizzard has planned Opening Ceremonies that will include reveals from major titles such as World of Warcraft, Diablo 4, Overwatch 2, Hearthstone, Diablo Immortal, and possibly a few surprises. Of course, the event will also feature the classic BlizzCon staples like meet-and-greets, esports tournaments, pop-up shops, and much more.

Stay tuned for more updates and get ready to secure your spot at BlizzCon 2026!
https://www.shacknews.com/article/146688/blizzcon-2026-on-sale-ticket-dates

Marvel Games lead teases likely collaboration with Insomniac Games past Wolverine

By all accounts, Marvel Games and Insomniac Games’ relationship has been going swimmingly. They are three successful Spider-Man games into their partnership, with the highly anticipated Wolverine title just around the corner. Given this momentum, there’s little reason to believe the collaborations will stop after Wolverine.

If it wasn’t already clear, Marvel Games general manager Haluk Mentes made it abundantly obvious. In a recent interview with *Game Informer*, Mentes spoke glowingly about the relationship between Marvel and Insomniac. Even this far into their partnership—and while still working on Wolverine, scheduled for a fall 2026 release—Haluk expressed great enthusiasm for what the two studios have built together.

Of course, the collaboration is not just about Insomniac. Marvel Games has been branching out into a variety of projects. This includes the NetEase hero shooter *Marvel Rivals*, the digital card game *Marvel Snap* from Second Dinner, and even indie beat-’em-up titles like Dotemu and Tribute Games’ *Marvel Cosmic Invasion*, to name a few.

Mentes is proud of Marvel Games’ success in expanding its brand and is eager to see even greater diversity in the developers working with Marvel moving forward.
https://www.shacknews.com/article/146686/marvel-games-haluk-mentes-insomniac-games-wolverine

Sherrill says she has a mandate as New Jersey’s next governor and will focus on affordability

**New Jersey Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill Says She Has a Mandate to Make State More Affordable**

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — New Jersey Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill said Wednesday she believes she has a clear mandate to fulfill her campaign promises focused on making the state more affordable. The Democrat is also dialing back her criticism of Republican President Donald Trump—for now—as she sets up her administration amid Democratic victories in Virginia, Pennsylvania, Georgia, and New York City.

Sherrill met with Gov. Phil Murphy, D-N.J., at his statehouse office, where they discussed the transition. When asked if her double-digit victory over Republican Jack Ciattarelli signaled a mandate, the congresswoman responded, “Yes, I do, a big one.”

While Sherrill did not directly address how her centrist victory in a state that had been shifting to the right aligns with the election of democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani as New York City mayor—a candidate favored by the Democrats’ progressive wing—she remained focused on her core message of affordability.

“The reason I was so focused on affordability issues is because my communities are focused on affordability issues and how they’re going to be successful,” Sherrill said.

She has promised to issue an executive order to freeze monthly electricity bills and aims to expand a program for first-time homebuyers.

During the campaign, Sherrill strongly criticized Trump’s tariffs, describing them as “a worldwide extortion racket,” and positioned him as a key foil in the race. Although she has not yet spoken to Trump, she expressed willingness to collaborate on bringing federal funds into the state—particularly for the Gateway rail tunnel project connecting New Jersey with Manhattan. The Trump administration froze funds for the project amid the government shutdown.

In defeating Ciattarelli, Sherrill flipped counties that had supported Republicans in the previous year’s presidential and gubernatorial races. She also performed strongly among nonwhite voters, winning about 7 in 10, according to the AP Voter Poll, which surveyed more than 4,000 New Jersey voters.

This is a promising sign for Democrats who have been trying to regain support among nonwhite voters after Trump made gains in this demographic in 2024. Sherrill captured about half of the state’s white voters, who comprise 7 in 10 voters overall.

The poll found that approximately 9 in 10 Black voters supported Sherrill, along with about 8 in 10 Asian voters. Hispanic voters were more divided, but around two-thirds favored Sherrill, while only about 3 in 10 voted for Ciattarelli.

Last year, Trump made inroads with Black and Hispanic communities in New Jersey, narrowing the Democratic margin from 16 percentage points in 2020 to just 6 points.

The poll also highlighted economic messaging: Sherrill won about 7 in 10 voters who said their family’s finances were “falling behind,” a group comprising roughly one-quarter of voters.

“What I saw was that our message was resonating,” Sherrill said.

___

Associated Press writer Linley Sanders in Washington contributed to this report.
https://ktar.com/national-news/sherrill-says-she-has-a-mandate-as-new-jerseys-next-governor-and-will-focus-on-affordability/5771071/

Fedora-wearing bicyclist who scrawled swastikas at NYC yeshiva caught on video

Disturbing surveillance video has captured a mysterious bike-riding vandal who painted swastikas at a Brooklyn yeshiva early Wednesday morning, just hours after socialist Zohran Mamdani’s mayoral win.

The footage shows a single figure wearing a wide-brimmed hat pedaling up to the Magen David Yeshiva in Gravesend around 6:30 a.m. The individual stops briefly to scrawl hateful graffiti before riding off.

“In light of the results from the election last night, everybody is super sensitive, and we’re afraid that this is going to be the new norm, where these people are going to be emboldened and think that they can get away with it,” Bob Moskiwitz, dispatcher for Flatbush Shomrim Patrol, told The Post.

“First of all, it’s hate graffiti,” he said. “I don’t care if it was on a mailbox or on a light pole—we would look into that, too. But here you have a predominantly Jewish neighborhood, a Jewish school with massive attendance. This is one of the largest schools in the community, and it’s very traumatic for the entire community.”

The hateful act came just hours after Mamdani, a Muslim and social Democrat, comfortably beat former Gov. Andrew Cuomo in the mayoral race. This victory has sparked concern among some New Yorkers who are wary of the mayor-elect’s purported anti-Israeli rhetoric.

“It’s not a coincidence that this happened hours after Mamdani won the election,” one yeshiva parent said. “Anyone who claims that it is is lying to themselves or having delusions. This was a statement that with the new boss in charge, we finally get to show our true colors.” He referred to it as a sign of “Mamdani’s New York.”

Moskiwitz said the patrol received a call about the graffiti roughly half an hour after the incident. Two swastikas were painted on the main building and two more on the window of an adjoining building. The patrol then notified the NYPD.

The school responded by washing the swastikas off the windows and taping
https://nypost.com/2025/11/05/us-news/fedora-wearing-bicyclist-who-scrawled-swastikas-at-nyc-yeshiva-caught-on-video/

Galaxy Slashes Bitcoin Price Target for 2025 as BTC Enters ‘Maturity Era’

Galaxy Lowers Bitcoin End-of-Year Price Target from $185,000 to $120,000

Institutional crypto firm Galaxy has revised its end-of-year price target for Bitcoin, lowering it from $185,000 to $120,000. This adjustment comes in the wake of Bitcoin (BTC) falling below the $100,000 mark for the first time in six months.

In a note to its clients on Wednesday, Galaxy attributed this change to recent market developments, including a significant drop in BTC’s price and a $2 billion wave of liquidations that swept through the market on Tuesday. According to the firm, Bitcoin is now entering what it terms the “maturity era,” characterized by reduced volatility and increased stability.

### Bitcoin’s “Maturity Era” and Market Implications

Galaxy explains that during this new phase, market dynamics will be dominated by institutional absorption, passive investment flows, and lower volatility levels. As a result, the firm anticipates that Bitcoin’s gains will be more gradual moving forward, with prices expected to approach—but not exceed—previous all-time highs by the end of the year.

Recently, Bitcoin has been trading around $103,923, marking a 3% increase following Tuesday’s market upheaval. However, this price still represents an approximate 18% decline from its all-time high of $126,080 set just last month, according to data from CoinGecko.

### Shifting Market Dynamics

Galaxy’s analysis highlights several factors working against Bitcoin’s favor in the current market:

– The record $19 billion liquidation cascade on October 10, triggered partially by President Trump’s threats of massive tariffs on China, has shaken investor confidence and reduced market liquidity.

– Alternative assets, such as gold and AI-focused stocks, have started to compete more aggressively with Bitcoin for investors’ attention.

– The growing popularity of stablecoins has also diverted interest away from Bitcoin within the crypto space.

### Policy Developments and Investor Sentiment

On the policy front, expectations for a Bitcoin strategic reserve were high when President Trump took office in January. While an executive order was signed to establish such a reserve, there have been no subsequent Bitcoin purchases, and government communication on the initiative has been minimal, Galaxy noted.

Additionally, retail investor enthusiasm for crypto has waned significantly since 2021. Galaxy describes retail buyers as largely “apathetic” toward Bitcoin, with the previous year’s meme coin surge providing only a temporary boost in attention that has yet to translate into sustained confidence in Bitcoin.

### Future Outlook for Bitcoin Treasury Companies

Galaxy also predicts changes for companies holding Bitcoin on their balance sheets. Whereas stock prices for these firms previously rose in tandem with Bitcoin’s price, the cooling momentum means that generating revenue through other means will become necessary.

### Market Predictions

According to predictors on Myriad—a platform developed by Decrypt’s parent company, Dastan—there is a 64% likelihood that Bitcoin will reach $115,000 before it drops to $85,000.

—

As Bitcoin transitions into this new phase of maturity, investors and market observers will be closely watching how these evolving dynamics shape the outlook for the world’s leading cryptocurrency.
https://decrypt.co/347449/galaxy-slashes-bitcoin-price-target-2025-btc-enters-maturity-era

Death toll in fiery UPS plane crash rises to 9, with more than a dozen still unaccounted for

**Death Toll in Louisville UPS Plane Crash Rises to Nine, Search Efforts Continue**

The death toll from Tuesday night’s horrific UPS plane crash in Louisville has risen to at least nine, with more casualties expected as search efforts continue, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear announced Wednesday morning.

“This is going to be a tough day for Kentucky after yesterday’s deadly plane crash,” Gov. Beshear wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “The number of those lost has now risen to at least nine, with the possibility of more.” He added that, at a reunification center, 16 families have already reported loved ones still unaccounted for.

A “significant” search and rescue operation was underway overnight and continues this morning, according to Beshear. His office is scheduled to provide an update during a press conference at 11:30 a.m. ET.

**Tragedy Strikes at Muhammed Ali International Airport**

The accident involved UPS Flight 2976, which was carrying three crew members and 50,000 gallons of jet fuel. The Hawaii-bound plane reportedly lifted off from the runway with one wing on fire before flipping on its side and crashing to the ground at Louisville’s Muhammed Ali International Airport around 5:15 p.m. Shocking video from the scene shows the aircraft exploding in a massive fireball.

**Community and Company Respond**

In a statement, UPS said it was “terribly saddened” by the accident and offered “heartfelt thoughts” to everyone involved. “We will work tirelessly with state and local authorities on response efforts,” the global shipping and logistics company stated.

Authorities urge anyone with missing family members connected to the incident to contact the reunification center for assistance. Updates will continue as new information emerges from ongoing search and investigation efforts.
https://nypost.com/2025/11/05/us-news/death-toll-in-fiery-ups-plane-crash-in-louisville-rises-to-9-with-more-than-a-dozen-still-unaccounted-for/

PlayStation Portal now lets you stream your own digital games to the handheld without a PS5, but you still need to have the most expensive version of PS Plus to do so

Sony has announced a new update for the PlayStation Portal, bringing a range of exciting features designed to enhance the handheld gaming experience.

One of the most notable additions is the expansion of cloud streaming to include your personal game library. Previously, players could stream games from the PS Plus Game Catalog and Classics Catalog, but with this update, you’ll be able to stream your own digital PS5 games directly on the PlayStation Portal. Sony highlights that “thousands of PS5 games support” cloud streaming, naming popular titles like Astro Bot, Borderlands 4, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, and Ghost of Yotei as examples. However, not every game is available; for instance, John Fart: Text-iverse of Craziness does not appear on the supported list.

It’s important to note that even with this expanded streaming capability, a PS Plus Premium subscription is required to stream your own games through the cloud. For those without the premium tier, using Remote Play—Sony’s original streaming feature—might still be the better option.

This update also introduces a redesigned user interface tailored to the platform’s current capabilities. The new UI features three main tabs: “Remote Play,” “Cloud Streaming,” and “Search,” making navigation simpler and more intuitive.

In addition to streaming improvements, several new features have been added to the PlayStation Portal:

– **3D Audio Support:** Enhances spatial sound for a more immersive gaming experience.
– **Password Lock:** Adds an extra layer of security to your device.
– **In-Game Purchases:** Allows you to buy content without leaving your game.
– **New Accessibility Options:** Improves usability for a wider range of players.

This update marks a significant step in evolving the PlayStation Portal from a device primarily for remote streaming to a more versatile handheld gaming companion. Keep an eye out for the rollout and enjoy the enhanced functionality it brings.
https://www.gamesradar.com/platforms/playstation/playstation-portal-now-lets-you-stream-your-own-digital-games-to-the-handheld-without-a-ps5-but-you-still-need-to-have-the-most-expensive-version-of-ps-plus-to-do-so/