A magnetoresistive stack/structure and method of manufacturing same comprising wherein the stack/structure includes a seed region, a fixed magnetic region disposed on and in contact with the seed region, a dielectric layer(s) disposed on the fixed magnetic region and a free magnetic region disposed on the dielectric layer(s). In one embodiment, the seed region comprises an alloy including nickel and chromium having (i) a thickness greater than or equal to 40 Angstroms (+/−10%) and less than or equal to 60 Angstroms (+/−10%), and (ii) a material composition or content of chromium within a range of 25-60 atomic percent (+/−10%) or 30-50 atomic percent (+/−10%).