Earnings season has begun, and not too soon. The government shutdown has limited the flow of economic data, leaving investors searching for direction. There was no jobs report last week, and the Consumer Price Index (CPI) reading on inflation, which was scheduled for October 15, will be postponed until later in the month.
For now, the overall outlook remains bullish. In fact, the S&P 500 and Nasdaq hit record highs this week. Confirmation of strong corporate earnings will further sharpen the rally. This week, Delta and Pepsi provided reports that should provide cautious optimism, but reports from the big banks next week will likely be the bigger story.
Investors can’t do anything to take volatility out of the market, but they can use strategies that help them navigate whatever the market throws their way. MarketBeat can help you. Our team of analysts is always looking for opportunities, regardless of what’s happening in the broader economy. Here are some of our most popular stories from this week.
Articles by Thomas Hughes
This week’s deal between Advanced Micro Devices Inc. Nasdaq: AMD OpenAI got off to a strong start to the week. Thomas Hughes has been bullish on AMD for some time and explained why the stock is likely to double following the OpenAI deal.
The financial press often frames rating downgrades as a sell signal. However, Hughes pointed out that this is not the case. In fact, a downgrade could indicate a buying opportunity once the initial sell-off has ended. That’s the setup he sees for the three artificial intelligence (AI)-led technology stocks.
The government may be shut down, but investors are eyeing the stocks that members of Congress bought in the third quarter. So was Hughes, who gave investors five stock picks that show Congressional buying backed by analysts and institutions.
Articles by Sam Quirk
Sam Quirk noted that The Trade Desk Inc. NASDAQ:TTD It was one of the most volatile stocks of 2025. However, after a post-earnings decline, TTD stock has shown signs of recovery. Quirke gave investors two reasons to be optimistic and one reason to warrant more caution.
Amazon.com Inc Nasdaq: AMZN She hosted her main days this week. The event is a good reminder that the company’s core e-commerce business is still alive and well. Quirke also noted that this event could be a catalyst for a strong end-of-year rally.
Articles by Chris Markush
The market looks very similar to 2021, with many traders seeking quick, short-term gains. Chris Markoch looks at three stocks that offer exceptional wealth-building opportunities for patient investors looking to hold for the long term.
Cybersecurity stocks have a long runway for growth. Markusch highlighted three of the leading stocks in this sector and explained why one of them stands out from the rest.
Many traders like to look for stocks with higher percentage gains and buy into their upward momentum. This week, Markoch used the MarketBeat Top Stock Gainers tool to highlight three technology stocks that had some of the market’s strongest moves.
Articles written by Rayan Hassoun
Rocket Lab USA NASDAQ:RKLB It has established itself as a leader in the emerging space economy. This week, Ryan Hasson highlighted the business initiatives that pushed the stock to a new all-time high. He also noted that investors should expect a pullback, which could create a better entry point.
Hassoun also highlighted three stocks in the healthcare sector that are poised to make a comeback in light of lower interest rates and regulatory clarity, which has led to renewed investor interest in the sector.
AI trading has pushed many speculative stocks to astonishing levels. But when is it time to take profits? This week Hasson explained why it might be time for investors to take profits in three hot stocks that are sending overbought signals.
Articles by Gabriel Osorio Mazzilli
Real estate investment trusts (REITs) have been poor investments for several years. However, Gabriel Osorio-Mazzilli noted that the headwinds that were holding back the sector have become tailwinds that may signal the beginning of a real estate supercycle scenario, and highlighted three REITs that are positioned to move higher.
Another group of stocks that will benefit from lower interest rates are financial technology (fintech) stocks. Osorio-Mazilli analyzed three fintech stocks with significant upward pressure that will increase if the Fed continues to cut interest rates.
Preferred stocks such as Coca-Cola New York Stock Exchange: K.W. Can grow through acquisition. But Osorio-Mazzilli noted that Coca-Cola’s recent acquisition of Farilife is a good reminder to look at beverage stocks like Celisus Holdings Inc. Nasdaq: Sylawhich records strong organic growth making it a better choice for growth-oriented investors.
Articles by Leo Miller
The Trump administration’s move to acquire a 15% stake in MP Materials has renewed interest in basic materials stocks focused on rare earth metals. This week, Leo Miller explained why management’s buying spree may never end and why USA Rare Earth Nasdaq: Use: Use It might be the next target
Inside sales, such as those affecting CoreWeave Nasdaq: CRWV And Broadcom Nasdaq:AFGO Stocks are worth noting, but not all insider selling is the same. Miller explained the reasons for selling and why, in one case, that might be a red flag.
The nature of transactions for the Trump administration has been bullish for many health care stocks, including Eli Lilly & Co. New York Stock Exchange: LLY. Miller explained why LLY stock is rising. Specifically, analysts believe the company will be one of the next pharmaceutical companies to strike a deal with the administration to avoid higher tariffs.
Articles by Nathan Reeve
Nathan Reeve analyzed the advertisement in which Electronic Arts Inc. Nasdaq: EA A deal was struck that would take the company private. Reiff outlined the state of gaming for existing EA shareholders but gave investors two gaming stocks that may be better options for an industry-wide turnaround.
The convergence of defense, commercial aviation and aerospace is fueling interest in aviation stocks. This week, Reiff highlighted three penny stocks in aviation that may be ready to take off and explained why it’s important to articulate the risks and rewards in each stock.
Buying low and selling high means something a little different for exchange-traded fund (ETF) investors. In this case, this means finding funds that offer the opportunity to achieve high returns at a low cost. Reiff analyzed three ETFs that meet these criteria while giving investors exposure to some of the most attractive niches in the market.
Articles by Dan Schmidt
When many investors think about defensive stocks, they focus on the largest companies based in the United States. However, as the war between Russia and Ukraine shows no sign of abating, Dan Schmidt has recommended three European defense stocks with attractive outfits as the EU increases its defense spending.
Schmidt also noted that a single rate cut may not move the broader housing market. But what about home improvement stocks? He analyzed the annual performance of Lowe’s Companies Inc. New York Stock Exchange: Low And Home Depot. New York Stock Exchange: HD He explained why the transformation may take some time.
Articles by Jeffrey Neil Johnson
Plug Power Company Nasdaq: Delivery It has been one of the most heavily charged stocks in the past month. Jeffrey Neil Johnson explained the fundamental reasons that could sustain this rally after the short squeeze ends.
Archer Aviation Company Nasdaq: ACHR It is another stock that has made a sharp upward movement. Unusually strong call option activity indicates that traders are making large, bullish bets on the stock. Johnson explained why the company’s tangible progress may be the reason behind improved morale.
Johnson also broke the deal between the US government and Lithium Americas Corp. New York Stock Exchange: Latin America and the Caribbean Which includes the government obtaining a 5% stake in the company. As Johnson noted, this removes the speculative label from the company and puts the focus on the company’s ability to commence operations.
Articles by Jordan Schuessler
Pfizer New York Stock Exchange: PFE It announced plans to invest $70 billion in relocating its operations. This will prevent the company from being subject to harsh tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. Jordan Schuessler explained why the administration’s TrumpRx launch could be even bigger for the drugmaker.
The beginning of October marked the end of tax incentives for electric vehicles. This is a blow to the electric car market. Schuessler explained why legacy automakers aren’t throwing in the towel, and that they’ve developed an almost identical incentive in hopes of keeping the spark in EV sales alive.
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