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Stocks Surge as S&P 500 Reaches Historic High Amid Regulatory Changes
This week, stocks surged dramatically, with the S&P 500 index achieving a record high. A significant factor contributing to this optimistic outlook was the clarity surrounding the Trump administration’s initial tariff proposals, which appear less severe than those suggested during the lead-up to Trump’s inauguration.
Investors are also responding positively to the pushback against regulations and the new president’s call for lower interest rates. However, it seems that a rate cut might not occur just yet, as analysts are estimating the chance of a reduction to be nearly 0% ahead of next week’s Federal Reserve meeting.
Next week promises to be action-packed with earnings reports across various sectors. Notably, the technology sector will provide insights from high-profile companies, including Meta Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ: META) and Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL).
With a busy week ahead, stay tuned to MarketBeat analysts for updates on stocks and key market trends. Here are our most popular articles from the past week.
Articles by Jea Yu
In his initial week in office, President Trump made headlines with proposals that could reshape Washington, D.C. A notable suggestion was the establishment of an External Revenue Service (ERS) aimed at tariff collection and potentially replacing the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), which would relieve Americans of income taxes. While it remains uncertain if this idea will gain traction, Jea Yu highlighted three stocks to watch if the ERS comes to fruition.
Yu also shed light on two distinct opportunities in energy stocks, particularly focusing on Duke Energy Co. (NYSE: DUK), a regulated utility, and NRG Inc. (NYSE: NRG), which operates in deregulated markets.
The cell and gene therapy sector continues to emerge as a fascinating area in biotech. This week, Yu discussed MaxCyte Inc. (NASDAQ: MXCT) and the importance of its technology within the gene editing field.
Articles by Thomas Hughes
Investors are often curious about which stocks Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi is buying, and for good reason; she is known as the largest active investor in the U.S. Congress with a proven track record. This week, Thomas Hughes examined Pelosi’s latest AI investments, explaining their potential for profitability.
This year has been challenging for SoundHound AI Inc. (NASDAQ: SOUN), with its stock dropping about 35%. Hughes discussed the reasons behind this decline, forecasted further downturns, and explained why long-term investors might see this as a chance to buy.
A significant development boosting AI stocks was the announcement of the Stargate Project, a collaboration between OpenAI and Softbank that plans to invest $500 billion in next-generation AI-focused data centers in the U.S. Hughes detailed how this transformative news is promising for Oracle Inc. (NYSE: ORCL), which will be vital in supplying necessary technology for this endeavor.
Articles by Chris Markoch
While it may take years before quantum computers are available on a large scale, investors are showing strong interest in quantum computing stocks. In his analysis, Chris Markoch explored three quantum computing stocks that could provide advantages both now and in the future.
If immediate benefits are more appealing to you, mining stocks, especially those focused on copper, might be worth considering. Markoch discussed why, despite short-term challenges leading to a mixed earnings report, Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (NYSE: FCX) could be a buy as its shares hover near a 52-week low.
Investors sometimes feel that $1,000 is too little to invest in blue-chip stocks like
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Investors Eye Three Stocks for Potential Gains in 2025
Market Momentum Fuels Stock Selections
Markoch spotlighted three Magnificent Seven stocks that still present solid upside opportunities for investors looking to build or initiate positions.
Articles by Ryan Hasson
Following a strong week in the markets, investors might be searching for stocks to pursue. This week, Ryan Hasson discussed three stocks in sectors displaying strong momentum, which often indicates a potential breakout to new highs.
AI has found one of its most promising uses in healthcare. With ongoing trends in precision medicine, Hasson pointed out that now might be an advantageous time to invest in Tempus AI Inc. (NASDAQ: TEM), which has climbed 61% this year after a remarkable 35% rise just this week.
Hasson also explored Palantir Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ: PLTR), one of the strongest performers in 2024 and a significant player in the AI sector. However, he cautioned that investors may be taking profits amid concerns about the stock’s high valuation, making it challenging for PLTR to replicate past success.
Articles by Gabriel Osorio-Mazilli
When a stock has declined, investors must determine if it is poised for recovery or should be avoided. Gabriel Osorio-Mazilli highlighted how recent analyst sentiment supports Super Micro Computer Inc. (NASDAQ: SMCI) as a stock worth watching for potential rebounds.
Osorio-Mazilli also suggested that momentum traders should consider sectors like transportation and industrials. The three stocks he identified may not be widely recognized, but they offer insight into market trends expected to shape 2025.
Many analysts anticipate a significant market breakout in 2025. In this context, Osorio-Mazilli recommended three stocks that present a favorable risk-reward profile and discussed the factors that could drive their growth in the upcoming quarters.
Articles by Leo Miller
The semiconductor sector remains an area of interest for investors in 2025. However, selective choices are essential, as evidenced by a challenging 2024. Leo Miller explained why Qualcomm Inc. (NASDAQ: QCOM) might be prime for strong performance next year.
Meanwhile, Netflix Inc. (NASDAQ: NFLX) is regarded as a market bellwether, with its earnings reports often reflecting consumer trends. This week, Miller reviewed the company’s impressive earnings and how they may indicate more growth for NFLX stock.
Investors frequently view buy-and-hold stocks as slow but steady options. However, Miller emphasized the importance of identifying where the market action will be in the long run for 2025. His article offers three buy-and-hold growth stocks worth consideration.
Articles by Nathan Reiff
Nuclear energy and quantum computing are gaining traction among investors seeking the next big opportunity. Nathan Reiff presented three nuclear energy stocks with potential for significant gains as demand for AI—and the energy to support it—expands over the next decade.
Even without a federal interest rate cut, biotech stocks could experience a resurgence in 2025. Reiff noted that many biotech firms suffered under high interest rates. With a more stable outlook for next year, he recommended three risky biotech stocks for adventurous investors.
After a record year for new investments, ETFs continue to attract significant capital. Reiff analyzed two of 2024’s top-performing funds to explain why they could repeat their success in 2025.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
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