Market Slump Continues as Investors Await Inflation Reports
Stocks experienced another week of losses, even with the February Jobs report falling short of predictions. While the report contained generally positive details, government jobs suffered the most significant decline, in line with expectations. This development adds to the growing uncertainty affecting stock prices, with no clear sign of a potential March rally.
Upcoming Inflation Data Could Drive Market Reactions
Next week, investors will receive key inflation data as the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Producer Price Index (PPI) will be released on Wednesday and Thursday, respectively. Should these numbers come in higher than anticipated, stocks may face further declines.
Long-Term Investors May Find Bargain Opportunities
Despite the ongoing market volatility, this period may present long-term investors with opportunities to identify bargains. The MarketBeat team is actively monitoring the market for promising stocks during these challenging times. Below are some highlighted articles from this week.
Articles by Jea Yu
CAVA Group Inc. (NYSE: CAVA) reported strong earnings this week, showcasing robust same-store sales growth. However, the stock declined following the report due to a slight earnings per share (EPS) miss and cautious guidance. Jea Yu discussed why the leading build-your-own-bowl (BYOB) company might be underestimating its future performance and potential buying opportunities.
Investors are beginning to grapple with the implications of Trump-era tariffs on energy stocks. This week, Yu examined the energy sector, highlighting one Canadian and one U.S. energy stock to navigate tariff uncertainties.
Defense stocks have been under pressure due to worries about budget cuts from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Yu analyzed two significant players in the defense sector, providing insight on how the Department of Defense (DoD) budget cuts might impact their stock performances.
Articles by Thomas Hughes
While investors remain focused on NVIDIA Corp. (NASDAQ: NVDA), Thomas Hughes reminded them of Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (NASDAQ: AMD). Despite a year of decline for AMD’s stock, Hughes explained the favorable institutional buying trends and analyst optimism that could indicate a potential rally.
GitLab Inc. (NASDAQ: GTLB), a DevOps platform, is currently struggling to find its footing in 2025. After a positive earnings report, the stock saw a drop because expectations were set too high. Hughes noted that despite this, analyst sentiment and institutional interest suggest a recovery might be on the horizon.
Additionally, oil stocks are feeling the strain from falling oil prices. Revisiting one of Warren Buffett’s favored stocks, Occidental Petroleum Corp. (NYSE: OXY), Hughes pointed out that the stock price is approaching a buy zone, given the company’s solid fundamentals.
Articles by Sam Quirke
Duolingo Inc. (NASDAQ: DUOL) generally receives positive reviews from those learning languages, but its stock performance tells a different story. This week, Sam Quirke assessed DUOL’s recent downturn following mixed earnings, arguing that its underlying revenue strength may not be fully appreciated.
Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. (NYSE: CMG) has shifted from leading the market to lagging behind. Quirke reported that the stock has fallen 20% from its December 2024 peak as investors cite growth concerns that don’t align with the company’s premium valuation. The upcoming earnings report could either validate the analysts’ optimistic outlook or exacerbate the selling pressure.
Elastic NV (NYSE: ESTC), a technology stock that has shown strong performance since September 2024, has dropped over 15% this week, creating an attractive entry point for investors.
Articles by Chris Markoch
This week, Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ: TSLA) stock continued its decline, down more than 30% in 2025 amid various challenges surrounding CEO Elon Musk. Chris Markoch analyzed the ‘Musk effect’ and suggested that it may take time for TSLA stock to stabilize.
With persistent uncertainty in the market, maintaining discipline and a diversified approach remains crucial. Markoch identified three stocks that are likely to rebound despite the challenges posed by tariffs.
Palantir Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ: PLTR) stock faces downward pressure, possibly erasing its January 2025 gains. However, the ongoing sell-off continues even after Palantir announced notable wins, which might provide a support level for its price.
Articles by Ryan Hasson
Market sell-offs can create advantageous buying opportunities. This week, Ryan Hasson focused on oversold stocks, particularly those in the Magnificent Seven group. He highlighted three Mag 7 stocks trading near key technical support levels, suggesting potential reversals are on the horizon.
Hasson also explored the fintech sector, spotlighting two oversold stocks that have reported robust earnings. Although the sector may be out of favor, he discussed the catalysts that could propel these stocks higher.
Amidst a broader market sell-off, investors remain intrigued by space stocks while becoming increasingly discerning about individual investments.
Market Insights Highlight Bullish Sentiment Amid Stock Volatility
Recent circumstances have not favored shares of Rocket Lab USA Inc. (NASDAQ: RKLB). Analyst Hasson examined the drivers behind the sell-off while also noting that analysts maintain a bullish stance on the company’s long-term outlook.
Articles by Gabriel Osorio-Mazilli
Stock buybacks often spark debate, but this week, Gabriel Osorio-Mazilli outlined that such actions usually indicate management’s confidence in the stock’s undervaluation and reflect an efficient use of capital. He directed investors’ attention to three stocks that present solid buying opportunities, driven by recent significant buybacks.
As earnings season approaches its conclusion, NVIDIA remains a focal point within the tech industry. However, Osorio-Mazilli advised investors to consider three alternative stocks that share similarities with NVIDIA but promise strong returns with reduced volatility.
The recent rise in Hims & Hers Health Inc. (NYSE: HIMS) stock illustrates the ongoing digital transformation within the healthcare sector. If you missed out on HIMS’ rally, Osorio-Mazilli explained why Clover Health Investments Inc. (NASDAQ: CLOV) could offer investors a second chance.
Articles by Leo Miller
One of the week’s highlights came from Intuitive Machines Inc. (NASDAQ: LUNR), which was set to achieve its second lunar landing. Leo Miller assessed how the stock performed after last year’s successful lunar mission and what a new successful landing might mean for the company’s long-term goals.
Super Micro Computer Inc. (NASDAQ: SMCI) garnered attention last week by avoiding delisting. Miller evaluated the stock’s price movements following that announcement and its implications for both short- and long-term prospects.
Eli Lilly & Co. (NYSE: LLY) has emerged as a market leader, particularly in the weight-loss sector. This week, the company shared positive news regarding a planned $27 billion investment aimed at facilitating U.S. expansion and mitigating the negative impacts of the Trump administration’s tariff policies.
Articles by Nathan Reiff
Amid market fluctuations, diversification across various stock types, including growth, value, and momentum, has gained traction. This week, Nathan Reiff provided investors with one growth stock, one value stock, and one momentum stock that promise appealing options heading into early 2025.
Moreover, Reiff reminded investors that momentum stocks and high-yield dividend stocks can co-exist. He analyzed three high-yield dividend stocks that exhibit strong momentum, driven by imminent catalysts.
Fees play a significant role for ETF investors, often leading them to steer clear of actively managed ETFs. However, Reiff spotlighted three actively managed ETFs that are yielding returns substantial enough to justify their higher fees.
Articles by Sarah Horvath
As numerous stocks trade at historically elevated valuations, savvy investors may seek opportunities at more reasonable prices. This week, Sarah Horvath highlighted three S&P stocks with lower price-to-earnings (P/E) ratios compared to the S&P 500 and their respective sectors.
The recent announcement of a strategic Bitcoin reserve keeps cryptocurrency on investors’ radar. For those wishing to invest in Bitcoin’s underlying blockchain technology without purchasing shares of Coinbase Global Inc. (NASDAQ: COIN), Horvath recommended four alternative blockchain stocks.
Warren Buffett has been actively adjusting his portfolio this year. A notable move included Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE: BRK.B) selling its entire position in the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (NYSEARCA: VOO) while acquiring shares of Domino’s Pizza Inc. (NASDAQ: DPZ). Selling VOO could be interpreted as a response to the index fund’s high valuation, whereas adding DPZ aligns with Buffett’s strategy of investing in the American economy.
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