Benzinga looked at the outlook for the favorite stocks of many investors over the past week – here’s a look at some of our biggest stories.
The major U.S. indexes ended the week higher, with the Dow Jones up 0.4%, the S&P 500 up 0.7% and the Nasdaq up 0.8%, ending a three-week decline streak.
The S&P 500’s strong performance on Christmas Eve fueled hopes of a “Santa Rally,” a historical trend showing gains 64 out of 96 years during Last week of December. Markets began to recover from hawkish Fed rate cut signals, but faced renewed volatility on Friday, tempering Santa Rally expectations.
Despite near-term uncertainty, 2024 remains exceptional, with the S&P 500 matching last year’s 24% gain and U.S. stocks outperforming global markets by around largest margin since 1997.
Benzinga provides daily reports on the stocks most popular with investors. Here are some of the most bullish and bearish articles from the past week that are worth checking out.
The bulls
“AMD and Micron are analysts’ top picks for growth in AI and next-generation technologies,” by Anusuya Lahiristrong points Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. AMD be a top analyst pick in 2025 for CPU/GPU dynamics and cutting-edge AI opportunities, and Micron Technology, Inc. UM for its dominance in high-bandwidth memory.
“Dogecoin whales load coins worth $92 million over 4 days as Meme King outperforms Bitcoin and Ethereum in 2024,” by Shivdeep Dhaliwalreports that whaling investors have acquired 270 million Dogecoin DOGE/USDworth $92 million, over four days, spurring DOGE’s 274% year-to-date rally, far outpacing Bitcoin BTC/USD And Ethereum ETH/USD gains of 132% and 53%, respectively.
“Quantum Computing Stock QUBT Soars 157% As Bitcoin Falls After Google’s ‘Willow’ Reveal,” by Aniket Vermastrong points Quantum Computing Inc. QUBT rose after the breakthrough of Google’s “Willow” chip, outperforming key indexes, while Bitcoin faced a slowdown due to concerns that Willow’s quantum power could compromise cryptographic security.
For other bullish calls from the past week, check out the following:
Top 7 blue chip stocks with the best return potential until 2025
Why Trump’s return to power could boost gold demand in 2025
The bears
“MicroStrategy sinks after Nasdaq 100 inclusion: Bitcoin bet under fire,” by Piero Cingarireports MicroStrategy Inc. MSTR shares fell 8.5% after its Nasdaq 100 debut, as analysts question its $561 million Bitcoin purchase at a 12% premium to current levels, marking its smallest acquisition in a context of declining stock market performance.
“Are cars under $30,000 disappearing? Trump’s tariff plans could reshape the US auto market,” by Chris Katjeexplore Donald TrumpThe proposed 25% tariffs on Mexican and Canadian imports, potentially driving up the price of vehicles like Ford Motor Co.It is F Non-conformist and Honda Motor Co.It is CMH Civic above $30,000, with a third of cars under $30,000 currently made in Mexico.
“Tesla shorts Gordon Johnson and James Chanos skeptical of Robotaxi potential amid debate over usage data,” by Kaustubh Bagalkotedetails the criticisms of Gordon Johnson of GLJ Research and short seller James Chanoswho argue Tesla Inc.It is TSLA Robotaxi’s ambitions overpromise excessive revenue potential, citing New York City ride-sharing data.
For more bearish views, be sure to check out these articles:
“Zelle has become a gold mine for fraudsters”: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau lawsuit
Keep up to date with all the latest trading news and ideas by following Benzinga on Twitter.
Image created using artificial intelligence via Midjourney.
This content was partially produced using AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
© 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.