Markets were higher this week as investors focused on earnings that keep AI trading going. Investors also remain confident that the end of the blockade in the Strait of Hormuz is coming sooner rather than later.
That will take some pressure off the very weak currency, which came in hotter than expected at both the consumer and producer levels. Sticky inflation changes the idea of deflation and even puts the idea of rate hikes on the table. For now, however, investors are buying into the growth story, largely supported by strong earnings.
That view may be tested next week when major retailers report. MarketBeat analysts will be following those reports and other portfolio news. Here are some of our most popular articles this week.
Writings of Thomas Hughes
Photonics is gaining momentum as the demand for artificial intelligence data centers rises against the limitations of traditional copper. This technology will be important to the space economy, and Thomas Hughes has offered investors four photo stocks that could go to the moon before their technology arrives.
Like many nuclear energy stocks, Oklo Inc. NYSE: OK had problems after going nuclear in 2025. Hughes pointed out that Oklo has a promising future, with fewer potential storms but an equal number of storms.
Hughes also analyzed the earnings report from MercadoLibre NASDAQ: MELI. The “Amazon of Latin America” is growing, but it is spending a lot of money to do so. A small miss on the money brought MELI down, but Hughes explained why it could be poised for a comeback.
Writings by Sam Quirke
Qualcomm Inc. NASDAQ: QCOM it's up 50% in the past month, and bulls are starting to believe the company is getting more growth than its software. But the bears say they have seen this before. Sam Quirke indicated that stock guidance will be carried out.
Apple Inc. NASDAQ: AAPL is another technology stock that has surprised investors this earnings season. The stock is up more than 15% after the earnings and is poised to breach the $300 mark. But Quirke noted that although there are no risks, analysts are raising their target prices, suggesting up to 20% more.
Quirke also broke Amazon.com Inc.'s near-term prospects. NASDAQ: AMZN and Alibaba NYSE: BABA. While a buy case can be made for both stocks, Quirke explained why one stock offers more value.
Articles by Chris Markoch
AI infrastructure stocks are emerging as the next phase of AI trading. However, investors are looking for long-term growth opportunities beyond NVIDIA NASDAQ: NVDA. This week, Chris Markoch highlighted three AI infrastructure stocks that are already showing strong growth.
Profit reports from hyperscalers have confirmed that data center demand is real. That view got a major boost with an earnings report from Constellation Energy NYSE: CEG. The stock fell after a beat-up quarter that showed why data center demand is fueling the outlook for nuclear power.
OpenAI is one of the most anticipated public offerings (IPOs). But Markoch explained why OpenAI's push to go public could be materially beneficial for Microsoft Corp. NASDAQ: MSFTas it will put a number on the company's profit on its $13 billion investment in OpenAI.
Articles by Ryan Hasson
Rocket Lab NASDAQ: RKLB rose more than 40% after its earnings report. However, the stock may be moving ahead of strong fundamentals. This week, Ryan Hasson helped investors decide whether to buy or wait for a pullback.
Inference has replaced training as the hottest investment theme in AI trading. Hasson gave investors five stocks that are positioned to profit from this change.
The writings of Leo Miller
Meta Platforms NASDAQ: META fell sharply following its Q1 report. But Leo Miller reminded investors that even though analysts' prices have dropped again, they still suggest a significant upside for META.
Miller also entered MP Materials NYSE: MP after the company's latest earnings report. The shares of the vertically integrated producer of the world's rare materials have increased by 2025 based on the signed agreements. This year, the performance of the stock will decrease in the execution of the company. So far, the results are good.
Stocks and AI trading don't overlap much. But the three biggest AI stocks recently raised their dividends. These are small gains, but they give investors an attractive sweetener to keep trading near their 52-week highs.
Articles by Nathan Reiff
Quantum computing lead season has come and gone. To start the week, Nathan Reiff wrote about how a strong report from IonQ Inc. NYSE: IONQ created the idea of two important quantum computing stocks.
Following that article, Reiff broke the earnings report from D-Wave Quantum Inc. NYSE: QBTS. Investors sold the stock immediately after the report, but Reiff noted that they may change their minds after digging into something positive in the report.
Many investors stay away from airline stocks. But Reiff pointed investors to an opportunity in aircraft maintenance companies that could help investors escape the turmoil in the aerospace sector.
Articles by Dan Schmidt
Investors are advised not to hold “falling knives,” meaning stocks that sell at a discount and continue to decline. This week, Dan Schmidt highlights three underperforming large-cap stocks and whether any are worth the risk.
Industrial stocks are being driven by the build-out of AI infrastructure, the sector's shift away from technology, and a growing lag in the defense sector. Schmidt identified three industries that may be buying opportunities after bringing in strong cash.
Writings of Jeffrey Neal Johnson
Investors looking to capitalize on the expected increase in defense costs to meet the growing backlog should pay attention to Odysight.ai NASDAQ: ODYS. Jeffrey Neal Johnson explained the company's new partnership with the US Navy and why it could be the first step on the company's path to profitability.
Johnson also wrote about the supply gap in the memory market. Specifically, a major labor crisis at a key global manufacturer of DRAM chips is creating pressure for domestic chipmakers. Johnson highlighted the factors that could keep the rally going and the risks that investors should be aware of.
A solid earnings report from Zebra Technologies NASDAQ: ZBRA is another example of the resurgence of industrial stocks. Johnson explained why the company is critical to automation and intelligent workflows in the global supply chain, and that the bull case starts with Zebra's ability to manage its supply chain.
Writings by Jennifer Ryan Woods
Will luxury brands continue to overtake retail shares? Tapestry Inc. NYSE: TPR suggests the possibility. The company presented a strong earnings report, beat and raise. TPR fell following the report, but Jennifer Ryan Woods helped investors understand the possible reasons for the selloff and why the pullback could create a potential entry point.
Company Shake Shack Inc. NYSE: SHAK requires a strong income statement. It was never delivered, and SHAK's stock plummeted. Woods broke down the report, which was not encouraging, but noted that analysts are still seeing the opposite and pointed out that SHAK has a history of sharp rallies following major declines.
The lowest price of shares of YETI Holdings Inc. NYSE: YETI was rewarded with a strong earnings report. The rally in YETI is a continuation of a strong run over the past 12 months. The increase was refreshing, but Woods noted that YETI will have to show that demand trends are sustainable.
The writings of Peter Frai am
In most things, simpler is better. Peter Frank wrote this week that exits from other risky businesses have helped Ally Financial NYSE: ALLY leaning heavily on its roots as an auto lender. The results have been reflected in the company's earnings, and Wall Street likes what it sees.
Digital banking is good for consumers, but it doesn't mean it's only beneficial for digital banks. Company Chime Financial Inc. NASDAQ: CHYM now it is different, as it delivered its first profitable quarter. Frank broke down the report and explained that analysts are working diligently but not ignoring legal risks.
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