Nielsen Holdings (NLSN) gained 2% yesterday after the Standard & Poor’s announced the stock would replace Sprint (S) in the S&P 500. Sprint is getting the boot because Japan’s SoftBank (SFTBF) is acquiring a 78% stake in the company, which will make it ineligible under one of the index’s many criteria.

Linn Energy (LINE) shed 15% yesterday amid news that the company is facing an SEC probe of its Berry Petroleum deal.

The spun-off publishing arm of the new News Corp (NWSA) began trading this week. It kept the News Corp name, while the entertainment arm of the company is going by 21st Century Fox (FOXA).

Mark Pincus, the founder of online gaming company Zynga (ZNGA), announced that he is stepping aside as CEO and handing the reins over to Microsoft’s (MSFT) Don Mattrick. Zynga’s stock jumped on the news, and InvestorPlace expert Tom Taulli is a huge supporter of the move.

Next, let’s check in with our Best Stocks of 2013 contest. Jeff Reeves’ slow-and-steady tech pick Intel (INTC) snagged the first-place spot at halftime with a total return of 20% so far this year.

Last but not least, aluminum giant Alcoa (AA) — who Jeff actually picked for the contest last year — will kick off Q2 earnings season Monday. However, the season looks set to be another stinker.

Check out past “6 Stocks in 60 Seconds” clips here.

For more videos — including exclusive access to full-length interviews and early access to weekly updates — like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter. As of this writing, Alyssa Oursler did not hold a position in any of the aforementioned securities. Follow her on Twitter: @alyssaoursler.