Stocks may kick off the week with a tumble as a major oil deal in Doha failed to materialize. That would follow up Friday’s minor decline across U.S. indices, with the S&P 500 slipping 0.1% and the Dow Jones Industrial Average sliding 0.2%.
Investors and traders should be keeping their eye on a number of stocks as we head into the new week, but among those that stand out the most are Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT), Target Corporation (NYSE:TGT) and Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ).
Here’s a look at why:
Target Corporation (TGT)
Target’s business had a lazy Sunday (and as sales of the company’s new collection floundered.
The Marimekko Collection — available for a limited time — was designed to attract a fleet of customers over the weekend, but the line’s release failed to impress. Target’s new line was released online and in brick-and-mortar stores Sunday.
The collection — designed by a Finnish artist — consists of beach items and dinnerware, with prices ranging from $7.99 to $499.99.
TGT stock looks to start Monday trading off slightly, though shares are up 14% year-to-date.
Microsoft Corporation (MSFT)
Microsoft shares could slip a little amid another lawsuit over privacy.
The tech giant is taking the government to court over the digital privacy of its customers. Microsoft says there have been a number of cases where the government has used court orders to coerce MSFT into releasing customer files from their devices due to court orders, and many of those times they are asked to do so without notifying the customer.
The company is also making news over the launch of a new Skype update that makes the app’s voice and video calling plugin-free for Edge users. The move is part of an embedding of Object Real-Time Communications media engine on the web browser.
Additionally, there are rumors swirling in relation to the release of Microsoft’s next Surface tablet. The Surface Pro 5 may be released earlier than originally announced, ideally before the release of the MacBook Pro 2016.
Microsoft was set to open slightly lower Monday morning.
Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ)
Verizon shares might get a little pep in their step from new FiOS rumors.
Over the weekend, The Verge reported that the telecommunications juggernaut that a new set-top box model will be released later in 2016 that will change how the company offers cable and Internet services.
The move applies to FiOS users with a device that is currently code-named “Mallard.” Among the gadget’s offerings are technology from OnCue, an Intel internet TV service and streaming service from AOL. And, of course, the box will feature a brand-new look.
VZ could use the boost, as shares have fallen 4.3% over the past few days.
EDITOR’S NOTE: The Microsoft entry has been corrected as to the nature of the lawsuit. We apologize for this error.
As of this writing, Karl Utermohlen did not hold a position in any of the aforementioned securities.
