Investing During Coronavirus: Stocks Close Higher Monday Thanks to Pfizer News, Biden Win

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Stocks Close Higher Monday Thanks to Pfizer News, Biden Win

[Monday, November 9, 4:03 pm]
Contributed by Sarah Smith

  • The S&P 500 closed higher by 1.17%
  • The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed higher by 2.95%
  • The Nasdaq Composite closed lower by 1.53%
  • The Russell 2000 closed higher by 4.75%

Stocks Open Higher on Promising Vaccine Results

[Monday, November 9, 9:33 am]
Contributed by Sarah Smith

  • The S&P 500 opened higher by 2.84%
  • The Dow Jones Industrial Average opened higher by 5.43%
  • The Nasdaq Composite opened higher by 1.25%
  • The Russell 2000 opened lower by 0.96%

Stocks Close Lower Ahead of Further Vote Counting

[Friday, November 6, 4:05 pm]
Contributed by Sarah Smith

  • The S&P 500 closed lower by 0.03%
  • The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed lower by 0.24%
  • The Nasdaq Composite closed higher by 0.04%
  • The Russell 2000 closed lower by 0.7%

Stocks Sink After 4-Day Market Rally

[Friday, November 6, 9:41 am]
Contributed by Sarah Smith

What a week it has been.

After days of counting votes, some outlets believe we may be close to knowing the outcome of the U.S. presidential race. In fact, as former Vice President Joe Biden pulls into the lead in Georgia and Pennsylvania, Decision Desk HQ has called the entire race as a Democratic victory.

No other outlets have followed suit, but if Biden maintains his edge in Pennsylvania, those 20 electoral votes would put him over the 270 threshold without the help of other battleground states.

Investors are not as cheerful today, as seen in the downward trend in the major indices. Perhaps Wall Street had started to bet on President Donald Trump winning a second term, or perhaps the four-day rally has worn out optimists. As more outlets make their calls, it will be interesting to see what plays out in the stock market.

  • The S&P 500 opened lower by 0.03%
  • The Dow Jones Industrial Average opened lower by 0.04%
  • The Nasdaq Composite opened lower by 0.2%
  • The Russell 2000 opened higher by 2.78%

Stocks Close Higher as Battleground States Count Votes

[Thursday, November 5, 4:05 pm]
Contributed by Sarah Smith

  • The S&P 500 closed higher by 1.95%
  • The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed higher by 1.95%
  • The Nasdaq Composite closed higher by 2.59%
  • The Russell 2000 closed higher by 2.83%

Stocks Open Higher Ahead of Key Election Results

[Thursday, November 5, 9:31 am]
Contributed by Sarah Smith

It looks like another day of obsessively watching the news is ahead — and the stock market is adjusting accordingly. Heading into Thursday, each of the major indices is higher, likely in anticipation of results from battleground states in the presidential election.

Here are the stories you should be watching:

  • Arizona, Georgia, Pennsylvania and Nevada should each release more votes throughout the day. Americans will be closely following these states, especially as the races tighten. It appears that President Donald Trump is closing in on former Vice President Joe Biden in Arizona, after a handful of news networks called Arizona as an early win for the Democrat. Biden is similarly closing the lead in Georgia, a historically red state.
  • On a similar note, many investors are tuning into Congressional races. It looks like Democrats will not be able to flip the Senate, meaning that if Biden does win, he will face limitations. According to InvestorPlace Markets Analyst Luke Lango, this reality is responsible for much of the current optimism in the stock market.
  • The weekly initial jobless claims report came in worse than expectations. While this will not get as much attention this week, it is still an important reminder of the economic situation in the U.S. Keep this in mind while you watch for election results.
  • Yesterday marked a record high for new novel coronavirus cases, as the second wave trends upward. Experts suggest that more than 100,000 cases were diagnosed yesterday.

Whether investors are enthusiastic because a blue wave seems out of the question or they simply are eager to know who the next president will be, stocks are heading higher today. Here is a look at the major indices:

  • The S&P 500 opened higher by 1.49%
  • The Dow Jones Industrial Average opened higher by 1.28%
  • The Nasdaq Composite opened higher by 3.85%
  • The Russell 2000 opened higher by 0.05%

Stocks to Close Higher to End First Day Post-Election

[Wednesday, November 4, 4:07 pm]
Contributed by Sarah Smith

Did you take your eyes off the news at all today?

Thanks to a mid-afternoon report from officials in Wisconsin, investors have a little more insight into the election results now. Former Vice President Joe Biden maintains his lead with 237 projected electoral votes. Some outlets, including Fox News and the Associated Press, have already called Arizona as a win for the Democratic candidate. This puts him further in the lead with 248 electoral votes. President Donald Trump remains not far behind with 214 votes.

Here are the stories to watch as the market closes:

  • After the report from Wisconsin, it seems likely we will hear more concrete updates from Arizona, Georgia and Michigan tonight. Other battleground states like Pennsylvania and North Carolina will need more time to tally absentee ballots.
  • Psychedelic stocks were on a tear Wednesday. Why? Ballot measures in Oregon have now created a legal path to access psilocybin-based mental health treatments, and have also decriminalized recreational drugs like cocaine and methamphetamines. This sets the stage for Compass Pathways (NASDAQ:CMPS) and its over-the-counter peers to benefit from a shroom boom.
  • After a quick reelection, current Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell says his first job back in Congress will be to pass stimulus legislation. This is a critical area for investors, as many are hopeful a second round of direct payments and enhanced unemployment benefits would buoy the stock market and consumer spending.
  • The novel coronavirus should also remain top of mind. As we reported earlier today, yesterday marked the second-highest day of new cases in the United States. The weather continues to get colder, and the second wave of the virus is gaining steam.
  • On that note, Missouri, Oklahoma, Iowa, Indiana, Nebraska, North Dakota and New Mexico have all reported record high hospitalizations this week. As hospitals struggle with capacity, we could see Gilead (NASDAQ:GILD), Regeneron (NASDAQ:REGN) and Eli Lilly (NYSE:LLY) get a boost. Investors currently see these companies — and their treatments — as providing a way to get patients out of the hospital faster while the second wave worsens.

Here is what you need to know about the major indices:

  • The S&P 500 closed higher by 2.20%
  • The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed higher by 1.34%
  • The Nasdaq Composite closed higher by 3.85%

Stocks Shrug Off Coronavirus Cases, Uncertain Election

[Wednesday, November 4, 9:32 am]
Contributed by Sarah Smith

You already know the main story of today.

Several key states are still counting votes — a process that could last for days as absentee ballots continue to trickle in. Former Vice President Joe Biden is maintaining a tight lead with 227 projected electoral votes, but President Donald Trump is not far behind with 213 votes. Investors will be closely watching the news today in anticipation of a few more state calls.

What should you watch first? Arizona. Some outlets have already awarded its 11 electoral votes to Biden, but the New York Times says the race is too early to call. State officials say they plan to finish counting ballots today.

However, investors should not ignore the novel coronavirus. Importantly, the pandemic was a top issue as voters headed to the polls. Many experts actually used the coronavirus to predict a landslide victory for Biden. And as election results continue to come in, coronavirus cases continue to rise. In fact, the United States reported its second highest day of new cases yesterday.

What does that mean for investors? Stay safe with your stock picks. We have recommended seven stocks that have bipartisan support, and seven more stocks that look promising as a second wave of the virus ramps up. These are equities you will want on your radar today.

  • The S&P 500 opened higher by 1.11%
  • The Dow Jones Industrial Average opened higher by 0.75%
  • The Nasdaq Composite opened higher by 2.6%

Major Indices Post Gains to Wrap Up Election Trading

[Tuesday, November 3, 4:03 pm]
Contributed by Sarah Smith

With just a few exceptions, stocks closed higher on Tuesday.

This may not be what most investors expected. For weeks, the market has been reconciling with Election Day woes, including fears of a contested outcome and civil unrest. While those worries may still manifest — especially as voting continues for several more hours — investors shrugged off their concerns to ride a rally in the stock market today.

Leading the way were big banks like JPMorgan Chase (NYSE:JPM) and Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS). Interestingly, Walgreens (NASDAQ:WBA) and Boeing (NYSE:BA) were two other big leaders in the massive rally in the Dow Jones Industrial Average.

One group of stocks was seriously underperforming, however. Leading biotech and pharmaceutical names looked weak, even as clinical trials for novel coronavirus treatments resumed. Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ), Eli Lilly (NYSE:LLY) and Pfizer (NYSE:PFE) all underperformed the broader market. Will that change as coronavirus cases continue to rise? We may see a second rush to these names as investors look to prep their portfolios for their second wave.

The answer to that question, and the future of the White House, is uncertain. As we head into the evening, make sure to stay safe and cast your vote. You can also read our top Election Day takeaways — and see where we are getting our news — here.

  • The S&P 500 closed higher by 2.15%
  • The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed higher by 2.42%
  • The Nasdaq Composite closed higher by 2.17%

CureVac Vaccine Results Offer Investors a Silver Lining

[Tuesday, November 3, 9:32 am]
Contributed by Sarah Smith

Stocks remain steadily in the green this morning, despite a host of worries plaguing the market.

Importantly, there is no obvious resolution to the worsening novel coronavirus pandemic. Cases are rising, political leaders are implementing new lockdowns and closures, and it appears we are just at the start of the second virus wave. Investors have shunned reopening plays like Carnival (NYSE:CCL), opting instead for safe, stay-at-home names like Clorox (NYSE:CLX). Boosted by quarterly earnings, the cleaning products company is up 3.5% in the last five trading days.

There is also no obvious resolution to Election Day worries. Experts continue to insist that investors remain calm — urging them not to make any rash, emotion-driven decisions throughout the day. However, we also know that there is good reason to brace ourselves for surprises.

If you want a little bit more certainty — perhaps a silver lining in the chaos — German vaccine maker CureVac (NASDAQ:CVAC) has just that. Yesterday, the company shared results from its Phase 1/2 clinical trials for the novel coronavirus. According to those results, its vaccine successfully triggered production of virus-neutralizing antibodies and activated T-cells. Although the company has been slower to enter human trials, some experts think it did itself a favor. CureVac bought more time to tweak its vaccine design, perhaps making an mRNA vaccine that is stronger than that from Moderna (NASDAQ:MRNA).

Want one more reason for excitement? During the last presidential debate, President Donald Trump hinted that a few European companies were on his radar. Although that surely is vague, it bodes well for CureVac here.

For more on everything happening in the stock market today, follow along with our live updates page here.

  • The S&P 500 opened higher by 0.97%
  • The Dow Jones Industrial Average opened higher by 1.17%
  • The Nasdaq Composite opened higher by 0.73%

Stocks Continue to Creep Higher Despite New Lockdowns

[Monday, November 2, 4:04 pm]
Contributed by Sarah Smith

For the most part, optimism is holding steady in the stock market today.

As we reported earlier, investors are shaking off quite a few impending catalysts. Of immediate importance are the worsening novel coronavirus pandemic and the U.S. presidential election. However, the major indices have continued climbing.

So what do you need to watch?

The first big catalyst is the novel coronavirus. Cases continue to climb around the world, and worryingly for the economy, nations are having to implement harsh measures. Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a second national lockdown in the United Kingdom. Italy and Spain have not announced full lockdowns, but they are imposing curfews and closing certain businesses. Investors remember all too well just how the first wave of the coronavirus affected the market. Many are hopeful that we will not see a repeat of the March crash, but money continues to flow into work-from-home and other stay-at-home plays.

Unsurprisingly, the other big catalyst to watch is the presidential election, which culminates tomorrow. Although many Americans have already voted, the pressure is on as remaining voters head to the polls. This uncertainty, and fears of a contested outcome and civil unrest, did not weigh the market down today. Keep an eye on the news, and on the major indices.

Like we said this morning, stay safe, and stay caffeinated. Follow along with our Election Day analysis tomorrow here for more.

  • The S&P 500 closed higher by 1.23%
  • The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed higher by 1.60%
  • The Nasdaq Composite closed higher by 0.42%

Stocks Rebound Ahead of Election Day

[Monday, November 2, 9:32 am]
Contributed by Sarah Smith

Well, the day of reckoning is almost here. Although many Americans have cast their ballots early, tomorrow marks the big trip to the polls. What is happening in the market ahead of Election Day?

After a rough week, the market is mounting a rebound. Each of the major indices is climbing higher — and the Dow Jones Industrial Average added almost 400 points to start the week of trading.

Simply put, there is too much to watch this week. Tomorrow is Election Day, and tension around the country is already high. What will happen? How long will it take to count all of the votes? Will President Donald Trump or former Vice President Joe Biden win? And what will the stock market look like come Wednesday? Adding into this tension is the threat of a contested election, a close race in swing states and the reality that 94 million Americans have already voted.

The morning rally indicates investors are rather optimistic. Perhaps they are ready to dive into equities boosted by a blue wave, or at least eager to see their bets on infrastructure and solar stocks pay off. It is also likely that with Election Day so close, other news items have fallen further from mind. Remember, novel coronavirus cases continue to rise around the world, and countries are responding with renewed lockdown measures. Will the worsening pandemic capture more investor attention later today?

There are a few more things to keep on your agenda. Ahead this week we also have corporate earnings, the October jobs report and a key Federal Reserve meeting. You might as well have that extra cup of coffee now — it is going to be a long week.

  • The S&P 500 opened higher by 1.24%
  • The Dow Jones Industrial Average opened higher by 1.42%
  • The Nasdaq Composite opened higher by 0.92%

Dow Posts Worst Selloff Since Pandemic Start

[Friday, October 30, 4:17 pm]
Contributed by John Kilhefner

Happy Halloween, investors. Stocks posted a scary end to the week and month as technology stock earnings spooked investors.

Facebook (NASDAQ:FB) stock gave back 6.3% after reporting a decline in users in China and the U.S. Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) stock lost $111 billion in market capitalization with its iPhone sales in the fourth quarter disappointing investors. Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOGL, NASDAQ:GOOG), however, managed to eke out a gain of 3.8% after its revenue surged 14% in the quarter.

This week, stocks have moved broadly lower as new coronavirus cases in the U.S. continued to break records and the presidential election draws near. For next week, investors expect a Biden win to boost sectors ranging from automobiles to utilities to financials, as reported by MarketWatch.

Heading into November, the markets will be focused on the coronavirus, the election and whether stimulus measures will be enacted. Stay tuned!

  • The S&P 500 gave back 1.21%
  • The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 0.59%
  • The Nasdaq dropped 2.45%

 


Louis Navellier: My Top 7 Stocks to Buy for 2021

[Friday, October 30, 11:15 am]
Contributed by Louis Navellier and the InvestorPlace Research Staff

I just identified seven stocks that are screaming buys…

And you can learn how to access all seven in a brand-new special presentation I recently put together.

(During the presentation, I even give away the name of one of the stocks for FREE. It’s a company that’s leading the fight against the coronavirus.)

These are all stocks with the potential to see huge gains in the coming months and years, absolutely crushing the market averages.

Many are tech stocks that will be pushed skyward as we move into a more technologically driven future.

For example, one is cornering the fast-growing cybersecurity market.

Another is in the semiconductor manufacturing industry that’s making inroads into AI, driverless cars, the internet of things and 5G.

And a third is one of the leading players in cloud computing.

Any one of these stocks would be an absolute game changer for any investor’s portfolio.

But you can learn how to access all seven, along with my research, by going here.


Big Tech Earnings Fail to Send Stocks Soaring

[Friday, October 30, 9:35 am]
Contributed by Jessica Loder

Well, it was fun while it lasted.

Yesterday, we saw gains all over the markets, and no wonder. The GDP is up. Unemployment claims are down. Positive news on the vaccine front. It was basically everything the markets could have realistically asked for.

But we’re seeing a bit of weakness this morning, and the overnight pain may be traceable to big tech earnings. Sure, Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) beat expectations. So did Twitter (NYSE:TWTR). So did Facebook (NASDAQ:FB). But all three were down in the overnight hours thanks to some disappointing metrics. Facebook’s user base contracted. Apple’s iPhone sales were down 20% year over year. Twitter’s user growth didn’t reach the expected numbers.

After a sharp drop early in the overnight, stocks seem to be rallying into the open. So maybe we can make it two up days in a row!

  • The S&P 500 opened lower by 0.23%
  • The Dow Jones Industrial Average opened lower by 0.17%
  • The Nasdaq opened lower by 0.62%

 


Positive Economic News, Vaccine Optimism Boost Stocks Ahead of Tech Earnings

[Thursday, October 29, 4:02 pm]
Contributed by Jessica Loder

Whew! It feels nice to see so much green, doesn’t it?

After getting some good economic news this morning, the indices have been working their way upward almost all day. We started the morning news with release of the GDP for the third quarter, which came in at a 33.1% rebound. The expected number was only 32%, so that set the tone. And also premarket, the weekly jobless claims came in at 751,000 – that’s 27,000 lower than expected. And sticking to the old superstition that good news comes in threes, Moderna (NASDAQ:MRNA) gave us a clearer timeline on when we might see data on its vaccine candidate, mRNA-1273. “We look forward to our expected first review of our interim efficacy data, which is expected in November,” said CEO Stéphane Bancel.

Another potential boost for the markets today is the simply massive number of big-tech earnings coming after the bell. Look for results from Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN), Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOG, NASDAQ:GOOGL), Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) and Facebook (NASDAQ:FB), among many, many others.

Either way, it’s hard to say no to big gains in these uncertain times.

  • The S&P 500 closed higher by 1.20%
  • The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed higher by 0.52%
  • The Nasdaq closed higher by 1.64%

Markets Open Higher on Better-Than-Expected GDP Gain

[Thursday, October 29, 9:34 am]
Contributed by John Kilhefner

The U.S. economy is beginning to round a corner, following its worst quarterly performance of all time with its strongest ever in Q3.

Gross domestic product expanded 33.1% in the third quarter, and that news is reflected in a slight gain among major indices this Thursday morning. That, of course, comes on the heels of a 31.4% decline in Q2 due to the impacts of the novel coronavirus. Further, U.S. jobless claims fell to their lowest levels since mid-March, when the pandemic began, with new jobless claims down by 40,000 to 751,000.

Yet, the markets remain in an unpredictable situation. Election Day is just five days away, and the potential for market volatility remains high. Not helping matters is an out-of-session Congress that failed to pass new stimulus measures for the American public. Meanwhile, new coronavirus cases continue to mount. Wednesday’s high of 80,662 topped the previous high of 79,303 just days earlier.

One stock to watch today is Moderna (NASDAQ:MRNA), as its potential coronavirus vaccine prepares a much-anticipated global launch. MRNA stock is up 3% in early market trading.

  • The S&P 500 opened higher by 0.29%
  • The Dow Jones Industrial Average opened lower by 3 basis points
  • The Nasdaq opened higher by 0.73%

Dow Sheds 900+ Points as Second Wave Accelerates

[Wednesday, October 28, 4:01 pm]
Contributed by Sarah Smith

The trend unfortunately continues.

Today we saw the Dow Jones Industrial Average shed more than 900 points as the second wave of the novel coronavirus continues to ramp up around the world. Importantly, rising daily case counts and hospitalization rates are followed by new government measures. And we all know what that means.

Despite recommendations by public health officials, investors are broadly worried by lockdowns and stay-at-home measures. Although they ultimately provided a major catalyst for a certain class of equities we now call stay-at-home stocks, lockdown measures weighed on the economy. Small businesses shuttered, restaurants closed up their doors. Overall, Americans were struggling to make ends meet.

Making matters worse, lawmakers have still not reached a compromise on a second coronavirus stimulus package. Recognizing that the first round of lockdowns were met with historically high unemployment figures, investors are fearful of what could be in store.

That uncertainty also means that investors are turning to Europe, where governments are beginning to crack down. We learned today that Germany will close restaurants and bars for at least a month. France, which has been struggling with a record rise in cases, will impose a national lockdown. Any guidance from lawmakers, or even confirmation of relief funding, could help turn things around.

Simply put, it looks like we are in for a rough week. It may be time to break into your at-home Halloween candy while you watch the major indices:

  • The S&P 500 closed lower by 3.52%
  • The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed lower by 3.43%
  • The Nasdaq Composite closed lower by 3.73%

Trump's 5G Lockdown

[Wednesday, October 28, 10:33 am]
Contributed by Louis Navellier and the InvestorPlace Research Staff

Say what you’d like about our president…

But he knows it would be a DISASTER if a Chinese company were to take control of the 5G buildout here in the U.S.A.

It has huge implications for our national security.

Not only will the 5G network power the development of autonomous weapons that make their own decisions to fire on targets…

It will also enable unprecedented tracking of people in public spaces — in real time — using facial-recognition technology.

The launch of a brand-new 5G communications network has no place for potential spies. And President Donald Trump is pushing for 5G to be “Made in the U.S.A.”

For investors, this is terrific news.

If you place an informed “bet” on “smart antenna” technology right NOW… it could fast-track your way to seeing some extraordinary gains.

And here’s the story almost no one is talking about…

ONE company in particular is leading the charge during this exciting time.

Go HERE to discover details about my No. 1 tech superstar pick for 2020.


Reopening Plays Lead the Market Down Wednesday

[Wednesday, October 28, 9:31 am]
Contributed by Sarah Smith

The novel coronavirus reality is really sinking in with investors. Daily new cases are rising — by a record average of almost 70,000 this week. And, as we reported yesterday, hospitalizations are rising at a rapid rate in at least 36 U.S. states.

Along with the fear of infection, hospitalization and death, a second wave of the coronavirus once again brings threats of lockdowns and economic despair. As we have seen in Europe, which is similarly struggling to control case numbers, countries are once again considering lockdowns and curfews. Already, we are seeing this happen stateside, although to a much lesser extent. Chicago has moved to shut down indoor dining — a move that comes at a rough time as the weather gets colder.

This is a prime example of another complicating factor weighing on the market. And with cases rising, there is not much enthusiasm behind true reopening plays. AMC Entertainment (NYSE:AMC) opened down by more than 4.5%, while Royal Caribbean (NYSE:RCL) opened down by 4%.

It looks like it will simply be another day in the markets.

There is one positive news item to watch, however. According to one estimate, online holiday sales could hit a record of $189 billion. Will this provide a much-needed catalyst to retailers? And will consumer spending continue to recover? Keep this catalyst on your radar.

As for the rest of the day, expect the rout in reopening stocks to continue. The world needs a vaccine.

  • The S&P 500 opened lower by 1.84%
  • The Dow Jones Industrial Average opened lower by 2.01%
  • The Nasdaq Composite opened lower by 1.75%

Rising Coronavirus Hospitalizations Weigh on the Market

[Tuesday, October 27, 4:02 pm]
Contributed by Sarah Smith

Not that long ago, investors were hopeful we would have a novel coronavirus vaccine by now. Leading companies — especially those participating in Operation Warp Speed — were supposed to deliver results. President Donald Trump promised early vaccine approval before Election Day. Now, clinical trial delays have weighed on Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) and AstraZeneca (NASDAQ:AZN), pushing those frontrunners behind in the race.

That means the spotlight is on Pfizer (NYSE:PFE), BioNTech (NASDAQ:BNTX) and Moderna (NASDAQ:MRNA).

Importantly, Pfizer was once set to deliver those late-stage trial results this week, with just few days to go until Americans wrap up their voting at the polls. However, CEO Albert Bourla appears to be cooling investor expectations about any sort of pre-election announcement.

While a slower timeline could very well mean a safer and more effective vaccine, it also means that the stock market is in for some rough times. Coronavirus cases continue to rise around the world, bringing about renewed interest in lockdowns, curfews and other stay-at-home measures. Another report suggestions that coronavirus hospitalizations are back on the rise in 36 states. In fact, hospital systems in Utah are already prepping for the worst-case scenario — making calls about who to prioritize when they run out of beds.

Wall Street wants certainty, and a predictable end to the pandemic. In the absence of hope from Pfizer and its peers, it is no wonder the major indices are struggling today. All but the Nasdaq Composite are deep in the red.

  • The S&P 500 closed lower by 0.3%
  • The Dow Jones closed lower by 0.8%
  • The Nasdaq Composite closed lower by 0.64%

Get Ready to Drive Off With Harley-Davidson Stock

[Tuesday, October 27, 3:25 pm]
Contributed by Sarah Smith

Harley-Davidson (NYSE:HOG) is up more than 20% Tuesday — marking a major turnaround from its weak performance in 2020. It turns out that amid a pandemic and broader consumer trends toward sustainability, motorcycles are just not that hot. That is why Harley-Davidson is going electric. Are you interested in news of its new release? Here is what you need to know:

  • Investors are cheering on Harley-Davidson because it announced the launch of its Serial 1 bike.
  • This e-bike combines elements of traditional Harley-Davidson motorcycles.
  • Interestingly, the announcement comes with very few details. We will have to wait and see further information on pricing and availability.
  • What we do know is that a series of trends are supporting HOG stock here.
  • The novel coronavirus has brought about a rise of interest in all things electric, as well as growing support for the micromobility movement.

For more, read the InvestorPlace.com brief on HOG stock here.


Lordstown Motors Stock Looks Hot on EV Craze

[Tuesday, October 27, 9:53 am]
Contributed by Sarah Smith

After just a few weeks of hype, Lordstown Motors (NASDAQ:RIDE) is finally public. Yesterday, the maker of electric pickup trucks for commercial fleets began trading on the Nasdaq Exchange. Here is everything you need to know.

  • Lordstown Motors was previously trading through special purpose acquisition company DiamondPeak Holdings (NASDAQ:DPHC). Shareholders voted to approve the reverse merger late last week.
  • The main offering from the EV company is the Endurance pickup truck, specifically designed to convince commercial fleets to move to the electric world.
  • Importantly, the Endurance is not yet available.
  • Lordstown hopes to have its flagship truck in production by the end of 2021.
  • Also importantly, RIDE stock could benefit from election and novel coronavirus upside catalysts.
  • For more, read the InvestorPlace.com brief on Lordstown Motors stock here.

Will the Rebound in the Stock Market Stick?

[Tuesday, October 27, 9:32 am]
Contributed by Sarah Smith

That question has likely been floating around Wall Street all morning.

Yesterday was one of the ugliest trading days we have seen in a while — and at least since September. Every single one of the S&P 500 sectors was in the red. What was driving the decline? Broadly, investors are worried that the novel coronavirus situation is worsening around the world. The lack of stimulus measures and ongoing vaccine trials is also complicating things.

Today it appears that investors are ready for a do-over. We are now just one week from Election Day, and markets are pretty confident that former Vice President Joe Biden will win. Because a Democratic victory will translate into more funding for green initiatives, these eco-friendly equities are leading the way higher Tuesday. Sunworks (NASDAQ:SUNW) is up more than 7%. Another stock to watch today is Lordstown Motors (NASDAQ:RIDE), which just came public after completing its reverse merger.

There is one other news item to keep in mind. Remember all of the tension surrounding the nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett? Well, last night she became the newest justice in the U.S. Supreme Court. The confirmation has yet to rock the markets, perhaps because investors are just happy for some certainty.

Will that change over the course of the day? Stay tuned.

  • The S&P 500 opened higher by 0.13%
  • The Dow Jones Industrial Average opened higher by 0.06%
  • The Nasdaq Composite opened higher by 0.47%

Climbing Coronavirus Cases Send Stocks Plunging

[Monday, October 26, 4:01 pm]
Contributed by Sarah Smith

Today started out ugly, and unfortunately, it only looks uglier now. After opening lower by nearly 300 points, the Dow Jones Industrial Average sunk further to shed more than 600 points. Simply put, investors are worried about developments in the novel coronavirus pandemic.

Cases are climbing in both the United States and Europe. Spain declared a national state of emergency over the weekend. Ireland already locked down. France reported a record high of 52,000 new coronavirus cases on Sunday. The U.S. similarly posted record highs of new cases, reporting 80,000 new cases on Friday and Saturday. Public health officials around the world are warning that the second wave of the pandemic will be rough.

This reality played out in two predictable ways today. On one hand, stocks that are typical reopening plays slumped. American Airlines (NASDAQ:AAL), Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL) and United Airlines (NASDAQ:UAL) are all deep in the red. Other travel stocks like Wynn Resorts (NASDAQ:WYNN), Marriott (NASDAQ:MAR) and Carnival (NYSE:CCL) similarly struggled.

On the other hand, companies that promise to deliver us from this nightmare spiked. AstraZeneca (NASDAQ:AZN) rallied on news its vaccine candidate triggered a robust immune response in adults. GeoVax Labs (NASDAQ:GOVX) popped on a new vaccine development deal. Their peers were not so lucky. No good news today? No rally. This means Pfizer (NYSE:PFE), BioNTech (NASDAQ:BNTX) and Novavax (NASDAQ:NVAX) — despite progress thus far — were not immune from the slump.

Throughout this week the coronavirus will stay top of mind. Look for updates on vaccine trials and stimulus talks. Either could help turn the market around.

  • The S&P 500 closed lower by 1.86%
  • The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed lower by 2.29%
  • The Nasdaq Composite closed lower by 1.64%

9 Stocks to Watch for At-Home Coronavirus Testing Potential

[Monday, October 26, 3:02 pm]
Contributed by Sarah Smith

What if getting tested for the novel coronavirus was as easy as adding a test kit to your online shopping cart? No medical appointments, no drive-thru lines, no invasive nasal swabs? Thanks to warehouse retailer Costco (NASDAQ:COST), it now is.

As Halie LeSavage reported for Retail Brew, this announcement from Costco is game-changing. Consumers can stay safe at home, order a test, receive it in the mail and then ship off their saliva kit for results in 24-48 hours. The current option does come with a $130 price tag, but it could be part of the answer to massively ramping up testing.

What does the future look like then for investors and test kit stocks?

Well, one of the limitations right now is availability. As we outlined above, a typical testing process requires in-person appointments and nasal swabs. There are only so many at-home and saliva-based kits that have received any form of approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The product available through Costco comes from P23, which sells its kits through emergency-use authorization. Another option available comes from Hims, a telehealth firm soon to come public through blank-check company Oaktree Acquisition (NYSE:OAC). Like P23, the Hims test comes under an EUA.

With a second wave of the coronavirus ramping up, pressure is on test kit makers to develop more tests and more varieties of tests. If we see that happen, this fledgling e-commerce model could really take hold. LeSavage predicts that if things work out, other big-box retailers could join Costco in the coronavirus test sales game.

Here are nine stocks to watch for a future of at-home testing:

  • Costco (NASDAQ:COST)
  • Oaktree Acquisition (NYSE:OAC)
  • Walmart (NYSE:WMT)
  • CVS Health (NYSE:CVS)
  • Walgreens (NASDAQ:WBA)
  • Rite Aid (NYSE:RAD)
  • Fulgent Genetics (NASDAQ:FLGT)
  • LabCorp (NYSE:LH)

Note: Some of these companies already sell at-home tests, others are logical next steps. No matter what, investors should know at-home testing is a trend to watch.


GeoVax Labs Stock Rockets on Coronavirus Vaccine Deal

[Monday, October 26, 1:53 pm]
Contributed by Sarah Smith

Following in the footsteps of vaccine leader AstraZeneca (NASDAQ:AZN), tiny player GeoVax Labs (NASDAQ:GOVX) is soaring on its own novel coronavirus news today. Here is everything investors need to know:

  • GeoVax is a small biotech company based in Georgia that focuses on vaccines and treatments for a variety of infectious diseases and cancers.
  • What unites these treatments and vaccines is its modified vaccinia ankara virus-like particle vaccine platform. Essentially, this platform uses virus-like particles within vaccines to attack the virus.
  • GeoVax believes this vaccine delivery method is the most effective in generating an immune response against the virus.
  • Today, it announced a partnership with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases to produce a coronavirus vaccine. Through this deal, it will get access to a specific SPIKE protein from NIAID.
  • The company has already developed four vaccine candidates, and hopes that through this deal, it can find one that is more effectively embracing its innovative technology.
  • For more, read the InvestorPlace.com brief on GOVX stock here.

Dunkin' Stock Looks Tasty on Takeover Rumors

[Monday, October 26, 11:41 am]
Contributed by Sarah Smith

I owe my bank account a real apology, but I love Dunkin’ Brands (NASDAQ:DNKN) and its glorious iced coffee too much to make better spending decisions. It turns out I am not alone — Inspire Brands is willing to cough up $9 billion to take the parent of Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins private.

This news, pardon the pun, is giving investors a real jolt of caffeine this morning. We have watched DNKN stock pivot during the novel coronavirus pandemic, saving itself from a miserable fate. Why? Breakfast chains are underperforming because less people are going to work and school. That has required Dunkin’ to lean into its beverages, roll out new loyalty perks and shift its marketing. Essentially, the company had to become a lunch and snack brand.

Dunkin’ did just that. It launched new products include refresher beverages perfect for the afternoon. With morning commutes slowly creeping back, it also created free food perks and better loyalty benefits. As Lauren Hirsch wrote for the New York Times yesterday, the company already brings in half of its revenue from beverages, despite having “donut” in the brand name.

What does this mean for the future of my morning coffee runs? Well, investors seem pretty excited about the news, sending DNKN stock up more than 15% Monday.

Rumor has it that the future for Inspire Brands — the courting party — is bright. Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins would be joining a robust portfolio that already includes Arby’s, Jimmy John’s and Buffalo Wild Wings. An initial public offering could then be in the works for Inspire.

Investors love a success story, and they especially love ones emerging from the novel coronavirus. Keep an eye on DNKN stock, and I’ll keep sipping my extra-large Dunkin’ coffee.

For more, read the InvestorPlace.com brief on DNKN stock here.


4 Stocks to BUY Right Now (and 25 to SELL)

[Monday, October 26, 11:19 am]
Contributed by Andrew Taylor

Opportunities for extraordinary gains exist in any market, bullish or bearish.

Some of the best stock traders in U.S. history made fortunes because of big moves they made while others sat on the sidelines during turbulent times.

Well, Eric Fry may be the best stock picker in America… and he believes there are four companies you must BUY right away to capture the biggest gains in the market going forward.

You probably haven’t heard of a single one of these firms… but when Eric talks, I tend to listen.

That’s because…

He recently won one of America’s most prestigious investment contests, against legendary billionaires such as Bill Ackman and David Einhorn…

To date, he’s also found 40 investment opportunities in which folks could have made 1,000% gains or more following his recommendations…

And, incredibly, he’s also accurately predicted the collapse of more than 70 stocks, including…

  • Cisco (fell 75% in a year after his prediction)
  • Tyco (fell 74% in the year after his prediction)
  • Countrywide Financial (fell 87% in the two years after his prediction)

That why, in Eric’s presentation, he’ll also tell you not just what to buy but also the 25 stocks you must sell immediately if you have money in the markets.

Eric says these companies were doomed even before the coronavirus scare. And he believes that for all of these companies it’s only going to get a lot worse, even if a coronavirus cure is found tomorrow.

To explain the situation in full, “Mr. 1,000%” traveled to America’s richest ZIP code and went on camera to detail what you need to know and the next steps you should take.

Get the facts for yourself and learn more about the four stocks you should buy and the 25 companies you should sell immediately, by clicking here…


Dow Drops 300 Points As Coronavirus Hits 'Tipping Point'

[Monday, October 26, 9:30 am]
Contributed by Sarah Smith

Well, it looks like the stock market has a bad case of the Mondays this morning.

The major indices are in the red, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average shed 300 points to start the day. That is not exactly an optimistic sign of what is to come this week — just days away from the 2020 presidential election. However, the gloominess this morning makes sense considering what is developing with the novel coronavirus situation.

There have been some huge headlines in just the last few days. Several senior aides of Vice President Mike Pence have tested positive for the coronavirus, not long after President Donald Trump and his staff went through the same ordeal. The U.S. is recording an all-time high in terms of new cases, and Dr. Scott Gottlieb, a former U.S. Food and Drug Administration chief, thinks the nation is at a “tipping point.” Want to hear something even more unsettling? Mark Meadows, the White House chief of staff, said that the U.S. simply will not be able to control the pandemic.

While this news may be a boost for essential goods providers like Clorox (NYSE:CLX), and all of the grocery stores that stock our necessary toilet paper and disinfectants, it is a real weight on the market. Investors want answers and recovery, and they want to navigate through the upcoming election with some confidence in the outcome. A worsening pandemic, a contentious election cycle and all sorts of other uncertainties are just too tricky right now.

There is one positive. As leading infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci preps the nation for good vaccine news by the end of 2020, AstraZeneca (NYSE:AZN) and the University of Oxford are leading the charge. The vaccine-making duo announced Monday morning that their vaccine candidate successfully triggered an immune response in adult trial participants. Although it is not enough to move the market, AZN stock is opening higher by 1.3%.

  • The S&P 500 opened lower by 0.95%
  • The Dow Jones Industrial Average opened lower by 1%
  • The Nasdaq Composite opened lower by 0.88%

Stocks Struggle Friday on Rising Coronavirus Fears

[Friday, October 23, 4:15 pm]
Contributed by Sarah Smith

Unfortunately this is not much of a cheery Friday.

Investors spent the day processing news that the novel coronavirus situation is worsening around the world — and at home in the United States. Health officials reported 71,600 new coronavirus cases, marking a massive jump approaching previous record highs. Hospitalizations are also rising at a similarly dangerous pace.

We have been reporting on pieces of this same trend over the past few weeks. We talked about how countries in Europe were calling in the military to enforce curfews, and how Ireland led the way in returning to full-blown lockdowns. On Friday, investors also learned that France was on a scary path, reporting its own record jump in new cases.

Beyond the fears of the actual virus, investors are likely eyeing travel advisories from states like New Jersey and New York. Plus, during the presidential debate last night, former Vice President Joe Biden said another round of lockdowns could be on the table in a Democratic win. No doubt, investors are worried about the potential economic implications of such a move.

Keep a close eye on this situation, and ongoing stimulus talks, as we head into the weekend. On tap for next week we’ll have more information on Judge Amy Coney Barrett and Big Tech earnings.

  • The S&P 500 closed higher by 0.34%
  • The Dow Jones Industrial Average gave back 0.09%
  • The Nasdaq Composite finished the day higher by 0.37%

Top Things Investors Should Know About Remdesivir

[Friday, October 23, 11:11 am]
Contributed by Sarah Smith

Gilead Sciences (NASDAQ:GILD) made history last night with its remdesivir drug for the novel coronavirus. It became the first and only drug to receive full approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of Covid-19. While that is a huge deal, what exactly does it mean for investors?

  • According to the FDA, remdesivir reduces time to recovery in hospitalized patients by an average of five days.
  • How does it do that? Well, the drug essentially tricks the genetic material of the coronavirus and keeps it from replicating as effectively.
  • This slows down the overall viral replication and improves patient outcomes.
  • Importantly, Gilead can now ramp up marketing of remdesivir, which it will commercialize as Veklury, against the coronavirus.
  • Some estimates say the company will make $9 billion off the drug in just 2020 and 2021.
  • For more, read the InvestorPlace.com brief on Gilead stock here.

Socket Mobile Stock Scans Its Way to Success

[Friday, October 23, 10:18 am]
Contributed by Sarah Smith

Under-the-radar Socket Mobile (NASDAQ:SCKT) is shining Friday. The company reported impressive third-quarter results and also demonstrated its ability to pivot amid the novel coronavirus pandemic. Here is everything you need to know:

  • Socket Mobile bills itself as a provide of data capture and delivery solutions.
  • In practice, this means it sells barcode and RFID scanners.
  • It reported huge sequential improvements today in revenue and net income — including a 51% jump in revenue from the second quarter.
  • After many of the brick-and-mortar retailers it services closed down, it pivoted. Socket Mobile began marketing its devices to restaurants doing curbside pickup and even hospitals.
  • For more, read the InvestorPlace.com brief on Socket Mobile stock here.

Gilead Victory Sends Stocks Higher

[Friday, October 23, 9:30 am]
Contributed by Sarah Smith

In between ongoing stimulus talks and the final presidential debate, a massive story broke. Gilead Sciences (NASDAQ:GILD), once of the companies that has been leading in the fight to treat or cure the novel coronavirus, received full approval for its remdesivir drug.

This makes remdesivir, now marketed as Veklury, the first and only drug to receive full approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use against the coronavirus.

Unsurprisingly, the major indices are moving higher Friday morning. The antiviral drug will not facilitate a true return to normal — remdesivir does not have the same preventive or curative properties as a vaccine. However, what the FDA believes remdesivir can do is improve the time to recovery for hospitalized patients by an average of five days. That should open up hospital beds, get people feeling better and offer some comfort that there is now a fully approved treatment to help those who are sick.

GILD stock is set to open more than 4% higher this morning. Regeneron (NASDAQ:REGN), which President Donald Trump gave a shout out to last night, is also opening higher. That company has filed for emergency-use authorization for an antibody treatment and is hoping for early FDA approval.

Beyond this success, the stimulus talks and upcoming election will continue to be big themes today and headed into the weekend. If you missed the debate, catch up on our takeaways here.

  • The S&P 500 opened higher by 0.36%
  • The Dow Jones Industrial Average opened higher by 0.25%
  • The Nasdaq Composite opened higher by 0.26%

Gilead Stock Pops on FDA Approval for Remdesivir

[Thursday, October 22, 5:44 pm]
Contributed by Sarah Smith

Like clockwork, Gilead Sciences (NASDAQ:GILD) received some amazing news just before the last presidential debate. Its remdesivir drug for the novel coronavirus became the first and only such treatment to receive full approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Here is everything investors need to know ahead of the debate:

  • Gilead introduced remdesivir earlier on in the pandemic, after repurposing its malaria drug.
  • It has largely been a part of standard coronavirus care, protected under an emergency-use authorization from the FDA.
  • Thursday afternoon, the FDA granted it full approval. The regulatory agency says it improves time to recovery in hospitalized patients by five days.
  • Importantly, President Donald Trump also received remdesivir while he was at Walter Reed Medical Center.
  • Remdesivir now goes under the commercial name Veklury.
  • For more, read the InvestorPlace.com brief on Gilead stock here.

Stocks Close Higher Thursday on Pelosi Promises

[Thursday, October 22, 4:10 pm]
Contributed by Sarah Smith

As the novel coronavirus situation seemingly worsens in the United States, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is offering investors some hope. Although it is not much, the major indices are climbing higher Thursday afternoon as a result.

The big news item today is that Pelosi says she and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin are making progress on a second coronavirus relief package. On one hand, she says that the duo are “just about there” when it comes to their negotiations, which have been happening on and off for months. On the other hand, she says that an actual bill could take a “while” to get written and voted on in Congress.

Apparently, investors are betting that “a while” still could mean before Election Day.

Along with these reassuring words, there are a few other things for investors to watch. The first is that President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden will take the debate stage for the last time tonight. On the agenda? The coronavirus. Could Trump shake things up and make a surprise announcement before or during the debate? In these long-running stimulus talks, Trump has been a bit of a wild card, even breaking with Republican lawmakers.

The other thing to note is that the coronavirus situation, at least by some metrics, appears to be worsening. Today New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy issued a travel advisory, asking residents to cut back on all unnecessary travel, especially into and out of other states. It feels eerily similar to the start of the pandemic — although the action by Murphy is more of an exception rather than the rule. Keep a close eye on other state governors ahead of the holidays. With a second wave of the virus and flu season picking up steam, we could see a return of some stay-at-home measures.

For now, continue to keep an eye on Washington. You can also follow the debate LIVE with InvestorPlace tonight for real-time takeaways and analysis.

  • The S&P 500 closed higher by 0.52%
  • The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed higher by 0.54%
  • The Nasdaq Composite closed higher by 0.19%

Align Technologies Stock Looks Pearly White

[Thursday, October 22, 9:54 am]
Contributed by Sarah Smith

Braces? In this economy? You may think that making a big commitment to straight teeth would turn off consumers, especially during the novel coronavirus. However, it looks like clear products from Align Technologies (NASDAQ:ALGN) are performing quite well. With ALGN stock shooting higher this morning, here is what investors need to know:

  • Align Technologies is the parent company behind Invisalign clear braces.
  • Along with rival SmileDirectClub (NASDAQ:SDC), it has long worked to disrupt the orthodontics industry, making it easier and more fun.
  • This has paid off amid the pandemic, as the company saw massive EPS growth.
  • Earnings came in at $1.76 per share, beating estimates for just 54 cents.
  • Collaborations with social media and TV stars Charli D’Amelio and Marsai Martin also seemed to pay off during the quarter.
  • For more, read the InvestorPlace.com brief on ALGN stock here.

Stocks Climb on Lower-Than-Expected Jobless Claims

[Thursday, October 22, 9:32 am]
Contributed by Sarah Smith

Well, we finally have some good news on Wall Street!

Investors learned this morning that 787,000 Americans filed for initial unemployment benefits. While that number is still eerily high compared to pre-pandemic days, it is a distinct improvement from recent weeks. Plus, economists were calling for more than 870,000 Americans to file in the last week. That means the actual report is a pretty stark beat.

Fortunately, the news is enough to turn the major indices around. The S&P 500, Dow Jones Industrial Average and the Nasdaq Composite are all climbing higher Thursday.

However, the mysterious novel coronavirus stimulus package is still something to closely watch. We are now two days past the deadline set by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and we are apparently no closer to a compromise.

With the last presidential debate tonight, will we see a last-minute announcement? Or will investors be left waiting until after Election Day for enhanced unemployment benefits, direct payments and more small business loans? It is hard to say.

  • The S&P 500 opened higher by 0.18%
  • The Dow Jones Industrial Average opened higher by 0.09%
  • The Nasdaq Composite opened higher by 0.40%

Stocks Slump With No Stimulus Compromise in Sight

[Wednesday, October 21, 4:01 pm]
Contributed by Sarah Smith

Dear House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin,

Are you listening? Investors are waiting for an update.

Now a full trading day past the deadline for novel coronavirus stimulus negotiations, and we are no closer to a compromise than before. In fact, the Senate shot down a $500 billion proposal from Republicans today. The lower-cost package would boost unemployment benefits and expand loan programs for small businesses, but it would not allocate another round of direct payments. Frustratingly, the bill comes in lower than proposals from Democrats and President Donald Trump.

As we predicted, the stimulus negotiations will continue to be a major source of influence and confusion this week. Some optimists think Pelosi and Mnuchin are wrapping up a deal. Others think they are still too far apart on contentious issues. For now, Americans are just stuck in the crosshairs.

  • The S&P 500 closed lower by 0.23%
  • The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed lower by 0.35%
  • The Nasdaq Composite closed lower by 0.28%

P.S. Interested in what CEO Elon Musk has to say about Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA)? Follow the Q3 report live with InvestorPlace!


China Pharma Stock Could Rise on Face Mask Demand

[Wednesday, October 21, 2:10 pm]
Contributed by Sarah Smith

With tiny companies like China Pharma Holdings (NYSEMKT:CPHI), it can be hard to tell what is causing any moves higher. However, investors are speculating today that face masks are at the heart of a jump in CPHI stock. Here is what you need to know:

  • China Pharma Holdings is a Chinese pharmaceutical and biotech play.
  • The company has a variety of divisions that focus on different tablets, injections and treatments for multiple health conditions. One of these is a prescription drug business.
  • It also has a subsidiary that makes different types of face masks. Back in September, this subsidiary received foreign certifications authorizing it to register these masks for sale.
  • Because of this, China Pharma is framing itself as an alternative for other countries. Its products can help control the spread of the disease, and China has set a good example in outbreak control.
  • For more, read the InvestorPlace.com brief on CPHI stock here.

Why is China Xiangtai Food Stock Climbing Today?

[Wednesday, October 21, 10:53 am]
Contributed by Sarah Smith

Under-the-radar China Xiangtai Food (NASDAQ:PLIN) is having some time in the spotlight today. While there are no official releases or U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filings, there is still a reason to keep PLIN stock on your radar. Here is what you need to know:

  • China Xiangtai Food is a leading pork company in China. It handles slaughtering, processing and packaging of fresh and processed products.
  • The company also has operations for other meats like beef, lamb and rabbit.
  • Importantly, the spike Wednesday may be a result of broader recovery in the Chinese pork market. Investors have watched the African swine fever weigh on the Chinese pig herd for just over two years. Now, the country wants to rebound.
  • China Xiangtai Food could be benefitting from an increased national interest in pork supply self-sufficiency.
  • For more, read the InvestorPlace.com brief on PLIN stock here.

Astrotech Stock Pops on Coronavirus Testing Plans

[Wednesday, October 21, 10:22 am]
Contributed by Sarah Smith

Investors are chasing up tiny biotech company Astrotech (NASDAQ:ASTC) on Wednesday thanks to news it has a new test for the novel coronavirus. Here is everything you need to know:

  • Astrotech has been working since March to develop a breath-based test for the coronavirus through its subsidiary BreathTech.
  • Now, BreathTech has signed a development partnership with the Cleveland Clinic.
  • Together, they will develop a rapid breath test that aims to alleviate accessibility and invasiveness concerns.
  • This test should face less issues with scaling up, helping facilitate mass testing.
  • For more, read the InvestorPlace.com brief on Astrotech stock here.

All Investors Want Is Stimulus Funding

[Wednesday, October 21, 9:31 am]
Contributed by Sarah Smith

The deadline for stimulus negotiations came and went.

As we reported yesterday, perhaps House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is willing to be flexible. However, investors are stuck just two weeks before Election Day with very little insight. Will Pelosi and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin come to an agreement on novel coronavirus relief funding soon? Maybe this week? And if not, how long after the presidential election will the United States be waiting for enhanced unemployment measures, direct payments and testing funds?

Examining the situation, many on Wall Street have now flat-out given up on such a stimulus package. Goldman Sachs thinks the negotiations are too far behind. Remember, Pelosi and Mnuchin are divided by key partisan issues. Although they have allegedly made headway on the issue of coronavirus testing, Democrats and Republicans want very different things from this bill. Even the total dollar amount remains contentious.

The silver lining from Goldman? Early 2021 could see a scaled-up bill — as long as former Vice President Joe Biden ends up in the White House.

We are also seeing an interesting turn in individual priorities right now. Leading up to last week, there was a great deal of focus on confirmation hearings for Judge Amy Coney Barrett. However, now that President Donald Trump has confirmed the Senate will start its vote next week, it appears many Americans disagree. Beyond the various ways her confirmation could play out on the stock market — and on individual lives — it seems that Americans would much rather have the Senate focus on a stimulus bill in the lead up to Election Day.

Unfortunately with the Tuesday deadline in the rear-view mirror, it appears that the stimulus will be a key daily issue until the election. We better get used to the back-and-forth headlines.

  • The S&P 500 opened lower by 0.06%
  • The Dow Jones Industrial Average opened lower by 0.11%
  • The Nasdaq Composite opened higher by 0.02%

Stocks Close Higher on Stimulus, Electric Vehicle News

[Tuesday, October 20, 4:02 pm]
Contributed by Sarah Smith

The big news this afternoon is that there is no news.

Yes, today is the day. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi set Tuesday as her deadline to finish pre-election stimulus negotiations. After several conversations with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, it seemed like the duo may come to some compromise. However, as the market closes, no such announcement has been made. In fact, while Pelosi has said she has more confidence in a deal, she is also now downplaying the importance of her own deadline.

Was it just a negotiating tool? Will we see a stimulus package this week? At this point, we are just two weeks away from Election Day. Investors are hopeful that we will see relief measures before then, especially enhanced unemployment benefits and direct payments. However, if former Vice President Joe Biden takes the White House, we could see an even bigger relief bill.

Thankfully, there is another catalyst to watch this week.

Today we learned that General Motors (NYSE:GM) is spending $2 billion to convert a third plant. For what? Electric vehicles, of course! This factory will focus on battery electric vehicles, starting with its new Lyriq, the first all-electric model under its Cadillac brand. As we continue to see traditional automakers pivot to the electric space, this move from GM is huge. GM closed up by more than 7%.

The news from General Motors comes right before a potentially market-moving announcement from Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA). Tomorrow, the EV leader will announce its quarterly results. In the past, these have been huge events for Tesla, confirming the success of CEO Elon Musk. InvestorPlace contributor Nic Chahine thinks tomorrow will be similar. Dana Blankenhorn thinks momentum has run its course. No matter who is right, expect electric vehicles to dominate the news tomorrow.

  • The S&P 500 closed higher by 0.47%
  • The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed higher by 0.4%
  • The Nasdaq Composite closed higher by 0.33%

3 Stay-at-Home Stocks to Buy for a Second Wave

[Tuesday, October 20, 3:20 pm]
Contributed by Sarah Smith

The novel coronavirus has reared its ugly head this week. Global cases surpassed 40 million. Ireland returned to full-blown lockdowns. In America, all attention is on Washington with a second round of stimulus funds in the spotlight.

What does that mean for investors?

Well, we have watched the market make some interesting moves since March. After rushing to work-from-home winner Zoom (NASDAQ:ZM) and speculative vaccine makers Novavax (NASDAQ:NVAX) and iBio (NYSEMKT:IBIO), investors started to broaden their horizons. For a time, when a second relief bill seemed closer, the market was supporting everyone. Even AMC Entertainment (NYSE:AMC) and Carnival (NYSE:CCL) were shining.

Things look different now. With flu season ramping up and a dangerous second wave gaining in power, many experts are calling for a return to stay-at-home stocks. One of those voices of reason is Muslim Farooque, who recommended three of these leading names for InvestorPlace.

If you want to sleep a bit more confidently at night, here are three stocks to buy.

  • Shopify (NYSE:SHOP)
  • PayPal (NASDAQ:PYPL)
  • Quidel (NASDAQ:QDEL)

Will Pelosi and Mnuchin Make the Deadline?

[Tuesday, October 20, 9:31 am]
Contributed by Sarah Smith

Here we go again.

Wall Street is once again bullish on the prospects for a second stimulus bill this morning. Why? After gloom and despair Monday afternoon, a bit of optimism sets in. Apparently, many investors believe that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin will in fact meet the Pelosi-set deadline and come to a compromise sometime today. Aiding that optimism is news that Pelosi and Mnuchin will be meeting once more, and that the opposing duo have agreed to “narrow” their differences.

What exactly does this all mean? Pelosi told lawmakers over the weekend that if Republicans want to see a stimulus bill before Election Day, they must wrap up negotiations by Tuesday. Granted, if they fail to get a deal done today, there is still hope. If former Vice President Joe Biden takes the White House, one of his first priorities would likely be supporting broad stimulus measures and increased coronavirus testing aid.

This means that the sentiment today is all in search of more immediate gratification. To be fair, investors have been waiting since the end of the summer for such a stimulus package. The thought that they are just a few hours away from enhanced unemployment benefits and another round of direct payments is pretty attractive.

There is a catch. Senate Republicans plan to meet to vote on a much tighter bill later this week. Without their support, any deal reached by Pelosi and Mnuchin could stumble.

As always, keep a close eye on Washington. There is no telling what can happen in just a day.

  • The S&P 500 closed higher by 0.48%
  • The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed higher by 0.37%
  • The Nasdaq Composite closed higher by 0.49%

Stocks Slump Monday in Absence of Stimulus Deal

[Monday, October 19, 4:02 pm]
Contributed by Sarah Smith

Are you getting sick of reading these back-and-forth updates? I sure am.

This morning, investors bid up the major indices because a novel coronavirus relief package seemed right around the corner. Over the weekend, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi set a personal deadline for negotiations, telling Republicans that if they want a package before Election Day, they must reach a compromise before Tuesday. Now, with just one trading day to go, her ultimatum is striking fear.

Pelosi was set to meet with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin today to continue negotiations, so investors are likely keeping a close eye on news out of Washington. Complicating matters further is President Donald Trump, who has flipped his stance. Previously, he was gunning for a lower-cost bill. Now, he is challenging Pelosi to allocate more funding.

What will happen in the next 24 hours? Will Americans see a second round of funding that would provide direct payments, enhanced unemployment benefits and testing support? If not, expect more pain in the stock market. Investors have been waiting far too long for bad news.

  • The S&P 500 closed lower by 1.63%
  • The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed lower by 1.43%
  • The Nasdaq Composite closed lower by 1.65%

3 E-Scooter Stocks to Buy for the New Segway Launch

[Monday, October 19, 2:55 pm]
Contributed by Sarah Smith

Earlier in the summer, industry enthusiasts began to speculate about the electric scooter. Companies like Uber (NYSE:UBER), Lime and Bird had all filled cities with their e-scooter fleets, hoping that young consumers would quickly adopt the mode of transport. However, as we wrote in July, things were not so smooth. Safety hazards, city regulations and confusing business models led those three same companies to start backing out of the market. It seemed that e-scooters were simply ready for the end.

Then, the novel coronavirus offered a silver lining to the industry. With subways and ride-hailing services representing greater infection risks, would e-scooters be an easy way to get from Point A to Point B? Some companies are betting on that reality. Bloomberg calls it a “micromobility” revolution. Companies around the world are starting to roll out new models. We even wrote at the time that a new competitive sport was launching to bring e-scooters into the mainstream.

Things look even brighter now.

Why? To start, analysts are increasingly bullish on e-scooters. Sales continue to grow rapidly, especially in markets like Europe and China. Analysts are now projecting that the global install base for e-bikes will be 600 million in 2040. The Bloomberg New Energy Fund thinks micromobility will scale like the smartphone. Plus, further bringing this trend into the mainstream is a new announcement from Segway.

Segway just announced a new e-moped with 50-miles of range — making it more powerful than previous iterations of the popular vehicle. Also importantly, its preorder price comes in at $1,899, below starting prices for other popular e-scooters and micromobility devices. Will the Segway name be enough to enchant American consumers?

As the trend gains steam, put these e-scooter stocks on your radar:

  • Niu Technologies (NASDAQ:NIU)
  • General Motors (NYSE:GM)
  • Volkswagen (OTCMKTS:VWAGY)

My No. 1 BUY Signal Right Now for Huge Upside

[Monday, October 19, 12:55 pm]
Contributed by Eric Fry and the InvestorPlace Research Staff

When the smartest people in this country are all leaning hard in the same direction, it creates an extreme kind of situation…

And money is made at the extremes.

I once followed this playbook betting against radical environmentalists with my uranium play.

While celebrities were busy getting arrested at protests, uranium miner Cameco (NYSE:CCJ) soared 1,737%.

A chart showing the price action in Cameco (CCJ) starting in 1999.

Source: Chart by InvestorPlace

Back in the 1990s, Sturm, Ruger & Company (NYSE:RGR) was under a full-on assault.

The Clinton Administration was trying to put gun manufacturers out of business…

Helped by an army of trial lawyers…

And politically correct investors were tripping over themselves shorting these companies.

But I saw something no one else could…

A chart showing downward price action in Storm, Ruger & Company (RGR) under the Clinton administration.

Source: Chart by InvestorPlace

Sure enough, the stock almost immediately began to turnaround… and soared to 16 TIMES the price at which I called it a buy…

A chart showing the 16x gains in Storm, Ruger & Company (RGR).

Source: Chart by InvestorPlace

I see situations like this over and over…

Then there was Bayer, which went up exactly 1,000%…

A chart showing 1,000% gains in Bayer.

Source: Chart by InvestorPlace

But the recent “crisis” has created one of the greatest opportunities I’ve seen in well over a decade.

There’s a little-known sector way out at the extremes of the stock market…

America’s money managers are so short that sector… they’re practically doing all the work for us.

But I think this small group of stocks is about to stage a sudden, powerful turnaround…

I think it’s going to be THE success story of 2020. If you look forward to January 2021, this is what you’re going to be hearing about the financial media.

That’s because every single major trend developing in this country relies on these little-known companies…

Electric cars, Alternative energy, Healthcare…

In fact, some of these stocks are already soaring…

And according to my research that’s just the beginning.

Click here to learn more…


Kaixin Auto Holdings Pops on EV, Used Car Catalysts

[Monday, October 19, 11:41 am]
Contributed by Sarah Smith

Investors are falling in love with Kaixin Auto Holdings (NASDAQ:KXIN), a leading player in the premium used car market. Just today, KXIN stock is up more than 400% in intraday trading. Here is everything you need to know:

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