Stocks were mostly higher this week as relief over the runway for the artificial intelligence (AI) trade offset ongoing concerns about inflation and bond yields, which continue to creep higher. Several key earnings reports across the technology sector helped ease concerns about slowing demand for AI infrastructure.
But earnings season continues to paint a mixed picture. Retailers, particularly those focused on niche and discretionary dollars, are struggling. Even the major names continue to cite the paradox of overall solid consumer spending, but continued anxiety about rising prices.
Next week, investors will get the latest read on manufacturing and construction, ending with the August non-farm payroll report on Friday. This is also the time when institutional investors jump back into the market. That means investors should expect volatility, and the MarketBeat analysts are here to help. Here are some of our most popular articles from this week.
Articles by Thomas Hughes
This week, investors learned that NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA) isn't the only company providing liquidity in the circular financing trade. Thomas Hughes wrote about the earnings report from Nutanix (NASDAQ: NTNX) that included an expansion of its partnership with Advanced Micro Devices (NASDAQ: AMD), now including AMD taking an equity stake in Nutanix.
NVIDIA was one of five stocks that Hughes put on a list of stocks for investors to buy before institutional investors re-enter the market in September. Although September is historically cruel to stocks, Hughes reminded investors that the current setup suggests a strong fourth quarter.
Hughes also wrote about the beat-and-raise earnings report from Williams-Sonoma (NYSE: WSM). The company faces headwinds from tariffs and a weak housing market, but its fundamentals support the long-term bull case.
Articles by Sam Quirke
This week, Sam Quirke put a spotlight on two electric vehicle (EV) companies moving in different directions. Rivian Automotive (NASDAQ: RIVN) delivered strong quarterly numbers and raised its full-year delivery guidance.
On the other hand, shares of Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ: TSLA) continue to be under pressure despite Elon Musk's promise to reveal a hovering, rocket-thruster Roadster (i.e., a literal flying car). As Quirke noted, the hype does little to change the troubling fundamentals for its land-based EVs.
Quirke also helped put the disappointing response to the PDD Holdings (NASDAQ: PDD) earnings report. Investors are focused on a strong competitive landscape and concerns about the company's future earnings outlook amid an AI-fueled spending spree.
Articles by Chris Markoch
Investors will continue to debate the valuation of Palantir Technologies (NASDAQ: PLTR). This week, Chris Markoch explained how the math behind Alex Karp's bold free cash flow forecast could put an end to those concerns once and for all.
Cybersecurity stocks got a lift this week, and CrowdStrike Holdings (NASDAQ: CRWD) was one of the biggest winners. Markoch highlighted the company's mention of a "Mythos moment" driving growth as enterprise customers try to outpace the threat posed by agentic AI.
Honeywell Aerospace (NASDAQ: HONA) stock fell sharply after the company delivered its first earnings report as a stand-alone company. Markoch explained why investor reaction may be focused on a problem that doesn't exist.
Articles by Ryan Hasson
NVIDIA delivered the most important earnings report this week. But Ryan Hasson explained why Marvell Technology (NASDAQ: MRVL) offered investors an important encore and what to expect from its report released on Aug. 27.
Hasson also asked the question that many investors have asked: Is it safe to buy shares of Rocket Lab (NASDAQ: RKLB)? The stock has been under pressure throughout the summer despite solid earnings and new contracts. Hasson explained why investors still have concerns, but also why many of those doubts may already be priced in.
The case for the biotech sector is gaining steam. This week, Hasson highlighted two biotech stocks that are in a strong uptrend and appear ready to break higher.
Articles by Leo Miller
Leo Miller helped investors understand why a recent deal between Marvell and Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ: GOOGL) is putting pressure on the custom silicon narrative for Broadcom (NASDAQ: AVGO) that goes beyond the volatility in the chip sector.
One of the most significant news items this week came from Meta Platforms (NASDAQ: META), which announced an $18 billion settlement in its multistate legal case over youth social media addiction. It's a steep price to pay, but Miller explained why investors may take it as a bullish sign.
Earnings season is also share buyback season. Miller pointed investors to three companies that added a combined $27 billion in buyback capacity and explained why the current economy supports each company's outlook for cash generation.
Articles by Nathan Reiff
One of the best ways to identify stocks likely to outperform is to find companies that are already outperforming but have stock prices lagging the market. That's exactly what Nathan Reiff did for investors this week when he highlighted three stocks with fundamentals outperforming their respective stock prices.
With so much volatility in the AI sector, an exchange-traded fund (ETF) makes sense for many investors. This week, Reiff highlighted three AI ETFs that give investors exposure to the broader AI trade without the single-stock risk.
Quantum computing continues to show why it's no longer a speculative investment theme. However, this week, Reiff explained why one of the sector's best opportunities lies in Quantinuum (NASDAQ: QNT), a little-known name with some of the strongest fundamentals.
Articles by Dan Schmidt
Many stocks have had bullish catalysts lifting them higher in the third quarter. However, Dan Schmidt reminded investors that not all rallies are equal and pointed out three stocks that have bounced more than 30% off their 2026 lows but carry fundamental questions that could reverse the trend.
This week's earnings reports from Lowe's (NYSE: LOW) and Home Depot (NYSE: HD) sent a significant reminder to investors that the K-shaped economy is real and persistent. Schmidt explained why the bifurcated consumer environment is the real takeaway from otherwise solid reports.
The trade war between the U.S. and Canada intensified this week, and investors should pay close attention to the companies that stand to lose the most. Schmidt highlighted three Canadian companies facing significant pressure from this new round of tariffs.
Articles by Jeffrey Neal Johnson
Hims & Hers Health (NYSE: HIMS) stock fell sharply this week, and Jeffrey Neal Johnson highlighted one significant reason. Visa (NYSE: V) recently placed the company into its Acquirer Monitoring Program after a spike in billing disputes. The move comes at a time when Hims & Hers is already addressing a sharp decline in gross margin.
Johnson also broke down Rumble Inc.'s (NASDAQ: RUM) $13.7 billion GPU infrastructure agreement that shattered valuation expectations and could cause a short-covering rally as cautious investors step in.
Intuit Inc. (NASDAQ: INTU) is down sharply in 2026 despite solid fundamentals. Johnson explained why the perception of a structural breakdown doesn't align with the company's strategic operational reset.
Articles by Peter Frank
Pathward Financial (NASDAQ: CASH) has had anything but a smooth 12 months. However, Peter Frank put a spotlight on the fintech company, explaining that, for now, analysts and investors are overlooking short-term results and are focused on the long-term comeback taking shape.
It wasn't a surprise to many investors that discount retailer Five Below Inc. (NASDAQ: FIVE) posted strong earnings results, supporting its turnaround efforts. But Frank noted that valuation and tariff concerns may limit the upside for this retail stock.
Travel + Leisure (NYSE: TNL) delivered a strong earnings report that showed how this travel sector leader continues to expand its reach. Frank broke down the opportunities and risks from the report and explained why TNL still has an attractive upside.
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