Chip stocks also made headlines this week
Global trade tensions highlighted yet another week of big stock market moves. Specifically, Monday kicked the week off on a sour note, as China's retaliatory tariffs on U.S. imports pushed the Dow and Nasdaq to their worst days since January and December, respectively. However, stocks spent the rest of the week attempting to erase those losses, with traders keeping an eye on tweets from President Donald Trump and strong economic data.
Walmart and Cisco Systems Stocks Outperform
Two Dow names that made headlines this week were Walmart (WMT) and Cisco Systems (CSCO), both of which shared impressive quarterly earnings. Cisco stock notched its best day in months, while Walmart has since been subject to a myriad of upbeat analyst attention. Procter & Gamble (PG) also moved onto our radar, as it landed on Schaeffer's Senior Quantitative Analyst Rocky White's list of 25 stocks that could outperform in the second half of May. Lastly, Walt Disney (DIS) revealed plans to take ownership of Hulu from Comcast (CMCSA).
China Tariffs, Huawei Ban Moves Chip Stocks
China's tariff threat on Monday shook up technology and chip stocks, though Nvidia's CEO remains optimistic. In addition, fellow semiconductor name Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) is now flashing a historic bull signal. On the flip side, options bears circled Huawei suppliers Skyworks Solutions (SWKS) and NeoPhotonics (NPTN), after Trump once again took aim at the Chinese telecom concern.
3 Stocks Swinging on Cancer Drug News
Biotechnology and drug stocks also garnered a slew of headlines this week, particularly with the annual American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) meeting taking place. On the list of outperformers were Iovance Biotherapeutics (IOVA) and MacroGenics (MGNX), each reporting positive cancer drug data. On the other hand, Immunogen (IMGN) shares suffered after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommended the company set up another phase 3 trial for its ovarian cancer treatment.
Analysts: Buy These Retail Stocks Before Earnings
Looking at the week ahead, traders will dissect the latest Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting minutes, and hear from several Fed speakers, including Fed Vice Chairman Richard Clarida. Although earnings season has nearly come to a close, a handful of reports are expected, particularly out of the retail sector. Of note, Home Depot (HD), Target (TGT), and Best Buy (BBY) will report, while Foot Locker (FL) and this apparel stock garnered fresh "buy" ratings before earnings.