Benzinga examined the prospects for many investors’ favorite stocks over the last week — here’s a look at some of our top stories.
U.S. stocks extended their rally this week, with the Nasdaq 100 posting its strongest four-week gain since 2020 as investor sentiment improved on easing geopolitical tensions and resilient earnings. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite all moved higher, supported by a continued rebound in technology shares and declining volatility. The sustained advance marks a sharp turnaround from the earlier oil-driven selloff, as markets increasingly price in a more stable macro backdrop.
Semiconductor stocks were at the center of the rally, with Intel leading gains after strong earnings and renewed confidence in AI-driven demand. The chip sector’s momentum helped push major indexes toward record levels, with the broader tech complex regaining leadership after months of uncertainty. The rally in semiconductors also reinforced optimism that corporate investment in AI infrastructure remains intact despite geopolitical and macro headwinds.
Despite the strong momentum, investors remain cautious as markets approach key earnings and economic data in the coming weeks. Analysts note that the durability of the rally will depend on continued earnings strength and stability in global conditions, particularly around energy markets and interest rate expectations. For now, the market’s ability to sustain a multi-week advance highlights improving confidence, even as underlying risks have not fully dissipated.
Benzinga provides daily reports on the stocks most popular with investors. Here are a few of this past week’s most bullish and bearish posts that are worth another look.
The Bulls
“UnitedHealth Stock Jumps After Q1 Beat — Here’s What Execs Say Drove It,” by Anusuya Lahiri, reports that UnitedHealth Group Inc. (NYSE:UNH) shares rose after the company delivered a strong …
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