Stocks Climb for Fourth Consecutive Day Before Thanksgiving Break; Major Indexes Poised for Best Week Since June

Noteworthy S&P 500 Movers on Wednesday

On Wednesday, the S&P 500 experienced significant fluctuations, showcasing some impressive movements among its constituents. Let’s dive into which stocks made headlines, both as gainers and losers.

Advancers

Robinhood Markets (HOOD)
Shares of Robinhood surged nearly 11%, making it the standout performer on the S&P 500. The driving force behind this rally was the announcement of Robinhood’s plan to acquire a stake in LedgerX, a clearinghouse specializing in cryptocurrency derivatives. This strategic move, in partnership with the Susquehanna International Group, is set to diversify Robinhood’s offerings, particularly in prediction markets, where customers can trade on the outcomes of future events.

Dell Technologies (DELL)
Dell Technologies saw its stock jump close to 6%, fueled by news of an improved outlook for both sales and profits. According to the company, a strong demand for AI-related products led to record server orders, surpassing $12 billion year-to-date. This positive momentum has analysts feeling optimistic about Dell’s trajectory in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.

Oracle (ORCL)
Oracle’s stock gained around 4% amid a bit of a comeback after experiencing a difficult month. Concerns regarding its relationship with OpenAI and high spending in AI were previously weighing down the stock. However, analysts from HSBC and Deutsche Bank indicated that the recent sell-off might have been exaggerated, leading to renewed investor confidence.

Decliners

Workday (WDAY)
Despite delivering solid third-quarter results that mostly aligned with expectations, shares of Workday fell nearly 8%. The company’s forward guidance for subscription revenue in the next quarter failed to impress market analysts, primarily due to weaker-than-expected demand from higher education sectors and a cautious spending environment among corporate clients.

Deere & Company (DE)
Deere’s stock suffered a decline of close to 6% after the company warned investors about continuing challenges in the agricultural market. CEO John May pointed out that tariffs are pressuring the company’s margins, and they predict tough conditions may persist into the next year.

Why This Health Care Stock Has Gained 35% This Week

A surprising turn of events in the healthcare sector is highlighted by the impressive 35% surge in shares of Oscar Health (OSCR). The spike was largely attributed to an upgrade by Piper Sandler analysts, who upgraded their rating to "overweight" and dramatically raised the price target from $13 to $25. This upgrade was particularly significant, as Piper Sandler now holds the only "buy" rating among the six analysts tracked by Visible Alpha, suggesting renewed confidence in Oscar’s market potential.

Oscar’s stock rose approximately 9% during late trading on Wednesday, coinciding with broader optimism surrounding health-related stocks following reports of potential subsidies tied to the Affordable Care Act.

Americans Add Surplus-Food Shopping to Their List of Money-Saving Grocery Hacks

As Americans prepare for Thanksgiving, many are also figuring out ways to save on their grocery bills. One emerging trend is the growing popularity of purchasing surplus food—items that are perfectly safe to eat but may be nearing their expiration dates or slightly imperfect in appearance.

With consumer confidence waning amid rising living costs, shoppers are increasingly turning to deeply discounted food options. Companies like Kroger are tapping into this trend by partnering with FlashFood, enabling customers to save up to 50% on groceries that would otherwise end up in landfills.

Financial experts have noticed this shift is particularly prevalent amongst lower-income households, which are feeling the impact of surging costs in housing and utilities. In response, many households are looking for cost-effective solutions to keep food budgets in check.

Campbell’s Fires Exec for ‘Vulgar, Offensive and False’ Comments

In a notable corporate incident, Campbell’s Soup Company (CPB) has terminated an executive, Martin Bally, after he was recorded making offensive remarks about colleagues and the company’s products. The backlash was significant, with Campbell’s undertaking an immediate review of conduct standards.

Bally’s comments included disparaging remarks regarding the company’s offerings, and Campbell’s stated that such behavior contradicts their corporate values. Although the remarks were made public because of a lawsuit from a former employee, the company took swift action to distance itself from the controversy and restore its damaged reputation.

This PC Maker’s Stock Is Soaring on a Stronger Outlook, Thanks to AI

Dell Technologies (DELL) continues to gain momentum, with shares rising around 6% after the company announced an increased forecast for the full year. The boost in outlook is attributed to burgeoning demand driven by AI advancements, with Chief Operating Officer Jeff Clarke reporting record AI server orders totaling $12.3 billion this year.

The company has adjusted its revenue forecast to between $111.2 billion and $112.2 billion, hinting at a robust pipeline. Dell’s investors are optimistic that the growing interest in AI will sustain this upward trend.

Robinhood’s Latest Prediction Markets Move Has Its Stock Flying

In another development, Robinhood Markets is focusing on expanding its prediction markets following the announcement of a new futures and derivatives exchange. Shares increased by around 10% in response.

With prediction markets becoming one of the most profitable segments of Robinhood’s business, the company aims to establish itself as a comprehensive trading platform. This focus could redefine retail trading, especially in a competitive marketplace where numerous firms are diving into prediction contracts. Their collaboration with Miami International Holdings for a stake in MIAXdx further solidifies their ambitions in this growing sector.

Salesforce Stock Leads Dow Decliners After Citi Cuts Price Target

Salesforce (CRM) has come into the spotlight for less favorable reasons, leading the Dow’s decliners after Citi Analysts cut their price target from $276 to $253. The analysts highlighted limited production capabilities of Salesforce’s new product, Agentforce, signaling caution to investors. This news sent shares down nearly 3%, further adding to Salesforce’s rough patch this year, with the stock down around 30%.

Zscaler Stock Sinks on Gross Margin, Profitability Concerns

Despite an upbeat earnings report, Zscaler (ZS) experienced a sharp decline, becoming the worst performer on the Nasdaq. Even though the cloud security firm exceeded earnings expectations and provided a favorable forecast, share prices dropped by 10%. Concerns around gross margins and profitability appeared to overshadow the optimistic outlook, causing investors to adopt a cautious stance.

HP Joins Big Tech Companies Laying Off Workers Amid AI Push

In a move that highlights a growing trend among tech giants, HP (HPQ) announced a major workforce reduction as part of a cost-cutting initiative geared toward saving $1 billion over the next few years.

CEO Enrique Lores emphasized the importance of investing in AI-related projects while navigating this restructure, which could see the elimination of nearly 10% of its workforce. Companies like Amazon and Microsoft have similarly undertaken layoffs despite strong quarterly performances, suggesting that even thriving firms are honing in on AI technologies while trimming operational costs.

Big Changes Coming to the Fed—And Interest Rates—Next Year If This Frontrunner Gets Powell’s Job

The financial world is abuzz with speculation that Kevin Hassett may replace Jerome Powell as chair of the Federal Reserve. Known for advocating for lower interest rates, his appointment could signal a shift in monetary policy. The Fed has already made recent cuts, and the discourse now is whether to continue this trend to bolster the job market amid rising inflation pressures.

Hassett’s nomination could align the Fed more closely with political motives, reigniting debates over fiscal policy as the economy’s performance remains a focal point ahead of elections.

Apple to Surpass Samsung in Global Smartphone Shipments for 1st Time in 14 Years

In a significant milestone, Apple (AAPL) is projected to outship Samsung in global smartphone sales in 2025, according to Counterpoint Research. Apple is forecasted to achieve a 19.4% market share, while Samsung’s share may dip to 18.7%. This shift is emblematic of transitioning consumer preferences and Apple’s marketing strategies, which have clearly resonated with buyers.

Deere Is Not Out of the Woods Yet. Here’s Why the Stock is Falling Today

Following a cautionary outlook from Deere & Company (DE), stock prices have dipped as investors react to news of relentless agricultural market challenges. CEO John May anticipates that difficulties, including tariff-induced margin pressures, are set to persist into 2026. Despite a strong fourth quarter, the company’s future projections fell short of analysts’ expectations, adding to investor hesitancy.

Workday Stock Leads S&P 500 Decliners Despite Strong Results, Full-Year Subscription Outlook

Workday (WDAY) presented a paradox this week—despite reporting earnings that exceeded expectations, shares fell sharply by about 10%. The discrepancy arose primarily from lower subscription revenue guidance for the upcoming quarter, which failed to inspire confidence among investors despite an overall positive quarterly performance.

Retailers Hype—and Hope for—a Busy Black Friday This Year

As the holiday shopping season gears up, retailers are actively crafting engaging marketing strategies for Black Friday, striving to attract consumer interest amid economic uncertainty. Companies are deploying innovative in-store experiences and digital campaigns to stimulate spending. However, with inflation and declining consumer confidence, even optimistic projections suggest a cautious shopping mood this year.

Robinhood Stock Surges on Latest Prediction Markets Offering

Robinhood continues to be a significant player with its latest announcement surrounding prediction markets. The influx of nearly 6.5% in stock value underscores the firm’s growing significance in the trading sphere. New offerings aim to enhance their position as a comprehensive broker for all trading aspects, from stocks to cryptocurrencies.

A December Fed Cut Is in Play Again—But What Would It Really Mean for Mortgage Rates?

Financial experts are speculating about an imminent cut in interest rates by the Federal Reserve in December, with many traders assigning high probabilities to this move. This rapidly shifting sentiment reflects the complexities facing the Fed as it balances inflation with economic growth. However, how a rate cut would specifically impact mortgage rates remains uncertain, as they often behave independently of direct Fed actions.

This AI Chip Stock Is Getting a Big Boost From Google’s Hot Streak

Broadcom (AVGO) is benefiting significantly from its close ties to Google as shares rise amid positive news surrounding Alphabet. The synergy between the tech giants reflects the growing demand for AI solutions, with Broadcom positioned as a key player in the chip supply chain for AI applications. This partnership exemplifies how interconnected the tech ecosystem has become.

Autodesk Stock Pops as Digital Design Software Maker Raises Full-Year Outlook

Shares of Autodesk (ADSK) jumped after the company raised its revenue and earnings outlook for the year, thanks to strong sales performance. This positive development echoes widespread optimism in the digital design industry, paving the way for continued growth amid a stable macroeconomic landscape.

Polymarket Just Got CFTC Sign-Off. Prediction Markets Are on the March

Following regulatory approval, Polymarket is poised to make a strong comeback in the U.S. market. This movement coincides with a surge in interest in prediction markets, as various fintech platforms tap into this emerging sector. As the landscape evolves, Polymarket’s return could signify a broader acceptance of prediction markets in American consumer finance.

Stock Futures Point Further Higher Entering Thanksgiving Holiday

In the context of upcoming holidays, stock futures indicated positive momentum, suggesting buoyancy in the markets as investors remain optimistic ahead of Thanksgiving. Indices such as the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the S&P 500 showed solid gains, contributing to a positive market sentiment.