Zillow Group, Inc. operates real estate brands in mobile applications and Websites in the United States. The company offers premier agent and rentals marketplaces, new construction marketplaces, advertising, display advertising, and business technology solutions, as well as dotloop and floor plans. It also provides mortgage originations and the sale of mortgages, and advertising to mortgage lenders and other mortgage professionals; and title and escrow services. In addition, the company's brand portfolio includes Zillow Premier Agent, Zillow Home Loans, Zillow Rentals, Trulia, StreetEasy, HotPads, and Out East; and a suite of marketing software and technology solutions for the real estate industry, including ShowingTime+, Spruce, and Follow Up Boss. Zillow Group, Inc. was incorporated in 2004 and is headquartered in Seattle, Washington.

Zillow Group, Inc.

The AI App Store Moment

Investor sentiment is rising for housing-related stocks, which are gaining traction as a result of recent and potentially ongoing interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve.
Wall Street is betting that this will revitalize housing, especially as mortgage rates have dwindled near one-year lows at 6.34%. Despite current challenges, a more proficient supply and demand dynamic could come into play if homes become more affordable.
Most importantly, this would take pressure off homebuilders who have relied on price cuts and mortgage rate buydowns as strategic tools to stimulate demand and maintain sales momentum in a high-interest rate environment.
Image Source: TradingView
Toll Brothers Continues to Lead the Surge in Homebuilder Stocks
As a luxury homebuilder, Toll Brothers' TOL affluent customer base is less affected by higher rates, but its industry-leading margins could expand even more in a more favorable housing market.
Leading the rebound in homebuilder stocks, TOL has spiked over +20% in the last three months and currently lands a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). The resurgence in Toll Brothers stock has been warranted considering its pricing power, although investor enthusiasm may be ahead of schedule for some of its peers. To that point, the Zacks Building Products-Home Builders Industry is currently in the bottom 5% of over 240 Zacks industries.
Still, Warren Buffett helped in sparking broader excitement for the space with Berkshire Hathaway upping its stake in leading single-family homebuilder Lennar Corporation LEN during Q2 despite trimming some of its position in D.R. Horton DHI.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Rocket Companies Has Stood Out Among Mortgage Providers
Making an aggressive push to become a fully integrated homeownership platform, Rocket Companies RKT has stood out among mortgage providers after recently completing a $14.2 billion all-stock transaction to acquire Mr. Cooper Group, the largest mortgage servicer in the U.S.
In July, Rocket Companies also acquired Redfin, expanding its reach into the home search market. Attracting investors' attention for its strategic vision in fintech, Rocket Companies' stock has soared +60% in 2025 but has pulled back from its 52-week high of $22 a share after Redfin has reported that pending home sales in the U.S. fell 1% year over year.
Landing a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), Rocket Companies' stock has also been lifted by strong projected net interest income growth and exceptional return on equity (ROE).
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Zillow Gains Analyst Upgrades, But Currently Lands a Zacks Rank #4 Sell
Notably, analysts are starting to call for more upside potential in Zillow Group ZG stock, seeing speculative fears of increased competition from emerging companies like Compass COMP and Open Door Technologies OPEN as overdone. Of course, Rocket Companies fits into this scope of potential online real estate and home search challengers.
That said, analysts at Gordon Haskett, DA Davidson, and Bernstein have upgraded Zillow’s stock and raised their price targets to over $90 a share. Hopefully, there will be a reversal to the overall consensus trend of declining earnings estimate revisions (EPS), which has landed ZG shares a Zack Rank #4 (Sell) at the moment. Trading around $74, ZG is up a modest +5% YTD.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Bottom Line
Although they may not be out of the woods yet in terms of the broader challenges the housing market has faced, investors have favored Toll Brothers, Rocket Companies, and Zillow stock. One thing is for certain: there will be pockets of opportunity for housing-related stocks as the Fed’s interest rate cuts should lower borrowing costs.
Radical New Technology Could Hand Investors Huge Gains
Quantum Computing is the next technological revolution, and it could be even more advanced than AI.
While some believed the technology was years away, it is already present and moving fast. Large hyperscalers, such as Microsoft, Google, Amazon, Oracle, and even Meta and Tesla, are scrambling to integrate quantum computing into their infrastructure.
Senior Stock Strategist Kevin Cook reveals 7 carefully selected stocks poised to dominate the quantum computing landscape in his report, Beyond AI: The Quantum Leap in Computing Power.
Kevin was among the early experts who recognized NVIDIA's enormous potential back in 2016. Now, he has keyed in on what could be "the next big thing" in quantum computing supremacy. Today, you have a rare chance to position your portfolio at the forefront of this opportunity.
See Top Quantum Stocks Now >>
Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report
This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Watch These Housing Related Stocks: RKT, TOL, ZG

The S&P 500 Index ($SPX) (SPY) on Friday closed up +0.01%, the Dow Jones Industrials Index ($DOWI) (DIA) closed up +0.51%, and the Nasdaq 100 Index ($IUXX) (QQQ) closed down -0.43%. December E-mini S&P futures (ESZ25) rose +0.01%, and December E-mini Nasdaq futures (NQZ25) fell -0.44%.
Stock indexes settled mixed on Friday, with the S&P 500, Nasdaq 100, and Dow Jones Industrials posting new all-time highs. Stock indexes initially moved higher on Friday as chipmakers and AI-infrastructure stocks gained, driven by optimism that growth in the AI sector will translate into corporate profits. However, higher bond yields on Friday sparked long liquidation in interest rate-sensitive technology stocks. The 10-year T-note yield rose +4 bp to 4.12% on hawkish comments from Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee and Dallas Fed President Lorie Logan, who cautioned against additional rate cuts from the Fed.
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Stock indexes also fell back from their best levels on Friday to trade mixed after the Sep ISM services index dropped more than expected to a 4-month low. Also, signs of price pressures in the service sector weighed on bond prices and stocks after the Sep ISM services price paid sub-index unexpectedly increased. Finally, the US government shutdown for a third day on Friday dented market sentiment.
The government shutdown means a delay in the release of government reports, including Friday's monthly payroll report. A prolonged shutdown could also delay the government's inflation data, scheduled for release on October 15. The White House has warned that if the government shutdown lingered, it would trigger widespread dismissals of employees in government programs that don't align with President Trump's priorities. Bloomberg Economics estimates that 640,000 federal workers will be furloughed during a shutdown, which would expand jobless claims and push the unemployment rate up to 4.7%.
The US Sep S&P composite PMI was revised upward by +0.3 to 53.9 from the previously reported 53.6.
The US Sep ISM services index fell -2.0 to a 4-month low of 50.0, weaker than expectations of 51.7. The Sep ISM services price paid sub-index unexpectedly rose +0.2 to 69.4, higher than expectations of a decline to 68.0.
Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee cautioned against the Fed front-loading too many interest rate cuts, saying, "The uptick of inflation that we've been seeing, coupled with the jobs, payroll numbers deteriorating, has put the Fed in a bit of a sticky spot where you're getting deterioration of both sides of the mandate at the same time."
Dallas Fed President Lorie Logan said the Fed "needs to be cautious about further rate cuts from here," as inflation is further away from the Fed's target than the maximum employment goal.
Rising corporate earnings expectations are a bullish backdrop for stocks. According to Bloomberg Intelligence, more than 22% of companies in the S&P 500 provided guidance for their Q3 earnings results that are expected to beat analysts' expectations, the highest in a year. Also, S&P companies are expected to post +6.9% earnings growth in Q3, up from +6.7% as of the end of May.
The markets are pricing in a 98% chance of a -25 bp rate cut at the next FOMC meeting on Oct 28-29.
Overseas stock markets on Friday settled higher. The Euro Stoxx 50 closed up +0.10%. China's Shanghai Composite did not trade and is closed for the week-long Lunar New Year holiday. Japan's Nikkei Stock 225 climbed to a 1-week high and closed up +1.85%.
Interest Rates
December 10-year T-notes (ZNZ5) on Friday closed down by -8 ticks. The 10-year T-note yield rose +3.6 bp to 4.119%. Dec T-notes gave up an early advance and turned lower Friday due to hawkish comments from Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee and Dallas Fed President Lorie Logan, who cautioned against additional Fed interest rate cuts. T-notes were also pressured after the Sep ISM services price paid sub-index unexpectedly rose, a sign of price pressures in the service sector.
Dec T-notes initially moved higher on Friday and posted a 1-week high, and the 10-year T-note yield fell to a 2-week low of 4.077%. T-notes garnered early support on Friday after the Sep ISM services index fell more than expected to a 4-month low. The ongoing US government shutdown is also bullish for T-notes on concerns that a protracted shutdown could weaken the economy, a supportive factor for T-notes.
European government bond yields moved lower on Friday. The 10-year German bund yield fell to a 2-week low of 2.690% and finished down -0.2 bp at 2.698%. The 10-year UK gilt yield fell -2.0 bp to 4.690%.
Eurozone Sep PPI fell -0.3% m/m and -0.6% y/y, weaker than expectations of -0.1% m/m and -0.4% y/y, with the -0.6% y/y fall the largest year-over-year decline in 9 months.
The UK Sep S&P composite PMI was revised downward by -0.9 to a 5-month low of 50.1 from the previously reported 51.0.
ECB Governing Council member Wunsch stated that ECB policymakers have found the "perfect calibration" for interest rates and policy settings, which are appropriate to ensure that consumer prices rise in line with the 2% target in the medium term.
Swaps are discounting a 1% chance for a -25 bp rate cut by the ECB at its next policy meeting on October 30.
US Stock Movers
Humana (HUM) closed up more than +10% and added to Thursday's +4% jump to lead managed health care companies higher and gainers in the S&P 500 after it reaffirmed its earnings guidance for 2025. Also, Centene (CNC) closed up more than +5%, and Cigna Group (CI) closed up more than +4%. In addition, Molina Healthcare (MOH) and Elevance Health (ELV) closed up more than +3%, and UnitedHealth Group (UNH) closed up more than +1% to lead gainers in the Dow Jones Industrials.
Fair Isaac Corp (FICO) closed up more than +3%, adding to Thursday's +17% surge after announcing it will sell credit scores directly to mortgage resellers, reducing their reliance on credit bureaus.
Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings (KNX) closed up more than +3% after Stifel upgraded the stock to buy from hold with a price target of $45.
Zillow Group (ZG) closed up more than +2% after Gordon Haskett upgraded the stock to buy from hold with a price target of $90.
Freeport-McMoRan (FCX) closed up more than +2% after UBS upgraded the stock to buy from neutral with a price target of $48.
Entergy (ETR) closed up more than +1% after Scotiabank upgraded the stock to sector outperform from sector perform with a price target of $105.
Occidental Petroleum (OXY) closed up more than +1% after Mizuho Securities upgraded the stock to outperform from neutral with a price target of $60.
US-listed Macau-linked casino stocks retreated on Friday after Citigroup said national passenger data from China's travel ministry for the first two days of the Golden Week holiday was weaker than expected. Wynn Resorts Ltd (WYNN) and Las Vegas Sands (LVS) closed down more than -7%. Also, MGM Resorts International (MGM) closed down more than -2%.
Chip makers and AI-infrastructure stocks gave up early gains and turned lower on Friday, which weighed on the Nasdaq 100. KLA Corp (KLAC) closed down more than -3%. Also, Applied Materials (AMAT) closed down more than -2% after saying its net revenue for fiscal year 2026 is set to decrease by $600 million due to a new rule by the US Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security. In addition, Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) closed down more than -2%, and Intel (INTC) and Texas Instruments (TXN) closed down more than -1%.
Weakness in most of the Magnificent Seven technology stocks was a drag on the overall market. Meta Platforms (META) closed down more than -2%, and Tesla (TSLA) and Amazon.com (AMZN) closed down more than -1%. Also, Nvidia (NVDA) closed down -0.67%.
Palantir Technologies (PLTR) closed down more than -7% to lead losers in the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 after Reuters reported that an Army memo stated the company's battlefield communications network has serious "fundamental security" flaws.
Hecla Mining (HL) closed down more than -1% after Roth Capital Partners downgraded the stock to sell from neutral with a price target of $8.75.
Earnings Reports(10/6/2025)
Aehr Test Systems (AEHR), Constellation Brands Inc (STZ).
On the date of publication, Rich Asplund did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Stocks Settle Mixed as Tech Rally Loses Steam

The S&P 500 Index ($SPX) (SPY) today is up +0.40%, the Dow Jones Industrials Index ($DOWI) (DIA) is up +0.84%, and the Nasdaq 100 Index ($IUXX) (QQQ) is up +0.07%. December E-mini S&P futures (ESZ25) are up +0.37%, and December E-mini Nasdaq futures (NQZ25) are up +0.04%.
Stock indexes are moving higher today, with the S&P 500, Nasdaq 100, and Dow Jones Industrials posting new all-time highs. Chip makers and AI-infrastructure stocks are rallying today, leading the broader market higher on optimism that growth in the AI sector will translate into corporate profits. Stocks are climbing today despite the US government being shut down for a third day. Stock indexes fell back from their best levels after the Sep ISM services index dropped more than expected to a 4-month low.
Join 200K+ Subscribers: Find out why the midday Barchart Brief newsletter is a must-read for thousands daily.
The government shutdown means a delay in the release of government reports, including today’s monthly payroll report. A prolonged shutdown could also delay the government’s inflation data, scheduled for release on October 15.
The White House has warned that if the government shutdown lingered, it would trigger widespread dismissals of employees in government programs that don’t align with President Trump’s priorities. Bloomberg Economics estimates that 640,000 federal workers will be furloughed during a shutdown, which would expand jobless claims and push the unemployment rate up to 4.7%.
The US Sep S&P composite PMI was revised upward by +0.3 to 53.9 from the previously reported 53.6.
The US Sep ISM services index fell -2.0 to a 4-month low of 50.0, weaker than expectations of 51.7. The Sep ISM services price paid sub-index unexpectedly rose +0.2 to 69.4, higher than expectations of a decline to 68.0.
Comments today from Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee were hawkish and negative for stocks as he cautioned against the Fed front-loading too many interest rate cuts, saying, “The uptick of inflation that we’ve been seeing, coupled with the jobs, payroll numbers deteriorating, have put the Fed in a bit of a sticky spot where you’re getting deterioration of both sides of the mandate at the same time.”
Rising corporate earnings expectations are a bullish backdrop for stocks. According to Bloomberg Intelligence, more than 22% of companies in the S&P 500 provided guidance for their Q3 earnings results that are expected to beat analysts’ expectations, the highest in a year. Also, S&P companies are expected to post +6.9% earnings growth in Q3, up from +6.7% as of the end of May.
The markets are pricing in a 98% chance of a -25 bp rate cut at the next FOMC meeting on Oct 28-29.
Overseas stock markets today are higher. The Euro Stoxx 50 is up +0.01%. China’s Shanghai Composite did not trade and is closed for the week-long Lunar New Year holiday. Japan’s Nikkei Stock 225 climbed to a 1-week high and closed up +1.85%.
Interest Rates
December 10-year T-notes (ZNZ5) today are down -7 ticks. The 10-year T-note yield is up +3.5 bp to 4.117%. Dec T-notes gave up an early advance and turned lower today due to hawkish comments from Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee, who cautioned against the Fed front-loading too many interest rate cuts. T-notes were also pressured after the Sep ISM services price paid sub-index unexpectedly rose, a sign of price pressures in the service sector.
Dec T-notes initially moved higher today and matched their 1-week high, and the 10-year T-note yield fell to a 2-week low of 4.077%. T-notes garnered support after the Sep ISM services index fell more than expected to a 4-month low. The ongoing US government shutdown is also boosting T-notes on concerns that a protracted shutdown could weaken the economy, a supportive factor for T-notes.
European government bond yields are mixed today. The 10-year German bund yield rebounded from a 2-week low of 2.690% and is up +0.4 bp at 2.703%. The 10-year UK gilt yield is down -1.4 bp to 4.696%.
Eurozone Sep PPI fell -0.3% m/m and -0.6% y/y, weaker than expectations of -0.1% m/m and -0.4% y/y, with the -0.6% y/y fall the largest year-over-year decline in 9 months.
The UK Sep S&P composite PMI was revised downward by -0.9 to a 5-month low of 50.1 from the previously reported 51.0.
ECB Governing Council member Wunsch stated that ECB policymakers have found the “perfect calibration” for interest rates and policy settings, which are appropriate to ensure that consumer prices rise in line with the 2% target in the medium term.
Swaps are discounting a 1% chance for a -25 bp rate cut by the ECB at its next policy meeting on October 30.
US Stock Movers
Chip makers and AI-infrastructure stocks are moving higher today and are supporting gains in the broader market. Micron Technology (MU) is up more than +3%, and Microchip Technology (MCHP) is up more than +2%. Also, GlobalFoundries (GFS), ON Semiconductor Corp (ON), NXP Semiconductors NV (NXPI), Analog Devices (ADI), and Texas Instruments (TXN) are up more than +1%.
Humana (HUM) is up more than +5% and added to Thursday’s +4% jump to lead managed health care companies higher and gainers in the S&P 500 after it reaffirmed its earnings guidance for 2025. Also, Cigna Group (CI) is up more than +5%, and Centene (CNC) and Elevance Health (ELV) are up more than +4%. In addition, Molina Healthcare (MOH) is up more than +3% and UnitedHealth Group (UNH) is up more than +3% to lead gainers in the Dow Jones Industrials.
Fair Isaac Corp (FICO) is up more than +4%, adding to Thursday’s +17% surge after announcing it will sell credit scores directly to mortgage resellers, reducing their reliance on credit bureaus.
Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings (KNX) is up more than +4% after Stifel upgraded the stock to buy from hold with a price target of $45.
Zillow Group (ZG) is up more than +3% after Gordon Haskett upgraded the stock to buy from hold with a price target of $90.
Southwest Airlines (LUV) is up more than +2% after Susquehanna Financial raised its price target on the stock to $35 from $30.
Freeport-McMoRan (FCX) is up more than +2% after UBS upgraded the stock to buy from neutral with a price target of $48.
Entergy (ETR) is up more than +2% after Scotiabank upgraded the stock to sector outperform from sector perform with a price target of $105.
Occidental Petroleum (OXY) is up more than +1% after Mizuho Securities upgraded the stock to outperform from neutral with a price target of $60.
US-listed Macau-linked casino stocks are sliding today after Citigroup said national passenger data from China’s travel ministry for the first two days of the Golden Week holiday was weaker than expected. Wynn Resorts Ltd (WYNN) is down more than -6% to lead losers in the S&P 500. Also, Las Vegas Sands (LVS) is down more than -5%, and MGM Resorts International (MGM) is down more than -2%.
Palantir Technologies (PLTR) is down more than -3% to lead losers in the Nasdaq 100 after Reuters reported that an Army memo said the company’s battlefield communications network has serious “fundamental security” flaws.
Applied Materials (AMAT) is down more than -2% after saying its net revenue for fiscal year 2026 is set to decrease by $600 million due to a new rule by the US Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security.
Hecla Mining (HL) is down more than -3% after Roth Capital Partners downgraded the stock to sell from neutral with a price target of $8.75.
Corteva (CTVA) is down nearly -1% after KeyBanc Capital Markets downgraded the stock to sector weight from overweight.
Earnings Reports(10/3/2025)
C&F Financial Corp (CFFI), Lifecore Biomedical Inc (LFCR), Pathward Financial Inc (CASH).
On the date of publication, Rich Asplund did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Stocks Supported by AI Spending Boom

The S&P 500 Index ($SPX) (SPY) today is up +0.29%, the Dow Jones Industrials Index ($DOWI) (DIA) is up +0.45%, and the Nasdaq 100 Index ($IUXX) (QQQ) is up +0.18%. December E-mini S&P futures (ESZ25) are up +0.27%, and December E-mini Nasdaq futures (NQZ25) are up +0.16%.
Stock indexes are moving higher today, with the S&P 500, Nasdaq 100, and Dow Jones Industrials posting new all-time highs. Chip makers and AI-infrastructure stocks are rallying today, leading the broader market higher on optimism that growth in the AI sector will translate into corporate profits. Stocks are climbing today despite the US government being shut down for a third day.
Join 200K+ Subscribers: Find out why the midday Barchart Brief newsletter is a must-read for thousands daily.
The government shutdown means a delay in the release of government reports, including today’s monthly payroll report. A prolonged shutdown could also delay the government’s inflation data, scheduled for release on October 15.
The White House has warned that if the government shutdown lingered, it would trigger widespread dismissals of employees in government programs that don’t align with President Trump’s priorities. Bloomberg Economics estimates that 640,000 federal workers will be furloughed during a shutdown, which would expand jobless claims and push the unemployment rate up to 4.7%.
Comments today from Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee were hawkish and negative for stocks as he cautioned against the Fed front-loading too many interest rate cuts, saying, “The uptick of inflation that we’ve been seeing, coupled with the jobs, payroll numbers deteriorating, have put the Fed in a bit of a sticky spot where you’re getting deterioration of both sides of the mandate at the same time.”
Rising corporate earnings expectations are a bullish backdrop for stocks. According to Bloomberg Intelligence, more than 22% of companies in the S&P 500 provided guidance for their Q3 earnings results that are expected to beat analysts’ expectations, the highest in a year. Also, S&P companies are expected to post +6.9% earnings growth in Q3, up from +6.7% as of the end of May.
The markets are pricing in a 98% chance of a -25 bp rate cut at the next FOMC meeting on Oct 28-29.
Market focus this week will be on any new trade or tariff news. Later today, the Sep ISM services index is expected to slip -0.2 to 51.8.
Overseas stock markets today are mixed. The Euro Stoxx 50 is down -0.01%. China’s Shanghai Composite did not trade and is closed for the week-long Lunar New Year holiday. Japan’s Nikkei Stock 225 climbed to a 1-week high and closed up +1.85%.
Interest Rates
December 10-year T-notes (ZNZ5) today are down -3 ticks. The 10-year T-note yield is up +1.1 bp to 4.094%. Dec T-notes gave up an early advance and turned lower today due to strength in stocks, which curbs safe-haven demand for government debt securities. Also, hawkish comments from Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee weighed on T-notes when he cautioned against the Fed front-loading too many interest rate cuts.
Dec T-notes initially moved higher today and matched their 1-week high, and the 10-year T-note yield fell to a 2-week low of 4.077%. The ongoing US government shutdown is boosting T-notes on concerns that a protracted shutdown could weaken the economy, a supportive factor for T-notes.
European government bond yields are moving lower today. The 10-year German bund yield fell to a 2-week low of 2.690% and is down -0.2 bp at 2.697%. The 10-year UK gilt yield is down -2.2 bp to 4.688%.
Eurozone Sep PPI fell -0.3% m/m and -0.6% y/y, weaker than expectations of -0.1% m/m and -0.4% y/y, with the -0.6% y/y fall the largest year-over-year decline in 9 months.
The UK Sep S&P composite PMI was revised downward by -0.9 to a 5-month low of 50.1 from the previously reported 51.0.
ECB Governing Council member Wunsch stated that ECB policymakers have found the “perfect calibration” for interest rates and policy settings, which are appropriate to ensure that consumer prices rise in line with the 2% target in the medium term.
Swaps are discounting a 1% chance for a -25 bp rate cut by the ECB at its next policy meeting on October 30.
US Stock Movers
Chip makers and AI-infrastructure stocks are moving higher today and are supporting gains in the broader market. Microchip Technology (MCHP) is up more than +3% to lead gainers in the S&P 500. Also, Micron Technology (MU) and ON Semiconductor Corp (ON) are up more than +2%. In addition, Broadcom (AVGO), Qualcomm (QCOM), NXP Semiconductors NV (NXPI), Intel (INTC), and Analog Devices (ADI) are up more than +1%.
Recently beaten-down energy producers and energy service providers are moving higher today. Marathon Petroleum (MPC) and APA Corp (APA) are up more than +2%. Also, Devon Energy (DVN), Diamondback Energy (FANG), Haliburton (HAL), Phillips 66 (PSX), Exxon Mobil (XOM), Baker Hughes (BKR), and ConocoPhillips (COP) are up more than +1%.
Zillow Group (ZG) is up more than +3% after Gordon Haskett upgraded the stock to buy from hold with a price target of $90.
Southwest Airlines (LUV) is up more than +2% after Susquehanna Financial raised its price target on the stock to $35 from $30.
Fair Isaac Corp (FICO) is up more than +2%, adding to Thursday’s +17% surge after announcing it will sell credit scores directly to mortgage resellers, reducing their reliance on credit bureaus.
Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings (KNX) is up more than +22% after Stifel upgraded the stock to buy from hold with a price target of $45.
Freeport-McMoRan (FCX) is up more than +1% after UBS upgraded the stock to buy from neutral with a price target of $48.
Occidental Petroleum (OXY) is up more than +1% after Mizuho Securities upgraded the stock to outperform from neutral with a price target of $60.
Entergy (ETR) is up more than +1% after Scotiabank upgraded the stock to sector outperform from sector perform with a price target of $105.
US-listed Macau-linked casino stocks are sliding today after Citigroup said national passenger data from China’s travel ministry for the first two days of the Golden Week holiday was weaker than expected. Las Vegas Sands (LVS) is down more than -7% to lead losers in the S&P 500. Also, Wynn Resorts Ltd (WYNN) is down more than -6% and MGM Resorts International (MGM) is down more than -2%.
Applied Materials (AMAT) is down more than -3% to lead losers in the Nasdaq 100 after saying its net revenue for fiscal year 2026 is set to decrease by $600 million due to a new rule by the US Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security.
Merck & Co (MRK) is down more than -1% to lead losers in the Dow Jones Industrials after MYKREDIT double downgraded the stock to sell from buy.
Maplebear (CART) is down more than -1% after Piper Sandler downgraded the stock to neutral from overweight.
Corteva (CTVA) is down more than -1% after KeyBanc Capital Markets downgraded the stock to sector weight from overweight.
Earnings Reports(10/3/2025)
C&F Financial Corp (CFFI), Lifecore Biomedical Inc (LFCR), Pathward Financial Inc (CASH).
On the date of publication, Rich Asplund did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.
More news from Barchart
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Stocks Climb on Rampant AI Optimism

All Investors Have Regrets

Looking at the underlying holdings of the ETFs in our coverage universe at ETF Channel, we have compared the trading price of each holding against the average analyst 12-month forward target price, and computed the weighted average implied analyst target price for the ETF itself. For the iShares Russell Mid-Cap ETF (Symbol: IWR), we found that the implied analyst target price for the ETF based upon its underlying holdings is $106.89 per unit.
With IWR trading at a recent price near $96.44 per unit, that means that analysts see 10.83% upside for this ETF looking through to the average analyst targets of the underlying holdings. Three of IWR's underlying holdings with notable upside to their analyst target prices are GitLab Inc (Symbol: GTLB), Performance Food Group Co (Symbol: PFGC), and Zillow Group Inc (Symbol: ZG). Although GTLB has traded at a recent price of $49.48/share, the average analyst target is 17.44% higher at $58.11/share. Similarly, PFGC has 12.73% upside from the recent share price of $103.38 if the average analyst target price of $116.55/share is reached, and analysts on average are expecting ZG to reach a target price of $87.84/share, which is 12.36% above the recent price of $78.18. Below is a twelve month price history chart comparing the stock performance of GTLB, PFGC, and ZG:
Below is a summary table of the current analyst target prices discussed above:
Name
Symbol
Recent Price
Avg. Analyst 12-Mo. Target
% Upside to Target
iShares Russell Mid-Cap ETF
IWR
$96.44
$106.89
10.83%
GitLab Inc
GTLB
$49.48
$58.11
17.44%
Performance Food Group Co
PFGC
$103.38
$116.55
12.73%
Zillow Group Inc
ZG
$78.18
$87.84
12.36%
Are analysts justified in these targets, or overly optimistic about where these stocks will be trading 12 months from now? Do the analysts have a valid justification for their targets, or are they behind the curve on recent company and industry developments? A high price target relative to a stock's trading price can reflect optimism about the future, but can also be a precursor to target price downgrades if the targets were a relic of the past. These are questions that require further investor research.
Also see:
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Analysts Anticipate IWR Will Reach $107

The S&P 500 Index ($SPX) (SPY) on Wednesday closed down -0.10%, the Dow Jones Industrials Index ($DOWI) (DIA) closed up +0.57%, and the Nasdaq 100 Index ($IUXX) (QQQ) closed down -0.21%. September E-mini S&P futures (ESU25) fell -0.09%, and September E-mini Nasdaq futures (NQU25) fell -0.14%.
Stock indexes settled mixed on Wednesday, with the Dow Jones Industrials climbing to a new all-time high. The broader market gave up an early advance and turned lower Wednesday afternoon when bond yields rose on hawkish comments from Fed Chair Powell, who highlighted the risk of persistent inflation and signaled less support for deeper easing of Fed policy. After initially falling to a 5.25-month low of 3.99% on Wednesday, the 10-year T-note yield finished up +4 bp at 4.07%.
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Stocks initially spiked higher on Wednesday afternoon after the Fed cut interest rates, as expected, by -25 bp and signaled -50 bp more of rate cuts by year's end. The FOMC also raised its US 2025 GDP forecast, a supportive factor for stocks.
Weakness in chipmakers was also bearish for the overall market, as Nvidia fell more than -2% after the Financial Times reported that the Cyberspace Administration of China, China's internet watchdog, has instructed the country's biggest companies to terminate orders for Nvidia's RTX Pro 6000D chip.
Wednesday's US housing news was weaker than expected and negative for stocks. Aug housing starts fell -8.5% m/m to 1.307 million, weaker than expectations of 1.365 million. Aug building permits, a proxy for future construction, unexpectedly fell -3.7% m/m to a 5.25-year low of 1.312 million, weaker than expectations of an increase to 1.370 million.
US MBA mortgage applications rose +29.7% in the week ended September 12, with the purchase mortgage sub-index up +2.9% and the refinancing mortgage sub-index up +57.7%. The average 20-year fixed rate mortgage fell -10 bp to an 11-month low of 6.39% from 6.49% in the prior week.
The FOMC, as expected, voted 11-1 to cut the federal funds target range by -25 bp to 4.00%-4.25% from 4.25%-4.50% and said, "downside risks to employment have risen, but inflation has moved up and remains somewhat elevated."
The Fed's dot plot projects the fed funds target at 3.625% by the end of 2025, signaling another 50 bp of rate cuts this year. The fed funds target range for the end of 2026 is 3.375%, signaling only one -25 bp rate cut in 2026.
The FOMC boosted its 2025 US GDP estimate to +1.6% from +1.4% in June and kept its 2025 core PCE inflation estimate unchanged from June at +3.1%, well above the Fed’s 2% inflation target.
Fed Chair Powell said the revised jobs numbers mean the labor market is no longer solid, and the Fed's move to cut interest rates to a "more neutral" position will "presumably" be helpful to the labor market. He added. "We have begun to see" higher goods prices feed through to inflation, and "we do expect them to continue to build" even into next year.
The markets this week will continue to focus on any fresh trade or tariff news. On Thursday, weekly initial unemployment claims are expected to fall by -23,000 to 240,000.
The markets are pricing in a 90% chance of a -25 bp rate cut at the next FOMC meeting on Oct 28-29.
Overseas stock markets on Wednesday settled mixed. The Euro Stoxx 50 closed down by -0.05%. China's Shanghai Composite closed up +0.37%. Japan's Nikkei Stock 225 closed down -0.25%.
Interest Rates
December 10-year T-notes (ZNZ5) on Wednesday closed down by -13.5 ticks. The 10-year T-note yield rose by +4.0 bp to 4.068%. T-notes whipsawed lower on Wednesday, and the 10-year T-note yield moved higher from a 5.25-month low of 3.988%. T-note prices saw early support from Wednesday's weaker-than-expected US Aug housing starts and building permits reports. Also, Wednesday's action by the FOMC to cut interest rates by 25 bp and signal another 50 bp of rate cuts by year's end was supportive for T-notes.
However, T-notes gave up their gains and turned lower after the FOMC boosted its 2025 US GDP estimate and said, "inflation has moved up and remains somewhat elevated.” Losses in T-notes accelerated on Wednesday afternoon when Fed Chair Powell noted that higher goods prices are feeding through to inflation and that the FOMC expects inflation to continue to build into next year, which may limit how much more the Fed can cut interest rates.
Concerns about Fed independence are negatively impacting T-note prices due to President Trump's attempt to fire Fed Governor Cook and Stephen Miran's intention to hold a Fed Governor position while remaining technically in his White House role on the Council of Economic Advisors.
European government bond yields on Wednesday moved lower. The 10-year German bund yield fell -1.8 bp to 2.675%. The 10-year UK gilt yield fell -1.4 bp to 4.625%.
Eurozone Aug CPI was revised lower to +2.0% y/y from the previously reported +2.1% y/y. The Aug core CPI was left unrevised at +2.3% y/y.
UK Aug CPI was unchanged from July at +3.8% y/y, right on expectations. Aug core CPI eased to +3.6% y/y from +3.8% y/y in July, right on expectations.
Swaps are discounting a 1% chance for a -25 bp rate cut by the ECB at its next policy meeting on October 30.
US Stock Movers
Nvidia (NVDA) closed down more than -2% to lead losers in the Dow Jones industrials after the Financial Times reported that the Cyberspace Administration of China, China's internet watchdog, has instructed the country's biggest companies to terminate orders for Nvidia's RTX Pro 6000D chip.
Home building suppliers retreated on Wednesday after US Aug housing starts and building permits fell more than expected. Builders FirstSource (BLDR) closed down more than -5% to lead losers in the S&P 500. Also, Mohawk Industries (MHK) closed down more than -4%, and Home Depot (HD) and Weyerhaeuser (WY) closed down more than -1%.
Manchester United (MANU) closed down more than -6% after reporting a Q4 loss and cutting its 2026 revenue outlook.
Uber Technologies (UBER) closed down more than -4% on signs of insider selling after an SEC filing showed CEO Khosrowshahi sold $28.6 million of shares last Friday.
Warner Bros Discovery (WBD) closed down more than -1% on signs of insider selling after CFO Wiedenfels sold over $14 million of shares on Monday.
Roivant Sciences Ltd (ROIV) closed up more than +7% after it said its brepocitinib, which it developed with Priovant Therapeutics to treat dermatomyositis, met its primary endpoint in a Phase 3 trial.
Hologic (HOLX) closed up more than +7% to lead gainers in the S&P 500 after Blackstone Inc. and TPG Inc. are said to revive interest in a takeover of the company.
Workday (WDAY) closed up more than +7% to lead gainers in the Nasdaq 100 after Guggenheim Securities upgraded the stock to buy from neutral with a price target of $285.
Zillow Group (ZG) closed up more than +2% after Bernstein upgraded the stock to outperform from market perform with a price target of $105.
PayPal Holdings (PYPL) closed up more than +2% after it entered into a multi-year partnership with Google to advance commerce solutions.
Earnings Reports(9/18/2025)
Darden Restaurants Inc (DRI), Ennis Inc (EBF), FactSet Research Systems Inc (FDS), FedEx Corp (FDX), Golden Matrix Group Inc (GMGI), Lennar Corp (LEN), Scholastic Corp (SCHL).
On the date of publication, Rich Asplund did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Stocks Settle Mixed on Hawkish Fed Chair Powell Comments

The S&P 500 Index ($SPX) (SPY) today is up -0.17%, the Dow Jones Industrials Index ($DOWI) (DIA) is up +0.77%, and the Nasdaq 100 Index ($IUXX) (QQQ) is down -0.80%.
In a move that was largely anticipated by Wall Street, the Federal Reserve approved a quarter-percentage-point rate cut on Wednesday. The Fed indicated that two additional rate cuts would be implemented before the year's end, as concerns over the U.S. labor market grew.
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Weakness in chipmakers is weighing on the broader market, with Nvidia down more than -2% after the Financial Times reported that the Cyberspace Administration of China, China’s internet watchdog, has instructed the country’s biggest companies to terminate orders for Nvidia’s RTX Pro 6000D chip.
Today’s US housing news was weaker than expected and negative for stocks. Aug housing starts fell -8.5% m/m to 1.307 million, weaker than expectations of 1.365 million. Aug building permits, a proxy for future construction, unexpectedly fell -3.7% m/m to a 5.25-year low of 1.312 million, weaker than expectations of an increase to 1.370 million.
US MBA mortgage applications rose +29.7% in the week ended September 12, with the purchase mortgage sub-index up +2.9% and the refinancing mortgage sub-index up +57.7%. The average 20-year fixed rate mortgage fell -10 bp to an 11-month low of 6.39% from 6.49% in the prior week.
The markets are expecting the Fed to cut the fed funds target range by 25 bp at the conclusion of today’s FOMC meeting. However, the markets will focus on the Fed’s new economic forecasts and interest rate projections, or dot plot, to see if policymakers’ expectations match market projections for a total of about 70 bp in rate cuts by year’s end.
On Thursday, weekly initial unemployment claims are expected to fall by -23,000 to 240,000.
Overseas stock markets today are mixed. The Euro Stoxx 50 is up by +0.11%. China’s Shanghai Composite closed up +0.37%. Japan’s Nikkei Stock 225 closed down -0.25%.
Interest Rates
December 10-year T-notes (ZNZ5) today are down by -2 ticks. The 10-year T-note yield is up by +0.6 bp to 4.034%. T-notes are slightly lower ahead of today’s FOMC decision. T-note prices saw support from today’s weaker-than-expected US Aug housing starts and building permits reports. T-notes also have support from expectations that the Fed will cut interest rates by at least -25 bp at today’s conclusion of the 2-day FOMC meeting.
Concerns about Fed independence are negatively impacting T-note prices due to President Trump’s attempt to fire Fed Governor Cook and Stephen Miran’s intention to hold a Fed Governor position while remaining technically in his White House role on the Council of Economic Advisors.
European government bond yields are moving lower today. The 10-year German bund yield is down -1.5 bp to 2.678%. The 10-year UK gilt yield is down -1.6 bp to 4.623%.
Eurozone Aug CPI was revised lower to +2.0% y/y from the previously reported +2.1% y/y. The Aug core CPI was left unrevised at +2.3% y/y.
UK Aug CPI was unchanged from July at +3.8% y/y, right on expectations. Aug core CPI eased to +3.6% y/y from +3.8% y/y in July, right on expectations.
Swaps are discounting a 2% chance for a -25 bp rate cut by the ECB at its next policy meeting on October 30.
US Stock Movers
Nvidia (NVDA) is down more than -2% to lead losers in the Dow Jones industrials after the Financial Times reported that the Cyberspace Administration of China, China’s internet watchdog, has instructed the country’s biggest companies to terminate orders for Nvidia’s RTX Pro 6000D chip.
Weakness in the Magnificent Seven technology stocks is a negative factor for the overall market. Amazon.com (AMZN), Tesla (TSLA), and Meta Platforms (META) are down more than -1%. Also, Alphabet (GOOGL) is down -0.77% and Microsoft (MSFT) is down -0.34%.
Manchester United (MANU) is down more than -6% after reporting a Q4 loss and cutting its 2026 revenue outlook.
Uber Technologies (UBER) is down more than -4% to lead losers in the S&P 500 on signs of insider selling after an SEC filing showed CEO Khosrowshahi sold $28.6 million of shares last Friday.
Duolingo (DUOL) is down more than -3% after the Hungarian Competition Authority said it has opened a probe into the company’s practices.
Progressive Corp (PGR) is down more than -1% after BMO Capital Markets downgraded the stock to market perform from outperform.
Roivant Sciences Ltd (ROIV) is up more than +12% after it said its brepocitinib, which it developed with Priovant Therapeutics to treat dermatomyositis, met its primary endpoint in a Phase 3 trial.
Workday (WDAY) is up more than +8% to lead gainers in the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 after Guggenheim Securities upgraded the stock to buy from neutral with a price target of $285.
Zillow Group (ZG) is up more than +3% after Bernstein upgraded the stock to outperform from market perform with a price target of $105.
Walmart (WMT) is up more than +2% after Bank of America raised its price target on the stock to $125 from $120.
MasTec (MTZ) is up more than +1% after Wolfe Research upgraded the stock to outperform from peer perform with a price target of $227.
Earnings Reports(9/17/2025)
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store (CBRL), General Mills Inc (GIS).
On the date of publication, Rich Asplund did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

The Federal Reserve Cuts Interest Rate by a Quarter-Percentage-Point, Signals 2 More Before the End of the Year

The S&P 500 Index ($SPX) (SPY) today is down -0.10%, the Dow Jones Industrials Index ($DOWI) (DIA) is up +0.62%, and the Nasdaq 100 Index ($IUXX) (QQQ) is down -0.42%. September E-mini S&P futures (ESU25) are down -0.09%, and September E-mini Nasdaq futures (NQU25) are down -0.42%.
Stock indexes are mixed today as they await this afternoon’s results of the 2-day FOMC meeting that ends today. Weakness in chipmakers is weighing on the broader market, with Nvidia down more than -2% after the Financial Times reported that the Cyberspace Administration of China, China’s internet watchdog, has instructed the country’s biggest companies to terminate orders for Nvidia’s RTX Pro 6000D chip.
Join 200K+ Subscribers: Find out why the midday Barchart Brief newsletter is a must-read for thousands daily.
Today’s US housing news was weaker than expected and negative for stocks. Aug housing starts fell -8.5% m/m to 1.307 million, weaker than expectations of 1.365 million. Aug building permits, a proxy for future construction, unexpectedly fell -3.7% m/m to a 5.25-year low of 1.312 million, weaker than expectations of an increase to 1.370 million.
US MBA mortgage applications rose +29.7% in the week ended September 12, with the purchase mortgage sub-index up +2.9% and the refinancing mortgage sub-index up +57.7%. The average 20-year fixed rate mortgage fell -10 bp to an 11-month low of 6.39% from 6.49% in the prior week.
The markets are expecting the Fed to cut the fed funds target range by 25 bp at the conclusion of today’s FOMC meeting. However, the markets will focus on the Fed’s new economic forecasts and interest rate projections, or dot plot, to see if policymakers’ expectations match market projections for a total of about 70 bp in rate cuts by year’s end.
The markets this week will continue to focus on any fresh trade or tariff news. Later today, the FOMC is expected to cut the federal funds rate target by -25 bp to 4.00%-4.25% from 4.25%-4.50%, the Fed will release quarterly interest rate projections, and Fed Chair Powell will deliver post-FOMC meeting comments. On Thursday, weekly initial unemployment claims are expected to fall by -23,000 to 240,000.
The markets are pricing in a 100% chance of a -25 bp rate cut and a 7% chance of a -50 bp rate cut at today’s conclusion of the Tue/Wed FOMC meeting. After the fully expected -25 bp rate cut at today’s meeting, the markets are discounting an 86% chance of a second -25 bp rate cut at the next FOMC meeting on Oct 28-29. The markets are pricing in an overall -69 bp rate cut in the federal funds rate by year-end to 3.64% from the current 4.33% rate.
Overseas stock markets today are mixed. The Euro Stoxx 50 is up by +0.11%. China’s Shanghai Composite closed up +0.37%. Japan’s Nikkei Stock 225 closed down -0.25%.
Interest Rates
December 10-year T-notes (ZNZ5) today are down by -2 ticks. The 10-year T-note yield is up by +0.6 bp to 4.034%. T-notes are slightly lower ahead of today’s FOMC decision. T-note prices saw support from today’s weaker-than-expected US Aug housing starts and building permits reports. T-notes also have support from expectations that the Fed will cut interest rates by at least -25 bp at today’s conclusion of the 2-day FOMC meeting.
Concerns about Fed independence are negatively impacting T-note prices due to President Trump’s attempt to fire Fed Governor Cook and Stephen Miran’s intention to hold a Fed Governor position while remaining technically in his White House role on the Council of Economic Advisors.
European government bond yields are moving lower today. The 10-year German bund yield is down -1.5 bp to 2.678%. The 10-year UK gilt yield is down -1.6 bp to 4.623%.
Eurozone Aug CPI was revised lower to +2.0% y/y from the previously reported +2.1% y/y. The Aug core CPI was left unrevised at +2.3% y/y.
UK Aug CPI was unchanged from July at +3.8% y/y, right on expectations. Aug core CPI eased to +3.6% y/y from +3.8% y/y in July, right on expectations.
Swaps are discounting a 2% chance for a -25 bp rate cut by the ECB at its next policy meeting on October 30.
US Stock Movers
Nvidia (NVDA) is down more than -2% to lead losers in the Dow Jones industrials after the Financial Times reported that the Cyberspace Administration of China, China’s internet watchdog, has instructed the country’s biggest companies to terminate orders for Nvidia’s RTX Pro 6000D chip.
Weakness in the Magnificent Seven technology stocks is a negative factor for the overall market. Amazon.com (AMZN), Tesla (TSLA), and Meta Platforms (META) are down more than -1%. Also, Alphabet (GOOGL) is down -0.77% and Microsoft (MSFT) is down -0.34%.
Manchester United (MANU) is down more than -6% after reporting a Q4 loss and cutting its 2026 revenue outlook.
Uber Technologies (UBER) is down more than -4% to lead losers in the S&P 500 on signs of insider selling after an SEC filing showed CEO Khosrowshahi sold $28.6 million of shares last Friday.
Duolingo (DUOL) is down more than -3% after the Hungarian Competition Authority said it has opened a probe into the company’s practices.
Progressive Corp (PGR) is down more than -1% after BMO Capital Markets downgraded the stock to market perform from outperform.
Roivant Sciences Ltd (ROIV) is up more than +12% after it said its brepocitinib, which it developed with Priovant Therapeutics to treat dermatomyositis, met its primary endpoint in a Phase 3 trial.
Workday (WDAY) is up more than +8% to lead gainers in the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 after Guggenheim Securities upgraded the stock to buy from neutral with a price target of $285.
Zillow Group (ZG) is up more than +3% after Bernstein upgraded the stock to outperform from market perform with a price target of $105.
Walmart (WMT) is up more than +2% after Bank of America raised its price target on the stock to $125 from $120.
MasTec (MTZ) is up more than +1% after Wolfe Research upgraded the stock to outperform from peer perform with a price target of $227.
Earnings Reports(9/17/2025)
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store (CBRL), General Mills Inc (GIS).
On the date of publication, Rich Asplund did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.