However, a rare VIX alarm just signaled a potential volatility spike
The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) and S&P 500 Index (SPX) are attempting to salvage weekly gains, after finishing February comfortably higher. In addition, the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) is pacing for a whopping 10th straight weekly win, after a week chock-full of headlines from both Wall Street and Washington, D.C. Specifically, investors celebrated a postponed U.S.-China tariff deadline -- and buzz about a potential trade agreement in the works -- and digested congressional testimony from both Fed Chair Jerome Powell and Michael Cohen, former attorney to President Donald Trump. Outside of the U.S., traders also eyed escalating conflict between India and Pakistan, as well as a futile meeting between Trump and North Korea's Kim Jong Un.
Earnings Winners & Losers
Home Depot's (HD) poor earnings reaction weighed on the Dow early in the week, as did a downgrade-induced Caterpillar (CAT) pullback. Health and fitness stocks were also in focus after turns in the earnings confessional. While Vitamin Shoppe (VSI) and Planet Fitness (PLNT) stocks popped after earnings, Oprah-backed Weight Watchers (WTW) took a beating – though that didn’t spook GNC Holdings (GNC) shareholders ahead of the company’s own earnings release next week.
Martha Stewart's Pot Adventure and 5 More Weed Stocks Making Noise
Weed stocks were back in focus this week, with several companies dipping their proverbial toes into the CBD world, including this biosciences firm. In fact, Martha Stewart will advise Sequential Brands (SQBG) on its new partnership with Canopy Growth (CGC), and Aphria (APHA) gained ground on a partnership to develop new cannabis oil patches. Zynerba Pharmaceuticals (ZYNE) jumped after a patent win for its cannabidiol treatment for Fragile X syndrome, while CBD specialist GW Pharmaceuticals (GWPH) surprised skeptics with an earnings win. However, analysts warned shareholders to dump this pot stock soon.
GE Among the M&A Newsmakers
Several stocks made headlines amid M&A news. General Electric (GE) shares skyrocketed on plans to sell its biopharmaceutical business to Danaher. Southwest Airlines (LUV) also attracted attention, amid so-far unsubstantiated rumors that Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway is considering a bid. Celgene (CELG), on the other hand, sank on high-profile opposition to Bristol-Myers Squibb’s (BMY) buyout plans.
Best and Worst Stocks for March; VIX Alarm Sounding
Looking ahead, several retailers will report earnings next week, including Target (TGT) – with all hoping for the same post-earnings fate as Best Buy (BBY). In addition, technical signals suggest Glu Mobile (GLUU) and these energy stocks could shine in the short term, and American Airlines (AAL) could hit some turbulence. Historically, these are the 25 best stocks for March, while these have been the worst stocks to own in March. Meanwhile, Wall Street’s “fear index” – the Cboe Volatility Index (VIX) – is pointing to a spring volatility spike.