U.S.-China trade chatter dominated headlines this week
Fed buzz and U.S.-China trade chatter led to a volatile ride for stocks this week, though the major market indexes are set to finish on a high note. The week started out rough after the U.S. expanded its Chinese trade blacklist, but optimism about high-level talks in Washington, D.C. -- partially fueled by President Donald Trump's tweet storm -- have the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) and S&P 500 Index (SPX) set to snap a three-week losing streak.
3 ETFs Ready to Move in October
This week we also took a close look at three exchange-traded funds (ETF) that could move in October. Specifically, U.S.-China trade talks could be a major catalyst for the iShares China Large-Cap ETF (FXI), while Fed chatter and a round of big bank earnings next week could move the Financial Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLF). In addition, the iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF (EWU) is set for a major win, as of this writing, as U.K.-focused stocks cheer hopes for a smooth Brexit transition ahead of the Oct. 31 deadline.
Meanwhile, U.S. small-cap focused iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM) flashed an ominous-sounding technical indicator. However, the IWM "death cross" shouldn't panic bulls just yet.
3 Stocks Slammed By Analysts
iRobot (IRBT) suffered on the back of a downgrade from Raymond James, in which the brokerage firm said rising the Roomba maker could suffer amid "robot wars." Elsewhere, Goldman Sachs told traders to sell this cybersecurity stock now, and noted short seller Spruce Point Capital predicted 85% downside for chip stock Monolithic Power Systems (MPWR).
This Week's Headlining Healthcare Stocks
A handful of healthcare stocks flashed on our radar this week, including the likes of Abbott Laboratories (ABT) and Boston Scientific (BSX). In fact, historical data suggests both ABT and BSX could be flashing buy signals. Meanwhile, newcomers SpringWorks Therapeutics (SWTX) and Satsuma Pharmaceuticals (STSA) received a handful of fresh "buy" ratings from analysts earlier this week, while a new blue-chip pharma partnership sent Akcea Therapeutics (AKCA) stock skyrocketing.
Streaming Stocks in Focus Amid Upgrades, Earnings
Streaming giant Roku (ROKU) saw plenty of analyst attention this week. On Wednesday, the Netflix (NFLX) rival landed an upgrade to "outperform" and price target hike to $130 at Macquarie. Then, ROKU nabbed another "outperform" endorsement from RBC, the analyst saying Roku's valuation has become compelling.
Looking ahead, earnings season kicks off in full swing next week, with several big banks, FAANG stock Netflix, and Coca-Cola (KO) among the companies expected to report. Monday is Columbus Day in the U.S., with the bond market closed, though regular exchanges will remain open. A handful of housing reports are also on the docket, as well as a fresh dose of manufacturing numbers.