AAL

Stocks Finish Q2 Strong, Start Q3 Stronger

Jobs data moved markets in both directions this week

Digital Content Manager
Jul 3, 2025 at 1:19 PM
facebook X logo linkedin


June and the second quarter wrapped up this week, with no shortage of trade updates and record highs to satisfy trader's risk appetite. A rotation out of tech dampened sentiment midweek, but not before the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) signed off Monday with its best quarter in five years, and alongside the S&P 500 Index (SPX), scored fresh record highs on Tuesday.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) enjoyed a 400-point pop and fourth-straight win, as traders eyed President Donald  Trump's "big, beautiful bill," which cleared the Senate. A disappointing ADP jobs report kept optimism in check, but strong nonfarm payrolls data as well as a narrower-than-expected drop in June unemployment boosted stocks again. All three indexes are headed for healthy weekly wins, with the market closing at 1 p.m. E.T. on Thursday and closed on Friday for Independence Day.

Tesla, Tech Headlines Crowd Nasdaq

A settlement with the Department of Justice (DoJ) boosted artificial intelligence (AI) names Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) and Juniper Networks (JNPR), while Oracle (ORCL) stock enjoyed a bull note. AI names Meta Platforms (META) and BigBear.ai (BBAI) were also in focus, with the former breaking records. Trump and Tesla's (TSLA) CEO Elon Musk continued to spar, with the equity subsequently dragging the Nasdaq from its Tuesday record. Meanwhile, quantum computing giant Rigetti Computing (RGTI) reaped the benefits of more analyst praise.

Best and Worst Stocks for July, Q3

A new month means it is now time to look at seasonality trends. At least six energy names appeared on a list of the worst stocks to own in July, historically, with Coterra Energy (CTRA) among them. Google parent Alphabet (GOOGL), on the other hand, is among the best stocks to own this month, despite its 5.7% year-to-date deficit. Nvidia (NVDA) stock appeared on a list of outperformers for the third quarter, after scoring a record high on Friday. What's more, third-quarter seasonality for exchange-traded funds (ETFs) has seen a range of outperforming sectors.

Fed Minutes on Tap After Independence Day

Investors will return from the long holiday weekend to the Federal Open Market Committee’s (FOMC) meeting minutes for May, as well as consumer credit data. The earnings docket remains quiet, though Conagra (CAG), Delta Air Lines (DAL), and Levi Strauss (LEVI) will report quarterly results. With the third quarter now underway, Senior Quantitative Analyst Rocky White uncovered a list of stocks to target during the second half of the year. Meanwhile, Senior Market Strategist Matthew Timpane flagged a key SPX level that should warrant investor caution.

 

Two High-Octane Trade Ideas. One Simple Goal: Intraday Profits.

Dynamite Day Trading Signals delivers two same-day options trades every week — powered by proprietary intraday analysis and 43+ years of trading expertise.

But this isn’t just another stream of alerts.

It’s a structured plan with clear entry and exit points – designed for traders who want to act fast, trade smart, and wrap up gains before the closing bell.

No guesswork. No overnight exposure – Just two well-researched setups per week — whether you prefer buying premium or selling it.

And the results speak for themselves: subscribers have locked in +245.8% total profit over the last six months (since inception!).

👉 Start your one-month trial now for just $10, and be ready for the next trade alert.