MARKET RECAP

Last Week: Stocks rallied Friday as lower-than-expected inflation data eased market fears, with the S&P 500 gaining 1.1%. Core PCE rose 0.1% in November, signaling continued disinflation. Bond yields dipped, reflecting optimism for slower rate cuts ahead.

On Our Radar: Later this morning, investors will pour over the consumer confidence report, which will provide a key gauge regarding the real health of the economy. No noteworthy earnings release will occur for the holiday-shortened week.

TOP STORY

Traders Fight The Grinch To Save The Santa Rally: 10 S&P 500 Stocks Poised For A Year-End Surge

The Santa Rally took a hit as the Fed’s tough stance shook markets, but cooling inflation data has revived optimism for a late-year surge. Traders are eyeing stocks poised to benefit from the rebound, hoping to capitalize on holiday season momentum.

Here’s what’s fueling the market shift — and how investors can position for a strong finish to the year.

SPONSORED CONTENT

Soligenix, A Pharmaceutical Firm Tackling Lucrative Unmet Medical Needs

Soligenix, Inc. (NASDAQ: SNGX), a late-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing products to treat rare diseases, has a portfolio of products aimed at treating orphan diseases. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) defines an orphan disease as a rare disease or condition that affects fewer than 200,000 people in the United States. 

By focusing primarily on rare diseases, Soligenix can address the needs of niche but critical markets while having a long-lasting impact on patients' outcomes and quality of life. Its pipeline includes late-clinical-stage assets, with one in phase 3 and two in phase 2 clinical trials.

For more information on Soligenix’s recent stock performance, click here.

This is a paid ad. Please see 17b disclosure here for more information.

FIVE ZINGERS

Close Call: Just hours before a potential government shutdown, the House of Representatives approved a stopgap funding bill. Read about the key details that the high-level negotiation involved.

Gold Bug: Billionaire hedge fund manager John Paulson, known for his contrarian views, has been pounding the table on gold mining stocks. Discover the one junior miner that he seems particularly interested in.

Slipping Clutch: While the Tesla Model Y has enjoyed tremendous success, its dominance in Europe may be set for a significant challenge. This is the combustion-powered vehicle that is winning over regional drivers.

Cutting Costs: In a bid for enhanced efficiencies, Alphabet's Google has cut 10% of its top management roles. Learn why rising competition in the AI ecosystem appears to have contributed to the layoffs.

Sweet Dreams: On Friday, the FDA approved Eli Lilly's weight loss drug Zepbound for treating sleep apnea, marking the first approved drug treatment for patients with obesity and obstructive sleep apnea. Here's the broader impact of the approval.

SPECIAL OFFER

5 Stocks Investors Secretly Monitor But Don't Talk About Yet

Each week, Benzinga’s Stock Whisper Index uses a combination of proprietary data and pattern recognition to showcase five stocks that are just under the surface and deserve attention.

Investors are constantly on the hunt for undervalued, under-followed and emerging stocks. With countless methods available to retail traders, the challenge often lies in sifting through the abundance of information to uncover new opportunities and understand why certain stocks should be of interest.

D-Wave Quantum (QBTS): The company was one of several quantum computing stocks that continued to see strong interest from readers during the week. The stocks traded higher on the week after news from Google that its Willow quantum chip made a breakthrough in quantum computing. The breakthrough of Willow has investors looking for quantum computing companies that could benefit as more eyes are on the sector heading into 2025. Analysts are taking notice as well with Craig Hallum maintaining a Buy rating and raising the price target from $2.50 to $9, Benchmark maintaining a Buy rating and raising the price target from $3 to $8 and Roth MKM maintaining a Buy rating and raising the price target from $3 to $7.

To keep reading, and get the other four Whisper Index stocks, sign up for Benzinga Edge here.

SPECIAL OFFER

LogicMark’s Aster App Provides Personal Protection For Everyone

LogicMark Inc. (NASDAQ: LGMK) is looking to take personal safety and protection to the next level with Aster, its mobile app for Androids and iPhones.

Geared toward anybody who wants peace of mind when they are shopping, working, exercising or playing, Aster turns your mobile phone into a personal protection device that can contact emergency services, friends and loved ones. Loved ones can track you until you reach your destination, automatically call for help if you don’t check in on the app after a scheduled meeting and send emergency services to your exact location thanks to GPS tracking. 

The software solution is akin to having a group of buddies in your back pocket, whether it's friends, sorority sisters, parents, neighbors, etc. In return, users gain peace of mind in any situation while staying connected to their own personal village, says LogicMark. 

Its mass appeal is also reflected in the broader market’s growth – the market is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 14% between now and 2032. To learn more about LogicMark’s products and growth prospects click here.

This is a paid ad. Please see 17b disclosure here for more information.

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