Geopolitical Tensions Resurface Amid Volatile Week

Despite Tuesday's rough start, all three major indexes closed higher, the Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) snapping its four day-losing streak. Stocks held steady on Wednesday after receiving a boost from big tech gains, while the Federal Reserve's January meeting minutes held investor attention.

On Thursday, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) and S&P 500 Index (SPX) both snapped three-day win streaks, while the Nasdaq also faced trouble; these losses slid right past traders as focus remained on geopolitical tensions and weekly jobless claims. The Nasdaq and S&P 500 are pacing for weekly gains, after the Supreme Court dismissed President Donald Trump's tariffs and lifted Wall Street's spirits.

Stock Movers This Week

There were plenty of headlines for investors to unpack over the holiday-shortened week. Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) popped after reports that Elliott Investment Management has built an over 10% stake. In M&A news, Masimo (MASI) stock soared after reports that it will be acquired by Danaher (DHR) for $10 billion, while Hims & Hers Health (HIMS) announced its $1.15 billion acquisition of Australian digital health company Eucalyptus.

In biotech news this week, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) accepted Moderna's (MRNA) flu vaccine application for review, while Grail (GRAL) stock plummeted after the company's three-year cancer screening trial failed to meet its main goal. Meanwhile, Walmart's (WMT) disappointed earnings outlook contributed to pessimism on Thursday. 

Commodities, Rare Earths in Focus

Rising oil prices were a highlight this week amid U.S.-Iran tensions, with options bulls targeting the United States Oil Fund (USO). Meanwhile, Devon Energy (DVN) tapped a 17-month high after strong fourth-quarter results, while Melius Research upgraded Chevon (CVX), citing exploration upside. 

Even further, gold mining name Newmont (NEM) continued to charge higher before its fourth-quarter report. On the flip side, rare earths stock MP Materials (MP) plummeted to a one-month low.

As Goes February

The final week of the month is jam packed with key earnings reports, delayed economic data, speeches from several Federal Reserve officials, and more. For now, Schaeffer's Senior V.P. of Research Todd Salamone says to keep your eye on these S&P 500 names, while Senior Quantitative Analyst Rocky White breaks down Wall Street's "fear gauge."