The recent stock market dip presents a buying opportunity for long-term investors, as highlighted by three Motley Fool contributors who recommend investing in Microsoft, Nu Holdings, and Datadog. Microsoft's excellent management under CEO Satya Nadella, Nu Holdings' expansion into Mexico and Colombia, and Datadog's strong revenue and earnings growth make these stocks attractive options for investment.
Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley analysts recommend stocks like Nvidia, Microsoft, Alphabet, Amazon, Meta Platform, Salesforce, and Apple, while companies like Zoom, Baidu, Campbell, Aramark, Hasbro, Intuit, Visa, GXO Logistics, Upstart, and SoFi receive price target updates or ratings changes from various financial institutions.
Tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite and S&P 500 close higher on Monday, while Dow Jones Industrial Average falls slightly; Bank of America analyst predicts insurers will increase customer prices due to increased climate change risk; Allianz economist believes Federal Reserve Chair Powell will focus on short-term monetary policy at Jackson Hole; Loop Capital warns of weak smartphone sales ahead of iPhone 15 launch; CFRA Research chief investment strategist expects year-end rally for stocks despite recession concerns; Homebuilding stocks begin to decline; AMC Entertainment falls ahead of stock conversion; Cybersecurity company SentinelOne explores potential sale; LPL Financial chief technical strategist says recent stock pullback is temporary and predicts end-of-year rally; Jefferies upgrades gold product manufacturer Acushnet Holdings; Nvidia's quarterly earnings report could be critical for the market, says Wolfe Research; Stocks making big moves midday, including XPeng, Eli Lilly, and Marriott Vacations Worldwide.
Large-cap companies that are taking market share, like Apple, Nvidia, and Urban Outfitters, have the potential to generate significant returns for investors due to their advantages in financing, brand recognition, and economies of scale.
The top 25 stocks in the S&P 500 outperformed the index in the 35th week of 2023, with tech stocks leading the way, suggesting a return of bull markets and a decrease in recessionary fears; however, market health, the balance between developed and emerging markets, and investor behavior still need to be addressed. Additionally, market correlations have dropped since COVID, and on "down-market" days, correlations are 5% higher than on "up-market" days. Market correlations also decrease during upward economic cycles. Retail investors are showing a preference for dividend-driven investing and investing in AI stocks. The global subsidies race is impacting valuations in tech and leading to supply chain inefficiencies. As a result, there are opportunities for diversification and investment in a wide variety of equities and bonds.
Summary: Many investors are predicting a new bull market for the S&P 500, and while it has yet to reach a new high, it is only 7% away; three stocks to consider buying are Amazon, which has a strong presence in the logistics market and opportunities in AI, Mastercard, which benefits from its business moat and growth in emerging markets, and Vertex Pharmaceuticals, which has potential catalysts in its pipeline and an attractive valuation.
