Benzinga Bulls And Bears: Carnival, Caterpillar, Meta — And Markets Make Modest Gains Benzinga Bulls And Bears: Carnival, Caterpillar, Meta — And Markets Make Modest Gains

Market Overview - Markets experienced moderate gains due to softer inflation data and stable unemployment, which renewed investor confidence in a potential 2026 rate cut by the Federal Reserve [2] - The Dow Jones Industrial Average and S&P 500 advanced, supported by broad-based sector strength, while the Nasdaq Composite rebounded, led by a tech recovery [2] Earnings Highlights - Micron Technology Inc. exceeded expectations and raised its guidance, leading to a rally in AI-related semiconductor stocks [3] - Nike Inc. shares declined after the company expressed caution regarding global demand, particularly in China, raising concerns about consumer strength [3] - FedEx Corp. reported solid quarterly results, enhancing confidence in global shipping demand, while Carnival Corp. provided optimistic forward guidance, indicating strong consumer appetite for travel [4] Sector Performance - Cyclical and dividend-paying stocks gained traction as portfolio managers positioned for a potentially lower-rate environment in 2026 [3] - Transportation and travel sectors showed resilience, with FedEx and Carnival Corp. signaling robust demand and strong bookings [4] Notable Stock Movements - Cannabis stocks, including Tilray Brands Inc. and Canopy Growth Corp., rallied following reports of potential rescheduling of marijuana by President Trump, which could ease tax burdens [6] - Carnival Corporation reported record earnings and reinstated its quarterly dividend, forecasting adjusted net income of about $3.5 billion for 2026, reflecting strong demand [7] - Caterpillar Inc. emerged as the top-performing Dow stock in 2025, rising over 62% and adding approximately $1.7 billion in value to significant stakeholders [8] Market Sentiment - JPMorgan Chase indicated that the generative-AI narrative has peaked, suggesting that 2026 will focus more on profits rather than hype, with investors likely to favor companies demonstrating clear ROI [9] - Meta Platforms Inc. is noted as the most underperforming stock among the Magnificent 7, trading about 19% below its 52-week high, with potential for a year-end rebound [10][11] - Novo Nordisk A/S faced challenges as Eli Lilly and Co. gained market share in the weight-loss drug sector, leading to a decline in Novo's stock [12]