Core Insights - The article discusses the potential for a short-term rally in stocks that experienced significant declines in 2025 and had high short interest, suggesting that short sellers may cover their positions after the New Year to defer taxes [2][3]. Group 1: Stock Performance - The S&P 500 Index (SPX) increased by 1.11% during the first five trading days of 2026 [3]. - A list of 60 stocks that were down at least 10% in 2025 and had a short interest of 10% or more saw an average return of 6.94% in the first five days of 2026, with 83% of these stocks posting positive returns [3][4]. Group 2: Notable Stocks - Specific stocks highlighted include: - SRPT: Closed at $21.52 in 2025, down 82%, with a 2026 return of 7.6% [5]. - FMC: Closed at $13.87 in 2025, down 71%, with a 2026 return of 8.2% [5]. - RH: Closed at $179.15 in 2025, down 54%, with a 2026 return of 20.0% [5]. - CAVA: Closed at $58.69 in 2025, down 48%, with a 2026 return of 18.6% [5]. - UPST: Closed at $43.73 in 2025, down 29%, with a 2026 return of 15.7% [5]. Group 3: Technical Analysis - Quantum Computing Inc (NASDAQ: QUBT) shows round-number support at $10, while ON Semiconductor Corp (NASDAQ: ON) is forming a bullish flag pattern [6]. - Upstart Holdings Inc (NASDAQ: UPST) is testing its 100-day moving average, and CAVA Group Inc (NYSE: CAVA) is facing resistance at its 200-day trendline [7].

Group 1 - Rocket Lab Corp (NASDAQ:RKLB) experienced a pullback from its all-time highs last month, closing just above $69 in mid-October, which is seven times its opening SPAC level in 2020 [1] - Last quarter, short sellers began covering after reaching all-time peaks in short interest, with 8% of the stock's total available float still shorted, indicating potential for continued short covering in the first few months of 2026 [3] - The February implied volatility (IV) is just below the stock's 63-day historical volatility (HV), making the premium for that month appear affordable, with a recommended February call having a leverage ratio of 3.93 that could double on a 26.2% rise in the underlying equity [3]

Core Insights - Celsius Holdings Inc (NASDAQ:CELH) has seen a 12.5% increase in stock price in 2026, currently trading at $51.41, indicating a bullish trend [1] - The stock has crossed its 80-day moving average, historically leading to a 53% chance of being higher one month later, with an average gain of 8.2% [2] - Over the past year, Celsius stock has increased by 77.4%, with short interest rising by 20.2%, indicating potential for further upward movement [4] Technical Analysis - The stock's 320-day moving average has supported pullbacks to $39, suggesting a strong support level [4] - A similar price movement from the current level could help recover the 24.8% decline experienced post-earnings on November 6 [2] - Options trading indicates low volatility expectations, with the Schaeffer's Volatility Index (SVI) at 48%, ranking in the low 13th percentile of its annual range [5]

Metals Market - The recent sell-off in the metals market was attributed to rumors that the CME raised margin rates on futures for some metals, leading to increased holding costs for positions [2][4] - Following the margin rate increase, some investors may have added funds to their accounts to cover the increased margin, while others likely reduced their positions [2][4] Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) Insights - The FOMC meeting held on December 9th and 10th revealed significant dissent among members regarding interest rate cuts, with some advocating for a 50 basis point cut while others opposed any cuts [6][7] - The Fed ultimately decided on a 25 basis point cut, ended quantitative tightening, and began repurchasing short-term treasuries, indicating a potential shift towards quantitative easing [7][8] - The summary of economic projections from the meeting showed an upgrade in GDP forecasts, a reduction in inflation forecasts for 2025 and 2026, and an unchanged unemployment forecast, suggesting a balanced approach to inflation and labor market concerns [8][9] Housing Market Data - Recent housing data indicated a 3.3% increase in pending home sales, signaling potential recovery in the housing market [14] - The K Schiller home price index showed mixed results, with a month-over-month increase of 0.4% (adjusted) and a year-over-year increase of 1.3%, which was better than consensus but slightly worse than the previous month [15][16] - The FHFA house price index reported a month-over-month increase of 4% and a year-over-year increase of 1.7%, indicating positive trends in housing prices [16]

Group 1 - Ollie's Bargain Outlet Holdings Inc shares increased by 2% to $110.11 following an upgrade from Loop Capital to "buy" and a price target increase to $135 from $130, citing underestimated sales potential and strategic advantages for the discount retailer [1] - The stock has been on a downward trend since mid-September, recently falling below its 200-day moving average and experiencing five consecutive weeks of negative performance, currently hovering around breakeven for 2025 [2] - Short interest represents 7.5% of the stock's available float, indicating over four days' worth of pent-up buying power, which could lead to a potential lift in shares, alongside an oversold relative strength index (RSI) of 25 suggesting a short-term bounce [3] Group 2 - The options market for Ollie's Bargain Outlet is showing reasonably priced premiums, with a Schaeffer's Volatility Index (SVI) of 32% ranking in the low 6th percentile of its annual range, indicating low volatility expectations among options traders [4]

Core Viewpoint - SanDisk Corp has entered the S&P 500 Index, leading to a significant increase in its stock price, which peaked at $237.77 before stabilizing around $215.24, indicating a potential 13.5% gain for November [1] Group 1: Stock Performance - The stock surged to a high of $237.77 following its inclusion in the S&P 500 Index but later pulled back to $215.24, showing volatility in response to the news [1] - The 30-day moving average has provided support for the stock, indicating a potential upward trend [1] Group 2: Short Interest and Trading Activity - Short interest in SanDisk has increased, now representing 5.5% of the stock's available float, which may have contributed to the stock's bounce due to short covering [1] - In the options market, call traders are actively targeting SanDisk, with 26,000 calls exchanged, significantly higher than the typical volume, compared to only 7,518 puts [2] Group 3: Options Trading Insights - The December 40 call is the most popular among options traders, with new positions being opened, indicating bullish sentiment [2] - SanDisk's stock tends to outperform options traders' volatility expectations, as reflected in its Schaeffer's Volatility Scorecard (SVS) rating of 91 out of 100 [2]

Welcome back. Beyond Meat's wild meme stock ride continues. Shares lower today, down as much as 22% pre-market, but up nearly 400% so far this week.And while volatility is the name of the meme trade game, there are signs some options traders are actually banking on a bit of stability in a few of these names. I'm nervous to even say that. Joining me now to discuss is Esuana's Chris Murphy.Okay, I think we're all still trying to understand meme stocks. How the retail trader ends up glomming on to one. Is it s ...

Core Insights - Sugar prices have shown a recovery after early losses, influenced by a rise in crude oil prices, which may lead to reduced sugar supplies as mills shift towards ethanol production [1] - A significant global sugar surplus is projected for the 2025/26 season, contrasting with a previous deficit, indicating a bearish outlook for sugar prices [2] - Increased sugar output in Brazil and potential sugar diversion to ethanol production in India are contributing to the negative price outlook [3][4] Group 1: Sugar Price Movements - October NY world sugar 11 closed up +2.69%, while December London ICE white sugar 5 closed up +2.62% [1] - Sugar prices initially hit a 4.25-year low in New York and a 4-year low in London, reflecting a declining trend over the past six months due to abundant global supply [2] Group 2: Global Sugar Supply and Demand - StoneX projects a global sugar surplus of +2.8 million metric tons (MMT) for the 2025/26 season, a shift from a deficit of -4.7 MMT in the 2024/25 season [2] - The International Sugar Organization (ISO) forecasts a global sugar deficit of -231,000 metric tons for the 2025/26 season, improving from a -4.88 MMT shortfall in 2024/25 [5] Group 3: Regional Production Insights - Brazil's sugar output in the second half of August increased by +18% year-on-year to 3.872 million tons, with a higher percentage of sugarcane crushed for sugar [3] - India's potential diversion of 4 MMT of sugar to ethanol production may not alleviate its sugar surplus, leading to increased exports [4]

Group 1 - Celsius Holdings Inc (NASDAQ:CELH) stock is trading at 52-week highs following PepsiCo's $585 million stake increase in the company [1] - CELH stock has risen 140% since the beginning of the year, with a notable post-earnings bull gap of 17.3% on August 7 [1] - The stock is on track for its fourth consecutive weekly gain, with a current trading price of $62.72, peaking at $63.49 earlier [1] Group 2 - Options trading activity has surged, with 23,000 CELH calls exchanged, which is double the average volume, compared to 7,426 puts [2] - The most popular option is the weekly 8/29 64-strike call, with new positions being opened [2] - CELH's Schaeffer's Volatility Index (SVI) is at 42%, indicating low volatility expectations among options traders [2] Group 3 - There is significant short covering potential for CELH, with short interest representing 12.5% of the stock's available float, equating to three days' worth of buying power [3]

Group 1 - Wayfair Inc's stock increased by 7.3% to $69.96, reaching a 52-week high of $73.79 [1] - The company's second-quarter earnings and revenue exceeded estimates, with revenue growth at its highest since 2021, marking the quarter as a "resounding success" according to CEO Niraj Shah [1] - Year-to-date, Wayfair's stock is up 56.8%, having more than doubled in price from May to July [2] Group 2 - The stock has shown significant upward momentum since early April, with close support at the 20-day moving average since late April [2] - Short interest in Wayfair has increased, now representing 23.8% of the stock's available float, which may have contributed to today's gains [2] - Trading activity has surged, with 13,000 calls and 8,124 puts exchanged, indicating a higher than usual interest in options [3]