U.S. stocks were higher on Thursday morning. Initial jobless claims were 212,000 for the latest week, unchanged from the previous-week's revised level. Ongoing unemployment was 1,812,000, virtually unchanged from the previous week. The Dow was up 0.5%, the S&P 500 rose 0.4% and the Nasdaq gained 0.3%. Crude oil is trading above $82 per barrel and gold rose $9 to $2397 per ounce.

Stocks edged higher on Thursday morning following new economic data. The advance reading of U.S. GDP came in at 3.3%, down from 4.9% in 3Q but well ahead of the expected 2%. GDP was boosted by increases in consumer spending in both goods and services. On the housing front, new home sales for the month of December rose 8% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 664,000. The median sales price of new houses sold in December 2023 was $413,200. The average sales price was $487,300. The Dow rose 0.2%, the S&P 500 was up 0.5% and the Nasdaq gained 0.6%. Crude oil traded above $76 per barrel, while gold fell to $2015 per ounce.

This pick list highlights constituents of the Morningstar US Large Cap Index that we believe offer investors the best risk-adjusted return prospects. Stocks of large-cap companies where neither growth nor value characteristics predominate. Stocks in the top 70% of the capitalization of the U.S. equity market are defined as large cap.

This pick list highlights constituents of the Morningstar US Large Cap Index that we believe offer investors the best risk-adjusted return prospects. Stocks of large-cap companies where neither growth nor value characteristics predominate. Stocks in the top 70% of the capitalization of the U.S. equity market are defined as large cap.

U.S. equites finished lower on Thursday while Treasury yields rose as investors digested comments by Fed Chair Powell. Mr. Powell warned that the central bank may need to hike rates as inflation is still too high but 'the committee is proceeding carefully,' hinting that rates could hold steady in November. The 10-year Treasury yield reached 5% for the first time since 2007. The S&P 500 closed 0.9% lower, the Dow was down 0.8% and the Nasdaq lost nearly 1%. Crude oil rose above $90 per barrel and gold was up to $1985 per ounce.

This pick list highlights constituents of the Morningstar US Large Cap Index that we believe offer investors the best risk-adjusted return prospects. Stocks of large-cap companies where neither growth nor value characteristics predominate. Stocks in the top 70% of the capitalization of the U.S. equity market are defined as large cap.

This pick list highlights constituents of the Morningstar US Large Cap Index that we believe offer investors the best risk-adjusted return prospects. Stocks of large-cap companies where neither growth nor value characteristics predominate. Stocks in the top 70% of the capitalization of the U.S. equity market are defined as large cap.

Earnings season moved into higher gear on Thursday as investors weighed reports from a range of major companies, along with new housing market and employment data. Netflix and Tesla both fell following mixed reports and guidance, while Johnson & Johnson rose after reporting strong 2Q results and raising its full-year outlook. On the housing front, U.S. sales of existing homes fell to a five-month low in June. The National Association of Realtors said that existing home sales fell 3.3% last month to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.16 million, below the Reuters consensus of 4.20 million. Meanwhile, first-time claims for state unemployment benefits fell by 9,000 to a seasonally adjusted 228,000 for the week ended July 15, below the Reuters consensus of 242,000. Continuing claims rose by 33,000 to 1.754 million. The Dow rose 0.47%, the S&P fell 0.68%, and the Nasdaq fell 2.05%. Crude oil rose slightly to $75.50 per barrel, while gold fell $9 to $1972 per ounce.

Our list this week identifies companies that received an Argus target-price increase in April. As the stock prices of these companies approached their target prices, Argus analysts saw those prices going even higher. We are in the thick of earnings season and our analysts are scouring quarterly reports to evaluate how the companies they follow are doing. With economists busy analyzing economic data to determine whether the economy might slip into recession, companies have been attending to their businesses. Some are weathering current economic conditions better than others. The economic pressures are real - including rising interest rates, inflation, the strong dollar, and wavering consumer spending patterns. These stressors are on top of normal competitive pressures, as companies fight to sell their products and services, outmaneuver peers, and make profits. Looking back at April, our analysts found companies where the business outlook is solid - and went through the mechanics of our valuation framework to adjust target prices upwards. Our framework includes analysis of historical multiples, peer multiples, and future dividends and cash flows. Here are the stocks on which we raised target prices in April. All are rated BUY at Argus.

Gaming is growing, both for brick and mortar casinos and for platforms that offer gambling online, including sports betting. At Argus Research, we have BUY ratings on certain gaming stocks -- but are being highly selective at this time. Travel and lodging are making a comeback after COVID-19. Bookings are up across many travel sectors, including airlines and with online booking agencies like Airbnb, Expedia, and Booking Holdings. The big hotel chains confirm that travel demand is up as well. Marriott says leisure travel and group travel are now above pre-pandemic levels and business travel is at 90%. Gaming revenues have been up for 24 consecutive months, according to the American Gaming Association. All gaming segments -- slots, table games, sports betting, iGaming -- show growth. Legislation is also loosening in many states, allowing for more casinos. China lifted long-held COVID-19 restrictions, boosting Macau. Metrics for Las Vegas are up for many indicators, and last week MGM won approval to build a massive new integrated project in Japan, which includes the first casino in the country. Marketing efforts are paying off for online gaming platforms, building awareness and brand loyalty. Below are the select gaming stocks on which we have a BUY rating. Also listed is our Financial Strength rating (with some at Low or Medium Low, which is lower than we normally like). We also show the price performance for the year-to-date.

U.S. Equities were down on Thursday morning. Existing home sales fell 2.4% in March to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.44 million. The median existing-home sales price fell 0.9% year-over-year to $375,700. The Labor Department reported that first-time jobless claims rose to 245,000 from 240,000 last week. On the earnings front, Tesla stock fell after the company cut prices. The Dow fell 0.2%, the S&P slipped 0.5%, and the Nasdaq was down 0.6%. Crude oil traded near $77 per barrel while gold rose $8 to $2015 per ounce.

So far in 2023, the Nasdaq 100 has gained 20%, the Nasdaq is up 16%, the S&P 100 is up 11%, the S&P 500 and Russell 2000 are up 8%, and the S&P MidCap 400 is up 4%. From a sector level, Communication Services leads with a 22% gain, followed by Technology at 20%, Consumer Discretionary at 15.5%, Basic Materials at 5.5%, and Industrials at 3.5%. Financial Services, Healthcare, Utilities, and Energy are all down 1% to 2%.

Stocks held up on March 13 after some ugly early action that saw the S&P 500 (SPX) down about 1.3%. The index rallied almost 100 points by late morning before selling off over the balance of the day. It was a great session for day traders, but created more agita for the rest of us. The morning low coincided with chart support in the 3,780-3,810 region from the late-December low. On March 14, gains were solid and broad-based.

Stocks rose strongly on Thursday as investors weighed more 4Q earnings reports and new GDP and employment data. The Commerce Department said that the U.S. economy expanded at a 2.9% rate in 4Q, helped by significant growth in inventories. The reading was above the consensus estimate of 2.6% growth, though down from 3.2% in the third quarter. On the employment front, first-time claims for state unemployment benefits fell by 6,000 to 186,000 for the week ended January 14. The Dow rose 0.61%, the S&P 1.10%, and the Nasdaq 1.76%. Crude oil traded near $81 per barrel, while gold fell to $1930 per ounce.

Stocks finished lower on Thursday after giving up early gains, as investors weighed mixed earnings reports along with new employment and housing market data. First-time claims for state unemployment benefits fell by 12,000 to 214,000 for the week ended October 15, below the Bloomberg consensus forecast of 230,000. Continuing claims rose by 21,000 to 1.385 million. On the housing front, existing home sales fell 1.5% in September to an annualized 4.71 million units, slightly above the consensus estimate. The Dow fell 0.30%, the S&P 0.80%, and the Nasdaq 0.61%. Crude oil rose to $86 per barrel, while gold fell slightly to $1633 per ounce.

Earnings from major companies will continue on Friday, with 2Q reports from Twitter, Verizon, and Schlumberger. On Thursday, stocks extended their winning streak, with strong gains in the Consumer Discretionary and Healthcare sectors. Tesla shares rose nearly 10% following strong 2Q results, while AT&T fell more than 7%, despite above-consensus earnings, after management lowered its free cash flow guidance. On the employment front, first-time claims for state unemployment benefits rose to 251,000 for the week ended July 16, up from 244,000 a week earlier and above the Bloomberg consensus estimate. The Dow rose 0.51%, the S&P 0.99%, and the Nasdaq 1.36%. Crude oil fell more than 3% to $96.50 per barrel, while gold rose 1% to $1718 per ounce.

Stocks rose on Thursday morning amid earnings reports from major technology companies and new GDP data. The Commerce Department said that the U.S. economy contracted at a 1.4% annualized rate in the first quarter, driven mainly by a wider trade deficit, down from 6.9% growth in 4Q and below the Reuters consensus forecast, which called for growth of 1.1%. The Dow rose 0.4%, the S&P 0.8%, and the Nasdaq 0.6%. Crude oil rose nearly 2% to $104 per barrel, while gold fell slightly to $1890 per ounce.

Volatility, in both indices and individual stocks, remains extreme. Once a market pulls back by a decent amount (8%-10%) or correct (11%-20%), it is typical for that market to be wild from day to day, and even week to week. A new trading range for many stocks and indices is being hammered-out right now -- and the process usually takes some time (assuming a low is in) to complete a bottom.

This pick list highlights constituents of the Morningstar US Mid Cap Index that we believe offer investors the best risk-adjusted return prospects. The market capitalization range for U.S. mid-caps typically falls between $1 billion and $8 billion and represents 20% of the total capitalization of the U.S. equity market.

This pick list highlights constituents of the Morningstar US Large Cap Index that we believe offer investors the best risk-adjusted return prospects. Stocks of large-cap companies where neither growth nor value characteristics predominate. Stocks in the top 70% of the capitalization of the U.S. equity market are defined as large cap.

Stocks were mixed on Thursday morning following earnings reports from IBM, Tesla, and Blackstone, and new employment data. IBM shares fell more than 7% after the company posted weaker-than-expected third-quarter revenue, while Tesla rose 3% after strong 3Q earnings, driven by record vehicle deliveries. On the employment front, the Labor Department said that first-time claims for state unemployment benefits fell to 290,000 for the week ended October 16, down from 296,000 a week earlier and below the consensus forecast of 297,000. The Dow fell 0.2%, the S&P was flat, and the Nasdaq rose 0.4%. Crude oil fell more than 1% to $82 per barrel, while gold traded near $1781 per ounce.

This pick list highlights constituents of the Morningstar US Large Cap Index that we believe offer investors the best risk-adjusted return prospects. Stocks of large-cap companies where neither growth nor value characteristics predominate. Stocks in the top 70% of the capitalization of the U.S. equity market are defined as large cap.

This pick list highlights constituents of the Morningstar US Large Cap Index that we believe offer investors the best risk-adjusted return prospects. Stocks of large-cap companies where neither growth nor value characteristics predominate. Stocks in the top 70% of the capitalization of the U.S. equity market are defined as large cap.

This pick list highlights constituents of the Morningstar US Large Cap Index that we believe offer investors the best risk-adjusted return prospects. Stocks of large-cap companies where neither growth nor value characteristics predominate. Stocks in the top 70% of the capitalization of the U.S. equity market are defined as large cap.

Stocks fluctuated near breakeven on Thursday morning amid a new round of earnings reports and weekly employment data. The Labor Department said that first-time claims for state unemployment benefits rose to 419,000 for the week ended July 17, up from 368,000 a week earlier and above the consensus forecast of 350,000. The Dow fell 0.2%, the S&P was flat, and the Nasdaq rose 0.2%. Crude oil rose slightly to $71 per barrel, while gold traded near $1807 per ounce.

This pick list highlights constituents of the Morningstar US Large Cap Index that we believe offer investors the best risk-adjusted return prospects. Stocks of large-cap companies where neither growth nor value characteristics predominate. Stocks in the top 70% of the capitalization of the U.S. equity market are defined as large cap.

This pick list highlights constituents of the Morningstar US Large Cap Index that we believe offer investors the best risk-adjusted return prospects. Stocks of large-cap companies where neither growth nor value characteristics predominate. Stocks in the top 70% of the capitalization of the U.S. equity market are defined as large cap.

This pick list highlights constituents of the Morningstar US Large Cap Index that we believe offer investors the best risk-adjusted return prospects. Stocks of large-cap companies where neither growth nor value characteristics predominate. Stocks in the top 70% of the capitalization of the U.S. equity market are defined as large cap.

Stocks fell on Thursday afternoon after Bloomberg reported that President Biden would propose raising the capital gains tax rate for people earning at least $1 million. Prior to the tax news, stocks were mixed as investors weighed new 1Q earnings reports, a decline in existing home sales, and weekly employment data. First-time jobless claims fell to 547,000, a new post-pandemic low and below the consensus forecast of 610,000. Continuing claims fell to 3.674 million, down from 3.708 million a week earlier but slightly above the consensus forecast. The Dow fell 0.94%, the S&P 0.92%, and the Nasdaq 0.94%. Crude oil traded near $62 per barrel, while gold fell $9 to $1784 per ounce.

This pick list highlights constituents of the Morningstar US Large Cap Index that we believe offer investors the best risk-adjusted return prospects. Stocks of large-cap companies where neither growth nor value characteristics predominate. Stocks in the top 70% of the capitalization of the U.S. equity market are defined as large cap.