Okay, let’s talk about the stocks that absolutely crushed it this week. While everyone was glued to their screens waiting for the Fed to finally cut rates (spoiler alert: they did), some companies decided to put on a show that would make even TikTok influencers jealous.
The market had a pretty solid week overall – small caps led the charge with the Russell 2000 jumping 2.5%, which makes sense because small companies love rate cuts like millennials love avocado toast. The Nasdaq climbed 1.9%, while the S&P 500 and Dow each gained about 1%. Not bad for a week’s work.
But let’s get to the real stars of the show – the stocks that went absolutely bonkers:
89Bio (NASDAQ: ETNB) – Up 85%: The Acquisition Darling
This biotech company that works on liver and heart stuff just got the ultimate glow-up. Swiss pharma giant Roche swooped in with a $3.5 billion acquisition offer at $14.50 per share. That’s like getting asked to prom by the most popular kid in school – except instead of a corsage, you get billions of dollars. 89Bio shareholders are probably still pinching themselves.
New Fortress Energy (NASDAQ: NFE) – Up 81%: The Natural Gas Hero
This little energy company (and yes, it’s literally a penny stock at $2.34) just signed a long-term deal to supply natural gas to Puerto Rico. An 81% jump for landing one contract? That’s like getting a 500% tip for delivering pizza. Sometimes the market gets really, really excited about infrastructure deals, and this was one of those times.
Oklo (NYSE: OKLO) – Up 58%: Nuclear Power’s Cool Kid
Nuclear energy is having a moment, and Oklo is riding that wave like a pro surfer. This company makes small modular reactors (think nuclear power, but make it mini), and when the US and UK announced they’re teaming up on nuclear development, Oklo shot up 24% in one day. Even other nuclear stocks like NuScale Power caught the wave. It’s like the whole nuclear sector got invited to the same exclusive party.
Intel (NASDAQ: INTC) – Up 24%: The Comeback Kid
Intel has been having a rough time lately – like, “your ex posting happy photos on Instagram” rough. But this week, Nvidia (yes, that Nvidia) decided to throw Intel a lifeline with a $5 billion investment and partnership deal. It’s the ultimate redemption arc. Add in the fact that the US government recently bought a 10% stake, and suddenly Intel is looking less like the friend who peaked in high school and more like someone who’s about to have their second act.
The Fed rate cut definitely helped set the mood – lower rates are like financial caffeine for the market. But these four companies didn’t just ride the wave; they created their own tsunamis. Whether it was acquisition news, major contracts, or strategic partnerships, they all had something special happen that made investors lose their minds (in the best way possible).
Remember, past performance doesn’t guarantee future results, but man, what a week to be holding these stocks.