Money

Market Insights: Top Stock Picks from CNBC's 'Final Trades'

Prominent financial analysts recently shared their top investment selections during CNBC's 'Halftime Report Final Trades' segment. These experts highlighted a diverse range of companies, from technology and entertainment to defense and basic materials, offering their rationales based on market dynamics, corporate developments, and future outlooks.

Joshua Brown of Ritholtz Wealth Management expressed optimism about Netflix, particularly its stock performance following an announcement of a 10-for-1 stock split designed to make shares more accessible. Meanwhile, Malcolm Ethridge from Capital Area Planning Group endorsed Nvidia, anticipating strong third-quarter earnings. Analysts project Nvidia to report earnings of $1.25 per share and revenue of $54.84 billion. Jim Lebenthal of Cerity Partners championed Lockheed Martin, citing the unparalleled capabilities of its F-35 jet. The company recently exceeded third-quarter expectations, with a 9% year-over-year increase in sales, driven by robust demand for its defense and aerospace programs. Finally, Jenny Van Leeuwen Harrington from Gilman Hill Asset Management, LLC, recommended Freeport-McMoRan, whose shares saw an uptick after revealing plans to significantly boost production at its Grasberg operations in Indonesia.

The market responses to these companies varied following the analysts' recommendations and company news. Netflix's stock saw a 3.5% increase, closing at $114.09. Nvidia experienced a slight decline of 2.8%, settling at $181.36 ahead of its earnings report. Lockheed Martin's shares rose by 0.8%, ending the day at $474.72, and Freeport-McMoRan gained 2.6%, closing at $40.00. These movements reflect investor reactions to expert opinions, corporate strategies, and broader market sentiment, underscoring the dynamic nature of stock valuations.

These selections demonstrate the importance of diligent research and a keen understanding of market signals in making informed investment choices. The diverse recommendations across different sectors highlight opportunities for growth, driven by innovation, strategic financial decisions, and operational excellence. Investors are encouraged to consider these insights as part of a comprehensive and forward-looking investment strategy, recognizing that the pursuit of knowledge and reasoned decision-making are cornerstones of success in the financial world.

Expert Warns of Potential Bitcoin Plunge to $10,000, Citing 2018 Market Parallels

A prominent financial analyst from Bloomberg has issued a stark warning regarding Bitcoin's future trajectory, suggesting a possible decline to the $10,000 mark. This cautionary outlook is rooted in the current market's striking resemblance to the tumultuous conditions observed in 2018, which saw a dramatic collapse in Bitcoin's value.

Analyst Highlights Key Factors Driving Potential Downturn

On November 19, 2025, during a segment on Bloomberg TV, market expert Mike McGlone elaborated on his concerns. He drew direct parallels between the present Bitcoin market and the significant unwinding events of 2018, when the cryptocurrency's price plummeted from approximately $10,000 to nearly $3,000. McGlone posits that a continued pressure on risk assets across the broader financial landscape could trigger a similar dramatic fall, pushing Bitcoin's value down to $10,000.

Several factors underpin this gloomy forecast. McGlone pointed to an expanding supply of tokens, the influx of late-cycle exchange-traded fund (ETF) investments, and a weakening global macroeconomic environment as critical vulnerabilities. These elements, he argues, combine to create a fragile market susceptible to a sharp downturn. He also highlighted key volatility indicators, such as the VIX index hovering near its 200-day average, and the S&P 500's realized volatility dipping to levels last seen in 2017. These signals collectively suggest a brewing turbulence that could extend its reach into equity markets, further dampening Bitcoin's prospects. According to McGlone, there appears to be no clear catalyst on the horizon capable of halting Bitcoin's downward momentum.

Furthermore, McGlone noted a shift in crucial price levels. He identified $100,000 as a new resistance zone, a level Bitcoin struggled to maintain earlier in the month. The cryptocurrency is now caught between $90,000 and $100,000, with a potential breakdown toward $50,000 if market conditions worsen. The rollover in Bitcoin's 200-day moving average serves as a critical indicator, a trend also mirrored by Strategy's 200-day average in August, reinforcing the broader bearish sentiment. The Bloomberg Galaxy Crypto Index, despite an initial rebound, has seen a 14% decrease this year.

From a technical analysis perspective, Bitcoin is currently trading below its year-long ascending trendline and all significant moving averages. A recent attempt to recover toward $100,000 quickly faltered, showcasing the aggressive selling pressure at what was once a support level. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) is hovering near 29, indicating oversold conditions but not necessarily a reversal. The next substantial demand zone is anticipated to be between $86,000 and $82,000. For any hope of slowing the decline, buyers would need to reclaim the $95,000 level. Failure to do so could lead to another leg down, pushing Bitcoin toward even deeper support levels.

The potential for Bitcoin to experience such a dramatic fall underscores the inherent volatility and risks associated with cryptocurrency investments. Investors are reminded of the importance of thorough research and caution, particularly when market conditions echo past periods of significant corrections. The current environment calls for a prudent approach, emphasizing risk management and a clear understanding of the macroeconomic factors influencing digital assets.

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Healthcare Sector Sees Significant Stock Movements in Pre-Market Trading

This article provides an overview of significant stock fluctuations observed in the healthcare industry during Wednesday's pre-market trading. It categorizes companies into 'gainers' and 'losers', detailing the percentage change in their stock values and their respective market capitalizations. The information reflects dynamic shifts in investor interest and corporate performance, influenced by various market catalysts such as recent financial disclosures.

Navigating the Volatility: Key Healthcare Stock Movements Before the Bell

Spotlighting Companies with Positive Momentum in Early Trading

In the lead-up to Wednesday's market open, several healthcare companies demonstrated robust performance. Kazia Therapeutics, for example, saw its shares climb by an impressive 51.6%, reaching a value of $8.73, bringing its market valuation to $9.6 million. Similarly, Nutex Health experienced a significant 20.96% increase, with its shares trading at $120.0, after announcing its second-quarter earnings. ProMIS Neurosciences also registered an 8.97% rise, pushing its stock to $0.4, indicating positive investor response. Cue Biopharma's shares appreciated by 8.62% to $0.63, while Pharming Group's stock advanced by 7.41% to $17.09. Zentek rounded out the top gainers with a 7.35% increase to $0.8, following its Q2 earnings release three days prior.

Examining Companies Facing Declines in Pre-Market Session

Conversely, the pre-market period also witnessed a downturn for several healthcare entities. Inspire Veterinary led the declines, with its stock plummeting by 44.2% to $0.15, reducing its market capitalization to $1.0 million. Agios Pharmaceuticals also faced a considerable drop of 18.67%, with shares trading at $37.0, though it maintains a substantial market cap of $2.6 billion. MSP Recovery experienced an 8.41% decrease to $0.45, reflecting a challenging start to the trading day. Genfit SA's stock fell by 7.83% to $4.36, and Inotiv Inc. saw its shares decrease by 7.11% to $0.8. Lunai Bioworks also posted a 6.9% decline, with its stock price settling at $1.08.

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