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MarketBeat Week in Review – 12/22 - 12/26
Submitted by MarketBeat Staff. Article Posted: 12/27/2025.
A better-than-expected read for fourth-quarter gross domestic product (GDP) is adding fuel to hopes for a Santa Claus rally. With thin trading volume, however, investors likely won't know if that rally will take shape until next week.
Investors continue to climb a wall of worry that includes tariffs, inflation, the labor market, and questions about a possible bubble in artificial intelligence (AI) stocks. Much of the market's resilience stems from the consumer, which will remain an important factor to watch in 2026.
Next week will be another shortened trading week, with markets closed on Jan. 1. Many investors will step away, but MarketBeat analysts will stay on top of the stocks and stories moving the market. Here are some of our most popular stories from the week.
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Key Points
- A better-than-expected GDP reading has increased hope for a Santa Claus rally.
- Investors have pushed the market higher in 2025, but many of the same areas of concern will continue to be a story in 2026.
- Next week will be a shortened trading week with the markets closed for the New Year’s Day holiday.
Articles by Thomas Hughes
Earnings season is when many companies disclose share buyback activity. This week, Thomas Hughes highlighted five companies with some of the most aggressive share buyback programs and explained why those buybacks may help drive stock-price growth in 2026.
How do you know when a dividend stock is a keeper? Hughes identified three companies that are raising their dividends in an environment of continued bullish analyst sentiment, suggesting capital growth alongside dividend growth.
Darden Restaurants Inc. (NYSE: DRI) delivered a strong earnings report, but DRI stock has pulled back since. Hughes explained why investors should view this as a strong buying signal, pointing to positive technical indicators and bullish sentiment from analysts and institutions.
Articles by Sam Quirke
Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ: TSLA) has been volatile in 2025, but Sam Quirke laid out why the stock still has upside. In his latest piece, Quirke argues a recent failed pullback could be the catalyst for the TSLA share price to move above $500.
Quirke also examined recent price action in Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN), reminding investors that during periods of consolidation it's helpful to watch what analysts are signaling, which in this case points to bullish upside for AMZN.
Articles by Chris Markoch
The S&P 500 has continued to reach new highs, but the Russell 2000 has been outpacing the market and could signal a small-cap resurgence. This week, Chris Markoch highlighted five small-cap stocks that may benefit as investors rotate out of big tech.
Palantir Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ: PLTR) has rallied since a recent sell-off. Markoch offered three reasons Palantir could remain an essential holding in the AI infrastructure trade.
It's been a tough year for beer stocks, but a recent Goldman Sachs report suggests 2026 could bring a comeback for the sector. Markoch analyzed two brewers that could give investors a boost in 2026.
Articles by Ryan Hasson
Ryan Hasson also focused on small caps this week, pointing readers to MarketBeat's list of highest-rated small-cap stocks. Hasson highlighted the top five names and made the case for their growth potential.
Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ: GOOGL) was one of the best-performing technology stocks of 2025. Hasson argued the recent pullback is more likely a healthy pause than the start of a correction, making the case for a buy-the-dip story based on technical signals and institutional conviction.
Articles by Leo Miller
Markets are expected to remain volatile in 2026, so buying dividend growers could be a prudent strategy. Leo Miller highlighted three companies that have aggressively raised their dividends and explained why each may offer capital growth that boosts total return.
On Dec. 22, three companies began trading as part of the S&P 500 Index. That stamp of approval typically produces a short-term pop, but Miller explained why each company may also have a solid growth story for 2026.
Space stocks performed well in 2025, but three names recently showed notable insider selling over the past 30 days. Miller reminded readers that not all insider sales are equal and suggested only one company may be sending a concerning signal.
Articles by Nathan Reiff
Quantum computing stocks have carried a "hurry up and wait" vibe in 2025, which can frustrate traders but may offer buying opportunities for risk-tolerant investors. Nathan Reiff outlined why D-Wave Quantum Inc. (NYSE: QBTS) could be setting up for a strong 2026.
Precious metals were among the strongest trades in 2025, and that strength is spilling over to mining stocks. Reiff highlighted three large miners with setups that may be attractive in 2026.
The oil sector has lagged other commodities, but Reiff noted that oil's weakness could create contrarian opportunities. Read his piece on why three energy stocks may be worth holding until oil reverses.
Articles by Dan Schmidt
Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies closed the year on a softer note, prompting some investors to consider buying the dip in crypto-linked stocks. Dan Schmidt explained why that might be risky for two notable crypto-linked stocks that carry significant exposure to the cryptocurrency market.
For many investors, year-end is a time to set goals for the year ahead. For those resolving to take more profits in 2026, Schmidt identified three stocks that look ripe for profit-taking as 2025 wraps up.
Articles by Jeffrey Neal Johnson
The "AI bubble" narrative has been challenged this earnings season. Micron Technology Inc. (NASDAQ: MU) recently reported results showing sustained demand for high-bandwidth memory (HBM) and a more balanced revenue mix. Jeffrey Neal Johnson wrote that Micron's results point to pricing power and earnings upside going forward.
Johnson also called attention to a value disconnect for Vertical Aerospace (NYSE: EVTL). The company receives fewer headlines than some eVTOL peers, but Johnson noted a significant milestone that could position it well in 2026.
With talk of sector rotation rising, Johnson highlighted two ETFs that provide exposure to sectors likely to be part of a catch-up trade in 2026.
Articles by Jordan Chussler
Often, investors are better off tuning out headline noise. Jordan Chussler explained why that appears to be the case for Maplebear Inc. (NASDAQ: CART), better known as Instacart. Despite investigations into its pricing practices, investors are focusing on the company's strong financials.
While oil stocks lagged, energy names tied to rising electricity prices had a strong year. Chussler highlighted an exchange-traded fund (ETF) that lets investors capitalize on the long-term trend of higher electricity prices.
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