As September’s losses give way to the start of Q4 2026, Wall Street is pinpointing key stocks and trends for Thursday’s trading. Major indices show mixed year-to-date performance but mostly remain off recent highs, while companies like Nordic American Tankers, McCormick, and Nike prepare for critical earnings reports and executive appearances.
Amidst a wave of stocks hitting 52-week lows, including Las Vegas Sands and McDonald’s, the cybersecurity sector offers a defensive play, with CrowdStrike and Palo Alto Networks soaring to 52-week highs.
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As Wall Street bids farewell to a challenging September, marked by losses for the S&P 500, investors are bracing for the start of the final quarter of 2026 this Thursday. CNBC TV producers have meticulously tracked the market's pulse, identifying key stocks and trends poised to influence the upcoming trading session. Here's a comprehensive look at what's on the radar, from major index performance to individual company spotlights and a defensive shift in tech.
Major Indices: A Mixed Bag Entering Q4
The year-to-date performance across the major U.S. indices presents a varied picture, though most remain off their recent highs:
- Nasdaq Composite: Up a robust 15.6% YTD, though currently down 1.6% from its peak.
- Russell 2000: Showing strength with a 12.7% YTD gain, but has pulled back 9% from its August high.
- S&P 500: Advanced 11.8% YTD, sitting 2% below its high.
- NYSE Composite: Posted a 6.8% YTD increase, but is off 5.5% from its August high.
- Dow Jones Industrial Average: Nearly 6% higher YTD, though trading 7% down from its high.
Earnings and Executive Insights on Tap
- Nordic American Tankers (NAT): CEO Herbjorn Hansson is scheduled to appear on "Morning Call" at 5 a.m. ET on Thursday. The stock has surged almost 43% in the past three months, despite a 5% dip from its peak earlier this month.
- McCormick (MKC): The Maryland-based spice giant, famous for Old Bay seasoning, will report earnings live on 'Squawk Box'. McCormick's shares have slid about 8% over the last three months and are a significant 36% down from their February high.
- Nike (NKE): The athletic apparel behemoth is slated to report live on 'Closing Bell: Overtime'. Nike's stock has faced headwinds, falling almost 14% since its last report and 4% from its year-ago high, currently trading at a 52-week low.
Prominent Stocks Hitting 52-Week Lows
Beyond Nike, several other notable companies have recently hit their 52-week lows, indicating significant pullbacks from their highs:
- Deckers (DECK): Down 36% from its February high.
- Las Vegas Sands (LVS): A sharp 46% decline from its December high.
- McDonald's (MCD): Off 32% from its March high.
- VICI Properties (VICI): Down 30% from its high last October.
- SBA Communications (SBAC) and Crown Castle International (CCI): Both have seen their shares drop 30% from their respective highs.
A Defensive Shift: Cybersecurity and Tech Shine
In contrast to the broader market and a slew of 52-week lows, the cybersecurity sector and select tech companies are demonstrating resilience, with some hitting new highs:
- CrowdStrike (CRWD): Reached a 52-week high on Wednesday, boasting a 21% gain in the last month.
- Palo Alto Networks (PANW): Also hit a 52-week high, up 16.5% over three months.
- Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE): Its stock is up 22% in the last month, buoyed by its security programs.
As the market transitions into the final quarter, these stories will undoubtedly be at the forefront of investor conversations, shaping the narrative for Thursday's trading session and beyond.
