As the fourth quarter of 2026 begins, market watchers are assessing key trends. Major indices like the Nasdaq and S&P 500 show year-to-date gains but have pulled back from recent highs. Companies such as Nordic American Tankers, McCormick, and Nike are in focus due to upcoming earnings reports or recent performance.
While some stocks, including Deckers and Las Vegas Sands, are trading at 52-week lows, cybersecurity and tech names like CrowdStrike and Palo Alto Networks are hitting new highs, indicating a bifurcated market sentiment.
READ MORE FROM CNBC
As the final quarter of 2026 kicks off, investors are keenly watching the market's next moves. Here's a breakdown of what's likely to shape trading sessions, drawing insights from CNBC TV producers.
The Nasdaq Composite leads the year-to-date gains at 15.6%, though it's down 1.6% from its peak. The Russell 2000 follows with a 12.7% year-to-date increase, but sits 9% below its August high. The S&P 500 boasts an 11.8% year-to-date rise, with a 2% dip from its highest point. The NYSE Composite shows a 6.8% year-to-date gain, off 5.5% from its August zenith. The Dow Jones Industrial Average is up nearly 6% year-to-date, but has retreated 7% from its high.
Key Company Watchlists
Nordic American Tankers (NAT)
CEO Herbjorn Hansson is set to appear on 'Morning Call' with Morgan Brennan. The stock has surged nearly 43% over the past three months, despite a recent 5% pullback from earlier highs this month.
McCormick & Company (MKC)
Known for its iconic Old Bay seasoning, McCormick is slated to report earnings live on 'Squawk Box'. The stock has seen an approximate 8% decline in the last three months and is down 36% from its February high.
Nike (NKE)
Nike will present its latest results on 'Closing Bell: Overtime'. The athletic apparel giant's stock has fallen nearly 14% since its last earnings report and is down 4% from a year-ago high, currently trading at a 52-week low.
Other Stocks at 52-Week Lows
- Deckers (DECK): Down 36% from its February peak.
- Las Vegas Sands (LVS): Down 46% from its December high.
- McDonald's (MCD): Down 32% from its March high.
- VICI Properties (VICI): Down 30% from its October high.
- SBA Communications (SBAC) & Crown Castle International (CCI): Both are down 30% from their respective highs.
Playing Defense: Cybersecurity and Tech Stocks
In contrast to the downturns, several tech and cybersecurity stocks are showing strength:
- CrowdStrike (CRWD): Reached a 52-week high on Wednesday, with a 21% gain in the past month.
- Palo Alto Networks (PANW): Hit a 52-week high, posting a 16.5% increase over three months.
- Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE): Also demonstrating upward momentum with a 22% gain in the last month, bolstered by its security programs.
