Jake Scott, Schaeffer's Investment Research Journalist Profile

Articles

Dell, Best Buy Stocks Bounce After Brutal Tariff-Driven Selloff

1 week ago | schaeffersresearch.com | Jake Scott

Tech and electronics stocks are charging higher to kick off the week, following a temporary exemption from President Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariffs. Best Buy Co Inc (NYSE:BBY) and Dell Technologies Inc (NYSE:DELL) are among the biggest beneficiaries, both rallying on news that smartphones, computers, and key components like semiconductors will be excluded from the latest round of trade duties, returning to just the 20% tariff related to the fentanyl crisis.
Trump’s Trade Twist Sends Stocks Soaring

1 week ago | schaeffersresearch.com | Jake Scott

Stocks are firmly higher Monday, as a surprise tariff exemption from President Donald Trump sparked a rally in the tech sector. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) and Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) are sporting triple-digit midday gains, while the S&P 500 Index (SPX) is also firmly higher. The rally follows late-Friday guidance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection clarifying that smartphones, computers, and semiconductors will be excluded from the new “reciprocal” tariffs.
Semiconductor Stocks Surge as Trump’s Tariffs Skip Sector

1 week ago | schaeffersresearch.com | Jake Scott

Semiconductor stocks are bouncing back, after President Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariff update notably exempted the sector. The move gave chipmakers some breathing room in an otherwise tense trade environment, with giants Advanced Micro Devices Inc (NASDAQ:AMD) and Super Micro Computer Inc (NASDAQ:SMCI) leading the charge. Advanced Micro Devices stock is up 4.4% at $97.51 ahead of the open, but still has plenty of ground to recover.
Gold Mining Stock Extends Rally on Upgrade

1 week ago | schaeffersresearch.com | Jake Scott

Amid President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariff plans, gold stocks have become a hot commodity. One standout is Newmont Corporation (NYSE:NEM), which is surging today -- last seen up 7.6% at $54.80 -- after UBS upgraded the gold producer to “buy” from “neutral.” The brokerage also boosted its price target to $60 from $50, citing an “incrementally more supportive” macro environment for gold and noting Newmont’s strong cash returns. Today’s pop extends an already impressive run.
S&P 500, Nasdaq Eye Best Week of 2025 Despite Losses

1 week ago | schaeffersresearch.com | Jake Scott

Stocks are lower Friday as Wall Street looks to close out a volatile week dominated by trade policy headlines. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) is down 228 points, and the S&P 500 Index (SPX) and Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) are also sharply lower. Traders are unpacking the latest U.S. inflation report, China’s retaliatory tariffs, and a potential tariff deal with the European Union (EU).
Microsoft Stock Weakens as Bullish Case Gets Cloudy

2 weeks ago | schaeffersresearch.com | Jake Scott

Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ:MSFT) stock is taking a breather after a massive 10% rally on Wednesday. The tech heavyweight was last seen 1.6% lower premarket, following a cautious note from Wedbush, who lowered his price target on MSFT to $475 from $550, while maintaining its "outperform" rating. The firm cited rising tariff-related uncertainty, stating that the escalating “game of poker” between the U.S. and China presents near-term risks for companies with global supply chains -- including Microsoft.
Stocks Resume Slide as Tariff Concerns Resurface

2 weeks ago | schaeffersresearch.com | Jake Scott

The Dow was last seen 970 points lower Stocks are retreating Thursday, giving back a portion of yesterday’s historic gains after a temporary easing of global trade tensions. The celebratory mood is proving to be short-lived, however, as traders refocus on the broader implications of President Trump’s trade policy -- especially after the White House clarified that tariffs on Chinese goods now total 145%.
The Week Ahead: Fed Talk, Retail Sales, and Big Bank Earnings

2 weeks ago | schaeffersresearch.com | Jake Scott

The third week of April features a packed economic calendar, including fresh retail sales data, housing starts, and regional manufacturing updates. Investors will also hear from multiple Federal Reserve officials, offering potential clues about the central bank’s policy outlook. Meanwhile, a host of major financial names are set to report earnings, including Bank of America (BAC), Charles Schwab (SCHW), Citigroup (C), Goldman Sachs (GS), JPMorgan Chase (JPM), and PNC Financial (PNC).
2 Fintech Stocks Pulling Back After Brief Rally

2 weeks ago | schaeffersresearch.com | Jake Scott

Fintech’s relief rally is already losing steam. Shares of Affirm, PayPal, and other consumer-facing fintech firms turned lower Thursday, giving back gains from Wednesday’s sharp bounce. That surge followed President Donald Trump’s announcement of a 90-day pause on sweeping tariff hikes, which briefly eased concerns over rising costs and broader macro pressures.
Ford Stock Eyes 3-Year Lows After Analyst Downgrade

2 weeks ago | schaeffersresearch.com | Jake Scott

Ford Motor Co (NYSE:F) is under pressure this morning, last seen down 2.7% to trade at $8.46 ahead of the open, as automaker stocks broadly retreat following the implementation of new U.S. tariffs targeting dozens of countries.