Good Morning, Traders!…👋

U.S. stock futures rose Thursday as investors awaited remarks from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell at the annual Jackson Hole Economic Symposium, where global central bankers and finance chiefs are gathered. Traders are watching closely for any signals on the timing of interest rate cuts.

Markets are hoping Powell acknowledges recent signs of labor market weakness, though the Fed has remained cautious as it weighs the lingering impact of tariffs and elevated inflation. At July’s meeting, policymakers leaned more toward fighting inflation than supporting jobs—before the surprisingly soft July payrolls report shifted sentiment.

The CME FedWatch tool now shows a 75% chance of a quarter-point rate cut at September’s meeting, down from more than 80% last week, underscoring investor uncertainty ahead of Powell’s highly anticipated speech.

Earnings Watch

Earnings hit today from PDD Holdings $PDD, Buckle $BKE, and Enstar Group $ESGR before open.

Analysts expect PDD at $2.80 EPS with e-commerce focus, BKE at $0.87 EPS on retail trends, and ESGR at $9.50 EPS with insurance strength.

Happening Today

✓ 10:00 AM ET – Fed Chair Powell Speaks

✓ 12:00 PM ET – U.S. President Trump Speaks

✓ 01:00 PM ET – U.S. Baker Hughes Rig Count

✓ 03:30 PM ET – CFTC Speculative Net Positions

✓ 08:00 PM ET – Jackson Hole Symposium

SECTOR SNAPSHOT

On the last trading day, most sectors experienced declines, with Consumer Staples and Utilities seeing the largest drops. The only sectors to post gains were Energy and Materials, indicating a cautious investor approach and a flight to these commodity-based sectors amidst a broader negative market trend.

PreMarket Unusual Volume Stocks

Here's a quick rundown of today's pre-market high-volume stocks:

📈 EpicQuest Education Group International Limited (EEIQ) is exploding +82.90% to $0.5428 with monumental volume, driven by yesterday's announcement of a 29% increase in revenue for the first half of fiscal year 2025, fueled by its international programs.

📈 Educational Development Corporation (EDUC) is gaining +16.19% at $1.05 with very high volume, continuing to attract investor attention as it shows a gradual financial recovery and extends its credit agreement with BOKF.

📈 ModivCare Inc. (MODV) is up +14.42% at $0.5600 with significant volume; while the company's stock has seen a massive decline in recent months, it is scheduled to report its Q2 2025 earnings after the market closes today, and some analysts see potential for a positive rebound.

📈 Greenwave Technology Solutions, Inc. (GWAV) sees an +18.51% rise to $0.0902 with high volume. This comes after the company announced a 1-for-110 reverse stock split to regain Nasdaq compliance, which can often be a highly volatile event.

📈 Cycurion, Inc. (CYCU) is up +62.90% at $0.2593 with very high volume, following yesterday's news that the company successfully regained compliance with multiple Nasdaq listing requirements, including stockholders' equity and market value.

Premarket Picks

EpicQuest Education Group International Limited (EEIQ) surged 80.73% in pre-market trading, reaching a price of $0.98. The sharp rise follows the release of its first-half fiscal year 2025 results, which showed a 29% revenue increase year-over-year, largely fueled by strong growth in its international programs.

ModivCare Inc. (MODV) gained 15.70% pre-market to reach $0.65. The uptick comes after the company announced a comprehensive restructuring agreement aimed at strengthening its future outlook, reducing debt, and injecting fresh capital.

Educational Development Corporation (EDUC) climbed 17.31% pre-market, trading at $1.22. The company’s gains follow news of a sale and leaseback agreement for its headquarters and warehouse facility, a move likely aimed at improving liquidity.

Cycurion, Inc. (CYCU) jumped 60.70% in early trading to $0.42. The company announced it has regained compliance with Nasdaq listing requirements, restoring investor confidence.

Top Upgrades:

1. ESAB Corporation (ESAB)

Analyst Firm: Loop Capital

Upgraded: Hold to Buy

Price Target: $140

Yesterday's Close: $111.93

Loop Capital raised its rating on ESAB from Hold to Buy and increased its price target to $140, up from the previous $130. Analysts have set a stock price target range for ESAB Corporation between $125.00 and $150.00, with an average target of $135.63. ESAB manufactures and supplies equipment and products for welding, cutting, and gas control.

2. MINISO Group Holding Limited (MNSO)

Analyst Firm: Jefferies

Upgraded: Hold to Buy

Price Target: $26.20

Yesterday's Close: $22.17

Jefferies boosted its rating on Miniso from Hold to Buy and lifted the stock's price target to $26.20, previously set at $18.50. For MINISO, analyst price targets range from $16.50 to $23.50, with an average target of $20.45. MINISO is a global retailer offering lifestyle and pop toy products through both retail and wholesale channels.

3. Ulta Beauty, Inc. (ULTA)

Analyst Firm: Barclays

Upgraded: Neutral to Overweight

Price Target: $34

Yesterday's Close: $28.41

Barclays upgraded Ulta Beauty from Equal Weight to Overweight and raised its price target to $589, up from $518. Ulta Beauty's stock price target spans from $400.00 to $640.00, with a median estimate of $527.50 and an average of $530.00. Ulta operates as a specialty beauty retailer, serving customers across the United States.

Maeve Grace
Editor In Chief
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Important: This newsletter does not provide investment advice. The stocks mentioned should not be taken as recommendations. Your investments are solely your decisions.

Disclosure: I hold no positions in any companies mentioned, either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.