Editor
Stocks made sharp moves on Wall Street this afternoon, with several big names swinging on earnings results, analyst calls, and broader economic headwinds. From luxury apparel to health insurance and tech, here’s a closer look at today’s biggest stock market movers.
Target Falls on Disappointing Outlook
Target (TGT) shares slid 4% midday after the retail giant reported underwhelming first-quarter earnings. The company also revised its full-year sales forecast downward, citing weakening consumer sentiment and tariff uncertainty.
Retail analysts point to cautious spending among shoppers and growing concerns about inflation. “Consumers are still spending, but they’re becoming far more selective,” said Marissa Chan, retail strategist at Fairview Analytics. “Big-box stores like Target are feeling the pinch.”
Canada Goose Soars 28% on Strong Earnings
Luxury outerwear brand Canada Goose (GOOS) was the surprise winner of the day, with its stock soaring 28% following a strong fourth-quarter earnings report that outpaced Wall Street expectations.
Despite the impressive results, the company withheld guidance for fiscal 2026, citing macroeconomic uncertainties. “They crushed earnings, but the lack of forward guidance shows they’re still flying through some fog,” said Eric Lorne, senior equity analyst at Maple Ridge Capital.
UnitedHealth Downgraded, Shares Drop
Health insurance heavyweight UnitedHealth Group (UNH) dropped 4.4% after HSBC downgraded the stock, warning that the recent sell-off may not be over. UNH shares have already plunged nearly 39% this year, largely due to concerns over rising medical costs and regulatory pressures.
“The downgrade is a red flag for investors looking for stability in healthcare stocks,” said Lorne.
Mixed Results in Tech and Cybersecurity
Palo Alto Networks (PANW) shares sank 5% even after the company beat earnings expectations. The reason? A weaker-than-expected gross margin, which spooked investors looking for profitability strength in the cybersecurity sector.
In contrast, Keysight Technologies (KEYS) gained 4% after beating both earnings and revenue forecasts. The electronics company reported $1.70 in adjusted earnings per share on revenue of $1.31 billion, ahead of analysts’ expectations.
Xpeng Accelerates on Narrower Loss
Chinese electric vehicle maker Xpeng (XPEV) surged 11.2% after posting a smaller-than-expected quarterly loss. The company also forecasted Q2 deliveries of up to 108,000 vehicles, more than double its volume from a year ago.
EV analyst Javier Morales called the growth “aggressive, but achievable” and said it could give Xpeng a stronger foothold in the competitive EV race, especially in the U.S. market.
Crypto-Linked Stocks Climb as Bitcoin Hits New High
As Bitcoin surged to a new all-time high, crypto-adjacent stocks followed suit. Coinbase (COIN) rose 2%, while Mara Holdings (MARA) jumped over 4%, riding the wave of digital currency enthusiasm.
“Every time Bitcoin moves, these stocks act like amplified echoes,” said digital asset strategist Nina Roberts.
More Movers: Carter’s, Toll Brothers, Take-Two, Modine
-
Carter’s (CRI) sank 10% after the children’s clothing maker slashed its quarterly dividend from 80 cents to just 25 cents. The company also warned that tariffs could drive up production costs.
-
Toll Brothers (TOL) rose nearly 3% after beating earnings and revenue estimates for Q2. The homebuilder reported $3.50 in EPS versus a $2.83 forecast.
-
Take-Two Interactive (TTWO) fell 3.4% following the announcement of a $1 billion common stock offering, with JPMorgan and Goldman Sachs managing the deal.
-
Modine Manufacturing (MOD) dropped 8.1% despite surpassing Q4 expectations. The market reaction suggests investor concern over future growth despite solid numbers.
Looking Ahead: Volatility Likely to Persist
With inflation, interest rates, and tariffs continuing to shape market sentiment, analysts expect volatility to remain a central theme heading into summer.
“Investors need to brace for continued swings,” Chan added. “The winners will be those that can navigate uncertainty with resilience—and a little luck.”
