Stocks to Watch as the Dow Jones Industrial Average Moves on Global Uncertainties and an Evolving Investor Sentiment. On the market today, we have tech power, consumer sticking and energy, and financial volatility. Below we list the leading DJIA stocks to watch, including recent movement and upcoming catalysts.
Apple (AAPL)
Apple is one of the most watched DJIA stocks. With a strong performance during May, Apple gets steadily ahead of the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) set for June. The company’s next-gen operating system, iOS 19, is being hyped up by investors with the expectation of major announcements in integrating Artificial Intelligence. Market sentiment continues to be bullish on the back of ongoing services momentum and strong iPhone demand in emerging markets. If Apple were to surprise with partners/innovations beyond expectations, that would likely have upside.
Microsoft (MSFT)
Although Microsoft dwells in the Dow, the cloud computing leadership, aggressive AI initiatives, and the application of its mind to mobile technology keep it there. OpenAI and enterprise AI services are gaining the company strategic investments for long-term growth, while the Azure platform remains a major revenue driver for the company. Tech stocks become popular again, and Microsoft is one of the more stable bets because it’s so consistent and has such a diversified business model.
American Express (AXP)
Consumer spending on American Express has shown surprising resilience in recent weeks as inflationary concerns hung in the air. Strong travel and entertainment spending and the company’s expansion of its premium cardholder base are benefiting the company. In addition to that, AXP is investing in fintech infrastructure to potentially keep the competitive edge. Next week, it will issue its mid-quarter update, and traders are watching for delinquency and cardholder growth. Financials as a whole are doing well today, and their performance reflects overall hope around the sector as interest rates stabilize.
Walmart (WMT)
Walmart (WMT) has become an anchor in the consumer staples space, garnering attention for its ability to hang onto foot traffic in the face of inflation. The strategy of the company to expand private label offerings and invest in digital operations is working. It is also looking at how its move into healthcare services will impact its margins and whether it can sustain margin improvement. Walmart stock is up slightly at present as analysts raise their forecasts inasync with rising grocery and essentials demand.
Chevron (CVX)
Oil prices continue to fluctuate on geopolitical developments and demand shifts, leaving Chevron’s stock still unstable. Despite the strong cash flow generation by the company, the performance has been weighed on by the market concerns over global growth and energy demand. It’s facing regulatory headwinds on carbon emissions disclosures, too. Yet long-term investors are watching closely before the OPEC+ meeting, which could adjust the outlook for oil supply and create a move in energy stocks.
Caterpillar (CAT)
Caterpillar is often used as a proxy for industrial health and the work of global infrastructure. CAT stock is back in the swing after a modest pullback in late May, after data on China industrial output indicated stabilization. U.S. infrastructure investment and heavy equipment demand in construction and mining still help the company. On the first day of trading today, renewed interest from institutional investors can be seen, now that commodity prices are recovering slightly and U.S. factory orders are improving.
Johnson & Johnson (JNJ)
Johnson & Johnson is always a key stock to watch in the healthcare sector, and investors will want to see the world’s biggest healthcare company bounce back after its latest run of legal challenges. Pharmaceutical strength and the company’s split with its consumer health unit have helped refocus investor confidence. Also, later this month, analysts are awaiting clinical trial updates. Today, on broader market uncertainty, healthcare is regaining attention, and JNJ is up modestly.
