A number of stocks jumped in the afternoon session after markets continued to rally as the latest inflation data reinforced expectations for a Federal Reserve rate cut as soon as September. The latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report for July showed inflation holding steady, reinforcing market expectations that the Federal Reserve could begin cutting interest rates as soon as September. Lower interest rates generally stimulate the economy by making borrowing cheaper for consumers and businesses. This can lead to increased consumer spending and e-commerce activity, which directly benefits online retail and marketplace companies. The positive economic outlook fueled a broad-based rally, pushing the S&P 500 and Nasdaq to new record highs and lifting most growth-oriented technology stocks.
Online work marketplace Upwork (NASDAQ:UPWK) reported revenue ahead of Wall Street’s expectations in Q2 CY2025, but sales were flat year on year at $194.9 million. Guidance for next quarter’s revenue was optimistic at $192.5 million at the midpoint, 2.7% above analysts’ estimates. Its non-GAAP profit of $0.35 per share was 27.1% above analysts’ consensus estimates.
Value stocks typically trade at discounts to the broader market, offering patient investors the opportunity to buy businesses when they’re out of favor.
The key risk, however, is that these stocks are usually cheap for a reason – five cents for a piece of fruit may seem like a great deal until you find out it’s rotten.
Online work marketplace Upwork (NASDAQ:UPWK) reported Q2 CY2025 results exceeding the market’s revenue expectations, but sales were flat year on year at $194.9 million. Guidance for next quarter’s revenue was optimistic at $192.5 million at the midpoint, 2.7% above analysts’ estimates. Its non-GAAP profit of $0.35 per share was 27.1% above analysts’ consensus estimates.
Let's have a look at what is happening on the US markets after the closing bell on Wednesday. Below you can find the top gainers and losers in today's after hours session.
A cash-heavy balance sheet is often a sign of strength, but not always.
Some companies avoid debt because they have weak business models, limited expansion opportunities, or inconsistent cash flow.
Shareholders of Upwork would probably like to forget the past six months even happened. The stock dropped 21.1% and now trades at $12.65. This might have investors contemplating their next move.
Shares of online work marketplace Upwork (NASDAQ:UPWK)
jumped 3.3% in the afternoon session after Jefferies initiated coverage of the company with a "Buy" rating, and a new filing revealed a significant purchase by an institutional investor.
A number of stocks fell in the afternoon session after the Trump administration announced intentions to impose a 35% tariff on many goods imported from Canada.
By breaking down physical barriers, consumer internet businesses are reshaping how people shop, connect, learn, and play. The new habits they’re cultivating are also unlocking the next leg of growth for the industry,
which has gained 7.7% over the past six months, almost identical to the S&P 500.
While strong cash flow is a key indicator of stability, it doesn’t always translate to superior returns.
Some cash-heavy businesses struggle with inefficient spending, slowing demand, or weak competitive positioning.
Investors looking for hidden gems should keep an eye on small-cap stocks because they’re frequently overlooked by Wall Street.
Many opportunities exist in this part of the market, but it is also a high-risk, high-reward environment due to the lack of reliable analyst price targets.
High volatility doesn’t always mean high risk - some companies experience wild price swings but still trend reliably upward over time.
In fact, many of the market’s biggest winners have been highly volatile stocks.
Wall Street is overwhelmingly bullish on the stocks in this article, with price targets suggesting significant upside potential.
However, it’s worth remembering that analysts rarely issue sell ratings, partly because their firms often seek other business from the same companies they cover.
