Late Night Stock Market Recap and Trading Highlights

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•  03 Oct 2025
 

•   AVAV  
   
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•   BEN  
   
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•   DKNG  
   
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The trading session delivered a mixed bag of results while broader market sentiment remained cautiously optimistic with the Fear & Greed Index holding in neutral territory despite the ongoing government shutdown, individual stocks told diverse stories of opportunity and concern.

$PLTR faced significant pressure today, tumbling 7.47% on heavy volume exceeding 102 million shares as troubling reports emerged about Palantir and Anduril's battlefield communication system. An Army memo revealed network flaws that raised questions about the reliability of military-grade technology, casting doubt on future defense contracts. Wall Street analysts reinforced bearish sentiment with predictions of a 15% decline over the coming year, while two competing AI stocks were highlighted as outperforming Palantir's 2025 gains. The confluence of operational concerns and negative analyst commentary created substantial selling pressure.

$FCX climbed 2.06% after UBS upgraded the mining giant from Neutral to Buy with an implied 23.98% upside target. The upgrade centered on improving risk-reward dynamics at the critical Grasberg mine in Papua, Indonesia, where the company is expected to recover from last month's mudslide-induced production halt. UBS analysts expressed confidence in Freeport-McMoRan's ability to bounce back from the environmental disaster, viewing current levels as an attractive entry point for investors seeking exposure to copper and precious metals.

$GME continued its volatile journey, dropping 6.76% after filing a prospectus for an automatic mixed securities shelf offering. The gaming retailer's announcement that net proceeds would be directed toward general corporate purposes failed to inspire confidence among traders, who interpreted the filing as potential dilution risk. The lack of specific deployment plans for the capital raised concerns about strategic direction at a time when the company continues searching for sustainable growth drivers beyond its meme stock legacy.

$JNJ attracted renewed interest with a 1.43% gain following Wells Fargo's upgrade from Equal-Weight to Overweight. Analysts pointed to improving drug sales as justification for the bullish stance, though the relatively modest price target suggests limited near-term upside potential. The pharmaceutical giant's diversified product portfolio and steady cash flows continue to appeal to investors seeking stability in uncertain markets, even as the company navigates ongoing litigation and patent cliff challenges.

$DKNG advanced 1.38% despite facing headwinds from intensifying competition in the sports betting industry. Jim Cramer weighed in on the stock, suggesting current levels present a buying opportunity following recent declines. Multiple firms including Benchmark and BTIG maintained Buy ratings with price targets implying nearly 60% upside potential. However, Spruce Point issued a cautionary note warning of potential 60% downside risk from emerging prediction markets, creating a stark division among analysts about the company's competitive positioning and valuation.

$BSX gained 1.12% as the medical device maker continued recovering from recent weakness that pushed the stock into technically oversold territory. Barclays maintained its Overweight rating with a price target suggesting 31% upside, highlighting Boston Scientific's strong positioning in the cardiovascular and medical device markets. The company's consistent innovation pipeline and expanding market share in key therapeutic areas support the bullish case despite broader healthcare sector volatility.

$GILD rose 1.93% as the biotech sector showed resilience amid mixed market conditions. The company's recent commitment of over $6.5 million in grant funding to support STEM education pathways demonstrated continued investment in community initiatives alongside its core pharmaceutical operations. Analysts view Gilead as undervalued relative to its pipeline potential and established HIV franchise, though competitive pressures in key therapeutic areas remain a consideration.

$AVAV soared 3.99% following announcement of a substantial 10-year contract worth $499 million with the Air Force, validating the defense contractor's technology and positioning in the unmanned aerial systems market. The significant long-term commitment provides revenue visibility and supports continued investment in next-generation drone capabilities. Unusual options activity reflected heightened interest from institutional investors, though some analysts maintained cautious price targets citing valuation concerns after the sharp rally.

$BEN jumped 3.88% after BMO Capital initiated coverage with an Outperform rating, joining positive sentiment around the asset manager's strategic direction. The company completed its acquisition of Apera Asset Management, expanding its private credit capabilities at a time when alternative investments continue attracting institutional capital. Franklin Resources' diversified platform and reasonable valuation appealed to analysts looking for opportunities in the financial services sector.

$MOH climbed 3.97% as multiple insiders demonstrated confidence through coordinated stock purchases totaling over $54,000 each. Directors including Richard Schapiro, Steven Orlando, Dale Wolf, and Barbara Brasier collectively acquired shares in what traders interpreted as a strong vote of confidence in the managed healthcare provider's prospects. Insider buying often serves as a positive signal, particularly when multiple board members participate simultaneously.

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