Juneteenth Calm Breaks as Markets Reopen with 5 Stocks That Caught Our Eye

After a quiet Thursday marked by the Juneteenth holiday, markets returned Friday, facing familiar pressures.

There were rising tensions in the Middle East, lingering tariff uncertainty, and signs of cost-push inflation emerging in Japan. 

Speaking of potential inflation, oil prices spiked 3% on Thursday on renewed fears of U.S. involvement in Iran, while stock futures opened in the red on Friday.

Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s “wait and see” stance continues to hang over the market, and a hotter-than-expected inflation print out of Japan, led by food and energy, may be one of the first larger global signs that tariffs are starting to show up in consumer prices. 

While U.S. investors await clearer signals from trade talks and the Fed, stock selection should remain a solid strategy in this environment.

Here are five names that stood out as the week wraps up:

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Hims & Hers | HIMS

Price: $64.24

Hims & Hers has been one of 2025’s hottest momentum names, with shares up more than 140% year-to-date.

Tuesday’s pre-holiday session exhibited classic high-growth volatility: the stock initially dipped to $58.15 before rallying to a high of $62.54, ultimately closing the day up 3%.

Despite the frothy valuation (P/E near 90), dip-buyers continue to show conviction.

The company’s focus on expanding its direct-to-consumer healthcare model, particularly in mental health and weight loss solutions, is drawing strong interest from millennials and Gen Z.

Traders will be watching for a breakout above $63, but any signs of valuation fatigue or broader tech weakness could disproportionately affect HIMS.

For now, it appears to be one of the more resilient growth plays, as long as consumer sentiment remains stable.

Datadog | DDOG

Price: $127.53

Datadog isn’t cheap, but bulls argue it may be one of the most indispensable infrastructure stocks in the AI era.

Revenue growth remains above 35% annually, and the adoption of multi-product packages is accelerating.

In Q4, 83% of customers used more than two products, signaling solid platform stickiness.

Even amid tariff tensions, analysts like Dan Ives have reaffirmed their confidence that AI-related enterprise spending will remain stable, with hyperscalers continuing to invest.

As CapEx remains intact, Datadog’s monitoring tools continue to be essential.

That said, the valuation is lofty, and DDOG’s stock has struggled to regain footing in 2025.

It may be a long-term winner, but near-term caution is warranted if macro fears escalate or enterprise budgets tighten unexpectedly.

Starbucks | SBUX

Price: $93.10

Starbucks has rebounded by over 11% in the past month, despite full-year earnings estimates being revised slightly lower.

The coffee chain’s international exposure, especially in China, puts it at the center of the U.S.-China tariff dynamic.

However, the company’s operational focus and revamped loyalty initiatives are helping stabilize performance.

With earnings per share expected to drop 31% this quarter, there’s plenty of skepticism baked in.

However, in the longer term, Wall Street expects a 21% earnings rebound next year, and analysts are watching for margin recovery and growth in digital engagement.

SBUX may not have the sizzle of a high-flyer, but for income-oriented investors seeking global brand strength and a 2.6% dividend yield, it still presents a compelling case.

Blue Owl Capital | OWL

Price: $18.70

OWL has been under pressure in 2025, but institutional interest is quietly growing.

Both Bank of America and KBW reiterated their Buy ratings this month, citing the bank's defensive business model, particularly its fee-related earnings tied to locked-in private credit assets.

Its 4.8% dividend is attractive in a low-rate environment, and the company’s expansion into Asia offers upside that may not be fully priced in.

Concerns about competition and valuation (P/E ratio above 100) linger, but OWL’s ability to maintain cash flow through economic cycles has helped it stand out among alternative asset managers.

This may be a stock that could regain momentum as investors rotate into yield and stability amid macro volatility.

EQT Corp | EQT

Price: $60.43

EQT, the largest natural gas producer in the U.S., is quietly having a banner year.

Shares are up more than 25% in 2025, fueled by firm natural gas prices and the potential for favorable regulatory tailwinds under a pro-drilling agenda. 

Renewed Middle East conflict has also made energy security top of mind again.

What makes EQT particularly interesting is the insider buying trend and its exposure to U.S.-based shale production—a geopolitical hedge as global energy risks escalate.

With a modest yield and improving cash flow outlook, EQT could remain in focus as energy prices react to conflict scenarios and infrastructure concerns in the months ahead.

Friday’s session wraps up a shortened but telling week.

Markets remain in wait-and-watch mode as the U.S.-China trade dialogue unfolds and the Federal Reserve holds rates steady. 

However, beneath the surface, signs of inflation stress are beginning to emerge abroad, particularly in Japan, where core prices continue to rise despite soft demand, likely a sign that tariffs are affecting supply chains.

Domestically, energy, AI infrastructure, and consumer names with pricing power are emerging as potential leaders.

But with volatility simmering in both geopolitics and central bank signaling, this is an environment that probably rewards selectivity over sector-wide bets.