Tech Surge Pushes Nasdaq to Record Close as Oil Slides on Ceasefire Optimism

Markets roared higher Tuesday as investors looked past geopolitical tensions and focused on falling oil prices and resilient tech earnings.

The S&P 500 is now less than 1% off its all-time high, while the Nasdaq 100 notched a new record close.

The latest catalyst was a tentative ceasefire between Israel and Iran, brokered by President Trump, which is holding, at least for now.

That’s been enough to drag oil prices down 6% and spark a rally in equities.

Still, the situation remains highly dynamic.

Investors are watching for any signs of renewed conflict, while also parsing Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s testimony before the Senate Banking Committee for clues about a July rate cut.

In the meantime, this is still a market that rewards strong execution and forward momentum. 

Here are five names worth monitoring on Wednesday:

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Nu Holdings | NU

Price: $13.23

Nu Holdings surged nearly 9% Tuesday as optimism builds around its growing presence in Brazil’s payroll loan market.

Morgan Stanley maintained its Buy rating and $18 target, highlighting NU’s ability to scale quickly with minimal brick-and-mortar overhead.

Management reports that public payroll loans increased 50% quarter-over-quarter, while private payroll offerings are just getting started.

Even with sub-1% market share, the company believes it can carve out 10% of the market by 2026 thanks to its digital-first model and massive customer base.

With shares up almost 30% this year and investor sentiment improving, NU may be positioning itself as one of Latin America’s next breakout fintechs.

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Flutter Entertainment | FLUT

Price: $267.95

Flutter continues to rebound with momentum after a volatile 2023.

The online gaming and sportsbook giant reported a 19% revenue increase and swung to a net income of $156 million last quarter.

With a dominant 43% U.S. market share in online betting via FanDuel and new launches in North Carolina and Vermont, Flutter has reestablished itself as a global force in gaming.

Despite a steep 94x P/E ratio, billionaire investors and hedge funds continue to pile in, betting on continued free cash flow growth and expanding digital reach.

FLUT could be a name to watch during earnings season, especially if consumer discretionary stocks continue to outperform.

Western Digital | WDC

Price: $62.54

WDC has quietly gained more than 20% over the past month, driven by bullish sentiment around AI infrastructure, improved NAND pricing, and upbeat earnings expectations.

Analysts expect full-year EPS to jump 2,465% from last year, with WDC now carrying a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).

While revenue growth remains uneven, recent estimate revisions suggest stronger profitability, and the company has now beaten earnings for four consecutive quarters.

WDC isn’t cheap on a traditional valuation basis, but if AI tailwinds persist, this may remain a top momentum play in the storage space.

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Spirit AeroSystems | SPR

Price: $36.74

SPR is emerging as a contrarian value pick with momentum. The stock has gained more than 5% in the past four weeks and now holds a Momentum Score of “B” from Zacks.

While still operating at a loss, SPR trades at just 0.67x sales and is showing signs of stabilization.

With improving estimates and high beta exposure to the aerospace recovery, investors are starting to nibble.

It’s not a name for the faint of heart, but for those hunting for rebound candidates in industrials, SPR may offer asymmetric upside in the second half of the year.

NatWest Group | NWG

Price: $13.82

NatWest reached a fresh 10-year high this week and is up nearly 38% year-to-date, driven by strong EPS growth and rising investor confidence.

Insiders still own over £20M of stock, and with the UK government officially out of the picture, NWG no longer faces a persistent selling overhang.

Analysts are calling for dividend yields of 5.5% or more in 2026 and 2027, with EPS expected to climb steadily.

While UK banks don’t trade at premium valuations, NatWest offers a combination of growth, income, and relative value, especially for those seeking international financial exposure.

Markets continue to climb the wall of worry, with stocks now nearing record territory despite lingering geopolitical risks.

If the Israel-Iran ceasefire holds, equities may have more room to run, especially in tech and consumer names.

But with Powell testifying and inflation risks still simmering, investors should be cautious about chasing broad market moves.

This week’s standouts, ranging from Brazilian fintech to UK banking to aerospace, show the importance of stock selection.

In a market this resilient, buying the dip is not enough; it’s about knowing where to look.