VIP Exclusive: Confidence Surge Propels Stocks Forward

Consumer sentiment is back in a big way, and it’s charging into markets with momentum.

The Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index surged to 98.0 in May, smashing expectations of 86.0 and snapping a five-month losing streak. The sharp rebound reflects optimism around trade developments, including President Trump’s tariff pause with China and the EU. Nearly 44% of respondents now expect stocks to rise over the next year — the highest read since January.

Markets responded by showing us a ton of green yesterday. Now, traders are looking for the next breakout names, and here are five stocks worth tracking as we head into the next trading session:

Cameco Corporation | CCJ

Price: $60.41

It has been a volatile year for nuclear stocks, but yesterday we got news that the Trump administration wants to revive the uranium bull case with an executive order to quadruple nuclear capacity. For that to happen, the U.S. will need a lot of Uranium, and Cameco is at the forefront. Shares of the Canadian uranium miner surged nearly 10% last week and remain elevated as investors digest the administration’s push to fast-track new reactor licenses, boost domestic uranium production, and support SMR deployment.

With U.S. utilities holding less than two years of uranium inventory and long-term contracting down 40% in 2024, a “mad rush” to secure supply could be underway. Given the potential size of this order, it could mark the beginning of a long-term rerating in the stock and the sector. Not without its risks, of course. 

Block Inc. | XYZ

Price: $61.81

Jack Dorsey’s Block just rolled out real-time bitcoin checkout, and it couldn’t be better timed. They will start live on the Vegas Strip at the Bitcoin 2025 conference. The pilot testing will be powered by Square’s Lightning-enabled POS system, which allows customers to pay instantly for merchandise and services using BTC.

This is more than a gimmick. It’s a larger step to make bitcoin “everyday money,” and could even come to Square sellers by 2026. Bitcoin has been on a remarkable run, nearing all-time highs, and we’re also seeing stablecoin legislation heating up in Congress. This means Block’s crypto-centric strategy offers a real way to get involved. If merchants adopt en masse, XYZ stock could be significantly undervalued at current levels.

Southwest Airlines | LUV

Price: $32.89

It’s over for you, discount flyers, looking for that extra luggage on your flight. Southwest’s 50+ year “bags fly free” policy ends today. Starting tomorrow, passengers will pay $35 for their first checked bag, which could be a significant revenue move as the airline overhauls its model under pressure from activists. Basic economy fares and assigned seating are also coming.

The stock hasn’t moved much on the announcement, but investors are watching to see if these changes finally help LUV close its profitability gap versus its peers, such as Delta and United. With larger overhead bins, mobile tag printers, and loyalty perks still in place, the rollout is expected to proceed smoothly. Or, if they’re annoyed enough, it could backfire if customer backlash escalates.

Best Buy Co. | BBY

Price: $71.52

Consumers are confident again. Does that mean they’re going to be buying electronics? We’ll find out during the earnings release due Thursday morning from Best Buy Co., where options markets are bracing for a nearly double-digit swing, one way or the other. Analysts expect earnings per share (EPS) of $1.09 and revenue of $8.81 billion, which is slightly down year-over-year.

While Q1 consumer confidence was weak, tariff fears may have led shoppers to make big-ticket purchases ahead of schedule, bringing them forward. That could give BBY a surprise boost. The stock is down about 16% year-to-date (YTD), but has reclaimed its short-term moving averages in the last week, signaling improving momentum. With volatility priced in, any earnings beat or upbeat outlook could spark a relief rally.

Costco Wholesale Corporation | COST

Price: $1,013.14

Another major retailer is in the earnings spotlight today with Costco reporting its Q3 results on Thursday after the bell. Expectations are high, to say the least.  Analysts are projecting $4.25 in EPS on $63.1 billion in revenue, implying strong year-over-year growth. Shoppers are seeking any way to save money on essentials and other items, and expectations are that membership revenue will rise nearly 10%, with e-commerce comps set to jump over 20%.

COST has a way of finding stability during market turbulence and has outperformed peers like Dollar General and Target. If the company can execute on its strengths in renewals, margins, and its international expansion, it could power through earnings season and bring some upside into the summer.

We’re seeing numerous shifts from the uranium sector to airlines and bitcoin to bulk buys, and these five names each carry catalysts that could move markets over the next 24–48 hours. Add in the consumer confidence jolt, and you’ve got a recipe for volatility and opportunity.

Keep them on your radar today, more to come tomorrow.