VIP Exclusive: Surprise CPI Print And 5 Stocks That Are Defying the Noise

Markets came into today bracing for impact.

May’s CPI data was the first real test of whether Trump’s aggressive tariffs would feed into consumer prices, and the result was a collective sigh of relief. 

Annual inflation came in at 2.4%, with core at 2.8%, both just shy of expectations. Notably, prices for cars and clothing actually fell, defying forecasts. 

While that may change later in the summer as supply buffers are depleted, today’s report suggests companies are struggling to pass costs on to consumers in a soft-demand environment.

The market reaction was measured. The S&P slipped slightly as traders digested both the CPI and continued trade developments.

President Trump has struck another temporary deal with China to preserve the May tariff truce, but few believe the calm will last.

Meanwhile, a handful of stocks are moving sharply on their own catalysts, more on that below.

Oklo | OKLO

Price: $64.44

Shares of nuclear microreactor startup Oklo soared to fresh highs after securing a pivotal energy contract with the U.S. Air Force.

The deal will see Oklo design, build, and operate a modular nuclear plant at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska. 

Though still awaiting regulatory approval, the contract signals federal confidence in Oklo’s Aurora technology and marks a milestone for the nuclear startup space.

The announcement follows executive orders from the Trump administration supporting domestic nuclear energy, which Oklo’s CEO helped promote from the White House. 

With rising power demand from AI and data centers, and increased geopolitical interest in energy resilience, Oklo may be emerging as a long-term strategic player in small-scale nuclear power.

Quantum Computing Inc. | QUBT

Price: $17.51

QUBT continues to defy gravity, climbing another 30% on Tuesday and tallying a staggering 3,000% return over the past year.

The move is less about fundamentals, as the company missed revenue and earnings expectations in its last report and more about momentum. 

QUBT is now firmly on Wall Street’s radar, with institutional buyers like Vanguard and hedge funds piling in.

Analyst sentiment is turning cautiously optimistic: Ascendiant has raised its price target to $22 and upgraded its recommendation to “Buy.” 

While the rally is fueled more by hope than hard data, QUBT’s work in photonic quantum computing and entanglement-based cybersecurity could unlock real value in time.

For now, this remains a high-risk, high-reward moonshot.

SoFi Technologies | SOFI

Price: $14.91

Fintech firm SoFi is drawing increased attention as analysts project a massive 500% year-over-year earnings jump for the upcoming quarter.

Revenue is expected to increase 34% to $803 million, driven by growth in deposits and the strength of SoFi’s loan platform. 

With $5 billion in commitments each from Fortress and Blue Owl Capital, SoFi has secured deep institutional backing for its lending business, allowing it to originate loans while offloading risk.

Its banking charter and tech stack (Galileo, Technisys) provide key competitive advantages. 

The stock trades at a rich valuation, but if earnings growth materializes, SoFi could cement its role as a fintech leader.

Rigetti Computing | RGTI

Price: $12.11

Rigetti surged after completing a $350 million at-the-market equity offering, which boosted its cash position to $575 million with no debt.

That financial buffer gives the quantum computing pioneer runway to scale its superconducting chip technology, fund R&D, and pursue acquisitions. 

While the company remains pre-revenue at commercial scale, it operates one of the industry’s only vertically integrated quantum fabrication facilities (Fab-1) and supplies systems to national laboratories and enterprises.

This raise significantly de-risks Rigetti’s near-term roadmap, and if quantum computing accelerates over the next few years, RGTI could be well-positioned to capture enterprise demand. 

Shares remain volatile but could draw new attention as institutional investors look to the space.

Argan Inc. | AGX

Price: $222.44

Construction and energy services firm Argan popped 5.6% after a better-than-expected earnings report showed EPS of $1.60 versus estimates of $1.09.

Revenue rose nearly 23% year-over-year, and the company’s dividend remains intact at $1.50 annually. 

With no debt and strong free cash flow, Argan is using this momentum to expand its engineering and project development footprint, especially in alternative energy and power infrastructure. 

Recent insider sales may cap the near-term upside, but institutional interest is rising, and analysts remain bullish.

Lake Street Capital has raised its target to $236 and maintained a “Buy” rating. 

For investors seeking stable exposure to energy infrastructure, AGX may be worth a closer look.

Today’s inflation report offers a brief reprieve from rising cost concerns, but the keyword is “brief.”

Economists warn that tariff-driven price increases may still emerge this summer as inventories dwindle. 

While markets cheer the CPI data, persistent pressure from tariffs and a slowing consumer could lead to renewed volatility.

For now, we’re watching the Fed’s next moves — and the stocks with the clearest growth catalysts amid the noise.