VIP Exclusive: With Trade Talks Resuming as China Deflates, These 5 Stocks Have Real Momentum

Markets are opening the week with a cautious tone as investors digest fresh data out of China and eye high-stakes U.S.-China trade talks in London. Futures were little changed this morning, even as the S&P 500 hovers just shy of record highs.

Today’s headlines highlight deepening deflation in China, where consumer prices fell for a fourth straight month, and factory-gate prices slumped 3.3% year-over-year. The data shows the ongoing demand weakness in the world’s second-largest economy — even after rounds of stimulus and a partial rollback of tariffs last month.

Meanwhile, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is set to meet Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng in London, with markets watching closely for signs of economic cooperation. And with CPI and PPI prints still to come, this week could reshape the inflation narrative at home.

Amidst the noise, these five stocks are showing strength, with catalysts and positioning that warrant your attention.

ABM Industries | ABM

Price: $48.23

ABM Industries may not make headlines, but it’s quietly delivering. The facility services company recently posted solid quarterly earnings, with revenue growth supported by strong demand in the aviation and education segments. Its diversification across janitorial, electrical, and parking services offers defensive stability amid economic uncertainty. ABM also reaffirmed its full-year outlook, signaling confidence in operational execution and margin control. 

The stock has a reasonable valuation and pays a modest dividend, making it attractive for income-oriented investors. Institutional buying has increased, and analysts are revisiting their price targets. With infrastructure investment and public sector contracts continuing to grow, ABM’s steady fundamentals and recession-resilient model make it a name to watch for investors seeking low-drama, reliable returns.

CoreWeave | CRVW

Price: $162.18

CoreWeave’s transformation from crypto mining to AI hyperscaler is one of 2025’s breakout stories. Backed by a $25.9 billion backlog and a deep Nvidia partnership, the company’s 33 AI-focused data centers are drawing serious investor attention. In Q1, revenue jumped 420% year-over-year (YoY) to $982 million, while adjusted operating income soared 550% — showcasing its monetization power despite aggressive capital expenditures (capex). 

The tight integration with Nvidia ensures continued access to cutting-edge chips, a critical advantage as demand for AI infrastructure continues to surge. At 37.5 times sales, the valuation is steep — but justified if the company continues to execute at this pace. With the booming adoption of generative AI and tech giants seeking GPU-rich cloud partners, CoreWeave is positioning itself as a next-generation alternative to AWS and Azure.

Peoples Financial Services | PFIS

Price: $48.44

Peoples Financial just completed an $85 million private placement of subordinated notes, locking in a 7.75% fixed rate through 2030. The capital raise was oversubscribed, underscoring investor confidence following its merger with FNCB Bancorp. Structured to qualify as Tier 2 capital, the move strengthens PFIS’s balance sheet and supports future growth without diluting shareholders. 

Management plans to redeem legacy debt, optimize interest expenses, and expand strategically in its Pennsylvania footprint. Financials remain strong: Q1 net income rose 333% YoY to $15 million, with revenue up 108%. PFIS trades under book value with a healthy 33% net margin — rare for small-cap regional banks. In a market craving capital discipline and clean credit, PFIS stands out as a well-managed sleeper stock in the banking sector.

Lyft | LYFT

Price: $15.61

Lyft is riding high on a sharp turnaround in free cash flow and active rider growth. With 24.4 million riders in Q3 2024 and record ride volume, the company is proving it can grow while staying disciplined. Under CEO David Risher, Lyft has achieved free cash flow positivity for the first time — and management now targets $900 million in free cash flow by 2027. 

Digital advertising, expected to reach $400 million in revenue, offers a high-margin growth lever Uber once pioneered. Despite superior revenue growth, Lyft still trades at a 60% discount to its rival in terms of valuation multiples. That disconnect, along with bullish analyst targets ($18–$21), creates a compelling setup. For investors seeking a recovery play with real upside, Lyft is a strong contender.

Lincoln Educational Services | LINC

Price: $22.00

Lincoln Educational Services is quietly gaining momentum. The career-training school reported a 21% price gain over the past four weeks, and it’s trading near the top of its 52-week range. Fundamentals support the trend: Q1 revenue rose nearly 14%, while net income surged 1,000% to $1.94 million. Analysts are bullish, with the stock carrying a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) and a strong broker consensus. 

With U.S. labor shortages in skilled trades, Lincoln’s hands-on programs in healthcare, automotive, and skilled manufacturing are increasingly relevant. The company’s improving earnings outlook, positive surprise history, and steady margin expansion suggest more room to run. For traders seeking breakout setups or investors looking to capitalize on vocational education tailwinds, LINC is one to keep on the radar.

Today’s China deflation data is another reminder that global macro forces are very much in play — even as U.S. markets flirt with all-time highs. Investors are looking for clues: Will trade talks lead to real policy progress? Are rate cuts back on the table? How sticky is inflation once supply chain frictions fade? Stock selection is probably going to be the trend to follow in the coming months.

From CoreWeave’s AI-first growth story and PFIS’s smart capital raise to LINC’s breakout in vocational education, today’s picks are showing real signs of execution and upside surprise potential. Whether it’s pricing power, operational leverage, or untapped revenue streams, each name on our radar today brings more than just a headline to the table.