Why These 5 Stocks Were in the Spotlight This Week

In this article we take a look at five stocks that were in the spotlight this week. If you want to read our detailed analysis of these stocks, go to read Why These 10 Stocks Were in the Spotlight This Week.

5. Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) is in the spotlight after the company announced a phase 3 trial showed Molnupiravir reduced the risk of hospitalization or death by approximately 50% compared to placebo for patients with mild or moderate COVID-19. Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK)  plans to seeking Emergency Use Authorization in the United States for Molnupiravir as soon as possible. Of the around 873 elite funds in our database, 79 were long Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) at the end of Q2.


4. Moderna, Inc. (NASDAQ:MRNA) trended this week due to the Merck news. The company also trended due to a Bloomberg article that said the FDA is leaning towards authorizing a half dose booster shot of Moderna, Inc. (NASDAQ:MRNA)’s COVID-19 vaccine. 37  elite funds we track were long Moderna, Inc. (NASDAQ:MRNA) at the end of the second quarter, down 2 from the prior quarter.


3. Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) was in the spotlight due to this week’s Merck’s news, which could change the pandemic’s length. If the pandemic is shorter, demand for Covid-19 vaccines might not be as strong. Diamond Hill Capital owned more than 11.68 million shares of Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) at the end of June.


2. Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) trended this week after the Wall Street Journal reported that the tech giant has decided against offering bank accounts to its users despite the company’s large ecosystem. Given the company’s other divisions outside of fintech, Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) could still do well, however. Billionaire Sergey Brin owns substantial shares in Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG).


1. Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) rose more than 3.5% this week due to the recent energy rally. With higher oil prices, Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) could find it easier to increase its earnings. Of the around 873 elite funds in our database, 68 were long Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE:XOM) at the end of Q2.

Disclosure: None.