Alibaba, Palo Alto Networks, Cisco, Walmart, Target: Why These Five Stocks Are On Investors' Radars Today

Major U.S. indices ended in the green on Thursday with the Dow Jones ending the day 0.47% higher at 34,991.21 and the S&P 500 up 0.16% at 4,502.88. The tech-heavy Nasdaq ended Thursday’s session higher by 0.07% at 14,103.84.

Amidst this backdrop, certain stocks stood out, capturing the attention of retail traders and investors alike. These are the top stocks that gained the attention of retail traders and investors throughout the day:

Alibaba Group Holding Limited BABA saw a notable change in its stock performance today. The stock closed at a 3.82% increase, with a closing price of $87.07, fluctuating between an intraday high of $87.83 and a low of $85.89. The 52-week range for BABA has been between $74.58 and $121.3. Alibaba’s stock traded higher in sympathy with peer JD.Com, Inc, which released its third-quarter results, amidst inquiries from the China Securities Regulatory Commission regarding its logistics arm, Cainiao Network Technology.

Palo Alto Networks Inc PANW experienced a decline of 1.91% in its stock value, closing at $256.18. The stock reached a high of $264.75 and a low of $254.62 during the day, with a 52-week range of $132.22 to $265.9. Palo Alto’s shares traded lower following its first-quarter earnings release, despite reporting earnings and revenue that surpassed analyst estimates.

Cisco Systems Inc CSCO saw a slight increase of 0.21% in its stock, closing at $53.28. The stock’s intraday movement ranged from $53.04 to $53.43, with a 52-week range of $44.3 to $58.19. Cisco’s performance was influenced by its fiscal first-quarter financial results, which showed a top and bottom line beat but was overshadowed by weak guidance and a slowdown in new product orders.

Walmart Inc WMT ended the day with a 1.28% increase, closing at $169.78. The stock fluctuated between $167.51 and $169.94 throughout the day, with a 52-week range of $136.09 to $169.94. Walmart’s stock was in focus ahead of its quarterly earnings report, with analysts estimating an earnings per share (EPS) of $1.41.

Target Corporation TGT witnessed a significant surge of 17.81%, closing at $130.46. The stock’s intraday high was $131.53, and the low was $124.88, with a 52-week range of $102.93 to $181.7. Target’s shares gained attention as the company was projected to release its financial results for the third quarter, with analysts expecting a quarterly earnings decrease compared to the year-ago period.

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