Volatility cuts both ways - while it creates opportunities, it also increases risk, making sharp declines just as likely as big gains.
This unpredictability can shake out even the most experienced investors.
A number of stocks fell in the afternoon session after markets pulled back as a hotter-than-expected wholesale inflation report for July dampened hopes for a Federal Reserve interest rate cut. The U.S. Producer Price Index (PPI), a key measure of wholesale inflation, rose 0.9% month-over-month in July, far exceeding the 0.2% increase that economists had predicted. Annually, prices at the wholesale level jumped 3.3%, also surpassing the 2.5% forecast. This hotter-than-expected data has poured cold water on widespread expectations for an interest rate cut from the Federal Reserve next month. Persistent inflation makes it less likely for the central bank to ease monetary policy. Sectors with high-growth stocks, such as SaaS, are particularly sensitive to interest rate changes, as the prospect of higher rates for longer can diminish the present value of their future earnings, leading to a decline in stock prices.
A number of stocks jumped in the afternoon session after the SaaS sector continued to rally as favorable inflation data bolstered hopes for a Federal Reserve interest rate cut. This optimism was largely driven by a benign July Consumer Price Index (CPI) report, which solidified investor expectations for a Federal Reserve interest rate cut. Following the release of the inflation data, which showed a year-over-year increase of 2.7%, the probability of a rate cut in September surged to over 96%. Lower interest rates are typically beneficial for growth-oriented technology stocks, as they can reduce borrowing costs and increase the present value of future earnings. Adding to the positive sentiment was a 90-day delay in the imposition of higher tariffs on Chinese goods, which reduced trade-related uncertainty for the technology sector.
A number of stocks jumped in the afternoon session after cooler-than-expected inflation data ignited investor optimism for a potential Federal Reserve interest rate cut. The July Consumer Price Index (CPI) report, an important measure of inflation, came in cooler than expected, showing prices holding steady at an annual rate of 2.7%. This data has led to speculation that the Federal Reserve might lower interest rates. For growth-focused sectors like SaaS, lower interest rates are particularly beneficial as they increase the present value of companies' future earnings, making their stocks more appealing.
Healthcare software provider Health Catalyst (NASDAQ:HCAT) met Wall Street’s revenue expectations in Q2 CY2025, with sales up 6.3% year on year to $80.72 million. On the other hand, next quarter’s revenue guidance of $75 million was less impressive, coming in 12% below analysts’ estimates. Its non-GAAP profit of $0.04 per share was in line with analysts’ consensus estimates.
Shares of healthcare software provider Health Catalyst (NASDAQ:HCAT)
fell 21.5% in the afternoon session after the company reported second-quarter results that met expectations but slashed its full-year revenue forecast and provided a weak outlook for the upcoming quarter. The healthcare software provider’s revenue of $80.72 million and adjusted earnings per share of $0.04 were both in line with Wall Street estimates for the second quarter. However, investors were focused on the future, as the company projected third-quarter revenue of $75 million, which was roughly 12% below analyst expectations. Furthermore, Health Catalyst cut its full-year revenue forecast by 7.5% to $310 million. While the company did beat adjusted EBITDA estimates for the quarter and raised its full-year outlook for the metric, the significant reduction in its revenue guidance overshadowed the positive news, sending shares lower.
Healthcare software provider Health Catalyst (NASDAQ:HCAT) met Wall Street’s revenue expectations in Q2 CY2025, with sales up 6.3% year on year to $80.72 million. On the other hand, next quarter’s revenue guidance of $75 million was less impressive, coming in 12% below analysts’ estimates. Its non-GAAP profit of $0.04 per share was in line with analysts’ consensus estimates.
A number of stocks jumped in the afternoon session after the Software as a Service (SaaS) sector rebounded following the sell-off in the previous trading session as a weaker-than-expected U.S. jobs report increased the probability of a Federal Reserve interest rate cut. The July Nonfarm Payrolls (NFP) report showed the U.S. economy added only 73,000 jobs, significantly below the 110,000 forecast. This, combined with downward revisions for May and June, signaled a cooling labor market to investors. In response, market expectations for a September interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve surged from roughly 40% to over 80%. A potential rate cut is generally favorable for growth sectors like technology and SaaS, as lower rates can increase the present value of their future earnings, boosting stock valuations.
Value stocks typically trade at discounts to the broader market, offering patient investors the opportunity to buy businesses when they’re out of favor.
The key risk, however, is that these stocks are usually cheap for a reason – five cents for a piece of fruit may seem like a great deal until you find out it’s rotten.
Shares of healthcare software provider Health Catalyst (NASDAQ:HCAT)
jumped 6.6% in the afternoon session after the stock gained ground amid broader positive market sentiment ahead of a busy week for corporate earnings.
Unprofitable companies face headwinds as they struggle to keep operating expenses under control.
Some may be investing heavily, but the majority fail to convert spending into sustainable growth.
While some companies burn cash to fuel expansion, others struggle to turn spending into sustainable growth.
A high cash burn rate without a strong balance sheet can leave investors exposed to significant downside.
The Russell 2000 (^RUT) is home to many small-cap stocks, offering investors the chance to uncover hidden gems before the broader market catches on.
However, these companies often come with higher volatility and risk, as their smaller size makes them more vulnerable to economic downturns.
As the Q1 earnings season wraps, let’s dig into this quarter’s best and worst performers in the data analytics industry, including Health Catalyst (NASDAQ:HCAT) and its peers.
Healthcare software provider Health Catalyst (NASDAQ:HCAT) met Wall Street’s revenue expectations in Q1 CY2025, with sales up 6.3% year on year to $79.41 million. On the other hand, next quarter’s revenue guidance of $80.5 million was less impressive, coming in 3.1% below analysts’ estimates. Its non-GAAP profit of $0.01 per share was in line with analysts’ consensus estimates.
A number of stocks jumped in the pre-market session after the major indices rebounded (Nasdaq +2.0%, S&P 500 +1.5%) as President Trump postponed the planned 50% tariff on European Union imports, shifting the start date to July 9, 2025.
Wall Street is overwhelmingly bullish on the stocks in this article, with price targets suggesting significant upside potential.
However, it’s worth remembering that analysts rarely issue sell ratings, partly because their firms often seek other business from the same companies they cover.
