Advancing issues outnumbered decliners by a 2-to-1 ratio on the NYSE on Friday (compared to a much stronger 7-to-2 winning ratio in the GT portfolio), with 24 stocks hitting new 52-week highs and 76 stocks hitting fresh 52-week lows, while volume was relatively moderate.

-Stocks finished the week broadly lower amid a spike in trading activity and volatility across financial markets, as the U.S. economy’s improving outlook and the continued AI boom were eclipsed by a steep rise in bond yields and the lack of progress towards peace in the Middle East

·The Dow and the Russell 2000 dropped to fresh multi-month lows, concluding a gloomy September for the two benchmarks, but the Nasdaq and the S&P 500 showed strength again, with the tech benchmark even scoring a marginal new record high on Friday

·Long-dated Treasury yields surged to their highest levels in 24 years before a late-week pullback, with the benchmark 10-year yield briefly topping 5.3%, while the Dollar Index (DXY) jumped to a 17-month high

Energy markets and oil, in particular, remained volatile as well, as the Middle East conflict continued to deliver mixed headlines and fears of an energy crisis in Europe and Asia lingered

·The labor market sent mixed signals once again as the ADP payrolls number and new jobless claims showed promise, but the JOLTS job openings estimate and non-farm payrolls missed expectations by wide margins

·The tech sector and AI stocks continued to show relative strength, with chip giant Micron’s (MU) “beat and raise” boosting investor sentiment toward the sector

Stocks had an eventful, mostly bearish week, with a few notable bright spots, as global risk assets remained under pressure amid the continued rally in government bond yields and uncertainty around the Middle East peace process. The tech sector and the Nasdaq traded well above the rest of the market throughout the week, with the Nasdaq nearly reaching a new record high after Friday's soft government jobs report, which triggered a pullback in rate-hike odds, yields, and the dollar. Oil’s dizzying day-to-day swings added to stock volatility. However, the commodity closed near its weekly low on Friday after the G7 countries decided to release a large chunk of their diesel reserves to ease the supply crunch in Europe and Asia.

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Symbol: EQH
Name: Equitable Holdings Inc.
Industry: Financial Services- Asset Management
Trigger Price: $53.47
Confirmation Volume Area: 3M
First Target: $58.50
Second Target: $65.75
Stop Loss: $48.50
Risk Rating: 4
Dividend Yield: 2.19%