Top Stock Picks for the Week: From Financials to Energy

CNBC’s popular ‘Halftime Report Final Trades’ segment brought together a panel of experts to share their top stock picks for the week ahead. Here’s a breakdown of the key recommendations:

Anastasia Amoroso of iCapital

championed

The Financial Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLF)

. Amoroso highlighted the upcoming earnings season for the financial sector, set to unfold at the end of the week. While she acknowledges that this quarter might not be stellar, she believes the sector’s future looks promising.

Bill Baruch of Blue Line Capital

put his faith in

Owens Corning (OC)

. Owens Corning recently received a boost from Wells Fargo analyst Sam Reid, who maintained an Equal-Weight rating and raised the price target from $165 to $175. This move suggests a positive outlook on the company’s prospects.

Brian Belski of BMO Capital

spotlighted

Synovus Financial Corp. (SNV)

for its attractive 3.5% dividend yield. Synovus Financial is scheduled to release its third-quarter earnings after the market closes on Wednesday, October 16th. Analysts anticipate earnings of $1.08 per share, up from 84 cents in the same period last year, with projected revenue of $559.44 million.

Joseph M. Terranova of Virtus Investment Partners

picked

Diamondback Energy, Inc. (FANG)

as his energy play, aligning with the recent surge in oil prices. BMO Capital analyst Phillip Jungwirth recently upgraded Diamondback Energy from Market Perform to Outperform, increasing the price target from $205 to $215, further supporting this selection.

Price Action:

* Owens Corning shares climbed 5.5% to close at $181.42 on Monday.
* The Financial Select Sector SPDR Fund experienced a 1.2% decline on Monday.
* Synovus Financial shares slipped 1.1% to finish at $43.34 on Monday.
* Diamondback Energy shares gained 2.5% to settle at $199.50 on Monday.

These expert recommendations offer valuable insights for investors seeking opportunities in the current market landscape. Remember, investing always involves risk, and it’s crucial to conduct thorough research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.