With the major indexes and many stocks taking breaks from record levels, names making new highs have been scarce. But stocks that reached new peaks Thursday include Mastercard (MA) and LPL Financial Holdings (LPLA). Both Mastercard stock and LPL Financial have formed bullish patterns after tight closes.
Mastercard stock hit a record high Thursday, after the payment processing giant reported higher-than-expected holiday spending for the period Nov. 1 through Dec. 24, according to Mastercard SpendingPulse. Consumer spending rose 3.8%, excluding car sales, and topped its 3.2% forecast.
LPL Financial is a favorite of a KBW stock analyst, Kyle Voigt, and is one of his top two stock picks for 2025.
↑
X
Danger Ahead: This Sell Signal Tells You When To Get Out Of A Highflying Stock
Mastercard Stock Hovers Near Highs
On Dec. 20, Mastercard stock climbed 0.9% in heavy volume after the company announced it finalized its acquisition of cybersecurity company Recorded Future, enhancing its artificial intelligence threat detection.
Mastercard stock fell modestly Friday in light volume following Thursday’s peak. The stock has formed a four-weeks-tight pattern with a 537.70 buy point.
Shares are extended from the buy zone of a cup base with a 490 buy point, according to its MarketSurge daily chart. Mastercard stock is testing and finding support at its 10-week moving average.
The payment company has produced steady earnings growth over the last three years, as seen in its IBD Earnings Stability factor of 11. And full-year 2024 estimates show 18% profit growth and 12% in 2025.
Its revenue has increased an average 12% over the last eight quarters, with the same expected over the next four quarters.
Rules For When To Buy And Sell Stocks In Bull And Bear Markets
LPL Financial Tightens Up
The IBD Big Cap 20 name has gained around 26% since it broke out of a cup-with-handle base with 263.44 buy point, following LPL Financial’s positive third-quarter earnings report on Oct. 30.
LPL Financial also formed a four-weeks-tight pattern. Its buy point is 336.40, which is also its record high.
The financial services company improved its bottom line with 11% profit growth in the third quarter, following three straight declining quarters. Revenue is expected to rise 24% in its fourth quarter before easing.
The wealth management firm provides business models and financial technology to financial advisors and institutions.
Follow Kimberley Koenig for more stock market news on X/Twitter @IBD_KKoenig.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:
This IBD 50 China Stock Climbs Back 58%, Hits Buy Point | Stocks To Watch
Language Learning App Rebounds Off Critical Level; 476% Profit Growth Expected | Stocks To Watch
MicroStrategy Is Seeking To Buy More Bitcoin; Is It Time To Buy, Sell Or Hold? | Stocks To Watch
Looking For Market Insights? Check Out Our Live Daily Segment | Stocks To Watch
IBD 50 Bitcoin Play Tops Buy Zone As Trump Favors Crypto | Stocks To Watch
