Top Gainers: MasTec, Hertz, Kennametal, NN, Janus Surge as AI-Cycle and Bitcoin Recovery Lift Risk Appetite

After a tech-driven sell-off, the broader market rebounded, creating buying opportunities as investors snapped up high-quality names. A sharp but temporary drop in Bitcoin before a rebound, improved U.S. consumer sentiment, and expectations of easing inflation—signaled by a -0.1% August PPI—raised the probability of a Fed rate cut to 90% (CME FedWatch Tool). This supported industrial and semiconductor sectors, with the Dow Jones crossing 50,000 for the first time and the S&P 500 turning positive for 2026. MasTec’s shares rose 13.8% YTD and reached a 52-week high at $259.18 per share. The recent 7.3% gain followed the August PPI surprise, which eased inflation and increased expectations of a potential quarter-point rate cut at the next Fed meeting. The stock has had 18 moves greater than 5% in the past year, reflecting heightened volatility and strong sector tailwinds.