Top Stocks to Watch in June as Markets Ride May Momentum.
After a strong May, all eyes are on the stock market’s next move — and a handful of high-profile companies are set to play key roles. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite posted their best monthly gains since November 2023, rising 6.2% and 9.6% respectively. These gains were fueled by easing U.S.-China trade tensions, robust first-quarter earnings, and signs the U.S. economy remains resilient.
But June brings fresh uncertainties. Wall Street will stay laser-focused on trade policy, particularly with President Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs slated to return on July 9. Investors are hoping for more trade deals from the White House and closely watching Congress, where Republicans are negotiating the details of what Trump calls “One Big, Beautiful Bill.”
Here are some of the most closely watched stocks for June — and why they matter.
Apple (AAPL): AI Could Be the Game-Changer
Tariffs have dominated headlines for Apple in recent months, but the focus may shift when the company hosts its Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) on June 9.
Last year, Apple introduced “Apple Intelligence,” its proprietary AI platform emphasizing privacy and personalization. While the tech giant has been slow to integrate AI deeply into its products, that may change. This year’s WWDC is expected to include a software development kit (SDK) enabling third-party developers to build features using Apple’s AI models.
Such a move could help accelerate the pace of AI app development across Apple devices and appease critics. With shares down roughly 20% year-to-date — largely due to trade concerns — Apple may find fresh momentum if it shows real progress in AI innovation.
Tesla (TSLA): The Robotaxi Era Begins
Tesla is poised for a pivotal month as CEO Elon Musk turns his attention from Washington back to the company’s boldest venture yet: autonomous vehicles.
Tesla is reportedly launching its highly anticipated robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, on June 12. This follows last year’s unveiling of prototypes for the “Cybercab” and “Robovan.” The rollout marks the most high-stakes test of Tesla’s full self-driving software to date, and its reception will be critical in determining the future of Tesla’s AI-driven transportation vision.
Tesla shares have had a rollercoaster ride this year — plunging more than 50% after December highs but rebounding 60% since their April lows. While still down 14% for the year, Musk’s decision to step away from government work has helped revive investor confidence.
Nike (NKE): Earnings Will Test Tariff Impact
Nike is set to report fiscal fourth-quarter earnings after markets close on Thursday, June 26 — and the report will offer one of the first glimpses at how Trump’s revived tariffs are impacting consumer brands.
Nike previously warned tariffs on China and Mexico would compress profit margins by 4 to 5 percentage points, but that projection came in March, before tariff rates soared. The company hasn’t updated its guidance since.
Fortunately, Nike’s supply chain is diversified, with Bank of America estimating only 18% of its footwear and 16% of apparel are produced in China. Still, its earnings may serve as a bellwether for how much damage the tariff turmoil is inflicting on U.S. multinationals.
Nike shares are down about 20% year-to-date, but a solid earnings report could help reverse the trend.
UnitedHealth Group (UNH): A Rebound Opportunity?
UnitedHealth was the worst-performing S&P 500 stock in May, losing roughly 25% of its value amid a perfect storm of executive turnover, cost concerns, and legal troubles.
Shares nosedived nearly 20% in a single day after the company withdrew full-year guidance and CEO Andrew Witty resigned “for personal reasons.” The decline continued with news of a Justice Department investigation into alleged Medicare fraud and a report alleging secret nursing home payments to reduce hospital transfers.
Veteran former CEO Stephen Helmsley is now back at the helm to steady the ship. And despite the chaos, Wall Street remains optimistic. Of the 16 analysts tracked by Visible Alpha, 13 rate UNH a buy. The average price target of $415 suggests nearly 40% upside from May’s closing price — an indication that the selloff may be overdone.
Solar Stocks: Awaiting a Lifeline
May was rough for solar companies after the House passed legislation to gut clean energy tax credits introduced under President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act. Jefferies analysts called it a “worse than feared” outcome, warning the bill could deliver a "sledgehammer" blow to the solar sector.
Shares of Enphase Energy (ENPH) and SunRun (RUN) plummeted 20% and 37% respectively after the House vote, while First Solar (FSLR) declined 4%. The bill now heads to the Senate, where revisions are possible — and likely — before it can reach the president’s desk.
Investors should watch closely. With a July 4 deadline set by Congressional Republicans, the next month could offer clarity — and possibly a lifeline — for the solar industry.
Enphase shares are down about 40% this year, with SunRun and First Solar falling 19% and 10%, respectively.
A Summer of Shifting Fortunes
As trade policy, AI innovation, and corporate earnings converge, June promises to be a defining month for these key stocks. Whether it’s Apple turning the AI corner, Tesla proving its autonomous mettle, or UnitedHealth bouncing off historic lows, opportunities are emerging amid the volatility.
While political and economic headwinds remain, strong fundamentals and investor optimism suggest many of these names could see brighter days ahead — and for savvy investors, that means June might just be the right time to pay attention.
