Stocks Aim for Strong Start to March 🔥

US benchmarks closed February's final trading session on a down note yesterday. The S&P 500 lost 0.3%, and the Dow fell 0.7%. The Nasdaq edged lower by 0.1%, and the small-cap Russell 2K squeaked out a gain of less than 0.1%.

This morning, futures are moving higher in early-morning trading. S&P 500 and Dow contracts are currently up 0.2%.

📉 US Benchmarks Fall in Feb.: The S&P 500, Nasdaq, and Dow posted losses for the month of February after gaining in January.

Reata Pharmaceuticals is skyrocketing on news of an FDA approval.

After Tuesday's close, the drugmaker announced that the US Food & Drug Administration had approved Skyclarys to treat Friedreich's ataxia.

Reata says this rare genetic disorder causes progressive damage to the nervous system, and it effects about 5,000 patients in the US annually.

The FDA also granted the company a rare pediatric disease priority review voucher that could help Reata get the drug to market quicker.

RETA is up 171.4% on news of the approval, and it's one of this morning's most active stocks.

My Take: RETA took substantial losses earlier this week, but it's on course to take back all of its lost ground and then some. This could be a promising sign for this small drug company.

A new SEC filing is boosting shares of Oncosec Medical.

Late Tuesday, the biotech company filed a request to withdraw a previously-announced registration statement with the SEC.

Oncosec originally filed the registration statement on Feb. 1st, 2023, but it says it no longer wishes to pursue an offering at this time.

When the company made the initial announcement, shares gapped substantially lower overnight, and the stock has down-trended for most of February.

However, ONCS is staging a dramatic comeback rally on the news. Shares are up 95.3% on active trading volume in today's premarket.

My Take: This big rally might be overdone. Be careful you don't get caught in a pullback on this one.

Lionheart III is on fire after landing a merger deal.

Yesterday, news broke that Australia's federal court had approved a proposed merger between the SPAC and Security Matters, a security software firm.

The decision effectively clears the way for a merger between the two firms, which would result in Security Matters becoming a publicly-listed company.

LION skyrocketed to a 105% gain on Tuesday after Media Matters announced the court had given the deal its blessing.

The SPAC stock maintained its momentum through the close, and it's up big again in today's premarket. LION is one of today's top stocks with a 54.0% gain.

My Take: Security Matters is has exposure to several promising growth markets, including blockchain, cybersecurity, and tech. Judging by this huge rally, it appears the Australian company is in high demand among investors.

Vivos Therapeutics is climbing higher after a product announcement.

The medical device & technology firm announced the acquisition of key patents, product rights, and intellectual property from Advanced Facialdontics (AFD).

Vivos said the asset purchase deal will significantly expand its product portfolio and revenue potential.

The deal includes at least two products with FDA 510(k) clearance already in place: AFD's flagship, the Preventive Oral Device®, and the Night Block™.

Vivos said the acquisition of these products will allow it to provide new complimentary products and additional treatment options for patients.

Financial details of the agreement weren't disclosed in the initial press release.

Shares of VVOS are up 47.3% on news of the asset acquisitions, and it's one of this morning's top Nasdaq stocks.

My Take: VVOS has been downtrending since the start of the year, but this news appears to be generating some excitement in the market. This stock could have significant upside if it can right the ship and recapture its old highs.

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