Hot or Not, Stock Market Edition: 01/20/2026

Happy Tuesday. Here’s what’s hot and what’s not today:

• Hot: Lockheed Martin (LMT) soars on geopolitical tailwinds; FedEx Corporation (FDX) delivers gains
• Not: American Express (AXP) slides on rate cap concerns; Caesars Entertainment (CZR) stumbles

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🔥 HOT: Logistics leader FedEx Corporation (FDX) has stealthily gained 9% in the past month following a series of strategic announcements around its planned spin-off of FedEx Freight. The stock is riding above all major moving averages as investors digest the potential value unlock.

Additionally, the company is concurrently benefiting from proliferating parcel delivery surcharges that are driving up shipping rates. WallStreetZen's Zen Rating backs up the hype — FDX was recently upgraded to an A (Strong Buy) rating, and currently ranks in the top 4% of the 4500+ stocks we track. Looking at the Component Grades that shape the overall grade, it earns above-average Bs for Value, Growth, Safety, and from our proprietary AI factor. The bottom line? This spinoff catalyst looks like the real deal, and the top-tier Zen Rating suggests FDX has room to run.  

🥶 NOT: Despite being up 12% in the past month, casino operator Caesars Entertainment (CZR) is facing a rough road ahead. Recent commentary from VICI Properties – which owns real estate leased to Caesars in Las Vegas – flagged concerns over rent dynamics in the Vegas market. It was enough to spook investors already worried about softening consumer spending on leisure and gaming — sentiment is crumbling. CZR’s Zen Rating has plummeted to a dismal F or Strong Sell; the stock currently ranks in the lowest 5% of equities we track based on a 115-factor review. It has disappointing Component Grades across the board — an F for Sentiment, Ds for Growth and Momentum, and mere Cs in all other areas — Value, Safety, Financials, and our AI Factor. Adding insult to injury? The stock ranks dead last in the 15-stock Casino Industry, which itself only earns a D rating. Unless you're a contrarian hunting for a turnaround – and have the stomach for volatility – there are better places to park your money. 

🔥 HOT: The world's largest defense contractor is having a jet-fueled moment. Lockheed Martin Corp (LMT) has been climbing in tandem with rising global tensions — and there are no signs of a slowdown. Additionally, LMT recently secured a multi-year scandium supply deal with Sunrise Energy Metals for its advanced aerospace programs, highlighting the company's focus on next-generation materials. The company currently earns a B (Buy) Zen Rating, landing in the top 10% of stocks we track, with a strong roster of supporting Component Grades: most notably, Bs for Growth, Value, and Safety, a winning combo for investors looking for potential gains without major volatility. Bottom line? With defense budgets climbing globally and LMT positioned at the center of critical military programs, the setup looks compelling for the foreseeable future. 

Note: Looking for more hot stocks? We just dropped a video featuring 3 Strong Buy tickers — check it out here. 

🥶 NOT: Credit card giant American Express (AXP) is only down a modest 4% in the past month, but discouraging signs point to a continued downward trajectory. It appears AXP is caught in the crossfire of President Trump's proposed 10% cap on credit card interest rates; 

this would force card issuers to dramatically shrink their lucrative rewards programs, hitting consumers with lower credit scores hardest. AXP’s Zen Rating was also just downgraded to a C (Hold), with notably weak spots in its Component Grades: Sentiment earns a D right now, and Value, Growth, Momentum, and Financials all earn middling Cs. Our take? With regulatory uncertainty hanging over the entire credit card sector and technical momentum deteriorating, there's little reason to jump in now. 

What to Do Next?

• 77 Best Stocks NOW! >
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