Retail Traders' Top 5 Stock Picks This Week: GOOG, MSTR, OKLO, LULU, RKLB

Retail investors buzzed about Alphabet's (GOOG) antitrust case and valuation, Strategy Inc. (MSTR) amid S&P 500 speculation, Oklo Inc.'s (OKLO) energy sector momentum, Lululemon Athletica Inc.'s (LULU) apparel growth, and Rocket Lab Corp.'s (RKLB) industrials performance. GOOG traded around its one-year high, up 22.05% YTD, while MSTR was up 9.19% YTD and 173.97% over the year. OKLO's strategic partnerships and Bank of America's 'Buy' rating boosted its momentum.

Retail investors have been closely watching Alphabet Inc. (GOOG) following its antitrust case and valuation, as well as the potential for Strategy Inc. (MSTR) to be included in the S&P 500. Additionally, energy sector momentum is being driven by Oklo Inc. (OKLO), while Lululemon Athletica Inc. (LULU) and Rocket Lab Corp. (RKLB) are showing strong performance in their respective sectors.

Alphabet Inc.'s stock surged by 9% in September 2025 after an antitrust ruling spared the company from a forced breakup, adding $230 billion to its market value [1]. The court mandated data-sharing with rivals but spared Google from selling Chrome or Android, preserving its search dominance and Apple partnerships. The company integrates AI into core services like Search and Android, while Google Cloud revenue grew 32% YoY to $13.6 billion in Q2 2025. Despite these advancements, Alphabet's forward P/E (21.9) and EV/EBITDA (17.3) trail peers like Microsoft and Nvidia, offering a valuation discount despite AI growth challenges. Risks include data-sharing mandates weakening competitive advantages and AI rivalry from Microsoft/Nvidia threatening cloud infrastructure.

Strategy Inc. (MSTR), under the leadership of Michael Saylor, has emerged as a potential S&P 500 entrant. The company's aggressive Bitcoin strategy has led to a $14 billion unrealized gain in the last quarter, meeting the profitability requirements for index eligibility [2]. If admitted, passive funds tracking the index would be forced to scoop up nearly 50 million shares, worth around $16 billion at current prices. The inclusion of Strategy Inc. would signal institutional validation of Saylor's strategy and turn pension funds into indirect crypto holders. However, the company's volatility and recent financing challenges may pose obstacles to entry.

Oklo Inc. (OKLO) is gaining momentum in the energy sector, with strategic partnerships and a 'Buy' rating from Bank of America boosting its performance. Lululemon Athletica Inc. (LULU) is showing strong apparel growth, while Rocket Lab Corp. (RKLB) is performing well in the industrials sector. GOOG traded around its one-year high, up 22.05% YTD, while MSTR was up 9.19% YTD and 173.97% over the year.

References:
[1] https://www.ainvest.com/news/alphabet-antitrust-relief-ai-momentum-googl-buy-discount-2509/
[2] https://finance.yahoo.com/news/bitcoin-faithful-bet-saylor-strategy-143009749.html