What Happened?

A number of stocks fell in the afternoon session after a confluence of negative economic data pointed to a weak economy. 

The latest Survey of Consumer Expectations from the New York Fed revealed that households' short-term inflation expectations rose, while their outlook on the labor market deteriorated. Consumers expressed greater concern about potential job losses and expected lower earnings growth, factors that directly impact discretionary spending. Adding to the unease, Chief Economist at Moody’s Analytics, Mark Zandi, warned that 22 states demonstrated clear signs of a recession, placing the broader U.S. economy in a precarious position. The U.S. government shutdown further dampened sentiment, threatening to weigh on incomes and purchasing power.

The stock market overreacts to news, and big price drops can present good opportunities to buy high-quality stocks.

Among others, the following stocks were impacted:

• Education Services company Adtalem (NYSE: ATGE) fell 3.9%. Is now the time to buy Adtalem? Access our full analysis report here, it’s free for active Edge members.
• Education Services company Perdoceo Education (NASDAQ: PRDO) fell 3.8%. Is now the time to buy Perdoceo Education? Access our full analysis report here, it’s free for active Edge members.
• Education Services company Universal Technical Institute (NYSE: UTI) fell 6.6%. Is now the time to buy Universal Technical Institute? Access our full analysis report here, it’s free for active Edge members.
• Travel and Vacation Providers company Pursuit Attractions and Hospitality (NYSE: PRSU) fell 5.3%. Is now the time to buy Pursuit Attractions and Hospitality? Access our full analysis report here, it’s free for active Edge members.
• Leisure Facilities company Sphere Entertainment (NYSE: SPHR) fell 5%. Is now the time to buy Sphere Entertainment? Access our full analysis report here, it’s free for active Edge members.

Zooming In On Universal Technical Institute (UTI)

Universal Technical Institute’s shares are quite volatile and have had 18 moves greater than 5% over the last year. In that context, today’s move indicates the market considers this news meaningful but not something that would fundamentally change its perception of the business.

The previous big move we wrote about was 11 days ago when the stock gained 3.4% on the news that the stock extended its positive momentum as Truist Securities reiterated its Buy rating and $40 price target on the stock. The firm's continued confidence followed a series of investor meetings with Universal Technical Institute's CEO Jerome Grant and CFO Bruce Schuman. This positive view was supported by the company's recent third-quarter 2025 earnings report, which surpassed analyst expectations. Universal Technical Institute posted earnings per share of $0.19, beating the forecast of $0.11, while revenue also came in higher at $204.3 million against projections.

Universal Technical Institute is up 18.5% since the beginning of the year, but at $30.11 per share, it is still trading 16.1% below its 52-week high of $35.90 from June 2025. Investors who bought $1,000 worth of Universal Technical Institute’s shares 5 years ago would now be looking at an investment worth $5,445.

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