Unpacking CNBC's Final Trades: From Oil Giants to Tech Titans

You know how it goes. The market day wraps up, and everyone tunes in for CNBC's 'Final Trades.' It's that moment where seasoned investors share their last-minute thoughts, their convictions, or perhaps, their cautionary tales before the bell rings. And let's be honest, it’s always fascinating to peek behind the curtain at what these market veterans are considering for their own portfolios, or what they advise for yours.

Kicking things off, Stephen Weiss cast a bullish eye on Exxon Mobil (XOM). He's not just tossing a dart at the energy sector; he sees real value here. His take? Exxon looks undervalued, a sleeping giant perhaps, and ripe for a breakout, especially with oil prices showing signs of perking up. It’s easy to overlook these traditional stalwarts in a world obsessed with tech, but Weiss reminds us there's often hidden potential in places we might have, well, forgotten to look at recently.

Now, switching gears quite a bit, Jim Lebenthal offered a rather interesting, almost contrarian, thought on NVIDIA (NVDA). Don't get him wrong; he's not saying the company is bad or its technology isn't groundbreaking. Far from it. But his advice? Perhaps it's time to take a few chips off the table. He believes a significant chunk of the 'easy money' has already been made, and the valuation might be a bit stretched. It’s a classic move: securing profits from a phenomenal run. And let's be honest, who hasn't been tempted to just ride the wave indefinitely? But prudence often dictates otherwise, especially with high-flyers.

Then we had Karen Finerman expressing a distinct liking for Qualcomm (QCOM). What's her rationale? It's not just about smartphones anymore, folks. Qualcomm has been quietly, yet effectively, diversifying its business. Think automotive, think IoT (Internet of Things) – these are massive growth areas, and Qualcomm is right there in the thick of it. Plus, she sees the valuation as pretty reasonable, making it an attractive proposition when you consider its broader reach beyond just our pockets.

Finally, Guy Adami threw his weight behind Alphabet (GOOGL). Even with all the recent market jitters and the constant scrutiny, Adami sees a powerful underlying strength in the company's free cash flow. That's a huge positive indicator, suggesting financial robustness and plenty of room for future growth, buybacks, or whatever strategic moves they might have up their sleeve. It’s a testament to the idea that even giants can still grow, especially when they manage their money well.

So, there you have it – a mixed bag of insights from the 'Final Trades' desk. From the enduring strength of energy to the nuanced valuation plays in tech, these discussions really highlight the diverse perspectives that drive the market. It's a great reminder that investing isn't a one-size-fits-all game, and often, the most insightful moves come from careful consideration, not just following the herd.