DENVER, Colo., Aug 13, 2025 (247marketnews.com)- Markets are pulsing with momentum heading into the final stretch of the trading day, with several names setting up for extended-session fireworks.
Shares of Momentus (NASDAQ:MNTS), today’s most active gainer, are blasting higher after Momentus confirmed completion of its NASA robotics contract, a project centered on enabling orbital servicing and lunar exploration.
CEO John Rood said the company expects to submit a proposal for a follow-on mission, reinforcing its pivot toward commercial and national security markets. Traders are clearly responding to the government validation and potential scale of next-gen robotics.
“This win demonstrates our commitment to advancing space infrastructure by supporting innovative technologies that can transform how we operate in space,” said Rood.
With heavy volume and growing speculative interest, MNTS looks locked in for after-hours continuation.
LIXTE Biotech (NASDAQ:LIXT) revealed that it will allocate up to 25% of its treasury into cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, citing strategic reasons to hedge fiat and boost shareholder value, but the real upside will be based on trial success.
“LIXTE’s updated treasury policy is based on our conviction in the long-term potential of cryptocurrency,” said CEO Geordan Pursglove.
The company will use a regulated custodian, ensuring compliance and transparency. As crypto strategies move from tech to biotech, LIXTE’s bold pivot is setting a precedent and investors are chasing the upside.
Bolt Projects (NASDAQ:BSLK) is today’s top gainer, but it’s not a hold ‘em play.
ReShape Lifesciences (NASDAQ:RSLS) is climbing sharply on retail interest and weight-loss biotech spillover effects. No new headlines today, but price action suggests traders are positioning early.
Following this week’s FDA green light for Phase 3 Alzheimer’s trials, Cognition Therapeutics (NASDAQ:CGTX) shares are attracting strong institutional interest. After-hours follow-through likely if accumulation continues.
Shares are charging higher after X4 Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:XFOR) closed an $85M private placement, up from a planned $60M, with heavyweight institutional support from Bain Capital Life Sciences, NEA, BVF Partners, and others.
The raise provides runway to advance its mavorixafor program in chronic neutropenia and support commercialization for WHIM syndrome. With strong funding and a clearly defined pipeline, XFOR may be gearing up for a post-market push.
ReShape Lifesciences (NASDAQ:RSLS) is climbing sharply on retail interest and weight-loss biotech spillover effects. No new headlines today, but price action suggests traders are positioning early.
Following this week’s FDA green light for Phase 3 Alzheimer’s trials, Cognition Therapeutics (NASDAQ:CGTX) shares are attracting strong institutional interest. After-hours follow-through likely if accumulation continues.
WEBTOON Entertainment (NASDAQ:WBTN) surprised to the upside on Q2 earnings, posting $348.3M in revenue, an 8.5% YoY increase, while significantly narrowing its net loss to just $3.9M, but the biggest jolt is from its new collaboration with Disney (NYSE:DIS), which will bring Marvel, Star Wars, and other iconic IPs to the platform in vertical-scroll comic format. CEO Junkoo Kim described WEBTOON as the “global destination for comics,” and the market agrees.
WBTN’s technicals are screaming strength as it rides this content-meets-tech narrative to fresh highs. Watch for after-hours bullish continuation on volume.
Bulls remain firmly in control of Venu (NYSE:VENU), as the stock aims for Cenorium’s $22.30 price target. Vanguard’s 13F stake and Aramark’s $10.125M investment add weight. CEO J.W. Roth’s personal $5M injection is the cherry on top.
“VENU isn’t just building venues, it’s building an empire.”
Paramount Global B (NASDAQ:PARA.B) is quietly trending up as investors hunt for undervalued media assets. Streaming strategy pivot gaining traction.
After-Hours Setup Watchlist
| Ticker | Catalyst | Momentum Signal |
| MNTS | NASA robotics contract | High volume, strong institutional narrative |
| LIXT | Crypto treasury pivot | Multiple trials with heavyweight partners |
| WBTN | Disney IP deal + beat | New 52W high, strong guide |
| XFOR | Upsized $85M raise | Institutional validation |
| CGTX | FDA Phase 3 clearance | Alzheimer’s treatment focus |
| VENU | Institutional buying | Disruptive R.E. + entertainment hybrid |
Please click here to read Cenorium’s full Venu analyst report on 247marketnews.com.
For additional 247marketnews.com Venu disclosure https://247marketnews.com/venu-disclosure/ or https://247marketnews.com/lixte-biotechnology/ for further LIXT information and 247marketnews.com LIXT disclosure information.
The post Afternoon Watchlist Builds as Busy Biotech, Blockbuster IPs & Big Institutional Bets Power Late-Day Surge appeared first on 24/7 MarketNews.
