<div id="readability-page-1"><div><div>Investors are increasingly tuning into market experts for guidance amid a volatile economic landscape. Strategic picks from seasoned analysts can offer valuable insights into potential opportunities and risks.On CNBC's “Halftime Report Final Trades,” Jim Lebenthal, partner at Cerity Partners, named CRH plc CRH as his final trade.As per the recent news, CRH, on Sept. 9, elected Patrick Decker to its board of directors.Jason Snipe, founder and chief investment officer of Odyssey Capital Advisors, said he likes Microsoft Corporation MSFT, which is down around 5% in the last month and has 39% Azure growth.Nebius, on Monday, entered into an agreement with Microsoft to provide dedicated GPU infrastructure capacity in phases at its new Vineland, New Jersey data center over a five-year term. The deal has an estimated total contract value of approximately $17.4 billion through 2031.Don't forget to check out our premarket coverage hereJoseph Terranova, senior managing director at Virtus Investment Partners, picked Valero Energy Corporation VLO as his final trade.Lending support to his choice, Raymond James analyst Justin Jenkins, on Tuesday, maintained Valero Energy with a Strong Buy rating and raised the price target from $170 to $177.Price Action:<ul> <li>CRH shares rose 0.5% to close at $111.26 on Wednesday.</li> <li>Microsoft gained 0.4% to close at $500.37 on Wednesday.</li> <li>Valero Energy shares fell 2.1% to settle at $158.50 during the session.</li> </ul>Check This Out: <ul> <li>Adobe Likely To Report Higher Q3 Earnings; These Most Accurate Analysts Revise Forecasts Ahead Of Earnings Call</li> </ul>Photo: Shutterstock</div></div></div>

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On CNBC's 'Halftime Report Final Trades', analysts highlighted key stock picks amid market volatility. Jim Lebenthal recommended CRH plc, which recently appointed Patrick Decker to its board. Jason Snipe favored Microsoft, noting its 39% Azure growth despite a 5% decline in the last month. Microsoft also secured a $17.4 billion deal with Nebius for GPU infrastructure. Joseph Terranova chose Valero Energy, supported by a Strong Buy rating from Raymond James, with a price target increase. CRH shares rose 0.5%, Microsoft gained 0.4%, while Valero fell 2.1%.

- Investors are seeking guidance from market experts due to economic volatility, with analysts providing insights on opportunities and risks.  
- Jim Lebenthal highlighted CRH plc as a trade choice, while Jason Snipe favored Microsoft Corporation, which has seen a recent decline but boasts significant Azure growth.  
- Joseph Terranova selected Valero Energy Corporation, supported by a Strong Buy rating from Raymond James, despite its recent share price drop.

Microsoft, CRH And An Energy Stock On CNBC's 'Final Trades'