Tag: S&P 500

  • S&P 500 Dips as Chip Stocks Slump Despite US-Iran Ceasefire

    S&P 500 Dips as Chip Stocks Slump Despite US-Iran Ceasefire

    US stocks reversed early gains on Monday as a semiconductor selloff weighed on the broader market. The S&P 500 fell 0.2%, while the NASDAQ Composite lost 0.5%. Meanwhile, the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained about 258 points, or 0.5%.

    Markets opened higher after the United States and Iran paused attacks over the weekend. However, the relief rally faded as investors sold chip stocks. Lower oil prices supported travel shares and reduced pressure on bond yields, but technology losses pulled the S&P 500 into negative territory.

    Chip Stocks Pull Major Indexes Lower

    Semiconductor shares fell across the market during Monday trading. The VanEck Semiconductor ETF dropped 3.7%, extending Friday’s losses. Advanced Micro Devices and Teradyne each fell more than 7%, while Micron Technology declined more than 6%.

    The Philadelphia Semiconductor Index dropped about 4% after rising early in the session. Most companies in the index traded lower. NVIDIA also declined as investors assessed stronger Chinese competition and continued artificial intelligence investment. The sector has faced repeated selling during July after strong gains earlier in 2026.

    Investor attention also shifted to spending plans at major technology companies. Ken Mahoney of Mahoney Asset Management said, “The biggest risk is the continuation of the spend.” He also warned that slower spending growth could hurt chip suppliers that depend on large data-center orders.

    Oil Prices Slide After Fighting Pause

    Oil prices fell sharply after both sides halted attacks for a third night. Brent crude dropped about 6.8% to near $90.25 a barrel. West Texas Intermediate crude fell around 6.1% to $83.83. Brent had traded above $100 days earlier as shipping risks increased.

    US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz said the pause was ‘giving diplomacy some space.’ Iran denied holding direct talks with Washington. Still, Tehran confirmed discussions with Oman about maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. Waltz also said more US military assets were moving into the region.

    The oil decline supported airlines, cruise operators and other companies with high fuel costs. Energy shares moved lower as crude prices fell. Europe’s STOXX 600 gained about 0.9%, while retail and travel stocks rose more than 2%. Asian markets also advanced.

    Fed Decision Returns to Market Focus

    The Federal Reserve will announce its interest rate decision on Wednesday. Most analysts expect the central bank to keep rates unchanged. However, market pricing showed about a one-in-three chance of a rate increase at the July meeting.

    Investors raised rate-hike bets after oil prices and new tariffs added pressure to the inflation outlook. Monday’s oil retreat reduced some concerns. The 10-year US Treasury yield fell about four basis points to 4.64%, while the dollar weakened against several major currencies.

    Fed Chair Kevin Warsh faces a difficult policy setting. Inflation remains above the central bank’s 2% goal, while recent labour and consumer data have stayed steady. Samy Chaar of Lombard Odier said policymakers were ‘not there yet’ on another increase and linked the next move to Middle East tensions.

    Big Tech Earnings Put AI Spending in Focus

    Amazon, Apple, Meta Platforms and Microsoft will report quarterly results this week. Their spending plans will receive close attention after Alphabet’s results raised concerns about artificial intelligence costs. Semiconductor companies rely heavily on orders from cloud and data-center operators.

    About one-third of S&P 500 companies will publish results this week. Earnings are tracking a 26.5% increase from a year earlier. Strong profit growth may support stocks, though investors are also watching cash flow and capital spending.

    The economic calendar includes second-quarter US gross domestic product, June inflation data, personal income and consumer spending. Weekly jobless claims, employment costs and consumer sentiment figures are also due. These reports will give markets more information on growth, prices and the next Federal Reserve decision.

    Also Read: Indian Stock Market Closes Higher: Sensex, Nifty Rally on Easing Crude Prices

  • Dow Rises Over 300 Points as Oil Retreats on Renewed Iran-US Peace Diplomacy Hopes

    Dow Rises Over 300 Points as Oil Retreats on Renewed Iran-US Peace Diplomacy Hopes

    The Dow Jones Industrial Average surged more than 300 points on Friday as oil prices tumbled following reports that Pakistan may mediate renewed talks between the United States and Iran. The S&P 500 also advanced, while the NASDAQ remained under pressure due to declines in semiconductor stocks.

    Oil Retreat Fuels Market Optimism

    The Dow gained approximately 0.7%, buoyed by a roughly 3% rise in Apple shares. The S&P 500 added around 0.6%, while the NASDAQ struggled to hold gains as chip stocks slid. Brent crude fell more than 4% to trade near $95 per barrel after surpassing $100 earlier in the week. West Texas Intermediate also dropped about 4% to above $88. Lower oil prices alleviated concerns over inflation, transportation costs, and corporate expenses.

    Pakistan Explores Peace Talks Mediation

    According to Reuters, Pakistan is exploring a path to restart stalled negotiations between the U.S. and Iran. Three Pakistani sources indicated that China initiated the diplomatic effort. Pakistani officials discussed the plan with Iranian representatives during recent meetings. However, the sources noted that “obstacles to any talks with the US remain high.” China has significant trade and energy interests in the Gulf, and Pakistan maintains close ties with Beijing, Saudi Arabia, and Iran, complicating its potential mediator role.

    Geopolitical Risks Drive Oil Volatility

    Oil had climbed above $100 earlier amid ongoing conflict in the region, raising fears of supply disruptions across the Gulf and Red Sea. U.S. strikes on Iranian targets and attacks linked to Iran-backed groups kept energy traders focused on shipping routes and production risks. The Strait of Hormuz remains a major concern for China and other large oil buyers, as any disruption could restrict crude shipments and drive up global energy costs. Friday’s diplomatic report eased some of those fears, prompting traders to sell oil futures.

    Chip Sector Caps Broader Gains

    Semiconductor stocks declined even as the Dow and S&P 500 rose. Intel dropped about 3% after initially gaining on better-than-expected results. Broadcom and Advanced Micro Devices each lost roughly 2%, while Micron Technology fell about 5%. The Philadelphia Semiconductor Index declined more than 3% in early trading. Investors continue to question the pace of artificial intelligence spending after Alphabet and Tesla reported higher capital costs and cash usage. The cautious tone set the stage ahead of earnings from Microsoft, Amazon, and Meta.

    Corporate Moves and Sector Rotation

    Verizon advanced after raising its annual forecasts for adjusted profit and free cash flow. Real estate and communication services led gains in the S&P 500 as investors rotated into sectors less exposed to chip weakness. Citi raised price targets for Dell and Hewlett Packard Enterprise, with analyst Asiya Merchant maintaining buy ratings on both, citing demand for servers, networking equipment, and AI infrastructure. Citi lifted its HPE target to $74 from $70, implying about 55% upside from Thursday’s close.

    Fed Policy and Tariffs Add to Uncertainty

    Investors also assessed new U.S. tariffs of 10% and 12.5% on goods from 60 trading partners, linked to weak enforcement of forced-labor restrictions. The new duties followed the expiration of a temporary 10% global tariff. The Federal Reserve meets next week, with markets weighing inflation risks from energy costs. Futures pricing indicates about a one-in-three chance of an interest rate hike, up from 12% a week earlier. Fed Chairman Kevin Warsh has maintained the central bank’s focus on price stability and employment.

    Despite Friday’s gains, the Dow and S&P 500 are on track for small weekly losses. The NASDAQ is headed for a decline of more than 1%, as technology weakness offsets the relief from lower oil prices.

  • Wall Street Slips as Chip Rout Deepens, Netflix Forecast Disappoints, and Oil Price Worries Return

    Wall Street Slips as Chip Rout Deepens, Netflix Forecast Disappoints, and Oil Price Worries Return

    The S&P 500 fell on Friday as investors reduced exposure to semiconductor stocks. The index dropped 0.6%, while the NASDAQ Composite lost 1%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average traded near the flatline.

    Wall Street also faced pressure from Netflix, higher oil prices, and fighting between the United States and Iran. The major indexes moved toward weekly losses after a reversal in stocks linked to artificial intelligence spending.

    Chip Stocks Extend Weekly Selloff

    Semiconductor shares led the decline. NVIDIA, Advanced Micro Devices, Applied Materials, Lam Research, Intel, and KLA traded lower. The Philadelphia Semiconductor Index fell close to 2% and moved deeper into bear-market territory from its late-June peak.

    The index has lost about 11% this week and nearly 24% from its record high. Investors took profits after a three-month rally that lifted the chip gauge more than 100%. The VanEck Semiconductor ETF headed for its third weekly loss in four weeks.

    Fresh doubts over AI spending added pressure. Chinese startup Moonshot AI introduced Kimi K3, a large open-weight model that it says can compete with leading US systems. The launch raised questions over whether costly AI infrastructure plans will deliver the returns investors expect.

    Strategists at BBH said investors are ‘increasingly questioning the sustainability of the ongoing AI capital expenditure boom.’ Barclays took a less cautious view and said the pullback could create ‘more attractive entry points’ for long-term investors.

    Netflix Drops as Forecast Disappoints

    Netflix shares fell about 9% after its third-quarter forecast came in below Wall Street estimates. The decline weighed on the communication services sector and made Netflix one of the largest S&P 500 losers.

    Intuitive Surgical also dropped more than 11%. The medical device company kept its procedure-growth forecast unchanged and warned that insurance changes may delay care for some patients.

    Meanwhile, Apple shares edged higher while NVIDIA fell, allowing Apple to move ahead of the latter as the most valuable US company. NVIDIA had held the top position since late June last year.

    Meanwhile, the CBOE Volatility Index rose above 18, its highest level in more than a week. Declining stocks outnumbered gainers on both the New York Stock Exchange and the NASDAQ.

    Oil and Inflation Risks Return

    Oil prices rose as fighting between the United States and Iran widened across the Middle East. West Texas Intermediate traded above $81 per barrel, while Brent crude moved above $86.

    Kuwait said Iran attacked a power and water desalination plant. US Central Command said it completed a sixth straight night of strikes on Iranian military targets. Iran later claimed attacks on US forces in Syria and Bahrain.

    The conflict disrupted energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz, a route that handles about one-fifth of global oil traffic. Higher oil prices renewed concerns over inflation and future Federal Reserve policy.

    Cleveland Fed President Beth Hammack said business leaders are asking whether the central bank should act against inflation. She wrote that companies face pressure from energy, insurance, supply chains, and AI data center construction. Hammack added that ‘persistently high inflation is the bigger concern.’

    Consumer sentiment improved to 54.4, while one-year inflation expectations fell to 4.2%. Still, survey director Joanne Hsu said the rise may be hard to sustain if gas prices increase again.

    With semiconductor stocks under pressure, earnings disappointments weighing on sentiment, and geopolitical risks driving oil higher, investors remain focused on the outlook for inflation and Federal Reserve policy.

  • UnitedHealth Lifts Dow as Chip Selloff Pressures NASDAQ and S&P 500

    UnitedHealth Lifts Dow as Chip Selloff Pressures NASDAQ and S&P 500

    The S&P 500 and NASDAQ Composite fell on Thursday as semiconductor shares extended their decline, offsetting gains across much of the market. Strong earnings from UnitedHealth and firm economic data supported the Dow Jones Industrial Average, but technology losses kept pressure on the other major indexes.

    At 10:00 a.m. ET, the Dow rose 82 points, or 0.16%, to 52,740.92. The S&P 500 fell 0.39% to 7,545, while the NASDAQ dropped 1% to 26,100. Eight of the 11 S&P 500 sectors traded higher, showing that weakness remained concentrated in large technology names.

    Chip Stocks Lead the NASDAQ Lower

    Semiconductor shares posted the largest losses after Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing released its second-quarter results. Its US-listed shares fell about 2.5%, even though the company reported earnings above forecasts. Traders focused on its higher spending plan for 2026.

    TSMC raised its expected capital spending range to between $60 billion and $64 billion from $52 billion to $56 billion. The increase renewed concern over the cost of expanding artificial intelligence capacity across the chip industry. The Philadelphia Semiconductor Index fell 3.8%. Western Digital and Seagate Technology each dropped 7.3%, while Micron Technology lost 4.8%. Arm Holdings fell more than 6%, and Advanced Micro Devices and Broadcom also moved lower.

    Shiraz Ahmed of Sartorial Wealth said the chip rally is cooling, but “not because AI is losing steam.” He said AI use is still expanding across data centers, energy systems and semiconductor production.

    UnitedHealth Supports the Dow Jones

    UnitedHealth shares rose 7.8% after the health insurer posted better-than-expected second-quarter results and raised its 2026 profit forecast. The move helped keep the Dow Jones positive while the S&P 500 and NASDAQ fell. The healthcare sector gained about 2%, while consumer staples rose 2.1%. Those gains limited the broader decline, even as the information technology sector fell 1.9%.

    Meanwhile, GE Aerospace dropped 4.4% despite reporting earnings and revenue above forecasts. The company posted adjusted earnings of $2.02 per share on revenue of $12.63 billion, compared with forecasts of $1.86 and $11.86 billion. GE Aerospace also lifted its full-year guidance. United Airlines fell 2.8% as rising oil prices added pressure to its third-quarter and full-year profit outlook.

    Retail Sales and Jobless Claims Shape Rate View

    Fresh economic data showed that US consumers kept spending during June. Retail sales rose 0.2%, matching expectations. Lower gasoline prices reduced service-station receipts, while other areas of consumer spending held up. Bill Adams, Chief US Economist at Fifth Third Commercial Bank, said slower headline retail sales growth was “actually positive” since lower fuel prices drove much of the weakness. He added that the report supports second-quarter real gross domestic product growth.

    Weekly jobless claims also came in below forecasts. Initial claims fell to 208,000 for the week ended July 11, compared with expectations of 218,000. The data pointed to resilience in the labor market. Inflation reports released earlier in the week eased concern over tighter Federal Reserve policy. Traders priced an 88% chance that the central bank will leave rates unchanged at its July meeting, according to CME FedWatch data.

    Wider Market Gains Fail to Lift Major Indexes

    The market showed a split between large technology stocks and the wider group of companies. Advancing stocks slightly outnumbered decliners on the New York Stock Exchange, while declining shares held a wider lead on the NASDAQ. The Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF rose 0.6%, showing that the average company performed better than the market-cap-weighted index. The standard S&P 500 still fell as major chip and technology shares carried greater influence.

    Geopolitical concerns also stayed in focus. Reports said Iran asked Yemen’s Houthi movement to prepare for a possible closure of the Red Sea oil route if the United States strikes Iranian power facilities. The threat kept energy prices and airline costs in view during Thursday’s early trading session.

    Investors will now watch upcoming corporate earnings and economic data for clearer signals on the strength of the US economy and the Federal Reserve’s next policy move. Whether chip stocks stabilize or extend their pullback is also likely to play a key role in determining the broader market’s direction.

  • Wall Street Rises as Bank Profits and Tech Rally Boost Dow, S&P 500, and NASDAQ

    Wall Street Rises as Bank Profits and Tech Rally Boost Dow, S&P 500, and NASDAQ

    Wall Street climbed on Wednesday as investors weighed stronger-than-expected bank earnings and cooling wholesale inflation data. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P 500, and NASDAQ Composite all posted gains, led by financial and technology shares.

    Indexes Gain as Inflation Eases

    The Dow rose approximately 0.4%, the S&P 500 added 0.3%, and the NASDAQ Composite gained 0.4%, supported by consumer discretionary and technology stocks. Nine of the 11 S&P 500 sectors traded in positive territory, with consumer discretionary leading and financials up 0.6%.

    Market sentiment was buoyed by a weaker-than-expected Producer Price Index report, which showed final demand prices fell 0.3% in June against expectations of no change. This followed Tuesday’s softer Consumer Price Index reading, together reducing expectations for an immediate Federal Reserve rate hike.

    Bank Earnings Support Financial Shares

    BlackRock shares surged more than 7% after the asset manager beat quarterly forecasts, reporting earnings of $13.91 per share on revenue of $7.08 billion—above the $6.72 billion expected by analysts. Assets under management rose to $15.35 trillion from $13.90 trillion.

    Morgan Stanley also gained after reporting second-quarter profit above market estimates, extending a strong start to earnings season for financial firms. “The large banks continue to demonstrate the strength of the US consumer and corporate balance sheets,” said Charlie Anderson of UBS Wealth Management, adding that healthy banks support broader economic confidence.

    PayPal Jumps on Reported Takeover Offer

    PayPal shares jumped nearly 14% following reports that Stripe and Advent International submitted a joint acquisition offer valuing the company at approximately $53 billion, or $60.50 per share—a premium of about 28% over Tuesday’s close. The offer comes as PayPal works to improve growth and defend its position in digital payments. Neither party announced a completed agreement during the session.

    Technology Stocks Add to Market Gains

    Large technology stocks supported the broader market. Amazon, Apple, and Microsoft each gained around 3%, while Alphabet rose more than 1%. ASML shares advanced after the Dutch chip equipment maker raised its sales forecast, citing strong demand for systems used in advanced AI chip production. ASML also plans to expand equipment production capacity by 30%, easing supply chain concerns.

    Investors are also watching TSMC, which will report second-quarter earnings on Thursday, with focus on spending plans, AI chip demand, advanced packaging capacity, and its 2-nanometer production schedule.

    Fed Policy and Oil Prices Stay in Focus

    Traders reduced the probability of a July rate hike to about 12%, down from 41% before Tuesday’s CPI release, according to CME FedWatch data. Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh continued his congressional testimony, cautioning that one inflation report is not enough to confirm a lasting trend.

    Oil prices moved higher after the United States launched additional strikes against Iran, with West Texas Intermediate above $80 per barrel and Brent above $85. Higher crude prices limited some of the market’s advance as investors monitored the Middle East conflict for effects on energy costs and future inflation readings.

    Meanwhile, Elevance Health fell more than 8% despite raising its annual profit forecast, as the revised outlook failed to meet investor expectations. Advancing stocks outnumbered decliners on both major US exchanges.

    Disclaimer: Analytics Insight does not provide financial advice or guidance on cryptocurrencies and stocks. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Always conduct your own research before making investment decisions.

  • S&P 500 Gains as June Inflation Slows and Bank Profits Surge

    S&P 500 Gains as June Inflation Slows and Bank Profits Surge

    U.S. stocks climbed on Tuesday after June inflation data came in cooler than expected, easing fears of an imminent Federal Reserve rate hike. The S&P 500 rose 0.5%, the NASDAQ Composite added 1%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained roughly 86 points, or 0.2%. However, a steep drop in IBM shares and rising oil prices capped broader gains.

    June Inflation Data Boosts Market Sentiment

    The Consumer Price Index fell 0.4% in June from the prior month, bringing the annual inflation rate down to 3.5% from 4.2% in May. Economists had anticipated a 0.2% monthly decline and a 3.8% annual rate. The softer data reduced concerns that rising energy costs would push prices higher, and Treasury yields fell in response, lifting technology and housing-related stocks. Builders FirstSource and Lennar both gained as borrowing costs eased.

    Traders also scaled back bets on a July rate increase. According to CME FedWatch data, the probability of a hike dropped to 17% from 42% the previous day. Markets still see a higher chance of tighter policy at the September meeting.

    Bank Earnings Lift Financial Sector

    Major banks kicked off second-quarter earnings season with stronger-than-expected profits. Goldman Sachs rose after beating estimates, driven by dealmaking and equities trading. JPMorgan Chase, Citigroup, and Bank of America also gained on higher quarterly earnings. Wells Fargo traded lower despite reporting profit above expectations. The broader S&P 500 financial sector moved higher, with most major sectors posting gains during early trading.

    Investors are watching earnings reports for insights into consumer spending, business activity, and credit conditions. The reports showed steady card spending and stronger trading revenue, along with fresh data on loan demand.

    IBM Plunge Weighs on Dow

    IBM shares tumbled about 24% after the company warned that second-quarter revenue and profit would miss expectations due to weak demand in software and infrastructure. The decline pressured the Dow and dragged down other software stocks, including Oracle, ServiceNow, and Accenture. CEO Arvind Krishna acknowledged that the company failed to close several large deals on schedule, stating, “We did not adapt and move quickly enough,” while pointing to weaker execution across key businesses.

    Oil Prices Rise Amid Geopolitical Tensions

    Oil prices climbed as tensions between the United States and Iran escalated. U.S. crude traded above $80 per barrel, and Brent crude moved above $85 after President Donald Trump announced plans to restore a blockade on Iranian shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The move raised concerns about global energy supplies. Higher fuel costs could slow the recent decline in inflation and maintain pressure on the Federal Reserve.

    Skyler Weinand of Regan Capital noted that the inflation surge linked to the conflict may be fading but warned that the relief “may just be temporary” as regional tensions increase.

    Chip Stocks Rebound After Monday’s Losses

    Semiconductor shares recovered after heavy selling in the previous session. The VanEck Semiconductor ETF rose nearly 2%, and the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index gained more than 3%. Applied Materials, Teradyne, Lam Research, Micron Technology, and STMicroelectronics all moved higher. NVIDIA also gained after falling sharply on Monday. The rebound helped the NASDAQ recover part of its previous decline, while investors continued to watch valuations in the volatile AI sector.

    Fed Chair Kevin Warsh prepared to testify before Congress later Tuesday, reiterating that returning inflation to the central bank’s 2% target remains a priority. He did not provide a direct signal about the Fed’s next rate decision.

    Disclaimer: Analytics Insight does not provide financial advice or guidance on cryptocurrencies and stocks. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Always conduct your own research before making any investments.

  • US Stock Futures Decline as Middle East Tensions Drive Oil Prices Higher, Stoking Market Anxiety

    US Stock Futures Decline as Middle East Tensions Drive Oil Prices Higher, Stoking Market Anxiety

    US stock futures edged lower on Monday as renewed tensions in the Middle East unsettled investors and sent crude oil prices higher, raising concerns over inflation and global economic growth.

    Nasdaq futures suffered the biggest loss, with S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average futures indicating the market will open lower as investors weighed the impact of rising energy prices amid uncertainty over the interest rate outlook.

    Oil Rise Puts Pressure on Market Sentiment

    Oil prices increased amid growing tensions between the United States and Iran. Concerns about potential oil supply disruptions have arisen due to the strategically located Strait of Hormuz, which is among the most active oil transportation routes worldwide.

    Brent crude oil has been hovering near $79 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate has exceeded $74 per barrel. Increased oil prices have caused inflation concerns.

    Tech and semiconductor stocks continued to underperform as investors cut positions in growth sectors. Increasing bond rates have contributed to weakness in tech stocks due to their sensitivity to rate changes.

    Attention Turns to Earnings and Inflation Reports

    Despite geopolitical and market uncertainties, investors are preparing for yet another busy week on Wall Street. Several big US banks are expected to report earnings next week, kicking off the earnings season. Market participants will watch how tech firms perform during earnings in the upcoming days.

    Moreover, investors will consider figures on US inflation and statements by Fed Chair Kevin Warsh, which may have a strong impact on market expectations for further Fed action. Any indications of inflation persistence, especially following the oil price hike, may add to the list of reasons to maintain high interest rates.

    For now, investors are trying to weigh geopolitical influences against company earnings and economic data. It seems that all these issues will play an important role in global markets in the coming days.

  • S&P 500 Heads for Weekly Gain as Meta Rallies on AI Cost Savings and Circle Soars on OCC Nod

    S&P 500 Heads for Weekly Gain as Meta Rallies on AI Cost Savings and Circle Soars on OCC Nod

    The U.S. stock market moved in a narrow range on Friday, with the S&P 500 holding near the flatline as Wall Street wrapped up a largely positive week. The benchmark index is on track for a weekly gain of nearly 1%, while the Nasdaq Composite is set to rise more than 1%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lagged slightly, heading for a weekly loss of less than 1%.

    Investors weighed a sharp rally from the previous session, driven by cooling oil prices and a temporary easing of Middle East tensions. President Donald Trump said Iran had called to make a deal, and officials from Qatar and Pakistan are working to restart talks between Washington and Tehran. “The muted stock market reaction to the re-escalation of Iran tensions this week is prime evidence that the market is looking past geopolitical tensions,” said Clark Bellin, president and chief investment officer at Bellwether Wealth.

    Chip Stocks Weaken Ahead of SK Hynix NASDAQ Debut

    Chip stocks traded lower ahead of SK Hynix’s U.S. market debut on the Nasdaq. The South Korean memory-chip maker priced its American depositary receipts at $149 each, raising $26.5 billion. The listing underscores strong investor demand for a major supplier in the AI chip supply chain. Micron Technology fell around 3%, while Marvell Technology and Lam Research lost more than 1%. Intel dropped nearly 3%, and Broadcom also traded lower. The iShares Semiconductor ETF declined 1.2%, and the VanEck Semiconductor ETF lost 0.8%.

    Meta Rallies on AI Cost Report

    Meta Platforms stood out among large technology stocks, rising nearly 6% on Friday and extending its five-session advance to more than 14%. The move placed Meta on track for its strongest weekly gain since February 2024. Bank of America maintained its buy rating after reviewing details tied to Meta’s AI infrastructure plans. According to Reuters, Meta plans to begin production of an in-house AI chip in September as part of a broader plan to double computing capacity. “Meta may have engineered significant cost savings to get capacity cost per MW well below our and Street expectations,” Bank of America analyst Justin Post wrote.

    Circle Shares Jump After OCC Approval

    Circle Internet Group shares surged more than 12% after the stablecoin issuer received final approval from the U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency to establish a national trust bank. The approval moves Circle further into the regulated U.S. banking system, supporting its USDC infrastructure and adding federally regulated custody. Reserve management is planned as a future capability.

    Economy and Stocks Move at Different Speeds

    The stock market’s performance continues to diverge from the broader economy. The S&P 500 rose nearly 10% in the first half of 2026, while the Dow gained almost 9% over the same period. Meanwhile, economists say U.S. growth has slowed. “I think there’s this widespread perception the two should be in sync,” said Joe Seydl, senior markets economist at J.P. Morgan Private Bank. “But, from a purely analytical perspective, they’re two very different phenomena.” Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody’s, added, “We’re growing. We’re not in recession. But we’re not going anywhere quickly.”

    For Friday’s session, investors focused on weekly gains, chip stock weakness, Meta’s rally, Circle’s bank approval, and the first trading day for SK Hynix in the United States.

  • S&P 500 and NASDAQ Dip as Oil Surges on Trump’s Iran Warning

    S&P 500 and NASDAQ Dip as Oil Surges on Trump’s Iran Warning

    Wall Street moved lower on Wednesday after President Donald Trump declared the interim US-Iran accord ‘over,’ reigniting fears of conflict near a critical global energy route. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell roughly 1.5%, the S&P 500 dropped 0.7%, and the NASDAQ Composite declined 0.8% by late morning trading.

    The market reaction was notable but orderly. Oil prices spiked sharply, Treasury yields climbed, and investors rotated away from travel and consumer stocks. However, gains in chip and energy shares helped cushion the broader decline across major indices.

    Stocks Fall, But Losses Stay Contained

    US equities opened under pressure after Trump said he had no interest in further talks with Iran and warned of possible additional US strikes. The comments followed renewed attacks tied to the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for global oil flows.

    Despite the tension, the selloff remained narrower than a full risk-off event. At 11:30 a.m. ET, the Dow was down 810 points to 52,115. The S&P 500 slipped to 7,431, while the NASDAQ fell to 25,565. Decliners outpaced advancers on both the NYSE and NASDAQ, signaling broad caution.

    Oil Jumps as Hormuz Risks Return

    Oil prices delivered the clearest market reaction to Trump’s remarks. Brent and US West Texas Intermediate crude both surged more than 5% as traders reassessed supply risks from the Gulf region.

    The move was not worse because traders had already priced in months of Middle East disruption. Some investors also waited to see whether shipping through the Strait of Hormuz would face a fresh full blockade. Fiona Cincotta of City Index captured this caution, saying, “This was always a very fragile peace process.”

    Chip Gains Cushion NASDAQ

    Technology stocks offered partial support, mainly through chipmakers. Broadcom rose after Apple announced plans to spend more than $30 billion under a chip-supply agreement with the company. This gain helped ease pressure on the NASDAQ, which has faced recent volatility.

    The Philadelphia SE Semiconductor Index also advanced, while energy was one of the few S&P 500 sectors in positive territory. Nine of the 11 main S&P 500 sectors traded lower. Travel shares weakened as higher fuel prices raised cost concerns for airlines and cruise operators.

    Investors Watch Fed Minutes

    The timing added another layer for markets, with the Federal Reserve set to release minutes from its June policy meeting at 2 p.m. ET. The meeting was the first under Chair Kevin Warsh, who has shifted away from forward guidance and kept rates unchanged at 3.50% to 3.75%.

    Higher oil prices brought inflation risk back into focus before the release. Ian Lyngen of BMO Capital Markets said June core inflation figures could draw less attention if crude keeps moving higher in July. He added that the Fed minutes may look “somewhat stale” after the latest Middle East turn.

    Doubts Keep the Reaction Measured

    Analysts pointed to uncertainty rather than a single clear market path. Matthew Ryan of Ebury said ‘the million-dollar question’ was whether talks had fully broken down or only hit a temporary setback. This doubt helped explain why stocks fell but did not collapse.

    Meanwhile, the International Monetary Fund lowered its 2026 global growth forecast to 3.0% and cited war-related energy risks. The update gave investors another reason to watch oil, inflation, and central bank policy closely, while markets waited for clearer signs on Iran, shipping flows, and Fed thinking.

  • S&P 500 and Nasdaq Rise on Chip Stock Rebound, Dow Slips After Record High

    S&P 500 and Nasdaq Rise on Chip Stock Rebound, Dow Slips After Record High

    U.S. stocks closed mixed on Monday as investors returned from the Independence Day holiday with renewed interest in technology and semiconductor shares. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite advanced, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped after briefly crossing the 53,000 threshold for the first time.

    The market’s focus remained on semiconductor stocks, Federal Reserve meeting minutes, and the start of second-quarter earnings season. Key names watched by traders included Broadcom, Apple, Microsoft, SpaceX, and SK Hynix.

    Chip Stocks Lead Nasdaq and S&P 500 Higher

    The Nasdaq Composite gained approximately 1.1%, while the S&P 500 rose 0.5% in morning trading. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.3% after briefly touching a fresh intraday record above 53,000. This divergence highlighted a split market, with technology stocks leading gains while some blue-chip names lost ground.

    Chip stocks rebounded after two weak sessions last week. The Philadelphia SE Semiconductor Index surged more than 4%, and the information technology sector led gains on the S&P 500. The recovery helped lift investor sentiment following recent pressure on AI-linked shares.

    Broadcom rose 5.7% after extending its chip supply partnership with Apple through 2031. The deal covers custom chip development and supply, giving investors another reason to return to semiconductor names. Micron Technology, Marvell Technology, Teradyne, Western Digital, and Oracle also gained as AI and data center demand remained in focus.

    Meanwhile, SK Hynix prepared to launch a U.S. listing aimed at raising approximately $28 billion. The offering added more attention to the global AI chip trade. The South Korean memory chipmaker has already drawn strong market interest this year, although its shares have also experienced sharp swings.

    Investors Watch Fed Minutes and Economic Data

    Investors also looked ahead to minutes from the Federal Reserve’s latest policy meeting. The minutes are due Wednesday and will be closely watched after the first meeting led by new Fed Chair Kevin Warsh. Traders have reduced bets on a July rate hike after last week’s cooler jobs report.

    According to CME FedWatch data, traders now see a 24% chance of a 25-basis-point rate hike at the July 29 meeting, down from about 30% a week earlier. The shift came as investors judged whether softer labor data could give the Fed more room to wait.

    The Institute for Supply Management reported that its services index slipped to 54.0 in June, close to market forecasts. The reading indicated that U.S. services activity continued to grow, though at a slightly slower pace. Prices eased but remained high, while employment moved back into growth territory.

    Trade Nation’s senior market analyst, David Morrison, expressed doubt about how much clarity the Fed minutes may offer. “Warsh wants the Fed to concentrate on the data and stick to that and not give any projections,” he said. “So it could be that the minutes don’t really give very much away.”

    Earnings Season and Stock Movers Stay in Focus

    Second-quarter earnings will become a key test for Wall Street later this week. Delta Air Lines and PepsiCo are among the companies expected to report results. Investors are watching whether corporate updates can support the market after strong gains in the major indexes last week.

    Morrison also pointed to uncertainty around the largest technology stocks. “This earnings season is important, given the fact that the Magnificent 7 have had a pretty tough time with things of late,” he said. He added that “just a little bit of good news” could help them resume their rally.

    Microsoft shares fell 1.8% after the company announced it would cut about 4,800 jobs, equal to roughly 2.1% of its workforce. The stock’s decline weighed on sentiment around large-cap technology, even as broader tech shares rose.

    SpaceX gained as investors prepared for its entry into the Nasdaq 100 on Tuesday. The move is expected to drive buying from funds that track the index. Elsewhere, O’Reilly Automotive dropped after reports indicated the company made a cash offer for Genuine Parts’ auto unit.

    Global markets were more muted. European stocks slipped slightly, while Asian markets ended mixed. Japan’s Topix rose, South Korea’s Kospi fell, and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng gained. Oil prices drifted after OPEC+ members agreed to raise output again in August, while U.S. Treasury yields edged lower.

    With the second-quarter earnings season beginning and the Federal Reserve minutes due later this week, investors are expected to look for fresh signals on corporate profitability and the future path of U.S. interest rates, which could shape the market’s next move.