01 Stock Market
The U.S. major indexes closed as follows: Dow Jones declined 0.63% at 49,596.97; S&P 500 declined 0.38% at 7,337.11; NASDAQ declined 0.13% at 25,806.19. A cautious mood prevailed after Wednesday’s record-setting session, with renewed concerns over stretched valuations prompting broad‐based profit-taking.
Semiconductor and mega-cap technology names saw the widest swings. Among the day’s stand-outs, Qualcomm (QCOM) rose 5.18% at $202.55 after upbeat demand commentary, while Tesla (TSLA) gained 3.28% at $411.79. Graphics-chip leader Nvidia (NVDA) advanced 1.77% at $211.50, but memory giant Micron Technology (MU) fell 2.99% at $646.63. Broader chip exposure delivered mixed results: the leveraged bull fund SOXL declined 8.29% at $152.10, whereas its inverse counterpart SOXS jumped 8.05% at $10.60. Smartphone silicon designer Arm (ARM) slid 10.11% at $213.31 following supply-chain warnings, and optical-component supplier Lumentum (LITE) dropped 5.48% at $892.58.
Outside the core chip space, reactions remained diverse. Software heavyweight Microsoft (MSFT) added 1.65% at $420.77, cloud-data specialist Palantir (PLTR) gained 2.44% at $137.05, while social-media titan Meta Platforms (META) inched up 0.64% at $616.81. Conversely, networking bellwether Intel (INTC) declined 3.00% at $109.62, and AI-focused hardware maker Applied Optoelectronics (AAOI) tumbled 11.76% at $157.55. The mixed pattern underlines investors’ selective stance as they digest earnings revisions and macro headlines.
02 Other Markets
U.S. 10-year Treasury yield was unchanged at 4.39%.
USD/CNH rose 0.0482%, at 6.85; USD/HKD fell 0.0043%, at 7.83.
U.S. Dollar Index rose 0.0244%, at 98.27.
WTI crude futures rose 2.53%, at 97.21 USD/bbl; COMEX gold futures fell 0.31%, at 4,696.10 USD/oz.
03 Top News
1. SpaceX clinched a data-center deal to supply AI start-up Anthropic with over 220,000 Nvidia chips. The collaboration will tap SpaceX’s Colossus 1 facility in Tennessee, providing 300 MW of capacity for advanced model training. Analysts say the accord underscores Nvidia’s pivotal role in large-scale artificial-intelligence infrastructure.
2. Moderna reported its mRNA-based flu vaccine outperformed a standard GSK shot in a 40,000-person Phase III trial. The candidate showed a 26.6% efficacy advantage and prompted only mild, short-lived side effects. U.S. regulators are reviewing the vaccine, with a decision expected later this year.
3. U.S. initial jobless claims ticked up to 200,000, hinting at a modest cooling in the labor market. The reading slightly undershot economists’ 205,000 forecast but climbed from a revised 190,000. Steady claims reinforce expectations that the Federal Reserve may maintain a cautious policy stance.
4. Arm Holdings projected first-quarter revenue above consensus but cautioned about securing enough chip supply. Management acknowledged strong AI-driven demand yet admitted production bottlenecks could limit deliveries, sending shares down sharply in post-report trading.
5. McDonald’s posted stronger-than-expected first-quarter revenue of $6.52 billion and adjusted EPS of $2.83. The burger giant credited menu innovation and resilient international sales, though it flagged softer U.S. traffic amid consumer belt-tightening.
6. DoorDash raised its guidance for second-quarter order volumes, boosting the stock in extended trading. Management cited robust demand for convenience and grocery deliveries alongside accelerating international expansion. The company’s upbeat tone contrasts with broader concerns about slowing discretionary spending.
7. Cyber-security firm Fortinet lifted its full-year billings outlook after a “blow-out” first quarter. Revenue outperformance and stronger demand for secure networking drove the upgrade, and management signalled ongoing investment in AI-powered threat detection.
8. Unity Software guided second-quarter revenue to $505–515 million, implying up to 32% year-on-year growth. The game-engine developer said its Strategic Grow segment could surge more than 50%, reflecting traction in new monetisation tools and AI content services.
9. Washington and Tehran are reportedly nearing a one-page memorandum aimed at halting hostilities and restarting broader nuclear talks. Sources familiar with the discussions told media outlets that the framework seeks to de-escalate tensions and stabilise regional energy markets.
10. Surf Air Mobility partnered with Palantir to develop the first aviation operating system for regional airlines. Executives say Palantir’s AI platform will optimise flight paths, maintenance and ticket pricing, potentially giving Surf Air a competitive edge in the commuter market.
Sources: Reuters, Dow Jones, Tiger Newspress, MT Newswires Live, public market data
Disclaimer: This content is for reference only and does not constitute investment advice.
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