01 Stock Market
As of Feb 12, U.S. stock index futures performed as follows: Dow futures rose 0.29% , S&P 500 futures increased 0.31% , and Nasdaq 100 futures gained 0.27% . The tone reflects continued support from AI-related infrastructure and semiconductors, with traders weighing pre-market corporate updates across software, networking and healthcare. Momentum in memory and acceleration hardware remains a key pillar, while select ad-tech and networking names showed divergent moves on guidance.
Notable Stock Movers: Leadership skewed toward AI infrastructure, storage, and select biotech after company-specific catalysts. Fastly (FSLY) up 38.45% at $12.89; Novocure (NVCR) up 23.33% at $12.95; Micron (MU) up 2.48% at $420.50; Taiwan Semiconductor (TSM) up 1.42% at $379.41; NVIDIA (NVDA) up 0.97% at $191.89; Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) up 0.71% at $215.09; Microsoft (MSFT) up 0.50% at $406.39; Alphabet (GOOG) up 0.40% at $312.57; Apple (AAPL) down 0.38% at $274.46; AppLovin (APP) down 5.26% at $432.80; Tesla (TSLA) up 0.32% at $429.63; Grab (GRAB) up 1.42% at $4.29.
Pre-bell sector dynamics highlight AI-driven demand rippling through semiconductors and data-center ecosystems, with memory and foundry names steady after upbeat commentary on high-bandwidth memory and capacity expansion. Select software and edge-cloud beneficiaries rallied on strong prints and guidance, while an ad-tech bellwether eased on revenue concerns despite an above-consensus outlook. Data-center REITs saw interest after robust guidance, whereas certain networking peers faced pressure on softer revenue trajectories, underscoring a stock-picker’s tape ahead of a busy earnings slate.
02 Other Markets
• 10-year U.S. Treasury yield fell 0.11%, to 4.17%.
• U.S. Dollar Index fell 0.10% to 96.80.
• WTI crude oil futures fell 0.11% to 64.56 USD/barrel; COMEX gold futures fell 0.23% to 5086.90 USD/ounce.
03 Key News
1. Applied Materials agreed to pay $252.5 million to the U.S. Commerce Department, resolving export compliance allegations with probes by other agencies concluded without further action. The company said prior shipments to certain customers did not comply due to a misinterpretation of export rules. Management indicated related reviews by the Department of Justice and the SEC have been closed, reducing legal overhang for investors in Applied Materials (AMAT).
2. Equinix guided revenue and adjusted funds from operations above consensus, lifting shares up 9% pre-bell as AI and cloud demand boost data-center outlook. The company reported higher quarterly revenue and adjusted FFO, with management projecting continued top-line expansion. Full-year guidance exceeded Street estimates, reinforcing secular demand for interconnection and capacity at Equinix (EQIX).
3. Fastly beat quarterly earnings and raised its outlook, with an analyst upgrade adding to a sharp pre-market rally. The edge cloud platform delivered upside on revenue, margins, and profitability, citing rising traffic from AI applications. Management’s stronger guidance and an upgrade to Outperform helped propel Fastly (FSLY) in early trade.
4. Novocure won FDA approval for its Optune Pax therapy in pancreatic cancer, sending the stock sharply higher. The wearable tumor treating fields device, used alongside standard chemotherapy, met its primary endpoint in a pivotal study. The approval broadens the addressable market for Novocure (NVCR) and strengthens its oncology franchise.
5. Viking Therapeutics said it will advance its oral obesity candidate VK2735 to late-stage testing, highlighting a dual oral/injectable strategy. The company pointed to supportive mid-stage data and believes both formulations can differentiate in a growing weight-loss market. Ample cash reserves were noted as sufficient to complete late-stage programs at Viking Therapeutics (VKTX) . Viking Therapeutics shares up 14%.
6. AppLovin reported quarterly revenue below estimates but guided above consensus for the current quarter, pressuring shares pre-bell. Management flagged competitive dynamics in ad auctions and a cautious enterprise spending backdrop. Despite a stronger outlook, investors focused on revenue quality and margin pressures at AppLovin (APP) .
7. Grab guided annual revenue below expectations, announced a $500 million buyback, and agreed to acquire Stash Financial in a deal initially valued at $425 million. The company cited softer momentum in ride-hailing and deliveries amid consumer caution, while deploying capital to enhance shareholder returns. The acquisition aims to bolster financial services capabilities as Grab (GRAB) targets longer-term growth.
8. Micron’s CFO said next-generation high-bandwidth memory is in high-volume production with shipments ramping, underscoring tight supply and robust AI-led demand. Management expressed confidence in product performance and yields while highlighting capacity additions to meet demand. The commentary supported near-term pricing strength and a constructive setup for Micron (MU) .
9. Anheuser-Busch InBev beat quarterly expectations and highlighted demand catalysts tied to major sporting events, lifting U.S.-traded shares pre-bell. Management emphasized a strong start to the year and continued brand investment across key markets. Improved mix and pricing supported performance at Anheuser-Busch InBev (BUD) .
10. Rollins posted a quarterly earnings miss as weather and macro headwinds weighed on demand, driving a significant pre-market decline. The pest-control provider cited softer seasonal activity and a challenging operating environment. Investors focused on volume trends and margin implications at Rollins (ROL) .
Sources: Reuters, Dow Jones, Tiger Newspress, public market data
Disclaimer: For informational purposes only; not investment advice.
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