Post-Bell｜Tech And Space Rally Lifts Nasdaq; Semis Shine, Energy Slips

Stock Market

The U.S. major indexes closed as follows: Dow Jones up 0.59% at 52,182.74; S&P 500 up 1.18% at 7,440.43; NASDAQ up 2.07% at 25,820.15. An afternoon surge in technology and space-related names helped the growth-heavy gauge outperform, while the broader market moved firmly higher for a second straight session.

Chipmakers, AI plays, and space stocks delivered the day’s most pronounced moves. SOXL up 9.70% at $236.52; TSLA up 8.46% at $411.84; RKLB up 15.93% at $98.01; WDC up 11.16% at $651.88; AMD up 3.43% at $539.49; NVDA up 1.27% at $194.97; INTC up 2.65% at $131.72; meanwhile SOXS fell 12.26% at $3.72 and AAPL declined 0.72% at $281.74.

Momentum remained centered on themes of AI infrastructure, memory demand, and satellite communications. Leveraged semiconductor funds and EV leaders benefited from renewed optimism around data-center build-outs and software roll-outs, while short semiconductor products retreated. The combination of robust earnings expectations and fresh corporate actions in space and tech fueled risk appetite, helping growth sectors regain footing after recent volatility.

Other Markets

U.S. 10-year Treasury yield rose by 0.00%, latest at 4.37%.

USD/CNH rose 0.01%, at 6.82; USD/HKD rose 0.00%, at 7.84.

U.S. Dollar Index fell 0.01%, at 101.09.

WTI crude futures fell 0.65%, at 70.29 USD/bbl; COMEX gold futures fell 0.23%, at 4,029.60 USD/oz.

Top News

1. Applied Materials led a semiconductor-equipment breakout with a near-10% jump to a record high. KLA-Tencor climbed over 7%, while Lam Research and ASML added 6% and 2%, respectively. Traders cited strong order backlogs and upbeat industry spending forecasts as catalysts.

2. Tesla began rolling out an upgraded Full Self Driving package to vehicles equipped with AI3 hardware, boosting subscription prospects. CEO Elon Musk underscored the technical challenge on social media, lifting investor confidence. Shares advanced more than 4% in tandem with broader tech strength.

3. Palantir expanded its partnership with Surf Air Mobility and unveiled a deployment engine for NVIDIA’s Nemotron models in secure environments. The collaboration accelerates Surf Air’s aviation software timeline, while the new AI tool targets U.S. government and infrastructure clients. Palantir stock gained over 4% on the developments.

4. Nasdaq confirmed SpaceX will join the Nasdaq 100 index next week, propelling a rally across space-industry names. Rocket Lab and Planet Labs rose about 10%, and AST SpaceMobile added 8%. Inclusion is expected to broaden investor access and deepen liquidity for the satellite operator.

5. Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron were hit with a U.S. class-action lawsuit alleging collusion to restrict DRAM supply and inflate prices. Plaintiffs claim coordinated exits from older memory formats led to a 700% price spike. The case highlights antitrust risks amid surging AI-related chip demand.

6. Comcast announced a tax-free spinoff to separate its NBCUniversal and Sky media assets from core cable and wireless units. The transaction will create two publicly traded companies within a year, with Comcast initially retaining up to 19.9% of the media entity. Shares rallied on expectations of a clearer strategic focus.

7. Rocket Lab unveiled an $8 billion agreement to acquire satellite operator Iridium Communications, accelerating its vertical integration. The all-stock deal aims to bolster Rocket Lab’s end-to-end space services. Investors sent Rocket Lab up 12% in pre-market trading and lifted Iridium by 22%.

8. Solidion Technology said it will purchase a minority stake in SpaceX as a long-term treasury investment. Management emphasized the allocation will not dent core operating funds, viewing the stake as strategic exposure to commercial space growth. Solidion shares surged nearly 10% on the news.

9. The U.S. and Iran agreed to pause hostilities in the Strait of Hormuz, easing energy-market tensions. The temporary truce allows commercial shipping to resume normal routes, reducing supply-chain risk. Oil prices nonetheless eased amid broader risk-on sentiment.

10. The White House confirmed that Iranian officials requested a high-level meeting in Doha, signaling potential diplomatic engagement. Market participants interpreted the outreach as a step toward de-escalation in the Middle East. Treasury yields were little changed as geopolitical risk premiums moderated.

Sources: Reuters, Dow Jones, Tiger Newspress, public market data Disclaimer: This content is for reference only and does not constitute investment advice.