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Here’s what’s happening in the stock market today:
The stock market is higher to mixed today, with U.S. stocks opening Friday’s session up after a strong stretch of Big Tech earnings led by Apple’s solid results.
Major Indices Performance 📊
The S&P 500 is near record territory, with recent trading showing only a slight decline at times, while the broader trend remains firm.
The Dow has been softer than the Nasdaq in recent readings, but overall market sentiment is still constructive.
The Nasdaq continues to be supported by tech earnings strength and investor appetite for growth stocks.
Market Movers 🚀
Apple has been a major positive driver after reporting strong second-quarter results.
Cboe Global Markets, Intel, and Southwest Airlines were among notable gainers in market data snapshots.
In broader market moves, traders are still rotating toward large-cap tech and earnings winners.
Key Events Driving the Market 🗞️
About 80% of S&P 500 companies have beaten earnings estimates, with average earnings growth around 31% year over year.
Investors are digesting a busy earnings season, which is outweighing near-term macro worries for now.
U.S. index levels show the market remains close to highs even when individual sessions are choppy.
Investor Sentiment 👀
Overall sentiment is cautiously bullish, with traders rewarding strong corporate earnings and remaining selective on valuation-sensitive names.
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TRADE OF THE DAY:
QCOM
Name: Qualcomm Incorporated
Symbol: QCOM
Current Price: Approximately $174.53
Trade
Sell to Open: 1 QCOM May 22, 2026 155/150 Put Vertical
Total Credit Received: $43.00
Credit per Contract: $43.00 (for one contract covering 100 shares)
Direction: Bullish (expects QCOM to stay above break-even level)
Probability of Profit (PoP): 87.4% (as provided)
Potential ROI:
Max Risk (Loss): $457.00
ROI: ($43.00 ÷ $457.00) × 100 ≈ 9.4%
Trade Explained in Simple English:
You’re entering a bull put credit spread by selling the $155 put and buying the $150 protective put, both expiring May 22, 2026. You collect $43.00 upfront. If QCOM stays above $154.57 at expiration, both options expire worthless and you keep the full credit. Your maximum loss is capped at $457.00 if QCOM falls below $150.00, making this a bullish trade with defined risk and reward.
Wall Street Highlights:
News Beyond the Numbers
Cboe plans to cut about 20% of its staff and tighten work-from-home rules as it refocuses on core businesses and offers retirement packages to older employees. Read More
Estee Lauder raised its full-year profit outlook and said it will cut more jobs than expected as part of a turnaround strategy. Read More
The Pentagon reached agreements with seven leading AI companies to bring advanced capabilities onto the Defense Department’s classified networks. Read More
Sandisk reported a strong quarter, boosted by the AI boom, and unveiled long-term contracts worth at least $42 billion. Read More
Alphabet’s strong earnings kept the AI trade in focus, with analysts noting the company’s rapid rise toward becoming the world’s most valuable company. Read More
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