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Here’s what’s happening in the stock market today:

The stock market is showing mixed moves today as chip stocks resume their slide after Micron's rally, with tech-led Nasdaq futures leading losses while markets brace for key jobs data and another Fed rate decision. 📉⚡ Futures tied to Nasdaq fell over 0.5%, while S&P 500 futures were flat to slightly down and Dow futures edged modestly lower. Investors are watching labor market strength for clues on whether rate hikes resume in September, with volatility expected from swings in tech shares. Gold holds near $3,146 and oil remains around $88 as US-Iran deal hopes cool inflation fears. Treasury yield sits near 4.44%. Fed expected to hold in July, hike in September. 🛢️💰

Major Indices Performance 📊

  • S&P 500 futures barely changed, down modestly amid tech pullback.

  • Dow Jones Industrial Average futures dipped roughly 0.1–0.2%, with some cyclical support.

  • Nasdaq futures led losses, down more than 0.5% as chip stocks resumed slide.

Market Movers 🚀

  • Chip makers (Nvidia, AMD, Micron) and AI infrastructure names came under renewed pressure after Thursday's sharp rally.

  • Some megacap tech names also slipped, weighing on sentiment.

  • Bank earnings and fresh economic data will drive attention this week, adding to volatility.

Key Events Driving the Market 🗞️

  • Jobs data this week (ADP, nonfarm payrolls Friday) will gauge U.S. economic strength and raise prospects for near-term rate hikes.

  • Fed expected to hold rates steady in July, but traders see a September hike "very much in play" after inflation hit 4% in May (highest in three years).

  • Swings in technology shares are adding volatility to a market already on edge over rate bet shifts.

  • US-Iran deal hopes keep oil around $88, easing inflation pressure and supporting gold near $3,146.

  • Bank earnings week will set tone for the broader market as investors digest economic data.

Investor Sentiment 👀

Overall, mood is cautious-tentative as traders brace for labor data and potential rate hikes, with tech volatility overshadowing optimism from the first-half close. Volume is moderate as investors weigh jobs strength against Fed policy shifts; markets blend first-half gains with concerns over September hike odds and tech swings. 🐂⚖️

The 10 Best AI Stocks to Own in 2026

AI is moving from experiment… to essential.

Every major industry is integrating it.
Every major company is investing in it.

By late 2025, AI was already an $800B market — growing at a pace that could push it well beyond $1 trillion in the years ahead.

Cloud infrastructure is scaling fast.
AI-enabled devices are multiplying.
Automation is becoming standard.

But here’s the real question…

When trillions flow into this transformation — which stocks stand to benefit most?

Our new report reveals 10 AI stocks positioned across the backbone of this shift — from the companies powering the infrastructure… to those embedding intelligence into everyday systems.

If you want exposure to one of the defining growth trends of this decade, start here.

TRADE OF THE DAY:
AMAT

Name: Applied Materials, Inc.

Symbol: AMAT

Current Price: Approximately $634.15

Trade

Sell to Open: 1 AMAT Jul 24, 2026 490/485 Put Vertical

Total Credit Received: $63.00

Credit per Contract: $63.00 (for one contract covering 100 shares)

Direction: Bullish (expects AMAT to stay above the break-even level)

Probability of Profit (PoP): 86.82% (as provided)

Potential ROI:

Max Risk (Loss): $437.00

ROI: ($63.00 ÷ $437.00) × 100 ≈ 14.4%

Trade Explained in Simple English:

You're entering a bullish put credit spread by selling the $490 put and buying the $485 protective put, both expiring July 24, 2026. You receive $63.00 upfront. If AMAT closes above the break-even price of $489.37 at expiration, both options expire worthless and you keep the full credit. Your maximum loss is capped at $437.00 if AMAT finishes below $485.00 at expiration, making this a bullish trade with defined risk and reward.

Wall Street Highlights:
News Beyond the Numbers

  1. ON Semiconductor agreed to acquire Synaptics in a $7 billion all-stock deal, strengthening its position in AI-powered edge computing and automotive chips. Read More

  2. Alphabet is replacing Verizon in the Dow Jones Industrial Average, marking one of the most significant changes to the blue-chip index in years.Read More

  3. Apple is raising prices on several MacBook and iPad models as higher memory costs continue to pressure hardware pricing. Read More

  4. Wise announced a new $500 million share buyback after reporting better-than-expected annual profit and continued strong customer growth.
    Read More

  5. Clearwater Analytics completed its $8.4 billion take-private acquisition by a consortium led by Permira and Warburg Pincus, ending its NYSE listing.
    Read More

Disclaimer: The content provided by OptionPicks is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as investment, financial, legal, or tax advice. We are not registered as a broker-dealer, investment adviser, or financial advisor with the SEC, FINRA, or any other regulatory authority. Options trading involves substantial risk and is not suitable for every investor. Past performance is not indicative of future results, and no representation is being made that any subscriber will or is likely to achieve profits or incur losses similar to those mentioned. You should consult with a licensed financial professional before making any investment decisions.

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