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Here’s what’s happening in the stock market today:
The stock market is showing modest gains today as Wall Street edges higher, with softer-than-expected U.S. inflation data curbing Fed rate hike bets and lifting sentiment. 📈⚡ S&P 500 rose 0.16%, closing at 7,555.91 (+12.32 pts); tech stocks resumed climb as inflation surprise scaled back rate hike expectations. SK Hynix surged 13% on AI hopes, tracking gains in U.S. tech. Oil took a breather as U.S. scrapped shipping plan in Strait of Hormuz, though Trump reimposed naval blockade on Iranian ports. Gold at $3,146.60 (+1.04%). Treasury yield near 4.44%. Fed expected to hold in July, hike in September on 4% inflation. Investors await earnings for rally strength amid geopolitical risks. 🛢️💰
Major Indices Performance 📊
S&P 500 rose 0.16%, closing at 7,555.91 (+12.32 pts), inflation data boosted sentiment.
Dow Jones gained on cyclical support, steady amid tech gains.
Nasdaq rose on tech rebound, chip stocks under pressure eased.
Market Movers 🚀
SK Hynix surged 13% on AI hopes, tracking U.S. tech gains after softer inflation.
Tech stocks resumed climb as inflation surprise scaled back rate hike expectations.
Gold at $3,146.60 (+1.04%), oil took breather as U.S. scrapped Hormuz plan.
U.S. reimposed naval blockade on Iranian ports, Iran launched retaliatory strikes on U.S. infrastructure.
Fed rate hike bets scaled back after softer-than-expected inflation data.
Key Events Driving the Market 🗞️
Softer-than-expected U.S. inflation data curbed Fed rate hike bets, lifting tech stocks.
U.S. scrapped plan to levy shipping through Strait of Hormuz, oil took breather.
Trump reimposed naval blockade on Iranian ports, Iran retaliated on U.S. infrastructure.
Fed expected to hold in July, hike in September after 4% inflation; job data fuels rate concerns.
Earnings week: Investors await corporate results amid geopolitical risks and tech volatility.
Investor Sentiment 👀
Overall, mood is cautiously optimistic as inflation data curbs rate hike fears, but Middle East tensions persist. Volatility from geopolitical risks; investors await earnings amid tech rebound. 🐂⚖️
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The California governor primary is live right now. So is the Texas Senate race, the 2028 presidential field, and the question of whether Taylor Swift releases a song for Toy Story 5.
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Sign up and start trading the events you're already watching.
Trade responsibly.
TRADE OF THE DAY:
SE
Name: Sea Limited
Symbol: SE
Current Price: Approximately $114.39
Trade
Sell to Open: 1 SE Aug 7, 2026 85/80 Put Vertical
Total Credit Received: $73.00
Credit per Contract: $73.00 (for one contract covering 100 shares)
Direction: Bullish
Probability of Profit (PoP): 98.74%
Potential ROI:
Max Risk (Loss): $427.00
ROI: ($73.00 ÷ $427.00) × 100 ≈ 17.1%
Trade Explained in Simple English:
You're selling the 85 strike put and buying the 80 strike put for protection, with both options expiring on August 7, 2026. You collect $73.00 upfront when opening the trade. If SE stays above $84.27 (your break-even price) through expiration, you keep the full credit. Your maximum possible loss is capped at $427.00 if SE finishes at or below $80.00, making this a limited-risk, bullish strategy.
Wall Street Highlights:
News Beyond the Numbers
Citigroup reported its highest quarterly revenue in a decade as strong trading and investment banking activity drove a 45% jump in profit, underscoring the firm's ongoing turnaround. Read More
Wall Street banks say the AI investment boom is fueling a new wave of financing, dealmaking, and trading activity, making major lenders increasingly tied to AI spending. Read More
PayPal is reportedly the target of a $53 billion takeover bid from Stripe and Advent International, potentially setting up one of the largest fintech acquisitions ever. Read More
ASML raised its full-year sales outlook after reporting stronger-than-expected quarterly results, citing sustained demand for AI-related semiconductor equipment. Read More
Apollo Global Management agreed to invest €3 billion in Bayer's contraceptives business, highlighting the growing role of private capital in corporate financing. 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.
