| U.S. stocks closed higher across the board Wednesday, with all three major indexes notching gains as earnings optimism and a resilient macro backdrop supported a broad-based rally. The Nasdaq led again, driven by AI momentum and software strength—Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) climbed on upbeat GPU demand forecasts, and Oracle (ORCL) rose following strong enterprise cloud bookings. The S&P 500 was lifted by strength in healthcare and consumer names: Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) advanced on bullish guidance tied to medtech sales, while Nike (NKE) rebounded as investors looked past recent China weakness toward improving U.S. demand trends. The Dow also joined the rally, boosted by a bounce in industrials and financials—Caterpillar (CAT) recovered as commodity demand signals stabilized, and American Express (AXP) gained on credit quality optimism and rising card volumes. Energy names also edged higher alongside steady crude prices. With earnings season picking up and macro concerns temporarily sidelined, investors leaned back into risk assets with cautious confidence.
Market Drivers: 📱Technology: Nvidia Gains, Salesforce Rallies: Nvidia (NVDA) advanced as investors responded to fresh reports of expanded AI partnerships in cloud and healthcare sectors. Salesforce (CRM) rose after analysts noted improving demand for enterprise automation and workflow AI tools. 🏦 Financials: Morgan Stanley Climbs, Fifth Third Dips: Morgan Stanley (MS) traded higher on strong Q2 results, driven by solid wealth management inflows and improved advisory revenue. Fifth Third Bancorp (FITB) slipped after issuing soft guidance on loan growth and margin pressure. 🚗 Automotive: Toyota Holds, Rivian Falls: Toyota Motor (TM) held steady following positive commentary on hybrid demand and production stability. Rivian Automotive (RIVN) dropped as investors reacted to concerns over rising costs and delayed vehicle deliveries. 🏥 Healthcare: Regeneron Pops, Bristol Myers Slips: Regeneron Pharmaceuticals (REGN) jumped on upbeat trial data for its Eylea high-dose treatment. Bristol Myers Squibb (BMY) fell after analysts flagged weaker-than-expected oncology drug sales and elevated expense ratios. 🍔 Consumer Discretionary: eBay Gains, McDonald’s Dips: eBay (EBAY) rose on signs of improved marketplace engagement and cross-border sales growth. McDonald’s (MCD) edged lower as concerns grew over international revenue headwinds and rising input costs in key markets. July 21st: Steve Jobs' Forgotten Legacy About to Shock America?[ad] | 