U.S. stocks ended modestly higher on Thursday, with the Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq all posting gains as tech and financials led the charge. Nvidia (NVDA) and Palantir (PLTR) both hit fresh record highs as enthusiasm for AI infrastructure and analytics remained strong. Micron Technology (MU) jumped after delivering better-than-expected earnings and guidance, bolstering confidence in AI-driven memory demand. JPMorgan (JPM) and Goldman Sachs (GS) gained as investors reacted positively to stress test results and signs of resilience in trading operations. Amazon (AMZN) climbed on news of expanded AI investments in the UK, while Meta Platforms (META) advanced following an upward revision to advertising revenue guidance. Caterpillar (CAT) rose amid strength in industrials and renewed interest in infrastructure-linked names. Energy names such as ExxonMobil (XOM) and Chevron (CVX) lagged, pressured by continued weakness in oil prices. Despite some rotation beneath the surface, the broader tone stayed constructive as traders leaned into leadership ahead of next week’s inflation data and earnings updates. Market Drivers: 📱Technology: Broadcom Gains, Arm Rebounds: Broadcom (AVGO) advanced as investors reacted positively to its latest AI infrastructure partnerships and strong demand signals in networking. Arm Holdings (ARM) rebounded after recent pressure, with traders encouraged by licensing momentum tied to next-gen mobile and AI chip design. 🏦 Financials: Bank of America Advances, Comerica Slides: Bank of America (BAC) rose as stress test results highlighted its capital strength and loan growth potential. Comerica (CMA), however, slipped after analysts flagged concerns over small business credit exposure and deposit pricing trends. 🚗 Automotive: Rivian Climbs, Toyota Eases: Rivian (RIVN) gained on reports of accelerating production and improved delivery targets for Q2. Toyota Motor (TM) dipped modestly after issuing cautious commentary on hybrid sales trends and supply chain bottlenecks in overseas markets. 🏥 Healthcare: Intuitive Surgical Rises, Amgen Slips: Intuitive Surgical (ISRG) moved higher on upbeat procedure volume data and analyst upgrades tied to surgical robotics growth. Amgen (AMGN) edged lower amid ongoing investor caution over regulatory headwinds for its biosimilar portfolio. 🍔 Consumer Discretionary: Target Rallies, Royal Caribbean Softens: Target (TGT) rallied on signs of a rebound in discretionary spending and positive foot traffic data heading into the July 4th weekend. Royal Caribbean (RCL) pulled back slightly after a strong run, as some investors locked in profits despite continued cruise sector strength. Elon's $34 Trillion “Final Challenge” (starts before June 30)[ad] |