Stock market news today: Nasdaq digs out of tech rout as TSMC shines

Tech stocks eyed a small comeback on Thursday from the Nasdaq’s worst day since 2022, as TSMC’s (TSM) upbeat results helped calm worries about the AI trade ahead of Netflix (NFLX) earnings.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite (^IXIC) rose about 0.2%, while the S&P 500 (^GSPC) edged up 0.2%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (^DJI) hovered near the flatline, coming off an all-time closing high for the blue-chip index.

The rally on Wall Street has hit increasing turbulence this week as political, geopolitical, and trade risks unsettle a market finally confident that Fed will cut interest rates this year.

A sign the labor market is cooling further bolstered those rate-cut hopes on Thursday. The number of continuing applications for unemployment benefits once again hit its highest level since November 2021, signaling unemployed workers are struggling to find new jobs.

The Nasdaq sank over 2.7% on Wednesday, partly thanks to a potential escalation in US curbs on exports to China. Chip stocks Nvidia (NVDA), TSMC, and ASML (ASML) all got hammered amid a rotation from tech leaders into less prominent parts of the market.

TSMC’s strong quarterly earnings Thursday helped lift the mood. The Taiwanese chip giant beat on profit with a 36% jump, and it raised its 2024 sales outlook to signal confidence in the AI boom. Shares in the supplier to Nvidia and Apple (AAPL) inched higher.

Netflix (NFLX) is the highlight on Thursday’s earnings docket, due after the market close. Expectations are high for the streamer, though some on Wall Street note the stock is already flirting with record levels.

Elsewhere, investors are keeping a watchful eye on the US presidential race, given Republican nominee Donald Trump’s potential to move markets. President Joe Biden has come down with COVID-19 at a key point in his campaign, and key Democratic leaders have revived talk of an exit.

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Thu, July 18, 2024 at 9:30 AM EDT

Nasdaq, S&P 500 rebound as TSMC calms chip turbulence fears

Tech took back the lead on Thursday following heavy losses in the prior session as chip manufacturer TSMC (TSM) posted better-than-expected quarterly results.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite (^IXIC) rose 0.8%, while the S&P 500 (^GSPC) edged up 0.3%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (^DJI) slid slightly, coming off an all-time closing high for the blue-chip index.

TSMC stock rose 3% after falling more than 7% in the prior session amid the emergence of geopolitical headwinds. Chip stocks Nvidia (NVDA) and ASML (ASML) also rebounded slightly on Thursday after getting hammered on Wednesday.

Concerns over even tighter restrictions on exports of semiconductor technology to China sent sector stocks spiraling down on Wednesday, alongside comments by Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump over Taiwan, a major manufacturing hub for high-end chips.
Thu, July 18, 2024 at 8:50 AM EDT

Jobless claims come in higher than expected

The number of continuing applications for unemployment benefits once again hit its highest level since November 2021, furthering signs the labor market is cooling as unemployed workers struggle to find new jobs.

New data from the Department of Labor showed nearly 1.87 million claims were filed in the week ending July 6, up from 1.85 million the week prior. Meanwhile, 243,000 initial jobless claims were filed in the week ending July 13, up from 222,000 the week prior and above the 229,000 economists had expected.

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Nasdaq, S&P 500 rebound as TSMC calms chip turbulence fears

Jobless claims come in higher than expected