ASML Holding NV (NASDAQ:ASML) – Semiconductor stocks rose globally after news that the US will exempt chipmakers in Japan, the Netherlands, and South Korea from new export restrictions. This followed discussions on the Foreign Direct Product rule, potentially impacting China. ASML’s stock rose 7.6% pre-market.
Intel (NASDAQ:INTC) – Intel plans to cut thousands of jobs to address market loss and fund its recovery. Shares have fallen 40% this year. The company focuses on revitalizing its manufacturing and expanding into new markets, facing challenges in AI chip demand. Shares rose 1.7% pre-market.
Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA) – Nvidia, benefiting greatly from the AI boom, saw its stock drop 7% on Tuesday. Despite a 109% increase this year, Nvidia’s shares have become more volatile than Bitcoin. Investors are now more cautious with major tech stocks, shifting to smaller companies. Shares rose 5.1% pre-market.
OpenAI – OpenAI has begun testing an advanced voice mode with some ChatGPT Plus users, enabling real-time conversations and the ability to interrupt ChatGPT while it speaks. The launch, initially delayed to July, aims to create a more realistic and fluid conversational experience.
Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOGL) – According to Bloomberg, a new AI technology developed by Google for hospitals still has critical issues. A nurse found the tool failed to record essential information about allergies and medications, posing dangers. This highlights that despite advances, AI in healthcare needs to improve in accuracy and reliability. Additionally, Google faces challenges in effectively integrating its technology into the complex and change-resistant healthcare sector. Shares rose 0.5% pre-market.
Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:META) – Meta Platforms agreed to pay $1.4 billion to Texas to settle a lawsuit over using facial recognition technology without consent. This is the largest settlement ever made by a single state. The lawsuit, initiated in 2022, claimed Facebook illegally collected biometric data. Shares rose 0.1% pre-market.
Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) – Microsoft is urging the US Congress to pass a law to combat deepfakes, which are falsified images and audio used to manipulate elections and attack individuals. Brad Smith from Microsoft wants to criminalize the creation and distribution of such content to protect democracy and victims of online abuse. Shares fell 3% pre-market.
Tenable Holdings (NASDAQ:TENB) – The cybersecurity firm is considering a sale after receiving acquisition interest. Tenable is working with advisors to explore options and may attract interest from private equity firms or strategic buyers. Despite the potential sale, discussions are in early stages and don’t guarantee a transaction.
Pegasystems (NASDAQ:PEGA), Appian Corporation (NASDAQ:APPN) – Pegasystems convinced a Virginia appeals court to overturn a $2 billion verdict imposed by Appian in 2022 for alleged trade secret theft. Pegasystems argued the verdict was based on procedural errors. Appian plans to appeal the decision.
Telefonica (NYSE:TEF) – Telefonica is negotiating to sell its Colombia unit to Millicom for $400 million as part of its debt reduction and divestment strategy in Latin America. The sale is not yet confirmed. Telefonica also formed a fiber optic joint venture with Vodafone Spain and reported growth in adjusted earnings.
Paramount Global (NASDAQ:PARA) – Edgar Bronfman Jr. is attempting to acquire National Amusements, which controls Paramount Global. Skydance Media has already made an offer to buy Paramount and has 45 days to find a better proposal. If Paramount receives a superior offer, Skydance will pay a $400 million fee. Bronfman aims to offer $2 to $2.5 billion for National Amusements. Shares rose 0.9% pre-market.
AMC Entertainment (NYSE:AMC) – AMC will screen the film “Usher: Rendezvous in Paris” in September, following the success of concert films like “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour” and “Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé.” The film will be shown from September 12 to 15 in AMC and Odeon theaters. Shares rose 1% pre-market.
Toyota Motor (NYSE:TM) – Toyota is expected to report double-digit profit growth due to high hybrid demand, but a slowdown is anticipated after record profits. Challenges include a tough market in China and certification issues, with sales down 2% globally last quarter. Operating profit is expected to rise 20% to 1.3 trillion yen. Additionally, the Japanese government ordered Toyota to make “drastic reforms” after discovering new vehicle certification violations, including irregularities in seven additional models. The Transport Ministry identified widespread misconduct and demanded Toyota ensure compliance, though affected vehicles won’t be recalled. Shares fell 0.2% pre-market.
Stellantis (NYSE:STLA) – Stellantis announced a new round of voluntary layoffs for salaried employees in the US to cut costs. The automaker had already laid off 400 workers in March and offered previous severance packages. Additionally, Stellantis stated it does not intend to sell Maserati or merge it with other Italian luxury groups. The manufacturer, which reported results below expectations, reaffirmed its commitment to Maserati as its sole luxury brand. Maserati posted an operating loss of 82 million euros in the first half. Shares rose 0.8% pre-market.
Ferrari (NYSE:RACE) – Ferrari strengthened its ties with the Italian tax authority by joining a compliance program that includes preventive checks to avoid tax disputes. Although its headquarters have been in the Netherlands since 2015, Ferrari maintains its tax base and pays most taxes in Italy.
Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) – Tesla is recalling 1.85 million vehicles in the US due to a software issue that fails to detect an unlocked hood, increasing the risk of accidents. The software update, released in June, now alerts drivers to open hoods. The recall covers 2021-2024 Model 3, S, X, and Y vehicles. Shares rose 0.9% pre-market.
Norfolk Southern (NYSE:NSC) – The US Department of Justice sued Norfolk Southern for delaying passenger trains between New York and New Orleans, violating federal law requiring priority for passenger trains over freight trains. Norfolk Southern pledges to resolve the issues, while Amtrak aims to double its passenger numbers by 2040.
Boeing (NYSE:BA) – The chairman of the US Senate Commerce Committee requested the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) conduct a detailed review of its oversight of Boeing following concerns about production quality. Senator Maria Cantwell questioned if the FAA failed in its supervision, citing audits that did not result in corrective actions. Shares rose 0.7% pre-market.
Airlines – US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg demanded that the 10 largest airlines immediately comply with new refund rules for passengers, rejecting extension requests. The rules, passed by Congress in May, require automatic cash refunds for cancellations and significant flight changes. Buttigieg stated he would take strict measures to ensure compliance.
JetBlue (NASDAQ:JBLU) – JetBlue’s CFO mentioned that the company’s loyalty program could be used as collateral for new financing, noting that about half of its $11 billion in unencumbered assets come from the program. The company also seeks to quickly resolve a $750 million convertible note due in 2026. Shares fell 0.3% pre-market.
Alaska Air Group (NYSE:ALK), Hawaiian Holdings (NASDAQ:HA) – Alaska Air Group agreed to extend the review period for its $1.9 billion acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines to August 15 due to the US DOJ’s antitrust review. The purchase aims to expand Alaska Air’s control in the Hawaiian market and is under regulatory scrutiny.
Wells Fargo (NYSE:WFC) – Wells Fargo was sued for allegedly mishandling its health plan, forcing employees to pay inflated drug prices. Former employees accuse the bank of violating federal laws by negotiating with pharmacy benefit managers, resulting in excessive drug costs. The bank is reviewing the allegations. In other news, Wells Fargo appointed Bridget Engle as its new technology chief to review and modernize its platforms. She will join the operating committee and report to CEO Charlie Scharf. Additionally, Tracy Kerrins will lead a new generative AI team to drive the adoption of this technology in the bank. Shares rose 0.3% pre-market.
JPMorgan Chase (NYSE:JPM) – JPMorgan Chase named Alfredo Porretti and Darren Novak as co-leaders of its global shareholder engagement and M&A group. They replace David Freedman, who led the group since 2020. The bank has helped companies confront shareholder activists, such as Disney and Hasbro.
Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS) – Goldman Sachs hired Sydney McConathy and Tani Burge to bolster its alternative capital formation group, focused on raising funds for infrastructure investments. The bank aims to expand its presence in this growing sector, including data centers and renewable energy, and increase its capital raising.
HSBC Holdings (NYSE:HSBC) – HSBC announced a $3 billion share buyback to reverse the decline in its share price after stable first-half profit growth, driven by wealth management and reduced losses in the Chinese real estate sector. Wealth revenue in the first half increased 12%, and profit fell 0.4% to $21.6 billion. Shares rose 3.6% pre-market.
Ameriprise Financial (NYSE:AMP), LPL Financial (NASDAQ:LPLA) – Ameriprise Financial sued LPL Financial, accusing it of improperly collecting and using confidential client information. Ameriprise claims LPL advises advisors to take data when leaving the company. LPL denies the allegations, calling them an effort to stifle competition. In other news, two Ameriprise clients sued the company, alleging it violated its fiduciary duty by paying low interest rates on cash sweep accounts while other options offer much higher returns. They seek monetary damages and class-action status, claiming Ameriprise prioritizes its profit over clients.
Blackstone (NYSE:BX), Retail Opportunity Investments Corp (NASDAQ:ROIC) – Blackstone is in early talks to buy US shopping center owner Retail Opportunity Investments Corp (ROIC), valued at nearly $2 billion. Blackstone’s interest comes after ROIC’s shares fell over 10% last year, despite rent increases and retail property demand. ROIC’s shares fell 0.1% pre-market.
CenterPoint Energy (NYSE:CNP) – The electricity and natural gas company estimated that restoring facilities damaged by Hurricane Beryl will cost between $1.2 billion and $1.3 billion. Additionally, the company expects extra costs of $425 million to $475 million due to May storms.
Rio Tinto (NYSE:RIO) – Rio Tinto is considering large acquisitions but faces challenges due to the heated copper market. CEO Jakob Stausholm mentioned that while there are growth opportunities in copper, the company needs to offer significant value. Rio Tinto remains focused on copper and iron projects, maintaining a cautious expansion strategy. Shares rose 1.6% pre-market.
Starbucks (NASDAQ:SBUX) – Starbucks is experiencing a significant disruption in its mobile ordering system due to a Microsoft Azure cloud service failure. This prevented many customers from placing orders through the app, forcing them to order in person. Although Starbucks has restored most of the service, some limited disruptions persist. The issue affected various locations, including major cities like New York and Chicago, coinciding with a special discount promotion, exacerbating the inconvenience. Shares rose 3.2% pre-market.
Nike (NYSE:NKE), JD Sports (LSE:JD.) – JD Sports, a major Nike customer, expressed confidence in the sportswear brand despite its recent stock decline due to weak sales and rising competition. JD’s Mike Armstrong highlighted Nike’s historical resilience and the sector’s competitive nature. JD also faces challenges, with its shares down 22% this year. Nike’s shares rose 0.2% pre-market.
Costco Wholesale (NASDAQ:COST) – Costco’s shares have fallen 8.4% since July 10 due to consumption concerns, but its long-term strategy, such as fee increases and technology investments, could attract investors. Considering selling cash-secured puts might be a way to acquire shares at lower prices. Costco has risen 23% this year.
Merck (NYSE:MRK) – Merck’s shares fell 9.8% on Tuesday after signaling a possible decline in demand for its Gardasil vaccine in China, despite positive financial results. The company also lowered its profit forecast due to the cost of acquiring EyeBio. Shares rose 1.1% pre-market.
Novavax (NASDAQ:NVAX) – Novavax’s shares fell 25.7% on Tuesday after JPMorgan downgraded its rating from “Neutral” to “Underweight,” with a target price reduced to $8. The analyst believes the recent stock increase does not adequately reflect the real prospects for revenue and demand for the combined vaccine. Shares rose 1.3% pre-market.
BioNTech (NASDAQ:BNTX) – BioNTech reported that its cancer drug BNT111 significantly improved response rates in advanced melanoma patients in a Phase 2 trial. The study, combining BNT111 with the PD-1 inhibitor cemiplimab, surpassed the historical control in efficacy.