How did APD's Q2 2024 earnings surprise impact short-term traders?

**APD's Q2 2024 earnings surprise had a positive impact on short-term traders**, as evidenced by several key indicators:

1. **Stock Price Reaction**: Following the earnings release, Air Products and Chemicals (APD) saw a notable increase in its stock price. This uptick reflects market optimism about the company's performance, which is a direct result of the earnings beat expectations.
2. **Market Outperformance**: APD's shares have outperformed the S&P 500, rising by 9.6% since the last earnings report. This indicates that short-term traders have been rewarded for their faith in the company's continued success.
3. **Dividend Attractiveness**: The stock's performance is also bolstered by APD's status as a steady dividend player, which aligns with the preferences of many short-term traders. The company's commitment to dividends can attract traders looking for consistent returns.
4. **Industry Comparison**: Over the past three months, APD's stock has surged by 15%, surpassing the industry's 10.2% rise. This demonstrates that APD has been a strong performer within its sector, which is likely to attract more short-term traders.
5. **Earnings Alignment**: Despite some challenges in specific segments, such as a 4% sales decrease in Asia and an 11% drop in Europe, the company's overall performance aligned with EPS projections. This alignment likely contributed to the positive sentiment surrounding the stock.

In conclusion, APD's Q2 2024 earnings surprise has been well-received by short-term traders, driven by the company's strong financial performance, dividend appeal, and outperformance within the industry.