Stock Market Pulse: Tech Resilience, Defense Gains, and Supply Chain Headwinds Dominate the Day

The U.S. stock market on May 6, 2025, was a study in contrasts: tech titans surged on innovation and partnerships, defense contractors capitalized on geopolitical trends, and cyclical industries stumbled under the weight of supply chain disruptions. Among the day’s movers were Berkshire Hathaway, Microsoft, Apple, Netflix, Palantir, ON Semiconductor, Tyson Foods, and Skechers—each reflecting broader themes shaping the market.

Berkshire Hathaway: The Engine of Resilience
Warren Buffett’s conglomerate closed at $453,000 per Class A share, up 1.2%, as its Q1 earnings report highlighted strength in railroads and energy. The gains underscored Buffett’s bet on infrastructure and commodities, which have proven durable amid economic uncertainty. “Berkshire’s performance shows how diversified, asset-heavy businesses can outperform in volatile markets,” said one analyst. .

Microsoft and Apple: The AI and Hardware Play
Microsoft shares rose 0.8% to $345, fueled by rumors of a European cloud computing partnership and Azure’s steady growth. Meanwhile, Apple surged 1.5% to $210 after announcing a new AR headset and accelerating component orders for its iPhone lineup. Together, the two tech giants represent a dual narrative: Microsoft’s cloud dominance and Apple’s hardware reinvention.

Netflix and Palantir: Content and Contracts Drive Gains
Netflix climbed 2.3% to $45.50 on a 1.2 million subscriber surge in Q1, driven by a Bollywood content deal. The streaming giant’s focus on localized libraries in emerging markets is paying dividends. Palantir, meanwhile, soared 3.1% to $25 after securing a $450 million U.S. DoD contract for AI threat detection. Both companies exemplify the power of content creation and government partnerships in today’s economy.

The Losers: Supply Chains and Soaring Costs
ON Semiconductor tumbled 4.5% to $32.10 as semiconductor material shortages and revised Q2 guidance spooked investors. The 8–10% revenue downgrade highlights vulnerabilities in the chip sector, which remains entangled in geopolitical trade tensions. Tyson Foods fell 1.8% to $28.50 as corn and soybean prices drove up livestock feed costs, with Goldman Sachs warning of a $0.15 per share hit to Q2 earnings.

Skechers: The Contrarian Play
A bright spot in consumer discretionary, Skechers shares rose 2.7% to $50.25 after Q1 earnings beat estimates by 12%, fueled by European and Asian sales. The company’s push to expand e-commerce in India—targeting 30% revenue growth by 2026—suggests a bet on emerging markets.

Conclusion: A Market Divided, but Tech and Defense Lead
The day’s trading underscores a stark divide: tech and defense stocks are thriving on innovation and government spending, while sectors tied to global supply chains and commodities face headwinds. Microsoft and Apple’s gains reflect investor confidence in their ability to navigate AI’s next wave, while Palantir’s DoD contract highlights the Pentagon’s push to modernize. Conversely, ON Semi and Tyson’s struggles reveal how inflation and trade barriers are reshaping industries.

Investors should note that Berkshire’s 1.2% rise—driven by railroads and energy—also points to the enduring value of physical assets. Meanwhile, Netflix’s subscriber rebound and Skechers’ international expansion show that companies willing to adapt to local markets can thrive.

The takeaway? Tech resilience and defense spending are the new benchmarks, but risks remain for those exposed to supply chain volatility. As the market pivots toward clarity on trade policies and semiconductor shortages, the next few quarters will test whether today’s winners can sustain their momentum.