US Stocks Trade Higher; Lucid Group, GE Aerospace Shares Surge

US stocks traded higher on Thursday, with the Nasdaq Composite gaining over 150 points. The Dow rose 0.28% to 44,380.09, while the S&P 500 gained 0.41% to 6,289.19. Information technology shares jumped 0.7%, while health care stocks dipped 0.8%. GE Aerospace reported better-than-expected Q2 2025 results, with adjusted revenue of $10.2 billion and adjusted EPS of $1.66. Volcon, Lucid Group, and Monarch Casino & Resort shares surged, while LQR House, Pitanium Limited, and GameSquare Holdings shares fell. Oil traded up 0.3% to $66.56, while gold traded down 0.7% at $3,335.60.

U.S. stocks traded higher on Thursday, with the Nasdaq Composite gaining over 150 points. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (^DJI) rose 0.28% to 44,380.09, while the S&P 500 (^GSPC) gained 0.41% to 6,289.19. Information technology shares jumped 0.7%, while health care stocks dipped 0.8% [1].

The day was marked by a mix of positive and negative news. TSMC (TSM), a major supplier of semiconductors, reported a record quarterly profit, citing strong demand for AI technology. The company's shares popped, boosting other chipmaker stocks [1]. Meanwhile, GE Aerospace reported better-than-expected Q2 2025 results, with adjusted revenue of $10.2 billion and adjusted EPS of $1.66 [1].

Volcon, Lucid Group, and Monarch Casino & Resort shares surged, while LQR House, Pitanium Limited, and GameSquare Holdings shares fell [1]. Oil traded up 0.3% to $66.56, while gold traded down 0.7% at $3,335.60 [1].

The market's performance was influenced by several factors. Retail sales rebounded in June, indicating that consumer spending habits are not significantly impacted by the ongoing economic climate [1]. The number of initial jobless claims filed in the week ending July 12 was 221,000, the lowest level in three months, suggesting a healthy labor market [1]. However, President Trump's renewed threats to fire Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell cast a shadow over the market. The president has been critical of the Fed's stance on interest rates, but investor bets suggest he is unlikely to act on his threats [1].

The dollar continued to climb out of its recent trough, as the prospect of Powell's removal rattled markets [1]. The Nasdaq Composite's gain was driven by the tech sector, with Nvidia (NVDA) leading the way. The company's stock has been a key driver of the AI boom, which continues to attract bullish sentiment [1].

Despite the mixed signals, the market showed resilience. The Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq futures paused after a powerful tech rally led by Nvidia, which hit a historic $4 trillion market value [2]. However, the market is now balancing excitement around AI stocks with global trade uncertainty, including President Trump's new tariff threats [2].

The market is closely watching the Federal Reserve's next move on interest rates and upcoming economic data, such as jobless claims and earnings reports from companies like Delta Airlines [2]. The AI boom and Nvidia's performance continue to drive the tech rally, but the market remains cautious about geopolitical risks and trade threats [2].

References:
[1] https://finance.yahoo.com/news/live/stock-market-today-dow-sp-500-nasdaq-futures-stall-as-earnings-roll-in-retail-sales-jump-124308201.html
[2] https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/us/us-stock-market-futures-dip-as-dow-sp-500-nasdaq-weigh-trumps-tariff-shock-against-nvidias-4t-rally/articleshow/122366094.cms?from=mdr