Trending Sectors | AI & Chips Struggle, EVs Mixed, Vaccine Stocks Shine Amid Market Volatility

【Major U.S. Stock Indices】

The three major U.S. stock indices generally declined, with the S&P 500 index down 1.71%, closing at 6,013.13 points; the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 1.69%, closing at 43,428.02 points; and the Nasdaq index fell the most, down 2.20%, closing at 19,524.01 points. This overall weak performance was influenced by concerns over U.S. consumers and the economy, leading to increased uncertainty about the future economic outlook and heightened risk aversion among market investors.

【Performance of Leading Tech】

Among the seven tech giants, Microsoft fell 1.88%, Apple down 0.11%, Amazon dropped 2.83%, Google A declined 2.65%, Meta decreased 1.62%, Tesla plunged 4.68%, and Nvidia fell 4.08%. Microsoft is facing challenges from adjustments in its collaboration with OpenAI, impacting its control in the AI sector supported by SoftBank. Apple's stock received attention due to CEO Tim Cook's political activities and potential trade policy impacts. Amazon and Walmart's AI investment plans failed to boost investor confidence effectively. Google faces pressure from EU antitrust allegations, Meta continues to attract attention due to executive bonus increases, and Tesla's stock is under pressure from recall issues and competition challenges with Uber.

【AI and Chip Sector Performance】

The AI sector generally declined, with Nvidia leading the related stocks down 4.08%, and SMCI fell 5.40%, while Arm Holdings and Micron Technology decreased 3.94% and 4.21%, respectively. In the chip manufacturing field, Intel dropped 4.68%, and TSMC slightly declined 0.92%. AI PC concept stocks and chip design companies like Broadcom and Synopsys also fell, as the market's optimism about AI's prospects seems to have waned due to recent earnings reports and market pressures.

【Electric Vehicle Sector Performance】

The electric vehicle sector showed mixed performance, with Tesla declining for two consecutive days, accumulating a drop of 6.31%, and its market value falling to $1,086.539 billion, mainly due to recall events and intensified market competition. In contrast, domestic new forces like Li Auto and XPeng Motors rose 4.13% and 4.12%, reflecting market optimism about Chinese EV brands; NIO also rose 1.72%. Traditional automakers like Toyota, General Motors, and Ford generally weakened.

【Oil, Gold, and Cryptocurrency Sector Performance】

Oil stocks generally declined, with ExxonMobil, Occidental Petroleum, and Chevron falling 1.16%, 3.19%, and 1.14%, respectively, mainly due to global oil price fluctuations and rising inventories. Gold stocks also generally declined, with Newmont falling the most by 5.74%, as increased demand for safe havens failed to boost stock prices. Cryptocurrency-related stocks plunged, with Coinbase Global down 8.27% and Riot Platforms down 9.83%, mainly due to the cooling of the digital asset market and heightened regulatory risks.

【Meme Stocks and Retail Sector Performance】

Meme stocks like AMC Theatres and GameStop fell 1.72% and 2.26%, respectively. Retail stocks showed mixed trends, with Walmart down 2.49% due to weak guidance, Costco slightly up 0.02%, and Home Depot and Target down 2.33% and 3.10%, respectively, highlighting the challenges faced by the retail industry in the current economic environment.

【Banking and Vaccine Sector Performance】

Bank stocks broadly declined, with major banks such as JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo all seeing declines, reflecting cautious market sentiment towards the financial sector. Vaccine stocks performed well, with Moderna up 5.34% and BioNTech up 1.81%, reflecting increased market confidence in the biotechnology sector.

【Investor Advice】

Based on market performance and news dynamics, investors should pay attention to the impact of global economic changes on major sectors and maintain diversification in their portfolios to mitigate risks from fluctuations in single sectors. Additionally, continuous attention to the dynamic development of the AI and chip industries is necessary, particularly regarding technological breakthroughs and changes in market demand, to capture potential investment opportunities.