Semiconductor stocks remain the key driver of the market, but sentiment has deteriorated after the leveraged semiconductor ETF fell below a major support level. While technical indicators suggest the sector is oversold and due for a rebound, the absence of nearby support means even modest negative news could trigger further declines. Margin calls among leveraged traders may intensify selling until forced liquidations run their course, after which bargain hunters could step in. $SOXL (Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3X ETF)

The latest weakness was sparked by reports that Chinese startup Moonshot has developed an open-source AI model, Kimi K3, that rivals leading U.S. systems while remaining free to download. Although U.S. AI companies are still viewed as holding a technological lead, the announcement has reignited debate over lofty American AI valuations and boosted interest in lower-priced Chinese AI firms. $NVDA (NVIDIA Corporation) $BABA (Alibaba-ADR)

The selloff has spread beyond semiconductors into broader technology and cyclical stocks. Meanwhile, SpaceX shares slipped after a routine launch delay, illustrating how quickly market sentiment can shift. Netflix also declined following earnings that showed slowing growth after strong pre-results optimism. $NFLX (Netflix, Inc.)

Elsewhere, housing starts exceeded expectations, while building permits softened, suggesting current construction activity remains healthy but future momentum may ease. Investors will also watch the University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment report for fresh clues on economic resilience. $SPCX (Space Exploration Technologies Corp)

Taiwan Semiconductor delivered another strong quarter, beating earnings and revenue expectations while raising third-quarter guidance. The company also expanded its planned U.S. investment by $100 billion, bringing its total commitment to $265 billion across 12 semiconductor and packaging facilities. Despite the positive results, the stock weakened and approached a key support level, highlighting a shift in market behaviour. $TSM

Rather than responding primarily to company fundamentals, semiconductor stocks are increasingly taking their cue from South Korea. Overnight, South Korean equities fell 6.4% after the Bank of Korea raised interest rates by 25 basis points, triggering broader pressure across global technology shares. Strong results from $ASML also failed to sustain gains, reinforcing the market’s more cautious tone.

Elsewhere, SpaceX slipped below its IPO price, while Chinese AI stocks gained momentum after Apple selected Alibaba’s Qwen model alongside Baidu’s AI technology for new features. Investors are also looking ahead to China’s AI Conference, where further announcements could support sentiment. $AAPL $BABA

US economic data painted a mixed picture. Retail sales missed expectations, suggesting consumers remain under pressure, although lower-than-expected jobless claims pointed to a resilient labour market. Meanwhile, escalating conflict between the US and Iran continues to threaten shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, yet markets remain largely focused on AI and technology trends. $ASML

Large U.S. banks delivered strong quarterly results, reinforcing signs of a resilient economy, although investors responded cautiously. $JPM exceeded earnings and revenue expectations, yet shares declined as guidance for future net interest income disappointed. Similar reactions followed strong reports from $BAC and $C, suggesting valuations and forward expectations are outweighing headline earnings beats. Overall, the banking sector continues to point to solid economic conditions despite muted share price performance.

Inflation data provided a positive surprise, with both headline and core CPI coming in below expectations. The softer reading strengthened expectations that the Federal Reserve is likely to leave interest rates unchanged in the near term. However, investors remain alert to renewed inflation risks as oil prices recover amid ongoing tensions involving Iran and continued disruption around the Strait of Hormuz. Producer Price Index data due tomorrow could further influence market expectations.

Technology shares faced mixed fortunes. $IBM suffered its steepest intraday decline since 1987 after customers delayed major software deals in favour of spending on servers and memory, weighing on the broader software sector. Meanwhile, semiconductor stocks rebounded strongly after South Korea’s market recovered, with optimism also growing around a potential U.S. listing for $SKHY, supporting renewed strength across the AI-related chip industry.

Semiconductor stocks remain the market’s primary driver, but fresh weakness in South Korea is weighing on sentiment. After ending last week near the top of a key support zone, $SOXL has slipped back following a sharp selloff in South Korean technology shares. The Kospi Index fell 9%, while $SKHY recorded its largest one-day decline since listing in 1996 and Samsung also suffered double-digit losses, reflecting a classic “sell the news” reaction after SK Hynix’s U.S. debut.

The weakness has spread across memory-related stocks, including Micron and other storage companies. However, there was some encouraging news as $TSM reported June revenue up 68% year over year, although sequential growth was more modest, highlighting continued strength in AI chip demand.

Geopolitical tensions also remain elevated after renewed military exchanges between the U.S. and Iran. Despite conflicting reports over the status of the Strait of Hormuz, oil has risen only modestly as traders expect diplomatic efforts to limit further escalation.

Markets now face a pivotal stretch with major bank earnings, the latest Consumer Price Index, and testimony from Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh all scheduled within hours of each other. Investors will also be assessing whether strong corporate earnings reflect lasting structural growth or a more temporary cyclical upswing.

Key tickers to watch are $SOXL, $SKHY, $TSM, $MU, and $JPM.

Semiconductor stocks remain the market’s key leadership group, but recent price action suggests momentum is weakening. After falling sharply following Samsung’s earnings, leveraged semiconductor ETF $SOXL briefly slipped below an important support level before dip buyers helped it recover into the close. However, early trading today shows renewed weakness, with the ETF once again below support, while higher trading volume points to increasing investor uncertainty.

A notable change in market behaviour is emerging. Unlike recent weeks, when semiconductor stocks rallied despite negative geopolitical headlines, the sector is now reacting negatively to renewed tensions involving Iran. Investors will be watching closely to see whether buyers once again step in or if the weakness signals a broader shift in sentiment.

President Trump has indicated the Iran ceasefire may be over, while the U.S. has revoked Iran’s oil export licence and carried out additional strikes. Iran has responded by targeting U.S. bases in Bahrain and Kuwait, increasing geopolitical risks for global markets.

Attention also turns to the release of the latest Federal Reserve meeting minutes, which could provide fresh insight into the policy direction under Chair Kevin Warsh.

Meanwhile, $AMZN’s latest bond offering attracted weaker demand than recent high-grade corporate issues, raising questions about investor appetite for financing the AI investment boom. Key tickers today are $SOXL, $SSNLF, $AMZN, $NVDA, and $MU.

Samsung’s stronger-than-expected earnings have failed to lift semiconductor stocks, highlighting a shift in market psychology. Despite reporting revenue and operating profit well above consensus forecasts, Samsung shares fell sharply as results failed to meet elevated whisper expectations. The reaction spilled into South Korea’s broader market and quickly spread to U.S. technology stocks.

Semiconductor ETF $SOXL has fallen back into a key support zone after failing to hold yesterday’s gains. Investors should closely monitor whether support holds, how trading volume develops, and whether semiconductor leaders can stabilize following the initial wave of selling. Recent market action suggests U.S. technology stocks are increasingly taking cues from South Korea’s semiconductor sector.

The selloff has been amplified by momentum traders unwinding positions after aggressively buying ahead of Samsung’s earnings. This illustrates how expectations, rather than headline results, often drive short-term price movements.

Adding to the cautious tone, Chinese AI developer DeepSeek is reportedly developing its own inference chip to reduce reliance on $NVDA, while $AMZN plans to raise $25 billion through bond sales to finance AI investments, highlighting the sector’s growing dependence on external funding.

Meanwhile, SpaceX joins the Nasdaq 100 today, with some Wall Street analysts issuing highly optimistic long-term valuation targets despite already elevated expectations. Key tickers to watch are $SOXL, $SSNLF, $NVDA, $AMZN, and $MU.

The U.S. stock market is attempting to rebound after holding key support, but trading conditions remain uncertain as investors head into the Independence Day holiday period. Technical indicators suggest the market could move in either direction, while historically low liquidity increases the potential for larger-than-normal price swings.

Seasonal factors are supporting sentiment. Momentum traders have been actively buying stocks, particularly semiconductor names, while quarter-end selling appears to be fading. Additional support is expected from automatic investment flows at the start of the new month, with institutional investors often positioning ahead of these inflows.

Attention is also turning to Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh, who is scheduled to speak tomorrow at the European Central Bank forum. Following his recent hawkish remarks, markets will be watching closely for any clues about the future path of monetary policy and interest rates.

Economic data will remain a key focus. Consumer confidence is due later today, while the monthly U.S. jobs report will be released on Thursday instead of Friday because of the holiday. Recent employment reports have produced significant surprises relative to economists’ forecasts, making this release especially important for market expectations.

Key tickers in focus today are $SPY, $SOXL, $QQQ, $DIA, and $IWM.

Applied Materials is emerging as an important indicator for the AI-driven semiconductor cycle. As one of the largest suppliers of chipmaking equipment, its performance reflects demand for new manufacturing capacity rather than demand for finished chips. With investment in semiconductor fabrication at record levels, the stock remains in a strong long-term uptrend.

While the current expansion continues to support semiconductor shares, investors should also recognize that rising capacity eventually creates the conditions for oversupply. As additional fabs come online over the next several years, equipment demand is likely to slow before the broader semiconductor market does, making equipment makers a valuable early signal for any future shift in the AI investment cycle.

Fresh reports that Samsung and SK Hynix plan to invest around $500 billion in new semiconductor fabrication facilities have reinforced bullish sentiment, prompting renewed buying across semiconductor and technology stocks. However, the rapid increase in future production capacity also raises longer-term questions about pricing and industry profitability once supply catches up with demand.

Meanwhile, optimism surrounding renewed U.S.-Iran diplomatic talks has once again lifted equities. Investors continue to buy on hopes of easing geopolitical tensions, highlighting exceptionally positive market sentiment despite repeated fluctuations in negotiations.

Key tickers in focus today are $AMAT, $HXSCL, $SSNLF, $SOXL, and $NVDA.

Micron’s strong earnings have reignited enthusiasm across the AI and semiconductor sectors, with shares pushing into a key resistance area. Investors are closely watching whether the stock can break higher, as momentum in memory chips continues to influence broader market sentiment.

A key takeaway from Micron’s results was the signing of 16 long-term agreements that lock in pricing and supply commitments. If adopted more widely across the memory industry, such arrangements could reduce the traditional boom-and-bust cycle that has historically characterized the sector. This development is fueling renewed optimism throughout the AI trade.

However, investors should not ignore an important counterpoint: memory supply is set to expand significantly. Micron plans substantial capital expenditures over the coming quarters, much of which will increase production capacity. While demand remains strong, growing supply could eventually ease shortages and pressure pricing.

Elsewhere, Apple is raising prices in response to higher memory costs, while Qualcomm lifted its long-term revenue outlook, signaling confidence in growth beyond smartphones. IBM also unveiled breakthrough sub-1nm chip technology, highlighting continued innovation within semiconductors.

Economic data painted a picture of resilience. Inflation met expectations, consumer spending and income exceeded forecasts, GDP growth was revised higher, and jobless claims remained low. While supportive for growth, the combination of strong economic activity and sticky inflation may keep the possibility of higher interest rates on the table.

Key tickers in focus today are $MU, $AAPL, $QCOM, $IBM, and $SOXL.

Micron’s earnings report after the close is shaping up as a major test for the AI-driven semiconductor rally and potentially the broader stock market. While the focus is on Micron, investors are really watching how the market reacts to the results. In recent quarters, Micron shares often declined after earnings as elevated expectations and aggressive pre-earnings buying left little room for disappointment.

Recent volatility has added another layer of uncertainty. Micron shares pulled back sharply alongside a 10% decline in South Korean equities, yet remained above important technical support levels. The reaction to earnings could provide a valuable signal on whether enthusiasm surrounding AI infrastructure remains intact.

Another development worth monitoring is SK Hynix’s reported plan to raise $29 billion through a U.S. listing. Additional capital could accelerate memory production capacity, potentially easing shortages and increasing competition within the memory market. The new listing may also attract investor flows that might otherwise have gone into existing memory-related stocks.

Outside technology, commodity markets are also drawing attention. Gold has slipped below a key psychological level as speculative traders continue selling precious metals. Meanwhile, oil prices have weakened as tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz normalizes, Chinese demand remains subdued, and geopolitical concerns ease.

Key tickers in focus today are $MU, $HXSCL, $GLD, $SLV, and $DRAM.