In a compelling session, the S&P 500 achieved another record close as observers tuned in to notable market developments. Apple continues its impressive streak, marking nine consecutive weeks of gains. Shares of the tech giant climbed over 15% in the past month and have surged approximately 24% since mid-March, reaching new highs this week. CNBC’s Carl Quintanilla remarked on the stock’s strong performance during the morning segment of “Squawk on the Street.”
In a remarkable post-market performance, Dell Technologies drew significant attention after releasing earnings that surpassed expectations. Following the announcement, Dell’s stock soared nearly 40% in after-hours trading, leading to a total gain of 111% over the past month. The company reported year-over-year revenue growth of an astonishing 88%, with shares trading around $437 overnight.
Johnson & Johnson is also in the spotlight as CEO Joaquin Duato prepares to join the “Squawk Box” team on Friday morning. This appearance comes ahead of the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s annual meeting in Chicago. While Johnson & Johnson’s stock is down 8% from its March high, it has managed an 11.5% increase over the last six months.
In the semiconductor sector, CNBC’s Kristina Partsinevelos highlighted an impressive performance among chipmakers. The VanEck Semiconductor ETF recorded an 18% rise in May, alongside a significant 47% increase over the last quarter. Astera Labs led the charge, boasting an almost 80% uptick in May, with notable contributions from Micron, Arm Holdings, and Intel.
Software stocks also garnered attention, with the iShares Expanded Tech-Software Sector ETF rising 14% in May. However, the ETF is still down 19% from its September high.
Nike shares rose by 3% on Thursday, totaling nearly 7% for the month. Despite this recent uptick, the stock remains down 40% from its August 2025 high, making it one of the worst performers in the Dow so far in 2026.
Retailer Buckle, operating in over 40 states, is set to report earnings Friday morning before the market opens. The stock has seen a 5.7% decline over the past three months and an 18% drop since September. Analysts are keen to hear from executives about the implications of rising fuel prices and inflation on consumer spending.
As the market landscape evolves, investors remain eager to learn strategies for long-term wealth building. CNBC Pro will host its third live event, aimed at helping investors of varying backgrounds navigate market noise and develop actionable investment strategies. Interested parties can enroll to receive a discount code for this informative session.
