July 28, 2025: S&P 500 & Nasdaq Hit Record Highs—What Investors Need to Know About Upcoming Trade News, Big Tech Earnings, and the Fed’s Decision

Highlights from the Latest Market Moves

Top Gainers

1. Super Micro Computer (SMCI): Shares jumped over 10%. The rise came ahead of their quarterly results set for August 5. This follows news of looser tech export restrictions from the U.S. to China, aimed at improving trade talks.

2. Advanced Micro Devices (AMD): Stock increased by 4.3%. Reports revealed that AMD is raising prices for its Instinct MI350 AI chip, signaling confidence in its competitive edge against Nvidia. Analysts are optimistic, increasing their price target for AMD ahead of its earnings report on August 5.

3. Nike (NKE): Nike’s shares climbed 3.9% after JPMorgan upgraded its rating from “neutral” to “overweight.” Analysts praised Nike’s recovery strategies, especially with the upcoming soccer World Cup in the U.S.

Top Decliners

1. Albemarle (ALB): The biggest loser, shares fell nearly 11%. This drop came after a large lithium producer in China paused operations, easing market oversupply concerns. Albemarle has struggled with declining lithium prices.

2. Revvity (RVTY): The company’s stock dipped 8.3% post-earnings. While revenue exceeded forecasts, it lowered profit expectations due to anticipated challenges in its Chinese immunodiagnostics sector.

3. Centene (CNC): Shares fell 5.4% after a downgrade from “overweight” to “neutral.” Analysts cited difficulties related to Medicaid and healthcare exchange markets.

Microsoft Preps for Earnings Call

Microsoft (MSFT) shares are close to record highs, despite a slight dip recently. Investors are eagerly awaiting the earnings report scheduled for Wednesday. Analysts will be watching spending updates, particularly around artificial intelligence (AI), given recent industry shifts. Microsoft’s stock has surged nearly 22% this year, fueled by growth in its cloud segment. Key support levels to monitor are around $468 and $430.

Optimism on Wall Street

Analysts are feeling bullish about market prospects. Oppenheimer recently raised its S&P 500 price target from 5,950 to 7,100, hinting at an 11% upside. Companies in the “Magnificent Seven” are expected to report second-quarter earnings growth over 6% year-over-year, but results have been mixed so far.

Long-Awaited IPO from Firefly Aerospace

Firefly Aerospace announced plans for an IPO with shares priced between $35-$39, estimating a value exceeding $5 billion. The funds raised will be used to repay debts, and the company aims to list on the Nasdaq under the ticker “FLY.” With recent achievements like landing on the moon, investors are keenly watching this space tech company.

UnitedHealth’s Incoming Earnings Report

UnitedHealth Group (UNH) is set to report earnings Tuesday. The stock is volatile, expected to fluctuate over 7% post-report. After losing 45% this year due to disappointing earnings and a CEO exit, analysts maintain a cautious optimism, predicting a 13% revenue increase while adjusting earnings per share downwards. Notably, 12 out of 15 analysts still rate the stock as a buy.

Trade Agreements Boosting Energy Stocks

Cheniere Energy (LNG) shares gained after a U.S.-EU trade agreement to purchase more American liquefied natural gas (LNG). The deal facilitates the EU’s transition from reliance on Russian energy.

Celcuity’s Stock Surge

Celcuity (CELC) shares soared after positive trial results for its breast cancer treatment, reaching an all-time high. Experts believe the findings could significantly change treatment approaches for specific cancer types.

Nike’s Stock Increase

Nike’s stock spiked following an upgrade from JPMorgan, which emphasizes its recovery efforts and upcoming opportunities tied to global events.

Focus on Big Tech Earnings

Big tech companies like Microsoft, Apple, Amazon, and Meta are poised to report earnings soon. The spotlight will be on their AI investments and how they’re navigating trade policies.

These market movements illustrate the dynamic landscape of finance, where new technologies, corporate strategies, and global events continually shape investor sentiment.

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