US stock indices are mixed. Small-cap Russell 2000 index on pace for a record close

The major US stock indices are trading mixed with the NASDAQ index lower. The S&P and Dow industrial average or higher. The small-cap Russell 2000 is also higher in on pace for a record close (above 2531.13).

A snapshot of the market currently shows:

• Dow industrial average up 241 points or 0.51% at 47801.63.
• S&P index up 7.19 points or 0.11% at 6847.55.
• NASDAQ index down one is 47.59 points or -0.20% at 23528.
• Russell 2000 up 8.65 points or 0.34% at 2534.92.

Palantir (PLTR) +3.08%

Palantir led the winners list today, continuing its steady momentum as investors rotate back into AI-driven defense and data-analytics names. The company has benefited from a stream of new government-contract headlines in recent weeks, and sentiment remains strong as traders bet on resilient demand for its AI-enabled decision-intelligence platforms.

Nike (NKE) +2.91%

Nike extended gains amid improving consumer discretionary sentiment and optimism around global retail demand. Analysts have been highlighting better inventory management and stabilization in China — two key overhangs that pressured shares earlier in the year. Dip-buyers have been active as the stock attempts to build a multi-week base.

Western Digital (WDC) +2.86%

Western Digital rallied as traders continue to price in firmer NAND pricing and optimism surrounding the company’s storage business transformation. The AI hardware cycle has also lifted sentiment across memory-related names, and WDC often moves sharply when investors expect stronger enterprise-storage demand into 2026.

Ciena Corp (CIEN) +2.46%

Ciena posted a solid gain with buying interest tied to expectations for stronger optical-networking demand. As telecom carriers increase spending to support AI-related data-traffic growth, Ciena’s high-capacity transport equipment remains well-positioned. Recent analyst commentary has pointed to improving order visibility.

Southwest Airlines (LUV) +2.36%

Southwest rose as travel-demand metrics continue to improve heading into the peak holiday season. Lower fuel-price expectations have also provided a tailwind for airlines broadly. Bargain-hunters may be stepping in as the stock remains valued lower than peers despite operational improvements.

American Express (AXP) +2.29%

American Express climbed after another stretch of strong spend-trend data, particularly in services, travel, and higher-income consumer categories — areas where AXP is heavily weighted. Investors continue to reward the stock’s resilient credit-quality profile amid uncertain macro conditions.

General Motors (GM) +2.25%

GM advanced as sentiment toward automakers improved on better production-flow updates and ongoing cost-control progress. The market has also responded positively to the easing of supply-chain noise and expectations for a more orderly EV rollout strategy into next year.

JPMorgan (JPM) +2.14%

JPMorgan gained as bank stocks broadly benefited from stabilizing yields and better-than-expected credit conditions. Investors continue to view JPM as the sector’s safest balance-sheet play, and the stock often outperforms when markets anticipate improved loan growth and fee-income resilience.

Qualcomm (QCOM) +2.00%

Qualcomm moved higher on continued optimism around AI-enabled smartphones and improved chip-cycle dynamics. Traders have been positioning for stronger handset shipments and higher premium-tier demand, both of which feed directly into Qualcomm’s revenue mix.

Oracle Earnings Preview: Stock Stabilizes After 36% Slide

Key Points

• Oracle reports after the close, with expectations of $1.64 EPS on $16.19B revenue.

• Shares are still down 36% from September’s highs, pressured by concerns over rising AI and infrastructure buildout costs.

• Technically, the stock is trying to base above the 200-hour MA ($212.66), with a more bullish shift requiring a break above the 50% midpoint at $232.29.

Oracle will report earnings after the close, with the market expecting EPS of $1.64 on revenue of $16.19 billion. Shares are trading modestly lower ahead of the release, down $0.66 (-0.30%) at $220.88.

The bigger story, however, is the stock’s steep slide over the last three months. Oracle has fallen 36% from its September high of $345.72, as concerns about rising infrastructure and AI-related buildout costs continue to weigh on investor sentiment.

Technically, the stock has begun to stabilize. Over the past week, price has reclaimed the 200-hour moving average at $212.66, and holding above that level remains a key line in the sand for buyers looking to build a base.

A more constructive upside signal would come from a sustained move above the 50% midpoint of the 2025 trading range at $232.29. Clearing – and holding – that level would suggest growing momentum and give bulls more confidence that the worst of the pullback may be behind the stock.

Broadcom Earnings Preview: Strong YoY Growth Already Priced In

Key Points

• Expected EPS of $1.867 reflects a 31.5% YoY increase, with revenue projected at $17.47B, up 24.3% from last year.

• Shares hit a record high of $406.29 yesterday and remain up 73.48% year-to-date, signaling high expectations.

• Stock is slightly lower today at $402.12 (-1.03%), suggesting pre-earnings profit-taking after a major run-up.

Broadcom will report earnings tomorrow, with analysts expecting EPS of $1.867, up about 31.5% from last year’s $1.42, and revenue of $17.47 billion, an increase of roughly 24.3% from the $14.05 billion reported a year ago.

The company heads into the announcement with strong momentum. Yesterday, Broadcom shares closed at a new all-time high of $406.29, and the stock is up an impressive 73.48% year-to-date—a clear sign that a significant amount of optimism is already baked into the price.

Today, the stock is pulling back modestly ahead of the report, trading at $402.12, down $4.20 (-1.03%). The dip likely reflects some profit-taking after the sharp run-up, as investors brace for an earnings release that will need to deliver another beat to justify the stock’s remarkable advance.