Today’s Midday Market Update: Wall Street Extends Rally as Tech Stocks Lead Gains

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Based on the information gathered, I’ll now write the requested article about today’s midday market update.

Major Indexes Continue Positive Momentum

As of midday on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, U.S. stock markets are showing modest gains, extending the positive momentum from earlier this week. The S&P 500 (^GSPC) is up 0.13%, trading around 5,894 points, continuing its recovery after erasing all of its 2025 losses yesterday. The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite (^IXIC) is leading the gains, rising 0.59% to approximately 19,122, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average (^DJI) is relatively flat, up just 0.01% at 42,143 points.

This week’s rally has been fueled by positive developments in U.S.-China trade relations, with both countries recently announcing reductions in tariffs that had been weighing on global markets. Additionally, a report showing that the annual rate of inflation hit a four-year low in April has boosted investor confidence.

Tech Sector Leads the Way

Technology stocks are driving today’s market gains, with several notable movers:

Nvidia (NVDA) shares have extended their rally, rising 3.12% to $133.98, pushing the company’s market capitalization further above the $3 trillion mark. The chipmaker is benefiting from thawing trade tensions and a new chip deal with Saudi Arabia.

Super Micro Computer (SMCI) is today’s standout performer, soaring 17.51% to $45.70, building on Tuesday’s 16% gain. The surge comes after Raymond James initiated coverage with an Outperform rating and a $41 price target, describing the company as a “market leader in AI-optimized infrastructure.” Additionally, SMCI received a boost from news of a multi-year partnership agreement with Saudi Arabia-based data center company DataVolt.

Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) shares are up 4.86% to $117.93 after the company’s board approved a $6 billion share repurchase plan, representing 3.3% of the company’s current market value. AMD has also reportedly struck a $10 billion deal with Humain, an AI startup backed by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund.

Alphabet (GOOGL, GOOG) is also performing well, with shares up approximately 3% in midday trading.

Notable Decliners

Not all stocks are participating in today’s rally. Among the notable decliners:

Global-E Online (GLBE) is down 13.94% to $36.48 ahead of its quarterly earnings report, which is expected after market close. Analysts are watching to see if the company can maintain its trend of beating earnings expectations.

Cellebrite DI Ltd. (CLBT) has fallen 13.10% to $17.49 as investors react to its quarterly earnings report.

Aurora Innovation (AUR) shares have declined 9.49% to $6.63 following Uber’s announcement of a $1 billion convertible offering, with the notes exchangeable into shares of Aurora.

Upcoming Earnings Reports

Several notable companies are scheduled to report earnings after today’s market close, which could impact tomorrow’s trading:

Cisco Systems (CSCO) will release its fiscal third-quarter results, with analysts expecting earnings per share of $0.92, compared to $0.88 in the same quarter last year.

Other companies reporting today include New Fortress Energy (NFE), Star Bulk Carriers (SBLK), and ICU Medical (ICUI).

Looking Ahead

Investors are looking forward to tomorrow’s earnings reports from major retailers, including Walmart (WMT) and Alibaba Group (BABA), which could provide further insights into consumer spending and the overall health of the economy.

Market participants continue to monitor developments in U.S.-China trade relations and are awaiting additional economic data that could influence the Federal Reserve’s future interest rate decisions.

The recent market recovery, which has pushed the S&P 500 back into positive territory for the year and has the Dow down just 1% since January, suggests growing investor confidence despite ongoing geopolitical uncertainties.

As trading continues this afternoon, all eyes will be on whether the tech-led rally can maintain momentum and whether broader market participation will develop to support a more sustainable advance.