The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite (^IXIC) and benchmark S&P 500 (^GSPC) rose Monday, with U.S. stocks looking ahead to an optimistic start to June as hopes for rate cuts revive and the mania for even stocks returns.
The Nasdaq and S&P rose about 0.8% and 0.4%, respectively, as shares of Nvidia (NVDA) surged on the heels of an AI chip update. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (^DJI) was hovering around the flat line.
A surge in GameStop (GME) shares has drawn attention, reigniting speculation of a return to a 2021 meme-style rally. The stock soared more than 100% at one point in early trading after A Reddit post apparently by Keith Gill – aka “Roaring Kitty” – showed a big bet from the influential trader. Shares of my beloved compatriot AMC (AMC) soared as much as 27% along with the move.
GME shares, which were briefly halted due to volatility, pared gains to about 50% shortly after the opening bell.
Overall, stocks are poised to build on their strong performance from May, which saw all three major indicators break records during the month. The mood turned more positive after PCE data raised hopes that inflation had turned a corner, sparking optimism that the Federal Reserve would look more favorably on reducing borrowing costs.
Learn more: How does the labor market affect inflation?
Given this, the May jobs report and other employment numbers later this week will test investor sentiment about the Fed’s path. Traders increased their bets on a Fed taper in September compared to a week ago, according to the CME FedWatch tool.
Meanwhile, Nvidia is winning thanks to the return of enthusiasm for AI that has boosted the technologies. Shares rose about 4% shortly after the open after the chipmaker unveiled a new AI platform and promised to accelerate the pace of model upgrades. Shares of Rival AMD (AMD) also rose alongside the release of its own new AI lineup and development plans.
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