Market Brief Midweek: Markets Turn More Selective
Rising yields and geopolitical pressure collide with semiconductor weakness and a major shift toward nearly round-the-clock U.S. stock trading.
Rising yields and geopolitical pressure collide with semiconductor weakness and a major shift toward nearly round-the-clock U.S. stock trading.
Democrats’ sweeping midterm victory sent stocks sharply higher Wednesday, but the rally exposed major sector divisions. Big Tech, clean energy and healthcare gained, while AI infrastructure, defense contractors and Elon Musk-linked companies faced selling pressure.
Uber shares rose about 7% after stronger third-quarter earnings and robust delivery growth offset slowing ride-hailing revenue, driver shortages, and higher fuel costs. Investors also weighed the company’s expanding autonomous vehicle plans.
Datadog shares plunged approximately 14% after its fourth-quarter revenue outlook signaled slowing growth and weaker margins. Strong third-quarter earnings and expanding AI adoption were overshadowed by reduced usage from its largest customer.
Duolingo shares surged more than 30% after daily active user growth accelerated and quarterly revenue exceeded expectations. Stronger engagement, improving bookings, and an upbeat fourth-quarter outlook helped offset weaker earnings and margin pressure.