Blockonomi

Key Takeaways
Meta Platforms is launching a neocloud initiative to commercialize computing capacity and generate revenue from its extensive data center infrastructure.
Shares have climbed approximately $50 following the neocloud strategy reveal.
Wolfe Research maintains an Outperform rating with an $800 price objective; META shares currently sit at roughly $605.72.
Wolfe Research has increased its fiscal 2027 capital expenditure projection for Meta to $220 billion, significantly exceeding Street estimates of $160 billion and above.
The company anticipates 2026 capex ranging from $125 billion to $145 billion; Meta has also commenced construction on an AI-focused data center facility in Canada.
Meta Platforms (META) shares are hovering around $605.72, gaining $2.60 in Thursday’s session, as two positive developments spotlight the tech giant’s aggressive artificial intelligence infrastructure expansion.
Jim Cramer highlighted Meta during this week’s Mad Money broadcast, praising the company’s strategic entry into the neocloud sector as a calculated decision. The social media behemoth, historically among the largest purchasers of computational resources, is now positioning itself as a seller.
This strategic shift initially rattled certain competitors. Neocloud sector equities experienced a selloff last week following Meta’s announcement of its intention to compete directly in this space.
Cramer dismissed the pessimistic interpretation. He contended that the ability to lease computing resources at premium rates indicates a scarcity rather than surplus of data center infrastructure. META shares have appreciated roughly $50 since the strategic announcement.
Wolfe Research Increases Capital Expenditure Projections
Wolfe Research reaffirmed its Outperform stance on META this Thursday, maintaining its $800 valuation objective. The equity currently trades substantially below that threshold at approximately $605.72 — retreating from its 52-week peak of $796.25.
The firm’s most significant adjustment involved its capital spending outlook. Wolfe currently anticipates Meta will allocate $220 billion toward infrastructure during fiscal 2027, representing a substantial increase from its previous capacity projection of $15 billion. This figure considerably surpasses the consensus Street forecast of $160 billion or higher.
Wolfe additionally revised its capacity projection upward, now estimating Meta will possess approximately 17 gigawatts of operational capacity in the coming year, elevated from a previous 15-gigawatt estimate.
The research organization had previously indicated that Meta would likely increase capital expenditures and might pursue a capital infusion through debt instruments or equity offerings to support it.
For calendar year 2026, Meta’s capital spending is forecast at $125–$145 billion, representing a dramatic escalation from earlier predictions. Wolfe emphasized that Meta must demonstrate to shareholders tangible, sustainable revenue streams beyond advertising to warrant such investment magnitudes.
Meta currently maintains a return on invested capital of 25% alongside a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.36.
Canadian Data Center Initiative and Advertising Tool Enhancement
Regarding infrastructure development, Meta recently initiated construction on a new data center campus in Sturgeon County, Alberta — marking its inaugural Canadian facility and 33rd worldwide. The installation is engineered for artificial intelligence computing loads, represents an investment exceeding CAD $13 billion, and is projected to generate approximately 3,000 construction positions plus more than 300 permanent employment opportunities.
Meta is simultaneously incorporating its Muse Image model into its Advantage+ creative advertising platform, introducing visual reasoning and self-refinement capabilities to its advertisement generation infrastructure.
Erste Group elevated META from Hold to Buy this week, referencing the company’s AI investment trajectory. Truist Securities likewise preserved its Buy recommendation, emphasizing Meta’s AI distribution advantages through the Muse Spark ecosystem.
CEO Mark Zuckerberg has conceded that AI agent development has progressed more gradually than initially anticipated. Separately, investor Michael Burry has established short positions spanning AI infrastructure equities.
Meta stock currently trades at $605.72, with Wolfe Research’s $800 valuation target suggesting approximately 32% appreciation potential from present levels.
The post Meta (META) Stock Surges $50 Following Neocloud Strategy Announcement appeared first on Blockonomi.

Key Takeaways
Lam Research (LRCX) shares jumped 7.5%, starting the session at $365.13 following Mizuho’s decision to increase its price target from $380 to $400 while maintaining an Outperform stance.
Several Wall Street firms have recently upgraded their targets, with Stifel Nicolaus most optimistic at $500 and Susquehanna projecting $475.
The stock currently carries 28 Buy recommendations and 6 Hold ratings, earning a MarketBeat consensus rating of Moderate Buy.
In its latest quarterly report, LRCX exceeded earnings expectations ($1.47 actual vs $1.36 forecast) while revenue reached $5.84 billion, representing a 23.8% year-over-year increase.
Mizuho boosted its 2027 worldwide wafer fabrication equipment (WFE) forecast to $192 billion, representing a 25% annual increase driven by artificial intelligence expansion.
Shares of Lam Research (LRCX) began Thursday’s trading session at $365.13, marking a significant 7.5% increase from Wednesday’s closing price of $333.15. The surge followed Mizuho’s announcement that it was elevating its price objective to $400 from the previous $380 while reaffirming its Outperform designation. By midday, the stock was changing hands near $364.95.
The upgrade reflects Mizuho’s increasingly optimistic outlook on artificial intelligence-related demand spurring semiconductor manufacturing equipment purchases throughout the coming years. The investment firm anticipates worldwide WFE spending will hit $192 billion by 2027, reflecting a robust 25% year-over-year expansion, building on an anticipated 23% increase in 2026.
Mizuho has also unveiled forecasts extending through 2028 and 2029, predicting WFE markets of $221 billion and $214 billion respectively. According to the firm, sustained investment in AI infrastructure, memory production, and foundry operations will drive equipment demand across multiple years.
Memory spending represents a critical component of this growth narrative. Mizuho highlighted accelerating HBM capital expenditure extending into 2027-28 as chip makers expand capacity in preparation for 2028 production launches. An expanding mismatch between worldwide memory supply and demand is expected to provide additional momentum.
Wall Street Firms Continue Elevating Price Objectives
Mizuho’s upgrade wasn’t an isolated event. Rothschild & Co Redburn increased its price objective from $305 to $420 with a Buy recommendation in mid-June. Citigroup similarly maintained its Buy stance while boosting its target from $315 to $450 during the same timeframe.
Susquehanna established a $475 price objective at June’s conclusion, maintaining its Positive outlook. Stifel Nicolaus adopted an even more aggressive stance, setting a $500 target on June 29th. HSBC took a relatively conservative approach, adjusting its Hold-rated objective from $221 to $247 back in April.
Cantor Fitzgerald has positioned itself among the most optimistic voices, elevating its target to $500 while highlighting LRCX’s expanding market share within the semiconductor capital equipment sector. The firm emphasized AI-driven expansion and advanced packaging technologies as significant growth catalysts.
Currently, LRCX holds 28 Buy recommendations alongside 6 Hold ratings, resulting in a MarketBeat consensus classification of Moderate Buy. The mean price objective among Wall Street analysts stands at $348.39.
Strong Quarterly Performance Supports Bullish Outlook
LRCX’s latest quarterly earnings provided substantial validation for analyst optimism. The semiconductor equipment manufacturer delivered earnings per share of $1.47, surpassing the Street consensus of $1.36 by $0.11. Revenue totaled $5.84 billion, exceeding analyst projections of $5.70 billion.
This revenue performance represented a 23.8% increase compared to the equivalent quarter in the previous year, when earnings per share stood at $1.04. The company achieved a return on equity of 66.21% alongside a net margin of 30.94%.
Looking ahead to Q4 2026, LRCX has issued guidance calling for earnings per share between $1.50 and $1.80. Wall Street analysts are currently modeling full-year EPS of $5.68.
Regarding shareholder distributions, LRCX distributed a quarterly dividend of $0.26 per share on July 8th. The annualized dividend totals $1.04, translating to an approximate yield of 0.3%.
The company maintains a market capitalization of $447.92 billion, trades at a price-to-earnings ratio of 67.55, and has a 200-day moving average of $261.73.
The post Lam Research (LRCX) Stock Jumps 7.5% as Analyst Upgrades Continue Rolling In appeared first on Blockonomi.

Key Takeaways
Polestar’s second-quarter vehicle deliveries declined 4% year-over-year to 17,296 units, compared to 18,026 in Q2 2025
Shares tumbled more than 3% in trading following the quarterly announcement
US Commerce Department rejected Polestar’s application under the Connected Vehicles Rule, effectively barring sales starting with 2027 models
European market now represents 80% of Polestar’s total sales volume in the first six months
Chief Executive Michael Lohscheller confirmed the American market exit while noting it “was not a profitable business for us”
Polestar’s shares declined over 3% on Thursday following the release of second-quarter delivery figures that showed a 4% year-over-year decrease, compounded by ongoing uncertainty surrounding the company’s forced departure from the American automotive market.
The Swedish-Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer delivered 17,296 units during the second quarter, representing a decrease from the 18,026 vehicles sold during the comparable period in 2025.
This sales contraction follows closely behind the US Commerce Department’s recent rejection of Polestar’s authorization request under the Connected Vehicles Rule. This regulatory framework targets vehicles equipped with connected-car technology linked to Chinese entities, effectively prohibiting Polestar from conducting business in America beginning with the 2027 model year.
Polestar has officially been banned from selling new cars in the United States past the 2027 model year.
The US Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security refused the EV maker the clearance it needs to keep doing business in the country, citing the Connected…
— Sawyer Merritt (@SawyerMerritt) June 25, 2026
Chinese automotive conglomerate Geely Holding maintains majority ownership of Polestar. Interestingly, Volvo Cars—another Geely-controlled brand—received regulatory approval approximately one month prior, creating a stark contrast that generated considerable industry discussion.
Chief Executive Michael Lohscheller expressed disappointment regarding the American market withdrawal. However, he emphasized that the US operation “was not a profitable business for us,” requiring substantial resource allocation that couldn’t be justified considering the regulatory barriers.
The company plans to continue liquidating existing Polestar 3 and Polestar 4 inventory within the United States. Additionally, Polestar will maintain its service infrastructure and continue facilitating pre-owned vehicle transactions. The prohibition raises significant questions about the Polestar 3’s production future, as it remains the brand’s sole American-manufactured vehicle.
European Market Becomes Primary Focus
With American operations winding down, Polestar has strategically concentrated resources on the European market. The continent now comprises 80% of total company deliveries during the initial six months of 2026. This geographic reorientation has emerged as a fundamental component of management’s strategy during challenging global EV market conditions.
Instead of introducing completely new vehicle lines, Polestar has opted to upgrade current offerings. The company unveiled refreshed iterations of its popular Polestar 2 and Polestar 4 models in February, scheduled for gradual introduction throughout the coming year.
During May, Polestar disclosed an expanded first-quarter deficit, as aggressive pricing strategies and American tariffs compressed profit margins despite increased sales volume at that time.
Future Product Pipeline
Polestar continues advancing its product development initiatives. CEO Lohscheller confirmed that initial consumer deliveries of the Polestar 5 remain on schedule, while Polestar 4 SUV manufacturing has commenced, with first customer handovers anticipated during the fourth quarter.
Thursday proved challenging for electric vehicle manufacturers across the sector. Porsche, which directly competes with Polestar through its electric Macan and Taycan offerings, similarly announced declining first-half delivery volumes. Porsche attributed the downturn to weakening Chinese market conditions and the conclusion of American EV tax incentive programs.
For Polestar, the convergence of American market prohibition, quarterly sales deterioration, and persistent financial losses maintains substantial pressure on leadership to demonstrate that the European market concentration strategy can sustain long-term business viability.
Lohscheller stated the organization will respond to the “clear decision” from American regulatory authorities and continue forward with adjusted operations.
The post Polestar (PSNY) Stock Slides 3% After Q2 Sales Decline and US Market Exit appeared first on Blockonomi.

Key Highlights
Second-quarter deliveries declined 4% year-over-year to 17,296 units from 18,026 vehicles
Shares dropped more than 3% in response to the quarterly performance
US Commerce Department rejected Polestar’s application under Connected Vehicles Rule, effectively banning sales from model year 2027
European market now represents 80% of total first-half deliveries as strategic focus shifts
CEO Michael Lohscheller noted the US operation “was not a profitable business for us”
The Swedish-Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Polestar disclosed a 4% decrease in quarterly deliveries on Thursday, triggering a stock decline exceeding 3% as market participants evaluated the results against the backdrop of the company’s forced American market withdrawal.
The automaker delivered 17,296 electric vehicles during the second quarter, representing a decline from the 18,026 units sold during the corresponding period twelve months prior.
This quarterly performance deterioration arrives just weeks following the US Commerce Department’s rejection of Polestar’s authorization request under the Connected Vehicles Rule. This regulatory framework restricts automobiles featuring connected-vehicle systems linked to Chinese entities, and the ruling effectively prohibits Polestar from operating in the American market beginning with the 2027 model year.
Polestar has officially been banned from selling new cars in the United States past the 2027 model year.
The US Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security refused the EV maker the clearance it needs to keep doing business in the country, citing the Connected…
— Sawyer Merritt (@SawyerMerritt) June 25, 2026
Geely Holding of China maintains majority ownership of Polestar. Notably, Volvo Cars, another Geely-majority-owned brand, successfully obtained authorization approximately one month earlier — a disparity that generated considerable discussion within industry circles.
Chief Executive Officer Michael Lohscheller expressed disappointment regarding the forced American departure. However, he emphasized that the US market “was not a profitable business for us,” adding that the operation demanded resource commitments the organization could not rationalize given the unfavorable regulatory determination.
The company will continue liquidating existing Polestar 3 and Polestar 4 inventory within American borders. Additionally, Polestar plans to maintain its service infrastructure and continue pre-owned vehicle transactions. The prohibition creates uncertainty surrounding the Polestar 3’s trajectory, given its status as the brand’s sole American-manufactured vehicle.
European Focus Intensifies
Following the closure of its American operations, Polestar has dramatically intensified its European concentration. The continent generated 80% of total company deliveries during 2026’s first six months. This geographical reorientation has emerged as a fundamental element of management’s strategy for navigating challenging global EV demand conditions.
Instead of introducing completely new products, Polestar has opted to revitalize current offerings. The organization unveiled refreshed iterations of its popular Polestar 2 and Polestar 4 models in February, with rollout scheduled across the coming year.
During May, Polestar disclosed an expanded first-quarter deficit, as competitive pricing dynamics and American tariffs compressed profit margins despite comparatively robust delivery volumes during that period.
Future Product Pipeline
Polestar continues advancing its product development agenda. CEO Lohscheller confirmed initial customer deliveries of the Polestar 5 remain on schedule, while Polestar 4 SUV manufacturing has commenced with first customer handovers anticipated during the fourth quarter.
Thursday proved challenging for electric vehicle manufacturers across the board. Porsche, which rivals Polestar through its Macan and Taycan product lines, similarly announced first-half delivery reductions. Porsche attributed the decline to challenging Chinese market conditions and the termination of American EV tax incentives.
For Polestar, the convergence of American market exclusion, quarterly sales contraction, and persistent financial losses maintains significant pressure on leadership to demonstrate the European strategy can sustainably support business operations.
Lohscheller stated the organization will respond to the “clear decision” issued by American regulatory authorities and advance accordingly.
The post Polestar (PSNY) Stock Drops 3% Following Q2 Sales Decline and US Market Exit appeared first on Blockonomi.

Key Highlights
Polestar’s Q2 vehicle deliveries decreased 4% year-over-year to 17,296 units from 18,026
Shares declined more than 3% in response to the quarterly figures
US Commerce Department rejected Polestar’s authorization request under Connected Vehicles Rule, effectively blocking US sales from model year 2027
European market now represents 80% of Polestar’s first-half deliveries as strategic focus shifts
CEO Michael Lohscheller acknowledged disappointment with US departure but noted American operations “was not a profitable business for us”
Polestar disclosed a 4% decline in second-quarter vehicle deliveries on Thursday, sending shares down more than 3% as market participants evaluated the results against the backdrop of the company’s impending withdrawal from the American market.
The electric vehicle manufacturer delivered 17,296 units during Q2, compared with 18,026 vehicles in the corresponding quarter of the previous year.
The delivery reduction arrives just weeks following the US Commerce Department’s denial of Polestar’s authorization application under the Connected Vehicles Rule. This regulation limits vehicles equipped with connected-vehicle systems linked to China, and the ruling essentially prohibits Polestar from conducting sales in the United States beginning with the 2027 model year.
Polestar has officially been banned from selling new cars in the United States past the 2027 model year.
The US Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security refused the EV maker the clearance it needs to keep doing business in the country, citing the Connected…
— Sawyer Merritt (@SawyerMerritt) June 25, 2026
Polestar maintains majority ownership by Geely Holding of China. Its sister brand Volvo Cars, which shares Geely as a majority stakeholder, received authorization approximately one month prior — a divergence that sparked considerable discussion at that time.
CEO Michael Lohscheller expressed dissatisfaction regarding the US departure. However, he emphasized that the American marketplace “was not a profitable business for us,” and that maintaining operations there demanded resource commitments the organization couldn’t rationalize given the regulatory decision.
Polestar plans to continue selling current Polestar 3 and Polestar 4 inventory within the US. The company will preserve its service infrastructure and continue pre-owned vehicle sales. The prohibition creates uncertainty around the Polestar 3’s trajectory, considering it represents the firm’s sole US-produced vehicle.
European Market Becomes Primary Focus
As the US opportunity closes, Polestar has intensified its European concentration. The continent generated 80% of the manufacturer’s deliveries during 2026’s first half. This geographical reorientation has evolved into a fundamental element of the company’s strategy for navigating challenging global EV market conditions.
Instead of introducing completely new vehicle lines, Polestar has opted to update current models. The company unveiled refreshed iterations of its top-performing Polestar 2 and Polestar 4 in February, scheduled for deployment throughout the coming year.
During May, Polestar disclosed an expanded first-quarter deficit, as competitive pricing dynamics and US import duties compressed profitability despite higher delivery volumes during that timeframe.
Future Product Pipeline
Polestar continues advancing its product development agenda. CEO Lohscheller verified that initial customer deliveries of the Polestar 5 remain scheduled as planned, and that Polestar 4 SUV manufacturing has commenced, with initial deliveries anticipated in Q4.
Thursday proved challenging for electric vehicle manufacturers across the board. Porsche, which rivals Polestar with its Macan and Taycan offerings, similarly announced a first-half delivery reduction. Porsche attributed the decline to Chinese market headwinds and the conclusion of US EV tax incentives.
For Polestar, the convergence of a US prohibition, a 4% delivery decrease, and continuing financial losses maintains significant pressure on leadership to demonstrate the European strategy can sustain the enterprise.
Lohscheller indicated the company will respond to the “clear decision” from US regulators and proceed accordingly.
The post Polestar (PSNY) Stock Slides 3% Following Weak Q2 Sales and US Market Exit appeared first on Blockonomi.

Key Highlights
Gold surged more than 1%, recovering above the $4,100 threshold following a three-session decline
Fresh military confrontations between the United States and Iran sparked renewed safe-haven buying
Federal Reserve meeting minutes revealed division among officials regarding future interest rate decisions
Rising energy costs are intensifying inflation concerns, potentially prolonging elevated interest rates
The resilient U.S. dollar and hawkish Federal Reserve tone continue to limit gold’s upward momentum
Precious metal prices staged an impressive recovery on Thursday, advancing more than 1% following three consecutive sessions of declines. Spot gold increased 1.14% to reach $4,123.91 per ounce, while futures contracts for gold rose 1.25% to settle at $4,132.95 per ounce.
Gold Aug 26 (GC=F)
The resurgence occurred as market participants returned to gold’s traditional safe-haven properties amid renewed military confrontations between Washington and Tehran.
Middle East Military Tensions Boost Precious Metal Appeal
The United States initiated additional military operations against Iran on Thursday, coming just hours after President Donald Trump announced the breakdown of ceasefire negotiations with Iranian leadership. The regional conflict has been intensifying since hostilities erupted in late February.
Tehran’s armed forces retaliated with strikes targeting what they identified as U.S. military installations in Kuwait and Bahrain. The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps issued warnings of additional attacks on American military assets throughout the Gulf region should Washington persist with its military operations.
This recent escalation has created turbulence across energy markets. Iranian assaults on vessels attempting to navigate through the Strait of Hormuz have driven crude oil prices upward, subsequently heightening concerns about energy-related inflationary pressures.
Higher oil prices complicate the Federal Reserve’s ability to implement interest rate reductions. This creates a challenging environment for gold, as declining rates typically support the non-interest-bearing asset while elevated rates diminish its attractiveness.
“Any surge in energy prices will strengthen market expectations that the Federal Reserve may maintain interest rates at elevated levels for an extended period to address persistent inflation,” noted analysts at ANZ in their research commentary.
Federal Reserve Meeting Minutes Reveal Policy Uncertainty
The release of Federal Reserve minutes from June’s policy meeting provided markets with additional considerations. Central bank officials demonstrated disagreement regarding the necessity of additional interest rate increases, offering some encouragement to gold investors.
The prospect that rate increases might be suspended later this year contributed to improved sentiment surrounding bullion. Reduced borrowing costs decrease the opportunity cost associated with holding gold, which generates no yield.
However, the same meeting minutes also indicated that Fed policymakers are becoming increasingly worried about entrenched inflation. U.S. inflationary pressures have consistently exceeded the central bank’s 2% objective since the onset of the Iran conflict.
“The minutes confirm that the possibility of a September interest rate increase remains firmly on the table,” stated Thomas Ryan from Capital Economics.
The U.S. dollar remained relatively unchanged at 100.98 on Thursday but continues hovering near 13-month peak levels achieved in June. A robust dollar typically increases gold’s cost for international buyers using alternative currencies, which generally constrains demand.
Gold had experienced downward pressure earlier in the week as the dollar gained strength on inflation anxieties connected to the regional conflict. Thursday’s rally lifted gold back above the $4,100 threshold after Wednesday’s downturn pushed it beneath that psychological level.
The post Gold Surges Past $4,100 as Middle East Tensions and Fed Policy Uncertainty Fuel Rally appeared first on Blockonomi.

Key Takeaways
Gold surged more than 1%, recovering above the $4,100 threshold following a three-session decline
Renewed military confrontations between the U.S. and Iran, including strikes in Kuwait and Bahrain, intensified
Federal Reserve meeting minutes revealed division among officials regarding future interest rate increases
Rising energy costs are amplifying inflation concerns, potentially maintaining elevated interest rates
An appreciating dollar and relatively hawkish Fed commentary continue restraining gold’s advance
Precious metals staged an impressive recovery Thursday, with gold posting gains exceeding 1% after enduring three consecutive sessions of declines. Spot gold advanced 1.14% to reach $4,123.91 per ounce, while futures contracts for gold increased 1.25% to settle at $4,132.95 per ounce.
Gold Aug 26 (GC=F)
The rally materialized as market participants gravitated toward gold’s traditional safe-haven characteristics amid renewed military hostilities between Washington and Tehran.
Middle East Military Escalation Boosts Haven Assets
Washington initiated additional military operations against Iran Thursday, coming just hours after President Donald Trump announced the breakdown of ceasefire negotiations with the Islamic Republic. Tensions have been mounting since hostilities erupted in late February between the two nations.
Tehran’s armed forces retaliated with counterattacks targeting what Iranian officials described as American military installations in Kuwait and Bahrain. The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps issued warnings of additional strikes against U.S. military infrastructure throughout the Gulf region should Washington persist with its offensive operations.
These latest developments have sent shockwaves through energy commodities markets. Iranian military actions targeting vessels attempting passage through the Strait of Hormuz pushed crude oil prices upward, triggering renewed anxiety about energy-fueled inflation.
Higher oil prices complicate the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy calculations regarding potential rate reductions. This creates a challenging environment for gold, as declining rates typically favor the non-interest-bearing asset while elevated rates diminish its attractiveness.
“Any resurgence in energy market prices will strengthen market expectations that the Federal Reserve may maintain elevated interest rates for an extended period to address persistent inflation pressures,” ANZ analysts noted in their research commentary.
Federal Reserve Minutes Reveal Policy Discord
Documentation from the Federal Reserve’s June policy gathering provided markets with nuanced insights. Central bank officials displayed disagreement regarding the necessity of additional monetary tightening, offering modest support for bullion prices.
The prospect of a potential pause in the rate-hiking cycle later in 2024 contributed to improved sentiment surrounding gold investments. Reduced borrowing costs decrease the opportunity cost associated with maintaining gold positions, which generate no yield.
However, the same documentation revealed growing apprehension among Federal Reserve officials about entrenched inflation. American price acceleration has consistently exceeded the central bank’s 2% objective since the commencement of the Iranian conflict.
“The meeting minutes confirm that the possibility of a September interest rate increase remains very much under consideration,” noted Thomas Ryan from Capital Economics.
The U.S. dollar index held relatively steady at 100.98 Thursday but continues hovering near the 13-month peaks established in June. A robust dollar typically elevates gold’s cost for international buyers using alternative currencies, generally constraining overall demand.
Gold experienced downward pressure during the week’s earlier sessions as dollar strength intensified on inflation anxieties linked to the ongoing conflict. Thursday’s rebound successfully restored gold above the psychologically significant $4,100 threshold after Wednesday’s selloff drove prices below that level.
The post Gold Surges Past $4,120 Amid Middle East Tensions and Federal Reserve Policy Debate appeared first on Blockonomi.

Key Highlights
Precious metal rebounded more than 1%, recovering above $4,100 per ounce following a three-session decline
Fresh military confrontations between Washington and Tehran sparked renewed safe-haven appetite
Federal Reserve meeting minutes revealed division among policymakers regarding future rate adjustments
Rising energy costs are fueling inflation concerns that may compel authorities to maintain elevated rates
Resilient dollar strength and hawkish Federal Reserve rhetoric remain limiting factors for gold’s advance
The yellow metal staged a significant recovery on Thursday, posting gains exceeding 1% after experiencing three consecutive sessions of declines. Spot gold advanced 1.14% to reach $4,123.91 per ounce, while futures contracts for gold increased 1.25% to settle at $4,132.95 per ounce.
Gold Aug 26 (GC=F)
The recovery emerged as market participants returned to the precious metal seeking protection following another round of military confrontations between Washington and Tehran.
Middle East Military Tensions Fuel Safe-Haven Buying
Washington conducted additional military operations against Iran on Thursday, coming just hours after President Donald Trump announced the breakdown of ceasefire negotiations with Tehran. Hostilities between the two nations have been intensifying since late February when the confrontation initially erupted.
Tehran’s armed forces retaliated with strikes targeting what Iranian officials identified as American military installations in Kuwait and Bahrain. The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps issued warnings of additional attacks against American military facilities throughout the Gulf region should Washington persist with its offensive operations.
These recent developments have caused significant disruption in energy markets. Iranian strikes on vessels attempting transit through the Strait of Hormuz pushed crude oil prices upward, subsequently amplifying concerns regarding energy-related inflation pressures.
Higher oil prices complicate the Federal Reserve’s ability to implement interest rate reductions. This creates a challenging environment for gold, as reduced rates typically favor the non-interest-bearing asset while elevated rates diminish its attractiveness.
“Any resurgence in energy prices will strengthen expectations that the Fed may maintain interest rates at elevated levels for an extended period to address persistently high inflation,” analysts at ANZ stated in their research note.
Federal Reserve Minutes Reveal Policy Division
Documentation from the Federal Reserve’s June policy meeting provided markets with additional considerations. Officials demonstrated disagreement regarding the necessity of further interest rate increases, offering some encouragement to bullion markets.
The prospect that rate increases might be suspended later this year helped improve sentiment surrounding the precious metal. Reduced borrowing costs decrease the opportunity cost associated with holding gold, which generates no yield.
However, the same documentation also revealed that Fed policymakers are becoming increasingly troubled by continuing inflation pressures. American price increases have remained substantially above the central bank’s 2% objective since the confrontation with Iran commenced.
“The minutes confirm that the door remains fully open to a September interest rate increase,” stated Thomas Ryan from Capital Economics.
The U.S. dollar remained relatively unchanged at 100.98 on Thursday but continues hovering near 13-month peaks achieved in June. A robust dollar can make gold more costly for international buyers using alternative currencies, which typically constrains demand.
Gold had faced downward pressure earlier during the week as the dollar gained strength on inflation anxieties connected to the conflict. Thursday’s rally pushed gold back above the $4,100 threshold after Wednesday’s decline drove it beneath that benchmark.
The post Gold Surges Above $4,100 Amid Rising U.S.-Iran Tensions and Fed Rate Confusion appeared first on Blockonomi.

Key Highlights
Micron shares gained 7% following the revelation of expanded U.S. investment exceeding $250 billion by 2035
A dedicated $3 billion allocation aims to bolster the American semiconductor supply chain infrastructure
GlobalWafers receives $500 million to enhance its Sherman, Texas silicon wafer production, secured by a decade-long supply agreement
The New York manufacturing facility reached its groundbreaking phase more than 25% ahead of projected timelines — potentially becoming America’s largest semiconductor manufacturing complex
Semiconductor equipment manufacturers including Applied Materials, KLA Corp, Lam Research, and ARM Holdings experienced stock gains on the announcement
Shares of Micron Technology (MU) advanced 7% during Thursday’s trading session after the memory chip manufacturer revealed an ambitious escalation of its American manufacturing operations, pushing total domestic capital expenditure beyond $250 billion extending through 2035.
BREAKING: Micron, $MU, announces plans ​to invest ​up ​to $3 billion to ‌"strengthen ⁠the US ​semiconductor ​supply-chain ⁠ecosystem."
Micron also raises its planned US investment to over $250 billion through 2035, which it expects to create over 90,000 jobs.
The stock… pic.twitter.com/IfJ7vIc1Yj
— The Kobeissi Letter (@KobeissiLetter) July 9, 2026
This represents an approximately $50 billion increase compared to earlier projections, with the enhancement attributed to accelerating memory chip requirements fueled by artificial intelligence infrastructure development.
MU shares traded near $1,017 during Thursday’s session, reflecting a $68 gain for the day.
Additionally, the memory chip giant disclosed a distinct $3 billion initiative focused on reinforcing America’s semiconductor supply chain capabilities.
From this allocation, GlobalWafers — a Taiwan-based manufacturer — will receive $500 million to expand its 300mm silicon wafer production facility located in Sherman, Texas. This partnership includes a 10-year procurement contract ensuring domestic wafer availability for Micron’s upcoming manufacturing requirements.
“Establishing a dependable supply of essential input materials is crucial for supporting Micron’s extended growth trajectory and technological advancement plans,” stated Ben Tessone, Micron’s chief procurement officer.
Construction Milestone Achieved Ahead of Timeline
A significant highlight within the announcement centered on the initial concrete placement at Micron’s manufacturing facility in Clay, New York — a construction benchmark reached over 25% earlier than originally scheduled.
The New York location is planned to ultimately accommodate up to four separate fabrication facilities. According to Micron, this site has potential to become the most expansive semiconductor production complex in American history.
The initiative is forecasted to generate approximately 50,000 total employment opportunities, with 9,000 direct manufacturing positions included.
When combined with operations in Idaho and Virginia, Micron anticipates its comprehensive U.S. expansion will create over 90,000 jobs across the country.
Domestic DRAM Manufacturing Objectives
Micron’s strategic vision targets manufacturing 40% of its DRAM memory products on American soil. The augmented capital investment is structured to advance this objective through expanded production capacity and decreased dependence on international suppliers.
The semiconductor industry broadly benefited from Thursday’s announcement. Applied Materials, KLA Corp, and Lam Research each experienced approximately 7% gains during the session. ARM Holdings outperformed the group with an 11% surge.
These capital commitments complement the federal government’s ongoing efforts to reshore semiconductor manufacturing and establish a more resilient domestic technology supply chain.
Micron’s New York fabrication facility advancement from preparatory work to vertical construction represents the most tangible evidence of this reshoring strategy transitioning from conceptual planning to physical execution.
The post Micron (MU) Stock Surges 7% on Massive $250B U.S. Manufacturing Investment Plan appeared first on Blockonomi.

Key Highlights
Shares of Micron jumped 7% following the announcement of an expanded U.S. investment exceeding $250 billion by 2035
The chipmaker pledged up to $3 billion toward bolstering America’s semiconductor supply chain infrastructure
A $500 million allocation will support GlobalWafers’ expansion of its Sherman, Texas silicon wafer plant, secured by a decade-long supply agreement
Construction at Micron’s New York manufacturing facility reached a major milestone more than 25% ahead of projections — potentially creating the nation’s largest semiconductor complex
Semiconductor equipment makers including Applied Materials, KLA Corp, Lam Research, and ARM Holdings all posted gains following the announcement
Shares of Micron Technology (MU) jumped 7% during Thursday’s trading session after the memory chip manufacturer revealed an ambitious expansion of its American manufacturing operations, increasing its total domestic investment commitment to over $250 billion extending through 2035.
BREAKING: Micron, $MU, announces plans ​to invest ​up ​to $3 billion to ‌"strengthen ⁠the US ​semiconductor ​supply-chain ⁠ecosystem."
Micron also raises its planned US investment to over $250 billion through 2035, which it expects to create over 90,000 jobs.
The stock… pic.twitter.com/IfJ7vIc1Yj
— The Kobeissi Letter (@KobeissiLetter) July 9, 2026
This represents an approximately $50 billion increase from the company’s earlier projections, with the heightened investment attributed to accelerating demand for memory chips fueled by artificial intelligence infrastructure development.
MU shares traded near $1,017 during Thursday’s session, gaining $68 throughout the day.
Additionally, the company revealed a distinct $3 billion initiative aimed at reinforcing the United States semiconductor supply chain ecosystem.
Within that allocation, $500 million is earmarked for GlobalWafers — a Taiwan-based manufacturer — to enhance its 300mm silicon wafer production facility located in Sherman, Texas. This investment comes paired with a 10-year supply contract ensuring domestic wafer availability for Micron’s future manufacturing needs.
“Ensuring a dependable supply of essential input materials is fundamental to advancing Micron’s long-term expansion and technological development,” stated Ben Tessone, Micron’s chief procurement officer.
New York Manufacturing Plant Reaches Construction Milestone Early
A standout achievement in the company’s announcement was the initial concrete pour at Micron’s manufacturing facility in Clay, New York — a critical construction phase reached over 25% earlier than originally scheduled.
The New York location is planned to ultimately accommodate up to four separate fabrication facilities. According to Micron, the site has the potential to become the most expansive semiconductor production complex in American history.
The initiative is forecasted to generate approximately 50,000 total employment opportunities, including 9,000 direct manufacturing positions.
When combined with planned operations in Idaho and Virginia, Micron anticipates its complete U.S. expansion will create more than 90,000 jobs nationwide.
Domestic DRAM Manufacturing Objectives
Micron has established a strategic objective to manufacture 40% of its DRAM memory chip production on American soil. The enlarged investment framework is structured to advance this goal by expanding domestic manufacturing capacity and decreasing dependence on international suppliers.
The wider semiconductor industry experienced positive momentum from Micron’s announcement. Applied Materials, KLA Corp, and Lam Research each posted approximately 7% gains on Thursday. ARM Holdings outperformed the group with an 11% surge.
These investments complement the federal government’s continuing efforts to bring semiconductor manufacturing back to American shores and establish a more robust domestic supply infrastructure.
Micron’s New York facility progression from initial site work to vertical construction represents the most tangible evidence to date that these strategic initiatives are advancing from planning stages into operational reality.
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Key Highlights
Micron shares gained 7% following disclosure of expanded U.S. investment exceeding $250 billion by 2035
A dedicated $3 billion investment targets domestic semiconductor supply chain reinforcement
GlobalWafers receives $500 million to expand Sherman, Texas silicon wafer production, securing a decade-long supply partnership
Construction at Micron’s New York facility commenced ahead of timeline — potentially becoming America’s largest semiconductor complex
Chip equipment makers including Applied Materials, KLA Corp, Lam Research, and ARM Holdings rallied alongside Micron
Shares of Micron Technology (MU) rallied 7% Thursday following the memory chip manufacturer’s announcement of dramatically expanded domestic production plans, with total U.S. investments now projected to exceed $250 billion through 2035.
BREAKING: Micron, $MU, announces plans ​to invest ​up ​to $3 billion to ‌"strengthen ⁠the US ​semiconductor ​supply-chain ⁠ecosystem."
Micron also raises its planned US investment to over $250 billion through 2035, which it expects to create over 90,000 jobs.
The stock… pic.twitter.com/IfJ7vIc1Yj
— The Kobeissi Letter (@KobeissiLetter) July 9, 2026
This represents an approximately $50 billion increase from prior projections, with the expansion fueled by accelerating memory demand linked to artificial intelligence infrastructure development.
MU shares traded near $1,017 Thursday, reflecting a $68 gain for the session.
Alongside this announcement, the chipmaker revealed an additional $3 billion initiative focused on bolstering America’s semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem.
Within this commitment, $500 million will fund GlobalWafers — a Taiwan-based manufacturer — to expand 300mm silicon wafer production capabilities at its Sherman, Texas operations. This investment includes a decade-long supply contract ensuring consistent domestic wafer availability for Micron’s manufacturing requirements.
“Establishing dependable access to essential raw materials is fundamental to enabling Micron’s sustained expansion and innovation trajectory,” stated Ben Tessone, chief procurement officer at Micron.
New York Manufacturing Complex Progresses Ahead of Timeline
A significant development in the announcement was the initial concrete placement at Micron’s manufacturing complex in Clay, New York — a construction phase reached more than 25% ahead of the original schedule.
The New York location is planned to accommodate as many as four fabrication facilities. According to Micron, the site could ultimately represent the most expansive semiconductor production campus in American history.
The development is anticipated to generate approximately 50,000 total employment opportunities, with 9,000 direct manufacturing positions.
When combined with operations in Idaho and Virginia, Micron projects its complete U.S. expansion will create over 90,000 jobs nationwide.
Domestic DRAM Manufacturing Objectives
Micron has established a strategic objective to manufacture 40% of its DRAM memory products within the United States. The increased capital deployment aims to advance this target by expanding production capacity and decreasing dependence on international suppliers.
The semiconductor industry broadly benefited from Thursday’s announcement. Applied Materials, KLA Corp, and Lam Research each gained approximately 7% during trading. ARM Holdings outperformed the group with an 11% surge.
These investments reflect the federal government’s continuing efforts to reshore semiconductor manufacturing and establish a more robust domestic production infrastructure.
Micron’s New York facility progression from site development to structural construction represents the most tangible evidence yet that these strategic initiatives are advancing from planning stages to operational execution.
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Key Takeaways
Applied Materials shares climbed approximately 8% Thursday following CEO Gary Dickerson’s comments to Nikkei Asia about extended demand forecasts reaching 2030
TD Cowen increased its price target on AMAT by 33%, moving from $525 to $700; Mizuho elevated its target to $650
Second quarter fiscal 2026 revenue reached an all-time high of $7.91 billion, representing a 20% year-over-year increase, while EPS of $2.86 exceeded expectations
Year-to-date gains for AMAT stand at 141%, though shares remain approximately 18% under the 52-week peak of $739.67
Fiscal third-quarter results are expected on August 13, with analyst consensus projecting EPS of $3.39 and revenue of $8.94 billion
Applied Materials shares experienced an impressive rally of approximately 8% Thursday morning, reaching the $620 level, following CEO Gary Dickerson’s statement that demand clarity has reached unprecedented levels.
In an interview with Nikkei Asia, Dickerson disclosed that semiconductor manufacturers are currently providing equipment demand projections extending two years forward—with certain forecasts reaching as far as 2030. This extended planning horizon represents an anomaly in the chip manufacturing sector, attracting significant attention from the investment community.
“Chipmakers are sharing their equipment demand outlooks for two years or more to ensure their capacity expansions proceed smoothly,” Dickerson said.
The timing of these comments proved opportune. Earlier in May, concerns regarding NAND memory oversupply and postponed capital expenditure plans triggered steep declines across semiconductor equipment manufacturers. Companies including KLA, Lam Research, and Teradyne experienced double-digit percentage drops in one trading session.
Dickerson’s statements countered this pessimistic outlook. He characterized the ongoing investment wave as AI-powered and sustainable rather than cyclical in nature.
This perspective received additional validation from TD Cowen analyst Krish Sankar, who increased his AMAT price objective by 33%—from $525 to $700—on Thursday. Mizuho similarly raised its target to $650. Sankar maintained his Buy recommendation and identifies approximately 15% potential upside from present price levels.
Sankar projects the wafer fabrication equipment sector reaching $250 billion by 2028 and potentially expanding to $500 billion by 2030. He identifies Applied Materials and KLA as primary beneficiaries due to their significant presence in front-end lithography, logic chip equipment, and DRAM manufacturing tools.
Susquehanna independently elevated its wafer fab equipment market projection to $250 billion by 2028, similarly attributing the growth to AI investment and improved memory market dynamics. The firm simultaneously increased price objectives for Advanced Energy Industries, Lam Research, and KLA in the same research note.
Robust Financial Performance Supports Optimistic Outlook
Applied Materials unveiled fiscal Q2 2026 financial results on May 14. Revenue achieved a record $7.91 billion, climbing 20% year-over-year and surpassing the $7.68 billion analyst projection. Earnings per share of $2.86 exceeded the $2.68 consensus estimate.
The semiconductor equipment manufacturer has simultaneously been scaling production capabilities. The company recently expanded its advanced cleanroom facilities in Singapore by more than double to accommodate growing chipmaker requirements.
For the year-to-date period, AMAT has advanced 141%. Despite this substantial appreciation, shares remain roughly 18% below the 52-week high of $739.67, suggesting potential recovery opportunity if the demand thesis materializes.
Upcoming August Earnings Report Draws Attention
The next significant event is the fiscal Q3 earnings announcement, scheduled for August 13. Analysts have made 25 upward adjustments to earnings projections during the past 90 days—with no downward revisions recorded.
Current consensus stands at EPS of $3.39 with revenue expectations of $8.94 billion.
Research organization SemiAnalysis projects cumulative worldwide AI infrastructure investment could total $11.1 trillion spanning 2024 through 2029—a figure that, if realized, would sustain equipment demand for an extended period.
Among Wall Street analysts, AMAT receives a Strong Buy consensus rating derived from 23 Buy recommendations and two Hold ratings issued within the previous three months.
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Key Highlights
The coffee retailer is creating proprietary AI-driven solutions to eliminate dependency on IBM and Microsoft platforms
Annual software expenditures currently total approximately $400 million, which the company aims to reduce substantially
Internal platforms may launch by late next year following comprehensive testing phases
The technology division expects to reduce spending by roughly $30 million in the current fiscal year
IBM shares declined approximately 3%, ServiceNow dropped 3.5%, and Salesforce fell 4% during premarket hours following the announcement
The Seattle-based coffee giant is constructing proprietary AI-enabled platforms to substitute enterprise solutions currently purchased from major technology providers like IBM and Microsoft. This strategic shift caused enterprise software stocks to retreat during Thursday’s early trading session.
IBM experienced a decline of approximately 3% before market opening. ServiceNow tumbled nearly 3.5% while Salesforce retreated by about 4% in premarket activity. SBUX shares climbed almost 3% during trading, reaching $106.93.
The global coffee chain is engineering alternatives for a Microsoft inventory management platform and an IBM-powered maintenance operations tool. According to Bloomberg reporting on an internal corporate presentation, certain homegrown systems may be operational by the conclusion of next year, contingent on successful validation processes.
Chief Technology Officer Anand Varadarajan informed staff members earlier this year that the corporation allocates approximately $400 million per year toward software purchases. He emphasized that significant “clear opportunities to reduce the spend in software” exist within current operations.
The company is conducting a comprehensive examination of “every contract and service” throughout its technology infrastructure as component of a wider initiative to eliminate $2 billion in total operational expenses.
According to reports, AI-powered development methodologies have been instrumental in creating the platform intended to supplant IBM’s maintenance management solution. The corporation has simultaneously encouraged technology personnel to expand their utilization of AI capabilities — with artificial intelligence adoption now influencing performance bonus calculations.
Financial Optimization and Workforce Adjustments
The enterprise technology unit anticipates decreasing its yearly budget by approximately $30 million throughout the fiscal period concluding in late September. This reduction encompasses roughly $10 million in software cost savings and approximately $13 million from decreased utilization of external contractors.
Starbucks has additionally been developing an internal point-of-sale platform to supplant Oracle Simphony for multiple years, according to sources familiar with Bloomberg.
Beginning in February of the previous year, the organization has eliminated approximately 2,300 positions, with a substantial portion representing technology-focused roles.
Geographic Expansion Amid Restructuring
Despite workforce reductions, the coffee retailer is enlarging its technological footprint through establishing new operational centers in Nashville and India, while maintaining its corporate headquarters in Seattle.
The corporation allocates roughly $400 million annually toward software expenditures in total. The internal documentation examined by Bloomberg indicated the enterprise technology division remains on schedule to achieve its cost reduction objectives for the present fiscal year.
The company’s GF Score registers at 81 out of 100. Profitability metrics receive an 8 out of 10 rating, although financial strength registers at merely 4 out of 10. The equity trades at a P/E ratio of 78.87.
Insider transaction data covering the previous three months reveals $0.9 million in equity sales, with zero purchase transactions documented.
The Bloomberg analysis additionally highlighted that artificial intelligence adoption has evolved into a formal performance indicator influencing bonus compensation calculations for certain employees within the technology organization.
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Key Takeaways
IBM enhanced its Bob development platform with multi-agent AI functionality, cost tracking analytics, and ready-made enterprise workflows.
The newly introduced Bobalytics feature monitors AI usage and resource distribution throughout development pipelines.
IBM released three specialized premium tiers focused on IBM Z mainframe, IBM i systems, and Java modernization projects.
Shares of IBM opened Thursday at $302.18 and declined approximately 2%, with second-quarter earnings scheduled for July 22.
Wall Street analysts rate IBM as “Moderate Buy” with a consensus price target of $306.47; Bank of America maintains a Buy rating with a $330 target.
International Business Machines unveiled significant enhancements to its Bob software development platform Wednesday, integrating multi-agent AI systems, comprehensive cost analytics, and pre-configured workflows designed for enterprise legacy system transformation.
Shares of IBM began Thursday’s session at $302.18 and were trading approximately 2% lower, remaining within its 52-week trading range of $212.34 to $332.46.
The centerpiece of this release is Bobalytics, an analytics tool engineered to track artificial intelligence consumption patterns and resource distribution across development workflows. The enhanced platform now enables parallel, model-native tool calling while deploying subagents to maintain context management and control expenditures.
IBM structured these enhancements across three premium subscription levels. The IBM Z package addresses COBOL and PL/I transformation alongside JCL analysis for mainframe systems. The IBM i package delivers remote file system connectivity and customized workflows. The Java Modernization package handles migration to Java 25, enterprise-scale refactoring, and dependency mapping.
The implications extend beyond incremental improvements. IBM referenced research indicating 85% of DevSecOps practitioners believe artificial intelligence has redirected the development constraint from code generation to code review and validation processes.
Early implementation results validate this transformation. Kevin Sligar, Chief Technical Architect at Jack Henry, confirmed the platform accelerates RPG development cycles while enhancing code quality. Saireshan Govender, Group CEO of Blue Pearl, reported completing a legacy modernization initiative in three days using IBM Bob—a project initially estimated at nine months requiring 14 engineers.
Analyst Perspectives
Wall Street maintains an optimistic outlook on IBM approaching earnings season. Bank of America Securities elevated its price objective to $330 with a Buy recommendation, forecasting Q2 revenue of $18.0 billion and earnings per share of $3.03. Barclays launched coverage with an Overweight stance and a $350 price target. JPMorgan upgraded IBM to Overweight in June, increasing its target to $291.
However, not all analysts share this enthusiasm. KeyCorp downgraded IBM to Sector Weight in June, while HSBC maintains a Hold position with a $231 price objective. Among 25 tracked analysts, 16 recommend Buy and nine recommend Hold. The consensus stands at “Moderate Buy” with an average price target of $306.47.
IBM’s latest quarterly performance exceeded Wall Street expectations. The technology giant delivered earnings per share of $1.91 versus analyst estimates of $1.81, while revenue reached $15.92 billion, surpassing the $15.60 billion consensus. Revenue climbed 9.5% compared to the prior year period.
Institutional Positioning
Regarding institutional movements, Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Group reduced its IBM holdings by 3.8% during the first quarter, divesting approximately 91,570 shares, maintaining a position valued at roughly $569.2 million. Collectively, institutional investors and hedge funds control 58.96% of IBM’s outstanding shares.
The company simultaneously increased its quarterly dividend distribution to $1.69 per share from $1.68, establishing a $6.76 annualized dividend with a 2.2% yield. This adjustment extends IBM’s consecutive dividend increase record to 30 years.
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Key Takeaways
Shares of Aehr Test Systems soared more than 13% Thursday following news of an additional production order for its FOX-XP wafer-level burn-in equipment.
The latest order represents the third FOX-XP system sale in 2026, after a $14 million deal in February and an additional purchase in March.
The purchase comes from the company’s primary silicon photonics client, which has already deployed and activated its initial system.
The FOX-XP platform is capable of simultaneously testing nine 300mm wafers with complete automation.
With fiscal fourth-quarter and full-year 2026 results scheduled for July 14, the timing adds positive momentum.
Shares of Aehr Test Systems (AEHR) surged more than 13% Thursday following the semiconductor equipment maker’s announcement of a fresh production order from its primary silicon photonics client. By midday trading, the stock maintained gains of approximately 11.75%.
The new purchase involves a fully automated FOX-XP wafer-level burn-in (WLBI) platform, combined with the FOX WaferPak AutoAligner system. This integrated setup enables simultaneous testing of up to nine 300mm wafers without any manual intervention.
The client is deploying this equipment to facilitate mass production of silicon photonics components designed for AI optical interconnects and hyperscale data center operations.
This represents a repeat purchase. The same client received its initial FOX-XP production unit during Aehr’s fiscal 2026, and the company has verified the system has been successfully integrated and is currently operational.
Chief Executive Gayn Erickson characterized the deal as “another important milestone” in the ongoing partnership with this customer, expressing satisfaction at “receiving this additional follow-on production order early in our new fiscal year.”
The deal also constitutes the third FOX-XP WLBI system purchase Aehr has secured in 2026. The initial order arrived in February with a $14 million valuation, while a subsequent order followed in March.
Order Volume Exceeds Projections
In April, Aehr disclosed that it secured over $92 million in orders throughout the latter half of fiscal 2026. This figure substantially exceeded the company’s prior guidance range of $60 million to $80 million.
According to analysts monitored by Fiscal.ai, projections show Aehr’s yearly revenue climbing from $49.8 million in 2026 to $85.1 million in 2027.
Broader market activity remained subdued Thursday. The Nasdaq increased 0.4% while the S&P 500 rose 0.2%. Industry competitors including Teradyne and FormFactor released no similar announcements, clearly indicating the AEHR rally stemmed exclusively from its order news.
Earnings Release Imminent
The strategic timing of Thursday’s disclosure carries additional significance. Aehr plans to publish its fiscal 2026 fourth-quarter and full-year financial results on July 14 — merely five days away.
This close timing probably encouraged investors to act swiftly. A verified production order from a major customer, announced just before earnings, represents a favorable indicator heading into the financial release.
Aehr specializes in manufacturing test and burn-in equipment for semiconductors spanning power devices, sensors, memory modules, processors, and silicon photonics elements. The FOX-XP system has served as the company’s primary revenue catalyst during the ongoing AI infrastructure expansion.
The company noted its customer is engineering technology designed to enhance data transmission speeds while reducing power consumption in AI processors and high-performance computing architectures.
As of Thursday morning, AEHR shares had appreciated over 13% during the session, with the third FOX-XP order of 2026 and the upcoming July 14 fiscal year earnings announcement both now clearly influencing investor sentiment.
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Key Takeaways
Rackspace (RXT) and Palantir (PLTR) finalized a binding framework agreement to implement Palantir Foundry and AIP within regulated and sovereign operating environments.
Rackspace has been designated as a preferred implementation partner for on-premise, private cloud, and sovereign Palantir installations.
Since the preliminary February 2026 announcement, Rackspace has expanded to roughly 400 Palantir-certified professionals throughout its organization.
An initial collaborative deployment was completed in less than two months, achieving a 94% decrease in quoting cycle duration for a solar tracking company in the United States.
RXT shares plummeted approximately 25% following the news, with the company holding a GF Score of 45/100 and a Financial Strength metric of only 2/10.
Rackspace Technology (RXT) and Palantir Technologies (PLTR) have formalized their collaboration through a definitive agreement establishing an operational framework tailored for regulated and sovereign enterprise clients. The announcement came on July 9, 2026, coinciding with a steep 24.79% decline in RXT share value.
This framework specifically addresses the requirements of organizations where data sovereignty and control are non-negotiable — sectors including healthcare facilities, financial institutions, utilities, and governmental agencies. These clients demand absolute clarity regarding data location and access protocols.
Palantir contributes its AI platform capabilities via Foundry and AIP. Rackspace provides the compliant infrastructure, certified technical personnel, and ongoing operational management necessary to execute these solutions within client-controlled environments.
The collaboration’s initial announcement occurred in February 2026. In the intervening months, Rackspace has developed approximately 400 Palantir-certified professionals spanning sales, engineering, delivery, and operations functions. This includes an international team of Palantir-certified Forward Deployed Engineers (FDEs).
The partnership’s inaugural customer implementation was completed within a two-month timeframe. Rackspace FDEs successfully deployed AI-powered workflows utilizing Palantir Foundry for a U.S. solar tracking equipment manufacturer. This deployment resulted in a 94% reduction in quote processing time — providing tangible early validation of the partnership model.
CEO Gajen Kandiah articulated the approach clearly: “This is deploy and operate, not deploy and leave.” The strategy emphasizes Rackspace maintaining continuous presence within customer environments rather than implementing solutions and disengaging.
Palantir CEO Alex Karp emphasized the strategic necessity from his perspective: genuine sovereign AI demands more than mere model availability. It requires a comprehensive operational infrastructure managing data governance, access permissions, model orchestration, and compliance auditing — all operating within the client’s controlled environment.
Internal Implementation Strategy
A significant commitment worth highlighting: Rackspace plans to deploy Foundry and AIP across over 70% of its internal back-office functions through its OneOS initiative. This demonstrates the company’s confidence in the identical technology stack being marketed to external clients.
This internal adoption strategy should enhance credibility with potential customers seeking validated production implementations before committing to deployments.
Market Reaction and Financial Concerns
The substantial stock decline accompanying the announcement raises significant questions. RXT’s GF Score registers at 45 out of 100, with Financial Strength rated at merely 2/10. Company insiders divested approximately $1.3 million in shares during the preceding three-month period.
The company’s P/S ratio stands at 0.59, notably low compared to historical averages and potentially indicating undervaluation relative to revenue generation. Market capitalization approximated $1.64 billion at announcement time.
Both organizations intend to collaboratively pursue opportunities across healthcare, financial services, energy, private equity, and mid-market segments. Substantial private cloud and sovereign deployment initiatives are under development, featuring integrated teams of Rackspace and Palantir FDEs operating directly within client infrastructures.
Rackspace’s overall GF Score of 45 incorporates concerning ratings in profitability (3/10) and growth (3/10) metrics as well, presenting investors with an ambiguous outlook as this partnership advances into its operational phase.
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Key Takeaways
Evercore ISI maintained its Outperform stance with a $1,100 price objective following Costco’s June sales figures
Comparable store sales climbed 7.6% domestically and 7.0% worldwide, with gas prices and currency fluctuations stripped out
Goldman Sachs continued its Buy recommendation at $1,159; J.P. Morgan sustained its Buy designation at $1,100
Domestic foot traffic increased 3.2%, marking the seventh month in a row with two-year trends exceeding 6%
More challenging year-over-year metrics anticipated for July and August, with traffic comparisons becoming tougher by 100–150 basis points
Costco (COST) stock continues to receive support from Wall Street analysts following the warehouse club’s June sales disclosure, with several prominent firms reaffirming their positive outlooks and target prices.
Evercore ISI confirmed its Outperform designation while maintaining a $1,100 price objective. Analysts at the firm highlighted Costco’s core comparable store sales advancement of 7.6% domestically and 7.0% on a worldwide basis, with both metrics adjusted to exclude gasoline and currency translation impacts.
COST was hovering near the $1,050–$1,060 zone when these ratings were issued, suggesting Evercore’s target represents moderate appreciation potential from present levels. Data from InvestingPro indicates the shares may be trading above their Fair Value calculation.
Domestic customer traffic expanded 3.2% during June. This performance maintained the two-year combined traffic comparison above the 6% threshold for a seventh straight month, a pattern that Wall Street observers have been monitoring attentively.
Fuel station revenues contributed positively to the overall picture. These sales surged in the low-30% territory on a year-over-year basis, powered by a 22% increase in average retail prices and high-single-digit volume expansion in gallons dispensed.
Domestic transaction size growth, excluding gasoline, registered at 4.3%. Evercore’s analysis suggested approximately 1–2% stemmed from price inflation, with the remainder attributable to increased items per shopping trip and product category mix shifts.
Global Markets Show Moderation
Beyond U.S. borders, performance showed some moderation. Canadian core comparables reached 4.9%, representing a 120-basis-point decline from the preceding three-month average. Additional international territories recorded 5.6%, likewise down 110 basis points from recent performance levels.
June’s aggregate comparable sales expansion totaled 8.8%, although core comparables of 7.0% marked a pullback from May’s 8.7% figure.
Goldman Sachs analyst Kate McShane preserved a Buy recommendation with a $1,159 price objective. McShane observed that while June figures landed marginally below consensus forecasts, the shortfall was partially attributable to sales cannibalization from recently opened warehouses rather than any weakness in fundamental demand patterns.
McShane further emphasized that company leadership identifies no significant shifts in shopper behavior or the competitive landscape. Membership renewal patterns and customer traffic metrics remain healthy.
J.P. Morgan aligned with this perspective, likewise sustaining a Buy rating at a $1,100 price target.
Baird preserved its Outperform stance at $1,100. Gordon Haskett confirmed its Buy designation and elevated its target to $1,200, characterizing June’s 7.0% same-location sales expansion as marginally below expectations but nevertheless robust.
More Difficult Year-Over-Year Metrics Approaching
Not all analysts shared the same enthusiasm. DA Davidson and Citi both retained Neutral classifications, establishing targets at $1,000 and $1,020 respectively. Both institutions referenced the sequential slowdown in sales momentum from May through June.
Telsey confirmed its Outperform rating at $1,135 but conceded June’s performance fell short of its 10.6% forecast.
Evercore cautioned that year-over-year comparisons will intensify throughout the summer months. Traffic benchmarks become 100 basis points more demanding in July and 150 basis points more challenging domestically.
Costco’s aggregate revenue expansion over the trailing twelve-month period registers at 9.23%, underpinning a market capitalization of $422.69 billion.
Goldman’s McShane also referenced Costco’s pilot programs with standalone fuel facilities as a development worth monitoring, characterizing it as evidence of the company’s strategic focus on long-term member value enhancement.
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Key Takeaways
Shares of Ionis Pharmaceuticals plummeted nearly 20% following disappointing results from the CARDIO-TTRansform Phase 3 clinical trial for eplontersen
Collaboration partner AstraZeneca saw its stock decline approximately 9% following the announcement
The experimental therapy demonstrated no effectiveness in patients already receiving stabilizer medications, who represented most trial participants
A subset of patients not taking stabilizers experienced a 29% reduction in risk, providing limited encouraging data
Competing pharmaceutical companies Alnylam and BridgeBio saw their shares jump over 10% as a significant competitor exits the ATTR-CM market
Shares of Ionis Pharmaceuticals (IONS) tumbled approximately 17-20% Thursday following disappointing news from the company and its partner AstraZeneca (AZN) that their experimental drug eplontersen missed its primary goal in the Phase 3 CARDIO-TTRansform clinical study.
The clinical study evaluated eplontersen’s ability to lower the risk of cardiac mortality and recurring cardiovascular complications in individuals with transthyretin-mediated amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) versus placebo across a 140-week period. The drug failed to demonstrate this benefit.
IONS shares were down approximately 17.59% Thursday. This extends the stock’s year-to-date decline to 11.78%, although shares remain elevated roughly 99% over the trailing twelve months.
American-listed shares of AstraZeneca dropped about 9% following the identical announcement, highlighting the significant stakes both pharmaceutical firms had in this trial’s success.
The study recruited participants where 57% were already receiving stabilizer therapy at baseline, with an additional 24% initiating such treatment during the trial. Within this patient population, eplontersen failed to show any therapeutic benefit. This represents a significant challenge since stabilizer medications have become standard practice in current clinical care.
Positive Results in Limited Population — Questions Remain
The data contained one bright spot. Among participants not receiving stabilizer drugs, eplontersen demonstrated a 29% decrease in the composite risk of cardiac death and recurring complications. The therapeutic candidate also achieved robust, lasting decreases in transthyretin protein concentrations and successfully met various secondary measures.
However, Wall Street analysts remained skeptical about the partial success providing a viable development pathway. Stifel’s Paul Matteis noted that “trying to approach regulators here on these data would seem like a stretch.” Neither Ionis nor AstraZeneca disclosed intentions to pursue regulatory authorization or initiate an additional clinical study.
Chief Executive Brett Monia expressed disappointment, highlighting the evolving therapeutic environment where increasing numbers of patients begin stabilizer therapy prior to trial enrollment. Complete study results will be unveiled at the European Society of Cardiology Congress in August 2026.
For Ionis particularly, the unsuccessful trial eliminates anticipated profit-sharing arrangements, royalty payments, and additional milestone compensation linked to eplontersen’s commercial success in cardiovascular disease.
Competitor Stocks Rally as Market Competition Narrows
Alnylam Pharmaceuticals and BridgeBio both experienced double-digit percentage gains Thursday. With eplontersen’s prospects in ATTR-CM now uncertain, Alnylam’s Amvuttra appears positioned to maintain its standing as the sole RNA-silencing treatment in this therapeutic area.
Stifel’s Matteis characterized the development as “a huge positive” for Amvuttra. Pfizer’s Vyndamax, currently the dominant product with sales exceeding $6 billion annually, also benefits from reduced competition.
Jefferies analyst Michael Leuchten suggested the greater concern for AstraZeneca extends beyond lost revenue — it’s the damage to reputation. The pharmaceutical giant had approached the data readout with substantial optimism. “AstraZeneca is meant to be able to have exceptionally good trial design ability,” he observed.
Street consensus on IONS before Thursday stood at Strong Buy, featuring an average price objective of $104.61. These recommendations will likely undergo revision.
Trading activity in IONS reached approximately 3 million shares Thursday, significantly exceeding the three-month daily mean of 1.86 million.
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Key Highlights
Financial regulator mandates elimination of OTP-based authentication systems within one year.
Platforms must transition to passkeys and physical security keys instead of SMS or email codes.
Major internet brokers expected to implement enhanced security protocols without delay.
Enhanced surveillance requirements for login attempts, transaction patterns, and fund withdrawals.
Executive leadership held directly responsible for security breaches affecting customer assets.
Hong Kong’s financial regulator has mandated that digital asset exchanges and internet-based brokers eliminate one-time password systems in favor of advanced security mechanisms. The directive addresses escalating threats from credential theft, account hijacking, and sophisticated phishing operations. Financial institutions have one year to complete the transition.
Regulatory Authority Introduces Stricter Authentication Requirements
The SFC distributed the directive to online brokerage firms and virtual asset platform operators this Thursday. The mandate specifies phishing-resistant authentication mechanisms for user access and device authorization procedures. The framework encompasses enhanced safeguards for account entry points and verification of trusted hardware.
The financial watchdog explicitly prohibited continued reliance on temporary password systems for access control and device registration. This prohibition encompasses verification codes delivered via text message, electronic mail, and application-generated authentication sequences. The authority cited increasing phishing vulnerabilities and the availability of superior security technologies.
Passkey technology, physical authentication tokens, and cryptographic device verification satisfy the updated requirements. These approaches minimize exposure to compromised credentials and intercepted authentication codes. Exchanges must migrate from code-dependent verification to cryptographically-secure authentication frameworks.
One-Year Implementation Window Established for Compliance
The regulatory body instructed affected organizations to execute these transitions at the earliest opportunity. Complete compliance across all covered entities must occur within twelve months following the circular’s publication date. Larger internet brokerage operations should proceed with immediate adoption given their substantial user bases.
The authority additionally requires enhanced monitoring capabilities across all account operations. Brokerage platforms and virtual asset operators must identify anomalous login behaviors, unusual trading activity, and suspicious withdrawal requests. Organizations must also provide prompt notification to account holders when significant events affect their profiles.
The SFC emphasized that executive leadership bears ultimate responsibility for safeguarding client accounts. Management teams will face direct accountability when security deficiencies result in customer financial losses. Consequently, organizations face mounting pressure to enhance prevention strategies, incident response capabilities, and governance frameworks.
Territory Elevates Digital Security Protocols
This regulatory action follows a sustained increase in phishing campaigns and social manipulation tactics targeting digital currency markets. Throughout early 2026, such attacks inflicted substantial financial damage across the international cryptocurrency ecosystem. This pattern prompted regulatory bodies to intensify focus on access control mechanisms.
Hong Kong documented significant fraudulent activity and counterfeiting operations in recent cybersecurity assessments. These threats represented a considerable portion of documented security breaches during 2025. The financial regulator positioned strengthened authentication as a component of comprehensive market safeguards.
The watchdog also encouraged users to maintain robust security practices for passwords, hardware devices, and account access methods. Customers should exclusively access their accounts through verified official websites and authorized platform applications. Users should immediately report any suspected unauthorized access or questionable transaction activity.

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Key Takeaways
Rocket One (RKTO) secured entry into SpaceXAI’s API program, unlocking access to advanced multimodal AI capabilities
Shares rallied approximately 24% following the announcement, reaching $0.80 with a $15.35 million market capitalization
The API access encompasses AI systems for programming, logic processing, text generation, visual analysis, video processing, and audio applications
The defense tech company intends to deploy these models throughout its AI infrastructure, defense automation software, and aerospace technology projects
Rocket One maintains proprietary rights to advanced nanomagnetic and spintronic semiconductor innovations
Rocket One (RKTO) revealed on Wednesday that it has successfully joined the SpaceXAI API program, securing the defense and AI technology company access to SpaceXAI’s cutting-edge multimodal artificial intelligence systems. Shares responded with a significant rally of approximately 24%, reaching the $0.80 level.
With a modest market capitalization of $15.35 million, the firm now gains entry to SpaceXAI’s comprehensive suite of AI models spanning programming assistance, logical reasoning, text generation, image processing, video analysis, and voice recognition technologies.
According to the company, these advanced capabilities will undergo testing and integration throughout multiple operational domains, including core AI infrastructure development, autonomous military software systems, and space-based computing platforms. This represents an ambitious roadmap for an organization of Rocket One’s current scale.
Chief Executive Officer Robb Knie emphasized that securing access to leading-edge foundation models represents a critical milestone as the organization constructs what it characterizes as an AI-centric platform tailored for the defense and aerospace sectors.
The SpaceXAI partnership is designed to complement Rocket One’s current technology portfolio, which features proprietary nanomagnetic and spintronic semiconductor innovations.
The firm is actively engineering what it terms radiation-resistant AI processor technology — specifically architected to operate reliably in low-Earth orbital environments, deep-space missions, and defense scenarios where conventional silicon chips experience degradation.
This nanomagnetic matrix multiplication architecture serves as a specialized hardware accelerator optimized for machine learning computations. The technology remains in development, having not yet been manufactured as a complete integrated circuit or tested in actual space conditions.
Latest Developments at Rocket One
The SpaceXAI partnership announcement follows several months of significant corporate activity. During June, Rocket One disclosed approximately $8.4 million in available cash resources, generated through an at-the-market equity offering program.
The organization also unveiled Swarm Stage AI, an autonomous drone fleet defense system designed for military agencies, government entities, and security organizations. The platform leverages technology obtained through the acquisition of SkyStage, a commercial drone coordination company.
Regarding leadership expansion, Rocket One appointed retired Colonel Robert “Shane” Kimbrough — a veteran NASA astronaut — to its Space Advisory Board.
Additionally, the company recently satisfied Nasdaq’s minimum share price standards after sustaining a closing price above $1.00 for ten straight trading sessions.
Analyst Perspectives
A single analyst has established a $5.00 price objective for RKTO. Projections indicate potential earnings of $8.21 per share for the 2026 fiscal year, though this estimate appears notably elevated relative to the company’s present share price and overall valuation.
InvestingPro data suggests the stock may be trading below its intrinsic value according to their Fair Value analysis framework. Nevertheless, shares remain down 44% year-over-year despite Wednesday’s substantial gains.
The organization’s biotechnology portfolio — encompassing research programs designated HT-001, HT-KIT, HT-ALZ, and a GDNF-focused metabolic initiative — operates through a fully owned subsidiary, maintained separately from primary defense and aerospace operations.
As of Wednesday morning trading, RKTO was changing hands at $1.0001, representing a daily increase of $0.1977.
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