Major Averages Broadly Higher, Tech Stocks Perform Strongly

The major averages were broadly higher near noon, with gains supported by optimism around corporate earnings, particularly in technology and select cyclical segments. Many Asian markets remain closed for the Lunar New Year, keeping regional trading light and volume subdued. U.S. markets are trading with a modestly positive and cautiously optimistic tone as major equity futures climb and global stock benchmarks rally, reflecting a rebound from recent volatility driven by artificial-intelligence sentiment and sector rotation.Looking to commodities, gold was sharply higher, rebounding from yesterday's losses as the "safe haven" asset continues to have a tumultuous year. Oil was sharply higher as well ahead of this afternoon's API crude data and tomorrow's DOE inventory reports.Get caught up quickly on the top news and calls moving stocks with these five Top Five lists.1. STOCK NEWS:Bershire Hathawayin New York Timesand cut its stake in AmazonPalo Alto Networksreportedand cut its FY26 earnings outlookModernasaid theof its seasonal influenza vaccine submissionMSG Sportsisthat would separate its New York Knicks business from its New York Rangers businessMetaannounced awith Nvidia2. WALL STREET CALLS:Palantirto Outperform from Neutral at MizuhoBioAge Labsto Buy from Hold at JefferiesWorkdayto Market Perform at CitizensGenuine Partsto Hold from Buy at TruistWilliams TradingCrocsto Sell on eroding U.S. demand3. AROUND THE WEB:Activist investor Starboard Value is asking Riot Platformsto speed up its transition from Bitcoin miner to a data center company that could house hyperscaler tenants, Bloomberg saysJPMorgan Chaseintends to open over 160 branches in 30 states in 2026 as the company further invests in its brick-and-mortar network, FT reportsMicrosoftis on pace to invest $50B by the end of the decade to help AI expand to countries across the 'Global South,' specifically emerging or lower-income countries in the southern hemisphere, Reuters saysAT&Tis being sued by NYC pension funds for blocking a shareholder vote on workforce diversity disclosures, Reuters saysChinese conglomerate Tencentwas the undisclosed main financial backer of game developer Wildlight Entertainment, which released its debut free-to-play multiplayer title "Highguard" late last month, Game File says4. MOVERS:Sabreincreases afterand naming Shawn Williams as Chief Commercial OfficerImmunitygains after theconditional marketing authorization for AnktivaMister Car Washand Caesarshigher afterAxcelisfalls afterand providing guidance for Q1HF Sinclairlower afterand announcing the departure of CEO Tim Go5. EARNINGS/GUIDANCEInsuletand provided guidance for FY26LCI Industries, with CEO Jason Lippert commenting, "We delivered a very strong 2025"Clean Harbors, with EPS and revenue beating consensusWingstopand provided guidance for FY26, with CEO Michael Skipworth commenting, "Our team continues to demonstrate operational excellence as we opened 493 net new restaurants and expanded into six new international markets"JLL, with EPS and revenue beating consensusINDEXES:Near midday, the Dow was up 0.52%, or 258.55, to 49,791.74, the Nasdaq was up 1.20%, or 271.50, to 22,849.89, and the S&P 500 was up 0.79%, or 54.19, to 6,897.41.