Nasdaq Gains Over 200 Points Following Inflation Report: Investor Sentiment Improves, Greed Index Remains In ‘Fear' Zone

Mizuho Maintains Outperform on Applied Materials, Lowers Price Target to $590

Mizuho analyst Vijay Rakesh maintains Applied Materials (NASDAQ:AMAT) with a Outperform and lowers the price target from $650 to $590.

Applied Materials Sees Years Of AI-Fueled Growth Ahead

Applied Materials positions for strong growth as AI drives 80% of chip equipment demand. JPMorgan reiterates an Overweight rating.

A 10-Year Treasury Bond Now Pays More Than 118 Of America's Biggest Companies

Only 3.85% of S&P 500 stocks now yield more than the 10-year Treasury, the lowest since May 2007. Benzinga found 118 mega-caps that pay less.

Shares of semiconductor companies are trading lower amid concerns that OpenAI's Q2 earnings may weigh on AI growth. Today's Fed minutes revealed that many participants assessed that higher rates would likely be necessary if inflation did not fall.

Should You Buy BAC Stock as AI-Led Branch Expansion Boosts Efficiency?

Bank of America is leveraging AI, digital adoption, and branch optimization to improve operating leverage, with Erica surpassing 3.2 billion interactions and plans for 150+ new financial centers by 2027. While the bank shows strong revenue growth, improving earnings outlook, and industry-leading deposit franchise, near-term expense pressures and elevated cost growth remain concerns. The stock is rated a Hold despite long-term efficiency potential.

Can JPMorgan's Stablecoin Push Strengthen Its Digital Payments Edge?

JPMorgan is exploring a stablecoin offering that would extend its digital payments strategy through its JPM Coin and Kinexys platforms. The initiative could enable 24/7 settlement, improve liquidity management, and create fee opportunities. JPMorgan's established blockchain infrastructure gives it a competitive advantage over Bank of America and Wells Fargo, which are still evaluating their digital-dollar strategies. Regulatory clarity could further improve the economics of such an initiative.