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Stock Market Today: ​Stocks Rise as Oil Prices Surge and Earnings Roll In After Tesla’s Mixed Results

U.S. stocks rose on Thursday, fueled by a rebound in oil prices and fresh corporate earnings. Gains in energy and select tech names helped lift major indexes, even as some disappointing results from Tesla and IBM moderated broader enthusiasm.

The Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) led the charge, rising about 1%, while the S&P 500 (GSPC) gained 0.6%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) edged up 0.3%, extending its climb to another near-record level. Oil futures spiked around 6% after the U.S. imposed sanctions on Russian producers, sending Brent crude toward $66 a barrel and West Texas Intermediate above $62.

Market Movers:

  • Tesla (TSLA): Shares fell about 1% as investors digested mixed third-quarter results. The EV maker’s record deliveries were overshadowed by weaker profit margins and cautious commentary from CEO Elon Musk, who said the company faces a “transitional quarter” ahead of its robotaxi launch.
  • IBM (IBM): The stock slipped nearly 3% after software revenue came in below expectations, offsetting a profit beat. Analysts noted that while the company’s AI pipeline remains strong, investors were hoping for faster growth acceleration.
  • American Airlines (AAL): Shares jumped more than 6% after the carrier’s fourth-quarter earnings guidance topped Wall Street estimates. The company cited lower fuel costs and strong international demand heading into the holiday season.
  • Molina Healthcare (MOH): Shares tumbled over 19% after the insurer reported a steep earnings miss tied to rising medical costs. The company also slashed its full-year outlook, citing a higher medical care ratio and increased patient utilization.
  • Super Micro Computer (SMCI): Shares dropped more than 8% after the AI server maker lowered its quarterly revenue forecast. The company blamed production delays from recent product design upgrades but reiterated strong full-year demand expectations.
  • Intel (INTC): The chipmaker traded up nearly 2% ahead of its third-quarter earnings release. Investors are watching closely for signs of stabilization in its manufacturing business after several high-profile government and private sector investments.

​Oil Surges on Russia Sanctions

Crude prices soared as the U.S. unveiled new sanctions targeting Russian energy giants, marking the latest rise in pressure on Moscow amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. The move sent shockwaves through global commodity markets and revived inflation concerns, though some analysts said higher oil prices could temporarily bolster energy stocks and earnings.

The rally in oil provided a lift to energy shares within the S&P 500, helping offset weakness in tech and industrials. Traders also noted that the spike could complicate the Federal Reserve’s upcoming policy decisions if energy costs ripple through inflation data in the weeks ahead.

Corporate Earnings Dominate the Session

Wall Street’s focus remained on the latest wave of quarterly reports. Tesla’s results, while mixed, kicked off a high-stakes earnings stretch for the so-called “Magnificent Seven.” IBM’s stock also weighed on the Dow despite analysts maintaining bullish ratings, citing long-term potential in its AI business.

Meanwhile, American Airlines impressed investors with upbeat guidance, while T-Mobile (TMUS) slipped modestly after its subscriber growth beat expectations but margins narrowed. Meanwhile, Super Micro Computer became one of the day’s biggest decliners after cutting near-term revenue guidance, even as it projected record demand for AI-related servers in 2026.

Broader Market Developments

Mortgage rates fell to their lowest levels in over a year, helping spark a rebound in existing home sales. According to data from the National Association of Realtors, September sales climbed 1.5%, suggesting that easing borrowing costs could be bringing buyers back into the market.

In Washington, the government shutdown entered its fourth week with no resolution in sight, delaying key economic reports, including the September Consumer Price Index. However, officials confirmed that U.S.-China trade talks are scheduled for Friday, providing a glimmer of hope for easing tensions. Crypto markets also saw a jolt of activity after President Trump pardoned Binance founder Changpeng Zhao, sending Binance Coin (BNB) up nearly 6%. The decision reignited debate over the administration’s evolving approach to cryptocurrency regulation and its ties to the sector.

Looking Ahead

Investors now turn their attention to Intel’s earnings report due after the close, which will serve as a key test for the semiconductor sector following recent caution from peers. Meanwhile, markets remain sensitive to geopolitical headlines and Fed commentary as oil prices rise and inflation data remain pending. With volatility expected to stay elevated, traders are bracing for more twists as corporate earnings, global politics, and central bank policy continue to shape the market narrative.

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