- Stocks Settle Mixed as Iran War Remains Unresolved
May 18, 2026
The S&P 500 Index ($SPX) (SPY) on Monday closed down -0.07%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average ($DOWI) (DIA) closed up +0.32%, and the Nasdaq 100 Index ($IUXX) (QQQ) closed down -0.45%. June E-mini S&P futures (ESM26) fell -0.12%, and June E-mini Nasdaq futures (NQM26) fell -0.48%.
Stock indexes gave up an early advance on Monday and settled mixed as crude oil prices whipsawed between gains and losses amid the stalemate between the US and Iran that has kept the Strait of Hormuz closed. Crude prices recovered from early losses and climbed to a 3-week high on Monday when Iran said, despite draft changes, US demands for ending the war were "excessive and unrealistic." The rebound in crude oil prices pushed bond yields higher, weighing on stocks as the 10-year T-note yield climbed to a 15-month high of 4.63%.Join 200K+ Subscribers: Find out why the midday Barchart Brief newsletter is a must-read for thousands daily.
However, stocks bounced off their lows as crude oil prices tumbled more than -$2 a barrel Monday afternoon in post-market trading when President Trump said he canceled a scheduled attack on Iran on Tuesday after he was asked by leaders of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates to hold off for more time to pursue a diplomatic resolution.
Comments from President Trump on Sunday weighed on stocks and boosted crude oil prices when he said the "clock is ticking" on Iran and it "better get moving FAST on a peace deal, or there won't be anything left of them." Also, ramped-up geopolitical tensions weighed on stocks after Reuters reported that Pakistan has deployed 8,000 troops, a squadron of fighter jets, and an air defense system to Saudi Arabia as part of a mutual defense pact, a deployment described as a "substantial, combat-capable force" to support Saudi Arabia if it comes under further attack.
Monday’s US economic news was supportive for stocks after the May NAHB housing market index rose +3 to 37, stronger than expectations of no change at 34.
Weaker-than-expected economic news from China is bearish for global growth prospects. China Apr industrial production rose +4.1% y/y, weaker than expectations of +6.0% y/y. Also, China Apr retail sales rose +0.2% y/y, weaker than expectations of +2.0% y/y. In addition, China Apr new home prices fell -0.19% y/y, the thirty-fifth consecutive month that prices have declined.
WTI crude oil prices (CLM26) were extremely volatile on Monday, rising more than +3% to a 3-week high after Reuters reported that Pakistan has deployed troops and jets to Saudi Arabia as part of a mutual defense pact. Also, comments on Monday from Iran that US demands for ending the war were “excessive and unrealistic” boosted crude prices. However, crude prices fell sharply Monday afternoon when President Trump said he called off a strike on Iran scheduled for Tuesday after Gulf allies asked for more time to give diplomacy a chance. On Sunday, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) reported that a drone sparked a fire in a power station at the UAE’s Barakah nuclear plant, and Saudi Arabia said it intercepted and destroyed three drones that entered its airspace. Last Wednesday, the International Energy Agency (IEA) said in a monthly report that global oil inventories declined at a rate of about 4 million bpd in March and April, and the market will remain “severely undersupplied” until October even if the conflict ends next month. Goldman Sachs estimates that the current disruption has drawn down nearly 500 million bbl from global crude stockpiles, with the drawdown potentially reaching 1 billion bbl by June.
The markets are discounting a 0% chance of a -25 bp FOMC rate cut at the next FOMC meeting on June 16-17.
Earnings season is winding down, though reports thus far have been supportive of stocks. As of Monday, 83% of the 454 S&P 500 companies that reported Q1 earnings have beaten estimates. Q1 S&P 500 earnings are projected to climb +12% y/y, according to Bloomberg Intelligence. Stripping out the technology sector, Q1 earnings are projected to increase around +3%, the weakest in two years.
Overseas stock markets settled mixed on Monday. The Euro Stoxx 50 rebounded from a 1.5-week low and closed up +0.36%. China's Shanghai Composite dropped to a 2-week low and closed down -0.09%. Japan's Nikkei Stock Average fell to a 1-week low and closed down -0.97%.
Interest Rates
June 10-year T-notes (ZNM6) on Monday closed down by -5 ticks. The 10-year T-note yield rose +1.7 bp to 4.606%. Jun T-notes slid to a 15-month low on Monday, and the 10-year T-note yield rose to a 15-month high of 4.631%. Monday’s sharp rally in WTI crude oil to a 3-week high raised inflation expectations and is bearish for T-notes. The 10-year breakeven inflation rate rose to a 3-year high of 2.530% on Monday. T-notes also came under pressure on Monday after the May NAHB housing market index unexpectedly strengthened. Losses in T-notes were limited after crude oil prices fell from their best level on Monday afternoon when President Trump said he canceled a planned strike against Iran for Tuesday.
European government bond yields moved lower on Monday. The 10-year German Bund yield fell from a 15-year high of 3.195% and finished down -1.9 bp to 3.148%. The 10-year UK gilt yield fell from a nearly 18-year high of 5.189% and finished down -7.4 bp to 5.098%.
Swaps are discounting an 88% chance of a +25 bp ECB rate hike at its next policy meeting on June 11.
US Stock Movers
Chipmakers and AI infrastructure stocks gave up an early advance on Monday and turned lower, weighing on the overall market. Seagate Technology Holdings Plc (STX) closed down more than -6%, and Micron Technology (MU), Sandisk (SNDK), and Applied Materials (AMAT) closed down more than -5%. Also, Western Digital (WDC) and Marvell Technology (MRVL) closed down more than -4%, and KLA Corp (KLAC) and Lam Research (LRCX) closed down more than -2%. In addition, Nvidia (NVDA), ASML Holding NV (ASML), Broadcom (AVGO), and Microchip Technology (MCHP) closed down more than -1%.
Cryptocurrency-exposed stocks retreated on Monday as Bitcoin (^BTCUSD) fell more than -2% to a 2-week low. Strategy (MSTR) and Galaxy Digital Holdings (GLXY) closed down more than -5%. Also, Coinbase Global (COIN) closed down more than -3%, MARA Holdings (MARA) closed down more than -2%, and Riot Platforms (RIOT) closed down more than -1%.
Zscaler (ZS) closed up more than +8% to lead cybersecurity stocks higher after B Riley Securities upgraded the stock to buy from neutral with a price target of $225. Also, Okta (OKTA) closed up more than +5%, and CrowdStrike Holdings (CRWD) closed up more than +4%. In addition, Fortinet (FTNT) closed up more than +3%, Cloudflare (NET) closed up more than +2%, and Palo Alto Networks (PANW) closed up more than +1%.
Hims & Hers Health (HIMS) closed down more than -10% after saying it intends to offer $300 million aggregate principal amount of convertible senior notes due 2032 in a private placement.
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals (REGN) closed down more than -9% to lead losers in the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 after reporting its data from a Phase 3 trial of its fianlimab for treatment of metastatic melanoma fell short of expectations.
Mobileye (MBLY) closed down more than -6% after Jeffries initiated coverage on the stock with a recommendation of underperform and a price target of $8.
LiveRamp Holdings (RAMP) closed up more than +27% after Publicis Groupe SA agreed to buy the company for about $2.5 billion in cash, or about $38.50 per share.
Bio-Rad Laboratories (BIO) closed up more than +13% after the Wall Street Journal reported that Elliot Investment Management has built a sizable stake in the company.
Dominion Energy (D) closed up more than +9% to lead gainers in the S&P 500 on reports that NextEra Energy is discussing a stock deal for the company that would value it at about $76 a share or around $66 billion.
Cognizant Technology Solutions (CTSH) closed up more than +9% to lead gainers in the Nasdaq 100 after its board authorized a $1 billion increase in its existing share repurchase program to $2 billion.
Boston Scientific (BSX) closed up more than +6% after it said it entered into a $2 billion accelerated share repurchase agreement with JPMorgan Chase as part of its previously announced $5 billion share repurchase authorization.
Earnings Reports(5/19/2026)
Amer Sports Inc (AS), Cava Group Inc (CAVA), Eagle Materials Inc (EXP), Home Depot Inc/The (HD), Keysight Technologies Inc (KEYS), Toll Brothers Inc (TOL).
On the date of publication, Rich Asplund did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
- Stocks Pressured by a Rebound in Crude Prices and Bond Yields
May 18, 2026
The S&P 500 Index ($SPX) (SPY) today is down -0.20%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average ($DOWI) (DIA) is down -0.04%, and the Nasdaq 100 Index ($IUXX) (QQQ) is down -0.57%. June E-mini S&P futures (ESM26) are down -0.28%, and June E-mini Nasdaq futures (NQM26) are down -0.57%.
Stock indexes gave up an early advance today and turned lower as crude oil prices whipsawed higher amid the stalemate between the US and Iran that has kept the Strait of Hormuz closed. Crude prices recovered from early losses and pushed back into positive territory today when Iran said, despite draft changes, US demands for ending the war were "excessive and unrealistic." The rebound in crude oil prices pushed bond yields higher, weighing on stocks as the 10-year T-note yield climbed to a 15-month high today at 4.63%.Join 200K+ Subscribers: Find out why the midday Barchart Brief newsletter is a must-read for thousands daily.
Stocks briefly moved higher today when crude oil prices temporarily fell more than -1% on hopes for a breakthrough in the standoff between the US and Iran over the Strait of Hormuz. Crude prices retreated today after Tasnim, Iran's semi-official news agency, reported that the US has proposed a temporary waiver on Iran oil sanctions until a final peace agreement is reached.
Comments from President Trump on Sunday weighed on stocks and boosted crude oil prices when he said the "clock is ticking" on Iran and it "better get moving FAST on a peace deal, or there won't be anything left of them." Also, ramped-up geopolitical tensions weighed on stocks after Reuters reported that Pakistan has deployed 8,000 troops, a squadron of fighter jets, and an air defense system to Saudi Arabia as part of a mutual defense pact, a deployment described as a "substantial, combat-capable force" to support Saudi Arabia if it comes under further attack.
Today’s US economic news was supportive for stocks after the May NAHB housing market index rose +3 to 37, stronger than expectations of no change at 34.
Weaker-than-expected economic news from China is bearish for global growth prospects. China Apr industrial production rose +4.1% y/y, weaker than expectations of +6.0% y/y. Also, China Apr retail sales rose +0.2% y/y, weaker than expectations of +2.0% y/y. In addition, China Apr new home prices fell -0.19% y/y, the thirty-fifth consecutive month that prices have declined.
WTI crude oil prices (CLM26) have been volatile today, rising to a 2-week high after Reuters reported that Pakistan has deployed troops and jets to Saudi Arabia as part of a mutual defense pact. Also, comments today from Iran that US demands for ending the war were “excessive and unrealistic” boosted crude prices. Crude prices initially fell by more than -1% today after Tasnim, Iran's semi-official news agency, reported that the US has proposed a temporary waiver on Iran oil sanctions until a final peace agreement is reached. On Sunday, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) reported that a drone sparked a fire in a power station at the UAE’s Barakah nuclear plant, and Saudi Arabia said it intercepted and destroyed three drones that entered its airspace. Last Wednesday, the International Energy Agency (IEA) said in a monthly report that global oil inventories declined at a rate of about 4 million bpd in March and April, and the market will remain “severely undersupplied” until October even if the conflict ends next month. Goldman Sachs estimates that the current disruption has drawn down nearly 500 million bbl from global crude stockpiles, with the drawdown potentially reaching 1 billion bbl by June.
The markets are discounting a 3% chance of a -25 bp FOMC rate cut at the next FOMC meeting on June 16-17.
Earnings season is winding down, though reports thus far have been supportive of stocks. As of today, 83% of the 454 S&P 500 companies that reported Q1 earnings have beaten estimates. Q1 S&P 500 earnings are projected to climb +12% y/y, according to Bloomberg Intelligence. Stripping out the technology sector, Q1 earnings are projected to increase around +3%, the weakest in two years.
Overseas stock markets are mixed today. The Euro Stoxx 50 rebounded from a 1.5-week low and is up +0.45%. China's Shanghai Composite dropped to a 2-week low and closed down -0.09%. Japan's Nikkei Stock Average fell to a 1-week low and closed down -0.97%.
Interest Rates
June 10-year T-notes (ZNM6) today are down by -1 tick. The 10-year T-note yield is up +0.3 bp to 4.596%. Jun T-notes slid to a 15-month low today, and the 10-year T-note yield rose to a 15-month high of 4.631%. Today’s increase in WTI crude oil to a 2-week high raises inflation expectations and is bearish for T-notes. The 10-year breakeven inflation rate rose to a 3-year high of 2.530% today. T-notes also came under pressure today after the May NAHB housing market index unexpectedly strengthened. Losses in T-notes are limited after crude oil prices fell from their best level, following Reuters' report that the US proposed a temporary waiver on Iran oil sanctions.
European government bond yields are moving lower today. The 10-year German Bund yield fell from a 15-year high of 3.195% and is down -0.5 bp to 3.162%. The 10-year UK gilt yield fell from a nearly 18-year high of 5.189% and is down -3.0 bp to 5.142%.
Swaps are discounting an 87% chance of a +25 bp ECB rate hike at its next policy meeting on June 11.
US Stock Movers
Chipmakers and AI infrastructure stocks gave up an early advance today and turned lower, weighing on the overall market. Seagate Technology Holdings Plc (STX) is down more than -6%, and Sandisk (SNDK) and Western Digital (WDC) are down more than -5%. Also, Applied Materials (AMAT) is down more than -4%, and Micron Technology (MU), Marvell Technology (MRVL), KLA Corp (KLAC), and Qualcomm (QCOM) are down more than -2%. In addition, Lam Research (LRCX), ASML Holding NV (ASML), Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), and Broadcom (AVGO) are down more than -1%.
Cryptocurrency-exposed stocks are sliding today, with Bitcoin (^BTCUSD) down more than -3% at a 2-week low. Strategy (MSTR) is down more than -8%, and Galaxy Digital Holdings (GLXY) is down more than -6%. Also, MARA Holdings (MARA) is down more than -5%, Coinbase Global (COIN) is down more than -4%, and Riot Platforms (RIOT) is down more than -1%.
Zscaler (ZS) is up more than +6% to lead cybersecurity stocks higher after B Riley Securities upgraded the stock to buy from neutral with a price target of $225. Also, Okta (OKTA) is up more than +3%, and CrowdStrike Holdings (CRWD) is up more than +2%. In addition, Palo Alto Networks (PANW), Cloudflare (NET), and Fortinet (FTNT) are up more than +1%.
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals (REGN) is down more than -10% to lead losers in the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 after reporting its data from a Phase 3 trial of its fianlimab for treatment of metastatic melanoma fell short of expectations.
Hims & Hers Health (HIMS) is down more than -8% after saying it intends to offer $300 million aggregate principal amount of convertible senior notes due 2032 in a private placement.
Mobileye (MBLY) is down more than -7% after Jeffries initiated coverage on the stock with a recommendation of underperform and a price target of $8.
UnitedHealth Group (UNH) is down more than -2% after Berkshire Hathaway exited its stake in the company.
LiveRamp Holdings (RAMP) is up more than +27% after Publicis Groupe SA agreed to buy the company for about $2.5 billion in cash, or about $38.50 per share.
Dominion Energy (D) is up more than +10% to lead gainers in the S&P 500 on reports that NextEra Energy is discussing a stock deal for the company that would value it at about $76 a share or around $66 billion.
Bio-Rad Laboratories (BIO) is up more than +10% after the Wall Street Journal reported that Elliot Investment Management has built a sizable stake in the company.
VF Corp (VFC) is up more than +2% after Williams Trading LLC double-upgraded the stock to buy from sell with a price target of $19.
Earnings Reports(5/18/2026)
Agilysys Inc (AGYS), James Hardie Industries PLC (JHX), XP Inc (XP). On the date of publication, Rich Asplund did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
- Stocks Mixed as Crude Oil Prices and Bond Yields Fall
May 18, 2026
The S&P 500 Index ($SPX) (SPY) today is up +0.07%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average ($DOWI) (DIA) is up +0.29%, and the Nasdaq 100 Index ($IUXX) (QQQ) is down -0.25%. June E-mini S&P futures (ESM26) are up +0.10%, and June E-mini Nasdaq futures (NQM26) are down -0.17%.
Stock index futures recovered from overnight losses and are trading mixed as crude oil prices fell more than -1% on hopes for a breakthrough in the standoff between the US and Iran over the Strait of Hormuz. Crude prices retreated today after Tasnim, Iran's semi-official news agency, reported that the US has proposed a temporary waiver on Iran oil sanctions until a final peace agreement is reached. T-note yields gave up an early advance and also turned lower on the news.Join 200K+ Subscribers: Find out why the midday Barchart Brief newsletter is a must-read for thousands daily.
Stocks initially were under pressure today as the stalemate between the US and Iran keeps driving crude oil prices and bond yields higher. Comments from President Trump on Sunday weighed on stocks and boosted crude oil prices when he said the "clock is ticking" on Iran and it "better get moving FAST on a peace deal, or there won't be anything left of them." Also, ramped-up geopolitical tensions weighed on stocks after Reuters reported that Pakistan has deployed 8,000 troops, a squadron of fighter jets, and an air defense system to Saudi Arabia as part of a mutual defense pact, a deployment described as a "substantial, combat-capable force" to support Saudi Arabia if it comes under further attack.
Weaker-than-expected economic news from China is bearish for global growth prospects. China Apr industrial production rose +4.1% y/y, weaker than expectations of +6.0% y/y. Also, China Apr retail sales rose +0.2% y/y, weaker than expectations of +2.0% y/y. In addition, China Apr new home prices fell -0.19% y/y, the thirty-fifth consecutive month that prices have declined.
WTI crude oil prices (CLM26) fell from a 2-week high today and turned lower after Tasnim, Iran's semi-official reporting agency, said the US has proposed a temporary waiver on Iran oil sanctions until a final peace agreement is reached. Crude prices initially rose today after Reuters reported that Pakistan has deployed troops and jets to Saudi Arabia as part of a mutual defense pact. On Sunday, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) reported that a drone sparked a fire in a power station at the UAE’s Barakah nuclear plant, and Saudi Arabia said it intercepted and destroyed three drones that entered its airspace. Last Wednesday, the International Energy Agency (IEA) said in a monthly report that global oil inventories declined at a rate of about 4 million bpd in March and April, and the market will remain “severely undersupplied” until October even if the conflict ends next month. Goldman Sachs estimates that the current disruption has drawn down nearly 500 million bbl from global crude stockpiles, with the drawdown potentially reaching 1 billion bbl by June.
The markets are discounting a 3% chance of a -25 bp FOMC rate cut at the next FOMC meeting on June 16-17.
Earnings season is winding down, though reports thus far have been supportive of stocks. As of today, 83% of the 454 S&P 500 companies that reported Q1 earnings have beaten estimates. Q1 S&P 500 earnings are projected to climb +12% y/y, according to Bloomberg Intelligence. Stripping out the technology sector, Q1 earnings are projected to increase around +3%, the weakest in two years.
Overseas stock markets are mixed today. The Euro Stoxx 50 rebounded from a 1.5-week low and is up +0.75%. China's Shanghai Composite dropped to a 2-week low and closed down -0.09%. Japan's Nikkei Stock Average fell to a 1-week low and closed down -0.97%.
Interest Rates
June 10-year T-notes (ZNM6) today are up by +3 ticks. The 10-year T-note yield is down -1.0 bp to 4.583%. Jun T-notes recovered from a 15-month low today, and the 10-year T-note yield fell from a 15-month high of 4.631%. Short covering emerged in T-notes today, pushing prices higher after crude oil prices fell when Reuters reported that the US proposed a temporary waiver on Iran oil sanctions.
T-notes initially moved lower today after WTI crude oil rose to a 2-week high, raising inflation expectations. The 10-year breakeven inflation rate rose to a 3-year high of 2.530% today. Bond markets are under pressure globally amid intensifying fears that surging energy prices from the war in the Middle East will force central banks to tighten monetary policy.
European government bond yields are moving lower today. The 10-year German Bund yield fell from a 15-year high of 3.195% and is down -2.9 bp to 3.138%. The 10-year UK gilt yield fell from a nearly 18-year high of 5.189% and is down -6.9 bp to 5.103%.
Swaps are discounting an 88% chance of a +25 bp ECB rate hike at its next policy meeting on June 11.
US Stock Movers
Chipmakers are moving higher today, providing support to the overall market. Micron Technology (MU), Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), and Intel (INTC) are up more than +2%. Also, Analog Devices (ADI), Lam Research (LRCX), NXP Semiconductors NV (NXPI), and Qualcomm (QCOM) are up more than +1%.
Airlines and cruise line operators are moving higher today as WTI crude oil prices are down more than -1%, which lowers fuel costs and improves the companies’ earnings prospects. Alaska Air Group (ALK) is up more than +2%, and United Airlines Holdings (UAL), American Airlines Group (AAL), Southwest Airlines (LUV), Carnival (CCL), and Delta Air Lines (DAL) are up more than +1%.
Cryptocurrency-exposed stocks are sliding today, with Bitcoin (^BTCUSD) down more than -2% at a 2-week low. Strategy (MSTR) is down more than -6%, and Galaxy Digital Holdings (GLXY) is down more than -5%. Also, MARA Holdings (MARA) is down more than -3%, Coinbase Global (COIN) is down more than -2%, and Riot Platforms (RIOT) is down more than -1%.
LiveRamp Holdings (RAMP) is up more than +27% after Publicis Groupe SA agreed to buy the company for about $2.5 billion in cash, or about $38.50 per share.
Dominion Energy (D) is up more than +11% to lead gainers in the S&P 500 on reports that NextEra Energy is discussing a stock deal for the company that would value it at about $76 a share or around $66 billion.
Bio-Rad Laboratories (BIO) is up more than +9% after the Wall Street Journal reported that Elliot Investment Management has built a sizable stake in the company.
VF Corp (VFC) is up more than +4% after Williams Trading LLC double-upgraded the stock to buy from sell with a price target of $19.
Zscaler (ZS) is up more than +4% after B Riley Securities upgraded the stock to buy from neutral with a price target of $225.
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals (REGN) is down more than -10% to lead losers in the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 after reporting its data from a Phase 3 trial of its fianlimab for treatment of metastatic melanoma fell short of expectations.
Hims & Hers Health (HIMS) is down more than -7% after saying it intends to offer $300 million aggregate principal amount of convertible senior notes due 2032 in a private placement.
Mobileye (MBLY) is down more than -5% after Jeffries initiated coverage on the stock with a recommendation of underperform and a price target of $8.
UnitedHealth Group (UNH) is down more than -2% to lead losers in the Dow Jones Industrials after Berkshire Hathaway exited its stake in the company.
Earnings Reports(5/18/2026)
Agilysys Inc (AGYS), James Hardie Industries PLC (JHX), XP Inc (XP). On the date of publication, Rich Asplund did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.
More news from Barchart
Was the Rally in Energies and Grains to Start the Week a Surprise?Stocks Set to Open Lower as Oil Rises Amid Iran Impasse, Nvidia Earnings and Fed Minutes AwaitedNVDA Earnings, Alphabet Conference and Other Can't Miss Items this WeekIntel Is Supposed to Be in a New CPU Era But Its Losing Market Share to AMD and Arm
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
- Stocks making the biggest moves midday: Regeneron, Dominion, Mobileye, Viking and more
May 18, 2026
Check out the companies making the biggest moves in midday trading: Dominion Energy — Shares popped more than 9% after NextEra Energy announced a deal to acquire the company in an all-stock transaction. NextEra said the combination of the two companies will create the world's largest regulated electric utility business. NextEra shares were down about 5%. Viking Holdings — The cruise line's stock rose nearly 2% after receiving an upgrade from Wells Fargo to overweight. The firm cited stronger-than-expected bookings and resilient demand despite fears associated with the ongoing U.S.-Iran war. Advanced bookings for 2027 already have risen 31% from the prior year, Wells Fargo said. Viking stock has outperformed other cruise lines since the Middle East conflict began. Mobileye — Shares of the maker of advanced driver assistance technology fell almost 8% after shares were initiated at an underperform rating at Jefferies. The analyst, who has a $8 price target for the stock, warned Mobileye is facing heighten competitive pressure and is already pricing in upside from improved autonomy systems. Cognizant Technology Solutions — Shares of the artificial intelligence tech services provider rose nearly 7% after it doubled its share repurchase target for this year. The company now plans to buy back about $2 billion of its own stock in 2026. Boston Scientific — Shares rose more than 3% on plans for a $2 billion accelerated stock repurchase plan. The medical device company also made a $1.5 billion investment in a privately held heart value business, MiRus. The deal allows Boston Scientific to re-enter the market for transcatheter aortic value replacement. Regeneron Pharmaceuticals — The drugmaker fell more than 10% after its treatment for a skin cancer missed goals in a late-stage trial. Macy's — The department store shares rose about 1% after a regulatory filing revealed Berkshire Hathaway initiated a small position in the company, valued at roughly $55 million at the end of the first quarter. The stake is very small for the conglomerate, so many speculated it was bought by investment lieutenant Ted Weschler, who manages 6% of the equity portfolio. Bio Rad Laboratories — The stock jumped 11% following a Wall Street Journal report that activist Elliott Investment Management has built a sizable stake in the company. However, the exact size of the stake nor Elliott's vision for the company were not detailed in the report. Delta Air Lines — Shares were up more than 1% after a regulatory filing showed Berkshire Hathaway took a sizable stake in the airline, at a total of $2.6 billion . It comes six years after Warren Buffett moved Berkshire's entire equity portfolio out of airlines. ServiceNow — The software company jumped 6% following Bank of America reinitiating coverage of the stock with a buy rating. ServiceNow will likely benefit from AI, not be replaced by it, the bank wrote. Ford Motor — Shares were recently down about 1%, but the stock spiked in early trading after Ford Energy and EDF power solutions North America announced a five-year agreement to produce up to four gigawatt hours of direct current Block Battery energy storage systems annually. Ford Energy is a subsidiary of the company, and deliveries as part of the agreement are expected to begin in 2028. — CNBC's Christina Cheddar Berk, Nick Wells and Yun Li contributed reporting.
- Sector Update: Healthcare Stocks Decline Pre-Bell Monday
May 18, 2026
Healthcare stocks were declining pre-bell Monday, with the State Street Health Care Select Sector SP
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- Stocks making the biggest moves premarket: Regeneron, Dominion Energy, Macy's & more
May 18, 2026
Check out the companies making the biggest moves premarket: Regeneron Pharmaceuticals — The drugmaker fell more than 11% after its treatment for a skin cancer missed goals in a late-stage trial. Macy's — The department store shares jumped nearly 4% in premarket after a regulatory filing revealed Berkshire Hathaway initiated a small position in the company, valued at roughly $55 million at the end of the first quarter. The stake is very small for the conglomerate, so many speculated it was bought by investment lieutenant Ted Weschler, who manages 6% of the equity portfolio. Dominion Energy — Shares popped more than 12% after NextEra Energy announced a deal to acquire the company in an all-stock transaction. NextEra said the combination of the two companies will create the world's largest regulated electric utility business. Bio Rad Laboratories — The stock jumped 13% following a Wall Street Journal report that activist Elliott Investment Management has built a sizable stake in the company. However, the exact size of the stake nor Elliott's vision for the company were not detailed in the report. Arm Holdings — Shares were down 1% after a Bloomberg report Friday that a probe by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission is investigating if the company is illegally monopolizing parts of the chip market. Delta Air Lines — Shares were up more than 1% after a regulatory filing showed Berkshire Hathaway took a sizable stake in the airline, at a total of $2.6 billion . It comes six years after Warren Buffett moved Berkshire's entire equity portfolio out of airlines. UnitedHealth — The insurer was off more than 3.5% after it was revealed in the same regulatory filing that Berkshire Hathaway had sold shares of some of the company in the first quarter. Salesforce — Shares tumbled 1% after Bank of America reinstated coverage of the company at underperform. The bank wrote it expects a structural reset for Salesforce due to artificial intelligence, hitting the company's growth. ServiceNow — The software company jumped more than 4% following Bank of America reinitiating coverage of the stock with a buy rating. ServiceNow will likely benefit from AI, not be replaced by it, the bank wrote. Coinbase , Robinhood — Shares of the trading platforms tumbled after Bitcoin prices fell more than 5% over the weekend, dipping below 77,000 for the first time since early May. Coinbase fell more than 2.5%, while Robinhood was off almost 2%. — CNBC's Yun Li contributed reporting
- AM Markets Need to Know: Elliott and Bio-Rad, Ebola outbreak, and more
May 18, 2026
[Global Commerce and Business logistics]
Stock index futures fell Monday as traders awaited Nvidia (NVDA [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/NVDA]) and retail earnings reports slated to come later in the week.
Now, here are 5 news stories that broke overnight to watch out for:
ELLIOTT TARGETS BIO-RAD: Activist Elliott Investment Management has built a sizable stake in Bio-Rad Laboratories (BIO [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/BIO]) and plans to push the life-science tools and diagnostics [https://seekingalpha.com/news/4594209-elliott-builds-big-stake-in-life-science-firm-bio-rad-labs-wsj-reports] supplier to boost its underperforming stock price, the _WSJ_ reported. Elliott is also a large investor in Sartorius (SARTF [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/SARTF]), the German pharmaceutical and laboratory equipment supplier in which Bio-Rad holds a strategic investment.
AI RALLY RAISES CONCENTRATION RISKS: The AI-driven stock rally that has powered the S&P 500 (SP500 [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/SP500]) to repeated record highs is creating [https://seekingalpha.com/news/4594206-goldman-sachs-warns-ai-fueled-market-rally-is-becoming-one-big-trade] growing risks for investors, according to Goldman Sachs strategist Ben Snider. In a May 15 report, he noted that technology stocks alone accounted for 85% of the index’s return this year, while the S&P 500 excluding technology rose just 3%.
DEFENSE CONTRACTORS EXPAND MISSILE PRODUCTION: A surge in missile and rocket production tied to rising global conflicts is transforming smaller U.S. manufacturing [https://seekingalpha.com/news/4594200-missile-production-boom-reshapes-u-s-defense-manufacturing-towns-wsj] hubs into critical parts of the American defense supply chain, the _Wall Street Journal_ reported. Defense contractors, including Lockheed Martin (LMT [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/LMT]), L3Harris (LHX [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/LHX]), and RTX (RTX [https://seekingalpha.com/symbol/RTX]) have significantly expanded operations in Camden, Arkansas, following increased Pentagon demand for missile systems, rocket launchers, and artillery ammunition after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
CDC MOBILIZES ON EBOLA OUTBREAK: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has mobilized Ebola response efforts after the World Health Organization declared [https://seekingalpha.com/news/4594249-ebola-outbreak-cdc-mobilizes-response-efforts-us-risk-remains-low] the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda a public health emergency of international concern. The agency said the risk to the American public currently remains low, adding that it has systems in place to detect and respond rapidly to potential threats.
U.S. DEBT CROSSES 100% OF GDP: Federal debt held by the public has exceeded 100% of gross domestic product, yet lawmakers appear largely unfazed as they continue [https://seekingalpha.com/news/4594185-u-s-federal-debt-hits-100-percent-of-gdp-but-washington-keeps-spending] pushing for higher spending on defense and immigration enforcement, the _New York Times_ Dealbook column reported. The milestone has reignited warnings from budget watchdogs and economists who argue the nation’s debt trajectory is becoming increasingly unsustainable.
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- BIO-key Q1 Bottom-Line Improves on 34% Rise in Revenue; Expects Q2 Profitability on 65% Revenue Increase; Investor Call Today at 10am ET
May 18, 2026 · globenewswire.com
HOLMDEL, N.J., May 18, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BIO-key® International, Inc. (OTC Markets: BKYI), a global leader in Identity and Access Management (IAM) and biometric authentication technologies, announced its first quarter (Q1'26) results and first half of 2026 (1H'26) outlook.
- BIO-KEY Q1 BOTTOM-LINE IMPROVES ON 34% RISE IN REVENUE; EXPECTS Q2 PROFITABILITY ON 65% REVENUE INCREASE; INVESTOR CALL TODAY AT 10AM ET
May 18, 2026
HOLMDEL, N.J., MAY 18, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BIO-KEY® INTERNATIONAL, INC. (OTC MARKETS: BKYI), A GLOBAL LEADER IN IDENTITY AND ACCESS MANAGEMENT (IAM) AND BIOMETRIC AUTHENTICATION TECHNOLOGIES, ANNOUNCED ITS FIRST QUARTER (Q1'26) RESULTS AND FIRST HALF OF 2026 (1H'26) OUTLOOK.
- Elliott builds big stake in life-science tools supplier Bio-Rad Labs, WSJ reports
May 17, 2026 · reuters.com
Activist investor Elliott Investment Management has built a sizeable stake in U.S. diagnostics supplier Bio-Rad Laboratories , and plans to push the company to boost its underperforming stock price, the Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday.
