Nasdaq edges up 0.32% to 25,547 points as semiconductor equipment makers soar
KLA and Applied Materials Lead the Equipment Manufacturers Charge
Stocks specializing in the manufacturing of equipment for the semiconductor industry significantly led the session. KLA Corporation surged 7.70% to $1,544.96, marking the largest gain on the Nasdaq. Applied Materials closely followed with a jump of 5.69% to $319.08, while Dutch firm ASML Holding rose 5.37% to $1,331.60. Lam Research rounded out this performance with an increase of 4.16% to $217.47. This collective momentum reflects renewed investor appetite for a key sub-sector of the tech value chain. Beyond semiconductors, Baker Hughes climbed 4.04% to $52, Constellation Energy rose 3.28% to $341.20, and Copart increased by 3.15% to $41.25. Industrial and transportation stocks also participated in the movement, with Old Dominion Freight Line up 2.70% to $178.21, Fastenal rising 2.62% to $43.53, and Paccar increasing by 2.45% to $121.92.
MicroStrategy Stumbles, Biotech Stocks Under Pressure
Conversely, MicroStrategy Inc. recorded the largest decline on the Nasdaq, dropping 4.70% to $170.91, continuing its characteristic volatility due to the company's exposure to cryptocurrencies. Charter Communications fell 3.82% to $194.61, while GE HealthCare slid 3.27% to $82.51. The pharmaceutical and biotechnology sector had a tough day: AstraZeneca lost 2.44% to $93.99, Vertex Pharmaceuticals 2.36% to $438.92, and Gilead Sciences 2.26% to $121.26. Atlassian dropped 2.66% to $128.45, The Trade Desk 2.42% to $36.23, Roper Technologies 2.35% to $414.25, and Texas Instruments 2.24% to $189.12. These sectoral downturns illustrate the selectivity currently prevailing in the tech market.
A Consolidation Session Lacking Strong Conviction
On January 15, the American market reflects a wait-and-see attitude, where sector rotations take precedence over a clear directional movement. The Nasdaq, at 25,547.08 points after a 0.32% increase, is moving within a narrow range characteristic of consolidation phases. The absence of major economic statistics and the gradual continuation of earnings season partly explain this measured tone. Investors are navigating between targeted sector optimism and widespread caution, waiting for clearer signals on the economic trajectory and company earnings at the start of 2026.
This content has been automatically translated using artificial intelligence. While we strive for accuracy, some nuances may differ from the original French version.
