AMD Soars on AI Demand, Corning gets $500M from Nvidia

This episode recaps a broad market rally driven by semiconductor strength and easing Middle East tensions, alongside key earnings from AMD, Disney, and Uber. It highlights Nvidia's investment in Corning for AI infrastructure and Amazon's expansion into third-party logistics, with brief notes on EV maker Lucid's setbacks.

Market Rally on Chips and Iran De-escalation

Stocks hit record highs Tuesday, with the S&P 500 up 0.8% and Nasdaq up 1% in a broad rally across all 11 sectors. Chip stocks led gains: Intel surged 13% on reports of Apple talks with Intel and Samsung for US chip manufacturing, lifting peers like Sandisk, Micron, and Qualcomm (all over 10% higher). The SOXX semiconductor index has risen 54% since late March—its best stretch since the 2000 dot-com era, though the host notes this raises caution flags.

Geopolitics added tailwinds as Iran tensions eased. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth downplayed Monday's Strait of Hormuz escalation, affirming a ceasefire holds. Axios reported US-Iran peace talks advancing, with a response expected in 48 hours. Markets priced in optimism: Brent crude fell below $100/barrel (down 10%) and WTI under $90. A finalized deal could amplify focus on strong corporate earnings.