Note: None of the material or content contained herein constitutes investment advice. It is solely for educational and informational purposes. Past performance is not an indicator of future performance. Sources: Fiscal.ai, Google Finance, 23 May 2026.
THE VIDEO BRIEF
THE AUDIO BRIEF
THE RUNDOWN
North American markets saw broad gains this past week, driven by cooling inflation fears and geopolitical optimism. The Russell 2000 led with a 3.4% rise as buyers defended support levels and smaller caps benefited from easing Treasury yields.
The Dow Jones Industrial rose 1.8%, reaching a record high as progress in U.S.-Iran peace negotiations lowered energy prices and boosted sentiment. The Nasdaq 100 gained 1.7%, supported by a rebound in semiconductor stocks like Qualcomm ahead of Nvidia’s earnings.
The S&P 500 climbed 1.0%, recording its eighth consecutive weekly gain behind strong momentum in artificial intelligence-linked technology. In Canada, the S&P/TSX Composite rose 2.2%, bolstered by its significant exposure to the energy sector, which saw gains despite volatile crude prices.
Overall, the easing of the 10-year Treasury yield provided a necessary tailwind for valuations across these diverse benchmarks.
MOVERS AND SHAKERS
RISERS
Dell Technologies (DELL US) provides AI servers and hardware, rising 24.01% due to strong AI infrastructure demand and positive analyst sentiment ahead of its upcoming earnings report.
HP Inc. (HPQ US) manufactures personal computers and printers, rising 20.65% as strong quarterly results from Lenovo boosted investor optimism for a global PC market recovery.
Skyworks Solutions (SWKS US) produces wireless semiconductors, rising 17.16% amid a broad semiconductor sector rally and optimism regarding mobile RF content gains and Android design wins.
FALLERS
Intuit (INTU) provides financial software and fell -20.64% after reporting fiscal earnings and announcing a workforce reduction to focus on artificial intelligence.
Walmart (WMT) operates retail stores and declined -9.80% after issuing cautious guidance and citing high fuel costs as a drag on future earnings.
EchoStar (SATS) offers satellite and wireless services and dropped -8.98% due to ongoing subscriber losses and broader sector weakness affecting communications stocks.
SECTORS
Technology gained 3.46% as AI-driven demand and hardware surged, while Utilities rose 3.21% on defensive positioning. Consumer Discretionary climbed 2.46% behind digital transformation trends. Conversely, Energy fell 1.80% as a surprise EIA report and record U.S. production outweighed geopolitical tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. Communication Services dropped 1.30% due to advertising exposure risks and high concentration. Consumer Staples declined 1.28% as investors favored growth over defensive stability. Health Care rose 2.86%, benefiting from a rotation into defensive areas as the economy showed signs of slowing. Real Estate added 1.85% amid shifting interest rate expectations.
