U.S. equities lost momentum Thursday, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite reversing from fresh record highs to close in the red. A sharp selloff in software stocks and renewed geopolitical tensions overshadowed strength in select energy-linked and industrial names.
Losers: Software Rout Leads Declines
Technology stocks bore the brunt of the downturn, with earnings disappointments and macro concerns triggering broad selling:
ServiceNow plunged ~18%, the session’s worst performer, after warning that Middle East tensions are weighing on subscription growth.
IBM dropped ~8%, despite posting an earnings beat, as investors showed little tolerance for unchanged guidance.
Microsoft fell ~4% amid reports of workforce buyouts tied to rising AI costs.
Tesla slid ~3.5%, extending post-earnings weakness as heavy AI spending plans raised concerns about near-term cash flow.
Lululemon Athletica declined ~6% after naming a new CEO, a move that failed to reassure investors.
Winners: Energy, Airlines, and Niche Plays Stand Out
Despite the broader selloff, several stocks posted gains:
American Airlines rose ~4%, even after cutting its full-year profit outlook, as investors looked past rising fuel costs.
Oklo gained ~5% following a partnership announcement with Nvidia focused on AI-driven nuclear research.
Intel edged ~2% higher ahead of its earnings release, bucking the broader tech downturn.