Market Movers Today: SoftBank’s Big Play, Analyst Upgrades & Global Shakeups

Here’s the latest market update bringing you key developments—from SoftBank’s strategic acquisition and AI advancements to notable earnings reports and shifting global economic trends impacting investors worldwide.

The global financial markets are buzzing today with tech, energy, and auto giants taking the spotlight. From corporate earnings surprises to strategic acquisitions and analyst reshuffles, here's your rapid yet insightful roundup, tailored for SGFX traders and investors looking to stay ahead of the curve.

SoftBank Makes Bold Move into U.S. Data Infrastructure

SoftBank (TYO:9984, SFTBY: +2.75%) jumped 10.39% after reports emerged it has acquired Foxconn’s Ohio EV plant. But this isn't about cars, it’s about Stargate, a new AI-focused data center project. With AI infrastructure demand booming, this pivot signals SoftBank’s aggressive push into AI, cloud, and edge computing space.

SoftBank's acquisition could reshape U.S. data infrastructure and add firepower to its Vision Fund 2 strategy.

Analyst Upgrades & Downgrades: Who’s In, Who’s Out

A wave of investment bank analyst updates hit the wires today:

SoundHound AI and GoDaddy both received positive analyst rating updates, despite minor stock pullbacks.

LegalZoom, ELF Beauty, and Appian Corp also got fresh looks from the Street.On the flip side, Jefferies downgraded Sandoz, citing “limited upside” after a recent rally.

These revisions are more than headlines, they can shift momentum. Watch these tickers closely as institutions adjust their exposure.

Energy Earnings & Auto Watch

Calumet (CLMT) shares surged despite posting a wider-than-expected loss, driven by revenues that beat estimates.

MAC Copper received the South African Reserve Bank’s approval for its Harmony Gold deal.

Kia is under U.S. scrutiny as the NHTSA audits its handling of a 137,000-vehicle recall. Not market-friendly, but potentially tradable.

Meanwhile, natural gas (NG) and crude oil (CL, LCO) are inching upward, amid geopolitical jitters and mixed demand forecasts.

China & Asia Highlights

Baidu’s Apollo Go robotaxi took an unexpected dive, literally, into a construction pit in China, raising questions about safety as AVs scale up.

China Yuchai (CYD) rose over 9% after strong engine sales.

GlobalWafers (6488) surged nearly 10% after securing $200 million in CHIPS Act funding from the U.S., another tailwind for semiconductor manufacturing.

Brain-computer interface stocks in China rallied as Beijing backs domestic Neuralink rivals, a long-term thematic worth watching.

Corporate Earnings Snapshot

A few notable moves:

Tempus AI (TEM) increased 5.78% after beating revenue guidance.

Gray Television (GTN) rallied on stronger-than-expected Q2 numbers.

Sylvamo (SLVM) and Pinterest (PINS) stumbled on weak earnings, with Pinterest shedding more than 11%.

Under Armour (UAA) disappointed again, missing revenue targets and slashing guidance.

SGFX Tip: Post-earnings volatility offers both risk and reward, watch these names for potential reversal setups or continuation trades.

Macro Movers: Central Banks & Currency Updates

Mexico’s central bank cut rates to 7.75%, signaling more easing could come.

JPMorgan now sees a U.S. rate cut as early as September, thanks to the nomination of Adriana Kugler as Fed vice chair.

Goldman Sachs flagged TSM (Taiwan Semi) for a short-term bounce due to ADR premium vs local shares.

In FX, dollar weakness continues to be a key theme. BofA says the greenback’s recent strength "won’t last long," while Deutsche Bank upgraded GBP forecasts after a hawkish BoE.

Final Thought from SGFX

Markets today are a balancing act of earnings beats, analyst sentiment, and macro policy pivots. For SGFX traders, the opportunity lies in connecting the dots, from SoftBank's AI ambitions to China’s strategic tech bets, and how central banks around the world are reshaping yield curves and FX flows.

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