S&P 500 Gains and Losses Today: Intel Stock Soars as Takeover Speculation Spreads

Market Overview - Major US equities indexes ended the week higher, with the S&P 500 advancing 1%, the Nasdaq gaining 1.5%, and the Dow rising 0.8% [1] - Optimism about potential Federal Reserve interest rate cuts in 2025 contributed to the market strength, supported by signs of easing inflation [1] Technology Sector - Intel shares surged 9.3%, marking the best performance in the S&P 500, amid reports of potential acquisition interest [2] - The company announced plans to transition its venture fund into a stand-alone entity, aiming to boost efficiency and maximize asset value [2] Energy Sector - SLB reported better-than-expected Q4 profits, increased its dividend, and accelerated share repurchases [3] - Despite cautious 2025 revenue growth outlook due to high oil supply levels, SLB shares jumped 6.1% following the strong earnings report [3] Financial Sector - Truist Financial shares gained 5.9% after exceeding quarterly sales and profit estimates [4] - Higher net interest income, non-interest income, and increased average deposit balances drove the strong results, despite a decline in average loan balances [4] Transportation Sector - J.B. Hunt Transport Services shares tumbled 7.4%, the steepest drop among S&P 500 stocks, after missing Q4 sales and profit expectations [5] - Revenue declines across all segments and slumping volumes weighed on performance, with the company focusing on margin repair amid industry challenges [5] Healthcare Sector - Eli Lilly shares fell 4.2% after cutting sales guidance and facing potential Medicare scrutiny for its weight-loss and diabetes treatments [6] - Novo Nordisk's US-listed ADRs sank 5.3% after its products were selected for potential Medicare price negotiations [6] Technology Sector (Software) - Fair Isaac Corp shares declined 3.5% despite earlier gains from a price target boost by Jefferies [7] - While business-to-business volume expectations increased, slower mortgage originations in the high interest rate environment remained a concern [7]