Benzinga Bulls And Bears: Microsoft, Meta, UnitedHealth — And Warsh Pick Jolts Markets

Market Overview - U.S. stocks experienced volatility, ending the week under pressure after President Trump nominated Kevin Warsh as the next Fed chair, causing investor unease amid inflation concerns and mixed earnings [2][3] - The Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P 500, and Nasdaq Composite all declined, although the S&P 500 managed a modest weekly gain, breaking a two-week losing streak [2] Currency and Commodity Impact - Warsh's nomination led to a stronger dollar and significant declines in precious metals, marking the steepest selloff in gold and silver in decades [3] - Treasury yields increased while equities retreated, as traders reassessed monetary policy risks following the nomination [3] Corporate Earnings Highlights - Microsoft shares dropped sharply despite stronger-than-expected earnings, attributed to slowing Azure growth and cautious guidance [4] - In contrast, Meta saw a rally due to robust advertising and engagement trends, while memory-chip makers benefited from tight supply and AI-driven demand [4] Stock Performance - Notable bullish performances included IBM, which surged after Q4 earnings exceeded estimates, and SanDisk, which soared following strong Q2 results and optimistic Q3 guidance [6] - Bearish movements were observed in Fractyl Health, Joby, and Qorvo, with significant drops attributed to disappointing outlooks and earnings [6]