Apple foldable phone reports, 'Magnificent 7' stocks near record highs

Market Trends & Analysis - The S&P 500 and NASDAQ both hit record highs driven by earnings optimism [1] - Foldable phones offer a larger screen, potentially up to 11 inches diagonally, rivaling some tablets, while also being more pocketable when folded [1] - Chinese consumers show strong interest in foldable phones due to established vendor presence and multimedia experience [2] - The US dollar index is underwater by approximately 05% year-to-date, indicating multi-year lows [10] - Ether cryptocurrency is nearing $4,000, testing multi-year range highs [15] Company Performance & Strategy - Apple is reportedly planning to release a foldable iPhone next year, aiming to leverage its marketing capabilities to dominate the market [1] - An IDC survey indicates that 21% of respondents are interested in purchasing a foldable iPhone [1] - Apple's foldable phone could be priced between $1,500 and $2,000, potentially starting at $1,800 to avoid overlapping with ultra-premium iPhone prices [2][3] - Google (Alphabet) is considered undervalued due to antitrust concerns, but its strong position in AI, particularly with Gemini, presents a favorable investment opportunity [22][25] - NXP Semiconductors anticipates an emerging cyclical improvement in its core markets, guiding its Q3 performance [34] Financial Results - Zions Bancorporation reported adjusted net interest income of $661 million in Q2, exceeding estimates, though total deposits missed expectations [35][36] - Steel Dynamics reported a miss on earnings estimates for Q2, with adjusted EBITDA falling short of expectations due to trade policy uncertainty and inventory overhang [36]