Market Overview - The trading day is nearing its end with stocks near session highs, indicating a positive market sentiment [2][4] - Small caps have outperformed larger caps, with the Russell 2000 index up 1.9% [4][8] - The Nasdaq composite rose over 300 points, approximately 1.4%, while the S&P 500 increased by 71 points [7][10] Earnings Expectations - Earnings expectations have risen across the board, marking one of the strongest upcycle revisions in several years [5][6] - Companies are expected to meet or exceed these heightened expectations, with early earnings reports showing encouraging results [6] Sector Performance - Nine out of eleven sectors in the S&P 500 finished in the green, with communication services, materials, and industrials being the biggest winners [9][10] - Defensive sectors like consumer staples and utilities saw declines, reflecting a "risk-on" sentiment in the market [10] Notable Company Performances - Apple shares gained nearly 4%, reaching a record high after positive demand reports for the iPhone 17 series [11][12] - Cleveland-Cliffs stock surged approximately 21.5% following stronger-than-expected earnings and a new partnership [13][14] - Zions Bancorp stock rose 4.6% ahead of its earnings report, recovering from a previous week's decline [15] Underperforming Stocks - Oracle shares fell 4.9%, continuing a downward trend after a significant drop the previous week, though still up over 66% year-to-date [17][18] - Applovin was the worst performer in the S&P 500, down 5.6% amid regulatory scrutiny [19] - BNP Paribas shares dropped 9% following a jury verdict related to its role in enabling genocide in Sudan, raising concerns about potential costly settlements [20][21] Emerging Trends - The wellness industry is seeing a shift towards women-focused resorts, addressing the historical lack of R&D in women's health [23][24] - There is a noted decline in demand for alternative milk products, attributed to changing consumer interests and environmental discussions [26][30]