Every weekday, the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer releases the Homestretch — an actionable afternoon update, just in time for the last hour of trading on Wall Street. Markets: Stocks were mixed Wednesday as Wall Street hoped for an end to the government's record-breaking shutdown. The House is set for a final vote in the evening on the Senate-backed bill that could reopen the federal government. The Dow hit an all-time high earlier in the session. The S & P 500 and Nasdaq were under some pressure as te ...

Market Performance - The Nasdaq Composite index fell 0.21% to 23,004.54, marking a total weekly decline of approximately 3% [2][4] - Despite the recent pullback, the Nasdaq has increased over 50% since April, driven by AI optimism following the announcement of tariffs by US President Donald Trump [2][4] - The S&P 500 rose 0.13% to 6,728.81, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.16% to 46,987.10, both rebounding late in the session due to reports of progress in ending the federal government shutdown [4] Sector Analysis - Chipmakers and technology shares led the declines in the market, reflecting a cooling sentiment after comments from Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang regarding China's potential to surpass the US in the AI race [2][4] - Michael O'Rourke, chief market strategist at JonesTrading, noted that the sector's weakness indicates a "recalibration of multiples" and profit-taking by investors after a strong performance [2][4] Global Economic Indicators - The global equities index MSCI slipped 0.07%, and the STOXX 600 in Europe decreased by 0.55%, influenced by weak trade data from China [3][4] - Chinese exports fell by 1.1% in October, the largest decline since February, highlighting the impact of tariffs and affecting investor confidence across Asia [3][4] Bond Market and Currency - US Treasury yields decreased slightly, with the 10-year Treasury yield easing to 4.091% amid worsening consumer sentiment reflected in the University of Michigan's preliminary index for November, which dropped to 50.3, the lowest since June 2022 [3][5] - The US dollar weakened against major currencies, with the dollar index falling 0.11% to 99.57, while the euro strengthened to $1.1563 and the yen weakened to 153.45 per dollar [5] Commodity Prices - Oil prices rebounded, with US crude settling 32 cents higher at $59.75 per barrel and Brent rising 25 cents to $63.63, driven by optimism following a meeting between Trump and Hungary's Prime Minister [5] - Gold prices also increased as investors sought safety amid ongoing uncertainty in the market [5]

Market Overview - U.S. equity markets faced a broad retreat on November 7, 2025, primarily due to a sell-off in technology stocks, driven by concerns over inflated valuations in the AI sector and a prolonged government shutdown [1][10] - All three major indexes are on track for their steepest weekly losses in months, with the Nasdaq Composite poised for its worst weekly performance since March [1][2] Major Index Performance - The Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) declined approximately 1.5% to 2% in afternoon trading, following a 1.9% drop on Thursday [2] - The S&P 500 (SPX) fell between 0.9% and 1.2% by mid-afternoon, after a 1.1% decline on Thursday [2] - The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) was down around 0.5% to 0.8% in afternoon trading, closing 0.8% lower on Thursday [2] Volatility and Investor Sentiment - The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) surged by 8.3%, reaching its highest level in over two weeks, indicating increased investor nervousness [3] - The current market unease is exacerbated by the ongoing government shutdown, which has led to a "data blackout" affecting crucial economic releases [6] Sector Performance - There is a notable rotation out of high-growth technology stocks, with the Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLK) and Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLY) slipping 2% and 2.3% respectively [4] - The Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLE) advanced by 1%, indicating a defensive shift in investor portfolios towards traditional and value-oriented sectors [5] Corporate Developments - Tesla (TSLA) shares fell 3.3% to 4% despite shareholder approval of CEO Elon Musk's $1 trillion compensation package [13] - Chipmakers like Nvidia (NVDA) and Broadcom (AVGO) faced significant pressure, with declines of 3.8% and 4.6% respectively, reflecting caution regarding high valuations in AI-related stocks [13] - Payments company Block (SQ) slumped 9.8% to 10.5% after disappointing third-quarter earnings [13] - Conversely, Peloton (PTON) and Expedia Group (EXPE) saw significant gains of 3.4% to 6.1% and 16.6% to 17.3% respectively, following better-than-expected earnings [13]

Core Viewpoint - The stock market is experiencing a challenging start to November, primarily driven by concerns over a potential AI bubble and high valuations in the tech sector, leading to significant declines in major AI-related stocks [1][6]. Market Trends - Investors are advised to focus on high-quality asset classes and sectors during market downturns, with a recommendation to avoid chasing rallies or selling during weakness [2]. - There is a notable shift away from communication services and information technology stocks, as these sectors have been downgraded due to more attractive valuations found in other market areas [2]. Valuation Concerns - There are growing doubts regarding the high valuations of certain tech firms, with specific mention of Palantir trading at a forward price-to-earnings multiple of approximately 217, indicating potential overvaluation [3]. Investment Recommendations - Investors are encouraged to buy into utilities, industrials, financials, and emerging market stocks, which are seen as having more favorable valuations compared to tech firms [4]. - Utilities and industrial stocks have outperformed the broader S&P 500 this year, with both sectors up over 17% year-to-date, highlighting their attractiveness [5]. Sector Adjustments - A strategic shift away from consumer discretionary stocks is recommended, as these stocks face risks from tariffs and reduced spending among lower-income consumers [5].

Core Insights - The current market is characterized by "micro-manias" across various sectors, including AI, crypto, gold, and more, without disrupting the overall market rally [1][2] - Ed Yardeni describes the situation as a "bubble in fears of bubbles," indicating that while there are many speculative assets, the broader market remains stable [2][4] - The market is experiencing fragmented exuberance, with multiple smaller frenzies rather than a single overarching boom [3] Market Conditions - Stocks are at record highs, and US real GDP has also reached a record high, with no official recession in the last 16 years, except for a brief lockdown in early 2020 [5] - The AI sector is under scrutiny, with Goldman Sachs questioning whether it has entered bubble territory, noting a "circular" investment pattern among Big Tech companies [6] Comparisons to Historical Trends - The narrative of an "everything bubble" gained traction during the pandemic stimulus period, similar to past speculative bursts, but did not lead to a financial crisis [4] - Current leading tech companies, such as Nvidia, Microsoft, Meta, Alphabet, and Amazon, are generating significant cash flow and returning capital to shareholders, trading below the extremes seen during the dot-com bubble [7]

Economic Impact - The US government shutdown is in its fourth week, affecting market sentiment and delaying key economic reports, including unemployment claims and the September payroll report [1] - Bloomberg Economics estimates that 640,000 federal workers will be furloughed, potentially increasing jobless claims and raising the unemployment rate to 4.7% [1] Mortgage Market - US MBA mortgage applications decreased by 0.3% for the week ending October 17, with the purchase mortgage sub-index down 5.2% and refinancing up 4.0% [2] - The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate fell by 5 basis points to 6.37% from 6.42% [2] Trade Relations - Markets are focused on US-China trade talks, with President Trump threatening to increase tariffs on Chinese goods if no deal is reached by November 1 [3] - The Trump administration is considering broad export restrictions to China in response to China's rare earth export restrictions [4] Stock Market Performance - Stock indexes closed lower, with the S&P 500 down 0.53%, Dow Jones down 0.71%, and Nasdaq down 0.99% [6] - Chipmakers faced significant losses after Texas Instruments forecasted lower-than-expected Q4 revenue, while Netflix dropped over 9% after reporting weaker Q3 EPS [5][6] Earnings Season - The Q3 earnings season shows rising expectations, with 85% of S&P 500 companies that reported so far beating forecasts, indicating the best quarter since 2021 [7] - Q3 profits are expected to rise by 7.2% year-over-year, the smallest increase in two years, while sales growth is projected to slow to 5.9% year-over-year [7] Interest Rates - Markets are pricing in a 97% chance of a 25 basis point rate cut at the next FOMC meeting on October 28-29 [8] - The yield on 10-year T-notes fell by 1.4 basis points to 3.949%, supported by strong demand for a recent Treasury auction [9] Corporate Movements - Texas Instruments and other chipmakers saw declines due to lower revenue forecasts, while Intuitive Surgical rose over 13% after increasing its growth forecast [5][16] - Netflix's Q3 EPS of $5.87 was below the consensus of $6.94, leading to a significant drop in its stock price [15] - Energy producers rallied as WTI crude oil prices rose over 2%, benefiting companies like Halliburton and Marathon Petroleum [18]

Core Insights - The artificial intelligence (AI) sector is driving significant growth in the utilities sector, transforming traditionally stable utility stocks into high-growth investments [1][3]. - Since the end of 2023, the utilities sector has increased by approximately 43%, making it the third best-performing group in the S&P 500, with a 20% gain this year alone [2][6]. - The demand for energy to support AI infrastructure is expected to benefit energy producers, particularly independent power producers [3][4]. Utilities Sector Performance - The S&P 500 Utilities index has reached multiple all-time highs recently, a notable achievement as it had never recorded back-to-back 20% gains since 1990 [2]. - Independent power producers have emerged as the best-performing stocks within the utilities index, with NRG Energy Inc. rising by 78% in 2025, Constellation Energy Corp. gaining over 60%, and Vistra Corp. increasing by 35% [5]. - Historically, utilities have been viewed as defensive investments, providing reliable cash flow during downturns, but the current rally is occurring during a broader bull market [6][7]. Market Context - The current rally in utilities is notable as it contrasts with other defensive sectors like consumer staples and healthcare, which have seen less than 6% growth this year [7]. - The performance of utilities is particularly striking given that they have outperformed during previous market downturns, such as the dot-com crash and the global financial crisis [6].

Economic Environment - The US government shutdown is impacting market sentiment and delaying key economic reports, including unemployment claims and payroll reports [1] - Bloomberg Economics estimates that 640,000 federal workers will be furloughed, potentially increasing jobless claims and raising the unemployment rate to 4.7% [1] Trade Relations - Escalating trade tensions between the US and China have led to increased demand for precious metals, with gold and silver reaching all-time highs [2] - President Trump indicated that current tariffs on China are "not sustainable," which has eased some trade concerns [3] Stock Market Performance - Stock indexes are showing slight recovery, supported by better-than-expected Q3 earnings from regional banks like Truist Financial and Regions Financial [4] - The S&P 500 Index is up +0.14%, the Dow Jones is up +0.43%, and the Nasdaq 100 is up +0.07% [5] Earnings Season - The Q3 earnings season is underway, with 78% of S&P 500 companies that have reported so far beating forecasts [6] - Q3 profits are expected to rise by +7.2% year-over-year, the smallest increase in two years, while sales growth is projected to slow to +5.9% year-over-year [6] Interest Rates and Bonds - The market is anticipating a 100% chance of a -25 basis point rate cut at the next FOMC meeting [7] - The 10-year T-note yield has increased to 3.992%, rebounding from a recent low [8][9] Sector Movements - Chipmakers and AI infrastructure stocks are experiencing declines, with Oracle down more than -5% [12] - Cryptocurrency-exposed stocks are also falling as Bitcoin prices drop, affecting companies like Coinbase and Riot Platforms [13] Company-Specific News - American Express reported Q3 EPS of $4.14, exceeding consensus estimates, leading to a +3% increase in stock price [16] - Truist Financial's Q3 non-interest income of $1.56 billion was better than expected, contributing to a +3% rise in its stock [16] - Micron Technology plans to stop supplying server chips to data centers in China, leading to a decline in its stock price [15]

Financial Performance - Cambricon Technologies' quarterly revenue surged 14-fold, indicating a significant increase [1] Industry Trend - China's chipmakers are benefiting from a national drive to replace restricted Nvidia gear [1] - Domestic AI development boom is driving the growth of Chinese chipmakers [1]

Economic Overview - The Fed Beige Book indicates that US economic activity remained stable, with employment levels unchanged, but consumer spending has slightly decreased and prices are rising, particularly input costs [1] - The ongoing US government shutdown is affecting market sentiment and delaying key economic reports, with estimates suggesting that 640,000 federal workers may be furloughed, potentially increasing jobless claims and raising the unemployment rate to 4.7% [7] Market Performance - Stock indexes showed mixed results, with the S&P 500 Index closing up by 0.40% and the Dow Jones down by 0.04%, while the Nasdaq 100 rose by 0.68% [6] - The October Empire manufacturing survey reported a significant increase in the general business conditions index, rising by 19.4 to 10.7, surpassing expectations [2] Corporate Earnings - The Q3 earnings season is underway, with 71% of the 24 S&P 500 companies that have reported so far beating forecasts, although overall profit growth is expected to be the smallest in two years at 7.2% year-over-year [8] - Notable companies such as Morgan Stanley and Bank of America reported strong Q3 earnings, with Morgan Stanley's FICC sales and trading revenue at $2.17 billion, exceeding consensus estimates [20] Sector Movements - Chipmakers and AI infrastructure stocks saw significant gains, with ASML Holding up more than 2% after reporting stronger-than-expected Q3 new orders, and Advanced Micro Devices leading the Nasdaq 100 with a rise of over 9% [17] - Gold mining stocks also performed well, with Kinross Gold and Barrick Mining rising by more than 5% and 4% respectively, following a record high in gold prices [18] Interest Rates and Monetary Policy - The market is anticipating a 98% chance of a 25 basis point rate cut at the upcoming FOMC meeting on October 28-29, influenced by dovish comments from Boston Fed President Susan Collins [9][12] - The 10-year T-note yield rose to 4.038%, reflecting a hawkish sentiment due to rising input costs as noted in the Fed Beige Book [11]