Trump Trade Cracks

Markets flash warning signs as investors grow uneasy about Trump’s economy.

May 06, 2026

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Market News

Wall Street Still Addicted to AI

Markets moved higher today as investors reacted positively to another wave of strong technology earnings and signs that the U.S. economy remains fairly stable.

The S&P 500 and Nasdaq both reached fresh record highs, helped by continued momentum in large tech companies and growing excitement around artificial intelligence investments. Investors were also watching labor market data released this morning, which showed hiring activity holding up better than expected despite concerns about slower economic growth.

Oil prices pulled back slightly after recent volatility tied to tensions in the Middle East, giving markets some relief after weeks of energy-related uncertainty. Treasury yields remained elevated as traders debated when the Federal Reserve might begin cutting interest rates later this year.

Meanwhile, financial stocks were mixed, with some banks benefiting from higher interest rates while others faced pressure from slower dealmaking. Overall, today’s market tone reflected cautious optimism, with investors still balancing strong corporate performance against uncertainty about inflation and monetary policy.

Another major trend in today’s market was the growing focus on artificial intelligence and digital finance.

  • Several companies tied to AI infrastructure, software, and semiconductors continued to rally as investors bet that businesses will keep increasing spending on automation and data centers.

  • At the same time, cr*ptocurrency-related companies were active after news of new deals and expansion efforts in the digital asset industry.

  • Energy markets also remained in focus, especially after reports that Saudi Arabia’s budget deficit widened because of ongoing disruptions tied to global oil shipping routes.

  • In the consumer sector, investors are closely watching whether spending habits remain strong heading into the summer travel and shopping season.

  • Retail and travel stocks were mixed today as companies continue to deal with higher labor costs and changing consumer demand.

Even amid market volatility, the broader trend remains positive as investors continue to put money into sectors tied to long-term growth themes like AI, cybersecurity, and digital infrastructure.

Peel Take: Markets keep acting like AI is both a growth strategy and a coping mechanism. Every time inflation, rates, or geopolitics start making investors nervous, another strong tech earnings report shows up, and everyone suddenly feels better again.

What's Ripe

Intel (INTC) 13.0%

  • Intel stock surged, reaching a record high, following reports that Apple is exploring using Intel’s foundry services to manufacture chips in the United States.

  • This news, combined with strong first-quarter 2026 results, pushed Intel shares significantly higher, building on an ongoing rally.

  • Peel Take: Intel finally got the kind of headline investors have been waiting for. The idea that Apple could use Intel’s foundry business is a pretty big vote of confidence, especially for a company that’s spent years trying to prove it can still compete in the chip race. Add strong earnings on top, and suddenly Intel’s comeback story looks a lot more believable.

Micron Technology (MU) 11.1%

  • The stock has surged due to exceptionally strong AI-related demand for its High-Bandwidth Memory (HBM), with reports indicating its supply is largely sold out through 2026. This, combined with significant analyst price target increases, has driven the stock to record highs in early 2026.

  • Financial institutions have raised price targets amid an "unprecedented inflection point" in AI memory demand, which has driven DRAM prices to their highest levels since 2019.

  • Peel Take: AI’s appetite for memory chips is so strong that Micron is basically selling out before the products are even made. With HBM demand exploding and analysts scrambling to raise targets, investors are treating Micron like one of the biggest winners of the AI infrastructure boom.

What's Rotten

PayPal (PYPL) 7.8%

  • PayPal Holdings, Inc. shares fell after the company reported weaker-than-expected profits despite efforts to improve efficiency with AI tools.

  • The market showed concern over slowing growth in branded checkout transactions, a core part of the business. The rise of competitors like Apple Pay and Google Pay has increased pressure, causing investors to worry about PayPal's ability to maintain its market share.

  • Peel Take: Cutting costs with AI is nice, but investors care a lot more about whether the core business is actually growing. With branded checkout slowing and competition from Apple Pay and Google Pay intensifying, the market is starting to wonder whether PayPal’s best growth days are already behind it.

Palantir (PLTR) 6.9%

  • Palantir shares fell after its earnings announcement amid investor concerns about the pace of commercial growth and valuation, despite beating revenue and profit expectations.

  • The company’s results showed strength in government contracts, but Wall Street was disappointed by slower momentum in its commercial business segment. Investors also appeared concerned that expectations for AI-driven growth had become overly aggressive following the stock’s massive rally earlier this year.

  • Peel Take: Palantir beat expectations, but when a stock rallies this hard, “good” suddenly stops being good enough. Investors wanted explosive commercial AI growth, not just strong government contracts, and the results didn’t fully live up to the hype.

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Banana Brain Teaser

Previous

The total cost for Company X to produce a batch of tools is $10,000 plus $3 per tool. Each tool sells for $8. The gross profit earned from producing and selling these tools is the total income from sales minus the total production cost. If a batch of 20,000 tools is produced and sold, then Company X’s gross profit per tool is?

Answer: $4.50

Today

A store reported total sales of $385 million for February this year. If the total sale for the same month last year was $320 million, approximately what was the percentage increase in sales?

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Warren Buffet

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