Late Night Market Recap

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  Night.Owl
 
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Night.Owl masters market recaps, offering sharp analysis that uncovers hidden patterns and key moves. Stay ahead with Night.Owl’s expert insights.
 

•  05 Jan 2026
 

•   ABT  
   
  +0.46%
•   AMD  
   
  -4.97%
•   ASML  
   
  +0.24%
•   CAT  
   
  -1.78%
•   CNC  
   
  +2.39%

$INTC Intel finished essentially flat after an extremely active news cycle. CES announcements dominated the narrative, with Intel unveiling next-generation Core Ultra Series 3 processors, U.S.-made 18A chips for AI PCs, and expanded partnerships across PCs, gaming laptops, and edge AI systems. Heavy volume reflected intense investor focus, even as early gains faded by the close, underscoring a market still debating how much of Intel’s turnaround is already priced in.

$SMR NuScale Power delivered one of the session’s standout performances, surging over 15% as nuclear policy tailwinds and renewed interest in small modular reactors fueled speculative and institutional buying. Volume exploded well above average, and notable options activity reinforced the view that traders are positioning for continued volatility in nuclear-linked names.

$RIG Transocean climbed after announcing new contract awards and extensions totaling $168 million, pushing shares above the average analyst price target. The move signaled renewed confidence in offshore drilling demand, with solid volume confirming that the rally was driven by more than short-term trading noise.

$CVX Chevron powered the Dow higher with a strong rally as geopolitical developments in Venezuela reshaped the energy outlook. Investors reacted to the potential reopening of oil supply dynamics, driving heavy volume and notable options activity. Chevron’s strength highlighted how quickly macro headlines can translate into decisive sector leadership.

$T AT&T edged higher, but the tone remained cautious after a weak multi-month performance. Concerns around competition, debt, and capital expenditures continued to cap enthusiasm, even as long-term narratives around 5G and satellite connectivity remain intact.

$AMD slipped modestly as CES headlines centered more on Intel-driven PC launches, despite AMD’s presence in AI-powered workstations. The move reflected competitive tension in the semiconductor space rather than any fundamental shift in AMD’s longer-term positioning.

$KO Coca-Cola declined despite a rising market, as investors rotated away from defensive dividend names toward higher-beta opportunities. While long-term income-focused narratives remain intact, today’s price action showed little urgency to hide in safety.

$MO Altria also moved lower, reinforcing the day’s broader theme of capital flowing out of yield-heavy defensives and into growth and cyclicals as 2026 begins with momentum.

$OSCR Oscar Health jumped sharply, breaking above key technical levels and drawing heavy options interest. The move reflected improving sentiment around managed care names, particularly those showing signs of operational leverage and technical strength.

$VLO Valero Energy surged nearly 10% after triggering a strong inflow signal and benefiting from the broader energy rally tied to Venezuela-related developments. Options activity and above-average volume suggested institutional participation, not just headline-driven chasing.

$LCID Lucid Group advanced as investors digested strong delivery growth in 2025 and high-profile CES headlines around robotaxi partnerships. The rally reflected renewed interest in EV growth stories showing tangible operational progress.

$HDB HDFC Bank declined sharply amid concerns over rising loan-to-deposit ratios and pressure on Indian financials. Despite solid long-term fundamentals, today’s move highlighted near-term macro and liquidity worries weighing on the sector.

$CNC Centene posted solid gains after analyst upgrades and a bullish move above its 200-day moving average. The stock’s action suggested growing confidence in managed care names positioned to benefit from efficiency gains and AI-driven cost controls.

$O Realty Income moved modestly higher as investors balanced the appeal of reliable dividends against a market increasingly favoring growth and cyclicality to start the year.

$TME Tencent-backed names traded higher on IPO and investment headlines, reflecting steady interest in China-linked growth stories despite ongoing uncertainty around demand and regulation.

$ABT Abbott Laboratories advanced after launching new personalized diabetes management tools, reinforcing its steady innovation-driven growth profile even in a risk-on market.

$CRNX Crinetics Pharmaceuticals continued its upward momentum following strong drug launch data, positive trial results, and a raised price target. Heavy news flow and volume kept biotech traders engaged.

$ASML climbed after analyst upgrades and surpassing target prices, reaffirming its status as a cornerstone name in the global semiconductor equipment cycle.

$CAT Caterpillar extended its rally as industrial optimism and infrastructure spending themes remained firmly in focus, keeping buyers engaged on pullbacks.

$SNPS Synopsys moved higher after crossing above its 200-day moving average, reinforcing long-term leadership in software and chip design tools as AI investment remains robust.

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