Market Storylines: AI Crosscurrents, Broadening Rally + Small Caps Rise

Eric Criscuolo, NYSE Market Strategist, recaps a volatile week as the S&P 500 declined amid weakness across mega-cap and AI-linked names. A growing divide within the AI trade emerged, with hyperscalers and software under pressure while memory and chip suppliers saw sharp swings. Despite index weakness, market internals held firm, with eight sectors higher and small caps outperforming. Rotation into Healthcare and Financials accelerated alongside falling oil prices, easing yields, and shifting Fed expectations. Focus now turns to quarter-end flows, key data including payrolls, and evolving AI spending trends.