Pre-Market Report – Friday 31 July: US markets jump on earnings - Apple falls to the ground - SPI up 99 - Gold up - Quarterly dump continues

US stock indices closed higher on Thursday, rebounding from the previous session's losses as chipmakers rallied and investors assessed earnings. The S&P 500 gained 1.7%, the Nasdaq jumped 3.4%, and the Dow added 614 points. Microsoft surged 15.5% after reporting 43% cloud revenue growth, its strongest since 2022, while keeping capital expenditure guidance broadly in line with expectations. Chipmakers jumped after yesterday's selloff. Micron rose 18.4%, AMD gained 13%, Intel added 11.3%, and Sandisk soared 26% as investors bought the dip on expectations the AI-driven rally still has room to run. Oracle jumped 8.3% after expanding its Google Gemini AI partnership. Those gains outweighed a disappointing forecast from Meta (-7.9%). Treasury yields remained high despite soft Q2 GDP growth. The Fed held rates yesterday, but Chair Warsh's reluctance to signal a rate hike raised concerns that inflation could be higher for longer. Apple (-1.4%) and Amazon (+3.9%) report later.SPI up 99 - FMG Quarterly - Gold up - Quarterlies continueMarcus Today – Daily Market InsightsMarcus Today provides clear, practical commentary for self-directed investors – covering markets, portfolios, education, and decision-making without the noise.If you'd like to go further:Start a free 14-day trial of Marcus Today http://bit.ly/mt-trial-podcastJoin Marcus Today Use code MTPODCAST for 10% off http://bit.ly/mt-join-podcast-offerMT20 – Managed ETF Portfolio A professionally managed portfolio run by Marcus Padley and the team, using ASX-listed ETFs with active market timing. http://bit.ly/mt20-podcastPrinciples – How We Think About Investing A short video series on timing, behaviour, and decision-making. No stock tips. http://bit.ly/mt-principles-podcast—Disclaimer This podcast is general information only and does not consider your personal circumstances. It is not personal financial advice.