Welcome to Markets Desk, your midday read on what's moving markets and why.
Semiconductor investors have had a remarkably consistent ride. The VanEck Semiconductor ETF has beaten the S&P five hundred on total return in eight of the ten calendar years since two thousand sixteen, trailing the broader index only twice in that span. For investors watching the AI and data center buildout, that track record is hard to ignore.
Speaking of data center momentum, Micron is heading into its next earnings report with Wall Street expecting record results. Memory demand tied to artificial intelligence infrastructure has been the core driver, and analysts are watching closely to see whether guidance confirms that the cycle has real staying power rather than just front-loaded enthusiasm.
Across global markets, Indian equities are bracing for a cautious open despite broadly positive signals elsewhere in Asia and firmer U.S. futures. The drag comes from oil, which is falling for a fourth consecutive session as diplomatic efforts around the U.S.-Iran situation continue to ease supply anxiety. Lower crude creates a complicated picture for emerging market energy exporters and adds nuance to what otherwise looks like a constructive risk environment.
That's the tape. Markets Desk, signing off the floor.
