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Next Day Prep EP91 Neutral

Next Day Prep: Beware Semiconductor Sector Slump! – Friday 8/15/2025

August 15, 2025 4:45
Tickers Mentioned
UNHAMATNVDAASNDEQIXAAPLREGNGOOGLMETASPY
Episode Summary
Markets reached new highs but showed weakness with semiconductors leading declines after Applied Materials guidance. Healthcare outperformed on Berkshire's UNH stake. Traders should focus on relative strength while monitoring SPY 640 and QQQ 575 support levels.
Key Takeaways
  • Market hit new highs but closed weak with negative breadth
  • Semiconductor sector sold off hard on Applied Materials guidance concerns
  • Healthcare sector outperformed driven by Berkshire's UnitedHealth investment
  • Focus on relative strength stocks while watching key support levels
  • Stay selective and use prudent risk management amid market cracks
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Next Day Prep: Beware Semiconductor Sector Slump!

A quick analysis of today’s market outlook and key trading opportunities to start your day.

Intro & Market Mood

Welcome to Next Day Prep – What We Are Watching Tomorrow. Today’s market saw new all-time highs on the Dow and the S&P 500, but the rally felt weak, with most gains retraced by the close. Market breadth was negative, indicating a narrow rally driven by specific sectors.

Overnight Headlines

  • Berkshire Hathaway’s UnitedHealth (UNH) investment boosted the Health Care sector, making it the top performer for the day.
  • Semiconductor sector, led by Applied Materials (AMAT) and others like NVIDIA and Lam Research, faced a significant sell-off due to weak guidance and demand concerns.

Economic Announcements

Inflation fears and rate cut expectations shape market sentiment, with a slight dip in odds of a September rate cut and Chicago Fed President Goolsbee cautioning against overreaction to economic data.

Earnings Highlights

Stocks like Ascendis Pharma (ASND) and Equinix (EQIX) exhibit strength for continuation plays, while Apple (AAPL) and Regeneron (REGN) show potential breakout and anticipation setups, respectively.

Top Movers

  • UNH: Up over twelve percent driven by Berkshire Hathaway’s investment.
  • AMAT: Down over fourteen percent due to weak guidance, impacting the entire semiconductor sector.
  • GOOGL (Alphabet) & FB (Meta): Providing support to Communication Services sector.

Quick Trade Ideas

Focus on stocks exhibiting relative strength like ASND, EQIX, AAPL, and REGN, while remaining cautious of market cracks and key support levels such as SPY at six-forty and QQQ at five-seventy-five.

Key Takeaway

Stay selective in trading, watch key support levels closely, and be mindful of emerging market weaknesses amid all-time highs. Emphasize relative strength and prudent risk management strategies to navigate current market conditions effectively.

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