Financial markets wrapped up the week with a busy corporate agenda: from strong NVIDIA results and inflows into VOO to leadership changes at Apple and legal proceedings around Meta. Below are the key events that shaped the tone on Wall Street.
NVIDIA reported strong results for its second fiscal quarter: revenue reached $96.2 billion, and adjusted EPS rose to $2.22. The company updated its margin guidance and highlighted the impact of U.S. export restrictions on data center chip sales in China. On Wall Street, the tone has become noticeably more optimistic: price targets are rising, the partnership with Amazon is expanding, and demand for AI infrastructure still exceeds supply—a key theme around NVIDIA.
The Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) again took center stage, with the fund seeing $4.3 billion in inflows for the week. Analysts note that further investor sentiment will depend on major index components: expected NVIDIA results and leadership changes at Apple.
Alphabet had a contrasting week. Analysts maintain high price targets thanks to accelerating Google Cloud growth and a raised 2026 revenue forecast to $205 billion, as well as the rapid rollout of Gemini 4 AI products. However, the market reacted sharply to questions about the company's competitiveness in AI and the departure of Jeff Dean—Alphabet's market capitalization fell noticeably.
The week's top news: John Ternus will succeed Tim Cook as CEO on September 1. Amid preparations for the fall product lineup and an AI strategy refresh, this became a key driver of discussions. Additional attention was drawn to reports of memory shortages and potential impact on iPhone prices—supply chain and margin concerns came to the fore again.
Bitcoin broke through the $80,000 level several times, returning to the spotlight. Near this level, short-term profit-taking was observed, but institutional demand remains strong: a combined $7 billion flowed into Bitcoin and gold funds. BlackRock is strengthening its presence, Strategy is building a reserve for new BTC purchases, and potential SEC changes to crypto custody rules have become an important signal for institutions.
In Oakland, hearings resumed in the social media addiction case, previously postponed due to a juror's illness. This was Meta's key corporate event of the week.
Oracle is being discussed in the context of financial results and rising capital expenditures. Despite cost pressures, optimism on Wall Street persists: Citi maintains a $330 target, while Morningstar lowered its fair value.
Amazon agreed to pay $2.25 million to settle a case over personal data theft in the U.S. Details are not disclosed, but the case has become a notable element of the company's legal agenda.
Rigetti attracted attention due to progress in gate fidelity, an updated engineering roadmap, and management changes—a COO role was added. Amid a correction in the quantum sector, the stock is under pressure, but the news flow focuses on the company's long-term prospects.
UBS cut its Broadcom price target from $485 to $470, maintaining a positive view. The FactSet consensus remains at buy, supporting a constructive tone around AVGO.
