Nvidia-Led Rally Falters as Tech Sector Drags Markets Lower
U.S. equities retreated Thursday as a post-earnings reversal in Nvidia shares erased early gains. The chipmaker's 3.2% decline dragged the PHLX Semiconductor Index down nearly 5%, with peers Advanced Micro Devices and Broadcom falling 8% and 2% respectively. Walmart's earnings beat provided lone bright spot, failing to offset broader tech weakness.
Market sentiment soured after mixed September jobs data, with the Dow shedding 0.8% and the Nasdaq tumbling 2.2%. The selloff highlighted growing volatility in AI-related stocks following Nvidia's earnings-driven whipsaw action. Semiconductor stocks now face critical technical tests after breaking key support levels.