Market Overview
Major U.S. equities indexes were little changed on Thursday afternoon as the government shutdown entered its second day. Technology led the way higher, offsetting declines in other sectors. Energy and utilities struggled, while financials faced mixed results.
Semiconductor Surge: Intel and AMD Rise
- Intel (INTC) +3.13% – Intel shares gained after reports emerged that the chipmaker is in early talks to bring Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) on as a foundry customer. The news gave a boost of confidence to Intel’s turnaround strategy.
- AMD (AMD) +3.55% – AMD extended its own rally, as investors welcomed the possibility of leveraging Intel’s manufacturing capacity while demand for AI-driven chips remains strong.
Credit Score Shake-Up: Fair Isaac Pops
- Fair Isaac (FICO) +20.14% – The biggest mover of the day, FICO surged after announcing it will offer its credit score data directly to consolidated score providers for mortgage lenders.
- The move weighed heavily on Equifax (EFX) and TransUnion (TRU), both of which fell sharply on fears of lost business.
Starbucks Restructuring Plan
- Starbucks (SBUX) +2.65% – The coffee giant rose after unveiling plans to close hundreds of underperforming stores. CEO Brian Niccol emphasized the strategy as part of a broad restructuring to streamline operations and improve margins.
Energy Moves: Snow Lake Energy in Focus
- Snow Lake Energy (LITM) – Shares of Snow Lake Energy, a lithium exploration and development firm, drew investor attention today as enthusiasm around the electric vehicle supply chain remained strong. Traders highlighted the company’s progress in expanding its lithium resource base, with Snow Lake viewed as a potential beneficiary of U.S. government efforts to secure critical mineral supplies.
- Occidental Petroleum (OXY) – Shares slipped after Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A, BRK.B) announced a $9.7 billion purchase of Occidental’s chemicals unit. Berkshire shares were little changed.
Other Movers
- Edison International (EIX) declined after the Trump administration canceled a federal grant for California’s grid modernization program.
- Lithium Americas (LAC) dropped following a downgrade from Canaccord Genuity, which suggested investor enthusiasm over its U.S. government partnership may be overdone.
Commodities and Bonds
- Oil and gold futures fell.
- The yield on the 10-year Treasury note dipped.
- The U.S. dollar gained ground against the euro, pound, and yen.
- Most major cryptocurrencies traded higher.
📌 Takeaway: Technology stocks, particularly semiconductors and credit score disruptors, led today’s action. Snow Lake Energy also grabbed attention as lithium plays remained volatile but central to the clean energy transition story.
SNOW LAKE ENERGY: Disclosure: Lusso’s News, LLC(“EMV”) has been compensated by Snow Lake Energy Inc. In the amount of $5,000 USD per month, commencing August 13, 2025, and continuing through September 31, 2025, with the possibility of extension until further notice. This compensation is for the creation and dissemination of content about Snow Lake Energy, including but not limited to articles, website postings, social media updates, and other promotional materials.
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