EchoStar Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, provides networking technologies and services worldwide. The company operates in four segments: Pay-TV, Retail Wireless, 5G Network Deployment, Broadband and Satellite Services. The Pay-TV segment offers a direct broadcast and fixed satellite services; designs, develops, and distributes receiver system; and provides digital broadcast operations, including satellite uplinking/downlinking, transmission and, other services to third-party pay-TV providers; and multichannel, live-linear and on-demand streaming over-the-top internet-based domestic, international, Latino, and Freestream video programming services under the DISH and SLING brand names. The Retail Wireless segment provides prepaid and postpaid wireless services under the Boost Mobile, Boost postpaid, and Gen Mobile brands, as well various wireless devices. The Network Deployment segment deploys a facilities-based 5G broadband network and commercializes deployment of 5G VoNR. The Broadband and Satellite Services offers broadband services to consumer customers, which include home, and small to medium-sized businesses; and satellite and multi-transport technologies, and managed network services to telecommunications providers, aeronautical service providers, civilian and defense government entities, and other enterprise customers. EchoStar Corporation was incorporated in 2007 and is headquartered in Englewood, Colorado.

EchoStar Corporation

SpaceX Valued at $1.25 Trillion After Combining with xAI
Thoughts on the SpaceX xAI Deal
The acquisition of xAI by SpaceX will value the combined entity at $1.25 trillion. What’s important for investors to understand is that, in this case, the combined entity will eventually be worth more than the sum of its parts because it will transform SpaceX into a vertically integrated AI-infrastructure play and will strengthen the Musk ecosystem. In my view, the primary goal of the acquisition is to leverage SpaceX’s massive payload capacity and near-monopoly in space to gain an edge in the AI data center race.
The Benefits of Data Centers in Space
As hyperscalers like Amazon (AMZN), Alphabet (GOOGL), and Microsoft (MSFT) jockey for AI dominance, compute will be king (as it is needed to train large AI models). However, currently, the main headwind for the AI buildout is energy scarcity. The U.S. electric grid is already overwhelmed, and with more energy-hungry data centers being built, this will only worsen. Additionally, the Trump Administration has warned that it will not allow U.S. big tech companies to drive up electricity costs for U.S. households. In other words, big tech companies will need to produce their own off-grid energy or compensate U.S. households for any electricity price hikes.
Space-Based Data Centers will be More Efficient
Elon Musk has stated that the solution to this problem is to house AI data centers in space. Not only is solar energy abundant in space, but cosmic data centers would also be cooled naturally and cheaply by the frigid temperatures there. Remember, Tesla (TSLA) has a thriving energy business and acquired SolarCity in 2016. Tesla Energy also has the megapack, which allows users to store unused electricity.
SpaceX/xAI Impact on Publicly Traded Companies
Satellite & Communications
The SpaceX/xAI deal will strengthen Musk’s growing dominance in satellites and communications. Companies like Viasat (VSAT) use fewer, more expensive Geostationary (GEO) satellites. Conversely, Starlink leverages thousands of small, low-cost satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). The deal may squeeze prices and make VSAT’s business less profitable. That said, the stock is holding relatively well so far, so the impact is yet to be a concern for investors. Meanwhile, EchoStar (SATS), a satellite TV and communications provider, should be insulated from any negative outcomes, as it already has a long-term licensing deal with SpaceX to provide service to Boost Mobile subscribers.
National Security & Defense
The SpaceX and xAI entity will help the company continue to gain momentum in the national security arena. AI and space synergies have several important uses in national security, such as satellite imagery (analyzed with AI) and government satellite constellations powered by hardened AI models. SpaceX will have an edge versus traditional defense companies because it will be a one-stop shop for launch, connectivity, and AI for defense. That said, it’s hard to be bearish on defense stocks when 2026 will be a record year for defense spending of ~$840 billion. In other words, I expect SpaceX to take market share, but since the entire pie is growing, I remain bullish on defense names like LMT.
Space Launch Companies
In my view, as Musk did with electric vehicles, the SpaceX xAI merger will speed up the pace of innovation and get AI data centers to space faster than if it did not occur. While SpaceX will be the dominant player in the field, launch companies like Rocket Lab (RKLB) may benefit as big tech companies follow Musk’s lead and rush to get more efficient and cost-effective data centers in space.
Space-Hardened AI & Processing Chips
While the current semiconductor leaders like Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) and Nvidia (NVDA) will continue to dominate the growing data center boom on Earth, space will require specialized hardware. Microchip Technology (MCHP) could benefit from the space-based AI data center buildout, as the companyproduces a product line of radiation-hardened microcontrollers that are critical for low-power AI tasks in smaller satellite constellations.
In-Flight Wi-Fi
In-flight Wi-Fi is already being disrupted by Starlink. Starlink provides faster, lower-latency, and more reliable in-flight Wi-Fi than legacy players like Gogo (GOGO). I expect the xAI and SpaceX merger to accelerate the disruption.
In conclusion
Elon Musk’s broad business empire is reaching a critical tipping point. The combined SpaceX/xAI entity will make the countless solar energy, AI compute, and space launch synergies that much more powerful. SpaceX’s ecosystem will allow the company to provide top-of-the-line service at competitive prices due to its vertical integration. This is a good deal for investors.
Radical New Technology Could Hand Investors Huge Gains
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

How & Why SpaceX is Moving the AI Data Center Race to Space

Key Points
AT&T agreed last year to buy Lumen's fiber assets in a $5.75 billion deal.
There will be significant integration costs, but a low penetration rate and cross-selling opportunities make the deal a slam dunk.
The fiber business will help drive free cash flow growth over the next few years.
Telecom giant AT&T (NYSE: T) agreed to pay $5.75 billion last year to acquire Lumen's fiber business. The deal, which is expected to close early this year, will add 4 million passed locations and 1 million subscribers to AT&T's growing fiber network.
Once the deal is closed, AT&T plans to sell a partial ownership stake in the newly created subsidiary that will hold these assets. The subsidiary will then operate as a commercial open-access platform, with AT&T as the anchor tenant. This approach will help AT&T keep its debt levels down.
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What AT&T won't be able to avoid are meaningful integration costs, with earnings taking a hit in the near term. However, the company expects the long-term opportunity to be more than worth the cost.
A costly integration
AT&T expects its adjusted earnings per share in 2026 to be negatively impacted by about $0.05 by integration costs and additional interest expenses related to the Lumen deal and its agreement to buy spectrum licenses from EchoStar. In the first quarter of 2026, there will be some additional costs related to integrating and scaling Lumen's retail operations.
Much of the cost associated with integrating Lumen will be incurred this year, but there will also be an impact over the next few years. AT&T CFO Pasal Desroches noted in theearnings callthat "We're going to incur pretty significant acquisition initial cost to integrate those assets. And to build this and to add to the distribution behind them." However, he expects those costs to moderate over the next two to three years.
In the first quarter of 2026, EBITDA and free cash flow are expected to be weak, partly due to the necessary Lumen-related investments. EBITDA is expected to expand by 3% to 4% in 2026, with growth accelerating to 5% or better in 2028.
The opportunity makes the price worth paying
While near-term financial results will come under some pressure from the Lumen deal, AT&T has outlined a significant opportunity to boost fiber revenues. The Lumen fiber network being acquired has a 25% customer penetration rate, meaning that just 25% of locations passed by the network are paying subscribers. Meanwhile, AT&T's fiber penetration rate is 40%.
That 15-percentage-point gap represents about 600,000 potential new customers based on the current size of Lumen's network, assuming AT&T can close that gap over time. That's on top of the 1 million customers Lumen already has that AT&T will acquire. AT&T had about 10.4 million fiber subscribers at the end of 2025, so these figures are meaningful.
The opportunity gets even better. Fewer than 20% of Lumen's subscriber base are AT&T wireless customers. AT&T's convergence rate, or the percentage of fiber customers who are also wireless customers, is currently 42%. Within the existing Lumen customer base, there is an opportunity to win a couple of hundred thousand new 5G wireless customers.
Setting the stage for long-term growth
The Lumen deal will contribute to AT&T's growing earnings and free cash flow over the next few years, despite the initial upfront costs. Adjusted EPS will only grow slightly this year, up from $2.12 in 2025 to a range of $2.25 to $2.30. However, AT&T expects double-digit compound annual growth through 2028, implying acceleration in 2027 and 2028. Free cash flow is also set to expand. AT&T expects to deliver at least $18 billion in free cash flow this year, at least $19 billion in 2027, and at least $21 billion in 2028.
With the Lumen deal, AT&T is taking its winning strategy of cross-selling fiber and wireless services and applying it to an underpenetrated fiber network. It's a smart move, and based on the company's long-term outlook, it should pay off in the long run.
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

AT&T's Lumen Deal Hides an Opportunity Most Investors Are Missing

Key Points
Blue Origin said it was launching its own space satellite network in late 2027.
Both AST SpaceMobile and EchoStar fell on the news.
Trading at a triple-digit sales multiple, AST is a speculative stock.
Shares of AST SpaceMobile (NASDAQ: ASTS) were moving lower today as the maker of broadband-enabling satellites faced new deep-pocketed competition. Blue Origin, Jeff Bezos's space company, announced its own satellite communications network called TeraWave. Both AST SpaceMobile and rival EchoStar fell on the news.
As of 2:25 p.m. ET, the stock was down 13.4%.
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Blue Origin moves into satellites
In a press release today, Blue Origin introduced TeraWave, a 6 terabytes per second (Tbps) space-based network, consisting of 5,408 optically interconnected satellites. The network is expected to support tens of thousands of users across enterprises, data centers and governments.
Deployment of the TeraWave constellation is expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2027.
What it means for AST SpaceMobile
AST SpaceMobile just began monetization of its deployment, bringing in $14.7 million in revenue in the third quarter, and it expects $35 million-$50 million in revenue in the fourth quarter.
AST has earned a sky-high valuation on Wall Street as investors see big potential in space-based internet connectivity.
The satellite company already competes with Elon Musk's Starlink, and one more competitor isn't necessarily a threat to AST, though it is worth paying attention to what Blue Origin does in the space.
Overall, the pullback seems more a reflection of AST's valuation than the new competitive threat, especially since Blue Origin's satellites won't be deployed for nearly two years.
AST's revenue is expected to triple in 2026 to nearly $200 million; however, even at that lofty target, the stock is trading at a price-to-sales ratio of roughly 200. In other words, high expectations are still baked into AST. Expect the stock's volatility to continue.
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Why AST SpaceMobile Stock Was Sliding Today

Key Points
Uber has sold off at a time when an emerging technology could supercharge its business.
AT&T's valuation and renewed focus on its core business could make it a market-beating growth and income stock.
Investors looking for "cheap" stocks may find today's market less accommodating. The S&P 500 average P/E ratio is above 31, and while that is not a record high, it has risen significantly from the 20 average at the low point of the 2022 bear market.
Fortunately, the elevated valuations do not mean that all stocks are expensive. Even with a budget of around $1,000, investors stand a good chance of driving market-beating returns in these two stocks.
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1. Uber Technologies
Rideshare leader Uber Technologies (NYSE: UBER) presents a unique opportunity for investors. The company leads the globe in the ridesharing industry that it has helped spearhead. Also, while DoorDash leads food delivery in the U.S., Uber's delivery segment alone drives more global revenue than DoorDash.
However, the opportunity (and the risk) appears to hinge on autonomous driving. Since Uber already has a rideshare platform, it is probably more cost-effective for autonomous driving companies to turn to Uber's platform rather than build one from scratch. This could send revenue soaring as more rides occur without a human driver.
Admittedly, that strategy comes with risks, namely that we do not know the degree to which autonomous driving will ultimately replace human drivers. Although the technology's backers hope autonomous driving will make the roads safer, time will tell to what degree it succeeds.
Nonetheless, that situation places Uber in a sweet spot as it is likely to succeed with or without self-driving cars. In the first nine months of 2025, its nearly $37.7 billion in revenues surged 18% higher compared to year-ago levels, and this happened with humans doing almost all of the driving.
Moreover, its $9.8 billion in net income in the first three quarters of 2025 rose from the $3 billion during the same period in 2024. Indeed, Uber got a one-time boost from a $4.3 billion income tax benefit. That skewed its P/E ratio down to 10.
Still, at a forward P/E ratio of 20, Uber stock is still far cheaper than the S&P 500 average. Also, at about $85.40 per share as of the time of this writing, investors can afford six shares for around $512, a nice starting investment in a company driving the future of driving.
2. AT&T
Admittedly, a recommendation of AT&T (NYSE: T) may sound strange given its recent history. While it is only one of three companies providing essential wireless and fiber communication services, it spends heavily to compete with Verizon Communications and T-Mobile US.
Furthermore, it overpaid for DirecTV and Warner Bros., eventually spinning off both entities at a massive loss. This forced AT&T to abandon a 35-year streak of dividend increases.
Today, the company has returned to a singular focus of offering communication services. To that end, it spent $5.75 billion to acquire Lumen's mass market fiber business. It also bought Echostar's wireless spectrum for $23 billion, giving AT&T the right to use some prime RF frequencies that will probably improve its service quality.
Investors may not feel comfortable with the fact that those purchases have taken its total debt to $139.5 billion, a high level considering AT&T's book value of $127 billion.
Nonetheless, the aforementioned dividend has remained steady since that time, paying $1.11 per share annually for a dividend yield of 4.7%. Also, even though the dividend costs about $6.2 billion in the first nine months of the year, AT&T's $12.4 billion in free cash flow should cover the cost of the payout.
Even with that benefit, investors should still remember that AT&T is a mature business. Hence, the fact that its $92 billion in revenue in the first nine months of 2025 grew by only 2% should not surprise investors. Also, cost-cutting efforts and one-time benefits boosted its net income attributable to shareholders for that period to $18.1 billion versus just $6.7 billion one year ago.
That profit surge temporarily reduced its P/E ratio to 7.7. Still, even though the forward P/E ratio is 11, it looks like an inexpensive stock. Consequently, at around $23 per share, investors can buy 21 shares of AT&T stock for about $483, an amount that will offer generous dividend returns and probably some stock price growth over the long term.
Should you buy stock in Uber Technologies right now?
Before you buy stock in Uber Technologies, consider this:
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*Stock Advisor returns as of January 16, 2026.
Will Healy has positions in Uber Technologies. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends DoorDash and Uber Technologies. The Motley Fool recommends T-Mobile US and Verizon Communications. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

2 Dirt Cheap Stocks to Buy With $1,000 Right Now

Looking at options trading activity among components of the Russell 3000 index, there is noteworthy activity today in EchoStar Corp (Symbol: SATS), where a total volume of 21,442 contracts has been traded thus far today, a contract volume which is representative of approximately 2.1 million underlying shares (given that every 1 contract represents 100 underlying shares). That number works out to 45.4% of SATS's average daily trading volume over the past month, of 4.7 million shares. Particularly high volume was seen for the $125 strike call option expiring January 16, 2026, with 2,305 contracts trading so far today, representing approximately 230,500 underlying shares of SATS. Below is a chart showing SATS's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $125 strike highlighted in orange:
Broadcom Inc (Symbol: AVGO) saw options trading volume of 189,565 contracts, representing approximately 19.0 million underlying shares or approximately 45.1% of AVGO's average daily trading volume over the past month, of 42.0 million shares. Particularly high volume was seen for the $350 strike call option expiring January 16, 2026, with 9,767 contracts trading so far today, representing approximately 976,700 underlying shares of AVGO. Below is a chart showing AVGO's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $350 strike highlighted in orange:
And Oklo Inc (Symbol: OKLO) options are showing a volume of 52,490 contracts thus far today. That number of contracts represents approximately 5.2 million underlying shares, working out to a sizeable 44.9% of OKLO's average daily trading volume over the past month, of 11.7 million shares. Especially high volume was seen for the $110 strike call option expiring January 16, 2026, with 2,624 contracts trading so far today, representing approximately 262,400 underlying shares of OKLO. Below is a chart showing OKLO's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $110 strike highlighted in orange:
For the various different available expirations for SATS options, AVGO options, or OKLO options, visit StockOptionsChannel.com.
Also see:
FAI Videos
Funds Holding SWJ
Top Ten Hedge Funds Holding MBI
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Notable Monday Option Activity: SATS, AVGO, OKLO

EchoStar Corporation’s SATS subsidiary, Hughes Network Systems, LLC (HUGHES), is strengthening its position in next-generation satellite communications with the launch of a new portfolio of ruggedized Low Earth Orbit (LEO) terminals certified for Comms-on-the-Pause (COTP) service. Certified for use on Eutelsat’s OneWeb LEO network, these transportable terminals provide fast and reliable broadband connectivity wherever terrestrial networks fall short.
Built for rapid deployment in demanding environments, the new Hughes LEO terminals are housed in IP67-rated, pop-up transport cases engineered by C-COM Satellite Systems. Featuring crushproof construction, steel latches and recessed wheels, the cases are built to withstand harsh conditions. Their plug-and-play design enables rapid broadband deployment, ideal for temporary deployments and mission-critical use cases. The Hughes Electronically Steerable Antenna (ESA) terminals are available in single- and dual-panel configurations, providing organizations with the flexibility to choose the setup that best suits their operational requirements.
Hughes’ ruggedized LEO terminals are designed to address connectivity gaps across a wide range of industries and scenarios. First responders and government agencies can rapidly deploy communications following hurricanes, floods, or wildfires, maintaining connectivity for a longer interval in regions where terrestrial infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed. Enterprises and public-sector organizations can pre-stage satellite communication kits in disaster-prone areas, ensuring backup connectivity is available before severe weather or other emergencies strike.
Land-based drilling rigs that relocate every one to six weeks can maintain consistent Internet access for operational data transfer, safety systems and crew communications in even the most remote locations. Also, telecom providers can leverage satellite-enabled Cell on Wheels (COWs) and network trailers to extend coverage during major events, network outages, or early-stage network deployments.
Rising Hughes Momentum Bolsters SATS’ Long-Term Potential
Hughes is shifting its focus from consumer satellite broadband to enterprise customers as competition in consumer connectivity intensifies from SpaceX’s Starlink and future LEO players like Amazon’s Kuiper. Recognizing early that it could not compete in LEO consumer broadband, EchoStar pivoted toward enterprise markets. As a result, enterprise revenue is expected to surpass 50% of Hughes’ total revenue as early as next year. The company has also made strong progress in aviation connectivity, moving from a minimal presence three years ago to becoming one of the few global providers still growing in the aero segment.
Hughes’ ability to serve global brands worldwide positions the company to better monetize and maximize this strength, particularly in M&A opportunities that arise. In October, Hughes announced the acquisition of Anderson Connectivity, a Florida-based top aerospace innovator, strengthening its technology and engineering capabilities while positioning the company for faster growth across global aviation, space and defense markets.
It has also forged a strategic relationship with Celona, a pioneer in private 5G networks, to introduce a fully managed private wireless network solution. The collaboration aims to meet the surging demand for secure, high-performance and scalable wireless connectivity, empowering industries to advance their digital transformation and automation efforts.
However, for the third quarter of fiscal 2025, Hughes’ Broadband and Satellite Services segment reported total revenue of $346 million, down 10.6% year over year due to lower broadband service sales and weaker enterprise hardware demand. Adjusted OIBDA declined 3.9% year over year to $75 million, reflecting a smaller consumer subscriber base. Notably, Hughes’ enterprise momentum remains solid, supported by a contracted backlog of $1.5 billion that provides strong visibility into future revenue.
SATS’ Zacks Rank & Stock Price Performance
At present, EchoStar has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). In the past year, its shares have soared 358% compared with the Zacks Satellite and Communication industry's growth of 191.9%.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Stocks to Consider From the Broader Computer and Technology Space
Some better-ranked stocks from the broader technology space are Teradata Corporation TDC, Western Digital Corporation WDC and Sandisk Corporation SNDK. TDC, SNDK & WDC sport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
Teradata’s earnings beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate in each of the trailing four quarters, with the average surprise being 23.12%. In the last reported quarter, TDC delivered an earnings surprise of 35.85%. Its shares have surged 42.7% in the past six months.
Western Digital earnings beat the consensus estimate in each of the trailing four quarters, with the average surprise being 9.18%. WDC’s long-term earnings growth rate is 22.7%. Its shares have surged 194.1% in the past year.
Sandisk’s earnings beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate in three of the trailing four quarters, with the average surprise being 470.1%. In the last reported quarter, SNDK delivered an earnings surprise of 37.1%. Its shares have surged 388.9% in the past year.
5 Stocks Set to Double
Each was handpicked by a Zacks expert as the favorite stock to gain +100% or more in the months ahead. They include
Stock #1: A Disruptive Force with Notable Growth and Resilience
Stock #2: Bullish Signs Signaling to Buy the Dip
Stock #3: One of the Most Compelling Investments in the Market
Stock #4: Leader In a Red-Hot Industry Poised for Growth
Stock #5: Modern Omni-Channel Platform Coiled to Spring
Most of the stocks in this report are flying under Wall Street radar, which provides a great opportunity to get in on the ground floor. While not all picks can be winners, previous recommendations have soared +171%, +209% and +232%.
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

SATS Arm Unveils Rugged LEO Terminals for Mission-Critical Connectivity

Key Points
An analyst at an international bank made quite a significant raise to his price target on the shares.
He boosted it by 35% and maintained his buy recommendation on the stock.
A rather up-and-down stock lately, satellite technology specialist EchoStar (NASDAQ: SATS) had a good trading session on Friday. Its shares rose by more than 1%, edging past the bellwether S&P 500 index, largely on an analyst's rather generous price target raise.
A bull weighs in with a new take
The person behind the raise was Deutsche Bank (prognosticator Bryan Kraft. Well before market open that day, Kraft elected to boost his fair value assessment on EchoStar to $131 per share, up quite some distance from his previous level of $97.
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According to reports, the analyst cited the one top catalyst for EchoStar's recent stock price rises -- its sale of wireless spectrum to Elon Musk's SpaceX -- as a reason to buy the stock. He's particularly encouraged by the coming IPO of the space company, as EchoStar received significant equity in the Musk venture as part of the deal. Meanwhile, the company has more spectrum it could sell.
Other positive factors that should bolster EchoStar, in Kraft's estimation, include anticipated legal settlements with business partners.
Baked in
That SpaceX stake has been drawing investors to EchoStar, as the Musk company is sure to be a hot item when it goes public. Personally, I believe that the potential for these developments is already priced into EchoStar stock, as are the eventual resolutions to the company's legal disputes. I wouldn't necessarily be a buyer of its stock now.
Should you buy stock in EchoStar right now?
Before you buy stock in EchoStar, consider this:
The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now… and EchoStar wasn’t one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.
Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $506,935!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $1,067,514!*
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*Stock Advisor returns as of December 19, 2025.
Eric Volkman has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Why EchoStar Stock Crept Higher Today

The S&P 500 Index ($SPX) (SPY) today is up by +0.67%, the Dow Jones Industrials Index ($DOWI) (DIA) is up by +0.56%, and the Nasdaq 100 Index ($IUXX) (QQQ) is up by +0.94%. March E-mini S&P futures (ESH26) are up +0.62%, and March E-mini Nasdaq futures (NQH26) are up +0.90%.
Stock indexes are moving higher today as a rally in cloud infrastructure stocks improves market sentiment and lifts the broader market. Oracle is up by more than 7% after TikTok CEO Chew said his company has signed binding agreements to create a US joint venture owned by American investors, including Oracle. Also, strength in chipmakers today supports the broader market.
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Today’s US economic news was mixed for stocks after Nov existing home sales rose to a 9-month high, but the University of Michigan US Dec consumer sentiment index was unexpectedly revised lower.
Seasonal factors are bullish for stocks. According to data from Citadel Securities, since 1928, the S&P 500 has risen 75% of the time in the last two weeks of December, climbing 1.3% on average.
Higher bond yields are limiting gains in stocks today, as the 10-year T-note yield is up +2 bp to 4.14%. Global bond yields are climbing today, led by a surge in the 10-year Japanese government bond yield to a 26-year high of 2.025% after the BOJ raised interest rates and said it will keep raising rates if its economic and price outlook is realized.
US Nov existing home sales rose +0.5% m/m to a 9-month high of 4.13 million, though weaker than expectations of 4.15 million.
The University of Michigan US Dec consumer sentiment index was unexpectedly revised downward by -0.4 to 52.9, weaker than expectations of an upward revision to 53.5.
The University of Michigan US Dec 1-year inflation expectations were unexpectedly revised upward to 4.2% from the previously reported 4.1%.
Upbeat comments today from New York Fed President John Williams were supportive for stocks but negative for bonds, as he said some of the data we're seeing is "pretty encouraging" and he sees no sign of a sharp deterioration in the jobs data. He added that he sees US GDP growth of 1.5% to 1.75% this year, with growth picking up next year, and that there's "no urgency to need to act further on monetary policy right now, because I think the cuts we've made have positioned us really well."
Stock market moves may be exaggerated and more volatile than usual today due to the expiration of options, futures, and derivatives during the quarterly event known as triple witching. According to Citigroup, a record $7.1 trillion of notional open interest will roll off the US options market today.
The markets are discounting a 20% chance that the FOMC will cut the fed funds target range by 25 bp at the next FOMC meeting on January 27-28.
Overseas stock markets are higher today. The Euro Stoxx 50 is up +0.40%. China’s Shanghai Composite climbed to a 1-week high and closed up +0.36%. Japan’s Nikkei Stock 225 closed up +1.03%.
Interest Rates
March 10-year T-notes (ZNH6) today are down by -5 ticks. The 10-year T-note yield is up +1.4 bp to 4.135%. Today's strength in stocks has reduced safe-haven demand for government debt securities and is weighing on T-notes. Also, hawkish comments from New York Fed President John Williams are undercutting T-note prices after he said some of the data we're seeing is "pretty encouraging" and that he sees no sign of sharp deterioration in the jobs data. In addition, T-notes have a negative carryover from today’s jump in the 10-year Japan government bond yield to a 26-year high of 2.025%.
The steepening yield curve is also bearish for T-note prices. Steepening trades occur when bond investors buy short-term government debt and sell long-term debt. The yield curve has steepened since last Wednesday’s FOMC meeting, when the Fed said it would begin purchasing up to $40 billion of short-term T-bills a month to boost liquidity in the financial system. Longer-term Treasury securities are also under pressure from concerns about inflation and the Fed’s independence.
European government bond yields are moving higher today. The 10-year German bund yield is up +3.5 bp to 2.885%. The 10-year UK gilt yield is up +3.7 bp to 4.517%.
German Nov PPI fell -2.3% y/y, weaker than expectations of -2.2% y/y and the steepest pace of decline in 20 months.
The German Jan GfK consumer confidence index unexpectedly fell -3.5 to a 1.75-year low of -26.9, weaker than expectations of an increase to -23.0.
UK Nov retail sales ex-auto fuel unexpectedly fell -0.2% m/m, weaker than expectations of an increase of +0.1% m/m.
Swaps are discounting a 1% chance for a -25 bp rate cut by the ECB at its next policy meeting on February 5.
US Stock Movers
Cloud infrastructure stocks are rallying today as they recover from a recent sell-off on financing concerns in the AI supply chain. CoreWeave (CRWV) is up +15%, and Applied Digital (APLD) and Nebius Group NV (NBIS) are up more than +10%. Also, Oracle (ORCL) is up more than +6%.
Chip stocks are moving higher today, a supportive factor for the overall market. Micron Technology (MU) is up more than +6% to lead gainers in the Nasdaq 100, and Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) is up more than +4%. Also, Lam Research (LRCX) is up more than +3%, and Nvidia (NVDA) is up more than +2% to lead gainers in the Dow Jones Industrials. In addition, KLA Corp (KLAC), NXP Semiconductors NV (NXPI), and Intel (INTC) are up more than +2%. Finally, Applied Materials (AMAT), ASML Holding NV (ASML), and Broadcom (AVGO) are up more than +1%.
Cryptocurrency-exposed stocks are climbing today, with Bitcoin (^BTCUSD) up more than +2%. Strategy (MSTR) and Galaxy Digital Holdings (GLXY) are up more than +3%, and Riot Platforms (RIOT) and Mara Holdings (MARA) are up more than +2%. Also, Coinbase Global (COIN) is up nearly +1%.
Carnival (CCL) is up more than +9% to lead cruise stocks higher and gainers in the S&P 500 after reporting Q2 adjusted EPS of 34 cents, better than the consensus of 24 cents. Also, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) is up more than +5%, and Royal Caribbean Cruises (RCL) is up more than +4%.
Whitefiber Inc (WYFI) is up more than +7% following the announcement of a 10-year 40 megawatt co-location agreement between its subsidiary Enovum Data Centers Corp. and Nscale Global Holdings, representing around $865 million in contracted revenue.
Echostar Corp (SATS) is up more than +3% after Deutsche Bank raised its price target on the stock to $131 from $97.
Cummins Inc (CMI) is up more than +2% after Barclays upgraded the stock to overweight from equal weight with a price target of $546.
Generac Holdings (GNRC) is up more than +1% after Wells Fargo Securities upgraded the stock to overweight from equal weight with a price target of $195.
Stryker Corp (SYK) is up more than +1% after Citizens JMP Securities LLC upgraded the stock to outperform from market perform with a price target of $440.
Lamb Weston Holdings (LW) is down more than -23% to lead losers in the S&P 500 after forecasting full-year net sales of $6.35 billion to $6.55 billion, the midpoint below the consensus of $6.52 billion.
Nike (NKE) is down more than -8% to lead losers in the Dow Jones Industrials after forecasting Q3 revenue down in the low single digits and gross margins down about 175 to 225 basis points, amid persistent weakness in China.
KB Home (KBH) is down more than -8% to lead homebuilders lower after reporting Q4 EPS of $1.55, weaker than the consensus of $1.79, and forecasting 2026 housing revenue of $5.10 billion to $6.10 billion, the midpoint below the consensus of $5.83 billion. Also, DR Horton (DHI) is down more than -3%, and Lennar (LEN) and PulteGroup (PHM) are down more than -2%. In addition, Toll Brothers (TOL) is down more than -1%.
KBR Inc (KBR) is down more than -4% after Truist Securities cut its price target on the stock to $50 from $62.
Lyft Inc (LYFT) is down more than -3% after Wedbush Securities downgraded the stock to underperform from neutral with a price target of $16.
Paychex (PAYX) is down more than -1% to lead losers in the Nasdaq 100 after BMO Capital Markets said the company’s Q2 earnings signaled an “okay quarter,” but management-solutions growth was softer.
FedEx (FDX) is down more than -1% after Morgan Stanley downgraded the stock to underweight from neutral with a price target of $210.
Earnings Reports(12/19/2025)
Carnival Corp (CCL), Conagra Brands Inc (CAG), Lamb Weston Holdings Inc (LW), Paychex Inc (PAYX).
On the date of publication, Rich Asplund did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Stocks Climb as Tech Shares Rally

The S&P 500 Index ($SPX) (SPY) today is up by +0.63%, the Dow Jones Industrials Index ($DOWI) (DIA) is up by +0.52%, and the Nasdaq 100 Index ($IUXX) (QQQ) is up by +1.08%. March E-mini S&P futures (ESH26) are up +0.61%, and March E-mini Nasdaq futures (NQH26) are up +1.09%.
Stock indexes are moving higher today as a rally in cloud infrastructure stocks improves market sentiment and lifts the broader market. Oracle is up by more than 7% after TikTok CEO Chew said his company has signed binding agreements to create a US joint venture owned by American investors, including Oracle. Also, strength in chipmakers today supports the broader market.
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Higher bond yields are limiting gains in stocks today, as the 10-year T-note yield is up +3 bp to 4.15%. Global bond yields are climbing today, led by a surge in the 10-year Japanese government bond yield to a 26-year high of 2.025% after the BOJ raised interest rates and said it will keep raising rates if its economic and price outlook is realized.
Upbeat comments today from New York Fed President John Williams were supportive for stocks but negative for bonds, as he said some data we're seeing is "pretty encouraging" and he sees no sign of sharp deterioration in the jobs data. He added that he sees US GDP growth of 1.5% to 1.75% this year, with growth picking up next year, and that there's "no urgency to need to act further on monetary policy right now, because I think the cuts we've made have positioned us really well."
Stock market moves may be exaggerated and more volatile than usual today due to the expiration of options, futures, and derivatives during the quarterly event known as triple witching. According to Citigroup, a record $7.1 trillion of notional open interest will roll off the US options market today.
This week's market focus will be on US economic news. Later today, Nov existing home sales are expected to be up +1.2% m/m to 4.15 million. Also, the University of Michigan Dec consumer sentiment index is expected to be revised upward by +0.2 to 53.5 from the previously reported 53.3.
The markets are discounting a 20% chance that the FOMC will cut the fed funds target range by 25 bp at the next FOMC meeting on January 27-28.
Overseas stock markets are higher today. The Euro Stoxx 50 is up +0.04%. China’s Shanghai Composite climbed to a 1-week high and closed up +0.36%. Japan’s Nikkei Stock 225 closed up +1.03%.
Interest Rates
March 10-year T-notes (ZNH6) today are down by -7 ticks. The 10-year T-note yield is up +2.7 bp to 4.149%. Today's strength in stocks has reduced safe-haven demand for government debt securities and is weighing on T-notes. Also, hawkish comments from New York Fed President John Williams are undercutting T-note prices after he said some of the data we're seeing is "pretty encouraging" and that he sees no sign of sharp deterioration in the jobs data. In addition, T-notes have a negative carryover from today’s jump in the 10-year Japan government bond yield to a 26-year high of 2.025%.
The steepening yield curve is also bearish for T-note prices. Steepening trades occur when bond investors buy short-term government debt and sell long-term debt. The yield curve has steepened since last Wednesday’s FOMC meeting, when the Fed said it would begin purchasing up to $40 billion of short-term T-bills a month to boost liquidity in the financial system. Longer-term Treasury securities are also under pressure from concerns about inflation and the Fed’s independence.
European government bond yields are moving higher today. The 10-year German bund yield is up +3.4 bp to 2.884%. The 10-year UK gilt yield is up +3.8 bp to 4.518%.
German Nov PPI fell -2.3% y/y, weaker than expectations of -2.2% y/y and the steepest pace of decline in 20 months.
The German Jan GfK consumer confidence index unexpectedly fell -3.5 to a 1.75-year low of -26.9, weaker than expectations of an increase to -23.0.
UK Nov retail sales ex-auto fuel unexpectedly fell -0.2% m/m, weaker than expectations of an increase of +0.1% m/m.
Swaps are discounting a 1% chance for a -25 bp rate cut by the ECB at its next policy meeting on February 5.
US Stock Movers
Cloud infrastructure stocks are rallying today as they recover from a recent sell-off on financing concerns in the AI supply chain. CoreWeave (CRWV) is up +8%, and Oracle (ORCL) is up more than +7% to lead gainers in the S&P 500. Also, Applied Digital (APLD) is up more than +4%, and Nebius Group NV (NBIS) is up more than +3%.
Chip stocks are moving higher today, a supportive factor for the overall market. Micron Technology (MU) is up more than +6% to lead gainers in the Nasdaq 100. Also, Lam Research (LRCX) is up more than +3%, and Nvidia (NVDA) is up more than +2% to lead gainers in the Dow Jones Industrials. In addition, Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), Applied Materials (AMAT), KLA Corp (KLAC), NXP Semiconductors NV (NXPI), and Intel (INTC) are up more than +2%. Finally, GlobalFoundries (GFS), Broadcom (AVGO), and Marvell Technology (MRVL) are up more than +1%.
Cryptocurrency-exposed stocks are climbing today, with Bitcoin (^BTCUSD) up more than +2%. Galaxy Digital Holdings (GLXY) and Riot Platforms (RIOT) are up more than +4%. Also, Strategy (MSTR) and Mara Holdings (MARA) are up more than +2%, and Coinbase Global (COIN) is up more than +1%.
Whitefiber Inc (WYFI) is up more than +16% following the announcement of a 10-year 40 megawatt co-location agreement between its subsidiary Enovum Data Centers Corp. and Nscale Global Holdings, representing around $865 million in contracted revenue.
Echostar Corp (SATS) is up more than +4% after Deutsche Bank raised its price target on the stock to $131 from $97.
Generac Holdings (GNRC) is up more than +2% after Wells Fargo Securities upgraded the stock to overweight from equal weight with a price target of $195.
Stryker Corp (SYK) is up more than +1% after Citizens JMP Securities LLC upgraded the stock to outperform from market perform with a price target of $440.
Cummins Inc (CMI) is up more than +1% after Barclays upgraded the stock to overweight from equal weight with a price target of $546.
Lamb Weston Holdings (LW) is down more than -19% to lead losers in the S&P 500 after forecasting full-year net sales of $6.35 billion to $6.55 billion, the midpoint below the consensus of $6.52 billion.
Nike (NKE) is down more than -9% to lead losers in the Dow Jones Industrials after forecasting Q3 revenue down in the low single digits and gross margins down about 175 to 225 basis points, amid persistent weakness in China.
KB Home (KBH) is down more than -7% after reporting Q4 EPS of $1.55, weaker than the consensus of $1.79, and forecasting 2026 housing revenue of $5.10 billion to $6.10 billion, the midpoint below the consensus of $5.83 billion.
Lyft Inc (LYFT) is down more than -4% after Wedbush Securities downgraded the stock to underperform from neutral with a price target of $16.
KBR Inc (KBR) is down more than -4% after Truist Securities cut its price target on the stock to $50 from $62.
Paychex (PAYX) is down more than -3% to lead losers in the Nasdaq 100 after BMO Capital Markets said the company’s Q2 earnings signaled an “okay quarter,” but management-solutions growth was softer.
FedEx (FDX) is down more than -2% after Morgan Stanley downgraded the stock to underweight from neutral with a price target of $210.
Elevance Health (ELV) is down more than -1% after Deutsche Bank downgraded the stock to hold from buy, citing a challenging macro environment.
Earnings Reports(12/19/2025)
Carnival Corp (CCL), Conagra Brands Inc (CAG), Lamb Weston Holdings Inc (LW), Paychex Inc (PAYX).
On the date of publication, Rich Asplund did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. For more information please view the Barchart Disclosure Policy here.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.

Stocks Supported by Strength in Cloud Stocks and Chip Makers

Key Points
A Wall Street analyst upgraded EchoStar's stock this week.
The analyst believes EchoStar will receive a hefty price for its remaining wireless spectrum assets.
Bloomberg also reported SpaceX, of which EchoStar is a shareholder, may pursue a 2026 IPO at an eye-watering valuation.
Shares of satellite telecommunications company EchoStar (NASDAQ: SATS) rallied 27.3% this week through Thursday trading, according to data from S&P Global Market Intelligence.
EchoStar stock has nearly quintupled this year. Having begun the year as a debt-laden, struggling cable company, EchoStar decided to sell its long-held wireless spectrum assets to other players, and received significantly more money for them than the market had anticipated. Moreover, some spectrum was sold to SpaceX, for which EchoStar received both cash and SpaceX stock.
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This week, EchoStar received even better news regarding the value of its remaining spectrum assets, as well as reports of ever-escalating estimates for SpaceX's valuation.
With spectrum and SpaceX, who cares about the core business?
This week, Morgan Stanley telecom analyst Benjamin Swinburne upgraded EchoStar stock to an "Overweight" rating from "Equal Weight." The rationale is that Swinburne now expects EchoStar's remaining AWS-3 spectrum holdings to receive a strong sale price and a likely bidding war between Verizon and T-Mobile.
This year, the value of EchoStar's spectrum assets has been a significantly more important factor for the stock than the company's operating businesses across satellite cable, broadband, and wireless services. So to see an analyst increase the value of its remaining spectrum asset was important.
Additionally, for a spectrum sale to SpaceX this past summer and a more recent follow-on sale, EchoStar has received a combined $11.1 billion in SpaceX stock this year. The valuation of that SpaceX stock was uncertain at the time of the transactions, but was likely significantly lower than SpaceX's recent financing round, which was rumored to garner an $800 billion valuation.
Then this week, Bloomberg News reported that SpaceX will pursue an initial public offering sometime in 2026, at a rumored valuation of $1.5 trillion.
Needless to say, that valuation would be massive for EchoStar, and likely two to three times higher than the price at which EchoStar acquired its stock.
Is there still upside in a stock up over 350% this year?
Even after this recent rally, EchoStar's market capitalization is only $30 billion. So, if EchoStar acquired its SpaceX stock at a $500 billion valuation and SpaceX manages to go public at a $1.5 trillion valuation, the value of EchoStar's SpaceX stock would be more than EchoStar's entire value. We still don't know exactly at what valuation EchoStar acquired its stock, but that's not an unreasonable estimate. Additionally, when EchoStar's other spectrum sales close, the company should be left with an additional $8.6 billion in net cash.
EchoStar's actual operating businesses in cable, broadband, and wireless are relatively unexciting. But investors shouldn't really care too much about those businesses these days, as the stock has become a net asset play.
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Billy Duberstein and/or his clients have positions in T-Mobile US. The Motley Fool recommends T-Mobile US and Verizon Communications. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.