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Nvidia beats expectations; U.S. stocks hover near records
Nvidia’s strong earnings reinforced AI momentum, helping keep U.S. equities near record levels. Crude and natural gas prices advanced as U.S. inventories fell and Russia–Ukraine tensions escalated.
Nvidia beat estimates and guided Q3 revenue above consensus.
U.S. stocks traded near record highs on optimism around tech and AI.
Oil rose on a larger-than-expected inventory draw and elevated war-related supply risks.
Natural gas spiked after Russian strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure.
Nvidia tops forecasts, but shares slip after hours
Nvidia Corporation beat analysts’ expectations on both revenue and earnings per share, reporting $46.1 billion in revenue and $1.04 in EPS. The company also projected Q3 revenue of $54 billion, ahead of Wall Street’s $53.14 billion average estimate, citing sustained demand from data centers and AI projects.
Despite the beat-and-raise, the stock fell roughly 3% after the close. Investors are weighing exposure to China sales, the pace of new orders, and broader policy uncertainty in the U.S., including trade frictions tied to new tariffs (such as measures aimed at India). Investment sensitivity remains high given Nvidia’s outsized growth since 2023 and its significant index footprint.
U.S. equities hover near all-time highs
Major U.S. benchmarks pushed back toward record territory as tech leadership persisted. Ahead of Nvidia’s release, the S&P 500 gained +0.24%, the Nasdaq +0.17%, and the Dow Jones +0.32%. Following the close, confirmation that Nvidia beat on both revenue and EPS reinforced the constructive tone.
Strong quarterly prints across U.S. corporations and the rising probability of monetary easing continue to support risk appetite. Notably, Nvidia now represents roughly 8% of the S&P 500, so its outlook can meaningfully sway broader U.S. equity sentiment.
Oil rises on crude draw, geopolitical risks
Brent and WTI settled higher after a larger-than-expected draw in U.S. crude stocks. Analysts expected a 2.0 million-barrel decrease, but the EIA data showed a 2.39 million-barrel decline, indicating firmer demand. At the close, the Brent increased by 1.11% and the WTI by 1.36%.
The move was amplified by a higher geopolitical risk premium amid intensifying conflict dynamics, raising the odds of additional U.S. sanctions on Russia if peace efforts stall.
The geopolitical risk premium remains elevated; gas jumps
Ukrainian officials reported drone attacks on Russian energy and gas-transport infrastructure across at least six regions, causing power outages and damage to storage, export, and refining facilities. While many drones were intercepted, several strikes triggered fires and substation damage. In response, Brent and WTI rose on average about 1.20%, and Henry Hub natural gas rallied roughly 6% intraday.
The escalation keeps the geopolitical premium in play despite ongoing talks involving the U.S. as intermediary. Meanwhile, the clock is ticking on President Donald Trump’s warning of additional sanctions if a peace framework is not reached within about two weeks.
