US stock indices rise as tariff threats ease; NASDAQ nears record high with gains from Apple and Nvidia
by VT Markets
/
Aug 7, 2025
Eli Lilly Share Performance
The NASDAQ is hitting record highs, leading to a sense of calm in the market. The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) is around 13, a low number that history shows can signal sudden market drops. This might be a good time to buy protective puts on the QQQ or SPY as a cheap way to guard against unexpected tariff news in the upcoming weeks.
Many believe that chipmakers like Nvidia and AMD will be safe from tariffs, which is boosting their recovery. We should recall the volatility spikes in 2018 and 2019, when sudden tariff announcements caused the S&P 500 to drop more than 5% in just one week. Recent data from the Semiconductor Industry Association reveals a 15% rise in capital spending for U.S. fabrication plants, further supporting the idea that companies are bringing operations back to the U.S.
Apple and Intel Market Dynamics
Apple is showing strong performance, particularly as its domestic smartphone market share recently reached 65%. This positions Apple well against foreign competitors. Meanwhile, Intel is facing political challenges, making it a candidate for bearish put strategies or bear call spreads. This highlights the importance of looking at specific company risks rather than only the overall market.
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by VT Markets
Aug 7, 2025
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