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Key Takeaways
- The S&P 500 was little changed Monday, Aug. 18, 2025, ahead of results from major retailers set for release this week and a key speech by the Federal Reserve chair Friday.
- Shares of HR software provider Dayforce surged following reports that a private equity firm was evaluating a potential buyout.
- Intel shares slipped, bringing their recent rally to a halt as more details emerged about the U.S. government’s interest in acquiring a stake in the chipmaker.
Major U.S. equities indexes were little changed Monday ahead of key retail sector earnings reports and comments from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell expected later in the week.
The S&P 500 and the Dow ended Monday’s session fractionally lower, while the Nasdaq eked out a 0.03% gain. All three finished the session just short of record highs.
Dayforce (DAY) shares skyrocketed 26%, securing the S&P 500’s top performance on Monday, following reports that private equity firm Thoma Bravo is discussing a potential buyout of the human resources software provider. A deal could within the next few weeks, according to Bloomberg.
First Solar (FSLR) shares jumped 9.7%. Other solar Solar stocks also surged, after the U.S. Treasury Department issued guidance on the types of projects that can qualify for clean energy tax credits. Although the latest guidelines limit eligible projects, analysts suggested the new rules are less restrictive than investors previously feared.
Shares of The Trade Desk (TTD) rose 5.4%, extending Friday’s gains after the provider of tools to help advertisers optimize their digital campaigns stressed the strength of its partnership with Walmart. Reports that the retail giant had ended an exclusive arrangement with The Trade Desk had added to concerns surrounding the stock, which tumbled earlier this month after the company warned tariffs are limiting big ad spending.
EQT Corp. (EQT) shares dropped 4.4%, falling the most of any stock in the S&P 500, after Roth Capital downgraded the stock and three of its peers in the natural gas business to “neutral” from “buy.” Analysts voiced concerns an oversupply of natural gas could pressure prices and hurt EQT’s results. Roth Capital maintained a “buy” rating on Coterra Energy (CTRA) but reduced its price target on the stock, and Coterra shares slipped 3.3%.
Intel (INTC) shares lost 3.7%, halting their recent rally amid speculation it could win more government support as more details emerged about the talks. Bloomberg reported Monday that the Trump administration is considering taking a 10% stake, and converting some or all of the company’s CHIPS Act grants into equity.
Shares of videogame maker Electronic Arts (EA) slid 3.2% on Monday. Since notching a record high last week, bolstered by optimism surrounding its upcoming title Battlefield 6, EA stock has been trending lower. Analysts have expressed concerns about the lofty expectations for Battlefield 6 as well as challenges facing the company’s American Football franchise.
