Happy Wednesday! Throughout history, August and September have been the most turbulent months for U.S. stocks — and this year is already following that script. However, volatility brings opportunities. Read on to see how you can still profit and why it could be your smartest summer move yet.

Also, AMD took a hit to its core. Despite topping analyst estimates, the company’s Q2 report spooked Wall Street and sparked a sharp sell-off after hours. Read on for all the insights and see what spooked investors.

Plus, if you’re looking for a growing cybersecurity and AI company, check out today’s sponsor.

In Today's Edition

• MARKET RECAP

• MARKET HEATMAP

• FIVE ZINGERS

• MARKET HISTORY

• ONE FOR THE ROAD

Wall Street's Fear Gauge Is Back–And Buying It Might Save Your Summer

Just days into August, the VIX — the market’s “fear gauge” — has come roaring to life, logging its biggest one-day jump in months. 

Late summer has never been a time for smooth sailing. Historically, August and September have been the most turbulent months for U.S. stocks — and this year is already following that script.

The S&P 500’s monstrous 25% rally off the April lows just hit a wall as soft jobs data and rising geopolitical tensions sparked a wave of selling. But here’s where it gets interesting: this kind of volatility doesn’t just signal danger — it can signal opportunity. Traders who’ve studied the past know that buying into fear, especially via the VIX, has paid off more often than not. In fact, this two-month stretch has quietly been one of the best windows for volatility-based strategies over the past 35 years.

Don’t sit on the sidelines. Read on to uncover the full breakdown and why it could be your smartest summer move yet.

Cycurion Inc. (NASDAQ: CYCU), the IT cybersecurity solutions and AI company, is inking deals, growing its book of business and creating new units targeting fast-growing spaces in its efforts to create more value for its shareholders.

Take its recent deal with the National Association of County and City Health Officials, the voice of the over 3,300 local health departments across the country, for starters. Cycurion will make available its Managed Security Services Platform (MSSP) Cyber Shield to NACCHO members, which should bring in $20 million in revenue. The company reported 95.4% growth in gross profit for Q1 2025 with $3.9 million in revenue.

Then there is its Cycurion Crypto unit, which it just launched. It is tasked with creating a crypto treasury, focused on acquiring Ethereum (ETH) and Bitcoin (BTC) and diversifying Cycurion’s cash reserves. To learn more about this expanding cybersecurity company, click here.

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Yesterday: U.S. indexes wiped out early gains to close the day near the lows Tuesday, halting Monday’s massive rally in which the indexes recovered much of Friday’s steep decline. The whipsaw came after the ISM Services index showed no growth in July, intensifying worries about stagflation concerns that were stirred up in the wake of lower jobs and massive downward revisions in prior months. The 10-year Treasury yield remained near three-month lows, the dollar held steady and oil prices continued their decline amid ongoing uncertainty over OPEC supply and U.S. growth prospects.

On Our Radar: Analysts and investors will turn their attention to several key reports Thursday morning with initial jobless claims, U.S productivity and labor costs. On the earnings front, DoorDash (DASH), Airbnb (ABNB), DraftKings (DKNG) and Zillow (Z) will headline a slate of major earnings reports that will be released after hours today.

Palantir made a new 52-week high after smashing earnings, while Super Micro — which was red hot and up nearly 50% in the past three months — plunged after reporting earnings that missed Wall Street’s estimates. But those weren’t the only big movers of the day. Here’s a look at what’s moving the market.

Discover how the market is moving with our interactive heatmap — filter by market cap and zoom in for deeper insights. Click any box to explore specific sectors or assets in detail.

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On This Day In 1997…

Microsoft invested $150 million in Apple, helping to rescue its longtime rival from financial trouble. The surprise move came during one of Apple’s darkest periods, as it faced mounting losses and shrinking market share. Announced at Macworld by returning CEO Steve Jobs, the deal included a commitment from Microsoft to continue developing Office for Mac and a patent cross-licensing agreement. The investment marked a turning point in Apple’s survival.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

“Only buy something that you'd be perfectly happy to hold if the market shut down for 10 years.“

— Warren Buffett

AMD Tumbles Despite Strong Outlook — Here’s Everything You Need To Know

Shares of Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) tanked after delivering a mixed Q2 earnings report on Tuesday.

While revenue topped analyst estimates, earnings did not, and despite a strong Q3 outlook, Wall Street wasn’t impressed. Part of it comes as shares have been overextended as the company has seen its share price rise by more than 75% in the past three months.

But the biggest reason is due to data center revenue — the holy grail, thanks to the rise of artificial intelligence. As tech giants continue to ramp up spending — with some spending up to $100 billion a year now — investors were hoping to see a big jump for the chipmaker.

Read on for the full breakdown, with insights and analysis as the company looks to bounce back and continue to climb higher.

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