Stock Market Today, July 20: Hut 8 Surges 10% as Geopolitical Tensions Weigh on Broader Market
The S&P 500 (SNPINDEX:^GSPC) slipped 0.19% to 7,443, the Nasdaq Composite (NASDAQINDEX:^IXIC) edged 0.05% lower to 25,508, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJINDICES:^DJI) lost 0.59% to 51,839 as an early-session semiconductor rally lost steam amid mounting geopolitical concerns.
Gold prices gained 0.10% to $4,008.09 as of U.S.
Read MoreFinal July Social Security payments arrive Wednesday as Congress weighs reform
The government will distribute the final round of Social Security payments for July on Wednesday as lawmakers consider a bill that would address the program’s projected funding shortfall.
To be eligible for retirement benefits, Americans must be at least 62 years old and have earned at least 40 Social Security credits –
» Read more about: Final July Social Security payments arrive Wednesday as Congress weighs reform »
Read MoreBank of America doubles down on Microsoft stock ahead of earnings
Microsoft has been one of the worst large-cap tech stocks of 2026. While Nvidia kept climbing and the broader market recovered from its early-year lows, Microsoft went the other direction. The stock has shed roughly a fifth of its value this year, even as Azure kept growing and the AI business kept expanding.
» Read more about: Bank of America doubles down on Microsoft stock ahead of earnings »
Read MoreStock futures are little changed as traders shift focus to earnings amid Middle East tensions: Live updates
Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) during Pershing Square Capital Management LP’s initial public offering (IPO) in New York, US, on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
Michael Nagle | Bloomberg | Getty Images
U.S.
Cathie Wood reshuffles portfolio ahead of Q2 earnings, buys SpaceX, Eli Lilly, Meta; pares AMD, Roku
The Burst
Why Rivian’s Stock Is Suddenly Popping
Shares have ripped higher recently, and the reason has less to do with flashy announcements and more to do with something far more fundamental, Rivian is fixing the hardest part of the EV business.
On the surface, Rivian Automotive looked like it was catching its breath in 2025. No new models. No headline-grabbing unveilings.
» Read more about: Why Rivian’s Stock Is Suddenly Popping »
Read MoreThe Ivy
What’s Buffett Doing With Google Now?
Berkshire Hathaway stunned the market this quarter by initiating a multibillion-dollar position in Alphabet just months before Warren Buffett steps down as CEO.
While Berkshire trimmed its long-held Apple stake yet again, it bought almost 18 million Class A shares of Alphabet at just north of $200 per share, now worth over $5.5 billion.
» Read more about: What’s Buffett Doing With Google Now? »
Read MoreThe Spotlight
Costco’s Secret Profit Engine
Beneath the surface, Costco isn’t just about cheap gas, hot dogs, and fancy electronics, but the financial engine is far less obvious, and far more powerful than most casual shoppers realize.
If you’re thinking about buying Costco stock, understanding these three fundamentals could change how you see the company’s long-term investment case.
Key Points
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Annual fees generate the majority of net income,