Nvidia Isn’t the Only Hero the Stock Market Needs Right Now

The big day is finally here after much hype and anticipation. Yes, it’s Nvidia earnings day but it’s also the launch of a new look for the Barron’s Daily newsletter!

It’s packed with all the news and analysis you’re accustomed to, just in a different format and publishing at a slightly later time. I’m Callum Keown, a longtime business reporter here at Barron’s, and I’ll be delivering market insights to your inbox every morning, along with all the links you need to start your day.

Only time will tell which ends up being more exciting, but Nvidia has half a chance.

The artificial-intelligence trade, and chip stocks in particular, have faltered in recent weeks and need a timely boost from the world’s most valuable company. The stock’s recent poor run lowers the bar and may end up being a good thing come this afternoon.

Software stocks are in greater need of a superhero, though. Intuit’s earnings have brought the sector more pain, reigniting fears over the impact of AI disruption. Salesforce, Okta and Nutanix report after the close —but that’s not exactly The Avengers is it?

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has had a go at playing the market hero, and falling oil prices are allowing him at least a temporary win in his battle to keep bond yields down. The Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation metric, core PCE, may disrupt his victory lap Wednesday.

But with all the chat about heroes, let’s hope Nvidia doesn’t end up being the villain of the day.

You can subscribe to the Barron’s Daily newsletter here.

📈 Here’s what’s happening in markets today

• Stock futures are falling ahead of earnings from chip maker Nvidia.
• Salesforce, Intuit, ServiceNow, and more stocks that explain today’s market.
• Nvidia earnings and Jackson Hole are the stock market’s next big tests.
• Kohl’s sees improved same-store sales trends.
• J.M. Smucker earnings get a jolt from coffee prices.
• Li Auto earnings show ‘intense’ Chinese EV competition isn’t going away.
• Dycom’s earnings beat points to an AI infrastructure boom.
• Salesforce reports earnings while disrupting itself to fight AI.
• Lower energy prices aren’t the inflation fix markets need.

Created with Highcharts 9.0.1Source: FactSetAs of Aug. 25, 4 p.m. ET

Created with Highcharts 9.0.1iShares Semiconductor ETFiShares Expanded Tech-Software Sector ETF2026Aug.-50-250255075100125%

🖥️ Intuit to fight AI competitors, potentially with lower prices

Intuit beat expectations for its latest quarter, but its revenue outlook is likely to disappoint Wall Street. CEO Sasan Goodarzi told Barron’s that Intuit is focused on gaining market share in a competitive environment as AI software becomes more powerful.

🏛 Druckenmiller’s bond market advice is Warsh’s headache

Stanley Druckenmiller, a mentor of Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s when the pair worked for Soros Fund Management in the early 1990s, attacked his former pupil’s effort to engineer discipline in the world’s biggest bond market in a WSJ op-ed, saying “Let the bond market speak.” That’s a major headache for Fed Chairman Kevin Warsh.

☕ Starbucks CEO faces worker revolt in middle of turnaround

Starbucks ’ unionized baristas have called for customers to boycott the coffee chain over labor-related demands, adding pressure to CEO Brian Niccol’s efforts to revive the brand with a strategy focused on improving the customer experience, simplifying operations, and restoring its premium coffeehouse identity.

🚀 SpaceX to build a new launch site in Louisiana

SpaceX is building a Starbase in Louisiana for Starship. The company already has a Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas, and it wants another for conducting high-cadence Starship launches. It already launches the most equipment into orbit annually, and Starship is designed to extend that lead.

👟 Dick’s Sporting Goods has a sneaker problem

Dick’s Sporting Goods ’ dismal quarter disappointed on all levels, from earnings per share to revenue to same-store sales. With plenty of companies using their tariff refunds to cut prices, the sports retailer’s management cited an “increasingly promotional” apparel and footwear environment.

✈️ Why United Airlines is doubling down on international travel

United Airlines is embarking on the biggest international expansion in its history. The carrier added 10 international cities to its 2027 summer schedule as it looks to capitalize on strong international travel demand in recent years, a reminder that it is well-placed for future gains.

📰 Don’t miss out on our other newsletters

• : Tech’s Long Slide
• Energy Insider: Four Methane Middle Man That Are Minting Profits
• View From the Circle: Moderna’s Cancer Vaccine Breakthrough Reveals Growth Potential for Biotech
• Barron’s Tech: Nvidia’s Paradox: Stellar Earnings and a Sliding Stock

🤖 Nvidia ends seven-day losing streak heading into earnings

Nvidia is heading into its earnings report later today after ending a seven-day losing streak, its worst such run in more than four years. It could be just what it needs to finally get some momentum. The AI chip maker has a market value of more than $5 trillion, but it only recouped a small part of the recent losses as earnings approach.

💬 Quote of the day:

I write everything using AI now for the same reason I use a calculator when I do math problems. — Stanley Druckenmiller, founder of the Duquesne Family Office, to NOTUS

💸Don’t miss The Moneyist’s latest column for MarketWatch

MarketWatch managing editor for advice Quentin Fottrell answers a reader’s question about whether to pursue a legal malpractice claim against an attorney in a medical injury case. Read the column here.

Other headlines moving markets:

• Utility stocks are historically unloved, and the case for buying them is getting stronger.
• Restaurants are turning beverages into another growth area, report says.
• Zoom reports solid earnings. The stock drops anyway.
• UPS and 10 more stocks beating 10-Year Treasuries
• Warsh wants to track the money supply. It keeps flashing red.
• Summer blockbusters are packing movie theaters. The stocks are the stars.
• Overseas IPOs are beating new U.S. stocks.
• AMD stock gets a ‘strong buy’ upgrade. Why it could outperform Nvidia.
• Moderna’s cancer vaccine gives the stock a new growth story.
• Micron’s long-term contracts cap memory-boom upside.
• SpaceX stock is jumping for these three reasons.
• Why Marvell’s earnings matter more for an AI revival than Nvidia’s.
• Target stock may have hit its top for now.
• Stock market faces double blow if Fed and Nvidia fail to deliver.
• These three sectors will outperform if Fed raises rates.
• A $131 billion shot in the arm: How Boeing’s new deal can help shares.
• These 3 top funds deliver ‘deep value’ with fewer tech stocks.
• Markets may soon turn rocky. Time to trade Schwab stock.
• The oil boom of 2026 never happened. What if it comes in 2027?

I want to hear from you! If you’ve got a great story for us, get in touch! You can email me at barronsdaily@barrons.com

— Edited by Liz Moyer, Stacy Ozol, Rupert Steiner

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