Microsoft (MSFT): The software giant said it is rolling out new AI chips designed to reduce it dependence on pricey chips from companies like Nvidia (NVDA). Microsoft shares rose 1.1%. Semiconductor stocks fell, including Nvidia's.
Salesforce (CRM): The software company's stock rose 2.1% after Bank of America upgraded the shares to a "buy," saying the company has sound strategy that addresses both AI risks and opportunities.
Chipotle (CMG): Shares fell 3.8% on reports that Starbucks (SBUX) dismissed speculation it might try to buy the burrito chain. Starbucks shares edged higher.
IREN (IREN): Shares in the cloud-computing company pared gains and turned 1.1% lower. They had earlier popped after a report by the Information that IREN had struck a deal with Anthropic.
SWI Capital (NL:SWICH): Shares in the data-center company soared 16% after it said it raised about $900 million to upgrade its assets, which include FTX's old bitcoin-mining business.
Valero $(VLO)$, Marathon Petroleum (MPC): Shares in U.S. oil-refining groups edged up as investors weigh the impact of U.S. moves to boost diesel supplies.
Stellantis (STLA, IT:STLAM): Shares in the automaker, which has a battery tie-up with China's Leapmotor in Spain, slipped in Europe after gaining modestly. The European Union unveiled an agreement to slash China's car exports to Europe.
Volkswagen (XE:VOW3): The automaker said deliveries fell in the third quarter as the German automaker continued to suffer from a deteriorating market in China. Shares were slightly lower.