Stocks pushed higher across the board on Thursday, with all major U.S. indices logging solid gains. The S&P 500 and Russell 2000 each added 0.8%, while the Nasdaq Composite led with a 1.3% surge, thanks largely to strength in the tech sector.

Earnings in Focus

NVIDIA ($NVDA) +5%
The AI chipmaker stole the spotlight, jumping 5% after reporting Q1 earnings and revenue that comfortably beat estimates. While the company issued softer guidance and acknowledged ongoing headwinds from China-related export restrictions, investors appeared unfazed, focusing instead on the company’s dominant position in the booming AI sector.

Salesforce ($CRM) -1.2%
Shares of the cloud software giant slipped despite a solid earnings report. EPS and revenue topped expectations, and forward guidance was strong. However, a downgrade from RBC Capital on concerns about execution risk—particularly following the company’s recent deal for Informatica—kept a lid on gains.

Synopsys ($SNPS) +2.5%
The chip design software provider delivered a beat on both earnings and revenue, raising its full-year profit outlook. The stock rebounded after pressure earlier in the week due to reports that the Trump-era directive—telling U.S. companies to halt software sales to Chinese semiconductor groups—could still pose a threat.

HP Inc. ($HPQ) -10%
Not all tech names shared in the rally. HP tumbled after missing earnings expectations and guiding lower for the upcoming quarter. Management pointed to increased costs tied to tariffs as a drag on performance.

Nordson ($NDSN) +11%
The industrial equipment maker soared after delivering top- and bottom-line beats, along with upbeat guidance for next quarter profits—fueling optimism among investors.

Other Movers

Chevron ($CVX) +0.5%
The energy giant ticked higher after announcing plans to cut nearly 800 jobs in the Permian Basin as part of a broader operational efficiency drive.

Best Buy ($BBY) -2.5%
Retailer Best Buy slipped after reporting revenue and same-store sales (SSS) that came in below expectations, signaling weaker consumer demand.

Kohl’s ($KSS) +6%
In contrast, Kohl’s impressed with a clean beat across all major Q1 metrics, easily surpassing Street consensus and lifting its stock.

Tech led Thursday’s rally, driven by upbeat earnings and continued investor enthusiasm around AI. While some names faltered on guidance or geopolitical risk, the broader tone remained optimistic as market participants shrugged off macro concerns and focused on corporate performance.