{"id":65724,"date":"2026-07-31T06:07:14","date_gmt":"2026-07-31T10:07:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www2.stockmarketwatch.com\/stock-market-news\/tech-and-ai-momentum-drive-gains-as-earnings-season-reaches-fever-pitch\/65724\/"},"modified":"2026-07-31T06:07:14","modified_gmt":"2026-07-31T10:07:14","slug":"tech-and-ai-momentum-drive-gains-as-earnings-season-reaches-fever-pitch","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www2.stockmarketwatch.com\/stock-market-news\/tech-and-ai-momentum-drive-gains-as-earnings-season-reaches-fever-pitch\/65724\/","title":{"rendered":"Tech and AI Momentum Drive Gains as Earnings Season Reaches Fever Pitch"},"content":{"rendered":"

U.S. equity markets are showing notable strength this Friday, July 31st, 2026, as investors digest a heavy slate of corporate earnings and look forward to critical economic data. Premarket<\/a> trading activity indicated a clear preference for growth-oriented sectors, particularly those tied to Artificial Intelligence and semiconductor manufacturing. Futures movements were largely positive, setting a constructive tone for the final trading session of the month.<\/p>\n

Major Market Indexes Performance<\/h2>\n

The major indexes are trading in positive territory today, led by a significant surge in technology shares. The Nasdaq Composite, tracked by the Invesco QQQ Trust (QQQ<\/a>), is the standout performer with a gain of 1.08%. This tech-heavy index is benefiting from renewed optimism in the semiconductor space and a massive rally in AI-focused innovators.<\/p>\n

The broader market is also participating in the upside. The State Street SPDR S&P 500<\/a> ETF Trust (SPY<\/a>) is up 0.47%, while the blue-chip heavy State Street SPDR Dow Jones<\/a> Industrial Average ETF Trust (DIA<\/a>) has climbed 0.53%. Small-cap stocks are showing resilience as well, with the iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM<\/a>) rising 0.46%. Volatility is retreating in tandem with these gains, as the iPath Series B S&P 500 VIX Short-Term Futures ETN (VXX<\/a>) has dropped 0.91%, suggesting a decrease in market fear.<\/p>\n

Sector Highlights and Commodities<\/h2>\n

The "AI revolution" continues to be the primary driver of sector performance. The iShares A.I. Innovation and Tech Active ETF (BAI<\/a>) is soaring by 6.29%, while the VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH<\/a>) has jumped 2.78%. Consumer Discretionary (XLY<\/a>) is also a top performer, up 3.2%, largely fueled by strong movements in major retail and e-commerce names.<\/p>\n

In the commodities space, gold<\/a> and silver<\/a> are facing selling pressure. The SPDR Gold Trust (GLD<\/a>) is down 1.33%, and the iShares Silver Trust (SLV<\/a>) has fallen 1.98%. Digital assets are also seeing a pullback today, with the iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT<\/a>) down 1.93% and the iShares Ethereum Trust ETF (ETHA<\/a>) declining 2.39%.<\/p>\n

Major Corporate News and Tickers<\/h2>\n

Several high-profile companies are making waves today following earnings reports and corporate developments:<\/p>\n