Tech Stocks Power Wall Street Gains | The Close 5/14/2026

Watch on YouTube ↗  |  May 14, 2026 at 22:33  |  1:33:15  |  Bloomberg Markets
Speakers
Liz Young Thomas — Head of Investment Strategy, SoFi
Meredith Whitney — Founder, Meredith Whitney Advisory Group
Michelle Weaver — Head of U.S. Thematic Research, Morgan Stanley
Andrew Schlossberg — President and CEO, Invesco

Summary

The S&P 500 closed above 7500, driven by tech and AI enthusiasm. Guests debated consumer resilience versus fragility, with Meredith Whitney warning of stress ahead of Wal-Mart earnings. The US-China summit produced cordial but limited deliverables, while AI investment themes dominated equity flows.

  • S&P 500 records new high above 7500 led by tech and semiconductor stocks.
  • Consumer spending data shows resilience but Meredith Whitney warns of underlying fragility.
  • US-China summit in Beijing seen as cordial but trade deliverables fall short of expectations.
  • Cerebras IPO surges 68% on debut, highlighting strong appetite for AI deals.
  • Bond market stabilizes after earlier volatility, 10-year yield near 4.5%.
  • AI token demand up 2000% year-over-year per Morgan Stanley, underpinning capex.
  • Wal-Mart earnings expected to be key test of consumer health.
  • Bitcoin rises 2% above $81,000 amid regulatory clarity.
Trade Ideas
Liz Young Thomas Head of Investment Strategy, SoFi 5:52
AI spending drives semiconductor stocks higher
Investors are looking to equities to offset economic growth scares, and that leads them to technology stocks, particularly semiconductor stocks, which benefit from strong AI-driven spending, revenue gains, and rising earnings guidance. Even if consumer spending slows later in the year, risk appetite remains strong, supporting these stocks.
SMH HIGH
Meredith Whitney Founder, Meredith Whitney Advisory Group 28:00
Wal-Mart earnings reveal consumer stress
Consumers are stretched, and if Wal-Mart reports a stressed consumer in its upcoming earnings, it will be a strong signal that the market will react negatively. Wal-Mart is the holy grail indicator of consumer health; a stressed consumer there will confirm broader consumer weakness.
WMT MED
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This Bloomberg Markets video, published May 14, 2026, features Liz Young Thomas, Meredith Whitney discussing SMH, WMT. 2 trade ideas extracted by AI with direction and confidence scoring.

Speakers: Liz Young Thomas, Meredith Whitney  · Tickers: SMH, WMT