Finance

Recently released minutes from the Federal Reserve's June meeting indicate a split among policymakers regarding the future of interest rates, with some members leaning toward hikes by year-end to combat persistent inflation. Under the leadership of Chairman Kevin Warsh, the central bank also discussed a shift toward less forward guidance, suggesting a more data-dependent approach that has increased market uncertainty.

Major chipmakers including Intel, AMD, and Western Digital saw sharp declines recently, even as the broader technology sector remains a primary driver of market earnings. Investors are navigating a complex landscape where structural demand for AI infrastructure is high, but immediate concerns over fabrication plant expansion and pricing stability for memory components have weighed on specific valuations.

SpaceX joined the Nasdaq-100 following the largest IPO in history, but its initial performance has been characterized by significant volatility, with shares falling 7% shortly after their debut. Despite the cooling of its market price, the company's public listing remains a focal point for institutional investors tracking the broader aerospace and technology ecosystem.