Macro Cross Asset Check

Software Services Lead Market Rebound as Political Headlines Stir Sector Rotation - Apple Inc. (AAPL)

U.S. stocks are staging a broad late-session rebound, with Software Services and Semiconductors leading gains while Consumer Discretionary lags. The advance comes amid a week of political headlines, including renewed tariff talk and calls for Netflix (NFLX) to remove a board member. Market breadth shows 24 gainers against just 6 decliners, signaling a sharp reversal from recent weakness.

Analyst commentary

What moved and why

Session breadth: 24 gainers vs 6 decliners. High-volume names: 10. Average move: +1.21%.

A Sharp Reversal Takes Hold

U.S. markets are mounting a strong recovery in Tuesday's late session, decisively reversing last week's downtrend. The average stock is up 1.21%, a significant swing from the 1% decline seen just yesterday.

Breadth is overwhelmingly positive, with 24 stocks advancing for every 6 that decline. This marks the widest margin of gainers in over a week, suggesting the move has broad participation beyond just a few names.

The rally appears to be a relief bounce from oversold conditions. Prior sessions saw consistent pressure, making today's advance a notable shift in short-term sentiment. Market breadth currently reads 24 gainers against 6 decliners with 10 high-volume names, so follow-through matters more than one isolated print.

Tech and Chips Drive the Advance

Leadership is concentrated in technology, with the Software Services sector jumping 4.02% and Semiconductors gaining 3.78%. Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (AMD) is the standout, soaring over 9.4% on heavy volume.

Other major tech names are participating. Apple Inc. (AAPL) is up 1.84%, while Amazon.com Inc. (AMZN) has gained 2.01%. Even with the sector strength, performance is mixed. Alphabet Inc. (GOOGL) is slightly lower, and Broadcom Inc. (AVGO) has fallen nearly 1.9%.

The divergence highlights selective buying. Investors are favoring specific software and chip stocks rather than making a blanket bet on the entire tech complex. Market breadth currently reads 24 gainers against 6 decliners with 10 high-volume names, so follow-through matters more than one isolated print.

Political Headlines Add to the Mix

This week's political developments are providing a backdrop for the sector moves. President Trump called for Netflix Inc. (NFLX) to fire board member Susan Rice, citing political bias. He also announced an increase in global tariff rates.

The news flow adds a layer of macro uncertainty. Netflix (NFLX) shares, however, have shrugged off the direct criticism, trading up 1.64% in line with the broader Communication Services sector.

For now, markets seem to be looking past the political noise, focusing instead on oversold technical conditions and earnings potential in key tech segments. Market breadth currently reads 24 gainers against 6 decliners with 10 high-volume names, so follow-through matters more than one isolated print.

What to Watch Next

The key question is whether this rebound has staying power. Watch for follow-through buying in the next session. A failure to hold today's gains would signal the bounce was merely technical and lacked conviction.

Sector leadership will be crucial. If Software Services and Semiconductors can maintain their relative strength, it could support further market gains. Conversely, a rapid rotation out of these groups would be a warning sign.

Finally, monitor volume. Today's advance is supported by elevated trading in many names. A drop in volume on any continuation would suggest weakening momentum and potential for a pullback.

Seven-day trend

Market breadth
Feb 17
Feb 18
Feb 19
Feb 20
Feb 23
Feb 24
GainersDeclinersHigh volume
Recent sessions table
DateGainersDeclinersHigh volumeAvg move
Feb 19, 202671510-0.32%
Feb 20, 2026151610-0.14%
Feb 23, 2026102210-1.00%
Feb 24, 202625510+1.21%

Top gainers

Momentum
AMD
+9.43%
CRM
+4.86%
ORCL
+4.69%
ADBE
+4.01%

Top decliners

Risk pockets
UNH-2.67%
AVGO-1.88%
LLY-0.99%
XOM-0.61%

Sector rotation

Relative strength
Software Services+4.01%
Semiconductors+3.78%
Technology+1.88%
Computer Hardware+1.84%

Markets in focus

Country concentration
US+1.21%

Methodology

Transparency
  • This analysis examines real-time price action, sector performance, and trading volume across major U.S. equities.
  • Market breadth and average change metrics are calculated to assess the health and direction of the broader move.
  • News catalysts are incorporated as factual market context to explain potential drivers behind observed price movements.