Late Session Watch

Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) Leads Broad Market Rally as 22 Stocks Gain

A strong late-session rally is underway, with 22 stocks advancing against just 7 decliners. Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) surged nearly 9% following a major AI chip deal, while UnitedHealth Group (UNH) dragged on healthcare. The average stock gained over 1%, signaling a sharp reversal from the prior session's weakness.

Analyst commentary

What moved and why

Session breadth: 22 gainers vs 7 decliners. High-volume names: 10. Average move: +1.01%.

Breadth Shows Sharp Reversal

The market is staging a powerful late-session rebound. Breadth is decisively positive, with 22 stocks gaining ground and only 7 declining. Market breadth currently reads 22 gainers against 7 decliners with 10 high-volume names, so follow-through matters more than one isolated print.

This marks a dramatic shift from Monday's session, where decliners outnumbered gainers by more than two to one. The average stock is up 1.01%, a significant improvement from the prior day's average loss of nearly 1%.

Ten stocks are trading with high volume, indicating institutional interest is driving the move. Total volume has surpassed 589 million shares, confirming the session's relevance for traders. Market breadth currently reads 22 gainers against 7 decliners with 10 high-volume names, so follow-through matters more than one isolated print.

Tech Leads, Healthcare Lags

Leadership is concentrated in technology. Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) is the standout, soaring nearly 9% on heavy volume. The semiconductor sector is up 3.54%, with Oracle (ORCL) and Adobe (ADBE) also posting strong gains.

On the downside, UnitedHealth Group (UNH) is the biggest weight, falling nearly 3%. This has pulled the broader healthcare sector into negative territory, down over 2%. Broadcom (AVGO) and Bank of America (BAC) are also notable decliners.

The split suggests investors are favoring growth-oriented tech names while rotating out of defensive and financial sectors. This selective rally requires careful positioning rather than broad index exposure.

Catalysts Driving the Action

Specific news is fueling today's biggest moves. A major catalyst for AMD's surge is a reported $60 billion AI chip supply deal with Meta. This multi-year agreement, which includes a potential equity stake, has reignited bullish sentiment for the chipmaker.

For UnitedHealth Group (UNH), the pressure continues amid reports the stock has underperformed the Dow Jones Industrial Average over the past year. This narrative is contributing to its decline, even as some analysts remain cautiously optimistic.

Elsewhere, a rebound in names like Salesforce (CRM) is helping the software sector. Broader market sentiment is also being supported by headlines of a recovering Nasdaq and Dow Jones.

  • AMD surged on news of a $60B AI chip deal with Meta.
  • UNH declined amid reports of underperformance versus the Dow.
  • Salesforce (CRM) rebounded, aiding the software sector's 3.4% gain.

What to Watch Before the Close

The key question is whether this leadership can hold through the final hour. Watch for stable or increasing volume in top gainers like AMD and ORCL. A fade in volume would suggest the rally lacks conviction.

Also monitor if the positive breadth begins to spread beyond tech. For a sustained advance, other sectors like industrials and communication services need to maintain their current gains.

Finally, keep an eye on the healthcare sector. A stabilization in UNH could remove a major headwind and allow the broader market advance to continue more smoothly into tomorrow's session.

Live price chart

ADVANCED MICRO DEVICES INC (AMD)

Interactive OHLC + volume chart from the same market-history feed used on the company profile page.

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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, 202622710+1.01%

Top gainers

Momentum
AMD
+8.96%
ORCL
+4.22%
CRM
+4.18%
ADBE
+3.40%

Top decliners

Risk pockets
UNH-2.82%
AVGO-1.88%
BAC-1.19%
LLY-1.19%

Sector rotation

Relative strength
Semiconductors+3.54%
Software Services+3.40%
Motor Vehicles & Passenger Car Bodies+2.23%
Healthcare-2.00%

Markets in focus

Country concentration
US+1.01%
Companies in focus

Tickers linked to this briefing

Direct links to company profiles with market chart, filings, and news signals.

Methodology

Transparency
  • This analysis is based on real-time market data tracking price changes, trading volume, and sector performance.
  • Market breadth is calculated by comparing the number of advancing stocks to declining stocks.
  • News catalysts are incorporated based on publicly reported financial news from major outlets.