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Afternoon Note

Lower Yields Powering Stocks

By John Jean, Senior Research Analyst
8/19/2026 1:11 PM

Major indices are moving higher across the board following this morning’s Treasury announcement. Gold and Bitcoin are also seeing notable rallies higher as a result.

 The Magnificent Seven names are moving higher, with Tesla (TSLA) in the lead as investors watch for Cybercab to roll out in Austin later this month.

Seven sectors are higher with Health Care (XLV) in the lead getting a boost from Merck (MRK) following this morning’s announcement of positive Phase 3 results for its individualized neoantigen therapy with Moderna (MRNA). Materials (XLB) are the runner up and getting a boost from the move higher in metal commodity prices. Consumer Discretionary (XLY) is also not far behind, getting a boost from Tesla (TSLA) as well as strength in homebuilders which are benefiting from the move lower in rates. Additionally, Estee Lauder (EL) is the 2nd best performer in the S&P 500, benefiting from a favorable reaction to its earnings this morning.

Industrials (XLI) are at the bottom of the list and moving marginally lower as AI related names continue to see some rotation. Furthermore, Technology (XLK) is sitting near its baseline, but it is split, with semiconductors seeing continued weakness, while software names are moving higher as a pack.

Space & Robotics

China’s LandSpace successfully landed a rocket booster and is the first company outside the USA to do so.

The 2026 World Robot Conference started in Beijing displaying over 2,000 exhibits and launching more than 150 products. The IPO of Unitree Robotics, China's best-known humanoid robot maker, saw shares surge over 450% on their first day of trading. Following Unitree’s IPO, startup Lumos Robotics and the robotics division of Chery Automobile, China’s largest auto exporter, announced their interest in the stock market.


 

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