NVIDIA Corp. shares rose more than 1% Friday, climbing to $200.67 in midday trading on the Nasdaq as investors continued to bet on the company’s dominance in artificial intelligence infrastructure, even amid broader market volatility and upcoming supplier earnings reports.

The stock gained $2.32, or 1.17%, by 1:05 p.m. EDT, extending a recent winning streak and trading well above key technical levels. Volume remained robust as traders reacted to positive sentiment around NVIDIA’s Blackwell platform ramp and expectations for sustained AI spending by major cloud providers and enterprises.

NVIDIA, the leading designer of graphics processing units essential for training and running large language models, has seen its valuation soar in recent years on the back of explosive demand for accelerated computing. At current levels, the company’s market capitalization hovers near the $5 trillion mark, making it one of the world’s most valuable public companies despite periodic pullbacks tied to macroeconomic concerns or export restrictions.

The modest gain Friday comes as NVIDIA stock has consolidated after strong performance earlier in April. Analysts note the shares are testing resistance near the upper end of their recent trading range, with some pointing to a potential breakout above $212 if upcoming catalysts deliver positive surprises. The 52-week range spans roughly $95 to $212, reflecting both the depth of last year’s corrections and the height of AI enthusiasm.

Data center revenue continues to power NVIDIA’s growth. In the most recent reported quarter for fiscal first quarter 2026, the segment generated $39.1 billion, up 73% year-over-year, driven by demand for the company’s accelerated computing platform used in generative AI applications. Overall company revenue hit $44.1 billion in that period, marking robust expansion despite a one-time $4.5 billion charge related to export licensing changes for H20 products in China.

Gaming revenue also reached a record in the quarter, rising 42% year-over-year to $3.8 billion, fueled by strong adoption of newer architectures. Professional visualization and automotive segments posted solid gains as well, underscoring NVIDIA’s diversification beyond pure AI training chips.

CEO Jensen Huang has repeatedly highlighted the rapid ramp of the Blackwell architecture, describing it as the fastest in company history. At the company’s GTC developer conference earlier in 2026, Huang outlined expectations for massive demand across Blackwell and the upcoming Rubin platform, with some projections suggesting lifetime sales potential in the trillions for these next-generation systems.

Wall Street remains broadly bullish. The consensus analyst rating sits at Buy, with average price targets implying significant upside from current levels — some forecasts see shares reaching $267 or higher by the end of 2026. Optimism centers on continued AI infrastructure buildout, with hyperscalers and sovereign AI initiatives driving orders for GPUs, networking solutions like NVLink and Ethernet fabrics.

Yet challenges persist. U.S. export restrictions on advanced chips to China have forced adjustments, including inventory charges and shifts in product strategy. Competition from AMD, Intel and custom silicon developed by Google, Amazon and others adds pressure, though NVIDIA’s software ecosystem — centered on CUDA — remains a formidable moat.

Supply chain partners provide additional clues to NVIDIA’s trajectory. Investors are closely watching upcoming earnings from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. and ASML Holding, key enablers in the semiconductor production process. Any commentary on capacity or demand for advanced nodes could reinforce or temper enthusiasm for NVIDIA’s growth outlook.

NVIDIA’s full fiscal 2026 results, reported in February, showed record quarterly revenue of $68.1 billion in the fourth quarter and $215.9 billion for the full year, reflecting 65% annual growth. Data center revenue alone reached $62.3 billion in the final quarter of fiscal 2026, up 75% from the prior year.

Looking forward, the company’s next earnings report in late May will offer fresh guidance on Blackwell adoption rates, gross margins and the impact of any geopolitical developments. Analysts expect continued sequential growth, though some have trimmed full-year Data Center forecasts slightly due to margin dynamics and China headwinds.

Gross margins have fluctuated with product mix and one-time items. Excluding certain charges, non-GAAP margins have held strong in the low- to mid-70% range, supported by high-value AI accelerators. Operating expenses have risen as NVIDIA invests in research and development for future architectures like Rubin, slated for broader availability in 2026-27.

Beyond hardware, NVIDIA is expanding its software and services offerings, including AI enterprise solutions and inference optimizations that allow customers to run models more efficiently. The company’s pivot toward full-stack AI platforms aims to capture recurring revenue and deepen customer lock-in.

Retail investor interest remains high, with NVIDIA frequently ranking among the most discussed stocks on social platforms. Options activity shows active trading in calls and puts around key strike prices, reflecting both bullish conviction and hedging against volatility.

Broader market context influences the shares as well. Shifts in interest rates, regulatory scrutiny of Big Tech and global trade tensions can spark sharp moves. Friday’s gain aligned with relative strength in the semiconductor sector amid mixed macro signals, including developments in Middle East diplomacy that could affect energy costs and supply chains.

NVIDIA maintains a quarterly dividend of $0.01 per share, a symbolic payout given the company’s growth focus, and has returned substantial capital to shareholders through buybacks in recent years.

For long-term investors, the bull case rests on the secular shift toward AI across industries — from cloud computing and autonomous vehicles to scientific research and enterprise productivity tools. Huang has positioned NVIDIA as the “picks and shovels” provider in this new gold rush, a narrative that continues to resonate despite valuation concerns.

Skeptics point to high multiples and the risk of spending fatigue among hyperscalers after years of heavy capital expenditure. A slowdown in AI deployment or delays in next-generation chip ramps could pressure results. Still, most forecasts call for NVIDIA to deliver strong double-digit revenue growth through the remainder of 2026 and into 2027.

As trading continues Friday, all eyes remain on whether NVIDIA can sustain its momentum heading into supplier reports and its own May earnings. The stock’s ability to hold above $200 and push toward the 52-week high would signal renewed confidence in the AI supercycle.

NVIDIA operates at the epicenter of the technology industry’s most transformative trend. Whether the current uptick marks the start of another leg higher or a temporary bounce in a consolidation phase, the company’s fundamental position in accelerated computing appears secure for now.

Investors will parse every comment from Huang and the executive team in coming weeks for clues about demand visibility, competitive positioning and the path to trillion-dollar opportunities in Blackwell and Rubin systems. For a stock that has already delivered extraordinary returns, the question remains whether the best is yet to come.

Rising energy costs, April tax increases, and relentless cost pressures hit UK pubs and restaurants hard

The rate of corporate collapse in hospitality surged in February, signalling the sector was battling to survive even before the Iran war triggered additional cost pressures.

The number of accommodation and food service companies entering insolvency leapt by 22 per cent to 270 in February, according to government figures.

This worsening of the crisis confronting hospitality enterprises occurred prior to the Iran war energy cost spike and April tax increases which two thirds of operators say will compel them to reduce headcount.

As many as 254 food and beverage service enterprises were compelled to close in February, including 171 restaurants and food trucks, and 64 pubs.

More than 700 pubs have closed in each of the past three years, with the rate of closures in the sector having accelerated since 2022, when only 512 shut their doors, as reported by City AM.

Pub operators expressed fury at Chancellor Rachel Reeves following modifications made to business rates at the Budget – designed to make the tax fairer for hospitality and retail businesses – which ultimately left thousands of landlords facing spiralling bills.

Reeves was ultimately compelled to introduce a £300m emergency business rates relief package, but landlords have stated rising energy costs stemming from the Iran war mean their difficulties are unlikely to diminish.

The chief executive of the UK’s oldest brewer, Shepherd Neame, told City AM the industry is “screaming for a reset” and cautioned his company is preparing for elevated energy bills. While some of the sector’s larger operators are shielded by long-term fixed-rate energy contracts, the chief executive of JD Wetherspoon told City AM he is having to “strain every sinew” to avoid rising the price of beer.

Trade body UKHospitality has warned that independent pubs – which may not benefit from fixed contracts – and those operating off-grid remain exposed to “devastating” energy bill hikes.

Saxon Moseley, head of leisure and hospitality at audit firm RSM, said: “While bigger operators tend to be better insulated due to having stronger balance sheets and economies of scale to fall back on, it’s the smaller, independent businesses that are struggling the most.”

Hotels are equally grappling with mounting costs, with 10 having closed in February while 16 accommodation firms collapsed in total during the month.

Senior figures at leading hotels and restaurants have criticised the Treasury for excluding their sectors from the business rates relief package – which was made available only to pubs.

Gordon Thompson, restructuring partner at RSM, said: “Relatively weak sales in the hospitality industry along with relentless cost pressures have required some operators to explore restructuring options to optimise their trading position and to reduce their cost base.

“It’s encouraging to see businesses taking action rather than burying their heads in the sand, but this highlights just how challenging it is to operate in the current environment.”

Oil prices plummeted more than 10% on Friday after Iran’s foreign minister said that the Strait of Hormuz will be open to all commercial shipping traffic for the duration of the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon.

Prices for West Texas Intermediate crude fell over 10% to under $85 a barrel, while Brent crude oil prices dropped more than 10% to around $89 a barrel.

The plunge in oil prices comes after Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the Strait of Hormuz was open for all commercial vessels for the remainder of the 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. The ceasefire began on Thursday, and President Donald Trump told reporters the ceasefire would include Iran-backed Hezbollah.

EUROPE HAS ‘MAYBE 6 WEEKS’ OF JET FUEL LEFT AMID HORMUZ BLOCKADE, ENERGY AGENCY CHIEF SAYS

The Iran war has caused shipping traffic to slow to a standstill, resulting in an oil price shock. (Giuseppe Cacace/AFP via Getty Images)

Trump said in a post on his Truth Social platform that the Strait of Hormuz is “COMPLETELY OPEN AND READY FOR BUSINESS AND FULL PASSAGE, BUT THE NAVAL BLOCKADE WILL REMAIN IN FULL FORCE AND EFFECT AS IT PERTAINS TO IRAN, ONLY, UNTIL SUCH TIME AS OUR TRANSACTION WITH IRAN IS 100% COMPLETE.”

FORMER TREASURY SECRETARY WARNS IRAN CONFLICT AND ‘TRUST DEFICIT’ COULD DERAIL US-CHINA MEETING

Oil prices surged over $100 a barrel since the Iran war began a month and a half ago, with WTI prices peaking at nearly $113 a barrel on April 6 and Brent crude prices reaching more than $119 a barrel on March 30.

Brian Therien, a senior analyst for investment strategy at Edward Jones, noted that, “While U.S. restrictions on Iranian ports remain in place, oil futures markets are also retreating, now implying crude prices could move back toward the low-$70s by year-end. If realized, falling oil prices should help ease headline inflation and help reduce pressure on energy-intensive sectors.”

Oil tankers pass through the Strait of Hormuz, Dec. 21, 2018. (Reuters/Hamad I Mohammed / Reuters)

The oil price shock occurred after the Strait of Hormuz was effectively closed to commercial shipping amid the conflict due to the threat of Iranian attacks and mines.

The Strait of Hormuz is a key chokepoint between the Persian Gulf and Arabian Sea, as about one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas transits through the strait to destinations around the world.

TRUMP SAYS IRAN WAR IS ‘VERY CLOSE TO BEING OVER’ AS PEACE TALKS ARE EXPECTED TO RESUME

About 20% of the world’s oil supply crosses the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Iran. (Fox News)

A senior Iranian official told Reuters that ships transiting the strait during the ceasefire will travel through designated lanes that Iran deemed safe for navigation, while naval vessels will be excluded from transiting.

Shipping companies have expressed the need for more details about the announcement before resuming normal operations in the strait. 

German shipping company Hapag-Lloyd said it was refraining from passing through the strait while assessing the announcement, though it may begin transits soon.

The U.S. Navy is planning to continue its blockade of Iranian ports while the Strait of Hormuz reopens, Trump said. (U.S. Navy / Handout)

Knut Arild Hareide, CEO of the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association, told Reuters that if the announcement “represents a step towards an opening, it is a welcome development.”

“However, the situation remains unresolved, with a number of outstanding uncertainties, including questions related to the presence of sea mines, applicable Iranian conditions, and practical implementation,” Hareide added. The Norwegian group represents 130 companies with about 1,500 vessels operating globally.

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The International Monetary Fund lowered its growth outlook for the global economy this week due to the shipping disruptions, with emerging market and developing economies taking a bigger hit than advanced economies due to the conflict.

Reuters contributed to this report.

This article was written by

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NEW YORK — Shares of Bath & Body Works Inc. surged more than 8% Friday, climbing to $19.64 in midday trading as Wall Street showed renewed confidence in the retailer’s efforts to revive its iconic brand through innovation and smarter pricing, even as the company braces for another year of declining sales.

The stock jumped $1.60, or 8.87%, by 11:48 a.m. EDT on the New York Stock Exchange, outpacing broader market moves and drawing attention from investors hunting for value in the struggling specialty retail sector. Volume was active as traders reacted to positive analyst notes highlighting progress on the company’s “Consumer First Formula.”

Bath & Body Works, known for its fragrant body care, home scents and seasonal collections, has faced headwinds from cautious consumer spending, heavy promotions and competition from value retailers. Yet recent moves — including fewer deep discounts, elevated product packaging and international expansion — appear to be sparking optimism.

“We’re expecting to get paid for our innovation,” CEO Daniel Heaf told investors during the company’s March earnings call, signaling a shift away from constant sales toward a more premium positioning without raising everyday prices.

The rally comes weeks after the company reported fourth-quarter results that beat expectations despite a modest sales dip. For the quarter ended Jan. 31, 2026, net sales fell 2% to $2.7 billion, but adjusted earnings per share reached $2.05, topping analyst forecasts of $1.77. Full-year 2025 sales were nearly flat at $7.29 billion.

Investors appeared to look past the softer 2026 outlook. The company guided for full-year sales to decline 4.5% to 2.5% and adjusted EPS of $2.40 to $2.65, citing ongoing macro pressures and tariff impacts. First-quarter sales are expected to drop 6% to 4%, with adjusted EPS between 24 and 30 cents.

Still, analysts are increasingly bullish. Bank of America raised its price target to $30 from $26 while maintaining a Buy rating, citing management’s turnaround actions and a longer-term valuation framework. Wells Fargo kept an Overweight rating with a $29 target, calling the strategy “on track.” Average Wall Street targets hover in the low-to-mid $20s, with some as high as $56.

The stock has traded in a wide range this year, hitting a 52-week low near $14.28 and a high of $34.66. At current levels, the market capitalization stands around $4 billion, with a forward dividend yield above 4%.

Bath & Body Works is pushing its Consumer First Formula, a multi-year plan focused on four pillars: product innovation, brand elevation through storytelling, stronger marketplace performance and operational efficiency. The company aims to deliver $250 million in cost savings over two years, including about $175 million in 2026, to fund targeted investments while protecting margins.

International growth remains a bright spot. The retailer ended fiscal 2025 with 573 locations outside the U.S. and expects mid- to high-single-digit sales growth abroad in 2026 through store expansion and e-commerce. Recent highlights include celebrations of its 20-year Japanese Cherry Blossom franchise and collaborations like a Mother’s Day collection with Vera Bradley featuring Peach Blossom & Nectar.

Domestically, the company is reducing promotion frequency to rebuild brand equity. “We have relied too often in the past on deeper and more frequent discounts,” Heaf said. Executives stressed that baseline prices will stay steady while new, higher-perceived-value items — with upgraded packaging and limited-edition scents — help drive full-price sales.

Gross margin pressure is expected in 2026, with the rate forecast at about 42.4% after a 150-basis-point tariff headwind in the first quarter. Adjusted SG&A is seen at 29.2%. Free cash flow is projected near $600 million, with no share repurchases assumed in guidance.

The stock’s recent volatility reflects broader retail challenges. A class-action lawsuit filed on behalf of investors who bought shares between June 2024 and November 2025 alleges misleading statements around the company’s performance, though the case remains in early stages.

Analysts note that success hinges on execution. Citi recently took a more cautious stance, downgrading to Neutral over concerns about core business weakness and continued sales pressure. Others point to Amazon’s growing role in beauty and home categories as a risk, even as Bath & Body Works expands its own online and third-party marketplace presence.

Retail observers say the company’s focus on “getting paid for innovation” could resonate with consumers seeking affordable luxuries amid economic uncertainty. Limited-edition drops and collaborations have historically driven traffic, as seen with past PEEPS and other seasonal tie-ins.

Chief Financial Officer Eva Boratto emphasized disciplined investment. “2026 will be a year of balancing rigorous cost control with targeted reinvestment to position the business for sustainable long-term growth,” she said.

Bath & Body Works operates more than 1,800 stores in the U.S. and Canada, plus a growing international footprint. The brand built its reputation on signature scents like Japanese Cherry Blossom, now marking two decades as a bestseller.

Investors will watch closely for first-quarter results, expected in late May. Any signs of stabilization in domestic traffic or margin improvement could fuel further gains.

For now, Friday’s surge suggests some on Wall Street are willing to bet that Heaf’s vision — fewer sales, more innovation, stronger storytelling — can help the retailer reclaim its sparkle in a crowded personal care aisle.