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Key Takeaways

The S&P 500 ticked 0.1% higher on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, bolstered by a tech sector rally even as macroeconomic concerns pressured other sectors. Super Micro Computer shares took off after the server maker announced a massive deal with Saudi Arabian data center firm DataVolt. Several life sciences companies discussed operational challenges in presentations at a health care conference. Their shares moved lower.

Major U.S. equities indexes were mixed in the midweek session as chipmaking behemoth Nvidia and other major tech stocks rallied while trade and macroeconomic uncertainties weighed on most other sectors.

The S&P 500 ended Wednesday's session with a gain of 0.1%. Outperformance in the tech sector helped boost the Nasdaq 0.7%. The Dow, however, closed with a daily loss of 0.2%. (Read Investopedia's full coverage of today's trading here.)

Super Micro Computer (SMCI) shares surged 15.7%, securing the S&P 500's strongest daily performance, after the server maker announced a $20 billion deal with Saudi Arabian data center company DataVolt. Deals have been in focus this week as President Donald Trump embarked on a four-day tour of the Middle East, with Nvidia (NVDA) and Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) shares gaining ground after both Supermicro collaborators announced agreements with Saudi firms.

Shares of Enphase Energy (ENPH) jumped 5.8% as the energy technology company launched its new plug-and-play solar battery system in Belgium. The new product is designed to allow residents of apartments and homeowners with limited roof space to generate renewable energy from balconies, patios, or other small outdoor areas. The product introduction marks an expansion of Enphase's footprint in the European market.

International Paper (IP) stock advanced 4.8% following an announcement that containerboard producer Georgia-Pacific will shutter its mill in Cedar Springs, Ga. The move will result in a reduction in containerboard capacity in the U.S., and Truist analysts suggested that the shifting supply dynamics could yield pricing power for remaining producers of the packaging material. Shares of industry peers Packaging Corp. of America (PKG) and Smurfit Westrock (SW) also moved higher.

Bio-Techne (TECH) shares slipped 7.3%, the most of any stock in the S&P 500, after a presentation by the biotech firm at the BofA Securities 2025 Healthcare Conference. The company said that issues with the timing of orders for diagnostic reagents and controls stymied growth in its Diagnostics and Special segment. Bio-Techne also discussed plans to mitigate possible tariff impacts by shifting manufacturing locations and noted its exposure to U.S. academic funding, which faces budget-related uncertainties.

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Fellow life sciences and diagnostics firm Revvity (RVTY) participated in the same conference, and its shares dropped 5.9%. Although the company touted strength in its diagnostics and software businesses, Revvity faces tariff-related challenges, especially pertaining to its business in China. Revvity also generates a significant portion of its revenue from government and academic sectors.

Analytics, technology, and research services provider IQVIA Holdings (IQV) also lost 5.9%. In its presentation at the BofA conference, IQVIA pointed to pressure on bookings related to clients delaying purchasing decisions in the uncertain macroeconomic environment. The company also addressed pricing pressure in its functional service provider business.

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