Stocks Mostly Higher on PPI Report, AI Excitement; Globe Life Plunges Over 50% on Fraud Allegations
• S&P 500 gained 0.7% on Thursday after better-than-expected PPI report; Apple shares jumped on AI Mac plans
• Paramount shares popped 7.3% on reports of potential Skydance Media merger; 4 directors to step down
• Semiconductor stocks including Broadcom, Micron and Nvidia rallied on AI enthusiasm
• Globe Life shares plunged 53.1% after short seller alleged insurance fraud
• Carmax and Fastenal shares fell on disappointing Q4 results impacted by high rates and supply challenges