Stock Movers Closing Bell: Medtronic Gains, Merck Rises on Trial, Nvidia Faces Tech Weakness
Nov 18, 2025
Medtronic's stock surged 4.6% after a positive Q2 report and an improved profit forecast. Merck's shares jumped following a successful trial for a drug targeting high blood pressure, hinting at market expansion. Meanwhile, Nvidia faced a 2.8% decline amid ongoing tech weakness and is making headlines for a significant investment in Anthropic. Analysts expressed skepticism about the future of Gen AI economics, while Home Depot issued a cautious earnings warning amid changing consumer spending trends.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Medtronic's Strong Guidance Beat
- Medtronic jumped 4.6% after raising the low end of its adjusted profit forecast and lifting organic revenue guidance.
- The stock hit its biggest one-day gain in five years and highest intraday level in ~3.5 years.
Merck Trial Win Expands Market
- Merck rose about 3.9% after a mid-stage trial for a rare high blood pressure drug met its primary endpoint.
- Analysts view the trial win as expanding the potential market for Winrevair.
Nvidia Slides, Big AI Investment Looms
- Nvidia shares fell 2.8% ahead of its after-hours earnings report amid persistent tech weakness.
- Microsoft and Nvidia committed to invest up to $15 billion in Anthropic, tying Anthropic closer to big backers of rival OpenAI.