Aug 14, 2026 · 8 min
Markets weigh strong forecasts against sharp stock reversals
Applied Materials Sinks; Reddit Rally; Gemini Lower
The episode shows how earnings, policy announcements, index inclusion, and quarterly losses are moving individual stocks in different directions.
- 1Applied Materials fell before the market opened despite beating third-quarter expectations and issuing a strong forecast.
- 2US drone makers Unusual Machines and AeroVironment surged after new tariff announcements tied to President Trump.
- 3Reddit rallied ahead of its S&P 500 inclusion, while Gemini Space Station declined after a wider-than-expected quarterly loss.
Don't miss
Applied Materials falls before the market opens even after beating expectations and issuing a strong forecast.
The brief
Applied Materials opens the discussion with a market paradox: the chip-equipment maker beat third-quarter expectations and issued a strong forecast, yet its shares dropped before trading began.
The episode then turns to US drone manufacturers, including Unusual Machines and AeroVironment, whose shares surged after new tariff announcements from President Trump.
Reddit gained ahead of its planned inclusion in the S&P 500, showing how index membership can become a near-term catalyst for a stock.
Gemini Space Station moved the other way after reporting a wider-than-expected quarterly loss, closing the episode on the market’s reaction to disappointing results.
Together, the moves show investors separating headline earnings, forward guidance, policy changes, index mechanics, and reported losses rather than treating them as one signal.
What was said on this episode
6 statements · 3 positive · 3 negative
Applied Materials issued a more optimistic outlook than previously.
“the company is more optimistic than it was before”
Listen at 1:52
Applied Materials forecasts slightly slower NAND growth next year.
“The company is forecasting slightly slower growth next year.”
Listen at 2:14
The 100% drone tariff would roughly double import costs.
“that doubles, basically doubles the cost of importing drones from foreigners.”
Listen at 2:47
Optimism around Unusual Machines is continuing in pre-market trading.
“that is continuing this morning.”
Listen at 3:35
Reddit's S&P 500 inclusion will require index-tracking funds to buy shares.
“The inclusion is important as it means funds that track The S&P 500 will need to buy shares.”
Listen at 3:53
Gemini is a relatively small crypto exchange in a market where size matters.
“this is a relatively small crypto exchange and market where size matters.”
Listen at 4:56
Statements are attributed to the speaker as said on the episode and reflect their view at the time, not PodLume's. They are not advice.
Applied Materials
Donald John Trump
Reddit
S&P 500
Gemini Space Station, Inc.Listen to the full episode and explore every guest, topic, and moment on PodLume.