Nasdaq Eyes Another Triple-Digit Gain as Tech Continues Higher

Stocks are higher this afternoon, as the rallying AI trade restores risk-on sentiment. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) is flat at last look, cooling slightly from this morning's surge. The Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) and S&P 500 Index (SPX) are comfortably in the black, the tech-heavy latter propped up by Broadcom (AVGO)'s funding buzz. Oil prices are also offering a reprieve, with West Texas Intermediate (WTI) front-month crude 1.2% lower. Elsewhere, durable goods orders for September rose 1.8%, past the 1.7% estimates, while consumer confidence rose for the first time in four months.

Continue reading for more on today's market, including:

• Utility stock in focus ahead of its quarterly report.
• Coca-Cola stock flat after earnings.
• Plus, bears circle cruise stock; memory concern breaks out; and MAR turned away. 

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd (NYSE:RCL) stock is seeing an uptick in options volume today. At last look, over 26,000 options have changed hands, volume that's more than triple the average intraday amount. The December 270 put leads the way, followed closely by the March 270 put. RCL is 7.1% higher to trade at $298.49 today, after the company reported a top-line beat for the second quarter and hiked its full-year outlook. The firm also acquired 50% interest in Sandals Resorts. Year to date, the stock is now up 8%. 

Western Digital Corp (NASDAQ:WDC) stock is near the top of the Nasdaq today, up 7.1% to trade at $381.20. There's no specific catalyst other than memory stocks across the board are enjoying the broad market tailwinds amid the rotation back into AI infrastructure. Western Digital stock is up 121% in 2026, and is now back above a downtrend channel from its June 18 record high of $799.87.

Marriott International Inc (NASDAQ:MAR) is on the other side of the aisle, down 2.6% to trade at $384.46. Sector peer Hilton (HLT) reported a slowdown in revenue per available room, sending the hotel sector lower. Marriott stock is up 23.6% year to date still, but was turned away last week at a double-top formation just above $400.