Tech leads the early tape

Stocks kicked off the day with tech in the driver’s seat, and chips were a big part of that push. The broad tech complex moved higher as underlying demand signals for software, data centers, and devices looked steadier than expected. It wasn’t just one name lifting sentiment; a wave of software platforms and hardware makers found buyers in the first hours of trading. Traders said the mood felt cautious but constructive, as investors weigh improving visibility on revenue growth against the usual guardrails of inflation, rates, and global demand. If the momentum holds, this could translate into a more durable tech rally rather than a quick, knee-jerk pop.