US Markets Rollercoaster: Microsoft Plunges, Apple Soars, Trump to Name New Fed Chair

• US markets experienced extreme volatility with significant intraday recovery after heavy selling.
• Microsoft shares plummeted 10%, losing over $350 billion in market cap, its biggest single-day drop since March 2020, due to growth concerns and delayed AI earnings.
• Apple's strong Q1 FY26 results, with better-than-expected revenue and EPS driven by robust iPhone sales, boosted investor confidence.
• Meta shares jumped 11%, helping balance Microsoft's decline and supporting the tech sector.
• Oil prices surged (Brent above $70, WTI above $65), the dollar weakened, and gold, silver, and Bitcoin fell amidst global market anxiety and political uncertainty.

Why It Matters: US markets saw a day of extreme swings, driven by tech giants, commodity shifts, and political announcements.