U.S. Stock Market Midday Update: AXT's stock price soared 12.45%, with a surge in trading volume attracting market attention

U.S. Stock Market Midday Update AXT Company, up 12.45%, with increased trading volume and no significant news recently. The trading is active, and the capital flow is evident. Considering the sector and industry trends, the stock shows significant volatility, and the specific reasons need further observation. Stocks Ranked High in Industry Transaction Volume ASML up 2.85%. Based on recent key news: On December 16, ASML's CEO confirmed that the High-NA EUV lithography machine solution has been validated, with large-scale production expected between 2027 and 2028. This news has boosted market confidence in ASML's technological leadership, driving the stock price up. On December 17, China successfully manufactured a prototype EUV lithography machine, entering the testing phase. This move is seen as an important step in breaking the U.S. technology blockade and may affect ASML's competitive landscape in the Chinese market. On December 18, ASML announced plans to invest in a new factory in the Netherlands, with an expected investment of hundreds of millions of euros. This move indicates the company's expansion plans and further boosts market expectations for its future growth. The semiconductor market demand is strong, with clear policy support. Lam Research up 6.84%. Based on recent news: On December 18, Lam Research's President and CEO Timothy Archer sold company common stock for $26.7583 million. This news attracted market attention, leading to stock price fluctuations. On December 17, Mizuho Securities analyst Vijay Rakesh reiterated a buy rating on Lam Research, setting a target price of $200. This positive analyst rating has enhanced market confidence, driving the stock price up. On December 16, Nvidia, Broadcom, and Lam Research were named by Bank of America as top semiconductor stocks for 2026, due to expectations of continued growth in artificial intelligence spending. This favorable industry trend further boosted Lam Research's stock price. The semiconductor industry is performing strongly overall, with expected growth in AI spending. Applied Materials up 2.89%. Based on recent key news: On December 16, Jefferies upgraded Applied Materials' rating due to strong demand for AI-driven semiconductor equipment, with the stock price rising about 1%. The company has $1.7 billion in unmet performance obligations, of which 53% is expected to be recognized in the next 12 months, despite a declining trend in contract liabilities. Source: Jefferies On December 16, Wells Fargo raised the target price for Applied Materials from $255 to $290, maintaining an "overweight" rating. This move reflects market confidence in the company's future growth. Source: Wells Fargo On December 18, Applied Materials supported EPS growth through an active stock repurchase strategy, with expectations that increased visibility on FY2027 earnings growth will compress the current valuation discount. Source: Mizuho Securities. The semiconductor industry demand is strong, with significant capital inflow Stocks Ranked Among the Top by Market Capitalization in the Industry KLA Corporation rose by 5.03%. Based on recent key news: On December 16, Jefferies upgraded KLA's rating from Hold to Buy and raised the target price from $1,100 to $1,500. This upgrade drove the stock price up, reflecting the market's optimistic expectations for KLA's future performance. On December 16, Ned Davis Research strategists warned that the semiconductor industry may be in a bubble, with KLA listed as one of the companies meeting the bubble definition. Nevertheless, market enthusiasm for AI-related investments remains high, supporting the rise in stock prices. On December 17, Cantor Fitzgerald raised KLA's target price from $1,350 to $1,500, further boosting investor confidence and driving the stock price up. The semiconductor industry is hot, and AI investments are active