Stocks soared on Friday after Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell signaled the central bank may be ready to resume cutting interest rates at its next policy meeting in September.

Japan’s SoftBank agreed to invest $2 billion in Intel, boosting the U.S. chip maker’s stock. On Monday, Intel announced SoftBank’s purchase of roughly 87 million shares at $23 each, a slight discount to the day’s $23.66 closing price.

The iShares U.S. Home Construction ETF was rallying 5.1% toward an eight-month high in recent trading, with all 46 of its equity components gaining ground. The ETF has now soared 26% amid a three-month winning streak.

The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX) fell to its lowest level of the year on Friday, as US stocks surged following a highly-anticipated speech from Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell that bolstered the case for a September interest-rate cut.

Market Catalysts anchor Julie Hyman and Senior Reporter Allie Canal examine some of Friday's trending tickers, including crypto stocks, homebuilder stocks, and the banking index (^BKX). To watch more expert insights and analysis on the latest market action,

Technology stocks were pushing sharply higher on Friday after Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said the time may be coming for rate cuts to resume. Tesla Inc. shares were up about 4.5%, leading the so-called Magnificent Seven stocks higher,

Chinese equities are surging. The Shanghai Composite Index — dominated by retail investors — is up about 13% this year.

Trump's marijuana rescheduling remarks reignite cannabis optimism, putting Village Farms, Canopy Growth and High Tide in focus.