Stocks are mixed this afternoon, as Nvidia's (NVDA) $5.5 billion charge tied to U.S. chip export restrictions continues to weigh on the tech sector. The Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) is down a whopping 285 points, while the S&P 500 Index (SPX) is also in the red. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) has turned marginally higher, however, trimming earlier losses after better-than-expected retail sales data.

Meanwhile, Wall Street’s “fear gauge” -- the Cboe Volatility Index (VIX) -- is set to snap a three-day skid, as global trade tensions and tariff uncertainty keep investors on edge.

J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc (Nasdaq: JBHT) is seeing a surge in options volume after earnings, despite low absolute activity. So far, 1,161 calls and 2,506 puts have already crossed the tape -- 10 times the average intraday amount -- with positions being opened at the April 130 put. J.B. Hunt stock is pulling back despite topping first-quarter estimates, as the company reported a 1% year-over-year drop in both revenue and operating income. JBHT is down 7.6% to trade at $124.86 at last check, extending its year-over-year deficit to 29.3% and trading at its lowest level since November 2020.

MP Materials Corp (NYSE: MP) stock is one of the top performers on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) today, last seen up 14% to trade at $28.58. The rally follows an executive order from President Trump launching a review of national security risks tied to imported critical minerals -- a move aimed at countering China’s dominance in the supply chain. The review will cover rare earths, cobalt, nickel, uranium, and more, potentially paving the way for new tariffs and domestic stockpiling. MP is now up 84.6% in 2025.

Advanced Micro Devices Inc (Nasdaq: AMD) is one of the worst-performing IXIC stocks this afternoon, last seen 6.1% lower at $89.48. The broader chip sector is under pressure after Nvidia’s warning, and AMD added to the gloom by disclosing new export restrictions on its MI308 products may result in an $800 million hit. AMD is down 25.7% this year amid ongoing tariff concerns.

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