Thursday’s big stock stories: What’s likely to move the market in the next trading session

Stocks sold off sharply on Wednesday as bond yields climbed and traders’ deficit fears intensified. Here’s what’s on CNBC’s radar going into Thursday.

Two investment strategies for people who are afraid of the stock market April 29, 2026
ETFs with protection features can help risk-averse investors increase returns while weathering market storms.
Philip van Doorn
Can Meta make money on AI beyond consumer ads? That’s a big question going into earnings. April 29, 2026
While Meta Platforms has shaped up to be good at monetizing artificial intelligence in consumer-facing advertising, some analysts question whether the company’s AI models have applications beyond that.
Hannah Pedone
U.A.E. is leaving OPEC but will still need to exercise caution as it increases oil production April 29, 2026
The United Arab Amirates decision to leave the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries at the end of the week came as a surprise to some, especially during a time of severe global disruptions to oil production and passage through in the Middle East.
Myra P. Saefong
Starbucks is seeing a resurgence, thanks to younger and lower-income customers April 29, 2026
Coffee chain hikes outlook as sales top Wall Street’s hopes
Claudia Assis
Here’s where Robinhood’s retail traders have flocked as the Iran conflict rages on April 29, 2026
Prediction markets have been a haven for Robinhood traders seeking to ride out volatility.
Bill Peters
The stock market’s comeback from the Iran-inspired selloff hasn’t been as powerful as you might think April 28, 2026
Yes, the S&P 500 has powered back into record territory. But its equal-weighted sibling is still languishing below its previous peak.
Joseph Adinolfi
It’s time for a Microsoft ‘reset.’ Here’s what investors should focus on now. April 28, 2026
With the cloud narrative now better understood, Microsoft has an opportunity to refocus investors around software and dispel negative sentiment.
Emily Bary
These two countries are the most likely to leave OPEC’s orbit next April 28, 2026
The U.A.E. was the “most likely” candidate to leave OPEC, but others may follow.
Claudia Assis
Bloom Energy is riding the AI wave with a major lift from Oracle April 28, 2026
Wall Street is validating Bloom’s ‘vision,’ and AI accelerating it, CEO says.
Claudia Assis
This is the most critical question facing U.S. investors right now — and it has nothing to do with Iran April 28, 2026
Chip stocks have pulled back from a parabolic rally, and there are technical and historical reasons for investors to worry that a deeper selloff in the sector will hurt the broader stock market.
Joseph Adinolfi