American Stocks

Stock Market Today: Equities Rally, NVDA Invests in MRVL, MKC 8-Year Low #shorts

Schwab Network
Schwab Network•Mar 31, 2026

Why It Matters

The rally shows how geopolitical optimism can boost equities, while Nvidia’s AI investment signals further industry consolidation; the McCormick‑Unilever deal could reshape the packaged‑foods landscape and affect shareholder value.

Key Takeaways

  • •US indices surged over 2% on Iran peace optimism.
  • •Nvidia pledged $2 billion to partner with Marvell Technology.
  • •Marvell shares jumped 13% after Nvidia investment announcement.
  • •McCormick’s merger with Unilever foods valued at $45 billion.
  • •McCormick stock fell 6%, hitting an eight‑year low.

Summary

U.S. equity markets rallied sharply on Tuesday after reports that Iran’s president is prepared to end the ongoing conflict, sparking optimism that the war could soon cease. The Dow Jones and S&P 500 each climbed more than 2%, while the Russell 2000 and Nasdaq posted gains exceeding 3%.

The rally was not enough to push crude oil below $100 per barrel; WTI crude finished the session higher, having risen 51% in March and 77% in the first quarter. In corporate news, Nvidia announced a $2 billion strategic investment in Marvell Technology, linking the chipmaker to Nvidia’s AI ecosystem via NVLink Fusion and a joint silicon‑photonics effort. Marvell’s stock surged 13% on the news, while Nvidia shares rose 5.5%.

Meanwhile, McCormick announced a merger agreement with Unilever’s foods business, valuing the target at roughly $45 billion and the combined entity at about $29.1 billion in equity. Unilever shareholders will receive 65% of the fully diluted combined company. Despite the deal’s size, McCormick’s shares fell 6%, slipping to an eight‑year low.

The market’s upbeat reaction underscores how geopolitical developments can quickly lift sentiment, while the Nvidia‑Marvell partnership highlights continued capital flow into AI infrastructure. Conversely, the McCormick‑Unilever transaction illustrates that large‑scale mergers can still weigh on individual stock performance, reminding investors to assess both macro and micro drivers.

Original Description

Reports that Iran is seeking an end to war with the U.S. sent stocks soaring on Tuesday's session. Nvidia's (NVDA) $2 billion investment into Marvell (MRVL) added optimism to the AI trade. McCormick (MKC) shares are near 8-year lows after striking a deal with Unilever (UL). Marley Kayden recaps the top stories from the session.
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#nvidia #nvda #marvell #mrvl #mccormick #mkc #unilever #ul #economy #investing #finance #stockmarket #stocks

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