U.S. stocks ended the week mixed as investors balanced strong economic data and corporate earnings against renewed expectations for higher interest rates. The major indexes initially advanced as lower Treasury yields and better-than-expected earnings supported risk appetite, but a stronger-than-expected August jobs report reversed some gains. Employers added 162,000 jobs, while unemployment remained at 4.1%, lifting futures-market odds of a Federal Reserve rate hike at its September meeting to roughly 60% from just over 50% previously. The 2-year Treasury yield rose to about 4.38%. Technology, semiconductor and artificial-intelligence stocks remained areas of strength, supported by earnings and continued spending on AI-related infrastructure despite elevated borrowing costs. Investors now await inflation data for further signals on monetary policy, with strong employment, elevated energy prices and persistent inflation potentially constraining the Fed’s ability to ease policy. Benzinga’s bullish stock coverage highlighted Palo Alto Networks, Ciena and Zscaler. Palo Alto exceeded fourth-quarter fiscal 2026 estimates, reporting $3.41 billion in revenue, $1.02 in adjusted earnings per share and fiscal 2027 revenue guidance of $14.1 billion-$14.2 billion. Ciena’s fiscal third-quarter revenue climbed 37% to $1.671 billion, while adjusted EPS rose 215% to $2.11 as AI-related network investment boosted optical-networking demand. Zscaler reported fourth-quarter revenue of $898.16 million and adjusted EPS of $1.19, then issued fiscal 2027 guidance above analyst expectations. Bearish coverage focused on Lululemon’s weaker second-quarter performance and reduced outlook, Michael Burry’s renewed criticism of Palantir’s accounting and valuation, and Tesla’s latest bearish analyst call. Lululemon shares fell 16.4% after hours to $101.82 after revenue declined 4% to $2.42 billion and comparable sales dropped 9%. Burry said he remains short Palantir and owns put options, citing accounts receivable growth and customer concentration. GLJ Research analyst Gordon Johnson maintained a Sell rating on Tesla with a $24.86 price target, implying roughly 93% downside from current levels, after criticizing the company’s Cybercab event.