Why Is Applied Materials (AMAT) Stock Price Up 6.51% Today, Sep 18? AI Fab Spending Outlook and $5B India Expansion Drive AMAT Higher

Applied Materials jumped 6.51% after JPMorgan lifted its wafer-fab-equipment spending outlook, signaling stronger AI-driven capex and tightening tool supply across the sector. A reported $5B India expansion plan adds a longer-dated capacity and R&D catalyst, potentially improving strategic positioning and supply-chain depth. The move is broadly supportive for semiconductor equipment risk appetite, though technical overhead remains as shares sit below key moving averages.