Western Digital stock jumps 9% to start 2026 as AI data-storage trade stays in focus
Western Digital shares closed up 9% at $187.70 Friday, leading storage stocks higher on the first trading day of 2026. Micron rose 10.5%, Sandisk jumped nearly 16%, and Seagate gained 4.4%. Investors cited demand from AI data centers and upcoming U.S. economic data as key drivers. The broader market was mixed, with the Nasdaq slipping slightly.