New York, February 2, 2026, 20:33 ET — The market has closed.
- KLA slipped 1.2% on Monday, underperforming its chip-equipment rivals.
- Volume picked up noticeably while the stock lingered far below last week’s peak.
- With the U.S. data schedule disrupted, investors are turning their attention to the upcoming earnings from Applied Materials.
KLA Corp shares fell 1.2% to close at $1,410.45 on Monday, continuing a volatile run for the chip-equipment company amid U.S. market closures.
The drop stood out as the broader semiconductor sector gained ground. The iShares Semiconductor ETF climbed roughly 1.9% during the session, pushing more pressure onto laggards ahead of Tuesday’s open.
KLA’s jump was notable even among its peers. Applied Materials climbed about 1.9%, Lam Research added 1.7%, and ASML ticked up roughly 1.3% during the session.
KLA’s trading volume exceeded its 50-day average, according to MarketWatch data, though the stock remains roughly 17% shy of its 52-week high reached in late January. (MarketWatch)
Since the company’s latest results and outlook, the shares have struggled to stabilize. CEO Rick Wallace highlighted in the quarterly report that “KLA delivered a record quarter … for revenue and free cash flow,” driven by strong demand for process-control tools that detect defects and boost yields in chip production. (Nasdaq)
Late Monday, Teradyne boosted the equipment sector’s momentum, surging over 20% in after-hours trading. The company projected results beating estimates, driven by strong AI-related demand, according to a report. (Investors)
Macro factors might still influence the narrative. The Labor Department planned to release its January employment report on Friday, but the partial U.S. government shutdown forced a delay. (AP News)
Investors tracking chip tools are eyeing Applied Materials, which will release its fiscal first-quarter results on Feb. 12, according to a company announcement. This report will offer clues on wafer-fab spending—the chipmakers’ capital outlay for plant construction and equipment. (Nasdaq)
ASML, the crucial lithography equipment provider, has scheduled its annual report release for Feb. 25, marking a key moment to gauge customer sentiment on 2026 demand. (ASML)
One obvious risk looms. In its latest quarterly filing, KLA highlighted that shifting U.S. Commerce export rules concerning China “may significantly harm” its business if the necessary licenses aren’t secured, and cautioned about potential further disruption should those restrictions tighten.
On Tuesday, traders will be tracking if KLAC’s weakness continues amid mixed sector signals — stronger peers, a surge in Teradyne, and a macro outlook muddled by the shutdown. The next major catalysts come on Feb. 12 with Applied Materials’ earnings and Feb. 25 when ASML releases its annual report.
