(This is CNBC Pro’s live coverage of Thursday’s investor chatter on the market volatility.) Investors will try to find their footing once again Thursday, as they look for signs the economy isn’t deteriorating as quickly as feared a few days ago. Wall Street got some good news on that front, after fresh jobless claims pointed to some resilience in the labor market. After a disappointing July jobs report served as one of the catalysts for the recent bout of selling, investors expect the consumer will be in greater focus for the balance of the year. Stocks have slid in four of the previous five trading sessions. On Wednesday, the major averages closed lower — having failed to hold onto an early rally. The volatility could continue into September, when the Federal Reserve will make its next decision on interest rates. Markets are pricing in a half percentage point cut at that meeting. Follow along for the latest market chatter and reaction. All times ET. 9:07 a.m.: Evercore ISI: Market sell-off is a ‘buyable correction in a bull market’ amid strong earnings Fears tied to the recent market sell-off are overblown, Evercore ISI says, particularly when in comparison to the political, social and economic challenges of half a century ago. “And with the VIX cresting at 65 on Monday, reinforcing our view that the selloff is a buyable correction in a Bull Market, not the end of the Bull Market. We are reminded that earnings drive stocks in the long term,” analyst Julian Emanuel wrote in a Thursday note to clients, emphasizing that the better-than-expected earnings season so far remains a bright spot for investors. Earnings growth of more than 11% during the second quarter, with estimates holding relatively steady for 2024 and 2025 despite some signs of a slowdown in the U.S. economy, “bodes well” heading into the upcoming presidential election, Emmanuel said. — Pia Singh 9:07 a.m.: It’s time to build quality tech exposure, UBS says Solita Marcelli, chief investment officer Americas at UBS Global Wealth Management, said the market sell-off has uncovered opportunities in quality tech stocks, particularly in global internet and semiconductor companies. Global tech stocks are on pace to post earnings growth of 20% to 25% year over year in the second quarter, with artificial intelligence spending remaining resilient, she noted. Marcelli said she prefers quality companies with strong balance sheets and earnings growth, as well as AI beneficiaries. She noted China’s big tech companies could also offer defensive characters for investors. — Sarah Min 9:07 a.m.: Peter Kraus is buying the dip now: ‘If you get a 10% discount, take it’ Peter Kraus, chairman and CEO at Aperture Investors, said he has already started buying the dip this week, arguing it’s difficult for investors to time a market bottom. “You know my view. Long term investing is critical. If you get a 10% discount, take it,” Kraus told CNBC’s “Squawk Box” on Thursday. “Let’s say it falls down 20%. Yes, you’d be smarter buying down 20%, but you bought it down 10%.” “That’s still a good deal,” he added. — Sarah Min
