01 Stock Market
The U.S. major indexes closed as follows: the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.80% at 49,191.99; the S&P 500 fell 0.19% at 6,963.74; and the Nasdaq Composite fell 0.10% at 23,709.87.
Unusual-move stocks showed strength in semiconductors and mixed megacaps. Intel up 7.33% at $47.29; Advanced Micro Devices up 6.39% at $220.97; Nvidia up 0.47% at $185.81; Alphabet (Class C) up 1.11% at $336.43; Alphabet (Class A) up 1.24% at $335.97; Apple up 0.31% at $261.05; Microsoft down 1.36% at $470.67; Meta Platforms down 1.69% at $631.09; Tesla down 0.39% at $447.20; Micron Technology down 2.24% at $338.13; PDD down 5.40% at $112.32; Coinbase up 4.00% at $252.69; Roblox up 10.53%; Moderna up 17.02%.
Context and takeaways: Chip stocks outperformed on strong AI server demand and licensing headlines, while several China-linked ADRs lagged amid policy uncertainty. Commodity-linked proxies were active, with iShares Silver Trust (SLV) up 1.77% at $78.60 and ProShares Ultra Silver (AGQ) up 3.48% at $230.24. Broad market ETFs softened: SPDR S&P 500 (SPY) down 0.20% at $693.77; Invesco QQQ (QQQ) down 0.15% at $626.24; Vanguard S&P 500 (VOO) down 0.20% at $638.03. Overall, leadership rotated toward semiconductors as megacaps traded mixed on earnings and regulatory headlines.
02 Other Markets
U.S. 10-year Treasury yield rose by 0.15%, latest at 4.18.
USD/CNH rose 0.00%, at 6.98; USD/HKD fell 0.0013%, at 7.80.
U.S. Dollar Index rose 0.0141%, at 99.18.
WTI crude futures fell 0.05%, at 60.90 USD/bbl; COMEX gold futures rose 0.08%, at 4,603.00 USD/oz.
03 Top News
U.S. government approved exports of Nvidia H200 AI chips to China under strict conditions. Shipments require third‑party lab testing, caps relative to U.S. allocations, and customer security assurances. The framework could unlock large orders while limiting military end‑use, supporting AI supply chains and revenue visibility for chipmakers.
Bureau of Labor Statistics reported core CPI rose 0.2% m/m and 2.6% y/y, with headline up 0.3% m/m and 2.7% y/y. The softer core read reinforced hopes that inflation pressures are tempering. Shelter costs remained sticky, and the report keeps a data‑dependent outlook for monetary policy as officials assess the trajectory toward the 2% target.
Global central bankers issued a solidarity statement backing Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell amid legal threats. The statement emphasized central bank independence as vital for price and financial stability. Officials warned political interference could raise inflation risks and market volatility, underscoring institutional support for the Fed’s autonomy.
The Pentagon will invest $1 billion in L3Harris’ rocket‑motor unit via a convertible security tied to a planned spinoff and IPO. The carve‑out aims to secure missile propulsion supply for systems like Patriot and Tomahawk. The structure could face scrutiny over potential conflicts, yet it provides steady demand and capital for critical defense manufacturing.
Microsoft announced community-focused data‑center pledges on electricity costs, water replenishment, and full property tax payments. The commitments seek to ease local backlash over AI infrastructure build‑outs. By standardizing practices portfolio‑wide, the company aims to sustain timelines for capacity expansion amid political and consumer concerns.
JPMorgan reported a Q4 profit decline due to reserves tied to an Apple Card portfolio transfer, with adjusted profit improving excluding the charge. Markets revenue rose, particularly in equities, offsetting some headwinds. The card deal strengthens JPMorgan’s consumer franchise while temporarily impacting reported earnings.
Delta Air Lines posted Q4 results and gave an EPS outlook range with revenue growth guidance, while ordering 30 Boeing 787‑10 aircraft. Management cited strong leisure and corporate bookings but flagged macro and policy uncertainties. The widebody order expands long‑haul capacity, with deliveries scheduled over the longer term.
The FCC authorized SpaceX to deploy up to 15,000 second‑generation Starlink satellites for direct‑to‑cell connectivity. The approval covers multi‑frequency upgrades to broaden broadband capabilities. Expanded deployment could intensify competition in communications and lift demand for satellite‑network components.
MicroStrategy purchased approximately $1.25 billion in Bitcoin, largely funded via at‑the‑market stock sales. The move increases the company’s crypto holdings and ties equity performance more closely to digital‑asset volatility. The strategy may bolster crypto‑linked market sentiment while amplifying earnings variability.
BlackRock published an AI investment survey showing preference for energy and infrastructure providers over megacap tech. More than half of respondents favored power suppliers for data centers, with 37% choosing infrastructure as the top AI play. The asset manager highlighted risk‑management of megacap exposure while seeking differentiated upside.
Sources: Reuters, Dow Jones, Thomson Reuters, Tiger Newspress, public market data
Disclaimer: This content is for reference only and does not constitute investment advice.
