Will AI🤖 and Retail🛍️ Drive the Markets Higher?

US Market Recap – Dec 18, 2024

The US markets are fighting for direction:

• Dow Jones: 43,449.90 (-0.61%) – Longest losing streak in 47 years.

• S&P 500: 6,050.61 (-0.39%)

• Nasdaq Composite: 20,109.06 (-0.32%)

Advancers narrowly outpaced decliners by a 1.05-to-1 ratio, signaling market uncertainty.

🔍 Stock Spotlight: AI Sector in Focus

1. BigBear.ai Holdings ( $BigBear.ai Holdings(BBAI)$ )

• 2-Day Performance: +34.92% (closing at $3.40).

• Concerns: Iceberg Research highlights AE Industrial Partners has aggressively reduced its stake from 75% to 32.4%, raising questions about long-term viability.

2. Palantir Technologies ( $Palantir Technologies Inc.(PLTR)$ )

• Continued dominance in government AI contracts with increasing commercial focus.

AI Sector Performance:

🛒 Retail Resilience: Stocks to Watch

• Amazon ($AMZN): Poised for gains as November retail sales beat expectations at +0.7% (vs. 0.6% estimate).

• Walmart ($WMT): Strong defensive play amid a robust holiday shopping season.

Retail Sales Growth (Nov):

Source: U.S. Commerce Department

📊 Key Data to Watch Today

1. FOMC Decision on Interest Rates:

   A quarter-point cut is expected. Key question: Will the Fed be cautious about further easing in 2025?

2. US Manufacturing PMI (December):

   PMI dropped to 48.3, signaling contraction in manufacturing for the 6th consecutive month.

🔥 Will AI Lead the Charge?

AI Stocks Surge

AI stocks like BBAI and PLTR dominate headlines, but the broader market awaits Fed guidance. Retail stocks are another bright spot, providing resilience in uncertain times.

Visual Summary

AI & Retail: Top Performers

Dow Jones Longest Losing Streak (47 Years)

💬 Let’s Discuss:

• Do you think the Fed’s decision will spark a market rebound?

• Will BBAI defy the Iceberg report and continue its rally?

• What’s your top stock pick today?

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📝 Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always conduct your own research before making investment decisions.