Economic Indicators - US MBA mortgage applications fell by -12.7% in the week ended September 26, with the purchase mortgage sub-index down -1.0% and the refinancing sub-index down -20.6% [1] - The September ISM manufacturing index rose +0.4 to a 7-month high of 49.1, exceeding expectations of 49.0 [6] - The September ADP employment change unexpectedly fell by -32,000, marking the largest decline in 2.5 years, while August was revised lower to -3,000 from +54,000 [5] Market Reactions - Stocks initially moved lower due to the US government shutdown, but later recovered, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 reaching new all-time highs [2][4] - The dollar index fell to a one-week low, while gold prices climbed to a record high amid risk-off sentiment [2] - Rising corporate earnings expectations are a bullish backdrop for stocks, with over 22% of S&P 500 companies providing guidance for Q3 earnings that are expected to beat analysts' expectations [8] Sector Performance - Pharmaceutical stocks rallied, with AstraZeneca closing up more than +9% and Eli Lilly up more than +8%, driven by hopes from Pfizer's deal with the US government [15] - Chipmakers and AI-infrastructure stocks also saw gains, with Super Micro Computer closing up more than +9% and Micron Technology up more than +8% [16] - Grocery retailers declined after Amazon announced a new private-label food brand, leading to Dollar Tree and Dollar General closing down more than -4% and -3% respectively [22] Upcoming Economic Data - Weekly initial unemployment claims are expected to increase by +7,000 to 225,000, and August factory orders are expected to rise by +1.4% month-over-month [9] - September nonfarm payrolls are anticipated to increase by +51,000, with the unemployment rate expected to remain unchanged at 4.3% [9]

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Uncle Sam may have just launched the most unconventional ETF on Wall Street (hypothetical, of course). With equity stakes in Intel Corp (NASDAQ:INTC) and Lithium Americas Corp (NYSE:LAC), the U.S. government is shifting from backroom subsidies to front-row ownership — and investors are taking notice.Track INTC stock here.In recent weeks, President Donald Trump‘s administration finalized a nearly 10% stake in Intel, restructuring $8.9 billion in CHIPS Act grants into common stock, and took a 5% equity positi ...

Core Viewpoint - Lithium Americas (LAC) shares surged over 25% following the U.S. government's announcement to acquire a 5% equity stake in the company and its Thacker Pass project, indicating strong government support and potential for long-term growth [1][3]. Group 1: Government Involvement - The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) confirmed plans to take a minority equity stake in Lithium Americas, which is expected to enhance the company's credibility and financial stability [1][3]. - The DOE's equity position, along with loan deferral terms, significantly reduces execution risk for Lithium Americas, extending its financial runway [3]. Group 2: Strategic Importance - Thacker Pass is viewed as a critical asset in the U.S. effort to reduce reliance on China for essential minerals used in electric vehicles and renewable energy [4]. - Federal support for Lithium Americas signals confidence in the company's strategic role in national security and domestic supply chain strengthening [4]. Group 3: Market Performance - Following the announcement, Lithium Americas stock has increased over 200% from its year-to-date low, reflecting strong market enthusiasm [2]. - Despite the positive news, there are concerns that the recent rally may have already priced in much of the near-term upside, suggesting caution for potential investors [5]. Group 4: Financial Metrics - Lithium Americas currently has a price-book (P/B) ratio of 2.08x, which may appear stretched given that the company is still in the pre-production phase and does not yet generate revenue [6].

Core Viewpoint - Standard Lithium's stock surged 10% following a significant rally in Lithium Americas' shares, driven by the U.S. government's investment in Lithium Americas, leading investors to speculate that Standard Lithium may be the next beneficiary of similar developments [1][3]. Group 1: Lithium Americas Developments - Lithium Americas' stock increased over 20% after the U.S. government acquired a stake in the company [3]. - The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) agreed to provide $435 million from a $2.3 billion loan to support the Thacker Pass lithium project, in exchange for a 5% stake in Lithium Americas and the joint venture [4]. - The Thacker Pass site is the largest lithium resource in North America, projected to produce 40,000 metric tons of battery-grade lithium carbonate annually once operational [5]. Group 2: U.S. Government's Strategy - The U.S. government aims to enhance domestic lithium supply, having previously invested in MP Materials, the largest rare-earth miner in the U.S. [6][7]. - The rationale for the investment in Lithium Americas is to reduce reliance on lithium imports, as the U.S. currently produces less than 1% of the global lithium supply [6]. Group 3: Standard Lithium's Position - Standard Lithium is focused on the Smackover Formation in Arkansas and Texas, developing projects in partnership with companies like Equinor [9]. - The company aims to commence production in 2028, targeting an initial capacity of 22,500 tons per annum of battery-grade lithium carbonate [9]. - Investors are optimistic that Standard Lithium could be the next target for government investment, similar to Lithium Americas [8].

Lithium Miner, Lithium Americas Corp. (TSX: LAC) (NYSE: LAC), Stock Trends on GM, DOE News Investorideas.com (www.investorideas.com Newswire) a top 100 rated investment site for retail investors following mining stocks issues a trading and news alert for  Lithium Americas Corp. (TSX: LAC) (NYSE: LAC) . The stock is trending on news today, currently trading at 7.11, up 1.39, gaining 24.43% on volume of over 140 Million shares on the NYSE, as of this report. Lithium Americas today announced that toge ...

Shares of Lithium Americas Corp (NYSE:LAC) soared in early trading on Wednesday after the company announced an agreement with the U.S. Department of Energy, in conjunction with General Motors Co (NYSE:GM).Here are some key analyst takeaways:Wedbush analyst Daniel Ives maintained a Neutral rating, while raising the price target from $5 to $8.JPMorgan analyst Bill Peterson does not have a rating on the stock.Check out other analyst stock ratings.Wedbush: Lithium Americas has reached a non-binding agreement wi ...

Core Insights - Lithium Americas (LAC) shares reached an all-time high following the announcement of a 5% stake acquisition by the U.S. government and a partnership in a significant lithium project in Nevada [1][2][3] Investment and Financial Details - The U.S. will acquire a 5% economic stake in a joint venture with Lithium Americas and General Motors (GM) for the Thatcher Pass mine [2][6] - Lithium Americas will receive $435 million from a $2.26 billion Department of Energy (DOE) loan for the project, with $182 million of debt service deferred over the first five years [4][6] Strategic Importance - The U.S. government's investment highlights the critical need for domestic lithium supply to enhance energy security and support electric vehicle production [3][4] - Energy Secretary Chris Wright emphasized that the U.S. currently produces less than 1% of the global lithium supply, making this deal vital for reducing dependence on foreign sources [4][7] Corporate Statements - Lithium Americas CEO Jonathan Evans stated that the partnership with the DOE and GM will bolster U.S. lithium production, strengthen supply chains, and create jobs [7]

Core Viewpoint - The Trump administration is investing in Lithium Americas as part of a strategy to support industries deemed essential for national security [1] Group 1: Investment Strategy - The investment in Lithium Americas reflects a broader initiative by the Trump administration to bolster domestic industries critical for national security [1]

Economic Indicators - The ADP Research report indicated that US private employers cut 32,000 jobs in September, with the Midwest experiencing the largest losses [4][6] - The August employment figure was revised down to a loss of 3,000 jobs from a previously reported gain of 54,000 [4][6] - Analysts noted that the ADP survey has a smaller sample size compared to the government's monthly jobs report, which may affect its accuracy [4][6] Market Reactions - Treasury yields fell sharply, with the 10-year Treasury yield dropping to 4.09% from 4.16% and the two-year yield falling to 3.53% from 3.60% [5][6] - The S&P 500 fell 0.3%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average declined by 51 points (0.1%), and the Nasdaq composite dropped 0.4% [5][6] Company Performance - Cal-Maine Foods saw a 2.6% decline in stock price after reporting quarterly profits and revenues below analyst expectations, despite achieving its strongest-ever first quarter [5][6] - Nike's stock rose by 4.7% after surpassing profit estimates, driven by strong North American apparel sales [5][6] - Lithium Americas surged 22.5% after the US Department of Energy approved access to a $2.26 billion loan in exchange for an ownership stake [5][6] International Markets - International markets showed mixed performance, with European indexes rising following a varied session in Asia [5]