Company Highlights - Intel announced a new deal with Nvidia to co-develop chips for PCs and data centers, resulting in a 23% increase in Intel's stock price, making it the top performer on the S&P for the day [2] - The government's investment in Intel has increased, with a 10% stake now valued at approximately $14 billion due to the stock price surge [3] - Synopsis, a long-term partner of Intel, also saw its stock rise following the announcement of the collaboration with Nvidia [2] Quantum Computing Developments - Palantir plans to invest £1.5 billion in the UK, having secured a deal with the UK Ministry of Defense to expand its AI software usage, which will create hundreds of new jobs [3] - IonQ signed a memorandum of understanding with the US Department of Energy to advance quantum technologies in space, exploring applications for quantum secure communications [4] - Regetti Computing's shares jumped 17% after securing a nearly $6 million contract with the Air Force Research Laboratory, increasing its market cap by about $250 million [5] Market Trends - Small-cap stocks, particularly the Russell 2000, outperformed due to favorable conditions from anticipated rate cuts, achieving a record close [6] - Jobless claims reported at 231,000, indicating improvement in the labor market, alongside a significant increase in the Philly Fed manufacturing index [8] - The 10-year yield rose, reflecting market reactions to recent economic data and Fed decisions [9] Upcoming Events - San Francisco Fed President Mary Daly's upcoming speech is anticipated to provide insights into the Fed's rate cut decision and inflation perspectives [10][11] - FedEx reported a strong quarter, with market reactions expected to gauge consumer health and global shipping trends [12] - LAR's report is awaited, with investors looking for direction amid challenges in the housing market [13]
Thursday's Final Thoughts: NVDA & INTC Deal, Quantum & Small Cap Rallies