Inflation Data, Profit-Taking Drive Stocks to Weekly Losses

Group 1: Market Overview - A potential government shutdown, earnings reports, and inflation data anticipation contributed to a rocky start to the week, yet all three major indexes achieved a third-straight record close on Monday [1] - Profit-taking led to the Dow Jones Industrial Average experiencing its first back-to-back daily drop in three weeks, despite cooler-than-expected jobs data and personal consumption expenditures (PCE) data for August showing core inflation in line with estimates [2] - The S&P 500 Index and Nasdaq Composite were set to end the week lower amid tariff updates, breaking their three-week win streaks [2] Group 2: Mining and Lithium Stocks - Gold prices have risen following the Federal Reserve's interest rate cut, bringing attention to mining companies such as Newmont (NEM), Pan American Silver (PAAS), and Freeport-McMoRan (FCX) [3] - Lithium stocks, including Lithium Americas (LAC) and Albemarle (ALB), gained attention after the Trump administration announced plans to pursue up to a 10% equity stake in Lithium Americas [3] Group 3: AI and Quantum Computing - AI and quantum computing companies gained prominence following OpenAI's deal with Nvidia, with potential beneficiaries including BigBear.ai (BBAI), SoundHound AI (SOUN), and Serve Robotics (SERV) [4] - Quantum Computing (QUBT) saw significant gains during Schaeffer's Expiration Week Countdown [4] Group 4: Company Ratings and Economic Data - Applied Materials (AMAT) received an upgrade to "overweight" from Morgan Stanley, indicating positive sentiment [5] - Goldman Sachs initiated coverage of Oklo (OKLO) with a "neutral" rating, highlighting operational risks [5] - October is expected to bring more economic data, with notable earnings reports from companies like Cal-Maine Foods (CALM), Carnival (CCL), Conagra Brands (CAG), Paychex (PYX), Vail Resorts (MTN), and particularly Nike (NKE) [6]