Market Sentiment and Asset Performance - The VIX is currently at its lowest level for 2025, indicating a potential risk-on rally, with Bitcoin being highlighted as a possible beneficiary in the upcoming week [1] - Bitcoin is expected to perform well towards the year-end, especially if liquidity returns to the market, as it has underperformed compared to gold, which is reaching new record highs [2] Technology Sector Insights - Nvidia is noted for its strong performance, being the best stock on major indices due to its ability to ship H200 chips to China next year, which is expected to positively impact the chip sector [3][5] - The chip sector is viewed as a key area for investment, with companies like Micron and AMD also positioned favorably alongside Nvidia [5] Federal Reserve and Economic Indicators - Recent GDP reports have exceeded expectations, but inflation remains a concern with the PCE number at 2.9%, complicating the Fed's decision-making regarding interest rate cuts [6][8] - The market appears to desire rate cuts, but the Fed is expected to be cautious in the first half of next year, potentially leading to volatility in both the bond and equity markets [10][12] Investment Alternatives - Gold is suggested as a viable alternative to bonds, particularly in the context of anticipated volatility in the long end of the bond market due to uncertainties surrounding the Fed's actions [13]

Welcome back to Market on Close. I'm Marley Kaden here in Chicago. Joining us now in studio is Marta Norton, the chief investment strategist at Empower.Marta, always great to have you with us. Now, let's talk about the data that we've gotten of late. This it seems to have been digested.Okay. But we got our our CPI, our delayed CPI, our our delayed jobs report beat expectations, 4.6% unemployment. We got GDP today.Economy grew more than expected. But I continue to hear this echoed sentiment that people are n ...

Key Takeaways Delayed Q3 GDP, at 4.3%, Is the Strongest Print in 2 YearsDelayed Durable Goods Orders Slid to -2.2% in OctoberPre-market Futures Are Selling on Lower Likelihood of a Rate CutTuesday, December 23, 2025We begin today’s pre-market trading session slightly in the red following a strong day of trading Monday, and following a slew of economic reports ahead of the bell they have begun to slide a bit deeper down. Ahead of these reports, the Dow and Nasdaq were both -15 points and the S&P 500 was -2. ...

I said we're we're going to investigate the key questions for stocks in 2026 which we've listed as such and I I think you'll agree and we'll debate whether we've missed some of them or there are more pressing questions too. Can the AI trade get beyond the bubble banter. That's number one.Is the broadening trend durable. Right. That's what we're hearing a lot about.And can the rally one run without rate cuts. Critical questions, Joe. Um are those the three most pressing questions.Did we leave something out. ...

The banking industry is entering a moment of transition. After several years of economic uncertainty, shifting consumer behavior, and rapid technological change, the industry is now adjusting to a new reality. As the new year approaches, experts are closely watching how banks evolve and what those changes could mean for everyday customers. Here’s what they predict for banking in 2026 — and how these shifts could impact the way you spend, save, and borrow. Read more: Your money in 2026: What to expect in ...

The domestic market closed higher on Monday, extending the year-end rally for the second consecutive trading session amid strong liquidity conditions and supportive global cues, as expectations of further US Fed easing in 2026 continued to bolster risk sentiment. FIIs turning net buyers reinforced the positive momentum, IT and metal stocks leading the gains, while investors now await the Q3 GDP estimate for clearer policy direction, said Vinod Nair, Head of Research, Geojit Investments, adding that caution ...

Market Sentiment - The market is experiencing fluctuations, with a recent uptick in AI-related trades noted as a positive sign [1] - The performance of Oracle is highlighted as significant, raising questions about consumer engagement and holiday season outcomes [2] Investment Themes - AI is expected to remain a strong investment theme, with a focus on capital expenditures from sectors beyond technology, such as industrials and financials [4] - The healthcare sector is also mentioned, with recent agreements on price cuts potentially serving as a tailwind for investments [4] Small Cap Performance - There is a favorable outlook for small-cap stocks, particularly in the first half of 2026, driven by economic growth, lower rates, and liquidity infusion around tax time [5] Interest Rates Outlook - Expectations indicate at least one more interest rate cut in the first quarter of the upcoming year, with a cautious approach to the Federal Reserve's actions in the latter half [6][7] Global Market Perspective - The U.S. economy shows meaningful strength, with optimism towards Japan and emerging markets (EM) becoming more attractive, particularly in the context of the AI trade [8][9] - Korea is identified as a potential opportunity within emerging markets, suggesting a diversified approach beyond just China [9][10]

US stocks rose on Friday after snapping a recent losing streak, as signs of cooling inflation and waning AI worries buoyed Wall Street optimism toward the tail end of a topsy-turvy week. The S&P 500 (^GSPC) put on 0.8% and the Nasdaq Composite (^IXIC) gained over 1.3%, building on Thursday's roaring rally. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (^DJI) climbed 0.3%. With the late-week rebound, the S&P 500 and Nasdaq booked weekly wins, rising 0.1% and 0.4%, respectively, in the last full week of trading in 202 ...

John, I want to come over to you. One thing I've been talking a lot of traders about is the idea of Japanese bond yields rising and that becoming a more attractive place for Japanese investors to put their money and maybe even other Asian investors to put their money. Do you agree with that thesis.>> Uh, you know, Frank, I I would think it's a little bit overblown at this point. Uh, the what the benchmark rate for Japan now at 75 basis points that compares to ours what's ours. 350 to 3.75% and our 10 year o ...

US stocks rose on Friday after snapping a recent losing streak, as signs of cooling inflation and waning AI worries buoyed Wall Street optimism toward the tail end of a topsy-turvy week. The S&P 500 (^GSPC) put nearly 0.4%, and the Nasdaq Composite (^IXIC) gained roughly 0.5%, looking to build on Thursday's roaring rally. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (^DJI) ticked up 0.3%. On the tech front, Oracle (ORCL) stock jumped after China's ByteDance signed deals to create a US TikTok joint venture including ...