The Nasdaq led US stock futures higher on Monday as Wall Street entered a holiday-shortened week calculating the chances of a year-end rally, while gold (GC=F) climbed to a record amid rising Venezuela tensions. Contracts on the tech-heavy Nasdaq 100 (NQ=F) added 0.5%, and those on the S&P 500 (ES=F) put on 0.3%. Meanwhile, Dow Jones Industrial Average (YM=F) held just above the flatline, with the major US gauges eyeing a third straight day of gains. Tech stocks are continuing to recover from a volatile ...

Group 1: Market Volatility and Reactions - The year 2025 has been marked by significant market volatility, heavily influenced by presidential announcements, particularly from Donald Trump, leading to rapid fluctuations in market values [1] - Following the announcement of a 10% universal tariff on all US imports, the S&P 500 dropped over 10%, erasing approximately $5 trillion from global markets [5] - A subsequent 90-day pause on new reciprocal tariffs resulted in a market rebound, with the S&P 500 surging 9.52% [5][6] Group 2: Trump Media & Technology Group (DJT) - Trump Media & Technology Group (DJT) saw its stock surge 13.03% after announcing a merger with TAE Technologies, a nuclear fusion company, indicating a pivot from social media to energy [3] - DJT stock closed at $16.80 before the merger announcement, marking a significant rise, and trading volume reached 99.5 million shares, 1,265% above its three-month average [3] - Despite the recent surge, DJT stock remains down 58% over the past year, highlighting ongoing volatility [3] Group 3: Pharmaceutical Industry Developments - Trump announced new drug pricing deals with nine major pharmaceutical companies, including Merck and Pfizer, aimed at lowering Medicaid drug prices [7] - Merck committed to approximately 70% discounts on diabetes treatments, while Pfizer agreed to significant price cuts and a $70 billion investment in U.S. research [8] - These deals included a three-year exemption from Section 232 tariffs for the pharmaceutical companies, creating a win-win scenario for both the industry and consumers [8] Group 4: Nvidia and Geopolitical Dynamics - The U.S. government approved the export of Nvidia's H200 chips to select Chinese customers, with a 25% revenue cut going to the government, reflecting complex geopolitical dynamics [9][10] - Nvidia's stock saw a positive reaction, closing at $176.29 and rising to $183.40 following the announcement, despite ongoing investor caution regarding China exposure [10] Group 5: Economic Overview - Despite stock market gains of 13% to 20% year-to-date, public sentiment regarding the economy remains low, with 70% of Americans describing it as "poor" [11] - Trump's approval rating on economic performance has dropped to between 31-39%, indicating a disconnect between market performance and public perception [11] - The Federal Open Market Committee has been cutting interest rates to stimulate the economy, reflecting concerns about rising prices and unemployment [12]

Core Insights - Retail investors have shown significant interest in five stocks this week, driven by earnings reports, retail hype, AI developments, and corporate news [1] PayPal Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:PYPL) - PayPal announced its application to establish "PayPal Bank," aiming to accept deposits and issue loans, which received mixed reactions from the market [5] - The stock is trading around $58 to $60 per share, down 31.03% year-to-date and 31.50% over the year, with a weaker price trend across all time frames [6] Trump Media & Technology Group Corp. (NASDAQ:DJT) - DJT announced a $6 billion all-stock merger with TAE Technologies to develop utility-scale fusion power plants, expected to close in mid-2026 [6] - Retail investors remain bullish on DJT following the merger announcement [6] Micron Technology Inc. (NASDAQ:MU) - Micron's stock is trading around $14 to $16 per share, down 56.32% year-to-date and 58.03% over the year, with a weaker price trend [9] - The company reported strong fiscal Q1 2026 results, exceeding revenue and EPS expectations due to high AI-related memory demand [9] Rivian Automotive Inc. (NASDAQ:RIVN) - Rivian's stock is trading around $20 to $22 per share, up 53.06% year-to-date and 55.28% over the year, maintaining a stronger price trend [15] - The company is focusing on its Autonomy & AI Day revelations and has expanded hands-free driving features [14] Nike Inc. (NYSE:NKE) - Nike's shares fell after reporting second-quarter results despite beating estimates, with management expressing concerns over shrinking margins and challenges in China [15] - The stock is trading around $58 to $65 per share, down 10.91% year-to-date and 14.88% over the year, maintaining a weaker price trend [18]

Core Viewpoint - Peter Schiff criticizes Trump Media & Technology Group (DJT) for lacking intrinsic value beyond its association with Donald Trump, highlighting a lack of a coherent business model as the company shifts strategies [1][3][4] Company Evolution - DJT initially launched as a social media platform with Truth Social but faced growth and monetization challenges, leading to a rebranding as a financial technology and cryptocurrency-focused entity [2][3] - The company is now proposing a merger with TAE Technologies, a fusion energy firm, marking another significant strategic pivot [3][6] Merger Details - The all-stock merger with TAE Technologies values the combined entity at over $6 billion, positioning DJT as one of the few publicly listed companies involved in nuclear fusion research [6] - Management presents the merger as a long-term investment in clean energy and the increasing demand for power from data centers and AI infrastructure [6] Market Reaction - Following the merger announcement, DJT shares saw significant volatility, with a more than 8% increase on the day of the news and a rally of over 50% in the past five days [7][9] - Despite this positive market reaction, DJT's stock is down more than 50% year to date, indicating ongoing struggles for the company [9]

Trump Media is getting into the nuclear fusion game through a merger with TAE Technologies. But how close are scientists to harnessing the process that powers stars? Here’s what to know. https://t.co/dEsmJWu7pQ ...

Core Viewpoint - Trump Media is merging with TAE Technologies in a $6 billion deal to create a publicly traded fusion energy company, addressing the increasing energy demands from AI data centers [1][2]. Company Overview - Trump Media & Technology is the parent company of Truth Social, which was launched in 2022 as an alternative to mainstream social media platforms [4]. - TAE Technologies, based in Foothill Ranch, California, has raised over $1.3 billion for commercial-scale nuclear fusion and has built five fusion reactors since its founding in 1998 [2][3]. Industry Insights - Nuclear fusion aims to produce limitless energy using the same process that powers the sun, but large-scale implementation has been hindered by volatility and high costs [3]. - The merger could position TAE Technologies as one of the first publicly traded companies in the fusion energy sector, which is expected to require significant investment and regulatory navigation [2][7]. Investment and Regulatory Considerations - Trump's involvement in the merger raises potential conflicts of interest, particularly given the highly regulated nature of the energy industry [6][7]. - Analysts have noted that Trump's indirect association with TAE Technologies could lead to scrutiny due to the significant investments required for advancing fusion technology [6][7].

Core Viewpoint - Trump Media is planning to merge with a company that is developing nuclear fusion technology, which may create a conflict of interest with other energy companies that were under the administration's oversight [1] Group 1: Company Developments - The merger aims to position Trump Media within the emerging nuclear fusion sector, potentially enhancing its portfolio and influence in the energy market [1] - This strategic move could lead to competition with established energy companies, raising questions about regulatory implications and market dynamics [1] Group 2: Industry Implications - The involvement of Trump Media in nuclear fusion technology highlights the growing interest and investment in alternative energy sources, particularly those that promise cleaner and more sustainable solutions [1] - The merger could accelerate advancements in nuclear fusion, which is seen as a pivotal technology for future energy needs, thereby impacting the broader energy industry landscape [1]

Micron really leading the way, just soaring in today's session and really raising the overall semiconductor area that the Sox the Philly Sox Semiconductor index, it's up about 2.6% or was up as much as 4% earlier in the session, but still a big gain and that is certainly providing some momentum. Carol's horrified right now because I just shared I just shared with her, Mike, that the path train and Katie, this is this is in your world. You please go on the path train. It's going to rise to $4 that per trip b ...

Company Overview - Trump Media and Technology Group (TMTG) is merging with TAE Technologies in an all-stock deal valued at $6 billion, aiming to leverage the growing demand for AI and nuclear energy [1][5]. - TMTG has struggled financially, spending more than it has earned, but has been effective in attracting retail investment and capitalizing on market hype [2][3]. Industry Insights - The nuclear sector is currently experiencing significant interest, with stocks like Oaklo, NE, and SMR gaining traction due to retail investor enthusiasm [3][6]. - The transition to nuclear energy aligns with voter preferences for clean energy solutions, making it a timely investment area [5][6]. Technological Challenges - Despite advancements in nuclear fusion research, commercialization remains a distant goal, with estimates suggesting that true commercial viability may be decades away [8][9]. - The regulatory landscape poses additional challenges, as the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) lacks established parameters for regulating fusion technology [10].

Deal Overview - Trump Media and Technology Group (TMTG) is merging with TAE Technologies in an all-stock deal valued at $6 billion [1] - The merger represents a major pivot for TMTG, shifting from a media company to nuclear fusion technology [1][2] Financial Implications for TMTG - TMTG has historically spent more money than it has made, relying on retail investment and hype to generate capital [2][3] - The deal could provide TMTG with balance sheet strength, as nuclear projects require billions of dollars in R&D expenditure [4] - TMTG could capitalize on the current interest in nuclear energy stocks and attract investors [3][5] Nuclear Fusion Industry Perspective - Nuclear fusion is a hyped industry with significant retail interest, with companies like Oaklo, NE, and SMR experiencing stock run-ups [3][6] - Commercial fusion technology is still years, if not decades, away due to scientific and regulatory hurdles [8][9] - The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) does not currently have parameters for regulating fusion technology [10] Challenges and Optimism - Achieving commercial-scale fusion energy by 2031 is considered extraordinarily optimistic due to regulatory and technological challenges [9][10] - Obtaining design approval for new nuclear technology can take many years, even with known technology [9][10]