LIVE Stock Market Today: Nasdaq Rallies to Kick off Thanksgiving Week Last Updated: Memberships Subscribe to Barron's Tools Updated 24 min ago Nasdaq Rallies 1% to Start Thanksgiving Week on Wall Street By Connor Smith The stock market on Monday picked up right where it left off at the end of last week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 161 points, or 0.3%, after stumbling a bit after the open. The S&P 500 was up 1%. The Nasdaq Composite was up 1.8%. A majority of S&P 500 stocks were actually down on th ...

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Core Viewpoint - Morgan Stanley is optimistic about a significant recovery in the S&P 500 index, projecting it to reach 7,800 by the end of 2026, indicating a potential 17% increase from its current value of 6,658 [1][2]. Market Analysis - The current weakness in U.S. equities is viewed as a tactical correction rather than a fundamental deterioration, with the S&P 500 having slipped approximately 4% from its October highs due to pressure on technology valuations [2][3]. - The breadth of the selloff suggests that the downturn is nearing exhaustion, presenting a buying opportunity for investors [3]. Future Projections - Morgan Stanley anticipates that the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates, which would ease financial conditions and support an equity recovery [4]. - The firm sees artificial intelligence as a crucial driver of corporate efficiency gains, which could bolster the earnings outlook through 2026 [4]. Investment Strategy - The bank maintains overweight positions in small-cap stocks, consumer discretionary, healthcare, industrials, and financials, which are expected to benefit when market momentum shifts [4]. - Wilson's previous bullish calls have been validated, indicating a consistent optimistic outlook despite market challenges [6]. Market Sentiment - A segment of Wall Street remains bullish on the S&P 500, with some analysts predicting it will end the year valued around 7,000 [6]. - However, skepticism persists regarding the index's reliance on a few technology giants and concerns about a potential AI bubble [7].

Market Overview - U.S. stock futures increased on Monday following Friday's gains, with major benchmark indices showing positive movement [1] - Investor optimism is bolstered by New York Fed President John Williams' comments suggesting a potential rate cut in December [1][2] - The likelihood of the Federal Reserve cutting interest rates in December is estimated at 73.5% according to CME Group's FedWatch tool [2] Company Earnings and Performance - Dell Technologies Inc., HP Inc., Deere & Co., and Li Auto Inc. are among the companies expected to report earnings this week [1] - Pony AI Inc. rose 2.59% after announcing a partnership with Sunshine Mobility for an autonomous driving fleet [5] - WeRide Inc. saw a significant increase of 7.92% as its revenue grew 144.3% year-over-year to $24 million, with gross profit rising 1,123.9% to $7.9 million [5] - Alphabet Inc. gained 2.38% after surpassing Microsoft in market value, attributed to the launch of new products [5] Sector Performance - Communication services, health care, materials, consumer discretionary, and real estate sectors led the gains on Friday, with all sectors ending in positive territory [7] - The Nasdaq Composite, S&P 500, Dow Jones, and Russell 2000 indices all showed positive performance, with the Russell 2000 leading at 2.80% [8] Upcoming Economic Data - No economic data is scheduled for release on Monday, but several key reports are expected later in the week, including retail sales and PPI [15]

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Core Viewpoint - Fed Chair Jerome Powell highlighted that equity prices are "fairly highly valued," indicating potential concerns about stock market valuations as major indexes reach record highs [2][6][12]. Market Valuation Insights - The S&P 500, Dow Jones Industrial Average, and Nasdaq Composite have all seen significant increases, with stock valuations rising in tandem [4][7]. - The Shiller Price-to-Earnings (P/E) Ratio, a key valuation measure, peaked at 41.20 in late October, the second-highest in history, suggesting a potentially overpriced market [10][11]. Historical Context - Historically, when the Shiller P/E Ratio has exceeded 30 during bull markets, major stock indexes have experienced declines ranging from 20% to 89% [11]. - The current bull market has seen the Shiller P/E Ratio remain above its historical average of 17.31 for much of the last 30 years, influenced by lower interest rates and the internet revolution [9]. Market Behavior Patterns - Stock market corrections and bear markets are typically short-lived, with the average bear market lasting about 286 days compared to a bull market lasting approximately 1,011 days [17][19]. - Historical data suggests that downturns in major indexes are often followed by opportunities for long-term investors, emphasizing the cyclical nature of market performance [19].

Investment Commitments - Major companies are making significant investments in the U.S., with Apple committing $600 billion, Johnson & Johnson $55 billion, and Hyundai $21 billion to enhance manufacturing and workforce capabilities [1][2][6] - Toyota plans to invest up to $10 billion in its U.S. operations over the next five years, focusing on hybrid vehicle production across five manufacturing plants [2][3] Economic Outlook - Despite shifting policies and tariff concerns, global companies continue to view the U.S. as a reliable place for investment, driven by America's economic strength and growth potential [6][8] - Warren Buffett emphasizes the long-term value of investing in U.S. equities, stating that it has historically been a mistake to bet against America [7][8] Market Dynamics - The recent tariff reductions on Japanese auto imports from 27.5% to 15% have created a more favorable environment for foreign automakers like Toyota, which has been the best-selling foreign automaker in the U.S. [3][5] - The investments by these companies reflect a broader trend of confidence in the U.S. market, even amidst political and economic uncertainties [6][8]

Tech companies are flooding bond markets to raise billions of dollars to build the infrastructure needed to power artificial intelligence. U.S. companies have issued more than $200 billion worth of investment grade (IG) corporate bonds this year to fund AI-related infrastructure projects — about 13% of total IG issuance, as of end-October. AI debt is “reshaping credit markets,” Janus Henderson analysts wrote last week. Five companies account for most of the borrowing: Amazon, Google, Meta, Microsoft, an ...

Core Insights - Freedom Holding Corp. has published its annual Sustainability Report for the 2025 financial year, highlighting significant contributions to social, educational, sports, and environmental projects, with total ESG-oriented investments amounting to 27.87 billion tenge (USD 57.6 million) [1][4]. Investment Areas - The company allocated 1.32 billion tenge (USD 2.73 million) for the construction of a new artificial intelligence facility at SDU University, focusing on fintech, AI, and digital technologies [5]. - An additional 62.77 million tenge (USD 0.13 million) was invested in the Freedom Fintech Bootcamp program, aimed at training specialists in Data Science and Machine Learning [6]. - A total of 1.86 billion tenge (USD 3.84 million) was dedicated to hosting the ICPC World Finals 2024 in Kazakhstan, enhancing the country's technological profile [6]. Sports and Healthy Lifestyles - Freedom Holding Corp. invested 1.28 billion tenge (USD 2.64 million) in the construction of the Freedom Yelimay football complex in Semey, and 795 million tenge (USD 1.64 million) for a sports complex for people with disabilities in Oral [8]. Social and Infrastructure Projects - The company allocated 2.9 billion tenge (USD 5.99 million) to assist flood victims in western Kazakhstan, including restoration of vital facilities and construction of protective dams [9]. - In the cultural sector, 336 million tenge (USD 0.69 million) was allocated for the reconstruction of the Abai State Opera and Ballet Theatre [9]. Environmental Projects - Freedom Holding Corp. allocated 149.91 million tenge (USD 0.31 million) for the construction of the Kazakhstan Pavilion at COP29 and signed agreements for biodiversity conservation [10][13]. - Long-term environmental initiatives include 200 million tenge (USD 0.41 million) dedicated to promoting sustainable technologies and supporting the restoration of the Aral Sea ecosystem [11]. Team Development - The company reports that 95% of its employees are based in Kazakhstan, with a 56% increase in specialists under the age of 30 and an almost perfect gender balance [12]. Strategic Achievements - Major strategic achievements include the opening of the UN Regional Office for the Sustainable Development Goals in Central Asia and participation in COP29, resulting in significant ESG agreements [13][14].