Core Insights - SMX is gaining attention for its transformative technology that has the potential to reshape supply chains and enhance future production processes [2][12] - The technology is designed to integrate at the source of manufacturing, embedding a molecular signature into new materials rather than retrofitting existing products [5][6][10] Group 1: Technology Integration - SMX's molecular identity is applied during the initial stages of manufacturing, such as in plastics, steel, textiles, and metal refining [5][6] - This integration method eliminates the need for retrofitting old infrastructure, allowing existing products to remain unchanged while still enabling tracking and provenance protection [6][8] - The model scales with industrial production, as factories amplify the integration of SMX's technology in line with ongoing output [8][12] Group 2: Benefits of the Technology - Once the molecular identity is embedded, downstream processes become more efficient, providing accurate data for recyclers, regulators, and brands [9][12] - The technology enhances supply chain clarity and confidence among all participants by ensuring that materials carry their own verifiable identity [9][12] - SMX's approach contributes to a cleaner, more sustainable global economy by facilitating the transition to low-carbon practices [13][12]

Core Viewpoint - The US stock markets are operating on shortened hours for Black Friday, but trading in futures and options is halted due to a cooling issue at a CME Group data center [1][2]. Market Operations - Regular stock trading is proceeding with the NYSE, Nasdaq, and over-the-counter markets opening at 9:30 a.m. ET and closing at 1 p.m. ET, while eligible options will remain open until 1:15 p.m. ET and bond markets opened at 8 a.m. ET, closing at 2 p.m. ET [3][11]. - CME Group confirmed that only BrokerTec EU markets are open, while all other CME markets remain halted [2][10]. Market Performance - Prior to the CME outage, futures were subdued with Dow Jones futures rising 0.11%, S&P 500 futures adding 0.1%, Nasdaq 100 futures gaining 0.18%, and Russell 2000 futures up 0.13% [1][11]. - In early trading, SPY rose 0.28%, QQQ gained 0.43%, and DIA added 0.24% [1][11]. Company-Specific Updates - Tesla (TSLA) shares increased by 0.4% pre-market as the company began offering free Full Self-Driving rides in several European countries [6]. - Security Matters (SMX) shares surged 71% pre-market after showcasing its molecular identity technology at a conference [6]. - Tilray Brands (TLRY) shares dropped nearly 14% pre-market following a 1-for-10 reverse stock split [7]. Global Market Context - Foreign stock exchanges, including those in Shanghai, Hong Kong, Tokyo, and London, are open, along with banks and postal services in the US [8][10]. Historical Trends - The S&P 500 has historically risen during the period from the Wednesday before Thanksgiving through one week after Black Friday, gaining 1.5% last year, 0.8% in 2023, and 1.1% in 2022, while it fell 3.5% in 2021 [9][12].