Market News

Magnitude 6 earthquake strikes Hawaii’s Big Island; USGS assessing Kilauea volcano

A magnitude 6 earthquake struck Hawaii's Big Island, with the U.S. Geological Survey assessing impacts on Kilauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes. The event could affect tourism, infrastructure, and regional economic activity depending on damage assessments.

Disney's 'Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu' tallies lowest Thursday preview sales in franchise history

Disney's "Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu" generated $12 million in Thursday night preview screenings, marking the lowest advance ticket sales in the Star Wars franchise's theatrical history. The weak preview performance signals potential headwinds for the film's opening weekend and raises questions about audience appetite for Star Wars content in the current market environment.

Here's the case for 9,000 on the S&P 500 by the middle of next year, according to JPMorgan

JPMorgan has outlined a scenario for the S&P 500 reaching 9,000 by the middle of next year, with higher productivity cited as a potentially stronger tailwind for equities than previously anticipated. The projection underscores how productivity gains could support sustained stock market gains in the period ahead.

Stocks Sink in Broad AI Rout Sparked by China's DeepSeek

U.S. stocks declined broadly with the Nasdaq leading losses as artificial intelligence infrastructure companies experienced steep declines, including a 16% drop in Nvidia. The selloff reflects shifting sentiment in the AI sector and raises questions about valuation pressures among semiconductor and AI-related equities.

Comex Gold, Silver Settle Lower

Gold and silver futures declined on Comex, with gold falling 1.4% and silver dropping 2.5%, extending recent downward momentum across precious metals. The moves reflect ongoing pressure on safe-haven assets amid broader market dynamics.

DeepSeek Won't Sink U.S. AI Titans

Recent market volatility has driven down shares of major U.S. AI chipmakers and technology firms on concerns about competition from Chinese AI startup DeepSeek. According to market commentary, this selling pressure reflects exaggerated panic rather than fundamental threats to the dominant market positions of established players like Nvidia and Broadcom.

Financial Services Roundup: Market Talk

Market commentary on financial services stocks including Experian and SoFi Technologies highlighted recent trading activity and sector developments. The roundup provides trader perspectives on key names within the financial services space.

Arabica Coffee Prices Hit Record on U.S., Colombia Tariff Spat

Arabica coffee futures reached record levels following the withdrawal of U.S. tariff and sanction threats against Colombia, according to reports. The resolution of trade tensions removed a significant supply risk premium that had supported prices at elevated levels.

Swiss franc, Japanese yen Rise as DeepSeek News Boosts Safe Havens

The Swiss franc and Japanese yen rallied against the U.S. dollar following news that Chinese AI startup DeepSeek released a new artificial intelligence model, which pressured U.S. technology stocks. The move reflects classic risk-off positioning, with traders rotating from growth-sensitive equities into traditional safe-haven currencies.

Natural Gas Falls on Shifting Weather Forecasts

U.S. natural gas futures fell following weekend weather updates that indicated warmer conditions than previously expected for early February. The shift in forecasts reduced demand expectations for heating fuel during the period.

Building-Products Distributor QXO Launches Hostile Bid for Beacon

Building-products distributor QXO has escalated its acquisition attempt for Beacon by taking a hostile bid directly to shareholders, following multiple rejections from Beacon's board. The move signals intensifying consolidation pressure in the building-products distribution sector.

Natural-Gas Firm Diversified Energy Strikes Deal for Permian Basin Player

Diversified Energy has agreed to acquire Maverick Natural Resources, which operates assets in Texas and Oklahoma, according to reports. The transaction marks a consolidation move within the natural gas sector as operators pursue scale in key shale plays.

Chinese Investors With Few Options Turn to Dividends

Chinese investors are increasingly turning to dividend-paying stocks as alternative investment opportunities become limited in domestic markets. The shift reflects a broader search for yield and stability amid constrained trading options.

What's New This Tax Season That Can Save You Money

The 2024 tax season introduces several new provisions that could affect taxpayers, particularly those engaged in online sales and electric vehicle purchasers. These changes warrant attention from individual filers looking to optimize their tax positions.

U.S. Treasury Yields Fall But Direction for Long-End Yields Still Seen Upward

The 10-year U.S. Treasury yield declined in recent trading, though analysts indicated the long end of the curve is expected to maintain higher yield levels going forward. According to reports, market participants are positioning for sustained elevation in long-dated yields despite a lack of major policy shocks from the Trump administration thus far.

Russia's Crude Exports Fairly Stable Despite U.S. Sanctions, Goldman Says

Goldman Sachs indicated that the latest round of U.S. sanctions against Russia have not materially disrupted the country's crude oil export volumes, according to reports. The assessment comes as oil prices edged lower in early trading, suggesting markets may be pricing in continued supply availability.