From Nasdaq:

Asian-Pacific equity markets saw mixed performance with Japan’s Nikkei up 2.01% and India’s SENSEX up 0.38%, but Taiwan, China, Hong Kong, and Australia markets all saw declines. Meanwhile, European markets are down midday and U.S. equity futures suggest a mixed open. The stock market is in a potential calm before tomorrow’s December Consumer Price Index report, which could impact expected Fed rate cuts. International shipping rates have nearly doubled since Houthi rebel attacks began, causing weekslong delays for vessels. The World Economic Forum’s “Global Risks Report 2024” ranked AI-derived misinformation and disinformation as the top risk. In the U.S., today’s reports include the weekly MBA Mortgage Applications Index, EIA Crude Oil inventory data, and November Wholesale Inventories. Meanwhile, cybersecurity concerns arose at the Securities and Exchange Commission after a “cybersecurity incident” and a post about a spot-Bitcoin ETF caused unusual intraday volatility for BTC. Yesterday, equities traded lower with Technology and Consumer Staples as the only sector gainers. Today, no companies are expected to release quarterly results before trading begins. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing reported December revenue of $176.3 billion, and Aehr Test Systems cut its FY2024 revenue outlook. In after-market trading, Intuitive Surgical pre-announced better-than-expected 4Q 2023 results, while Walmart announced new use of AI and computer vision technology. Walmart also announced a large drone delivery expansion in Texas. Tesla unveiled the revamped edition of its Model 3 sedan in North America, and Hewlett Packard Enterprise is set to acquire Juniper Networks in an all-cash transaction. Intel announced a deal to buy Silicon Mobility SAS, and Trend Micro has laid off 2% of its global workforce. Zhengye Biotechnology, specializing in livestock vaccines, has filed for a proposed US IPO. After today’s market close, KB Home (KBH) is the lone company expected to report. Looking ahead, tomorrow’s reports include the Leading Indicators Index (Preliminary) from Japan, the Consumer Price Index and Weekly EIA Natural Gas Inventories from the US, and more. Today’s thought: “All truly great thoughts are conceived while walking.” ~ Friedrich Nietzsche.



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