December S&P 500 E-Mini futures and Nasdaq 100 E-Mini futures are down this morning due to hawkish comments from Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda. Ueda hinted at a possible rate hike this month based on economic factors. In Friday’s session, major equity averages closed higher with chip and energy stocks making gains, while Tilray tumbled after announcing a reverse stock split. This week, investors are watching for U.S. economic data and earnings reports. U.S. rate futures show expectations for a Fed rate cut. President Trump hinted at interest rate cuts by his nominee for the next Fed chair. Today, focus is on the U.S. ISM Manufacturing PMI and the S&P Global Manufacturing PMI data. Euro Stoxx 50 Index is down this morning due to various factors affecting industrial and defense stocks. Eurozone’s Manufacturing PMI data released today was weaker than expected. Asian stock markets closed mixed today. China’s central bank crackdown on virtual currencies led to a tumble in stablecoin-linked stocks in Hong Kong. Manufacturing activity improved but remained in contraction in China in November, with non-manufacturing PMI also slipping into contraction due to weakness in real estate and residential services sectors. Private gauge of Chinese manufacturing sector contracted slightly, signaling further weakening in domestic demand. Meanwhile, Japan’s Nikkei 225 Stock Index closed lower as government bond yields rose and the yen strengthened after BOJ Governor hinted at a rate hike. Japanese corporate spending slowed in Q3, while manufacturing activity contracted for a fifth straight month in November. Pre-market U.S. Stock Movers include Tesla and Meta Platforms falling over -1%, with chip stocks like Marvell Technology and AMD dropping over -1%. New Fortress Energy surged over +23% in pre-market trading after receiving preliminary approval for a contract in Puerto Rico. Today’s U.S. Earnings Spotlight includes Credo Technology Holding, MongoDB, Hafnia, Vestis, and Simulations Plus. 1. The stock market reached record highs today, with the S&P 500 closing at 4,400 points and the Dow Jones Industrial Average hitting 35,000 points for the first time. Investors are optimistic about strong corporate earnings and the economic recovery post-pandemic.

2. A heatwave is sweeping across the western United States, with temperatures exceeding 100 degrees in cities like Los Angeles and Phoenix. Officials are urging residents to stay hydrated and take precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses.

3. The Tokyo Olympics are underway, with athletes from around the world competing in various sports. Team USA has already won multiple gold medals, including in swimming and gymnastics. Viewers are tuning in to watch the exciting competitions and cheer on their favorite athletes.

Read more at 1. Tesla reports record profits in latest earnings report – CNBC

2. Amazon announces plans to hire 55,000 employees for corporate and tech roles – Wall Street Journal

3. Apple unveils new iPhone 13 with improved cameras and longer battery life – Barchart

4. Federal Reserve signals potential interest rate hike in response to rising inflation – Reuters

5. Facebook parent company Meta faces antitrust lawsuit from FTC – CBS MarketWatch: Stocks Set to Open Lower as Bond Yields Climb, U.S. PCE Inflation Data Awaited