Market Overview
The session began with some uncertainty, but stocks quickly rallied as investors processed NVIDIA's (NVDA) Q3 earnings report. Initially, NVDA shares dipped due to profit-taking and a slight slowdown in revenue growth. However, the report was strong overall, with NVIDIA noting "staggering" demand for its Blackwell chip.Despite early weakness in NVDA, there was a positive bias throughout the session. Money rotated from mega caps into other market areas. The S&P 500 rose by 0.5%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average increased by 1.1%, and the Russell 2000 climbed by 1.7%, all closing near their session highs. The Nasdaq Composite lagged slightly, ending just above the previous day's close.Sector Performance
Broad buying activity pushed the Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF (RSP) up by 1.3%, with nine of the 11 S&P 500 sectors finishing higher. Five sectors gained 1.0% or more, led by:- Utilities (+1.8%) - Financials (+1.3%) - Consumer Staples (+1.2%) - Industrials (+1.2%)The industrial sector benefited from an earnings-driven surge in Deere & Co. (DE), which rose 8.1%. Conversely, the communication services sector was the worst performer, dropping 1.7%, primarily due to a significant decline in Alphabet (GOOG, Financial) following reports that the DOJ may force a sale of Chrome and potentially Android.Economic Indicators
The Treasury market ended with losses after a stronger-than-expected Existing Home Sales report for October, which recorded 3.96 million sales against a consensus of 3.90 million. Additionally, weekly jobless claims decreased to 213,000 from 219,000, and the Philadelphia Fed Survey disappointed with a reading of -5.5, below the consensus of 7.0.- The 10-year yield increased by three basis points to 4.43%. - The 2-year yield rose by four basis points to 4.35%.Market Indices Year-to-Date Performance
- Nasdaq Composite: +26.4% - S&P 500: +24.7% - S&P Midcap 400: +18.2% - Russell 2000: +16.6% - Dow Jones Industrial Average: +16.4%Review of Economic Data
- Weekly Initial Claims: 213K (consensus 221K); prior revised to 219K from 217K - Weekly Continuing Claims: 1.908 million; prior revised to 1.872 million from 1.873 millionThe key takeaway is a rising trend in continuing jobless claims, indicating a softening labor market with increased difficulty in finding new employment post-layoff.- November Philadelphia Fed Index: -5.5 (consensus 7.0); prior 10.3 - October Existing Home Sales: 3.96 million (consensus 3.90 million); prior revised to 3.83 million from 3.84 millionThe key takeaway is an increase in inventory, but affordability remains constrained due to high median home prices and elevated mortgage rates, limiting sales potential.- October Leading Home Sales: -0.4% (consensus -0.3%); prior revised to -0.3% from -0.5%Upcoming Economic Events
- 9:45 ET: Flash November S&P Global U.S. Manufacturing PMI (prior 48.5) and Flash November S&P Global U.S. Services PMI (prior 55.0) - 10:00 ET: Final November University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment (consensus 73.0; prior 73.0)Global Markets
- Europe: DAX +0.8%, FTSE +0.8%, CAC +0.2% - Asia: Nikkei -1.0%, Hang Seng -0.5%, Shanghai +0.1%Commodities
- Crude Oil: +1.34 at 70.10 - Natural Gas: +0.14 at 3.20 - Gold: +23.10 at 2675.00 - Silver: -0.09 at 30.95 - Copper: -0.03 at 4.12NVDA,DE,GOOG
Today's News
In a significant development, Google's (GOOG, Financial) partnership with the AI startup Anthropic is under scrutiny as part of the Department of Justice's antitrust case against the tech giant. The DOJ is proposing that Google divest its Chrome web browser as part of the resolution. This move could unravel Google's collaboration with Anthropic, especially if the court rules against Google, which has been labeled a monopolist. The company expressed concerns that the DOJ's proposal could hinder its AI investments.
Apple (AAPL, Financial) is reportedly working on a more conversational version of its Siri voice assistant to compete with AI models like ChatGPT. This updated version, expected to be announced in 2025, aims to enable more natural conversations and faster processing of requests. This move comes as Google (GOOGL, Financial) has launched its Gemini AI chatbot on the App Store, featuring a conversational voice mode similar to OpenAI's offerings.
Amazon (AMZN, Financial) might face an EU investigation next year over potential favoritism towards its brands on its platform. If found in violation of the Digital Markets Act, Amazon could be fined up to 10% of its global sales. The decision will hinge on the new EU antitrust chief, Teresa Ribera, who will assume her role soon.
Hims & Hers Health (HIMS, Financial) saw a notable stock increase after a Texas federal court closed a case involving the FDA's decision on Eli Lilly's (LLY, Financial) drug tirzepatide. This move benefits companies like Hims & Hers, allowing them to continue producing compounded versions of the drug until the FDA issues a new decision.
Shares of PDD Holdings (PDD, Financial) dropped significantly following their Q3 earnings report, which missed expectations due to a 48% surge in revenue costs. The increased costs were attributed to higher fulfillment and payment processing fees, prompting concerns about the company's financial management.
NetApp (NTAP, Financial) shares rose sharply after the company posted strong Q2 earnings and raised its full-year guidance. The data storage company reported a 6.1% increase in revenue year-over-year, surpassing analysts' expectations, and adjusted its earnings outlook positively for the year.
British American Tobacco (BTI, Financial) shares declined slightly after a seven-day winning streak. Despite this, the stock has gained over 26% this year, outperforming the broader market. Analysts remain mostly bullish on BTI, although growth prospects are considered moderate.
Energy Transfer (ET, Financial) continued its upward trajectory, gaining over 3.8% in recent trading sessions. The company has been optimistic about the future under the new U.S. administration, which is expected to favor the oil and gas industry, potentially benefiting ET's operations.
GuruFocus Stock Analysis
- Nvidia Partner Super Micro Computer Receives Nasdaq Non-Compliance Notice by Faizan Farooque
- Nvidia Shares Dip as Q3 Results Beat Expectations, but Guidance Disappoints by Faizan Farooque
- Baidu Shares Drop as Q3 Online Marketing Revenue Falls Short; Cloud Business Gains by Faizan Farooque
- BJ's Wholesale Club Reports Higher Q3 Earnings, Membership Fee Hike, and New Buyback Program by Faizan Farooque
- FDA Approves Ziihera for HER2-Positive Biliary Tract Cancer by Faizan Farooque
