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Stocks pushed higher as the S&P 500 edged toward record territory, led by a rally in energy names after U.S. sanctions on Russian oil. The Nasdaq and Dow rose alongside gains in cyclical sectors, while increased volatility hit safe‑haven assets. Traders are parsing CPI ahead of next week’s Fed decision; earnings beats in chips and industrials provided additional lift.
Washington rolled out sweeping sanctions targeting Russia’s biggest oil producers, jolting energy markets and raising the risk of higher pump prices globally. Traders reacted immediately as crude surged and equity markets repositioned around energy names.
5.6% – One‑day jump in WTI crude after U.S. sanctions on Russia’s oil firms.
President Trump granted a high-profile pardon to Binance founder Changpeng Zhao, roiling crypto markets and prompting White House defenses. The move has drawn scrutiny over political ties and reignited debate about enforcement of crypto rules.
Federal authorities executed a sweeping gambling probe that netted NBA players and coaches, exposing organized‑crime links and sparking league and sportsbook scrutiny. The FBI is staging briefings as the investigation unfolds.
Deckers Profit Rises on Strong Hoka and Ugg Sales
Deckers reported rising quarterly profit and restored full‑year guidance as demand for Hoka and Ugg brands strengthened, easing macro uncertainty for investors.
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Reports the U.S. government has discussed equity stakes in quantum firms sent quantum stocks soaring as investors bet on federal backing. Sources say talks center on funding trade-offs for compute and national security goals.
Target announced major corporate cuts as it seeks to trim costs and refocus on growth after stagnant sales. The job reductions and hiring freezes mark the retailer’s biggest headquarters shakeup in years.
Molina Healthcare Plunges as Medical Costs Spike
Molina missed Q3 estimates and warned of rising medical costs, sending shares sharply lower and stoking concerns about insurer margin pressure into 2026.
Ford warned of a multibillion‑dollar earnings hit after a key supplier’s aluminum plant fire and revised its outlook downward. The automaker faces supply disruptions even as quarterly revenue shows resilience.
Intel delivered a surprise earnings beat and signaled stronger demand for AI‑capable compute, sending shares higher. The results underscore the chipmaker’s turnaround since increased U.S. government support and heavy cost cuts.
U.S. imposed direct sanctions on Rosneft and Lukoil; the EU widened sanctions to target LNG and shadow‑fleet tankers. The White House’s pardon of Binance’s founder signals a shift in crypto enforcement; agencies are adjusting H‑1B and visa fee rules impacting tech hiring.
Meta confirmed cuts in its AI ranks even as it retools its superintelligence efforts, highlighting a broader industry shift to automation and cost discipline. The moves raise questions about AI’s impact on compliance and privacy roles.
Rivian announced fresh layoffs as EV demand softens and it restructures ahead of a new, lower‑priced model launch. Management reshuffles aim to sharpen marketing and preserve cash before the R2 rollout.
“The fraud is mind‑boggling.”
— FBI Director Kash Patel
Reports that U.S. B‑1 bombers flew near Venezuela escalated tensions in the region and provoked conflicting White House statements. The episode comes amid an intensifying U.S. campaign against narco‑trafficking in Latin America.
Congressional gridlock left stopgap measures to pay furloughed workers blocked, deepening the government shutdown’s economic toll. Transportation officials warned of travel disruption risks as paychecks slip for air controllers.
China’s new five‑year plan puts technology self‑reliance and industrial upgrading at the centre of policy, signaling a tougher posture on strategic sectors. The blueprint raises stakes ahead of high‑level U.S.–China talks.
Amazon unveiled AI‑powered smart glasses for delivery drivers as part of a broader automation push to improve last‑mile efficiency. The prototype underscores rising workplace automation and privacy questions for gig workers.
Gold miners benefitted from a bullion rally as bullion prices lifted revenue and profit at major producers. Investors have rotated into safe‑haven metals amid oil volatility and geopolitical risk.
Major U.S. indices pushed toward record territory as energy stocks rallied on geopolitics while tech questions kept earnings season in focus. Traders priced in CPI ahead of a key inflation print and Fed anticipation.
Mortgage rates slid to their lowest in over a year, opening a refinancing window and nudging existing‑home sales higher. The housing market showed renewed activity even as affordability remains a structural challenge.
Big AI plays struck infrastructure and compute deals as cloud partnerships deepen across the industry, highlighting competition for capacity. The agreements signal a race to secure chips, TPUs and skilled teams for the next wave of models.
The EU moved to turn frozen Russian assets into funding for Ukraine and agreed new sanctions that widen energy and shipping curbs. The measures increase economic pressure on Moscow while members debate legal and political risks.
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