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Markets opened mixed after a risk-on burst led by energy and AI names. The Dow outperformed on heavy energy gains while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq showed narrower advances as chipmakers and defense contractors led. Volatility ticked up in commodities (copper) and crypto as spot ETF inflows and geopolitical shocks kept traders cautious.
The U.S. has flown Nicolás Maduro to New York and begun high-profile court proceedings, raising legal and geopolitical questions about the legitimacy and fallout of his capture. The hearings and charges amplify market and diplomatic risk across the Americas.
30% – Share of world oil reserves the U.S. could control on paper after Venezuela operation.
Tensions spike after U.S. moves in the Arctic and Latin America, with Denmark and NATO warning the White House over any attempt to seize Greenland. European capitals are scrambling to frame a united response as U.S. rhetoric hardens.
Energy stocks and crude have surged on expectations the U.S. will control Venezuelan oil assets, lifting major producers and related sectors. Analysts warn the political gains mask a long, costly rebuild of Venezuela’s dilapidated oil industry.
Goldman lifts TSMC forecast – Stocks cheer
Goldman Sachs raised its outlook on Taiwan Semiconductor, sending a positive signal for chip capital spending and AI hardware demand as the sector prices in stronger margins.
More on thestreet.com
Nvidia used CES to confirm production of its next-generation Vera Rubin chips and to launch a major platform push, underlining its dominance in AI infrastructure. The moves set the tone for a new wave of data-centre and robotics investments.
AMD positioned itself as a mainstream AI supplier at CES, with CEO Lisa Su outlining a ‘yottascale’ compute future and unveiling new AI processors for PCs and servers. The announcements sharpen the rivalry between AMD and Nvidia across AI hardware and software.
Nestle recalls infant formula over toxin fears
Nestle pulled batches of SMA baby formula amid concerns about cereulide contamination, a setback that risks consumer trust and supply-chain headaches for the food giant.
More on reuters.com
The chip cycle rallied as TSMC and memory makers saw fresh investor interest, driven by AI demand and supply tightness. Market optimism for semiconductor profit recovery pushed several bellwether names higher.
Institutional flows returned to crypto as spot bitcoin ETFs posted the largest inflow in months and crypto managers started distributing new staking rewards. The twin moves signal growing institutional embrace but keep volatility risks intact.
G7/OECD tax deal amended to exempt US-based multinationals; US CDC overhauled childhood vaccine recommendations; UK launches £210m Government Cyber Action Plan to harden public services.
The OECD deal was amended to address U.S. concerns, effectively exempting U.S.-based multinationals from parts of the global minimum tax, prompting praise in Washington and unease abroad. The compromise reshapes multinational tax planning and international negotiations.
Top US officials warned that fiscal risks are mounting as the national debt climbs while factory activity weakens, complicating monetary policy and markets. Policymakers face competing pressures on rates, fiscal support and growth forecasts.
“Vera Rubin is in full production.”
— Jensen Huang, Nvidia CEO
China’s central bank signalled easier policy for 2026, including reserve requirement ratio and rate cuts, aiming to support growth amid property sector strain. Markets reacted to stimulus hopes even as structural headwinds persist.
The UK unveiled a £210 million cybersecurity plan to harden government systems and unlock productivity gains, signalling a tougher posture on digital defence. The initiative is designed to protect critical services as nation-state threats rise.
Vistra moved to bulk up generation capacity with a multi-billion dollar acquisition aimed at strengthening its power footprint and unlocking scale. Investors are parsing the strategic payoff as the company absorbs large assets.
Morgan Stanley filed for spot bitcoin and other crypto trusts as Wall Street renews its push into digital-asset products, underscoring growing institutional demand. The filings mark a strategic pivot for traditional banks toward tokenised exposures.
Robotics and autonomous driving took center stage at CES as Boston Dynamics and Nvidia showcased next-generation hardware and full-stack software. The pairings highlight a pivot from consumer EV hype to industrial and agentic AI applications.
UK and niche retailers face severe stress after weak trading: Claire’s and The Original Factory Shop moved toward administration, risking thousands of jobs. By contrast, Next raised guidance after a stronger-than-expected festive season, showing sector divergence.
The US Department of Energy is injecting billions into domestic uranium enrichment, awarding large contracts that sent Centrus Energy shares higher. The funding underscores a renewed push for nuclear fuel security amid rising power demand.
Elon Musk’s Grok and X face regulatory scrutiny after AI-generated sexualised images circulated, prompting probes in Europe and other jurisdictions. Regulators have signalled potential legal action over platform safety and content governance.
Copper and other industrial metals rallied on supply concerns and geopolitical risk, leading commodities gains as markets price in potential disruption. Traders and miners are adjusting positions amid tight inventories and strong demand for electrification metals.
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