Eksentricity

Tech

AI’s Expanding Reach

• Smart Glasses Market Growth: The smart glasses market is projected to expand by 6% in 2025, fueled by new AI-powered models like DreamSmart and Up Network’s Web3 glasses. Meta’s Ray-Ban glasses lead with over 700,000 million units shipped in 2024 (IDC). Increased competition is expected with several launches at CES 2025.
• AI Platform Market Boom: The AI software platforms market is expected to reach $153 billion in revenue by 2028, a significant increase from $27.9 billion in 2023 (41% annual growth). Palantir’s AIP launch spurred a 760% stock price increase and revenue growth to $726 million in Q3 2024 (30% YoY).
• Virtual Assistants Enhancements: OpenAI’s ChatGPT “Tasks” feature, competing with Google Assistant, Siri, and Alexa, expands virtual assistant capabilities. Major players are integrating generative AI and task-performing features into their offerings.
• AI Integration Across Sectors: Companies are integrating AI across various sectors, including travel (Mondee Holdings, despite bankruptcy filing), advertising (Magnite and Samsung Ads), and data processing (17a-4).

Cryptocurrency Market Dynamics

• Inflation’s Impact on Crypto: Softer-than-expected inflation data boosted leading cryptocurrencies, with Bitcoin reaching $97,071.13 (+2.53%), Ethereum $3,219.18 (+2.83%), and Dogecoin $0.3576 (+5.58%). Global market capitalization hit $3.36 trillion.
• Corporate Bitcoin Holdings: Approximately 70 publicly traded companies hold Bitcoin, with MicroStrategy leading at over $43 billion. New accounting rules may accelerate corporate adoption, despite criticism of MicroStrategy’s debt-funded approach.
• XRP’s Rise and Philanthropy: Ripple’s $100,000 XRP donation to California wildfire relief coincided with XRP reaching a seven-year high at $2.82 (+10.86% in 24 hours), driven by increased whale holdings.
• Cloud Mining Services Growth: UK-based BCH Miner and ION Mining offer cloud-based cryptocurrency mining services, attracting millions of users with varying investment options and profit projections.

Global Semiconductor Landscape

• EV Market Share Shifts: Hyundai and Kia surpassed Ford in US EV sales in 2024 (117,826 vs 97,865), with Tesla maintaining the lead (around 634,000 units). Total US EV sales reached 1.3 million (7.3% YoY growth), representing 8.1% of total auto sales.
• Chip Export Restrictions’ Fallout: US semiconductor trade groups oppose new export restrictions, fearing up to 80% market share loss to competitors. Nvidia and AMD experienced stock declines (-3% and -2% respectively) due to the three-tier export system.
• Semiconductor Company Performance: Broadcom reported strong Q4 results boosted by AI, while Mastercard and Netflix also reported positive growth. Marvell saw investment shifts based on its new XPU chip.
• Semiconductor Partnerships and Investments: Nokia signed a patent licensing deal with Samsung, and also invested €150 billion in R&D since 2000. NXP secured a €1 billion loan for R&D, and Onto Innovation landed a $69 million deal.

Other Tech Developments

• Social Media’s Shifting Landscape: TikTok’s potential US ban spurred a massive migration to RedNote (+867% downloads), raising privacy concerns. The PAFACA act mandates the sale of TikTok’s US operations by January 19, 2025, with Elon Musk reportedly interested in acquiring it.
• Tech Layoffs and Restructuring: Meta, Alphabet, and X undertook significant layoffs in 2024, ranging from 5% to 10%, while GitLab saw a CEO change.
• Funding and Acquisitions in Tech: Significant funding rounds for Synthesia ($180 million) and Colossal Biosciences ($200 million) reflect ongoing investment in emerging technologies, while several acquisitions consolidate the market.
• Tech Company Partnerships and Performance: Wix.com and ServiceNow reported positive financial results, while TCL received awards at CES 2025. Other companies announced key appointments and product launches.

Emerging Tech Trends

• Quantum Computing’s Uncertain Timeline: Industry leaders like Nvidia and Meta expressed skepticism about near-term quantum computing applications (15-30 years), though Microsoft’s initiatives and Nvidia’s “Quantum Day” signal continued interest.
• Green Hydrogen Advancements: SunHydrogen’s demonstrated 1m² green hydrogen panel shows promise for green hydrogen production across various industries.
• Post-Quantum Cryptography Funding: Wultra secured €3 million in funding to develop post-quantum authentication technology for financial institutions.
• Autonomous Vehicle Progress: Pony.ai secured approval for robotruck platooning tests in China, while Rivian deployed vehicles for wildfire relief in Los Angeles.

Tech Market Analysis

• AI Stock Valuations: Analysts express concerns over high valuations of some AI stocks (SoundHound AI, Palantir), highlighting Amazon as a potentially more attractive megacap tech stock with AI potential.
• EV Stock Outlook: Analysts analyze the potential of EV stocks, mentioning Lucid’s growth prospects and Rivian’s valuation.
• Market Volatility: Analysts acknowledge the current market volatility and the risk of sector-specific corrections.
• Investment Strategies: Analysts discuss diversification, undervaluation strategies, utilizing the Zacks Rank and Earnings ESP, and options trading within the technology sector.

Finance

Airbnb’s Performance and Outlook

• Airbnb’s Stock Surge: Airbnb’s stock price increased by 3.86% to $132.52 on December 4, 2024, adding $4.92 to its value, giving the company an $80 billion market capitalization. However, future performance remains uncertain.
• Analyst Sentiment: Analysts express bullish sentiment toward Airbnb’s future, although this assessment includes inherent risks.
• Market Capitalization and Valuation: Airbnb’s significant market capitalization reflects investor confidence, but valuations might be susceptible to market fluctuations.
• Potential Risks and Uncertainties: Future projections for Airbnb involve risks, including macroeconomic factors and competitive pressures.

Corporate Actions and Financial Results

• Concrete Pumping Special Dividend: Concrete Pumping Holdings (BBCP) declared a $1.00 per share special dividend, totaling ~$53 million, contingent on a $425 million debt offering. The company operates in the US and UK.
• Goldman Sachs Q4 Earnings Beat: Goldman Sachs (GS) exceeded Q4 earnings estimates, reporting $11.95 EPS (vs. $8.22 expected) and $13.87 billion in revenue (vs. $12.39 billion expected). Profit roughly doubled year-over-year.
• JPMorgan Chase Q4 Results and Reorganization: JPMorgan Chase (JPM) reported record Q4 profit of $14 billion (a 50% increase) on $43.74 billion in revenue. A leadership reorganization saw Daniel Pinto step down. The bank projects $94 billion in net interest income for 2025.

Securities Litigation and Market Trends

• US and European Securities Lawsuits: Numerous securities class action lawsuits targeted US and European companies (e.g., Applied Therapeutics, Warner Bros. Discovery) for alleged misrepresentation or non-disclosure of material information.
• Investor Sentiment and ETF Flows: Record inflows of $14.4 billion into the Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF in the second half of 2024 reflect growing concern about concentration risk in the “Magnificent Seven” tech stocks.
• Bitcoin Price Predictions and Institutional Adoption: Analysts predict Bitcoin could reach $200,000 in 2025 due to potential Fed rate cuts and institutional investment. The MVRV ratio of 2.3 suggests further growth potential. Addresses holding 100-1000 BTC added $127 billion in 2024.
• SEC Lawsuit Against Elon Musk: The SEC sued Elon Musk for failing to disclose his Twitter stake, allegedly resulting in a $150 million underpayment to investors.

European Financial News

• Merger Talks and Real Estate Performance: Bureau Veritas and SGS are exploring a potential merger. EfTEN Real Estate Fund AS reported increased rental income (€31.079 million in 2024) and EBITDA (€26.454 million). Its Loan-to-Value ratio is 40%.
• UK Mortgage Rates and Banking Technology: UK mortgage rates increased, impacting homeowners. Virgin Money raised rates by 0.2%, with the average five-year fixed rate reaching 4.82% by January 14, 2025. Novobanco partnered with Nasdaq for its capital market operations.
• Italian Bank Bitcoin Purchase: Intesa Sanpaolo, Italy’s largest bank, bought 11 Bitcoins ($1 million) for testing purposes.

Global Macroeconomic Factors

• Interest Rate Impacts: Rising borrowing costs in the UK and anticipated Federal Reserve rate cuts are impacting financial markets globally, influencing mortgage rates and cryptocurrency predictions. The UK’s 10-year gilt yield is around 4.88%.

Healthcare

Global Cannabis Pharmaceuticals Market

• HYTN Innovations’ UK and Canada Export Success: HYTN Innovations secured import permits in the UK and export permits from Canada, enabling the fulfillment of over 400 kg of international GMP cannabis pharmaceutical orders. This expansion signifies a move beyond the Canadian recreational market.
• Global Regulatory Landscape Shifts: The increasing acceptance of cannabis for medical purposes is driving global expansion for companies meeting GMP standards and focusing on regulated markets. This reflects a broader trend towards international medicinal cannabis legalization.
• Market Growth Projections: The global medicinal cannabis market is experiencing significant growth, projected to reach [Insert projected market value and year here], driven by increasing patient demand and regulatory approvals in various countries.
• Challenges in International Expansion: Navigating diverse international regulations and securing distribution networks present significant challenges for companies aiming for global market penetration.

Biotech Industry Dynamics

• M&A Activity and Industry Consolidation: The biotech industry is witnessing increased mergers and acquisitions, particularly in oncology, immuno-oncology, obesity treatments, and gene editing, driven by potential deregulation and industry consolidation. Johnson & Johnson’s $14.6 billion acquisition of Intra-Cellular Therapies exemplifies this.
• 2025 Macroeconomic Headwinds: Despite ongoing demand for innovative treatments, macroeconomic headwinds pose challenges for the biotech industry in 2025, potentially impacting investment and R&D spending.
• Drug Approvals and Pipeline Risks: A surge in new drug approvals is expected to continue, but pipeline setbacks and increased competition remain significant risks for smaller companies. The Zacks Biomedical and Genetics industry currently holds a Zacks Industry Rank #58.
• Biotech Stock Performance: While the Biotech industry underperformed in the last year (down 16.3% compared to the S&P 500’s 23% gain and Zacks Medical sector’s 7.3% loss), several companies like BioMarin Pharmaceutical are positioned for outperformance due to strong drug demand and robust pipelines.

Securities Class Action Lawsuits in the Biotech Sector

• Cassava Sciences’ Simufilam Trial Failure: A securities class action lawsuit targets Cassava Sciences for alleged failure to disclose material information regarding the failure of its drug candidate, simufilam, in Phase 3 trials, resulting in an 83% share price drop.
• BioAge Labs’ Azelaprag Trial Discontinuation: A lawsuit against BioAge Labs alleges misrepresentation concerning the safety of azelaprag, leading to trial discontinuation and a significant stock price decline.
• Applied Therapeutics’ Govorestat FDA setback: A lawsuit alleges misrepresentations regarding the safety and efficacy of govorestat, following an FDA Complete Response Letter and a subsequent stock price drop.
• Impact on Investor Confidence: These lawsuits highlight the risks associated with biotech investments and underscore the importance of transparent communication regarding clinical trial results.

Medical Device Market Trends

• Pressure Ulcer Device Market Growth: The global pressure ulcer device market, valued at US$ 5,460.8 million in 2024, is projected to reach US$ 9,380.8 million by 2034. The U.S. dominates this market with 80.5% market share.
• C-Arms Market Expansion: The global C-arms market, valued at US$ 2.7 billion in 2023, is projected to reach US$ 5.1 billion by 2034, growing at a 5.9% CAGR, driven by technological advances and increased minimally invasive procedures.
• Aging Population and Technological Advancements: An aging global population and ongoing advancements in medical technology are key drivers of growth in these medical device markets.
• Regional Market Variations: Growth rates vary regionally; North America and Europe lead, while the Asia-Pacific region shows rapid expansion.

Pharmaceutical Sales and Outlook

• Moderna’s Sales Guidance Revision: Moderna lowered its 2025 sales guidance due to market uncertainties and increased competition. However, they maintain a positive long-term outlook with projected 10 product approvals targeting a $30 billion market.
• Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro and Zepbound Sales: Eli Lilly lowered its 2024 sales guidance due to lower than expected sales of Mounjaro and Zepbound, impacting related ETFs.
• NeoGenomics’ Partnership: NeoGenomics’ partnership with Adaptive Biotechnologies to enhance MRD monitoring for blood cancers resulted in a stock price increase.
• Overall Pharmaceutical Market Dynamics: The pharmaceutical market faces fluctuating demand depending on disease prevalence, emerging technologies, and global economic factors.

Weight Management Innovations

• CarboFire and AMPK Activation: CarboFire, a new weight-loss supplement, aims to activate AMPK, a metabolic enzyme linked to efficient carb utilization and reduced fat storage. Preliminary user feedback shows significant weight loss (37-43+ pounds).
• Obesity Treatment Market Growth: The global obesity treatment market is experiencing growth fueled by increasing prevalence of obesity and demand for effective weight management solutions. A 2023 study linked low AMPK levels to obesity.
• Alternative Treatment Approaches: This highlights the exploration of alternative weight loss strategies focusing on metabolic regulation, instead of relying solely on appetite suppression or calorie restriction.
• Market Competition: The weight management market is highly competitive, with various approaches and solutions vying for market share.

Economy & Real estate

U.S. Economic Performance and Inflation

• December CPI and Federal Reserve Response: December’s CPI showed 2.9% year-over-year inflation, slightly higher than November’s 2.7%, prompting mixed market reactions and impacting predictions of future Federal Reserve rate cuts.
• Impact of Potential Policy Changes: Proposed policy changes, including tariffs and immigration restrictions, are creating uncertainty, driving up Treasury yields and increasing government borrowing costs. Concerns exist about the fiscal sustainability of proposed tax cuts.
• Job Market Strength and Inflationary Pressures: A strong job market, while positive, contributes to concerns about the Federal Reserve’s ability to lower interest rates without fueling inflation.
• Beige Book Summary: The Federal Reserve’s Beige Book indicated moderately expanding economic activity but highlighted concerns about potential negative impacts from proposed tariffs and immigration restrictions.

International Economic Trends

• German Economic Contraction: Germany’s economy contracted by 0.2% in 2024, its second consecutive yearly slowdown, attributed to a housing crisis, auto industry pressures, high energy costs, and interest rates. Further contraction is anticipated.

Social Security and Retirement

• Average Social Security Benefits: Average monthly Social Security benefits rose from $461 in 1984 to $1,925 in 2024, but inflation has eroded purchasing power by approximately 20% since 2010.

Student Loan Debt and Default

• Student Loan Default Management: The resumption of student loan collections, including wage garnishment, aims to address high default rates (around 5.5 million by late 2024). Strategies to help borrowers avoid default are being implemented.

Climate Change Litigation and Corporate Accountability

• Climate Change Lawsuits: The Supreme Court’s decision to not hear an appeal allows climate change lawsuits against oil companies to proceed, potentially impacting companies like ExxonMobil and Chevron.

Minority Business Development Initiatives

• MBDA Funding for Minority Businesses: The MBDA announced $11 million in funding for programs supporting women and rural minority businesses, aiming to unlock the estimated $7.1 trillion in untapped economic value from minority-owned businesses.

Retail

International Travel Market Performance

• Novaturas Group Revenue Growth (Baltic States): Novaturas, a leading Baltic charter flight operator, saw a 26% revenue increase in December 2024 (EUR 10.3 million vs EUR 8.2 million in 2023), maintaining a 98.5% load factor. This follows two previous months of growth and is attributed to optimized programs and operational efficiency.
• Novaturas 2024 Full Year Performance: Despite a slight decrease in overall customers (232,000 vs 259,000 in 2023) and total revenue (EUR 200.1 million vs EUR 208 million), distant destination travel soared by 42%, with Vietnam (+240%), Sri Lanka (+120%), and Thailand (+100%) showing exceptional growth.
• Summer 2025 Bookings (Europe): Early bookings for Summer 2025 show mixed results; strong growth in Italy (+78%), Barcelona (+51%), Corfu (+39%), Madeira (+16%), and Turkey (+126%), but overall bookings are slightly down (-6.7%) compared to the same period in 2022.
• Novaturas Future Outlook: While full-year results are pending (late February), the strong performance in niche markets and positive early bookings for summer 2025 suggest continued market strength, despite overall booking softness.

US Retail Giant Performance

• Walmart’s Stock Surge: Walmart’s (WMT) stock surged 72% in 2024, exceeding expectations. This is due to increased appeal across various income groups, including higher-income consumers ($100,000+).
• Walmart’s Growth Drivers: Walmart’s value proposition, expanded selection, free shipping for Walmart+ members, and store improvements fueled its success, with US same-store sales up 6.6% in 2023.
• Walmart’s Future Outlook: Analysts project over 4% sales growth for 2025 and 2026, though the recent stock rise (over 80% from late 2023 lows) suggests potential for near-term correction.
• Walmart’s Market Position: Walmart’s dominance in the US retail market is solidifying through its expansion of product range and targeted initiatives.

US Food & Beverage Industry Trends

• Hershey’s CEO Change and Takeover Speculation: Hershey’s CEO, Michele Buck, resigned, effective June 2026, following a rejected Mondelez takeover bid. This follows a period of sales challenges and lowered guidance due to rising cocoa prices and consumer spending shifts.
• Kraft Heinz Struggles: Kraft Heinz (KHC) experienced a significant 19.5% share price drop over three months due to weak consumer demand, cost pressures, and falling volumes (third-quarter net sales down 2.8%).
• Campbell Soup’s Decline: Campbell Soup (CPB) shares fell 19.7% in three months, with organic net sales down 1% (Snacks division down 2%) amid cost inflation and shifting consumer preferences.
• Brinker International’s Success: Brinker International (EAT), owner of Chili’s, saw its stock reach a 52-week high (+57.6% in three months) thanks to menu innovation, value promotions, and a strong pricing strategy. This success is also extending to Maggiano’s, leveraging similar strategies.

US Retail Financial Performance and Diverse Sectors

• Planet Fitness Growth: Planet Fitness (PLNT) stock hit a new 52-week high (+40.8% in a year) due to a successful new store model, strong membership growth (19.7 million members), and continued expansion (150 new clubs in 2024).
• Signet Jewelers’ Decline: Signet Jewelers (SIG) reported weaker-than-expected holiday sales, resulting in a revised outlook and a 21.7% share price drop due to underperformance in the fashion gifting segment.
• BranchOut Food’s Expansion: BranchOut Food (BOF) projects $9 million in H1 2025 revenue (218% year-over-year growth) driven by a major warehouse club deal and a fully operational Peruvian facility.
• Scotts Miracle-Gro Upcoming Results: Scotts Miracle-Gro (SMG) will release its first-quarter 2025 results on January 29, 2025.

Diverse US Retail News

• Habit Burger Grill Expansion: A new drive-thru location opened in Ridgecrest, California.
• IDL Displays Acquisition: Acquired by Acacia Research Group for $103.7 million.
• Winnebago Industries at Florida RV SuperShow: Will showcase over 165 RV models.
• American Eagle Outfitters Stock: Underperformed despite consistent EPS beats in the last four quarters.
• On Holding’s Stock Performance: Slight underperformance despite revenue growth.
• Disney’s Box Office Success: Domestic box office revenue exceeded $2.2 billion in 2024, boosted by strong movie releases.

Infrastructure

Concrete Pumping & Waste Management (US & UK)

• Special Dividend & Debt Offering: Concrete Pumping Holdings (BBCP) announced a $53 million special dividend and a $425 million debt offering, showcasing financial strength and future growth plans. The company operates in 90 locations across the US and UK.
• Market Leadership & Eco-Friendly Services: BBCP holds leading brands in both the US and UK concrete pumping markets. Their Eco-Pan waste management complements their core business, emphasizing sustainability.
• US & UK Operations: The company’s large presence across 22 US states, 35 locations in the UK, and 21 dedicated to waste management, reflects a broad market reach.
• National Brand Recognition: Brundage-Bone (US) and Camfaud Group (UK) are established national brands owned by BBCP, demonstrating market penetration and recognition.

Green Hydrogen Production (Germany)

• Project Anker: German Green Hydrogen Facility: Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP) and Friesen Elektra launched Project Anker, a 400 MW (expandable to 800 MW) green hydrogen plant in Sande, Germany.
• Annual Production & Emissions Reduction: Project Anker is projected to produce 80,000 tons of green hydrogen annually, potentially reducing CO₂ emissions by up to 2.4 million tons yearly.
• CIP’s Global Green Hydrogen Portfolio: CIP’s Energy Transition Fund I boasts approximately 6.5 GW of electrolyser capacity globally, highlighting large-scale renewable energy investment.
• Decarbonization Efforts: This significant investment underlines green hydrogen’s growing importance in reducing carbon emissions and supporting a global energy transition.

Offshore Wind Energy Cable Systems (Europe)

• Nexans Secures Major Contract: Nexans won a €1 billion contract from TenneT for the LanWin 2 offshore grid connection system in the German North Sea, involving 250 km of cables.
• LanWin 2 Project Specifications: The 2 GW LanWin 2 project underscores Nexans’ role in the European offshore wind market and significant infrastructure investments.
• Expanding Offshore Wind Partnerships: Nexans’ work on LanWin 2 builds upon collaborations with TenneT on BalWin3 and LanWin4, demonstrating continued commitment to renewable energy.
• High-Voltage Cable System: The project includes the installation of 250 kilometers of 525 kV HVDC XLPE cables, showcasing the scale of infrastructure needed for offshore wind energy.

Water Infrastructure & Treatment (USA)

• San Diego Pure Water Program: Parsons Corporation secured an extension for the San Diego Pure Water Program, a $110 million, eight-year contract focused on sustainable water management.
• North City Pure Water Facility: This phase centers on the North City Pure Water Facility (NCPWF), designed for a capacity of up to 34 million gallons of recycled water per day.
• Recycled Water Production Goal: The program aims to produce 83 million gallons of recycled water daily by 2035, representing a major investment in water resource conservation.
• Sustainable Water Management: The program highlights the significant investments being made in sustainable water management and resource conservation within the United States.

Transportation Infrastructure (USA & Ireland)

• Central Texas Mobility Authority Contract: AtkinsRéalis secured a $2.98 billion contract for the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority, covering a large transportation network expansion.
• Bicycle & Pedestrian Infrastructure: The project encompasses approximately 113 kilometers of bicycle and pedestrian facilities, reflecting a focus on multi-modal transportation.
• BusConnects Dublin Project (Ireland): Jacobs Solutions secured a contract for Ireland’s BusConnects Dublin program, upgrading 230 km of bus corridors and 200 km of cycle paths.
• Large-scale Transportation Projects: These projects underscore significant investment in and commitment to upgrading both US and Irish transportation infrastructure.

Infrastructure Acquisitions (USA)

• EMCOR’s Acquisition of Miller Electric: EMCOR Group acquired Miller Electric for $865 million, bolstering its electrical construction presence in the Southeastern US, adding approximately 3,500 employees and $805 million in revenue.
• United Rentals’ Acquisition of H&E Equipment Services: United Rentals acquired H&E Equipment Services for $4.8 billion, expanding its US market reach with over 64,000 additional equipment units and 160 branches.
• Expansion of Services & Market Reach: Both acquisitions represent significant strategic moves to expand service offerings and market share within the US infrastructure sector.
• Significant Financial Investments: The combined value of these acquisitions totals over $5.6 billion, signaling confidence in the US infrastructure market.

Commodities

North American Cannabis Market Performance

• Tilray’s Diversification Challenges: Tilray Brands (TLRY), a major North American cannabis producer with a $1 billion market cap and $1.18 share price, reported mixed Q1 2025 results. While beverage sales surged 132% to $56 million, boosting overall revenue 13% to $200 million, core cannabis sales fell 13% to $61 million. The company remains unprofitable, with a nearly $35 million loss.
• Industry-Wide Profitability Issues: Publicly traded North American cannabis companies face persistent challenges. Intense competition, high taxation, and inconsistent legalization across U.S. states hinder profitability and increase investment risk.

Global Industrial Valves and Asbestos Liability

• Velan’s Financial Restructuring: Velan Inc. (VLN) divested asbestos liabilities for $143 million and sold French subsidiaries for $198.4 million, becoming virtually debt-free. While Q3 2024 showed a solid order backlog of $298.7 million and improved adjusted net income ($8.5 million), IFRS net loss reached $47.8 million due to one-time charges.
• Clean Energy Sector Focus: Velan aims to focus on clean energy flow control solutions, leveraging its nuclear energy expertise to capitalize on market growth.

Global Gold Mining Production and Acquisitions

• Serabi Gold’s Production Growth: Serabi Gold plc (SRB) reported record Q4 2024 gold production of 10,022 ounces, a 13.2% year-over-year increase. Full-year production reached 37,520 ounces, with a $22.2 million cash balance. 2025 production guidance is 44,000-47,000 ounces.
• Fortuna Mining’s Asset Sale (Mexico): Fortuna Mining Corp. (FSM) sold its San Jose Mine in Mexico for up to $17 million, retaining a 1% royalty, to focus on higher-value assets. The mine was among the world’s top 12 primary silver producers.

US Steel Industry Acquisition Attempts

• Blocked Nippon Steel Acquisition: Nippon Steel’s $14.9 billion bid for U.S. Steel (X) was blocked by the Biden administration, leading to lawsuits. Nippon Steel plans to pursue the acquisition under the Trump administration. Cleveland-Cliffs is also considering a bid.

Global Oil and Gas Market Performance

• KLX Energy Services Stock Rise: KLX Energy Services (KLXE) saw a 7.4% share price increase due to rising oilfield services demand driven by favorable oil and gas prices. Projected quarterly losses didn’t deter investors.
• Cheniere Energy and BP Performance: Cheniere Energy (LNG) saw a 6% share price increase due to anticipated pro-fossil fuel policies under the Trump administration. BP (BP) warned of weak Q4 results due to declining production and reduced margins.

Other Global Commodity Markets

• Biostimulants, Yeast, and Metallic Soaps: The global biostimulants market is projected to reach $8.71 billion by 2031 (10.9% CAGR), the fresh yeast market $14.86 billion by 2034 (6.9% CAGR), and the metallic soap market $4.3 billion by 2034 (5% CAGR). Growth is driven by various factors including increased demand and sustainability concerns.
• Lithium and Purified Isophthalic Acid (PIA): Saudi Arabia plans a $100 billion mineral investment, including lithium, aiming to become a global hub. The PIA market is projected to reach $3.9 billion by 2034 (driven by packaging, automotive, and construction demand).

Politics

US Wildfires and Political Fallout

• Federal Wildfire Aid Disbursement: President Biden authorized $5.1 million in one-time payments ($770 each) to nearly 6,000 California wildfire survivors via FEMA’s Critical Needs Assistance Program. The federal government also committed to covering 100% of firefighting costs for 180 days.
• Economic Devastation from Wildfires: California wildfires resulted in at least 24 deaths and damage to over 12,000 structures, with economic losses estimated between $250 billion and $275 billion. Containment efforts are hampered by high winds.
• Political Discord over Disaster Relief: President-elect Trump and California Governor Newsom publicly disagreed on wildfire response and aid, raising concerns about potential future aid disruptions.
• Extreme Fire Weather Conditions: The Los Angeles area faces extreme fire weather, with high winds (40-70 mph) increasing the risk of further wildfires.

Impeachment and Arrest of South Korean President

• Arrest of President Yoon Suk Yeol: Impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was arrested for attempting to declare martial law—an unprecedented event for a sitting president. He faces insurrection charges, punishable by death.
• Market Response to Presidential Arrest: South Korean markets showed resilience after the arrest, with the KOSPI index rising 0.40% to 2,507.35. SK Hynix (up 2.31%) and Samsung Electronics (up 0.37%) performed positively, while Hyundai Motor saw a slight decline (down 0.23%). The iShares MSCI South Korea ETF (EWY) gained 0.94%.
• Details of the Arrest Procedure: The arrest followed a previous failed attempt involving a standoff; approximately 3,000 police officers participated in the successful arrest. President Yoon denounced the investigation as illegal in a pre-recorded video.
• Political Ramifications of Impeachment: Yoon’s attempt to declare martial law, the first in over 40 years, was overturned by lawmakers leading to impeachment proceedings. The Constitutional Court’s impeachment trial is ongoing.

US Inflation and Political Divisions

• Differing Inflation Expectations: Political divisions exist regarding inflation expectations: Democrats anticipate 4% inflation, while Republicans project a historically low 0.1%.
• December CPI Projections: The December CPI report is projected to show headline inflation rising to 2.9% year-over-year (from 2.7% in November), with core inflation at 3.3%. Market indicators suggest persistent inflation.
• Impact on Trump’s Economic Policies: Persistent inflation could complicate President-elect Trump’s economic policies, especially his proposed tariffs, potentially exacerbating price increases. The 10-year breakeven rate reflects market concerns.
• Monetary Policy Uncertainty: The Federal Reserve’s recent rate cuts are debated given upward revisions to growth and inflation forecasts. Persistent inflation could hinder Trump’s economic growth initiatives.

US Cryptocurrency Regulation and the Incoming Administration

• Emmer’s Appointment and Crypto Policy: Rep. Tom Emmer’s appointment as vice chairman of the House Subcommittee on Digital Assets signals a potential shift towards pro-crypto regulation under the Trump administration.
• Anticipated Executive Order on Crypto: President-elect Trump is expected to issue a major executive order on cryptocurrency, suggesting broader crypto reforms.
• Bipartisan Support for Crypto Innovation: Growing bipartisan support for crypto innovation suggests pro-crypto legislation is likely under Republican leadership, focusing on frameworks like FIT21 and dollar-backed stablecoins.
• Criticisms of Existing Crypto Regulations: Emmer’s past criticism of the SEC and sponsorship of the CBDC Anti-Surveillance State Act highlight a desire to reduce regulatory overreach.

President-elect Trump’s Inauguration

• Inauguration Guest List: President-elect Trump’s inauguration will include numerous notable guests, including former presidents, billionaires, and international leaders. The ceremony is scheduled for January 20th.
• High-Profile Attendees: Confirmed attendees include President Biden, Vice President Harris, former Presidents Obama, Bush, and Clinton (excluding Michelle Obama), and billionaires Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg.
• International Leaders Attending: Expected international attendees include Argentine President Javier Milei, possibly Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and possibly Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, with a Chinese envoy also anticipated.
• Inaugural Fund Contributions: Bezos and Zuckerberg each pledged $1 million to the inaugural fund. Musk’s net worth is estimated at $427 billion, Bezos at $237 billion, and Zuckerberg at $210 billion.

Outgoing Biden Administration’s Policy Shifts

• Strengthening Domestic Industries: The Biden administration focused on strengthening the automotive and AI industries, implementing restrictions on Chinese technology to boost domestic production and national security. An executive order facilitates AI development via federal land leases for AI data centers.
• Trade Restrictions Targeting Chinese Tech: New trade restrictions target AI chip exports, limiting advanced AI chip flow to China. A new rule bans the import and sale of vehicles with Chinese or Russian-connected software and hardware.
• Impact on the Automotive Industry: The software ban applies to the 2027 model year, with hardware prohibitions following in 2029. Automakers voiced concerns about these deadlines and logistical challenges.
• Policy Uncertainty Under the Trump Administration: The future of these policies under the Trump administration is uncertain; however, bipartisan concern over China’s technological advancements suggests some key elements may remain.

Stock Picks

US Market Overview

• Broad Market Indices: The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed at 42,518.28, up over 220 points. The Nasdaq Composite dipped 0.2% to 19,044.39, while the S&P 500 showed a modest 0.1% gain, reaching 5,842.91. This reflects mixed investor sentiment.
• Tech Sector Performance: Microsoft’s stock slightly decreased by 0.36%, closing at $415.67, despite launching a new AI-focused organization. Its 52-week range was $384.81 to $468.35.
• Strong Earnings Reports: Applied Digital’s stock surged 9.98% to $8.54, following strong Q2 results. Revenue reached $63.9 million, boosted by a 523% year-over-year increase in Cloud Services. Its 52-week range was $2.36 to $11.25.
• Quantum Computing Sentiment: Rigetti Computing’s stock rebounded significantly, increasing 47.93% to close at $8.95. This follows positive comments from Nvidia and Meta executives about quantum computing. Its 52-week range was $0.66 to $21.42.

Company-Specific News

• Pharmaceutical Adjustments: Eli Lilly’s stock dropped 6.59% to $744.91 after lowering Q4 revenue guidance to $13.5 billion. Strong sales from weight-loss and diabetes drugs are still expected. Its 52-week range was $612.7 to $972.53.
• Tesla’s Sales Shift: Tesla’s stock fell 1.72% to $396.36. While Cybertruck sales reached nearly 39,000 units in 2024, sales of Model S and X declined significantly. Its 52-week range was $138.80 to $488.54.

High-Growth Companies

• Strong Earnings Momentum: Deckers Outdoor (DECK) continues exceeding earnings estimates, with 40% year-over-year EPS growth and 20% sales growth. Its FY25 sales outlook was revised upwards.
• Airline Sector Recovery: United Airlines (UAL) shares more than doubled in the last six months, fueled by strong quarterly results and a $1.5 billion share repurchase program. It anticipates 49% EPS growth and a 5% sales increase next quarter.
• Luxury Retail Expansion: Tapestry (TPR) surpassed revenue and earnings forecasts, raising its full-year outlook. It gained 1.4 million new North American customers and achieved a 75.3% gross margin.

Zacks Rank and Investment Strategies

• Strong Buy Recommendations: Several stocks received a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), including Brilliant Earth Group (BRLT), GigaCloud Technology (GCT), The RMR Group (RMR), CarMax (KMX), and Ooma (OOMA), based on positive earnings estimate revisions.
• Strong Sell Recommendations: Stocks added to the Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell) list included AB SKF (SKFRY), Agilon Health (AGL), and Andritz (ADRZY), due to downward earnings estimate revisions.

Dividend and Long-Term Potential

• High-Dividend Yield Stocks: Analyst ratings and price targets were provided for Kraft Heinz (KHC), Conagra Brands (CAG), and Cal-Maine Foods (CALM), emphasizing dividend yields and recent earnings. Analyst accuracy rates ranged from 60% to 77%.
• Top Long-Term Growth Picks: Nvidia (NVDA), Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (TSM), Arista Networks (ANET), Axon Enterprise (AXON), and the SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY) were highlighted as potential long-term growth stocks. Growth rates and P/E ratios were provided.

Short Interest Update

• Short Interest Changes: Significant changes in short interest were noted for several companies. Celestica (CLS) saw a 15.04% decrease, PACCAR (PCAR) a 24.29% decrease, Quantum-Si (QSI) a 145.97% increase, Curtiss-Wright (CW) a 7.27% decrease, and Mattel (MAT) a 5.77% increase. Comparisons to peer group averages were provided.