Revelations and Impacts on Financial Markets Revelations and Impacts on Financial Markets

By: Alex Freidmen


Benzinga examined the prospects for many investors’ favorite stocks over the last week — here’s a look at some of our top stories.

All three major indexes ended the week higher as the S&P 500 increased by 1.8%, the Nasdaq by 3.1%, and the Dow by 0.3%.

The Consumer Price Index rose to 3.4% YoY in December, surpassing November’s 3.1% and the expected 3.2%, and signaling potential impacts on financial markets and Federal Reserve policies.

In banking, JPMorgan Chase & Co. JPM reported strong earnings with a positive net interest income outlook despite economic concerns, while Bank of America Corp. BAC experienced a 10% revenue decline, Wells Fargo & Company WFC saw a 9% profit increase but expects lower future revenue, and Citigroup Inc C faced reduced revenue and announced significant job cuts amid restructuring.

The week’s highlight was the SEC’s approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs, marking a significant milestone for Bitcoin by broadening its investor base.

Benzinga provides daily reports on the stocks most popular with investors. Here are a few of this past week’s most bullish and bearish posts that are worth another look.

The Bulls

“Microsoft Back On Top, Dethrones Apple As World’s Most Valuable Company” by Chris Katje, highlights that Microsoft Corporation MSFT has surpassed Apple Inc AAPL to become the world’s most valuable company, driven by its investments in artificial intelligence.

“‘Credits To The Tesla Team:’ Elon Musk Applauds His Workers As EV Giant Eclipses Legacy Automakers’ Sales Growth Over 8 Years” by Shanthi Rexaline, highlights Elon Musk‘s praise for the Tesla team as the company outperformed legacy automakers in U.S. sales growth from 2015 to 2023.

“Cathie Wood Reveals How Much Bitcoin She Owns Personally For First Time”, by Mehab Qureshi, reports that Cathie Wood, CEO of ARK Investment Management, disclosed that at least 25% of her financial net worth, excluding her firm and real estate, is invested in Bitcoin BTC/USD.

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For additional bullish calls of the past week, check out the following:

Who Should Tesla Be Most Worried About? Not Ford Or GM, But Rivian And An Unlikely Korean Rival

Semiconductor Supply In Automotive Industry Has Caught Up With Demand, AMD and Nvidia Set for Prominent AI and Automotive Role: Analyst

BlackRock CEO Larry Fink: ‘I’m A Big Believer,’ Sees Value In Having Ethereum ETFs

The Bears

“Congresswoman Laurel Lee Sells Alibaba Stock After Criticizing China: Why Her Trade Is Drawing Scrutiny” by Chris Katje, discusses the scrutiny over Rep. Laurel Lee (R-Fla.) selling her Alibaba Group Holding BABA stock amid her criticism of China and her role on a cybersecurity subcommittee.

“‘Ethereum Killer’ Solana Plummets 12%, Max Keiser Says ‘Rug Pull Has Begun'” by Mehab Qureshi, reports a 12% drop in Solana SOL/USD, with broadcaster Max Keiser suggesting the beginning of a “rug pull” following the cryptocurrency’s recent hype and airdrop-driven surge.

“Boeing Faces ‘Reputational Minefield’ After Midair Door Blowout: 4 Analysts On Collateral Damage From 737 MAX 9 Grounding” by Surbhi Jain, discusses how Boeing Co BA is grappling with regulatory scrutiny and potential reputational damage following a door blowout incident on an Alaska Air Group, Inc. ALK-operated 737 MAX 9 aircraft.

For more bearish takes, be sure to see these posts:

Apple Analyst Mark Gurman Deems Vision Pro’s Virtual Keyboard A ‘Complete Write-Off’ Ahead Of First Sale

Analyst Cautions On Plug Power And SunPower, Flags Financing Concerns, Slow Recovery

Stagflation In 2024? Red Sea Crisis Could Trigger Domino Effect For Global Costs

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