In Short:
– Stocks fell due to concerns over AI valuations; S&P 500 down 1.2%, Nasdaq down 1.9%.
– Palantir shares dropped 9% despite strong performance, raising questions about sustainability of high valuations.

Stocks fell on Tuesday as investor concerns regarding artificial intelligence valuations impacted major indices.

The S&P 500 declined by 1.2%, and the Nasdaq Composite dropped by 1.9%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 304 points, equating to a 0.6% decrease.Palantir shares dropped 9%, despite the company’s strong third-quarter performance and positive forecasts attributed to its AI sector growth. The stock has surged over 150% this year, yet trades at over 200 times its forward earnings, leading investors to question whether such valuations can be sustained.

Other tech stocks also faced declines, including Oracle and AMD, which saw drops of 4% and more than 3%, respectively.

Gains in AI stocks have inflated the S&P 500’s price-earnings ratio above 23, raising concerns about stock valuations. Ameriprise market strategist Anthony Saglimbene highlighted potential risks, stating that investors are questioning if future profit growth will support high capital expenditures.

Market Outlook

Comments from executives at Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley further added to market worries.

Both firms predicted potential market pullbacks, with drawdowns of 10% to 20% possible within the next two years. Saglimbene noted a narrow market breadth in recent months, suggesting limited alternatives if a downturn occurs in the tech sector.

In Short:
– Russian officials emphasise their alliance with China after Trump’s meeting with Xi Jinping.
– Prime Minister Mishustin’s visit to China aims to strengthen trade and cooperation between the two nations.

Russian officials reaffirmed their alliance with China following U.S. President Donald Trump’s meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin arrived in Hangzhou for two days of negotiations, signing various agreements to enhance cooperation in trade, investment, energy, transport, agriculture, and space, according to Russian state media.

Mishustin described his Chinese counterpart as a “dear friend,” stating that Russian-Chinese relations are at their peak despite Western sanctions. Li Qiang reciprocated by expressing Beijing’s readiness to strengthen ties, noting mutual support amid external risks and challenges.

Strategic Partnership

China remains Russia’s most important ally, having not condemned the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, and echoes Russia’s language, referring to the situation as a “crisis.”

Ahead of this visit, the Kremlin highlighted the significance of the talks, sending a robust delegation, including top officials from finance, agriculture, space, and nuclear energy.

Mishustin’s visit coincides with Trump’s recent discussions with Xi, where agreements were reportedly reached on several issues in a gesture seen as a trade truce amidst rising tariffs.

Trump’s engagement with China contrasts with his lack of progress in talks with Russia, which he attributed to frustrations over the Ukraine conflict. This context may indicate Russia’s unease regarding China’s positive interactions with the U.S.