Money

Stocks jump to record close as Nvidia sparks AI frenzy

Published

2 years ago

February 23, 2024

Ahron Young

The S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average both surged to close at record highs on Thursday, fueled by a wave of investor enthusiasm for growth and technology stocks following Nvidia’s stellar earnings report and bullish outlook on artificial intelligence chip demand.

Nvidia’s shares (NVDA.O) skyrocketed after the chip designer projected a nearly three-fold increase in first-quarter revenue, citing robust demand for its AI chips.

The company’s performance surpassed expectations for fourth-quarter revenue, underscoring its position as a leader in the AI market.

The success of Nvidia’s earnings served as a litmus test for the AI-driven rally on Wall Street, particularly after the S&P 500 breached the 5,000-point milestone earlier this month.

Analysts had warned of a potential sell-off in technology stocks if Nvidia’s results fell short. However, the market responded with a surge, propelling both the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average to record highs.

Significant gains

Unofficial closing data revealed that the Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 456.54 points, or 1.18%, to 39,068.78, while the S&P 500 gained 105.14 points, or 2.11%, to 5,086.94.

The Nasdaq Composite also saw significant gains, adding 460.75 points, or 2.96%, to 16,041.62.

Jack Janasiewicz, lead portfolio strategist at Natixis Investment Managers Solutions, humorously remarked, “As Nvidia goes, so goes the world,” highlighting the company’s influence on market sentiment. Janasiewicz emphasized that Nvidia’s strong earnings dispelled doubts about the sustainability of the AI trade, suggesting further potential for growth.

Nvidia’s market capitalisation surge on Thursday surpassed Meta Platform’s historic $196 billion gain earlier in the month, solidifying its position as a market leader in AI technology.

Maintain its position

Market analysts predict that the S&P 500 will maintain its position above the 5,000 mark throughout the year, according to a Reuters poll.

Most sectors within the S&P 500 experienced gains, with technology stocks leading the charge.

The S&P 500 growth index recorded its largest daily percentage gain since November 2022.

In addition to Nvidia, other companies poised to benefit from the AI boom saw notable increases in their stock prices.

Advanced Micro Devices (AMD.O), Super Micro Computer (SMCI.O), and Arm Holdings all experienced significant jumps.

Money

Fed cuts rates, signals more potentially ahead

Fed lowers rates amid job market concerns, signalling potential further cuts in upcoming meetings

Published

2 days ago

September 18, 2025

Ahron Young

Fed lowers rates amid job market concerns, signalling potential further cuts in upcoming meetings

In Short:
– The Federal Reserve cut interest rates by a quarter-point to address job market concerns.
– Officials expect at least two additional rate cuts by year-end amid ongoing economic uncertainties.

The Federal Reserve has reduced interest rates by a quarter-point, addressing concerns about a weakening job market overshadowing inflation worries.

A majority of officials anticipate at least two additional cuts by year-end during the remaining meetings in October and December.

Fed Chair Jerome Powell noted a significant shift in the labour market, highlighting “downside risk” in his statements.

The recent rate cut, supported by 11 of 12 Fed voters, aims to recalibrate an economy facing uncertainties from policy changes and market pressures.

Policy Dynamics

The decision comes amid intense political scrutiny, with President Trump openly criticising Powell’s reluctance to lower rates.

Despite the controversy, Powell asserts that political pressures do not influence Fed operations.

The current benchmark federal-funds rate now sits between 4% and 4.25%, the lowest since 2021, providing some reprieve to consumers and small businesses. Economic forecasts indicate ongoing complexities, including inflation trends and the impact of tariffs on labour dynamics, complicating future policy decisions.

Money

Fed faces unusual dissent amid leadership uncertainty

Fed’s Powell navigates contentious meeting amid Trump-appointed dissenters as rate cut looms and succession contest heats up

Published

3 days ago

September 17, 2025

Ahron Young

Fed’s Powell navigates contentious meeting amid Trump-appointed dissenters as rate cut looms and succession contest heats up

In Short:
– This week’s Federal Reserve meeting faces unusual dissent as Chair Powell approaches his term’s end.
– Analysts predict dissent over expected rate cuts due to political pressures from Trump-appointed officials.

This week’s Federal Reserve meeting is set to be particularly unusual, with Chair Jerome Powell facing significant disagreements over future policy as he approaches the end of his term in May.Tensions began before the meeting when Fed governor Lisa Cook won a court ruling allowing her to attend, despite opposition from President Trump, who is attempting to remove her.

The situation is further complicated by the recent swearing-in of Trump adviser Stephen Miran to the Fed’s board, following a Senate confirmation.

Analysts believe Powell may encounter dissent on an expected quarter-percentage-point rate cut from both Trump-appointed officials and regional Fed presidents concerned about inflation.

Potential Dissent

Trump has urged significant rate cuts and for the board to challenge Powell’s decisions.

Some analysts predict dissenting votes from Miran and other Trump appointees in favour of larger cuts. Federal Reserve veterans express concerns that political motivations may undermine the institution’s integrity, with indications that greater dissent could become commonplace.

Money

RBA plans to ban credit card surcharges in Australia

Reserve Bank of Australia plans to ban credit card surcharges despite banks warning of potential higher fees and weaker rewards

Published

4 days ago

September 16, 2025

ticker NEWS

Reserve Bank of Australia plans to ban credit card surcharges despite banks warning of potential higher fees and weaker rewards.

In Short:
– The RBA plans to ban surcharges on debit and credit card transactions, supported by consumer group Choice.
– Major banks oppose the ban, warning it could lead to higher card fees and reduced rewards for credit card users.

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) intends to implement a ban on surcharges associated with debit and credit card transactions. Consumer advocacy group Choice endorses this initiative, arguing that it is unjust for users of low-cost debit cards to incur similar fees as credit card holders.

The major banks, however, are opposing this reform. They caution that the removal of surcharges could prompt customers to abandon credit cards due to diminished rewards.

A final decision by the RBA is anticipated by December 2025.