**Stock Market Update: AI Surge, Pharma Breakthrough, and Global Market Moves**

**AI Stocks Power Up with New Chip Shipments to China**

Nvidia shares rose 1.5% after news broke that the tech giant will start shipping its new H200 AI chips to China by mid-February. Initial shipments are expected to range between 40,000 to 80,000 units. AMD also saw a boost of 0.7% after reports surfaced that it’s preparing to launch its MI308 chip for China, with Alibaba looking to buy up to 50,000 units. This momentum helped lift other tech stocks like Oracle (+3.2%) and Micron (+4%), showing strong investor confidence in the AI sector.

**Tesla Rallies as Musk’s Pay Package Gets Reinstated**

Tesla stock climbed 1.6% after the Delaware Supreme Court reinstated Elon Musk’s pay deal, adding positive sentiment for the electric car company. This legal win further strengthens Tesla’s position as a market leader in EV innovation.

**Novo Nordisk Scores FDA Approval for Weight-Loss Pill**

Novo Nordisk shares jumped in after-hours trading after the company secured FDA approval for its GLP-1 weight-loss pill — the first of its kind. This puts Novo ahead of competitor Eli Lilly, whose shares dipped 1.2% after missing out on this milestone.

**Honeywell Drops on Weak Forecast**

Honeywell’s stock fell 1.6% as its revenue and earnings outlook for 2025 came in below expectations. The company expects a one-time charge in Q4 related to legal settlements with Flexjet, which has investors concerned.

**Dominion Energy Hit by Wind Project Delays**

Dominion Energy saw its stock fall by 3.7% after it announced suspension plans for five offshore wind projects currently under construction. The news weighed heavily on investor sentiment in the renewable energy sector.

**Meme Stocks Mostly in the Red**

It was a rough day for popular meme stocks. Beyond Meat (-3.6%), Kohl’s (-5.9%), GoPro (-1.2%), Krispy Kreme (-4.2%), AMC (-3.4%), and GameStop (-3.4%) all declined. One exception was BlackBerry, which managed a 4.8% gain.

**Crypto Stocks Mixed Amid Cautious Sentiment**

Crypto-related stocks had a mixed performance. Coinbase rose 1.1%, while MicroStrategy slipped 0.3% after raising $750 million via a stock sale but holding off on buying more Bitcoin. Mara Holdings was down 0.5%, while Gemini Space Station and Bullish gained 2.8% and 2.1% respectively.

**Gold and Silver Prices Soar**

Gold prices surged close to an all-time high of $4,500 amid rising geopolitical tensions, while silver briefly hit $70. The gold-to-silver ratio dropped below 65, signaling strong demand for both metals.

**Oil Prices Climb on Geopolitical Risk**

WTI crude oil prices briefly topped $58 as markets reacted to global tensions, including U.S. actions against Venezuelan oil tankers and Ukraine’s strikes on Russian energy infrastructure. The market is factoring in potential disruptions to global supply.

**Bitcoin Fails to Hold $90K Level**

Bitcoin briefly crossed $90,000 but pulled back as traders remained cautious ahead of a large options expiry on Deribit and concerns over thin liquidity during the holiday season. MicroStrategy’s decision not to reinvest newly raised funds into Bitcoin also impacted sentiment. Ethereum held steady near $3,000.

**Currency Market Shifts as Dollar Falls**

The U.S. Dollar Index slid into the 97s, signaling a weaker dollar across the board. EUR/USD moved closer to 1.18, GBP/USD approached 1.35, and USD/JPY dropped near 156 after Japanese officials hinted at intervention to support the yen.

**Fed Hints at Possible Rate Cuts**

A Federal Reserve official signaled that recent economic data suggests it’s time to consider rate cuts to avoid pushing the economy into a recession.

**ECB Cautious on Inflation and Rates**

European Central Bank leaders warned that inflation remains a concern, but they are not ready to hike rates again soon. They emphasized flexibility depending on how economic conditions evolve.

**Japan Ready for Bold Yen Action**

Japanese policymakers stated they are prepared to take bold steps if the yen moves too quickly or sharply in foreign exchange markets.

**Australia Sees Risk of Higher Inflation**

The Reserve Bank of Australia noted that inflation could stay elevated, but said more time is needed before deciding on any future rate hikes.

**Stock Indices Trend Up with Strong Buy Interest**

Investor interest in major indices remains high: S&P 500 (74% buy bias), Nasdaq (64%), Russell (73%), and Dow (67%). International markets also see strong buying activity — ASX (87%), Hang Seng (84%), and Nikkei (71%).

**Commodities See Bullish Momentum**

Gold maintains strong buying interest (67%), while silver is nearing extreme long positions (75%). WTI oil saw some profit-taking (down from 87% to 83%), and natural gas buying increased with shorts covering positions (76%).

**Forex Market Adjusts After Currency Moves**

EUR/USD sentiment shifted slightly from buy to sell due to recent price gains. GBP/USD followed a similar trend, while AUD/USD flipped from slight sell to slight buy amid rising prices.

**Economic Data Highlights**

– U.S. Chicago Fed National Activity Index improved slightly to -0.21 from -0.31
– UK’s Q3 current account deficit was smaller than expected at £12.1B
– UK GDP grew 0.1% quarter-over-quarter and 1.3% year-over-year, matching forecasts

This summary provides a comprehensive look at market movements driven by AI momentum, key pharma developments, currency shifts, and ongoing geopolitical risks affecting global assets across sectors.