The Nasdaq saw significant gains on Monday, propelled by Microsoft’s announcement that former OpenAI head Sam Altman will be joining the company to lead a new advanced AI research team. Microsoft’s shares reached an all-time high, marking a 1.6% increase, following CEO Satya Nadella’s confirmation of Altman’s appointment.
The S&P 500’s information technology sub-index, where Microsoft is housed, emerged as the top gainer within the sector, rising by 0.9%. Other prominent tech stocks like Nvidia and Apple also experienced marginal gains.
Wall Street’s major indexes have displayed remarkable rebound throughout November, with consecutive week-on-week gains. Investors have been buoyed by signs of diminishing U.S. inflation, which has bolstered expectations that the Federal Reserve will put a hold on interest rate hikes.
The S&P 500 is inching closer to its yearly peak, achieved in July, trailing by less than 2%. Analysts like Joe Saluzzi, partner and co-founder at Themis Trading, believe there is little scope for significant changes in market conditions leading up to the year-end, citing the lack of economic news and the Fed’s apparent reluctance to raise rates any further.
Market participants have already factored in the probability of the Fed maintaining interest rates at their current level in December. Notably, they have also begun pricing in the likelihood of rate cuts starting as early as March, according to the CME Group’s FedWatch tool.
In the days ahead, several factors will influence market sentiment, including Nvidia’s quarterly earnings report and the release of the Fed’s November meeting minutes, which will be scrutinized for hints regarding future rate decisions. Additionally, Black Friday sales data will offer insights into the state of U.S. consumer spending.
As of 11:37 a.m. ET, the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose by 0.3%, the S&P 500 climbed by 0.44%, and the Nasdaq Composite surged by 0.76%.
Key movers in the market included Bristol Myers Squibb, which experienced a 2.4% decline due to Germany’s Bayer halting a late-stage trial for a new anti-clotting drug. On the other hand, Boeing saw a 3.9% increase after Deutsche Bank upgraded the aerospace company’s rating and raised its price target.
Advancing issues outnumbered decliners on both the NYSE and Nasdaq exchanges.
During the trading session, the S&P index established 15 new 52-week highs and one new low, while the Nasdaq recorded 52 new highs and 59 new lows.
FAQs
1. Who is joining Microsoft to lead the new advanced AI research team?
Sam Altman, the former head of OpenAI, is set to join Microsoft.
2. Which sector experienced the highest gains in the stock market?
The information technology sub-index of the S&P 500 emerged as the top gainer.
3. What are investors anticipating in terms of interest rate changes?
Investors have priced in the likelihood of the Federal Reserve keeping interest rates unchanged in December and have started factoring in potential rate cuts as early as March.
4. What events will impact market sentiment this week?
Events such as Nvidia’s quarterly earnings report, the release of the Fed’s November meeting minutes, and Black Friday sales data will influence market sentiment.
5. How did Bristol Myers Squibb and Boeing perform during the trading session?
Bristol Myers Squibb experienced a decline, while Boeing saw an increase in its stock value.