Anti-Clickbait News Summaries for February 10, 2025
Trump raises concerns over U.S. debt and Treasury payments
Hi! It’s Jack and The Stock Insider team with the best, non-partisan daily newsletter in the world related to politics, the US stock market, and business. 😇
The Podcast:
The Markets:
Futures Highlights
Today’s futures are in strong positive territory—with energy contracts leading the gains—while major indices continue their steady, modest upward trend. The sorted list below shows Natural Gas topping the chart, followed by metals and indices with incremental gains:
🟢 Natural Gas: 3.3950 (+0.0860 | +2.60%)
🟢 Gold: 2926.80 (+39.20 | +1.36%)
🟢 Crude Oil: 71.89 (+0.89 | +1.25%)
🟢 Nasdaq 100: 21772.75 (+182.00 | +0.84%)
🟢 Russell 2000: 2301.40 (+13.60 | +0.59%)
🟢 S&P 500: 6084.25 (+34.75 | +0.57%)
🟢 Dow: 44668.00 (+247.00 | +0.56%)
Forex & Bonds Highlights
The forex and bonds sector is showing mixed movement today. BTC/USD stands out with a notable gain, while major currency pairs and short-term bonds are nearly flat or slightly negative, reflecting a cautious mood in the broader fixed-income and FX markets:
🟢 BTC/USD: 98248.50 (+1339.00 | +1.38%)
🟢 USD/JPY: 151.85 (+0.46 | +0.30%)
🟢 30-Year Treasury: 4.704 (+0.014 | +0.30%)
🟢 10-Year Treasury: 4.491 (+0.004 | +0.09%)
⚪ 5-Year Treasury: 4.334 (0 | 0.00%)
🔴 EUR/USD: 1.0321 (-0.0005 | -0.05%)
🔴 GBP/USD: 1.2390 (-0.0009 | -0.07%)
Major News Stocks
In major stock news, a few names like BP, NVDA, and META managed to eke out gains, while several high-profile companies—including AMZN and TSLA—witnessed sharper declines. The list below, sorted from the biggest gainers to the steepest decliners, reflects today’s mixed investor sentiment:
🟢 BP: (+0.97%)
🟢 NVDA: (+0.90%)
🟢 META: (+0.36%)
🔴 MCD: (-0.02%)
🔴 ROK: (-0.12%)
🔴 PLTR: (-0.39%)
🔴 SCHW: (-0.55%)
🔴 MSFT: (-1.46%)
🔴 TSM: (-2.08%)
🔴 AMD: (-2.36%)
🔴 AAPL: (-2.40%)
🔴 MNDY: (-2.67%)
🔴 GOOG: (-3.19%)
🔴 GOOGL: (-3.27%)
🔴 TSLA: (-3.39%)
🔴 AMZN: (-4.05%)
You can find my most significant newsletter (over 500k active subscribers) at:
Beyond the Paywall:
Events Affecting The Markets Today & Beyond
Most Impactful News Summaries
Today:
Below is a deep‐dive overview of the key events scheduled to take place exactly today—Monday, February 10, 2025—that could influence the U.S. stock market both directly and indirectly.
1. Earnings Announcements
Today is one of those busy earnings days. A wide array of U.S. companies from various sectors is set to report their quarterly results for Q4 2024 (and some Q1 2025 reports). These announcements are split into two groups:
Pre‐Market Reports:
Several companies will release their results before the market opens. Notable examples include:McDonald’s (MCD): The fast‐food giant is expected to report earnings at an estimated $2.84 per share with revenue near $6.48 billion.
Incyte (INCY): Expected to report quarterly earnings with forecasts around $1.29 per share.
monday.com (MNDY): Also on the pre‐market schedule, with its earnings results expected to impact technology and software investor sentiment.
Other companies reporting early include Hain Celestial Group, Tower Semiconductor, Edgewell Personal Care, and several more across sectors like industrials and financials.
These earnings reports are a primary driver for intraday volatility as investors recalibrate their expectations for each sector. (nasdaq.com)
After‐Market Reports:
In addition, a number of companies will announce their results after the close. Examples include:Arch Capital Group (ACGL),
RCI Hospitality Holdings (RICK),
Compass Minerals, and others that will add further color to the overall earnings season narrative.
For traders and long‐term investors alike, the breadth of earnings today—from consumer staples to industrials—will offer clues about broader economic trends and corporate health, which can ripple through market sentiment.
2. Policy and Trade Announcements
A. Tariff Announcements and Trade Tensions
Today, the market’s attention is also focused on significant trade policy news:
Steel and Aluminum Tariffs:
President Donald Trump is expected to announce a new set of tariffs—specifically, a blanket 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum imports into the U.S. This move is part of a broader escalation of trade policy that has already moved markets, with pre-market futures showing gains largely driven by rising shares in U.S. steel producers. In addition, Trump has indicated that reciprocal tariffs against other trading partners may be announced very soon (possibly as early as Tuesday or Wednesday).
The immediate market impact is evident in sectors related to raw materials, as companies like U.S. Steel, Nucor, and Alcoa have seen notable premarket gains. (reuters.com , reuters.com)
B. Currency and Coinage Policy
Halting Penny Production:
In an effort to cut costs associated with low‐denomination coinage, President Trump has instructed the Treasury Department to cease production of the penny. Although the direct impact of this decision on the stock market is more indirect, it does signal a willingness on the part of the administration to take swift action on cost‐efficiency measures that could have broader budgetary implications. (investopedia.com)
3. Broader Market and Economic Context
Even though no major domestic economic indicators (such as the U.S. CPI or retail sales data) are scheduled for release today, investors are still digesting the following:
Pre-Market Futures:
U.S. stock index futures are showing gains, reflecting a market that is already pricing in some of today’s policy announcements and earnings news. For instance, rising futures for the S&P 500, Nasdaq, and Dow indicate cautious optimism amid expected volatility.Anticipation of Upcoming Data and Testimony:
While today is all about earnings and trade policy, market participants are also eyeing events later this week. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell is set to testify before Congress on Tuesday and Wednesday, and the January Consumer Price Index (CPI) is due for release on Wednesday. Both events are expected to shape future expectations about interest rates and inflation. (reuters.com, riotimesonline.com)Sector Rotation:
With Trump’s tariff announcements providing a tailwind to domestic steel and aluminum producers, investors are watching for a potential reallocation of capital away from sectors more exposed to global trade risks.
4. Implications for Market Participants
Given the confluence of events today, here are some of the likely implications:
Earnings Volatility:
The extensive list of earnings announcements means that volatility will likely be high, especially in sectors where individual company performance may deviate significantly from consensus estimates. Investors will need to watch both the beat-or-miss factor and guidance for the next quarter.Trade Policy Uncertainty:
The tariff announcement creates immediate uncertainty. While higher tariffs might bolster domestic producers in the steel and aluminum space, they could also lead to retaliatory measures internationally and add to inflationary pressures—a factor that could influence future Fed policy.Budgetary and Fiscal Signaling:
The move to end penny production, although minor in everyday transactions, is a visible sign that fiscal efficiency is being prioritized. This could be interpreted as a signal of broader efforts to tighten government spending.Investor Sentiment and Future Outlook:
With upcoming Fed testimony and key economic data releases on the horizon, today’s events will likely set the tone for market sentiment over the coming days. Investors are advised to keep a close watch on both the immediate earnings reports and the unfolding trade policy narrative.
Conclusion
Today—Monday, February 10, 2025—is marked by a confluence of corporate earnings announcements and significant policy moves. With numerous companies reporting their quarterly results and the administration set to announce substantial tariffs on steel and aluminum imports (as well as halting penny production), the market is positioned for heightened volatility and a shift in sentiment. Investors should remain alert as these developments unfold and continue to monitor related macroeconomic events scheduled for later this week.
Each of these factors—earnings, trade policy, and fiscal initiatives—could have ripple effects across various sectors, influencing market dynamics both in the short term and as part of a broader economic outlook. (nasdaq.com, reuters.com, reuters.com, riotimesonline.com)
Most Impactful News Summaries:
US seen as a risk in global stability due to Trump's land proposals, Munich report finds
A new report from the Munich Security Conference indicates that the U.S. is viewed as a risk rather than a stabilizing force. This shift is linked to Donald Trump's proposals for land acquisitions and a move away from global leadership.
The report highlights a transition from a U.S.-led world to a multipolar one, where no single ideology dominates. It suggests that without U.S. leadership, global cooperation on issues like security and trade may decline.
The conference will feature discussions between U.S. officials and European leaders about future U.S. roles and support for Ukraine. The report also notes that perceptions of U.S. risks have increased in G7 countries, surpassing concerns about Russia.
Source: https://ca.news.yahoo.com/trump-proposed-land-grabs-mean-113222814.html
OpenAI finalizes first custom AI chip design to reduce Nvidia reliance
OpenAI is finalizing its first custom AI chip design, aiming to reduce reliance on Nvidia. The design will be sent for fabrication at Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) in the coming months, with mass production planned for 2026.
The chip, designed by a team led by Richard Ho, will initially focus on running AI models. OpenAI's efforts are notable as many tech companies have struggled to develop satisfactory chips despite years of work.
OpenAI's chip will utilize TSMC's advanced 3-nanometer technology and is expected to feature high-bandwidth memory and networking capabilities. The company plans to develop more advanced processors in the future.
Source: https://sg.finance.yahoo.com/news/exclusive-openai-set-finalize-first-110424252.html
Futures rise as markets respond positively to Trump's tariff announcement on steel imports
U.S. stock index futures rose on Monday, recovering from previous losses. Steelmakers led the gains after President Trump announced new 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, prompting significant increases in their stock prices.
U.S. Steel surged nearly 10%, while Cleveland-Cliffs and Nucor also saw substantial gains. Trump's announcement of reciprocal tariffs on other countries is expected soon, but markets appear less reactive to these developments.
Most major stocks, including Microsoft and Meta Platforms, edged higher. The Federal Reserve Chair is set to testify before Congress this week, with a consumer price index report expected before his appearance.
Starlink becomes SpaceX's top revenue source with $8.2 billion in 2024
Starlink, SpaceX's satellite internet service, generated an estimated $8.2 billion in revenue for 2024, doubling its earnings from the previous year. The customer base also grew from 2.3 million to 4.6 million users.
Starshield, a service for U.S. government and military communications, contributed about $2 billion to Starlink's revenue. While residential services remain the largest revenue source, international users are increasing, leading to a decline in average revenue per user.
With 79% of Starlink's income coming from recurring services, conditions may now be favorable for a potential initial public offering, as SpaceX aims for stable revenue before proceeding.
Source: https://www.fool.com/investing/2025/02/10/its-official-starlink-is-spacexs-biggest-money-mak/
Trump raises concerns over U.S. debt and Treasury payments
The U.S. government has nearly $36 trillion in debt, which is crucial to the global financial system. President Trump recently suggested there may be fraud in Treasury debt payments and questioned the total debt amount, potentially alarming investors.
U.S. Treasuries are widely held and used globally as financial reserves and collateral. The U.S. Treasury compiles foreign ownership data monthly, but it may not accurately reflect individual country ownership due to custodial accounts.
Total U.S. debt continues to rise, currently at $35.5 trillion.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/markets/us/who-owns-us-debt-2025-02-10/
UN member states begin historic negotiations for international tax treaty
United Nations member states have started negotiations for a new international tax treaty, aiming to replace the current system that costs governments billions in revenue. This initiative, led by African countries, seeks to improve tax cooperation and address inequality.
The treaty process was initiated in 2022, with broad support from 110 countries. The new framework aims to tackle issues like tax avoidance by multinational corporations and to enhance funding for human rights, including health and education.
During the first day of talks, the United States opposed the treaty and left the negotiations. The African group and European countries reached an agreement on voting rules, allowing a simple majority for the framework convention and a two-thirds majority for protocol substance.
Source: https://www.hrw.org/news/2025/02/10/negotiations-un-tax-treaty-present-historic-opportunity-rights
Sam Altman predicts AI costs will drop tenfold each year
Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, announced that the cost of using AI is expected to decrease by ten times each year. This follows the launch of Stargate, a $500 billion AI infrastructure project aimed at enhancing AI capabilities.
In his blog post, Altman highlighted that the price per token for AI services has already dropped significantly, indicating a trend of increasing accessibility. He noted that the intelligence of AI models is directly linked to the resources invested in their development.
Despite a recent sell-off in AI stocks due to competition from cheaper models, major tech companies are increasing their investments in AI. Altman emphasized that this trend could lead to significant changes in the economy, affecting the prices of various goods.
Source: https://www.businessinsider.com/sam-altman-cost-using-ai-drop-10-times-every-year-2025-2
Google and Meta criticize EU's new code of practice for advanced AI tools
Google and Meta oppose a new EU "code of practice" for advanced AI tools like Gemini and ChatGPT. They argue the rules are unworkable and exceed the requirements of existing AI regulations.
The code aims to clarify data disclosure and address systemic risks in AI. It follows the EU's AI rulebook adopted last summer.
The criticism comes ahead of the AI Action Summit in Paris, where EU leaders want to demonstrate openness to tech innovation. The final code is expected to be completed by April, depending on industry support.
Meta develops brain-typing AI but limits use to lab settings due to costs
Meta has created a brain-typing AI that uses advanced neuroscience to interpret brain activity and predict typing. However, it is limited to lab use due to the high cost and complexity of the required equipment.
The system relies on a large, expensive magnetoencephalography (MEG) machine, which costs around $2 million and requires a controlled environment. It can predict thoughts about letters with 80% accuracy but still makes errors.
While Meta's research aims to understand human intelligence, the technology is not ready for consumer use. Other companies are developing brain-computer interfaces, but Meta's focus remains on non-invasive methods, keeping this technology confined to research settings for now.
Wall Street futures decline as dollar strengthens on tariff announcements
Wall Street futures fell and the dollar rose after President Trump announced plans for 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports. He is expected to reveal additional tariffs soon, raising concerns about a potential trade war.
Germany's Chancellor warned the EU would respond quickly to U.S. tariffs. Meanwhile, China's retaliatory tariffs on U.S. exports are set to take effect, with no progress in U.S.-China trade talks.
The dollar strengthened against other currencies, while U.S. Treasury yields increased. Gold prices reached record highs as investors sought to avoid potential tariffs on the metal.
Source: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/wall-st-futures-slip-dollar-233339240.html
Taiwan's chip industry faces competition as China expands legacy chip production
Taiwan's chip industry faces increased competition from Chinese foundries like Nexchip, which have gained market share by offering lower prices. This shift follows Taiwan's Powerchip Technology's earlier expansion into China, which has now become a significant rival.
Chinese companies have rapidly increased their production of legacy chips, capturing 34% of global capacity in 2024, while Taiwan holds 43%. Projections suggest China's share will surpass Taiwan's by 2027, driven by strong government support and aggressive pricing strategies.
In response, Taiwanese firms are shifting focus to advanced chip technologies and reducing their involvement in the Chinese market. Some companies report a rise in orders from international clients seeking to avoid Chinese manufacturing, reflecting changing supply chain dynamics.
World's fastest supercomputer El Capitan goes live in California
The world's fastest supercomputer, "El Capitan," is now operational at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California. It can perform 2.746 exaFLOPS, making it the third exascale computer globally.
El Capitan will focus on sensitive tasks, including securing the U.S. nuclear stockpile and conducting classified research. It was built at a cost of $600 million and officially dedicated on January 9, 2025.
Construction began in May 2023, and the supercomputer achieved a benchmark score of 1.742 exaFLOPS last year. It surpasses the previous fastest supercomputer, Frontier, which has a peak performance of 2.056 exaFLOPS.
Fidelity report suggests central banks may start buying Bitcoin in 2025
A new report from Fidelity suggests that 2025 may see central banks and governments begin purchasing Bitcoin. This marks a shift from previous trends, potentially leading to significant investment surpassing that from new Bitcoin exchange-traded funds.
The U.S. government plans to create a strategic Bitcoin reserve, which could involve buying up to one million Bitcoins over five years. This would formalize its position as the largest sovereign holder of Bitcoin, a status it currently holds without a clear strategy.
If the U.S. moves forward with this plan, other nations may feel pressured to buy Bitcoin as well. This could create a competitive environment among countries, driven by concerns of missing out on potential benefits.
Source: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/recent-development-could-game-changer-171800727.html
Coherent Corp reports 27% revenue growth amid AI semiconductor surge
Coherent Corp (COHR) is gaining attention amid a surge in interest in AI stocks, particularly due to the DeepSeek phenomenon. This shift highlights the potential of Chinese companies in the AI sector, which may rival U.S. tech giants.
Analysts project China's AI market could reach $206 billion by 2030, growing at 44% annually. This has led to increased investment in Chinese chipmakers and software firms, with expectations of significant market impacts.
While U.S. stocks remain dominant, the competition with China is intensifying. Analysts caution that the focus on major U.S. tech companies may pose risks for investors in 2025, as the landscape evolves with new AI developments.
Source: https://ca.finance.yahoo.com/news/coherent-corp-cohr-ai-driven-175146554.html
Quantum computing stocks surge as investor interest grows in established tech firms
Quantum computing stocks have surged recently, with the top four companies' market value rising from $1.9 billion to $15 billion in six months. This increase reflects growing investor interest, despite concerns about their current business performance.
Google's recent breakthrough with its Willow chip has fueled excitement in the quantum sector. The chip demonstrated improved error correction, allowing it to perform complex tasks much faster than traditional computers, although the test was designed to favor quantum capabilities.
Investors are advised to consider established companies like Alphabet, IBM, Microsoft, and Nvidia for quantum computing investments. These firms have more stable business models and are actively developing quantum technologies, with Alphabet currently offering a favorable valuation.
Support for carbon capture technology may decline under Trump’s second term and GOP Congress
Support for carbon capture technology may decline under President Trump’s second term and GOP control of Congress. His administration emphasizes fossil fuel production and has withdrawn from the Paris Agreement, with new energy policies lacking focus on carbon capture.
Despite this, demand for carbon capture may persist due to state-level climate goals. The technology received a $12 billion boost under the Biden administration, and projects continue in Republican states like Wyoming, which supports carbon capture initiatives.
Wyoming has committed to becoming carbon negative, with significant investments in carbon capture research. Other states, including Louisiana, North Dakota, and West Virginia, have also begun regulating underground carbon dioxide injection independently.
Source: https://ca.finance.yahoo.com/news/efforts-put-co2-underground-face-143055007.html
Trump expands executive powers in second term with focus on political retribution
Donald Trump is expanding his executive powers during his second term, focusing on retribution against political opponents. Recent actions include revoking Joe Biden's security clearance and dismissing key officials, reflecting a continued effort to settle scores.
Trump's administration has targeted various figures, including New York Attorney General Letitia James and Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. He also plans to overhaul the Kennedy Center board and has dismissed the national archivist, signaling a shift in leadership.
The Department of Government Efficiency, led by Elon Musk, is rapidly restructuring agencies like USAID and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Recent actions include freezing foreign aid and canceling a project honoring Dr. Anthony Fauci.
Source: https://www.cnn.com/2025/02/09/politics/trump-actions-settling-scores/index.html
Hugging Face develops open-source AI research agent to rival OpenAI's new feature in 24 hours
Hugging Face has developed an open-source AI research agent that competes with OpenAI's new Deep Research feature, completing the task in just 24 hours. This new agent can synthesize information and perform multi-step research tasks.
While Hugging Face's version achieved 55.15% accuracy on a benchmark, OpenAI's Deep Research scored 67.36%. Hugging Face's rapid development highlights the growing ability of smaller companies to replicate advanced AI tools.
The emergence of alternatives like Hugging Face's open-R1 and Stanford's s1 model, which also rivals OpenAI's offerings, raises questions about the sustainability of large investments in AI by major companies.
Source: https://futurism.com/replicate-openai-deep-research-ai-tool-24-hours
China leads the world in nuclear energy development with rapid reactor construction
China is rapidly advancing in nuclear energy, building more reactors than any other country. It has completed four AP-1000 reactors, designed by Westinghouse, before the U.S. finished its first two. China is also developing its own reactor designs, like the Hualong One.
With nearly two dozen reactors under construction, China has surpassed France to become the second-largest user of nuclear power. Analysts predict it will soon overtake the U.S. as the top nuclear energy producer, reshaping global energy dynamics.
China's state-owned enterprises benefit from low-interest loans and a connected electricity grid, allowing for efficient reactor construction. Meanwhile, the U.S. faces challenges with regulatory delays and an aging grid, hindering its nuclear energy revival efforts.
Source: https://sg.news.yahoo.com/china-became-world-nuclear-energy-130008205.html