Anti-Clickbait News Summaries for February 9, 2025
Trump's $500 billion plan aims to boost U.S. AI growth and create jobs
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
Summary: The futures market is showing mixed signals – energy and gold are edging higher while major equity benchmarks are under pressure. This reflects cautious sentiment ahead of upcoming economic data and market developments.
🟢 Crude Oil: 71.06 (+0.45 | +0.64%)
🔴 Natural Gas: 3.3130 (–0.0950 | –2.79%)
🟢 Gold: 2886.10 (+9.40 | +0.33%)
🔴 Dow: 44415.00 (–448.00 | –1.00%)
🔴 S&P 500: 6050.00 (–56.00 | –0.92%)
🔴 Nasdaq 100: 21575.25 (–296.50 | –1.36%)
🔴 Russell 2000: 2289.30 (–25.60 | –1.11%)
Forex & Bonds Update
Summary: In the Forex and bonds arena, most currency pairs are drifting lower, with the euro and British pound under slight pressure. Meanwhile, US Treasuries are rallying modestly, signaling a cautious move to safety despite some volatility in crypto markets.
🔴 EUR/USD: 1.0326 (–0.0057 | –0.55%)
🟢 USD/JPY: 151.39 (+0.03 | +0.02%)
🔴 GBP/USD: 1.2399 (–0.0033 | –0.27%)
🔴 BTC/USD: 96095.60 (–1106.50 | –1.14%)
🟢 5-Year Treasury: 4.334 (+0.061 | +1.43%)
🟢 10-Year Treasury: 4.487 (+0.047 | +1.06%)
🟢 30-Year Treasury: 4.69 (+0.04 | +0.86%)
Major News Stocks
Summary: Sorting the market movers from the biggest winners to the steepest losers, tech and travel shares lead the pack on the upside, while some major names are struggling. This divergence underscores the volatility and mixed investor sentiment prevailing in the markets today.
🟢 PINS: +19.08%
🟢 NET: +17.76%
🟢 EXPE: +17.27%
🟢 UBER: +6.59%
🟢 HOOD: +5.06%
🟢 NVDA: +0.90%
🟢 META: +0.36%
🔴 PLTR: –0.39%
🔴 MSFT: –1.46%
🔴 AAPL: –2.40%
🔴 GOOG: –3.19%
🔴 GOOGL: –3.27%
🔴 TSLA: –3.39%
🔴 AMZN: –4.05%
🔴 X: –5.83%
🔴 ELF: –19.62%
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Beyond the Paywall:
Events Affecting The Markets Today & Beyond
Most Impactful News Summaries
Today:
Below is a deep‐dive into the announcements and scheduled developments that (if any) are expected to occur “exactly today” (Sunday, February 9, 2025) which may directly or indirectly influence the U.S. stock market.
1. Pre‐Market Earnings and Corporate Announcements
Earnings Releases and Guidance Updates:
• It is not uncommon for companies to release their earnings reports or guidance “after‐hours” on non‐trading days (including Sunday evening) so that investors have the full picture before Monday’s open. While none of the major U.S. names has been reported as scheduled for a Sunday release today, several companies in sectors such as technology, biotech, and consumer discretionary may choose to issue updates on Sunday evening.
• Investors are advised to watch for pre‐market news alerts on Monday morning, as any such announcement may be “priced in” before the regular session begins. (For example, some of the upcoming Q4 reports from tech giants and pharmaceutical companies—detailed in broader week‐ahead coverage—could be preceded by a Sunday evening press release.)
Corporate Guidance & Investor Calls:
• Occasionally, firms announce changes to guidance or host investor calls outside regular hours. Although our research did not uncover a “headline” corporate announcement scheduled exactly for today, market participants should keep an eye on newswire services later in the evening that might update forward guidance for the week ahead.
2. Policy and Regulatory Developments
Federal Reserve and Regulatory Commentary:
• U.S. policy events are normally timed during the business week. There is no indication that the Federal Reserve (or other U.S. regulators) has scheduled a policy announcement or an official speech for Sunday, February 9, 2025.
• That said, given the ongoing discussion about tariffs and monetary policy in recent weeks—and as many articles (for example, Reuters and Business Insider analyses) discuss potential effects of President Trump’s policies—any weekend comment from policymakers (via social media or late-breaking interviews) could be newsworthy. At this time, however, there is no confirmed Fed speech or regulatory release set exactly for today.
3. International Developments With Indirect U.S. Impacts
Global Economic Releases:
• While the U.S. economic calendar is largely dormant on Sundays, significant international events can indirectly affect U.S. stocks. For instance, one key report scheduled for Sunday (according to an IG economic calendar update) is China’s consumer price index (CPI) and producer price index (PPI) release (reported as scheduled for Sunday morning in Singapore Time).
Why It Matters: Although this is a Chinese report, subdued or rising inflation abroad can influence U.S. investor sentiment on trade, commodity prices, and ultimately corporate earnings. In a globalized economy, unexpected readings overseas might impact risk sentiment in U.S. markets when Monday’s session opens.
Geopolitical and Trade Developments:
• Ongoing discussions about tariffs and trade negotiations—in particular, the fallout from President Trump’s tariff policies on Canada, Mexico, and China—continue to be a background theme. There have been reports (from Reuters and other sources) about temporary tariff delays and subsequent trade-related negotiations. Although the most dramatic tariff announcements were made earlier in the week, any follow‐up communication (perhaps released late on Sunday) could have an indirect influence by affecting market expectations over the coming days.
4. Market Sentiment and “Weekend” News
Investor Sentiment and Volatility Outlook:
• Market strategists have noted recently that volatility remains a key concern as the VIX (the “fear gauge”) has risen after recent tech-sector shocks. While much of that analysis centers on the trading week, some commentators publish weekend wrap‐ups or “week ahead” outlooks.
• Articles in sources such as Barron’s and Investors.com have discussed potential volatility due to geopolitical and trade-policy uncertainties. Although these are not “announcements” per se, their publication over the weekend (including on Sunday) can reinforce investor sentiment heading into Monday’s session.
Summary
In summary, for Sunday, February 9, 2025, there is no single “headline” U.S. stock market announcement—such as a major earnings report, central bank statement, or policy change—scheduled during the day. Instead, what investors should note is:
• The potential for late Sunday (pre‐market) earnings or guidance releases from select companies.
• International economic data releases (notably China’s CPI/PPI) that can indirectly affect U.S. markets.
• Ongoing discussions and background news on trade and tariff policies that have been in the news earlier this week and may see follow-up commentary over the weekend.
Sources used: investopedia.com, markets.businessinsider.com, ig.com, and additional economic calendar data from Econoday and IG.
Most Impactful News Summaries:
Defense stocks face uncertainty from Trump's trade policies and military spending plans
The second Trump administration has created uncertainty for American defense contractors due to aggressive foreign policy moves and a potential budget fight in Congress. The iShares U.S. Aerospace & Defense ETF has not significantly changed since Trump's election.
Trump's "America First" approach may increase U.S. military spending while reducing foreign military sales. Analysts note that some companies, like Northrop Grumman, may be less affected by these changes due to their involvement in critical defense programs.
Recent developments include Trump's executive order to explore upgrades to the U.S. missile defense system, which could benefit companies like Lockheed Martin and RTX. However, concerns about trade wars and tariffs may impact foreign sales of U.S. weapons systems.
Chinese researchers develop solar-tracking artificial leaf with 800% efficiency boost
Chinese researchers have created a new artificial leaf that can follow the sun, improving solar energy efficiency by over 800%. This leaf can generate electricity and split water into hydrogen and oxygen, potentially transforming fuel production.
The artificial leaf uses flexible solar-powered electrodes and a unique structure made from carbon nanotubes. It bends towards sunlight without motors, mimicking how some plants track the sun. It shows significantly higher water-splitting efficiency compared to traditional systems.
Despite its advancements, challenges remain. The nanotube components degrade over time, affecting performance. Environmental factors like wind and water currents may also impact efficiency in real-world applications.
Source: https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/artificial-leaf-follows-sun-energy
Carmakers navigate challenges in electric vehicle transition as competition rises
The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is challenging for traditional automakers, with many facing heavy losses and delays in production. Despite these struggles, new battery plants and EV models are still being introduced in the U.S., supported by significant advertising.
Chinese automakers are gaining market share, offering affordable EVs and a robust charging infrastructure. In contrast, U.S. and European manufacturers are under pressure to maintain their EV strategies amid concerns about competition and rising costs.
As the EV market evolves, companies like BYD are expanding globally, including plans for a factory in Mexico. This shift highlights the urgency for legacy automakers to adapt or risk losing market relevance.
Source: https://www.fastcompany.com/91274160/inevitable-mike-colias-excerpt
Democrats face challenges in keeping up with Trump's rapid policy changes
President Donald Trump has made a series of rapid and controversial decisions this week, including banning transgender athletes from women's sports and imposing tariffs on Canada and Mexico, only to pause them days later. His actions have left Democrats struggling to respond effectively.
Democratic leaders are feeling overwhelmed by Trump's pace, with some admitting they lack a clear strategy. They have shifted focus from previous issues, like Trump's pardons related to the January 6 Capitol riot, to more immediate concerns about federal spending cuts.
Legal challenges against Trump's administration are gaining traction, with a federal judge temporarily blocking access to sensitive data by Musk's team. Democrats believe that as voters become aware of the impacts of Trump's policies, they may turn against him.
Source: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/democrats-struggle-trump-dizzying-pace-rcna191009
China's consumer inflation rises to five-month high while producer prices decline
China's consumer inflation rose to 0.5% in January, the highest in five months, up from 0.1% in December. This increase reflects mixed consumer spending during the Lunar New Year, with core inflation also rising to 0.6%.
In contrast, producer prices continued to decline, falling 2.3% year-on-year, matching December's drop. This marks 28 months of deflation for factory-gate prices, indicating ongoing challenges in the manufacturing sector.
Economic growth targets for 2025 are set below 3%, as policymakers face pressures from external factors, including U.S. tariffs. Analysts expect no immediate changes to monetary or fiscal policy before the annual parliament session in March.
Quantum computing shows promise as a transformative technology in early development stages
Quantum computing is emerging as a transformative technology, with the potential to significantly enhance computing capabilities. It remains in early development stages, with ongoing research and advancements.
The article does not provide specific investment advice or recommendations regarding companies in the quantum computing sector. It emphasizes that past performance does not guarantee future results.
The author discloses no current investments in the mentioned companies and has no plans to invest in the near future.
Researchers develop lightweight carbon material as strong as steel using AI
Researchers at the University of Toronto have developed a new carbon material that is as strong as steel but much lighter, using artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing techniques. This breakthrough could impact industries like aerospace and automotive.
The new material features optimized nanolattices, designed through machine learning, which enhances strength while minimizing weight. The carbon beams are only 300 to 600 nanometers thick, resulting in a material that is over ten times stronger than aluminum alloys.
The researchers aim to scale up production for practical applications, potentially leading to significant fuel savings in aircraft by replacing heavier materials like titanium. Their findings were published in the journal Advanced Materials.
Trump administration cuts $4 billion in NIH funding impacting Bay Area medical research
The Trump administration plans to cut $4 billion in funding from the National Institutes of Health, impacting medical research across the country. This reduction will particularly affect local researchers in the Bay Area working on diseases like cancer and HIV.
The NIH will lower indirect cost payments to 15%, significantly down from previous rates that often exceeded 50%. Researchers express concern that this drastic cut will hinder their ability to maintain necessary infrastructure and staff.
Local experts warn that the funding cuts could disrupt ongoing clinical trials and research projects. The changes are set to take effect on Monday, creating uncertainty for many in the medical research community.
Space Coast sets record with 93 launches in 2024 and eyes 100 in 2025
The Space Coast achieved a record 93 launches in 2024, up from 72 in 2023. This increase is attributed to SpaceX's ongoing activity, more missions from United Launch Alliance, and the introduction of Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket.
In 2025, the Space Force anticipates supporting up to 156 launches, with 13 already scheduled. This includes 12 from SpaceX and one from Blue Origin, marking a significant increase in launch frequency compared to previous years.
Upcoming launches include several SpaceX missions, such as the Starlink satellite deployments and crewed flights. The first half of 2025 will also see the debut of ULA's Vulcan Centaur rocket for military missions.
Source: https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2025/02/08/space-coast-launch-schedule-2/
Trump's $500 billion plan aims to boost U.S. AI growth and create jobs
President Trump’s agenda includes a $500 billion investment plan to enhance the U.S. electrical grid and data centers for AI growth. This initiative aims to create over 100,000 jobs and has bipartisan support.
Goldman Sachs estimates that the U.S. needs this funding by 2030 to compete in the projected $1.8 trillion AI market. Recent developments, including the release of China's AI model DeepSeek, have raised concerns about America's competitive edge.
Investors are advised to focus on stocks with strong fundamentals, such as Vistra Corp. and Vertiv Holdings, which have seen volatility but remain up significantly since earlier recommendations. The AI sector is expected to continue evolving, with opportunities beyond major tech companies.
Source: https://investorplace.com/2025/02/two-stocks-for-the-500-billion-ai-opportunity/
Trump administration directs states to halt EV charger funding as experts predict challenges
The Trump administration has directed states to stop using federal funds for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, which were allocated under President Biden. This move aims to halt the expansion of EV chargers across the U.S.
Experts say this effort may face legal challenges, as states are not required to stop ongoing projects. Many states have already received reimbursements for their NEVI-funded projects, but new projects may be delayed indefinitely.
Despite federal funding issues, industry leaders believe demand for EV chargers will continue to drive growth. Private companies have invested heavily in charging infrastructure, and they expect to keep expanding their networks regardless of federal support.
Source: https://www.kcra.com/article/trump-halt-ev-charger-buildout-experts-say-not-easy/63715398
California firm converts heat into electricity with new technology
A California company, Heat2Power, is using new technology to convert stored heat into electricity. Their thermophotovoltaic (TPV) panels aim to provide low-cost energy for industrial users while recycling wasted heat from power plants.
Heat2Power claims its TPV technology is more efficient than existing devices, achieving over 44% heat-to-power efficiency. The technology can work with thermal energy storage systems, enhancing their effectiveness and allowing for on-demand energy generation.
Interest in the technology is growing among companies in energy storage and waste heat recovery. The TPV device is compatible with current manufacturing processes and was developed at the University of Michigan.
Source: https://interestingengineering.com/energy/us-firm-turns-heat-into-electricity
Christie's to host first auction of AI-generated art in New York
Christie’s will hold its first auction dedicated entirely to AI-generated art, named ‘Augmented Intelligence,’ starting February 20 at its New York galleries. This event will showcase works from various artists, including Mat Dryhurst.
The announcement has sparked mixed reactions, particularly on social media. Critics highlight that many AI art tools were trained on artists' works without consent, raising concerns about the impact on traditional artists.
A live-painting robot will be the centerpiece of the exhibition. Christie’s has not yet responded to inquiries regarding the criticism surrounding the auction.
Source: https://techcrunch.com/2025/02/08/christies-announces-ai-art-auction-and-not-everyone-is-pleased/
Trump threatens tariffs on UK and EU goods raising trade concerns
Donald Trump has threatened tariffs on goods from the UK and EU, creating uncertainty in trade relations. The UK exports £57 billion in goods to the US, but exports to the EU are three times higher at £175 billion.
The UK relies heavily on services for trade with the US, with £129 billion in service exports. In contrast, the EU imports more goods from the UK, making it potentially more vulnerable to tariffs.
Experts suggest that while closer UK-EU ties could help mitigate tariff impacts, the current situation complicates relations. The UK government emphasizes its strong trading relationship with the US and aims to maintain cooperation.
Source: https://ca.news.yahoo.com/trump-threatens-tariffs-us-eu-121835705.html
OpenAI launches new AI research agent as ByteDance and Meta unveil innovative tools
OpenAI launched its Deep Research AI agent, capable of synthesizing large amounts of online information and completing multi-step research tasks. This agent can analyze text, images, and PDFs, producing comprehensive reports quickly.
ByteDance introduced OmniHuman-1, an AI video generator that creates realistic human videos from a single image and motion signals. Currently in the research phase, it is not yet available to the public.
Lyft partnered with Anthropic to enhance its rideshare services using AI. The integration of Anthropic's Claude has significantly reduced customer service resolution times. Meta also shared its Frontier AI Framework to assess risks in AI model releases, focusing on cybersecurity and potential misuse.
Source: https://qz.com/openai-deep-research-ai-agent-bytedance-video-meta-lyft-1851758117
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