The United States has been keeping a close eye on its trade relationships over the years. In 2023, trade deficits with many key partners were a major focus. These deficits are influenced by everything from policy changes to shifts in the global economy. While the numbers may change, the fundamental challenges frequently remain the same: striking a balance between free …

The Magnificent Seven tech stocks, Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOGL), Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN), Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL), Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT), Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:FB), Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA), and Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA), continued to lead the tech industry in 2024, largely due to their investments in artificial intelligence. But the companies have had varying degrees of success with their AI efforts in 2024. Nvidia, Meta, Microsoft and Amazon have done particularly …

Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger resigned on December 1, following the company’s difficulties in adapting to the AI-driven tech landscape. Nvidia, a leader in AI chip technology, has surged ahead with its advanced GPUs, leaving Intel’s CPUs struggling to compete. Despite initiatives to revitalize the business, including $100 billion in factory investments and government support through the CHIPS Act, Intel has faced financial losses and internal inefficiencies. With interim leaders David Zinsner and Michelle Johnston Holthaus now at the helm, Intel must address structural challenges and regain competitiveness. The company’s future depends on resolving internal conflicts and innovating for the AI era.

Costco Wholesale Corporation (NASDAQ: COST) has reported strong financial results for Q4 2024, driven by double-digit growth in gold bullion and jewelry sales. Gold bullion has become a key contributor to Costco's e-commerce growth, with sales helping to boost comparable e-commerce sales by 18.9%. The company also reported a 9% year-over-year increase in net income, alongside a 40-basis-point improvement in gross margins. Additionally, Costco raised its membership fees in September 2024 and continued its global expansion with 14 new store openings, further strengthening its market position.

Microsoft's (NASDAQ: MSFT) recent $60 billion stock buyback and dividend increase come as part of a broader trend among tech giants like Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL), Alphabet (NASDAQ: GOOGL), and Meta (NASDAQ: META), all using repurchases to enhance shareholder value. Buybacks can increase earnings per share and provide tax-efficient returns, but only if executed well. However, if poorly timed or mismanaged, they can hurt long-term growth. With the recent 1% excise tax on buybacks under the Inflation Reduction Act, companies face new costs, prompting investors to evaluate these programs carefully.

The Federal Reserve's recent 50-basis point rate cut has bolstered optimism for a "soft landing," pushing the Dow, S&P 500, and NASDAQ to new highs. While the move has alleviated uncertainty, investors remain wary of potential economic risks, including a slowing labor market and lingering inflation concerns. Despite the positive market reaction, some experts warn that market volatility could resurface if inflation picks up or the labor market weakens further. With the Fed expected to announce more rate cuts later this year, all eyes are on the November meeting for clues on future economic policy.

Eric Sprott, co-founder of Sprott Money, shared his insights into the gold and silver markets, predicting that gold could reach $3,000 per ounce and silver $50 by year-end. While gold has recently hit record highs, silver has lagged behind despite a 20% supply shortage. Sprott remains optimistic about undervalued gold and silver stocks like Discovery Silver and Free Gold Ventures. He also highlights silver's rising demand, driven by sectors like electric vehicles and new technologies. Sprott emphasizes the importance of staying informed, as global market shifts and government actions will significantly impact the precious metals landscape.

U.S. banking stocks are underperforming, with a 6% drop in September 2024, compared to the S&P 500 remaining flat. Bank executives have issued warnings about lower-than-expected recoveries from investment banking and the effects of looming interest rate cuts. With U.S. banks trading at lower P/E ratios (11.7x for 2024 and 10.4x for 2025), analysts view the sector as potentially undervalued. Meanwhile, capital requirements have been scaled back, but pessimism has intensified after Berkshire Hathaway reduced its investment in Bank of America. This may offer an entry point into the sector for value investors.

E*TRADE's Monthly Sector Rotation report highlights investor movement across S&P 500 sectors. In August, Consumer Discretionary, Information Technology, and Consumer Staples saw positive inflows, while Communication Services, Health Care, and Financials faced outflows. Despite concerns about a tech sector rotation, IT continued its strength, driven by stocks like Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) and Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT). Meanwhile, Real Estate declined sharply amid rising interest rates and economic uncertainty. Historical trends suggest that top-performing sectors, like tech in 2023, often lose momentum the following year. This dynamic could impact sector performance in 2024.

The World Gold Council published its monthly Gold Market Commentary for August this week. Gold surged by 3.6% in August, reaching $2,513 per ounce, driven by a weaker U.S. dollar and lower Treasury yields. Investors are positioning for potential rate cuts by the U.S. Federal Reserve and the uncertainties surrounding the U.S. election. Demand also saw a boost from a reduction in gold import duties in India, contributing to strong buying interest. Meanwhile, gold-backed ETFs extended their four-month inflow streak. As traders brace for a volatile second half of 2024, gold remains a key hedge against risk, with global economic uncertainties and U.S. political developments fueling the demand.