Today’s Stock Market in 2-Minutes
December 20, 2024
By Alex Financials
Global stock markets experienced a significant rebound, breaking a three-day losing streak driven by investor concerns about potential economic slowdown. The S&P 500 ($SPX) surged by 1.25%, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite ($IXIC) advanced by 1%. Investors welcomed a wave of positive earnings reports, contributing to the upbeat sentiment in the markets.
The tech sector was a key driver of today’s market gains. Nvidia ($NVDA) led the charge, climbing 3% after an analyst upgrade citing strong demand for its AI and data center products. The company continues to be a market leader in the AI space, which has driven its stock up by over 200% year-to-date. This performance underscores the robust demand for AI-related technologies, despite broader market uncertainties.
Energy stocks also had a strong day, buoyed by rising oil prices. ExxonMobil ($XOM) and Chevron ($CVX) both saw gains of over 2% as crude oil prices reached a six-month high, driven by supply concerns and geopolitical tensions. This rally in energy stocks provided a significant lift to the broader market, particularly the Dow Jones Industrial Average ($DJI), which rose by 1.1%.
The earnings season continued to influence market movements. Disney ($DIS) reported better-than-expected earnings, with strong performance in its streaming services, particularly Disney+. However, its stock remained relatively flat as concerns over its traditional media and park divisions lingered. Meanwhile, Moderna ($MRNA) reported a 15% drop in quarterly revenue due to declining COVID-19 vaccine sales, leading to a 4% dip in its stock.
Internationally, the Indian stock market saw a robust performance, with the BSE Sensex climbing 875 points, or 1.1%, to close at a record high. This surge was driven by strong buying in large-cap stocks such as Adani Enterprises ($ADANIENT.NS) and Reliance Industries ($RELIANCE.NS), with gains of up to 7.45%. The market sentiment was bolstered by expectations that the Reserve Bank of India would maintain its current interest rate policy, which is seen as favorable for economic growth.
Investors are now turning their attention to the upcoming Federal Reserve meeting, where the central bank is expected to provide further guidance on its monetary policy. The market is closely watching for any signs of a shift in policy stance, particularly in light of the recent economic data showing mixed signals regarding inflation and employment.