IonQ, Rigetti Face Investor Scrutiny Ahead of Quantum Earnings
Technology Sarah Chen

IonQ, Rigetti Face Investor Scrutiny Ahead of Quantum Earnings

Morgan Stanley disclosed a reduced stake in IonQ, while TD Cowen downgraded Rigetti to hold, citing valuation and funding concerns. Both quantum computing firms report earnings next week.

IONQ RGTI
Tech Selloff Deepens as AI Concerns Weigh on Apple, Nvidia
Markets Daniel Marsh

Tech Selloff Deepens as AI Concerns Weigh on Apple, Nvidia

Major technology stocks closed lower Friday, with Apple and Nvidia declining over 2% each, as concerns about artificial intelligence's impact and elevated spending pressured the sector.

AAPL NVDA META TSLA MSFT XLK
Cloud ETFs Rally on Cooling Inflation, Palo Alto Earnings Loom
Markets Daniel Marsh

Cloud ETFs Rally on Cooling Inflation, Palo Alto Earnings Loom

Major cloud computing ETFs surged Friday after a cooler-than-expected inflation report lifted rate-sensitive tech stocks. Attention now turns to Palo Alto Networks' quarterly results due after Tuesday's close.

PANW
Ucore Dips Ahead of China Rare Earth Policy Briefing
Commodities Rebecca Torres

Ucore Dips Ahead of China Rare Earth Policy Briefing

Ucore Rare Metals shares edged lower Friday as China announced a policy briefing on rare earth export controls, with markets closed Monday for Family Day.

UCU
Goldman Sachs Legal Chief Exits Amid Epstein Scandal Fallout
Regulation James Calloway

Goldman Sachs Legal Chief Exits Amid Epstein Scandal Fallout

Goldman Sachs' top lawyer Kathy Ruemmler steps down following disclosures about her past interactions with Jeffrey Epstein, as the bank's shares face volatility.

GS UBS
Rivian Soars 27% on Q4 Profit, 2026 Outlook; EV Sector Mixed
Earnings James Calloway

Rivian Soars 27% on Q4 Profit, 2026 Outlook; EV Sector Mixed

Rivian Automotive surged 26.7% following a profitable Q4 and strong 2026 delivery guidance, while other EV stocks showed mixed performance ahead of the holiday break.

RIVN TSLA LCID NIO
Gold Reclaims $5,000 as Soft Inflation Data Fuels Rate Cut Bets
Commodities Rebecca Torres

Gold Reclaims $5,000 as Soft Inflation Data Fuels Rate Cut Bets

Gold prices rebounded sharply above $5,000 an ounce following softer-than-expected U.S. inflation data, which increased market expectations for Federal Reserve interest rate cuts later this year.

GLD SLV
OPEC+ Weighs April Production Hike as Oil Market Braces for Supply Shift
Commodities Rebecca Torres

OPEC+ Weighs April Production Hike as Oil Market Braces for Supply Shift

OPEC+ members are set to discuss restarting oil production hikes next month, potentially adding supply as demand forecasts weaken. Key energy stocks showed mixed performance ahead of the decision.

XOM CVX COP OXY MPC VLO SLB HAL USO XLE
Applied Materials Forecast Lifts Chip Sector; Nvidia Retreats Amid AI Volatility
Technology Sarah Chen

Applied Materials Forecast Lifts Chip Sector; Nvidia Retreats Amid AI Volatility

Applied Materials' bullish revenue forecast propelled its shares and lifted peers, though Nvidia and Broadcom fell. The chip sector sees volatility as AI investment optimism meets scrutiny.

AMAT LRCX KLAC NVDA AVGO SPY QQQ
Dow Closes Near 49,500 as Softer CPI Eases Rate Fears
Markets Daniel Marsh

Dow Closes Near 49,500 as Softer CPI Eases Rate Fears

The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed at 49,500.93 Friday, lifted by a cooler-than-expected inflation report. The blue-chip index still fell 1.2% for the week.

WMT XLK
XRP Climbs 4.6% Amid Inflation Data, ETF Speculation
Crypto Sarah Chen

XRP Climbs 4.6% Amid Inflation Data, ETF Speculation

XRP gained 4.6% to approximately $1.47, with trading volume hitting $2.47 billion. The move comes as markets digest recent inflation data and await further signals on monetary policy.

IBIT
Bitcoin Holds Near $70K as Inflation Data Fuels Rate Cut Bets
Crypto Sarah Chen

Bitcoin Holds Near $70K as Inflation Data Fuels Rate Cut Bets

Bitcoin edged higher to $69,661, maintaining proximity to the $70,000 level following encouraging inflation figures. Market focus shifts to upcoming Fed minutes and economic data.

COIN