Financial Summary: Wednesday, December 24, 2025

Gold prices surged past $4,500 per ounce amid rising geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela.

The S&P 500 reached a record high, driven by strong performances from technology stocks like Broadcom and Nvidia.

U.S. economic growth for Q3 was reported at 4.3%, indicating robust performance despite increasing consumer debt.

Hindustan Zinc shares rose 4% as silver prices hit record highs, driven by strong demand and supply constraints.

Bitcoin has fallen below $88,000 due to low liquidity in holiday trading, raising concerns about potential volatility.

Indian equities faced a downturn with the Sensex falling 116 points due to foreign investor selling and subdued market activity.

US stocks opened nearly flat on Christmas Eve as traders anticipate potential record gains during the holiday season.

Large-cap stocks have rebounded strongly in 2025, with several hitting 52-week highs, indicating potential continued momentum.

Big US banks have added $600 billion in market value following deregulation measures that allow for higher leverage.

U.S. natural gas futures fell after a significant jump, influenced by changing weather forecasts affecting heating demand.

The average US long-term mortgage rate has decreased to 6.18%, providing potential relief for homebuyers.

Five infrastructure stocks have seen their values triple this year, driven by the AI trade, with data center stocks outperforming even Nvidia.

The U.S. Supreme Court has denied former President Trump's request to federalize National Guard troops in Chicago, citing a lack of authority.

The Trump administration has accused China of unfair trade practices in the semiconductor sector while delaying potential tariff increases until 2027.

Former EU commissioner Breton has condemned U.S. visa sanctions against him as a 'witch hunt', amid rising tensions over tech regulations.

The Philippines has implemented a major regulatory crackdown, blocking 50 cryptocurrency platforms including Coinbase and Gemini.

The U.S. Justice Department announced that the full release of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein will take several more weeks due to the discovery of over a million additional files.

Mortgage companies in India are pushing for the reinstatement of a tax holiday for affordable housing projects under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.

Tata Motors plans to invest Rs 16,000-18,000 crore to expand its electric vehicle lineup with five new models by FY30.

Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services shares surged 27% following a strong Q2 performance and improved margins.

Sanofi has announced its acquisition of hepatitis B vaccine maker Dynavax for $2.2 billion, expanding its vaccine portfolio.

BP plans to divest $20 billion in assets by 2027, with the sale of its Castrol unit being a significant part of this strategy.

ByteDance plans to invest $23 billion in AI by 2026, signaling its commitment to advancing technology in its operations.

Adani Ports raises FY26 EBITDA and cargo volume targets after acquiring Australia's North Queensland Export Terminal.

Warren Buffett announced his resignation as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway while remaining as chairman, marking a significant leadership change.

High beef prices are squeezing margins for Texas Roadhouse and other steakhouse chains, prompting industry adjustments.

New DOJ documents reveal connections between influential figures and Jeffrey Epstein, including the appointment of Staley and Summers as executors of his will.

A bipartisan group of Senators has accused the Trump administration of violating the law by not fully releasing over 1 million newly uncovered files related to Jeffrey Epstein.

Bitcoin miners are shifting towards AI applications, leading to a 90% rise in a bitcoin-mining ETF despite falling bitcoin prices.

Thomas Kelly's AI healthcare tool has achieved a valuation exceeding $460 million, indicating strong growth in healthcare technology.

Italian regulators have ordered Meta to ensure WhatsApp remains accessible for competing AI chatbots, promoting fair competition.

Nvidia is expected to announce significant developments at CES, making it a key stock to watch in the tech sector.

Nvidia plans to acquire AI chip startup Groq for around $20 billion, marking its largest acquisition to date.

Graham Stephan cautions investors about potential risks in the current AI bubble, advising careful investment strategies.

Experts have identified three major AI trends to watch for in 2026, highlighting future investment opportunities in technology.