Market Summary
Markets turned cautious after mixed US data and a delayed jobs report. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq slid while the Dow underperformed; volatility ticked higher as AI and tech names led the selloff and oil’s slump pressured energy stocks. Catalysts include Fed chatter, the jobs print, Ford’s EV writedown and Ukraine peace headlines.
U.S. labor data and Fed comments reshape the outlook for monetary policy. The cluster links a Fed official’s reassurance with the delayed jobs print showing modest payroll gains and rising unemployment.
Figure of the Day
4.6% – U.S. unemployment rate in November, highest since 2021.
Ford takes a dramatic accounting hit and retreats from key electric-vehicle plans. These reports capture the automaker’s pivot and the market fallout from a costly strategic reversal.
Diplomatic momentum on Ukraine accelerates with U.S.-negotiated proposals and NATO-style guarantees under discussion. The items show Washington and Kyiv edging closer to a framework for de-escalation and security assurance.
Bullish
WSP to buy TRC for $3.3bn — power & energy push
WSP agreed to acquire TRC Companies in an all‑cash deal that strengthens its position in power and energy services, a strategic move to capture infrastructure spending.
More on financialpost.com
Brussels appears to be reversing a flagship climate rule after pressure from industry and member states. The cluster captures the EU’s retreat on the 2035 combustion-engine restriction and its implications for automakers.
CoreWeave’s sudden market collapse raises questions about the resilience of AI infrastructure financing. Reports focus on valuation losses and construction delays at a key data-center project.
Bearish
Luminar files bankruptcy — lidar firm collapses
Luminar, a high‑profile supplier of lidar for autonomous driving, filed for bankruptcy after losing key contracts and facing mounting debt, underscoring turmoil in the AV supply chain.
More on wsj.com
Big-ticket AI funding and chipmaker moves are reshaping the technology landscape. Databricks’ mega round and Nvidia’s open-source push underline both private capital flows and strategic product plays.
Markets are jittery as investors await delayed jobs data and digest mixed economic signals. The items show equities slipping in response to softer US indicators and cautious sentiment in Asia.
Regulatory Impact
EU to water down 2035 combustion‑engine ban; FDIC proposes a first US stablecoin rule; USCIS tightens Green Card photo requirements.
Oil slumps on signs of a looming supply surplus and hopes for progress in Ukraine peace talks. Traders are pricing in weaker demand and potential easing of sanctions on Russian crude.
Mainstream finance and regulators are moving toward crypto integration. Visa’s USDC settlement rollout pairs with FDIC proposals that would define how banks interact with stablecoins.
Quote
We will not recognize Russian control over any part of Donbas.
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy
The Roomba maker’s Chapter 11 filing and an accompanying restructuring deal highlight stress in consumer robotics and tariff‑hit manufacturing. Coverage examines bankruptcy and the planned acquisition.
Investigators intensify the manhunt after a deadly campus shooting in Providence. Authorities seek public tips and release new footage to identify a masked suspect in the Brown University attack.
Australian authorities say the Bondi Beach massacre was inspired by Islamic State, deepening concerns about extremist copycat attacks. Reports collate casualty updates and motive assessments.
President Trump files high‑stakes litigation against a major broadcaster, continuing a trend of high-profile legal fights. The cluster covers the rationale and the formal $10 billion claims.
Pfizer’s earnings outlook reflects investment drag from acquisitions and fading Covid sales. The market reacted to lighter guidance and flagged margin pressure for 2026.
EU envoys and capitals press on with plans to fund Ukraine using seized Russian assets. Negotiators are finalizing a loan structure ahead of a critical summit later this week.
Institutional finance experiments with tokenization accelerate as big banks and regulators weigh in. JPMorgan launches a tokenized fund while the SEC signals a softer posture toward crypto rails.
Washington halts a flagship tech partnership with London amid regulatory disagreements. The pause highlights transatlantic friction over digital rules and trade.
Holcim’s planned acquisition expands its footprint in Latin America and repositions the global building‑materials map. Coverage covers the stake purchase and the stated deal value.
