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Gold remains under pressure despite softer U.S. economic data and a weaker dollar. Elevated Treasury yields and higher oil prices could limit further gains by keeping inflation concerns alive. Analysts are watching resistance around $4,365–$4,455, with a sustained breakout potentially strengthening gold’s bullish outlook while failure could prolong consolidation.

Nvidia, Micron Technology and Sandisk could rise more than 30% before the end of 2026, according to a Motley Fool contributor. Nvidia’s valuation and upcoming Vera Rubin architecture underpin the bullish case, while Micron and Sandisk could benefit from strong AI-driven memory demand, constrained supply and higher chip prices.

General Motors and SAIC Motor have extended their 50/50 China joint venture through 2047. SAIC-GM plans to strengthen Buick and Cadillac while launching at least 30 new energy vehicles in China by 2030, as the automakers accelerate electrification and pursue opportunities in international markets.

Global financial markets delivered mixed results as easing US–Iran tensions lowered geopolitical risk and oil prices, while weak Asian economic data and concerns over semiconductor valuations weighed on confidence. Slower US PCE inflation reduced expectations for further Federal Reserve rate increases, although bond yields remained a concern for investors worldwide.

Oil prices plunged after Donald Trump cancelled planned strikes on Iran and said Middle East peace talks would resume. Brent crude fell 5%, while European stocks and government bonds rallied. Tehran denied talks were scheduled, leaving the Strait of Hormuz, regional tensions and future energy prices surrounded by continued uncertainty.

South Korea is tightening regulations on single-stock leveraged ETFs after heavy investor losses during a sharp market downturn. Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol apologized for approving the products, which magnify both gains and losses and can accelerate market declines through forced daily portfolio rebalancing.

Global stock markets declined as semiconductor companies faced a third consecutive day of selling. Investors reduced exposure to highly valued AI-related shares while assessing new competition and future profitability. Oil prices increased amid Middle East tensions, while bond yields fell and gold gained, reflecting a more cautious mood across international markets.

AI infrastructure company Fireworks has raised $1.51 billion in new funding, giving the Nvidia-backed startup a valuation of $17.5 billion. The company helps businesses access, customize and deploy artificial-intelligence models. The investment demonstrates continued demand for infrastructure capable of supporting commercial generative-AI products and services at scale.

Apple has overtaken Nvidia to become the world’s most valuable publicly traded company. The change follows renewed investor confidence in Apple’s artificial-intelligence strategy, while semiconductor shares face pressure after a powerful rally. The development shows how quickly market leadership can shift as investors reassess future AI growth and profitability.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg admitted the company made mistakes during its AI-driven transformation, which included major layoffs, restructuring and the reassignment of thousands of employees. Despite challenges, Zuckerberg said Meta remains committed to AI investment, while promising greater stability and no further company-wide layoffs this year.