U.S. equities logged their strongest Thanksgiving week since 2008 as falling yields, rising rate‑cut odds and resilient earnings fueled broad gains. The rally crowns a sharp November reversal and puts seasonal tailwinds in focus as investors debate whether momentum can carry into December.
Source: Seeking Alpha
Consumers: Black Friday Sales Surge on Big-Ticket Discounts and AI-Driven Traffic
Early reads show Black Friday sales jumped as steep promotions on big‑ticket items and AI‑enhanced traffic tools pulled shoppers online and in stores. The strong kickoff to holiday spending eases worries about a fatigued consumer and sets up a closely watched Cyber Week for retailers.
Source: Seeking Alpha
Semiconductors: Micron Plans $9.6 Billion AI Memory Plant in Japan
Micron is set to invest $9.6 billion in a Japan production facility to expand advanced AI memory capacity. The move underscores continued AI infrastructure demand, while diversifying supply chains amid intensifying U.S.–Asia tech competition and subsidy races.
Source: Seeking Alpha
Property & Rates: REITs Extend Gains as Rate-Cut Odds Rise
Real estate stocks extended their Thanksgiving‑week rally, buoyed by falling Treasury yields and growing expectations for 2025 policy easing. Lower discount‑rate pressure is lifting interest‑rate‑sensitive sectors, with investors re‑risking into REITs after a tough year.
Source: Seeking Alpha
Energy Policy: Canada to Scrap Some Climate Rules to Boost Alberta–Pacific Oil Flows
Canada plans to roll back select climate regulations to support throughput on an Alberta‑to‑Pacific oil pipeline, signaling a pragmatic tilt toward energy security and regional growth. The shift could improve project economics and export capacity, while drawing scrutiny from environmental groups.
Source: Seeking Alpha
Digital Assets: Bitcoin and Ether ETFs Snap Outflow Streaks
Spot Bitcoin ETFs posted roughly $70 million in net weekly inflows after four straight weeks of withdrawals, while spot Ether ETFs added $312.6 million, breaking a three‑week skid. With nearly $120 billion now in spot Bitcoin ETFs, modest flow shifts are moving market structure as traders watch for a durable turn in December.
Source: FinanceFeeds
Tech Policy & Influence: Report Flags Conflicts in White House AI/Crypto Policy
A New York Times investigation details how David Sacks, serving as the administration’s AI and crypto czar, has shaped policies benefiting Silicon Valley allies and his own tech investments. The piece raises conflict‑of‑interest concerns that could invite oversight and influence the trajectory of AI and digital‑asset regulation.
Source: The New York Times
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