As the trading day begins, ASX 200 futures show promise with a 0.26% uptick, indicating a rise of 19 points at 8:20am AEST.
Over in the US, the S&P 500 has rebounded, surging by 10% from its recent low and exiting correction territory. The Dow Jones gained 0.58%, while the Nasdaq rose 1.13%.
Microsoft has hired recently ousted OpenAI boss Sam Altman to head up its own AI team. The move appears to be a game of tech musical chairs – Microsoft is a heavy investor in OpenAI, into which it has channelled billions.
Twitch co-founder Emmett Shear is now the interim CEO of OpenAI. He is the third CEO of the controversial tech company in as many days.
In a crowded pool of geopolitical news, South America made a showing. Argentina’s presidential election delivered the victory of far-right libertarian Javier Milei, who seems to be promising to privatise everything he can get his hands on. Companies with exposure to that country will be watching on with interest.
Nvidia revenues soar
Chipmaker giant NVIDIA’s third-quarter earnings are tipped to be impressive when they are revealed today – almost every investor needs exposure to semiconductors. The tech giant delivered in the second quarter, with revenues soaring to $13.5 billion.
And yet the company faces some challenges, says Nigel Green, CEO of deVere Group, one of the world’s largest independent financial advisory, asset management and fintech organisations.
“NVIDIA’s second-quarter, epic, shock-and-awe-esque earnings report still looms large in the minds of investors around the world. Now all eyes are on the semiconductor titan’s revenues on Tuesday.
“While we expect the revenue growth to still be hugely impressive and the company’s stellar rise will undoubtedly continue, its trajectory also faces challenges ahead.
“There is growing and intensifying competition in the semiconductor market and this will threaten NVIDIA’s market share and, therefore, margins over the longer term.
“In addition, the 170% surge in the second quarter mainly came from data centre revenues and NVIDIA is very exposed to China.
“With China tightening regulations and cracking down on various industries, including technology, the company may face headwinds in this critical market. Regulatory uncertainties and geopolitical tensions could impact NVIDIA’s ability to sustain its mighty results, especially if there are disruptions to its business operations in China.”
Despite the potential challenges on the horizon, the overarching theme remains—semiconductors are a cornerstone of the contemporary tech-driven world.
“Almost every investor should recognise the strategic importance of semiconductor stocks in their portfolios,” Green said.
“As the backbone of the digital era, semiconductors power a vast array of technologies, from consumer electronics to advanced computing systems.”
The semiconductor industry’s continued growth is propelled by the increasing demand for smart devices, the expansion of 5G networks, and the rapid development of artificial intelligence and machine learning.
“Investors, recognising the critical role of semiconductors now and in the future, are likely to find value,” concluded Green.
Currencies and commodities
Gold prices underwent a marginal decline, dipping by 0.25% to reach US$1,979.8 per ounce.
WTI Oil was strong, surging by 2.12% to reach US$77.5 per barrel. Iron ore prices on the other hand dipped by 0.23% to US$128.95 per tonne.
The Australian Dollar strengthened by 0.69%, trading at 0.6561 US cents.
On the cryptocurrency front, Bitcoin saw a 2.00% increase, reaching AU$57,137.
What’s happening in small caps?
The S&P/ASX Small Ordinaries closed at 2,707.87 yesterday, slipping just -0.03% on the previous day.
Making news this morning, which you can read more about throughout the day with Proactive:
- Andromeda Metals Ltd (ASX:ADN) has struck a deal with Traxys Europe S.A to pursue mutually beneficial business opportunities linked to the sale and purchase of Andromeda’s halloysite-kaolin products.
- Carnavale Resources Ltd (ASX:CAV) has started further resource drilling at McTavish East following up on extensional high-grade gold results from recent reverse circulation drilling.
- Latin Resources Ltd (ASX:LRS, OTC:LRSRF) is all set to buy Oar Resources Ltd (ASX:OAR)’s Gibraltar Halloysite Project in South Australia via its subsidiary ESG Minerals Pty Ltd for an all cash consideration of $500,000.
- Accelerate Resources Ltd (ASX:AX8) has appointed Luke Meter as chief executive officer, effective from the first day of the New Year.
- Buru Energy Ltd (ASX:BRU, OTC:BRNGF) says its wholly owned hydrogen and helium business, 2H Resources, has been building a portfolio of highly prospective acreage in South Australia, and now is set to progress activity in Western Australia.
