M360 Roundup - Volume 71
January 20th - 24th, 2025

Cole LaCour
76% of S&P 500 companies reporting Q4 earnings have exceeded analyst estimates, averaging a 7.4% upside surprise
The S&P 500 is up 1.77%, the Nasdaq is up 1.52%, and the Dow Industrials is up 2.57% WTD
The 10-Yr U.S. Treasury yield has increased to a current yield of 4.518%, whereas the 30-Yr U.S. Treasury yield increased to a current yield of 4.76%
Crude oil prices decreased 3.26% to a current $74.60/bbl while bitcoin increased 1.85% to a current $104,832.23/coin
AI investment announcements, led by President Trump’s Stargate venture, boosted tech stocks and drove the Nasdaq up 1.3%, while Netflix surged 9.7% on strong earnings amid broader market volatility [WSJ]

Refilling the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve as Trump pledged would cost over $23 billion, requiring congressional approval and challenging his administration's budget-cutting goals [WSJ]

GE Vernova's stock has surged, driven by AI-fueled demand for gas and nuclear power, strong leadership, and growth in electrification and grid upgrades, though its high valuation suggests limited upside [WSJ]

JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon received a record $39 million in 2024, reflecting the bank's $60 billion profit and stock highs under his nearly two-decade leadership [WSJ]

Trump’s meme coins, wildfire insurance debates, and airline surges reveal market volatility and profitability concerns
Donald Trump’s launch of meme coins $TRUMP and $MELANIA, criticized for conflicts of interest and undermining crypto credibility, has sparked backlash and market volatility despite their initial financial success [WSJ]

The designation of L.A. wildfires as one or two catastrophes could significantly impact insurers' loss exposure, with some potentially benefiting by accessing reinsurance coverage twice, while others may prefer a single-event treatment based on their risk strategies [WSJ]

United and Delta's recent stock surge challenges Warren Buffett's skepticism of airlines as profitable investments, but the industry's historically poor returns, high costs, and low barriers to entry suggest caution despite current optimism [WSJ]

Trump's presidency has sparked a buying frenzy in D.C.'s luxury real estate market, with wealthy appointees, executives, and political figures driving record-breaking sales and intense competition for multimillion-dollar properties [WSJ]

Recent developments across four key industries highlight Oil majors targeting clean energy and data centers, while Oracle boosts AI infrastructure via partnerships
Energy & Natural Resources
Major oil companies, leveraging their expertise in natural-gas power and off-grid solutions, are entering the electricity market to supply power-hungry data centers, capitalize on carbon-capture technology, and adapt to growing demand for clean energy alternatives [WSJ]

Trump's proposed 25% tariff on Canadian imports, including oil, threatens U.S.-Canada energy ties, risks higher fuel costs for Americans, and has sparked concerns of Canadian retaliation and market disruptions [WSJ]
Technology, Media, & Telecommunications
Oracle leverages partnerships, efficient data-center designs, and strategic investments like the $500 billion Stargate Project to solidify its position in AI infrastructure while competing with tech giants with deeper pockets [WSJ]
Elon Musk criticized the viability of Trump-backed $500 billion Stargate AI project, citing funding shortfalls and clashing with OpenAI's CEO, highlighting tensions despite Musk’s role in Trump’s administration [WSJ]
Healthcare & Life Sciences
Novo Nordisk shares surged after its experimental obesity drug, amycretin, showed up to 22% weight loss in trials, fueling optimism for its next-generation treatments despite prior setbacks [WSJ]
Pfizer will pay $60 million to settle allegations that Biohaven, prior to its acquisition, provided kickbacks to healthcare providers to promote migraine drug Nurtec ODT, violating federal anti-kickback laws [WSJ]
Financial Services
Monte dei Paschi, Italy's oldest bank, launched a $14 billion bid to acquire Mediobanca, aiming to consolidate and strengthen its position as the country's third-largest lender amid ongoing European banking sector consolidation [WSJ]