Major Averages Close Higher, Gold Hits Record Highs
The major averages closed broadly higher despite an escalation in political pressure on the Federal Reserve. The Trump administration threatening a criminal indictment of Fed Chair Jerome Powell has renewed concerns about the independence of the central bank. Banking stocks and credit card lenders also have taken early hits because of policy proposals such as a one-year cap on credit-card interest rates that could compress financial sector profitability.With key inflation data and the start of earnings season approaching, traders are monitoring how persistent inflation signals might influence the Fed's policy path, even as central bank independence concerns loom large.Looking to commodities, gold surged past the $4,600 threshold to hit record highs, while oil prices were also fractionally higher as traders await more news surrounding Venezuela.Get caught up quickly on the top news and calls moving stocks with these five Top Five lists.1. STOCK NEWS:Alphabetbriefly hit thethreshold as Applepicked Google's Gemini to run an AI-powered SiriMeanwhile, Google and Walmartplan to launch a new experience for shopping thatAdditionally, Walmart will become a component of theParamount Skydanceplans toto Warner Bros. Discovery'sboardAllegiantSun Country Airlinesfor $18.89 per share in cash and stock2. WALL STREET CALLS:CitiPalantirto Buy on potential 80% sales growth in 2026Morgan StanleyAkamaito Overweight from UnderweightNetflixwith a Buy at HSBCCrowdStriketo Sector Weight at KeyBancGitLabto Underweight at Barclays and Equal Weight at Morgan Stanley3. AROUND THE WEB:New York Governor Kathy Hochul is seeking to regulate Robloxamid child safety concerns, Verge reportsPresident Trump may block Exxon Mobilfrom drilling in Venezuela after the company's CEO said the country was "uninvestable" without significant commercial and legal changes, WSJ saysIn 2025, global smartphone shipments increased by 2% year-over-year, with Appleleading the market with a 20% share supported by demand in mid-sized markets and strong iPhone 17 sales, Reuters reportsThe Federal Aviation Administration, FAA, has approved Boeing'sMAX 10, the largest variant of its 737 MAX jet, to move to the second phase of flight testing, Reuters saysLast year, Volkswagenwas overtaken by Geely Autoin sales in China, Reuters reports4. MOVERS:Albemarlehigher after Scotiabankthe stock to Outperform from Sector PerformVistrarises after at least three analystson the sharesShake Shackgains after reportingCapital Onefalls after President Trump called for ainterest for one yearSoleno Therapeuticslower after reporting5. EARNINGS/GUIDANCEUsanaraised itsPetcobacked itsand FY25DexComreportedand provided guidance for FY26Alphatecraised itsand provided its outlook for Q4 and FY26Lululemonsees Q4 revenueof prior guidanceINDEXES:The Dow rose 86.13, or 0.17%, to 49,590.20, the Nasdaq gained 62.56, or 0.26%, to 23,733.90, and the S&P 500 advanced 10.99, or 0.16%, to 6,977.27.
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SoftBank to Increase Investment in OpenAI
- Investment Expansion: SoftBank is in talks to invest up to $30 billion more in OpenAI, with the funding round potentially raising a total of $100 billion, thereby increasing OpenAI's valuation to approximately $830 billion, reflecting SoftBank's strong confidence in the AI sector.
- Strategic Bet: CEO Masayoshi Son describes his investment in OpenAI as an 'all-in' bet, aimed at enhancing the company's position in the AI race, particularly as competition with Google intensifies.
- Equity Structure Change: In December, SoftBank completed a $41 billion investment in OpenAI, acquiring an 11% stake, which further solidifies its influence in the AI field and underscores its commitment to future technological advancements.
- Positive Market Reaction: Although SoftBank declined to comment on the investment, its shares rose by 3.5% in Tokyo, indicating that the market views the increased investment in OpenAI favorably, potentially boosting investor confidence.

Global Brand Power Concentrated in 2025
- Brand Rankings: YouGov's latest global survey reveals that WhatsApp leads the 2025 brand power rankings with an average index score of 41.5, demonstrating its strong influence in markets like Indonesia and India.
- Tech Dominance: While technology brands like Samsung and YouTube follow closely with scores of 41.4 and 41.1 respectively, the enduring trust and durability associated with consumer staples and automotive brands highlight a significant consumer preference in the market.
- Consumer Trust: Brands like Dettol and Colgate, scoring 33.0 and 32.9, respectively, play crucial roles in daily consumer life, particularly in markets such as Egypt, UAE, and the Philippines, indicating a high level of consumer trust in health and personal care products.
- Automotive Performance: Toyota, with a score of 32.3, shows strong performance in the Philippines and Australia, underscoring the importance of automotive brands in global brand trust, despite competition from technology brands.









