US Stocks Surge on Chipmaker Rally, Ukraine Peace Talks

Key Points:

* Chipmaker stocks drive markets towards all-time highs.
* US-Russia talks raise hopes for an end to the Ukraine war.
* S&P 500 surpasses previous record, fueled by expectations of conflict resolution.
* Global investors flock to stocks, indicating a high risk appetite.
* Corporate highlights include:
* Elon Musk's xAI showcases updated chatbot technology.
* Southwest Airlines cuts 1,750 jobs to reduce expenses.
* Constellation Brands gains on Berkshire Hathaway investment.
* Fidelity Investments sees asset and revenue growth.

Market Summary:

* S&P 500: +0.1%
* Nasdaq 100: +0.2%
* Dow Jones Industrial Average: -0.2%
* 10-year Treasury yield: +5 basis points (4.52%)
* Bloomberg Dollar Spot Index: +0.2%
* West Texas Intermediate crude: +1% ($71.42)

Additional Insights:

* Global stocks are attracting investors, with cash levels reaching their lowest since 2010.
* Fund managers predict global equities as the top-performing asset in 2025.
* Despite optimism, 89% of respondents consider US equities to be overvalued.

Upcoming Events:

* New Zealand rate decision (Wednesday)
* Fed minutes (Wednesday)
* China loan prime rates (Thursday)
* Eurozone consumer confidence (Thursday)
* US initial jobless claims, Philadelphia Fed manufacturing index (Thursday)
* Eurozone HCOB manufacturing & services PMI, US S&P Global manufacturing & services PMI, existing home sales, University of Michigan consumer sentiment (Friday)