US Mortgage Activity Declines as Borrowing Costs Edge Higher

Defiance ETFs CEO Sylvia Jablonski stated that the AI trade remains strong, following Nvidia's optimistic revenue forecast for the current period. During an appearance on 'Bloomberg The Close,' Jablonski emphasized that AI is still in its early stages of development.

Nvidia Corp. has projected sales of approximately $65 billion for the fiscal fourth quarter, exceeding analysts' expectations of $62 billion. This forecast indicates a robust demand for Nvidia's artificial intelligence accelerators, reflecting the company's strong position in the AI market.

TotalEnergies CEO Patrick Pouyanne cautioned European nations against becoming overly dependent on US liquefied natural gas (LNG) as they seek to reduce reliance on Russian supplies. He emphasized the need for Europe to diversify its energy sources to ensure stability and security in the face of ongoing geopolitical tensions.

The S&P 500 index ended its four-day losing streak, showing a positive shift in the U.S. market as investors awaited Nvidia's earnings report. This recovery comes after a period of declines attributed to concerns over Nvidia's performance and broader market volatility. The closing bell coverage was provided by Bloomberg Television and Radio.

Incode Technologies Inc., an identity verification platform, is reportedly in preliminary discussions to secure between $150 million and $300 million from investors, aiming for a valuation of up to $3 billion. This move indicates strong investor interest in the identity verification sector.

Lowe's Cos. reported profits exceeding expectations, driven by increased online sales and demand from professional contractors. This positive outcome contrasts with competitor Home Depot, which recently lowered its full-year profit forecast due to decreased consumer spending on larger purchases. Meanwhile, TJX Cos. raised its sales outlook, indicating a shift towards budget-friendly shopping options as economic pressures mount.

Saudi Arabia's Investment Minister Khalid Al-Falih stated that it is natural for the Kingdom to invest in the United States as part of its efforts to modernize and diversify its economy. He emphasized the appeal for U.S. companies to invest in Saudi Arabia. During a recent visit to Washington, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman pledged to invest up to $1 trillion in the U.S.

Meredith Whitney, CEO of Meredith Whitney Advisory Group, has stated that lower-end consumers are experiencing a second recession in three years. During her appearance on 'Bloomberg The Close,' she noted that the so-called 'avocado toast generation' is still driving spending, despite the economic challenges. Whitney also discussed the implications for retail stocks and the ongoing AI boom.