01 Stock Market

As of Mar 17, the U.S. major indexes closed as follows: Dow Jones up 0.83% at 46946.41; S&P 500 up 1.01% at 6699.38; NASDAQ up 1.22% at 22374.18. All three benchmarks advanced, with growth and technology shares in focus ahead of key policy signals, while investors digested corporate updates across the AI and cloud ecosystems.

Unusual-move stocks concentrated in AI hardware and megacap software, with semiconductors broadly higher. Nvidia up 1.65% at $183.22; SanDisk up 6%; West Digital up 5%; Micron and Seagate up 4%; Advanced Micro Devices up 1.65% at $196.58; Tesla up 1.11% at $395.56; Microsoft up 1.11% at $399.95; Apple up 1.08% at $252.82; Meta Platforms up 2.33% at $627.45; Alphabet up 0.98% at $304.42; Oracle up 0.55% at $155.97; Palantir up 1.17% at $152.72.

Additional notable movers included select ADRs and chip supply-chain names. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing up 0.57% at $340.23; Alibaba up 1.11% at $136.71; NIO up 2.90% at $6.03; Intel fell 0.02% at $45.76. Outside equities proxies, United States Oil Fund fell 4.05% at $115.03, while precious-metals proxy SPDR Gold Shares fell 0.09% at $460.43.

02 Other Markets

U.S. 10-year Treasury yield rose by 0.21%, latest at 4.30%.

USD/CNH fell 0.05%, at 7.2150; USD/HKD fell 0.01%, at 7.8325.

U.S. Dollar Index rose 0.08%, at 103.45.

WTI crude futures fell 0.72%, at 80.39 USD/bbl;

COMEX gold futures fell 0.28%, at 2,158 USD/oz.

03 Top News

1. Nvidia Unveiled New Blackwell AI GPUs, Signaling A Fresh Upgrade Cycle For Data Centers. Nvidia said its next-gen architecture aims to deliver major performance and efficiency gains for training and inference. Large cloud partners announced plans to deploy the chips, positioning Nvidia for continued AI infrastructure demand.

2. Apple Entered Talks To Integrate Google’s Gemini For iPhone AI Features, Expanding Its On-Device Strategy. Reports indicated Apple is exploring licensing Alphabet’s Gemini to power certain services, complementing internal models. The move could accelerate AI features for iOS users while intensifying competition with other handset ecosystems.

3. Micron Expanded HBM3E Supply And Raised Its AI Memory Outlook, Targeting Faster Growth. Micron said it secured additional high-bandwidth memory commitments linked to leading AI accelerators. Management indicated stronger pricing and volumes could bolster margins as HBM ramps through this year.

4. Tesla Adjusted Model Y Pricing In Key Markets To Stimulate Demand Amid Intensifying EV Competition. Tesla reduced prices on select trims, aiming to support order momentum as rivals launch new models. Analysts noted the move may lift unit sales while pressuring near-term automotive margins.

5. Alphabet’s Waymo Expanded Driverless Ride Service Into A New Metro Area, Broadening Commercial Pilots. Waymo said it will open more routes and add vehicles after receiving local approvals. The expansion advances Alphabet’s autonomous strategy as safety and permitting remain central to scaling.

6. Meta Rolled Out New Generative AI Tools Across Instagram And WhatsApp To Boost Engagement. Meta highlighted features for content creation and assistants, integrating its latest Llama-family models. The company expects richer user experiences and improved advertiser tools to support monetization.

7. Amazon Advanced Project Kuiper With New Testing Milestones Ahead Of Pilot Customer Trials. Amazon said its satellite broadband program completed additional systems checks and ground network validations. The progress supports a phased ramp as the company prepares for initial connectivity services.

8. Oracle Deepened Its AI Partnership With Nvidia To Bring More Accelerated Computing To OCI. Oracle announced expanded availability of Nvidia-powered instances and networking for enterprise AI workloads. The collaboration is expected to attract migrations to Oracle Cloud Infrastructure and grow AI-related backlog.

9. U.S. Treasury Completed A Mid-Curve Auction With Solid Bid Metrics, Easing Near-Term Supply Concerns. The department reported healthy bid-to-cover and indirect demand, helping stabilize yields. Traders said the results could smooth financing needs as larger refundings loom.

10. FTC Sought To Block A Major Grocery Merger On Antitrust Grounds, Escalating Regulatory Scrutiny. The agency argued a tie-up between large chains would raise consumer prices and harm workers. Companies said they will contest the suit, maintaining that divestitures can address competition issues.

Sources: Reuters, Dow Jones, Tiger Newspress, public market data
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Disclaimer: This content is for reference only and does not constitute investment advice.