5 Things to Know Before the Stock Market Opens Tuesday.

Here are five key things investors need to know to start the trading day:

Retail earnings are under the microscope this morning as several major players released their latest figures, providing crucial insights into consumer behavior ahead of the pivotal Black Friday period. This follows a wave of retail earnings reports last week, setting the stage for a highly anticipated holiday shopping season.

Here’s a snapshot of the latest reports:

The race to dominate the AI chip market is intensifying, with traditional players like Nvidia facing increasing competition. Broadcom’s recent unveiling of new optical chip technology underscores the ongoing innovation and investment in this space. The ability to handle vast amounts of data at unprecedented speeds is becoming increasingly critical, particularly for companies developing and deploying large language models and other AI-powered applications. Analysts are closely watching how this competition will impact pricing, performance, and ultimately, the overall AI landscape.

Senior U.S. District Judge Cameron Currie threw out criminal cases against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James yesterday.

Currie ruled that Lindsey Halligan, the interim U.S. attorney who spearheaded the indictments, was improperly appointed. The cases were dismissed “without prejudice,” leaving the door open for potential refiling of charges.

The rulings represent a setback for President Donald Trump, who had previously urged Attorney General Pam Bondi to pursue action against his political adversaries. A White House spokesperson indicated that “this development is unlikely to be the final word on this matter.” The legal challenges highlight the complexities and potential pitfalls of politically motivated prosecutions.

Amazon is making substantial investments in AI infrastructure, committing up to $50 billion to expand its capabilities for U.S. government clients through AWS. This project, slated to begin in 2026, will add nearly 1.3 gigawatts of capacity, providing government customers access to cutting-edge resources including Anthropic’s Claude models and Nvidia chips, alongside Amazon’s own hardware and software solutions.

This strategic move underscores Amazon’s ambition to become a leading provider of AI services for the public sector, positioning it to compete with other tech giants vying for government contracts. The massive investment highlights the increasing demand for AI and high-performance computing in government applications, particularly in areas such as national security, research, and public services.

In a related move, Amazon announced that businesses can now pilot its internet-from-space service, renamed Leo from Project Kuiper, directly challenging SpaceX’s Starlink in the burgeoning satellite internet market. This expansion into space-based internet connectivity further diversifies Amazon’s portfolio and demonstrates its commitment to exploring new growth opportunities in the technology sector. The competition between Amazon and SpaceX in this arena is expected to drive innovation and lower costs for consumers.

The latest NHL team valuations are in, revealing a 15% average increase to $2.2 billion per franchise, fueled by lucrative media rights agreements. This surge in value reflects the growing popularity and profitability of professional hockey.

The Toronto Maple Leafs continue to lead the rankings with a valuation of $4.3 billion, up 8% year-over-year, solidifying their position as the league’s most valuable team. The New York Rangers follow closely behind, with a 9% increase to $3.8 billion, confirming the enduring strength of major market teams in the NHL. The rise in valuations underscores the continued growth and financial health of the league, making it an attractive investment for potential owners.

Microsoft faced community opposition in Caledonia, Wisconsin, regarding plans for a new data center. Facing stiff local resitance, the tech giant opted to pivot and cease the project for an alternative location. This case highlights the increasing importance of community engagement and environmental considerations when developing new data infrastructure. It serves as a case study for other companies planning similar expansions, emphasizing the need for thorough planning and proactive communication with local stakeholders.