Tech

The US economy surged in Q3, exceeding expectations with 4.3% growth driven by consumer spending, potentially delaying Fed rate cuts. Tech stocks led market gains, while student loan collections are set to resume in January with wage garnishment. The US delayed tariffs on Chinese semiconductors, and ServiceNow is acquiring Armis for $7.75B to boost cybersecurity with AI. Waymo is upgrading its fleet after a San Francisco blackout.

While Nvidia dominates AI headlines, the broader infrastructure ecosystem offers significant opportunities. Major tech companies are investing heavily in data centers, driving demand for components. This surge benefits companies like Lumentum (optical components), Western Digital and Seagate (storage solutions), Micron Technology (memory chips), and Celestica (networking and custom ASICs). These five firms are experiencing substantial growth, with investors anticipating continued expansion as AI capabilities scale.

Amazon is adapting to AI’s impact on e-commerce, exploring “agentic commerce” and AI shopping assistants like Rufus. While embracing AI’s potential to reshape shopping, Amazon is also protecting its data through code updates and legal action, navigating a delicate balance between innovation and safeguarding its market position against emerging AI intermediaries.

The U.S. State Department has imposed visa restrictions on former EU Commissioner Thierry Breton and four individuals involved in anti-disinformation efforts. The U.S. alleges these individuals orchestrated campaigns pressuring American social media platforms to censor or demonetize viewpoints. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the move as targeting “agents of the global censorship-industrial complex.” Breton, a proponent of the EU’s Digital Services Act, countered on X, stating, “To our American friends: ‘Censorship isn’t where you think it is.'” The bans highlight transatlantic disagreements on free speech and online regulation.

Following a San Francisco power outage that halted its services, Waymo is deploying fleet-wide software updates. These enhancements will improve vehicle awareness of regional power failures and optimize navigation at intersections. The company is also refining emergency response protocols through increased collaboration with city officials and updating first responder training. This initiative aims to bolster the resilience of Waymo’s autonomous fleet, building on millions of miles of driving experience.

Motive, a fleet management software company, has filed for an IPO on the NYSE under the ticker MTVE. Despite a recent net loss, the company reported a 23% revenue increase and serves nearly 100,000 clients. Motive’s AI-powered dashcam technology aims to improve safety. The company, founded in 2013, faces patent litigation with rival Samsara as it seeks to join other tech firms going public.

The S&P 500 is up, boosted by AI stocks like Nvidia and Broadcom. The U.S. announced a delay on tariffs for Chinese semiconductors, potentially easing trade tensions. Analysts see a buying opportunity in Meta Platforms, citing AI potential despite recent stock declines. Investors await jobless claims data, with the market closing early on Christmas Eve.

Stocks saw muted movement as rising bond yields offset strong GDP data, tempering Fed rate cut hopes. However, some believe a Trump-appointed Fed could accelerate rate cuts, benefiting equities. The CNBC Investing Club added Alphabet back to its watchlist, citing AI advancements and easing antitrust concerns. Nvidia’s stock recovery suggests recognition of its AI leadership, with its upcoming chip platform expected to be a catalyst. Other companies discussed include Prologis, ServiceNow, Johnson & Johnson, Reddit, and Tyson Foods.

The U.S. will implement new tariffs on Chinese semiconductor imports starting June 2027, following an investigation into unfair trade practices. Initially set at zero for 18 months, the tariffs aim to address China’s non-market policies and pursuit of global semiconductor dominance. This move, distinct from previous duties, continues a focus on older chip technologies and underscores the strategic importance of semiconductors in global technological competition.

ServiceNow is acquiring cybersecurity firm Armis for $7.75 billion in an all-cash deal. This strategic move aims to significantly enhance ServiceNow’s security offerings, particularly in the AI era, and expand its addressable market for security and risk solutions. The acquisition, expected to close next year, follows ServiceNow’s recent purchases of Moveworks and Veza, contributing to a unified “AI control tower.” Armis brings over $340 million in annual recurring revenue and robust growth, solidifying ServiceNow’s position in the cybersecurity market.