Oil

Markets saw mixed trading as oil prices fell below $75 due to eased supply concerns, while Treasury yields rose. Tech stocks, particularly semiconductors, showed strength. Intel surged on a key executive hire to boost its foundry business, a critical area for AI chip advancements. Qnity also climbed, benefiting from the industry’s shift to chiplet architecture and advanced packaging, and remains relatively underfollowed by analysts.

In 2026, AI-fueled market optimism from 2025 wanes as geopolitics dominates. Despite Alphabet’s AI-driven surge and silver’s record performance, U.S. military action in Venezuela injects uncertainty. The intervention impacts energy markets and global diplomacy, prompting calls for de-escalation and raising questions about future international actions, shifting investor focus from AI to geopolitical stability.