US nuclear generation to grow 27% post 2035, as data centers fuel power demand: WoodMac

Meta Platforms is facing a challenging financial outlook as it anticipates a significant increase in expenses by 2026, primarily due to ongoing investments in data centers and artificial intelligence. This comes alongside a disappointing report of a $15.9 billion one-time tax charge, which has negatively impacted its third-quarter net income of $2.71 billion. The news has led to a drop in shares during extended trading, highlighting investor concerns about the company's financial health and future profitability.

Starbucks has reported that its U.S. same-store sales have stabilized after a year-and-a-half decline, showing flat results for the fourth quarter. This is significant as it indicates a potential turning point for the company, suggesting that customer demand may be leveling off and providing a foundation for future growth.

In September, pending home sales in the US remained unchanged, indicating a stagnation in the housing market. This flat trend is likely influenced by concerns over the job market, which may be making potential buyers hesitant to commit to purchasing a home. Understanding these dynamics is crucial as they reflect broader economic conditions and consumer confidence.

Experts warn that allowing China access to Nvidia's Blackwell chip could significantly diminish the United States' competitive edge in artificial intelligence. This chip is crucial for advanced AI applications, and its transfer to China might accelerate their technological advancements, posing a threat to US dominance in the AI sector. The implications of this shift could reshape the global tech landscape, making it essential for policymakers to consider the long-term consequences of such decisions.

Humanoid robots are making waves in the manufacturing sector, blending innovation with tradition. Their journey began as early as 1927 in U.S. popular culture, showcasing the fascination with human-like machines. As technology advances, these robots present exciting opportunities for efficiency and productivity in factories, potentially transforming the industry and creating new jobs.

U.S. natural gas futures have shown a positive turn, settling higher as the November contract expires. This increase of 0.9% to $3.376/mmBtu is significant as it reflects market resilience and could indicate a favorable outlook for energy prices moving forward.

The Bank of Canada has indicated that it has exhausted its tools to support an economy struggling due to ongoing trade tensions with the U.S. This situation is concerning as it highlights the limitations of monetary policy in addressing the challenges posed by tariffs, which could lead to further economic instability and uncertainty for businesses and consumers alike.

In a significant move ahead of the upcoming meeting between President Trump and President Xi, China has purchased a substantial amount of US soybean cargoes. This development is seen as a positive step towards easing trade tensions between the two nations, highlighting a potential thaw in relations that could benefit both economies. The purchase not only supports American farmers but also signals China's willingness to engage in constructive dialogue, making it a noteworthy moment in international trade.

In the latest market close coverage on Bloomberg, the focus was on the earnings reports from major tech companies and comments from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, who expressed skepticism about potential rate cuts. This is significant as it reflects the ongoing economic landscape and the challenges that big tech firms face amidst fluctuating interest rates, impacting investor sentiment and market dynamics.

After a recent global outage affecting Microsoft 365 and Azure, which experienced DNS issues similar to those seen in a previous AWS outage, the websites have now come back online. This incident highlights the vulnerabilities in cloud services and the importance of reliable infrastructure for businesses and users who depend on these platforms.

Daniel Flax from Neuberger Berman shared insights on Meta Platforms' earnings and future spending plans during an appearance on Bloomberg Markets: The Close. He highlighted that while Meta anticipates a significant rise in expenses in 2026 due to investments in data centers and AI equipment, the market seems to be responding positively. This is important as it indicates investor confidence in Meta's long-term strategy and its commitment to innovation in technology.

Chipotle has lowered its sales forecast for the third time this year, reflecting a significant shift in consumer behavior as more people are choosing to dine out less. This news is particularly concerning as it led to a nearly 14% drop in the company's shares after hours, indicating investor anxiety about the brand's future performance. Understanding these trends is crucial for both consumers and investors, as they highlight the changing landscape of the dining industry.

In a significant development, Trump announced that South Korea has received approval to construct a nuclear-powered submarine. This move is crucial as it enhances South Korea's military capabilities and reflects a shift in regional defense strategies. The decision underscores the growing importance of advanced military technology in maintaining security in the Asia-Pacific region.

Bio-Rad's shares have taken a hit despite the company reporting better-than-expected earnings for the third quarter. This decline raises concerns among investors about the company's future performance and market conditions, highlighting the volatility that can occur even when a company meets or exceeds earnings expectations.