Headline: Dow Sets New High as Rotation Gains Pace; BoE Targets Stablecoins, EVs and AI in Focus
A powerful rotation lifted the Dow Jones Industrial Average to a new high, while tech bellwethers lost momentum. As global markets tracked the shift, regulators and sector trends added fresh crosswinds—from stablecoin rules in the UK to mixed signals in electric vehicles, housing, energy and artificial intelligence.
Equities rallied on a move away from mega-cap leaders, sending the Dow more than 500 points higher even as the Nasdaq lagged amid a pullback in Nvidia. Asian markets followed the positive tone on hopes for an end to a US government funding standoff; Hong Kong’s tech names outperformed, while Japan underperformed on weakness tied to SoftBank. Nvidia slipped around 2% after a multi-year surge that has lifted its valuation roughly 12-fold, underscoring fragile sentiment toward crowded AI trades.
Policy and regulation took center stage in the UK, where the Bank of England outlined a 40% collateral requirement for stablecoins and restrictions that could effectively eliminate yield on reserves. The move aims to reduce systemic risk in digital payments and crypto markets but may reshape stablecoin business models and liquidity. In parallel, SoftBank monetized about $5.8 billion of its Nvidia position to channel funds toward OpenAI-related investments, a pivot that sharpened debate over the durability of the AI boom.
Sector data offered a mixed macro picture. Global EV sales rose 23% in October led by China, while the European Union reconsiders the timeline for restricting internal combustion engine sales and US volumes fell 41% following changes to subsidies. In housing, a proposed 50-year mortgage would cut monthly payments but could add about $389,000 in lifetime interest and slow equity buildup—doing little to address supply constraints. Energy trends also diverged: the International Energy Agency highlighted continued momentum in renewables and a longer runway for oil demand, which may not peak until around 2050, reinforcing the case for diversified energy strategies.
Key Points – Dow Jones hits a fresh record on rotation away from mega-cap stocks; Nasdaq trails as Nvidia declines. – Bank of England proposes a 40% collateral framework for stablecoins with limits likely removing yield on reserves. – SoftBank sells about $5.8B of Nvidia shares to fund OpenAI exposure, reviving AI bubble concerns. – Global EV sales rose 23% in October, led by China; EU rethinks its ICE phase-out; US EV sales fell 41% after subsidy changes. – Proposed 50-year mortgages lower monthly payments but significantly increase total interest and slow equity growth. – IEA signals strong renewables growth while oil demand may not peak until around 2050, supporting diversified energy planning.
