Headline: AI Rout Jolts Markets as Aramco Targets US LNG; Retiree Gains Narrow
The momentum behind the AI trade faltered, sending waves through global equities and reigniting questions about stretched valuations and future returns. While energy giant Aramco moved to deepen its US footprint with major LNG and AI commitments, US retirees face a mixed income outlook as higher healthcare premiums offset cost-of-living increases.
Tech-led volatility accelerated as Nvidia’s post-earnings lift faded and the S&P 500 surrendered gains, with two of the Magnificent Seven sliding into correction territory. Analysts downgraded Amazon and Microsoft, citing elevated AI capital expenditures and uncertainty around the economics of legacy cloud services. Valuation anxiety broadened after a prominent investor exit at VST, where a forward P/E near 21 contrasts with a trailing P/E around 40, underscoring the risk of overpaying for AI-driven growth. The AI stock pullback has erased roughly .4 trillion in market value, sharpening the market’s focus on profitability and cash flow.
In energy and industrials, Aramco announced more than 0 billion in US-oriented agreements aimed at liquefied natural gas and artificial intelligence, a strategic pivot that could reshape supply chains if initial MOUs convert to binding deals. Geopolitical considerations remain a key wildcard. On the consumer front, Social Security’s cost-of-living adjustment adds about $56 a month for beneficiaries, but a $17.90 jump in Medicare Part B premiums trims the net benefit. In commodities, sugar prices softened on forecasts of a 1.6 million metric ton surplus, with robust Brazilian output offsetting India’s export quota and easing near-term supply concerns.
Key Points: – AI-driven selloff wipes out an estimated $2.4 trillion, with two Magnificent Seven stocks in correction. – Nvidia’s earnings boost fades as the S&P 500 reverses gains and market volatility intensifies. – Amazon and Microsoft downgraded on high AI capex and questions over cloud profit sustainability. – Aramco unveils $120B+ in US-focused deals centered on LNG and AI, pending MOU conversions amid geopolitical risk. – Retirees see a $56 Social Security COLA increase largely offset by a $17.90 rise in Medicare Part B premiums. – Sugar prices dip on a projected 1.6M MT surplus, supported by stronger Brazilian production.
