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US markets started the new month on a positive note with both the S&P 500 and Nasdaq edging higher. November is typically a good month for US stocks, with the S&P 500 rising 59% of the time since 1927, according to Bank of America.

In company news, Kenvue, a consumer health conglomerate spun off from Johnson & Johnson in 2023, surged 12.3% after Kimberly-Clark announced a $40 billion takeover, forming a group with assets ranging from Tylenol to Huggies. Elsewhere, Palantir shares fell 4% after-hours, following "the best results that any software company has ever delivered" (according to their nutty CEO). Finally, Microsoft announced yet another AI infrastructure deal, pledging to spend over $7.9 billion in the UAE.

On Monday, the JSE All-share closed down 0.15%, but the S&P 500 added 0.17%, and the Nasdaq moved another 0.46% higher. Let's go Santa.

US markets wrapped up a volatile month on a positive note Friday, as strong earnings reignited momentum in the bull market. It was a flat week for the S&P 500, but the Nasdaq rose a little.

In company news, Amazon ended Friday 9.8% higher after it posted pleasing growth in its AWS cloud division. Elsewhere, internet traffic management company Cloudflare was up 13.8% thanks to stronger demand from large enterprise clients. Finally, Netflix gained 2.7% after announcing a 10-for-1 stock split, which will lower the trading price and broaden access for retail investors.

On Friday, the JSE All-share closed down 0.39%, but the S&P 500 rose 0.26%, and the Nasdaq was 0.61% higher. Up is better than down.

US markets slipped yesterday as "profit-taking" in big tech dragged major indexes lower. Meta tumbled 11% and Microsoft was down nearly 2.9% after investors fretted about their aggressive capital spending on massive data centres.

In company news, Eli Lilly lifted its full-year outlook due to booming sales of Mounjaro and Zepbound widened its lead over rivals, pushing its stock up a pleasing 3.8% Elsewhere in obesity news, Novo Nordisk has made an unsolicited bid for US biotech Metsera, setting off a bidding war with Pfizer. Finally, Amazon gave its naysayers a hiding after the bell, delivering astonishingly strong results and powering 13.2% higher in late trade.

Izolo, the JSE All-share closed down 0.64%, the S&P 500 fell 0.99%, and the Nasdaq was 1.57% lower. Oof.

US markets gyrated sharply yesterday after the Fed cut rates but signalled that a further reduction in December wasn't a foregone conclusion. The Nasdaq outperformed the S&P 500, thanks to Nvidia, which blasted past the $200 per share level, to become the first $5 trillion company ever.

In company news, Google jumped over 6% after-hours thanks to posting third-quarter results that beat the street, fuelled by strong AI-driven growth in its cloud business. Elsewhere, Meta shares fell more than 7% in late trade because of a $16 billion one-time US tax charge, tied to provisions in Donald Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill" act. Finally, Microsoft reported excellent Azure cloud numbers, but amped up capital spending to such an extent that the stock slipped 4%. We'll have more about those three in the days ahead.

When all was said and done, the JSE All-share closed up 0.50%, the S&P 500 was unchanged, and the Nasdaq was 0.55% higher. We live in exciting times.

US markets extended their record-setting run yesterday. Optimism about the AI revolution is keeping the bull market alive.

In company news, Nvidia surged 5% to close with a market cap just shy of $4.9 trillion after announcing a slate of new partnerships at its Washington conference. Elsewhere, UPS jumped 8% after lifting its annual outlook and announcing job cuts (that's a good combo). Lastly, Booking Holdings rose 4% in late trading as it beat expectations with strong third-quarter gross bookings, signalling resilient travel demand across its brands.

At the closing bell, the JSE All-share was 1.02% higher, the S&P 500 added 0.23%, and the Nasdaq advanced by a respectable 0.80%. How wonderful.

US stocks kicked off the week in an exuberant mood, extending last week's rally and closing at fresh record highs. Optimism over warming US-China trade relations, an expected Fed rate cut, and strong corporate earnings kept sentiment buoyant. What's not to like?

In company news, Lululemon Athletica is teaming up with the NFL and Fanatics to create a line of fan gear, marking the yoga-wear brand's latest move to stretch into new growth markets. Elsewhere, Johnson & Johnson faces a 17% surge in new cancer-related baby powder lawsuits after a US court rejected its latest bid to settle the claims through a partial bankruptcy trick. Lastly, Berkshire Hathaway got hit with a rare sell rating by an analyst at KBW, who noted earnings headwinds, Warren Buffett's exit, and broader macro risks.

At the close, the JSE All-share closed down 1.57%, but the S&P 500 rose 1.23%, and the Nasdaq was 1.86% higher. Wow, look at that.

US markets wrapped up the week on a high note, with strong earnings and cooling inflation data propelling both major indices to new records. The S&P 500 broke 6 800 for the first time with contributions broadening beyond AI favourites to include companies like Ford (+12.2%) and Albemarle (+8.6%).

In company news, Eli Lilly is expanding its gene therapy ambitions by acquiring Adverum Biotechnologies, a biotech developing treatments for blindness. Elsewhere, Porsche posted its first quarterly loss since listing, taking a $3.6 billion hit after trimming its EV plans and due to the impact US tariffs. Lastly, Ford shares jumped the most in over five years after saying that production of its best-selling F-150 pickup will rebound next year, recovering from a supplier fire that temporarily halted output.

On Friday, the JSE All-share closed down 0.27%, but the S&P 500 rallied 0.79%, and the Nasdaq trotted 1.15% higher. Super!

US markets rallied after easing trade tensions pushed the S&P 500 near record highs. Presidents Trump and Xi will meet next week, whoopee. Energy stocks also climbed, seeing as Russian supply might soon be "out of bounds".

In company news, Super Micro Computer shares tumbled 8.7% as the AI server wannabe shocked investors with weak numbers. Elsewhere, Palantir rose 2.8% after announcing a partnership with Lumen Technologies to deploy its AI software. Finally, Las Vegas Sands jumped 12.4% thanks to a sterling quarter at its Singapore and Macau casinos.

Here's how it went, the JSE All-share closed up 1.75%, the S&P 500 rose 0.58%, and the Nasdaq was 0.89% higher. Great stuff!

US markets went backwards on Wednesday, after reports that the Trump administration may curb software exports to China in response to their rare earth export restrictions. This is a fight, and those are the weapons.

Russia is taking a well-deserved beating today, as the US announced sanctions on Rosneft and Lukoil, and Trump makes progress on squeezing their key crude oil customers, China and India, to go elsewhere. EU countries also reached an agreement on a new package of restrictions on Moscow that will be adopted today.

In company news, Tesla reported surging sales, but shares edged lower after profits disappointed. Elsewhere, Anthropic is inking a deal with Google for tens of billions of dollars in computing resources. Finally, Intuitive Surgical jumped 13.9% after the maker of surgical robots crushed Wall Street estimates last quarter.

Izolo, the JSE All-share closed down 0.06%, the S&P 500 fell 0.53%, and the Nasdaq was 0.93% lower. Oh well.

US markets drifted sideways yesterday, pausing after a strong two-day rally that left the S&P 500 and Nasdaq near record highs. The partial US government shutdown has left disturbing gaps in the usual economic calendar, and we are now flying blind.

In company news, General Motors surged nearly 15% to a record high, its best day in over five years, after the carmaker delivered surprisingly strong numbers. Elsewhere, Adidas lifted its full-year earnings forecast as demand for retro shoes like the Gazelle was red-hot. Also, L'Oreal's latest quarter underwhelmed, with softer US demand offsetting a modest recovery in China. Finally, Netflix sagged 6.5% after hours after a tax dispute in Brazil dented quarterly profits.

In short, the JSE All-share closed down 2.17%, the S&P 500 rose by an infinitesimal amount, and the Nasdaq was 0.16% lower. Nothing to write home about.

US markets kicked off a packed earnings week on a strong note, rebounding back toward record highs. A rally in Apple helped power major indices higher, with the tech giant jumping 3.9% to notch its first record close since December. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq are edging back to within sight of their October peaks.

In company news, Amazon Web Services is grappling with lingering disruptions after a major outage hit key clients, from government agencies to AI firms and financial platforms. Elsewhere, Apple's newest iPhones are off to a flying start, with the base model leading the charge - and the iPhone Air models selling out in China within minutes of launch, signalling robust early demand for Cupertino's latest lineup.

At the close, the JSE All-share closed up 0.53%, the S&P 500 rose 1.07%, and the Nasdaq was 1.37% higher. Splendid!

Wall Street wrapped up a shaky week on a high note thanks to some backtracking on China by President Trump and a rebound in regional banks. The S&P 500 ended up 0.19% higher for the week, which is better than nothing.

In company news, Oracle shares slipped 6.9% as investors continue to question how it will finance a massive push into AI infrastructure. Elsewhere, American Express topped earnings forecasts this quarter and reported a surge in sign-ups for its flagship Platinum card. Lastly, Shares of Novo Nordisk (-3%) and Eli Lilly (-2%) slid after King Donald said the "fat shot" (he was referring to Ozempic) should sell for $150 after discounts. He's just another politician currying favour with drug customers, instead of praising the brave capitalists who develop these valuable products. What a shame.

On Friday, the JSE All-share closed down 2.02%, but the S&P 500 rose 0.53%, and the Nasdaq was 0.52% higher. A pleasing finish.

US stocks swung lower yesterday amid fresh trade jitters with China. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq ended the session in the red, though both pared back steeper losses late in the day.

The 10-year Treasury yield fell below 4% to its lowest level since April, but we are equity investors, so we don't really concern ourselves with such matters. Credit conditions seem relatively benign, although bad auto loans have recently pushed two private lenders, First Brands and Tricolor Holdings, into bankruptcy. Serves them right, probably.

In company news, Salesforce shares climbed 4% after the company boldly forecasted strong sales growth out to 2030. Elsewhere, Asia's largest company, chipmaker TSMC, raised its 2025 revenue growth outlook for the second time this year. Lastly, eyeglass giant EssilorLuxottica rose 12% as it topped third-quarter revenue estimates, boosted by strong demand for its new AI-powered smart glasses made in partnership with Meta.

Izolo, the JSE All-share closed up 1.24%, but the S&P 500 fell 0.63%, and the Nasdaq was 0.47% lower. Ho hum.

US markets were on a rollercoaster ride yesterday, with stocks swinging wildly before the Nasdaq and S&P 500 ultimately closed higher. Bank of America (+4.4%) and Morgan Stanley (+4.7%) led financials higher after upbeat earnings reports.

In company news, Apple refreshed its iPad Pro, Vision Pro, and MacBook lineup with its new M5 chip ahead of the holiday rush, while ramping up manufacturing in Vietnam to diversify away from China. Elsewhere, ASML shares climbed 2.7% after the company said demand for its cutting-edge lithography machines is surging on the back of the AI boom. Finally, Papa John's popped 9.4% on reports that Apollo Global Management has offered to take the pizza chain private at $64 per share.

Here's how it went, the JSE All-share closed up 0.68%, the S&P 500 rose 0.40%, and the Nasdaq was 0.66% higher. Impressive.

US markets were choppy yesterday, starting badly, then rising, then wilting just before the closing bell. Renewed US-China trade tensions have unsettled investors in recent days, with President Trump accusing Beijing of "economic hostility" for halting US soybean purchases, and China firing back with counter-accusations.

In company news, EasyJet closed up 7.3% after reports that Mediterranean Shipping Co (MSC) is weighing a takeover bid with an investment partner. Elsewhere, Google is betting big on India, planning to pour $15 billion into building an AI infrastructure hub in Andhra Pradesh. Lastly, Goldman Sachs is close to an all-time high after record third-quarter revenue, thanks to a red-hot investment banking performance that outpaced its Wall Street peers.

At the closing bell, the JSE All-share closed down 0.14%, the S&P 500 fell 0.16%, and the Nasdaq was 0.76% lower. Oof.