00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:08,920
Welcome to the Invest Hub daily podcast. I'm Elizabeth, and I'll be sharing the latest
00:00:08,920 --> 00:00:13,880
market news and key stories shaping the day. Today we dive into some intriguing developments
00:00:13,880 --> 00:00:20,120
in the markets. Dutch semiconductor giant ASML has reported quarterly bookings of 5.4
00:00:20,120 --> 00:00:25,500
billion euros, exceeding expectations slightly. However, the company warned of a significant
00:00:25,500 --> 00:00:32,659
decline in sales from China next year. Despite a robust performance this quarter, ASML's
00:00:32,659 --> 00:00:40,659
CEO cautioned investors about potential headwinds in 2026, causing a mixed reaction in shares.
00:00:40,659 --> 00:00:46,860
That said, positive momentum around artificial intelligence continues, fueling growth in
00:00:46,860 --> 00:00:53,340
the semiconductor sector. Meanwhile, US stock futures are climbing as investors look ahead
00:00:53,340 --> 00:00:59,139
to a slew of corporate earnings reports, including those from major banks. On the economic
00:00:59,139 --> 00:01:04,540
front, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has indicated that the central bank may soon
00:01:04,540 --> 00:01:09,059
end its quantitative tightening, a move that investors are interpreting as a signal for
00:01:09,059 --> 00:01:15,760
potential interest rate cuts. In fact, markets are gearing up for significant rate cuts later
00:01:15,760 --> 00:01:22,099
this month and through December, which has helped lift sentiment. On another note, gold
00:01:22,099 --> 00:01:29,379
prices have soared to new record highs, now trading above $4,100 an ounce, thanks to safe
00:01:29,379 --> 00:01:36,300
haven demand amid ongoing US-China trade tensions. This rush into gold has been driven by fears
00:01:36,300 --> 00:01:43,180
over economic uncertainty and the Fed's dovish hints. As for cryptocurrencies, Bitcoin
00:01:43,180 --> 00:01:49,339
has steadied around $112,000, also caught in the crosswinds of trade worries and interest
00:01:49,339 --> 00:01:55,699
rate speculations. Looking ahead, keep an eye on the Federal Reserve's Beige Book release,
00:01:55,699 --> 00:01:59,019
which will provide insights into the state of the economy.
00:01:59,019 --> 00:02:04,220
That's all for today's market news. Follow us on social media for more updates and see
00:02:04,220 --> 00:02:04,860
you tomorrow.
