SK On and Ford End Joint Venture, Split US Battery Plant Ownership
In a recent shift within the electric vehicle supply chain, Ford and its subsidiary SK On have decided to end their joint venture in the US battery market. The move results in Ford assuming full ownership of the battery plants in Kentucky, while SK On will take over operations of the facility in Tennessee. This split reflects strategic realignment and operational focus for both companies as the EV market continues to expand.
Market Highlights: Silver Prices and Stock Trends
Newmont’s stock recently entered a favorable buy range amid a surge in silver prices, although it experienced a slight dip as silver retreated from its highs. This reflects how precious metal price volatility can influence mining stocks.
Meanwhile, Broadcom faced a stock sell-off despite beating fiscal Q4 estimates, highlighting investor caution particularly in AI-related sectors. The Nasdaq also saw a 2% slump as tech stocks faced pressure, with Broadcom’s earnings report intensifying the sell-off.
Fermi, an energy and real estate company focused on AI data center power grids, experienced a 43% stock plunge after losing a $150 million funding commitment from a key potential tenant. This setback underscores the challenges in financing large-scale infrastructure projects tied to emerging technologies.
Oracle’s Data Center Delays Affect Stock Performance
Oracle has reportedly delayed some of its data centers for OpenAI from 2027 to 2028, citing labor and material shortages. This postponement contributed to a nearly 5% drop in Oracle shares. The delay highlights ongoing supply chain and labor challenges faced by technology giants as they scale AI infrastructure.
T-Mobile’s Strategic Shift Amid Customer Loss
T-Mobile, one of the leading US phone carriers, is undergoing significant changes following a loss of loyal customers. The company announced Srini Gopalan as its new CEO in September, signaling a new strategic direction. This move suggests T-Mobile is aiming to revitalize its market position and address customer retention challenges.
Financial Planning Tips for a Wealthier Year
As the new year approaches, adopting smart financial habits can set the stage for lasting wealth. Key recommendations include:
- Saving more consistently to build an emergency fund and long-term reserves.
- Budgeting effectively to control spending and allocate funds to priorities.
- Crushing debt to reduce financial burdens and improve creditworthiness.
- Planning for retirement by setting clear goals and timelines.
These habits provide a foundation for financial stability and growth in the coming year.
Crypto Industry Moves Toward Greater Integration with Banking
Several major crypto firms, including Ripple and Circle, received preliminary approval from a top US banking regulator to establish national trust banks. This development could further integrate digital assets into the traditional banking system, marking a significant step for the crypto industry’s regulatory acceptance.
Upcoming Changes in Mortgage Credit Score Rules
Starting in 2026, mortgage lending will see notable changes. Specifically, minimum credit score requirements may no longer be mandatory, and lenders will increasingly consider nontraditional credit factors. These modifications aim to broaden access to mortgage financing and reflect evolving credit assessment practices.
Corporate Leadership and Acquisitions
Ryder System announced that CEO Robert Sanchez will retire in March, with COO John Diez named as his successor. Leadership transitions like this can impact company strategy and operations moving forward.
Accounting firm Doeren Mayhew has expanded its presence in Houston, Texas, by acquiring TBK CPA, adding nearly 35 employees including four new leaders. Such acquisitions strengthen firm capabilities and regional footprints.
Stock Market Insights and Analyst Ratings
Several AI and tech stocks are under close analyst watch, with diverse outlooks:
- Nvidia remains a top AI stock pick, with Bank of America reiterating a “Buy” rating and a $275 price target, citing its leadership in AI compute and networking markets.
- Alphabet (Google) is highlighted for its growth potential, especially from its Waymo autonomous driving unit, with positive analyst ratings emphasizing long-term upside.
- Amazon continues to attract bullish views due to multiple growth drivers including artificial intelligence applications and advertising momentum.
- Palantir secured a $448 million U.S. Navy contract, affirming its role in defense technology, though analysts maintain a cautious “Market Perform” rating.
- Marvell Technology is seen as well-positioned across the AI data-center stack, earning a “Buy” rating reflecting its comprehensive connectivity solutions.
- ASML Holding was named a “Top Pick” by Bank of America and Citi, recognized as a key player in semiconductor manufacturing equipment for 2026.
These perspectives reflect the dynamic and evolving nature of the AI and tech sectors.
Other Notable Developments
Vanguard, a major asset manager with $11 trillion in assets, reversed its previous anti-crypto stance to allow Bitcoin and crypto ETFs on its brokerage platform starting December 2025. This move opens crypto investment to millions of new investors.
New Hampshire approved the world’s first Bitcoin-backed municipal bond, a $100 million issuance collateralized by cryptocurrency. This innovation could signal new debt market opportunities tied to digital assets.
Rivian’s stock surged following its “Autonomy & AI Day,” where it announced the development of an in-house AI silicon chip and next-generation autonomous vehicle platform, projecting advanced features for 2026.
Summary
This period is marked by significant transitions across industries, from shifts in battery plant ownership and telecom leadership to evolving financial regulations and strategic corporate moves. The stock market reflects mixed investor sentiment, especially in AI and tech sectors, while crypto integration into banking and municipal finance signals growing mainstream acceptance. For investors and industry watchers, staying informed on these developments is key to navigating the changing landscape.