The Rundown

Market update for Tuesday December 30, 2025Follow us on Instagram (@TheRundownDaily) for bonus content and instant reactions.In today’s episode:Silver and gold see wild swings as metals trade like meme assetsMeta buys AI startup Manus for more than $2 billionTesla deliveries expected to drop for 2nd year in a row Copper prices surge to record highs as AI data centers fuel demandFun fact: International stocks outperformed U.S. stocks by the widest margin since 2009

Lululemon's founder is shaking things up with a proxy fight for board control, following a significant stock drop. Nvidia makes waves with a huge investment in Intel, while DigitalBridge sees stocks soar after a SoftBank buyout. Silver experiences wild fluctuations, fueled by a mix of speculation and industrial demand, sparking interest in this once-traditional metal. Meanwhile, children's show Bluey continues to dominate streaming charts, showcasing the power of kids' viewing habits. It's a lively mix of finance and fun!

In a lively discussion, Jason Ware, Chief Investment Officer of Albion Financial, shares insights on market trajectories into 2026. He explores whether AI investments will sustain the success of Big Tech and argues that fears around AI-driven debt are largely overstated. Ware also addresses the surprising resilience of markets amidst tariff concerns and offers perspectives on Federal Reserve dynamics. Plus, he predicts a healthy future for IPOs and M&A despite fluctuating performances in tech. With his expertise, Ware navigates the intricate landscape of market evolution.

The space economy is heating up, driven by the buzz around SpaceX’s potential IPO. There’s a fascination with investing in companies aligned with this cosmic race. Topics include the potential of AI data centers in orbit and the U.S. government’s renewed commitment to space exploration. Companies like EchoStar and Rocket Lab are discussed for their connections to SpaceX and satellite innovations. However, there's caution amid the hype, as the market navigates risks and attempts to identify long-term winners.

Nvidia stuns the market with a $20B deal for AI chip company Groq, shaking up competition. Gold and silver prices reach historic highs, fueled by geopolitical tensions and increased demand. Memory chip stocks also surge due to AI-driven price hikes. In a somber twist, Biohaven faces a significant drop after its depression drug trial fails. Plus, discover how Coca-Cola influenced the modern image of Santa Claus in a nostalgic look back.

The S&P 500 hits new records as GDP growth outpaces expectations. Tim Cook makes waves by investing $3M in struggling Nike stock. Exciting news from the AI sector as Motive files for an IPO, showcasing a unique approach to fleet management. Meanwhile, Dynavax experiences a boost after a $2.2B acquisition by Sanofi. On the flip side, Intel faces challenges as NVIDIA shuns its manufacturing process, adding to the woes of tech IPOs in 2025, with most trading below their initial prices.

Gold and silver prices soar as investors hedge against future uncertainty. Novo Nordisk celebrates FDA approval for its weight-loss pill, WeGovie, creating waves in the market. Google enhances its clean energy portfolio by acquiring a renewable energy firm for $4.75 billion, aiming to support AI growth. Meanwhile, U.S. drone manufacturers thrive after a ban on foreign competitors, and Johnson & Johnson faces a $1.5 billion verdict related to its baby powder. All this and more keeps the financial landscape buzzing!

Investors are watching for a Santa Claus rally as the year wraps up. Larry Ellison's $40 billion guarantee boosts Paramount's bid for WBD. NVIDIA plans to restart shipments of its H200 AI chips to China, igniting demand. Rocket Lab celebrates landing its largest contract ever, worth $816 million. Meanwhile, Honeywell faces a hefty $470 million settlement from litigation. Lastly, the new Avatar movie saw a disappointing box office start despite strong international interest.

Justin Wolfers, Professor of Public Policy and Economics at the University of Michigan, discusses crucial topics surrounding the Federal Reserve's decisions and tariffs. He explains the significance of growing dissent at the Fed and how it impacts market perceptions. The conversation highlights the differences between cost-driven and demand-driven inflation, emphasizing the unique effects on households. Wolfers also critiques current policies affecting affordability and suggests reforms for improving living standards.

Explore the massive IPO of Medline, a lesser-known medical-supply giant, which recently surpassed high-profile names like Circle and Klarna. Discover why its CEO likens it to the 'Costco of Healthcare,' diving into its membership model and product breadth. Learn about its impressive revenue growth and strong customer retention. The discussion also addresses potential investment risks, including heavy debt and margin concerns, while offering insight into Medline's unique distribution network and self-manufacturing capabilities.