Closing Bell

Apple's impressive record close sparks discussions on market dynamics and potential implications for 2026. The demand for the iPhone 17 and its impact on upcoming earnings takes center stage. AWS experiences a significant outage, causing major service disruptions and raising questions about multi-cloud strategies. Zions Bancorp's earnings reveal credit concerns amidst a challenging environment. Meanwhile, insights into alternative labor data highlight subtle shifts in the job market, all while gold maintains historic rally momentum.

Rick Rieder, BlackRock’s Chief Investment Officer of Fixed Income, shares insights on the current market, emphasizing strong corporate earnings and GDP as bullish indicators. He discusses the evolving bond market and expresses a need for the Fed to end balance sheet runoff to maintain liquidity. The conversation also touches on rising government debt's effect on yields, gold as a currency hedge, and the recent strong performance of Apple, highlighted by tech reporters Steve Kovach and Alex Kantrowitz, who delve into Apple's iPhone success and AI challenges.

Adam Parker, Founder and CEO of Trivariate Research, shares insights on macroeconomic trends and bank risks, arguing that recent credit stress is idiosyncratic. Tom Lee, Head of Research at Fundstrat, provides a market outlook, suggesting negative sentiment could be a contrarian buy. He highlights potential gains for small caps and regional banks, while discussing crypto deleveraging trends. Both guests emphasize the importance of upcoming tech earnings and their influence on market positioning as we approach year-end.

Bond yields are in focus as regional banks face pressure, while earnings suggest limited contagion. A CNBC survey reveals gold as the top investment choice for Americans, sparking debates on whether to take profits. Bitcoin's recent volatility raises questions about market leadership and the future of crypto stocks. Additionally, trends in sticky inflation are examined, influencing consumer behavior. Experts also highlight key technical levels to watch for potential market shifts.

In this conversation, Shey Sabripour, CEO of CesiumAstro, and Phillip Sarofim, Founder of Trousdale Ventures, delve into the future of industrialization and advanced connectivity. They reveal how phased-array satellite technology is reshaping communication in defense and commercial sectors. The duo also discusses the urgency of reindustrializing America amidst a competitive space race, emphasizing connectivity's role in advancing AI, autonomy, and transportation. Their insights highlight the importance of dual-use technology for sustainable innovation.

Mike Santoli, a senior markets commentator, delves into the latest market trends, dissecting the so-called 'Trump trade' and its potential longevity. He highlights a selective rally driven by mega-cap AI stocks while noting divergence in sectors like semiconductors and homebuilders. Santoli also analyzes consumer spending, revealing how higher-income households are influencing economic dynamics. Plus, he discusses the increasing caution among traders in light of rising market volatility.

Leslie Picker, a seasoned financial journalist, sheds light on regional bank challenges driving market volatility. Liz Ann Sonders, chief investment strategist at Charles Schwab, discusses the intricate balance between idiosyncratic fraud and systemic credit risks. Dan Greenhaus, founder of Solus Alternative, navigates the murky waters of private credit and the potential AI bubble, sparking a debate over speculative froth. The trio also tackles the implications of falling yields and how they might shape future Fed actions.

Mike Santoli, a senior markets commentator, dives into the intriguing surge of the Russell 2000, discussing its unusual attraction to non-profitable, speculative companies. He also explores stark contrasts in market valuations, especially between major and regional banks. The conversation touches on Salesforce's struggles in the AI landscape, as it seems to lag behind its competitors. Additionally, Santoli analyzes fresh economic signals and their potential impacts on monetary policy amidst rising inflation risks.

Drew Mattis from MetLife Investments shares his insights on the current economic climate, emphasizing the potential pitfalls of consumer retrenchment and its ripple effects on growth. He discusses the contrasting performances of AI-driven large-cap stocks versus speculative small-caps and highlights the Fed's acceptance of above-target inflation amid growing deficit concerns. Additionally, he provides a glimpse into the challenges facing labor and the macroeconomic landscape as we approach the year’s end.

Mario Gabelli, a veteran investor and CEO of GAMCO Investors, shares insights on navigating investment amid rising tariffs and reveals stock picks like National Fuel Gas and BNY. Larry Culp, GE Aerospace's CEO, discusses robust aerospace demand, innovative workforce training, and AI's transformative role in manufacturing and engine maintenance. Together, they explore the implications of tariffs on industries and the potential risks in private credit markets, highlighting innovation and adaptability as key strategies for investors.