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Microsoft Shares Jump on Hire of Sam Altman as CEO of AI Unit

Miguel A. Rodriguez
Miguel A. Rodriguez
21 November 2023

Today investors will be waiting for the release of Nvidia’s earnings while yesterday the big news revolved around Microsoft. The tech giant’s shares soared more than 2% after the company hired Sam Altman as its new CEO of the AI unit. 

Minutes From the Last Fed Meeting to be Released Today

The trading week will be shorter than usual due to the Thanksgiving holiday in the US. As a result, not much economic data is expected to be released.

The market has been largely focused on what the Federal Reserve (Fed) will do concerning the interest rate at its next meeting. In that sense, the minutes of the last meeting, that will be released today, will be the centre of attention for investors.

Fed Expected to Keep Rates Stable in December

Investors have almost completely priced in the likelihood that the Fed will keep interest rates unchanged in December. Odds that the next step will be a cut, probably in early summer of next year, are also increasing.

This better monetary policy scenario has led to the improvement of investors' risk sentiment and rises in the stock market during November.  

Microsoft Shares Rose More Than 2% Yesterday

Yesterday the main North American indices continued to rise, this time driven by technology companies such as Microsoft (MSF). The tech giant announced that Sam Altman was joining the company as CEO of the AI unit after being surprisingly fired from Open AI. This gave Microsoft shares a boost as investors believed that hiring Altman would give the company a competitive advantage in the AI race. Microsoft shares rose more than 2% yesterday.

Microsoft shares 21 nov 2023.png

Microsoft daily chart over six months, November 21, 2023. Source: CAPEX.com WebTrader.    

Nvidia to Release Earnings Report Today

Today the market will also focus on the earnings release of Nvidia (NVDA), another technology company also involved in the AI sector.

News of Oil Cuts Brought Crude Oil Up

In the commodities market, crude oil rose more than 6% between Friday and yesterday. The rise came after Reuters reported, citing sources, that OPEC+ may consider additional cuts in oil supply during its meeting on November 26.

OPEC+ has been making these kinds of decisions since late 2022. It has already made total oil production cuts of around 5 million barrels per day, or around 5% of daily global demand.

In any case, there is a considerable number of sector analysts who believe it is unlikely that a decision of this nature will be made. They believe these are simply statements intended to stop the recent fall in crude oil that has been happening because of a drop in global demand.  

Key Takeaways

  • Fed meeting minutes to be released today.
  • Interest rates are expected to remain unchanged in December.
  • Rate cuts expected for early summer 2024.
  • Shares of Microsoft rose more than 2% after hiring Sam Altman as CEO of the AI unit.
  • Nvidia to release earnings report today.
  • Crude oil rose more than 6% since Friday after news that OPEC+ may consider more oil cuts.

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Sources: Bloomberg, Reuters 

 

This information/research prepared by Miguel A. Rodriguez does not take into account the specific investment objectives, financial situation, or particular needs of any particular person. The research analyst primarily responsible for the content of this research report, in part or in whole, certifies that the views about the companies and their securities expressed in this report accurately reflect his/her personal views and consequently any person acting on it does so entirely at their own risk.The research provided does not constitute the views of KW Investments Ltd nor is it an invitation to invest with KW Investments Ltd. The research analyst also certifies that no part of his/her compensation was, is, or will be, directly, or indirectly, related to specific recommendations or views expressed in this report.The research analyst in not employed by KW Investments Ltd. You are encouraged to seek advice from an independent financial adviser regarding the suitability of the investment, under a separate engagement, as you deem fit that conforms to your specific investment objectives, financial situation, or particular financial needs before making a commitment to invest. The laws of the Republic of Seychelles shall govern any claim relating to or arising from the contents of the information/ research provided. 

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Miguel A. Rodriguez
Miguel A. Rodriguez
Financial Writer

Miguel worked for major financial institutions such as Banco Santander, and Banco Central-Hispano. He is a published author of currency trading books.