US stock markets experienced a significant rally on Monday, driven by the US military's actions in Venezuela and a resurgence in technology stocks.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose by 595 points, closing at a record high of 48,977.18, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite also posted gains of 0.64% and 0.69%, respectively.
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cnbc.comfinviz.comThe military strike and capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro over the weekend sparked optimism among investors, particularly in the energy sector.Analysts noted that the US military action could lead to a recovery of oil assets previously seized by Venezuela, which has the largest proven oil reserves in the world.
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cnbc.comfinviz.comShares of Chevron surged by 5.1%, and Halliburton saw an increase of nearly 9%, as investors anticipated a rebuilding of Venezuela's oil infrastructure.
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finance.yahoo.comcnbc.comIn addition to energy stocks, the technology sector also saw a revival, buoyed by positive developments in artificial intelligence (AI) demand.Nvidia's upcoming keynote address at the CES tech show in Las Vegas was a focal point for traders, with expectations for strong growth in AI products driving interest in tech stocks.TSMC shares jumped after Goldman Sachs raised its price target for the company, reflecting optimism for continued growth in the sector.
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finance.yahoo.comfinviz.comThe geopolitical tensions following the US military action also influenced other markets.Gold prices rose by 2.8%, reaching a one-week peak, as traders sought safe-haven assets amid the uncertainty.The dollar gained strength, and the benchmark 10-year Treasury yield slipped to around 4.15% as investors adjusted their portfolios in response to the evolving situation.
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finance.yahoo.comcnbc.comMarket analysts suggested that while the immediate reaction to the military strike was positive, the long-term implications remain uncertain.Sam Stovall, chief investment strategist at CFRA Research, indicated that the market's focus would likely shift to the broader economic landscape, including the upcoming jobs report expected later in the week.Economists anticipate payroll growth of about 55,000 for December, which could further influence market sentiment.
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cnbc.comfinviz.comDespite the bullish reaction in equities, some analysts cautioned that the situation in Venezuela could lead to increased volatility in the markets.Matthew Aks, a policy analyst with Evercore ISI, noted that while the military action is significant, it is unlikely to be a major near-term market mover.He emphasized that investors would need to navigate the complexities of US foreign policy and its potential impacts on global markets.
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cnbc.comfinviz.comOverall, the stock market's performance on Monday reflects a combination of geopolitical developments and renewed confidence in the technology sector.As investors continue to monitor the situation in Venezuela and the broader economic indicators, the outlook for the markets remains cautiously optimistic, with a focus on potential growth opportunities in both energy and technology sectors.