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As just noted by CNBC, “Jeff Bezos Blue Origin is raising about $10 billion in its first outside funding round that will value the rocket company at $130 billion, sources told CNBC’s Andrew Ross Sorkin.” It’s also being reported that Bezos is expected to contribute $2 billion to the round, with about $4 billion from Coatue Management.
Futures are sinking as the Street reacts to growing tensions in the Middle East and rising oil prices. At the moment, the S&P 500 is down 0.61%, or by 46 points. The SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY) is down by 0.59%, or by $4.41. The Dow is down by 0.86%, or by 456 points. The Nasdaq is down by 0.77%, or by 225 points. Oil is up by 5.24%, or by $3.72, at $74.16.
The biggest reason for today’s market drop was news that tensions between the United States and Iran have increased. Investors worry that any disruption in the Middle East could affect the global supply of oil. Since the region produces a large share of the world’s oil, even the possibility of conflict can cause prices to rise quickly.
With that fear, investors pulled money out of many well-known stocks. Technology companies were among the biggest losers, with several chipmakers and other large tech firms seeing their shares decline. Travel-related companies could have a rough day, too. Airline and cruise line stocks fell because higher fuel costs can make it more expensive to operate flights and ships.
All Eyes are Also on the Federal Reserve
Another event that investors are watching today is the release of the Federal Reserve’s meeting minutes. The minutes provide a closer look at what central bank officials discussed during their most recent meeting. Traders hope the report will offer clues about the future of interest rates and whether policymakers believe inflation remains under control.
Interest rates have been one of the biggest drivers of the stock market over the past several years. Lower rates generally encourage borrowing, investing, and spending, while higher rates can slow economic growth. If rising oil prices cause inflation to increase again, the Federal Reserve could decide to keep interest rates higher for longer than investors had expected.
Market Movers: Bernstein reiterates Apple as Outperform
Analysts at Bernstein just reiterated an outperform rating on Apple, noting that its checks show iPhone sales have gained momentum. “Apple’s May sell-through units were up 2% YoY and 1% MoM. Nearly all markets delivered positive YoY sell-through revenue growth, with Japan and emerging markets posting the strongest gains,” said the firm, as quoted by CNBC.
Analysts at Bank of America just reiterated a buy rating on Nvidia, noting that “We strongly disagree with the EPS discount and see it as an enhanced Buy opp’ty for a unique, durable growth franchise now trading at a 7-yr low 18x forward PE.”
And analysts at Mizuho just reiterated an outperform rating on SpaceX, noting that it’s bullish on the company making its own chip foundry. “SpaceX has signaled to us the following reasons it makes strategic sense: 1. Supply-chain sovereignty.… 2. Margin-stack capture.”
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