Here are some of the key news updates to kick off your trading day:
1. Merry markets
The stock market continues on its bullish streak as the three major indices closed higher on Monday, bringing the year-end rally closer to a triumphant conclusion.
2. International Defense
To address the escalating threats faced by commercial vessels in the Red Sea from Iranian-backed Houthi militants, the United States, along with several other nations, have pledged their support and formed a coalition to protect these ships.
3. Apple Watch interruption
In light of an intellectual property dispute, Apple has decided to halt online sales of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 on Thursday afternoon. In-store sales will also be suspended after Sunday.
4. Setback for Nikola’s founder
Trevor Milton, the founder of Nikola, an electric- and hydrogen-powered truck manufacturer, has been sentenced to four years in prison and ordered to pay a $1 million fine for federal fraud crimes. Prosecutors had initially sought a longer prison term for Milton, comparing him to the disgraced founder of Theranos, Elizabeth Holmes.
5. Casting shakeup in the Marvel universe
Following convictions related to assault and harassment charges stemming from a March incident, acclaimed actor Jonathan Majors, who was set to play the villain Kang the Conqueror in the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s upcoming phase, has been dropped by Disney-owned Marvel Studios. Majors’ removal came after he was found guilty in a New York court.
Source (CNBC)
