Hi there,

Overview: US equities closed sharply higher for a second straight session. The final "Triple Witching" Friday of the year saw massive trading volumes and volatility, but the underlying trend remained positive as investors digested the lowest annual inflation reading since July (2.7%) and strong earnings from key semiconductor players.

📈 Major Indices

• S&P 500: Rose +0.88%, closing at 6,834.50 and erasing its losses for the week.
• Nasdaq Composite: Gained +1.31%, ending at 23,307.62 as AI-related trade showed signs of a strong recovery.
• Dow Jones Industrial Average: Added +0.38%, closing at 48,134.89.

🏛️ Bonds, FX & Commodities

• US 10-Year Yield: Ticked slightly higher to 4.15% (from 4.12%), driven partly by the Bank of Japan raising interest rates to their highest level in 30 years.
• US Dollar Index (DXY): Rose +0.2% to 98.64.
• Gold: Advanced +0.2% to $4,370, maintaining its position near all-time highs.
• WTI Crude Oil: Rose roughly +1% to settle near $56.65 per barrel.
• Natural Gas: Rebounded +2.87% to settle at $4.02 per MMBtu after hitting a seven-week low.

📊 Specific Stock Performance

• GOOGL (Alphabet Inc.): Up +1.46% ($313.26). Gained alongside broader tech strength as the "AI trade" stabilized into the weekend.
• META (Meta Platforms): Up +1.22% ($672.56). Extended its gains as institutional buying remained strong in the communication services sector.
• FLTR.L (Flutter Entertainment): Up +0.85% (16,520.00p). Recovered some of Thursday's minor losses during the London session.
• ALK (Alaska Air Group): Down -0.54% ($51.60). Pulled back slightly after a strong run earlier in the week.
• PFE (Pfizer Inc.): Up +0.44% ($25.18). Caught a modest bid as some value-oriented investors looked for yield in a high-valuation market.
• STZ (Constellation Brands): Down -1.12% ($135.30). Continued to see some pressure as the rotation into growth sectors limited interest in staples.
• NVO (Novo Nordisk ADR): Up +1.51% ($48.33). Rebounded significantly following the previous day's minor dip, catching up to the broader health-tech rally.

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