1. Nvidia Leads AI Chip Makers
Nvidia was the sector standout, climbing 3.4% for the week. The U.S. government began a formal review that could allow initial shipments of the company’s H200 graphics processors—the firm’s second-most powerful AI chip—to Chinese customers. At roughly 23.5 times projected fiscal-2027 earnings, Nvidia’s valuation stands well below its five-year average multiple above 70.
The strength in Nvidia briefly lifted peer Broadcom on Friday, yet the custom-chip designer still closed the week down 5.4% after sizable declines on Monday and Wednesday.
2. Nike Posts Mixed Quarter
Nike delivered fiscal-2026 second-quarter earnings and revenue ahead of Wall Street estimates, reflecting improved momentum in North America. However, weaker sales in China and a cautious outlook for the current quarter erased any initial optimism. Shares sank 10.5% on Friday and fell 13% for the week, extending a four-session losing streak.
3. Capital One Partial Sale Locks In Gains
Investors booked profits in Capital One Financial on Friday, trimming positions after the credit-card issuer’s stock closed at a record high the previous session. Shares purchased in March were sold for a gain of roughly 36%. Since Nov. 20, the stock has advanced 20%, far outpacing the S&P 500’s 3.5% increase during the same period. Despite the sale, the long-term outlook for Capital One remains constructive, bolstered by the pending acquisition of Discover and expectations for continued share repurchases. The price target on the stock was lifted to $270 from $250, while the rating was shifted to a neutral stance.
4. Texas Roadhouse Attracts Fresh Capital
Midweek, additional shares of Texas Roadhouse were purchased amid confidence that the casual-dining chain can navigate a softening consumer environment. Comparable-store sales have held steady thanks to competitive menu pricing, even as higher beer costs create margin headwinds. The company’s resilience has made it one of the brighter spots in the restaurant sector.
Imagem: Internet
5. Costco Position Cut Amid Membership Concerns
On Tuesday, positions in Costco Wholesale were reduced by half after the retailer’s results on Dec. 11 showed sequential declines in membership-renewal rates. Management signaled that softer renewal trends could weigh on near-term earnings, while recent monthly sales data revealed tepid demand for non-food items. The partial exit locked in a gain of approximately 200% on shares accumulated in early 2020.
Week in Perspective
Market sentiment rotated swiftly throughout the period. Early losses tied to doubts about AI spending were offset by Micron’s earnings and a late-week surge in select technology names. Still, the narrow advance underscores lingering caution as investors assess how aggressively corporations will fund AI projects and whether consumer spending can withstand persistent macroeconomic pressures.
Further clarity may emerge from upcoming economic releases and policy updates. The U.S. Department of Commerce, which oversees export licensing for advanced semiconductors, continues to review restrictions that could shape the global supply chain for AI hardware. Meanwhile, retailers face the final stretch of the holiday season with evidence of selective spending patterns.
With December often delivering outsized returns, the final two trading weeks will test whether renewed enthusiasm for AI and select corporate catalysts can overcome concerns about valuation, consumer health and regulatory uncertainty.
Crédito da imagem: CNBC
