OpenAI reportedly pursues massive valuation
Separate from public-market moves, tech investors watched reports that OpenAI is in discussions to raise capital at a valuation near $750 billion. If completed, the deal would rank among the largest ever for a privately held software company and could influence funding dynamics across the broader AI ecosystem.
Eli Lilly posts positive obesity drug data
Pharmaceutical group Eli Lilly & Co. said early Thursday that its Phase 3 trial of the oral GLP-1 therapy Orforglipron met its primary endpoint of maintaining weight loss over a 52-week period. Participants had previously completed 72 weeks on high-dose injections of Wegovy or Zepbound before switching to the pill formulation. Data indicated weight stability throughout the follow-up period, addressing concerns about long-term efficacy once injectable treatment ends.
Following the announcement, Lilly filed a new drug application with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration seeking approval of Orforglipron for obesity management. Shares rose nearly 2% in morning trade, though market observers suggested the gain did not fully reflect the potential commercial impact. Earlier this month, Lilly signed an agreement with the White House to reduce GLP-1 therapy costs for Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, a move expected to broaden patient access.
GLP-1 agonists have become a focal point for drugmakers due to their dual benefits in glucose control and weight reduction. Approval of an oral version could expand the class’s reach beyond current injectable offerings, pending regulatory review. Background information on GLP-1 treatments is available from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Nike prepares to report fiscal second-quarter results
Shares of Nike gained ahead of the athletic-apparel company’s earnings release scheduled for after Thursday’s closing bell. Wall Street analysts forecast stable revenue with moderated guidance as the firm continues working through excess inventory. Inventory reduction has been a priority since late 2022, and investors will scrutinize progress toward normalizing stock levels, which in turn could support higher average selling prices and gross margins.
Imagem: Internet
Channel performance will also draw attention, particularly in wholesale accounts and Greater China. Management commentary on product innovation is expected, as some analysts argue that a more compelling pipeline is necessary to reaccelerate demand.
Additional company moves
During a rapid-fire segment on CNBC’s Investing Club livestream, the discussion briefly touched on several portfolio names: Darden Restaurants, Lululemon, Sherwin-Williams, Shake Shack and Merck. No major strategic shifts were announced for those firms, though panelists reiterated the importance of monitoring margin trends and consumer traffic levels across the group.
Elsewhere, broader market performance remained tied to expectations for monetary policy and the unfolding holiday shopping season. Retail sales, scheduled for release later this month, will offer the next significant data point on consumer resilience.
Outlook
With inflation showing signs of moderation and corporate updates offering mixed signals, investors face a landscape defined by selective opportunities rather than broad-based momentum. Potential FDA decisions, tech funding developments and high-profile earnings, such as Nike’s, are poised to influence near-term market direction.
Crédito da imagem: CNBC Investing Club
