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CNBC Daily Open: Downgrade of U.S. credit rating adds new complication to U.S. stock market

May 19, 2025 - cnbc.com
U.S. stocks experienced a significant rally last week following a trade truce between the U.S. and China, with technology stocks like Tesla and Nvidia leading the surge. However, the buoyant sentiment faces uncertainty due to Moody's downgrade of the U.S. credit rating, which could lead to higher Treasury yields and pressure on stocks. Nvidia, despite its recent gains, is dealing with chip export restrictions to China, a crucial market for its AI sector. Meanwhile, former President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer, and President Donald Trump plans to mediate peace talks between Russia and Ukraine.

In other developments, major U.S. indexes rose, with the Nasdaq Composite jumping 7.2% for the week. Nvidia denied reports of sending chip designs to China amid new export curbs. Retail earnings from companies like Home Depot and Target are in focus this week, as investors assess the impact of tariffs on consumer spending. In China, companies like Alibaba, Tencent, and JD.com are seeing benefits from AI-powered advertising, with improved click-through rates and increased marketing revenues.

Key takeaways:

  • Moody's Ratings downgraded the U.S. sovereign credit rating to Aa1 from Aaa, citing the growing burden of financing the federal government's budget deficit and debt.
  • U.S. stocks surged last week, with the S&P 500 rising 5.3%, the Dow Jones climbing 3.4%, and the Nasdaq Composite jumping 7.2%, driven by strong performances from technology stocks like Tesla and Nvidia.
  • Nvidia denied reports of sending GPU designs to China, stating it is not sending any IP or GPU designs there despite leasing new space for current employees in Shanghai.
  • AI-powered advertising is boosting Chinese companies like Alibaba, Tencent, and JD.com, with improvements in click-through rates and marketing revenues attributed to AI tools.
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