Tonight’s Highlights | U.S. Index Futures All Higher, Boeing Up Over 3% Pre-Market
In Tuesday’s pre-market session, all three major U.S. index futures are rising, while major European indices are broadly higher.
AI-related tech sectors are supporting the broader market. Oracle and Broadcom are rebounding pre-market, reversing yesterday’s losses, with both up over 1%. AI chip leader Nvidia is also up nearly 1%.
U.S. stocks opened lower this week, ending a five-day winning streak on Monday. Recent risk-off sentiment has pressured the bull market, with persistent inflation concerns, elevated valuations, and doubts about AI investment returns weighing on sentiment.
Nationwide chief market strategist Mark Hackett said: “As year-end approaches, bulls remain in control driven by technical and fundamental factors. From a technical standpoint, December is typically a seasonally strong month with steady inflows, improving risk metrics, the S&P 500 reclaiming its 50-day moving average, and broadening market participation – though overall sentiment remains at historical lows.”
“The bears’ thesis rests mainly on concerns about the sustainability of the AI buildout and overvaluation,” Hackett said.
Bitcoin has recovered some losses but remains below $90,000.
The OECD said Tuesday that the full impact of U.S. tariffs is expected to slow the U.S. and global economy next year.
Boeing is up over 3% pre-market. On the news front, Boeing said achieving $10 billion in long-term free cash flow remains feasible and expects a U.S. Department of Justice penalty decision to be delayed until 2026.
Corporate News
OpenAI Altman announces “red alert” to improve ChatGPT, plans to delay other projects
Reports say OpenAI CEO Sam Altman informed employees in an internal memo that he will initiate a “red alert” emergency state to improve ChatGPT and plans to postpone other projects including the advertising business.
The report cited sources that although OpenAI has not publicly acknowledged advancing an advertising business, it has been testing multiple ad formats including online shopping ads.
Amazon testing 30-minute delivery service in Seattle and Philadelphia
Amazon announced on December 1 local time that it is testing an ultra-fast delivery service in parts of Seattle and Philadelphia, the “Amazon Now” service that delivers customer packages in about 30 minutes or less.
Amazon Prime members can enjoy discounted delivery fees starting at $3.99 per order (non-Prime $13.99), and customers with orders under $15 will be charged a $1.99 small-order fee.
John Giannandrea steps down as Apple AI strategy head, former Microsoft executive takes over
Apple announced on December 1 local time that John Giannandrea, Senior Vice President of Machine Learning and AI Strategy, will step down from his current role and serve as a company advisor until his retirement in spring 2026.
Meanwhile, renowned AI researcher Amar Subramanya has joined Apple as Vice President of Artificial Intelligence. Subramanya will lead key areas including Apple’s foundation models, machine learning research, and AI safety and evaluation. Subramanya previously served as Vice President of AI Enterprise at Microsoft and spent 16 years at Google, most recently as engineering lead for the Gemini assistant.
Google expands Gemini 3 and Nano Banana Pro applications in search
Google announced on December 1 local time that it will roll out the Gemini 3 model to AI mode in Google Search in nearly 120 countries and regions. Starting today, Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers can begin using Gemini 3 Pro.
In addition, Google said it will launch the generative image model Nano Banana Pro in AI mode in more countries, with AI Pro and Ultra subscribers gaining early access starting today.
Samsung launches first tri-fold phone Galaxy Z TriFold
Samsung announced on December 2 the launch of its first tri-fold phone, the Galaxy Z TriFold, which goes on sale in South Korea starting December 12 at a starting price of 3,590,400 won (~$2,500).
Goldman Sachs acquires buffered ETF leader Innovator for nearly $2 billion
Goldman Sachs announced on December 1 that it has reached an agreement to acquire Innovator Capital Management.
As of September 30, Innovator manages 159 target-outcome ETFs with $28 billion in assets, offering clients strategies for income, targeted buffers, and growth. The deal is valued at approximately $2 billion.