2024 Q1 Stock Market Update: Micro-Strategy’s Plunge, Xiaomi’s Success, and Trade Trends
In recent news, several factors have affected the stock market. Micro-Strategy plummeted after a report from Kerrisdale Capital hedge fund revealed that they were short-selling the company’s shares while also buying Bitcoin. The report suggested that the stock price was inflated and not justified due to the company’s heavy reliance on Bitcoin holdings.
On a more positive note, shares of Xiaomi saw a 12% increase after launching their first electric car at an attractive price point. The company aims for mass sales in April and is offering discounts for early adopters. In Europe, stock markets closed with small gains, marking the end of the first quarter of 2024 with an overall increase of about 6.8%.
In more concerning news, Sam Bankman-Fried, founder of FTX crypto exchange, was sentenced to 25 years in prison for fraud and conspiracy. Bankman-Fried expressed regret for his actions and the impact they had on the company and its customers. On a different note, luxury furniture chain RH saw a surge in stock prices after updating their forecast, predicting increased demand in 2024 despite missing analyst expectations in the previous quarter.
The commodity market is experiencing significant price increases, particularly in cocoa, which has more than doubled in three months. Companies like Hershey and Mondelez International may be impacted by these price hikes, potentially leading to increased costs for consumers. Bank of America predicts a 15% decline in the Euro Stoxx 600 index later this year, pointing to a shift in market dynamics and the impact of global growth risks.
Amazon announced a $2.75 billion investment in AI company Entropic while gold prices continued to rise and hold steady above $2,220 per ounce. The US economy saw 3.4% growth in the last quarter of 2023 but slightly lower than previous quarters overall; however, it remains dynamic and influenced by various macroeconomic trends as well as individual company performances.
Overall, trade review encompasses numerous factors such as reports
