Among companies with at least $10 billion in capitalization, Advanced Micro Devices recorded the largest weekly gain. The tech giant, engaged in the development of artificial intelligence (AI) and high-performance chips, saw its shares rise by 30.50% in a week — to $214.90 per share. Next was AST SpaceMobile, Inc., which operates in the satellite mobile communications sector, with a 21.06% increase to $82.03 per share. And completing this top three was IREN Limited, a company engaged in bitcoin mining and data center management, up 18.45% to $59.77 per share.


The trio of large-cap companies that suffered the biggest losses last week starts with Venture Global, Inc., a liquefied natural gas exporter, with shares down 32.26% — to $9.45 per share. Next was luxury car manufacturer Ferrari N.V., down 21.04% — to $395.72 per share. And rounding out this trio was investment and financial services provider Jefferies Financial Group Inc., whose shares fell 18.48% — to $50.89 per share.


By the end of last week, US stock markets closed with a sharp decline. Weekly results showed the S&P 500 down about 3.4% — its largest weekly drop since May; Nasdaq fell around 4.2% — its biggest weekly loss since April; and the Dow Jones dropped about 2.6%. This wave of massive sell-offs was triggered by US President Donald Trump’s surprise decision to impose a 100% tariff on imports from China. Investors began selling en masse their shares in major tech companies — including Nvidia, Tesla, and Amazon — fearing an escalation of the trade war and disruptions in supply chains, especially after China tightened control over the export of rare metals.


By Monday, however, stock exchanges showed signs of recovery as Trump softened his rhetoric toward China two days after his shocking statement, saying that the US does not wish to harm Beijing. US futures indices and European markets recorded gains, oil prices recovered, and the price of gold reached a new record high — more than $4,000 per ounce — indicating continued uncertainty in the markets. The US dollar also stabilized on Monday, with the US currency index rising 0.2% to 99.2 after last week’s losses.


European stocks also ended the past week lower due to heavy losses on Friday. The STOXX 600 index fell 1.2%, mainly due to a drop in the shares of automotive sector companies.


Major chipmaker TSMC reported positive results for the third quarter of this year. The company’s revenue rose 30% year-on-year to $32.5 billion, exceeding analysts’ expectations. This growth was driven by strong demand for chips used in AI. TSMC’s shares have risen 34% so far this year.


During the week ending October 8, global equity fund inflows fell to a three-week low of $2.03 billion, nearly 96% lower than the previous week’s $48.8 billion. This drop was attributed to risks associated with the US government shutdown and the crisis within France’s government. Meanwhile, bond funds saw five-year highs with $25.8 billion in inflows, while money market funds rose to $64.45 billion — their highest level since August.


According to a survey by NABE, the US economy is expected to maintain the same average growth rate in 2025 despite slower consumption and global trade. However, a volatile labor market, rising unemployment, and persistent inflation will remain the main challenges. Over 60% of surveyed economists said that the Trump administration’s new import tariffs would reduce economic growth by up to 0.5 percentage points. Inflation is projected to reach 3% by the end of the year, slowing to 2.5% in 2026. Unemployment is expected to rise to 4.5%, slightly better than June’s 4.7%. According to economists, the US Federal Reserve is expected to continue cutting interest rates, but at a slower pace than markets had anticipated.


Despite the US government shutdown entering its second week, the October consumer confidence index remained almost unchanged at 55.0, compared to 55.1 in September. The responses of the respondents show that high prices and limited job opportunities continue to concern people, but the government shutdown has not yet had a significant impact on their economic outlook.


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