Monday Kickoff: Gold, AI, and the Market Back in Focus

? U.S. stock markets started the week on a positive note: the S&P 500, Nasdaq, and Dow Jones continue hitting record highs despite the ongoing government shutdown. Investors are increasingly focused on signals from the Federal Reserve: the minutes of the upcoming Fed meeting, scheduled for Wednesday, already imply nearly a 98% probability of a rate cut. This fuels expectations for new monetary stimulus and supports risk appetite.

Main drivers of the week:

• NVIDIA (NVDA) — the AI leader is again at the center of attention for funds and institutional investors. Support is at $1,160, with the next target for the stock at $1,300. Growing interest in AI and the company’s new products continues to drive demand for its shares.
• Tesla (TSLA) — investors are awaiting the release of FSD v14 and potential unexpected news from Elon Musk. After the recent correction, there is an opportunity for short-term entry, especially for those focusing on volatility in the tech sector.
• Palantir (PLTR) — the stock experienced a drop due to rumors of system issues. After confirming platform functionality, a technical rebound is possible. Investors are closely monitoring corporate news and contracts that could provide additional growth momentum.
• Gold — approaching $4,000, marking the seventh consecutive week of gains. Demand for safe-haven assets is rising amid geopolitical and economic uncertainty, as well as expectations of Fed rate cuts.
• Bitcoin (BTC) — holding around $124,000, up 12% for the week. Institutional funds continue to accumulate the asset, supporting the upward trend amid growing interest in digital assets as an alternative investment.

Market sector leaders:

• Technology and AI — maintain strong investor interest, supported by corporate reports and anticipation of new products.
• Healthcare — shows steady growth despite overall market fluctuations.
• Energy — remains the weak link; oil holds at $60.9 per barrel, with OPEC+ pressure limiting sector growth.

Futures ahead of the session:

• Dow +0.25%
• S&P 500 +0.3%
• Nasdaq +0.4%

Investor optimism remains: most traders expect a dovish Fed pivot, which supports risk appetite and capital flows into high-tech companies and high-yield assets.

? Conclusion:
As the market awaits the Fed minutes, money continues flowing into AI, gold, and Bitcoin. The week promises to be packed with news and corporate reports — attention should remain on the tech sector, safe-haven assets, and key macroeconomic events.