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Good morning.
Markets slipped Monday as the Santa rally cooled, with stocks easing into year-end.
Today:
r/WallStreetBets' top 10 stocks for 2026 (plus what Wall Street firms are betting on)
Alleged $9 billion Somali daycare fraud scheme blows up on Twitter
Meta acquires 9-month-old AI company making $100M/month
Fed meeting minutes drop today at 2 PM. Rate pause or cut?
Let’s get into it.
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📰 Market Headlines
Markets slipped on Monday as the Santa Claus rally lost steam.
The Dow fell 0.5%, the S&P 500 dropped 0.3%, and the Nasdaq slid 0.5%.
Despite the stumble, all three indexes remain up strongly for 2025, with the Nasdaq leading at +21%, the S&P 500 up 17%, and the Dow up 14%.
Reddit's most infamous investing community is buzzing about these 10 stocks heading into 2026. The list includes some expected names and a few wildcards that could either moon or crater spectacularly.
Meanwhile, Wall Street equity research firms have their own consensus: Amazon (AMZN) dominates the "top stock for 2026" lists. The theme is clear; institutions are betting big on AWS and AI infrastructure heading into the new year.
Meta (META) is not slowing down on AI spending. The Mag 7 member just acquired Manus, a 9-month-old AI agent company, for an undisclosed amount. Despite its age, Manus already generates $100 million monthly from AI agents that "execute complex tasks such as market research, coding, and data analysis," according to CNBC.
For context: a company that didn't exist a year ago is now pulling in over $1 billion annually. That's the pace of the AI market right now.
The Fed is releasing its December meeting minutes today at 2 PM EST. Investors are on the lookout for any sign of a rate pause in January (negative for markets). If there’s any clear news in the minutes, expect markets to respond, whether it’s about a cut or a pause.
The market has likely priced in two more quarter-point cuts in 2026, with the first expected by June. Today's minutes could confirm or challenge that expectation.
Twitter has erupted with commentary on allegations of a massive Somali daycare fraud operation that reportedly siphoned up to $9 billion in government funding. The claims suggest networks of fake or empty daycare centers collected subsidies for years.
Treasury volatility dropped to its lowest since 2021, with the MOVE Index at 59. That marks the biggest annual decline since 2009 as Fed rate cuts calmed markets. Traders have priced in two more quarter-point cuts in 2026, with the first expected by June.
Pending home sales rose 3.3% in November, reaching their highest level since early 2023. The National Association of Realtors said improving affordability and lower mortgage rates are driving the rebound. The 30-year fixed rate now sits near 6.18%, its lowest in over a year, helping buyers re-enter the market.
😱 Fear & Greed Index
🤖 AI/Future/Tech News
AI startups raised a record $150 billion in 2025, up 63% from 2021. OpenAI's $40 billion round at a $300 billion valuation fueled bubble warnings.
Big Tech spent nearly $400 billion on AI infrastructure this year, with costs expected to top $500 billion in 2026.
VCs predict enterprise AI adoption will finally take off in 2026 as CIOs cut redundant tools and demand measurable ROI.
Mexico ordered Google to drop Android restrictions, freeing phone makers to ship devices with alternative operating systems.
🪙 Crypto
BlackRock moved $214 million worth of Bitcoin and Ethereum to Coinbase Monday (2,201 BTC and 7,557 ETH).
Bitcoin fell below $90,000 after briefly touching that level Sunday, sliding to $86,800 as crude oil rallied and gold plunged.
XRP funds bucked the trend with $70 million in inflows. Franklin Templeton's XRP ETF alone pulled in $28.6 million.
🚨 Trending on Reddit
iShares Silver Trust mentions spiked 420% on Reddit as traders dissect SLV’s recent dip and volatile swings, with many lamenting missed exits on call options.
Meta discussions climbed 310%, as investors debated its heavy AI and infrastructure spending versus long-term growth potential under Zuckerberg.
🤫 Insider Trading
🚚 Market Movers
Tesla's 4680 battery supply chain collapsed as partner L&F wrote down their $2.9 billion contract to $7,386, a 99% cut.
Indian quick-commerce startup Zepto filed for IPO, seeking $1.2 billion amid warnings of a sector bubble driven by unsustainable spending.
Job cuts:
Entertainment slashed 18% with 17,000 jobs cut across TV, film, and streaming.
GM permanently laid off 1,145 workers at Factory Zero while UPS eliminated 48,000 positions nationwide.
❓Market Trivia Corner
Which hedge fund performed best over the past 3 months?
🎤️ What you said last time
🧠 The Missing (Market) Links
Iran's currency completely collapsed, sparking street protests as inflation hit 42% and the central bank chief quit.
Turns out you can get student loans discharged in bankruptcy. The success rate jumped to 87%, but a popular myth keeps millions from trying.
President Trump's tariffs on China might have an unexpected winner: the UK. A flood of diverted, cheap Chinese goods could actually drive down British inflation.
📜 Quote of the Day
To make money in stocks you must have the vision to see them, the courage to buy them, and the patience to hold them.”
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Cheers,
Brandon & Blake of Invested Inc
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