Wall Street Soars as Shutdown Ends and Trump’s "$2,000 Dividend" Takes Center Stage

• Why Is Wall Street Rallying Today?
• Trump’s $2,000 Dividend: Real or Just Hype?
• AI Stocks Bounce Back After Valuation Jitters
• Mega Merger: Rumble Acquires Northern Data for $767M
• Pfizer Beats Novo Nordisk in $10B Obesity Drug Battle
• Commodities and Fed Watch: What’s Next?
• Corporate Earnings to Watch This Week
• FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered

Wall Street kicked off the week with a bullish surge as the U.S. government shutdown nears its end, and Trump's proposed $2,000 tariff dividend sparks market optimism. The S&P 500 climbed 1.05%, the Dow Jones edged up 0.17%, and the Nasdaq skyrocketed 1.91%, led by a rebound in AI stocks. Meanwhile, key economic data and Fed speeches loom large, while corporate earnings from giants like Nvidia, Disney, and Pfizer dominate headlines. Here’s a DEEP dive into the forces driving the markets this week.

Why Is Wall Street Rallying Today?

The major U.S. indices are charging higher as investors cheer the potential resolution of the 40-day government shutdown. A bipartisan Senate bill passed with a 60-40 vote, signaling an imminent end to the political gridlock. The shutdown had already begun weighing heavily on the economy, disrupting air travel, delaying food aid, and furloughing hundreds of thousands of federal workers. With the House of Representatives next in line to vote, markets are pricing in a swift resolution—though the process could still take a few more days.

Trump’s $2,000 Dividend: Real or Just Hype?

Former President Donald Trump’s weekend announcement of a potential $2,000 dividend for Americans—funded by tariff revenues—sent ripples through markets. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent hinted this could materialize through tax cuts, though specifics remain vague. Critics question its feasibility, especially after the Supreme Court recently scrutinized the legality of Trump-era tariffs. If overturned, the U.S. could face $100B+ in refunds—a risk markets aren’t fully pricing in yet.

AI Stocks Bounce Back After Valuation Jitters

Last week’s sell-off in AI-heavy Nasdaq stocks reversed sharply, with Nvidia (+4.8%) leading the charge ahead of its November 19 earnings report. Despite China trade tensions, analysts at Citi and Bank of America remain bullish, with a $220 price target citing strong demand for its chips. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (+3.1%) also gained after reporting October revenue growth of nearly 17%, slightly beating estimates.

Mega Merger: Rumble Acquires Northern Data for $767M

Trump-linked video platform Rumble (+9.2%) is buying German cloud/AI firm Northern Data in an all-stock deal, expanding its infrastructure for Truth Social’s backend. The acquisition includes 22,400 Nvidia GPUs and a $150M cloud contract with Tether—Rumble’s largest shareholder. The MOVE signals Rumble’s ambition to compete with Big Tech in AI and data hosting.

Pfizer Beats Novo Nordisk in $10B Obesity Drug Battle

Pfizer (-0.5%) secured a revised $10B deal for Metsera’s next-gen obesity treatments after antitrust concerns derailed Novo Nordisk’s bid. The FTC had raised red flags about Novo’s proposed structure, prompting Metsera’s board to favor Pfizer’s offer of up to $86.25/share (including contingent payments). The deal positions Pfizer as a key player in the booming weight-loss drug market.

Commodities and Fed Watch: What’s Next?

Gold surged 2.1% to $4,085/oz amid shutdown uncertainties, while WTI crude inched up 0.2% to $59.90/barrel. All eyes are now on Thursday’s U.S. inflation data (expected +0.2% MoM) and Friday’s retail sales figures. The CME FedWatch Tool shows a 64% chance of a 25-basis-point rate cut on December 10, which WOULD bring rates to 3.50–3.75%. Fed speakers this week—including Mary Daly and Raphael Bostic—may offer clues on whether policymakers agree.

Corporate Earnings to Watch This Week

Disney, Nvidia, and Cisco headline a packed earnings calendar. Barrick Mining (+6.3%) already impressed with record quarterly cash Flow ($2.4B) and a 25% dividend hike. Tyson Foods (+2.7%) beat profit estimates despite softer sales, while Verizon (-0.2%) reportedly plans a $10B bond offering to fund its Frontier Communications acquisition.

FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered

How long was the government shutdown?

The shutdown lasted 40 days, becoming one of the longest in U.S. history before the Senate’s breakthrough vote.

Will Trump’s $2,000 dividend happen?

Unclear. While Treasury officials suggest it could align with existing tax cuts, legal challenges to tariffs and congressional approval remain hurdles.

Why did AI stocks rebound?

Oversold conditions and Nvidia’s bullish comments about “monthly growth acceleration” reassured investors about chip demand.