Wall Street set to draw breath after epic Monday

• Nvidia unveiled its Vera Rubin platform and robotics ambitions while AMD showcased its Helios system promising major data-centre performance improvements at CES
• Copper prices reached fresh highs above $13,000 per tonne driven by tariff concerns and aggressive US stockpiling, tightening global supply
• S&P 500 and Dow futures remained flat while Nasdaq 100 futures edged lower as investors digested the prior day's gains

Market Summary: Wall Street Pauses After Record Monday Session

Market Overview:

US stock futures steadied Tuesday following Monday's record-breaking session, with S&P 500 and Dow Jones contracts hovering near flat, while Nasdaq 100 futures edged lower. Investors took a breather to assess developments in the artificial intelligence sector.

Key Companies and Developments:

The Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas commanded market attention, featuring major AI announcements from chip manufacturers. Nvidia unveiled its Vera Rubin platform and outlined expansion plans into humanoid robotics. Rival AMD showcased its Helios system, promising substantial improvements in data-center performance. Additional updates are expected from Intel and Qualcomm, keeping AI technology at the forefront of trading focus.

Commodities:

Copper prices surged to fresh highs, breaking above $13,000 per tonne. The rally was driven by tariff concerns and aggressive US stockpiling, resulting in increasingly tight global supply conditions.

Geopolitical Context:

Markets largely dismissed geopolitical developments in Venezuela, with investors viewing the situation as a potential opportunity for US corporate interests, particularly in the energy and defense sectors, rather than a destabilizing risk factor.

Market Implications:

The pause in equity futures suggests investors are digesting the rapid gains from the previous session while evaluating the competitive landscape in AI computing. The continued strength in copper prices signals ongoing concerns about trade policy and supply chain dynamics. The AI sector remains the primary driver of market sentiment, with major technology companies' product announcements likely to influence near-term trading activity and sector positioning.