Market Brief 19 November, 2024

Good evening, investors and traders! The markets are showing signs of strength today, with the Nasdaq 100 Index (NDX) up 0.6% to 20,673.64 and the S&P 500 Index (GSPC) gaining 0.3% to 5,909.45. The news is dominated by the potential acquisition of Bakkt by Trump Media, which has sent Bakkt shares soaring. Meanwhile, Bitcoin continues its rally, hitting a new all-time high above $93,800, fueled by the launch of spot Bitcoin ETF options on Nasdaq. The US government is also making headlines with the appointment of Howard Lutnick, CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald, as Commerce Secretary, a move that could have significant implications for the crypto industry. The US is also facing growing geopolitical tensions with Russia, which has announced an expanded use of nuclear weapons in its doctrine.