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Stock Market Daily Podcast 12/19/2025
Welcome back! Today’s podcast episode was created from the following stories:
Ark Invest buys another $25.4 million of COIN, BLSH, BMNR as crypto stocks slide
Source: CoinDesk
By Jamie Crawley — December 18, 2025
ARK Invest bought $25.4 million worth of crypto-linked stocks on Wednesday, adding 360,232 shares of Bitmine Immersion Technologies (BMNR) worth $10.6 million, plus $8.85 million in Bullish (BLSH) and $5.91 million in Coinbase (COIN). The firm leaned into the dip as crypto and related equities fell, with bitcoin spiking near $90,000 before settling around $86,000 by the close. The purchase follows ARK’s nearly $60 million buying spree earlier in the week, underscoring its buy-the-dip playbook.
Micron crushes earnings, calming markets and helping boost bitcoin back above $87,000
Source: CoinDesk
By James Van Straten — December 18, 2025
Micron posted blowout results with Q1 2026 revenue of $13.6 billion (+57% YoY), 56% gross margins, and EPS of $4.60, topping estimates, and guided Q2 revenue to $18–$19 billion while noting key AI memory is effectively sold out through 2026. The report reignited AI optimism, lifted tech futures, and coincided with bitcoin stabilizing above $87,000 amid the growing AI–crypto correlation. Shares jumped roughly 12% pre-market, signaling renewed confidence in the AI infrastructure cycle.
Here are Thursday’s top Wall Street analyst research calls
Source: 24/7 Wall St.
By Lee Jackson — December 18, 2025
Futures traded higher as investors digested AI/data center headlines and awaited CPI, with recent pressure tied to funding uncertainty around a major OpenAI-related data center project. Notable calls included Bank of America upgrading Micron to Buy with a $300 target and fresh coverage and moves across GE Vernova, Merck, Rivian, and United Airlines. The note also highlighted steady bond yields, a pop in energy prices, and ongoing crypto volatility tied to broader tech sentiment.
China’s economic slump isn’t stopping a billionaire boom in AI chips
Source: Business Insider
By Huileng Tan — December 18, 2025
Despite macro headwinds, China’s AI chip frenzy is minting new fortunes as domestic semiconductor names surge. MetaX Integrated Circuits Shanghai soared roughly 700% on debut, propelling its chairman Chen Weiliang into the billionaire ranks, while Moore Threads and Cambricon have also ridden the wave amid U.S. export controls that push demand toward homegrown suppliers. The rally has helped lift the Hang Seng Tech Index and reshaped the country’s tech wealth leaderboard.
