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Good Afternoon! 

Hey, everyone. It's Adam from Elite Trade Club. 

Here’s what moved the market today.

AI

The 10 Best AI Stocks to Own in 2025

Artificial intelligence is rewriting the rules of innovation, creating unparalleled opportunities for investors who act early.

As we step into Industrial Revolution 5.0, AI is transforming sectors like healthcare, finance, and manufacturing at a rapid pace.

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Companies leading this charge are no longer just disruptors—they’re becoming cornerstones of a technological future.

Our exclusive report, “The 10 Best AI Stocks to Own in 2025”, highlights the innovators poised to drive the next wave of adoption and growth. With expanding applications and robust market potential, these stocks could be key to positioning yourself ahead of the curve.

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This is your chance to align with the industries shaping tomorrow’s economy.

Click here to access the report now—free for a limited time.

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Markets 📈

U.S. indexes had a pretty good day, with the Dow Jones scraping together a win near the closing bell. The Nasdaq Composite grew the most, adding just shy of 200 points to its total.

Market-Moving News 📈

Software

MicroStrategy Buys $561 Million in Bitcoin as Nasdaq 100 Entry Approaches

MicroStrategy has made another significant Bitcoin purchase, adding $561 million worth to its holdings at the coin’s near-record highs. This purchase comes as the company prepares to join the Nasdaq 100 Index, marking a milestone in its ongoing strategy to leverage Bitcoin as its primary asset. Over the past week, MicroStrategy acquired over 5,200 Bitcoin, bringing its total stock to more than 150,000.

This marks the seventh consecutive week of Bitcoin acquisitions for the company, which is pushing forward with plans to raise $42 billion over the next three years through stock and debt offerings, aimed at funding additional Bitcoin purchases. Despite some initial skepticism about the company’s ambitious goals, analysts are now noting that MicroStrategy is on track to meet its targets well ahead of schedule.

However, the company’s stock has been volatile, reflecting the fluctuations in Bitcoin’s price. Recent price dips in Bitcoin, triggered by shifts in the Federal Reserve’s rate outlook, have had a direct impact on MicroStrategy’s stock performance, underscoring the risks tied to its Bitcoin-heavy strategy. While the company’s success is closely tied to the cryptocurrency's price, its ability to continue raising capital suggests confidence in its long-term approach.

Retail

Nordstrom to Transition to Private Ownership in Family-Led Deal

Nordstrom, a well-established department store with over a century of history, is set to transition into private ownership. This move is driven by a collaboration between members of the Nordstrom family and a prominent Mexican retail group. Shareholders will receive a significant cash payout as part of the agreement, reflecting a notable premium compared to earlier stock values.

The proposed transaction has been fully endorsed by the company's board of directors, ensuring a smooth progression toward finalization. Upon completion, the Nordstrom family will hold a majority ownership stake, reinforcing their deep-rooted connection to the business. The fourth-generation leaders of the company, Erik and Pete Nordstrom, played pivotal roles in shaping this transition, though they abstained from board voting to maintain impartiality.

Nordstrom has experienced considerable activity in 2024, with an expansion of its retail footprint through the addition of new locations. Despite shifts in ownership, the company remains focused on delivering strong financial results, as evidenced by its recent performance. This milestone marks a significant chapter for the iconic retailer, blending legacy with strategic growth initiatives.

Retail

Party City’s Collapse Linked to Disputed Inventory Valuation

Party City’s downfall has been years in the making, but recent developments sealed its fate. The retailer faced a major setback when the value of its inventory was unexpectedly reassessed downward, triggering financial pressure that proved insurmountable. This valuation led lenders to demand the company set aside a substantial reserve, significantly depleting its cash reserves and leaving it with limited financial flexibility.

To address these challenges, Party City brought in experts to reassess its inventory value, but the damage was already done. The initial appraisal caused lenders to impose stricter financial requirements, forcing the company into a precarious position. Despite efforts to secure new investment and funding, potential investors and stakeholders were unwilling to commit.

Struggling to manage its obligations, Party City cut back on operations, halting inventory orders and deferring payments to landlords and suppliers. These steps weren’t enough to keep the business afloat. By mid-December, the company’s cash reserves fell below critical levels, ultimately leading to preparations for its latest Chapter 11 filing.

The once-popular party supply retailer’s story underscores the challenges of navigating financial pressures and the critical role of inventory management in retail operations.

2025 Stock Watch

These Top 5 Stocks Could Poised to Thrive in 2025

With Trump back in the spotlight, certain industries are primed for significant growth.

From domestic oil companies set to benefit from his "drill, baby, drill" mantra to energy firms powering AI and cryptocurrencies rallying on renewed optimism, the stage is set for strategic investment opportunities.

This free report highlights five stocks uniquely positioned to capitalize on these trends and drive exceptional growth into 2025.

Click here to access the free report and uncover these potential winners today.

Technology

Discover the Next Magnificent 7 Stocks for 2025

The original “Magnificent Seven” tech companies—Apple, Microsoft, Alphabet, Amazon, Nvidia, Meta, and Tesla—have defined the market, delivering tremendous gains to early investors.

But now, the spotlight is crowded, and future returns may not be as groundbreaking.

What if you could get in early on the next wave of transformative tech companies?

Our new report, The Next Magnificent 7, identifies seven emerging companies with the potential to rival the dominance of today’s leaders.

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These stocks share key traits: global market reach, robust cash flows, and strong growth potential—all at a value proposition that investors can’t ignore.

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This is your chance to escape the crowded fields and align with companies flying under the radar—before the rest of the market catches on.

Click here to claim your free copy of These 7 Stocks Will Be Magnificent in 2025.

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That's it for today! Please, write us back, and let us know what you think of the Closing Bell Roundup. We're always eager to hear feedback!

Thanks for reading. I'll see you at the next open! 

Best Regards,
— Adam G.
Elite Trade Club