Alphabet, Bitcoin, Netflix, Alibaba and WPP were among the most actively discussed assets on Monday as investor sentiment shifted across global markets. Here are the key developments driving today’s trending tickers:
Alphabet climbs after Berkshire discloses $4.3 billion stake
Alphabet shares gained sharply after Berkshire Hathaway revealed a $4.3 billion position in the company through an SEC filing. Berkshire now holds 17.85 million Alphabet shares, marking a notable shift given Warren Buffett’s long-standing caution toward high-growth tech stocks.
The disclosure coincides with Buffett’s final portfolio report before stepping down as CEO. Berkshire also continued trimming its Apple stake, cutting holdings from 280 million to 238.2 million shares, although Apple remains its largest equity position by value.
Bitcoin loses momentum amid rising volatility
Bitcoin briefly erased its year-to-date gains, falling more than 30% from its recent all-time high. The cryptocurrency dipped below $94,000 before stabilising during European trade.
Analysts flagged the potential for a further decline toward $83,500 following a technical breakdown, while social sentiment data showed a surge in retail investor anxiety as prices retreated.
Netflix’s 90% plunge explained by 10-for-1 stock split
Netflix shares appeared to crash on Friday, but the drop was the result of a planned 10-for-1 stock split aimed at improving affordability for retail investors and boosting liquidity.
The company issued nine additional shares for every one held after market close on 10 November. The split does not affect Netflix’s fundamentals, and the stock was marginally higher in pre-market trading.
Alibaba rebounds after denying US military links
Alibaba’s US-listed shares recovered after the company rejected a report alleging it supplied unspecified technologies to China’s military.
The firm called the claims “baseless” and criticised the leak as politically motivated, especially following recent trade discussions between Washington and Beijing.
WPP surges on takeover speculation
Shares of WPP rose more than 11% following reports that French rival Havas had held talks to acquire the advertising group, while private equity firms Apollo and KKR are also exploring potential bids.
The speculation comes after WPP’s shares hit their lowest level since 1998 earlier this month, driven by weak revenue guidance and rising short positions. WPP’s market value has dropped from £24 billion in 2017 to about £3 billion today.
