Cisco, Merck, Cheniere Energy And More: CNBC’s ‘Final Trades’

Edge Cloud Orchestration Market Accelerates as AI, 5G and Distributed Computing Increase Demand for Automated Infrastructure Management

The global Edge Cloud Orchestration Market is projected to grow from USD 0.52 billion in 2025 to USD 4.80 billion by 2035 at a 24.92% CAGR, driven by AI, 5G, IoT, and cloud-native architectures. The U.S. market is expected to reach USD 1.20 billion by 2035 at 22.73% CAGR. Cloud deployment and services are the fastest-growing segments, while North America leads with 38.60% market share and Asia Pacific shows the highest growth potential at 28.47% CAGR.

Could Palantir Be the Next Stock Added to the Dow Jones?

While Palantir Technologies meets all stated criteria for Dow Jones inclusion—including S&P 500 membership, U.S. headquarters, and appropriate stock price—the article argues inclusion is unlikely in the near term. The company faces stiff competition from better-established Magnificent Seven stocks and former Dow components, and its relative youth (only 6 years post-IPO) may require a longer track record before serious consideration.

Cisco Stock Falls as Piper Sandler Cuts Price Target

Cisco Systems shares are trading lower Tuesday after Piper Sandler lowered its price target on the stock while maintaining a Neutral rating.

Unconfirmed Social Media Reports Suggest The ShinyHunters Hacking Group Claims To Have Breached The FBI, Stating The Attack Is "Not Financially Motivated." The FBI Has Not Yet Commented.

Should You Invest in the iShares U.S. Utilities ETF (IDU)?

The iShares U.S. Utilities ETF (IDU) is a passively managed fund with $1.35 billion in assets tracking the Dow Jones U.S. Utilities Index. With a 0.38% expense ratio and 2.49% dividend yield, it offers diversified exposure to the utilities sector but has underperformed year-to-date, declining 2.57%. The fund holds 49 stocks with top positions in NextEra Energy (11.1%), Southern Company, and Duke Energy. Alternatives like Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU) and State Street Utilities SPDR (XLU) offer lower expense ratios.

Shares of oil and gas related companies are trading lower after Iran's Foreign Minister confirmed that Iran has submitted to the U.S. a seven-day plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and start discussions on Iran's nuclear program. Also, companies exposed to U.S. natural gas markets have seen physical prices decline due to high production and inventory, lower LNG export volumes, and mild autumn weather in North America.