Weekly Highlights from Alpha Picks

The U.S. has tightened its chip export restrictions to China, impacting the semiconductor industry and benefiting non-Chinese firms like Applied Materials and Lam Research. Meanwhile, South Korea faces political instability as impeachment proceedings begin against President Yoon Suk Yeol following a brief martial law declaration. In the financial markets, growth stocks outperformed value stocks, and Bitcoin surpassed $100,000 amid favorable financial conditions. The U.S. dollar strengthened, while gold struggled due to rising Treasury yields and a strong dollar.