What MoneyWeek writers read and watched in 2024

Tesla's shares rose by 3% on Monday, peaking at 4.6% earlier in the day, while the S&P 500 remained flat and the Nasdaq Composite increased by 0.3%. The boost in stock value follows Tesla's $16.5 billion agreement with Samsung for the production of next-generation AI6 chips at Samsung's new Texas factory. Want More Context? 🔎

Core Laboratories (NYSE:CLB), a provider of reservoir optimization and production enhancement services, reported Q2 2025 earnings on July 23, revealing GAAP revenue of $130.2 million, surpassing expectations of $129.1 million, while adjusted EPS of $0.19 met consensus. Although there were operational improvements in international markets, revenue remained largely unchanged year-over-year. Want More Context? 🔎

Global demand for liquefied natural gas (LNG) is projected to increase by 60% by 2040, driven by economic growth in Asia and advancements in AI. Companies like Kinder Morgan (NYSE: KMI) and ConocoPhillips (NYSE: COP) are well-positioned to benefit from this surge, making them strong investment options for the long term. Want More Context? 🔎

Amazon's advertising business, Amazon Ads, is emerging as a high-margin, fast-growing segment that enhances the company's overall value. By integrating ads into Prime Video, Amazon is not only diversifying its revenue streams but also leveraging its strategic position to reshape its long-term prospects significantly. Want More Context? 🔎

Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG) has experienced remarkable growth as a leader in the fast-casual restaurant sector, with its stock price more than doubling over the past five years, despite facing macroeconomic challenges. Currently, shares are trading 34% below their peak from June 2024, prompting potential investors to consider three critical factors before making a purchase decision. Want More Context? 🔎

Cryptocurrency XRP has surged by 480% over the past year, drawing significant investor interest due to its real-world applications in facilitating foreign transactions. However, concerns about its rapid valuation increase suggest it may be overvalued, prompting caution for potential buyers considering the influence of investor sentiment on its price. Want More Context? 🔎