Uber Goes All-In on Autonomous Driving: The Robotaxi Era Accelerates

Uber is significantly accelerating its strategy in autonomous vehicles (AVs) as it seeks to become a dominant player in the global robotaxi market, a sector that could redefine urban mobility over the next decade. Rather than developing all technology in-house, Uber is now building a strategic partnership-based ecosystem with automakers and artificial intelligence specialists.

Recently, Uber signed a Level 4 autonomy commitment—meaning no human driver is required in defined urban areas—with a major Asian manufacturer. While the partner has not been officially confirmed, market speculation points to Toyota, Hyundai, or Baidu.

According to Bank of America (BofA), this move does not immediately disrupt competition in the U.S.—currently led by Waymo and Cruise—but it materially improves Uber’s long-term positioning by diversifying suppliers, enabling mass production, and reducing technological risk.

Uber plans to deploy more than 20,000 robotaxis starting in 2026, beginning in San Francisco, using the Lucid Gravity electric SUV equipped with Nuro Driver autonomous technology. Users will request rides directly through the Uber app, with Uber expected to play a central role in ownership and operations. The fleet is projected to expand globally through 2032.

Source referenced:
https://www.caranddriver.com/es/movilidad/sostenibilidad-ecologia/a69935095/uber-ces-2026-robotaxi-lucid-nvidia/

Market implication: If successfully scaled, urban mobility could shift from ride-hailing platforms to fully autonomous fleet operators, impacting Uber, EV manufacturers, AI developers, and urban logistics.

Defense Stocks in Focus as U.S. Targets Record Military Spending

The U.S. President has proposed increasing military spending to $1.5 trillion by 2027, a historic jump from the $901 billion expected this year. The stated objective is to strengthen national security capabilities amid what Trump described as “dangerous times.”

Two companies expected to benefit significantly are:

• Lockheed Martin (LMT) – a core U.S. defense contractor specializing in missiles, aerospace systems, and advanced military technologies.
• Boeing (BA) – a global aviation leader with major exposure to both commercial aerospace and defense programs.

While competitors, both companies often collaborate on large-scale defense initiatives and tend to benefit during extended defense spending cycles.

Market implication: Sustained increases in military budgets typically support multi-year demand across defense, aerospace, cybersecurity, and dual-use technologies, reinforcing long-term revenue visibility.

Regulatory Relief Signals Boost for John Deere and Caterpillar

Trump also indicated that agricultural and industrial equipment has become too expensive, signaling that his administration may reduce certain environmental regulations affecting manufacturers.

He specifically referenced John Deere and the broader machinery sector, suggesting regulatory pressure has increased equipment costs for farmers and industrial users.

Although no formal policy package has been released yet, the message points to a pro-industrial policy direction, potentially benefiting:
• John Deere (DE) – agricultural machinery
• Caterpillar (CAT) – construction, mining, and heavy equipment

Market implication: Regulatory easing could improve cost structures, margins, and demand—especially if combined with infrastructure or construction growth.

Housing & Construction in Focus: $200B MBS Purchase Plan

One of the most impactful macroeconomic moves is Trump’s directive to purchase $200 billion in mortgage-backed securities (MBS) via Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the backbone of the U.S. mortgage system.

The goal is to push mortgage rates lower. Large-scale MBS purchases increase bond demand, reduce yields, and translate into cheaper mortgages for consumers.

The initiative aims to revive:
• A housing market constrained by high interest rates
• The affordability crisis
• Home construction and transaction volumes

Market implication: Lower mortgage rates could benefit homebuilders, mortgage lenders, banks, and housing-related consumer sectors, from furniture to renovation materials.

HSBC Buy Ratings Highlight Healthcare Leaders

HSBC recently updated its Buy-rated stock recommendations, with a strong emphasis on healthcare as a defensive yet growth-oriented sector.

AbbVie (ABBV)

HSBC highlights AbbVie’s strong earnings growth, operational execution, and long patent life advantages. According to analyst Inui, the market may still be underpricing AbbVie’s operating leverage, suggesting meaningful upside potential.

Johnson & Johnson (JNJ)

Johnson & Johnson stands out for its exposure to immunology and oncology, supported by a robust pipeline and stable cash flows—key attributes during volatile market phases.

Market implication: Healthcare often serves as a defensive rotation sector, offering resilience and long-term growth amid macro uncertainty.

Conclusion: Five Signals Investors Can’t Ignore

This week’s developments underscore a broader theme: the U.S. is actively reshaping its economic priorities, from autonomous mobility and defense to housing, industry, and healthcare.

Key takeaways for traders and investors:
• Autonomous driving & robotaxis are moving from concept to scale
• Defense spending points to long-term sector tailwinds
• Industrial deregulation could support machinery and infrastructure stocks
• Mortgage intervention may revive housing activity
• Healthcare remains a strategic defensive play

At FXLiveCapital, we continue to monitor these structural shifts to identify opportunities and risks across global markets.