As we approach the curtain call for 2023, it's time to reflect on a year filled with market-shaping events. From the resurrection of tech stocks to the fall of financial institutions, the capital markets sector has been anything but dull. Against a backdrop of geopolitical shifts and the paradox of rising interest rates amid reduced inflation, investors and traders are closing the year with a multitude of perspectives.

In the heart of December, the spotlight is on tech stocks, particularly those powerhouse companies headquartered in Silicon Valley. Here are the top five movers in the global stock markets as the last month of the year gets underway, each with its own narrative and potential.

1) Apple Inc.

Apple, a stalwart in the tech industry, led the charge on the first day of December with a 0.60% uptick at FXOpen. Recognised for its low-risk profile due to extensive market capitalisation and global product penetration, Apple continues to be a beacon for investors. As the year concludes, eyes remain on this tech giant, anticipating its next moves in the ever-evolving consumer electronics landscape.

2) Alphabet Inc. (Google)

Alphabet, Google's parent company, took a hit at the beginning of the month, sliding more than 9%. Disappointing investors with underwhelming earnings and revenue in its cloud business, Alphabet faced a downturn. In contrast, Microsoft emerged as a bright spot in the market, with its AI investments paying off for the cloud segment, leading to a surge at the end of November.

3) Microsoft Corporation

Microsoft made headlines as its stock rallied to a record high on November 29, giving rise to a buoyant start to December. The behemoth, known for its dominance in the corporate world, is diversifying into the realm of artificial intelligence (AI). Speculation surrounds the potential need for dedicated AI hardware compatible with the upcoming Windows 12 platform, set to launch in June 2024. Despite hitting an all-time high at the end of November, Microsoft stock experienced a minor decline of 2.5% since it reached that high point.

4) Amazon

Amazon, the evergreen e-commerce giant, started December with a 0.55% increase in stock value at FXOpen. Following its Cyber Monday event, the online retail powerhouse celebrated its 'biggest ever' Cyber Monday. Bolstering this positive momentum was a third-quarter earnings report exceeding expectations, propelling Amazon shares upward by 22.8% at FXOpen since the report's October launch.

5) NVIDIA Corporation

In a digital age dominated by cloud computing, NVIDIA, a hardware manufacturer, stands tall among blue-chip tech stocks. Riding the wave of graphics card demand during the cryptocurrency mining era, NVIDIA has successfully transitioned into the AI realm. The company's stock has soared by an astonishing 220% since January, reflecting a strategic pivot that resonates with tech enthusiasts and investors alike.

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