It's merger Monday, after Diamondback (FANG) announced a $26 billion deal to buy wildcatter Autry Stephens' Endeavor Energy Resources, cloud networking company Arista Networks Inc. (ANET) and chip design company Cadence Design Systems Inc. (CDNS)  report earnings after the bell, and stock futures are trading in tight ranges after the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:S&P 500's record run last we👍ek. Here’s what investors need to🔯 know today.

1. Diamondback, Endeavor Create Energy Giant

Diamondback (FANG) shares were about 1% higher in pre-market trading Monday after the fracker announced a deal valued at $26 billion to buy closely held Endeavor Energy Resources. Diamondback reportedly beat ConocoPhillips Co. (COP) in the race to buy the prized private oil producer founded by wildcatter Autry Stephens. A combination with Endeavor would grant the combined company top-tier status in the Permian Basin, the largest U.S. oil patch that straddles West Texas and New Mexico. Diamondback said it expects the deal to close in the fourth quarter this year.

2. Musk Denies Ukraine Allegations of Russian Use of Spa﷽ceX-Produced Terminals

Elon Musk has denied allegations by Ukraine’s main military intelligence agency that Russian forces have used SpaceX-produced Starlink terminals in occupied areas. “A number of false news reports claim that SpaceX is selling Starlink terminals to Russia. This is categorically false,” Musk posted Sunday on the X social media platform, formerly known as Twitter, which he also owns. Meanwhile, Musk has to testify in a probe by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission concerning his 2022 acquisition of Twitter, a U.S. judge ordered in a court filing out Saturday.

3. Tesla Cuts Model Y Prices Through February 

In other Musk-related news, Telsa (TSLA) announced 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:a temporary price cut via its website to several Model Y cars in the U.S. until the end of February. The pioneer EV company has slashed $1,000 or made around a 2% cut from its popular Model Y rear-wheel drive and Model Y Long Range vehicles. Tesla’s ongoing price cuts, aimed at countering growing competition from EV makers, have been putting pressure on its operating margins.

4. AI in Focus as A𝓰rista, Cadence To Post Earnings

Investments in 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:artificial intelligence will likely be in focus as cloud networking company Arista Networks (ANET) and chip design company Cadence Design Systems (CDNS)  report fourth-quarter earnings after the bell. Investors have been rewarding stocks that have benefited from the AI craze during this earnings season, with companies like Arm Holdings Plc (ARM) 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:soaring last week after the British chip designer announced a bullish outlook on the back of soaring demand for the technology. Arista shares were up 3% in pre-market trading, while Cadence rose 1%.

5. More than 4,600 Job Cuts🌸 Since Last May Attributed to AI 

Since last May, companies have attributed more than 4,600 job cuts to AI, particularly in media and tech, according to outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas, The Wall Street Journal reported. The full tally of AI-related job cuts is likely higher, since many companies haven’t explicitly linked cuts to AI adoption in layoff announcements. Meanwhile, the number of professionals who now use 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:generative AI in their daily work lives has risen significantly.