Silver's big swing, another AI acquisition for Meta, GM's banner year and more in Morning Squawk

Investors are gearing up for the trading day with several key developments that are making waves in the market. Silver has experienced a dramatic rollercoaster, registering its most significant intraday movement in over five years after reaching record highs earlier this year. General Motors (GM) is also grabbing attention, as its stock is on a trajectory to outperform its rivals by 2025. Reports indicate that GM is set to achieve its highest annual gain since emerging from bankruptcy in 2009, with shares hitting all-time highs this month, buoyed by a remarkable 13% increase in December alone. Wall Street is optimistic, celebrating the automaker's robust cash generation and resilient earnings, leading to what could be its fifth consecutive month of growth. In the tech sphere, Meta has made headlines with its acquisition of Manus, an AI agent startup based in Singapore. The startup, which has developed an AI agent capable of performing tasks like coding and data analysis, will bolster Meta's efforts to enhance AI innovation and integrate automation into its products, including its AI assistant. Although the financial details of the acquisition remain undisclosed, sources suggest the deal was valued at over $2 billion. This latest move follows Meta's recent acquisition of the wearables company Limitless and a hefty $14.3 billion investment in Scale AI earlier this year. On the international front, former President Donald Trump issued a stark warning regarding Iran, stating that the U.S. would respond forcefully if Iran sought to advance its nuclear program. While advocating for negotiations, Trump emphasized a readiness to take action, should Iran attempt to rebuild its capabilities. In California, Rep. Ro Khanna is facing backlash from the tech community after supporting a proposed wealth tax aimed at billionaires to address healthcare funding shortfalls. The backlash has grown, with influential figures in the tech industry expressing their discontent, including Y Combinator CEO Garry Tan, who suggested it might be time for Khanna to face a primary challenge. Lastly, the city of Kiruna in Sweden is undergoing a significant transformation due to ground subsidence linked to the expansion of an underground iron ore mine. The relocation of buildings is a critical process that impacts the local residents and the future of the city. Stay tuned for more market insights as conditions evolve.