Disney is posting strong first quarter numbers, powered by box-office hits “Zootopia 2” and “Avatar: Fire and Ash.” The Walt Disney Co. earned $2.4 billion, or $1.34 per share, for the three months ended Dec. 27.

It said Monday that it earned $2.64 billion, or $1.40 per share, a year ago. Removing one time charges and costs, earnings were $1.63 per share. That’s better than the $1.57 per share that analysts polled by Zacks Investment Research expected.

Undercover investigation of Meta heads to trial

The first stand-alone trial from state prosecutors in a stream of lawsuits against Meta is getting underway in New Mexico. Jury selection begins Monday. Stemming from an undercover investigation, the case could give states a new legal pathway to go after social media companies over how their platforms affect children, by using consumer protection and nuisance laws.

An expert in tech law says a verdict could have broad ripple effects. Meta — the owner of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp — says New Mexico’s top prosecutor has taken a sensationalist approach. State investigators created proxy social media accounts and posed as kids to document sexual solicitations and Meta’s response when notified.

US stocks climb as gold and silver prices fall

U.S. stocks rose following sharp swings that shook financial markets overnight, including tumbles for Asian stocks. The S&P 500 added 0.5% Monday to snap a three-day losing streak and finish just shy of its record set last week.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 1.1%, and the Nasdaq composite gained 0.6%. Silver erased a 9% loss from the overnight hours to briefly pull higher, before dropping again. Gold briefly sank below $4,500 per ounce. Oil prices fell, and Treasury yields rose following a report on U.S. manufacturing that was better than economists expected.

Trump plans to lower tariffs on Indian goods

President Donald Trump says he plans to lower tariffs on goods from India to 18%, from 25%, after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi agreed to stop buying Russian oil.

The move comes after months of Trump pressing India to cut its reliance on cheap Russian crude. India has taken advantage of reduced Russian oil prices as much of the world has sought to isolate Moscow for its February 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Robotaxi pioneer Waymo gets $16 billion injection

Robotaxi pioneer Waymo has raised another $16 billion to help fuel its ambition for its fleet of self-driving cars to provide rides throughout the world. The fundraising announced Monday values Waymo at $126 billion.

The appraisal underscores investors’ desire to own a piece of the rapidly expanding robotaxi market, as well as how far Waymo has come since starting as a “moonshot” project within Google 17 years ago. The lofty valuation may feed recurring speculation that Waymo will eventually go public as part of a spinoff from its corporate parent Alphabet Inc., which also owns Google.

Trump’s lawsuit against the IRS raises concerns

Legal experts say President Donald Trump’s $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS over leaked tax information raises a host of conflict of interest questions. The lawsuit, filed Thursday in Florida, includes his sons as plaintiffs and claims the leak caused reputational and financial harm.

Legal experts say Trump has a legitimate claim against the IRS but question the lawsuit’s amount and necessity. The case could set a precedent for other wealthy individuals to seek compensation.