Market Summary
U.S. markets rallied Friday, breaking a three-day losing streak as inflation data matched expectations. The S&P 500 rose 0.59%, uplifted by optimism on AI and a $50 billion EA buyout deal. Despite tariffs and political tension, major indices displayed resilience with tech and pharma stocks showing notable moves.
The Trump administration accelerates its tariff campaign, targeting pharmaceuticals, heavy trucks, and furniture with high duties, stirring concerns among global industries and investors.
Figure of the Day
100% – New tariff rate announced on imported patented pharmaceutical drugs starting October 1, 2025.
Electronic Arts nears a historic $50 billion privatization deal, drawing investor attention and causing a significant boost in the company’s stock price.
Federal Reserve officials voice concerns over a fragile job market and call for decisive rate cuts, while inflation data shows stubbornly high core prices.
Bullish
Electronic Arts Nears $50 Billion Go-Private Deal, Shares Surge
Video game giant Electronic Arts is in advanced talks to go private in a leveraged buyout valued at around $50 billion, sparking a 15% rally in its shares and marking a potential historic deal in gaming.
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James Comey, former FBI Director and target of President Trump, is indicted on charges related to false statements and obstruction, escalating political tensions.
TikTok’s US business sale proceeds amid political maneuvering, with Vice President JD Vance valuing the deal at $14 billion, surprising investors.
Bearish
Walmart Meatball Meals Linked to Deadly Listeria Outbreak
Federal health officials warn consumers after ready-to-eat meatball pasta meals sold at Walmart are linked to a deadly listeria outbreak, prompting nationwide recalls and safety concerns.
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Walmart products are linked to a deadly listeria outbreak, with federal health officials issuing nationwide warnings over contaminated ready-to-eat pasta and meatball meals.
Amazon faces a historic $2.5 billion FTC settlement over deceptive Prime subscription practices, agreeing to payouts for millions of customers misled by renewal policies.
Regulatory Impact
The Trump administration imposed sweeping new tariffs including 100% duties on imported pharmaceuticals without US manufacturing presence, 25% tariffs on heavy trucks, and increased fees on H-1B visas, signaling aggressive trade and immigration policy shifts.
A significant strike by Canada Post workers disrupts services nationwide as the union responds to government orders to end door-to-door delivery, escalating labor tensions.
Microsoft expands its data center race with new AI-focused projects, while facing controversy for restricting cloud services to Israeli Defense Forces amid surveillance allegations.
Quote
There will be others: Trump eyes additional targets after securing Comey indictment.
— President Donald Trump
Boeing’s stock rallies after FAA eases restrictions, restoring ability to certify 737 Max and 787 Dreamliner jets following years of regulatory oversight.
Nvidia CEO projects OpenAI as the next trillion-dollar company amid soaring AI investments, while tech stocks face volatility based on AI market developments.
Electric vehicle competition heats up between U.S. and China, with China outpacing the U.S. in manufacturing and sales, intensifying the global EV race.
Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook seeks Supreme Court support to retain her role amid controversial efforts by the Trump administration to remove her.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu faces massive walkouts and protests at the U.N. amid international condemnation over actions in Gaza.
Cryptocurrency market sees significant selling pressure, with major tokens like Bitcoin and Ethereum declining amid rising market jitters before key economic data releases.
U.S. consumer spending remains resilient despite near-record low sentiment, balancing ongoing inflation pressures and solid economic activity in August.
Starbucks accelerates store closures amid a broader restructuring effort tied to struggles in the coffee giant’s market performance and operational challenges.