Market Summary
Wall Street closed the week with record highs, led by gains in tech and AI stocks. The S&P 500 rose 0.5%, the Dow added 0.4%, and Nasdaq outperformed amid enthusiasm over AI investments. Market volatility remains moderate as investors weigh geopolitical risks and Federal Reserve rate decisions.
The Trump administration has introduced a sweeping overhaul to the H-1B visa program, imposing a $100,000 annual fee for new applicants, prompting widespread confusion and scrambling among companies and governments.
Figure of the Day
6 of 7 – U.S. Board Seats in Emerging TikTok Deal Securing American Control
White House and China near a landmark deal for TikTok’s U.S. operations that guarantees American control over the app’s board and algorithm, calming data security concerns amid geopolitical tensions.
European airports face significant disruptions due to coordinated cyberattacks targeting check-in and boarding systems, causing widespread delays and cancellations at major hubs including Heathrow and Brussels.
Bullish
Tesla Cleared to Launch Self-Driving Robotaxis in Arizona—Expansion Ahead
Tesla secures regulatory approval to test self-driving robotaxis in Arizona, marking a major step forward for autonomous vehicle deployment and the company’s expansion plans beyond Austin.
More on benzinga.com
President Trump pressures Afghanistan to return the Bagram Airbase amid escalating tensions, signaling potential geopolitical friction in U.S.-Afghan relations.
Nvidia is making strategic investment moves, including investing in Intel, which is triggering revised analyst stock outlooks reflecting changing dynamics in the semiconductor industry.
Bearish
Cyberattack Hits Europe’s Major Airports—Massive Travel Delays
Coordinated cyberattacks on electronic check-in and boarding systems disrupt major European airports, including Heathrow and Brussels, causing widespread delays and passenger chaos.
More on euronews.com
Tesla wins regulatory approval to initiate self-driving robotaxi testing in Arizona, expanding beyond Austin and marking a significant step forward for autonomous vehicle deployment.
Senate Democrats urge bipartisan cooperation with Republicans to craft crypto market regulation, seeking to stabilize the volatile digital asset ecosystem through legislative action.
Regulatory Impact
Trump administration imposes $100,000 annual fee for new H-1B visa applications and rolls out a $1 million ‘Gold Card’ fast-track visa, significantly tightening skilled worker immigration.
Trump administration suppresses efforts to close the U.S. Steel Granite City plant, invoking a ‘golden share’, signaling continued federal influence to preserve American manufacturing.
Goldman Sachs forecasts improved Tesla deliveries in the second half of 2025, suggesting optimism despite ongoing challenges in the electric vehicle market.
Quote
“America first in TikTok’s algorithm and board control—100% confident deal is done,”
— White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt
Major airports in Dallas experience significant flight delays and cancellations due to equipment outages, affecting hundreds of flights and disrupting travel networks.
Trump administration fires U.S. attorney after refusal to prosecute New York AG Letitia James on controversial mortgage fraud case, sparking legal and political backlash.
Bitcoin defies typical September slump, holding strong above $116K support with bullish indicators suggesting a path toward $130K, signaling a bullish cryptocurrency market trend.
Amazon reseller Pattern’s IPO closes with a strong debut, highlighting robust market appetite for e-commerce supply chain platforms even amid broader market volatility.
White House presses Congress to approve $6 billion weapons sale to Israel despite international criticism, underscoring enduring U.S. commitment amid Middle East tensions.
Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge shows signs of easing, allowing policymakers to focus on labor market conditions as inflation pressures potentially moderate.
Nissan reveals 2026 Leaf S priced at $25,360, undercutting Tesla’s comparable model by over $4,600, setting stage for America’s most affordable EV in spring 2026.
Amazon partners with Hertz in a pilot retail initiative, driving Hertz stock higher amid optimism for expanding collaboration and diversified growth strategies.
German Bundestag passes record €503 billion 2025 budget amidst political tensions and fiscal challenges, marking a significant moment of financial policy in Europe’s largest economy.
Debate intensifies over the suspension of late-night host Jimmy Kimmel’s show by ABC amid broader political-media tensions under the Trump administration’s expanding influence.