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Market Summary

Wall Street ended a record-setting week on an optimistic note as the Fed cut rates by 25 basis points, spurring gains in the S&P 500, Nasdaq, and Dow. Tech shares rallied ahead of major AI chip collaborations, while bond yields rose causing some volatility. Market sentiment balances between cautious optimism and geopolitical tensions over trade and tech regulation.

President Trump intensifies pressure on US immigration with a new $100,000 H-1B visa fee and a $1 million ‘gold card’ visa program, triggering confusion and corporate scramble. White House clarifications attempt to calm fears, emphasizing the fee applies only to new applicants.

Figure of the Day

41% – Year-to-date gain for Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Tech Index, outperforming Nasdaq’s 17%, driven by AI advances and chip self-sufficiency

Emerging US-China deal on TikTok ensures American control over its board and algorithm, highlighting geopolitical tension in technology governance. The White House promises US dominion in TikTok’s operations, aiming to secure ‘America first’ principles amidst trade talks.

Cyberattacks disrupt check-in and boarding systems at major European airports causing delays and cancellations. The incidents have affected Heathrow, Brussels, Berlin and other hubs, raising concerns over airport infrastructure vulnerability.

Bullish

OpenAI Sparks Tech Startup Surge as Private Market Valuations Hit $1.3 Trillion

OpenAI leads an explosive bull run in tech startups, propelling seven companies to a combined $1.3 trillion valuation, signaling robust investor confidence in AI-driven innovation.
More on cnbc.com

President Trump wields ‘golden share’ authority to halt U.S. Steel plant closure in Illinois, signaling government intervention in industrial operations. This unprecedented move overrides company plans amid political tensions.

Federal Reserve cuts interest rates by a quarter point amid market optimism, while long-term bonds see yield rises. The monetary policy signals cautious easing with questions remaining over future Fed directions.

Bearish

Trucking Giant Files Chapter 11 Amid Ongoing Industry Recession

A major national trucking company files for bankruptcy, underscoring persistent financial distress and fallout from the prolonged Great Freight Recession in logistics.
More on thestreet.com

Nvidia and Intel announce a groundbreaking collaboration to co-develop advanced AI chips, signaling a pivotal shift in semiconductor innovation. Analysts hail the deal as a potential game changer for the chip industry.

China’s Hang Seng Tech Index outperforms Nasdaq with a 41% year-to-date gain driven by AI advancements and chip self-sufficiency efforts. Beijing’s strategic push showcases a rapid rebound of its tech sector amid global competition.

Regulatory Impact

Trump administration signs proclamation imposing a $100,000 annual fee for new H-1B visa applicants and introduces a $1 million ‘gold card’ visa, aiming to curb skilled worker visa overuse and create fast-track citizenship pathways.

Tragic shooting at New Hampshire country club leaves one dead and multiple injured, with authorities conducting a manhunt for suspects. The incident raises concerns over security at private events.

Novartis signals readiness for potential Trump tariffs with increased pharmaceutical stockpiles in the US, aiming to mitigate tariff impacts amid trade uncertainties.

Quote

We are still flying in somewhat foggy conditions regarding the new visa fee—companies are scrambling to interpret its impact.

— Anonymous Immigration Attorney

US-Russia tensions escalate as Russia downs 19 Ukrainian drones overnight amidst ongoing conflict. Military developments highlight continued hostilities and focus on aerial combat strategies.

Starbucks shifts strategy, expanding health-conscious foods with more protein and gluten-free options to complement its premium coffee offerings, targeting evolving consumer trends.

Analysts foresee Ethereum entering a favorable ‘buy the dip’ zone fueled by on-chain activity and institutional treasury accumulation, hinting at a potential ETH price surge towards $5,000.

The Federal Reserve faces questions as it restarts rate cuts, raising uncertainty about the duration and scale of monetary easing amid uneven economic signals.

Major tech companies scramble to respond as Trump’s H-1B visa fee announcement causes disruption; companies urge H-1B employees to avoid foreign travel due to emergent policy uncertainties.

Donald Trump signals a strong stance on European energy policy, demanding that Europe cease buying Russian oil to weaken Moscow economically amid geopolitical tensions.

White House seeks Congressional approval for $6 billion weapons sale to Israel despite international pressure over Netanyahu government’s policies, underscoring US commitment to Israeli support.

Trump’s chaotic H-1B visa overhaul spawns panic across corporate America with emergency guidance and rapid White House clarifications attempting to diffuse confusion over the new regime.

US military conducts fourth lethal strike on alleged drug-smuggling vessels in the Caribbean, reinforcing aggressive counter-narcotics operations under the Trump administration.

Executives and lawmakers condemn Pentagon’s new journalist restrictions requiring reporters to pledge prior authorization for published information or risk losing credentials, raising free press concerns.

Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works unveils Vectis combat drone prioritizing stealth and advanced collaborative capabilities, marking a significant leap in air combat technology.

Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway shares insights on GEICO’s persistence despite losses, sustaining investor confidence in the famed conglomerate’s long-term strength.

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