Market Summary
U.S. markets remain near record highs with the S&P 500, Nasdaq, and Dow showing resilience despite volatility. Wall Street eyes Federal Reserve’s interest rate cuts and upcoming earnings reports while maintaining cautious optimism amid geopolitical tensions.
The U.S. immigration system faces turmoil as President Trump’s new $100,000 H-1B visa fee triggers confusion and backlash from corporate America and foreign workers. The changes threaten major tech and IT sectors while prompting urgent clarifications and debates on work visas.
Figure of the Day
$7.7 trillion – U.S. money-market funds at record holdings amid rate cuts and uncertainty.
President Donald Trump intensifies his campaign of political retribution by publicly urging Attorney General Pam Bondi to prosecute his foes without delay. The president’s actions raise deep concerns about free speech and democracy.
Tensions escalate internationally as several Western nations formally recognize the Palestinian state, prompting strong Israeli condemnation and realignment of diplomatic relations ahead of the UN General Assembly.
Bullish
Alibaba’s AI Push Could Propel It to $1 Trillion Valuation
Alibaba’s aggressive investment in AI technology positions it to become a trillion-dollar powerhouse, potentially reshaping its growth trajectory and market dominance.
More on pymnts.com
Conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s assassination sparks nationwide memorials, political tributes, and a fierce firestorm over free speech. Key figures including Trump, Vance, and Kirk’s widow share emotional testimonies and calls for political action.
US and China edge closer to finalizing a TikTok deal involving prominent US investors including Rupert and Lachlan Murdoch, Michael Dell, and Larry Ellison. The proposed consortium aims to resolve national security concerns amid geopolitical tensions.
Bearish
China’s EV Surge Drags Auto Insurers Into Deep Losses
China’s rapid electric vehicle boom saddles local auto insurers with chronic financial losses, exposing vulnerabilities in the sector’s sustainability amid expansion.
More on bloomberg.com
European airports suffer extensive disruptions after a cyberattack cripples check-in systems across major hubs including Heathrow, Brussels, and Berlin, causing widespread flight delays and cancellations over multiple days.
China’s booming electric vehicle market strains auto insurers with chronic losses even as the sector pushes aggressive growth, highlighting sustainability challenges amid rapid industry expansion.
Regulatory Impact
Trump administration’s new $100,000 H-1B visa fee disrupts U.S. immigration landscape, prompting clarifications and raising concerns across tech industries.
Leading investment banks and analysts provide insights on upcoming US earnings reports, rate cuts by the Federal Reserve, and the cautious investor sentiment as markets hover near all-time highs with historic volatility.
Major tech companies respond to Trump’s H-1B visa fee by advising employees to remain in the US amid uncertainty, highlighting the far-reaching impact on the technology sector’s workforce and immigration policies.
Quote
“I don’t want the best for my opponents.”
— President Donald Trump
Alibaba bets big on artificial intelligence, aiming to transform into a trillion-dollar giant by leveraging AI advancements and innovations to accelerate growth and expand its market footprint.
Amazon faces a high-stakes courtroom trial over its Prime subscription cancellation policy accused of trickery that hinders consumers from unsubscribing, signaling broader scrutiny on tech subscription practices.
U.S. government shutdown looms as lawmakers remain deadlocked, raising alarms for businesses and investors about potential economic disruption and market volatility in the near term.
Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) earns bullish outlook after Nvidia-Intel collaboration, positioning it as a key player in the AI semiconductor space with accelerating growth prospects.
European regulators plan to exclude major U.S. tech giants from a new financial data-sharing system, aiming to protect Europe’s digital sovereignty and control over financial information.
India faces economic risk as Trump’s new H-1B visa fees upend IT services sector, vital for cross-border engineering deployments and outsourcing business models.
Ukrainian drones strike Crimea, injuring at least 15 and hitting key facilities, as conflict intensifies and regional instability persists in Eastern Europe.
U.S. investors maintain record $7.7 trillion in money-market funds despite rate cuts, signaling caution and preference for liquidity amid uncertain economic outlook.
The Federal Reserve faces criticism as President Trump repeatedly attacks Chair Jerome Powell, creating policy uncertainty that may pressure the dollar and complicate monetary strategy.