Market Summary
Major U.S. stock indices reversed a three-day losing streak on Friday, with gains led by technology and consumer discretionary sectors. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq closed higher following solid inflation data and calm ahead of next week’s key employment report. Tariff announcements and geopolitical developments kept volatility in check.
Electronic Arts is nearing an unprecedented $50 billion leveraged buyout, signaling a major privatization move in the gaming industry with backing from key private equity firms and sovereign funds.
Figure of the Day
100% – Tariff rate set by Trump on imported pharmaceutical drugs starting Oct. 1.
President Trump’s administration rolls out sweeping tariffs of 100% on pharmaceuticals, 25% on heavy trucks, and 30%-50% on furniture, raising alarms among industries and trading partners about potential economic repercussions.
The U.S. economy shows unexpected strength with a revised 3.8% GDP growth in Q2 2025, pointing to robust consumer spending and private investments despite inflation concerns.
Bullish
Uber Eyes $12.5 Billion Grocery Delivery Run Rate in 2025
Uber Technologies anticipates rapid growth in grocery and retail deliveries, projecting a $12.5 billion annual run rate by year-end, expanding its presence beyond ride-hailing into essential consumer services.
More on bloomberg.com
Former FBI Director James Comey faces a federal indictment on charges of lying to Congress and obstruction amid escalating political retribution from President Trump.
Supreme Court repeatedly sides with Trump administration in letting it withhold billions in foreign aid, marking a significant judicial endorsement of executive discretion amidst political turmoil.
Bearish
Canada Post Workers Start Nationwide Strike, Disrupting Mail Services
Canada’s postal union initiated a nationwide strike protesting government plans to end door-to-door delivery, causing significant disruptions to mail and parcel services across the country.
More on theguardian.com
The U.N. General Assembly faces unprecedented protest with dozens of delegates walking out as Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu delivers a combative speech amid growing international isolation.
TikTok’s U.S. operations near a landmark deal valued at $14 billion under Trump’s executive order, sparking investor shock over the low valuation and ongoing uncertainty about the final ownership.
Regulatory Impact
Trump administration announced new import tariffs: 100% on pharmaceuticals without US plants, 25% on heavy trucks, and up to 50% on furniture, effective October 1, intensifying trade tensions.
Microsoft faces public scrutiny after restricting Israeli military units from cloud and AI services amid Gaza surveillance allegations, showing rising geopolitical tensions in tech supply chains.
Boeing regains authority to certify 737 Max and 787 Dreamliner planes after six years of safety restrictions, boosting investor confidence in the aerospace giant’s turnaround progress.
Quote
“There will be others,” warns President Trump after Comey indictment, signaling expanding legal confrontations.
— President Donald Trump
Kraken crypto exchange secures $500 million funding at $15 billion valuation, preparing for a 2026 IPO amid market challenges and executive transitions.
Federal Reserve officials call for decisive interest rate cuts to sustain economic growth and address labor market fragility, signaling possible shifts in central bank policy.
Amazon agrees to historic $2.5 billion settlement with FTC over deceptive Prime enrollment tactics, promising payouts to millions after allegations of consumer manipulation.
Electric vehicle makers and chip industry face escalating U.S. trade restrictions as Trump administration pushes for domestic manufacturing parity and tariff penalties for imports.
TikTok’s U.S. ownership deal advances with Oracle, Silver Lake, and Dubai-backed MGX taking stakes, but negotiations continue amid Congressional demands and geopolitical pressure.
Canada’s postal workers initiate a nationwide strike in reaction to government plans to end door-to-door delivery, signaling major disruptions in national logistics and public services.
Uber projects rapid growth in non-restaurant grocery and retail deliveries, aiming for $12.5 billion in gross bookings by end 2025, expanding its footprint in everyday consumer logistics.
Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook fights to retain her seat amid political attacks, warning the Supreme Court on the potential risks of undermining Fed independence.
Walmart issues recalls and warnings over possible listeria contamination in meatball meals linked to deadly outbreaks, raising food safety concerns nationwide.
Chinese investigations intensify into Mexican tariffs on imports from Asia, escalating trade tensions amid retaliation and protectionist measures across the Pacific.