Good Afternoon. Whether you’re braving the summer heat or keeping cool indoors, we’ve got your daily dose of market updates and financial news to keep you informed and ahead of the curve. Let’s dive in!
—Rosie, Wyatt, Evan & Conor
💰 Markets
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🔍 U.S. Sector Focus
🔥 What’s Hot: 🔥
Nvidia: Nvidia's jaw-dropping $4 trillion (with a T) market cap is the talk of Wall Street. The company briefly topped a $4 trillion valuation today, the first company to ever do so.
❄️ What’s Not: ❄️
Apple: Apple's facing fines in the EU and continued struggle to keep pace in the AI race is raising eyebrows and questions about whether or not they should buy Perplexity.
🇺🇸 U.S. News
1. Wall Street digests Fed minutes with tariffs in focus, Nvidia hits $4 trillion valuation
The News: Nvidia's market value soared to $4 trillion, while Wall Street processed Fed meeting minutes amid tariff talks.
Why It Matters: Nvidia's milestone is a win for tech investors, but the Fed's indecision on rates keeps everyone guessing. If you're holding Nvidia, cheers! If you’re holding your breath for a rate cut, maybe it's time to reconsider.
Source: reuters.com
2. Online sales reach $7.9 billion in first 24 hours of Prime Day
The News: U.S. online shoppers spent a whopping $7.9 billion on the first day of Amazon Prime Day 2025, up nearly 10% from last year and outpacing Thanksgiving’s digital haul, according to Adobe Analytics.
Why It Matters: If you’re in retail, e-commerce, or just watching your portfolio, this surge signals that Americans are still ready to spend big online, even as prices and rates stay high. Expect retailers to lean even harder into summer sales, and keep an eye on which stocks ride the e-commerce wave.
Source: cnbc.com
3. Google’s Unloved Stock Makes it a Big Tech Bargain
The News: Alphabet's stock, despite underperforming, is seen as a potential bargain due to its strong core business.
Why It Matters: For bargain hunters, this could be your moment. If you believe in Google's long-term vision, now might be a good time to buy low and wait for the rebound.
Source: wsj.com
4. Trump's 'big beautiful bill' slashes CFPB funding: What it means for you
The News: President Trump signed a bill on July 4 that nearly halves the annual budget for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, cutting its share of Fed funding from 12% to just 6.5%. The lowest in the agency’s history.
Why It Matters: If you’re a normal American who uses credit cards, bank accounts, or loans, this move could mean fewer watchdogs keeping financial firms in check. Expect heated debate as consumer advocates warn that less oversight may lead to more aggressive practices by banks and lenders.
Source: cnbc.com
🌎 World News
1. French Startup Mistral AI Seeks $1B to Build Europe’s Largest AI Data Center
The News: France’s Mistral AI is in talks to raise $1 billion, plus major debt financing to launch Mistral Compute, a massive AI cloud project set to deploy 18,000 of Nvidia’s newest chips and create Europe’s largest AI data center, according to Bloomberg.
Why It Matters: If you care about tech stocks, digital infrastructure, or Europe’s digital future, this is a moonshot for French AI independence. Backed by President Macron’s push for tech sovereignty, the project could shift Europe’s cloud power away from U.S. and Chinese giants—and bring fresh competition to the AI arms race.
Source: msn.com
2. EU hopes to agree US tariff deal 'in coming days'
The News: The European Union says it’s close to a breakthrough deal with the U.S. to avoid Trump’s threatened tariffs, with negotiations extended to August 1. While official optimism is high, Italy’s economy minister warns the talks are “very complicated”
Why It Matters: If you care about global trade, investments, or even the price of imported goods, this is the big one to watch. A deal could spare both economies from a tariff-fueled hit, but if talks collapse, brace for market turmoil, pricier goods, and fresh uncertainty for American exporters and European firms alike. For now, analysts say investors are in “wait and see” mode, questioning whether Trump’s threats will stick or fizzle.
Source: bbc.com
3. United Becomes First U.S. Airline to Resume Israel Flights
The News: United Airlines will restart daily nonstop flights from Newark to Tel Aviv on July 21, two weeks ahead of schedule, making it the first U.S. carrier to return to Israel after service was suspended last month due to the war with Iran.
Why It Matters: If you’re a traveler, business owner, or investor with ties to the region, this signals renewed confidence in Middle East air travel and could pave the way for more carriers to follow. It’s a big step toward normalizing U.S.-Israel business, tourism, and supply chains after weeks of disruption.
Source: forbes.com
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LSAT® Vocab Word of the Day
Inference:
A conclusion reached on the basis of evidence and logical reasoning, rather than direct statement.
“From the witness’s hesitation, the jury made the inference that she was uncertain about the events.”
