Good Afternoon. It’s the 2nd week of July and while you might be planning your summer escape, the markets are navigating a maze of tariffs and trade talks. Grab your iced coffee and let's dive into today's financial whirlwind.
—Rosie, Wyatt, Evan & Conor
💰 Markets
S&P 500 | |
Dow Jones | |
NASDAQ 100 | |
iShares 7–10 Year Treasury | |
Bitcoin | |
Volatility Index |
🔍 U.S. Sector Focus:
🔥 What’s Hot: 🔥
Copper: Copper is on fire, hitting record highs after Trump's 50% tariff announcement. Investors are eyeing the metal as a hot commodity.
❄️ What’s Not: ❄️
Big Banks: Big banks slid as analyst downgrades and fresh tariff threats sparked a wave of selling. JPMorgan, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo all dropped as Wall Street worries over stretched valuations and trade uncertainty.
🇺🇸 U.S. News
1. Stocks Hit a Wall as Trump’s Remarks Lift Copper: Markets Wrap
The News: Global stocks paused while copper prices jumped after Trump hinted at new tariffs, sparking investor jitters.
Why It Matters: Soaring copper prices could signal higher costs ahead for everything from smartphones to new homes. While copper investors celebrate, most consumers and businesses may soon feel the pinch as tariffs ripple through supply chains and pricing.
Source: bloomberg.com
2. Fair Isaac Drops as Pulte Lets Fannie, Freddie Use VantageScore
The News: Fair Isaac's shares dipped as much as 16% after federal regulators said Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac can use VantageScore to judge a borrower’s creditworthiness.
Why It Matters: Opening the door to new credit scoring models could shake up the mortgage market, making it easier for more buyers to qualify and intensifying competition among lenders. For homeowners and buyers, it could mean broader access—and possibly better rates—when financing a home.
Source: bloomberg.com
3. U.S.’s Biggest Asian Allies Ready Last-Ditch Trade Appeal to Trump
The News: Japan, South Korea, and other major Asian allies have been given until August 1 to strike new trade deals with the U.S.—or face steep tariffs of up to 40% on their exports.
Why It Matters: The clock is ticking for America’s closest Asian partners. Trump’s hardline trade stance puts billions in exports, jobs, and global supply chains at risk—while pushing countries like Japan and South Korea to balance U.S. demands with their own political realities and connections to China.
Source: wsj.com
4. Agriculture Dept. to Crack Down on Chinese Ownership of American Farmland
The News: The U.S. plans to restrict Chinese purchases of American farmland, citing national security concerns.
Why It Matters: The move signals growing tensions over who controls America’s food supply. Tighter rules on foreign ownership could shake up land values, farm investments, and the global agriculture trade—potentially raising new questions about security and access for consumers and businesses alike.
Source: nytimes.com
🌎 World News
1. EU Weighs €100 Billion Fund for Ukraine in Next Budget Proposal
The News: The EU is considering a massive €100 billion fund to aid Ukraine in its ongoing conflict and reconstruction efforts.
Why It Matters: With U.S. support for Ukraine showing signs of fatigue, Europe is stepping up to fill the gap. A fund this size signals the EU’s commitment to Ukraine and could reshape the global balance of power and responsibility in the conflict.
Source: bloomberg.com
2. Trump’s New Trade Threats Set Off Global Scramble to Avoid Tariffs
The News: Nations are hustling to secure trade deals with the U.S. as new tariffs loom, causing a global rush in negotiations.
Why It Matters: Trump’s tariff threats are shaking up global trade, pushing countries to strike deals fast and rethink their economic alliances. For businesses and investors, this scramble could mean sudden shifts in supply chains, pricing, and market stability worldwide.
Source: nytimes.com
3. Strong U.S. Dollar: Likely The Biggest Surprise In H2
The News: Analysts are surprised by the U.S. dollar's strength, which could be the standout trend for the latter half of 2025.
Why It Matters: The dollar’s unexpected strength is rippling through global markets—making U.S. goods pricier abroad, squeezing corporate profits, and reshaping investment flows. If you have international holdings or business ties, this trend could catch you off guard in the months ahead.
Source: seekingalpha.com
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CFP® Vocab Word of the Day
Accredited Investor:
A designation granted by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) (SEC) to individuals and entities that meet specific financial criteria allowing them to participate in certain investments not available to the general public.
