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Good Afternoon. It's World Chocolate Day, so grab a sweet treat and dig into the latest market moves. Spoiler: tariffs are the new black, and IPOs are trying to make a comeback. Let's dive in!

—Rosie, Wyatt, Evan & Conor

💰 Markets

S&P 500

Dow Jones

NASDAQ 100

iShares 7–10 Year Treasury

Bitcoin

Volatility Index

🔍 U.S. Sector Focus: Technology

🔥 What’s Hot: 🔥

  • IPO Talk: Figma is heating up the IPO market, potentially leading the charge for tech firms looking to go public in 2025.

❄️ What’s Not: ❄️

  • Tesla: Tesla's stock is cooling down as Elon Musk's political ambitions raise investor eyebrows.

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🇺🇸 U.S. News

1. Figma Heats Up Summer IPO Market Amid Software Listing Drought

The News: Figma's anticipated IPO is drawing attention as it leads a potential revival in the software IPO market, which has seen a drought in listings.

Why It Matters: If you’re holding tech stocks, Figma’s performance might be the bellwether for the sector’s IPO prospects in 2025.
Source: bloomberg.com

2. Stocks Sink as Trump’s Tariff Plans Boost Dollar

The News: Global stocks declined and the US dollar strengthened as former President Trump announced new tariff measures, rattling international markets.

Why It Matters: The dollar's rise could affect your overseas investments and travel plans, while stock volatility might shake your 401(k).
Source: bloomberg.com

3. First-Time Home Buyers Are MIA. Landlords Are the Winners.

The News: A record number of Americans are renting rather than buying homes, benefiting landlords as affordability challenges keep first-time buyers on the sidelines.

Why It Matters: If you're a renter, brace for potential rent hikes. Landlords are cashing in on your homeownership delay, while trying to cover their rising costs.
Source: wsj.com

4. BlackRock keeps its foot on the private-markets pedal with another acquisition

The News: BlackRock has agreed to acquire ElmTree Funds, a real estate investment manager, further expanding its private markets business.

Why It Matters: If you're invested in BlackRock, this move diversifies their portfolio, potentially stabilizing your investment against public market swings. It may also indicate that BlackRock sees more value in private than public markets these days.
Source: cnbc.com

5. Wall St knocked lower by tariff jitters, Musk's political plan hurts Tesla

The News: US stock fell considerably as investors reacted to renewed tariff threats and concerns over Elon Musk's new political ambitions.

Why It Matters: If you own Tesla shares, Musk's political moves might be the reason your portfolio's feeling the heat. Look for trade deal announcements to turn things around.
Source: reuters.com

🌎 World News

1. Trump announces 25% tariffs on South Korea and Japan

The News: President Trump has imposed 25% tariffs on imports from South Korea and Japan as part of a new round of trade measures.

Why It Matters: The cost of imported goods might rise, hitting your wallet from Samsung phones to Toyota cars.
Source: bbc.com

2. Goldman Sachs Expects Another OPEC+ Superhike In September

The News: Goldman Sachs forecasts that OPEC+ will agree to another significant oil production hike in September.

Why It Matters: Keep an eye on your gas budget. Increased production might stabilize or even lower fuel prices. Welcome news.
Source: zerohedge.com

3. Robinhood stock tokens face scrutiny in the European Union after OpenAI warning

The News: European regulators are reviewing Robinhood's stock token offerings after concerns were raised about their structure and risk.

Why It Matters: Although a novel derivative, expect stricter regulations that could affect trading flexibility and costs on tokenized securities.
Source: cnbc.com

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MBA Vocab Word of the Day

Abstemious:

Practicing moderation, not self-indulgent, especially when eating and drinking.