Morning Reports
Dan Chetrit, founder and chief strategist of SmartApingAI, offers quick analysis and forward-looking insights into US financial markets and macro key daily.
August 14, 2025
Good morning, August 14, 2025. If you thought markets would take a summer nap, think again—this is the kind of euphoria that makes even the most seasoned traders check their pulse.
U.S. equities just notched yet another round of record highs. The S&P 500 logged its 16th all-time high this year, with the Dow and Nasdaq tagging along. The rally is finally broadening: small caps, healthcare, and consumer discretionary are all muscling in, while tech’s AI hype train barrels on. The real fuel? Yesterday’s CPI print landed at 2.7%—enough to send Fed cut odds to 98% for September and spark talk of up to three cuts before year-end. Treasury Secretary Bessent is practically begging for rates to be 1.5 points lower, and the VIX is so low you’d think risk was extinct.
Bitcoin is in full melt-up mode, smashing through $124,000 and making Google look like a penny stock. Oil is slumping, the dollar is limping, and gold is quietly stacking gains as traders hedge against the next macro curveball. Meanwhile, President Trump is rattling sabers at Russia, and a new COVID “Stratus” strain is making the rounds—because why not add a little more chaos?
Today, all eyes are on the Producer Price Index (PPI), Core PPI, and jobless claims at 12:30 PM UTC. Deere, Tapestry, and NetEase headline earnings, with Deere already warning on guidance. Michigan Consumer Sentiment and industrial production numbers will round out the data dump.
Price check: Gold is at $3,355–$3,359 per ounce. Oil (WTI) sits at $62.84–$63.00 a barrel. Bitcoin is flexing at $124,000–$124,128. S&P 500 E-mini futures are hovering above 6,450, right at record highs.
Strap in. The market’s running on hope, hype, and a prayer for rate cuts. If you’re looking for logic, you’re in the wrong casino.
August 13, 2025
Good morning, August 13, 2025. If you thought markets would take a breather, think again—yesterday’s CPI print just poured rocket fuel on the risk-on bonfire.
U.S. stocks ripped to fresh record highs after July inflation landed at 2.7%, a tick below consensus. The S&P 500 surged 1.1%, the Nasdaq tacked on 1.3%, and the Russell 2000 went full meme, up nearly 3%. Traders are now betting the Fed will cut rates in September, with whispers of a 50-basis-point move making the rounds. The 2-year yield dropped, the VIX stayed comatose, and even airline stocks caught a bid—because apparently, higher fees are bullish now. Meanwhile, President Trump’s 90-day tariff extension on China barely registered, proving that geopolitical drama is just background noise when the Fed is in play.
Today, the market’s mood will be tested by the University of Michigan’s consumer sentiment and inflation expectations at 2:00 PM ET, plus retail inventories data. Cisco Systems headlines a busy earnings slate, with Performance Food Group and Coherent Corp. also reporting. Three Fed presidents are scheduled to speak, so expect more rate-cut tea leaves to be read.
Here’s where the tape stands:
- Gold: $3,362.47/oz
- Oil (WTI): $62.75/bbl
- Bitcoin: $119,071
- S&P 500 E-mini Futures: 6,483.00
The Fed’s “soft landing” narrative is now the market’s favorite bedtime story, but don’t get too cozy. When everyone’s on the same side of the boat, it only takes one wave to send the whole thing under. Eyes up, stops tight, and prepare for the next plot twist.
August 12, 2025
Tuesday, August 12, 2025. Welcome to the volatility circus—today’s main act: inflation roulette.
Markets spent the last 24 hours in a holding pattern, bracing for the July CPI print at 8:30 a.m. ET. The only thing more fragile than risk sentiment right now is the credibility of official data, after the BLS commissioner swap and a fresh round of political “oversight.” Meanwhile, the U.S.–China tariff truce got a 90-day extension, kicking the can to November 10 and sparing supply chains from an immediate gut punch. Don’t get too comfortable—tariff threats on chips and pharma are still lurking, and the White House is dangling more policy curveballs.
Equities faded into the CPI risk, with small caps showing relative strength while tech and defensives lagged. Treasurys are camped near three-month low yields, and the market is still pricing in two to three Fed cuts this year—unless today’s CPI torches that hope. A hot print and you can kiss those rate-cut dreams goodbye; a cool one and the easing party limps on. The 10-year auction yesterday was a dud, nudging yields up before the tariff truce headlines calmed nerves.
Today’s lineup: CPI at 8:30 a.m. ET, University of Michigan sentiment at 10:00 a.m. ET, and a heap of earnings (Cardinal Health, Sea Limited, CAVA, and more). Thursday brings PPI, Friday has retail sales—so the data gauntlet is just getting started.
Price check, 12:00 UTC:
Gold: $3,342–$3,349/oz
Oil (WTI): $63.78/bbl
Bitcoin: $118,900–$122,000
S&P 500 E-mini (Sep): Modestly higher premarket, check live for the latest tick
If you’re looking for clarity, try a Magic 8-Ball. The only certainty is that the next headline could blow up your positioning. Eyes up, stops tight, and don’t expect mercy from this market.
August 11, 2025
Monday, August 11, 2025. Welcome to the circus—where the only thing more volatile than the markets is the political spin.
U.S. equity futures are inching higher after last week’s tech-fueled rebound, with the Nasdaq closing at a record and S&P 500 futures up around 6,423. The 10-year yield is holding steady after last week’s nosedive, as traders bet the Fed will blink and cut rates in September—odds are now pushing 90%. Apple’s latest “Made in America” PR blitz helped dodge chip tariffs and juiced the tech rally, but unresolved tariff drama (especially on Swiss gold) is keeping precious metals traders on edge.
Today’s macro menu is loaded: watch for the NY Empire State Manufacturing Index, a barrage of retail sales prints, import/export prices, and industrial production numbers all hitting between 8:30 and 9:15 ET. Richmond Fed’s Barkin is scheduled to speak, so brace for more central bank word salad. Earnings are light, with Monday.com and a handful of small caps reporting—don’t expect fireworks.
Gold is getting clubbed, trading between $3,360 and $3,420 an ounce as haven demand fades and traders sweat over tariff clarifications. Oil (WTI) is stuck near $63.70 a barrel, weighed down by OPEC+ noise and tepid demand. Bitcoin is flexing above $121,000, eyeing new highs as the Fed’s credibility erodes. S&P 500 futures are up about 0.15%, but the real test comes with tomorrow’s CPI—consensus is for core inflation to stick near 3% year-over-year.
If you’re looking for clarity, you’re in the wrong business. The only thing certain is that the next headline could nuke your position. Stay sharp, keep stops tight, and remember: in this market, hope is not a strategy.
August 8, 2025
Good morning, August 8, 2025. If you thought yesterday was wild, today’s market is serving up a fresh cocktail of chaos—hold the optimism.
Here’s the rundown: The White House just dropped a tariff bomb, slapping 10% to 41% duties on imports from dozens of countries. India gets a 50% rate for its Russian oil shopping spree. Consumer prices are set to jump 1.8% in the short run, and GDP growth is projected to lose half a point per year. The labor market is limping, with job gains averaging a measly 35,000 per month—the slowest since 2020. GDP growth for the first half of the year is crawling at 1.2%. Recession chatter is back in vogue, and the only thing moving faster than the yield curve is the revolving door at the Bureau of Labor Statistics, after President Trump fired its chief post-jobs report.
Despite all this, S&P futures are up 0.22% premarket. Yesterday, stocks closed lower as Amazon tanked 8% and Apple’s rally fizzled. The 10-year Treasury yield is down to 4.21% as traders bet on a Fed rate cut as soon as September. Meanwhile, President Trump is busy nominating a new Fed governor and touting his economic prowess.
For today: Watch the Producer Price Index (actual 2.3% vs. 2.5% forecast), Retail Sales (up 0.6% MoM), and Industrial Production (up 0.3%). DraftKings, Occidental Petroleum, and Fubo report earnings. Fed’s Barkin speaks at 6 PM UTC. The market is digesting new tariffs, gold import levies, and a fresh round of political theater.
Price check: Gold $3,400.62, Oil (WTI) $64.27, Bitcoin $116,709, S&P 500 futures modestly green.
Reality check: The only thing more fragile than this market is the illusion of control. Strap in—today’s volatility is not for the faint of heart.
August 7, 2025
Good morning, August 7, 2025. If you thought yesterday was wild, today’s market is serving up a fresh cocktail of chaos—hold the optimism.
The White House just lobbed a grenade into global trade, slapping tariffs up to 41% on imports from Switzerland, Canada, South Africa, and Taiwan. A 40% penalty also hits goods rerouted through third countries. Negotiations are ongoing, but don’t expect a kumbaya moment. This move has reignited trade war fears and sent equity markets into a defensive crouch.
The U.S. jobs report missed the mark, with job gains limping in below expectations and previous months revised down. The labor market is cooling fast, and the Fed is now cornered—rate cuts are back on the table, but tariffs could keep inflation sticky. Tech stocks, once the market’s golden child, are now the problem child: Amazon tanked 8% on a weak profit outlook, while Apple’s rally fizzled despite strong sales.
GDP data showed a 3% annualized rebound in Q2, but don’t pop the champagne. Consumer spending is flatlining, manufacturing is contracting, and recession chatter is getting louder.
Today, traders are staring down a gauntlet of economic data: weekly jobless claims, Producer Price Index, retail sales, and a slew of earnings from Warner Music, Akamai, Instacart, Wynn Resorts, and Texas Roadhouse. President Trump’s 100% semiconductor tariff (with carve-outs for U.S. manufacturing) is juicing premarket tech, but don’t mistake a sugar high for real strength.
Here’s where the tape stands:
- Gold: $3,376/oz
- Oil: (No fresh quote—check your terminal)
- Bitcoin: $114,500–$114,569
- S&P 500 E-mini Futures: 6,413.50–6,414.25
The market is a powder keg of policy risk, macro confusion, and political theater. If you’re not hedged, you’re the entertainment. Trade accordingly.
August 6, 2025
Good morning, August 6, 2025. If you thought yesterday was rough, pour another coffee and strap in—Wall Street just got a fresh reminder that gravity still works.
Markets took a nosedive after the ISM Services Index barely clung to expansion at 50.1, confirming what everyone feared: the U.S. economy is running on fumes. The S&P 500 shed 0.4%, the Nasdaq lost nearly 0.7%, and semiconductors got steamrolled, down over 1%. The labor market isn’t helping—July’s payrolls limped in at 73,000, with brutal downward revisions for prior months. Goldman Sachs called it “stall speed.” Translation: the recession klaxon is blaring, and the Fed’s rate cut odds for September have shot up to 84%.
Volatility is back in style, with the VIX spiking as traders scramble for cover. Meanwhile, President Trump’s new tariffs—targeting Canadian goods and killing de minimis exemptions—are set to make inflation and global trade even messier. Tech earnings have been strong, but macro fears are steamrolling any optimism.
Today’s gauntlet includes retail sales, import/export prices, and the University of Michigan’s consumer sentiment survey. Disney, McDonald’s, Uber, and Shopify all report earnings. The 10-year Treasury auction and a parade of Fed speeches will keep the tape twitchy.
Here’s where the dust settled:
- Gold: $3,362–$3,380/oz
- Oil: (No reliable price found pre-market)
- Bitcoin: $113,500–$114,000
- S&P 500 E-mini Futures: Down 0.46% overnight
The market’s mood? One part panic, two parts resignation. If you’re looking for a silver lining, try aluminum—at least it’s not getting tariffed yet. Stay sharp, keep your stops tight, and remember: in this market, hope is not a strategy.
August 5, 2025
Good morning, it’s August 5, 2025, and the market’s back with a vengeance. If you thought last week’s selloff was the end of the drama, think again—Wall Street just staged a whiplash-inducing rally, erasing most of Friday’s carnage. The S&P 500 ripped 1.5% higher, the Dow clawed back 585 points, and the Nasdaq soared nearly 2%. Apparently, all it takes is a whiff of a Fed rate cut and a few tech earnings to make everyone forget about tariffs and a labor market that’s starting to look like a punchline.
The macro backdrop is a mess: July’s jobs report was a dud, with just 73,000 new jobs and the unemployment rate ticking up to 4.2%. That’s all but gift-wrapped a September rate cut, and traders are now hanging on every word from Fed officials scheduled to speak today. Meanwhile, Palantir’s blowout quarter sent its stock flying, while Hims & Hers Health and Vertex Pharmaceuticals reminded everyone that not all earnings beats are created equal.
Today’s calendar is loaded: watch for the June trade deficit at 8:30 am ET, S&P and ISM Services PMIs mid-morning, and Producer Price Index data at 12:30 pm UTC. Jobless claims will be under the microscope after last week’s labor stumble. Earnings season is still in full swing, with Pfizer, Yum! Brands, and Fox before the bell, and Snap, AMD, and Rivian after-hours.
Price check: Gold is flexing at $3,352 to $3,383 per ounce. Bitcoin is holding the line around $114,700. S&P 500 E-mini futures are up between 0.6% and 1.6%. Oil prices are elusive this morning—maybe they’re hiding from the volatility.
The market’s running on hope, caffeine, and the promise of Fed largesse. Don’t get comfortable. The only thing more fragile than this rally is the narrative holding it together. Eyes up, stops tight, and prepare for turbulence.
August 4, 2025
Monday, August 4, 2025. Welcome to the financial circus—today’s main act: panic, policy, and a parade of numbers that will make your head spin.
U.S. markets just limped out of one of the ugliest weeks since May. Stocks cratered Friday after President Trump unleashed a fresh barrage of tariffs on dozens of trading partners. The S&P 500 dropped 1.6%, the Nasdaq tanked 2.2%, and the Dow joined the nosedive. The July jobs report was a gut punch: only 73,000 new jobs, way below the 104,000 consensus, and the unemployment rate ticked up to 4.1%. Cue recession alarms and a stampede into Treasuries, with yields plunging as traders bet the Fed will have to cut rates—despite officials’ best poker faces.
The White House is now “fixing” the numbers by firing the head of the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Meanwhile, a Fed governor is out, giving Trump another shot at stacking the deck. Boeing is dealing with another strike, and Tesla just handed Musk $29 billion in stock options—because why not?
Today, the market is bracing for June factory orders at 10:00 AM ET and a raft of inflation data at 8:30 AM ET. Constellation Energy leads the earnings parade, with tech and healthcare names on deck this week. St. Louis Fed President Musalem will try to calm nerves with a speech this afternoon.
Price check: Gold is holding at $3,357.93 per ounce. Oil (WTI) is stuck below $70 a barrel. Bitcoin is clinging to $114,000, with support looking shaky. S&P 500 E-mini futures are up at 6,306.00, trying to claw back some dignity after Friday’s rout.
Strap in. The only thing more volatile than these markets is the political theater behind them. If you’re looking for stability, try a rocking chair.
August 1, 2025
Good morning, it’s August 1, 2025, and the market’s serving up a breakfast of nerves and whiplash. If you thought summer would bring calm, think again—today’s menu is jobs data, tariff tantrums, and a Fed that can’t decide if it’s your friend or your parole officer.
Overnight, U.S. stock futures took a nosedive: S&P 500 futures are down 0.98%, Nasdaq 100 off 1.19%, and Dow futures lower by 0.86%. The trigger? Investors are bracing for the July jobs report and a fresh round of tariffs courtesy of Trump’s latest trade war encore. The CBOE Volatility Index spiked 8.6% as traders try to price in the next punch.
The Fed left rates unchanged, but Powell’s “wait-and-see” routine is wearing thin. Treasury yields whipsawed, and the market’s now betting against any near-term rate cut. Meanwhile, Q2 GDP rebounded 3.0% annualized, but don’t pop champagne—business investment is still limping and exports are a letdown.
Today’s main event: the July nonfarm payrolls at 8:30 a.m. ET. Consensus was for a slowdown, and the number landed at 147,000 jobs with unemployment ticking up to 4.1%. Average hourly earnings rose 0.2% month-over-month. Also on deck: ISM manufacturing and PMI data. On the earnings front, ExxonMobil beat with $1.64 EPS, while Apple’s strong quarter is offset by Amazon’s guidance faceplant.
Price check: Gold is at $3,294 per ounce, Oil (WTI) at $68.88 a barrel, Bitcoin just got mugged by tariffs and sits at $114,250, and S&P 500 E-mini futures hover around 6,313.
The market’s message: hope is not a strategy. With tariffs, sticky inflation, and a Fed that’s allergic to clarity, expect more volatility and less mercy. Sharpen your stops and keep your helmet on—today’s not for the faint of heart.
July 31, 2025
Good morning, it’s July 31, 2025, and the market’s running on pure adrenaline. If you thought summer would bring a lull, think again—Wall Street just got a double shot of tech euphoria and political whiplash.
Last night, Meta and Microsoft torched expectations. Meta soared 11% after hours, Microsoft jumped 8%, and the Nasdaq futures are up 1.3% with S&P 500 futures not far behind at +0.9%. The “Magnificent Seven” are dragging the rest of the market to new highs, while meme stocks are quietly slinking back to irrelevance. Meanwhile, the Fed left rates unchanged, but Powell’s “no decision” on September cuts has traders second-guessing everything. The dollar slipped, yields bounced, and the odds of a September cut are now a coin toss.
On the political front, Trump’s new trade deal with South Korea slaps a 15% tariff on Korean exports and demands $350 billion in U.S. investments. India gets a 25% tariff starting Friday, with more threats over Russian oil. The market’s reaction? A collective eye roll—trade war fatigue is real.
Today’s data dump includes personal income (-0.4%), personal spending (-0.1%), and a Core PCE inflation print of 0.2%. Initial jobless claims came in at 217,000. Q2 GDP rebounded to 3.0% after last quarter’s contraction, but don’t get too comfortable—Friday’s jobs report could still ruin the party. Apple and Amazon report after the bell, so expect more fireworks.
Price check: Gold is $3,297–$3,304. Oil (WTI) sits at $69.42–$69.52. Bitcoin is holding $117,771–$117,968. S&P 500 E-mini futures are at 6,460.50.
The market’s on a sugar high from tech earnings, but with tariffs, Fed ambiguity, and a looming jobs report, don’t mistake this for stability. Sharpen your stops and keep your helmet on—this rally has a short fuse.
July 30, 2025
Good morning, July 30, 2025. The circus is in town and the ringmaster is the Federal Reserve. If you thought the last six days of record S&P highs meant smooth sailing, think again—yesterday’s rally snapped as traders braced for the Fed’s next move and a deluge of Big Tech earnings.
Here’s the carnage: Futures are limping higher (S&P +0.09%, Nasdaq +0.19%, Dow +0.1%) as everyone waits for the FOMC to hold rates steady at 4.25%–4.50%. The real show is in the press conference, where every Powell pause will be dissected for hints of rate cuts. Bond yields are twitchy, with the 10-year stuck around 4.39%. Meanwhile, tariffs are back in the headlines, with new deals lowering some but the threat of inflation lurking as the next act.
Today’s economic gauntlet: Q2 GDP is expected to rebound to 2.3–2.5% after last quarter’s stumble. ADP payrolls, pending home sales, and a heap of labor and consumer data will keep the tape busy. But the main event is after the bell—Microsoft and Meta report, and with nearly 40% of the S&P 500 dropping earnings this week, the market’s mood could swing from euphoria to existential dread in a heartbeat.
Price check, no filter:
- Gold: $3,319.40/oz
- Oil (WTI): $68.63/barrel
- Bitcoin: $117,968–$118,800
- S&P 500 E-mini Futures: 6,412.25
The market’s riding high on hope, but with policy risk, tech earnings roulette, and macro data all colliding, expect volatility to spike. Keep your stops tight and your coffee stronger. The only thing certain today is that certainty is off the menu.
July 29, 2025
Tuesday, July 29, 2025. The circus is back in town and the ringmasters are trading tariffs for headlines.
U.S. markets just notched another round of record closes, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq both hitting fresh highs. The catalyst? A hastily announced U.S.-EU trade deal that slaps a 15% tariff on European imports—less than the market feared, but still enough to keep Brussels up at night. The euro tanked, the dollar flexed, and oil spiked over 2% as traders celebrated the fact that the world isn’t ending—yet.
Earnings season is in full swing and the stakes are high. Nearly 40% of the S&P 500 reports this week, including the tech titans: Microsoft and Meta tomorrow, Apple and Amazon Thursday. Early results are strong, with 83% of companies beating estimates, but the market is punishing any whiff of weakness like it’s a capital offense. Tesla surged on a $16.5 billion chip deal with Samsung, while Revvity got steamrolled after a guidance cut.
Today’s macro menu is a chef’s special of disappointment: Q2 GDP came in at -0.5% (so much for growth), ADP private payrolls fell by 33,000, and the trade deficit ballooned to $71.5 billion. The only thing expanding faster than the deficit is the list of things the Fed has to worry about. Speaking of which, the FOMC wraps up tomorrow—no rate cut expected, but every word from Powell will be dissected like a frog in biology class.
Price check: Gold is trading at $3,318–$3,325 an ounce. Oil (WTI) is at $66.81–$67.08 a barrel. Bitcoin is holding $117,968–$118,715. S&P 500 E-mini futures are at 6,439–6,458.
If you thought the summer would be slow, think again. The only thing cooling off is the GDP. Strap in—this week’s volatility could make even the most seasoned trader question their life choices.
July 28, 2025
Good morning, it’s July 28, 2025, and the market’s running hotter than a meme stock on margin. If you thought last week’s record highs were the end of the party, think again—Wall Street just got a fresh shot of adrenaline from a U.S.-EU trade deal that yanked the rug out from under tariff panic, at least for now.
U.S. equities are still flirting with all-time highs, powered by a 7.7% year-over-year earnings surge and a new 15% tariff regime with Europe and Japan. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq futures are up again premarket, as traders cling to optimism like it’s the last life raft on the Titanic. But don’t get too cozy: the “reciprocal” tariff pause expires Friday, and U.S.-China talks kick off in Stockholm today with a truce deadline looming. Meanwhile, the Fed starts its two-day meeting, with no rate move expected, but political sniping at Chair Powell is adding a layer of uncertainty that even the VIX can’t price in.
Today’s data dump includes Nonfarm Payrolls (147K, beating consensus), unemployment ticking down to 4.1%, and a GDP Price Index at a spicy 3.8%. The Fed’s rate decision drops at 6 PM UTC, and the press conference will be a must-watch for anyone who enjoys watching central bankers squirm. Earnings season is in full swing, with Bank of Hawaii, Enterprise Products, and Cadence Design on deck, and the big tech heavyweights—Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Meta—lining up later this week.
Price check: Gold is at $3,335.67 per ounce, Oil (WTI) at $66.04 a barrel, Bitcoin consolidating at $119,200, and S&P 500 futures up 0.13% premarket.
The market’s riding high on hope and headline risk. If you’re not hedged, you’re betting the house that politicians and central bankers won’t trip over their own shoelaces. Trade smart, and remember: gravity always wins.
July 28, 2025
Monday, July 28, 2025. The market’s at all-time highs, the macro backdrop is a powder keg, and the only thing more fragile than investor confidence is the political truce holding tariffs at bay. Welcome to the edge.
U.S. equities ripped higher into the weekend, with the S&P 500 closing at 6,388.64 and the Nasdaq at 21,106.94. Trade optimism is the flavor of the day after the Trump administration’s latest handshake with the EU, but the August 1 tariff deadline is still lurking. Volatility is subdued, but meme stocks are staging their own circus on the sidelines. Earnings season is in full swing, with 30% of S&P 500 companies already reporting and Q2 growth clocking in at a punchy 7.7% year-over-year. Consumer discretionary and gold miners are leading the charge, while Tesla and Deckers are back in the headlines for all the right reasons.
Today, the data deluge is real: Q2 GDP (consensus +2.5%), PCE inflation, and a barrage of PMI and services numbers will hit before lunch. ADP jobs, Redbook, and a Treasury refunding announcement round out the macro menu. On the earnings front, watch for numbers from Waste Management, Nucor, Cadence Design, and a raft of financials and industrials. No Fed fireworks today, but the FOMC looms midweek and the July jobs report drops Friday.
Price check: Gold futures at $3,332–$3,339 per ounce. Oil (WTI) at $65.34–$65.57 a barrel. Bitcoin is flexing at $119,200–$119,375. S&P 500 E-mini futures are hovering near 6,322 in premarket.
The market’s running on hope, momentum, and a healthy dose of denial. If you’re not hedged, you’re the hedge. Eyes up—this week could get ugly fast.
July 8, 2025
Tuesday, July 8, 2025. Markets are open, nerves are shot, and the tariff circus is back in town.
Yesterday, President Trump lobbed a fresh round of tariffs at 14 countries, with rates up to 40%. The Dow promptly faceplanted 422 points, S&P 500 shed 0.79%, and the Nasdaq lost 0.92%. Clean energy names got steamrolled as Trump’s new bill axes renewables subsidies. Tesla cratered over 6% before a dead-cat bounce, thanks to Musk’s latest political sideshow. Microsoft is laying off 15,000, but Nvidia is still gunning for Apple’s crown. Oil slipped as OPEC+ opened the taps and global demand looks shaky. The only thing rising? Treasury yields and the dollar, as traders run for cover.
Today, the market’s bracing for a data dump at 12:30 PM ET: GDP (2nd estimate, expected +2.4%), corporate profits, jobless claims, and the Core PCE inflation read. New home sales hit at 2:00 PM. No big earnings on deck—just a few small caps reporting before the real Q2 season kicks off next week. The Fed is silent until tomorrow’s FOMC minutes, which will be dissected for any hint of a rate move.
Price check: Gold is trading $3,324 to $3,334 an ounce. Oil (WTI) is at $67.68 to $67.82 a barrel. Bitcoin is bouncing between $107,739 and $109,100. S&P futures are down 0.82% premarket.
The market’s mood? Cautious, twitchy, and one tweet away from another nosedive. If you thought summer would be slow, think again. Sharpen your stops and keep your helmet on—this is not the week to blink.
July 7, 2025
Good morning, July 7, 2025. The circus is back in town and the ringmasters are trade negotiators, central bankers, and politicians with a penchant for chaos.
U.S. markets are tiptoeing through a minefield of tariff drama. The July 9 deadline for new U.S. tariffs has everyone on edge, but the White House is already hinting at delays, so expect more can-kicking and less clarity. Meanwhile, the U.S. and China are playing nice over rare-earth exports, but don’t get too comfortable—Canada just got the cold shoulder from Washington over its digital services tax, and the first payment is due today. If you’re looking for stability, you’re in the wrong decade.
Despite the macro mess, the S&P 500 closed last week at record highs, up 1.7%, with small and midcaps flexing even harder. The rally is running on fumes from trade optimism, strong earnings (Nike sprinted ahead), and the ever-present hope for lower rates. But the economic data is a wet blanket: Q1 GDP was revised down to -0.5% annualized, retail sales tanked 0.9% in May, and the trade deficit ballooned to $71.5 billion. Consumer spending is fading, and optimism is slipping as the summer policy storm brews.
Today, the spotlight is on GDP (2nd estimate, forecast 2.4%), corporate profits, jobless claims, and new home sales. No major earnings or Fed fireworks—just the slow drip of economic reality.
Price check: Gold is at $3,309/oz, down 0.8%. WTI Oil sits at $67.05/bbl, Brent at $68.81/bbl. Bitcoin is holding around $109,100, up nearly 1%. S&P futures are hugging all-time highs, but momentum is stalling.
Strap in. The market’s running on hope and headlines, and the next headline could be the one that pulls the rug. Trade safe, or at least trade cynical.
July 4, 2025
Good morning, it’s July 4, 2025. The fireworks started early on Wall Street—just in time for the markets to slam the doors shut for Independence Day. If you blinked, you missed a record-breaking rally and a fresh round of macro and political absurdity.
Yesterday, the S&P 500 and Nasdaq both notched new all-time highs, with the S&P closing at 6,279.35 (+0.83%) and the Nasdaq at 20,601.10 (+1.02%). The Dow limped along for the ride, up 0.77%. The catalyst? A June jobs report that beat expectations (147,000 jobs added), which was just enough to keep the “soft landing” narrative alive and kill any hope of a near-term Fed rate cut. Treasury yields jumped, and the Fed’s July meeting is now a waiting game for more inflation drama.
On the political front, Congress rammed through Trump’s tax-and-spend bill, extending tax cuts and boosting defense outlays. The President is already promising “rocket ship” growth, but the only thing launching soon could be tariffs. The July 9 deadline for sweeping new tariffs is looming, and while the White House is playing coy, traders are bracing for a fresh round of inflation if talks with China, Vietnam, and Canada go sideways. Meanwhile, the fireworks industry is sweating bullets—99% of U.S. fireworks come from China, and tariffs are already at 30%.
Today, the U.S. markets are closed. No economic data, no earnings, just a nation celebrating with overpriced hot dogs and political protests. The real action resumes Monday, with Q2 earnings season set to kick off and tariff roulette spinning again.
Price check: Gold $3,336.60/oz. WTI Oil $66.47/bbl. Bitcoin $109,345. S&P 500 futures hovering above 6,600.
Enjoy the holiday. When the markets reopen, expect less liberty and more volatility. Welcome to the land of the free and the home of the brave—traders only.
July 3, 2025
Good morning, July 3, 2025. The fireworks started early—on Wall Street, not just in the sky.
Markets limped into the holiday with a whimper, not a bang. U.S. equities closed early, volume was thin, and traders looked more interested in barbecue than risk. S&P 500 futures barely budged, holding near record highs, while the Dow yawned lower and the Nasdaq squeezed out a modest gain. Under the hood, Tesla ripped higher after crushing Q2 delivery estimates, while Adobe got a reality check as Figma filed for an IPO and analysts flagged AI headwinds. Major banks flexed with dividend hikes post-stress tests, but the real action is in the macro mess.
The U.S. economy is flashing warning lights. GDP growth is crawling, consumer spending is cooling, and private payrolls just posted a surprise drop of 33,000 jobs in June. Today’s nonfarm payrolls report is the main event—consensus expects a tepid 110,000 jobs added and unemployment ticking up to 4.3%. Weekly jobless claims and Q2 GDP (second estimate) are also on deck. The Fed is under pressure to cut rates, but with D.C. gridlocked and Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” threatening to axe EV credits, don’t expect policy clarity anytime soon.
Price check: Gold is trading at $3,350.42 per ounce. WTI crude sits at $67.21 a barrel. Bitcoin is flexing at $109,400. S&P 500 futures hover around 6,280.
The market’s running on fumes and hope. With thin liquidity and a labor market on the ropes, brace for volatility to come roaring back once the sparklers fizzle out. If you’re looking for stability, try the potato salad.
July 2, 2025
Good morning, July 2, 2025. If you thought the summer would bring calm, think again—markets are serving up a fresh batch of whiplash.
Yesterday, the Dow flexed with a 400-point rally, powered by healthcare stalwarts like Amgen and UnitedHealth, while the Nasdaq limped as tech darlings Nvidia, AMD, and Tesla took a beating. The sector rotation is real: traders are ditching high-growth for defensive plays, and the only thing more volatile than the market is the political circus in D.C.
Trump’s tax-and-spend bill barely squeaked through the Senate and now limps back to the House, where GOP infighting is set to keep volatility on a short leash. Meanwhile, the tariff pause is expiring next week, and the market is bracing for another round of trade war roulette.
On the macro front, the ADP private payrolls report is out this morning, with expectations for 120,000 jobs added in June. The real fireworks come tomorrow with the official June jobs report—if you’re betting on the Fed’s next move, this is your Super Bowl. Q1 GDP was revised down to a -0.5% contraction, the first in three years, thanks to a pre-tariff import binge. Consumer spending is still alive, but barely kicking.
Today’s key events: GDP growth rate (Q2 estimate) at 2.4% drops at 12:30 PM ET, along with corporate profits and jobless claims. Unifirst (UNF) reports earnings pre-market, but the real action is in the macro data.
Price check: Gold is trading $3,331 to $3,349 an ounce. WTI oil sits at $66.34 to $66.39 a barrel. Bitcoin is hovering around $107,000. S&P 500 E-mini futures are down 0.12% premarket, just below all-time highs.
Strap in. With politics, tariffs, and labor data all colliding, today’s market is a blender set to purée. If you’re looking for stability, try a yoga class—because you won’t find it here.
July 1, 2025
Tuesday, July 1, 2025. Welcome to the first trading day of Q3—where the only thing hotter than the summer sun is the FOMO in tech stocks.
U.S. markets just steamrolled into July with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq both closing at fresh record highs. Big Tech is still the only game in town: Nvidia and Meta hit new peaks, Microsoft flexed before a late-day fade, and Robinhood soared 12% after announcing tokenized stock trading for 200+ U.S. equities in the EU. If you thought the casino was closed, think again—retail just got a new slot machine.
Macro? The Q1 GDP revision was a faceplant at -0.5%, thanks to a pre-tariff import binge, but consumer spending is still holding the line. Economists are betting on a Q2 rebound near 3% growth, but don’t get too comfortable. Inflation is running at 2.3% (core at 2.8%), and mortgage rates are stuck at 6.73%. The Fed is likely to keep its hands in its pockets for now.
Today’s calendar is light on earnings, but watch for the S&P Global Manufacturing PMI at 9:45 a.m. ET, Construction Spending at 10:00, and New Home Sales at 2:00. The real fireworks come later this week with Nonfarm Payrolls and PCE inflation.
Price check: Gold is trading at $3,320/oz, WTI crude at $65.69/bbl, Bitcoin is hovering around $107,000, and S&P 500 E-mini futures are at 6,241.
The market’s running on tech fumes and hope, but with trade war deadlines and labor data lurking, don’t mistake this rally for a safety net. Sharpen your stops and keep your helmet on—July isn’t here to make friends.
June 30, 2025
Good morning, it’s June 30, 2025, and the market’s running hotter than a server farm in July. If you thought the summer would bring a lull, think again—Wall Street just cranked the chaos up to eleven.
The S&P 500 and Nasdaq both ripped to fresh record highs on Friday, closing out a month that saw the S&P up over 4% and the Nasdaq up 5.5%. The Dow, not to be left out, tacked on 400 points to finish at 43,819. All this euphoria comes as oil prices cratered—WTI is down to $65.25 a barrel—after OPEC+ greenlit more production and a Middle East ceasefire yanked the rug out from under the last geopolitical risk premium. Gold is holding firm at $3,295 an ounce, because apparently, someone still believes in hedging. Bitcoin is stuck in a holding pattern near $107,650, waiting for the next whale to sneeze. S&P 500 futures are perched at 6,250, daring anyone to call the top.
Today’s macro menu is loaded: the second estimate of Q2 GDP drops at 12:30 PM ET (consensus: 2.4% growth), along with corporate profits, the GDP price index, and core PCE. Jobless claims are also on deck. Earnings are a snooze, with only Progress Software reporting. Congress is still trying to pass the “One Big Beautiful Bill” before the July 4th break, so expect more political theater than actual progress.
Traders, the tape is frothy, the data is dense, and the politicians are restless. If you’re looking for a quiet week, you’re in the wrong business. Sharpen your stops and keep your caffeine close—this market doesn’t care about your summer plans.
June 27, 2025
Friday, June 27, 2025. Markets are on the edge, and if you thought summer would bring calm, think again—today’s script is pure adrenaline.
Overnight, the U.S. and China finally inked a trade deal that actually matters: tariffs are coming down, and rare earths are flowing again. Tech and manufacturing stocks are already celebrating, with S&P 500 and Nasdaq futures inching toward fresh record highs. Nvidia is still the market’s favorite lottery ticket, hitting another all-time high. Meanwhile, Nike just spiked 10% premarket after beating earnings—never mind the $1 billion tariff punch, they’ll “manage it.” Sure.
But the real show is the May PCE inflation data dropping this morning. The Fed’s favorite gauge is expected to tick up to 2.3% year-over-year, with core PCE at 2.6%. If the numbers surprise, brace for whiplash in rates and risk assets. GDP’s third estimate confirmed a -0.5% contraction in Q1, so the “soft landing” crowd is sweating. Jobless claims and new home sales hit at 10:00 AM ET—expect every algo on the Street to be watching.
Trump is making noise about firing Powell before 2026, which has traders betting on earlier rate cuts. If you’re looking for stability, you’re in the wrong casino.
Here’s where things stand:
- Gold: $3,280–$3,334/oz (slipping as risk appetite returns)
- Oil (WTI): $65.64–$65.82/barrel (steady, but one headline away from chaos)
- Bitcoin: $107,215–$107,477 (down, but still a six-figure fever dream)
- S&P 500 futures: Hovering just below the 6,144 record
Today’s takeaway: The market’s running on hope, caffeine, and denial. Stay sharp—one bad print and the rally could turn into a stampede for the exits. Welcome to the volatility vortex.
June 26, 2025
Good morning, June 26, 2025. The market circus is back in town and the ringmaster is AI—again. If you thought yesterday’s flat close meant calm, think again. The S&P 500 is still flirting with all-time highs, powered by a tech sector that refuses to quit. Nvidia just clocked another record, closing at $154.31 after Loop Capital slapped a $250 target on it. Micron is riding the AI wave too, up 50% year-to-date and still climbing after a revenue beat. Meanwhile, the Dow limped lower, because not every index gets to be the hero.
The macro backdrop is a cocktail of confusion. Q1 GDP came in at -0.2% (second estimate), a sharp reversal from last quarter’s growth. Durable goods orders are expected to rebound 8.6%—because why not? Jobless claims hover around 244,000, and pending home sales are barely crawling out of last month’s hole. Corporate profits are up, but don’t get too comfortable: Friday’s PCE inflation data is the real landmine, and the Fed’s next move is anyone’s guess. Trump is reportedly shopping for a new Fed chair, because what’s a little more uncertainty between friends?
Today’s earnings menu features McCormick, Walgreens, and a handful of tech names. Nike reports after the bell, with options pricing in an 8% move. If you’re looking for stability, you’re in the wrong market.
Here’s where the big stuff stands:
- Gold: $3,335/oz (support $3,295, resistance $3,365)
- WTI Oil: $65.20/barrel
- Brent Oil: $67.97/barrel
- Bitcoin: $107,686 (hovering just below its all-time high)
- S&P E-mini futures: Slightly higher premarket, but check your terminal for the tick-by-tick carnage
The only thing more volatile than these markets is the political rumor mill. Stay sharp, keep your stops tight, and remember: in this market, hope is not a strategy. Prepare for whiplash.
June 25, 2025
June 25, 2025. Markets are wide awake and the drama is real—grab your caffeine and your risk tolerance.
The U.S. woke up to a rare ceasefire between Israel and Iran, courtesy of President Trump’s latest diplomatic flex. Geopolitical risk evaporated overnight, sending oil prices into a nosedive and giving tech stocks a reason to party. S&P futures are up 0.8%, Nasdaq is up 1%, and the Dow is trailing with a modest 0.6% gain. Energy names like Chevron and Exxon are licking their wounds, while Tesla and the robotaxi hype machine are up double digits in recent days. Bitcoin is flexing above $106,000, because apparently peace in the Middle East is bullish for digital gold too.
The macro front is a mixed bag. Consumer confidence just fell off a cliff, with the Conference Board’s index dropping to 93.0—future expectations are now deep in recession-warning territory. The Fed’s Jerome Powell is testifying before Congress today, but don’t expect fireworks. He’s sticking to the script: no rush to cut rates, inflation still the main obsession, and tariffs are the wild card. The fed funds rate holds at 4.25% to 4.5%. GDP growth is expected to slow, but the labor market is still hanging in there.
Today’s calendar is loaded: Q1 GDP (second estimate) drops at 12:30 PM ET, with consensus at +2.4%. Corporate profits and core PCE inflation hit at the same time. New home sales numbers land at 2:00 PM ET, expected to show a rebound. FedEx reports after the bell, and the market will be watching closely after the founder’s death.
Price check: Gold is trading $3,327 to $3,332 per ounce. WTI oil is at $64.91, Brent at $67.80. Bitcoin is $105,800 to $106,600. S&P futures are up, but check your terminal for the latest tick.
The market’s mood? Hopeful, but one bad headline away from a full-blown tantrum. Keep your stops tight and your sense of humor tighter. Welcome to the volatility vortex—trade like you mean it.
June 24, 2025
Tuesday, June 24, 2025. Markets are waking up from a geopolitical hangover, and the only thing more fragile than investor confidence is the ceasefire paperwork.
The big overnight jolt: a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, confirmed by Trump, yanked risk assets out of the gutter. S&P futures are up nearly 1%, the Dow is set to open 350 points higher, and the Nasdaq is riding a 1.2% premarket pop. Oil, which had been pricing in World War III, is now down over 3% as traders realize the only thing getting torched today is their short positions. Gold, the panic room of choice, is backpedaling to $3,318–$3,326 per ounce, scraping two-week lows as the fear trade unwinds. Bitcoin is holding the line at $105,400, still flexing above $100K support, because apparently, digital gold doesn’t care about ceasefires.
Macro-wise, the Fed is still in “wait and see” mode, with Powell clutching his data dependency like a toddler with a security blanket. Rate cuts are penciled in for later this year, but sticky inflation and tariff drama could easily erase those hopes. Today’s economic calendar is loaded: GDP second estimate (expected +2.4%), new home sales (forecast 724K), and corporate profits. Watch FedEx earnings for a pulse check on global demand and Carnival for a read on the consumer’s willingness to party.
Specific price levels: Gold $3,318–$3,326. Oil (WTI) $65.80–$66.75. Bitcoin $105,400. S&P E-mini futures up about 1%.
The market’s mood has flipped from panic to relief, but don’t mistake this for stability. Under the surface, recession signals are still blinking and the next headline could send everything sideways. Strap in—this is no time for autopilot.
June 23, 2025
Good morning, June 23, 2025. The world’s on fire—literally and figuratively—so grab your helmet and let’s get to it.
U.S. markets woke up to a geopolitical hangover after the Pentagon unleashed “Operation Midnight Hammer,” striking Iranian nuclear and military sites over the weekend. The move torched any hope for a quiet summer and sent traders scrambling for cover. S&P 500 futures dropped as much as 0.6% overnight, Nasdaq futures slipped 0.35%, and the Dow is limping in with a 100-point premarket loss. Oil is the big winner, with Brent crude up nearly 4% to $78 and WTI at $74.80 as the Strait of Hormuz teeters on the edge of closure. Gold, the supposed safe haven, is barely moving—trading in a tight $3,354 to $3,366 range. Bitcoin is sulking below $102,000, licking its wounds after a volatile weekend. S&P E-mini futures are hovering around 5,495.
Today’s economic calendar is loaded: S&P Global Manufacturing and Services PMIs hit at 9:45 ET, with both sectors expected to show expansion but watch for any cracks. Weekly jobless claims are out, and the latest spike to 242,000 is raising eyebrows about labor market resilience. New home sales and Q1 GDP (second estimate) will drop around noon, with consensus at 690,000 units and 2.4% growth, respectively. Corporate earnings are thin but watch Commercial Metals, FactSet, and KB Home for any sector tremors. The real wildcard is Fed Chair Powell’s testimony to Congress this week—expect every word to be dissected for hints on rate policy as oil prices surge.
Gold: $3,354–$3,366/oz. Oil (WTI): $74.75–$74.86/bbl. Oil (Brent): $77.91–$78.10/bbl. Bitcoin: ~$101,800. S&P E-mini futures: ~5,495.
The market’s message is clear: hope is not a strategy. If you’re looking for calm, try yoga—because Wall Street’s about to test your blood pressure.
June 20, 2025
Friday, June 20, 2025. Markets are open, nerves are shot, and the only thing moving faster than oil prices is the rumor mill. Welcome to the trading day where geopolitical roulette meets economic déjà vu.
Overnight, U.S. stock futures took a nosedive. The Dow is down 150 points premarket, S&P and Nasdaq are both in the red. The culprit: President Trump is publicly weighing a military strike on Iran, with a decision promised in two weeks. Oil markets are whipsawing—Brent is down 2% to $77.17, WTI at $73.86, but if the Strait of Hormuz closes, analysts warn we could see $90 in a blink. Gold is holding at $3,351 per ounce, because when the world looks ready to light itself on fire, gold bugs get paid.
The Fed left rates unchanged at 4.25–4.50% and is still dangling the prospect of two cuts by year-end, but only if inflation stops acting like a toddler on a sugar high. Meanwhile, tariffs are quietly gnawing at GDP, shaving off 0.6 percentage points and nudging unemployment up. Circle Internet Group is the lone party animal, up 6% premarket after the Senate greenlit stablecoin legislation. Bitcoin is flexing above $106,000, because apparently, chaos is bullish for crypto.
Today’s data dump: 8:30 AM ET brings GDP (expected +2.4%), corporate profits, and jobless claims. At 10:00 AM, new home sales hit the tape, with a rebound expected. No major earnings—Wall Street is still hungover from Juneteenth.
S&P futures are ticking lower, reflecting the mood: cautious, twitchy, and one headline away from a full-blown panic.
If you thought summer would bring calm, think again. The only thing cooling off is your P&L. Strap in and keep your stops tight—this market doesn’t care about your vacation plans.
June 19, 2025
June 19, 2025. The markets are closed for Juneteenth, but the drama never takes a holiday. If you thought you’d get a break, think again.
Yesterday’s session was a cocktail of Fed suspense and geopolitical indigestion. The Dow popped 250 points as traders front-ran the Fed’s “no move” decision, while the S&P and Nasdaq tiptoed higher. The real fireworks came from D.C. and the Middle East: the U.S. is reportedly prepping strikes on Iran, so risk appetite is about as stable as a house of cards in a hurricane. Oil shrugged off the saber-rattling, with WTI sliding to $74.11, as if the world’s supply lines are just a minor inconvenience.
Retail sales for May underwhelmed, hinting that the consumer is finally running out of credit or patience—or both. Solar stocks got torched after Congress floated the idea of yanking clean energy tax credits. Enphase cratered 24%, First Solar lost 18%. Meanwhile, Eli Lilly’s $1B buyout of Verve Therapeutics sent Verve up 81% and LLY down 2%. M&A: still the only place where everyone loses except the target.
Today, the only thing moving is the economic calendar. GDP growth is forecast at 2.4% for Q2, corporate profits are expected up 5.9%, and the Fed’s latest projections are a love letter to stagflation: higher unemployment, sticky inflation, and two rate cuts that may or may not materialize. No major earnings until tomorrow, when Accenture, Kroger, Darden, and CarMax report.
Price check: Gold is at $3,367–$3,391/oz. WTI crude sits at $74.11/barrel. Bitcoin is wobbling at $104,943. S&P E-mini futures hover around 6,010.
The market’s closed, but the risk is wide open. When the bell rings tomorrow, expect volatility to punch first and ask questions never. Welcome to the meat grinder.
June 18, 2025
Wednesday, June 18, 2025. Markets are on edge, and if you thought yesterday was wild, today’s menu is serving up a double shot of chaos.
The Fed takes center stage this afternoon. No one expects a rate move, but every algo on the Street is tuned to Jerome Powell’s every syllable and the dot plot. The only thing more fragile than the market’s hope for two cuts this year is the consumer, after May retail sales cratered 0.9%. Industrial production missed, homebuilder confidence is sagging, and the only thing rising is the VIX—up 9% premarket as traders brace for whatever Powell throws at them.
Geopolitics is back in the driver’s seat. President Trump’s latest “UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!” demand to Iran has oil spiking and energy stocks flexing while the rest of the market sulks. Israel-Iran tensions are keeping crude above $74, and if you’re long solar, condolences—Senate budget cuts to renewables have those names in freefall.
Tesla is pausing production at its Austin plant for the third time this year, prepping for a robotaxi launch that’s either the future or another Musk sideshow. Meanwhile, Verve Therapeutics is up 75% premarket after Eli Lilly’s $1.3 billion buyout offer. The rest of the tape is a sea of red, with crypto getting clubbed—Bitcoin is clinging to $60,150.
Here’s where we stand:
- Gold: $3,380/oz
- WTI Oil: $74.70/barrel
- Bitcoin: $60,150
- S&P E-mini Futures: 5,403, down 0.86%
Today’s data dump includes GDP (expected 2.4%), corporate profits, new home sales, and jobless claims. Markets close tomorrow for Juneteenth, so expect volume to dry up and volatility to spike.
Strap in. The only thing certain is that certainty is off the table. If you’re looking for comfort, try the chocolate factory’s earnings call—everything else is pure risk.
June 17, 2025
Tuesday, June 17, 2025. Welcome to the meat grinder—markets are open and the headlines are out for blood.
U.S. futures are deep in the red after a 24-hour stretch that saw the Dow drop over 300 points, S&P 500 off by 45, and Nasdaq futures down 140. The trigger? The Israel-Iran conflict is back on the front burner. Trump bailed on the G7 early to play firefighter, but Iran’s airspace closure and the lack of any real ceasefire have traders running for cover. Meanwhile, Trump’s new “deal” with the UK lowers some tariffs but leaves steel untouched, and he’s threatening China with tariffs up to 55%. If you thought trade war fatigue was a thing of the past, think again.
Macro data is a mixed bag of hope and hangover. Q1 GDP is barely breathing at -0.1% quarter-over-quarter, job growth is at a two-year low, and services activity is sliding. The Fed is up tomorrow—expect rates to stay at 4.25%-4.50%, but don’t hold your breath for a dovish pivot. Bond markets are pricing in just a 60% chance of a cut by September. Political polarization is so bad that 59% more Democrats than Republicans expect a market crash. If you’re looking for consensus, try a coin toss.
Today’s calendar is loaded with jobless claims (229,000), GDP second estimate (+2.4%), and existing home sales (4.02 million, down 5.9% MoM). No S&P heavyweights report earnings, so the macro and the madness will drive the tape.
Price check: Gold is holding at $3,387 per ounce. WTI crude is at $73.21 a barrel. Bitcoin is swinging between $106,495 and $106,678. S&P E-mini futures are up about 0.4% premarket, but don’t get comfortable.
The only thing more volatile than these markets is the political rhetoric. Strap in—today’s session is a test of nerves, not just numbers. If you’re not hedged, you’re the liquidity.
June 16, 2025
Monday, June 16, 2025. Welcome to the edge of reason—where the only thing more volatile than the VIX is the collective mood of Wall Street.
Markets are twitchy. The VIX spiked 14% as traders pretend to ignore the Israel-Iran conflict, but oil isn’t playing along. WTI sits at $72.53 a barrel, and gold is flexing at $3,434.87 per ounce—because nothing says “confidence” like a flight to safety. S&P 500 futures are up 0.5% at 6,006.75, as if the Fed’s looming policy decision is just another box to check. Bitcoin, meanwhile, is back in beast mode at $106,430, because apparently, digital gold is the new bunker.
Macro data is a slow burn. GDP shrank 0.1% in Q1, and full-year growth forecasts are circling the drain at 0.6–1.7%. Stagflation is the word of the week, thanks to tariffs that would make Smoot and Hawley blush. Inflation is on track to hit 4% by year-end, so don’t expect your paycheck to keep up with your grocery bill.
The labor market is losing steam. Over 170 major U.S. companies are set to announce job cuts this month. Private-sector hiring is cooling, and services activity is slipping. If you’re looking for a silver lining, try aluminum—at least it’s not being cut.
Politics? The “No Kings” protests are heating up, and the Trump administration’s tariff tantrum is rattling global capital flows. The “One Big Beautiful Bill” is threatening to blow out the deficit and spook bond markets. If you thought D.C. couldn’t get messier, just wait.
Today’s calendar is mercifully light—no major economic data or earnings. The real fireworks start midweek with retail sales and the Fed. Until then, keep your stops tight and your coffee stronger.
Survival tip: In a market this jumpy, hope is not a strategy. Prepare for whiplash.
June 13, 2025
Friday, June 13, 2025. The market gods are in a foul mood, and the screens are bleeding—welcome to the show.
U.S. stock futures are limping into the open after yesterday’s selloff. Dow futures are down 0.7%, S&P 500 off 0.5%, and Nasdaq futures lower by 0.6%. Boeing is in freefall, down 8% premarket after a 787-8 crash in India. Oracle is the rare bright spot, surging on robust cloud revenue, but that’s cold comfort in a market gripped by macro anxiety.
Inflation data is the only thing softer than the Fed’s credibility: May CPI rose just 0.1%, well below consensus, and core CPI matched that snail’s pace. Year-over-year, CPI is up 2.4% and core at 2.9%. The labor market is showing cracks, with participation dropping to 62.4% and more Americans sitting on the sidelines. Meanwhile, tariff drama with China drags on, and stagflation is the word du jour as GDP growth projections sink to 1.6% for the year.
Today’s calendar is loaded: Initial and continuing jobless claims, corporate profits, GDP price index, and core PCE all hit at 12:30 PM ET. Existing and pending home sales drop at 2:00 PM, and the University of Michigan consumer sentiment index lands at 10:00 AM. Earnings season is on life support, but a few stragglers will report.
Price check: Gold is flexing at $3,414 per ounce. Oil (WTI) is ripping higher at $73.67 a barrel, up 7% overnight. Bitcoin is trading at $107,690, just below recent highs. S&P 500 futures are at 5,978, with key support at 5,905 and resistance up at 6,236.
If you thought yesterday was rough, keep your helmet on. The only thing more fragile than this market is the optimism holding it together. Trade sharp, or get trampled.
June 12, 2025
Thursday, June 12, 2025. The circus is back in town and the ringmasters are all wearing tariffs.
Markets just got whiplash. Yesterday’s CPI print came in softer than expected—headline inflation at 2.4% year-over-year, core at 2.8%. That was supposed to be a green light for risk, but the rally fizzled as traders remembered the world is still run by politicians with a taste for economic arson. S&P futures are down 0.5% premarket, Dow off 0.7%, Nasdaq down 0.6%. Boeing is in freefall, down 8% after another Dreamliner crash, just as the company was trying to crawl out from under its last legal disaster. Oracle, on the other hand, is moonwalking higher—up 9% premarket—thanks to a 52% surge in cloud revenue. Tech: the only place left to hide, unless you’re allergic to nosebleed valuations.
Macro is a mess. The World Bank says global growth is crawling toward its weakest decade in half a century. U.S.-China trade talks are stuck in a holding pattern, with Trump’s latest “55% tariff” threat hanging over the market like a lead balloon. Chinese exports to the U.S. cratered 34% in May. Meanwhile, the “Big Beautiful Bill” is back in Congress, promising more tax cuts and more debt—because what’s another $2.4 trillion between friends?
Today’s calendar: PPI drops this morning, but after yesterday’s CPI, nobody’s expecting fireworks. Jobless claims are steady at 229,000. Adobe reports after the bell. Watch for more geopolitical drama out of the Middle East—oil is already spiking.
Price check: Gold futures at $3,383/oz. WTI crude at $67.19/bbl. Bitcoin is consolidating just below $110,000. S&P futures: 5,420 and sliding.
If you thought yesterday was wild, keep your helmet on. The only thing more dangerous than this market is thinking it can’t get any weirder. Trade sharp, stay cynical.
June 11, 2025
Wednesday, June 11, 2025. Markets are wide awake and the caffeine is fear. If you thought the summer would bring calm, think again—today’s session is a cocktail of trade drama, inflation anxiety, and the usual political theater.
U.S. and China have agreed on a framework for a trade truce after marathon talks in Geneva. The handshake is real, but don’t pop the champagne until both Trump and Xi sign off. Markets have been riding this optimism, with the S&P 500 closing up 0.55% at a 3½-month high, Nasdaq up 0.66% led by semis, and the Dow inching toward record territory. Semiconductors ripped higher on hopes of relaxed chip export rules. Tesla’s rebound continues, as Musk promises robotaxis and dials down his presidential trolling. Meanwhile, Google is handing out buyout offers like party favors, a not-so-subtle nod to tech’s cost-cutting obsession.
But the real show is the May CPI print dropping at 8:30 a.m. ET. Consensus expects a 0.2% monthly rise, 2.3% year-over-year. Core inflation is pegged at 2.8%. Miss those numbers and you’ll see volatility spike, especially in tech. The World Bank just trimmed its global GDP forecast, and Treasury yields are twitchy ahead of the data. No major earnings on deck—just the market’s collective nerves.
Price check: Gold is flexing at $3,340–$3,345 per ounce. WTI oil is holding $65.17–$65.73 a barrel. Bitcoin is strutting near $109,815, just a hair from all-time highs. S&P 500 futures are hugging last night’s close, waiting for the CPI grenade.
Today’s mood: Hope is fragile, and the only thing thinner than market conviction is the Fed’s patience. If you’re not ready for a whipsaw, you’re in the wrong casino. Eyes up, stops tight, and remember—serenity is for monks, not traders.
June 10, 2025
Good morning, June 10, 2025. If you thought yesterday was quiet, you clearly missed the memo: the market’s just holding its breath before the next punch lands.
U.S. equities limped into the session with the Dow barely moving, the S&P 500 inching up to 6,005.88, and the Nasdaq flexing on semis. Volume was light, but the VIX ticked up to 17.16—fear is back on the menu. The real circus is in London, where U.S.-China trade talks have resumed. Treasury Secretary Bessent and his entourage are negotiating with China’s Vice Premier He Lifeng, with rare earths and tariffs on the table. Trump is already touting “constructive” progress, so brace for a tweetstorm if things go sideways.
Sector-wise, Consumer Discretionary, Materials, and Tech caught a bid, while Financials took a hit. Warner Bros. Discovery soared over 10% after announcing a corporate split—because nothing says “growth” like breaking yourself in half. Meanwhile, crypto is on a tear: Bitcoin hit $109,227 after flirting with all-time highs, and Circle’s stock is up 20% post-IPO. Oil is grinding higher, and gold is wobbling as traders try to decide if they want safety or just a stiff drink.
Today’s calendar is loaded: watch for the NFIB Small Business Confidence Index, new home sales, and the EIA’s energy outlook. U.S.-China trade talks continue, and everyone’s sweating this week’s inflation data ahead of the Fed’s June 18 meeting. Last quarter’s GDP shrank 0.3%, and May’s jobs print was solid but slowing.
Price check: Gold $3,329.55/oz. Oil (WTI) $65.65/bbl. Bitcoin $109,227. S&P 500 futures 6,010.
Strap in. The only thing more volatile than these markets is the political spin you’ll hear if the numbers disappoint. Trade smart, and don’t expect mercy.
June 9, 2025
Good morning, it’s June 9, 2025, and the market’s serving up a fresh batch of volatility with a side of political theater. If you thought last week’s rally meant the storm had passed, think again—this is just the eye.
U.S. equities ripped higher Friday after the May jobs report blew past expectations: 139,000 jobs added, unemployment steady at 4.2%, and wage growth still ticking up. The S&P 500 punched through 6,000, closing at 6,000.36, while the Dow soared over 400 points. Recession fears? Not today. But don’t get too comfortable—those numbers also torpedoed any hope for a near-term Fed rate cut. The market now pegs September as the earliest window for a move, and even that’s looking less certain. President Trump, never one to miss a headline, demanded a full-point cut from Powell, but the Fed’s in its quiet period, so don’t expect fireworks—yet.
Trade drama is back on the front burner. U.S.-China talks in London are making headlines, and every tariff rumor is moving markets. PMI data shows U.S. companies feeling the pinch from tariffs and supply chain snarls, while Europe gets a breather on input costs. Corporate land is a minefield: Tesla rebounded 4% pre-market after Musk and Trump’s public spat, Lululemon cratered 20% on weak guidance, and Circle’s IPO is still mooning thanks to stablecoin legislation.
Today, watch for the U.S. New Home Sales report at 2:00 PM ET—analysts expect a drop to 0.69 million units. The rest of the week brings CPI on Wednesday and the Michigan Sentiment Index Friday. The Fed stays mum until next week’s FOMC.
Price check: Gold $3,324.43/oz. Oil (WTI) $64.78/bbl. Bitcoin $104,000. S&P 500 futures 6,010.25.
Strap in. The only thing more fragile than this rally is the political consensus holding it together. Trade the tape, not the headlines, and keep your stops tight—because the next punchline could be your P&L.
June 6, 2025
Friday, June 6, 2025. Welcome to the financial circus—today’s main act: volatility with a side of political theater.
Yesterday, U.S. markets took a breather from their recent climb. The S&P 500 snapped its three-day win streak, closing down 0.5%. The Dow shed 108 points, and the Nasdaq dropped 0.8%. Tesla cratered 14% after Musk’s public spat with President Trump over the latest congressional spending bill. Trump threatened to axe government contracts, and the market responded by torching Musk’s net worth. MongoDB, meanwhile, soared 15% on AI-fueled earnings, proving that in this market, you’re either a hero or a punchline.
Macro mess? The trade deficit narrowed, but only because imports tanked under the weight of fresh tariffs. Weekly jobless claims hit an eight-month high, and the 10-year Treasury yield slipped to 4.35%. The dollar index fell to 98.45. U.S.-China trade relations are back in the headlines after Trump and Xi’s “very good” phone call, but don’t expect a love story—tariff threats are still on the table, and the Court of International Trade just blocked the latest round of “Liberation Day” tariffs.
Today, all eyes are on the May jobs report. After yesterday’s ugly jobless claims, traders are bracing for fireworks. Also on deck: Q1 GDP revisions, Core PCE, and pending home sales. Any hint of stagflation or labor market weakness could send markets into a tailspin.
Price check: Gold is at $3,362.20/oz. WTI crude trades at $63.33/bbl. Bitcoin sits at $104,952. S&P 500 E-mini futures are at 5,968.00, down 0.48%.
Strap in. With trade wars, political posturing, and a labor market on the edge, today’s session could make yesterday look like a warm-up. If you’re looking for stability, try yoga—because you won’t find it here.
June 5, 2025
Good morning, June 5, 2025. If you thought yesterday was wild, today’s market is serving up a fresh cocktail of stagflation fears, political theater, and enough volatility to make even the most seasoned trader reach for the antacids.
Wall Street’s mood is split. The Dow finally tripped, snapping a four-day win streak and closing down 0.2%. Meanwhile, the S&P 500 and Nasdaq keep inching higher, now just a hair’s breadth from all-time highs—because who needs fundamentals when you have FOMO? Under the hood, the ADP jobs report was a disaster, clocking in at just 37,000 new jobs for May. That’s the weakest print in over two years and a clear sign the labor market is losing steam. Treasury yields promptly tanked.
The macro backdrop is a mess. The OECD slashed its U.S. growth forecast to 1.6% for 2025, blaming tariffs and warning of a mid-year inflation spike to nearly 4%. JPMorgan is waving the stagflation flag, and Moody’s just downgraded the U.S. credit rating, citing the “One Big Beautiful Bill” that’s set to balloon the deficit by $3 trillion. Meanwhile, Trump and Xi are still playing chicken on trade, and Elon Musk is calling Congress to “kill the bill” with his usual subtlety.
Today, all eyes are on jobless claims and the looming Friday payrolls report. NVIDIA’s earnings after the bell could be the only thing keeping tech bulls from jumping out the window. Steel stocks are hot on tariff news, oil is holding firm, and retail is bracing for impact.
Price check: Gold is trading $3,370 to $3,400 per ounce. Oil (WTI) sits at $62.90 to $63.00 a barrel. Bitcoin is flexing at $72,350. S&P 500 E-mini futures hover near 5,985.
Strap in. The only thing more fragile than this market is the political consensus holding it together. Trade smart, or get steamrolled.
June 4, 2025
Wednesday, June 4, 2025. Markets are open, nerves are frayed, and the only thing moving faster than tech stocks is the spin from Washington. If you thought yesterday was wild, today’s menu is serving up another round of volatility with a side of policy whiplash.
U.S. equity futures are inching higher after tech’s latest moonshot. Nvidia just leapfrogged Microsoft to become the world’s most valuable company, while Broadcom and CoreWeave are riding the AI hype train. Meanwhile, CrowdStrike is getting punished for daring to offer less-than-perfect guidance, and Dollar Tree is warning that tariffs could turn its next quarter into a yard sale.
Speaking of tariffs, the White House just doubled down on steel and aluminum duties, pushing the effective U.S. tariff rate to a level not seen since the Great Depression. Steel stocks are loving it, but the rest of the market is bracing for higher prices and slower growth. Q1 GDP shrank by 0.2%, and the OECD is slashing full-year forecasts as inflation creeps toward 4%. The labor market is under the microscope with jobless claims and ADP payrolls on deck, and the Fed’s Beige Book drops later—expect more anecdotes than answers.
Here’s where the big numbers stand: Gold is at $3,350.40 an ounce, off its highs as the dollar flexes. WTI crude is trading at $63.07 a barrel, Brent at $65.60. Bitcoin is stuck near $105,940, boxed in by resistance. S&P 500 E-mini futures are at 5,977.25, up 0.51% with heavy volume.
Today’s playbook: Watch for ISM Services PMI, jobless claims, and the Fed’s Beige Book. Earnings from the likes of HPE and Dollar Tree are already shaking things up. Trade war headlines and political theater remain the wild cards.
Strap in. The only thing more dangerous than chasing this rally is betting on common sense in D.C. Trade smart, or get steamrolled.
June 3, 2025
June 3, 2025. Markets are open, nerves are frayed, and the only thing moving faster than futures is the spin from Washington. If you thought June would bring calm, think again—volatility is the house special.
Yesterday’s rally fizzled overnight as U.S. stock futures slipped: S&P 500 futures down 0.1%, Dow off 0.2%, and Nasdaq barely holding the line. The culprit? Trump’s latest tariff barrage, doubling steel and aluminum duties to 50%. Steelmakers are popping champagne—Cleveland-Cliffs up 23%—while automakers like Ford and GM are pricing in pain. The Yale Budget Lab says these tariffs could shave 0.5% off GDP growth and nudge unemployment up by 0.3% by year-end. The OECD just slashed its U.S. growth forecast to 1.6% for 2025, with inflation seen spiking to 3.9%. Trade war déjà vu, anyone?
On the corporate front, Dollar General soared 11% after a rare earnings beat, while Constellation Energy jumped 12% on a monster AI power deal with Meta. Gold miners are taking a breather after yesterday’s run, and nuclear stocks are glowing.
Today’s calendar is loaded: Factory orders expected to drop 3.1%, JOLTS job openings in focus, and the RCM/TIPP optimism index on deck. Fed’s Goolsbee is set to speak, and traders are already sweating Friday’s jobs report and the ECB’s looming rate cut.
Price check: Gold is trading $3,350–$3,358 an ounce, WTI oil at $63.30 a barrel, Bitcoin at $105,400, and S&P futures down 0.1% pre-market.
Strap in. With tariffs rising, growth slowing, and central banks on the hot seat, the only certainty is more whiplash. If you’re looking for stability, try stamp collecting.
May 29, 2025
May 29, 2025. Welcome to the circus—today’s main act: markets on a tightrope, with no net in sight.
Yesterday, U.S. equities took a nosedive. The Dow and S&P 500 each dropped 0.6%, Nasdaq slipped 0.5%. Nvidia’s earnings loomed large, and while the stock sagged during regular hours, it rocketed after-hours on another AI-fueled beat. The real show, though, was in D.C.: President Trump delayed his 50% EU tariff threat until July, yanking markets back and forth like a yo-yo. The “TACO trade” (Trump Always Chickens Out) is now a thing—markets tank on threats, then rally when he blinks.
Macro data is a cold shower. Q1 GDP shrank 0.2%, the first contraction since 2022. Full-year growth is forecast at a limp 0.6%. The Fed’s latest minutes read like a recession warning label: growth slowing, unemployment set to rise, and inflation getting a fresh kick from tariffs. Rate cuts? Don’t hold your breath. The Fed is stuck in wait-and-pray mode at 4.25–4.50%.
On the Hill, the House barely passed a monster tax bill, extending cuts and adding new ones. Moody’s promptly downgraded U.S. credit, citing deficit bloat. Treasury yields spiked, and the deficit hawks are circling.
Today, traders get a data deluge: Core PCE (the Fed’s inflation favorite), home price indices, consumer confidence, and Dallas Fed manufacturing. Earnings from Best Buy, Foot Locker, and more will test the market’s nerves. Fed officials Goolsbee and Kugler are on deck to talk policy.
Price check: Gold $3,282.54. Oil (WTI) $62.74. Bitcoin $107,733. S&P 500 futures 5,958.50.
Strap in. The only thing more volatile than these markets is the policy coming out of Washington. If you’re looking for stability, try a rocking chair.
May 28, 2025
May 28, 2025. Markets are open, nerves are frayed, and the only thing moving faster than the headlines is your blood pressure. Welcome to another day in the financial Thunderdome.
Yesterday’s rally was a sugar high: S&P 500 ripped 2.1% higher, Nasdaq soared 2.5%, and the Dow clawed back 700 points. All this after a bruising four-day slide and a Q1 GDP contraction of 0.3%—the first since 2022. The culprit? Businesses panic-bought imports ahead of Trump’s tariff barrage, and now the hangover is setting in. Treasury Secretary Bessent is promising 3% growth next year, but with inflation and unemployment both threatening to spike, optimism feels like a luxury item.
Trade war drama is still the main act. The U.S. and EU are playing nice (for now), delaying new tariffs until July 9. China and the U.S. have called a 90-day truce, but economists warn the real pain is just getting started. Pantheon Macroeconomics expects 40% of the tariffs’ price impact to hit by July, so keep your helmets on.
Today, the market’s holding its breath for Nvidia and Salesforce earnings after the bell. Nvidia is expected to post a 66% revenue jump, but all eyes are on CEO Jensen Huang’s comments about China sales under new export controls. Macy’s beat on revenue this morning, but the stock still slipped. FOMC minutes drop at 2:00 PM, and traders are desperate for any hint of a rate cut.
Price check: Gold is at $3,321.07, up 0.62%. Oil (WTI) is treading water at $61.12. Bitcoin is flexing at $110,173, with bulls eyeing $112,465. S&P 500 futures are soft, tracking the Dow’s 100-point dip premarket.
If you thought yesterday’s bounce was a sign of stability, think again. The only thing consistent in this market is the whiplash. Sharpen your stops and keep your caffeine close—today’s script is still being written, and it’s not likely to be a feel-good story.
May 27, 2025
May 27, 2025. Markets are open, the coffee is burnt, and the only thing more volatile than your portfolio is the political news cycle. Welcome to another day where risk-on is the new religion and logic is strictly optional.
Yesterday’s chaos was gift-wrapped by the White House: President Trump blinked first, postponing those 50% EU tariffs until July 9. The market’s response? Relief rally. Dow futures are up over 500 points, S&P futures are up 1.3%, and the Nasdaq is up 1.4%. Tech is leading the charge—Nvidia, Apple, Microsoft, Meta, Tesla, and Broadcom all up more than 2% premarket. Even Boeing is catching a bid after cutting a deal with the DOJ, though the fines are still coming. Meanwhile, Trump Media is up 9% on crypto investment rumors, because apparently, we’re all in the metaverse now.
Macro mess? The 10-year Treasury yield is down to 4.47% as traders bet the Fed will keep rates steady until the tariff dust settles. Durable Goods Orders and the Consumer Confidence Index hit this morning—watch for any sign the consumer is finally tapped out. Globally, the RBNZ is on deck with a rate decision, and the ECB’s Schnabel is scheduled to speak. Earnings? PDD, AutoZone, and Bank of Nova Scotia are in the spotlight.
Here’s where the rubber meets the road:
- Gold: $3,298 per ounce, down 1.26%
- Oil (WTI): $61.26 per barrel, down 0.8%
- Bitcoin: $109,031, holding above $100K with a death-defying grin
- S&P 500 futures: 5,890, up 1.25%, bullish above 5,866
The market’s mood has swung from panic to euphoria in 24 hours. Don’t get too comfortable. The tariff circus is just on intermission, and the next act could be a real crowd-pleaser. Strap in—today’s optimism is tomorrow’s regret if you’re not quick on the trigger.
May 26, 2025
May 26, 2025. The markets are shut, but the drama is wide open. Welcome to Memorial Day in America, where the only thing trading is blame.
Here’s the carnage recap: President Trump blinked on his EU tariff threat, pushing the 50% import hammer back to July 9. Global markets exhaled, and U.S. equity futures staged a relief rally—Dow futures up 360, S&P and Nasdaq futures in the green. The dollar, which had been circling the drain, found a ledge. Last week’s chaos? Dow down 2.5%, S&P off 2.6%, Apple got a 7% haircut after Trump’s iPhone tariff saber-rattling. Gold soared as investors ran for cover, and Moody’s handed the U.S. a credit downgrade for its ballooning debt. Congress, never one to miss a party, passed a $4 trillion tax cut bill that’s headed straight for the deficit.
Today, the only thing on the calendar is a national pause. No economic indicators, no earnings, no major events—just the sound of traders grilling and pretending not to check their phones. Tomorrow, the real fun resumes: Nvidia earnings, PCE inflation, GDP updates, retail inventories, and the Fed’s latest attempt at clarity.
Price check: Gold is at $3,349 an ounce, down a hair. Oil (WTI) sits at $61.75 a barrel, flat as a pancake. Bitcoin is bouncing around $108,000, still refusing to pick a direction. S&P 500 futures are at 5,891.75, up 1.3%—the optimism of a market that hasn’t opened yet.
Enjoy the quiet. When the bell rings Tuesday, expect volatility to come roaring back, fueled by tariffs, debt, and the kind of political theater that makes you question your career choices. Stay sharp—this week, the only certainty is uncertainty.
April 23, 2025
Hello everyone, it’s April 23, 2025. Let’s just say the markets have officially gone off the rails. Since Trump 2.0 took office, it’s been a rollercoaster of erratic tariff policy, emotional outbursts, and U-turns that would make an F1 driver dizzy. Yesterday’s session? Bipolar doesn’t even begin to describe it.
After spending days roasting Powell on social media and threatening to fire him, Trump suddenly declared he had no intention of doing so. Cue confusion, disbelief, and a short-term market rally. The S&P 500 closed up 2.51%, the Nasdaq climbed 2.71%, and the mood flipped from apocalyptic to cautiously euphoric—because, apparently, just not firing the Fed chair is bullish now.
On the trade front, Treasury officials hinted at a possible de-escalation with China. Yep, the same trade war Trump ignited might now quietly fizzle out. Rumors of backchannel negotiations helped boost risk appetite, and traders clung to any whiff of compromise like it was oxygen in a burning building.
But just when we thought things might settle, Trump dropped a bomb at 6:30 a.m.: tariffs on Chinese goods will be reduced significantly—but not eliminated. Because of course, why not send markets into another tailspin before breakfast?
Meanwhile, Tesla reported disastrous earnings—revenue down 9%, EPS way below expectations—and yet the market’s reaction? Meh. Musk promised he’d “focus more on Tesla” in the coming months, and that alone seemed to soothe the crowd. Apparently, earnings don’t matter as long as Elon shows up.
Gold is trading at $3,350, oil at $64.20, and Bitcoin finally broke higher, hitting $93,000. Traders are brushing off IMF growth downgrades, rising credit card debt fears, and a mountain of upcoming earnings (Boeing, AT&T, Texas Instruments, etc.)—because, once again, all that matters is what Trump says next.
April 17, 2025
Hello everyone, it’s April 17, 2025. Yesterday’s U.S. trading was pure market carnage. Semiconductors (Nvidia, AMD, ASML) were steamrolled as AI chip bans to China kicked in and Trump dropped another tariff bomb, hiking duties to 245%. That wiped $200 billion off Nvidia alone.
In Chicago, Powell stoked the flames, warning tariffs will fuel inflation and choke growth, and insisted he’s in no rush to cut rates. The Nasdaq tumbled 3%, the SOX lost 4.1%, and bond futures plunged.
This morning, U.S. futures are up about 0.75% on headlines that Trump’s talks with Japanese negotiators are “going very well,” sparking rallies across Asia: Nikkei +1%, Hong Kong +2.7%, Shanghai +1%. It seems even a whiff of détente with Japan sends everyone scrambling back into risk assets.
On commodities, oil jumps to $63.35 amid fresh U.S. sanctions on Iran and OPEC output cuts; gold rockets to $3,352 /oz; Bitcoin hovers near $83,500.
Today watch the ECB’s rate cut, Powell’s next speech, Philly Fed and jobless claims before the Good Friday shutdown. With Trump’s erratic tariff theatrics and Powell’s warning of higher inflation and slower growth, volatility is set to reign supreme. Buckle up.
April 16, 2025
Hello everyone, it’s Wednesday, April 16, 2025. The US markets are in a bizarre lull—trading volumes have tanked and investor attention seems to have shifted into survival mode, all while everyone’s waiting for Trump to drop his next tariff bomb. Despite the quiet, Trump hasn’t been idle. Instead, he’s launched a fresh offensive focused on critical metals—rare earths, cobalt, nickel, and the like—to curb America’s reliance on China. This move is the latest twist in his ongoing tariff war and has stirred renewed anxiety among market players. On the tech front, things got even murkier when Nvidia reported a massive $5.5 billion charge linked to its H2O chips designed to bypass export restrictions—a setback that led to canceled orders and inventory wipeouts. To add insult to injury, Nvidia simultaneously announced a colossal $500 billion investment in the US, yet its shares still dipped 6% in after-hours trading, dragging along AMD and Broadcom. Overall, US futures are sliding as investors grapple with the persistent fear of another unpredictable tariff derailment. With the uncertainty thick in the air and Trump’s next move always around the corner, all eyes are now on Powell’s upcoming speech, which might—or might not—offer some clarity. For now, the market remains on edge, caught in a relentless cycle of unpredictability and nerves.
April 15, 2025
Hello everyone, it’s Tuesday, April 15, 2025. After last week’s rollercoaster, the US markets seem a bit more settled—even if the underlying drama hasn’t ended. The big topic remains those ever-shifting tariff woes. Trump’s temporary “gift” exempting electronics and components initially sparked some hope (and even sent Apple soaring 7% at the open) but quickly fizzled out, with the stock finishing up a mere 2.2%. Instead, Trump and Commerce Secretary Leutnick quickly reminded everyone not to celebrate too early, fueling the persistent uncertainty that keeps investors on edge.
Meanwhile, the US indices have managed their second day of gains in a row, though the mood is far from euphoric—everyone’s bracing for the next wild move from the man himself. On the macro side, there’s chatter from Goldman Sachs, which beat expectations with quarterly EPS of 14.12 (versus 12.35 anticipated) and a profit of $4.74 billion, plus a share buyback plan up to $40 billion. Their CEO warned that rising tariffs could spark recession risks, even as the bank remains confidently insulated from the chaos.
Over in the commodities arena, things are equally volatile: WTI oil is trading at about $61.71 per barrel, gold is steady at roughly $3,245, and Bitcoin has nudged to around $85,200—prices that, unsurprisingly, are being swayed by Trump’s tariff announcements. Adding to the mix, the S&P 500 has slipped into “Dead Cross” territory—a technical bearish signal that might be a call for caution, even if history tells us the picture isn’t entirely grim.
In short, amid relentless tariff flip-flops and a state of constant geopolitical and economic uncertainty, US markets are hanging in there, but everyone’s watching Trump’s next tweet with bated breath.
April 14, 2025
Hello everyone, it’s Monday, April 14, 2025. The weekend started with a tantalizing hint of relief from the White House—certain tech items like smartphones, laptops, and semiconductor components were initially set to be exempt from tariffs. But that hope evaporated fast. The Commerce Secretary then warned that these products would soon face distinct duties, and Trump, taking to social media, declared there’d be no special exceptions—everyone’s getting hit. The result? A market that’s been tossed around like a ping-pong ball, with volatility that’s now become the order of the day.
US markets are in utter chaos. Investors have seen no day pass without a swing of at least 2%, with traders scrambling as Trump flips his tariff stance every 24 to 72 hours. The uncertainty is so thick you’d think the only rational move would be to shut down trading until someone in the White House figures out what in the world they’re doing. Meanwhile, whispers of a potential economic slowdown—or even a recession—float around, though current economic indicators remain murky amid all the tariff drama and wild policy pivots.
On the asset front, here are the numbers that matter: oil is trading around $61.24 per barrel, gold is holding steady at about $3,245, and Bitcoin is roughly at $85,000. With Jerome Powell’s upcoming comments under a microscope, any hint from the Fed might either steady the ship or plunge us even deeper into uncertainty. For now, all eyes remain on Trump’s next move; his erratic tariff maneuvers continue to dictate the mood on Wall Street as investors brace for more turbulence in this relentless ride of uncertainty.
April 11, 2025
Hello everyone, it’s April 11, 2025—and the markets are as mad as ever. One day we’re soaring, the next we’re crashing. After a brutal Monday plunge when no weekend negotiations took place and Trump announced no tariff moratorium, things bounced back hard on Tuesday with a nearly 10% rally when he later declared a 90‑day pause. Then yesterday, uncertainty and the escalating US‑China trade war sent us reeling again.
Trump’s unpredictable tariff antics remain front and center. Right now, tariffs on China are a staggering 145%—and they seem to be climbing by about 20% each day, all according to Trump’s mood swings. With his constant back-and-forth on policy, it feels like the only solution would be to shut down the markets until the so-called “president of the world” can decide once and for all who’s paying what.
Meanwhile, US markets have been dancing a volatile jig. By the end of the session, the S&P 500 had climbed 3.5% and the Nasdaq 4.5%, but the futures are all over the place—swinging between -0.6% and +0.2%—all thanks to that wild Trump factor.
On the macro front, the US CPI came in 0.1% lower in March, nudging the 12‑month inflation rate from 2.8% down to 2.4% (excluding food and energy)—the lowest base inflation since March 2021. Yet, with Trump’s tariffs looming, we all know better than to get comfortable.
And for the numbers that matter on your portfolio: Oil has slipped back below $60 per barrel, gold is holding at about $3,234, and Bitcoin is steady at $80,000.
In short, we’re in a high‑stakes roulette of tariff tantrums, extreme market volatility, and unpredictable asset swings—all thanks to the madness in Washington. Buckle up; tomorrow is anyone’s guess.
April 10, 2025
Hello everyone, it’s Thursday, April 10, 2025—and things have gone completely off the rails. The markets are in full-blown chaos, driven by what can only be described as the most absurd market manipulation in history, courtesy of President Trump. In a single mind-boggling session yesterday, after the close, Trump pulled his signature stunt that sent the US indices soaring—the S&P 500 jumped nearly 10%, the Nasdaq skyrocketed by 12%, and the Dow rallied almost 8%. It was the biggest, most ridiculous rally we’ve seen in 24 years.
Here’s what went down: after a panic fueled by non-stop tariff threats, Trump suddenly announced a 90-day moratorium on the extra reciprocal tariffs that had been looming. While the base 10% tariff remains, he canceled the additional surcharges—for now—unless countries crawl to Washington for negotiations. At the same time, he slapped a harsher penalty on China, imposing an extra 21% tariff (effectively 125% on their exports to the US). This drastic pivot flipped the script, quelling recession fears and even prompting Goldman Sachs to revise their outlook, now betting that the US will dodge a recession in 2025.
Amid this wild policy and political theater, asset prices are in the spotlight: oil is trading around $67 per barrel, gold holds steady at $3,140, and Bitcoin is nearly at $82,000. The volatility is so extreme that the VIX tumbled from a peak near 58 down to around 31, though the markets still pulse with raw fear.
In short, Trump’s unpredictable tariff theatrics have transformed a looming economic nightmare into a rollercoaster rally—and if his next move doesn’t catch us off guard, nothing will. Buckle up, because the ride is far from over.
April 9, 2025
Hello everyone, it’s April 9, 2025. This morning, we’re trying to stay calm amidst market chaos—but it’s hard when every headline screams “tariff drama.” Trump’s latest antics have everyone on edge: one moment, there’s a rumor of a 99‑day tariff moratorium that sends the market surging, and the next, Trump ups the ante with a potential 104% tariff on Chinese goods, insisting he won’t negotiate with Xi until they reverse their retaliatory moves.
The result? US markets are on a wild ride. Yesterday’s session was one for the history books: after opening wildly and swinging between gains and losses, the S&P 500 and Nasdaq are now officially in bear market territory, with futures already down about 1.3%. It’s like the market’s entire mood hinges on a single equation—good tariff news equals a 5% boost, bad news drops you by 5%.
As if that wasn’t enough, the key asset numbers are in: oil is trading around $57.14 per barrel (with some eyeing a target closer to $51), gold holds firm at $3,029, and Bitcoin is hovering near $76,000. In this environment, nothing matters except tariff updates and Trump’s next unpredictable move.
In short, amid relentless tariff wars and Trump’s notorious policy swings, US markets are riding a storm that shows no sign of clearing up—so buckle up, because volatility remains the name of the game.
April 8, 2025
Good day, folks—it’s Tuesday, April 8, 2025, and what a ride it’s been. Yesterday, US indices plunged 5% at the open, riding a wave of panic fueled by a stagnant weekend and a classic Trump warning that things might only get worse. In true Trump fashion, he ramped up the tariff heat against China, threatening a jaw-dropping 104% tariff unless Beijing backs off on its retaliatory measures. Yet even in this high-stakes trade war drama, the US market managed an unlikely turnaround, with the Nasdaq closing in the green.
The market’s mood swung wildly when a 90-day tariff moratorium rumor—dropped at precisely 16:08—sent the S&P soaring nearly 6% in just nine minutes before being dismissed as fake news. It’s a rollercoaster powered by FOMO, with investors ready to bet everything on the next rebound.
On the asset front, key safe havens are holding their ground: oil is trading around $61.55 a barrel, gold remains steadfast at 3.12 (because gold never goes out of style), and bitcoin is hovering near $79,882. All of these figures play out against the backdrop of Trump’s unpredictable tariff antics and a market that’s as volatile as they come.
In short, US markets are dancing between raw panic and FOMO-fueled optimism, driven by outrageous tariff threats and Trump’s ever-unpredictable policy plays. Strap in—this political-economic circus isn’t slowing down anytime soon!
April 7, 2025
Today, April 7, 2025, is shaping up as another Black Monday for US markets. The S&P 500 opened deep in bear market territory—largely stirred by a weekend that ended without any meaningful tariff adjustments and, of course, Trump’s signature provocative rhetoric. The president’s remarks, including his offhand comment that sometimes markets need “a dose of medicine,” have only fanned the flames of uncertainty, while he flatly refuses any trade deal with China until America’s trade deficit is fixed.
On the macro front, Chairman Powell’s quiet warnings—implying higher tariffs will trigger more inflation and a bout of stagflation reminiscent of the 1987 crash—have done little to ease investor nerves. US futures are showing steep declines, and the day’s early trading figures hint at a dramatic drop that may echo the infamous automated trading fallout of past decades. The overall tone is one of reckoning with volatile, almost chaotic market conditions where numbers and algorithms seem to dictate panic more than fundamentals.
Meanwhile, safe-haven assets are feeling the heat too. Gold briefly slipped under the $3,000 level—the one asset left to lean on when everything else tumbles. In the crypto corner, Bitcoin dipped below $80,000, now trading around $78,000, underlining the deep-seated anxiety on Wall Street. And oil, steady at $60 a barrel, highlights that even with cheaper gasoline on the horizon, the market’s overall sentiment remains anything but reassuring.
In short, it’s a frenetic mix of aggressive US political posturing, uneasy macroeconomic indicators, and a market that seems caught in a free-fall, all converging in a uniquely American style of turmoil.