- Market Handbook
- Posts
- Bumpy road ahead
Bumpy road ahead
Hope you're having a great Sunday! ☕📈
Here’s your weekly market recap, bringing you the biggest updates in stocks, crypto, and the economy—quick, clear, and to the point.
Stock Market
Index | Week | Month | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
DOW | +1.27% | +11.81% | +7.03% |
S&P 500 | +0.92% | +15.17% | +11.63% |
NASDAQ | +0.70% | +20.62% | +13.72% |
FTSE 100 | +2.07% | +6.11% | +4.33% |
STOXX 50 | +0.75% | +10.56% | +8.12% |
NIKKEI 225 | -1.71% | +9.48% | -3.64% |
Stocks Headlines
Following a brief market slump triggered by President Trump's tariff announcements in April, IPO activity is rebounding as companies rush to go public amid restored market stability. Recent rollbacks of severe tariffs and assurances concerning Federal Reserve leadership helped the S&P 500 recover, boosting investor confidence. As a result, startups are being urged by bankers to act quickly and capitalize on the favorable conditions before potential future volatility.
JPMorgan upgraded emerging market equities to ‘overweight’, driven by easing U.S.-China trade tensions and a weaker U.S. dollar. A drop in tariffs from both countries lifted sentiment. JPMorgan sees strong potential in China tech and markets like India, Brazil, and the UAE, with EM stocks trading at attractive valuations.
$TSLA ( ▼ 3.34% ) : Elon Musk says he’ll stay Tesla CEO for at least 5 more years, easing investor concerns over his political distractions. Speaking in Qatar, he also said he’ll significantly reduce political donations, after giving nearly $300M to Republicans in 2024. Tesla shares rose 3.3% intraday, closing up 1%, though the stock remains down 15% in 2025.
$HD ( 0.0% ) : Home Depot beats earnings forecasts with $39.86B in sales, up 9% YoY. The retailer plans to hold prices steady despite new U.S. tariffs, easing inflation concerns. Shares climbed 1.1%, aiding the Dow's resilience amid broader market declines.
Spotlight
At CES 2025, Ropet captivated audiences with its AI-driven robotic pet designed for emotional connection. This plush-covered robot utilizes advanced AI to recognize human emotions and adapt its behavior accordingly, offering a lifelike and engaging companion experience. Ropet's ability to form deep connections with users showcases the potential of AI in creating emotionally intelligent companions.
Crypto
Asset | Week | Month | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
Bitcoin | +2.39% | +21.81% | +51.99% |
Ethereum | -6.46% | +58.71% | -33.86% |
XRP | -9.07% | +12.63% | +337.26% |
Crypto Radar
Coinbase faces multiple lawsuits after a recent data breach compromised user information. Hackers bribed overseas support agents to access personal data of less than 1% of users, including names, addresses, and bank details. The attackers demanded a $20 million ransom, which Coinbase refused, instead offering a $20 million reward for information leading to their capture. The company estimates remediation costs between $180 million and $400 million and is working with the SEC and law enforcement to address the breach.
Bitcoin ETFs saw fluctuating investor interest this week. On May 13, there were net outflows of $91.4 million, mainly from Fidelity redemptions. However, on May 14, strong inflows of $319.5 million occurred, led by BlackRock’s IBIT adding $232.9 million. By May 15, inflows continued with $114.9 million, showing resilience as Bitcoin stayed above $103,000.
The Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) launched futures contracts for XRP, offering institutional investors a regulated platform to gain exposure. This move is expected to increase XRP’s mainstream acceptance and liquidity while attracting more institutional participation in the crypto market.
Economy
Region | GDP Growth | Inflation Rate | Interest Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
US | -0.30% | 2.30% | 4.50% |
UK | 0.70% | 3.50% | 4.25% |
EU | 0.30% | 2.20% | 2.40% |
Economic News
The UK and EU have agreed on a "Brexit reset" deal to improve post-Brexit relations. Key changes include expanded eGate access for UK travelers, the return of pet passports, and a reduction in food trade red tape, especially between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The agreement also covers fishing rights, defense cooperation, and a linked carbon trading system, aiming for smoother trade and closer collaboration.
Fed's Bostic warns that U.S. businesses may soon be forced to raise prices or cut jobs, having exhausted cost-absorption strategies. This shift could signal a new wave of inflation, challenging the Fed's efforts to stabilize prices.
U.S. Leading Economic Index drops 0.65% in April, the largest decline in over a year, signaling a potential economic slowdown. High interest rates and waning consumer confidence are key contributors to the deteriorating outlook.
Enjoying Market Handbook so far?
If you find it helpful, consider sharing it with a friend or two who might enjoy it too. As a bonus, we’ve just launched our referral program:
👯♂️ Refer 2 friends → Get a shoutout in the next issue
📚 Refer 20 friends → We’ll send you a free financial book
Disclaimer:
We are not financial advisors, and the information provided in this newsletter is for educational purposes only. Always conduct your own due diligence and consider what makes sense for your individual financial situation. Investing involves risks, and there is no guarantee of making money. In fact, you may lose money. We aim to provide you with the tools and insights to help you make informed decisions, but the ultimate responsibility lies with you.