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Crypto Crisis and Market Woes: Navigating Uncertainty in a Tumultuous Week
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 | +0.95% | -1.31% | +12.16% |
S&P 500 | -0.98% | -0.67% | +15.91% |
NASDAQ | -3.47% | -2.81% | +15.81% |
FTSE 100 | +1.74% | +2.64% | +14.67% |
STOXX 50 | -0.09% | +4.77% | +11.68% |
NIKKEI 225 | -2.90% | -3.55% | -6.91% |
Stocks Headlines
NVIDIA (NVDA): Nvidia reported record Q4 revenue of $22.1 billion, a 265% increase year-over-year, driven by strong AI chip demand. Net income surged 769% to $12.3 billion, exceeding expectations. The company remains optimistic about continued growth as AI adoption accelerates.
Just Eat (TKWY.AS): Prosus has announced its acquisition of Just Eat Takeaway’s stake in iFood for €1.5 billion, strengthening its position in the food delivery market. Following the news, Prosus’ share price surged from €12.43 to €19.15, reflecting investor confidence in its long-term growth strategy.
Microsoft (MSFT): Microsoft has reportedly canceled leases for planned AI data centers, signaling a possible shift in its infrastructure strategy. Analysts suggest this could reflect cost-cutting measures or a reassessment of AI expansion plans. The move raises questions about Microsoft’s long-term approach to AI investment.
Apple (AAPL): Apple plans to build a new AI server factory in Texas, creating 20,000 research jobs as it expands its artificial intelligence capabilities. The investment underscores Apple’s commitment to strengthening its AI infrastructure and competing in the growing AI market.
Spotlight
The Nintendo Switch 2 is expected to feature significant upgrades over its predecessor, including a more powerful NVIDIA Tegra T239 processor, 12GB of RAM, and enhanced graphics capabilities like NVIDIA DLSS Super Resolution and Ray Reconstruction. Leaks suggest that the console is nearing completion, with a potential launch in early 2025, though official confirmation from Nintendo is pending.
Crypto
Asset | Week | Month | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
Bitcoin | -10.83% | -15.30% | +35.95% |
Ethereum | -20.30% | -22.02% | -35.58% |
XRP | -12.38% | -16.45% | +259.70% |
Crypto Radar
The crypto market faced high volatility, with Bitcoin dipping below $90,000 before rebounding. Ethereum and other major altcoins also saw fluctuations as investors reacted to regulatory updates and macroeconomic trends. Analysts remain divided on the market’s next direction.
Bitwise Asset Management’s push for spot Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs, has been a game-changer, attracting significant institutional interest. In just three days of trading, these ETFs saw $817 million in inflows and $5.7 billion in trading volume. Their efforts are reshaping the regulatory landscape, fostering a more favorable environment for cryptocurrency investments.
President Trump, is set to host the inaugural White House Crypto Summit next Friday. The event will bring together leading crypto founders, CEOs, and investors, highlighting Trump's commitment to positioning America as a global cryptocurrency hub.
Economy
Region | GDP Growth | Inflation Rate | Interest Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
US | 2.30% | 3.00% | 4.50% |
UK | 0.10% | 3.00% | 4.50% |
EU | 0.00% | 2.50% | 2.90% |
Economic News
The UK's transition to a T+1 settlement cycle, could free up £1 billion in margin currently held by central counterparties (CCPs). The Bank of England (BoE) highlighted how this move will reduce counterparty risks, boost market efficiency, and lower settlement costs. With the shift set for October 2027, the BoE anticipates increased automation and standardization in post-trade processes. However, successful implementation will require significant investment in technology and close coordination among industry players.
President Donald Trump has introduced a "gold card" visa program, allowing wealthy foreigners to obtain U.S. residency and a pathway to citizenship by investing $5 million. This initiative aims to replace the existing EB-5 visa program, and is projected to generate significant revenue to reduce the national debt. However, critics warn that if the program permits real estate investments, it could further inflate property prices, exacerbating housing affordability issues.
The U.S. economy grew at an annualized rate of 2.3%, in the fourth quarter of 2024, matching economists' expectations. This growth was driven by consumer spending, business investments, and exports. However, the growth rate was slower than the previous quarter, signaling potential challenges in sustaining momentum into 2025. The economy's resilience is being tested as inflation and higher interest rates continue to impact consumer and business confidence.
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.