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Market turbulence continues
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 | -1.14% | -5.87% | +3.62% |
S&P 500 | +0.28% | -5.91% | +5.42% |
NASDAQ | -0.62% | -6.96% | +4.39% |
FTSE 100 | +4.58% | -4.93% | +5.06% |
STOXX 50 | +2.46% | -9.98% | +0.02% |
NIKKEI 225 | -0.67% | -9.16% | -9.72% |
Stocks Headlines
$NVDA ( ▲ 4.3% ) : Nvidia is investing up to $500 billion to build AI supercomputers in the U.S., with major facilities planned in Texas and Arizona. The move aims to strengthen domestic manufacturing and supply chains amid new U.S. export restrictions on AI chips to China, which are expected to cost Nvidia $5.5 billion. The initiative aligns with the broader $500 billion "Stargate" AI infrastructure project, involving partners like OpenAI and Oracle.
$LOW ( ▼ 0.51% ) : Lowe’s will acquire Artisan Design Group for $1.33B to boost its Pro business amid a home improvement slowdown. Artisan, a Texas-based firm with $1.8B in 2024 revenue, specializes in flooring, cabinets, and countertops for builders and property managers. The deal, funded with cash, is expected to close in Q2 2025, pending approvals. This follows Home Depot’s $18.25B SRS Distribution acquisition.
$JPM ( ▼ 0.45% ) : JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon sold 133,639 shares worth $31.5M, marking his second sale since 2005. The move comes amid succession planning, which Dimon, 69, calls his top priority. Despite the sale, JPMorgan posted strong Q1 earnings, driven by record equities trading and increased fees from debt underwriting and M&A advisory. Dimon's 2024 compensation rose 8.3% to $39M.
European stocks are outperforming the U.S. in early 2025, boosted by strength in industrials, financials, and defense. Defense firms like Thales and BAE are gaining from higher regional military spending. However, Goldman Sachs downgraded its STOXX 600 forecast, citing risks from U.S. tariffs, a stronger euro, and potential recession in the U.S., which could weigh on European export-driven growth.
Spotlight
Microsoft signed a major carbon removal deal with AtmosClear, backing a Louisiana project to capture 6.75M tons of CO₂ over 15 years. It supports Microsoft’s 2030 carbon-negative goal, though tax credit changes could impact its future.
Crypto
Asset | Week | Month | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
Bitcoin | +6.81% | +2.79% | +33.94% |
Ethereum | +4.09% | -17.98% | -48.30% |
XRP | +5.58% | -9.17% | +313.02% |
Crypto Radar
Bitcoin experienced significant volatility amid President Trump's tariff announcements. After dropping to around $76,000, it rebounded above $82,000 following a 90-day pause on new tariffs. However, ongoing trade tensions continue to influence crypto markets.
China is debating how to handle a growing stash of cryptocurrencies seized from illegal activities, with courts and police seeking clearer rules. Local governments have sold confiscated assets, raising legal concerns. Experts suggest China’s central bank could manage crypto disposal or create a reserve, akin to the U.S. proposal for a bitcoin fund. Calls for uniform procedures are growing as criminal crypto cases surge, totaling $59B in 2023.
Binance and other crypto exchanges experienced disruptions on April 15, 2025, due to an Amazon Web Services (AWS) outage in Tokyo. Binance temporarily halted withdrawals for approximately 23 minutes as a precaution. KuCoin and MEXC also reported issues, including service disruptions and delays in asset transfers. All platforms assured users that assets remained secure and are working to restore full functionality.
Economy
Region | GDP Growth | Inflation Rate | Interest Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
US | 2.40% | 2.40% | 4.50% |
UK | 0.10% | 2.60% | 4.50% |
EU | 0.00% | 2.20% | 2.65% |
Economic News
U.S. Treasury yields spiked sharply last week, with the 10-year yield reaching 4.59%, as investors sold off bonds amid concerns over inflation and erratic trade policies. Foreign investors, including China, reduced holdings, while hedge funds unwound leveraged trades, exacerbating volatility. Analysts warn that diminishing confidence in Treasurys as safe assets could impact U.S. borrowing costs and financial stability.
On Wednesday, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell stated that the new U.S. tariffs are likely to increase inflation and unemployment as the economy slows. The Fed is maintaining current interest rates to monitor the situation. Analysts anticipate potential rate cuts later this year if economic conditions worsen.
UK inflation slowed to 2.6% in March, its lowest since October 2024, primarily due to falling fuel prices. This unexpected decline has increased expectations for the Bank of England to cut interest rates in May. However, inflation is projected to rise again, potentially nearing 4% by summer, driven by higher energy bills and increased taxes. The BoE faces a delicate balance between controlling inflation and supporting economic growth amid global trade tensions and domestic fiscal pressures.
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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.