Moody’s Downgrades U.S. Credit Rating, Markets Tumble
Moody’s cut the U.S. credit rating from AAA to Aa1, triggering bond sell-offs, rising yields, stock market declines, and mortgage rates surging over 7%. The downgrade highlights growing fiscal risks and shakes investor confidence globally.
📢 Market Summary
“Markets started volatile after Moody’s downgraded U.S. credit rating to Aa1, sending U.S. stocks lower with S&P 500 and Dow dipping, bond yields surging past 5% on 30-year Treasurys, and mortgage rates jumping above 7%. Investors digested tariff uncertainties and mixed earnings reports while emerging markets saw sustained inflows. Tech giants like Nvidia drove optimism in AI while economic growth concerns lingered globally.”
Regeneron Acquires 23andMe for $256 Million Amid Bankruptcy
Regeneron Snaps Up 23andMe’s Assets in Bankruptcy Auction
Regeneron to Buy 23andMe’s DNA Data Following Bankruptcy
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals acquires bankrupt DNA testing firm 23andMe in a $256 million deal, ensuring continuation of DNA testing services while promising ethical use of genetic data. The acquisition marks a significant consolidation in biotech and genetic data management.
📊 Figure of the Day
$256 million - Acquisition price for bankrupt 23andMe by Regeneron Pharmaceuticals.
CBS News CEO Wendy McMahon Resigns Amid Trump Lawsuit Pressure
CBS News Chief Quits as Trump Legal Fight Intensifies
CBS News Executive Wendy McMahon Steps Down from CEO Role
CBS News CEO Wendy McMahon resigns amid internal conflict and pressure tied to potential Trump lawsuit settlements, marking the latest disruption at the network. Her departure reflects growing tension between network leadership and external political pressures.
Jamie Dimon Warns Markets: Complacency Amid Tariff Risks
JPMorgan to Let Clients Buy Bitcoin Despite CEO Skepticism
Dimon Sees Earnings Collapse Risk as Tariff Threat Looms
JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon warns markets of excessive complacency amid risks from tariffs, deficits, and international tensions while announcing plans to allow clients to buy Bitcoin despite skepticism. The bank also signals expected earnings growth challenges ahead.
🟢 Bullish
Qatar Airways Posts Record $2.15 Billion Profit
Qatar Airways’ holding company reported its highest-ever profit of $2.15 billion last fiscal year, buoyed by record passenger numbers amid strong global travel demand. More on euronews.com
Moody’s Downgrades U.S. Credit Rating, Market Turmoil Ensues
Bond Yields Surge Beyond 5% After Moody's Credit Downgrade
Mortgage Rates Hit 7% Post U.S. Credit Rating Downgrade
The U.S. credit rating is downgraded by Moody’s from AAA to Aa1, triggering market volatility including bond yield rises, stock indices falling, and mortgage rates crossing 7%. The downgrade sparks concerns over fiscal management and economic outlook in the United States.
Joe Biden Diagnosed with Aggressive Prostate Cancer
Biden’s Office Confirms Aggressive Prostate Cancer Diagnosis
Former President Biden Battles Advanced Prostate Cancer
President Joe Biden is diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer that has metastasized, prompting public statements and reviews of treatment options. The diagnosis has significant political and health implications as the former president addresses the condition.
🔴 Bearish
Rite Aid Closing 95 Stores Amid Bankruptcy Restructuring
Pharmacy chain Rite Aid accelerates store closures and asset sales to competitors as it navigates its second bankruptcy filing, signaling deepening financial troubles. More on pymnts.com
Trump Tariffs Trigger Walmart Price Hike Warnings
Trump Tells Retailers to Absorb Tariff Costs, Not Raise Prices
Tariff Uncertainty Clouds Europe’s Economic Growth Outlook
Trump administration’s tariff policies continue to unsettle markets and economies, with Walmart warning of price hikes and President Trump pressuring retailers not to pass on costs. Tariffs cast a shadow over European growth forecasts and supply chains remain uncertain.
Nvidia to Build AI Supercomputer with Foxconn in Taiwan
Nvidia Opens NVLink to Rival Chips to Boost AI Adoption
Nvidia Unveils AI Marketplace to Broaden GPU Access
Nvidia expands its AI infrastructure footprint by partnering with Foxconn and Taiwan government to build a new AI supercomputer and office, aiming to boost local innovation. The company also opens NVLink technology to support rival chipmakers and announces AI marketplace launches.
🏦 Regulatory Impact
UK announces forthcoming legislation to regulate Buy Now, Pay Later services under banking rules, aiming to protect consumers. EU agrees to a €150 billion loan scheme to boost joint defense procurement among member states.
UK and EU Seal Defense Pact and Post-Brexit Reset Deal
UK-EU ‘Reset’: New Deals Ease Five-Year Brexit Strains
Starmer Hails New UK-EU Agreements as ‘Positive Reset’
UK and EU seek to reset relations post-Brexit with new agreements on defense cooperation, trade facilitation, and border measures, aiming to ease tensions five years after Brexit. The deals address fisheries and agricultural trade, heralding a new chapter in their relationship.
Treasury Yields Jump Amid Moody’s US Credit Downgrade
Bond Markets Sell Off After US Debt Downgrade Warning
Investors Eye Opportunistic Buys After Moody’s Downgrade Dip
The Tampa economy and labor market show signs of pressure as Moody’s downgrades US credit rating, sparking bond sell-offs and raising Treasury yields. Financial strategists caution about fiscal sustainability, while some see buying opportunities amid volatility.
📢 Quote
“"Markets show extraordinary complacency despite mounting global and fiscal risks."”
— JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon
Israel Expands Gaza Offensive Amid Starvation Fears
IDF Targets Hamas in Focused Gaza Strip Operation
Trump Holds Ceasefire Talks with Putin and Zelenskyy
The Middle East conflict intensifies with Israel expanding its ground offensive in Gaza amid humanitarian concerns, while Israeli forces target Hamas operatives. Diplomatic efforts by the US and others continue, including talks between Trump, Putin, and Zelenskyy focused on ceasefire prospects.
Capital One Completes $35B Purchase of Discover
Capital One Finalizes Deal, Becomes Top Six US Bank
Capital One Gains Huge Footprint with Discover Deal Close
Capital One finalizes $35 billion acquisition of Discover, forming the sixth-largest U.S. bank with enhanced physical and digital reach. The acquisition reshapes the credit card market and is seen as a strategic move for customer expansion and financial services consolidation.
Bitcoin Surges Past $106K Then Dips Amid Market Whiplash
Strategy Expands Bitcoin Holdings to Over 570,000 BTC
Crypto Funds See $785M Inflows as Market Recovers
Bitcoin and cryptocurrency markets show high volatility with large price swings following U.S. and global economic shifts like Moody’s credit downgrade. Institutional crypto holdings rise with firms like Strategy expanding Bitcoin assets amid a bullish crypto investment environment.
NJ Transit Engineers End Strike, Service Resumes to NYC
Train Strike Ends After Agreement For New Jersey Transit
Tentative Deal Ends NJ Transit Strike, Resumes Commutes
New Jersey Transit train engineers end three-day strike after reaching deal, restoring service to 100,000 daily commuters. The strike had severely disrupted train schedules to NYC and surrounding areas, marking an important labor resolution in public transportation.
Spring Homebuying Hits 5-Year Low; Mortgage Rates Soar
Housing Market Faces Tariff Drag, Weak Start to Buying Season
US home buying season starts with lowest activity in five years amid tariff uncertainties and economic concerns. Mortgage rates jump over 7% following credit rating downgrade, putting pressure on housing market recovery and affordability for buyers across the country.
Pro-EU Candidate Wins Romania Presidency Amid Populist Rise
Moderates Prevail in Polish, Portuguese Elections Amid Far-Right Gains
Electoral ‘Super Sunday’: Centrist Wins Amid EU Political Flux
European elections bring victories for pro-EU centrist candidates in Romania, Portugal, and Poland, though far-right forces gain traction. The political landscape shows a mix of moderate wins amid rising populist challenges, shaping future EU unity debates.
Walmart Signals Rising Food Prices Amid Tariff Pressure
Trump Shames Walmart Over Potential Price Hikes from Tariffs
Treasury Acknowledges Tariffs May Raise Prices at Walmart
Walmart warns consumers of rising grocery costs due to tariffs and supply challenges, which President Trump publicly disputes by urging the retailer not to increase prices. The tension highlights the ongoing debate over tariff effects on American consumers and businesses.
UK Sets New Regulations to Rein in BNPL Sector Risks
New Buy Now, Pay Later Rules Target Consumer Protection
The UK government and financial regulators move to strengthen oversight of the Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) sector with new rules aimed at protecting consumers. This legislative effort seeks to mitigate risks associated with rapidly growing credit products in the retail market.
Nvidia Unveils Supercharged AI Server, Boosting Performance
Jensen Huang Opens Nvidia’s AI Ecosystem to Competitors’ Chips
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang announces expanded AI infrastructure plans including new RTX Pro Server with significant performance boost and fresh AI approaches, while also revealing opening of AI ecosystem to integrate rival chips, underscoring Nvidia's expanding tech dominance.
EU Greenlights €150 Billion Loan Plan for Joint Defense Arms
Member States Approve Massive EU Defense Funding Initiative
European Union agrees on a €150 billion loan scheme to boost joint defense procurement, enabling member countries to borrow funds specifically for developing weapon systems and platforms, reinforcing collective military capabilities amidst geopolitical tensions.
Emerging Market ETFs Attract Fourth Straight Week of Inflows
JPMorgan Turns Bullish on Emerging Markets After Years Down
Emerging market equities see continued inflows reflecting optimistic investor sentiment despite global economic uncertainties. Fund managers, including those at JPMorgan, express bullish outlooks on specific regional sectors driven by improving fundamentals and policy support.
Ryanair Posts Earnings Drop Amid Falling Fares, Cost Hikes
Airfare Declines and Rising Costs Hit Ryanair Profits
Ryanair reports earnings decline due to falling airfares and rising costs, signaling turbulence in European airline sector. Despite robust full-year outlook and dividend plans, the company faces pressure on profitability as fares drop 7% while operating expenses rise significantly.
EU and UK Strike Defense Pact, Mark Post-Brexit Reset
Post-Brexit Relations Reset at London Summit for EU, UK
EU and UK leaders meet to solidify defense cooperation and reset post-Brexit relations, agreeing on pacts aimed at improving trade, defense ties, and addressing fishing disputes. The summit marks a strategic effort to move beyond Brexit-related conflicts and build a productive partnership.
UK and EU Agree New Trade and Defense Terms in Brexit Reset
United Kingdom secures new trade and defense deals with the European Union to ease post-Brexit tensions and foster closer ties. The agreements aim to streamline food trade regulation, improve security cooperation, and address contentious fishing rights issues, signaling a practical thaw.