🪔 EU-US sign a deal

Good morning investors! The stock market is hitting new highs and this week will be busy with big earnings.

Today we cover:

📊 Economy and News

Here’s all you need to keep an eye on this week:

Monday, July 28

Tuesday, July 29

Wednesday, July 30

Thursday, July 31

Friday, August 1

Plus, expect investors to focus on Fed’s rate decision (expected to hold), July jobs report, and tariff talks with EU, Canada, Mexico (Aug. 1 deadline) and China (Aug. 12, likely extended).

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📈 Stocks

S&P 500 6,388.64 (+0.40%)
DJIA 44,901.92 (+0.47%)
NASDAQ 21,108.32 (+0.24%)
BRENT CRUDE 71.03 (-1.07%)
* Prices as of Jul 27th, 12:20 AM UTC

Picture this: the stock market’s throwing a rager, and everyone’s invited. Meme stocks are spiking, short squeezes are popping off, and crypto’s back in the spotlight like it’s 2021 all over again.

It’s got that “you never know” energy—like buying a lottery ticket just for the thrill of dreaming big. Back in the ‘90s, New York’s lottery ads nailed that vibe, and today’s traders are chasing the same high. Even the pros only nail it about 55% of the time, so why not roll the dice on a longshot?

Lately, the action’s been wild in stocks like OpenDoor, GoPro, Kohl’s, and Krispy Kreme—names that scream “blast from the past.”

JPMorgan’s saying the rush into these high-flying, high-risk stocks is crazier than anything they’ve tracked in 35 years. Retail traders are all in, fueling their sixth big wave of bets on shorted stocks since 2020. This isn’t some buttoned-up Wall Street seminar—it’s more like the market’s rowdy origins, with traders swapping hot tips like gossip.

So, is this party a red flag that the market’s about to crash and burn, or just a spicy side dish to a solid bull run? The S&P 500’s been on a tear, climbing at a wild 115% annualized pace since April, and retail darlings are up 50%.

No wonder folks are jumping in, chasing the next big score. Sure, some might call it reckless, but a lot of these traders know it’s a gamble—they’re just betting on a viral ticker or a short seller’s bad day. Most will strike out, but that’s how some learn to play the long game with index funds.

Goldman Sachs dropped a new “Speculative Trading Indicator” that’s screaming “overdrive,” with penny stocks and sky-high valuations hitting levels not seen since the dot-com days or the 2020 meme-stock frenzy.

Fun fact: these kinds of surges often mean good times for the S&P 500 over the next few months, but the party tends to fizzle after a year. Meanwhile, 3Fourteen Research’s Warren Pies has a new vibe check—a Daily Sentiment Composite that’s flashing “way too hyped” at over 70 out of 100. He’s calling for a bumpy ride ahead, pointing to weaker seasonal trends, quieter corporate buybacks, and some cracks in the economic story.

Pies also gets real about why young traders are going all-in. With home prices out of reach and crypto millionaires flexing, saving pocket change feels pointless. Big deficits and low-rate vibes are pumping up stocks, crypto, even gold, while leaving folks feeling like they’ve got to swing for the fences to get ahead. It’s no shock online gambling’s booming—same energy.

The market’s also seeing some guardrails come off. Congress is cool with stablecoins, banks are loaning against crypto, and regulators might loosen up rules for day traders and 401(k)s dipping into alts. The AI boom’s even tapping private credit to build data centers. It’s like the market’s pouring rocket fuel on the fire—great for risk-takers, but maybe not so chill long-term.

Still, the main stage of this market party is holding it together. The S&P 500’s gone from a springtime sprint to a smooth cruise, with sectors taking turns in the spotlight. Earnings are a mixed bag, and valuations—think Microsoft at 33x forward earnings—are pricey but not “tech bubble” nuts. The Nasdaq 100’s looking a bit stretched, and tariff talks could stir things up, but the bullish groove’s still on.

Should You Jump In? This wild side of the market’s a blast, but it’s not the whole show. Chasing meme stocks or crypto might feel like a shortcut to the big leagues, but most end up empty-handed. The bull market’s still got legs, but keep your cool—don’t go all-in on a “you never know” bet.

Exciting: Palantir joins list of 20 most valuable U.S. companies, with stock more than doubling in 2025.

💵 Personal Finance

Planning a wedding in 2025 comes with a hefty price tag, averaging $36,000. With 67% of couples financing their big day and 24% using credit cards, using them strategically can help you maximize benefits while avoiding debt.

Here’s how to make the most of credit cards for your wedding, plus key steps to stay financially savvy.

Choose the Right Rewards Card

Select a credit card that aligns with your wedding goals, such as one offering points or travel miles. These rewards can offset honeymoon expenses, like flights or accommodations, providing significant savings. Look for cards with sign-up bonuses or high reward rates on categories like dining or travel, which are common wedding-related expenses.

Pay Off Balances Immediately

To avoid high interest rates, which average 24.35% APR, use savings to pay off credit card charges in full each month. This approach ensures you reap rewards without accruing costly debt, keeping your wedding budget on track.

Verify Vendor Payment Policies

Before using a credit card, confirm each vendor’s payment terms. Some charge processing fees of 1.5% to 3.5%, while others may offer discounts for cash or check payments. Weigh these fees against your card’s rewards to ensure you’re getting the best deal.

Leverage Credit Card Protections

Credit cards offer valuable benefits like dispute resolution and purchase insurance, which can protect against issues with vendors or damaged goods. However, for broader risks like vendor cancellations or extreme weather, consider wedding insurance for more comprehensive coverage.

By using credit cards thoughtfully, you can enhance your wedding experience with rewards and protections while keeping your finances secure.

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👩🏽‍⚖️ Legal Stuff
Nothing in this newsletter is financial advice. Always do your own research and think for yourself.

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