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Good morning investors!
Today we cover:
What to expect this week
IPOs are back
Finding meaningful work
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📊 Economy and News
What’s happening this week
Here’s what you need to keep an eye on this week:
Monday, August 18, 2025
Economic Data: Homebuilder confidence (August)
Key Earnings: Palo Alto Networks (PANW)
Market Context: Investors are preparing for a busy week with a focus on Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s upcoming remarks at the Jackson Hole Economic Policy Symposium. Housing market data and retailer earnings will also be in the spotlight as markets assess consumer spending and tariff impacts.
Tuesday, August 19, 2025
Economic Data: Housing starts (July)
Key Earnings: Home Depot (HD), Medtronic (MDT), Keysight Technologies (KEYS), Viking Holdings (VIK), XPeng (XPEV), Toll Brothers (TOL)
Market Context: Home Depot’s earnings will provide insights into the hardware retailer’s pricing strategy amid tariff pressures. Housing starts data will offer a view into the residential construction sector, while investors continue to monitor potential Federal Reserve rate cut signals.
Wednesday, August 20, 2025
Economic Data: FOMC minutes for July meeting
Fed Officials Speaking: Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic
Key Earnings: TJX Cos. (TJX), Lowe’s (LOW), Analog Devices (ADI), Target (TGT), Estee Lauder (EL), Baidu (BIDU)
Market Context: The release of the FOMC minutes will shed light on the Federal Reserve’s interest rate discussions, particularly the split votes for a rate cut in July. Target’s earnings will be scrutinized for signs of softening sales, and Bostic’s remarks could influence market expectations for Fed policy.
Thursday, August 21, 2025
Economic Data: Existing home sales (July); Initial jobless claims (Week ending Aug. 16); Philadelphia Fed manufacturing survey (August); S&P Flash U.S. PMI (August); U.S. leading economic indicators (July)
Fed Officials Speaking: Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic; Jackson Hole Economic Policy Symposium begins
Key Earnings: Walmart (WMT), Intuit (INTU), Workday (WDAY), Ross Stores (ROST)
Market Context: Walmart’s earnings will be closely watched for signs of tariff-driven price increases impacting sales. Housing market data and jobless claims will provide further economic context, while the start of the Jackson Hole Symposium sets the stage for Powell’s remarks.
Friday, August 22, 2025
Fed Officials Speaking: Expected remarks from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell at Jackson Hole Economic Policy Symposium
Key Earnings: BJ’s Wholesale Club (BJ)
Market Context: Powell’s remarks are the week’s highlight, with investors seeking clarity on the Federal Reserve’s interest rate path amid pressure for cuts and mixed economic signals (higher inflation, weaker job market). Markets will react to any hints about a potential rate cut at the Fed’s September meeting.
Global hits:
Trump says no imminent plans to penalize China for buying Russian oil as U.S. delegation’s India visit reportedly called off.
In a split decision, court clears Trump to restart CFPB mass firings.
Canada unveils draft tax legislation, maintains key economic policies.
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📈 Stocks
S&P 500 6,449.80 (-0.29%)
DJIA 44,946.12 (+0.078%)
NASDAQ 21,622.98 (-0.40%)
BRENT CRUDE 65.84 (-1.48%)
* Prices as of Aug 17th, 12:20 AM UTC
Tech IPOs Surge as Market Optimism Grows
Bullish, a Peter Thiel-backed cryptocurrency exchange, surged 84% in its NYSE debut on August 13, 2025, joining Figma and Circle in blockbuster tech IPOs. After years of market challenges from inflation and high interest rates, investor confidence is driving a Nasdaq rally, up over 40% since April.
NYSE’s Lynn Martin and Nasdaq’s Adena Friedman highlight strong demand and a robust IPO pipeline.
Venture-backed firms like StubHub are preparing offerings, with over two dozen U.S. tech companies valued at $10 billion or more. However, concerns linger about overheated markets, with IPO pops reminiscent of the dot-com era.
Regulatory shifts under new SEC head Paul Atkins aim to ease IPO barriers, but some, like VC Bill Gurley, argue big first-day gains benefit banks over companies.
Recent IPO Performance:
Chime: +37% (July 2025)
eToro: +29% (May 2025)
Hinge Health & Omada Health: Health-tech IPOs add to momentum.
Keep checking this space for the latest IPOs so you don’t miss out on good opportunities.
Samsung beating Apple? Samsung’s U.S. smartphone market share jumped from 23% to 31% in Q2, per Canalys. Last month, Samsung launched two folding phones: one tablet-like, another a modern flip phone. Analysts expect Apple to counter with a slimmer iPhone next month and a potential foldable iPhone in 2026.
Look here: Despite the U.S. softening on chip export curbs, Nvidia is being welcomed back under more scrutiny. Also, despite falling demand globally, US consumers continue to buy jewelry.
💵 Personal Finance
Finding Meaningful Work in a Tough Job Market
We recently read about a woman who sued her company after they paid her for 20 years - but didn't give her anything to do. This highlights the importance of ‘meaningful’ work.
In today’s competitive job market, finding meaningful work often requires trade-offs. Here’s how workers are navigating it and what you can do to make things easier:
Key Insights
Economic Shift: 85% of Americans prioritize job stability, salary, and flexibility over passion due to economic uncertainty (UserTesting survey, July 2025).
Trade-Offs: Many accept lower pay (e.g., $20K cuts), lesser titles, or unrelated jobs to stay afloat.
Luxury of Meaning: Meaningful work—offering balance, impact, or growth—is a luxury. Some, like digital editor Kaleah Mcilwain, wait for aligned roles, relying on savings or freelance work.
Worker Stories
Henry Watson, 32, San Antonio: Applied to 180+ jobs since graduating in 2024. Takes odd jobs (babysitting, pet-sitting) while seeking communications roles. Lesson: Stay pragmatic; view first jobs as stepping stones.
Bruce Picchard, 55, New York: Laid off in 2024, applied to 100+ HR roles. Faces ageism and rejection but finds joy in paid walking tours. Lesson: Explore side gigs for income and fulfillment.
Jill Dhillon, 42, Miami: After losing contracts, she’s applied to 70+ art director jobs, accepting lower pay and titles. Lesson: Focus on team quality and impact over prestige.
Things You Should Do
Broaden Your Search: Apply to adjacent fields or roles (e.g., retail for communications grads) to gain experience.
Leverage Side Gigs: Use freelancing or passion projects (like Bennett’s tours) for income and mental health.
Network Strategically: Connect with industry peers on LinkedIn or local events to uncover opportunities.
Prioritize Stability: In a tough market, secure a stable job first, then seek meaning through side projects or future roles.
Build a Personal Brand: Enroll in courses like CNBC’s “How to Build a Standout Personal Brand” to showcase skills and grow your network.
💰 Be a Better Investor
“Plans are nothing; planning is everything.”
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👩🏽⚖️ Legal Stuff
Nothing in this newsletter is financial advice. Always do your own research and think for yourself.