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Stocks Broadly Edge Higher While Nasdaq Advances To A Record Monday – ( $APP $AVGO $GLD $HOOD $MODD $NVDA $OCTO $ORCL $PL $SATS $SER $TDOC $QQQ Rise!)

Markets edged higher to start the week, with the S&P 500 rising 13.65 points (+0.21%) to close at 6,495.15. The Dow Jones gained 114.09 points (+0.25%), finishing at 45,514.95, while the Nasdaq Composite advanced 0.45% to a record 21,798.70. The Russell 2000 also booked minimal gains closing at 2,394.89, +.16% reflecting positive sentiment among small caps. Investors remain attentive to signs of Fed rate cuts, with market volatility subdued and breadth positive across major indices. Invesco QQQ Trust closed at $578.87, +.49% and is up +13.23% YTD.

Macroeconomic Reports

No major U.S. macroeconomic data or significant Fed announcements were released today, though this week is expected to bring pivotal CPI and PPI reports. The Bureau of Economic Analysis expanded its statistics on trade services, and preliminary employment revisions are expected tomorrow, shaping expectations for future Fed moves. Markets are pricing in a possible rate cut at the next FOMC meeting.

Noteworthy Stock Movers and News

Eightco Holdings (OCTO)

  • Exploded more than 3,800% after revealing a $250 million private placement and aggressive Worldcoin treasury strategy, with Wedbush’s Dan Ives appointed chairman.

Apple (AAPL)

  • Closed at $237.88, -.76% as interest revolves around the iPhone 17 launch event; movement remains muted pending tomorrow’s official announcement.

Broadcom (AVGO)

  • Climbed 33.21% to $345.65, driven by a $10 billion AI chip contract and continued AI-driven revenue growth.

NVIDIA (NVDA)

  • Maintained strength on sovereign infrastructure AI deals, but faced analyst target cuts on increased competition; substantial insider sales reported, but still rise +.77% to close at $168.31.

Tesla (TSLA)

  • Mixed global signals: muted in India, Q2 revenue down 12%, but boosted by robotaxi speculation and recent seven-day gains. Tesla shares closed at $346.40, -1.27%.

Meta Platforms (META)

  • In the spotlight for VR child safety allegations, Congressional scrutiny, and a new Army contract win for combat goggles. Shares closed at $752,30,-.02%.

Oracle (ORCL) and Others

  • Oracle up nearly 2.44% at $238.48 ahead of Q1 earnings, spurred by cloud and AI demand.

Planet Labs PBC (PL)

Shares of Planet Labs PBC (NYSE:PL) rose +47.93% today to close at $9.66 as they announced its intention to offer, subject to market conditions and other factors, $300,000,000 aggregate principal amount of Convertible Senior Notes due 2030 (the “notes”) in a private offering (the “offering”) to persons reasonably believed to be qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). Planet also expects to grant the initial purchasers of the notes an option to purchase, for settlement within a 13-day period beginning on, and including, the date the notes are first issued, up to an additional $45,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the notes solely to cover over-allotments.

Mergers, Acquisitions…

  • EchoStar (SATS, $80.63, +19.91%): Announced a $17 billion telecom spectrum sale to SpaceX and Starlink.
  • S&P 500 changes: Robinhood (HOOD, $117.28, +15.83%) and AppLovin (APP, $547.04, +11.59%) join September 22.

Rates, Yield Curve, and FOMC

  • No FOMC announcements; rate cut priced in, with inflation and jobs data key later this week.
  • 10-year Treasury yield settled at 4.043%; 2-year drifted lower to 3.497% amid Fed easing bets.

Commodities & Cryptocurrencies Closing Prices

  • Gold: Closed at $3,675.90/oz, -.04%% and up +38.26% YTD. The SPDR Gold Shares ETF (GLD) rose a solid 1.14% to $334.82.
  • Silver: Ended at $41.91/oz, +.02%. The iShares Silver trust (SLV) rose .81% to $37.51 and is up +42.46% YTD.
  • Oil (WTI): Finished at $62.45/barrel, +.31% and down 14.60% YTD.
  • Bitcoin (BTC): Currently trading at ~$112,850.
Wall Street’s September Kickoff: Labor Data, Fed Rate Cut Hopes, and Big Tech Highlights — ( $AAPL $ADT $AVGO $BTC $EPRX $GLD $MCD $META $SLV $SMMT $RIO $TSLA Rise!)

Wall Street’s September Kickoff: Labor Data, Fed Rate Cut Hopes, and Big Tech Highlights — ( $AAPL $ADT $AVGO $BTC $EPRX $GLD $MCD $META $SLV $SMMT $RIO $TSLA Rise!)

The first week of September found Wall Street in a consolidation phase, responding to clear signs of a cooling labor market and mounting confidence in a forthcoming Fed rate cut. As the dust settles on August’s sector churn, investors now look ahead to inflation, policy signals, and whether the bull market’s momentum will broaden beyond large-cap tech into year-end. Yes indeed, a weaker-than-expected labor market report deepened speculation that the Federal Reserve will cut rates in September, putting a spotlight on employment and inflation data, sector rotation, and global trade uncertainty.

Index Performance

  • S&P 500: Slipped 0.31% to 6,481.50 for the week, pausing after its prolonged advance to record highs.
  • Dow Jones Industrial Average: Fell 0.52% to 45,400.86 as cyclical stocks struggled against growth concerns.
  • Nasdaq Composite: Drifted down 0.02% to 21,700.39, held back by profit-taking in technology heavyweights and rising uncertainty in the chip sector.
  • Russell 2000: Outperformed, gaining .53% as small-cap names rebounded on hopes for easier monetary policy later this month.

Macroeconomic Reports

  • Labor Market: The August jobs report showed payrolls grew by just 22,000, sharply missing consensus estimates and marking the weakest gains in years.
    • Unemployment ticked up to 4.3%, with revisions showing downward adjustments to prior months—the slowest three-month growth streak since early 2021.
    • Average hourly earnings were up 0.3% month-over-month and 3.7% year-over-year, modestly above the inflation target zone.
    • Job openings fell to pandemic-era lows, and the labor force expanded but not enough to offset the increase in job seekers.
  • Inflation: Weekly inflation trends held steady; services and select consumer goods faced persistent pricing pressures, and the Fed’s preferred inflation metric remained just above 3%.
  • Yield Curve & Rates: Short and long-term Treasury yields both declined on the week (10-year at 4.083% & the 2-year at 3.519%), as the soft jobs data solidified expectations for a Fed rate cut at the September FOMC meeting.

Corporate & Sector News

  • NVIDIA (NVDA, $167.02, -2.70% over the last 5-days): Pulled back, battling sector rotation out of chips despite robust AI data-center demand.
  • Apple (AAPL): Rose 3.07% over the last 5-days to new highs closing at $239.69, buoyed by ongoing strength in services, iPhone upgrades, and renewed search deal arrangements with Google.
  • Tesla (TSLA): Rose 1.4% over the last 5-days to $350.84 as reported production steadied; the company highlighted new regulatory compliance initiatives in Texas as it invests in both EVs and robotics. Tesla also proposed a new compensation agreement for CEO Elon Musk potentially worth ~$1 trillion!
  • Broadcom (AVGO): Rose 8.5% over the last 5-days as they reported revenue of $15,952 million for the third quarter, up 22 percent from the prior year period & a quarterly common stock dividend of $0.59 per share.
  • Meta Platforms (META): Moved .18% higher to $752.45 over the last 5-days, somewhat pausing after a strong summer as investors weighed increasing AI investment against advertising uncertainty.
  • McDonald’s (MCD): Advanced modestly up .69% to $314.38 as U.S. comps rebounded and value promotions sustained traffic.
  • Oracle (ORCL): dropped 3.13% over the last 5-days, impacted by the rotation away from technology and concerns about cloud cost discipline.
  • Intel (INTC): Fell 176% to $24.49 as broad chip sentiment weakened, though government investment buzz kept a floor under shares.
  • Palantir Technologies (PLTR): Finished lower down 3.17% to $153.11 despite positive earnings, as investors took profits after a strong AI contract quarter and its recent S&P 500 inclusion.
  • Rio Tinto Group (RIO): Rose 1.73% to $63.97, finding support from commodity stability and a positive outlook on global infrastructure demand.

Mergers, Acquisitions & IPOs

  • M&A pace remained steady, with activity centering on financials, healthcare, and energy. Notable deals this week include Pan American Silver’s acquisition of Mag Silver and Apollo’s purchase of Bridge Investment Group. The takeover trend shows no sign of abating as valuations adjust.
  • IPO market remained active with several small- and mid-cap debuts on the NYSE and Nasdaq. However, first-day performance skewed modest, reflecting mounting macro headwinds and increasingly selective investor demand.

Tariffs & Trade Policy

  • New copper and digital trade tariffs moved forward, while tariff-related uncertainty continued to hit selected manufacturing and tech supply chains. A Section 301 investigation into digital trade with Brazil added more complexity to the global tariff landscape.

FOMC & Outlook

  • The Federal Reserve is widely expected to cut rates by 25bps at its September 16–17 meeting, with consensus solidifying near 99% after recent job market softness and persistently moderate inflation.
  • No new policy statements emerged this week, but the week’s data further cements the probability of imminent Fed action.

Commodities & Cryptocurrencies Closing Prices

  • Gold: Closed at $3,639.80/oz an up +2.55% over the last 5-days and up +36.89% YTD. The SPDR Gold Shares ETF (GLD) rose a solid 5.09% to $331.05.
  • Silver: Ended at $41.51/oz, +1.07%. The iShares Silver trust (SLV) jumped 4.76% to $37.21 over the last 5-days and is up +41.32% YTD.
  • Oil (WTI): Finished at $61.97/barrel, -5.52% over the last 5-days and down 15.26% YTD.
  • Bitcoin (BTC): Currently trading at ~$112,060 and slightly up over the last 5-days.
Stocks Rally to New Highs on Economic Data and Rate Cut Optimism – 9/4/2025 Wrap— ( $ADT $INTC $MCD $MDB $NVDA $PLTR $SMMT $TSLA Rise!)

Stocks Rally to New Highs on Economic Data and Rate Cut Optimism – 9/4/2025 Wrap— ( $ADT $INTC $MCD $MDB $NVDA $PLTR $SMMT $TSLA Rise!)

Wall Street rallied to new heights in a show of broad optimism ahead of tomorrow’s pivotal labor report, as traders weighed softer economic signals, legal drama over tariffs, and a strong earnings pulse from growth and value sectors alike. Yes indeed, the U.S. stock market rallied to fresh record territory Thursday, with the S&P 500 climbing 0.83% to close at 6,502.08—another new all-time high. The Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced 0.77% (up 350.06 points) to finish at 45,621.29, nearly matching its own record. The Nasdaq Composite surged .98% to 21,707.69, driven by strength in large-cap technology and software. The Russell 2000 outperformed with a 1.26% gain, closing at 2,379.61 as small caps joined the rally and market breadth broadened impressively.

Macroeconomic Reports

Investors looked ahead to Friday’s pivotal nonfarm payrolls report, while several early labor and business surveys set the day’s tone. The ADP private payrolls report showed an increase of 144,000 jobs in August, slightly below expectations, while weekly initial jobless claims remained well-contained at 221,000. The ISM Services PMI slipped to 51.8, signaling continued expansion but at the slowest pace since May 2024. The U.S. trade deficit narrowed to $62 billion in July as exports rebounded and import growth slowed, indicating some stability for international trade heading into the fall season.

Federal Reserve, Yield Curve & Interest Rates

No new FOMC policy moves were announced, but New York Fed President Williams indicated gradual rate cuts could be warranted as labor market data softens and inflation trends lower. Treasury yields closed with the 2-year lower at 3.598% and the 10-year lower at 4.162%.

Tariff and Trade News

Trade policy remained in focus as President Trump’s administration urgently petitioned the Supreme Court to affirm his authority to levy sweeping import tariffs under emergency powers. Legal experts and small businesses, meanwhile, warned of continued operational uncertainty and potential economic harm if the status of U.S. trade policy remains tenuous into year-end.

Corporate Headlines & Share Price Movements

NVIDIA (NVDA) finished up 0.61% at $171.66.

Tesla (TSLA) gained 1.33% as investors rotated back into growth names, with analyst optimism about FSD advancements and EV market share helping sentiment.

Meta Platforms (META) edged 1.57% higher after digesting a pullback earlier in the week; social media and AI innovation remain tailwinds.

McDonald’s (MCD) rose 0.19% as the chain continued its run of resilient traffic amid back-to-school and marketing-driven demand.

Intel (INTC) closed up nicely by 2.54%, sustaining momentum on positive chip sector news and new foundry contract wins.

MongoDB (MDB) advanced another 2.93% at $322.05, continuing its momentum after last week’s blockbuster guidance.

Oracle (ORCL) fell .20% to close at $233.

Palantir Technologies (PLTR) added 0.80% to $156.14, finding footing after a recent selloff as contract momentum persists.

Rio Tinto Group (RIO) dropped .03% amid broad-based mining sector strength and ongoing gains in key commodity prices.

Mergers, Acquisitions & Buyouts

No notable S&P 500 mergers or buyouts were announced Thursday. Summer’s largest transactions—including T-Mobile’s $4.3B U.S. Cellular purchase and the Chevron–Hess energy merger—continue to shape sector sentiment and 2025 deal flows,

IPO Activity (NYSE/Nasdaq)

Two IPOs debuted: Fitness Champs Holdings Limited (FCHL, Nasdaq, $4.00 debut) and GSR IV Acquisition Corp. (GSRF, Nasdaq, $10.00 debut). Launch-week activity remained modest as issuers and investors prepare for a heavier calendar in mid-September.

Commodities & Cryptocurrencies Closing Prices

  • Gold: Closed at $3,602.40/oz. The SPDR Gold Shares ETF (GLD) fell .44% to $326.69.
  • Silver: Ended at $41.24/oz. The iShares Silver trust (SLV) dropped 1.10% to $36.93.
  • Oil (WTI): Finished at $63.27/barrel, -.33%.
  • Bitcoin: Currently trading at ~$111,185.
S&P 500 Rebounds, Nasdaq Surges: Key (Tech) Movers & Economic Data for 9/3/2025— ( $AAPL $GOOG $GOVX $MCD $MODD $PMI $SPY $TDOC $TSLA Rise!)

S&P 500 Rebounds, Nasdaq Surges: Key (Tech) Movers & Economic Data for 9/3/2025— ( $AAPL $GOOG $GOVX $MCD $MODD $PMI $SPY $TDOC $TSLA Rise!)

Equity markets regained their footing as tech led the bounce and bond yields calmed, yet political risk from tariff policy and Fed independence remains firmly in view. Rotations between sectors and a busy September data calendar frame the outlook as summer gives way to an active autumn for U.S. markets. Yes indeed, U.S. equities rebounded from Tuesday’s rout on Wednesday, as tech leadership and generally supportive economic commentary helped offset lingering uncertainty. The S&P 500 rose 0.51% to close at 6,448.26, recovering a portion of its prior decline. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped modestly, down 0.05% at 45,271.23, with value-oriented names lagging growth. The Nasdaq Composite surged 1.02% to 21,497.73, powered by high-flying tech stocks and robust buying in large-cap names, including Apple (AAPL) that closed up +3.81% at $238.47 and Alphabet (GOOG) which closed up a whopping 9.01% at $231.10 after a favorable court ruling regarding antitrust regulations. The Russell 2000 edged down 0.1% to 2,349.97 as small caps failed to participate in the day’s broader risk-on rally.

Macroeconomic Reports

Economic data remained mixed, but leaned modestly supportive. The Fed’s Beige Book signaled expanding growth in most regions, with Q2 GDP revised up to 1.4% annualized driven by stronger consumer spending and business investment. Weekly mortgage application data reflected ongoing weakness in housing, with lower rates failing to spur a meaningful pickup. Industrial and services sentiment held steady, and the labor market was characterized as “soft but stable,” reinforcing near-term optimism while cautiousness prevails into year-end.

Federal Reserve, Yield Curve & Interest Rates

No new FOMC announcements were issued. Yields eased after recent volatility, with the 2-year Treasury settling at 3.625% and the 10-year at 4.221%.

Tariff and Trade News

Trade policy again generated headlines: President Trump threatened to unwind U.S. trade agreements if courts reject the legality of his reciprocal tariffs, underscoring broader market anxiety regarding the fate of ongoing negotiations. The possibility of a swift Supreme Court intervention adds further near-term headline risk for exposed sectors, with business leaders warning of potential global supply chain disruptions if agreements are scrapped.

Corporate Headlines & Share Price Movements

NVIDIA (NVDA) closed down .07% at $170.62 not terribly far from its 52-week high of $184.48.

Tesla (TSLA) rose 1.44% to $334.09 as sector rotation took some steam out of automakers despite ongoing EV industry headlines.

Meta Platforms (META) rose .26% to $737.05.

McDonald’s (MCD) rose another .20% to $316.39, again demonstrating resilience amid consumer sector flows and marketing strength.

Intel (INTC fell 0.87% to $24 after the U.S. took a stake in the company recently.

MongoDB (MDB) fell 1.70% to $312.88, giving back some of its post-earnings rally.

Oracle (ORCL) dropped 0.82% to $223.45.

Palantir Technologies (PLTR) fell 1.40% to $154.90, trying to find support after recent volatility in AI-exposed analytics names.

Rio Tinto Group added 95% to $62.95. Morgan Stanley reportedly lifted its PT to $78.44.

Mergers, Acquisitions & Buyouts

No new S&P 500 or notable large-cap deals surfaced today, as August’s completed mega-deals in telecom, pharma, and energy continued to reverberate through sector positioning.dealroom

IPO Activity (NYSE/Nasdaq)

No debut listings were completed on Wednesday, reflecting a typical post-holiday lull. The IPO pipeline remains relatively full, with recent debuts like Picard Medical (PMI, +29% from offer, closing at $5.29, +2.92% today).


Commodities & Cryptocurrencies Closing Prices

  • Gold: Closed at $3,619.70/oz. The SPDR Gold Shares ETF (GLD) rose .78% to $328.14.
  • Silver: Ended at $41.325/oz. The iShares Silver trust (SLV) rose +.51% to $37.40.
  • Oil (WTI): Finished at $63.77/barrel, -2.77%.
  • Bitcoin: Currently trading at ~$112,870.
Wall Street Slides as Yields and Tariff Uncertainty Hit Stocks — ( $GLD $EPRX $MCD $MDB $PLTR $SLV $VIX Rise!)

Wall Street Slides as Yields and Tariff Uncertainty Hit Stocks — ( $GLD $EPRX $MCD $MDB $PLTR $SLV $VIX Rise!)

Tuesday’s session ushered in September’s signature volatility, as yields marched higher, legal fights over tariffs escalated, and key sectors repositioned in anticipation of looming Fed decisions and a pivotal month for economic policy and earnings guidance. Yes indeed, Wall Street started September on a cautious note, with the S&P 500 that dropped 0.69% to close near 6,415.54—its sharpest loss since early August. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 055%, finishing at 45,295.81 after shedding 249 points, while the Nasdaq Composite gave back 0.82%, reflecting concentrated weakness in technology shares. The Russell 2000 slipped nearly 0.60%. Overall all as fear rose today, so did the markets ‘fear guage’ or The CBOE Volatility Index, which jumped 6.51% to close at $17.17.

Macroeconomic Reports

Fresh data painted a mixed macroeconomic landscape. The August ISM Manufacturing PMI registered at 48.7, slightly improved from July but remaining in contraction territory for the sixth straight month. The production sub-index fell to 47.8, pointing to persistent manufacturing softness. Meanwhile, the July JOLTS report revealed 7.4 million job openings, down from 7.6 million, reinforcing labor market cooling. Industrial production edged up 1.43% year-on-year—but below long-term trend—indicating lingering headwinds in U.S. output. Fed watchers interpreted this as further evidence for possible easing at the mid-September FOMC meeting.

Federal Reserve, Yield Curve & Interest Rates

Bond yields spiked as investors weighed inflation prospects and mounting government debt. The 2-year Treasury yield finished at 3.645% and the 10-year at 4.63%, flattening the curve. The FOMC issued no new statements, with market anticipation focused on the September 16-17 meeting and the prospects for a 50–75 bps rate cut this fall.

Tariff and Trade News

Markets followed the volatile legal saga surrounding President Trump’s tariffs after an appellate court partially overturned a lower court’s earlier block. The administration is now seeking expedited Supreme Court review, while the existing uncertainties cause further volatility for sectors exposed to global trade. This legal churn dampens business investment and complicates global supply chains as stakeholders await a final decision.

Corporate Headlines & Share Price Movements

NVIDIA (NVDA) dropped nearly 1.91% after pushing back against media claims that its AI chips were “sold out,” leading the downturn among tech’s “Magnificent Seven.”

Tesla (TSLA) closed 1.35% lower at $329.36, as the EV sector suffered from sector rotation and competitive headwinds.

Meta Platforms fell .49% to $735.11 as investors rotated into communication services.

McDonald’s moved up 1.28% to $315.76, its resilience underpinned by consumer sector rotation and ongoing brand momentum.

Intel (INTC) fell .57% to $24.21.

MongoDB (MDB) rose .85% to $318.29, building on the recent jump after a sharp full-year guidance hike.

Oracle (ORCL) rose .85% to $218.29 as sentiment improved in enterprise tech and cloud software.

Palantir Technologies (PLTR) edged up 0.24% to $157.09, steadying even as broader AI and analytics leaders saw heightened volatility.

Rio Tinto Group (RIO) fell 1.32% to $61.89, with support from firmer commodity pricing and relief over no new mining tariffs.

IPO Activity (NYSE/Nasdaq)

IPO activity surged post-Labor Day with the most anticipated filing from Klarna (KLAR), planning a $1.24 billion offering.

Commodities & Cryptocurrencies Closing Prices

  • Gold: Closed at $3,600.80/oz. The SPDR Gold Shares ETF (GLD) rose 2,36% to $325.59.
  • Silver: Ended at $41.74/oz. The iShares Silver trust (SLV) rose +2.65% to $37.15.
  • Oil (WTI): Finished at $65.62/barrel.
  • Bitcoin: $112,035.
Global Central Banks Drive Gold to New Record, Surpassing U.S. Bonds in Portfolios – ( $GLD $SPY )

Global Central Banks Drive Gold to New Record, Surpassing U.S. Bonds in Portfolios – ( $GLD $SPY )

Gold has achieved a historic milestone in 2025, with central banks now holding more gold in their reserves than U.S. Treasuries for the first time since 1996—a shift signaling profound changes in global finance and monetary management.

Central Banks Shift to Gold

Driven by escalating geopolitical risks, persistent global trade uncertainties, and concerns over the stability of the U.S. dollar, central banks have increasingly favored gold as their primary reserve asset. As of May 2025, official central bank gold holdings reached approximately 36,344 tonnes, surpassing both the value and strategic importance of U.S. Treasuries in their portfolios. During the early 2020s, annual gold purchases by central banks averaged just 400–500 tonnes, but this number has more than doubled in recent years—for example, 1,082 tonnes in 2022, 1,037 tonnes in 2023, and a record 1,180 tonnes in 2024.

Reasons for Accelerated Gold Buying

This trend is rooted in several factors:

  • Diversification: Central banks aim to reduce overreliance on the U.S. dollar and diversify foreign exchange reserves, with 76% of surveyed central banks projecting a higher share of gold in their reserves over the next five years.
  • Geopolitical and Trade Uncertainty: Recent years have seen a rise in sanctions risks and trade frictions, particularly affecting nations such as Russia and China, who are aggressively increasing their gold reserves to bolster economic leverage and crisis resilience.
  • Hedge Against Currency and Market Instability: Gold’s long-standing role as a hedge against inflation, economic volatility, and currency debasement remains central to reserve managers’ decisions.

Impact on Global Markets

Gold’s ascent to record highs—topping $3,500 per ounce in 2025, hitting $3,595.20/oz Tuesday—reflects both robust central bank demand and broader investor appetite for safe-haven assets. The World Gold Council’s surveys indicate that 43% of central bankers plan to expand gold holdings in the next year, and 95% expect further global increases in official gold reserves. At the same time, foreign holdings of U.S. Treasuries have stagnated or declined, reflecting both waning international appetite for U.S. debt and confidence in gold’s enduring value.

Leading Holders and Strategic Shifts

The United States remains the single largest gold holder globally, with over 8,100 tonnes, followed by countries like Germany, Italy, France, Russia, and China. However, rapid accumulation by emerging-market central banks underscores a broad, structural transformation in reserve strategies—sometimes called a “global rebalancing”—that could have lasting implications for international finance.

The Road Ahead

Overall, as the global economic landscape grows ever more uncertain, and faith in the dollar-centric system wanes, gold’s prominence as a reserve asset and a symbol of financial power is once again on the rise.

Sources

  1. https://www.nationthailand.com/business/economy/40054877
  2. https://economictimes.com/markets/commodities/news/gold-surpasses-u-s-treasuries-in-central-banks-reserves-for-first-time-since-1996/articleshow/123628193.cms
  3. https://www.financialexpress.com/market/gold-pulse/central-banks-now-hold-more-gold-than-us-treasuries-for-the-first-time-in-30-years/3962153/
  4. https://www.reuters.com/world/india/gold-races-all-time-high-above-3500-us-rate-cut-prospects-2025-09-02/
  5. https://www.omfif.org/2025/09/central-banks-are-turning-back-to-gold/
  6. https://discoveryalert.com.au/news/central-banks-gold-reserves-2025-increase/
  7. https://www.gold.org/goldhub/gold-focus/2025/07/central-bank-gold-buying-picks-may
  8. https://www.isabullion.com/articles/will-central-banks-keep-buying-gold-in-2025-what-it-means-for-buying-gold-online/
  9. https://www.cnbc.com/2025/09/02/gold-hits-record-high-as-us-rate-cut-hopes-softer-dollar-boost-appeal.html
  10. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DOG9Zh5ArJS/
  11. https://www.wbal.com/gold-prices-hit-a-record-high-as-economic-uncertainty-looms
  12. https://www.gold.org/goldhub/data/gold-reserves-by-country
U.S. Equity Markets Paused Rally With Modest Weekly Pullback — ( $DK $EPRX $HTFL $RIO $SIL Rise!)

U.S. Equity Markets Paused Rally With Modest Weekly Pullback — ( $DK $EPRX $HTFL $RIO $SIL Rise!)

Despite the week’s tech-led pullback, Wall Street ended August on strong footing, supported by robust small-cap and cyclical rotation, retail resilience, and anticipation of Fed support. Investors now await September’s inflation and jobs data for fresh clues on the durability of the bull market and the path for policy into year-end. However, as the last trading week of August concluded, U.S. equity markets paused their rally with a modest pullback, digesting a flurry of economic data, notable policy changes, and shifting sector rotations. While recent records stood firm, investors exercised caution ahead of fresh inflation readings, tariff adjustments, and the coming Fed decision in September.

Index Performance

  • S&P 500: Declined 0.1% on the week to 6,460.26, after hitting five record highs earlier in August. The index still closed the month up nearly 2%, notching its fourth consecutive monthly gain.
  • Dow Jones Industrial Average: Dropped 0.2% to 45,544.88. Despite the weekly loss, blue chips remain higher year-to-date, having set new records earlier this month.
  • Nasdaq Composite: Fell 1.2% to 21,455.55, pressured by a late-week sell-off in major tech names as traders rotated defensively.
  • Russell 2000: Rose 0.2% to 2,366.42, as small-caps outperformed and risk appetite broadened, echoing a nearly 8% monthly rally—its strongest in more than a year.

Macro & Economic Highlights

  • Inflation: The Federal Reserve’s preferred gauge, core PCE, ticked up to 2.9% year-over-year. Headline inflation steadied as energy prices cooled, but price pressures persisted in services and discretionary goods.
  • GDP & Labor: Second-quarter GDP recorded 3.0% annualized growth, rebounding from earlier weakness. July’s jobs data reflected slowing momentum, with unemployment at 4.2%, while weekly jobless claims hovered near 224,000, highlighting ongoing labor market resiliency but greater slack than earlier in 2025.
  • Rates & Yield Curve: The 10-year Treasury yield edged down to 4.23 and the 2-year closed at 3.625%, reflecting softer inflation readings and rate cut optimism ahead of September’s FOMC meeting. The yield curve remains moderately inverted, keeping recession risks on radar.

Corporate News & Notable Earnings

  • NVIDIA (NVDA): Approached record highs early in the week on strong earnings optimism but finished off 2.14% over the last 5-days at $174.18 as the China chip ban and sector-wide profit-taking tempered gains. Analysts projected robust EPS and revenue growth driven by AI momentum.
  • Tesla (TSLA): Closed down 1.81%% to $333.87 over the last 5-days, as the company’s steady production outlook and software news offset broader EV sector consolidation.
  • Meta Platforms (META, $738.70, -2.13% over the last 5-days): Experienced mild profit-taking following August’s tech surge, with regulatory and AI storylines remaining central.
  • McDonald’s (MCD): Closed at $313.54, down .17% over the last 5-days. Continued value promotions and collaborations (such as the BTS tie-in) provided a defensive backdrop.
  • Oracle (ORCL): Gave up 4.33% to $226.13 over the last 5-days, reflecting sector pressure and valuation challenges after a strong run.
  • Intel (INTC): Softened 1.81% on the week to $24.35, as sector sentiment turned cautious despite ongoing government support for domestic chip capacity.
  • Palantir Technologies (PLTR): Dropped 1.28% over the last 5-days to $156.71 amid persistent short pressure despite new government contract wins and an expanding federal pipeline.
  • Rio Tinto Group (RIO): Rose .05% to $62.72 over the last 5-days amid sideways movement in global metals prices and growing industrial demand uncertainty.

Mergers, Acquisitions & IPOs

Several large deals closed in August, including T-Mobile’s (TMUS, $251.99, +.02% over the last 5-days) $4.3 billion acquisition of U.S. Cellular (telecom) and the $6.7 billion merger of Mallinckrodt and Endo Pharmaceuticals. On the IPO front, standout offerings included:

  • Bullish (BLSH): The crypto exchange finished at $64.43 (+74% from IPO pricing).
  • HeartFlow (HTFL, $2=31.50, +8.01%), Etoiles Capital (EFTY), Darkiris (DK, $7.87, 54.92%): Recent mid-cap IPOs delivered strong debut gains, demonstrating ongoing risk-on appetite even amid late-August volatility.

Tariff News

A major trade shift arrived as the U.S. ended the $800 “de minimis” tariff exemption for small imported packages, ending a loophole that let over a billion parcels enter duty-free last year. Global logistics players suspended many low-value shipments as the new flat tariff regime ($80–$200 per item) took effect, with full 10–40% country-based rates set for February 2026. This policy is expected to ripple through e-commerce, international retailers, and consumer prices in coming months.

FOMC & Outlook

No FOMC decision was made this week; all eyes now turn to the September policy meeting. Futures markets still expect a possible rate cut as inflation moderates and global uncertainties grow, but sticky core price data and a complex policy backdrop keep investors vigilant.


Commodities & Cryptocurrencies Closing Prices

  • Gold: Closed at $3,516.10/oz.
  • Silver: Ended at $40.26/oz. the Globasl X Silver Miners ETF (SIL) rose +5.01% over the last 5-days.
  • Oil (WTI): Closed at $64.01/barrel.
  • Bitcoin: Traded in the $108,265 range.
S&P 500 Achieves New High With AI Momentum Powering Thursday’s Session — ( $INTC $MDB $META $ORCL $PSTG $SER $SNOW $SPY $TDOC Rise!)

S&P 500 Achieves New High With AI Momentum Powering Thursday’s Session — ( $INTC $MDB $META $ORCL $PSTG $SER $SNOW $SPY $TDOC Rise!)

A new high for the S&P 500 capped Thursday’s session, with AI momentum outshining mixed guidance and ongoing global trade spats. Upward GDP revision, surprising housing resilience, and rotations in software and small caps illustrated a market still eager for growth as summer draws to a close. Yes indeed, Wall Street advanced to fresh record levels Thursday with the S&P 500 moving on to a new high of 6,501.86, up 0.32%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 0.23% to 45,636.90,+.16%, while the Nasdaq Composite led large-cap gains, rising 0.53% to 21,705.16 as AI and technology shares continued to dominate flows. The Russell 2000 joined the rally with a 0.19% advance closing at 2,378.41, as risk appetite extended into small caps amid broad sector participation

Macroeconomic Reports

The Commerce Department revised Q2 GDP upward to an annualized pace of 3.3%, ahead of consensus expectations and the prior 3.0% estimate. The upgrade was driven by stronger business investment and resilient consumer spending. Meanwhile, weekly jobless claims remained near historic lows at 221,000, suggesting ongoing labor market tightness despite global trade headwinds. Pending Home Sales for July printed a surprise 2.8% gain, signaling pockets of housing market resilience even as affordability concerns linger.

Federal Reserve, Yield Curve & Interest Rates

No new policy actions were announced by the FOMC. Fed Chair Powell’s recent hints at a September rate cut kept market sentiment buoyant. The 2-year Treasury yield settled higher at 3.637% and the 10-year yield move lower to at 4.208%.

Tariff and Trade News

The U.S. formally doubled tariffs on a wide range of Indian imports, now totaling up to 50% following diplomatic breakdowns over oil and tech trade. India announced targeted assistance for manufacturers and supply chain partners while American importers continue to navigate rising costs in apparel, jewelry, and chemicals. Tariff escalation remains a crosscurrent for both U.S. multinational strategies and global growth projections.

Corporate Headlines & Share Price Movements

NVIDIA (NVDA, $180.17, -.79%) delivered robust quarterly results with revenue up 56% year-over-year, but shares slipped nearly 1% after executives warned on the outlook for China sales due to regulatory risks. Despite the slight pullback, Nvidia remains atop the market’s AI hardware boom.

Tesla (TSLA) closed 1.04% lower to $345.98 as investors weighed sector rotation and rising competition in the EV space.

Meta Platforms (META) finished up .50% at $751.11.

McDonald’s (MCD) rose .25% to $312.22 but remained a retail standout, buoyed by immersive marketing partnerships and brand campaigns.

Intel (INTC) climbed .32% to $24.93, extending gains on continued positive momentum in foundry investment news and government contracts.

MongoDB (MDB) climbed another 7.58% to $318.10 a move that rose on top of yesterday’s 38% increase that followed sharply as they raising full-year profit guidance.

Oracle (ORCL) rose 1.91% to $240.32 as sentiment turned more favorable for enterprise tech and cloud leaders.

Palantir Technologies (PLTR) edged up .89% to $158.12, highlighting ongoing volatility as the AI analytics leader contends with valuation recalibration and macro headwinds.

Rio Tinto Group (RIO) added 1.24% to $62.88, supported by stronger metals prices and relief from a lack of new tariffs on mining exports.

Pure Storage (PSTG, $80,54, +32.24%) raised revenue guidance and completes $390 Million Share Buyback.

Snowflake (SNOW, $241, +20.27%) reported Q2 fiscal 2026 non-GAAP earnings of 35 cents/share nearly doubling the quarter from a year ago.

Mergers, Acquisitions & Buyouts

Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) completed its final day in the S&P 500, set to go private via a $10 billion buyout by Sycamore Partners.


Commodities & Cryptocurrencies Closing Prices

  • Gold: Closed at $3,476.80/oz, +.82%.
  • Silver: Ended at $39.705/oz, +1.26%,
  • Oil (WTI): Closed at $64.30/barrel, +.23%.
  • Bitcoin: Traded in the $112,075 range.

US Markets at a Glance: S&P 500 Soars, Small Caps Rebound, Tariff News & NVIDIA — ( $CURX $EPRX $INTC $MDB $ORCL $RIO $SPY Rise!)

Wall Street entered a new record territory with the S&P 500, as investors rotated into tech, software, and select cyclicals ahead of pivotal earnings. Tariff volatility, monetary policy uncertainty, and sector rotation continue to shape the last days of August trading. Yes indeed, the S&P 500 closed at another record high, climbing 0.24% to 6,481.40 as technology led a measured risk-on rebound ahead of Nvidia’s closely watched earnings. The Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced almost 0.32%, finishing at 45,565.23, buoyed by defensives and a firm rally in value names. The Nasdaq Composite added 0.21% to close at 21,590.14, underpinned by strength in large cap tech, while the Russell 2000 extended its recovery rising .64% to close at 2,373.80, reflecting a tentative shift into small-cap equities after recent underperformance.

Macroeconomic Reports

No major U.S. macroeconomic releases landed today, leaving investor attention fixed on upcoming growth data and the earnings calendar. Market sentiment was also swayed by the continued legal maneuvering over the White House’s move to dismiss Fed Governor Lisa Cook, keeping uncertainty around monetary policy in focus.

Federal Reserve, Yield Curve & Interest Rates

Expectations for a 25-basis-point interest rate cut in September remained central, with large brokerages and market pricing alike leaning dovish. New York Fed President Williams emphasized the need to watch forthcoming economic data before determining policy actions. The 2-year Treasury yield settled lower at 3.621% and the 10-year yield at 4.241%, -.027%.

Tariff and Trade News

The U.S. doubled tariffs on a range of Indian imports, pushing total duties as high as 50% on products spanning apparel, jewelry, footwear, and chemicals. Indian officials are poised to provide targeted support for exporters impacted by the latest escalation, while U.S. businesses face higher costs and further supply chain recalibration.

Corporate Headlines & Share Price Movements

NVIDIA closed at $18.60,-.09% ahead of earnings, as options markets signaled expectations of significant price movement. The AI leader’s market cap surged amid strong institutional buying, and Wall Street anticipates another blockbuster quarter in data center and software revenue. However after the close, Nvidia reported second quarter adjusted earnings per share of $1.05 compared to a $1.01 estimate. Revenue was $46.7 billion, which was just above the Bloomberg estimate of $46.2 billion. Data center revenue was slightly below estimates, $41.1 billion versus an expected $41.29 billion. The company said in the release that “there were no H20 sales to China-based customers in the second quarter.” NVDA stock is down ~3% in the aftermarket.

Tesla edged lower by .59% to close at $349.60.

Meta Platforms (META) closed at $747.38,-.89%.

McDonald’s (MCD, $311.43, -.48%). Pacsun, ‘the authority in emerging fashion’, recently partnered with the world’s most iconic restaurants to celebrate the highly anticipated homecoming of its beloved McDonaldland. Launched on August 12, the exclusive Pacsun x McDonaldland Collection features themed apparel and accessories, with Pacsun playing a pivotal role in bringing the campaign to life through immersive IRL and digital experiences.

Intel (INTC) climbed +2.05% to close at $24.85, benefiting from continued momentum in government investment and speculation regarding new foundry partnerships.

MongoDB (MDB) soared 38% after raising its full-year profit outlook, making it the session’s surprise standout in software. Learn more here.

Oracle (ORCL) gained modestly by +.68% to close at $235.81, recovering with other cloud and infrastructure names after last week’s selling eased.

Palantir Technologies (PLTR) fell another 2.58% today to close at $156.72,

Rio Tinto Group (RIO)  rose +.26% to close at $62.11, driven by firmer metals prices and relief that the latest tariffs did not target major mining exports.

IPO Activity (NYSE/Nasdaq)

M3-Brigade Acquisition VI Corp. (MBVI) debuted today at $10.00, ending flat, and kept the pace of 2025’s robust but closely watched IPO calendar. Recent issues such as Curanex Pharmaceuticals (CURX) closed up +15.92% at $4.66, while investor caution persists following mixed aftermarket results.

Commodities & Cryptocurrencies Closing Prices

  • Gold: Closed at $3,452.10/oz, +.56%.
  • Silver: Ended at $38.695/oz, +.23%,
  • Oil (WTI): Closed at $63.85/barrel, +.95%.
  • Bitcoin: Traded is trading the $112,505 range.
Tuesday’s Fed Drama and Tariff Warnings Guide Cautious Market Rebound Ahead of Nvidia Earnings – ( $GOVX $NVDA $PLTR $SATS $SMMT $SPY $TSLA Rise!)

Tuesday’s Fed Drama and Tariff Warnings Guide Cautious Market Rebound Ahead of Nvidia Earnings – ( $GOVX $NVDA $PLTR $SATS $SMMT $SPY $TSLA Rise!)

Today’s market action reflected a cautious yet constructive tone, as tech earnings and Washington’s influence over the Fed dictated direction. Equity sectors rotated with an eye on policy risk, while investors braced for a critical stretch of corporate and economic data releases. However, at the end of the day, U.S. equities closed in positive territory Tuesday, reversing early jitters after the surprise dismissal of Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook. The
S&P 500
gained 0.41% to finish at 6,465.94, powered by advances in technology and healthcare. The
Dow Jones Industrial Average
edged up 0.30%, closing at 45,318.07 after a choppy session. The
Nasdaq Composite
outperformed relatively, rising 0.44% to end at 21,544.27, anchored by a rebound in large-cap tech as traders positioned ahead of Nvidia’s highly anticipated earnings. The
Russell 2000
also rose a healthy 0.83%, as small caps benefited from a lower dollar and mild risk-on sentiment.

Macroeconomic Reports

August’s
Consumer Confidence Index
fell 1.3 points to 97.4, reflecting subdued sentiment amid persistent job market worries and fading income optimism. Both current and future business condition components weakened, and the Expectations Index remained below the 80 threshold that often signals recession risk. Preliminary
Durable Goods Orders
printed better than expected, but housing price data indicated continued softening as home affordability remains a systemic challenge.

Federal Reserve, Yield Curve & Interest Rates

Market sentiment was initially rattled by President Trump’s removal of Fed Governor Lisa Cook, which intensified concerns about political interference at the central bank. After intraday volatility, the policy outlook stabilized on expectations for a September rate cut, underpinned by recent dovish messaging from Chair Powell. Treasury yields ended with the 2-year at 3.683% and the 10-year at 4.268%, resulting in the yield curve edging lower.

Tariff and Trade News

Trade anxieties resurfaced as the White House threatened up to 200% tariffs on Chinese magnets unless a broader agreement is finalized, while floating additional levies targeting nations imposing digital taxes and tech regulation. The current U.S.–China trade pause, featuring 30% duties on most imports, remains in effect until November 10 pending further negotiations. The U.S.–EU digital trade agreement provoked fresh rhetoric but has not materially altered the near-term corporate tariff outlook.

Corporate Headlines & Share Price Movements

NVIDIA
(NVDA, $181.77, +1.08%) rose on the day as investors prepared for tomorrow’s earnings release, hoping for further evidence of AI-driven hardware strength despite ongoing supply chain and China risk.

Tesla
(TSLA, $351.67, +1.46%) posted modest gains, continuing its recent outperformance within the automaker cohort as analysts praised execution in both core vehicle and energy segments.

Meta Platforms (META, +.11%)
saw a narrow advance, aided by a rebound in AI names and stabilization of regulatory risk sentiment after last week’s pressure.

McDonald’s
(MCD, $312.94, -.16%) continued to benefit from defensive flows and retail excitement over its new BTS Happy Meal campaign, extending recent outperformance. The company is also launching a special edition of ‘Gold Sauce’ on sept. 3 that features a vinegary North Carolina VVQ sauce infused with notes of honey, smoke, & mustard.

Intel
(INTC) closed at $24.35.

Oracle
(ORCL, $234.21, -.51%)was essentially flat as investors consolidated positions following the pullback in tech and cloud stocks over the prior week

Palantir Technologies
stabilized after a sharp decline last week and closed at $160.87, +2.35%, as contract momentum and federal demand countered profit-taking pressures.

Rio Tinto Group (RIO) closed at $61.95, -.61%, as shares continue to be driven by broad-based commodity optimism and demonstrated capital discipline in the face of ongoing tariff headwinds.

Mergers, Acquisitions & Buyouts

AT&T (NYSE:T) has agreed to purchase certain wireless spectrum licenses from EchoStar (NASDAQ: SATS, $50.87, +70.25%) for a total of approximately $23 billion, subject to certain adjustments. AT&T and EchoStar have also agreed to enhance their long-term wholesale network services agreement, enabling EchoStar to operate as a hybrid mobile network operator (MNO) providing wireless service under the Boost Mobile brand. AT&T will be the primary network services partner to EchoStar as it continues to serve wireless customers.

IPO Activity (NYSE/Nasdaq)

Curanex Pharmaceuticals (CURX) completed its Nasdaq debut with limited fanfare. Mines Management (MGN) listed on the NYSE American, also trading quietly on modest volume. The IPO calendar remains busy, but aftermarket performance has been mixed.marketbeat

Commodities & Cryptocurrencies Closing Prices

  • Gold:
    Closed at $3,440.30/oz, +.67%.
  • Silver:
    Ended at $36.665/oz, -.10%,
  • Oil (WTI):
    Closed lower at $63.36/barrel, -2.22%.
  • Bitcoin:
    Traded is trading the $111,370 range.
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