Key Takeaways
- YouTube Star MrBeast’s Business Expansion: MrBeast is raising hundreds of millions at a $5 billion valuation to expand his business empire, including brands like Feastables and Lunchly. This move signifies a significant shift in the influence and financial power of digital content creators.
- Microsoft and AI Chip Export Curbs: Microsoft is urging the Trump team to ease AI chip export restrictions, warning that they could push key nations toward China. This is critical as it affects international tech relationships and U.S. competitiveness in the AI space.
- Booz Allen Hamilton Faces Budget Cuts: Booz Allen Hamilton, which earns 98% of its revenue from U.S. government contracts, is at risk as the Trump administration reviews $65 billion in federal spending. This could have major implications for federal contractors and the services they provide to the government.
- Microsoft to Shut Down Skype: Microsoft announced it will shut down Skype in May, urging users to switch to its free Teams app. This marks the end of an era for one of the pioneering platforms in online communication, reflecting the evolving landscape of digital communication tools.
- U.S. Record Trade Deficit and New Tariffs: The U.S. hit a record $1.2 trillion goods trade deficit in 2024, leading to Trump pushing for new tariffs, including 25% duties on Canada and Mexico. This significant trade policy could have a profound impact on international trade relations and economic strategies.
IPO’s in the week
- Fifth Era Acquisition Corp I, trading under the symbol FERAU on Nasdaq, operates as a blank check company. It plans to merge, acquire assets, or reorganize businesses, with an IPO price set at $10.00 for 20,000,000 shares on February 28, 2025.
- Live Oak Acquisition V, trading as LOKVU on Nasdaq, is a blank check company formed to facilitate mergers, acquisitions, reorganizations, or similar business combinations across any industry. The company’s IPO is priced at $10.00 for 20,000,000 shares, scheduled for February 28, 2025.
- NewHold Investment Corp III, listed as NHICU on Nasdaq, is a blank check company or SPAC designed to execute mergers, acquisitions, reorganizations, or similar business combinations. The IPO is set at $10.00 per share for 17,500,000 shares, slated for February 28, 2025.
- Luda Technology Group Limited, trading under the symbol LUD on NYSE American, completed its IPO by issuing 2,500,000 ordinary shares at $4.00 each, raising total gross proceeds of $10 million. The company, which manufactures and trades stainless steel and carbon steel flanges and fittings, successfully launched its IPO on February 27, 2025.
- LZ Technology Holdings Limited, listed as LZMH on Nasdaq, operates in the information technology and advertising sectors through its subsidiaries in China. The company focuses on three main verticals: Smart Community, Out-of-Home Advertising, and Local Life. Its IPO is set at $4.00 per share for 1,800,000 shares, scheduled for February 27, 2025.
- Rithm Acquisition Corp., trading as RAC.UT on the NYSE, is a public acquisition vehicle sponsored by an affiliate of Rithm Capital Corp. The company aims to target businesses in the financial services and real estate sectors, leveraging the extensive investment and operational experience of its management and Rithm Capital. The IPO is priced at $10.00 per share with an offering of 20,000,000 shares, set for February 27, 2025.
- Webus International Limited, listed under the symbol WETO on Nasdaq, is a leading provider of AI-driven mobility solutions, specializing in premium, customizable chauffeur services worldwide. The company’s IPO is priced at $4.00 per share with an offering of 2,000,000 shares, scheduled for February 27, 2025
Markets this week
- The S&P 500 Index fell 72.19 points (1.20%) this week.
- The Russell 1000 Index fell 4.32 points (1.31%) during the week.
- The Russell 2000 Index dropped 37.64 points (1.71%) over the week.
- The CBOE Index gained 1.55 points (8.57%) this week.
- Bitcoin (USD) dropped 11,904.95 points (12.37%) over the five-day trading period.
- Ethereum (USD) fell 582.55 points (20.65%) over the five-day trading period.
- Gold dropped $65.80 (2.24%) over the week.
- Silver declined $1.13 (3.44%) over the week.
- WTI (West Texas Intermediate) rose $0.15 (0.21%) over the week.
- Brent Crude Oil declined $0.71 (0.96%) over the week.
- YouTube star MrBeast is raising hundreds of millions at a $5 billion valuation to expand his business empire, including brands like Feastables and Lunchly.
- Google cut fewer than 100 employees in its cloud division to focus on business growth and AI investment.
- Microsoft urges the Trump team to ease AI chip export curbs, warning they could push key nations toward China.
- Booz Allen Hamilton, which gets 98% of its revenue from U.S. government contracts, faces potential cuts as the Trump administration reviews $65 billion in federal spending.
- Military-tech startups are competing for Pentagon contracts as the Trump administration shifts defense spending, challenging traditional contractors.
- Microsoft will shut down Skype in May, urging users to switch to its free Teams app as the once-dominant platform fades amid growing competition.
- As the AI rally cools, investors are shifting to healthcare stocks for stability and steady growth amid economic uncertainty and Trump’s tariff policies.
- The gaming industry bets on a new Nintendo Switch and Grand Theft Auto sequel to drive growth, but success hinges on timely releases and strong performance.
- Bitcoin adoption is surging as investors see it as a hedge against U.S. debt, with growing institutional backing and a rising share of the crypto market.
- The U.S. hit a record $1.2 trillion goods trade deficit in 2024, prompting Trump to push for new tariffs, including 25% duties on Canada and Mexico.
- Investor interest in AI-driven power stocks is shifting from nuclear to natural gas, as regulatory scrutiny pushes data centers toward more flexible energy sources.
- Wall Street’s structured finance boom continues, with asset-backed securities set to exceed $335 billion this year.
- Stocks in countries Trump targets are rising, while U.S. tech giants, including Tesla, are struggling. The shift is driven by stimulus hopes and a slowing U.S. economy.
Politics Weekly
- The U.S. will impose a 25% tariff on Canadian and Mexican imports starting March 4, reaffirming its trade stance.
- The U.S. is imposing a new 10% tariff on Chinese imports starting March 4, affecting billions in trade and further escalating tensions between the two economies.
- U.S. tariffs on China may hurt the economy more than reported, as New York Fed data suggests imports fell by only 2.5% instead of the 8.2% shown in U.S. statistics.
- Iran refuses nuclear talks with the U.S., condemning Trump’s sanctions and pressure tactics.
- The U.S. is boosting egg imports and farm aid to tackle soaring prices amid a record avian flu outbreak.
- Friedrich Merz takes charge as Germany’s leader, facing economic challenges and EU security concerns amid U.S. tensions.
- At South Africa’s first G-20 presidency, discussions focus on defense spending, with some nations cutting development aid.
- Trump’s push for European self-defense is driving the EU to secure billions in new military funding, marking its biggest security shift since the Cold War.
- U.S. lawmakers revive a bill to authorize UK trade talks as Starmer visits the White House, allowing negotiations until 2029.
- Trump plans to revoke Chevron’s license in Venezuela, forcing the company to exit within six months and potentially disrupting the nation’s economic recovery.
- Thailand deported 40 Uyghur asylum seekers to China, sparking international condemnation over human rights concerns.
- Russia’s envoy is courting U.S. business leaders, including Elon Musk, to push for a Ukraine deal favorable to the Kremlin, hinting at lucrative opportunities.
- Romania lifted travel restrictions on social media influencer Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan despite facing rape and human trafficking charges, allowing them to visit the U.S.
- Trump and Zelensky’s meeting collapsed after a heated exchange over Russia, canceling a mineral-rights deal and straining U.S.-Ukraine ties.
- Trump plans to sign an executive order making English the official U.S. language, a first in the nation’s history.
- Keir Starmer warns Europe of the “brutal reality”, urging increased defense spending to uphold transatlantic ties after Zelenskiy talks.
Technology Advancements this week
- Trio Unexpectedly Linked to AT&T Data Hack and Sale Attempt Live Nation and Advance Auto Parts Also Victims of Hacking US Seeks Extradition of a Hacker from Canada.
- Microsoft, Amazon, Nvidia Call on Trump to Modify Chip Export Restrictions Current Regulation Affects Countries Including Israel and UAE Firms Argue the Policy May Offer China a Competitive Edge.
- Microsoft Exposes Hackers Selling Tools to Circumvent AI Safety Measures Hackers from the US and Abroad Offered Access to These Tools, Leading to the Creation of Harmful Content, According to Microsoft.
- Amazon Set to Launch New Alexa Devices This Fall, CEO Announces Devices Will Assist Users in Booking Oven Repairs, Closing Curtains CEO Jassy Notes Chip and Power Shortages Are Hindering Cloud Expansion.
- OpenAI Unveils GPT-4.5, Enhancing Writing and Coding Capabilities The startup encountered challenges while developing the AI system last year.
- Trump Administration Aims to Strengthen Biden’s Chip Restrictions Against China US, Dutch, and Japanese Officials Discuss Chip Equipment Maintenance Trump’s Team Considers Further Restrictions on Nvidia and Sanctions on Chinese Firms.
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