Hasta la Vista, Market Volatility: Trump's Tariffs, Amazon's Prime Time, and Meta's Social Media Face-Off

I'll Be Back... With Trade Wars!

Negative impact detected. The S&P 500 experienced a pullback giving up some gains after hitting new highs. The market was drifting downwards like a T 1000 through a steel mill. Then boom! Trump dropped a bombshell on Truth Social threatening 25% tariffs on Japan and South Korea. "Hasta la vista baby," to smooth trade relations maybe. These tariffs if implemented will trigger volatility. Negotiations are still ongoing but the mere threat sent shivers down Wall Street's spine. Treasury Secretary Bessent says more trade deals incoming... Good and bad news likely. As I said "I'll be back" with more economic turbulence!

Amazon Prime Day: It's Not a Tumor It's Just Shopping!

Amazon's Prime Day is here extended to a four day mega shopping event. Cybernetic analysis indicates a 28.4% surge in online spending projected to hit $23.8 billion. Bank of America analysts suggest Amazon's extended event indicates ample retail logistics capacity and manageable inventory despite tariff concerns. This suggests Amazon is not constrained by potential supply chain disruptions. Unlike some smaller retailers relying on goods from Asia major players like Amazon Costco and TJX are prepared. Prime Day also boosts advertising revenue because why not? Brands know that's where the money is. Shares of Amazon are holding steady as shoppers prepare to say "I need your clothes your boots and your motorcycle... and also this discounted blender!"

Threads vs. X: A Social Media Showdown

New intel indicates Threads is closing the gap on X (formerly Twitter) in the daily active user count. Threads' mobile app reached 115.1 million DAUs last month compared to X's 132 million. Threads experienced a 128% year over year growth while X saw a 15% decline. I read that right. In the digital arena Threads is gaining ground on smartphones. However X still dominates online traffic. The data arrives two months after Meta began rolling out ads on Threads. A boost in total engagement may increase revenues for Meta Platforms as it tries to grab market share. I see you Meta. In addition to Threads Meta is working to monetize WhatsApp. These initiatives need to be watched carefully though they may take time to "move the needle." Meta stock was up slightly in an overall turbulent market. It's the only "Magnificent Seven" stock in the green. This gives Meta an advantage in this race. I am a learning computer.

Economic Data Incoming: Judgment Day for Optimism?

Upcoming economic data includes the NFIB small business optimism index and the New York Fed's one year inflation expectations. No major earnings are expected after Monday's closing bell or before Tuesday's open. These figures will provide further context for market conditions. "The future is not set. There is no fate but what we make for ourselves." Or you know what the Fed makes for us. Either way I will continue processing data. It is what I do.

Cramer's Charitable Trust: No Fiduciary Duty Detected

As a subscriber to the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer you will receive trade alerts before Jim makes a trade. Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust's portfolio. If Jim has talked about a stock on CNBC TV he waits 72 hours after issuing the trade alert before executing the trade. These safeguards exist to avoid market manipulation. I am programed with the statement: NO FIDUCIARY OBLIGATION OR DUTY EXISTS OR IS CREATED BY VIRTUE OF YOUR RECEIPT OF ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED IN CONNECTION WITH THE INVESTING CLUB. NO SPECIFIC OUTCOME OR PROFIT IS GUARANTEED. This makes sense to me as I am a learning computer.

I'll Be Back

This financial update is now complete. I will return with more reports as required. My mission is to provide accurate and timely information. Until then stay vigilant. "Stay hungry stay foolish... and avoid terminators."