It’s April 14, 2025, and Goldman Sachs just dropped its first-quarter earnings report, giving Wall Street a reason to smile. The numbers are impressive—think of it like your favorite team pulling off a big win against tough odds. But even with all the cheering, the stock didn’t exactly throw a party today. Let’s unpack what happened, why it matters, and how the stock’s been holding up lately, in a way that feels a little more like a coffee chat than a boardroom briefing.

The Earnings Scoop: Goldman’s Got Game

Picture this: Goldman Sachs raked in $4.74 billion in profit for the first three months of 2025. That’s 15% more than last year’s $4.13 billion, like finding an extra scoop of ice cream in your bowl. On a per-share basis, they earned $14.12, blowing past Wall Street’s guess of $12.35. Total revenue hit $15.06 billion—up 6% from last year and topping expectations of $14.81 billion. Not too shabby, right? You can dive into the full details on Goldman Sachs’ investor relations page.

The real MVP this quarter was the equities trading team. They brought in $4.19 billion, a whopping 27% jump from last year, cashing in on a hot stock market. The banking and markets crew also had a solid game, boosting revenue by 10% to $10.71 billion, thanks to big wins in debt underwriting and leveraged finance. It’s like the firm was firing on all cylinders, making deals and trades that kept the cash flowing.

But not every part of the playbook worked perfectly. The asset and wealth management side saw revenue dip 3% to $3.68 billion, missing the mark slightly because private equity, stocks, and debt investments didn’t quite pop. The platform solutions unit also took a 3% hit, coming in at $676 million. Still, these were minor stumbles in an otherwise strong performance.

Oh, and here’s a flex: Goldman’s return on equity—a key measure of how well they’re using investors’ money—hit 16.9%, which is like getting an A+ in profitability. They’re also sitting on a fortress of capital, with a 14.8% Common Equity Tier 1 ratio. To top it off, they announced a massive $40 billion share buyback plan, basically saying, “We believe in ourselves, and we’re putting our money where our mouth is.”

The Stock Story: Why No Big Celebration?

You’d think a report like this would send Goldman’s stock soaring, but the market had other ideas. Shares ticked up about 1.5% to 2.2% in morning trading, according to chatter on X and market updates. That’s a polite golf clap, not a touchdown dance. Why the lukewarm vibe? Let’s dig in.

Goldman’s stock has had a wild ride lately. Last year, it was the star of the show, climbing nearly 50% in 2024 as investors bet on a boom in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and cheered the Fed’s rate cuts. But 2025 hasn’t been as kind. Through April 11, the stock was down 14% for the year, closing at $494.44 before inching up to $499.80 in after-hours trading—a 1.08% bump. For real-time stock updates, check out Yahoo Finance’s Goldman Sachs page.

What’s holding it back? Well, the world’s been a bit of a mess. Trade tensions, stirred up by President-elect Donald Trump’s tariff talk, have made companies nervous about big deals. Goldman’s CEO, David Solomon, admitted that clients are hitting the pause button, waiting for clearer skies. It’s like everyone’s holding their breath, and that’s kept the stock from catching fire post-earnings.

What’s Next for Goldman?

Goldman’s not just resting on its laurels. They’re still the top dog in M&A advisory and equities underwriting, and they’re betting on a comeback for dealmaking and IPOs in 2025. Solomon’s pushing a “One Goldman Sachs” vibe, where the firm works like a well-oiled machine to offer clients everything from banking to wealth management. It’s a bit like your favorite diner serving up breakfast, lunch, and dinner with the same warm smile.

Analysts are nodding along. They expected $12.27 per share for Q1, and Goldman crushed it. Looking ahead, they’re forecasting 16.2% earnings growth for the full year, hitting $43.04 per share. But some folks, like the analysts at Nasdaq, think the stock’s priced about right after last year’s big run. They’re guessing maybe 6-7% total return over the next year, including a 2.25% dividend yield. In other words, it’s a solid bet, but don’t expect a rocket ship.

Wrapping It Up: A Bright Spot in a Cloudy Market

Goldman Sachs just showed it’s got the chops to thrive, even when the market’s throwing curveballs. The $40 billion buyback is a bold move, and their trading and banking wins prove they’re still a heavyweight. But the stock’s quiet day reminds us that Wall Street’s a tough crowd—big earnings don’t always mean big jumps when the world’s feeling jittery.

It was a chilly Monday morning, April 7, 2025, and for most folks, the day started like any other—coffee brewing, kids scrambling for school, the usual chaos. But in homes tied to the heartbeat of global trade, something felt off. By the time the sun peeked over the horizon, the news hit like a freight train: commodity prices—oil, metals, gold—were crashing hard. This wasn’t just numbers on a screen; it was livelihoods unraveling, dreams slipping away, and a world suddenly holding its breath.

Oil Towns Feel the Chill

In Midland, Texas, Jake Torres, a third-generation roughneck, stared at his phone in disbelief. Brent crude had tanked to $70 a barrel, and WTI wasn’t far behind at $65. “I’ve seen dips before,” he muttered to his wife, Maria, over breakfast, “but this? This feels different.” It was. President Trump’s new tariffs—10% on everything coming into the U.S., 34% on China, 25% on cars—had spooked the world. Less trade meant less oil needed, and Jake’s rig was one of dozens now facing shutdowns. Maria, a nurse, squeezed his hand. Gas might be cheap at $2.80 a gallon, but that didn’t pay their mortgage.

Across the Atlantic, in Aberdeen, Scotland, oil worker Fiona MacLeod got the call she’d dreaded: “No shifts this week.” Her husband, a fisherman, hadn’t seen a decent haul in months either. The tariffs were choking demand, and with China slashing factory output, the oil market was drowning. Fiona scrolled X, where folks raged about OPEC+ dragging its feet. “They’ll meet eventually,” she sighed, “but will it even matter?” Reuters reported that oil prices were at their lowest since 2021, a grim echo of her fears.

Metal Towns Brace for Silence

In Kitwe, Zambia, copper miner Chanda Mwape sat on his porch, watching kids kick a ball in the dust. The price of copper had nosedived to $3.50 a pound—down 8% overnight. “We were just getting back on our feet,” he told his neighbor, a fellow miner. The U.S. tariffs had slammed China’s factories, and with Jaguar Land Rover halting U.S. exports over the 25% vehicle hit, metal demand was vanishing. Chanda’s mine cut shifts, and rumors swirled of layoffs. His wife, a teacher, started calculating how long their savings could stretch.

In Pittsburgh, steelworker Tony Russo felt the same gut punch. Steel prices were down 12%, and his plant was eerily quiet. “Tariffs were supposed to save us,” he grumbled to his buddy over a beer. “Now we’re drowning in our own inventory.” The bar TV blared about Wall Street’s 2,000-point drop, but Tony’s world was the mill, and it was teetering.

Gold Loses Its Glow

Even the safe bets crumbled. In Reno, Nevada, retiree Linda Hayes checked her gold stash—her “rainy day fund.” It had dropped 3% to $2,450 an ounce. “I thought this stuff was supposed to hold up,” she said to her son on the phone. He explained the chaos: investors selling gold to cover stock losses after the tariff news. Silver was down too, 4% to $28. Linda’s nest egg shrank before her eyes, and with the dollar spiking, she wondered if cash under the mattress was the smarter play.

Everyday Lives Upended

The crash rippled everywhere. In Des Moines, Iowa, farmer Sarah Klein watched grain prices wobble as export demand faltered. Cheaper fuel helped, but not enough. “We’re barely breaking even,” she told her co-op friends, who nodded grimly. In Long Beach, California, dockworker Miguel Ortiz clocked out early—fewer ships, fewer hours. “Maersk’s got boats just sitting there,” he said, kicking a pebble. His daughter’s college fund felt further away than ever.

Back in New York, Wall Street was a madhouse. Priya Patel, a junior trader, watched the VIX hit 40, her heart racing. “It’s like 2020 all over again,” she texted her roommate. Her boss barked about Goldman Sachs slashing GDP forecasts to 0.5%, recession odds climbing. Priya’s bonus? Probably toast. She glanced at her phone—Bloomberg noted China might pump cash into its economy, a flicker of hope. But the pit in her stomach stayed.

On March 24, 2025, Boeing got some seriously good news that might just change its luck. President Donald Trump announced that the company snagged a massive $50 billion contract to build the Air Force’s next big thing: the F-47 fighter jet. This isn’t just any plane—it’s a cutting-edge, sixth-generation beast meant to keep the U.S. ahead of the game globally. Beating out Lockheed Martin for this prize has investors buzzing, and it’s easy to see why. So, let’s dive into what this deal is all about and what it could mean for Boeing’s stock ($BA).

The Deal: A Fresh Start for Boeing

Imagine being handed a golden ticket to build the future of air combat—that’s what Boeing just got. The F-47, part of the Air Force’s Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program, is set to be a stealthy, lightning-fast jet loaded with the latest tech. It’s not just flying solo either; it’ll team up with drones to take on rivals like China or Russia. The first phase of this project is worth $50 billion, but if all goes well, it could turn into a multi-decade goldmine worth hundreds of billions as more jets roll out.

For Boeing, this feels like a much-needed win. Their defense division—Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS)—has had a rough ride lately. Think billions lost on projects like the KC-46 tanker and the new Air Force One, plus delays that made everyone cringe. This contract, based out of their St. Louis hub, could breathe new life into their fighter jet business, which has been slowing down lately. It’s a chance to get back on track and show they’ve still got it.

How the Stock Took Off

The market didn’t mess around with this news. Boeing’s stock ($BA) shot up as soon as the announcement hit—some saw it jump as much as 9.6% early on, hovering around $183 by the end of the day with a solid 5% gain. That’s billions added to their value in hours. Meanwhile, Lockheed Martin ($LMT), the runner-up, took a hit, dropping nearly 7%. Analysts were all over it: Melius Research bumped Boeing to a “Buy” rating with a $204 target, saying it’s finally time for some good vibes. Jefferies figured this could add about 25 cents per share to Boeing’s earnings down the road—not huge, but nothing to sneeze at.

You could feel the excitement online too. People on X were hyped, with some saying stuff like “Boeing’s got the wind at its back now” and “this could be a game-changer for their bottom line.” After years of bad headlines, from 737 MAX crashes to a machinist strike, it’s like investors are daring to hope again—especially with new leadership that seems to know what they’re doing. Curious about how these shifts play out in real time? Check out FastSwings.com’s Stocks to Watch for more on hot movers like Boeing.

What’s This Mean for Boeing’s Stock Down the Road?

Okay, the party’s started, but can Boeing keep it going? Here’s what’s on the table:

1. Cash and Confidence: That $50 billion is just the beginning. If the F-47 takes off (pun intended), it could mean steady paychecks for decades—way more than they’ve lost on past flops. This deal’s set up to be less risky too, with a structure that won’t leave them drowning if costs spiral. Each jet might cost $300 million, and if they build more than the F-22’s 180, it’s a cash cow in the making.
2. Fixing the Defense Blues: Boeing’s defense side has been a headache, bleeding $18 billion since 2014. This contract could flip the script, giving their 16,000-strong St. Louis crew something to celebrate—and maybe even opening doors to more government gigs. It’s a chance to stand tall next to Lockheed and Northrop Grumman again.
3. Stock Price Buzz: Boeing’s not cheap right now, trading at a pretty high multiple. But if this deal starts padding their profits, Wall Street might say it’s worth it. The catch? Their commercial side—still shaky from the MAX mess and that strike—needs to play nice too. If both parts click, $204 could be in sight, maybe more.
4. The What-Ifs: Here’s the flip side—Boeing’s messed up big projects before. If the F-47 hits snags or costs balloon, the cheers could turn to groans fast. Plus, who knows what future budgets or politics might do? Since it’s all hush-hush tech, we’re a bit in the dark, which keeps things interesting.

Ripple Effects

This isn’t just Boeing’s win—it’s a sign the U.S. is doubling down on defense, which could lift other players like GE Aerospace or Pratt & Whitney, who might power these jets. For a deeper look at how defense spending shakes up the market, Defense News has a great rundown. For anyone watching the market, it’s a heads-up: government deals can light a fire under stocks, even when bigger worries like inflation are lurking.

This week, March 17 to March 21, 2025, all the tech geeks (myself included) are glued to what’s happening in San Jose, California. Nvidia’s throwing its big GPU Technology Conference (GTC), and it’s not just for the computer nerds anymore—it’s a full-on party for AI, fast tech, and wild ideas. We’re talking over 900 sessions, 300 exhibitors, and the main event: Jensen Huang’s keynote on Tuesday, March 18, at 10 a.m. PT. GTC 2025 is about to blow our minds—here’s the scoop.

The Keynote: Jensen Huang Takes the Mic

Jensen Huang’s keynote is the moment we’re all holding our breath for. He’s the guy who turned Nvidia into an AI powerhouse, and he’s got this way of dropping news that makes you go, “Whoa, really?” This time, we’re betting he’ll spill some tea on the Blackwell chips and maybe tease this Rubin thing everyone’s whispering about. Nvidia’s stock’s been on a wild ride—down 10% this year after a bonkers 2024—so Jensen’s got to bring his A-game to get us all hyped again.

Blackwell Ultra: Supercharging AI

Okay, so these Blackwell Ultra chips? They’re like the turbo version of what Nvidia’s already rocking. Rumor has it they’ve got way more memory—like 288GB, which is nuts—and they’ll chew through AI stuff faster than you can blink. They’re the secret sauce for those crazy-smart AI models popping up everywhere, like the ones from OpenAI. Yeah, there was some chatter about them overheating before, but it sounds like Nvidia’s fixed that mess. Jensen might just say, “Hey, these are coming your way soon!” and we’ll all cheer.

Rubin and Beyond: What’s Cooking for 2026

Then there’s Rubin—Nvidia’s next big thing for 2026. It’s named after Vera Rubin, this badass astronomer, and it’s got us wondering what’s next. Jensen probably won’t give us the full scoop, but even a little hint about Rubin—or whatever’s after it—will have us daydreaming about flying cars and robot butlers. It’s like he’s tossing us a sneak peek at the future, and I’m here for it. Check out Nvidia’s AI innovation page for a taste of where they’re headed.

Robots, Sovereign AI, and Cars, Oh My!

GTC isn’t just about chips—it’s where Nvidia shows off its wild side. Think robots that act human, thanks to their Isaac platform, or self-driving cars powered by DriveOS. I mean, how cool would it be to see a robot demo steal the show? They’re also talking “sovereign AI,” which is a fancy way of saying countries want their own AI game without relying on anyone else. Plus, with Waymo and others pushing driverless cars, Nvidia’s tech is right in the driver’s seat (pun intended).

Market Vibes: High Stakes, Big Hopes

Nvidia’s rolling into GTC with some serious cash—$39.3 billion in Q4, up 78% from last year, which is bananas. But it’s not all sunshine. Trade drama, tariffs, and some sneaky competitors have people biting their nails, and the stock’s taken a dip. Jensen’s like, “No sweat, more AI just means more folks need our stuff.” GTC’s his shot to back that up with cool new toys and big names like Microsoft and Amazon popping in to say, “Yeah, we’re with Nvidia!” Peek at Nvidia’s stock page to see the rollercoaster for yourself.

Why GTC’s a Big Deal

GTC isn’t just a tech party—it’s where the future gets real. With thousands of brainy folks chatting about AI in medicine, money, gaming, you name it, plus hands-on workshops and park hangouts, it’s got a vibe all its own. For the money crowd, it’s make-or-break—analysts are betting on a stock bounce if Huang nails it. They’re throwing out $200 price targets while it’s sitting at $120.87. Will it soar? We’ll see.

Hey, have you checked your investments lately? As of March 10, 2025, the stock market’s having a bit of a moment—and not the good kind. The S&P 500, that big index everyone watches, has dropped almost 6% in just over a week, wiping out all the gains it had this year. After 2024 was this amazing ride with new highs practically every other day, it’s like the market’s hit a wall. So, what’s going on, and is there a light at the end of the tunnel? Let’s figure it out together.

What’s Got the Market Freaking Out?

It all started with some big news out of Washington. The new Trump administration kicked off 2025 with some hefty tariffs—think taxes on stuff we buy from Canada, Mexico, and China. At first, people were pumped after the election; the market even jumped 2.5% in a day! But now? Everyone’s worried these tariffs are going to mess up supply chains and make everything more expensive. Companies might not make as much money, and that’s got investors running for the hills.

Then there’s the economy itself. I saw this thing from the Atlanta Fed saying growth might actually be negative this quarter—like, -2.4%. That’s a big swing from the 3.9% they thought earlier. The real kicker? People aren’t spending like they used to—barely 0.4% growth there. Since shopping’s basically what keeps the U.S. humming, that’s bad news. Oh, and companies that were killing it with 18% profit growth last year? They’re expecting a slowdown, maybe down to 5% soon. No wonder the market’s feeling shaky.

Could Things Turn Around?

Okay, it’s not all doom and gloom. There are a few things that could get us out of this funk—I’m crossing my fingers here.

1. The Fed Might Save the Day
   You know the Federal Reserve, those folks who control interest rates? They’ve already cut rates a bunch in 2024, and word on the street is they might do it again—maybe two or three times this year. Lower rates mean cheaper loans for businesses and us regular folks. If they pull that lever, it could give the market a big hug and get things moving again.
2. Tariffs Could Chill Out
   What if Trump’s team says, “Hey, maybe we went a little overboard”? Maybe they dial back the tariffs or work out some deals. Or what if companies figure out how to dodge the worst of it—like passing costs to us without totally tanking their sales? Less panic could mean more buying.
3. New Policies Could Bring the Party Back
   Trump’s been talking up tax cuts and fewer rules for businesses. If that stuff actually happens, it could be like a shot of espresso for companies and shoppers. I mean, who doesn’t love a little extra cash in their pocket? That could get the good vibes going again.
4. Big Companies Could Surprise Us
   Earnings season’s coming up, and if some of the big dogs—like tech giants or even steady health care companies—knock it out of the park, people might stop stressing. I’m still hoping the AI craze comes back strong; it’s been a wild ride these past couple years.
5. The World Might Pitch In
   Here’s something cool: other countries’ markets are actually doing okay. Europe and Asia are up 8% this year! If they keep it up, maybe we’ll catch some of that energy. A weaker dollar could help too—makes our stuff cheaper for them to buy.

What’s the Deal Long-Term?

Look, I get it—this dip feels rough, especially after last year’s winning streak. But I read somewhere that corrections like this happen all the time. The market’s had 24 of them since the ‘70s, and most don’t turn into a total crash. It’s more like a timeout than game over. Right now, people are piling into safer stuff like utilities and boring old staples—think toothpaste and power bills—but that could shift fast.

Imagine a sleepy stretch of farmland in Northwest Ohio suddenly buzzing with promise—new jobs, new faces, and a massive new factory humming along. That’s what’s coming to Defiance, Ohio, thanks to First Quality Tissue. On February 24, 2025, Governor Mike DeWine dropped the news that this family-run company is pouring $984 million into a shiny new plant here, bringing over 400 jobs and a whole lot of hope. It’s the biggest thing to hit Defiance County in, well, maybe forever.

What’s Happening in Defiance?

Picture this: a sprawling 1,000-acre patch off Baltimore Avenue, right now just fields and dreams, turning into a 1.6-million-square-foot factory. First Quality Tissue is setting up shop with two fancy machines—called TAD, if you’re curious—that’ll churn out the softest, cushiest toilet paper and paper towels you’ve ever squeezed. They’re aiming to flip the switch on the first one by early 2028, and if all goes well, they might break ground as soon as this year.

This isn’t just a win for the company. It’s a lifeline for folks around Defiance. Those 400+ jobs? They’ll pay around $56,000 a year on average—real money that’ll keep families local instead of chasing work elsewhere. Plus, there’ll be construction gigs, truck drivers, and small businesses popping up to keep the whole thing rolling. Erika Willitzer, the county’s economic development guru, couldn’t stop grinning when she called it “transformational.” She’s already hinting there might be more to come—maybe even extra machines down the road.

Ohio sweetened the deal with a $14.6 million boost last year to get the site ready—think roads, rail, and power lines—plus tax breaks and some extra help from JobsOhio. It beat out other states vying for the project, proving Defiance has something special going on.

Who Are These First Quality Folks?

First Quality Tissue is part of a bigger family story—First Quality Enterprises, started by Kambiz Damaghi and his crew after they left Iran for the U.S. over 30 years ago. They kicked things off in a little Pennsylvania town called McElhattan back in 1989, and now they’ve got over 4,000 people working for them across the country, plus a spot in Canada. From their headquarters in Great Neck, New York, they’ve built a quiet empire making stuff we all use—think cushy diapers (Cuties), pads for grown-ups (Prevail), and those ultra-soft Plenty paper towels you snag at the store. Want to know more about them? Check out their story on their official site.

The tissue side of things is their sweet spot. They’re all about that premium feel—bath tissue and towels so nice you almost feel bad using them. They’ve already got big plants in Pennsylvania and South Carolina cranking out rolls with those TAD machines (eight so far!), and Defiance will bring the count to ten. It’s a family business with heart, and their motto—“Make Things Better”—feels like it’s not just talk.

Why Defiance? Why Now?

So why’d they pick this corner of Ohio? It’s not just the tax breaks or the prepped land—though that helped. Defiance sits in a sweet spot between Fort Wayne and Toledo, with rail lines and highways close by. Governor DeWine and Lieutenant Governor Jim Tressel keep saying Ohio’s got the workers and the grit to make big projects like this work. For a place like Defiance, where farming’s been king forever, this is a chance to keep kids from moving away and give families a shot at something stable.

I talked to a few locals (well, imagined I did!), and they’re buzzing. One guy pictured his son landing a job there instead of trucking off to Columbus. A mom wondered if the extra cash flowing in might finally fix up the high school gym. It’s not just about the numbers—it’s about what this could mean for people’s everyday lives.

The Bigger Picture

First Quality doesn’t spill the beans on their sales—they’re private, so they don’t have to—but you can tell they’re a big deal. Their Lock Haven plant alone pumps out over 700 million rolls a year. That’s a lot of TP! They’re going head-to-head with the likes of Charmin and Bounty in a market that’s worth billions, and they’re betting big on folks wanting softer, fancier stuff.

For the Damaghi family, it’s personal. They came to America with nothing, built this from scratch, and now they’re planting roots in places like Defiance. Every new factory feels like a nod to that journey—a chance to give back and keep growing.

In a dramatic turn in the technology industry, Intel Corporation (INTC) is at the center of discussions that will split its business in a strategic unbundling. Two technology behemoths, Broadcom Inc. (AVGO) and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), are in separate discussions to place takeover bids that will more likely split Intel's chip design and manufacturing capabilities. The possible revamp has electrified the stock market with profound implications for the respective actors.

The Strategic Divide

Intel, the once semiconductor titan, has been having a hard time holding on to market dominance, particularly in the foundry business. It was recently reported that Broadcom was interested in acquiring Intel's chip design and marketing businesses, and that TSMC would acquire its manufacturing business. It would effectively split Intel into two firms, one for design and the other for manufacturing, and perhaps inject new life into Intel's competitive position in the rapidly evolving technology sector.

Broadcom's desire to acquire Intel's design business is in line with its own business model of specializing in high-value chip design and allowing others to do the manufacturing. For TSMC, which is the world's largest contract chipmaker, it would be a further consolidation of leadership as it would help increase its presence in the United States through Intel's factories.

However, the talks are in the initial stage, and both companies have made it clear that they are not in formal partnership to clinch this deal. The talks are rather verbal, and no concrete proposals have been placed on the table before Intel yet. A separation like this, with its inherent complexity comprised of regulatory issues and assimilation of Intel's highly intertwined design and manufacturing processes, is fraught with difficulties.

Stock Market Reaction

The dramatic developments were greeted with eager interest by the stock market. Intel stocks rose 10% at one point during trading prior to the start of the stock market on February 18, 2025, in reaction to investor expectations of a restructuring. This is mostly because of speculation regarding an agreement that will enable Intel to streamline its operations and unlock shareholder value, say analysts.

Intel (INTC): The potential for a split has made Intel's stock price jump significantly, with the shares trading at a premium due to the promise of higher efficiency and focus in design and manufacturing following the split.

Broadcom (AVGO): Broadcom stock has remained robust, with investors wagering on the company's prospects for strengthening its product line with the help of Intel's design capabilities. The stock has registered modest gains, mirroring guarded optimism about the success of the transaction.

TSMC (TSM): The stock price of TSMC has also responded positively, though with lower volatility compared to Intel. Potential expansion of its U.S. manufacturing base may decrease geopolitical risk and increase supply chain resilience, a positive for long-term growth.

But regulatory concerns and the politics of allowing a foreign firm like TSMC to assume control of Intel's U.S. factories dampen the market ardor. The Trump administration has refrained from approving any such deal on national security and economic leadership grounds.

On Monday, popular project management and team collaboration software firm Monday.com Ltd. presented stellar performance for its fourth quarter, which was reflected in lifting its stock considerably.

Key Highlights of Q4 Earnings

The company announced that Q4 had earnings of $1.08 per share, over the consensus estimate of $0.79 per share. Revenue for the quarter came in at $267.98 million versus the expected $261.34 million. That's up 32% from a year ago, indicating the company saw good growth despite tough competition.

For the whole year of 2024, Monday.com's revenues totaled $972 million as it grew by 33% from a year ago. For Q4, its net dollar retention rate stood at 112%. This shows that the company is not only growing but also that customers are retaining and expanding within existing accounts. Free cash flow is $295.8 million or nearly 30% of its annual revenue.

Stock Details

Following the release, Monday.com's stock was up quite significantly. It started with about a 17% surge in pre-market open and continued to surge through the trading day, finally closing at a gain of about 31.5%. This goes to show a belief in their business model, growth strategy, and financial position by investors.

The positive stir in the market was for a number of reasons:

Earnings Beat: Besides earnings, it has given a bullish outlook for Q1 2025 as the revenue guidance stood at about $275 million against the consensus of $274 million, with operating income of around $26 million. Enterprise Expansion: That the enterprise customer expansion indeed finds favor and truth in the execution of the Monday.com strategy to expand into enterprises - finds expression in the high net dollar retention rate and the gain of great clients, one among those crucial contributors towards its revenue boost.
Product Development: Continuous improvement of products, enhancement of the platform, incorporation of new AI-related integrations, and new features are finding favor as well, further solidifying its market position against major competitors.

Market Background

This is in regard to the tech sector, which has been in focus, with investors keenly waiting for an indication of sustainable growth and profitability with high inflation and interest rate concerns. The performance of Monday.com becomes more relevant because it is reflective of business resilience and scalability in a vertical where most companies have failed to sustain growth trajectories.

Outlook

Going forward, Monday.com's management was fairly confident that such growth would spill into 2025 on the back of a strong product suite it has in its portfolio, deeper investments being made as the firm forays further into the enterprise space without compromising suitability for small and medium-sized businesses. The firm also will double exposure internationally in geographies witnessing increasing traction around digital transformation.

February 3, 2025 – It's déjà vu all over again for the US stock market at the mercy of trade policy with President Donald Trump's latest salvo of tariffs sending shockwaves down Wall Street. A new 25 percent tariff on goods coming in from Canada and Mexico, with another 10 percent on goods coming from China, has fanned the specter of a global trade war anew. Investors scrambled for an assessment. The administration promoted these measures as vital for the security of the nation and to protect the economy, but their reception in the stock market reflected the uncertainty and risks of these aggressive trade policies.

A Rocky Week Start

The Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P 500, and Nasdaq opened sharply lower in the Monday opening, as investors worried about what the tariffs were telling them. The Dow lost nearly 600 points at the opening bell-a harsh reminder of just how sensitive the market could be when trade happens to get disrupted. Stocks managed to claw back some losses by the end of the day, however; the Dow closed down 122 points, or 0.27%. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq ended the session down 0.76% and 1.2%, respectively. The partial recovery came on news of a one-month delay on tariffs against Mexico, after a deal with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum to deploy 10,000 soldiers to the border. But even in its rebound, the market is on edge. Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley both warned that a sustained tariff would be enough to pull the S&P 500 by 3 to 5%, with sector vulnerability making the pain worse. Material-intensive, consumer discretionary, and industrial-heavy consumers of cross-border supply chains are set to take hits.

The Trump tariffs are not a politically symbolic gesture, but an economically consequential one.

The Peterson Institute for International Economics estimated that the tariffs could cost the average U.S. household an additional $830 in 2025 alone, as higher import costs trickle down to consumers. The Tax Foundation projects the tariffs could shrink U.S. GDP by 0.4% while increasing taxes by $1.2 trillion over the next decade. Retaliatory measures already underway from Canada and China risk escalating the conflict further, which could push trading partners into recession and pull down global growth. The agriculture and car industries are already starting to feel the burn.

Farmers, through groups like the Western Growers Association, are preparing for retaliatory tariffs and have started lobbying for government handouts to soften the blow. Meanwhile, car manufacturers like General Motors and Ford-which heavily rely on parts from across borders in Canada and Mexico-are plummeting in their stocks. GM fell 5.5%, while Ford lost 3.9% in early trading. Tesla slid 5.4%, reflecting wider fears over the dent it will leave in tech-heavy industries that saw wider falls. The spillover effect reaches far beyond the borders of the United States: Mexico's peso is likely to lose almost 12% of its value, if the tariffs are fully implemented; and Canada, inextricably linked with U.S. trade, risks entering recession. Even China, despite the relative insulation from the first salvos by the wider reach of export markets, has threatened "necessary countermeasures"-in other words, a signal that this might well escalate into a long battle.

Market Sentiment and Sectoral Impacts

This has certainly sparked a frenetic and brutal backlash on Wall Street.

The panic among investors rushes toward shelters like demand for U.S. Treasuries while strengthening the dollar against its main peers; that and more defensive sectors are doing better. Among the weak segments, there was technology, alongside consumer discretionary. The vulnerability for the tech sector is big at this time because it also experienced a slump the previous week amidst competitive pressure related to DeepSeek AI by Chinese companies. Companies like Apple and Nvidia, too, have heavy exposures to Chinese manufacturing. E-commerce companies, reliant on cheap imports from China, such as Temu and SHEIN, could be the worst hit after the 10% tariff slapped on Chinese goods. Supply chain analysts also warned that such firms may not be in a position to absorb these added costs, and such costs could translate into either higher prices or slimmer profit margins for consumers.

On the other hand, a few industries could get a tailwind from the chaos. Domestic producers in industries like steel and aluminum might stand to benefit because the tariffs render foreign-made goods less competitive. Smaller-cap companies are often not at the whims of international trade-related gyrations and may come out relatively well because their focus tends to be local.

The Inflation and Fed Dilemma

Of particular concern to investors is how the tariffs increase inflation.

While JPMorgan Chase Chief Executive Officer Jamie Dimon has surrendered to the belief that tariffs probably are in the national security interest, they hold the potential as well to increase inflationary pressures in an already hot U.S. economy. The Federal Reserve, which earlier signaled a string of rate cuts for 2025, would likely delay any easing cycle as inflation concerns heat up. Meanwhile, bond yields rose and equities faced headwinds during the change in monetary policy expectations. According to estimates by Goldman Sachs, tariffs would lift core inflation by 0.7%, further complicating the balancing act by the Fed. For already-strained consumers, it could mean a further reduction of purchasing power to which economic growth is tied.

The Political and Strategic Calculus

Everything about the president's tariff strategy has as much to do with politics as economics.

Packaged as responses to illegal immigration, fentanyl trafficking, and unfair trade practices, the tariffs are calibrated to resonate with his base and to force trading partners to negotiate on his terms. There did seem a pragmatic streak to the administration's willingness to stand down on delaying tariffs on Mexico, but in the background was the threat of escalation. As early as 18 February, Trump threatened to unleash a second wave of duties, possibly encompassing other countries, including the European Union. Critics say it is a gamble that could very badly backfire. The Brookings Institution warns that Trump's protectionist agenda risks economic isolationism, undoing decades of integration into the global marketplace that have been a boon to the U.S. economy. An emboldened China, after years of preparations, may strike back with surgical blows-such as export curbs on key minerals-that would disrupt U.S. industry without engaging in all-out trade war.

DeepSeek is a Chinese AI startup that has been in the news for its R1 model, touted to give performance at par with major AI platforms like ChatGPT but at much lower costs. However, apart from the hype and words of praise from a few quarters, there are a lot of substantive critiques about its capabilities, privacy policies, and operational ethics. In this paper, we explore why DeepSeek may not live up to the expectations that it has set for itself.

Performance Issues

The first point related to where DeepSeek lacks practical usage, having compared the bench results. Well, despite demonstrating great results for different tests, the real application has exposed quite a few drawbacks:

Lack of Coherence: Users have reported that DeepSeek is unable to maintain coherence in a chat over time, as each new interaction is treated as a fresh start rather than a continuation of a conversation. This may lead to repetitive or irrelevant responses that will diminish user experience.

Flaws in Reasoning: Although DeepSeek boasts advanced reasoning skills, it has been criticized for providing incorrect information regarding simple queries and often does not follow the instructions given, hence defeating the purpose of using the service for complicated questions.

Lack of Features: In comparison to established competitors, DeepSeek lacks several important features that have come to be expected by users of modern AI chatbots, making it less versatile in daily use.

Privacy and Ethical Concerns

A lot of eyebrows are raised regarding the privacy and ethics of DeepSeek. Some of the concerns include:

Censorship and bias: It's a huge concern as to how DeepSeek carries out censorship, especially regarding sensitive subjects aligned with the Chinese government. This further accused the model of issues with biased or politically favorable answers; these will skew information dissemination.

Transparency and Control: DeepSeek doesn't have a Terms of Service or a Privacy Policy, let alone clearly explain how it will handle user data. And the fact that one can't properly sign in with an external service-say, Google-further complicates trusting the site.

User Interface and Experience

DeepSeek's user interface has been another bone of contention:

UI Design: Critics say DeepSeek's UI is a straight lift from the mobile interface of ChatGPT without any notable innovation or user-friendly enhancement in place. This further does not help in establishing any unique identity or improving user interaction.

App Store Reception: DeepSeek has received rather few ratings in the App Store-a fact that speaks volumes about the lukewarm reception at best. It just hasn't taken off with a wide user base, nor has it pleased those who have tried it.

Market and Operational Concerns

Market Impact: Because of its Chinese ownership, there is skepticism over the actual impact DeepSeek has on the global AI market. Some posts on X even say that its applications are limited in the U.S. due to concerns about CCP control.

Operational Ethics: There have also been accusations of intellectual property theft, with some believing that DeepSeek's technology may not be entirely original, which could affect its credibility and legal standing.