The Pulse of Power: How Deals, Data, and Drama Are Redefining Markets

🏢 Corporate Actions & Big Business Moves

1. Tesla trims prices again

Elon Musk’s Tesla slashed prices across multiple models globally, reigniting the EV price war. Model Y saw the biggest cuts in the U.S., Europe, and China, putting pressure on rivals like Ford and BYD.

2. Apple scrapped its electric car project

After spending nearly a decade and billions, Apple officially canceled its secretive "Project Titan" and is reallocating resources towards AI development. Tesla shares rallied on the news.

3. Paramount Global drama intensifies

Bidding heats up as Sony and Apollo Global Management submitted a $26 billion offer to acquire Paramount. Meanwhile, Skydance Media is still pursuing a merger.

👉 Paramount’s future looks set for a major shakeup.

4. Microsoft and OpenAI plan data center project

A new $100 billion AI supercomputer project called "Stargate" is reportedly underway by Microsoft and OpenAI, showcasing the arms race for AI supremacy.

5. Reddit IPO finally live

Reddit priced its IPO at the top of the range ($34 per share), valuing it around $6.4 billion. Early trading saw mixed results, but it marks one of the biggest social media listings since Pinterest.

6. Boeing’s crisis deepens

Boeing fired the head of its 737 Max program as federal investigations into safety issues intensify. United Airlines and other carriers expressed concerns over delays.

📈 Market and Financial Updates

1. Fed hints at fewer rate cuts

The Federal Reserve kept rates steady and hinted at just 1-2 cuts in 2025 instead of the 3 expected earlier. This cautious tone sparked a small pullback in stocks.

2. Inflation remains sticky

Core PCE (Fed’s favorite inflation gauge) came in hotter than expected at 2.8% YoY. Markets recalibrated expectations, pushing bond yields higher.

3. Oil prices surge

Brent crude briefly touched $90 per barrel amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran and tighter supply from OPEC+ cuts.

4. Bitcoin stays hot above $70k

Bitcoin held strong above $70,000, driven by strong inflows into new spot ETFs. BlackRock and Fidelity’s Bitcoin ETFs crossed over $10 billion AUM.

5. Gold at record highs

Gold prices hit $2,400/oz amid global geopolitical risks and renewed investor demand for safe-haven assets.

🌎 Economic Developments Globally

1. China’s economy shows mixed signals

China’s Q1 GDP grew 5.3% YoY, beating expectations but retail sales and property sector still remain weak, showing uneven recovery.

2. Japan slides into recession

Japan’s economy officially contracted for two straight quarters. Meanwhile, the Bank of Japan ended its negative interest rate policy, marking a historic shift.

3. Europe’s inflation cooling, but growth remains slow

Eurozone inflation dropped to 2.4%, but GDP growth remains sluggish, raising fears of stagflation across Germany and France.

4. India’s stock market rallies

Nifty 50 and Sensex hit fresh record highs, buoyed by strong corporate earnings and optimism ahead of national elections.

⚡ Top News Highlights at a Glance