Business and Finance News - 2.3.25

A joint message from Skool Projekt and beehiiv

I was able to start my business because of beehiiv! It started as a simple newsletter and has grown into a small digital media company.

Ever thought about launching your own newsletter? Look no further than beehiiv—the ultimate platform for creating, growing, and monetizing your audience effortlessly! Whether you're a beginner or already have a thriving community, beehiiv equips you with everything you need to send stunning emails, track your progress, and build a loyal following.

Ready to get started? Sign up using my link to get 20% off for your first three months and take your newsletter game to the next level!

Barnes & Noble plans to open at least 60 new stores in 2025, following 57 openings in 2024, signaling a resurgence in physical bookstores. The expansion is driven in part by BookTok’s influence, which has boosted book sales and consumer interest in in-store shopping experiences. (Axios)

Key Insight → Barnes & Noble's expansion signals a broader resurgence of physical bookstores, defying expectations in an era dominated by digital retail. This growth highlights how social media trends, particularly BookTok, are revitalizing in-person book sales by creating viral demand for certain titles. As major retailers reclaim prime retail spaces, it suggests a shift in consumer behavior—one that values the in-store browsing experience alongside the convenience of online shopping.

Costco and the Teamsters union reached a tentative agreement, temporarily avoiding a strike that would have affected 56 stores across six states. The deal, which still requires union member approval, addresses issues like wages and benefits, with broader implications for labor negotiations in the largely non-union retail sector. (CNN)

Key Insight → The tentative agreement between Costco and the Teamsters Union is a significant moment for the retail industry, as it highlights the growing push for stronger labor protections and better compensation in a largely non-union sector. A strike of this scale could have disrupted operations and set a precedent for other retail workers to seek similar gains, making this deal a crucial turning point in labor negotiations. As union influence resurges in various industries, this agreement could encourage more retail employees to organize, potentially reshaping labor dynamics in the broader market.

The Department of Justice filed a lawsuit to block Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s $14 billion acquisition of Juniper Networks, citing concerns over reduced market competition and innovation. HPE and Juniper argue the merger would enhance technological progress, while the case could set a precedent for future antitrust scrutiny in the tech sector. (Quartz)

Key Insight → The DOJ’s move to block HPE’s $14 billion acquisition of Juniper Networks is a critical moment for antitrust enforcement, signaling heightened scrutiny on major tech mergers. This case could set a precedent for how future deals in the technology sector are evaluated, particularly regarding their impact on competition, pricing, and innovation. If the DOJ succeeds, it may discourage large-scale consolidations, ensuring that markets remain competitive and preventing dominant players from stifling industry growth.

President Trump imposed tariffs of 25% on imports from Mexico and Canada and 10% on China, with a lower 10% tariff on Canadian energy resources. The move aims to influence trade and foreign policy but raises concerns about inflation, supply chain disruptions, and potential retaliation from affected countries. (CNBC)

Key Insight → The new tariffs imposed by President Trump on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China mark a significant shift in U.S. trade policy, with potential consequences for businesses, consumers, and international relations. While the administration argues these measures will address border security and economic fairness, they risk escalating trade tensions, leading to higher consumer prices and possible retaliation from affected countries. If these tariffs spark a trade war, industries reliant on global supply chains could face disruptions, impacting everything from manufacturing costs to inflation trends in the broader economy.

Want to create content that resonates, builds lasting relationships, and keeps your brand top of mind? Partner with Skool Workshop to craft high-impact newsletter strategies that amplify your brand, engage your audience, and drive sustainable success.

Here’s how the major indexes did on Friday:

• Dow Jones Industrial Average: 44,544.66 -337.47 (-0.75%)

• S&P 500: 6,040.53 -30.64 (-0.50%)

• Nasdaq Composite: 19,627.44 -54.31 (-0.28%)

• Russell 2000: 2,287.69 -19.76 (-0.86%)

Here’s how The Magnificent Seven did on Friday:

• Apple (AAPL) [3.549T]: 236.00 -1.59 (-0.67%)

• Microsoft (MSFT) [3.086T]: 415.06 +0.07 (+0.02%)

• Nvidia (NVDA) [2.941T]: 120.07 -4.58 (-3.67%)

• Amazon (AMZN) [2.499T]: 237.68 +3.04 (+1.30%)

• Alphabet (GOOGL) [2.497T]: 204.02 +3.15 (+1.57%)

• Meta Platforms (META) [1.74T]: 689.18 +2.18 (+0.32%)

• Tesla (TSLA) [1.299T]: 404.60 +4.32 (+1.08%)

Here’s how Bitcoin and Ethereum did yesterday:

• Bitcoin (BTC): $94,440.88 (10:30PM PST on 2/2/25)

• Ethereum (ETH): $2,526.26 (10:30PM PST on 2/2/25)