Business and Finance News - 1.21.25

 

Good Morning, Students!

 

Trump's inauguration yesterday marked a significant political shift, but it wasn’t the only moment that drew attention. Social media erupted over a gesture by Elon Musk during the ceremony, sparking debate over whether it was a Nazi salute or simply a misunderstood action. The controversy has raised questions about Musk’s intent, the timing of his actions, and whether it overshadowed Trump’s big day…

 

Now here’s a quick rundown of today’s stories:

(Insights in our Top Stories) 

 

  • Bluesky and X Join the Vertical Video Race: With TikTok’s U.S. future in question, Bluesky and X capitalize on demand for short-form video, introducing innovative feeds.

  • Trump’s Meme Coins Shake the Crypto Market: The launch of $TRUMP and $MELANIA coins during inauguration festivities highlights the administration’s embrace of crypto.

  • Trump Reverses EV Policies: A new executive order rolls back Biden-era electric vehicle initiatives.

  • TikTok Ban Delayed for 75 Days: President Trump postpones enforcement of TikTok’s ban, allowing time to explore options like a sale or restructuring while ensuring companies like Apple and Google face no liability during this period.

 

-Mr. Projekts

 

 

TOP STORIES

 

Key Insight → The launch of video feeds by Bluesky and X underscores the growing importance of vertical video in shaping user engagement and content discovery on social media platforms. With TikTok's future in the U.S. uncertain, these companies are capitalizing on the opportunity to attract users seeking a similar video experience. This signals a broader trend in the market where platforms are racing to innovate and diversify features, aiming to fill gaps left by competitors and redefine how audiences consume video content.

 

Key Insight → The launch of Trump-family-backed meme coins and their skyrocketing value over the weekend underscore a shifting regulatory landscape and the increasing intersection of cryptocurrency with politics. These events highlight the power of fame and influence in driving speculative markets, raising questions about the transparency and ethics of such ventures. For the broader market, this signals a potential revival of crypto enthusiasm in the U.S., fueled by policy changes that could favor decentralization and innovation while posing challenges to regulatory oversight and investor protection.

 

Key Insight → President Trump's executive order to roll back electric vehicle policies and weaken emissions standards marks a significant shift in U.S. environmental and energy strategy, favoring traditional fossil fuels over clean energy innovation. This move undermines efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change, raising concerns about environmental sustainability and public health. For the broader market, the decision could slow the EV industry's momentum and global competitiveness, despite automakers' continued investment in electrification and the steady growth of consumer demand for EVs.

 

Key Insight → President Trump's decision to delay TikTok's ban highlights his administration's strategic approach to balancing national security concerns with the economic and political implications of banning a major platform. This move allows time to negotiate potential solutions, such as restructuring ownership or data management, while avoiding immediate disruption to millions of users and businesses reliant on TikTok. For the larger market, it underscores the growing tension between technological innovation, geopolitical concerns, and regulatory actions, as companies and governments navigate the complex interplay of data sovereignty and global digital commerce.

 

Ready to turn your business challenges into actionable strategies or looking for personalized guidance? Connect with Skool Workshop today for tailored consulting solutions or schedule a personalized one-on-one session today!

 

 

THE MARKETS

Here’s how the major indexes did on Friday (markets were closed yesterday):

Here’s how The Magnificent Seven did on Friday (markets were closed yesterday):

Here’s how Bitcoin and Ethereum did yesterday:

Disclaimer: This content is not intended as financial guidance. The purpose of this newsletter is purely educational, and it should not be interpreted as an encouragement to engage in buying, selling, or making any financial decisions regarding assets. Exercise caution and conduct your own research before making any investment choices. 

 

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