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Welcome Back,

Welcome back everyone and happy Saturday, I hope you are having an amazing morning so far. Today we will be diving right into the stock market shifts noticed in yesterdays market. We will also be looking into the importance of some of the big updates that have occurred over the past couple of days. Enjoy!

— Ryan Rincon

Subscribe to our neighbor newsletter Early Bird Stock Market News to stay up to date on all things investing to start making money in the stock market.

Daily News Updates:

​CFPB Slashes Workforce by 90% Amid Legal Battles​

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) announced plans to lay off approximately 1,500 employees, reducing its staff to around 200. This move follows a federal court ruling granting the Trump administration authority over staffing levels. Critics, including Senator Elizabeth Warren, argue that the layoffs undermine consumer protections and violate legal requirements for workforce assessments. ​

Senator Warren Warns of Market Crash if Fed Chair Powell Is Fired​

Senator Elizabeth Warren cautioned that removing Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell could trigger a severe stock market crash. Her warning comes after President Trump criticized Powell for not lowering interest rates amid escalating trade tensions. Warren emphasized that such an action would undermine the Fed's independence and destabilize financial markets. ​

Mixed Day on Wall Street as UnitedHealth Plummets​

On April 17, the S&P 500 edged up by 0.1% to 5,282.70, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 1.3% to 39,142.23, largely due to a 22.4% drop in UnitedHealth shares following a disappointing earnings report. The Nasdaq Composite dipped 0.1% to 16,286.45. For the week, major indexes posted losses, with the Dow down 2.7% and the Nasdaq down 2.6%. ​

Housing Starts Decline Sharply in March​

The U.S. Census Bureau reported an 11.4% decrease in housing starts for March, bringing the annual rate to 1.324 million units. Both single-family and multi-family housing sectors experienced declines, indicating potential challenges in the housing market amid economic uncertainties.

Fed Maintains Interest Rates Amid Inflation Concerns​

The Federal Reserve continues to hold its key interest rate steady at 4.33%, despite pressures from the administration to implement cuts. Fed officials express caution, citing the need to manage long-term inflation expectations and economic stability in the face of ongoing trade disputes. ​

Global Economic Growth Forecasts Downgraded​

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the European Central Bank (ECB) have both lowered global economic growth projections, attributing the slowdown to escalating trade tensions and tariffs. The ECB has responded by cutting its main interest rate for the seventh time this year, aiming to mitigate the economic impact of rising tariffs. ​

Analyst Recommends Defensive Investments Amid Market Volatility​

Veteran technical analyst David Keller advises investors to consider defensive sectors such as consumer staples, defense contractors, and gold, given the current market volatility. He highlights companies like Kroger and Northrop Grumman, as well as gold-focused ETFs, as potential safe havens during economic uncertainty.

Stock Market Investing

Market Recap:

The stock market experienced significant declines yesterday, primarily driven by escalating trade tensions and cautious remarks from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. The S&P 500 fell 2.2%, the Nasdaq Composite dropped 3.1%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average decreased by 1.7%, shedding over 700 points. These declines were influenced by concerns over new tariffs and the potential for a global trade war. ​

Key Indices:

• S&P 500: -2.2%

• Nasdaq Composite: -3.1%

• Dow Jones Industrial Average: -1.7%

• Oil Prices: Brent crude settled at $78.50 per barrel, down 1.2%

Stocks to Watch:

Prologis, Inc. (PLD): This real estate investment trust reported a 7.81% increase in earnings per share compared to the same quarter last year, with a current price-to-earnings ratio of 17.22. ​

Autoliv, Inc. (ALV): Specializing in automotive safety systems, Autoliv reported a 7.59% increase in earnings per share year-over-year, with a price-to-earnings ratio of 8.76, indicating potential undervaluation.

Future Stock Predictions:

Electric Vehicle (EV) Market Outlook: The EV market is projected to grow significantly, with expectations of a 16.4% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from 2025 to 2029, adding approximately $446.4 billion to the market. ​

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Sector Growth: The AI sector continues to expand, driven by advancements in machine learning and increased adoption across various industries. Investors are closely monitoring companies that are at the forefront of AI innovation for potential growth opportunities.

Today’s Stock Market Tip:

Navigating Market Volatility Amid Economic Uncertainty

In the current economic climate, investors face heightened volatility due to factors such as trade tensions, inflationary pressures, and shifting monetary policies. The imposition of new tariffs has disrupted global supply chains, leading to increased costs for businesses and consumers alike. ​

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's recent statements underscore the challenges in balancing inflation control with economic growth. The Fed's cautious approach to interest rate adjustments reflects concerns about exacerbating inflation or hindering employment. ​

Investors are advised to adopt a diversified portfolio strategy, focusing on sectors with strong fundamentals and resilience to economic shocks. Staying informed about macroeconomic trends and maintaining a long-term investment perspective can help navigate the uncertainties of the current market environment.

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Economic Conditions

Recent economic indicators suggest a potential slowdown in the U.S. economy:​GDP Growth: Forecasts have been downgraded, with expectations of a 1.4% growth rate for 2025, down from previous estimates of 2.2%. ​

• Inflation: Inflation rates are projected to remain above the Federal Reserve's target, with expectations of 4.5% later this year. ​

• Unemployment: The unemployment rate is anticipated to rise modestly, averaging 4.4% in 2025 and 4.6% in 2026. ​

These factors contribute to increased market volatility and uncertainty in investment decisions.

Key Takeaways:

• Market Recap: Major indices fell sharply — S&P 500 (-2.2%), Nasdaq (-3.1%), and Dow (-1.7%) — driven by renewed trade war fears and hawkish Fed remarks.

• Stocks to Watch: Prologis (PLD) and Autoliv (ALV) beat earnings expectations and show strong potential based on P/E ratios and industry momentum.

• Stock Market Tip: Learn to use the P/E ratio as a valuation tool; compare across industries for context and better decision-making.

• Future Predictions: The EV market is projected to grow at 16.4% CAGR, while the AI sector continues expanding — both offering high-growth opportunities.

• Economic Conditions: GDP forecast cut to 1.4%, inflation projected at 4.5%, and unemployment could rise to 4.6% — key signals to watch in 2025.

• Insight: Market volatility is rising — investors should lean on diversification, defensive sectors, and long-term strategies to weather uncertainty.

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That’s All For Today

I hope you enjoyed today’s issue. If you have any questions regarding today’s issue or future issues feel free to ask. Come back tomorrow for information on how to grow your income and wealth. I hope to see you.

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Disclaimer: This newsletter is for informational and educational purposes only and reflects the opinions of its editors and contributors. The content provided, including but not limited to real estate tips, stock market insights, business marketing strategies, and startup advice, is shared for general guidance and does not constitute financial, investment, real estate, legal, or business advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information provided. Past performance is not indicative of future results. All investment, real estate, and business decisions involve inherent risks, and readers are encouraged to perform their own due diligence and consult with qualified professionals before taking any action. This newsletter does not establish a fiduciary, advisory, or professional relationship between the publishers and readers.