Daily News Updates:

Markets Wobble as Tariff Uncertainty Deepens
U.S. equity futures dipped on Thursday, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 falling by 0.7% and 0.9%, respectively. Investors grappled with inconsistent signals from the White House regarding tariff policies.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent acknowledged that the current 145% tariffs on China are unsustainable, offering a glimmer of hope for de-escalation. However, over 90% of S&P 500 companies reported tariff-related risks during earnings calls, highlighting ongoing concerns.

IMF Downgrades U.S. Economic Outlook Amid Trade Tensions
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has revised its 2025 U.S. growth forecast downward from 2.7% to 1.8%, citing the adverse effects of ongoing trade disputes. The organization warns that prolonged tariff conflicts could further dampen global economic prospects.

Consumer Confidence Wanes as Prices Rise
A recent AP-NORC poll indicates that a majority of Americans anticipate higher prices due to President Trump's tariff policies. This growing concern reflects a broader unease about the administration's economic strategies.

IBM Faces Revenue Decline Amid Federal Spending Cuts
IBM reported a downturn in its consulting business, attributing the decline to reduced federal spending and economic uncertainties. The company is reassessing its strategies to navigate the challenging fiscal environment.

Trucking Industry Struggles Under Trade War Pressures
Hopes for a 2025 rebound in the U.S. trucking sector are fading as the ongoing trade war disrupts supply chains and dampens demand. Industry leaders are calling for policy clarity to stabilize operations. ​

Dave Ramsey's New Book Tops Bestseller Lists
"Build a Business You Love," the latest release from financial expert Dave Ramsey, has become a No. 1 national bestseller. The book offers insights into business growth and aligning purpose with profit, resonating with entrepreneurs nationwide. ​

EY Recognizes Richard Hall as Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist
Ernst & Young has named Richard Hall, President and CEO of U.S. Oral Surgery Management, as a finalist for its Entrepreneur Of The Year 2025 Southwest Award. The recognition highlights Hall's leadership and the company's growth trajectory. ​

Germany's Economic Outlook Dims Amid U.S. Trade Policies
Germany has revised its 2025 economic growth forecast to zero, down from a previous estimate of 0.3%, citing the impact of U.S. trade policies. The stagnation reflects broader concerns about global economic stability. ​

GoDaddy's Sustainability Report Highlights Entrepreneur Support
GoDaddy's 2024 Sustainability Report showcases initiatives aimed at empowering entrepreneurs and strengthening communities. The company emphasizes its commitment to sustainable business practices and support for small business growth. ​

China Denies Trade Talks, Urges U.S. to Revoke Tariffs
China has called on the U.S. to revoke all unilateral tariffs and denied the existence of ongoing trade negotiations. The statement underscores the strained relations between the two economic powers.

Stock Market Investing

Market Recap:

U.S. stock markets experienced mixed performances amid ongoing U.S.-China trade tensions and varied corporate earnings reports. The S&P 500 rose by 0.10% to 5,381.45, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq gained 0.41% to reach 16,776.65, driven by strong performances from megacap and tech stocks.

However, the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 0.40% to 39,446.29, dragged down by significant losses in IBM (down 8.2%) and Procter & Gamble (down 3.7%) following negative earnings updates. ​

Investors remained cautious due to uncertainty over U.S.-China trade policy after mixed signals from the Trump administration and China’s demand for the removal of all unilateral tariffs. Economic updates provided some relief, with moderate jobless claims and a surprise rise in durable goods orders.

Nevertheless, concerns about a potential U.S. economic slowdown and central bank independence are prompting investors to pull back from equities. Year-to-date, all three major indexes remain negative, with the S&P 500 down over 12% from its February peak.

Deutsche Bank revised its year-end target for the S&P 500 to 6,150 from 7,000. Market volatility continues, closely tied to political developments and earnings results.​

Stocks to Watch:

Netflix (NFLX): Closing at $1,049.03 on April 23, Netflix's stock has been on an upward trajectory, reflecting investor optimism about its growth prospects. The company's focus on international expansion and content diversification continues to pay off, making it a stock to watch in the coming months. ​

Bank of America (BAC): Reporting Q1 earnings of $0.90 per share on revenue of $27.4 billion, Bank of America exceeded analyst expectations, showcasing strength in its trading division and net interest income. The stock's performance reflects confidence in the bank's ability to navigate the current economic landscape. ​

Johnson & Johnson (JNJ): Despite surpassing Q1 forecasts with EPS of $2.77 and revenue of $21.89 billion, J&J's shares experienced a slight decline, possibly due to concerns about the impact of tariffs on its supply chain. Investors should monitor how the company addresses these challenges moving forward.

Future Stock Predictions:

AI and EV Sectors Poised for Growth

Artificial Intelligence (AI): The global AI market is projected to grow from $757.58 billion in 2025 to approximately $3.68 trillion by 2034, reflecting a 19.2% CAGR. Companies like Microsoft and NVIDIA are at the forefront, leveraging AI to drive innovation across various industries.​

Electric Vehicles (EV): In the Electric Vehicle sector, U.S. sales increased by 11% year-over-year in Q1 2025, with nearly 300,000 units sold. Despite challenges faced by Tesla, other automakers like General Motors and Volkswagen are capitalizing on the growing demand, positioning themselves as strong contenders in the EV market.

Today’s Stock Market Tip:

How to Read an Earnings Report Like a Pro (NEW)

Instead of repeating tired advice, here’s something practical and fresh: learn to decode earnings reports beyond the headlines.

Look for these three core metrics:

• Revenue vs. Forecast: Are they beating expectations or falling short?

• EPS (Earnings Per Share): Shows profitability. A beat here often causes the stock to spike.

• Forward Guidance: This is where the real gold is. Did the company raise or lower expectations for the next quarter?

Example: Let’s say Company B reports $2.3 billion in revenue, beating the forecast of $2.1B, and EPS of $1.12 vs. expected $0.98. But if they say growth next quarter might slow? The stock might still drop. Always read between the lines.

Why Timing the Market Might Be Hurting You

If you’ve ever hesitated to invest because you were waiting for the “perfect moment,” you’re not alone. The truth is, even the best investors in the world can’t consistently time the market. In fact, missing just a few of the best-performing days can significantly hurt your long-term returns.​

Let’s break it down. Say you invested $10,000 in the S&P 500 back in 2003 and simply held on until 2023. Your investment would’ve grown to over $64,000. But if you missed just the 10 best days in that 20-year span? Your return drops to $29,000 — less than half. And if you missed the 20 best days? It’s down to $18,000. That’s how crucial staying invested can be.​

Trying to time every market dip or peak might feel smart in the short term, but historically, it’s staying in the game — through

Economic Conditions

The U.S. economy is facing headwinds, with GDP growth forecasts for 2025 revised downward to below 1%, influenced by increased tariffs and policy uncertainties.

Unemployment rates are projected to rise to between 4.5% and 5%, while inflation is expected to reach nearly 4%. These factors contribute to a complex economic environment that investors must navigate carefully.

Key Takeaways:

• Market Recap: Mixed market movement as the Nasdaq (+0.41%) and S&P 500 (+0.10%) rose, while the Dow (-0.40%) dipped due to weak earnings from IBM and Procter & Gamble.

• Stocks to Watch: Netflix continues its surge; Bank of America beat Q1 expectations; Johnson & Johnson met targets but dipped over supply chain concerns.

• Stock Tip: Learn how to interpret earnings reports — beyond EPS. Understanding forward guidance and revenue trends gives you an edge.

• Future Predictions: The AI market is projected to hit $3.68 trillion by 2034. EVs also surged in Q1 with 300,000 units sold — GM and Volkswagen gaining momentum.

• Economic Conditions: U.S. GDP projections for 2025 fall below 1%, inflation heads toward 4%, and unemployment could touch 5%.

• Article: Don’t wait for the “perfect” entry point. Staying in the market consistently beats trying to time it. Missing just 10 top days can cost you $30K+.

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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.

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.