As the U.S. economy shows signs of slowing—with Q4 GDP growth dipping to 2.3% and 2024 projections at 2.8%—the Trump administration’s new tariff policies are sparking global economic jitters 🌍. Starting with a 25% tax on imports from Canada and Mexico, the policies have left businesses scrambling to adapt. Uncertainty looms, especially after Trump’s last-minute debate over including oil imports, revealing a strategy built on 'quickfire threats' as much as long-term planning.
Tech Titans Ride the Wave (Or Not) 💻📊
Amid the turbulence, Big Tech delivered a mixed bag this earnings season:
Meta surged ahead with a 49% profit jump ($20.8B) fueled by AI-driven ad growth 🚀.
Microsoft posted steady gains (12% revenue rise to $69.6B) thanks to cloud and AI investments ☁️.
Apple’s iPhone sales dipped slightly, but services like Apple Music kept profits afloat at $36.3B 🍎.
Tesla stumbled, with profits dropping to $2.6B amid production delays and softer demand ⚡.
Meanwhile, Nvidia, Alphabet, and Amazon are still on deck to report—will they follow the trend? 🤔
What’s Next for Global Trade? 🌐⚖️
Analysts warn that Trump’s tariff tactics could disrupt supply chains and inflate consumer prices. With the U.S. and its neighbors locked in a 'will-they-won’t-they' trade drama, companies worldwide are rethinking investments. As one economist put it: “This isn’t just about tariffs—it’s about trust.”
