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Last Week’s Headlines

Economy & World News

• Trump Rattles Markets With Fresh Tariff Threats on EU, Apple
  Markets reacted sharply after Trump threatened a 50% tariff on European goods and a 25% levy on Apple unless it moves iPhone production to the U.S. The move, announced via social media, reignites fears of a renewed trade war. Trump said tariffs on EU products would begin June 1, citing stalled negotiations and calling the bloc "very difficult to deal with."

• Trump green-lights Nippon merger with US Steel
  Trump gave his blessing Friday to Nippon Steel’s merger with U.S. Steel, calling it a “partnership” that will inject $14 billion into the American economy. He also confirmed U.S. Steel’s headquarters will remain in Pittsburgh.

• Fate of $20 Billion US Home Solar Market Lies in GOP Senate Hands
  The future of the $20 billion U.S. home solar industry could hinge on Senate Republicans. A House-passed tax bill threatens to gut rooftop solar incentives, raising alarms among executives and climate advocates. The industry is urging the Senate to amend the bill or risk devastating impacts on one of the fastest-growing clean energy sectors.

• U.S. Business Activity Shows Signs of Acceleration Amid Inflation Concerns
  A recent S&P Global survey indicates a pickup in U.S. business activity in May, suggesting potential acceleration in inflation. Manufacturing delivery times have lengthened, and service exports have declined, raising concerns about stagflation risks despite efforts to ease trade tensions with China.

• India Suspends Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan Following Terror Attack
  In a significant geopolitical move, India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan, citing violations and a recent terror attack in Pahalgam. This decision marks a notable shift in regional diplomacy and water resource management.

Public Markets

• Major U.S. Banks Consider Launching Joint Stablecoin
  In response to growing competition from cryptocurrencies, major U.S. banks are exploring the launch of a joint stablecoin. This initiative aims to provide a regulated digital currency alternative and maintain competitiveness in the evolving financial landscape.

• Meta and Broadcom Stocks Near Buy Points Amid Market Volatility
  Meta Platforms and Broadcom are forming bullish chart patterns, approaching key buy points. Meta has risen 14% in May, while Broadcom is consolidating ahead of its Q2 earnings report, reflecting investor optimism in the tech sector.

• UnitedHealthcare becomes the face of America’s health insurance frustrations
  UnitedHealthcare is under fire for its role in long-standing inefficiencies and frustrations within the U.S. health insurance system. As the largest U.S. insurer, it's become a focal point for criticism from policy experts, patients, and startups trying to disrupt the industry.

• Target Cuts Sales Forecast on Shopper Pullback, Tariff Hit
  Target slashed its sales forecast after weak consumer spending and new tariffs weighed on results. Shares dropped as analysts questioned the company’s ability to rebound amid economic volatility.

• TikTok Shop US Employees Told to Work From Home as Layoffs Loom
  TikTok instructed its U.S. e-commerce employees to work from home amid looming layoffs. The company is reviewing operations as regulatory pressure and internal restructuring threaten its U.S. presence.

Real Estate & Private Equity

• Money laundering probe at Fontainebleau mistakenly disclosed by Gaming Commission
  A confidential money laundering investigation into the Fontainebleau Las Vegas was accidentally made public by the Nevada Gaming Commission. The disclosure has prompted backlash and confusion as the casino operator faces scrutiny over suspicious transactions.

• Trump Floats a Public Offering for Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac
  Trump said he’s considering taking Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac public again after more than a decade under government conservatorship. Both firms have returned to profitability and play a central role in the mortgage-backed securities market.

• Wayne State planning $200 million building for health sciences research
  Wayne State University will break ground this fall on a $200 million research facility to consolidate health sciences. The 5-story building is aimed at boosting interdisciplinary collaboration and accelerating innovation in healthcare fields.

• Legal & General Acquires Proprium to Expand Private Markets Presence
  UK-based Legal & General has acquired a 75% stake in Proprium Capital Partners, a real estate investment firm, to bolster its private markets platform. The deal aligns with L&G's strategy to grow its assets under management in alternative investments.

• Australian Real Estate Sees Influx of Wealthy Investors Amid Economic Uncertainty
  Wealthy Australians are increasingly investing in domestic real estate, particularly rental properties, as a safe haven amid global economic instability. This trend, dubbed the "welcome home" stimulus, is expected to boost construction but also poses challenges like labor shortages and regulatory hurdles.

M&A, IPO’s, Bankruptcies

•  Salesforce Back in Deal Talks With Informatica
  Salesforce is back at the table to acquire Informatica, reviving a deal that collapsed last year. The revived interest sent Informatica shares surging while Salesforce stock slipped, highlighting investor skepticism around another big-ticket software acquisition.

• Hinge Health opens at $39.25 per share after pricing IPO at top end of range
  Hinge Health debuted on the NYSE at $39.25 per share, the high end of its pricing range. The digital therapy startup raised $273 million, signaling renewed investor appetite for digital health offerings.

• Google Faces Antitrust Investigation Over Deal for AI-Fueled Chatbots
  The DOJ is probing whether Google violated antitrust laws by partnering with a chatbot developer to gain exclusive AI access. The move signals broader scrutiny of Big Tech’s race to dominate AI platforms.

• Judge orders Trump administration to reinstate Education Department employees
  A federal judge ruled the Trump administration must reinstate over 1,300 Education Department employees following budget-related layoffs, citing legal concerns over process and authority.

• Trump administration ban on Harvard international student enrollment halted by judge
  A federal judge blocked the Trump administration’s ban on Harvard enrolling foreign students. The temporary order came after DHS revoked Harvard’s visa authority, sparking immediate legal challenges.

• Apax Partners to Acquire Finastra's Treasury and Capital Markets Business
  Private equity firm Apax Partners has agreed to acquire the Treasury and Capital Markets division of UK-based Finastra. The deal is part of Apax's strategy to invest in financial software providers and expand its portfolio in the fintech sector.

• Revolut Commits $1.1 Billion to Expand Operations in France
  Fintech company Revolut plans to invest over €1 billion ($1.1 billion) in France over the next three years, establishing Paris as its Western European headquarters. The expansion will create more than 200 jobs and enhance Revolut's presence in the European market.