Thursday, August 21, 2025

The Daily Market Flux - Your Complete Market Rundown (08/21/2025)

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Here is Your Complete Market Rundown (08/21/2025)

Company News

Walmart Inc. (WMT)

Performance Overview

1D Change:  -4.47%

5D Change:  -2.87%

News Volume:  310

Unusual Volume Factor:  9x

Walmart Raises Outlook Despite Profit Miss and Rising Tariff Costs

Walmart reported mixed second-quarter results for fiscal year 2026, beating revenue expectations but missing on earnings per share. The retail giant posted revenue of $177.4 billion, up 5.6% year-over-year and above estimates of $176.16 billion. However, adjusted earnings per share came in at $0.68, below the expected $0.74.

Full coverage of $WMT on MarketFlux.io

Nvidia Corporation (NVDA)

Performance Overview

1D Change:  -0.23%

5D Change:  -3.86%

News Volume:  134

Unusual Volume Factor:  1x

Nvidia Faces China Restrictions and High Expectations Ahead of Crucial Earnings Report

Beijing has moved to restrict sales of Nvidia's China-specific artificial intelligence processor, the H20 chip. This decision was reportedly triggered by remarks from US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick about chip exports, which Chinese officials found "insulting." Lutnick had stated that the US only sells lower-tier chips to China to maintain dependency on American technology.

Full coverage of $NVDA on MarketFlux.io

First Solar, Inc. (FSLR)

Performance Overview

1D Change:  -7.03%

5D Change:  6.63%

First Solar Stock Plunges as Trump Administration Takes Aim at Renewable Energy

First Solar's stock plummets, leading sector losses amid President Trump's escalating criticism of renewable energy. The company's shares are among the most active in the market today, with investors reacting strongly to the new administration's stance on solar power.

Full coverage of $FSLR on MarketFlux.io

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company (HPE)

Performance Overview

1D Change:  3.73%

5D Change:  2.37%

HPE Stock Upgraded, Poised for Significant Rally Amid M&A Appeal

Morgan Stanley upgraded HPE to Overweight from Equal-Weight, setting a price target of $28. This upgrade suggests a potential rally of around 33% for the stock.

Full coverage of $HPE on MarketFlux.io

Crypto Events

Crypto Market Sees Mixed Signals as Bitcoin Dips and Altcoins Show Resilience

The cryptocurrency market is experiencing a mix of volatility and optimism as various factors influence investor sentiment. Bitcoin (BTC) has seen a decline in its fee market due to a slowdown in onchain activity, with its price sliding to $113,500. The market is closely watching for potential support levels, with some analysts suggesting $112K as a crucial point of defense.

MetaMask Introduces Native Stablecoin, Partners with Stripe for Launch

MetaMask, the leading crypto wallet provider, announces the launch of its native stablecoin, mUSD or MetaMask USD.

Bitcoin Steadies Near $114k Amid Market Uncertainty and Correction Warnings

Bitcoin's price hovers near $114k as markets brace for a pivotal September test. Analysts warn of a potential correction to $108k after a recent 10% drop.

China Explores Yuan-Backed Stablecoins to Boost Currency's Global Presence

China is reportedly considering the issuance of yuan-backed stablecoins, marking a significant shift in its digital asset policy.

Bitcoin Price Fluctuates as Market Sentiment Shifts; Big Players Make Bold Moves

Bitcoin's price experiences volatility, dropping below $115K and hovering around $113K. Concerns of whale manipulation arise amid the plunge.

Macro Events

European Economies Show Unexpected Resilience as PMI Data Beats Forecasts

In a surprising turn of events, the latest Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) data for August reveals a mixed but generally positive economic outlook across Europe. France, Germany, the Eurozone, and the UK all showed improvements in their composite PMI figures, indicating a broader economic recovery.

Markets Hold Breath for Powell's Jackson Hole Speech

Financial markets are in a state of anticipation as investors await crucial remarks from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell at the Jackson Hole symposium. Gold prices remain relatively stable, while currencies and Asian stocks show mixed performance.

Fed Official Urges Caution on Rate Cuts, Awaits Clear Economic Data

Federal Reserve official Schmid has stated that the central bank is not in a hurry to cut interest rates. He emphasized the need for clear data showing that Fed policy is restrictive before making any changes.

US and EU Seal Trade Deal with 15% Tariffs, Auto Industry Anticipates Swift Relief

In a significant development for international trade, the United States and the European Union have locked in a framework trade deal, building upon an agreement reached last month. The deal's key terms were outlined in a joint statement released by both parties, marking a crucial step in easing trade tensions between these major economic powers.

US Jobless Claims Unexpectedly Rise, Surpassing Forecasts

Initial jobless claims in the US rose to 235,000, an increase of 11,000 from the previous week's unrevised 224,000. This surpassed forecasts of 225,300.

DOJ Launches Investigation into Fed Governor Cook Amid Mortgage Fraud Allegations

Fed Governor Lisa Cook faces serious allegations of mortgage fraud, prompting calls for her resignation. The Department of Justice intends to investigate Cook, with DOJ official Martin urging Fed Chair Powell to remove her from her position.

Geopolitics Events

Appeals Court Overturns Trump's Massive Civil Fraud Penalty, Upholds Fraud Judgment

In a significant legal development, a New York appeals court has overturned the $464 million civil fraud penalty imposed on President Donald Trump. The decision vacates the massive fine, which was originally set at approximately half a billion dollars by a lower court.

Trump to Join National Guard and Police on DC Streets, Highlighting Federal Security Takeover

President Donald Trump announces plans to personally join National Guard troops and police officers on patrol in Washington, DC tonight.

Russia Launches Massive Aerial Attack on Ukraine, Zelenskiy Seeks Strong U.S. Response

In a significant escalation, Russia launched a massive overnight attack on Ukraine, deploying 574 drones and 40 missiles. This aerial assault, the largest in August, resulted in one death and injured 18 people across various Ukrainian cities. The strikes caused extensive damage, including a fire at a major electronics plant in Mukachevo.

Trump Advocates Offensive Strategy for Ukraine as Putin Issues Demands and West Prepares Military Options

In a significant development, sources reveal that Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued demands to Ukraine: relinquish control of the Donbas region, commit to not joining NATO, and reject any Western troop presence. This news comes as tensions continue to escalate in the ongoing conflict.

Trump Celebrates Texas GOP Map Victory, Pushes Immigration Policies Amid International Developments

President Trump has turned up the heat on Federal Reserve Chair Powell, according to the Wall Street Journal. Meanwhile, Trump celebrated a significant victory in Texas, where Republicans approved a new congressional map that protects the party's majority. The President hailed this as a "Big WIN" on social media, emphasizing the potential gain of five congressional seats.

Trump Creates Chief Design Officer Role to Modernize Federal Services

President Trump has signed an executive order launching the "America by Design" initiative. This order creates a National Design Studio and establishes the role of Chief Design Officer of the US.

Court Blocks Ex-Trump Lawyer's Appointment as New Jersey's Top Federal Prosecutor

A U.S. District Court judge has ruled that Alina Habba, a former lawyer for Donald Trump, was not lawfully appointed as Acting U.S. Attorney in New Jersey.

Real Estate Events

Existing Home Sales Defy Expectations with Modest July Increase

The U.S. housing market showed unexpected resilience in July, with existing home sales rising to 4.01 million units, surpassing economists' expectations of 3.92 million. This 2% increase from June defied predictions of a 0.3% decline, offering a glimmer of hope after a disappointing spring selling season.

Mortgage Rates Hold Steady at 2025 Lows, 15-Year Rates Edge Down

Mortgage rates remain stable this week, maintaining their lowest levels since late 2024. The average 30-year fixed rate holds steady at 6.58%, according to Freddie Mac.

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Assets Valued at $7.8 Trillion, IPO Decision Pending

FHFA Director Pulte reports Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac's assets are valued at $7.8 trillion.

Earnings Events

Walmart Beats Revenue Expectations, Misses on EPS in Q2; Forecasts Steady Growth

Walmart's Q2 2025 earnings report shows mixed results. The retail giant beat revenue expectations with $177.40 billion but missed on adjusted EPS at $0.68. U.S. comparable sales grew 4.6%, outperforming estimates.

WH Smith Slashes North American Profit Outlook Following Accounting Mishap

WH Smith, a UK-based company, reduces its profit forecast for North American operations due to an accounting error. The company has lowered its guidance for a key profit metric in the North America division.

Ross Stores Posts Mixed Q2 Results, Lowers Guidance on Tariff Concerns

Ross Stores reported mixed Q2 results, with EPS beating estimates at $1.56 but revenues missing at $5.53B. Comparable store sales rose 2% year-over-year.

Intuit Beats Q4 Earnings Estimates, Provides Optimistic Outlook for FY2026

Intuit's Q4 2025 earnings surpass expectations, with adjusted EPS of $2.75 beating the $2.66 estimate. Net revenue reached $3.83 billion, exceeding the projected $3.75 billion.

Corporate Actions Events

Lucid Group Implements Reverse Stock Split Amid Steep Share Decline

Lucid Group ($LCID) announces a 1-for-10 reverse stock split, effective August 29, 2025. Trading on a split-adjusted basis will begin September 2.

Thoma Bravo Acquires Dayforce in Billion-Dollar Deal

Thoma Bravo is set to acquire Dayforce in a $12.3 billion all-cash deal, taking the company private.

Mediobanca's $7 Billion Banca Generali Takeover Bid Collapses After Shareholder Rejection

Mediobanca's shareholders have rejected CEO Alberto Nagel's proposal to acquire Banca Generali in a $7 billion deal.

International Paper Divests Cellulose Fibers Business in Billion-Dollar Deal

International Paper announces the sale of its global cellulose fibers business to American Industrial Partners for $1.5 billion.

Fixed Income And Interest Rates Events

S&P Analyst: US Tariff Impact Crucial for Future Sovereign Ratings

S&P Global Ratings analyst emphasizes the critical role of US tariffs' economic impact on future sovereign rating actions.

Treasury Auctions Mixed as Home Sales Exceed Expectations

US Treasury auctions show mixed results, with 30-year TIPS bid-to-cover ratio increasing to 2.780 from 2.480 previously. The 4-week bill auction saw a slight decrease in demand.

Treasury Markets Surge as Investors Seek Safe Assets Amid Economic Uncertainty

Treasury markets are experiencing significant movements today. Leveraged Treasuries are being considered as a potential diversification tool over the next 6-12 months. U.S. Treasuries are outperforming European bonds as investors anticipate Fed rate cuts and seek safe assets.

Oil And Gas Events

Ukrainian Man Arrested in Italy for Nord Stream Pipeline Attack

Italian police have detained a Ukrainian man in connection with the attack on the Nord Stream pipelines, as reported by Spiegel Magazine.

India Commits to Russian Oil Purchases as Energy Cooperation Deepens, Despite Global Tensions

Russia and India are strengthening their energy cooperation, with both nations expressing interest in joint oil and gas projects in the Far East and Arctic regions. Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov highlighted the good results achieved in their energy partnership.

U.S. Natural Gas Storage Increase Falls Short of Expectations

U.S. natural gas storage data released today shows a net change of +13 billion cubic feet for the week ended August 15.

Oil Industry Sees Mixed Signals as U.S. Firm Expands in Russia, Angola's Output Falls

A major U.S. oilfield services company expands operations in Russia, while Aker BP inches closer to its billion-barrel target with new oil discoveries.

Technology Events

AI Startup Anthropic Negotiates Mammoth $10 Billion Funding Round

Anthropic, a prominent AI startup, is reportedly in advanced negotiations to secure a massive funding round.

Metals Events

US Military Revives Cobalt Stockpiling After Decades-Long Hiatus

The US military announces plans to stockpile cobalt for the first time in decades.

Healthcare Events

Pharmaceutical Companies Report Breakthroughs in Cancer, Hair Loss, and Eye Disease Treatments

Today, the pharmaceutical industry is abuzz with significant developments. Medicus Pharma is advancing its skin cancer treatment, with an FDA meeting on the horizon. AbbVie's Rinvoq has shown promising results in a Phase 3 study for alopecia areata, while their investigational drug upadacitinib demonstrated high hair coverage rates in a patch baldness study.

Gilead Shares Plummet as CVS Excludes New HIV Drug from Coverage Plans

Gilead's stock tumbles as CVS Health declines to add the company's new HIV prevention shot to its drug coverage plans. The setback for Gilead's steeply priced medication impacts its market performance.

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