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

Market Flux is the new standard in financial news aggregation, we’re committed to providing you with a complete, real-time view of the financial world.

Our platform aggregates and organizes all relevant market news, helping you stay informed, up-to-date, and knowledgeable without spending hours sifting through headlines.

Reinvented to keep you in control, it's where your edge begins with better information. Go from market noise to clarity in seconds with a real-time platform built to redefine how traders and investors digest financial news.

Visit www.marketflux.io

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.

Explore More Headlines at www.marketflux.io

© 2025 Market Flux. All rights reserved.

Socially excluded or lonely people in BTC community?

Do you think there’s a lot of socially excluded people or incels/femcels in bitcoin community? I just went to this event and quite a few people seemed socially awkward and shut down. I wonder if this is a bigger phenomenon.

Profusa, Inc. Initial Public Offering Released - Here’s What You Should Know

Profusa, Inc.
Investor Summary Report

Company Overview Profusa, Inc. is a clinical-stage digital health and medical technology company focused on biosensing solutions, headquartered in Berkeley, CA. Its main technologies are the Lumee™ Oxygen Platform (CE marked in Europe) and the investigational Lumee™ Glucose continuous glucose monitor (CGM), currently in clinical development. Profusa completed a business combination with NorthView Acquisition Corporation in July 2025 and is now listed on Nasdaq under the symbol “PFSA”.

---

Key Financial Metrics - Recent Financial Performance: - Six Months Ended June 30, 2025:
- Revenue: $0
- Operating Expenses: $2.43 million
- Net Loss: $5.06 million - Year Ended December 31, 2024:
- Revenue: $100,000 (government grants) - Operating Expenses: $4.6 million - Net Loss: $9.23 million - Loss per Share: $(1.65) - Balance Sheet (as of June 30, 2025): - Cash: $44,000 - Total Current Assets: $253,000 - Total Current Liabilities: $63.5 million - Convertible Preferred Stock: $65.1 million - Accumulated Deficit: $(130.0) million

• Outstanding Debts (as of June 30, 2025):

  • Convertible Notes: $19.53 million
  • Tasly Convertible Debt: $2.54 million
  • Senior Notes: $27.9 million (with $10 million to related parties)
  • Promissory Notes: $940,000
  • PPP Loan: $1.38 million

• Share Structure After Offerings:

  • Common Stock outstanding (July 30, 2025): 32,788,877 shares
  • Common Stock after offering and full warrant exercise: 41,759,707 shares

• Contractual Obligations Due (as of June 30, 2025): $52.29 million, all current

---

Equity & Financing Transactions - Business Combination: Merger with NorthView resulted in a recapitalized structure. - PIPE Financing: $10 million PIPE Convertible Note issued February 11, 2025, with a 10% annual interest rate (increases to 24% on default). - Committed Equity Facility: Agreement with Ascent Partners Fund LLC for up to $100 million; only 8,070,830 shares ($8.07M at $1/share) expected to be sold under current registration. - Proceeds Use: Net proceeds are to be used exclusively for additional Bitcoin purchases, not for operational funding. - Balance Sheet Pro Forma (Post-Business Combination): - Pro forma cash and cash equivalents: $4.2 million

---

Risks - Going Concern: There is “substantial doubt” about the company’s ability to continue as a going concern due to recurring net losses, negative cash flow, and a working capital deficit, as disclosed by independent auditors. - High Debt Obligations: All debts (including convertible debt and senior notes) are classified as current liabilities and due within the next year, totaling over $52 million. - Negative Operating Cash Flows: Net cash used in operations for six months ended June 30, 2025 was $1.13 million. - Limited Revenue, Heavy R&D Spend: Revenue derives solely from government grants (no product sales); ongoing cash is used primarily for R&D, with no assurance of future grant receipts or product sales. - Product & Regulatory Risks: - Most revenue until regulatory authority is obtained is expected from Lumee Oxygen only. - No guarantee of FDA approval for U.S. commercialization; delays or failures would impact the business severely. The company specifically notes extensive regulatory requirements, uncertainty in clinical trial outcomes, and dependency on successful trial completion for FDA 510(k) or PMA approvals. - Dilution: Issuance of new shares under the Ascent equity facility will dilute existing shareholders. Pro forma modeling assumes this could reach up to 19.8% additional dilution. - Concentration and Volatility of Bitcoin Holdings: Any net proceeds from stock sales are earmarked for Bitcoin purchases. This introduces: - High volatility risk to financial statements. - Lack of diversification. - Limited liquidity compared to traditional cash. - Potential for significant write-downs if Bitcoin prices fall; historical statements do not yet reflect Bitcoin impacts. - Counterparty risk—Bitcoin held in third-party custodial accounts could be lost if the custodian fails. - Potential regulatory risk if Bitcoin is classified as a security, triggering investment company status. - Completion and Scalability Risks: Operating losses may persist or deepen due to increased expense needs as commercialization and expansion efforts launch. The company relies on third-party manufacturing and supply chains, which introduces further risk of disruption. - Control & Governance: Executive officers and directors collectively control 26.2% of common stock post-business combination. - Material Weakness in Internal Controls: The company has identified and disclosed material weaknesses in financial reporting controls. - Non-payment of Dividends: Profusa does not expect to pay dividends for the foreseeable future. - Market and Competitive Risks: Profusa faces strong competition from large, established medical device companies (Dexcom, Abbott, Medtronic) and could struggle for market entry, pricing, reimbursement, and scale.

---

Management Discussion - Strategic Focus: Profusa’s R&D is centered on biosensors for CGM (Lumee Glucose) and tissue oxygenation (Lumee Oxygen), with an eye toward developing broad data monetization opportunities. - Clinical Progress: The Lumee Oxygen Platform is approved for certain applications in the EU; no serious adverse events reported. U.S. pivotal study for tissue oxygen monitoring is ongoing. Lumee Glucose has completed first-in-human and feasibility studies across multiple international sites with no material safety issues to date. - Lumee Glucose: 54 subjects, 108 sensors, 398 study visits in clinical development. - Commercialization Plans: Near-term product revenue depends on Lumee Oxygen in Europe; U.S. sales await FDA clearance. Expansion into the Asia-Pacific is anticipated through a joint venture, though not yet finalized. - Operating Efficiency Initiatives: Management has controlled R&D spend (down 12% in the latest period), but G&A expense is up as the company prepares for commercialization and public-company requirements. - Future Funding Needs: Continuing losses, negative cash flows, and substantial debt coming due mean Profusa must raise additional capital through equity or debt. Uncertainty around commercialization timing, regulatory approvals, and adequate funding is acknowledged. - Share-Based Compensation: Minimal new equity grants have been made; unrecognized stock-based compensation expense totals $3.0 million. - Leadership: Ben Hwang (CEO/Chairman), Fred Knechtel (CFO), and an experienced board (majority independent). No related-party transactions beyond previously disclosed financings and normal governance arrangements.

---

Conclusion for Investors Profusa presents as an early-stage medtech with promising biosensor technologies, a recognized deficit, and an aggressive treasury strategy concentrated in Bitcoin. Despite a technology validation (CE Mark in Europe), there is no near-term U.S. revenue, and all available capital from equity sales will be used to acquire Bitcoin, not to fund operations. Investors face substantial dilution risk, extreme asset volatility, execution risks around regulatory approval and commercialization, and material going-concern and liquidity risks. Continued negative cash flow and heavy liabilities highlight an urgent need for new funding and/or commercial traction in the next 12 months. This profile suits only risk-tolerant investors with a long-term horizon and a positive outlook on both medical device innovation and digital asset strategies.

Visit Publicview AI to search and analyze millions of SEC filings using AI.

SqueezeFinder - Aug 21st 2025

https://preview.redd.it/xi0jzjbn5ekf1.png?width=2104&format=png&auto=webp&s=db97140902955ac7e4accf16a9485d8f002f5960

Good morning, SqueezeFinders!

Yesterday, the market threw us an extra volatile trading session where the $QQQ tech index opened at 568.33, and within an hour and a half after the bell, we saw intraday lows below 559 (558.64) before a partial intraday recovery ensued. A mix of tariff policy uncertainty, weak economic data releases, and general tech sector are weaker (led by companies like $PLTR for example). Today's main directional sentiment determinants are the below listed economic data releases, and also earnings results from $WMT (premarket). Ideally, $QQQ can hold 540 on larger time-frame, and we can focus on rate decisions to guide us further. Bitcoin trades for ~$114k/coin, spot Gold trades for $3,380/oz, and spot Silver for $37.9/oz. Regardless of whether broader market sentiment, you can always locate relative strength by tapping/clicking the column headers to sort the live watchlist in descending order of whichever data metric is important to you.

Today's economic data releases are:

🇺🇸 FOMC Member Bostic Speaks @ 7:30AM ET
🇺🇸 Philly Fed Mfg. Index (Aug) @ 8:30AM ET
🇺🇸 Initial Jobless Claims @ 8:30AM ET
🇺🇸 Philly Fed Employment (Aug) @ 8:30AM ET
🇺🇸 Continuing Jobless Claims @ 8:30AM ET
🇺🇸 S&P Global Mfg. PMI (Aug) @ 9:45AM ET
🇺🇸 S&P Global Services PMI (Aug) @ 9:45AM ET
🇺🇸 S&P Global Composite PMI (Aug) @ 9:45AM ET
🇺🇸 Existing Home Sales (Jul) @ 10AM ET
🇺🇸 US Leading Index (Jul) @ 10AM ET
🇺🇸 30Y TIPS Auction @ 1PM ET
🇺🇸 Fed's Balance Sheet @ 4:30PM ET
🇺🇸 Jackson Hole Symposium @ 8PM ET

📙Breakdown point: BELOW this price, the move will lose momentum significantly in the short-term, as shorts will gain confidence encouraging them to short more. Reducing probability of a squeeze without a catalyst.

📙Breakout point: ABOVE this price, the move will gain momentum significantly in the short-term, as shorts losses will increase pressuring them to cover. Increasing the probability of a squeeze occurring, especially if with a catalyst.

1. $VITL
   Squeezability Score: 51%
   Juice Target: 89.9
   Confidence: 🍊 🍊 🍊
   Price: 49.79 (+2.49%)
   Breakdown point: 40.0
   Breakout point: 49.5 (new all-time high)
   Mentions (30D): 5
   Event/Condition: Huge rel vol spike after strong earnings report results (bottom and top line beats, raised guidance) + Company on track to reach $1B net rev target in 2027 + Recent price target 🎯 of $50 from Lake Street + Recent price target 🎯 of $52 from Jefferies + Potentially imminent year long rangebound consolidation breakout if > 48.5 + Recent price target 🎯 of $50 from Telsey Advisory + Recent price target 🎯 of $52 from DA Davidson + Recent price target 🎯 of $53 from Mizuho.

2. $BE
   Squeezability Score: 50%
   Juice Target: 70.3
   Confidence: 🍊 🍊 🍊
   Price: 44.51 (+3.27%)
   Breakdown point: 36.0
   Breakout point: 47.3 (new all-time high)
   Mentions (30D): 12
   Event/Condition: Massive rel vol spike and new 52 week highs after company enters into data-center collaboration with Oracle + Massive rel vol surge after Big Beautiful Bill said to benefit company with tax credit surprise + Recent price target 🎯 of $40 from J.P. Morgan + Potentially imminent medium-term downtrend bullish reversal + Resumption of bullish momentum + Recent price target 🎯 of $30 from Susquehanna + Recent price target 🎯 of $41 from UBS + Company CEO says sees more power supply deals with data centers.

To gain access to all our cutting-edge research tools, live watchlists, alerts, and more: https://www.squeeze-finder.com/subscribe

HINT: Use code RDDT for a free week!