Market Brief
Daily market recaps with key events, stock movements, and global influences
Nasdaq hits 20,611 record; Trump imposes 50% tariffs on Brazil; S&P 500 rises 0.61%.
U.S. imposes 50% tariff on Brazilian imports; Brazil’s real down 2.9%, ETF -1.8%Trump Slaps 50% Tariff on Brazilian Imports, Blaming Bolsonaro Trial
S&P 500 closed at 6,263.26 (+0.61%); Nasdaq hit a record 20,611.34 (+0.94%); Dow up 0.49%Nasdaq Composite Closes at 20,611.34 with 0.94% Gain; S&P 500 and Dow Jones Also Rise
Goldman Sachs, BofA, and UBS raised S&P 500 targets; GS now sees 6,900 in 12 monthsGoldman Sachs Boosts S&P 500 Forecast to 6,900 on Fed-Cut Optimism
Market breadth remains narrow; only 10% of S&P 500 stocks contributing to gainsNarrow Market Breadth Clouds S&P 500 Rally
Hedge funds increase short exposure; momentum strategies saw a sharp 6.4% drawdownGoldman Momentum Basket Plunges 6.4%, Stinging Hedge Funds Amid Rising S&P Shorts
Invest America Act signed, creating $1,000 S&P 500 accounts for all newbornsTrump Signs Invest America Act, Giving Newborns $1,000 S&P 500 Accounts
June payrolls beat (147k vs. 110k est.); unemployment falls to 4.1%Jobs Beat Drives S&P 500, Nasdaq to Records; Nvidia Nears $4 Trillion
Nvidia approaches $4T market cap; AI stocks continue to drive index gainsNvidia Nears $4 Trillion Value as AI Rally Propels S&P 500
U.S. equity valuations hit 207% of GDP; global investors shift capital to Europe and EMUS Stock Market Valuation Hits Record 207% of GDP With $63.8T Cap as Investors Shift to Europe, Emerging Markets; S&P 500 Gains 5% in H1 2025
Robinhood and Uber reach new highs; Datadog added to S&P 500Robinhood Surges Past $100 as S&P 500 Opts for DatadogUber Stock Surpasses $100 with 3.5% Gain as Wells Fargo Raises Target to $120; S&P 500 Falls Over 1%, Tesla Declines
S&P 500 volatility persists; index rebounded 24% from April lowsS&P 500 Futures Extend Record Rally on Trade Progress, Rate-Cut Hopes
U.S. trade policy uncertainty persists with new tariffs on Brazil and threats against CanadaS&P 500 and Nasdaq Close at Records Despite Trump’s New Canada Tariff ThreatTrump Slaps 50% Tariff on Brazilian Imports, Blaming Bolsonaro Trial
U.S. equities extended their rally, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq posting fresh record closes on July 9, powered by continued strength in mega-cap tech and AI-linked stocks. Nvidia’s near-$4 trillion valuation remains a key driver, but market breadth is historically narrow—just 10% of S&P 500 constituents are responsible for recent gains. This concentration has traders watching for signs of sector rotation or broader participation to confirm the rally’s durability.
Strategists at Goldman Sachs, Bank of America, and UBS have all raised S&P 500 targets, citing expectations for Fed rate cuts and resilient earnings. However, valuations are elevated, with the S&P 500 trading at 22× forward earnings and total U.S. market cap at 207% of GDP. Hedge funds and speculators have responded by lifting short positions, particularly in momentum and small-cap names, resulting in notable losses for high-beta strategies.
Macro risks remain prominent. The U.S. imposed a 50% tariff on Brazilian imports, pressuring Brazilian assets and heightening global trade uncertainty. Meanwhile, the June jobs report beat expectations, but mixed signals from private payrolls and inflation data keep the timing of Fed cuts in play for September. The new Invest America Act may support long-term equity inflows, but near-term effects are limited.
International flows are shifting, with capital moving to Europe and emerging markets, both of which have outperformed the S&P 500 year-to-date. For traders, the focus remains on breadth, positioning, and policy headlines. Volatility and defensive positioning under the surface suggest the need for tactical flexibility as the market navigates record highs amid persistent macro and policy uncertainty.
Nasdaq hits 20,611 record; Trump imposes 50% tariffs on Brazil; S&P 500 rises 0.61%.
U.S. imposes 50% tariff on Brazilian imports; Brazil’s real down 2.9%, ETF -1.8%Trump Slaps 50% Tariff on Brazilian Imports, Blaming Bolsonaro Trial
S&P 500 closed at 6,263.26 (+0.61%); Nasdaq hit a record 20,611.34 (+0.94%); Dow up 0.49%Nasdaq Composite Closes at 20,611.34 with 0.94% Gain; S&P 500 and Dow Jones Also Rise
Goldman Sachs, BofA, and UBS raised S&P 500 targets; GS now sees 6,900 in 12 monthsGoldman Sachs Boosts S&P 500 Forecast to 6,900 on Fed-Cut Optimism
Market breadth remains narrow; only 10% of S&P 500 stocks contributing to gainsNarrow Market Breadth Clouds S&P 500 Rally
Hedge funds increase short exposure; momentum strategies saw a sharp 6.4% drawdownGoldman Momentum Basket Plunges 6.4%, Stinging Hedge Funds Amid Rising S&P Shorts
Invest America Act signed, creating $1,000 S&P 500 accounts for all newbornsTrump Signs Invest America Act, Giving Newborns $1,000 S&P 500 Accounts
June payrolls beat (147k vs. 110k est.); unemployment falls to 4.1%Jobs Beat Drives S&P 500, Nasdaq to Records; Nvidia Nears $4 Trillion
Nvidia approaches $4T market cap; AI stocks continue to drive index gainsNvidia Nears $4 Trillion Value as AI Rally Propels S&P 500
U.S. equity valuations hit 207% of GDP; global investors shift capital to Europe and EMUS Stock Market Valuation Hits Record 207% of GDP With $63.8T Cap as Investors Shift to Europe, Emerging Markets; S&P 500 Gains 5% in H1 2025
Robinhood and Uber reach new highs; Datadog added to S&P 500Robinhood Surges Past $100 as S&P 500 Opts for DatadogUber Stock Surpasses $100 with 3.5% Gain as Wells Fargo Raises Target to $120; S&P 500 Falls Over 1%, Tesla Declines
S&P 500 volatility persists; index rebounded 24% from April lowsS&P 500 Futures Extend Record Rally on Trade Progress, Rate-Cut Hopes
U.S. trade policy uncertainty persists with new tariffs on Brazil and threats against CanadaS&P 500 and Nasdaq Close at Records Despite Trump’s New Canada Tariff ThreatTrump Slaps 50% Tariff on Brazilian Imports, Blaming Bolsonaro Trial
U.S. equities extended their rally, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq posting fresh record closes on July 9, powered by continued strength in mega-cap tech and AI-linked stocks. Nvidia’s near-$4 trillion valuation remains a key driver, but market breadth is historically narrow—just 10% of S&P 500 constituents are responsible for recent gains. This concentration has traders watching for signs of sector rotation or broader participation to confirm the rally’s durability.
Strategists at Goldman Sachs, Bank of America, and UBS have all raised S&P 500 targets, citing expectations for Fed rate cuts and resilient earnings. However, valuations are elevated, with the S&P 500 trading at 22× forward earnings and total U.S. market cap at 207% of GDP. Hedge funds and speculators have responded by lifting short positions, particularly in momentum and small-cap names, resulting in notable losses for high-beta strategies.
Macro risks remain prominent. The U.S. imposed a 50% tariff on Brazilian imports, pressuring Brazilian assets and heightening global trade uncertainty. Meanwhile, the June jobs report beat expectations, but mixed signals from private payrolls and inflation data keep the timing of Fed cuts in play for September. The new Invest America Act may support long-term equity inflows, but near-term effects are limited.
International flows are shifting, with capital moving to Europe and emerging markets, both of which have outperformed the S&P 500 year-to-date. For traders, the focus remains on breadth, positioning, and policy headlines. Volatility and defensive positioning under the surface suggest the need for tactical flexibility as the market navigates record highs amid persistent macro and policy uncertainty.
5 posts • GPT (4.1 mini)
Published
Forbes has identified a record 125 foreign-born billionaires residing in the United States, representing 43 countries, according to its 2025 ranking of the world's wealthiest people. India is the leading country of origin for these billionaire immigrants. Among the top 10 richest individuals in America and globally, three are immigrants, including the world's wealthiest person. These billionaires have expressed mixed opinions regarding President Donald Trump's immigration policies, with some supporting the administration's focus on security while others criticize the strictness of the crackdown. Perspectives on the impact of these policies also vary among immigrants in different U.S. regions, such as Colorado, where long-term residents and recent migrants hold differing views.
6 posts • OpenAI (o3)
Published
The United States has approved a bilateral trade agreement that will waive import duties on about 80% of Argentine goods entering the American market, while capping tariffs on most of the remainder at 10%. Steel and aluminum, deemed national-security items by Washington, remain outside the zero-tariff list.
The deal follows talks in Washington between Argentine Foreign Minister Gerardo Werthein and U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and reflects the close political alignment between Presidents Javier Milei and Donald Trump. The new terms are slated to take effect on 1 August, pending final procedural steps.
Read more
Argentinian media reports that Javier Milei got a deal with President Trump for ZERO tariffs on 70-80% of Argentinian-US trade with 10% tariff for the rest. If true, Argentina would have the best treatment of any country by the U.S.
🚨🇦🇷🇺🇸 | HISTORICAL: Thanks to the relationship between Milei and Trump, the United States would have given the go-ahead to a trade agreement with Argentina that would allow 80% of exports to the United States to pay no tariffs.
The agreement signed between Argentina and the United States establishes that about 70% to 80% of Argentine exports will have zero tariffs to enter the American market. (INFOBAE)
One of the things I'll grant Milei is he has navigated Trump-2 well. His clownish Zionism (might as well proclaim himself Kaifeng Jew in Argentina), his chainsaw antics, his LatAm energy, all that has won him great chemistry with the Kang. Vital for this country. F for Brazil.
USA approves agreement that guarantees zero tariffs for 80% of Argentine exports
9 posts • OpenAI (o3)
Published
Former U.S. President Donald Trump issued a series of posts on his Truth Social account late 9 July endorsing three Republican senators—Tom Cotton of Arkansas, Roger Marshall of Kansas and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina—for re-election in 2026.
Trump described each endorsement as “complete and total,” praising Cotton’s military background, Marshall’s medical and Army service, and Graham’s record representing South Carolina. The endorsements come more than a year before the Senate primaries and signal Trump’s continuing effort to shape the Republican ticket, particularly as Graham is expected to face a competitive primary.
Complete and Total Endorsement News, re-election edition. Trump hitting a list of Senators in rapid succession on Truth Social, starting with: - Marshall (KS) - Cotton (AR) - Graham (SC)
President Trump has essentially just endorsed Lindsay Graham for re-election. Graham may be looking at a competitive primary due to his weakened popularity in South Carolina. This is a gift from Trump to boost Graham. Reactions?
JUST NOW: President Trump tells South Carolina voters to re-elect Lindsey Graham to the Senate. No.
Trump on Tom Cotton: Complete and Total Endorsement for Re-Election - HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN! Trump on Roger Marshall: Complete and Total Endorsement for Re-Election - HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN! Trump on Lindsey Graham: I hope everyone in the Great State of South Carolina
🚨 BREAKING: President Trump endorses Senators TOM COTTON and ROGER MARSHALL for reelection next year
18 posts • OpenAI (o3)
Published
Retiring Republican Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina used a 9 July interview on CNN to explain his vote last week against President Donald Trump’s sweeping tax-and-spending package, dubbed the “Big Beautiful Bill.” Tillis said the law’s deep Medicaid cuts could spark a backlash comparable to the reaction that followed passage of the Affordable Care Act, warning the president that the measure could cost Republicans their congressional majorities.
Tillis, who announced last month that he will not run for a third term in 2026, also lashed out at unnamed White House advisers, calling them “amateurs” who jeopardise Trump’s legacy. He said he will oppose any future administration nominees who express support for the 6 January 2021 Capitol attack.
Reflecting on past votes, the senator signalled regret over casting the decisive ballot that confirmed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Citing Hegseth’s recent, unilateral pause in U.S. weapons deliveries to Ukraine, Tillis said “it’s clear he’s out of his depth as a manager of a large, complex organisation” and indicated he would block the nomination if it came before the Senate today.
8 posts • GPT (4.1 mini)
Published
Democratic Representative Jasmine Crockett of Texas has publicly stated that she never had concerns about President Joe Biden's mental fitness, even as a House investigation into his cognitive state intensifies. Crockett dismissed criticisms related to Biden's mental acuity, attributing any perceived issues to his stutter. Her comments have drawn sharp rebukes from Republican figures, including White House Principal Deputy Press Secretary Harrison Fields, who criticized Crockett's own intelligence and suggested her stance harms the Democratic Party. Additionally, GOP Oversight highlighted earlier supportive remarks from Ranking Member Garcia, who described Biden as "sharp" and "focused," accusing him of participating in a cover-up. The ongoing debate reflects deep partisan divisions amid the House probe into Biden's mental state.
6 posts • GPT (4.1 mini)
Published
The Trump administration is facing criticism for its approach to NASA and antitrust enforcement amid concerns about U.S. competitiveness with China. Over 2,000 experts and scientists, including nearly 200 at NASA Glenn in Cleveland, have been forced out, raising alarms about the impact on American innovation and jobs. Congressional Democrats, including Representatives Shontel Brown and Bill Foster, have condemned these actions as detrimental to American science.
Meanwhile, Assistant Attorney General Slater of the Department of Justice's Antitrust Division emphasized a distinct 'Trump antitrust' policy focused on firm but fair enforcement, aiming to compete with China through the U.S. free market system rather than emulating China's state-controlled economy. Critics argue that the Trump administration's policies risk allowing China to surpass the U.S. in science, innovation, and space exploration, with concerns that the economy is being reoriented toward a model reminiscent of the 1890s.
12 posts • OpenAI (o3)
Published
President Donald Trump has failed to meet his self-imposed goal of securing “90 trade deals in 90 days.” The 90-day window expired on 9 July with only two agreements—one with the United Kingdom and another with Vietnam—formally announced, according to a Chicago Tribune report. A framework pact with China remains incomplete.
Rather than concede defeat, the White House has extended negotiations to 1 August and threatened new country-specific tariffs that would add levies of 25 % on Japanese and South Korean goods and as much as 36 % on imports from Indonesia and Thailand, The Economist said. A baseline 10 % duty on virtually all imports, introduced in April, remains in force.
Read more
91 posts • OpenAI (o3)
Published
U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that Washington will impose a 50% tariff on all goods arriving from Brazil, escalating his trade campaign against the South American nation. The levy, laid out in a letter to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, is scheduled to take effect on 1 August and marks a five-fold increase from the 10% baseline introduced in April.
Trump justified the move by condemning Brazil’s criminal proceedings against former president Jair Bolsonaro, calling the trial an “international disgrace,” and accusing the Brazilian Supreme Court of issuing unlawful censorship orders against American social-media companies. He warned that any Brazilian retaliation would trigger even higher duties and ordered the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative to open a Section 301 probe into alleged unfair trade and digital-market practices.
Read more
In a letter to Brazil's President Lula, Trump -- citing the Brazilian Supreme Court's issuance of secret censorship orders to US tech platform and the "witch hunt" against Bolsonaro -- imposes a 50% tariff on Brazil. Any retaliation by Brazil will provoke even more tariffs:🇧🇷
On July 9, Trump announced a 50% tariff on Brazil, partly because Trump was unhappy with Brazil's lawsuit against his former president, the far-right Bosonaro. Bosonaro is facing trial for trying to launch a coup after losing the 2022 general election. Trump told Brazilian President Lula on the truth social platform: “The way Brazil treated former President Bolsonaro... is an international disgrace.”
In a letter to the Brazilian government, the President of the United States, Donald Trump, announced a 50% tariff on “any and all” Brazilian exports to the U.S. market. He also relates the taxation to what he considers a persecution of former president Jair Bolsonaro. ➡
🇺🇸🇧🇷 | NOW: Trump announces 50% of tariffs for Brazil due to the Lula government's treatment of former President Bolsonaro: “Your Excellency Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva President of the Federative Republic of Brazil Brasilia Dear Mr. President: I met and tried the
Read the full letter from Trump announcing a 50% rate to Brazil
7 posts • GPT (4.1 mini)
Published
On July 9, 2025, the Nasdaq Composite reached a new all-time closing high, rising 0.94% to close at 20,611.34. The tech-heavy index's gain was accompanied by advances in other major U.S. stock indices. The S&P 500 increased by 0.61%, ending the day at 6,263.26, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose by 217.54 points, or 0.49%, closing at 44,458.30.
Earlier reports on the same day showed similar figures, with the Dow gaining 223.20 points to 44,463.96 and the S&P 500 rising 37.45 points to 6,262.97. The Nasdaq's rise of approximately 0.93% brought it to around 20,608.37 before the final close. These movements reflect a broadly positive trading session across U.S. equity markets.
9 posts • GPT (4.1 mini)
Published
Under the administration of President Donald Trump, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has intensified efforts to arrest and deport illegal immigrants with criminal backgrounds. According to White House statements, 70% of those apprehended by ICE under Trump had criminal convictions or pending charges, including serious offenses such as murder, rape, and child predation. ICE has specifically targeted members of violent gangs like MS-13 and the Tren de Aragua, with multiple arrests reported in various locations including Baltimore, Maryland, and Omaha.
Lawmakers and officials have praised ICE agents for their work in removing dangerous criminals from American communities, emphasizing that these efforts contribute to public safety and uphold law and order. Critics argue that Democrats oppose these deportations, potentially allowing violent offenders to remain in the country. The administration frames these actions as a firm stance against illegal immigration and crime, with a policy of no catch-and-release, only catch and deport.
19 posts • OpenAI (o3)
Published
The U.S. Department of Justice on 9 July filed a civil lawsuit against the California Department of Education and the California Interscholastic Federation, alleging that the state’s policy permitting transgender students to compete in girls’ high-school sports violates Title IX. The complaint, lodged in federal court, seeks declaratory and injunctive relief as well as damages and threatens to withhold billions in federal education funding.
Read more
6 posts • GPT (4.1 mini)
Published
Former President Donald Trump has released seven additional tariff letters this week, detailing updated tariff rates for 21 nations. These new rates are being compared to those implemented on April 2, known as 'Liberation Day,' when the United States imposed a 145% tariff on Chinese goods. Despite a moderation in the pace of tariff increases since Liberation Day, tariffs have continued to rise steadily. Analysts and economists have expressed concerns that this ongoing escalation is negatively impacting the U.S. economy, with some describing the tariff policy as detrimental to economic growth.
5 posts • GPT (4.1 mini)
Published
Senator Chris Van Hollen has initiated a Senate Appropriations subcommittee markup to address funding concerns related to the FBI headquarters relocation. The Trump administration is seeking to reallocate over $1 billion to move the FBI headquarters to the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington, D.C., rather than the originally planned site in Maryland. The subcommittee responsible for Commerce, Justice, Science (CJS) funding approved the bill by a 3 to 1 vote and sent it to the full Appropriations Committee. Van Hollen plans to offer an amendment during the full committee markup to prevent funds designated for the FBI headquarters in Maryland from being used for the D.C.
location. Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Patty Murray has not commented on the broader FY2026 funding negotiations. The issue reflects ongoing tensions over the FBI's proposed relocation and the allocation of federal funds within the appropriations process.
6 posts • OpenAI (o3)
Published
Businessman and retired Navy SEAL Bill Berrien on 9 July formally entered the Republican primary for Wisconsin’s 2026 governor’s race. The 56-year-old chief executive of precision-manufacturing firms Pindel Global Precision and Liberty Precision framed himself as a “political outsider” in the mould of former President Donald Trump and pledged an “America First” focus on reshoring industrial jobs.
Berrien launched his campaign with a video criticizing Democratic Governor Tony Evers on immigration policy, transgender sports participation and budget proposals that revise gendered language. Evers has not yet said whether he will seek a third term.
Read more
7 posts • GPT (4.1 mini)
Published
A group of House and Senate Democrats introduced legislation aimed at establishing an inspector general specifically for the Executive Office of the President. The proposed watchdog office is intended to monitor White House staff and the Executive Office to ensure accountability and to root out fraud and abuse. The initiative is led by California Democrat and includes lawmakers such as Representative Rosa DeLauro, Representative Scholten, and Senator Adam Schiff. The bill reflects a commitment to preventing waste, fraud, and abuse within the White House, with proponents emphasizing that no President or administration should be above the law. The legislation is framed as a measure to protect government programs and maintain transparency in the highest office of the U.S. government.
8 posts • GPT (4.1 mini)
Published
Senate Republicans are preparing to consider a package of funding cuts proposed by President Donald Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The rescissions package, which aims to reduce federal spending by canceling wasteful or inappropriate expenditures, faces a mid-July deadline for approval. Senate GOP leaders, including John Thune, have indicated plans to bring the bill to the floor for debate and amendments within the month. Some Republican senators have expressed reservations about the proposal, but others, such as Senator John Kennedy, have framed the vote as a decisive moment on spending reduction, urging support for the bill. The House has already passed the rescissions package, and the Senate is expected to follow suit soon.
9 posts • GPT (4.1 mini)
Published
President Donald Trump stated that the formula used to calculate the new tariffs imposed on various countries is based on "common sense," deficits, historical treatment of the United States, and raw numbers. He emphasized that the tariff rates, which took effect in August 2025, aim to protect American interests. Trump also indicated that countries must negotiate new trade deals with the U.S. to avoid these steep tariffs. Additionally, he warned that Brazil could be among the next countries to receive updated tariff notices based on this formula.
41 posts • OpenAI (o3)
Published
Minutes from the Federal Reserve’s June 17–18 policy meeting, published Wednesday, show officials voted unanimously to keep the benchmark federal funds rate at 4.25%–4.50% for a fourth straight gathering while acknowledging growing disagreement over when to resume easing.
"Most" policymakers judged that “some reduction” in the policy rate would be appropriate later this year, and projections indicate 10 of the 19 participants expect at least two cuts before December. A couple of members said they could support a move as soon as the July 29–30 meeting if data permit, whereas seven saw no need for cuts at all in 2025. Several officials noted the current rate may sit only slightly above its neutral level.
Read more
8 posts • OpenAI (o3)
Published
Democratic Senators Cory Booker of New Jersey and Alex Padilla of California have introduced legislation that would bar U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol agents from wearing face coverings while on duty and would mandate prominently displayed, legible identification. Supporters of the measure argue that greater transparency is needed to hold agents accountable during enforcement operations.
President Donald Trump denounced the proposal in remarks on 9 July, calling it a double standard when compared with masked campus protesters and saying Democrats "have a lot of bad things going on in their heads." Trump added that he would refuse to sign the bill should it reach his desk, effectively threatening a veto if the measure passes both chambers of Congress.
The legislation has not yet been scheduled for committee consideration and faces uncertain prospects in the Republican-led House. Immigration-enforcement groups say agents often conceal their identities to protect themselves and their families, while civil-rights advocates contend that visible identification is essential for documenting misconduct.
6 posts • OpenAI (o3)
Published
Minutes of the Federal Open Market Committee released Wednesday show a divide over the path of U.S. monetary policy, with several participants judging that ‘the most appropriate policy path’ could entail keeping the benchmark federal funds rate unchanged throughout 2025.
While a couple of officials said they would consider a rate reduction at the July meeting if incoming data softened sufficiently, others pointed to still-elevated inflation, resilient consumer and business demand, and a policy rate that may already be close to neutral as reasons to postpone easing.
All voting members agreed at the most recent meeting to leave the target range for the federal funds rate unchanged, underscoring a consensus that more evidence is needed before the central bank begins cutting.
5 posts • GPT (4.1 mini)
Published
Forbes has identified a record 125 foreign-born billionaires residing in the United States, representing 43 countries, according to its 2025 ranking of the world's wealthiest people. India is the leading country of origin for these billionaire immigrants. Among the top 10 richest individuals in America and globally, three are immigrants, including the world's wealthiest person. These billionaires have expressed mixed opinions regarding President Donald Trump's immigration policies, with some supporting the administration's focus on security while others criticize the strictness of the crackdown. Perspectives on the impact of these policies also vary among immigrants in different U.S. regions, such as Colorado, where long-term residents and recent migrants hold differing views.
6 posts • OpenAI (o3)
Published
The United States has approved a bilateral trade agreement that will waive import duties on about 80% of Argentine goods entering the American market, while capping tariffs on most of the remainder at 10%. Steel and aluminum, deemed national-security items by Washington, remain outside the zero-tariff list.
The deal follows talks in Washington between Argentine Foreign Minister Gerardo Werthein and U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and reflects the close political alignment between Presidents Javier Milei and Donald Trump. The new terms are slated to take effect on 1 August, pending final procedural steps.
Read more
Argentinian media reports that Javier Milei got a deal with President Trump for ZERO tariffs on 70-80% of Argentinian-US trade with 10% tariff for the rest. If true, Argentina would have the best treatment of any country by the U.S.
🚨🇦🇷🇺🇸 | HISTORICAL: Thanks to the relationship between Milei and Trump, the United States would have given the go-ahead to a trade agreement with Argentina that would allow 80% of exports to the United States to pay no tariffs.
The agreement signed between Argentina and the United States establishes that about 70% to 80% of Argentine exports will have zero tariffs to enter the American market. (INFOBAE)
One of the things I'll grant Milei is he has navigated Trump-2 well. His clownish Zionism (might as well proclaim himself Kaifeng Jew in Argentina), his chainsaw antics, his LatAm energy, all that has won him great chemistry with the Kang. Vital for this country. F for Brazil.
USA approves agreement that guarantees zero tariffs for 80% of Argentine exports
9 posts • OpenAI (o3)
Published
Former U.S. President Donald Trump issued a series of posts on his Truth Social account late 9 July endorsing three Republican senators—Tom Cotton of Arkansas, Roger Marshall of Kansas and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina—for re-election in 2026.
Trump described each endorsement as “complete and total,” praising Cotton’s military background, Marshall’s medical and Army service, and Graham’s record representing South Carolina. The endorsements come more than a year before the Senate primaries and signal Trump’s continuing effort to shape the Republican ticket, particularly as Graham is expected to face a competitive primary.
Complete and Total Endorsement News, re-election edition. Trump hitting a list of Senators in rapid succession on Truth Social, starting with: - Marshall (KS) - Cotton (AR) - Graham (SC)
President Trump has essentially just endorsed Lindsay Graham for re-election. Graham may be looking at a competitive primary due to his weakened popularity in South Carolina. This is a gift from Trump to boost Graham. Reactions?
JUST NOW: President Trump tells South Carolina voters to re-elect Lindsey Graham to the Senate. No.
Trump on Tom Cotton: Complete and Total Endorsement for Re-Election - HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN! Trump on Roger Marshall: Complete and Total Endorsement for Re-Election - HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN! Trump on Lindsey Graham: I hope everyone in the Great State of South Carolina
🚨 BREAKING: President Trump endorses Senators TOM COTTON and ROGER MARSHALL for reelection next year
18 posts • OpenAI (o3)
Published
Retiring Republican Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina used a 9 July interview on CNN to explain his vote last week against President Donald Trump’s sweeping tax-and-spending package, dubbed the “Big Beautiful Bill.” Tillis said the law’s deep Medicaid cuts could spark a backlash comparable to the reaction that followed passage of the Affordable Care Act, warning the president that the measure could cost Republicans their congressional majorities.
Tillis, who announced last month that he will not run for a third term in 2026, also lashed out at unnamed White House advisers, calling them “amateurs” who jeopardise Trump’s legacy. He said he will oppose any future administration nominees who express support for the 6 January 2021 Capitol attack.
Reflecting on past votes, the senator signalled regret over casting the decisive ballot that confirmed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Citing Hegseth’s recent, unilateral pause in U.S. weapons deliveries to Ukraine, Tillis said “it’s clear he’s out of his depth as a manager of a large, complex organisation” and indicated he would block the nomination if it came before the Senate today.
8 posts • GPT (4.1 mini)
Published
Democratic Representative Jasmine Crockett of Texas has publicly stated that she never had concerns about President Joe Biden's mental fitness, even as a House investigation into his cognitive state intensifies. Crockett dismissed criticisms related to Biden's mental acuity, attributing any perceived issues to his stutter. Her comments have drawn sharp rebukes from Republican figures, including White House Principal Deputy Press Secretary Harrison Fields, who criticized Crockett's own intelligence and suggested her stance harms the Democratic Party. Additionally, GOP Oversight highlighted earlier supportive remarks from Ranking Member Garcia, who described Biden as "sharp" and "focused," accusing him of participating in a cover-up. The ongoing debate reflects deep partisan divisions amid the House probe into Biden's mental state.
6 posts • GPT (4.1 mini)
Published
The Trump administration is facing criticism for its approach to NASA and antitrust enforcement amid concerns about U.S. competitiveness with China. Over 2,000 experts and scientists, including nearly 200 at NASA Glenn in Cleveland, have been forced out, raising alarms about the impact on American innovation and jobs. Congressional Democrats, including Representatives Shontel Brown and Bill Foster, have condemned these actions as detrimental to American science.
Meanwhile, Assistant Attorney General Slater of the Department of Justice's Antitrust Division emphasized a distinct 'Trump antitrust' policy focused on firm but fair enforcement, aiming to compete with China through the U.S. free market system rather than emulating China's state-controlled economy. Critics argue that the Trump administration's policies risk allowing China to surpass the U.S. in science, innovation, and space exploration, with concerns that the economy is being reoriented toward a model reminiscent of the 1890s.
12 posts • OpenAI (o3)
Published
President Donald Trump has failed to meet his self-imposed goal of securing “90 trade deals in 90 days.” The 90-day window expired on 9 July with only two agreements—one with the United Kingdom and another with Vietnam—formally announced, according to a Chicago Tribune report. A framework pact with China remains incomplete.
Rather than concede defeat, the White House has extended negotiations to 1 August and threatened new country-specific tariffs that would add levies of 25 % on Japanese and South Korean goods and as much as 36 % on imports from Indonesia and Thailand, The Economist said. A baseline 10 % duty on virtually all imports, introduced in April, remains in force.
Read more
91 posts • OpenAI (o3)
Published
U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that Washington will impose a 50% tariff on all goods arriving from Brazil, escalating his trade campaign against the South American nation. The levy, laid out in a letter to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, is scheduled to take effect on 1 August and marks a five-fold increase from the 10% baseline introduced in April.
Trump justified the move by condemning Brazil’s criminal proceedings against former president Jair Bolsonaro, calling the trial an “international disgrace,” and accusing the Brazilian Supreme Court of issuing unlawful censorship orders against American social-media companies. He warned that any Brazilian retaliation would trigger even higher duties and ordered the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative to open a Section 301 probe into alleged unfair trade and digital-market practices.
Read more
In a letter to Brazil's President Lula, Trump -- citing the Brazilian Supreme Court's issuance of secret censorship orders to US tech platform and the "witch hunt" against Bolsonaro -- imposes a 50% tariff on Brazil. Any retaliation by Brazil will provoke even more tariffs:🇧🇷
On July 9, Trump announced a 50% tariff on Brazil, partly because Trump was unhappy with Brazil's lawsuit against his former president, the far-right Bosonaro. Bosonaro is facing trial for trying to launch a coup after losing the 2022 general election. Trump told Brazilian President Lula on the truth social platform: “The way Brazil treated former President Bolsonaro... is an international disgrace.”
In a letter to the Brazilian government, the President of the United States, Donald Trump, announced a 50% tariff on “any and all” Brazilian exports to the U.S. market. He also relates the taxation to what he considers a persecution of former president Jair Bolsonaro. ➡
🇺🇸🇧🇷 | NOW: Trump announces 50% of tariffs for Brazil due to the Lula government's treatment of former President Bolsonaro: “Your Excellency Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva President of the Federative Republic of Brazil Brasilia Dear Mr. President: I met and tried the
Read the full letter from Trump announcing a 50% rate to Brazil
7 posts • GPT (4.1 mini)
Published
On July 9, 2025, the Nasdaq Composite reached a new all-time closing high, rising 0.94% to close at 20,611.34. The tech-heavy index's gain was accompanied by advances in other major U.S. stock indices. The S&P 500 increased by 0.61%, ending the day at 6,263.26, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose by 217.54 points, or 0.49%, closing at 44,458.30.
Earlier reports on the same day showed similar figures, with the Dow gaining 223.20 points to 44,463.96 and the S&P 500 rising 37.45 points to 6,262.97. The Nasdaq's rise of approximately 0.93% brought it to around 20,608.37 before the final close. These movements reflect a broadly positive trading session across U.S. equity markets.
9 posts • GPT (4.1 mini)
Published
Under the administration of President Donald Trump, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has intensified efforts to arrest and deport illegal immigrants with criminal backgrounds. According to White House statements, 70% of those apprehended by ICE under Trump had criminal convictions or pending charges, including serious offenses such as murder, rape, and child predation. ICE has specifically targeted members of violent gangs like MS-13 and the Tren de Aragua, with multiple arrests reported in various locations including Baltimore, Maryland, and Omaha.
Lawmakers and officials have praised ICE agents for their work in removing dangerous criminals from American communities, emphasizing that these efforts contribute to public safety and uphold law and order. Critics argue that Democrats oppose these deportations, potentially allowing violent offenders to remain in the country. The administration frames these actions as a firm stance against illegal immigration and crime, with a policy of no catch-and-release, only catch and deport.
19 posts • OpenAI (o3)
Published
The U.S. Department of Justice on 9 July filed a civil lawsuit against the California Department of Education and the California Interscholastic Federation, alleging that the state’s policy permitting transgender students to compete in girls’ high-school sports violates Title IX. The complaint, lodged in federal court, seeks declaratory and injunctive relief as well as damages and threatens to withhold billions in federal education funding.
Read more
6 posts • GPT (4.1 mini)
Published
Former President Donald Trump has released seven additional tariff letters this week, detailing updated tariff rates for 21 nations. These new rates are being compared to those implemented on April 2, known as 'Liberation Day,' when the United States imposed a 145% tariff on Chinese goods. Despite a moderation in the pace of tariff increases since Liberation Day, tariffs have continued to rise steadily. Analysts and economists have expressed concerns that this ongoing escalation is negatively impacting the U.S. economy, with some describing the tariff policy as detrimental to economic growth.
5 posts • GPT (4.1 mini)
Published
Senator Chris Van Hollen has initiated a Senate Appropriations subcommittee markup to address funding concerns related to the FBI headquarters relocation. The Trump administration is seeking to reallocate over $1 billion to move the FBI headquarters to the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington, D.C., rather than the originally planned site in Maryland. The subcommittee responsible for Commerce, Justice, Science (CJS) funding approved the bill by a 3 to 1 vote and sent it to the full Appropriations Committee. Van Hollen plans to offer an amendment during the full committee markup to prevent funds designated for the FBI headquarters in Maryland from being used for the D.C.
location. Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Patty Murray has not commented on the broader FY2026 funding negotiations. The issue reflects ongoing tensions over the FBI's proposed relocation and the allocation of federal funds within the appropriations process.
6 posts • OpenAI (o3)
Published
Businessman and retired Navy SEAL Bill Berrien on 9 July formally entered the Republican primary for Wisconsin’s 2026 governor’s race. The 56-year-old chief executive of precision-manufacturing firms Pindel Global Precision and Liberty Precision framed himself as a “political outsider” in the mould of former President Donald Trump and pledged an “America First” focus on reshoring industrial jobs.
Berrien launched his campaign with a video criticizing Democratic Governor Tony Evers on immigration policy, transgender sports participation and budget proposals that revise gendered language. Evers has not yet said whether he will seek a third term.
Read more
7 posts • GPT (4.1 mini)
Published
A group of House and Senate Democrats introduced legislation aimed at establishing an inspector general specifically for the Executive Office of the President. The proposed watchdog office is intended to monitor White House staff and the Executive Office to ensure accountability and to root out fraud and abuse. The initiative is led by California Democrat and includes lawmakers such as Representative Rosa DeLauro, Representative Scholten, and Senator Adam Schiff. The bill reflects a commitment to preventing waste, fraud, and abuse within the White House, with proponents emphasizing that no President or administration should be above the law. The legislation is framed as a measure to protect government programs and maintain transparency in the highest office of the U.S. government.
8 posts • GPT (4.1 mini)
Published
Senate Republicans are preparing to consider a package of funding cuts proposed by President Donald Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The rescissions package, which aims to reduce federal spending by canceling wasteful or inappropriate expenditures, faces a mid-July deadline for approval. Senate GOP leaders, including John Thune, have indicated plans to bring the bill to the floor for debate and amendments within the month. Some Republican senators have expressed reservations about the proposal, but others, such as Senator John Kennedy, have framed the vote as a decisive moment on spending reduction, urging support for the bill. The House has already passed the rescissions package, and the Senate is expected to follow suit soon.
9 posts • GPT (4.1 mini)
Published
President Donald Trump stated that the formula used to calculate the new tariffs imposed on various countries is based on "common sense," deficits, historical treatment of the United States, and raw numbers. He emphasized that the tariff rates, which took effect in August 2025, aim to protect American interests. Trump also indicated that countries must negotiate new trade deals with the U.S. to avoid these steep tariffs. Additionally, he warned that Brazil could be among the next countries to receive updated tariff notices based on this formula.
41 posts • OpenAI (o3)
Published
Minutes from the Federal Reserve’s June 17–18 policy meeting, published Wednesday, show officials voted unanimously to keep the benchmark federal funds rate at 4.25%–4.50% for a fourth straight gathering while acknowledging growing disagreement over when to resume easing.
"Most" policymakers judged that “some reduction” in the policy rate would be appropriate later this year, and projections indicate 10 of the 19 participants expect at least two cuts before December. A couple of members said they could support a move as soon as the July 29–30 meeting if data permit, whereas seven saw no need for cuts at all in 2025. Several officials noted the current rate may sit only slightly above its neutral level.
Read more
8 posts • OpenAI (o3)
Published
Democratic Senators Cory Booker of New Jersey and Alex Padilla of California have introduced legislation that would bar U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol agents from wearing face coverings while on duty and would mandate prominently displayed, legible identification. Supporters of the measure argue that greater transparency is needed to hold agents accountable during enforcement operations.
President Donald Trump denounced the proposal in remarks on 9 July, calling it a double standard when compared with masked campus protesters and saying Democrats "have a lot of bad things going on in their heads." Trump added that he would refuse to sign the bill should it reach his desk, effectively threatening a veto if the measure passes both chambers of Congress.
The legislation has not yet been scheduled for committee consideration and faces uncertain prospects in the Republican-led House. Immigration-enforcement groups say agents often conceal their identities to protect themselves and their families, while civil-rights advocates contend that visible identification is essential for documenting misconduct.
6 posts • OpenAI (o3)
Published
Minutes of the Federal Open Market Committee released Wednesday show a divide over the path of U.S. monetary policy, with several participants judging that ‘the most appropriate policy path’ could entail keeping the benchmark federal funds rate unchanged throughout 2025.
While a couple of officials said they would consider a rate reduction at the July meeting if incoming data softened sufficiently, others pointed to still-elevated inflation, resilient consumer and business demand, and a policy rate that may already be close to neutral as reasons to postpone easing.
All voting members agreed at the most recent meeting to leave the target range for the federal funds rate unchanged, underscoring a consensus that more evidence is needed before the central bank begins cutting.
