Markets have been riding the TACO trade – Trump Always Chickens Out – with the NASDAQ 100 on a rollercoaster of tariff threats and retreats. But is the ride over? Or could volatility return with the next surprise? This blog explores what’s driven the action so far in 2025 and what might keep investors on edge going forward.

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AI model training may become more and more cost-efficient, but the chips that run them remain indispensable. Recent quarters have seen leading semiconductor companies deliver robust growth, while hyperscale cloud providers continue record capital investments in AI infrastructure. Beyond data-centre graphics processing units (GPUs), secular drivers such as automotive electrification, robotics, memory scaling and high-speed interconnects are broadening demand.

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Fiserv Inc. (NYSE: FI) has announced plans to launch FIUSD, a bank-friendly stablecoin, by the end of 2025. This initiative aims to integrate digital assets into traditional banking systems, enhancing transaction efficiency and accessibility for financial institutions of all sizes. FIUSD will be built on Fiserv's existing infrastructure, which serves approximately 10,000 financial institutions and six million merchant locations worldwide. The stablecoin will be interoperable with other stablecoins through partnerships with Circle Internet Group and Paxos and will be available on the Solana blockchain. Additionally, Fiserv is exploring collaborations with PayPal and other card networks to expand the use cases and acceptance of FIUSD in the broader payments ecosystem.

In June 2025, AI is redefining financial fraud. Deepfake voice attacks rock contact centers, up 680% in 2024 with another 155% projected increase, allowing criminals to bypass systems. The UK saw over £1 billion in losses and 3.3 million incidents, while Australia reported a 300% increase in tax-related scams. Social-media fake accounts spread crypto schemes, and “repeaters” slightly altered synthetic IDs—probe KYC systems. Banks now rely on AI for real-time detection: Pindrop analyzes voice patterns, and Feedzai enables fraud sharing across institutions. Regulators like BaFin and FINRA require AI defenses. Investors eye a fraud-detection market expanding to $43 billion by 2029.

Trump’s latest tariff threats against the EU and Apple have reignited trade tensions, triggering stock market declines and legal battles. With over $34 billion in estimated losses and a projected hit to U.S. GDP and wages, the economic fallout is mounting. Global reactions are intensifying ahead of the G7 Summit, with tariffs emerging as a central issue for markets and diplomacy this summer.

Countries are increasingly shifting away from the U.S. dollar. BRICS nations are developing a shared currency and digital payment systems to settle trade independently. Central banks have reduced dollar holdings below 60% and boosted gold reserves. U.S. sanctions and tariffs have fueled this move, with nations like China and India expanding local currency trade. As alternatives rise, the dollar faces mounting pressure, and investors turn to gold and non-dollar assets for stability.

Major tech firms reported earnings with a continued shift toward AI development and infrastructure investment. Microsoft led with strong cloud and AI-driven growth, while Meta focused heavily on ad revenue and AI spending, despite ongoing losses in its metaverse division. Amazon flagged tariff concerns tied to its China-dependent supply chain but reinforced its cloud profitability and infrastructure expansion. Apple maintained stable iPhone sales but is adapting to rising tariff costs by shifting production to India and boosting U.S. manufacturing investment.

In May 2025, current President Donald Trump's new tariff announcements, particularly a 100% tax on foreign-produced films, sparked market volatility. Steep duties on Chinese imports, these measures are pressuring key sectors like entertainment and technology. As major U.S. indices decline and bond yields rise, investors watch the Federal Reserve for guidance amid slowing growth and persistent inflation. Trade tensions, cautious consumer behavior, and expectations for potential rate cuts now shape the broader economic environment.

Inflation continues to affect global markets unevenly in May 2025. In the U.S., prices remained flat in March, but strong consumer spending and a slight economic slowdown suggest ongoing pressure. The Eurozone faces persistent core inflation, especially in services, while Japan has lowered its inflation outlook due to weak demand. Different sectors feel the impact in various ways, with financials and industrials performing well and consumer-focused areas under strain. Central banks are holding interest rates steady as they monitor inflation's direction.

This week, five sector-leading companies: T-Mobile, IBM, Merck, PepsiCo and Comcast are scheduled to release their Q1 2025 earnings. Projections include strong EPS growth for TMUS, strategic AI expansion at IBM, and pipeline resilience at Merck, despite some pressures on revenue. PepsiCo and Comcast are contending with softening demand and rising operational challenges. Collectively, these reports will provide timely insights into the current economic climate, investor sentiment, and company-specific execution as markets look ahead to the second half of the year.

This week’s key earnings reports span five major sectors: Goldman Sachs (finance), Johnson & Johnson (healthcare), Netflix (streaming/tech), United Airlines (Air Transportation, travel), and ASML (semiconductors/AI). Each offers timely insights into sector-specific performance, with Goldman Sachs and ASML expected to post strong revenue growth. Investors should monitor forward guidance and strategic pivots as companies navigate economic headwinds and technological transformation.

This month’s five-stock review highlights a rapidly changing market. Tariffs, IPO booms, and strategic reinventions are redefining winners and losers. From energy innovation to media disruption and payments dominance, April 2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal chapter for bold investors with a long view.

This week’s market activity is driven by a mix of earnings catalysts and sector-specific volatility. Delta Air Lines and Tesco face investor scrutiny amid pricing pressures and weakened demand. In banking, JPMorgan and Wells Fargo offer key insights into credit trends and economic resilience. Meanwhile, Intel’s rapid stock decline highlights tech-sector instability and investor concern over leadership and competitiveness. As data rolls in, attention will turn to guidance and strategy over raw numbers alone.