The Capital Circle – Market Wrap-Up & What’s Next

Hey everyone,

Samuel Leach here, bringing you this week’s market wrap-up in The Capital Circle – where we cut through the noise and get straight to what really matters in the markets (and, let’s be honest, throw in some well-deserved sarcasm along the way).

A Tumultuous Week in Politics & Markets

If you thought markets would have a quiet week, well… think again. From Trump and Zelenskiy’s Oval Office showdown (which felt more like a reality TV reunion special) to Bitcoin taking a nosedive faster than my morning coffee on a Monday, it’s been a ride. Volatility remains the name of the game, so let’s break it down.

Markets This Week – The Headlines

• Stocks: The S&P 500 bounced around like a toddler on a sugar high as Trump’s tariff threats on Canada, Mexico, and China left investors sweating. Meanwhile, the FTSE 100 saw financials and real estate floundering like a fish out of water.

• Crypto: Bitcoin dropped 25% from its all-time high, sliding to $78K—a stark reminder that crypto is still the financial equivalent of an extreme sport. Ethereum fell below $2,200, and let’s just say some traders are regretting that “buy the dip” strategy right now.

• Bonds: The US 10-year Treasury yield settled at 4.23%, as investors played the guessing game with the Fed. Rate cut? No rate cut? Who knows—just flip a coin at this point.

• Commodities: Brent crude slipped below $70 per barrel, proving that even oil isn’t immune to Trump’s trade war antics. Gold dropped to $2,844, because apparently, even safe havens need a break.

Key Developments Shaping the Market

• Trump’s Real Estate Shake-Up: In a move that would make any commercial landlord cry, Trump’s administration is slashing government office leases, adding more empty buildings to an already struggling real estate sector. If you own office space, maybe it’s time to consider an Airbnb side hustle.

• US-Ukraine Tensions: The Trump-Zelenskiy meeting quickly turned into a diplomatic roast session. While a mineral resource deal was signed, the bigger question is whether it will be enough to keep US-Ukraine relations from going completely off the rails.

• Tariff Uncertainty: The clock is ticking on Trump’s new tariff deadlines. Global trade, supply chains, and inflation are all waiting to see how bad the fallout will be. Buckle up.

What to Watch Next

• Will Bitcoin recover, or are we looking at a full-on crypto winter?

• How will US and UK economic data next week impact rate cut expectations?

• Is Trump’s policy agenda about to send real estate and financial markets into a tailspin?

Final Thoughts

Markets are moving fast, and let’s be honest, half of it doesn’t even make sense anymore. But where there’s chaos, there’s opportunity. Stay sharp, adaptable, and maybe keep a stress ball nearby. What’s your take on the madness? Reply to this email or hit me up on socials—I promise I read them (unlike some of those so-called “market experts”).

Until next week,

Samuel Leach
Founder, The Capital Circle