M360 Roundup - Volume 79
March 17th - 21st, 2025
Cole LaCour
The U.S. dollar rose against major currencies but remains below its January peak, while strong labor market conditions and real wage growth continue to support consumer spending and the economy
The S&P 500 is down 0.26%, the Nasdaq is down 0.73%, and the Dow Industrials is up 0.29% WTD
Crude oil prices increased 1.02% to a current $68.30/bbl while bitcoin decreased 1.82% to a current $84,111.12/coin
Nvidia remains the dominant force in AI chips with a widening lead over competitors, but market volatility, high expectations, and concerns about competition have tempered investor enthusiasm despite strong advancements unveiled at GTC [WSJ]
Global automakers like Tesla and Stellantis face growing challenges from protectionism and uneven EV adoption, while regional players like Renault gain ground through localized strategies and strategic partnerships [WSJ]
Uranium investments have declined amid tariff uncertainty and geopolitical tensions involving Canada and Russia, despite strong long-term demand driven by nuclear power and AI-related energy needs [WSJ]
Apple’s stock has dropped sharply due to delays in AI enhancements to Siri, dampening hopes for a major iPhone upgrade cycle and adding pressure amid weak sales and tariff concerns [WSJ]
M&A activity shows improvement
Google-parent Alphabet agreed to acquire cloud-security startup Wiz for $32B
Building products distributor QXO agreed to acquire Beacon Roofing Supply for $11B, including debt
SoftBank will acquire semiconductor designer Ampere Computing in a $6.5B all-cash deal
KKR is weighing an acquisition of New Mexico's largest utility TXNM Energy, which has a $4.4B market cap
A consortium of BlackRock, German insurance giant Allianz, and Japanese insurer T&D agreed to acquire European life insurance consolidator Viridium from PE firm Cinven for ~$3.8B, including debt
Macquarie-backed telecom company Vocus won approval to buy TPG Telecom's enterprise, government, and wholesale fixed business and fibre network assets for $3.3B
Swiss family office Investor will acquire medical device maker Nova Biomedical for $2.2B
Swiss PE firm Partners Group will acquire a portfolio of 11 natural gas power plants in California from Avenue Capital Group for $2.2B
Recent developments across four key industries highlight crude oil inventories rising, SoftBank acquiring Ampere Computing, and Tesla shares dropping
Energy & Natural Resources
The U.S. Treasury imposed sanctions on China’s Shandong Shouguang Luqing Petrochemical Co. and 19 entities for purchasing and transporting Iranian oil, aiming to curb Iran’s economic lifeline and intensify pressure, which led to a rise in crude oil prices [WSJ]
U.S. crude oil inventories rose by 1.7 million barrels, exceeding expectations, while gasoline and distillate stocks fell less than anticipated, amid steady crude production and increased exports [WSJ]
The Trump administration is considering extending Chevron’s license to pump oil in Venezuela while imposing financial penalties on countries buying Venezuelan oil, amid lobbying by CEO Mike Wirth and political tensions over dealing with Nicolás Maduro [WSJ]
Technology, Media, & Telecommunications
Ford is leveraging AI agents, open-source models, and Nvidia GPUs to accelerate vehicle design and engineering, aiming to compete with faster Chinese manufacturers by automating simulations and reducing development time [WSJ]
SoftBank is acquiring Ampere Computing for $6.5 billion to boost its AI capabilities and complement Arm Holdings [WSJ]
Healthcare & Life Sciences
Johnson & Johnson plans to invest over $55 billion in the U.S. over the next four years—a 25% increase—focused on manufacturing, R&D, and technology to boost drug development and job creation despite industry and economic headwinds [WSJ]
U.S. drug overdose deaths have declined by 25% over the past year, driven largely by fewer fentanyl-related fatalities, though rates remain high compared to a decade ago [WSJ]
Financial Services
Tesla shares have dropped over 40% this year as investor concerns grow over Elon Musk's controversial government role, weakening sales, increased competition, and broader market pressures [WSJ]
Tariffs pose a growing risk to midsize U.S. businesses and their lenders, as many rely on imports from Canada and Mexico, making them vulnerable to sudden policy changes [WSJ]