M360 Roundup - Volume 81
April 7th - 11th, 2025
Cole LaCour
Tariff rates will drop to 10% for most countries—except China, which will face a hike to 145%—while sectoral duties on steel, aluminum, and autos remain
Global markets surged in response, led by Japan’s 9.1% jump and a 3–4% rise in Europe following a 90-day EU pause on counter-tariffs
The S&P 500 is down 0.46%, the Nasdaq is up 2.13%, and the Dow Industrials is up 1.26% WTD
The 10-Yr U.S. Treasury yield has increased +0.409% to a current yield of 4.409%, whereas the 30-Yr U.S. Treasury yield decreased +0.450% to a current yield of 4.861%
Crude oil prices decreased 0.41% to a current $60.09/bbl while bitcoin increased 5.04% to a current $82,200.31/coin
Amid political upheaval, high interest rates, and funding uncertainty, the U.S. biotech sector faces deep challenges, but resilient large-cap firms and potential government support offer selective opportunities for patient investors [WSJ]
Amid Trump's trade war, global investors are losing confidence in the U.S. as a safe haven, leading to a weaker dollar and rising bond yields—signaling that even America's economic dominance may not shield it from financial consequences [WSJ]
Trump’s escalating tariffs threaten to derail the AI boom by raising costs, slowing consumer spending, and pressuring Big Tech to scale back the massive investments fueling AI’s growth [WSJ]
Mexico, once a target in Trump’s trade war, now gains a competitive edge over China and Vietnam as new U.S. tariffs spare much of its exports, boosting its appeal as a nearshoring hub for American companies [WSJ]
Amid escalating tariffs and recession fears, American investors are fleeing stocks and piling into cash, pushing money-market fund assets to a record $7.4 trillion as confidence in "buying the dip" wanes [WSJ]
M&A activity continues to remain depressed
Arla Foods and DMK plan to merge into a single cooperative under the Arla name, forming a $21B European dairy giant
Spanish bank Santander is weighing a sale of its 62% stake in Santander Bank Polska worth $8B
Peabody Energy is reviewing its ~$3.8B deal to acquire Anglo American's Australian steelmaking coal assets amid a mine ignition incident
KKR is nearing a deal to acquire Swedish consumer health firm Karo Healthcare from EQT for over $2.7B
Bain Capital agreed to buy healthcare software firm HealthEdge from Blackstone for $2.6B, including debt
KKR agreed to acquire Swedish consumer health firm Karo Healthcare from EQT at an over $2.7B valuation
KKR and Stonepeak Partners agreed to acquire UK medical landlord Assura for ~$2.1B cash
Bain Capital agreed to acquire restaurant operator Sizzling Platter from investment firm CapitalSpring for over $1B, including debt
Recent developments across four key industries highlight Trump’s tariffs rattling markets and energy exports, while Amazon bets on AI to fuel growth amid the chaos
Energy & Natural Resources
Trump’s trade tariffs threaten to undermine his promise of U.S. energy dominance by dampening global demand, lowering oil prices, and jeopardizing international sales of American oil and gas [WSJ]
The IEA projects that AI-driven demand will more than double global data center electricity use by 2030—surpassing Japan’s current consumption—with the U.S. leading the surge and emissions rising sharply, though AI could also help cut emissions through energy efficiencies [WSJ]
U.S. crude oil inventories rose by 2.6 million barrels for the second straight week due to increased net imports, while gasoline and distillate stocks declined despite stable refinery activity and slightly reduced production [WSJ]
Technology, Media, & Telecommunications
Amazon CEO Andy Jassy emphasized that generative AI will revolutionize nearly every customer experience and drive the company's next growth phase, with over 1,000 AI initiatives underway to boost innovation, productivity, and cost-efficiency across sectors [WSJ]
Figure AI, a startup claiming rapid progress in autonomous robots, seeks a $1.5B raise at a $39.5B valuation despite no revenue, sparking both hype and skepticism in Silicon Valley [WSJ]
Healthcare & Life Sciences
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s endorsement of the MMR vaccine during a measles outbreak has sparked backlash from both scientists and his own antivaccine allies, revealing deep divisions within his Make America Healthy Again movement [WSJ]
Pharma stocks tumbled after President Trump renewed threats to impose tariffs on the long-exempt drug industry, raising fears of costly disruptions and sparking a global market selloff [WSJ]
Financial Services
U.S. stocks plunged as Trump’s tariff hike on China to 125% reignited trade-war fears, erasing gains from a historic rally and driving investors toward safe havens like gold [WSJ]
Amid market turmoil fueled by Trump’s escalating tariffs, wealthy Americans are reassessing their U.S. investments, shifting toward safer assets and international diversification as doubts grow over long-term American dominance [WSJ]
Trump’s auto tariffs are set to raise not just car prices but also the costs of repairs, insurance, and ownership overall, hitting all drivers—not just new car buyers—with higher bills [WSJ]