🚀 US Stocks Hit New Highs | What Investors Need to Know

Hello Hustlrs,

It’s the week ending July 18th, 2025. Here are the major moves in the US market that could shape your future. Let’s break down what happened, why it matters, and how to plan your next move.

☕️ Quick Brew: This Week’s Market Pulse

• Wall Street climbs again: US market indices hit all-time highs. Strong consumer spending fueled optimism and erased last month’s retail dip.

• Jobs stay strong: Jobless claims dropped to three-month lows, showing the labor market is still sturdy.

• Earnings season heats up: Major US companies, including several tech giants, start to roll out their numbers for the quarter.

• Fed under fire: Debate around the US central bank’s independence intensifies as President Trump attacks Fed Chair Jerome Powell. Top Wall Street CEOs push back, supporting the Fed’s autonomy.

The Big Stories

1. US Stock Market Sets New Record

US stocks closed at historic highs this week. Shoppers in the States spent more, which canceled out last month’s retail slowdown. Wall Street’s main indexes, like the S&P 500 and Dow, ended the week strong. Investors cheered as the summer’s first earnings trickled in, backing up the hope that companies still have room to grow.

2. Jobs Picture Still Bright

The US job market keeps surprising the experts. The Labor Department reported fewer people filing for unemployment benefits. This means companies are holding on tight to workers, a sure sign that the economy isn’t cooling off just yet.

3. Earnings Season Kicks Off

July is when most big-name companies share their financial results. Known as “earnings season,” it sets the tone for the rest of the year. This week, eyes turned to the “Magnificent Seven”—tech giants like Apple, Microsoft, and Amazon—which report next week. Netflix reported first and got a mixed reaction. Investors seem more cautious about AI investments after Netflix’s update.

4. Central Bank in the Spotlight

President Trump raised his voice against Jerome Powell, the head of the US Federal Reserve, blaming him for what he called policy mistakes. Meanwhile, business leaders like Jamie Dimon (JPMorgan) and Laurence Fink (BlackRock) defended the Fed’s independence. Central banks need to make decisions without pressure from politicians, which helps keep inflation and interest rates stable.

Why Does This Matter?

For African professionals investing in US markets, these events draw the map for your next steps.

• New highs pull in fresh investors: When the US market sets records, more people want in. If you already invest in US stocks, your portfolio likely got a lift. If you’re new, high prices can mean higher entry points, but also strong momentum.

• Strong US jobs help global companies: Solid employment numbers mean people have money to spend, which supports big companies—many of which are household names in Africa too.

• Earnings results drive stock prices: When tech giants like Apple or Amazon report better-than-expected results, stock prices can jump fast. Missed targets can pull the whole market down.

• Fed independence keeps markets steady: Political pressure on central banks can scare global investors. Stability at the Fed signals a safe place for your money.

What Could Happen Next? (Risk Watch & Forward Scenarios)

• Markets could keep rising if shoppers and companies stay strong. However, prices rarely climb forever without a pause, so take care with new investments when values are at record highs.

• If job numbers start to slip, stocks could fall, especially if earnings disappoint in the upcoming results.

• The debate around the Fed will rage on, which may cause swings in the market if investors sense too much risk from political interference.

• Watch for the Magnificent Seven earnings next week. Surprises, good or bad, will likely set the mood for the rest of July. When these companies move, the market often follows.

• AI investments remain in the spotlight. Some investors expect huge returns; others grow cautious if the first results look thin. This could bring big moves in tech stocks.

Take Action

• Track earnings reports from the big US tech companies. Their performance shapes the whole market.

• Don’t put all your money in at once when markets are making new highs. Dollar-cost averaging (investing bit by bit) lowers your risk.

• Diversify. Mix shares from different sectors and regions. This helps protect your savings if US stocks pause or dip.

• Keep an eye on the Fed. Political noise often makes headlines, but stable central bank policies support the whole global market.

• Stay curious about trends in AI, consumer spending, and strong job numbers—they all drive stock values.

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The content provided does not constitute personal advice or a personal recommendation. No content should be relied upon as constituting personal advice or a personal recommendation when making your decisions. If you require any personal advice or recommendations, please speak to an independent qualified financial adviser.

Risk Watch & Scenarios

Forward Thinking for Hustlrs

• Stay diversified. The Magnificent Seven are powerful, but don’t bet it all on one horse – ETFs give you broad exposure.

• Dollar-watch: If the Fed comes under real fire and loses autonomy, the dollar could swing. Keep an eye on USD/ZAR, USD/NGN, etc., if you plan to send money home.

• Earnings season is a rollercoaster. Volatility is opportunity: If stocks dip, it can be a smart time to top up quality positions.

• AI isn’t magic: Results speak louder than AI hype. Back the companies that deliver real returns, not just AI headlines.

Actionable Nuggets

• Review your holdings: US indices are high, but is your portfolio balanced? Consider rebalancing into broad global ETFs if you’re too tech-heavy.

• Set alerts: Keep tabs on exchange rates – big Fed news can swing currencies, affecting your future withdrawals or deposits.

• Educate yourself on the Fed: Even as a non-US investor, Fed decisions can impact African markets, your currency, and even local interest rates.

Feeling Empowered? Join The Global Hustlr Family!

Are you ready to master the global markets? Subscribe to The Global Hustlr Newsletter – the financial education hub by Africans, for Africans looking to win in US, European, and global stock markets.

Get smarter, get braver, and get invested – from Lagos to Nairobi to Cape Town and beyond. We’re here to give you everything you need: market insights, investment strategies, and a community of cross-border hustlers like you.

Subscribe today and level up your investing game!