💰 Maniac Minute: Trump Ignites Space Race 2.0

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Good morning, Maniacs!

The markets are buzzing, and this week promises fireworks.

Last week, Trump’s push for lower interest rates, declaration of a “national energy emergency,” and softer tone on tariffs set the stage for economic drama.

Now, it’s the Fed’s turn to weigh in. While they’re likely to hold rates steady on Wednesday, investors will hang on every word to see how Trump’s early moves might shift their outlook on inflation and growth.

If that’s not enough, this week’s jam-packed earnings lineup—featuring Apple, Microsoft, Meta, and Tesla—joins inflation readings and GDP data for a true blockbuster stretch.

Let’s break it all down!

Market Recap 📈

Trump’s actions and rhetoric dominated the week as investors adjusted to the changing of the guard.

At Davos, he doubled down on his calls for lower interest rates, lower oil prices, and lower taxes—moves that lifted stocks and helped markets notch their best start to a presidential term since Reagan in 1985.

On tariffs, Trump eased tensions by postponing new measures until February 1 and even suggested that he’d “rather not” impose tariffs on China.

This softer stance sent ripples through the markets: mortgage rates fell for the first time in six weeks, the dollar weakened, and gold edged closer to an all-time high.

Trump also declared a “national energy emergency,” expediting U.S. oil and gas projects and pledging to refill crude inventories “back to the very top,” which helped push oil prices lower.

While these changes have sparked immediate market reactions, the real test lies in their execution and long-term impact. As policy shifts unfold, expect focus to move toward the Fed’s strategy, corporate adjustments, and how global markets respond.

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Winners & Losers 🚀

Some stocks are flying high, others are crash-landing. Here’s your weekly dose of market movers.

Winners

1. Rocket Lab USA ($RKLB) – Market Cap: $13.6B (+26.5%)

Rocket Lab blasted off after President Trump’s second inaugural address rekindled America’s space race. His call to “plant the stars and stripes on the planet Mars” sent space stocks into orbit. Rocket Lab, which is already partnering with Firefly Aerospace on NASA’s 45-day lunar mission, promptly gained 30%. Talk about a rocket-fueled rally.

2. Twilio ($TWLO) – Market Cap: $20.9B (+21.7%)

Twilio made waves after announcing its first-ever positive GAAP operating income, 11% revenue growth, and a hefty $2B stock buyback. Analysts at Baird immediately upgraded the stock, citing long-term profit potential.

Still, some investors side-eye Twilio’s premium valuation, given its modest growth rate. But for now, the company is riding high and targeting GAAP profitability by 2025.

(Side note: GAAP = Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. Think “no funny business,” unlike “adjusted” earnings, where the numbers might be… massaged.)

3. Moderna ($MRNA) – Market Cap: $15.9B (+21.6%)

Moderna got a $590M cash infusion from Uncle Sam to fast-track its mRNA-based bird flu vaccine, bringing total government support to $766M. With 66 confirmed human cases of H5N1 avian flu (and one fatality), Moderna is already prepping for Phase 3 trials and expanding its mRNA tech to other flu strains.

This funding breathes life into the “one-hit wonder,” as COVID-19 vaccine sales slide. The market certainly liked the news, giving Moderna a much-needed booster.

Losers

1. Edison International ($EIX) – Market Cap: $22.8B (-6.1%)

Wildfire worries continue to scorch SoCal utility Edison. The Hughes Fire rages on in Los Angeles, and while no cause has been confirmed, investors are jittery due to Edison’s history with wildfire liability.

California’s $21B wildfire insurance fund provides some cushion, but estimates suggest it won’t cover the full costs. CEO Pedro Pizarro insists there’s no data linking their equipment to the fire, but the market isn’t taking any chances.

2. Texas Instruments ($TXN) – Market Cap: $169.2B (-3.6%)

The chipmaker had its worst day in nearly five years, slashing profit forecasts amid sluggish demand and margin pressure. Sales have now declined for nine straight quarters, with CEO Haviv Ilan admitting they “still haven’t found the bottom.” Oof.

Despite reporting Q4 earnings that beat expectations, TXN’s gloomy outlook for the first quarter didn’t sit well with investors, dropping the stock 7.5%.

Tax Season Is Here 📝

The 2024 tax season officially kicks off today (yay?), as the IRS starts accepting federal tax returns. Here are the key deadlines and resources to know:

• January 31: Deadline for W-2s and most 1099s to be sent. These forms cover income as an employee, contractor, gig worker, and more. They might arrive a week later, so keep an eye out.

• February 18: If you claimed a withholding exemption last year, re-file Form W-4 by this date to keep it active.

• April 1: Required minimum distribution (RMD) deadline if you turned 73 in 2024.

• April 15: The big one—Tax Day! File your return, pay any taxes owed, and finalize IRA/HSA contributions.

• April 15, June 16, September 15, January 15 (2026): Quarterly estimated tax payments for freelancers and side hustlers.

• October 15: Final deadline if you filed for an extension.

• December 31: Required minimum distributions for anyone 73+ by year-end.

Ready to file? You’ve got more ways to do it for free than ever before:

1. IRS Free File – For taxable incomes under $84K.

2. VITA/TCE – Free in-person help for lower incomes (below $67K), retirees, people with disabilities, or limited English speakers.

3. MilTax – Special support for military families and veterans.

4. Direct File – For simple returns in select states (no self-employment income, business income, itemized deductions, or many tax credits). Available in: AK, AZ, CA, CT, FL, ID, IL, KS, ME, MD, MA, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, OR, PA, SD, TN, TX, WA, WI, WY.

Once you’ve got everything together, take the leap and file early. It’s the fastest way to minimize stress, maximize support, and start spending that refund!

Worth The Read 📚

🪙 DOGE takes aim at the penny as Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) calls out the absurd cost of producing pennies.

🔑 President Trump pardons Silk Road founder Ross Ulbricht, the creator of the infamous dark web marketplace.

✈️ U.S. airlines faced turbulence in 2024, but one carrier emerged as the year’s standout. Can you guess who took the top spot?

📊 Schwab's latest stock sector outlook highlights Financials as a winner, while Consumer Discretionary may lag behind. Learn how shifting market dynamics are influencing these sectors' potential.

🔥 California wildfires ignite concerns for local muni bonds, as billions in outstanding debt face risk from property damage.

🎥 2024’s films had everyone talking, but which films truly stood out? From sandworms to viral indie hits, last year’s top picks may surprise you.

💰 Baby boomer women are reshaping the $82 trillion wealth transfer, with more of them managing family finances. Their decisions are redefining philanthropy, estate planning, and financial independence.

📈 Experts at Barron’s Roundtable share 34 ideas for navigating a challenging market. Whether it’s AI, bonds, or overlooked stocks, their insights might just influence your watchlist.

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The Week Ahead 🔍

Buckle up—it’s a monster week for markets. Earnings season shifts into overdrive with heavyweights like Apple, Microsoft, Meta, and Tesla taking center stage. Add a Fed interest rate decision, GDP growth data, and inflation readings, and you've got all the ingredients for market-moving chaos.

Monday

• Earnings from AT&T and SoFi

• December’s New Home Sales (est. 671K)

Tuesday

• Earnings from SAP, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Starbucks, Chubb, Royal Caribbean, GM, Kimberly-Clark, and Invesco

• November’s Case-Schiller Home Price Index

• December’s Durable Goods Orders (est. 0.8%)

Wednesday

• Earnings from Microsoft, Meta, Tesla, ASML, T-Mobile, ServiceNow, IBM, ADP, Waste Management, General Dynamics, MSCI, and Nasdaq

• Fed Interest Rate Decision (est. 4.5%)

Thursday

• Earnings from Apple, Visa, Mastercard, Shell, Caterpillar, Comcast, Blackstone, UPS, Intel, Altria, Cigna, Atlassian, Tractor Supply, Southwest Airlines, and U.S Steel

• Q4 GDP Growth Rate (est. 2.7% QoQ)

Friday

• Earnings from Exxon, AbbVie, Chevron, Colgate-Palmolive, and Phillips 66

• December PCE Index (est. 0.3% MoM, 2.6% YoY)

• December Core PCE Index (est. 0.2% MoM, 2,8% YoY)

That’s a wrap! See you next Monday with all the market insights and money tips you need to stay ahead.

Keep stacking,
The Money Maniac 💸

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DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this newsletter is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any assets. All opinions expressed are those of the author and are subject to change without notice. Please do your own research or consult with a licensed professional before making any investment decisions.