Business and Finance News - 2.11.25

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BYD has introduced advanced driver-assistance features in EVs priced as low as $9,555, significantly undercutting competitors and intensifying the price war in China’s auto market. The move aims to expand smart driving adoption and boost sales, putting pressure on other automakers to offer similar technology at competitive prices. (Reuters)

Key Insight → BYD’s aggressive price cut to under $10,000 for smart EVs signals a major shift in the global auto market, making advanced driving technology accessible to the masses and putting pressure on competitors like Tesla. This move intensifies the EV price war, forcing rivals to rethink pricing strategies while accelerating the adoption of AI-driven driving features. If successful, BYD’s strategy could reshape consumer expectations and reinforce China’s dominance in the affordable EV segment, challenging Western automakers’ technological and pricing advantages.

McDonald’s met earnings expectations but missed revenue estimates as U.S. same-store sales declined due to lower customer spending and an E. coli outbreak. However, international sales grew, and the company expects U.S. sales to recover in 2025, supported by value deals and new menu items. (CNBC)

Key Insight → McDonald’s revenue shortfall highlights shifting consumer behavior in the U.S., where price-sensitive customers are spending less amid economic pressures, despite strong international performance. The impact of the E. coli outbreak further strained domestic sales, demonstrating how food safety concerns can quickly erode trust and revenue, even for a global giant. Moving forward, McDonald’s recovery strategy—focused on value deals and new menu additions—will be a key test of whether it can regain momentum in a more cautious and competitive fast-food landscape.

Rivian has ended its exclusive deal with Amazon and is now selling its electric vans to all commercial fleet operators, with prices starting at $79,900. This expansion could improve Rivian’s financial stability by increasing sales, leveraging better profit margins, and generating revenue from software subscriptions for fleet management. (The Verge)

Key Insight → Rivian's decision to sell its electric vans to a broader range of commercial businesses marks a significant shift, ending its exclusivity with Amazon and potentially stabilizing its financial position. This move opens up new revenue streams in the competitive electric commercial vehicle market, where players like Ford and Mercedes-Benz are also expanding. If successful, Rivian’s strategy could accelerate the adoption of electric fleets across industries, reinforcing the viability of EVs in logistics and business operations while increasing pressure on legacy automakers to adapt.

President Trump plans to impose a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports, prompting concerns over potential trade retaliation from the European Union and other key partners. While U.S. steelmakers saw stock gains, the tariffs could raise costs for domestic industries reliant on these metals and escalate global trade tensions. (Reuters)

Key Insight → Trump’s plan to impose additional 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports could escalate global trade tensions, prompting retaliation from key trade partners like the EU and South Korea. While U.S. steelmakers saw a stock surge, higher raw material costs could hurt industries reliant on these metals, including automotive and manufacturing sectors. If these tariffs lead to broader reciprocal measures, businesses and consumers may face increased costs, adding uncertainty to both U.S. and global markets.

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Here’s how the major indexes did yesterday:

• Dow Jones Industrial Average: 44,470.41 +167.01 (+0.38%)

• S&P 500: 6,066.44 +40.45 (+0.67%)

• Nasdaq Composite: 19,714.27 +190.87 (+0.98%)

• Russell 2000: 2,287.94 +8.23 (+0.36%)

Here’s how The Magnificent Seven did yesterday:

• Apple (AAPL) [3.423T]: 227.65 +0.27 (+0.12%)

• Nvidia (NVDA) [3.271T]: 133.57 +3.73 (+2.87%)

• Microsoft (MSFT) [3.064T]: 412.22 +2.47 (+0.60%)

• Amazon (AMZN) [2.47T]: 233.14 +3.99 (+1.74%)

• Alphabet (GOOGL) [2.276T]: 186.47 +1.13 (+0.61%)

• Meta Platforms (META) [1.818T]: 717.40 +2.88 (+0.40%)

• Tesla (TSLA) [1.128T]: 350.73 -10.89 (-3.01%)

Here’s how Bitcoin and Ethereum did yesterday:

• Bitcoin (BTC): $98,030.17 (4:45PM PST on 2/10/25)

• Ethereum (ETH): $2,708.09 (4:45PM PST on 2/10/25)