Business and Finance News - 2.21.25

Author

Skool Projekt Staff
February 21, 2025

 

Here’s a quick rundown of today’s stories:

(Insights in our Top Stories) 

 

  • Amazon Tops Walmart in Sales – For the first time, Amazon has outpaced Walmart in quarterly revenue, pulling in $187.8 billion versus Walmart’s $180.5 billion. 

  • Inflation Worries Rise – Bond markets and economic surveys point to persistent inflation, with five-year breakeven rates climbing to 2.7%, raising concerns that the Federal Reserve may hold off on rate cuts. 

  • Netflix’s $1 Billion Bet on Mexico – The streaming giant is investing heavily in Mexico, producing 20 films and series annually over the next four years. 

  • Palantir Stock Drops 13% – Investor concerns mount after CEO Alex Karp announces plans to sell 10 million shares amid reports of U.S. defense budget cuts.

 

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TOP STORIES

 

Key Insight → Amazon surpassing Walmart in quarterly sales for the first time marks a pivotal shift in the retail landscape, signaling that e-commerce and digital services are now driving revenue growth at an unprecedented scale. While Walmart remains the annual sales leader, Amazon’s diverse revenue streams—spanning cloud computing, advertising, and third-party seller services—highlight how the future of retail extends beyond physical stores. This development pressures traditional retailers to accelerate their digital transformations, proving that scale alone is no longer enough to maintain dominance in the evolving market.

 

Key Insight → Rising inflation expectations signal a challenge for the Federal Reserve, as persistent price pressures could delay interest rate cuts and complicate economic policy. While bond markets and business surveys suggest inflation may remain elevated, longer-term expectations remain anchored near the Fed’s target, creating uncertainty for investors and policymakers. This dynamic adds volatility to financial markets and could shape corporate strategy, wage negotiations, and consumer behavior in the years ahead.

 

Key Insight → Netflix’s $1 billion investment in Mexico underscores the growing importance of Latin America in the global streaming industry, both as a content hub and a key market for subscriber growth. Beyond boosting Mexico’s film industry, this move signals increased competition for high-quality international productions and reinforces the economic ripple effects of entertainment, from job creation to tourism. As streaming platforms look to differentiate themselves with diverse, locally produced content, this investment highlights the strategic shift toward regional storytelling to capture global audiences.

 

Key Insight → Palantir’s sharp stock drop highlights investor concerns over potential defense budget cuts, which could weaken demand for its AI-driven government contracts. The simultaneous decision by CEO Alex Karp to sell millions of shares adds to uncertainty, raising questions about leadership confidence in the company’s long-term prospects. This signals broader market anxiety over shifting government spending priorities, particularly in defense and AI, which could impact other companies reliant on federal contracts.

 

 

THE MARKETS

Here’s how the major indexes did yesterday:

Here’s how The Magnificent Seven did yesterday:

Here’s how Bitcoin and Ethereum did yesterday:

Disclaimer: This content is not intended as financial guidance. The purpose of this newsletter is purely educational, and it should not be interpreted as an encouragement to engage in buying, selling, or making any financial decisions regarding assets. Exercise caution and conduct your own research before making any investment choices. 

 

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