THIS WEEK IN FINANCE
APRIL 21 - APRIL 25
Stocks Jump, S&P Recovers Loses
U.S. markets experienced a significant rebound this week, with the S&P 500 rising 2.5%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average climbing 1,016 points (2.7%), and the Nasdaq Composite gaining 2.7%. Investor sentiment improved following President Trump’s assurance that he has no plans to remove Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, coupled with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s optimistic outlook on de-escalating the trade war with China.
A strong wave of corporate earnings added fuel to this week’s rally, with several major companies exceeding Wall Street expectations. Notable performances from 3M, Equifax, and PulteGroup showcased resilience in both industrial and consumer-facing sectors, despite ongoing economic headwinds. Tech giants and financials also posted solid results, helping to stabilize investor sentiment and lift the broader indexes.
What Does This Mean For You?
If you’re an investor, this week’s market rebound and strong earnings could be a reminder to stay focused on fundamentals—even in volatile times. Positive corporate results signal that many companies are still performing well despite trade tensions and economic uncertainty. This can create opportunities for long-term investors looking to enter or rebalance positions while prices remain below recent highs. If you’re an investor, this week’s market rebound and strong earnings could be a reminder to stay focused on fundamentals—even in volatile times. Positive corporate results signal that many companies are still performing well despite trade tensions and economic uncertainty. This can create opportunities for long-term investors looking to enter or rebalance positions while prices remain below recent highs. That said, caution is still warranted due to the short term uncertaintity.
Bitcoin's Rally Gains Momentum
Bitcoin’s rally continues to gain momentum, with the cryptocurrency trading around $93,924 as of April 24, 2025. Institutional interest is further evidenced by substantial inflows into spot Bitcoin ETFs, with over $1.8 billion invested over two days, marking the highest since January. Additionally, the launch of Twenty One Capital, backed by Tether, Bitfinex, and SoftBank, aims to acquire over 42,000 BTC, reflecting a growing trend of corporate entities embracing Bitcoin as a strategic asset.
Analysts suggest that Bitcoin is increasingly being viewed as a hedge against inflation and political instability, drawing parallels to gold’s role in traditional markets. Moving forward, we may start seeing more movement into cryptocurrencies, particularly from investors seeking alternatives to traditional assets. Bitcoin’s decentralized nature and limited supply are becoming increasingly attractive to both institutional and retail investors.
What Does This Mean For You?
With markets experiencing increased volatility and gold reaching record highs, now is a critical time to remain informed and deliberate. It’s essential to conduct your own due diligence before making any major investment decisions. While gold may seem like a safe bet during uncertain times, history shows that timing, policy response, and economic cycles all play a role in outcomes. Look back to the tariff-driven inflation of the 1970s, followed by the economic boom of the 1980s, and you’ll see how gold prices often moved in reaction to broader market forces—not in isolation.
WeightWatchers To File For Bankruptcy
WW International Inc., formerly known as WeightWatchers, is reportedly preparing to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the coming weeks. The company is negotiating a debt-restructuring deal with a majority of its creditors, aiming to hand over control of the business to them as part of the plan. The weight management firm has been struggling to stay relevant amid the rise of highly effective weight-loss drugs. The current stock price resides at less than 15 cents per share, a dramatic fall from its peak valuation of over $100 per share in 2018.
The brand gained massive mainstream popularity through the 1990s and early 2000s, fueled in part by a wave of late-night infomercials, celebrity endorsements, and nationwide in-person meetings. At its peak, WeightWatchers was a cultural staple—synonymous with healthy lifestyle change and long-term dieting success. Its approachable format and mass appeal helped it become a billion-dollar company and a household name in wellness long before the rise of digital fitness apps and weight-loss medications.
What Does This Mean For You?
With bankruptcy likely and the stock trading at less than 15 cents per share, the risk of a total loss is high. If you currently hold any positions, it may be wise to consider closing them, and it would be strongly discouraged to open any new ones at this time.
Notable Events
- Bitcoin surged to over $93,000 on April 24th, 2025, approaching a new all-time high amid rising institutional inflows and investor demand for decentralized assets.
- WW International, formerly WeightWatchers, confirmed preparations for Chapter 11 bankruptcy as competition from weight-loss drugs and declining memberships continue to mount.
- President Trump publicly threatened to remove Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell on April 17th, reigniting concerns about the Fed’s independence.
- Reports circulated this week that several lawmakers are drafting a bill to limit executive influence over the Federal Reserve, citing the importance of protecting monetary policy from political interference.
- The Federal Reserve entered its blackout period ahead of the May 7th FOMC meeting, during which Fed officials refrain from public commentary on monetary policy to preserve neutrality.
Looking Into Next Week
Earnings season rolls on with reports from Apple, Amazon, and McDonald’s. Key data releases like the ISM Manufacturing Index and JOLTS report could shape expectations ahead of the Fed’s May 6–7 meeting. As well as the major political focus remains on efforts to limit executive influence over the central bank as markets look to maintain momentum.