Saturday, October 4, 2025

Jeff Bezos’s Dream Just Got One Step Closer to Becoming Reality.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: The U.S. government proposed changes to rules governing drone operations, aiming to make it easier for companies to conduct flights beyond the “visual line of sight.”

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Amazon, and other drone industry stakeholders.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Announced Tuesday, with public comments open for 60 days. The rule impacts drone operations across the U.S.

💬KEY QUOTE: “We are making the future of our aviation a reality and unleashing American drone dominance.” – Sean P. Duffy

🎯IMPACT: The proposal could streamline drone operations, expand their applications, and ensure the U.S. leads in drone technology innovation.

IN FULL

The U.S. government introduced new proposed regulations on August 5 aimed at expanding drone operations, a shift that could aid companies like Amazon in scaling up their delivery services. The proposal would eliminate the need for companies to obtain individual waivers to fly drones beyond the operator’s visual line of sight.

Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy revealed the plan, noting that the Trump administration is focused on “unleashing American drone dominance.” He emphasized that the new rules would help the U.S. surpass global competitors in drone innovation, including China.

Under the proposed changes, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) would allow drones to operate below 400 feet and beyond the operator’s direct view, without requiring prior approval. However, operators would still need to comply with several safety requirements: drones must have certified collision-avoidance systems, cannot exceed a weight of 1,320 pounds, and must be operated by certified individuals. Additionally, flights over large public gatherings would remain prohibited in order to mitigate security threats.

Amazon’s public policy team welcomed the proposed rules. In a post on X, they stated: “We applaud the [White House], [USDOT], [FAA] and Congress for their continued leadership in advancing a framework that supports safe, scalable drone operations like [Amazon]’s Prime Air drone delivery.”

To date, the FAA has approved 657 waivers for beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations, including for Amazon’s Prime Air service in College Station, Texas. Yariv Bash, CEO of drone delivery company Flytrex, praised the proposal, calling it a “foundational milestone” for expanding drone-based logistics nationwide.

Bezos’s Amazon previously contributed $1 million to Trump’s inauguration fund, a move seen by many as an effort by the technology billionaire to repair his relationship with the America First leader.

Image by Steve Jurvetson.

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This Tech Co. Just Pledged an Additional $100 Billion U.S. Investment After Trump Tariff Threat.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: Apple announced plans to increase its U.S. investment by $100 billion, adding to its earlier $500 billion pledge.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Apple CEO Tim Cook, President Donald J. Trump, and the White House.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Announced Wednesday by the Trump White House.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Today’s announcement with Apple is another win for our manufacturing industry that will simultaneously help reshore the production of critical components to protect America’s economic and national security,” said a White House spokesman.

🎯IMPACT: Analysts suggest Apple’s investment could help mitigate tariffs and align with Trump’s push for U.S.-based manufacturing.

IN FULL

Apple has announced a new $100 billion investment in the United States, adding to its previous $500 billion pledge to boost domestic manufacturing and production. The announcement comes as the company faces pressure from President Donald J.  Trump to relocate more of its supply chain to the U.S.

The White House confirmed the investment would encourage the production of Apple parts in the U.S. This follows earlier remarks from Trump, who threatened to impose higher tariffs on Apple products unless iPhone manufacturing was moved stateside. Apple CEO Tim Cook has indicated the company is looking to “do more” in response to these pressures.

A White House spokesman called the announcement “another win for our manufacturing industry” and emphasized its potential to reshore production of critical components, which aligns with Trump’s broader economic and national security goals. Apple has historically manufactured most of its products in China but has been adapting its supply chain in response to U.S. tariffs.

While Apple has shifted some production to countries like India and Vietnam, analysts note that significant changes to its supply chain will take time. Shares of Apple rose over 4 percent following the announcement, signaling investor optimism about the company’s U.S.-focused strategy. Cook also highlighted Apple’s plans to invest in rare earth production and a “manufacturing academy” in Michigan.

Official White House Photo by Joyce N. Boghosian.

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Trump to Sign Executive Order Targeting Banks Accused of Debanking Conservatives.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump criticized major banks for allegedly discriminating against conservatives through debanking, where financial institutions close or refuse accounts.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Donald Trump, JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, and other financial institutions. Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan also commented on the issue.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Comments were made during an interview with CNBC on August 5, following reports of a potential executive order addressing debanking.

💬KEY QUOTE: “They discriminated against many conservatives,” said President Trump during the CNBC interview.

🎯IMPACT: The issue highlights growing concerns over political bias in financial services, with calls for regulatory clarity and fair market access.

IN FULL

President Donald J. Trump confirmed on August 5 that he will soon sign an Executive Order targeting major banks that discriminate against conservatives through debanking practices. In his comments made Tuesday, Trump claimed JPMorgan Chase gave him 20 days to close his account, though he did not specify the timing or reasoning behind the decision. He also stated that Bank of America refused to do business after he left JPMorgan.

The issue of debanking has been raised by conservatives who argue that financial institutions are unfairly targeting individuals based on political views. While banks often cite regulatory compliance or risk management as reasons for account closures, Trump and others believe these explanations mask ideological discrimination. “They discriminated against many conservatives,” Trump said.

Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan, in an earlier interview on CBS News’ “Face the Nation,” denied allegations of bias. Moynihan emphasized regulatory pressures and risk management as key factors in banking decisions. “We look at it based on risk. People may feel those decisions are made for some other reason, but we always make it on what’s best for our company, what’s best for our client,” he said.

The practice of debanking has also been criticized in Congress. During a Senate hearing in February, Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina argued that debanking harms individuals and the economy, violating principles of fair market access. Crypto investors have also testified about abrupt account closures, claiming bias against cryptocurrency transactions.

JPMorgan Chase and Bank of America have both denied closing accounts for political reasons. JPMorgan stated, “We agree with Mr. Trump that regulatory change is desperately needed,” while Bank of America reiterated that political beliefs are not a factor in account closures.

The National Pulse reported in March that Brexit leader Nigel Farage successfully resolved his long-standing debanking dispute with NatWest Group, nearly two years after the closure of his accounts at the bank’s Coutts subsidiary. The settlement, which includes an apology from NatWest, brings closure to a saga that led to the resignation of the bank’s former chief executive, Dame Alison Rose, in 2023.

Image by Joyce N. Boghosian.

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The Search for Powell’s Replacement at the Fed Has Narrowed.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump announced he has narrowed his list of potential Federal Reserve chair candidates to four, including Kevin Hassett and Kevin Warsh, as he considers a replacement for Jerome Powell.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Donald Trump, Kevin Hassett, Kevin Warsh, Jerome Powell, and Adriana Kugler.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The announcement was made during an interview on Tuesday.

💬KEY QUOTE: “I think Kevin and Kevin, both Kevins, are very good,” said Trump during the interview.

🎯IMPACT: Trump’s decision could reshape the Federal Reserve leadership and influence U.S. monetary policy for years to come.

IN FULL

President Donald J. Trump revealed on Tuesday that he has narrowed his list of candidates for Federal Reserve chair to four individuals. During a media appearance, Trump named Kevin Hassett, director of the National Economic Council, and Kevin Warsh, a former Federal Reserve Board governor, as two of his top picks. He declined to name the other two candidates but confirmed that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is not among them.

“I think Kevin and Kevin, both Kevins, are very good,” Trump said during the interview. While expressing his dissatisfaction with current Fed Chair Jerome Powell, Trump noted that he has not yet decided on a replacement but plans to make a decision “soon.” Powell, whose term ends in May 2026, has been a frequent target of Trump’s criticism, particularly over interest rate policies.

Trump has accused Powell of mismanaging a $2.5 billion renovation project at the Fed, but stated he is “highly unlikely” to fire him. The potential shift in leadership comes as Adriana Kugler, a current Fed governor, recently announced her resignation, creating an additional vacancy on the board.

Kevin Hassett, one of the named candidates, has a history of supporting Trump’s economic policies, including tax cuts and tariffs. He previously served as chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers during the first Trump administration.

Meanwhile, Kevin Warsh, another candidate, has been critical of Powell’s Federal Reserve and has advocated for significant changes to its operations. In a previous interview, Warsh stated, “The president’s right to be frustrated with Jay Powell and the Federal Reserve.” Warsh has also suggested a new Treasury-Fed accord, similar to one implemented in 1951, to address the nation’s debt and improve coordination between monetary and fiscal policies.

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Trump Fires Five Members of Controversial Govt Board Managing Puerto Rico’s Debt.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: The Trump administration dismissed five of seven members from Puerto Rico’s federal control board, sparking concerns over the island’s financial future due to potential board malfeasance.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The White House, dismissed board members Arthur Gonzalez, Cameron McKenzie, Betty Rosa, Juan Sabater, Luis Ubiñas, and remaining members Andrew G. Biggs and John E. Nixon.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The dismissals were announced Tuesday, affecting Puerto Rico’s federally appointed financial oversight board.

💬KEY QUOTE: “It’s time to restore common sense leadership,” said a White House official, citing inefficiency and secrecy within the board.

🎯IMPACT: The move raises questions about the board’s future and Puerto Rico’s ongoing financial restructuring efforts.

IN FULL

The Trump administration has removed five of the seven members of Puerto Rico’s federally appointed financial oversight board, raising alarms over the island’s economic recovery and governance. The board, established by Congress in 2016 to manage the U.S. territory’s public finances, has been overseeing efforts to restructure tens of billions in debt following years of financial mismanagement.

The dismissed members, all Democrats, included board chair Arthur Gonzalez, along with Cameron McKenzie, Betty Rosa, Juan Sabater, and Luis Ubiñas. Remaining on the panel are Andrew G. Biggs and John E. Nixon, both Republicans.

A White House official justified the dismissals by accusing the board of operating inefficiently and lacking transparency, saying it “has been run inefficiently and ineffectively by its governing members for far too long and it’s time to restore common sense leadership.”

The official also criticized the board’s spending, citing excessive consulting and legal fees as well as “exorbitant salaries to staff.” According to the same official, the decision reflects dissatisfaction with the board’s progress, which the administration believes has “prolonged Puerto Rico’s bankruptcy.”

During the Obama administration, the Financial Oversight and Management Board (FOMB) was created under the Puerto Rico Oversight, Management, and Economic Stability Act (PROMESA). At the time, the island had declared it could not repay its more than $70 billion in public debt, triggering the largest municipal bankruptcy in U.S. history. Currently, Puerto Rico continues to face significant hurdles, particularly with the restructuring of $9 billion in debt held by the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA), a process mired in legal disputes with creditors seeking full repayment.

The dismissals will likely face legal challenges. However, Puerto Rico bond expert Cate Long argues there are clear grounds for the for-cause dismissals. “The level of the Puerto Rico OBoard’s incompetence is evident to people on both sides of the aisle. Ask yourself how they could pay their executive director, Robert Mujica, $625,000 [a year] while the US president only makes $400,000 [a year],” Long wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter). She added: “Meanwhile, the OBoard allowed Mujica to moonlight for the Greater New York Hospital Association and Mets owner Steve Cohen. This, while the [Puerto Rico] electric utility was on its knees.”

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Trump Says New Tariff Plan on Semiconductors Incoming.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump announced plans to unveil new tariffs on semiconductors and chips within the next week.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Donald Trump during an interview on CNBC’s Squawk Box. 

📍WHEN & WHERE: August 5, 2025, during an interview on CNBC.

💬KEY QUOTE: “We’re going to be announcing on semiconductors and chips, which is a separate category, because we want them made in the United States.” – Donald Trump

🎯IMPACT: The tariffs aim to prioritize U.S. manufacturing of semiconductors and chips, potentially affecting global trade dynamics.

IN FULL

President Donald J. Trump says a new round of trade tariffs will be announced as early as next week. The new trade duties will focus on semiconductors as part of a broader effort to boost U.S. manufacturing, especially on the high-tech front.

“We’re going to be announcing on semiconductors and chips, which is a separate category, because we want them made in the United States,” Trump said during an interview on CNBC’s Squawk Box. According to the America First leader, the announcement will likely come  “within the next week or so.”

Trump emphasized that the tariff plans are still ongoing and that the semiconductor and chip tariffs represent a distinct focus on bolstering domestic manufacturing. The announcement follows an executive order Trump signed recently imposing new U.S. tariff rates on imports from around seventy countries. These trade duties will take effect on Thursday.

Already, a number of nations are scrambling to strike a trade deal with the Trump White House before the Thursday deadline, including Switzerland, which faces one of the highest rates, 39 percent, set to be imposed.

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Trump Ousts Biden-Appointed Labor Stats Chief Following Disputed Jobs Revision.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump has fired Erika McEntarfer, the Joe Biden-appointed Commissioner of Labor Statistics, after the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released multiple jobs reports dating back to well before the 2024 election that overstate labor market growth.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Donald Trump, Erika McEntarfer, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, and Fed Governor Christopher Waller.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Statements were made via Truth Social on August 1, 2025, addressing July 2025 jobs data and jobs reports leading up to the 2024 election.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Important numbers like this must be fair and accurate, they can’t be manipulated for political purposes.” – Donald Trump

🎯IMPACT: The controversy has reignited debates over the politicization of economic data and the Federal Reserve’s continued obstinacy toward reducing interest rates.

IN FULL

President Donald J. Trump has taken aim at the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and its now former Commissioner, Dr. Erika McEntarfer, claiming that job numbers have been continually and intentionally manipulated to favor Democrats since before the 2024 election. Trump announced McEntarfer’s firing via Truth Social, citing significant errors in job data revisions.

“I was just informed that our Country’s ‘Jobs Numbers’ are being produced by a Biden Appointee, Dr. Erika McEntarfer, the Commissioner of Labor Statistics, who faked the Jobs Numbers before the Election to try and boost Kamala’s chances of Victory,” Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social. He highlighted that the BLS overstated job growth by 818,000 in March 2024 and by 112,000 in August and September 2024, calling these errors “records” and unacceptable.

Trump further stated, “Important numbers like this must be fair and accurate, they can’t be manipulated for political purposes.” He also criticized Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, who—along with the central bank’s Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC)—once again declined to lower interest rates during the FOMC’s July meeting. “Jerome ‘Too Late’ Powell should also be put ‘out to pasture,’” Trump added.

Earlier on Friday, the BLS released significant downward revisions to labor market data for May and June. Meanwhile, July’s jobs numbers fell well below expectations. Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller, a member of the FOMC, made the unprecedented move to publish an official statement blasting his colleagues’ hesitancy to slash borrowing costs. “When labor markets turn, they often turn fast. If we find ourselves needing to support the economy, waiting may unduly delay moving toward appropriate policy,” Waller warned.

The Secretary of Labor, Lori Chavez-DeRemer, backed President Trump’s decision to oust McEntarfer. “A recent string of major revisions has come to light and raised concerns about decisions being made by the Biden-appointed Labor Commissioner,” Chavez-DeRemer wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter), suggesting possible malfeasance by McEntarfer. She continued: “I support the President’s decision to replace Biden’s Commissioner and ensure the American People can trust the important and influential data coming from BLS.”

“During the search for a replacement, Deputy Commissioner William Wiatrowski will serve as Acting Commissioner,” the Labor Secretary announced.

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The Fed’s Waller Issues Unprecedented Warning: ‘Cut Rates Before Labor Market Deteriorates.’

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: The Federal Reserve’s top inflation hawk, Christoper Waller, warns that the central bank erred in not reducing interest rates in July, issuing an unprecedented public criticism of Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell and his colleagues on the central bank’s Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC).

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller, Fed Chairman Jerome Powell, FOMC members, and the U.S. labor market.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Waller published his critique of the FOMC’s July interest rate decision on Friday, August 1.

💬KEY QUOTE: “When labor markets turn, they often turn fast. If we find ourselves needing to support the economy, waiting may unduly delay moving toward appropriate policy.” — Christoper Waller

🎯IMPACT: Employment data released on Friday came in far lower than projections. Additionally, data from the prior two months saw significant downward revisions, suggesting the American labor market may be significantly weaker than previously thought. Should labor market conditions continue to worsen, Federal Reserve actions beyond rate cuts could be necessitated.

IN FULL

Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller has published a rare public criticism of his colleagues on the central bank’s Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC), following their decision to hold interest rates steady at its July 30-31 meeting. The move by Waller—who is seen by many Fed observers as jockeying to succeed Jerome Powell as Chairman of the Federal Reserve—comes as new jobs data suggests the possibility of significant and worrying weakening in the U.S. labor market.

“At the most recent Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting, I dissented because I concluded that cutting the policy rate by 25 basis points was the appropriate stance of policy,” Waller’s statement, published Friday morning, reads. He continues: “First, tariffs are one-off increases in the price level and do not cause inflation beyond a temporary increase. Standard central banking practice is to ‘look through’ such price-level effects as long as inflation expectations are anchored, which they are.”

“My final reason to favor a cut now is that while the labor market looks fine on the surface, once we account for expected data revisions, private-sector payroll growth is near stall speed, and other data suggest that the downside risks to the labor market have increased. With underlying inflation near target and the upside risks to inflation limited, we should not wait until the labor market deteriorates before we cut the policy rate,” Waller concludes, with the jobs data released shortly after underscoring his concerns.

While known as a staunch inflation hawk, Waller warns: “The price effects from tariffs have been small so far, and since we will likely not get clarity on tariff levels or their ultimate impact on the economy over the course of the next several months, it is possible that the labor market falters before that clarity is obtained—if it ever is obtained. When labor markets turn, they often turn fast. If we find ourselves needing to support the economy, waiting may unduly delay moving toward appropriate policy.”

Notably, employment data released on Friday came in far lower than projections at just 73,000 jobs added in July. Additionally, data from the prior two months saw significant downward revisions, suggesting the American labor market may be significantly weaker than previously thought. Should labor market conditions continue to worsen, Federal Reserve actions beyond rate cuts could be necessitated.

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Trump Sets New Tariff Rates for Nearly 70 Nations.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump has issued an executive order setting new reciprocal tariff rates for nearly 70 countries across the globe.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Donald J. Trump, Canada, Mexico, and a number of other nations worldwide.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The new trade duty rates were announced late Thursday and take effect on August 7, while the Canadian tariff rate takes effect immediately.

💬KEY QUOTE: “The complexities of a Deal with Mexico are somewhat different than other Nations because of both the problems, and assets, of the Border. We have agreed to extend, for a 90 Day period, the exact same Deal as we had for the last short period of time, namely, that Mexico will continue to pay a 25% Fentanyl Tariff, 25% Tariff on Cars, and 50% Tariff on Steel, Aluminum, and Copper.” — President Trump

🎯IMPACT: A total of around 40 countries with which the United States currently has a small trade deficit will only face a 15 percent rate, while another nearly 30 countries will see rates ranging from 18 percent to 50 percent.

IN FULL

President Donald J. Trump has announced new reciprocal tariff rates imposed on countries worldwide. The trade duties range from the baseline 10 percent to a high of 50 percent. A total of around 40 countries with which the United States currently has a small trade deficit will only face a 15 percent rate, while another nearly 30 countries will see rates ranging from 18 percent to 50 percent, set take effect on August 7.

Canada will additionally have some of its goods that are not exempted under the USMCA free trade agreement tariffed at a new 35 percent rate. The Trump White House says the increased Canadian trade duties are in response to the lack of cooperation from America’s northern neighbor in addressing the flow of fentanyl and other illicit drugs across the border. The new tariff rate on certain Canadian goods takes effect on August 1.

Meanwhile, goods from Mexico that are not covered by the USMCA could see a 25 percent tariff. President Trump, however, says he has delayed the imposition of the new trade duty amid ongoing negotiations with Mexico’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum.

“I have just concluded a telephone conversation with the President of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, which was very successful in that, more and more, we are getting to know and understand each other,” President Trump announced in a post on Truth Social on Thursday. “The complexities of a Deal with Mexico are somewhat different than other Nations because of both the problems, and assets, of the Border. We have agreed to extend, for a 90 Day period, the exact same Deal as we had for the last short period of time, namely, that Mexico will continue to pay a 25% Fentanyl Tariff, 25% Tariff on Cars, and 50% Tariff on Steel, Aluminum, and Copper.”

“Additionally, Mexico has agreed to immediately terminate its Non Tariff Trade Barriers, of which there were many. We will be talking to Mexico over the next 90 Days with the goal of signing a Trade Deal somewhere within the 90 Day period of time, or longer,” Trump added.

Countries that will now face a 15 percent tariff rate include: Afghanistan, Angola, Bolivia, Botswana, Cameroon, Chad, Costa Rica, Ivory Coast, DR Congo, Ecuador, Equatorial Guinea, European Union (on most goods), Fiji, Ghana, Guyana, Iceland, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, New Zealand, Nigeria, North Macedonia, Norway, Papua New Guinea, South Korea, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Uganda, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Nicaragua will face a rate of 18 percent, while Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Philippines, and Thailand will be tariffed at 19 percent. A 20 percent tariff will be imposed on Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, and Vietnam, with a 25 percent rate on goods from Brunei, India, Kazakhstan, Moldova, and Tunisia.

Algeria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Libya, and South Africa will be subject to a 30 percent tariff, while Serbia and Iraq will face a 35 percent tariff. Meanwhile, Switzerland will face a 39 percent trade duty, and Laos and Myanmar will be subject to a 40 percent tariff. Finally, Syria will be subject to a 41 percent tariff, and Brazil, criticized by Trump for mistreating former President Jair Bolsonaro, will be hit with a 50 percent tariff.

Notably, the Trump administration says that goods found to be transshipped to evade these tariffs will face an additional 40 percent duty.

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Bud Light Parent Company’s Shares Plunge Again.

PULSE POINTS

WHAT HAPPENED: Shares of AB InBev dropped as much as 11 percent after reporting a larger-than-expected decline in second-quarter volumes, despite increases in revenue and profits.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: AB InBev, the world’s largest brewer, and its CEO, Michel Doukeris.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The stock drop occurred on Thursday, with shares last seen down 9.1 percent by 10:27 AM. London time. The performance reflects global markets, including China, Brazil, and the U.S.

💬KEY QUOTE: “The results pointed to the resilience of the beer category and the continued momentum of the company’s megabrands.” – Michel Doukeris

🎯IMPACT: The decline in volumes, particularly in China and Brazil, overshadowed profit growth and raised concerns about the company’s performance in key markets.

IN FULL

Shares of AB InBev, the world’s largest brewer, dropped as much as 11 percent on Thursday after the company reported a steeper-than-expected 1.9 percent decline in second-quarter volumes. Analysts had predicted a smaller 0.3 percent dip. Despite this, quarterly revenues rose three percent on an organic basis to $15 billion, and operating profit jumped 6.5 percent year-on-year, exceeding expectations. However, the American-Belgian multinational could face tariff impacts due to its European footprint and partial Brazilian ownership.

The decline in volumes was primarily driven by underperformance in China, where volumes fell 7.4 percent, and Brazil, which saw a 6.5 percent drop due to adverse weather and high comparisons. AB InBev noted it was “underperforming the industry” in China, a critical market. Shares later pared losses but remained down 9.1 percent by mid-morning in London.

CEO Michel Doukeris emphasized the resilience of the beer market and the strength of AB InBev’s “megabrands,” which include Budweiser, Stella Artois, and Corona. Analysts, however, expressed concerns over the significant volume declines in China and Brazil, as well as weaker-than-expected performance in other regions such as the Middle Americas and EMEA.

The beer industry is also grappling with broader challenges, including 50 percent tariffs on aluminum, which are expected to increase the cost of beer cans produced in the U.S. AB InBev previously stated that 98 percent of its cans are manufactured domestically. Meanwhile, wine and spirits producers are lobbying for tariff relief under ongoing EU-U.S. trade negotiations.

AB InBev previously saw significant losses for almost a year after a Bud Light marketing campaign featuring the transgender social media personality Dylan Mulvaney sparked a boycott in April 2023.

Image by Like_the_Grand_Canyon.

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