Tech Giants' Earnings and Key Economic Data Released Amid Tariff Uncertainty; Trump to Attend Pope Francis's Funeral in Vatican City

US • Business • 04/26 01:30
Tech Giants' Earnings and Key Economic Data Released Amid Tariff Uncertainty; Trump to Attend Pope Francis's Funeral in Vatican City

Major tech companies Apple, Amazon, Meta, and Microsoft will release quarterly earnings next week, with Microsoft and Meta reporting on April 30, and Amazon and Apple on May 2. Key economic indicators, including the U.S. nonfarm payrolls report, will also be released amid uncertainty over U.S. tariff policies. President Donald Trump and other leaders will attend Pope Francis's funeral in Vatican City on April 26. The convergence of these corporate, economic, and geopolitical events is expected to influence investor and policymaker decisions.

Key Updates

04/27 16:31

Trump's 25% Tariff on Foreign Cars: Boost for Tesla and Volkswagen, Threat to U.S. EV Market Growth

The Trump administration's 25% tariffs on foreign car imports are impacting the global auto industry, raising vehicle prices and complicating supply chains. Tesla and Volkswagen may benefit due to their U.S. manufacturing, which relies less on imports. However, the tariffs could hinder U.S. EV market growth by increasing costs for batteries and components. Global automakers, especially those from Germany, face challenges due to reliance on imported parts. The situation is exacerbated by ongoing trade tensions, with potential retaliatory tariffs from the EU and China further complicating the market.

04/27 12:30

U.S. Tariffs on Chinese Imports Cause Price Hikes and Fireworks Shortages Ahead of 2026 Celebrations

As of April 2025, the U.S. faces economic challenges from President Trump's 145% tariffs on Chinese imports. These tariffs are increasing consumer prices, prompting production shifts to Mexico and Vietnam, and disrupting the U.S. fireworks industry ahead of the 2026 celebrations. Industry leaders warn of shortages and cost hikes, while manufacturers adjust to the new trade environment. The tariffs have led to a slowdown in U.S. business activity and potential recession risks, while China faces job losses and shifts manufacturing to Southeast Asia to maintain U.S. market access.

04/27 10:31

April 2025 Tariffs by Trump Administration Disrupt Global Supply Chains, Increase Home Renovation Costs

In April 2025, the Trump administration's new tariffs on imports, especially from China, are disrupting global supply chains, increasing costs in home renovation, and slowing industry growth. Companies are adjusting sourcing strategies, but small businesses face challenges. Renovation costs are rising, with some materials seeing price hikes up to 70%. The remodeling industry is slowing as consumers delay projects due to financial uncertainty. Broader economic impacts include increased production costs and shipping rates. Industry leaders call for stable trade policies to mitigate ongoing disruptions.

04/26 16:31

New Tariffs Impact American Hobbies: Model Train Parts, Wine Corks, and More Face Price Hikes

New tariffs, including a 145% levy on Chinese imports and a 10% tariff on most other goods, are increasing costs for American hobbyists. Model train parts, wine corks, specialty butters, trading card sleeves, and sailboat sails are affected, leading to higher prices and supply shortages. Enthusiasts face difficult choices: pay more, wait longer, or opt for lower-quality alternatives. The tariffs are reshaping hobbies, with some enthusiasts like Frank Vaughan, a sailor, considering giving up due to tripled costs for sails. The long-term sustainability of many hobbies is now uncertain.

04/26 14:31

Economist Art Laffer Criticizes Trump's Tariff Policies; NY AG Letitia James Investigates Insider Trading

Economist Art Laffer, known for supply-side economics, criticized Donald Trump's tariff policies but remains hopeful about Trump's negotiation skills leading to freer trade. Meanwhile, New York Attorney General Letitia James is investigating potential insider trading related to Trump's tariff pause, using the Martin Act to examine if Trump's associates profited from advance knowledge. This inquiry adds to the ongoing legal tensions between Trump and James, who previously secured a civil judgment against Trump for misrepresenting his net worth.

04/26 01:30

Tech Giants' Earnings and Key Economic Data Released Amid Tariff Uncertainty; Trump to Attend Pope Francis's Funeral in Vatican City

Major tech companies Apple, Amazon, Meta, and Microsoft will release quarterly earnings next week, with Microsoft and Meta reporting on April 30, and Amazon and Apple on May 2. Key economic indicators, including the U.S. nonfarm payrolls report, will also be released amid uncertainty over U.S. tariff policies. President Donald Trump and other leaders will attend Pope Francis's funeral in Vatican City on April 26. The convergence of these corporate, economic, and geopolitical events is expected to influence investor and policymaker decisions.

04/25 21:00

U.S. Vehicle Carrier Operators Oppose New Port Fees on Foreign-Built Ships, Citing National Security Risks

Operators of foreign-built vehicle carriers are seeking relief from a new port fee imposed by the U.S. Trade Representative, effective October 14, 2025. The fee affects all foreign-built car carriers, including 20 U.S.-flagged vessels critical to military logistics under the Maritime Security Program. The fee, announced on April 17, 2025, aims to counter China's shipbuilding dominance but was introduced without prior consultation, potentially costing operators millions. Industry stakeholders argue it undermines military readiness and lacks procedural transparency, prompting calls for dialogue with the USTR.

04/25 14:32

U.S. Retailers Face Potential Shortages as 145% Tariff on Chinese Imports Halts Shipments

A 145% tariff on nearly all Chinese imports, imposed by the Trump administration, has sharply reduced U.S.-bound shipments from China. The Port of Los Angeles expects a 33% drop in freight arrivals by early May. Retailers, especially small and mid-sized businesses, are canceling orders, risking product shortages similar to the COVID-era supply chain crisis. The National Retail Federation predicts a 20% import drop if tariffs persist. The logistics industry faces reduced workloads and freight rates, while exports also decline due to retaliatory tariffs, affecting U.S. agriculture and manufacturing sectors.

04/25 12:32

TikTok's 'No Buy 2025' Movement Surges as Americans Brace for Recession and Trump Tariffs

The 'No Buy 2025' movement is gaining traction on TikTok as U.S. consumers face economic uncertainty, recession fears, and new tariffs from former President Donald Trump. The movement encourages reduced discretionary spending, with users sharing budget tips and minimalist lifestyles. The Consumer Confidence Index dropped to 92.9 in March 2025, and tariffs on Chinese imports are increasing costs. TikTok serves as a financial support network, with creators offering 'recession hacks.' This trend reflects a cultural shift towards intentional spending amid rising prices and geopolitical uncertainty.

04/25 08:31

Intel, Skechers, and Procter & Gamble Revise 2025 Forecasts Amid U.S. Tariff-Induced Economic Slowdown

Intel, Skechers, and Procter & Gamble have revised or withdrawn their 2025 financial forecasts due to escalating trade tensions and tariffs under President Trump's policies. Intel lowered its revenue guidance, citing increased costs and economic slowdown risks. Skechers withdrew its full-year guidance, affected by tariffs on Asian imports. P&G plans to raise prices to offset rising input costs. These actions reflect broader industry concerns about investment and operational costs amid trade uncertainty. The IMF projects U.S. economic growth at 1.8% for 2025, down from 2.7%, with a 40% recession risk.

Big Tech Earnings Calendar: Apple, Amazon, Meta, and Microsoft

The earnings season intensifies next week with several high-profile reports. Microsoft (MSFT) and Meta (META) are set to announce their results after the market closes on Tuesday, April 30. Following them, Amazon (AMZN) and Apple (AAPL) will report after the close on Thursday, May 2.

Microsoft’s earnings will be closely watched for updates on its artificial intelligence initiatives, cloud services performance, and data center investments. Analysts are particularly interested in whether Microsoft can demonstrate sustained momentum in AI integration across its product lines.

Meta’s report will provide insight into the health of its advertising business, an area that has faced scrutiny amid broader economic headwinds. Recent strong results from Alphabet have somewhat eased concerns, but Meta’s performance will be a critical barometer for the digital advertising sector.

On Thursday, Amazon’s earnings will shed light on the resilience of its retail and advertising divisions. Despite facing tariff-related challenges, Amazon’s diversified business model is expected to offer some insulation. Apple’s report, meanwhile, will be pivotal in assessing how the company is navigating trade tensions, particularly given its significant manufacturing footprint in China. CEO Tim Cook is anticipated to outline strategies to diversify Apple’s supply chain, including a potential pivot toward India.

Broader Earnings Landscape

Beyond Big Tech, a host of other major corporations are scheduled to report. On Monday, April 29, Domino’s Pizza and MGM Resorts will release earnings before the market opens, followed by Waste Management and NXP Semiconductors after the close.

Tuesday, April 30, will feature reports from SoFi, PayPal, UPS, JetBlue, Coca-Cola, Pfizer, Royal Caribbean, Spotify, and Altria before the open. After the close, Visa, Starbucks, Snap Inc., First Solar, and Booking Holdings will report.

Wednesday, May 1, will see earnings from Humana, Caterpillar, Vulcan Materials, and Western Digital before the open, with Microsoft and Meta following after the close.

Thursday, May 2, will be another packed day, with Eli Lilly, Roblox, CVS Health, Mastercard, SiriusXM, McDonald's, and Shake Shack reporting before the open. Amazon, Apple, and Airbnb will report after the close.

Finally, on Friday, May 3, ExxonMobil, Chevron, Cigna, and Wendy’s will release their results before the market opens.

Key Economic Data Releases

In addition to corporate earnings, several important economic indicators are scheduled for release. According to the economic calendar, data points such as Consumer Sentiment (Ireland), GDP preliminary figures (Latvia), and CPI readings (Bahrain) will be published. While these specific releases may not directly impact U.S. markets, they contribute to the broader global economic picture.

Of particular note, the U.S. Labor Department will release the nonfarm payrolls report on Friday, May 3. This report is critical for gauging the health of the labor market and could influence Federal Reserve policy decisions regarding interest rates. Analysts will be looking for signs of cooling in the labor market, which could bolster the case for future rate cuts.

Tariff and Trade Deal Uncertainty Looms

The upcoming earnings reports and economic data releases are set against a backdrop of significant uncertainty regarding U.S. tariff policies. Companies across sectors have cited tariffs as a major source of volatility and unpredictability in their earnings guidance.

Intel and Google recently flagged tariffs as a risk factor in their earnings calls, and similar concerns are expected to surface in the upcoming reports from Meta, Microsoft, Amazon, and Apple. The Trump administration has indicated that it is negotiating new trade agreements, but the lack of clarity continues to weigh on corporate planning and investor sentiment.

Several companies, including Thermo Fisher, American Airlines, PepsiCo, and Procter & Gamble, have already revised or withdrawn their earnings guidance due to tariff-related uncertainties. Executives have described the current environment as "volatile," "challenging," and "impossible to predict," underscoring the pervasive impact of trade tensions on business operations.

Global Spotlight: Pope Francis’s Funeral

Adding a significant geopolitical dimension to the week, the funeral of Pope Francis will take place on Saturday, April 26, in St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City. The ceremony is expected to draw a large contingent of world leaders, including President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, Prince William, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and French President Emmanuel Macron.

The funeral, which Pope Francis had requested to be a simpler affair, will nonetheless serve as a major diplomatic gathering. Observers have speculated that President Trump might use his time in Europe to engage in discussions related to trade policy, although no official meetings have been confirmed.

The presence of so many global leaders at a single event highlights the interconnectedness of political, economic, and social issues at a time of considerable global uncertainty.

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