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Good morning.
Analysts are calling the Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery deal "the lowest probability outcome" while regulators sharpen their knives. It doesn’t look so promising anymore.
Meanwhile, Dollar Tree and Dollar General quietly owned Nvidia this year, up 55% and 65% respectively.
And Powell's Wednesday press conference could set the tone for all of 2026, with markets sitting just below 6,900 on the S&P.
But more importantly… did you see Finance Wrapped for 2025?
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📰 Market Headlines
Markets closed near record highs Friday, with Powell’s Wednesday press conference expected to set the tone for early 2026.
The S&P 500 sat just below 6,900, the Dow added 0.4%, and the Nasdaq slipped 0.1%
The Netflix-Warner Bros. deal might not go through. The US government might not allow Netflix (NFLX) to acquire Warner Bros. (WBD) because of antitrust concerns. The White House apparently view the deal with “heavy skepticism,” and Senator Elizabeth Warren said “This deal looks like an anti-monopoly nightmare.”
Interestingly, AltIndex’s AI model rates NFLX as a “buy” with an AI Score of 67/100, citing sound financial health, increasing job openings, high employee sentiment, and stable customer engagement metrics
Dollar Tree (DLTR) and Dollar General (DG) quietly crushed 2025, with shares up 55% and 65% year-to-date, outpacing Nvidia’s 35% gain. Both retailers reported strong same-store sales growth, fueled by higher-income shoppers trading down and lower-income households spending more per visit. Dollar Tree captured 3 million new customers this quarter, 60% from households earning over $100,000, a clear sign of how affordability pressures are reshaping US spending habits.
Carvana (CVNA) was added to the S&P 500 last Friday after markets closed, along with CRH Plc (CRH) and Comfort Systems USA Inc. (FIX). The three companies are replacing LKQ Corp. (LKQ), Solstice Advanced Materials Inc. (SOLS) and Mohawk Industries Inc. (MHK).
Confluent (CFLT) shares were up 29% premarket after The Wall Street Journal published a report that IBM is planning to acquire the data-infrastructure company, according to CNBC.
Berkshire Hathaway is losing investment manager and Geico CEO Todd Combs to JP Morgan. This news comes as Warren Buffett’s company is already failing to beat the S&P 500 for 2025.
Of course, Wednesday is the next FOMC rate decision, and odds are heavily in favor of a 25 bps rate cut: 95% chance, according to Polymarket.
The US government waived part of a Biden-era fine against Southwest Airlines, citing operational improvements. The airline will no longer pay the final $11 million of a $35 million Treasury penalty tied to its 2022 holiday meltdown. Southwest shares rose 5.7% after the announcement, as DOT praised its investments in network resiliency and on-time performance.
Silver and copper overtook gold as the top metals trades heading into 2026. Silver has nearly doubled this year amid a global supply squeeze and surging ETF inflows, while copper climbed 9% in the past month. Traders poured nearly $1 billion into silver ETFs last week alone, betting on continued volatility and industrial demand.
😱 Fear & Greed Index
🤖 AI/Future/Tech News
Elon Musk has called for the abolition of the EU after the bloc fined X $140 million for its “‘deceptive’ blue check mark” and lack of transparency.
X also terminated the European Commission's ad account after the EU’s fine.
Meta delayed its new mixed reality glasses, codenamed Phoenix, until 2027.
OpenAI killed app suggestions in ChatGPT after paying subscribers complained the recommendations looked like ads.
Elon Musk denied reports that SpaceX is raising funds at an $800 billion valuation.
Waymo issued a voluntary software recall for its robotaxis over how they behave around school buses.
🪙 Crypto
Coinbase reopened in India after a two-year pause, planning a fiat on-ramp for 2026.
XRP and Solana ETFs held steady with $12.84 million and $4.59 million inflows, while Bitcoin bled $194.64 million.
Bitcoin wallets using privacy mixers are now blacklisted by Kraken and Coinbase compliance algorithms.
🚨 Trending on Reddit
Carvana chatter exploded on Reddit as users questioned its S&P 500 inclusion after rocketing from $4 to $430. Some are speculating about sketchy financials (conspiracy theory energy).
Netflix mentions surged as Reddit debates their Warner Bros. Discovery win, with users split between worrying about higher subscription costs and criticizing the $30/share deal.
📊 IPOs and Earnings
❓Market Trivia Corner
Which Non-Magnificent-7 Company Is in the Top 7 Market Caps Right Now?
🎤️ What you said last time
The correct answer was 2013!
🎪 Crowdfunding Showcase
Wild Rye breaks barriers in outdoor apparel by designing technical gear exclusively for women because the industry wasn't built for us, so founder Cassie Abel built her own. This certified B Corp has raised $910K of its $1.57 million goal and projects $5.2 million in revenue for 2025 while selling in every REI, evo, and Title Nine door, plus 75+ specialty retailers.
Featured in Forbes and WSJ, Wild Rye proves women will invest in high-end gear when it actually fits, performs, and looks good. The brand blends performance fabrics with contemporary style, speaking to customers like girlfriends with inclusivity and heart. 63% of customers choose them specifically because they're women-led.
🧠 The Missing (Market) Links
Jake Paul might be one of the best VC investors of the past 10 years; he’s invested in Anduril, Ollipop, and these other successful companies.
Ray Dalio said the Middle East is becoming a Silicon Valley of capitalists; here’s why.
People do not like CNBC’s new logo rollout; will this be a repeat of the Cracker Barrel fiasco?
Cosmo’s new hair growth solution trial delivered a 539% increase in hair growth; note that the study labels it as a short-term treatment.
McDonald's jumped on the $12.4 billion pickle trend with dill-flavored fry seasoning. The real reason for the pickle boom might surprise you.
Searches for seasonal work tripled, and it wasn't just for retail. A new report listed the most surprising jobs.
Grain prices tumbled on Friday after a technical selloff. The government also confirmed a “bridge payment” package is coming for farmers.
With 41% of Americans expecting more holiday stress, a happiness researcher offered three powerful ways to feel more connected.
📜 Quote of the Day
When you invest, you are buying a day you don’t have to work.”
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Cheers,
Brandon & Blake of Invested Inc
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