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☕️ Happy Monday, Munchers! If your portfolio needs a stiff drink this morning, blame the latest trade headlines. While you were sleeping, things got spicy between the world's largest economies.

On today’s menu:

• 🌎 Trade Tensions & Tariffs: Trump's Two-Front Battle

• 🥇 The Prop Firm Industry’s Best Instant Funding Program

• ⛽️ What’s Happening With Oil?

• 🏦 Buffett Passes the Torch at Berkshire

• 🇪🇺 Crypto Privacy In Europe Is Dissapearing

The S&P 500 had its ninth consecutive rally, making it the longest winning streak in 20 years, since November 2004.

Friday’s numbers:

BREAKING NEWS

🌎 Trade Tensions & Tariffs: Trump's Two-Front Battle

Just 30 minutes before we hit send, President Trump dropped a diplomatic bombshell: he has zero plans to speak with China's President Xi this week.

Accompanying this cold shoulder was a classic Trumpian assessment that China is "ripping us off" and both sides are "talking about different things."

This abruptly kills market hopes for a U.S.-China trade thaw that had been cautiously building since last week's positive signals from Chinese officials.

But wait, there's more...

Hollywood Gets Hit With 100% Tariffs

In a move that would make any screenwriter question their plot's believability, Trump imposed a 100% tariff on all foreign-produced films.

The justification? National security concerns over foreign influence in Hollywood.

The stated goal: bring movie production back to American soil. The market interpretation: nobody's safe from the new wave of protectionism.

What This Means For Your Trades

These headlines aren't just news – they're sentiment shifters that move billions in capital. Here's what to watch:

1. China-Exposed Sectors: Semiconductors, luxury goods, and industrials could take an immediate hit as investors reverse their optimistic positioning from last week.

2. Safe Haven Rotation: Expect capital to flow toward traditional shelters – gold, the dollar, and Treasurys – as uncertainty rises.

3. The Ripple Effect: While movie tariffs might seem niche, traders are reading this as a canary in the coal mine for broader protectionist policies.

4. Fed's Response: The Federal Reserve meeting Tuesday-Wednesday takes on new importance. Rate cut odds remain slim (~3.2%), but Powell's comments on trade tensions could send markets moving.

Why Headlines Matter More Than Data Right Now

Markets aren't just trading on what's happening – they're trading on what traders think will happen next. With sentiment fragile and earnings season in full swing (Tyson Foods, On Semiconductor, and Loews report early this week), even small surprises could trigger outsized moves.

👉️ Munch Tip: In markets driven by mood rather than math, it's not just about being right – it's about knowing what everyone else thinks is right.

Trade carefully, and maybe postpone that foreign film night. Tickets just doubled.

PROP FIRMS

🤑 What Lark Funding Got Right

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Why it matters: Your trading strategy shouldn't be compromised by arbitrary rules designed to make you fail. Real traders have winning and losing streaks – that's normal trading psychology.

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COMMODITIES

⛽ OPEC+ Floods Market, Oil Takes a Bath

OPEC+ just pulled the ultimate "watch this" move in the oil markets, and traders are scrambling for towels.

The Crude Awakening

Saudi-led OPEC+ is cranking up production by another 411,000 barrels per day in June, following a similar May increase. The market's reaction was swift and brutal:

• U.S. crude plunged 4%+ to ~$55.80/barrel

• Brent crude dropped ~3.9% to ~$58.90

• YTD oil prices have sunk over 20%

Why the sudden supply tsunami? Analysts point to market share hunger and geopolitical chess against non-OPEC producers. Either way, the market clearly wasn't prepared for this much crude generosity.

Winners & Losers Cheat Sheet

On the Ropes:

• Energy giants (ExxonMobil, Chevron)

• Oil service companies facing margin compression

• Petrocurrencies (CAD, RUB)

Popping Champagne:

• Airlines and transportation (cheaper fuel costs)

• Consumer discretionary (more spending money)

• Your summer road trip budget

What It Really Means 🧵 

The silver lining? Markets are interpreting this as supply-driven rather than demand destruction. That's crucial - it signals oversupply, not economic weakness.

This could boost consumer and industrial stocks as input costs fall, while energy stocks take the hit. But stay vigilant for any signs that weak demand is contributing - that would be the recession warning nobody wants to hear.

Until then, enjoy the gas pump reprieve. Just remember: in commodities as in comedy, timing is everything.

INVESTING

🏦 Buffett Passes the Torch at Berkshire

While you were deciding whether to keep that pandemic sourdough starter alive this weekend, the Oracle of Omaha was making slightly bigger decisions.

The Succession Plan Becomes Official

Warren Buffett officially announced at this weekend's Berkshire Hathaway annual meeting that he's stepping down as CEO, confirming Greg Abel (who oversees Berkshire's non-insurance businesses) will take the reins.

This marks the end of perhaps the most legendary CEO run in investing history, but markets are treating it as the well-choreographed handoff it is. No drama, no surprises – just like Buffett himself would want it.

The 94-year-old billionaire praised Abel as "better than me in many ways," which is either the ultimate compliment or the ultimate humble-brag. Either way, Berkshire's $160 billion cash pile now has a new guardian.

The Oracle's Parting Wisdom

Buffett didn't go quietly into retirement, delivering some pointed market commentary:

• On Protectionism: "Trade should not be a weapon" – a direct shot across the bow at mounting tariff tensions

• On Valuations: Parts of the market look "stretched," but Berkshire is staying patient (translation: we're not buying this froth)

• On Leadership: Age is no barrier to contribution – a reminder that wisdom doesn't have an expiration date

For traders, the key signal is Berkshire's massive cash position. That $160 billion war chest suggests Buffett and team are positioned for a significant market correction, waiting to go shopping when prices make sense.

What It Means For Your Portfolio

Berkshire's transition playbook offers three critical reminders:

1. Leadership succession doesn't have to be disruptive when properly planned

2. Dry powder (cash) matters when valuations get stretched

3. Focus on fundamentals, not market noise – Buffett's eternal message

As the torch passes from one of history's greatest investors, the strategy remains unchanged: patience, fundamentals, and the discipline to wait for the right price.

Remember: In investing as in buffets, it's not about being first in line – it's about knowing which dishes are worth your plate space.

🚀 Pre-Market Fuel

1. 🤔 When did Buffett know he was rich?

2. 😂 Trump wants to rebuild Alcatraz?

3. ✅ Quote of the day. This is a great reminder of what you’re working for.

4. 🇪🇺 Crypto privacy in Europe is going away.

5. 🤯 If these companies spent $1 million a day, how long would it take for them to run out of cash?

🍪 Munchy Memes

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