AI Bubble Warnings, Crypto Shakeout & Big Oil’s Gas Gamble

Money Masters' Market Kickoff Week 34

August 18, 2025

In partnership with

Dear Money Master,

Major warning signs are flashing across the market. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman says we're in an AI bubble, echoing the dot-com era, while Bitcoin crashed below $115K after $500M in long positions were liquidated due to inflation fears. Meanwhile, potential Fed Chair pick David Zervos is calling for a bold 50bps rate cut, despite hot inflation, to avoid a labor market slowdown. And in the energy sector, Big Oil is doubling down on LNG, betting on long-term demand despite climate concerns. 🌍

📈 On the earnings front, Circle smashed expectations with a 90% rise in USDC circulation, while Applied Materials tanked 14% on weak China guidance. 🧬 Novo Nordisk jumped 5% as Wegovy won FDA approval to treat liver disease, expanding beyond weight loss. 👟 And Federer-backed On Holding surged 9% on booming direct-to-consumer sales. In tech, Samsung is gaining U.S. market share with viral foldable phones, and the IPO floodgates are openagain, with Figma and Circle soaring triple digits on debut. 🚀

📰 Your Daily Financial Digest - August 18th, 2025

🌍 Economics & Finance:

  1. Crypto Crash: $500M in Liquidations Hit Bitcoin & Ether 💣
    Bitcoin plunged below $115K as inflation fears drove over $500M in forced long liquidations. Ether dropped 4%, and crypto-related equities like Bullish, Bitmine, and SharpLink were all lower. Traders now eye the Fed’s Jackson Hole summit for policy cues. Read More

  2. Big Oil Bets on LNG Amid Transition Skepticism 🛢️
    Shell, BP, and Exxon are doubling down on liquefied natural gas as demand surges in Asia. They’re betting against the IEA’s forecast for peak gas by 2030, despite criticism over methane leaks and long-term climate risk. Shell forecasts 60% demand growth by 2040. Read More

  3. Fed Chair Hopeful David Zervos Pushes for Big Rate Cuts 📉
    Jefferies’ chief strategist David Zervos, a potential successor to Jerome Powell, called for a 50bps rate cut despite hot inflation data. He believes current policy is overly restrictive and says aggressive easing could add a million jobs. Read More

💻 Technology:

  1. Sam Altman Warns: “Yes, AI Is in a Bubble” 🧠
    OpenAI's CEO compared today's AI hype to the 2000 dot-com bubble, citing inflated valuations and investor overexcitement. Despite OpenAI nearing $20B in recurring revenue, it remains unprofitable and recently faced backlash over GPT-5 performance. Read More

  2. Samsung Snaps Back: Gains U.S. Market Share on Foldables 📱
    Samsung’s U.S. share rose to 31% on booming foldable phone sales, while Apple dropped to 49%. Devices like the Z Fold 7 are going viral for durability. Tariffs and price variety are also helping Samsung’s resurgence in the premium and budget segments. Read More

  3. Tech IPOs Roar Back: Figma, Circle, Bullish Spark Market Mania 🚀
    With Figma up 250%, Circle 168%, and Bullish 84% on IPO day, investors are hungry again. Nasdaq is up 40% since April, and over two dozen unicorns are prepping IPOs as the “prohibition era” for tech listings ends. Read More

  4. Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy Gets FDA Nod for Liver Disease 🧬
    The blockbuster drug Wegovy secured accelerated FDA approval to treat MASH, a chronic liver disease. With over 60% trial efficacy and expanding indications, Wegovy further solidifies Novo’s dominance in the metabolic space. Read More

💹Earnings:

  1. Circle Surges on Strong USDC Growth and GENIUS Act Tailwind 🪙
    Circle beat earnings with $658M revenue and $126M in EBITDA as USDC circulation jumped 90% YoY. The GENIUS Act regulatory framework is fueling more institutional adoption and partnerships across banking and fintech. Read More

  2. Applied Materials Slides 14% on Weak Outlook from China 📉
    Despite topping Q3 results, Applied’s Q4 guidance missed estimates due to weaker demand and licensing delays in China. CEO Gary Dickerson cited lower visibility and rising trade uncertainty as key concerns for its semiconductor business. Read More

  3. Roger Federer-Backed On Holding Rallies 9% on DTC Boom 👟
    On Holding posted 32% sales growth and raised guidance, driven by a 47% surge in direct-to-consumer revenue. Its diversified product lineup and rising global brand recognition are helping offset YTD stock weakness. Read More

The back office, built for founders

We’ve worked with over 800 startups—from first-time founders at pre-seed to fast-moving teams raising Series A and beyond—and we’d love to help you navigate whatever’s next.

Here’s how we’re willing to help you:

  • Incorporating a new startup? We’ll take care of it—no legal fees, no delays.

  • Spending at scale? You’ll earn 3% cash back on every dollar spent with our cards.

  • Transferring $250K+? We’ll add $2,000 directly to your account.

To your financial empowerment, The Money Masters Team

P.S. Stay connected! Don't forget to follow us on social media! 📱🌐

DISCLAIMER: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The publisher does not accept any responsibility for any losses incurred as a result of actions taken based on the information provided. Always conduct your own research or consult with a financial advisor before making any investment decisions.