America’s $200B Tariff Jackpot, Slowing Consumer, & Robotaxis Boom!

In partnership with

Dear Money Master,

This week, Washington announced it pulled over $200 billion in tariffs since the start of 2025, but the bill may be landing on consumers and companies instead. As the Supreme Court weighs whether these trade measures are even legal, warning signs are flashing across the economy: consumer spending is set to slow, smartphone prices are headed higher, and a former robotics darling has collapsed into bankruptcy.

At the same time, the future is accelerating fast. Robotaxis are expanding nationwide, PayPal wants to become a bank, and AI demand is driving chip shortages that could fuel the next inflation wave. Add in Ford’s $19.5B EV pullback, Pfizer’s post-COVID reality check, and aggressive shareholder returns from WM.🪙💼

📰 Your Daily Financial Digest - December 17th, 2025

🌍 Economics, Retail, & Finance:

1. U.S. Collects Over $200B in Tariffs Amid Legal Challenge 💰
   Customs officials confirmed tariff collections have surged since new duties took effect in early 2025. The Supreme Court is now weighing arguments that the measures exceed presidential authority, adding uncertainty for global trade. Read More

2. Consumer Spending Growth Seen Slowing in 2026 🛒
   Moody’s expects real consumer spending growth to cool to roughly 1.5% next year. Affordability pressures and cautious households could weigh most heavily on retail and consumer durable companies. Read More

3. iRobot Files for Chapter 11, to Be Acquired by Key Supplier 🤖
   The Roomba maker entered bankruptcy as China-based Picea agreed to acquire full equity. The deal wipes out over $250 million in claims, though roughly $84 million in supply obligations remain outstanding. Read More

💻 Technology:

1. Ford Takes $19.5B Charge Amid EV Strategy Pullback 🚗
   Ford expects most restructuring charges to hit in Q4, with additional cash costs through 2027. The move reflects slower EV adoption and a shift toward prioritizing profitability over expansion. Read More

2. Waymo Extends Robotaxi Lead as Tesla and Zoox Expand 🚕
   Waymo now operates, tests, or plans launches across 26 markets globally. Amazon’s Zoox rolled out free driverless rides in Las Vegas and San Francisco, while Tesla’s Robotaxi service still relies on human safety supervisors. Read More

3. Smartphone Prices Set to Rise Nearly 7% in 2026 📱
   Counterpoint Research expects higher memory chip costs to push average smartphone prices up 6.9%. AI-driven demand from data centers is tightening supply, raising component costs for handset makers. Read More

4. PayPal Seeks Approval to Launch a U.S. Bank 🏦
   PayPal applied to form PayPal Bank, aiming to expand lending to small businesses. Management says the move would improve efficiency while deepening PayPal’s role in business financing. Read More

💹Earnings:

1. Vital Farms Targets $2B in Revenue by 2030 🥚
   The company outlined long-term goals including +35% gross margins and up to 17% adjusted EBITDA margins. Management will detail the strategy at an upcoming investor day in Missouri. Read More

2. Pfizer Issues 2026 Guidance as COVID Sales Decline 💊
   The drugmaker forecasts 2026 revenue between $59.5B and $62.5B, reflecting lower COVID product sales and patent expirations. Several key drugs face loss of exclusivity pressure next year. Read More

3. WM Boosts Dividend 14.5% and Authorizes $3B Buyback ♻️
   Waste Management approved its 23rd consecutive annual dividend increase while launching a new $3B share repurchase plan, reinforcing confidence in cash flow stability heading into 2026. Read More

Find customers on Roku this holiday season

Now through the end of the year is prime streaming time on Roku, with viewers spending 3.5 hours each day streaming content and shopping online. Roku Ads Manager simplifies campaign setup, lets you segment audiences, and provides real-time reporting. And, you can test creative variants and run shoppable ads to drive purchases directly on-screen.

Bonus: we’re gifting you $5K in ad credits when you spend your first $5K on Roku Ads Manager. Just sign up and use code GET5K. Terms apply.

Use code GET5K now

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.