Billion-Dollar Buybacks, Brutal Layoffs & the Return of Risky IPOs

Money Masters' Market Movers 20

May 14, 2025

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Dear Money Master,

This week in the markets, luxury giant Burberry is slashing 1,700 jobs in a bid to reverse declining profits, while Microsoft quietly laid off 6,000 employees, despite posting blockbuster profits. Meanwhile, SoftBank’s Vision Fund is again under scrutiny as massive investments turned into a ¥115B loss, a sign of tech’s uneven recovery.

The public markets are heating up again with eToro about to go public in a long-awaited IPO, joined by Chime, which filed its papers just days earlier. These moves could signal a new wave of fintech IPOs if markets cooperate. On the earnings front, Sony delighted investors with a ¥250B ($1.7 B) buyback, while On Holding’s Swiss sneakers sprinted past expectations and into a stronger sales forecast, despite global tariff headwinds.🌍💡

In today’s Deep Dive, we’ll explore The United States and China Trade Truce, breaking down the key points of the newly struck agreement and helping you understand how this high-stakes deal came together and why it matters now more than ever.🪙💼

📰 Your Daily Financial Digest - May 14th, 2025

🌍 Economics & Finance:

  1. Inflation Slows More Than Expected in April 🧊
    Consumer prices rose just 0.2% last month, easing pressure on the Fed. The annual CPI dropped to 2.3%, the lowest since February 2021, helped by falling grocery prices and stable core inflation. Read More

  2. Record-Breaking Tariff Revenues Slash U.S. Deficit 💰
    April tariff collections hit $16.3 billion, up 86% from March. This surge helped the U.S. post a $258.4 billion monthly surplus, trimming the fiscal deficit despite elevated interest payments. Read More

  3. LA Wildfires Cost German Reinsurers $1.9 Billion 🔥
    Munich Re and Hannover Re reported massive losses in Q1 due to LA wildfire claims. Munich Re’s property-casualty profit fell 72%, while Hannover’s largest loss topped €631M. Read More

💻 Technology:

  1. SoftBank Vision Fund Posts Sharp Loss as Investment Gains Shrink 📉
    The Vision Fund arm logged a ¥115 billion ($777 million) pretax loss, dragged by declining valuations in firms like AutoStore. Gains from ByteDance and Coupang were not enough to offset the 40% year-on-year drop in investment returns. Read More

  2. Microsoft Lays Off 6,000 in Global Workforce Trim ✂️
    In its largest cuts since 2023, Microsoft is reducing headcount by 3%, including 1,985 roles in Redmond. The move comes despite a $25.8B profit last quarter and strong forward guidance. Read More

  3. EToro Debuts on Nasdaq at $52/Share 🚀
    The trading platform raised $310M at a $4.2B valuation. With crypto revenues tripling and net income surging to $192.4M, EToro’s IPO could mark a turning point for fintech listings. Read More

  4. Chime Files for IPO as Growth Accelerates 💳
    Chime revealed $518.7M in revenue and $12.9M profit last quarter. With 8.6M members and rising ARPU, it’s joining the IPO wave under ticker “CHYM.” Read More

💹Earnings:

  1. Burberry to Cut 1,700 Jobs in Cost-Saving Drive 🧵
    The luxury fashion house aims to trim £100M in costs by 2027, with 20% of roles impacted globally. The move follows a 12% annual sales dip and ongoing macroeconomic pressure. Read More

  2. Sony Unveils $1.7 Billion Buyback, Shares Jump Despite Tepid Outlook 🎮
    Sony announced a ¥250 billion ($1.7 billion) stock buyback alongside operating income of ¥203.6 billion, topping estimates but down 11% YoY. The firm also revealed a partial spinoff of its financial arm, while projecting only modest profit growth amid U.S.-China tariff tensions. Read More

  3. Swiss Sneaker Brand On Holding Soars on Strong Q1 🏃
    Revenue hit CHF726.6M, beating forecasts. The company raised its full-year sales outlook to 28% growth, even as it flagged global supply chain and tariff risks. Read More

🔍 Deep Dive: How the US-China Trade War Hit a Pause (for Now) 

From tariff hikes to supply chain chaos, the U.S.-China trade war has been a masterclass in economic brinkmanship—with businesses, investors, and everyday consumers caught in the crossfire.

In today’s Deep Dive, we unpack how both countries stepped back from the edge, striking a surprise 90-day truce that’s temporarily rolled back tariffs and reignited global market optimism.

TLDR:
A sharp escalation in tariffs pushed both economies to the brink. Mounting pressure—from factories to financial markets—forced a rare compromise. The result? A temporary rollback, a shaky handshake, and a world watching what happens next.

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To your financial empowerment, The Money Masters Team

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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.