Buffett’s $381B Cash Empire, Robotaxi Boom, & China Slows Down

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Dear Money Master,

As Trump’s new tariffs ripple through global markets, economists warn that consumers may soon feel the sting in their wallets, just in time for holiday shopping. Meanwhile, China’s Xi Jinping is calling for unity across Asia as Beijing and Washington strike a temporary truce on tariffs and trade controls. But tensions remain high while China’s factory activity is already losing steam.

In tech, China is racing ahead. 🚖 Pony.ai just won the first-ever citywide robotaxi permit in Shenzhen, while Baidu’s Apollo Go hit 250,000 weekly driverless rides, matching Google’s Waymo in the U.S. Xpeng also crossed 40,000 monthly EV deliveries for the second time this year, keeping Elon Musk’s Tesla on its toes.

On Wall Street, Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway shattered records with a $381.6 billion cash hoard after a 34% profit jump, but the Oracle of Omaha isn’t buying back shares. Meanwhile, Chipotle faced a reality check as younger diners cut back, while Restaurant Brands (Burger King, Tim Hortons) delivered a surprise earnings beat by staying out of fast-food price wars.🌍💼

📰 Your Daily Financial Digest - November 3rd, 2025

🌍 Economics & Finance:

1. Trump’s Tariffs Quietly Fuel Consumer Price Pressures 💸
   Economists say tariffs imposed since April are now creeping into holiday shopping prices. Inflation remains between 2.5–3%, but analysts warn that tariffs are keeping consumer costs elevated even as broader pressures cool. Read More

2. Xi Jinping Pushes for Asian Trade Unity Amid U.S. Tariff Thaw 🌏
   After securing partial tariff rollbacks from the U.S., President Xi urged Asia-Pacific nations to stabilize supply chains and “work together through turbulent times.” The temporary concessions mark the first real thaw in relations since 2019. Read More

3. China Factory Growth Slows as Exports Decline 📉
   China’s manufacturing PMI dipped to 50.6 in October, missing expectations as export orders fell sharply amid renewed trade uncertainty with the U.S. This marks the steepest export drop since May. Read More

💻 Technology:

1. Baidu’s Robotaxis Match Waymo’s U.S. Ride Volumes 🤖
   Baidu’s Apollo Go logged over 250,000 driverless rides per week, on par with Alphabet’s Waymo, cementing China’s dominance in the global autonomous race. The surge marks a 48% jump from Q2. Read More

2. Pony.ai Gets Shenzhen-Wide Robotaxi Permit 🚖
   Pony.ai became the first to win a full-city permit in Shenzhen, signaling a leap forward in China’s AV integration. Partnering with Xihu Group, it plans to deploy 1,000 robotaxis co-developed with Toyota. Read More

3. Xpeng Crosses 40,000 Monthly Deliveries for Second Time 🚗
   Chinese EV maker Xpeng delivered 42,013 cars in October, led by its budget-friendly Mona series. Prices start at $16,800, intensifying competition with Tesla, whose delivery pace has wavered. Read More

4. Musk Hints at Long-Awaited Tesla Roadster Reveal 🏎️
   Elon Musk told Joe Rogan the long-promised Roadster could finally be unveiled “before the end of the year.” The next-gen model, first teased in 2017, is expected to feature extreme performance specs. Read More

💹Earnings:

1. Buffett’s Berkshire Hits Record $381.6B Cash Hoard 💰
   Operating profit soared 34% to $13.5B, powered by a 200% surge in insurance underwriting. Despite market volatility, Buffett held off on buybacks, building the firm’s largest-ever cash reserve. Read More

2. Restaurant Brands International Beats on Strong Q3 🍔
   Parent company of Burger King and Tim Hortons posted earnings above estimates, citing steady international sales. Executives credited discipline in pricing and strategy for avoiding “value wars.” Read More

3. Chipotle Stock Tanked as Young Customers Cut Back 🌯
   Chipotle slashed its sales forecast after a sharp pullback from 25–34-year-old diners. Persistent inflation and weaker disposable incomes weighed on traffic, despite new menu promotions. Read More

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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.