Buffett Steps Down, Temu Pulls Out, Oil Drops Again

Money Masters' Market Kickoff Week 19

May 05, 2025

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Dear Money Master,

In today’s newsletter, we’ll look at Warren Buffett’s decision to step down as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway 🧓, marking the end of one of the most storied careers in finance. We’ll also cover Temu’s abrupt shift in U.S. strategy 📦 as Trump’s tariff crackdown forces it to halt direct shipments from China. Oil prices 🛢️ continue to slide following another OPEC+ production increase, and Trump’s crypto-themed fundraising dinners are sending the $TRUMP memecoin 🪙 surging.

🔍 Don’t miss our Article of the Day — we’re diving into Buffett’s legendary career, investment philosophy, and the future of Berkshire Hathaway.

📰 Your Daily Financial Digest - May 5th, 2025

🌍 Economics & Finance:

  1. Trump Hosts Crypto Donors, $TRUMP Token Soars 🪙
    Trump is holding two crypto dinners: a $1.5M-per-plate gala and a $TRUMP memecoin contest. The token surged as insiders gained $324M in trading fees, though attendees may end up with NFTs instead of a handshake. Read More

  2. Skechers Goes Private in $6.1B 3G Capital Deal 👟
    Footwear giant Skechers will be bought for $63/share, a 30% premium. Amid tariff turmoil and declining guidance, the deal gives 3G a major global retail asset while CEO Greenberg stays on to steer long-term growth. Read More

  3. Trump’s Film Tariff Bombshell Rattles Hollywood Stocks 🎬
    Proposed 100% duties on foreign-made films sent shares of Netflix, Disney, and Paramount down. Studios fear new costs, uncertainty around implementation, and retaliation from global box offices. Read More

  4. China Risks Deflation as U.S. Tariffs Choke Exports 🏭
    As demand from the U.S. collapses under tariffs, China is flooding its domestic market with cheap goods, triggering price wars, falling wages, and deflation. Producer prices have fallen for 29 consecutive months. Read More

  5. Social Security Clawbacks Cut in Half, Still Painful 🧓
    After backlash, the SSA lowered its overpayment withholding rate from 100% to 50%, but beneficiaries still risk homelessness if they rely on benefits for essentials. Many didn’t even cause the overpayments. Read More

  6. OPEC+ Surprises Market with Second Production Hike 🛢️
    Oil fell to $57 as OPEC+ added 411,000 barrels/day in June, following a similar increase in May. Goldman warns that high supply and weak demand are driving prices below breakeven for many producers. Read More

💻 Technology:

  1. Messi Mania Sends MLS Sponsorship Revenue Soaring ⚽
    MLS has seen a double-digit jump in sponsor deals as Lionel Messi drives attendance, merchandise sales, and cultural relevance ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Brands are locking in long-term partnerships. Read More

  2. Temu Halts China Shipments as Tariff Loophole Closes 📦
    Temu has stopped showing items shipped from China to U.S. customers after Trump’s executive order killed the de minimis rule. U.S. listings now dominate, and prices are being adjusted to avoid 130–150% import charges. Read More

💹Earnings:

  1. Buffett Hands CEO Reins to Greg Abel as Q1 Profits Slide 🧓
    Warren Buffett will step down as CEO in 2026 but remain chairman. Berkshire’s Q1 operating income fell, hit by $1.1B in wildfire-related insurance losses. Shares were down on the leadership change and tariff uncertainty. Read More

  2. Chevron Cuts Buybacks as Q1 Earnings Slide ⛽
    Chevron’s Q1 profit declined to $3.5B amid falling oil prices and weaker international margins. The company is reducing share repurchases for Q2 while maintaining its full-year guidance. Read More

  3. Exxon Tops Forecast Despite Profit Decline 🛢️
    Exxon beat earnings expectations in Q1, helped by production growth in Guyana and the Permian. But refining profits fell and oil markets remained shaky due to increased supply and Trump’s tariff policies. Read More

  4. Block Tumbles as Cash App Growth Stalls 📉
    Block’s shares fell after reporting stagnant Cash App usage and cutting full-year guidance. Multiple analysts downgraded the stock, citing weak monetization trends and macro pressures. Read More

🔍 The Article of the Day: Buffett’s Iconic Career 🧠💼

To honor Warren Buffett stepping down as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, we’re looking back at the remarkable journey of one of the greatest investors of all time.

TLDR:
The article walks through Buffett’s early life, how he took control of Berkshire, his most legendary deals, the core principles behind his investing style, and where the company stands today as it transitions to new leadership under Greg Abel. From Coca-Cola to Geico, it’s a story of patience, conviction, and generational wealth-building.

📲 Read the full article now on the Money Masters App!

Gold hitting record highs

The price of gold keeps heating up. If the record-breaking year of 2024 wasn't enough, gold hit a major historic 2025 milestone by crossing the $3,000/ounce threshold!

Here are 3 Key Reasons:

  1. Looming economic & political uncertainty

  2. Increasing central bank demand

  3. Rising National Debt - over $36 Trillion

So, could gold surge even higher?

According to a recent statement from Jeffrey Gundlach, famed American business man and investor… “Gold continues its bull market that we’ve been talking about for a couple of years, ever since it was down to $1,800.” He expects gold to reach $4,000/oz.

Is it time you learn more about precious metals?

Get all the answers in your free 2025 Gold & Silver Kit. Plus, if you request your free kit today, you could qualify for up to 10% Instant Match in Bonus Silver*.

*Offer valid on qualified orders of Goldco premium products only. Receive up to 10% in free silver based on purchase amount; cannot be combined with other offers. Additional terms apply—see your customer agreement or contact your representative for details.

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.