China’s Rebound, EA’s $55B Deal, Trump Tariffs, & Nike’s Earnings

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Dear Money Master,

Markets are sending mixed signals this week: China’s factories edged closer to growth, but doubts linger as U.S. tariffs tighten the noose. Trump’s new duties on lumber and furniture threaten supply chains, while China’s industrial profits posted their biggest jump in nearly two years.

On Wall Street, Electronic Arts is going private in a $55B mega-deal, reshaping the future of gaming. Amazon unveiled AI-powered Alexa+ devices, fueling the smart home race, while Spotify CEO Daniel Ek announced his exit, sending shares tumbling.

In earnings, Nike missed profit expectations, squeezed by tariffs and rising costs. Lamb Weston’s net income halved, even as cash flow improved, and Paychex grew revenues 17% but saw margins narrow.

From Beijing’s balancing act to Silicon Valley’s AI reinvention, and from boardroom shake-ups to tariff shocks, today’s market movers reveal both opportunity and uncertainty. 🪙💼

📰 Your Daily Financial Digest - October 1st, 2025

🌍 Economics & Finance:

1. China’s Manufacturing PMI Nears Growth Line 🏭
   The official PMI hit 49.8 in September, its best since March, beating forecasts of 49.6. Despite staying in contraction, stimulus and capacity cuts are starting to ease pressure on exporters. Read More

2. China’s Industrial Profits Surge 20.4% 📈
   August profits snapped a three-month decline, marking the biggest jump since Nov. 2023. Analysts say Beijing’s drive to reduce oversupply will shape its next five-year plan. Read More

3. Australia Holds Rates at 3.6% 🏦
   The RBA kept policy unchanged as August inflation rose to 3%, the highest in over a year. Housing, food, and alcohol remain key drivers of price growth. Read More

4. Trump Slaps New Tariffs on Wood & Furniture 🚪
   A 10% levy on lumber and 25% on furniture imports will begin Oct. 14. Pharmaceutical and truck tariffs are expected next. Read More

💻 Technology:

1. EA Goes Private in $55B Deal 🎮
   Saudi Arabia’s PIF, Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners will buy Electronic Arts at $210/share, an 8.6% premium. The deal is set to close in spring 2026. Read More

   Amazon Revamps Alexa with AI-Powered Devices 🔊
   The new Echo Dot Max starts at $99.99, while revamped Echo Show models go up to $219.99. Alexa+ is powered by generative AI to make conversations more natural. Read More

2. YouTube Pays Trump $24.5M to End Lawsuit ⚖️
   The settlement resolves Trump’s claim over his 2021 account suspension, without admission of liability from YouTube. Read More

3. Spotify CEO Daniel Ek Steps Down 🎵
   Shares fell as Ek transitions to executive chairman. Co-presidents Gustav Söderström and Alex Norström will assume co-CEO roles from Jan. 1, 2026. Read More

💹Earnings:

1. Nike’s Q1 Profits Slide Despite Revenue Growth 👟
   Revenues hit $11.7B, up 1% year-over-year, but gross margin fell 320 bps to 42.2%. EPS dropped to $0.49 as tariffs and higher costs pressured results. Read More

2. Lamb Weston Net Income Plunges 50% 🍟
   Q1 net income fell to $64.3M from $127.4M last year, though operating cash flow rose to $352M, helped by leaner inventories in North America. Read More

3. Paychex Revenue Jumps 17% Despite Margin Pressure 💼
   Q1 revenue rose to $1.5B, but operating margin slipped to 35.2% from 41.5%. Adjusted income grew 15% excluding acquisition costs. Read More

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To your financial empowerment, The Money Masters Team

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