Japan’s Record Rally, Walmart’s Crypto Push & Amazon’s Betting Revolution

Money Masters' Market Kickoff Week 41

October 06, 2025

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Dear Money Master,

Markets opened the week with a powerful surge in Asia, as Japan’s Nikkei 225 skyrocketed over to a record high following the election of Sanae Takaichi as the new leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party. Her victory positions her to become Japan’s first female prime minister, signaling continuity in Japan’s “high-pressure economy” strategy and ongoing support for easy monetary policy.

In the U.S., the labor market showed resilience despite the government shutdown, with private data suggesting modest job growth and a stable unemployment rate at 4.3%. While hiring remains subdued, fears of a sharp slowdown continue to fade.

On the technology front, Walmart’s fintech arm, OnePay, is entering the cryptocurrency trading space, offering access to bitcoin and ether directly from its mobile app. Meanwhile, Amazon continues to innovate with a new FanDuel partnership, allowing users to track real-time NBA betting odds directly on Prime Video.

Across retail, electronic shelf labels are rapidly replacing paper price tags in major U.S. chains such as Walmart, Whole Foods, and Kroger, streamlining pricing operations and boosting efficiency. And in the AI space, Cerebras Systems withdrew its IPO plans despite raising over $1 billion, reflecting how private funding continues to dominate the semiconductor race.

Finally, Rivian reported stable Q3 deliveries, delivering over 13,200 vehicles and tightening its 2025 guidance range, signaling growing maturity in its production capacity.🌍💼

📰 Your Daily Financial Digest - October 6th, 2025

🌍 Economics & Finance:

  1. Japan’s Nikkei Soars to Record High as Takaichi Becomes LDP Leader 🇯🇵
    Japan’s Nikkei 225 surged over 4%, hitting a record after Sanae Takaichi’s election positioned her as Japan’s first female PM. Investors expect her to support accommodative BOJ policies, possibly allowing a 25 bps hike by January 2026. Read More

  2. U.S. Job Growth Stalls Amid Government Shutdown ⚙️
    With BLS data offline, private payrolls suggest modest job growth around 51,000 in September. Despite anemic gains, unemployment is steady at 4.3%, signaling resilience rather than recession. Read More

  3. Amazon Expands Real-Time Betting with FanDuel Partnership 🏀
    Amazon Prime Video will now show live NBA odds and betting results via FanDuel integration. The immersive OddsView feature lets viewers track parlays and win probabilities, without placing bets directly. Read More

💻 Technology:

  1. Walmart’s OnePay Adds Crypto Trading to Super App 💰
    Walmart’s fintech arm, OnePay, will soon let users trade bitcoin and ether via Zerohash integration. The move advances its “everything app” vision, offering banking, loans, and even wireless plans. Read More

  2. Electronic Shelf Labels Revolutionize Grocery Retail 🏬
    Retailers like Whole Foods, Kroger, and Walmart are replacing paper price tags with digital labels. The $1.85B industry is projected to hit $7.5B by 2033, saving time and improving pricing accuracy. Read More

  3. Amazon Closes More Fresh Stores to Refocus Strategy 🛒
    Amazon will shutter four Fresh supermarkets in Southern California after recent U.K. and U.S. closures. The company is redirecting its grocery strategy toward Whole Foods and online delivery. Read More

  4. Cerebras Withdraws IPO After $1B Funding Round 🤖
    AI chipmaker Cerebras Systems has scrapped its IPO plans despite securing over $1 billion in funding. The firm remains intent on competing with Nvidia but continues to rely heavily on UAE client G42. Read More

💹Earnings:

  1. Rivian Delivers 13,201 Vehicles in Q3, Tightens Guidance 🚗
    Rivian produced 10,720 vehicles in Q3 and delivered 13,201, aligning with expectations. The EV maker narrowed its 2025 guidance to 41,500–43,500 deliveries, showing improved production stability. Read More

  2. Seacoast Bank Finalizes $829 Million Merger with VBI 💵
    Seacoast completed its $829M acquisition of Villages Bancorporation, merging into Seacoast National. Shareholders received a mix of cash and stock, expanding Seacoast’s Florida footprint. Read More

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