Jobs Boom, Airline Doom & Apple’s China Rebound: Who’s Winning the Economic Tug-of-War?

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Dear Money Master,

Welcome to this week’s financial roundup! The first week of July brought unexpected strength and strategic shifts across markets. 📊 U.S. job growth outperformed expectations, with 147,000 new jobs in June, tempering hopes for a July rate cut. Meanwhile, Santander made waves by acquiring TSB in a $3.6 billion push to deepen its U.K. footprint, and Starboard Value shook things up by grabbing a 9% stake in Tripadvisor.

On the consumer front, Greggs blamed Britain’s scorching heatwave for declining footfall, while Constellation Brands pointed to Trump’s immigration crackdowns for weakening beer demand, especially among Hispanic customers. Over in the skies, airlines are seeing a record 4th of July weekend but remain cautious for the rest of the year due to softening demand.

In tech, Apple made a strong comeback in China, logging its first iPhone sales growth there in two years. Meanwhile, Baidu launched its most ambitious AI overhaul yet, infusing its core search with generative capabilities to fend off rising stars like DeepSeek.

Article of the day: What Vietnam's New Deal with the U.S. Means for Your Wallet🌍💼

📰 Your Daily Financial Digest - July 4th, 2025

🌍 Economics:

1. U.S. Job Growth Beats Expectations, Rate Cut Unlikely in July 📊
   Nonfarm payrolls rose by 147,000 in June vs. 110,000 forecast, pushing unemployment to 4.1%. Despite strong job creation, the drop in labor force participation complicates the Fed’s next move. Read More

2. Santander Acquires TSB in $3.6B UK Push Amid Spanish Banking Drama 💷
   Spain’s biggest bank doubles down on the U.K. market as it buys TSB from Sabadell. The move boosts U.K. returns to 16% by 2028 and counters BBVA’s ongoing takeover attempt of Sabadell. Read More

3. Krispy Kreme Names New CFO Amid Sales Decline and Exec Shuffle 🍩
   Raphael Duvivier, formerly head of international ops, steps in as CFO as the company reels from poor earnings, a paused dividend, and the end of its McDonald’s partnership. Read More

💻 Technology:

1. Starboard Value Takes 9% Stake in Tripadvisor, Stock Soars🧳
   The activist hedge fund is now Tripadvisor’s third-largest shareholder, fueling speculation of a shake-up in leadership or strategy following months of stagnant performance. Read More

2. Baidu Overhauls Search With AI to Fend Off Rivals Like DeepSeek 🧠
   Baidu launched a major AI-driven redesign of its search platform, allowing long queries, voice inputs, and file uploads — aiming to retain dominance against fast-growing AI search tools. Read More

3. July 4 Air Travel Surges, But Airlines Remain Cautious ✈️
   TSA expects 18.5 million travelers over the holiday, yet airlines warn of tepid demand. Airfare averages $265—lowest since 2021—as carriers prep for post-summer cuts. Read More

💹Earnings:

1. Apple’s iPhone Sales in China Rise for First Time in Two Years 📱
   Thanks to May discounts and the 618 shopping festival, iPhone sales in China climbed 8% YoY in Q2. Apple’s price adjustments helped it reclaim some market share from Huawei. Read More

2. Modelo Sales Slip as Trump Deportations Rattle Hispanic Buyers 🍺
   Constellation Brands' beer sales dropped 2%, tied to reduced spending by Hispanic consumers amid ICE raids and economic fears. The brewer still reaffirmed its full-year outlook. Read More

3. Greggs Shares Sink After Heatwave Slows Foot Traffic 🌡️
   June’s near-record heat slashed in-store visits, impacting the bakery chain's like-for-like sales growth despite viral hits like its Mac & Cheese. Read More

🔍 Article of the Day: What Vietnam's New Deal with the U.S. Means for Your Wallet🌍💰

In a world where global trade shapes the prices we pay every day, a new agreement between the U.S. and Vietnam is turning heads and wallets. With tariffs shifting and manufacturing maps redrawn, this deal could affect everything from your next pair of sneakers to your grocery bill. But what exactly happened, and why does it matter? This article breaks down the U.S.-Vietnam trade deal in simple, clear terms, no economics degree required. If you've ever wondered how international politics end up changing your shopping cart, this is your guide. 🛍️🌍💼

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