Tariffs Hit Prices, Netflix Makes a Power Move, and China Holds Rates as Economy Slows!

Money Masters' Market Movers 4

January 21, 2026

In partnership with

Dear Money Master,

The pressure points in the global economy are becoming harder to ignore. Amazon now says tariffs are actively creeping into prices, just as consumers show signs of fatigue, while China held lending rates steady despite posting its slowest growth since 2022, underscoring Beijing’s growing concern over collapsing domestic demand.

Meanwhile, corporate divergence is accelerating. Retailers like Macy’s are cutting jobs to protect margins, even as Netflix flexes financial muscle with an aggressive all-cash bid for Warner Bros. Discovery, signaling that the streaming war is entering a ruthless consolidation phase.

In tech, AI remains the capital magnet, driving Zalando’s U.S. expansion and pushing Moonshot AI’s valuation sharply higher as investors chase scale over stability.🪙💼

📰 Your Daily Financial Digest - January 21st, 2025

🌍 Economics, Retail, & Finance:

  1. Amazon Warns Tariffs Are Creeping Into Prices 📦
    Some sellers stocked up early to offset tariff costs, but that buffer is fading. Management says pricing pressure is emerging across select categories, even as Amazon works to shield shoppers where possible. Read More 

  2. China Holds Lending Rates Despite Slowing Growth 🏦
    Economic expansion cooled to 4.5% in Q4, the weakest since 2022. Policymakers left key rates unchanged, highlighting concern over a deep domestic demand slowdown rather than aggressive stimulus. Read More

  3. Macy’s Cuts Nearly 1,000 Jobs as Fulfillment Center Closes 🏬
    The retailer is shutting down operations at its Cheshire, Connecticut facility. The move reflects ongoing cost controls and structural shifts in logistics as consumer demand remains uneven. Read More

💻 Technology:

  1. Zalando Nears First U.S. Client Deal 🇺🇸
    The German fashion platform is set to break into the American market through its B2B services, fueled by rising AI-driven traffic and growing interest from global retail partners. Read More

  2. Coach Enters The Sims With Virtual Fashion Drop 🎮
    Nine branded items with 65 design variations are launching free inside The Sims 4. The move targets younger consumers and signals luxury brands’ growing push into gaming ecosystems. Read More

  3. Alibaba-Backed Moonshot AI Valuation Jumps to $4.8B 🤖
    Investor demand surged after rival Chinese AI firms popped post-IPO. The startup’s valuation climbed $500 million in a month, reflecting continued enthusiasm for China’s AI sector. Read More 

  4. Netflix Raises Stakes With All-Cash Warner Bros. Bid 🎬
    The streaming giant is offering $27.75 per share entirely in cash to secure HBO Max and Warner Bros.’ film studio, escalating pressure amid competing takeover attempts. Read More

💹Earnings:

  1. Netflix Beats Estimates as Ads Fuel Growth 📺
    Subscribers climbed to 325 million while ad revenue topped $1.5 billion in 2025. Higher pricing and faster ad-tier adoption drove an 18% year-over-year revenue increase. Read More

  2. United Airlines Forecasts Potential Record Earnings ✈️
    Adjusted EPS guidance aligns with Wall Street expectations. Alongside Delta, the carrier captured nearly all U.S. airline profits through most of 2025, widening the industry gap. Read More

  3. 3M Beats Profit Estimates Despite Weak Consumer Demand 🧰
    Cost cuts lifted margins, offsetting softer U.S. retail spending. Consumer segment sales slipped 1.2%, contrasting stronger performance across industrial and safety divisions. Read More

You Can't Automate Good Judgement

AI promises speed and efficiency, but it’s leaving many leaders feeling more overwhelmed than ever.

The real problem isn’t technology.

It’s the pressure to do more with less — without losing what makes your leadership effective.

BELAY created the free resource 5 Traits AI Can’t Replace & Why They Matter More Than Ever to help leaders pinpoint where AI can help and where human judgment is still essential.

At BELAY, we help leaders accomplish more by matching them with top-tier, U.S.-based Executive Assistants who bring the discernment, foresight, and relational intelligence that AI can’t replicate.

That way, you can focus on vision. Not systems.

To your financial empowerment, The Money Masters Team

P.S. Stay connected! Don't forget to follow us on social media! 📱🌐

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.