Trump’s Tariff Bombshell, Bank Showdowns, & BlackRock Hits $14T in Assets!

Money Masters' Market Kickoff Week 4

January 19, 2026

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Dear Money Master,

President Trump rattled markets by tying new tariffs on NATO allies to the purchase of Greenland, while simultaneously escalating a public feud with JPMorgan, reviving fears around political influence in banking.

Meanwhile, Macy’s quietly cut jobs as legacy retail continues to retrench, even as TikTok Shop reshapes how products go viral and convert to sales overnight. On the corporate front, Wall Street delivered mixed signals, with Morgan Stanley beating expectations, BlackRock hitting a staggering $14 trillion in assets, and logistics giant J.B. Hunt proving profits can grow even when revenue stalls.

And behind it all, a bigger battle is unfolding: OpenAI’s $10 billion chip deal underscores a new reality, AI dominance is no longer about software, but about who controls the infrastructure.🌍💼

📰 Your Daily Financial Digest - January 19th, 2026

🌍 Economics, Finance, & Retail:

  1. Macy’s to Shut Connecticut Distribution Center 🏬
    The retailer will fully close its South Windsor facility later this year, impacting 57 employees. Layoffs begin March 14, following earlier cuts to its backstage operations as Macy’s continues streamlining logistics. Read More

  2. Trump Threatens JPMorgan Over Alleged “Debanking” ⚖️
    Trump accused JPMorgan Chase of cutting ties after Jan. 6, hinting at legal action. He also denied reports that he offered CEO Jamie Dimon the role of Fed chair during a prior White House meeting. Read More

  3. Trump Targets NATO Allies With Greenland-Linked Tariffs 🌍
    Eight NATO countries face tariffs starting at 10% in February, rising to 25% by June, unless a deal is reached on Greenland. The move triggered emergency talks among EU ambassadors. Read More

💻 Technology:

  1. TikTok Shop Reshapes Retail Strategy 📱
    Brands are increasingly relying on viral videos to drive measurable sales as TikTok Shop matures. Retailers are now rethinking demand forecasting, product mix, and content strategies to capitalize on social commerce. Read More

  2. OpenAI Signs $10B Chip Deal With Cerebras 🤖
    The AI leader struck a major partnership with Cerebras, adding to deals with Nvidia, AMD, and Broadcom. OpenAI has now committed over $1.4 trillion to infrastructure, fueling a private valuation near $500 billion. Read More

  3. Google Appeals Landmark Search Monopoly Ruling 🔍
    Google formally appealed a federal ruling that found it held an illegal search monopoly. The move could delay potential remedies as Alphabet argues users choose Google voluntarily, not by coercion. Read More

💹Earnings:

  1. Morgan Stanley Tops Q4 Expectations 💰
    EPS came in at $2.68 versus $2.44 expected, while revenue reached $17.89 billion. Net income rose to $4.4 billion as investment banking and trading activity rebounded year over year. Read More

  2. BlackRock Hits $14 Trillion in Assets Under Management 🏦
    Record net inflows of $698 billion pushed AUM to new highs. Despite strong revenue growth, GAAP earnings declined due to acquisition-related expenses and a large charitable contribution. Read More

  3. J.B. Hunt Boosts Profits Despite Revenue Dip 🚛
    Q4 revenue fell 2% to $3.1 billion, but operating income jumped 19%. Full-year EPS climbed 10%, highlighting efficiency gains and pricing discipline amid softer freight demand. Read More

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To your financial empowerment, The Money Masters Team

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