Whether you’re here for the drama or insights, you’ve come to the right place— Carter’s Corner in Moolah Invest

Another week, another dollar. Welcome back to Carter’s Corner— your exclusive look in on what went down in the financial ecosystem. We’re talking January 20-24, 2025— what a time to be alive. 

So, grab your beverage of choice (whatever gets you goin’), and let’s dive on in. Here’s how the markets fared last week:

US Markets

After a promising midweek rally, US stocks dipped on Friday as investors digested a new US administration with new policies. As investors prepare for high-stakes earnings from the ‘Mag 7’— you know, the mega-cap tech titans who are heavily weighted in every broad market index. With profit growth showing signs of slowing, all eyes and ears will be on their Q4 and year-end calls this week. As a result, the three major US indices (S&P 500, Nasdaq and Dow Jones) snapped a four-day win streak. However, an imbalance emerged: US equities are pricey relative to bonds (surprise, surprise)— something we haven’t seen since the dotcom bubble in the early 2000s.

Meanwhile, US business activity hit a nine-month low, but hiring is going on in all sectors. This feat adds to the US Federal Reserve’s (in)ability to balance out growth and inflation. Investors are also keeping a wary eye on how corporations are going to push forward amid these economic signals.

European Markets

Across the mighty Atlantic, Europe’s Stoxx 600 hit a fresh all-time high last Thursday, marking its first record breaking day since September. International investors cheered on outlooks from global leaders at Davos, but not all the news outside of Davos was optimistic: Venture capital giant Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) announced it’s closing its London office, pulling back from UK crypto investments amidst an unfavorable regulatory regime and focus on other ventures.

The German economy also had a mixed week— its economic engine is puttering, but broader European markets remain afloat by improving investor sentiment and easing fears of a regional recession. With uncertainties around tech and crypto regulation, Europe is something to watch, albeit complex and, well, European.

Commodities & Currencies

The US dollar took a hit, logging its worst weekly performance since November 2023 on the back of weaker-than-expected economic data. Meanwhile, gold glittered closer to its all-time high, rallying on renewed interest as a safe haven asset. 

On the crypto front, Bitcoin’s rally hit a speed bump, sliding below $90,000 for the first time since mid-November. Strong US jobs data and recalibrated Fed expectations cooled the recent momentum, but long-term sentiment for the best performing asset remains bullish.

Let’s break down the big stories last week:

DeepSeek: China’s AI Curveball

China’s new AI model, DeepSeek, is the talk of the global tech scene and spark of a major selloff— and for good reason. This budget-friendly Chinese proprietary AI system is outperforming almost every major player in the industry, including OpenAI. Developed at a fraction of the cost, DeepSeek has already made waves in natural language processing, image recognition, and predictive analytics— raising both eyebrows and alarms all over Silicon Valley.

What sets DeepSeek apart is its technical capabilities, as well as scalability: the model has been deployed across various industries in record time, from autonomous vehicles to healthcare diagnostics. With the backing of China’s government and aggressive funding from private tech giants, DeepSeek is cementing China’s position as a leader in AI innovation… and collecting sensitive data on users.

However, the emergence of DeepSeek has also reignited concerns about data privacy, cybersecurity, and global competition in the AI era. Analysts warn that DeepSeek could spur a new wave of AI nationalism, where countries engage in a serious arms race to secure dominance. 

For investors, this development could shake up the AI investment landscape, with opportunities (and risks) shifting eastward. As the West grapples with ethical AI regulations, China’s move-fast-and-break-things approach is paying off. 

But will it last? The race is officially on, and DeepSeek is bending the rules. Keep your eyes peeled for how the US and EU respond— because AI supremacy isn’t just about tech… it’s about global influence.

Stargate: Musk, Trump, and the Future of Tech

Last week Stargate was set into motion. It’s an ambitious project aimed at creating a unified global internet network— and of course not without controversy. 

Initially heralded as an outwardly initiative to ‘bridge the digital divide’, the project quickly descended into chaos as Elon Musk used his keyboard via X to claim that it lacked proper funding. His comments came just days after Trump gave a presidential endorsement. initiative— calling it a “cornerstone of his administration’s tech strategy”.

According to insiders, Stargate is laced with internal disputes over funding, governance, and technological feasibility. Musk going airing out his qualms was met with criticism, which added fuel to the fire. Critics question whether Stargate is a visionary leap forward or just another overhyped and overpromised tech dream. Meanwhile, supporters argue that the project may have what it takes to revolutionize global connectivity and unlock unprecedented economic and social opportunities.

If successful, Stargate could disrupt telecom giants, redefine internet access, and strengthen the US’s position in the tech race against China. But failure could spell reputational damage for both Trump and Musk, not to mention billions in sunk costs. For investors, this is a high-stakes gamble worth keeping an eye on— because when tech meets politics, the ripple effects are MASSIVE.

Carter’s Crypto Corner: The Wild West of Finance

1. The First Crypto Executive Order: A Milestone Moment

Last week, the US unveiled its first-ever crypto-focused executive order, setting the stage for a regulatory overhaul. Here’s the breakdown:

• Reinforcing the Blockchain: Ensuring individuals and companies can use public blockchains without intermediaries. This is a win for decentralization advocates.
• Promoting Stablecoins: Backing legitimate, dollar-pegged stablecoins to bolster the US dollar’s global dominance. This move could make stablecoins the backbone of cross-border finance.
• Fair Banking Access: Mandating equal access to banking services for crypto businesses—a much-needed change after years of being sidelined.
• CBDC Ban: The US officially opposes Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), citing privacy concerns. Hell yeah, damn right!
• Digital Asset Stockpile: Evaluating the feasibility of a national crypto reserve. This could mark a turning point in how nations like the US view crypto as a strategic asset on their balance sheet.

In other words, this executive order paves  the way for mainstream crypto adoption in the US through addressing long-standing regulatory gray areas. Investors should mark their calendars for July 28 2025. Clarity is king— and this is a huge leap in the right direction.

• Ross “Dread Pirate Roberts” Ulbricht is a Free Man

Last week, Ross Ulbricht was granted a Presidential pardon. You may remember him as the infamous founding pirate of The Silk Road— the OG deep web contraband marketplace where you could snag just about anything in your imagination for a few Bitcoins back when it was still “magic internet money.”

The Department of Justice made Ulbricht the poster child for the dangers lurking deep down in the dark web. They threw everything at him— a double life sentence plus 40 years without parole for his convictions for running a criminal enterprise, narcotics distribution, money laundering, and a slew of conspiracies.

Many people don’t remember that during the Silk Road investigation, a DEA and Secret Service agent extorted investigation targets, stole the Silk Road’s Bitcoin, and manipulated financial systems for personal gain.

But here’s the wild part— rumor on the blockchain is that Ross might have some dormant Bitcoin wallets with remnants of his diversified crypto stash. The FBI seized the bulk back in 2013 and auctioned it off sometime thereafter for a mere $334 per coin… but today the rumored stash would be worth billions.

Whether you see his pardon as criminal justice reform or controversy, one thing is clear: crypto, deep web protocols, and innovation are light-years ahead of the rules meant to contain them.

• Co-Founder of Ledger David Balland is also a Free Man

In one of the wildest headlines in crypto last week, Ross Ulbricht isn’t the only free man in crypto last week— even though he dominated the headlines, the harrowing kidnapping and rescue of David Balland, co-founder of cold crypto wallet manufacturer Ledger, flew way under the radar. 

Balland and his partner were kidnapped from their home in central France by an armed gang. The kidnappers sent a video of Balland’s severed finger and demanded a €10 million crypto ransom to his business partner, Éric Larchevêque— which led to a massive manhunt involving 230 officers, including the elite GIGN unit of the French National Gendarmerie. Part of the ransom was paid but was subsequently traced and frozen by authorities.

Balland was found and freed in Châteauroux— and three suspects were arrested without resistance. And 24 hours later, Balland’s partner Amandine, was physically unharmed but found bound and gagged in a suspicious van in a Parisian suburb, where six additional suspects were taken into custody.

It’s true, the incident is unique— but it comes at a moment when the danger and risks faced by high-profile corporate figures are all too evident— aka last month’s assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. 

There’s a real need for stronger security— both online to protect your crypto and offline to safeguard your wellbeing.

• Rumble Bets Big on Bitcoin

Up-and-coming video platform Rumble made headlines with a $20 million Bitcoin purchase last week, citing a long-term commitment to crypto integration. 

This move is right out of Michael Saylor’s playbook— and apart of a broader trend of major corporations diversifying their treasuries with digital assets. Rumble’s CEO hinted at future acquisitions, which sparked optimism about executives finally leaning into Bitcoin within corporate finance.

Yes, Crypto Is Exciting… But So What?

Crypto had a week: from Presidential executive orders to high-stakes kidnappings. The new regulatory clarity is a game-changer for the US, and sets the stage for further adoption. Rumble’s Bitcoin bet and Trump’s pardon of Ulbricht further underscore crypto’s growing influence in both finance and politics.

Yet, risks remain high stakes. The industry’s rapid growth has outpaced its infrastructure, leaving room for volatility and opening the door crime. For investors, the takeaway is clear: stay informed, diversify, and don’t let hype cloud your judgment. 

The Wild West of finance is evolving, but it’s still not for risk adverse, faint-hearted investors.

Final Thoughts: Because Why Not?

As we wrap up another week in the markets, one thing’s for sure: the financial landscape is shifting in ways that demand our attention— and adaptability. From groundbreaking AI advancements to crypto controversies, there’s no crystal ball to know what’s to come.

After all, success in the markets isn’t about timing—it’s about time in the market.

See y’all next week— be cool, keep learning, and always stay invested.