In this issue of the peel:

• 📊 A data avalanche is coming—GDP, inflation, consumer vibes—will markets soar or sink?

• 🔍Super Micro is winning back skeptics; Rivian is charging full speed ahead, but Micron and FedEx? Let’s just say their week went straight to the clearance bin.

• ✈️ Boeing secures a $20B jackpot—because if you can’t sell planes, sell fighter jets.

Market Snapshot

Banana Bits

• The S&P finally posted its first weekly gain in almost a month.

• Read about why a bunch of boomers believe we all must return to the office.

• Binance hopes to restore its rotten image under new CEO Richard Teng.

• What salary would you need to be considered “middle class” in each US state?

• While the S&P is trending in the right direction, some stock experts are warning of a further correction.

• It’s a busy week of economic data. See how options traders are positioning themselves.

• Tesla investors are at a loss for words amid the massive stock slide.

The Supply Chain Crisis Is Escalating — But This Tech Startup Keeps Winning

Global supply chain chaos is intensifying. Major retailers warn of holiday shortages, and tech giants are slashing forecasts as parts dry up.

But while others scramble, one smart home innovator is thriving.

Their strategic move to manufacturing outside China has kept production running smoothly — driving 200% year-over-year growth, even as the industry stalls.

This foresight is no accident. The same leadership team that saw the supply chain storm coming has already expanded into over 120 BestBuy locations, with talks underway to add Walmart and Home Depot.

At just $1.90 per share, this resilient tech startup offers rare stability in uncertain times. As investors flee vulnerable companies, this window is closing fast.

SECURE YOUR POSITION BEFORE PRICES RISE

_{Past performance is not indicative of future results. Email may contain forward-looking statements. See US Offering for details. Informational purposes only.}

Macro Monkey Says

Data-palooza: The Fed’s Favorite Festival

Get ready, econ nerds—it’s the Super Bowl of stats, the Met Gala of macro, the Coachella of consumer data. This week, markets are gearing up for an absolute flurry of economic reports, each one potentially shaking portfolios like a Taylor Swift album drop.

First up, Consumer Confidence struts down the runway on Tuesday. Will Americans still feel like ballers, or are the vibes turning mid? 

Then, on Wednesday, the second reading of Q4 GDP drops, potentially rewriting history like a bad ex. The first estimate clocked in at 3.3%—pretty strong—so economists are watching closely to see if the revision brings champagne or tears.

Next, Thursday rolls in with the Fed’s most cherished piece of data: the PCE Price Index. This is the Fed’s favorite inflation metric (don’t tell CPI), and it could be a key indicator of whether that rate-cut dream is still alive. Spoiler alert: Powell probably isn't breaking out the scissors just yet.

And just when you think the week can’t get spicier, the University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment finishes the setlist Friday, giving us a peek into the emotional state of the American wallet. Think of it like a vibes check for the entire economy.

The Takeaway?

It’s a data-heavy week that could move markets more than a meme tweet from Elon. From inflation to consumer mood swings, investors are about to get a clearer picture of whether 2025’s economic party is just getting started—or if it’s time to call an Uber home. Stay tuned, and bring your popcorn.

Career Corner

Question

When connecting with the mentors from the roster on LinkedIn; should I add a note mentioning I’m in the WSO academy, or just send a connection request without a note?

Answer

Yes, I strongly suggest it. I get connection requests, and it is not entirely clear from the Academy; it just makes a quick acceptance easier.

Head Mentor, WSO Academy

Check out WSO Academy

What's Ripe

Super Micro Computer (SMCI) 7.8%

• Shares of Super Micro Computer surged following JPMorgan's upgrade of the stock from "Underweight" to "Neutral," accompanied by a price target increase to $45. The upgrade reflects improved visibility and anticipated demand for the company's Blackwell servers. Looks like SMCI is back in the game, turning skeptics into believers.

Rivian Automotive (RIVN) 6.6%

• Rivian's stock revved up by 6%. This boost comes amid renewed investor interest in electric vehicle stocks and Rivian's steady production ramp-up. It seems Rivian is charging ahead, leaving the bears in its electric dust.

What's Rotten

Micron Technology (MU) 8.0%

• Micron's stock tumbled even after reporting strong earnings. The decline was primarily due to guidance suggesting lower profit margins, overshadowing its better-than-expected earnings. Looks like even the chip giants aren't immune to a little static in their signals.

FedEx (FDX) 6.5%

• FedEx tripped over its own packages this week, tumbling 6% after issuing a weak earnings report and slashing its full-year revenue forecast. Despite all the holiday shipping hustle, the logistics giant missed on top-line expectations and cited “soft global demand” and rising costs as major headwinds. Investors weren’t buying it—and clearly, neither were enough customers.

Thought Banana

Boeing Hits A $20 Billion Jackpot

Boeing just reminded the world that while commercial air travel might be bumpy, the defense business is cruising at 35,000 feet. The aerospace titan secured a jaw-dropping $20 billion contract from the U.S. Department of Defense to develop and deliver a new generation of fighter jets.

That’s right—when it comes to big government contracts, Boeing still wears the crown (and maybe a fighter helmet, too).

This win couldn’t come at a better time. Boeing has spent the last few years doing the corporate equivalent of damage control—between 737 MAX disasters, supply chain snarls, and leadership shuffles, it’s been a turbulent ride. But defense? That’s been its rock, its stabilizer, its “you up?” text at 2 a.m.

The contract calls for advanced aircraft design, cutting-edge avionics, and systems integration that makes Top Gun look like a school project. Analysts cheered, with shares climbing on the news. Defense rivals like Lockheed Martin probably aren’t thrilled, but hey, there’s only so much Pentagon pie to go around.

And here’s the kicker: Boeing doesn’t even need to fight for budget reallocation. This kind of defense spending is already baked into the Pentagon's multi-year plans. Translation: predictable, fat-margin revenue streams—aka investor catnip.

The Takeaway?

Boeing’s defense division just scored a major W after years of major L’s, showing investors that no matter how messy the civilian skies may get, the government still has their back. Fighter jets might be pricey, but Wall Street loves a dependable warplane windfall.

The Big Question: How will this massive defense contract impact Boeing’s long-term strategy—will they double down on military projects or still focus on reviving their commercial sector?

Banana Brain Teaser

Previous

If 3 < x < 100, for how many values of x is x/3 the square of a prime number?

Answer: 3

Today

A researcher plans to identify each participant in a certain medical experiment with a code consisting of either a single letter or a pair of distinct letters written in alphabetical order. What is the least number of letters that can be used if there are 12 participants, and each participant is to receive a different code?

Send your guesses to [email protected]

How Would You Rate Today's Peel?

Happy Investing,
Chris, Vyom, Ankit & Patrick

ADVERTISE // WSO ALPHA // ACADEMY // COURSES // LEGAL