Hello Capitalists,

Here’s what you need to be paying attention to today:

• RFK Jr cracks the whip on Pfizer and Moderna over MRNA Vaccine projects. 

• Shopify CEO has a major update on how Trump’s tariffs are impacting business.

• Apple announces another billion dollar investment in America.

• Uber, and Mcdonald’s report huge earning wins and Disney says things are back on track but investors aren’t so sure.

Today’s markets:

• DOW: 44253.99 - (⬆️0.32) ✅

• S&P: 6346.47 - (⬆️0.75) ✅

• NASDAQ: 21122.99 - (⬆️0.99) ✅

• CBOE VIX Volatility Index: $16.04 (⬆️0.06) ⚠️⬆️

RFK Jr just took a huge step in his MAHA crusade for safe vaccines

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced Tuesday the cancellation of nearly $500 million in federal funding for mRNA vaccine research by Moderna and Pfizer.

• Funding Cut: Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. canceled nearly $500 million in contracts and grants for mRNA vaccine development, affecting 22 projects under the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA).

• Reason Cited: Kennedy, a known vaccine skeptic, claimed mRNA vaccines “fail to protect effectively against upper respiratory infections like COVID and flu,” and plans to redirect funds to “safer, broader vaccine platforms.”

• Projects Impacted: The cuts include Moderna’s H5N1 bird flu vaccine, an mRNA-based inhalable antiviral by Emory University and Tiba Biotech, and pre-award solicitations from Pfizer and Sanofi Pasteur.

Quote of the Day:

Tariff impact “did not materialize” Shopify CEO says after 31% rise in revenue

Shopify Inc. reported robust second-quarter earnings Wednesday, surpassing Wall Street expectations with a 31% revenue surge and some big news about tariffs.

• CFO Jeff Hoffmeister noted no significant impact from anticipated tariffs, “We had factored into our guidance some potential impact from tariffs, which did not materialize,”

• Shopify's Q2 2025 revenue grew 31% year-over-year to $2.68 billion, exceeding analysts' expectations of $2.55 billion, with adjusted earnings per share of 35 cents beating estimates of 29 cents.

• The company's gross merchandise sales (GMS) increased 29% to $87.8 billion, surpassing Wall Street's projection of $81.5 billion, driven by resilient consumer demand despite tariff concerns.

• Shopify issued strong third-quarter guidance, forecasting revenue growth in the mid-to-high 20s percentage rate, bolstered by investments in AI tools like its "AI store builder" to enhance merchant capabilities.

Uber just saw a 20% jump in profits and announces stock buyback

Uber Technologies Inc. reported a robust second quarter Wednesday, surpassing Wall Street's revenue expectations with an 18% year-over-year increase.

• Strong Financial Performance: Uber's Q2 2025 revenue rose to $12.65 billion, exceeding analysts' estimates of $12.46 billion, with net income increasing to $1.36 billion, or 63 cents per share, compared to $1.02 billion, or 47 cents per share, a year earlier.

• Stock Buyback Authorization: The company announced a $20 billion stock buyback program, signaling confidence in its financial health and future growth prospects.

• Operational Growth: Gross bookings grew 17% to $46.8 billion, and adjusted earnings reached $2.12 billion, reflecting steady consumer demand, with CEO Dara Khosrowshahi noting no signs of consumer weakness.

• Strategic Initiatives: Uber introduced Senior Accounts with enhanced app features and tested a U.S. feature to match women riders and drivers, while focusing on AI and autonomous vehicles to drive future growth, particularly in international markets where Uber Eats outperforms ride-hailing.

Trump and Apple just announced a new billion dollar investment

President Donald Trump and Apple CEO Tim Cook announced a billion dollar investment plan Wednesday to expand U.S. manufacturing.

• Investment Announcement: Apple, in collaboration with President Trump, pledged $100 billion to enhance U.S. manufacturing, including new factories and data centers, aiming to create 20,000 jobs over the next five years.

• Economic and Political Context: The announcement aligns with Trump's push for domestic production, offering tax incentives and reduced regulations, though some analysts doubt the plan’s scale and economic impact.

• Apple’s Strategic Move: CEO Tim Cook emphasized Apple’s focus on innovation and job creation, positioning the company to leverage government incentives while addressing criticism over its reliance on overseas production.

Mcdonald’s supersizes profits in Q2 earnings

McDonald's stock surged Wednesday after the fast-food giant reported a 3.8% increase in global comparable sales for its fiscal second quarter.

• Sales Rebound: McDonald's reported a 3.8% rise in global comparable sales for Q2 2025, surpassing the expected 2.5% increase, with U.S. same-store sales up 2.5%, a significant recovery from a 3.6% drop in Q1.

• Value and Innovation Drive Growth: The return of the $2.99 Chicken Snack Wrap on July 10, along with promotions like the Meal Deal and Minecraft Movie marketing, helped boost customer traffic and sales.

• Financial Outlook Upheld: The company reaffirmed its 2025 fiscal year financial targets, with analysts expecting mid-single-digit same-store sales growth and positive traffic for the rest of the year.

• Stock Market Reaction: McDonald's stock rose over 2.3% following the earnings release, reflecting investor confidence in the company's recovery from an E. coli outbreak and economic challenges.

Disney raises profit forecasts but investors aren’t sure and the stock slips

Walt Disney Co. raised its full-year profit forecast and reported stronger-than-expected third-quarter earnings Wednesday, though investor caution persists due to flat domestic park attendance and competition from NBCUniversal's new Epic Universe theme park.

• Strong Q3 Performance: Disney reported $23.65 billion in revenue, aligning with analyst expectations, and adjusted earnings per share of $1.61, surpassing the $1.46 forecast, fueled by a 22% rise in domestic park operating income and streaming gains.

• Profit Outlook Raised: The company increased its full-year profit forecast to $5.85 per share, up from $5.75, exceeding Wall Street’s $5.77 estimate, reflecting confidence in continued growth across parks and streaming.

• Parks and Streaming Drive Growth: Walt Disney World achieved record Q3 revenue, with increased guest spending, higher hotel occupancy, and growth in cruise volumes following the Disney Treasure launch, while streaming profits grew with ESPN’s upcoming standalone service set for August 21.

• Investor Caution and Competition: Despite strong results, flat domestic park attendance and new competition from NBCUniversal’s Epic Universe in Orlando tempered investor enthusiasm, with Disney’s stock slipping about 2% after the earnings report.