Hello Capitalists,

President Donald Trump laid down the law with Vladimir Putin after Russia’s slow progress in reaching a peace deal, The EU folds and Trump walks away from Scotland with a brand new trade deal, and the solutions to America’s supply issues appear to buried under the sands of Arizona.

Here’s everything you need to be following today:

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Trump plays hardball with Putin, cuts his peace deal timeline by 80%

President Donald Trump, expressed growing frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin, announcing Monday a shortened deadline for Russia to reach a peace deal with Ukraine.

• Trump’s Deadline Shift: President Trump reduced his previous 50-day deadline to 10-12 days for Russia to agree to a Ukraine ceasefire, threatening 100% tariffs on Russia’s trade partners like China, India, and Brazil if no deal is reached.

• Growing Discontent: Trump voiced disappointment with Putin’s refusal to negotiate, citing ongoing Russian military aggression, including intensified drone and missile attacks, as a sign of bad faith.

• Ukraine’s Position: Ukraine, increasingly open to negotiations, has proposed ceasefire talks and is willing to compromise on territorial issues for NATO membership, though Russia remains unresponsive.

Trump gets his EU trade deal and walks away with everything as Europe folds

President Donald Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a landmark U.S.-EU trade deal Sunday.

• Trade Deal Overview: The U.S. and EU finalized a framework trade agreement on July 27, 2025, reducing tariffs on most EU goods, including cars, to 15%, avoiding a threatened 30% tariff hike set for August 1.

• Auto Sector Impact: The tariff reduction is seen as a relief for European carmakers like Volkswagen and BMW, but industry experts note that the 15% rate still poses a "significant burden" due to tight profit margins and challenges in passing costs to consumers without losing sales.

• Economic Challenges: A weakened U.S. dollar complicates imports, pushing global automakers to adjust manufacturing strategies, while second-quarter earnings already reflect tariff-related financial strain.

• What They Said: While Trump called the deal "great for cars" and von der Leyen described it as a "huge deal."

Quote of the Day:

The US is investing in American firms at a level not seen for decades

The Trump administration is taking unprecedented steps to invest directly in publicly traded companies a move some analysts say mirrors government intervention typically reserved for wartime or major economic crises.

• Unprecedented Government Investment: The Trump administration is actively purchasing stakes in publicly traded companies, such as U.S. Steel and MP Materials, marking a level of federal intervention in the private sector not seen outside major crises.

• National Security and Economic Goals: These investments aim to secure domestic supply chains and counter "Chinese mercantilism," with figures like Sen. Dave McCormick, R-Pa., highlighting the "golden share" in U.S. Steel as a model for balancing national security and economic growth.

• TikTok Proposal: In January, Trump proposed a 50% U.S. government stake in TikTok as part of a joint venture, tied to a law requiring China's ByteDance to divest the platform or face a U.S. ban.

Trump’s EU trade deal really is “great for cars”

A new U.S.-EU trade deal announced Monday aims to boost the auto sector by reducing tariffs and streamlining regulations, potentially saving automakers billions while fostering innovation and job growth across both regions.

• Tariff Reductions: The U.S.-EU trade agreement eliminates or lowers tariffs on automotive goods, reducing costs for manufacturers and potentially lowering vehicle prices for consumers.

• Regulatory Alignment: The deal harmonizes safety and environmental standards, simplifying production processes and enabling automakers to operate more efficiently across markets.

• Economic Impact: Expected to create thousands of jobs and spur investment in electric and autonomous vehicle technologies, strengthening the global competitiveness of U.S. and EU automakers.

• Trade Boost: The agreement is projected to increase bilateral auto trade by 20% over the next five years, fostering closer economic ties between the U.S. and EU.

Quantum computing firm steps up its game with ex-JP Morgan hotshot

IonQ, a leading quantum computing company, has appointed the former head of applied research at JPMorgan Chase, as its new senior vice president of engineering and technology.

• IonQ’s hiring of Dean Kassmann has big implications for the firm. The hire aligns with IonQ’s strategy to strengthen its leadership in quantum computing and accelerate the development of commercial quantum solutions.

• Kassmann brings extensive experience in applied research, having led innovative projects at JPMorgan Chase, including AI and machine learning initiatives.

• IonQ’s CEO, Peter Chapman, emphasized Kassmann’s expertise as critical for scaling the company’s technology and driving industry adoption.

The solution to America’s copper shortage maybe buried in the sands of Arizona

A potential solution to America's looming copper shortage is emerging in Arizona, where a massive underground deposit could yield enough metal to power the nation's clean energy transition, bolster national security, and stabilize global supply chains.

• Copper Crisis: The U.S. faces a critical copper shortage due to rising demand for clean energy technologies, military applications, and infrastructure, with domestic production lagging and reliance on foreign imports growing.

• Arizona’s Solution: The San Ignacio copper project in southern Arizona, led by South32, could produce 300,000 tons of copper annually, leveraging one of the world’s largest undeveloped copper deposits.

• Economic and Security Benefits: The project promises to create jobs, reduce U.S. dependence on foreign copper (notably from China), and support national security by ensuring a stable supply for defense and energy sectors.

• Environmental and Community Focus: South32 emphasizes sustainable mining practices and community engagement, aiming to balance economic gains with environmental responsibility and local support.