From Wall Street highs to Caribbean corporate milestones, this week’s financial pulse is all about rate cuts, bold deals, and shifting global dynamics. Here’s your fast-track guide to what moved money this week and what’s coming next.

Wall Street Cheers First Fed Rate Cut of 2025

Wall Street welcomed the Federal Reserve’s first interest rate cut of 2025 with a strong rally across major indexes. The S&P 500 rose 1.22%, Nasdaq jumped 2.21%, and the Dow added 1.05% for the week ended 19^th September 2025. However, the Fed indicated that it would adopt a conservative approach to future rate cuts. Bond yields bounced back, with the 10-year climbing to 4.14% and the 30-year to 4.76% for the week ended 19^th September 2025. The US dollar strengthened, while oil prices dipped on oversupply fears. Gold glittered again, notching its fifth straight weekly gain, up 1.05% to US$3,682.12.

Labour Market: Losing Steam

Jobless claims dropped by 33,000 to 231,000, reversing last week’s spike. But the broader picture remains soft. August payrolls rose by just 22,000, and the three-month average sits at a modest 29,000. The Fed’s cautious tone reflects this slow burn.

Global Headlines: Visas, Algorithms & TikTok Diplomacy

In a bold move, President Trump announced a $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa applications starting in 2026. Tech firms are rattled, especially smaller players and Indian IT companies. The move could reshape global talent flows and boost India’s tech sector.

Meanwhile, TikTok’s US algorithm is heading for a makeover. Oracle will take the reins under a Trump-backed deal, separating US operations from ByteDance’s oversight. Expect executive orders and geopolitical ripple effects.

Local Spotlight: Guardian Holdings Makes a Billion-Dollar Move

Guardian Holdings Ltd (GHL) pulled off a TT$1.02 billion bond refinancing, the largest private corporate bond deal in Trinidad & Tobago in a decade. The new TT$1.05 billion bond spans three tranches, with rates tied to government yields plus a premium.

CEO Ian Chinapoo called it “pivotal,” reinforcing GHL’s financial strength and long-term strategy. Despite tight liquidity, investor confidence was strong. The deal sets a new benchmark for local corporate finance.

Energy Watch: ExxonMobil Bets Big on Fossil Fuels

At BloombergNEF’s summit, ExxonMobil projected steady oil and gas demand through 2050. Locally, it signed a Production Sharing Contract for Block TTUD-1 and plans seismic surveys in early 2026. If successful, investments could hit US$21.7 billion.

Boardroom Buzz: Big Tech, Big Bets

• Nvidia launches its first AI lab in the Middle East with Abu Dhabi’s TII.
• Berkshire Hathaway exited its long-held stake in BYD.
• Comcast trims management layers to streamline operations.
• Oracle eyes a US$20B cloud deal with Meta.
• Microsoft hikes Xbox prices again amid macro pressures.

Analysts are bullish on Iron Mountain and Oklo, while McCormick faces headwinds. Roblox and WEC Energy also earned target price upgrades.